Copter Contribution

The Vietnam Center at Texas Tech received a donation of four Vietnam-era helicopters Wednesday. The donation was made by Chester "Chuck" Carlock, a Vietnam veteran.

Carlock said began to acquire helicopters when he wanted to purchase one helicopter to take with him to reunions. He said he then started accumulating more for a museum. He said he knew they would always go into a museum, but he did not know where.

Carlock said he chose the Vietnam Center at Tech because he knew Tech was a learning environment for many students.

"I thought they would carry on and keep a World War II museum going," he said. "Usually the state takes them, and they don't get put into a museum. Here, I think they'll keep it going for young people."

Carlock said he had to spend years refurbishing the helicopters for them to become what they are today.

Steve Maxner, the deputy director of the Vietnam Center, said he believes the helicopters made a nice addition to the museum.

"We're really happy to have these as a part of Tech and carry on the learning," he said.

Carlock said he has always taken care of the helicopters and knows they will be in good hands with Tech.

"When they were unloading them yesterday, I was scared they would scratch the paint," he said. "But then I realized they weren't mine anymore, and they could do what they wanted."

Maxner said he then chimed in and said, "No, but please don't scratch the paint."

After Carlock finished telling Maxner how to stir the touch-up paint, Maxner said Carlock is modest in telling people about all the work he had to do to refurbish the helicopters. Maxner said one helicopter, the Cobra Gunship, was a mangled piece of metal when Carlock received it.

Maxner said the helicopters will be stored at the Reese Technology Center and will be brought out for special events including parades and Veterans Day.

According to a news release, Carlock and Maxner met at a reunion of the 71st Assault Helicopter Co. in 2000.

Maxner said he is appreciative of Carlock's generosity.

"Our projects would not be as successful if it weren't for generous people, like him, who share with us their experience," Maxner said.

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