GASPORT — The Town of Hartland has received a sizable donation from the United States Army to honor local veterans.
Through the Army Donations Program, the town received a decommissioned Vietnam War-era helicopter to put on display.
“This tribute is for our veterans,” town supervisor Ross Annable said. “We have a rich history of recognizing our veterans and remembering them.”
The Bell UH-1 “Huey” helicopter, built in 1967, saw service in Vietnam from 1968 to 1971 with the 191st Assault Helicopter Company and the 134th Assault Helicopter Company.
According to Annable, the town had been eyeing a piece of donated military equipment to add to its veterans monument that was dedicated outside the town hall in June.
Originally, whatever donation it received was going to be placed with the roughly 3-by-3-foot stone piece, but the helicopter was deemed too large to be placed in front of the town hall.
“We applied several years ago to get some type of display from the government,” Annable said. “They kept (telling) me every year that they were using everything. We went ahead and did our veterans monument earlier this year, not thinking we were going to get anything anytime soon. So we put that in display out in the front yard and of course right after that we get a call that they have a piece of equipment for us, so we have a decision to make on where it’s going to go.”
The town has set up a new Advisory Committee of veterans from the Gasport American Legion Post to develop a fitting display area for the helicopter.
“For the Vietnam era veterans, it’s a nice contribution to the town. We’ve tried for many years to get this here and finally it shows up,” town board and Legion member Clifford Grant said at last week’s town board meeting. “There’s several of us veterans in the town of Hartland that enjoyed riding those babies in combat.”
The display will coincide with a town park enhancement project incorporating an inclusive (handicapped-accessible) playground with walkway access and other improvements.
Hartland Volunteer Fire Company President Carleen Baughman has offered to locate the display on the company’s property at the entrance to Hartland Town Park.
Gasport Legion Post Commander Scott Wymyczak said the advisory committee’s first meeting will take place in January. Input and support from town residents are welcomed.
“This is not going to happen overnight, because the helicopter is going to have to be spruced up and we want to do it one time and do it right,” Wymyczak said.
To donate money or materials, call (716) 213-3046 for more information. Donations can be mailed to Gasport American Legion Post 1253, 3251 Hosmer Road, Gasport, NY 14067.