HOLMDEL, NJ - On Thursday, September 20, 2001, at 7:00 p.m., the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial Foundation will host a video and slide presentation by Ben Cascio, about The Ugly Angels of Vietnam: Marine Helicopter Heroes, at the Vietnam Era Educational Center in Holmdel.

From mid-1967 to mid-1968, Cascio, a USMC Capt. (Ret.) was assigned to Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 362 (HMM-362) and piloted Sikorsky H-34 helicopters which, because of both their successful rescue service and their rather ungainly appearance, became affectionately known as the “Ugly Angels.”

Exemplifying the Ugly Angel spirit, during his last medevac mission in Vietnam, Cascio was seriously injured yet managed to pilot his helicopter to safety, completing the rescue of eight other Marines.  This action earned Cascio the Silver Star, the Purple Heart, and the nickname, “The One and Only One-eyed Ugly.”

 Today, Cascio is a lawyer and lives with his family in Oakland, NJ.  He flies gliders, a 1941 Myers biplane, and a restored Sikorsky UH-34 helicopter like the one he flew in combat thirty-three years ago.  He and other former members of his Vietnam squadron have undertaken a new mission.  Using principles learned in the Marine Corps, they foster an appreciation for teamwork and training, and they help educate people about the history of Marine aviation and the realities of the Vietnam War.

Lecture attendees are asked to RSVP one week prior to the event to (732) 335-0033.  A donation of $5.00 per person is suggested.  The Vietnam Era Educational Center is located adjacent to the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial off the Garden State Parkway at exit 116.  The Educational Center is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 AM – 4 PM. Regular admission is free for veterans and active-duty military personnel.  Regular adult admission is $4.00; student and senior citizen admission is $2.00; and children under 10 are admitted free.