AeroBrigham showcases vintage Bell 212 at Heli-Expo, purchased by Red Rains

The IFR-certified Bell 212 helicopter was purchased new in 1977 by Dr. Forrest Bird. Bird was noted for his work with oxygen systems in the aviation and medical fields. He was an avid aviation supporter his entire life and maintained an aviation museum with dozens of aircraft on display until his death the age of 94.

Along with two other helicopters, the Bell 212 will be used for activities with wounded warrior families at WWFS events. AeroBrigham Photo

In October 2019, Red Rains, LLC of Odessa, Texas purchased this original Bell 212 through Helicopter Marketing Associates, LLC of Colleyville, Texas.

The new owners are active supporters of Wounded Warriors Family Support (WWFS), a 501C (3) organization, which focuses on providing support to caregivers and families of wounded war veterans. It is their mutual support of WWFS that motivated them to purchase this Bell 212 when it became available. Along with two other helicopters, the Bell 212 will be used for activities with wounded warrior families at WWFS events.

Both AeroBrigham, LLC and Helicopter Marketing Associates, LLC are pleased to be featuring WWFS and provide them a forum to make people aware of their organization and the services provided to the wounded warriors and their families. WWFS has a 4-Star Rating from Charity Navigator.

Fred Wagner of Helicopter Marketing Associates (left) presents a $5,000 check to Wounded Warrior Family Support alongside Red Rains owners Ronnie Rains and Wayne “Butch” Gilliam. Red Rains purchased the Bell 212 to use for various activities in support of WWFS. Dayna Fedy Photo

At this year’s Heli-Expo in Anaheim, California, Helicopter Marketing Associates presented a check for $5,000 to Wounded Warriors Family Support in front of the vintage Bell 212 on the AeroBrigham booth. It was also announced at the show that Ronnie Rains, co-owner of Red Rains and new owner of the Bell 212 with Wayne “Butch” Gilliam, will match Helicopter Marketing Associates’ $5,000 donation to WWFS.

Ronnie Rains is also a board member with WWFS. He hosts annual events at his ranch in Texas for wounded warriors and their families; both he and Gilliam utilize their helicopters for various activities from sightseeing to hog hunting and parachuting in support of veterans.

AeroBrigham did an ADS-B installation on the 212 to allow the helicopter to make the trip to Heli-Expo. Following Heli-Expo, the helicopter will undergo an avionics upgrade at AeroBrigham. The installation will include a new Garmin GTX-750/650 radio package along with an upgraded cockpit and cabin intercom system.