Jack "Doc Sparky" Ehrhardt was honored with a Retirement Tea on July 6, 2005 at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Erie, Pa.

He was ambushed with accolades to include:  A proclamation from the Lt. Governor of Pennsylvania for his work with veterans and his service to his country; From the Four Chaplains, the Legion of Honor for his service to veterans;  Two Pennsylvania State Senators sent certificates of special recognition;  Two Congressional Representatives cited Jack for his tenure in service to this country and to veterans in special citations;  The AMVETS National Commander, a Vietnam veteran also, presented Jack a special citation.

The event was covered by Channel 24, a local television station in Erie, that contained a personal interview with Jack.  He also received  a new G1 Flight Jacket  from a fellow air crew member as a retirement gift with squadron and group patches on it. 

"Doc Sparky" has touched many lives working as a VA counselor, helping veterans since 1 June 1982.  He will be missed by veterans in Western PA, Western, NY and Far Northeast, Ohio.

While serving with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 364 as a Navy Corpsman on Friday, February 5, 1968, HN Jack Ehrhardt was the sole survivor of a CH-46 transport helicopter which was shot down by intense enemy fire while en route to evacuate three critically wounded Marines near Hue City, Thau Thien Province, Republic of Vietnam.  Read his compelling memories of this tragic incident by clicking below.