12:00 AM - 12:00 AM
A multi-media art project, Take Me Home Huey was created by Light Horse Legacy partner artist Steve Maloney from the remains of a Huey helicopter that was shot down in 1969 during a medical rescue in Vietnam. The serial number of the Huey is 67-17174; the aircraft is commonly known as #174. The crew chief Gary Dubach and the medic Stephen Schumacher of the 15th Medical Battalion, 1st Cavalry Div. died bravely during the medical rescue attempt. The aircraft was found by Viet Nam War 50th Commemorative partner Light Horse Legacy (LHL), a 501(c)3 non-profit focused on Post-Traumatic Stress. LHL researched, re-skinned and restored the helicopter for Maloney, who then repurposed it into art for healing.
Maloney’s Take Me Home Huey 42-foot long art installation combines a Huey helicopter used in Vietnam and turned into art for healing and to inspire conversation. The other elements of the art installation are a documentary film that is in the editing process, a commissioned Take Me Home Huey song as well as a detailed website with information about this particular Huey helicopter, the artist as well as resources about Post-Traumatic Stress (PTSD)along with the advances of air and medical technology. The helicopter’s history and artistic mission is significant; Take Me Home Huey honors Vietnam veterans, inspires conversation, promotes healing, and helps raise awareness for PTSD treatment services. The Nov. 2015 inaugural exhibition in Peoria, AZ reunited surviving 174 crewmembers and families connected to the aircraft. A time capsule in 174 preserves artifacts of the war for future generations, including a signed book by ex-POW Senator John McCain.
The “healing helicopter” will be on public display February 18 thru April 30, 2016 at The Palm Springs Air Museum, Palm Springs CA: open daily from 10am to 5pm. A Guide by Cell exhibition guide accessed thru smart-phones enhances the installation