Dave Barron

Born and raised in Orange California, Dave was the son of Juanita (Healton) Barron and Duard L. Barron, a Fire Captain on Orange Fire Dept. Growing up in Southern California's aerospace heyday Dave was fascinated by the helicopters that flew regularly from the Marine Base in Santa Ana. Enlisting in the U.S. Army from high school joining Army Aviation as a Huey and OH-58 mechanic was only natural. Tours with the 1st Air Cavalry Division, 1st and 2nd Infantry Divisions Aero-scout platoons provided the flight time he yearned. As a helicopter mechanic he learned the use of tools and mechanical logic that would serve him well the rest of his life. 2 overseas tours in Korea during Viet Nam's last years exposed him to the Veteran's who literally had left Viet Nam hours before to finish their tours there. 1979 saw his discharge from the Army and entry onto the Los Angeles County Fire Dept. Serving in the busiest station he rose to become a Paramedic and flew with the Air Operations section's Huey's. It was in a Huey that he spend the disastrous days of the L.A. Riots flying over the devastated city. During days between shifts Dave volunteered with Wings and Rotors Air Museum as a mechanic and pilot. After 31 years Dave was retired on a disability having moved to Peoria Az. Not one to sit on his hands Dave and his Wife, Paula (Woods) Barron founded Light Horse Legacy (LHL) with Mike Clary in 2008. Bringing his skill as a helicopter mechanic and pilot LHL slowly acquired surplus military helicopters using them as a tool to reach Veteran's of all wars in the effort to inform and connect them with their benefits. Working to restore the aircraft and with Vet's has help Dave with his issues about not going to Viet Nam and the tragedies of Fire service.