Chaplains Corner
October 12, 2026
Hello and welcome. I hope this finds you all well and happy. My name is
Bob Sharp, the editor of this Vinh Long Newsletter and I am writing this article
on behalf of our Chaplain Mr. Ernie Isbell. I spoke with him the other day
and he said he had computer problems that he could not remedy any time soon
and besides that he was or is having more medical problems. I asked him if it
would bother him if I volunteered to write something for the Back Pew and he
was relieved that I would do that for him.
That brings me to the topic that I am going to speak about. It has been 62
years ago in September that we as a Company headed out for that place called
Viet Nam and ended up in Vinh Long. Upon arrival and a few days later a lot
of us were spilt up and farmed out to different Companies around the country
and I ended up with the 121st. ASLT. Hel. Co. out of Soc Trang. I think there
were 4 of us that went there and I didn’t see any of the 62nd. again until the
first reunion in Branson, MO. in the year 2000. That was 26 years ago and 13
reunions also. In those 26 years we have lost a great many of our comrades,
dear friends, and our partners.
It is very easy to put off today what we maybe can do tomorrow. But the
thing is, how many tomorrows are we really going to get? We, Gloria and I
have gone to two funerals just this week. One older friend and one a lot
younger. Every day is a gift and no one knows how many tomorrows we are
going to get. You need to live every day to its fullest and love your friends and
family as there is no more days to come. We, at our age are so very blessed
and I know you and I forget and take it for granted that we are going to wake
up again in the morning. I lost my wife at 64 years of age and we were married
when we went to Viet Nam in 64 and she had our first son while I was there.
My family suffered the effects of that war and I always said that she was a Viet
Nam Veteran as much as I was because she had to live with me as when I came
home I was not the young man she had married. God Bless all of our families
and friends we have lost and God Bless all of you and hold you safe in his
arms. Be safe and hope to see you in DC. for one more time together!!!!
STANDING PRAYER
We gather in gratitude for the brave men and women who served in Vietnam. Their sacrifices, courage, and resilience shaped history, and today, we honor their service.
Bless those who returned home, carrying memories both heavy and triumphant. May they find peace, healing, and the recognition they deserve.
Comfort the families of those who never returned. May their loved ones’ legacies be cherished, and may their hearts find solace in remembrance.
For those still searching for meaning, for those who bear unseen wounds, grant them strength and hope. May they know they are never forgotten.
Let us, as a nation, uphold our promise to honor and support our veterans—not just in words, but in action.
May we always remember that freedom comes at great cost, and may we strive to be worthy of the sacrifices made.
Amen.
PRAYER REQUEST (As of 11 July 2026)
David E. “Hoppy” Hoppins
Deceased March 14, 2026
Note from webmaster: David was one of our missing Outlaws. His Daughter reached out to us and we confirmed that he was an Outlaw. Thanks to her we were able to add him to our rosters.
Charles “Charlie” Milton Dobbins
July 22,1940 – May 6, 2026
Charles “Charlie” Milton Dobбins passed away at home with his family
around him on May 6, 2026, after a short battle with kidney disease.
Charlie was born to Charles Alvin Dobbins and Frances Lowe Dobbins
in Gladewater, TX. He lived with his siblings Francine, Larry, and Kay
in Pleasanton, TX until high school graduation. He attended North
Texas University until he joined the Army. He became a helicopter
pilot and served in Vietnam. He later served as a flying instructor.
Charlie spent most of his professional career in the power business,
testing, constructing, maintaining, and supplying services to power
plants. Before the family moved to North Carolina, he married Priscilla
Brown. His work next brought the family back to Bay City, TX, then
to Monroe, MI, Kenner, LA and then back to Wharton, TX where they
lived for 20 years. Swimming, plinking, fishing, traveling, sightseeing,
and the kids kept him busy in his spare time. During those 20 years
Charlie traveled extensively servicing co-generation plants in India,
California, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia. Tired of traveling, the family
settled in Kerrville, TX where he taught high school math to under-
served children. He often said that “this is the hardest job I have ever
had making the least amount of money!”
Retirement called. When his health began to fail, Charlie and Prissy
moved to the Woodlands to be close to family.
Charlie was honest, loyal, humble, and loving. He served as a deacon in
Presbyterian churches in Michigan and Wharton and sang in the choir
when he wasn’t traveling.
Charlie is survived by his supportive wife Priscilla (Prissy) and three
adult children, David Dobbins (Melissa), Laura Ann Beal, and
Raymond Dobbins (Chery. Charlie was previously married to Gail
Grimsley. They had two children, Blaine and LeeAnne (both deceased).
He was extremely proud of his seven grandchildren: Devon Wilson
(Mark), Kelsie Dobbins, Pierce Segler (Annie), Ella Dobbins, Rachael
Beal, Michael Beal, Benjamin Dobbins. He is also survived by his broth-
er Larry Dobbins (LaRue), and his sister Elizabeth “Kay” Bradham.
The Woodlands Community Presbyterian Church
4881 West Panther Creek Dr., The Woodlands, Texas 77381
Pastor: Rev. Dr. David F. Jones; Associate Pastor. Rev. Laura R. Grice
Alfred Judson Iller, Jr.
02/27/1930—05/05/2026
Alfred Judson Iller, Jr. passed away Tuesday, May 5, 2026. He was born February 27, 1930, in La Jolla, Calif. His parents, Alfred Judsdon Iller, Sr., and Alice A.Nickerson Iller; a spouse, Marguerite Jean Iller; along with a son, Alfred JudsonIller, II, all preceded him in death. Al (as he was known to his friends) grew up in
the La Jolla area, and entered New Mexico Military Institute at the age of 14.
He had his private pilot license by 16, and had found his true passion in life:
flying. Al had a decorated military career as an Army aviator and officer. He
served two tours in Vietnam, and was awarded the Silver Star, Legion of Merit,
Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star Medal and many other awards during his
career. In 1978, Al retired from the Army, and he and Marguerite moved to the
Berryville area. They spent many happy decades on the “hill,” and children and
grandchildren had great fun visiting them. He operated a flight instruction business called Al Air and was able to share his love of the skies with many students
over the years. A truer friend, or better Dad, could not be found anywhere. Survivors are his children, Carroll Bossieux, Stephanie A. Iller, Kirk M. Iller, Catherine
A. Wisenbaker; Lorrie A. Burchert; five grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.
A graveside service with military honors will be held later at Fort Rosecrans
National Cemetery in San Diego, Calif.