Chaplains Corner
As of February 20, 2026
Best wishes to all that read this newsletter. Wow! It’s been a long time since we departed
Fort Benning and the Air Force MATS carried us to a place called Viet Nam. We arrived at
Vinh Long in July of 1964 and joined another aviation unit that had gotten there before us.
Because of their presence the US Army Corp of Engineers had our hooch’s constructed along
with toilets and sheds to repair aircraft in. They had the Officers and enlisted men’s clubs
ready to provide us all with good food and drink.
In fact, the gunships had a Cobra snake on the nose panel and Bell Helicopter had sent tech
reps to assist with repairs and they went back to the states and proceeded to build the Cobra
attack gunship and insisted that the Army name it the Cobra!
A s it turned out I was sent back to Viet Nam in 1967 and was initially assigned to the Cobra
unit. I was then promoted t o Major and sent t o Can Tho Battalion HQ. I was part of helping the
Vietnamese with the aircraft scheduling. I finished my tour there. My next tour was in
Germany and soon I was pulled out and sent back to Vietnam for a third tour. I was part of the
: Cavalry Div.
Since those many years ago my life has changed immensely. My wife of 60 years, Linda
Minyard Isbell, passed on Christmas Day three years ago. Recently I have married a wonderful
lady named Sue. She is the most wonderful lady and spends her time helping me and my
daughter and when she’s not doing that, she helps the ladies of our church with everything
they need. She also is a great cook, and I need t o b e careful as I don’t need to get bigger!
Some of you met my daughter Cheryl Isbell (62) at the Nashville reunion and she is
continuing to recover and gain her ability to walk and get better. Sue and I take care of her as
she needs daily care. Your prayers for her and myself are greatly appreciated. Thank you!
As you read this, please plan on joining us at this next reunion i n D.C. as it may possibly be
the last one. We plan on being there and meeting with you all. It has always been a wonderful
time. Make plans to attend!
May God Bless you all and look over you and your families as we move on through our lives
and pray for your friends as we all get older and hopefully wiser. Amen!
Ernie Isbell: Former Maverick Pilot.
Section Leader for the Vinh Long Outlaws.
Vinh Long Outlaws Chaplain.
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.