It was an emotional day for some Central Texas veterans who said goodbye to a legendary helicopter.
The HU-1 also known as the "Huey", was a multi-purpose helicopter that played a huge role in the Vietnam War.
For many of these Vietnam veterans seeing a Huey takes them back, more than four decades.
"I grew up as a crew chief in the back of one of these Hueys here," said Veteran Larry Shatto.
Since 1969 Shatto has been working on and around these choppers.
"To see the Huey and what she's done, and for as long as she's been around, to see her go away, it's significant," said Shatto.
The aircraft was used primarily during Vietnam as medical assistance, and general support air lift.
"It's not just a piece of equipment it's a piece of history. It means a lot to so many people particularly those that were involved in the Vietnam conflict," said Army Colonel Neil Hersey.
Knowing how dear this is to many of these veterans, Fort Hood allowed them to have one last rise before they retire it forever.
"It's a very bittersweet day today," said veteran Jim Kilpatrick.
As they took off for one last flight, they remember not only what this particular bird did for them.
But also for civilians across our nation.
"That air plane is what brought their loved one home so its significant that we send it off with a big bang and we're hoping to do that today," said Shatto.
Since the late 1950s the US Army purchased more than 9,000 Huey helicopters, and although she may never see another combat mission, her legacy will live on forever.
