On Saturday April 18, we rose early in the morning and headed over to meet Mr. Lloyd Morgan and then headed to the Denton Farms Military Show. We were on our way to celebrate Mr. Lloyd’s 90th birthday.
When we arrived we went straight to get his ticket for the Huey helicopter ride. He was excited to say the least. He was asked “Does that sound seem familiar?” Mr. Lloyd stated “It sure does.”
He boarded the Huey with my grandson Lennox (8 years old). As the Huey took flight Mr. Lloyd was in gunner position where he waved to the crowd.
After the flight landed we took pictures and Mr. Lloyd was telling crew how he flew a Huey in Vietnam.
When asked if he enjoyed the flight, Mr. Lloyd replied “The ride was ok but I had rather been flying it.”
The day was a stroll down memory lane. I think there was every military land vehicle at this show. There was a halftrack, radio jeeps, motorcycles (even a bicycle), machine guns available to shoot, Huey and Cobra helicopter rides, a train ride, and much more. There were exhibitors and reenactors in every direction.
Mr. Lloyd graduated from El Dorado High School and Oklahoma State University with a degree in geology. He rose to the rank of major in the U.S. Army and was a Master Army Aviator. Mr. Lloyd received numerous military decorations and awards including two Bronze Stars, Purple Heart, Distinguished Flying Cross, Meritorious Service Medal, 10 Air Medals, Joint Service Commendation Medal, National Defense Medal, Vietnam Service (for four campaigns), two Armed Forces Reserve Medals, RVN Campaign Medal, three RVN Cross of Gallantry with Palm. Navy Presidential Unit Citation, FAA Master Pilot, and FAA Flight Instructor F/W/, R/W, Inst.
Mr. Lloyd was later employed with the N.C. Forestry Service as a pilot for 16 years.
Mr. Lloyd was married to Carol Colter and had two sons Daniel and Jonathan. Mr. Lloyd later was married to the late Barbara Porter Ward.
Mr. Lloyd has volunteered his time in many organizations. He was past president of the DAV, past president of Lions Clubs, and a former deacon in his church. He is a member of the VFW, VVA, DAV, VN Helicopter Pilots Association and DFC Society. Mr. Lloyd is a founding board of director member for the Veterans Memorial Park of America.
Mr. Lloyd is a true blessing to everyone he meets.
