Viking Surprise in transitAngel Fire, NM - Today, an important piece of military history is on its way for restoration and repair. The 52-year old Huey Helicopter, Viking Surprise 64-13670, has been temporarily removed from the premises of Vietnam Veterans Memorial State Park in Angel Fire and is being transported by the NM Department of Transportation to AerSale, an aircraft repair and manufacture company in Roswell.

The Huey was generously donated to the Memorial by the NM National Guard in 1999 and is the focal point on the grounds at the state park. "We are most thankful to all our partners, both public and private, who have worked tirelessly in this effort to have the Huey restored," said Christy Tafoya, Director of NM State Parks. She added, "We are especially thankful to our veterans who served in Vietnam and to those we honor at the Memorial each day."

The Huey is an icon of the Vietnam era and the men and women who served in the military during that time.

NM State Parks is grateful to our partners who helped make this restoration possible: The David Westphall Foundation; AerSale, the NM Department of Transportation; the NM National Guard; NM State Police, Village of Angel Fire, the Bernalillo County Sherriff's Department; Resort Properties of Angel Fire, Prindle Construction, Joseph Luna, Representative Bob Wooley; Richard Dickerson; Chuck Howe, the Colfax County Airport; and MTM Crane Service.

Vietnam Veterans Memorial State Park in Angel Fire is the first and only state park in the United States dedicated exclusively to Vietnam veterans. The park's mission is to remember and honor Vietnam veterans, provide educational opportunities for the public and maintain a haven for healing and reconciliation. The Memorial is widely known throughout the nation as a special, emotional and powerful place for veterans to pay homage to their comrades who died in the Vietnam War.