Conv-AFVN member with the longest time in Vietnam

From: Preston Cluff

Dated: September 5, 2018
Subject: Time at AFVN

Since we're telling stories, Joe (all true, I'm sure), here's one I'm not sure I passed along.
Nick and I met an SFC who was the senior NCO for inprocessing at Long Bien. He had actually converted his office area into a beautiful home away from home. He was a country music fanatic, and said if we would make him a couple of reel-to-reel tapes (mono and one side only at the time, as you all know) he, in return would GIVE us a jeep.
I made the tapes, Nick and I headed north on my little Honda, and this gentleman did, indeed, give us a jeep! We loaded the Honda and headed back south to the station where we boasted about our deal. I do not remember who our commander was at the time, but I do remember him stating he was so happy to now have HIS own private vehicle.
Nick and I protested to no avail. So, we reloaded the Honda, went back to Long Bien and returned the jeep. To this day I still wonder how this SFC got possession of a jeep to just give away. Obviously had something to do with black market.
Preston

From: Rick Fredericksen

Dated: September 3, 2018
Subject: Plaza Hotel Today: photos galore

Yes, I think he got Vietnamese citizenship. Thanks Dickie
Rick Fredericksen

From: Rick Fredericksen

Dated: September 5, 2018
Subject: Time at AFVN

Amazing background on Nick! What did you guys do at AFRTS?
Rick Fredericksen

From: Rick Fredericksen

Dated: November 20, 2017
Subject: Longest Serving AFVNer

Nice factoid. Can anyone out there beat 6 years? I read his macoi bio and it mentions he was in supply going back to the Rex Hotel. That would mean he worked at all three Saigon locations. Say hi if you're out there Monty! Good find Jerry.
Rick Fredericksen

From: Frank Rogers

Dated: November 7, 2017
Subject: Longest Serving AFVNer

I last saw Nick P. with 11 combat zone bars. Barely enough room to fit below the elbow. Don't know if he was there when I left Nov 71.

From: Jerry Nelson

Dated: November 17, 2017
Subject: Longest Serving AFVNer

Rick, I remember Monty from my time with AFVN. I had no idea that he was carrying that much history around. It is unfortunate that the people in Supply were often overlooked.

Jerry

Which Member of AFVN Served the Longest in Vietnam?

November 2017and September 2018

From: Joe Ciokon

Dated: September 4, 2018
Subject: Time at AFVN

Yes, and Nick spent five years at AFVN because he married a cousin of General Loan of the famous AP photo of him executing a VC. He and his wife had a house in Cholon near the Phu To racetrack. It burned down during TET.Nick and I and Preston met up again in D.C. at AFRTS Hq. Nick retired and got a Civil Service job with the Army PX. He died soon after. Can anyone else add to that?
Joe

From: Jerry Nelson

Dated: November 16, 2017
Subject: Longest Serving AFVNer

We recently had a discussion concerning the longest serving AFVNer. While indexing newsletters this afternoon for the AFVNvets website, I discovered that SSG Richard Montanye, USA had served in AFVN Supply continuously from 1966 to 1972. Monty retired from the Army in 1988 as a Sergeant Major.
Jerry Nelson

From: Preston CLuff

Dated: November 11, 2017
Subject: Longest Serving AFVNer

He wasn't. I left in June '71, and Nick left 5 or 6 months earlier for AFRTS-W, where I would join him again. Guess I was there a shade longer as I did have 12 combat bars. I really miss that scutter! [sic.]

Preston

From: Rick Fredericksen

Dated: September 3, 2018
Subject: Plaza Hotel Today: photos galore

Preston, you were with AFVN 4 years---any of that living in the Plaza? or did you just go there for cheap beer?
Rick Fredericksen

From: John Workman

Dated: November 17, 2017
Subject: Longest Serving AFVNer

Yes he was great. Since I was into electronic components, whenever he had items he was going to dispose of he would let me pick what I wanted before he disposed of them. Think I may still have a few of those today.
John Workman

From: Tim Bodle

Dated: November 20, 2017
Subject: Longest Serving AFVNer

Is this gentleman still with us?

From: Joe Ciokon

Dated: September 4, 2018
Subject: Time at AFVN

Preston and I have about the most Knowledge and experiences about Nick. He was my boss in the AFVN Newsroom as we worked for "Dirty Dan" and had a great time running around Saigon on his Yamaha motorcycle. I'll let Preston start it off. I'm taking care of some medical issues. Will return soon.
Joe C

From: Jim White

Dated: November 20, 2017
Subject: Longest Serving AFVNer

As far as I, as AFVNVETS.NET webmaster and Joe Green, as MACOI.NET webmaster know--the answer is "yes." But that might not actually be the case. Hopefully, he is, and will make an effort to join our group.
Jim W

From: Dick Ellis

Dated: September 4, 2018
Subject: Time at AFVN

Nick was the King....then Preston and Mike Turpin did a good stint also...then went back as a civilian.

Dickie

From: Preston Cluff

Dated: September 4, 2018
Subject: Time at AFVN

I had but one more than Nick, who first went to 'Nam with the 1st Cav, while I first shipped over with the 196th.

Preston

AFVN Group Conversations

From: Frank Rogers

Dated: September 4, 2018
Subject: Time at AFVN

What about the late Nick Palladino? When I knew him he had 11 overseas combat zone bars. (His arm was barely long enough to accommodate them.) Was all of that at AFVN or earlier at some other unit? I understand he went to Vietnam as first assignment after basic.
Frank

From: Dick Ellis

Dated: September 3, 2018
Subject: Plaza Hotel Today: photos galore

Rick...if you talk to Press...it is my understanding that he has more time at AFVN than anyone.

Dickie

From: Rick Frederickson

Dated: November 7, 2017

Subject: Longest Serving AFVNer

Preston, do you own the title of longest serving AFVN veteran in-country? If not, who?

Rick

From: Preston Cluff

Dated: November 7, 2017

Subject: Longest Serving AFVNer

I believe, Rick, Nick may have also been there for five years...or close to it...counting his time with the 1st Cav. I also count my time with the 196th (10+ months) as part of my five.

Preston