Jul Aug '16 Saber Color.indd - 1st Cavalry Division Association

1st Cavalry Division Association302 N. MainCopperas Cove, Texas 76522-1703

Change Service Requested

Non-Profit OrganizationUS. Postage PAID

West, TX76691

Permit No. 39

VOLUME 65 NUMBER 4

The President’s Corner Horse Detachment by CPT Jeremy A. Woodard

JULY/AUGUST 2016Website: http://www.1cda.org

INDEX PAGE5TH CAV 57TH CAV 78TH CAV 8 9TH CAV 912TH CAV 6 15TH MED 1720TH ARA 1821ST FA 2127TH MNT 11 30TH FA 1061ST FA 4

INDEX PAGE82ND FA 19CALENDAR 2CHAPTER INDEX 15CHAPTER NEWS 3CHANGE ADDRESS 2ENGINEERS 20HICCUP 5HONOR ROLL 24HQ AND SPEC TRPS 22LIFE MEMBERSHIP 3LRRP/RANGER 14LTRS TO EDITOR 2

INDEX PAGEMEETING MINUTES 13NEW MEMBERS 3 OBIT DAVISON 24OTHER REUNIONS 3REUNION ATTENDEES 12SILVER WINGS 16SOUVENIR SHOP 15 SUB RENEWAL 3TAPS 2TAPS-ACTIVE DUTY 2VETERANS DAY 24

THE DIRECTOR’S CHAIRDara C. Wydler302 N. Main St.

Copperas Cove, TX 76522-1703(254) 547-6537

[email protected]

Published By and For the Veterans of the Famous 1st Cavalry Divisionsaber

Scott B. Smith 833 State Highway11

Laramie, WY 82070-9721(307) 742-3504

<[email protected]>

DIVISION DOINGS

My first column as President won’t really be a column. First of all, it’s a hearty welcome to our new Executive Director, Dara Wydler. Secondly, it’s a huge “thanks” to our for-

mer Executive Director, Dennis Webster, for his wonderful work for the last 14 years…and a wish for a healthy and satisfying “retirement.”

But mostly…this column is an Open Letter to all Chapter Presidents. My friends and colleagues, let’s think for a minute about the two scourges

that bedevil the veterans’ community. And by “community” I mean the entire universe of veterans…including Troopers of this Association…and others. These “scourges” are homelessness and suicide. As some of you remember, I spoke informally about these problems during small meetings at the Reunion in Las Vegas.

I ask you Chapter Presidents to engage your Chapter’s leadership and your general membership in thinking about if---and how---your Chapter might assist your community’s efforts to address and help relieve these problems.

We realize, whatever may be the propaganda from our White House and Pen-tagon, that homeless veterans are everywhere in many of our communities. And we know that recent statistics suggest that 20 veterans---either Vietnam-era people who have simply given up hope and/or younger veterans who aren’t able to face the trials of their daily lives---are committing suicide each day. Think of it: 20 veteran suicides each day!

Surely these are challenges that, in the interests of fellowship and brotherhood, all of us should consider and help out with, if at all possible. Please give it some thought. And get back to me with any ideas your Chapter might have so that we can let others know what you’re doing.

FIRST TEAM! Scott

In April seven riders from the Horse Cavalry Detachment rep-resented the 1st Cavalry Division at the Regional Cav-alry Competition in Fort Concho, Texas. It was a clean sweep for the First Team as our riders won every major event in the highest level of the competition. Congratulations go

to the following Troopers: Regional Champion-SSG Bishop; Hesse Cup Cham-pion-SGT Snell; Level 2-3: Horsemanship: 1st Place-SPC Greeley, Mounted Pistols: 1st Place-1SG Campanella, 3rd Place-SSG Bishop; Mounted Sabers: 1st Place-SSG Bishop, 3rd Place-1SG Campanella; Field Jumping: 1st Place-SSG Bishop; Level 1: Horsemanship: 3rd Place-SPC Eggleston, Mounted Pistols: 1st Place-SPC Wurtz, 2nd Place-SPC Eggleston; Combat Horsemanship: 2nd Place-SPC Wurtz, 3rd Place-SPC Eggleston; Mounted Sabers: 1st Place-SPC Eggleston, 2nd Place-SPC Wurtz; Field Jumping: 2nd Place-SPC Wurtz. This is the story of one of those fine young Troopers, Trooper Chase Eggleston as he relived history at Fort Concho, Texas.

My name is SPC Chase Eggleston and I am a proud member of the 1st Cavalry Division, Horse Cavalry Detachment. I have been a Soldier in the US Army since February of 2013 and I am a 35F all source Intelligence Analyst. I am extremely fortunate to be a part of this amazing organization that serves Fort Hood and the US Army. I started my journey with the Horse Cavalry Detachment in February of 2015, and have since learned a multitude of horsemanship and military riding skills. The first cavalry competition I participated was the National Cavalry Cup in El Reno, Oklahoma, where I served as a ground crew member. I was lucky to be on the trip with the Detachment, because it was a great experience of bonding with some of the other Army mounted units and civilian re-enactors. Continued on pg. 4

SPC Chase Huddleston competing at Fort Concho

Thousands Gather to Honor 9 Soldiers Lost in Flood by Erin Rogers, Fort Hood Sentinel Staff, Photo by Kelby Wingert

FORT HOOD, Texas -- Thousands in the sprawling Central Texas post paused for a solemn memorial held for nine fallen warriors June 16 during a service inside the Spirit of Fort Hood Chapel.

Eight Soldiers from 3rd Battalion, 16th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, and one Cadet from the United States

Military Academy at West Point, New York, were the victims of flash flood waters while conducting convoy operations June 2 on Fort Hood.

“Today, we honor and pay tribute to nine fallen comrades of the 1st Cavalry Division,” said MG J.T. Thomson III, 1st Cav. Division commanding general. “These exceptional cavalry troopers from Fox Forward Support Company … represent

the best our nation has to offer.”

Thomson added that as the community

mourns the lives lost, “We also praise them for who they were, what they stood for and how they honorably served our nation.Continued on pg. 2

Soldiers Crosses’ and command coins sit on display with the photos of nine fallen Soldiers during a Memorial Sevice on 16 June inside the Spirit of Fort Hood Chapel. Photo by Kelby Wingert

I would like to start things off by thank-ing everyone who sent warm welcomes and well wishes on my selection as your

new Executive Director. I look forward to working with all of you in some capac-ity or another.

I spent 29 years on active duty with my last nine serving with the First Team in the Air Cav Brigade and the 1CD Headquarters. Although having served in other divisions (1ID and 4ID), the First Team and its troopers remain near and dear to my heart. We have always treated one another as family and family we shall remain.

As this new chapter of my life unfolds, expect nothing but the best, when called upon. I may not have every answer, to every question, but I will find one……hope-fully the answer you are seeking.

In the event you missed out on this year’s reunion in Las Vegas, it was wonderful. Seeing old battle buddies reunite after years of little or no contact just warmed my heart. It was as though their last conversation never stopped. From troopers, to spouses, children, and grand-children, everyone seemed to enjoy themselves to the fullest. I look forward to seeing you all again in Killeen, Texas, home of the “Great Place” and the 1st Cavalry Division, in June 2017.

Sign up now for the Veterans Day Dinner and join us to celebrate Veterans Day in the Washington, DC area. Info is on page 24.

Also sign up for a USAA Credit Card to support the Association. Visit the web page and click on the links. USAA is changing from MasterCard to VISA.

One last quick note: An item was left behind at the Reunion Banquet on one of the tables. If you believe the item to be yours please give us a call at the home office – 254.547.6537.

SABER The newspaper of the 1st Cavalry Division Association

published during each even numbered month at 302 N. Main St., Copperas Cove, TX 76522-1703.

Phone: (254) 547-6537Deadline for publication is the 1st of each odd numbered month.

e-mail: [email protected] Page: http://www.1cda.org

EDITOR: Dennis E. WebsterASSISTANT EDITOR: Karleen Maloney

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: Dara C. Wydler

SNOWBIRDSIf you have two addresses during the year, we need to know them. Please give us the dates and addresses for both households.(Circle one) Winter Summer Rank and Name: __________________________________________________LAST 4#s SSN:_______________________ DOB _______________________1: Address: _____________________________________________________City: ___________________________State: _____ Zip: __________________Dates: __________________________Tel: (_______) _____________________

2: Address: _______________________________________________________City: ___________________________ State: _____ Zip: ________________Dates: __________________________Tel: (_______) _____________________

ARTICLE SUBMISSIONManuscripts should be originals or clear copies, either typed or printed in

near-letter quality printer mode. Word processor submissions are accepted via e-mail. Attach a self-adhesive label with photo information to the back of photos and cut lines for each photo. Include name and address if the photo is to be returned. Do not send panoramic photos wider than 8.5 in.

Articles should be received at National Headquarters no later than the 1st of every odd month. Any article received after the 1st of the month will be put in on a space available basis.

Opinions expressed are the writers and not necessarily those of the Saber or the 1st Cavalry Division Association.

LETTERS TO THE EDITORTo be considered for publication, letters should net exceed 300 words and

should be of general interest and in good taste. Letters express the writer’s opinion, not that of the Saber or the 1st Cavalry Division Association.

Political endorsement, “thank you” notes and poetry cannot be used. Form letters or third-party letters are not acceptable. Letters which contain libelous or obviously untrue statements will be automatically rejected.

All letters must be signed with addresses and telephone numbers included. Names will be used with the letters but addresses and phone numbers may be omitted. Letters also may be edited for length or clarification.

We reserve the right to reject for publication any letter received. Unused letters will not be acknowledged.

Calendar of 1st Cavalry Division Association

2016November 9-13 Veterans Day and Veterans Day Dinner, Washington, DC

2017February 24-25 Meeting of the Board of Governors and Foundation

June 7-11 70th Annual Reunion Fort Hood, TX

Don’t Keep it a SECRET, Let us Know About It.To submit by e-mail, send to [email protected] and Mail to 1st Cavalry Division Association302 N. Main, Copperas Cove, TX 76522-1703Last 4 #’s of your SSN___________ DOB__________________________Tel: (______) _____________________Rank and Name:_______________________________________________New Address: _________________________________________________City: _______________________ State: _______ Zip: ________________Unit: (1)_______________________ and (2)_________________________Date of Assign: (1)________________and (2)________________________E-Mail:_______________________________________________________I served with the 1st Cav. Div. in (Circle one or more) Pre-WWII WWII JAPAN KOREAN WAR KOREA ‘57-’65 FT BENNING VIETNAM FT HOOD GULF BOSNIA AFGHANISTAN IRAQ FT BLISSI DO/DO NOT authorize release of my personal info to Assn. members.I served with another military unit during a war time period? YES NO

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saberJULY/AUGUST 2016

Letters to the Editor

We honor the passing of our friends and comrades in arms.

TAPSWe have been notified of the death of the following:

ADAMS, CSM (Ret) Warren E., C Co., 1-8th CAV, 1963-64; D Co., 1-7th CAV, 1965-66. 16 June 2016.AUTRY, SGT J. D., G Trp., 7th CAV, 1943-45. 24 December 2015.BUTCHER, CPT Larry J., B Co., 1-12th CAV, 1968-69. 23 June 2016. CRAWFORD, SSG (Ret) Lancy A., C Btry., 206th FA, 2004-05. 7 July 2016.DAVISON, Mrs. Lorinda A., Associate Member, 1CD ASSN, 1977-2013. 1 July 2016. DICKMAN, SP4 James E., D Co., 2-5th CAV, 1971; H Co., 75th INF, 1971. 31 May 2016.GALLANT, TRP Gilbert G., III, 11th PATH, 1968-69. 17 June 2016. GRIFFIN, COL (Ret) Joseph T. Jr., B and C Co., 1-5th CAV, 1951; HHC, 2-7th CAV, 1967-68; HHC, 1CD, 1968. 29 April 2016. GUZMAN, SSG (Ret) Thomas E., A Btry., 1-21st FA, 1985-89; C Co., 27th MSB, 1992-96; HHC, 3-8th CAV, 2000-03. 11 May 2016.HAUGHTON, SGM (Ret) Hiram J. “Joe”, HHC, 1CD, 1960-61; HHC, 1CD, 1984-88. 19 April 2016.HEATH, CPT (Ret) Robert B., B Co., 1-8th CAV, 1966. 15 April 2016.HERING, 2LT Jack K., 61st FA, 1943-45. 31 May 2016.JOHNSON, CW4 (Ret) Monte D., A Trp., 1-9th CAV, 1970-71; B Trp., 7-17th CAV, 1971-74. 19 May 2016.KOPER, SP4 Geoffrey, 15th MED, 1966; E Co., 52nd INF, 1966-67. 19 May 2016. McKIBBENS, SGT A. J., HHC, 11th AVN, 1967. 7 November 2015.MERKEL, PVT Benjamin A., HQ, 1CD, 1945-46. 8 May 2016.PALMER, LTC (Ret) Charles R., C Btry., 2-20th ARA, 1965-66. 25 May 2016.STEWART, CPT Frank H., H Co., 75th INF, 1970-71. 29 April 2016.WALL, SGT Richard J., H Co., 75th INF, 1970-71. 24 May 2016. WORKMAN, SGT Timothy L., C Co., 1-5th CAV, 1965-66. 4 June 2016.ACTIVE DUTY TAPS

We have been notified of the death of the following Active Duty Troopers in the United States that were not combat related:ARMSTRONG, SPC Christine F., F Co. FSC, 3-82nd FA, 2014-15; F Co. FSC, 3-16th FA, 2015-16. 2 June 2016. BANNER, PFC Brandon A., F Co. FSC, 3-82nd FA, 2014-15; F Co. FSC, 3-16th FA, 2015-16. 2 June 2016. COLONVAZQUEZ, SSG Miguel A., F Co. FSC, 3-82nd FA, 2011-15; F Co. FSC, 3-16th FA, 2015-16. 2 June 2016. DELEON, PFC Isaac L., F Co. FSC, 3-16th FA, 2016. 2 June 2016. FULLER, PFC Zachery N., F Co. FSC, 3-16th FA, 2016. 2 June 2016. GATES, PVT Eddy R., F Co. FSC, 3-16th FA, 2016. 2 June 2016. JAMES, PVT Tysheena L., F Co.FSC, 3-16th FA, 2016. 2 June 2016. MITCHELL, SGT Dougal E., A Co., 215th BSB, 2015-16. 11 June 2016.NELSON, SGT Marcus L., E Co., 1-227th AVN, 2015-16. 23 May 2016.SHAW, SGT Duane C., III, HHC, 8th ENG, 2015-16. 5 June 2016. SUN, SPC Yingming, F Co. FSC, 3-8nd FA, 2014-15; F Co. FSC, 3-16th FA, 2015-16. 2 June 2016. WINEY, Cadet Mitchell A., USMA, F Co. FSC, 3-16th FA, 2016. 2 June 2016.

Dear Editor, Thank you for the scholarship grant from the Foundation of

the 1st Cavalry Division Association. This grant will help me further my education as I work towards a Bachelor’s degree in English and Religious Studies, with my ultimate goal of a PhD. It means so much to me! My father is my hero, and he talks about being a part of the “1st Cav” when he was in Vietnam. I want to make him proud of me, and knowing that the Alumi are able to make this possible means a great deal.

Sincerely,Victoria Stifel

Dear Editor, Thank you so much for selecting me as one of the recipients

of the Foundation of the 1st Cavalry Division Association – Ia Drang Scholarship. It is an honor to be the granddaughter of Roger Martin, who served at the Battle of the Ia Drang during the Vietnam War. This scholarship will help very much when I attend Parkside to become a physical therapist.

With Sincere Gratitude,Gabrielle Martin

Division DoingsContinued from pg.1

“They were many things to many people – sons and daughters, brothers and sisters, fathers and husbands, caring friends, trustworthy classmates and loyal comrades-in-arms,” he said.

Central Texas and the Army Family across the nation came together in the wake of the flood to support those in mourning and remember the lives of each victim. The venue for the service has a capacity of 1,500, which was not large enough to seat all those hoping to attend. To reach out to hundreds more, the ceremony was live-streamed to Howze Theater, the Phantom Warrior Center, and several conference rooms within the chapel itself.

In addition to several thousand Fort Hood Soldiers, senior Army leaders also attended the event, including Secretary of the Army Eric Fanning, Army Chief of Staff GEN Mark Milley and Sergeant Major of the Army Daniel Dailey.

During the memorial ceremony, several Soldiers gave tributes to their fallen comrades, including CPT Andrew Garland, company commander, Co. F, 3-16 FA Regt.; 1LT Johnnie Kaapuwai, Distribution Platoon leader, Co. F, 3-16 FA Regt.; and SGT Jordan Singh, ammunition ammo noncommissioned officer-in-charge for the Distribution Platoon.

Garland began his Soldier’s tribute by announcing each of the fallen by name: SSG Miguel Colonvazquez, SPC Yingming Sun, SPC Christine Armstrong, SPC Brandon Banner, PFC Zachery Fuller, PVT Isaac DeLeon, PVT Eddy Gates, PVT Tysheena James and Cadet Mitchell Winey.

“I have nothing but good memories of them,” Garland said of his Soldiers. “These nine Soldiers shared the Army Values, but one value stood out among them – personal courage.

“The personal courage to undertake the challenge of being a Soldier in today’s Army,” he continued. “They all made the decision to join the Army out of selfless service to their nation.”

Sun, Garland said, was known for having a light and warm personality that radiated throughout the platoon and company, someone who always had a smile on his face.

“Sun used his technical knowledge to his advantage in helping his teammates accomplish the mission,” Garland said. “He was dedicated to Fox Company by always being ready to train and deploy at a moment’s notice.”Continued on pg. 11

LIFE APPLICATION/SUBSCRIPTION RENEWAL BUSINESS STYLE CARDS are available at 200 for $15.00. No hassle with having to carry legal size sheets of paper (Life Membership Applications) or sub forms. Orders will be sent to printers for printing when 3-4 are accumulated. Please be patient with us. Sample below. (Actual size 3” x 2”)

1st CAVALRY DIVISION ASSOCIATION302 N. Main St.

Copperas Cove, TX 76522-1703(254) 547-6537

[email protected]

NAME POSITION IN CHAPTER

UNITDATES OF ASSIGNMENT

STREET ADDRESS PHONE:CITY, ST, ZIP (000) 000-0000E-MAIL: (000) 000-0000 Cell

Enroll me as a Life Member......................................................................$10.00

Renew my subscription.............................................................................$10.00

New or Renewal of Associate Membership..............................................$15.00

D-Trooper..................................................................................................$25.00

Business Cards ................................................................................$15.00$10 covers your subscription to SABER for one year.$25 makes you a D-Troop member plus a one year subscription.$50 makes you a D-Troop member plus a one year subscription and you receive a suitable poster or print.$100 makes you a D-Troop member plus a one year subscription and you receive a First Team print.$500 makes you a Silver Brigade member plus a 10 year subscription.$1,000 makes you a Gold Brigade member plus a 20 year subscription.All D-Troopers receive certificates suitable for framing. Brigade members receive handsome 1st Cavalry wall plaque. All donors ($25 or more) receive mention in the Honor Roll column and may dedicate gifts. D-Troop milestones can be achieved cumulatively. We will keep track of your contributions..Associate Membership - for those with no service with the 1st Cav. Div.$15 one year Associate membership plus a one year subscription.$150 Life Associate plus a five year subscription and you receive a framed certificate.

LAST 4 NUMBERS OF SSN ____________ DOB ________________________Rank __________________ Name_____________________________________________________________Address___________________________________________________________City _____________________________________________ State __________Zip _____________________ Phone (________) ______________________ Dates Assigned _(1)_________________________ (2)____________________I served with 1st Team in Unit (1)___________________________________and(2)________________________________________________________________

E-mail ____________________________________________________________

I Authorize release of information to: No one___ Other Members only___ Other Members and USAA Only___.I served with the 1st Cavalry Division in (Circle one or more)Pre-WWII WWII Japan Korean War Korea ‘57-’65 Fort Benning Vietnam War Fort Hood Gulf War Bosnia Afghanistan Iraq Fort BlissHave you served with any other military unit during a war time period? YES NO

CHAPTER NEWSJULY/AUGUST 2016saber

NEW MEMBERS

ALMOST HEAVEN WEST VIRGINIA CHAPTERThe Chapter will meet in September. We will plan to meet at Shoney’s Res-

taurant in Flatwoods, exit 67 on I-79. This is in the middle of the state and is the least inconvenient for most people. It will be on a day when the most people can come, so let me know what date would be best for you.

The next 21 months will go fast, so it is time for some concrete planning. The most important contribution the chapter will have to the 2018 reunion is several people who are willing to be involved. The more chapter member who steps forward, the less there will be for each of us to do.

The 1st Cav Association is in charge of the scheduling of events at the reunion. Todd Morris with the Charleston Convention and Visitors Bureau has a lot of experience and will be a major asset. Therefore, chapter members will not have to be involved in any of the planning.

We should expect a big turnout for the 2018 reunion. First, Charleston is within a day’s drive for 60% of the population of this country. Then there is the fact that the 1st Cav has not had a reunion in Northeast United States since Buffalo, NY in 1998. There have been reunions in the Midwest and southern states since then, but none in the mid-Atlantic or northeast. Twenty years is a long time.

We should also start making plans to do some publicizing at the 2017 reunion. This shouldn’t be hard. Charleston will sell itself and ex- troopers will be ready for some weather under 90 degrees. In Charleston, you can walk everywhere, feel safe and be cool.

So if you are not on the chapter email list and want to be involved in the chapter, contact me. See you in September. Bill Carpenter, President

FLORIDA CHAPTERWell another Melbourne Reunion is over. We had a good crowd all weekend

and good weather. May started with the plaque being finished and mounted at the base of the Huey at the Veterans Memorial in Tampa which is located at 3206 US-301, Tampa, FL 33619.

The plaque recognizes the Chapter, all CAV Troopers, past present and future. Above all it honors Robert D. (Bob) Johnson. Bob was deeply involved with the Chapter but was also the Association President 2004-2006. Bob left a big imprint in all that he did and an impression on all he met.

I’ve sent out emails out to a number of Association members that live in Florida to let folks know of some changes within the Chapter. Nothing mailed at this time, so if anyone would like info on the Chapter please contact me. Joe Craig, President

JAMES J. MASON WEST MICHIGAN CHAPTERThe primary mission of our chapter is that of giving back to the Veteran Com-

munity. In the past we have supported deployed trooper families from the Grand Valley Armory where we hold our meetings. Our interactive give back occurs at the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans where we host Bingo in every month that has 5 Sundays. This occurs as a minimum 4 times a year and sometimes 6 times. Our last Bingo was on 29 May16 and I can tell you that the residents take their Bingo very, very seriously. Our next regularly scheduled Bingo is on 31 July 16 and 30 October 16. For those who live in Michigan and have veteran related questions you might call the Michigan Veterans Affairs Office at: 800.MICHVET. Likewise there are 8 Vet Centers located across the state including one in the Upper Peninsula. I can tell you from personal experience that they do a marvelous and confidential job of dealing with our problems, to include marital assistance. The VA has a program to assist our sister veterans and that web address is: <www.womenshealth.va.gov>. You can also go to the Battle Creek website: <www.battlecreek.va.gov>. Again from my personal experience the Director of the Battle Creek System is very supportive of veterans and their issues and concerns. The NCO Club is having some environmental issues and we are looking to find another home for our meetings. We are hopeful that we can get our Chapter Banner processed for the next Division Reunion at Fort Hood in 2017. Our next scheduled meetings are: 18 August, 20 October, and our annual potluck on 15 December16. We would love to see some new Troopers join the Chapter and would welcome you to just stop in, if only to say hi. Contact Bob Anderson at 616.682.5446 or e-mail him at <[email protected]> for more information. Bob Anderson, Secretary

NEW YORK/NEW JERSEY CHAPTER The New York and New Jersey will be celebrating their 30th Anniversary at our

meeting on October 15, 2016. Plans are underway for a festive Anniversary lunch with chapter members, family, friends, and former guest speakers. Attendance will be limited. More detail will be announced in the future. Updates are always available on our Facebook page: “New York New Jer-sey Cavalry.” The photo included is from a previous Chapter meeting and those in the photo are Bob Arbasetti, Fred Levine, and Paul Hanson. Bob Arbasetti, President

OTHER REUNIONS5-7th Cavalry Association, 7-14 August 2016. Hotel Elegante, Colorado

Springs, CO. Info at <www.cav57.org>.1-8th Cavalry “Jumping Mustangs”, 24-28 August 2016. Holiday Inn,

Pigeon Forge, TN. Info at <www.jumpingmustangs.com>.12th Cavalry Regiment Association, 6-11 September 2016. Welk Resort,

Branson, MO. Contact Thomas Crabtree, 432-853-4851.Aerial Rocket Artillery Association, 7-11 September 2016. Embassy Suites

Hotel, Colorado Springs, CO. Information at <www.araassociation.com>.77th FA Regiment (All battalions, all eras), 14-18 September 2016.

Amelia Hotel, Fernandina Beach, FL. Contact John Moran, 937-361-1333, <[email protected]>.

8th CAV Regiment/10th INF Division Basic Trainees, 9-11 September 2016. Drury Inn, Shawnee, KS. Ft. Riley Basic Training Companies HHC, 1st Bn 85th Inf ; Item Co., 87th, Inf Rgt, Dec. ‘53-Jan. ‘54; George Co., 86th Inf Rgt Feb.-Apr. ‘54; 8th Cav Rgt May ‘54-Nov. ‘56 of Camp Crawford, Hokkaido and Camp Whittington, Honshu, Japan. Contact Steve Bosma, 7109 Via Portada, San Jose, CA 95135, 408-270-1319 or Jack Hackley, PO Box 40, Oak Grove, MO, 64075-8198, 816-690-3443, <[email protected]>.

A Co., 2-5th CAV, 22-24 September 2016. DoubleTree by Hilton, Columbus, GA. POC Tom Banda, 281-660-2261, <[email protected]>, or Ellie Banda <[email protected]>.

C Trp., 1-9th CAV, 29 September-1 October 2016. Stone Castle Hotel, Branson, MO. Contact Patrick Bieneman, <[email protected]>, 859-771-6342.

A Troop, 1-9th CAV, 7-9 October 2016. Holiday Inn Oceanfront, Surfside Beach, SC. POC Mike Bond, 540-815-5004, <[email protected]>.

SSG ADAMS, MICHAEL W. JR TX 553 CCSB 1501E-5 ALEXANDER, LONNIE D. NM D 1-12C 7007SPC ANGELL, MAXWELL P. MI 6-9C 13051LT BONVILLE, MICHAEL TX 553CSSB 1301MAJ BRADLEY, JOHN B. NC 2-82FA 0801SFC BRANCH, CALEB TX HHB DIVARTY 1408SFC BRAZEE, BRIAN S. TX C 3-8C 0404SPC BRICKEY, BRIAN TX 1CDH 1412SSG BRODT, DAN MD H 75INF 67SGT BROOKS, STEPHEN F. WA C 2-12C 6901E-4 BROWN, TOBIAS CA D 1-227AVN 8907SPC BRUCE, ZANE TX DIVARTY 1302SGT CARTON, ALBERT H. ND A 13SIG 6911SGT CAVE, CARMON W. JR TX HHC 615FSB 0607SGT CHENEY, MICHAEL GA D 1-227AVN 8905SGT CHRIST, DOUGLAS F. NV D 1-12C 6807

SFC CRYER, KERRY C. TX 1CDH 1509SFC DE GEORGE, PATRICK J. IL F 202ADA 0311SFC DE JESUS, BENN JOSE A. TX HHB DIVARTY 1510E-4 EHRESMAN, CARL W. FL HHC 1-5C 9107CPL FERNANDEZ, ALEX D. NV 82FA 1111Continued on pg. 8

Gordon Cress6562 Windflower Dr.

Carlsbad, CA 92011-2508(760) 918-0470

[email protected]

61st FA NewsJULY/AUGUST 2016 saber

This issue of the Saber should be getting to you in mid-August (probably right after my birthday). Hope you’re all enjoying a terrific summer.

A note received on May 2nd from Dick Weakley… “Have just received a phone call advising me that David Harrison passed away back on December 28, 2012. Dave was in the Motor Pool while in Korea and in HQ Btry while in Japan. Dave ranched in Ft. Yates, North Dakota and his home was located 32 miles from town. He was quite a person and I will miss talking to him every 2 years. May the Lord be with you, Dave.” Sorry to hear about your friend, Dick.

Bill Stewart sent this note on May 5th… “Gordon, The info in the last issue of the Saber about the donation was incorrect. It should have been printed as follows: $1500.00 donation - William E. Stewart 1SG-retired. In memory of all the brave men who served in the 61st FA Battalion during WWII and Korea.” Thanks, Bill. I’m sure it was an oversight, but we’re glad to be able to get the correct info out to everyone.

Bill also included the following… “$525 also went to BVL, this is an organiza-tion sponsored by the bowling community since WWII, when they raised money to purchase two airplanes to bring the wounded back from overseas. They still provided all kind of help to veterans, including entertainment in hospitals and nursing homes. It is funded by bowlers who have fund raisers each year to sup-port the Bowlers Veterans Link.”

One additional note from Bill… “Pat and I didn’t make Branson this May because Pat had to have cornea transplant in her left eye. She is doing fine; it was done on May 2nd. We hope if any of our group arrived they had a good visit. Maybe we can get together another time or if any of you come to

Indiana just drop in to see us. Sta Bueno, Bill.” Since, as of the end of June, we haven’t heard a word from anyone, we’re assuming that no one made the trip to Branson.

We spoke with Grady Tucker late in June. Grady has had some problems this year, he’s just recovering from his fourth bout with pneumonia! Four times and it’s only June. Anyway, he is feeling better and he’s still working on the arrange-ments for the reunion scheduled for Miramar Beach, Florida on November 15th through the 20th. More information will be forthcoming in the next few weeks and we’ll do what we can to see that it gets distributed to all those who might be interested. Grady and I share an August 11th birthday, but he’s a few years ahead of me. Best wishes for a quick and full recovery, Grady. I hope to see you in November.

I think several of you also received this article forwarded by Bill McSpadden. He noted… “This is from one of my old bosses and one of the best I ever had, MG Bill Acker. I had the pleasure of serving as his Chief of Staff during my tenure in a unified command. He was a hoot and still is.” It was titled “Senior Citizen Fighter Pilot” and is reproduced here for your enjoyment…”They won’t let me fly their jet fighters anymore. The day after I no longer pulled 5-6 Gs (or more) multiple times every day, my middle started expanding. It hasn’t stopped. First my toes disappeared, and then the equipment in the nether regions disap-peared except on outstanding occasions. My feet might as well be in China. My toenails are turning into claws. The ladies no longer look at my ass as I walk by. My eyesight has started to fade. I once had the best vision of anyone I ever flew with except Chuck Yeager. He could see another aircraft at 60 miles and I could not see it until 50 miles. And he was older than me. I guess that is why he was an Ace. The music has faded. Twenty-five years in close proximity of screaming jet engines will do more damage to your hearing than a rock band. The VA gave me some very nice hearing aids, but I don’t wear the damned things. I don’t want to look like an old man. However, it can be a blessing when I piss off my roommate. My prostate started to enlarge and I have to pee every 5 minutes. Speaking of which: The pressure is too low, the hose is too short, and the nozzle is set on spray. I find it advisable to sit down to pee to avoid getting Wet Foot Syndrome (WFS). I know the location of every publicly accessible bathroom within 100 miles. My gyro tumbled and I have vertigo. I have had it many times while flying in Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) weather, but this is different. This is Visual Flight Rules (VFR) weather all the time. I walk like a drunken sailor. My golfing days are over. My back swing would put me flat on my back. A walker may not be far in the future. If I were to find myself on the ground in the middle of an empty Wal-Mart parking lot, I would not be able to get up onto my feet. The legs are just not there anymore. I would have to crawl to a shop-ping cart or fence to pull myself up. My smoking days finally caught up with me and I have emphysema/COPD. I used to cuss while climbing out returning from North Vietnam, if I was so high that my Zippo lighter would not light so I could have a smoke to help me come down from an adrenalin high. I have had to go on oxygen in order to have enough to live. It is a real bummer to have to haul a bottle of O2 around with me when I go out of the house. I wear a nose harness at home and drag a plastic tube around and an oxygen concentrator out in the garage runs 24/7. The tube is always snagging on something or someone

steps on the damn thing and it almost jerks my ears off. Don’t get me wrong. I like oxygen. I used to really like it after a night of serious partying when I had an early morning mission. As soon as I got into the cockpit I went on 100% O2 for startup, taxi, and weapons arming pit. By the time I had wheels up I was ready to fight. My sex life is 99.9% in my head. But I think that is pretty normal for the male population, which thinks about sex on the average about every 10 seconds. At least that has always been my average. And, they won’t let me fly their jet fighters anymore. Getting old is a bitch.” Great stuff, Bill. Thanks for sending it for all of us to enjoy.

From Pete O’Brien in June… “Hi Gordon, some Jinmachi memories. I heard the Fried Much Rooms were real good. Check out this web site for some great photos of Jinmachi, Tendo and Yamagata… <http://aroundguides.com/16570674/Photos/82246673>. Younghans coordinates are 38 24 N and 140 22 E. If you look closely I think the old track around the football field is still there, as is the Japanese Army. Did you lose weight in Italy? Best, Pete.” Thanks so much for the memories, Pete. And no I didn’t lose any weight. Unfortunately the Italian cuisine (pasta and more pasta) isn’t too conducive for weight reduction, but the extended walks and treks to, from and around all the museums, galleries and other attractions countered the excess calories.

Another note from Dick Weakley… “Talked with Bob Bove and was informed that he has been taking chemo treatments for bone cancer and is not doing too well. He’ll not be able to attend the reunion this year, but he did want to tell everyone hello.” Our best wishes to Bob.

Sadly, on Father’s Day, we received this from Dick Weakley… “Our middle son, Reggie, passed away just after 1 pm today. Some of you had met Reg in the past. He lived here in Pueblo. There will not be any services per his request. His next birthday would have been June 29th and he would have been 57 years old. He’s been fighting cancer over the past year. We want to thank you all who have been praying for him. Our love and thanks, Audrey and Richard.” So very sorry to get this news, Richard. I’m sure the whole 61st community sends their

condolences.Got this notice in late June… “Jack Knight

Hering of Phoenix passed away on May 31st. He served with the 61st FA Battalion in B, C and HQ Batteries in 1941-42. He was wounded in Leyte, Philippines and spent the rest of the war at the hospital at Fort Bliss, Texas.” Our condolences to the family. Have no idea if this poster of Pilot Jack Knight is the same guy or not (although from the aircraft and dress shown, it’s more likely from WWI); maybe an ancestor? If anyone out there has any information on this, please let us know.

As I mentioned in the last issue of the Saber, my wife and I spent three-plus weeks in Italy. We flew to Rome, rented a little Nissan Micra (with a 5-speed manual transmission). Almost all the cars in Italy are the small types due to the high cost of gasoline (around $8 per gallon).

There are thousands of motor scooters and an occasional motorcycle. The only full size cars you see are mostly Mercedes or BMWs. Drove south some 350 miles to Metaponto on the Gulf of Taranto. Spent several days there before driving some 250 miles to Amalfi on the west coast. After several days there enjoying the gor-geous scenery and some really good Italian fare, we drove about 200 miles back to Rome. Saw some very nice six-lane divided highways as well as some exciting very narrow and twisty winding two-lane roads along the coast. I thought it was fun, but my wife…not so much. Picked a 12-day tour in Rome and took in Naples, Pompeii, the Isle of Capri, Florence, Tuscany, Pisa, Rapallo, Verona and Venice. We can personally attest that the tower in Pisa really does lean. Had a great time, but it was tiring and we were glad to be back in Carlsbad on June 17th.

Take care, ‘Sta Bueno and keep those cards, letters, phone calls and e-mails coming.

“Pilot Jack Knight”

Leaning Tower of Pisa

Horse Cavalry DetachmentContinued from pg. 1

This year I was given the opportunity to compete at the Regional Cavalry Cup at Fort Concho, in San Angelo, Texas. When we arrived everybody was excited to see Fort Hood was back and ready to compete. The competition was held on the historic parade field of the fort and it was then the history of Fort Concho came alive. All of the re-enactors were in their time period uniforms and some even slept in the barracks or camped on the grounds outside the stables. The competition was very competitive, and you were judged on your horsemanship and mounted weapons performance. We competed at two levels, Level 2-3 (Higher Riding Levels) and Level 1. The two weapons events were the pistol and saber courses and I would say the pistol course was my favorite. As soon as I rode on to the course and pulled my pistol from my holster I felt the power of my mount beneath me. As we flew through the obstacles engaging targets all we left behind was a cloud of smoke from my pistol. I went on to place second in my level for the mounted pistol and first in mounted saber.

All of the training at the Detachment really paid off and I can’t wait for my next chance to compete. My overall experience with the Horse Cavalry Detach-ment has been a once in a lifetime opportunity to relive history and become an elite cavalryman in the finest mounted unit in the US Army. The opportunity to compete gives us the drive to become better riders as individuals and as a team. We are all so proud to represent this great Division. Hot to Trot! First Team! Live the Legend!

The Troopers of HCD continue to train and improve as we gear up to compete again in September, this time at the National Cavalry Cup in El Reno, Oklahoma. We continue to conduct our demonstrations at the detachment every Thursday at 1000 depending on weather and mission requirements. We use this time to train new mounts and troopers and invite the public to come out and enjoy the show. Feel free to call ahead to check our schedule at (254) 287-2229. You can also find us on Facebook at 1st Cavalry Division Horse Cavalry. It is truly an honor to represent America’s First Team and I look forward to the year ahead.

5th CAV NewsJULY/AUGUST 2016

James E. Reecamper2351 Robertson Mill Way

Nixa, MO 65714-6113<[email protected]>

(417) 844-5347

saberI am the

c u r r e n t P r e s i d e n t of the 5th U.S. Cavalry

Association. I was voted in at the General Membership Meeting that was conducted during the 5th Cavalry 2015 Reunion. I had been the treasurer since 2003 (I think).

I had a lot of fun in June in Las Vegas at the 1st Cavalry Division Association’s reunion. It was great to see old friends and meet new ones. Some of the stories are old, some are new, and I’ll bet even some of them are true. I’m sure everyone in attendance also enjoyed themselves.

Somehow I was volunteered to write the articles for Saber. I’m certainly not an author or journalist, but I’ll give it that “Can Do” effort. Although please don’t blame me for misspelling and grammar. I will need feedback and stories from you to make this column interesting and something befitting our great Regiment.

I would be remiss if I didn’t give a big hoorah to John “Goose” Gooseman for all of his generosity and friendship. Goose has and continues to share with everyone in the 5th Cavalry. John was a door gunner with B Co. 227th AHB, was shot down and as the lone survivor is very grateful to the 5th., especially B-1-5 who rescued him and prevented him from becoming a POW. Goose is always in search of anyone who was with B Co. in 1970. Goose is always quick to mention his affection and fond memories of SFC Diaz and is in search of anyone familiar with him.

Also in Las Vegas the 5th Cavalry Association conducted our annual General Membership Meeting. Elections were held and voted on positions to be filled for the next couple of years.

We (5th Cavalry Association) conduct our own reunion on the odd numbered years. The next is scheduled for Harrisburg/Hershey, Pennsylvania, September 12-16, 2017. We’ll be posting more information as it becomes available on our web site at <www.5thcav.org>.

Anyone who is a member in good standing with the 5th Cavalry Association and is not receiving our newsletter “Voices of the Black Knights” please let me know either by e-mail <[email protected]> or phone 417-844-5347. The majority of them are distributed via e-mail while approximately 75 get it via snail mail. But we need you to keep us informed of any changes.

During my tour of duty with D-2/5 in 1967 I remember the CO in August time frame was CPT Smith. The company was clearing an LZ on top of hill whatever and discovered booby traps as choppers were approaching. CPT Smith ran into the LZ to wave off the approaching aircraft, it was then, in his own words, “I defied gravity”. He evidently tripped a bobby trap off and went head over heels into the air. It reminded me when I was in gymnastics and screwed up the

dismount. Well done Sir! Here is some of what Thomas had to say about that and what followed.

“I was wounded in August ‘67 and then spent a ‘few months’ in Japan at the 249th General Hospital. I returned to Vietnam in November and arrived at an in-processing AG in Long Binh. I was told I was being reassigned to the 4th Infantry Division. Wow, lucky I made a LTC AG Corps friend in the Hospital and he put me in contact with the 2nd Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile) at LZ Uplift and was in contact with the then Brigae XO, LTC James Benjamin Vaught, later LTG Vaught. LTC Vaught sent the Brigade –CO- Charlie Charlie to pick me up and I was flown to LZ UPLIFT, (probably still AWOL Long Binh!). I was hoping to be assigned to Delta 2/5th, however I was immediately sent to see the XO and he took me to the CO, COL Joseph McDonough (my past 5th Cavalry CO). He ‘told me” I was being assigned to the Brigade S-3 as an Assistant S-3. That was that, I did have a great opportunity later to talk with LTC Love the CO of the 5th CAV.

“In the beginning, as I was learning to be an Assistant S-3, I was a Day TOC Officer. I had two “routine” days when I was an LZ UPLIFT tour guide for two movie stars; a Miss Dianna MacBain and a Miss Shirley Jackson. That proved most interesting tour of Uplift and later a real interesting tour and briefing with Mr. Joe DiMaggio (then GM of Oakland and Mr. Pete Rose of the Cincinnati Reds). Really most interesting. Later in November, I became the TOC-3 Night Duty Officer and that was really great. I also became the 2nd Brigade night ‘Lightening Bug- Officer” with nightly flying Highway 1 in our AO to check security of many an area. I encountered quite a few ‘incidents in that duty’.

“After Tet began we were the last brigade to depart for the Quan Tri- Hue area. Prior to departure we had total action for the 1st Cav AO in Binh Din Province. In late February/March we arrived at LZ Jane to set up Brigade Operations in Operation PEGASUS.

“In March, an interesting thing happened to me. One day I was informed to get my gear ready for a mini-deployment and pick up an RTO to go with me. We, not knowing what was up, then got on the Brigade Charlie Charlie and with the colonel we were set down on Hill 883, I believe. We were shown some underground like diggings/tunnel like where we were to set up a Brigade Forward! Seems that the 1st Cav. Commanding General wanted the Brigade TOC to be there and there was some action that our Brigade CO was to keep the TOC back at I believe LZ TOM. So the brigade forward was at LZ 883 with the CO and Assistant S-3, and a SP-4 RTO!

In early April after the success of Pegasus, we returned to TOM I believe and became OPCON to the Marines at Khe Sahn. I flew daily back and forth to exchange pouches with S-3’s. I have some sideline stories on that action. Later the entire Brigade returned to LZ Jane. So many of these memories along with the day to day of CO Delta 2/5th now somewhat blurred!

Loyalty and Courage!

I was recently appointed to be the Chairman of the Health Care Information Committee by our new President and here is my first issue of HICCUP. We hope to

THE HICCUP - Health Care Information Committee ReportJames R. Rollins

1566 FM 3258Lufkin, TX 75904-0440

[email protected]

have an article for each issue of SABER that will address health care news or issues that affect our membership of Veterans and/or military retirees.

Combat-Related Special Compensation (CRSC) Background - The CRSC was the first attempt by Congress to restore the offset

that occurs when a military retiree receives retirement pay from the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) and disability pay from the Veterans Administration. CRSC provides tax-free monthly payments to eligible retired veterans with combat-related injuries. With CRSC, veterans can receive both their full military retirement pay and their VA disability compensation if the injury is combat-related.

Overview of the Program – The FY 2003 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) (P.L. 107-314, sec. 636) authorized CRSC for certain retirees with combat- or operations-related disabilities. The FY 2003 authority provided combat related special compensation (CRSC) to those retirees with qualifying disabilities rated at 60% or higher, and to those retirees with disabilities (regardless of disability level) associated with the award of a Purple Heart decoration.

The 2004 NDAA expanded CRSC to include all combat- or operations-related disabilities, effective January 1, 2004-regardless of disability level (10% to 100% ratings), effective January 1, 2004.

The 2008 NDAA, Section 641 expands eligibility of the Combat-Related Special Compensation (CRSC) entitlement to those with less than 20 years of service.

The CRSC entitlement is computed in accordance with Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) pay tables. Most of the members who will be eligible as a result of the NDAA expansion, have retired under a disability law. Those who retired under a disability law will incur an offset to their CRSC entitlement. Title 10 U.S.C, section 1413a is very specific when it comes to the Special rules for Chapter 61 disability retirees. DFAS is obligated to reduce the CRSC payment amount by the difference between the member’s pay computed for disability and the pay he or she would have received for his years of service (longevity).

Eligibility - There are approximately 211,000 retirees, Chapter 61, who are currently eligible to apply. They must meet the eligibility criteria of being in receipt of both retired pay and DVA compensation.

Members must apply to their military branch of service. Members should enclose evidence to show how a disability was incurred in a combat situation with their application. The respective military service branches will approve or disapprove all or a portion of each claim on the application.

For those members who are approved, their military branch of service will send an award letter to them and a copy to DFAS. Once DFAS receives the approved award letter, payment will be initiated within approximately 30 days.

This payment will be received by the member within approximately 30 to 60 days after end of month cutoff times are incorporated and timing of exchanging

data files with the DVA. Retroactive payments will generally be issued within 30 days of receiving the first monthly payment. The effective start date of the retroactive payments is January 1, 2008.

Only retirees that are excluded from eligibility are those who are reserve retired, age 60.

Example Computation - Retirement computations vary according to each individual retirement date, retirement age, and years in service. The example provided is only to explain the calculation method.

For those retirees who are eligible for CRSC entitlement, but retired under a disability retirement law, an offset is calculated before CRSC entitlement is calculated as follows:

Example - E6 retired at 60% with 16 years of service Disability Retirement Payment $1,170.00Retirement pay calculated based on years of service $780.00Difference between two retirement methods (offset amount) $390.00 In the example given, $390 monthly would be offset from any monthly CRSC

entitlement computed. The CRSC entitlement plus any remaining retired pay cannot exceed retired pay based on years of service.

CRSC Percentage

VA Award Amount

Offset Amount

Monthly CRSC Entitlement

10% $117.00 - $390.00 = $0.0020% $230.00 - $390.00 = $0.0030% $356.00 - $390.00 = $0.0040% $512.00 - $390.00 = $122.0050% $728.00 - $390.00 = $338.0060% $921.00 - $390.00 = $531.0070% $1,161.00 - $390.00 = $771.0080% $1,349.00 - $390.00 = $780.0090% $1,517.00 - $390.00 = $780.00100% $2,527.00 - $390.00 = $780.00

Special considerations:- The CRSC entitlement amounts for approved Combat-Related combined dis-

ability percentages less the $390 example offset amount are shown using CRSC entitlements at the Veteran only rates.

- CRSC entitlements plus any remaining retired pay cannot exceed retired pay based on years of service. Thus, the above example shows that the CRSC recipi-ent approved at 10, 20, or 30 percent would not receive any funds. This does not mean that every situation would result in $0 due at those percentage rates.

- As shown in the above example, you may have received an approved CRSC claim, and still not receive any funds. Disability percentages often increase which may change your entitlement amount at a later date.

Web References -DFAS - <http://www.dfas.mil/retiredmilitary/disability/payment.html>MOAA - <http://www.moaa.org/caregiver/Interior.aspx?id=4294967588>CRDP vs. CRSC Army Website - <https://www.hrc.army.mil/site/crsc/

CRSCvCRDP.html>DD From 2860 - <https://www.hrc.army.mil/site/crsc/documents/ClaimForm.

pdf>I hope this was informative and helpful, Jim Bob.

12th CAV NewsKen Howser, Jr.

PO Box 234Walkersville, MD 21793-0234

(301) [email protected]

www.12thCav.USFacebook.Com/12thCavalryRegiment

JULY/AUGUST 2016 saber0001 Hey der Sailor,

new in town? Assum-ably ‘twill be the last Au-gust days (hot-humid-hot!) when your starving eyes first over-feed on this filling article. Ab

Fab (as in Absolutely Fabulous) is the Presidential campaign being waged by that Howser fellow (The People’s Choice, #Howsexit), fellow Trooper of the CAV, (I hear Doogie Howser, MD, is his nephew). This is my last chance gasp to get out my messages of hope and prosperity to you, and the digs into those lamers running for my office. Forsooth, thou art nay throwing away thine sacred vote upon them, art thou? You be stricken with the brain fevers, Bro? How else to explain away your malodorous fallacy in the thinking department? Nine out of ten doctors and 75.31% of the general population agree with my party’s stance on the issues most important to the nation (by the latest certified polling.) Monkey see, monkey do – Vote for Me! 0151 Calling all C 1-12. “Ken, I commanded Charlie Company 2-12 in the Republic of Vietnam from November 1969 - April 1970. Please pass along my name, mail and email, and phone number to all Troopers who remember me from that company and time. I would like to get in contact with any of those men. Currently I have sent about 30 letters trying to identify Troopers who participated in and remember a charlie alpha on the afternoon of 24 November 1969, and sub-sequent contact and fire fight on the 25th of November, (specifically 1st platoon members!) I have found three so far but they have not been able to help me in my quest. Thanks for your help.” Jim Wolfe, 251 York Street, Trussville, AL 35173, (H) 205-655-0601, (C) 205-612-5118. Run; don’t walk to help our Trooper. <[email protected]>. Are you out there Victor M. Villarreal?

0351 Division Association Reunion last was held in Las Vegas 8-12 June. Mayhap you heard rumors? Without regard to what you heard elsewhere, 407Association members answered the call of duty and drug along 350 guests, for a total of 757 persons (effectives) attending. Intel confirms our 12th Cavalry had the largest contingent, followed closely by the 7th Cavalry. The 12th Cavalry had more at the unit luncheon, but the 7th Cav topped out at the banquet. Speaking of said Reunion, I am happy to inform you that at our luncheon, COL Al Freeland and Doug Warden finished out their terms as President and Vice President of the Regi-ment, respectively. Doug was then installed as President and Trooper Leon J. Hinton, B & HHC 2/12 Cav was nominated and elected as Vice President. Mark your calendars and update your address books accordingly. The 2017 Reunion dates are 7-11 June in the cool refreshing Fort Hood - Killeen area. Activities are forecast to be very similar to 2015 but with some minor changes in the schedule of events. <Dennis Webster>.

0551 12th Cavalry Reunion. The 11th Annual ‘Sergeant Terry D. Combs Branson Reunion’ will be held rain or shine, the creeks don’t rise, and the sheriff doesn’t appear with a court order; September 6-11, 2016 in Branson, Missouri, “the live music capital of the entire universe”. Host venue is the Welk Resort, 1984 State Hwy 165.

Listed events include in order: Welcome Reception, Ladies Outing, “Million Dollar Quartet”, “#1 Hits of the 60s and 50s Too”, Ladies Day, Men’s ‘Gab-Fab’, Hospitality Room, and ‘Saturday Night Live’ Banquet. Questions? Call the Crab-trees: Thomas, 432-853-4851, or Maggie, 432-853-4856; email <[email protected]>. Reservations: 417-336-3575, you pay for the call. Please reference ‘the12th Cavalry Regiment Association’, and ‘Group # 437446’. <Branson.Com; AND ExploreBranson.Com>. <12thCav.US.>.

0751 Nertz. Grab him boys, he needs a checkup from the neck up! I avoid personal mentions herein but these at my expense are too good to avoid. Friday riding in the car with the family we were discussing the Transformers with my 8 year old grandson. Per my habitual snarky or snide commenting on life I know-ingly identified Optimus Prime as ‘Octopus Prime’. Sitting in the back seat he turned to his mother and said, “I know Papa was in the wars... But REALLY!” Ha! Out of the mouths of babes - cracked us all up and put me in my place. Today I was on the phone with a Cav Trooper for over an hour and of course my wife could not help but hear and listen to one side of our conversion. After we finished, I had hung-up and the dust had cleared, Karen says to me (out of the clear and with no warning shot), “When you are on the phone, does anyone on the other end say anything?” Double HaHa! ‘Yes Hon. Thanks for asking. Maybe that’s why the Captain asked me to be his RTO...’ This assigned period I have talked with John Payne, Ronnie Gainer, Marvin Reed, Jim Wolfe, Don Wright to name a few, and had lunch with M and M Gainer. Just to say we need you your cards, letters, calls and thoughts. Send in your pictures or write up your verbal vignettes with their pictures and send them along.

0951 1-12 Cavalry. Fort Hood - Seventy infantrymen from the 1st Cavalry Division, the Texas Army National Guard and the 52nd Infantry Regiment, stood in formation on Cooper Field with their heads a little higher and backs a little straighter as the Expert Infantryman Badge was pinned onto their chests. After an exhausting three weeks of training and testing; of the 827 original candidates 71 came out wearing the badge. The candidates endured long days of training on 37 individual tasks and attempted to memorize enormous amounts of infor-mation to be able to perform all of the tasks in sequence flawlessly. Along with an Army Physical Fitness Test, day and night land navigation, and a 12-mile foot march, the candidates also had to complete one final set of tasks to earn the badge - the Objective Bull tasks. Objective Bull is named in honor of the first EIB recipient, Technical Sgt. Walter Bull, and it consists of tasks requiring the remaining candidates to conduct first aid and evacuate a casualty unaided for 50 meters. With a pass rate of just over 8 percent (the historical pass rate averages 14 percent), the test wasn’t an easy one and it called for both mental and physi-cal fortitude to persevere. “It was extremely challenging from beginning to end. Every day you were there, it was sucking, and you didn’t want to be there but you knew you had to do it, because it was EIB,” said SPC Jacob Nausadis, infantry-man assigned to 1-12 Cav, 3rd ABCT. “It’s the Expert Infantryman Badge. It’s what makes an infantryman an infantryman. Once you’re able to wear that blue badge, everybody knows that you know how to do your job. You know how to set the standard - not just meet it, but set it.” “My father,” said Nausadis. “He’s been in the infantry for 26 years, and he got his EIB. As a child he used to tell me all about it. He used to tell me it was the best thing you could get when you

become infantry. When I finally got the chance to come out here and be infantry, I just thought about what he was saying, and I thought this is something that I can’t miss out on - something that I can’t quit. This is something that I’m gonna do.” <DVidsHub.Net>.

1351 2-12 Cavalry. Think it is easy to find articles on 2-12 in Korea? Then you try it. It’s like they have disappeared! Camp Hovey, South Korea - A few Soldiers de-ployed for nine months to South Korea got the op-portunity to talk with their home-town mayor May 4. Soldiers from the 1st ABCT and natives of Michi-gan shared their experiences with

Southfield, Michigan, Mayor Kenson Siver at the Thunder Inn Dining Facil-ity at Camp Casey. Mayor Siver was in the area visiting Southfield’s “sister city,” Dongducheon City, South Korea, and was joined at the dining facility by Dongducheon’s Mayor, Sechang Oh. After visiting local universities, libraries, businesses and the War Memorial of Korea, Siver and his delegates were escorted to Camp Casey by Mayor Oh and other Dongducheon City officials. As a part of Mayor Siver’s visit to Camp Casey, six U.S. Soldiers and one Korean augmen-tee to the U.S. Army from 1st ABCT were invited to a luncheon. “The meeting was very informative for me,” said SGT Kyle Mexicotte, 2nd Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment, 1st ABCT. “It’s good to see our city government partnering with Dongducheon and reaching out.” As Soldiers talked with civilian officials from Michigan, they were able to share their military experiences in South Korea. Mayor Siver highlighted the importance of the military mission in South Korea. The Southfield mayor said the trip to Dongducheon gave him a better understand-ing of the concerns of some of his citizens back home. “With a large population of Korean-Americans in Michigan, I’m leaving with better understanding of the U.S. presence in South Korea. Meeting with Soldiers from Michigan capped off a great visit with our South Korean partners. With the threat of North Korea, the alliance between the U.S. and South Korea is very important,” said Mayor Siver. <DvidsHub.Net>.

1551 Specialist Ryan D. Russell Memorial Page. Specialist Russell, from Elm City, North Carolina was assigned to the 1st Squadron, 12th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division. He died at age 20, 5 March 2007 in Baqubah, Iraq, when an improvised explosive device detonated near his unit. Also killed were SPC Blake Harris and PVT Barry W. Mayo. A memorial page to him may be accessed here: <OurFallenSoldier.Com/RussellRyan_MemorialPage.html>

1950 Honor to Comrade. Marvin Reed was drafted into the Army in 1968. He met Jim Skomski at Fort Dix, New Jersey. Skomski had been studying to become an electrician and was married. From Fort Dix, both young men moved on to Fort Polk, Louisiana, where the hot, humid and swampy environment was to prepare them to fight in the jungles of Vietnam. “It was in Fort Polk when Jim and I became really good friends,” Reed said. “When we stood up together against a group of other guys who were trying to push us around, we kind of knew that we would always try to look out for each other.” Reed and Skomski were later transferred to Fort Louis in Seattle, a short stop before traveling to Vietnam, assigned to A 2-12 Cavalry. They carried a three-day supply of water and rations, but at times they would run out and have to fill their canteens from water holes laden with mosquitoes and rotting animals. “We were given iodine pills to kill the bacteria so we could drink the water. Jim and I used to have some fun making coffee with that water. We’d throw anything that might be lying around into the pot. Some of that coffee tasted pretty darn good, too, if you didn’t ask about our secret ingredients.” On February 8, 1969, Reed was the front man of a 22-man patrol that included two Green Berets, a trained dog, and Jim. As they walked a narrow path looking for enemy spotters, the dog began barking when it came upon body parts left over from a previous attack. “We were in thick vegetation and we couldn’t see squat so we reversed the order of our line to go back. Jim was in the middle of our patrol.” “I said to Jim, ‘Be careful, buddy,’ not knowing they were the last words I would ever say to my friend.” The ambush came mostly from the flanks. The enemy opened machine-gun fire upon the middle of the platoon line, ‘the killing zone.’ “The NVA attacked the middle, not at the front or back. That way they could kill more of our men.” Skomski, who had spent just four months in Vietnam, was killed instantly. Reed and the men who did survive the ambush managed to crawl to a position of safety where they could radio for air support. “The firepower was so intense we couldn’t retrieve the bodies. I didn’t even know right away that Jim was killed.” After his service he spoke often with his friend’s father, and that gave him some peace of mind. Over and over again, Reed would be awak-ened by nightmares of the NVA killing Jim right in front of him. Other terrible dreams replayed another incident (8 March 1969 - Ace High was in the bush in a NDP while LZ Grant was enduring a ground attack) in which a captain was decapitated, a fellow soldier lost both of his feet, and another man’s eye was torn out by a blast of shrapnel. “That night was hard to forget, especially because Continued on pg. 15

Soldiers and natives of Michigan, Mayor Kenson Siver, and Mayor Sechang Oh.

Marvin Reed A 2-12 of Lehighton displays a poster with photos from his time in the service and students who honored his late friend Jim Skomski from Chektowago, New York.

7th CAV NewsRobert J. Anderson

9030 Conservancy Dr. NEAda, MI 49301-8822


[email protected]

JULY/AUGUST 2016saber

Today as I begin our latest 7th Cavalry column, I harken back 140 years to 25 June 1876. On that fateful day, Lieutenant Colonel George Armstrong Custer led his Troops into the valley along the Little Bighorn River in Montana. The rest as they say is history. The 7th Cavalry Regiment was formed in 1866 just a short year after the end of the Civil War. With this backdrop I begin our march through the years to the present time.

John Guillory, our Association President sends us this report from Las Vegas, Nevada. If the feeling of enjoyment translates to success, then the 69th Annual 1st Cavalry Division Association Reunion was a success, because it certainly was enjoyed by all who attended. The same could be said for the annual 7th United States Cavalry Association Luncheon and Business Meeting. There were about 730 attendees at this reunion, including troopers, their plus ones, children, grand-children and a few dogs; the dogs were not included in the headcount. Troopers and their families came west from Rhode Island, east from Hawaii, south from North Dakota and northwest from Florida. The Nevada Association Chapter deserves credit for an outstanding job of supporting all the reunion activities. But what would a reunion be without the guidance of Dennis Webster. Dennis, (Executive Director retiring in July) did his usual best to add this reunion to his continuous string of well-arranged events. We hope to see Dennis down the road, enjoying a reunion where he is a guest and not head of staff. The 7th Cavalry Unit Luncheon was also a well-attended affair. My minds-eye count tabulated approximately 80+ troopers and their guests. We all seemed to enjoy our deli-cious luncheon meal. Without tasting a bite, I could tell the meal was delicious by the silence in the room, broken only by the sound of forks on china. After our meal, each attending trooper stood, identified himself, his unit, his conflict and the year(s) served in a combat assignment. Following trooper introductions, there was a presentation of details from the Treasurers Report. Next in the order of march, there was an announcement requesting copies of any orders or rosters be sent to Bob Anderson. Bob is compiling a listing of every trooper who served in Vietnam with the 7th Cavalry. Hopefully, after returning home, members in attendance will go through their memento boxes and come up with some usable data. Association elections followed the call for 7th Cavalry rosters and orders. Elections were held for two offices, Association President and Association Sec-retary. John Guillory, our current President, was nominated and elected for a 3-year term. John Guillory was also nominated and elected to a 2-year term as Secretary. There were no other nominations for these offices and each voting was unanimous. Finally, it was announced that after 17 years as scribe, Bob Anderson’s last 7th Cavalry column in the Saber would be the November/De-cember 2016 publication. Additionally, there was a call for anyone interested in the scribe position to contact Bob Anderson directly. That wraps up the recap of the 69th Annual Reunion. Wait, one last note; I was fortunate to reconnect with two great troopers I hadn’t seen in more than 47 years. Now that’s one of those golden moments that happen at reunions. Hope to see a great turnout at Fort Hood next year - Garryowen!

Thank you John for this great report for those members who were unable to attend this year’s reunion. With John accepting the challenge we can AGAIN open up the membership to new members. It’s been a long two years for the membership to be closed and I’m sure this will be well received by Troopers that have been waiting to “Saddle Up.” It’s not too early to start thinking about Reunion 2017 to be held at Fort Hood and Reunion 2018 to be held in West Virginia.

Garland Schnack sends in a very important link to Agent Orange related ill-nesses. This link covers discussions on the following: Agent Orange Presumptive Disabilities; Disabilities In Children of Herbicide Exposed Veterans; Gulf War Presumptive Disabilities; POW Presumptive Conditions and Radiation Exposure Presumptive Conditions. This link is <http://www.veteranprograms.com>. I for one am glad to see mention of what diseases have been linked to exposure in the Gulf War. This is important information. Thank you Garland.

Dennis Deal via Ron Migut sadly reports, “I received a call from Larry Litton a few minutes ago (16 June) who called to inform me Warren Adams, D Co. 1SG, 1st Shift, passed away this AM. Apparently he was in route to the local VAMC when he passed. He complained earlier this AM that he wasn’t feeling well, and his niece decided it was serious enough to take him to the Hospital. He passed very quickly and painlessly in the car in route. Larry does not use the computer much and asked me to get this to all who may have known Warren. He will be cremated and buried with no services before or after. That’s all I have and Larry told me not to expect to hear more. Garryowen, Dennis.

On a somewhat more upbeat report, Dennis reported that he made another Parachute Jump on what would have been his Mother’s 100th Birthday. What a way to celebrate her life. The video was extremely good as Dennis proudly displayed his Ranger Tab Baseball Cap as he was free falling from 10,000+ feet prior to deploying the chute. “Rangers Lead The Way!”

Karl Haartz sends us this moving tribute written by Julie ‘Little Sister’ Kink. Growing up in the 1960s, my world was no bigger than the tree-lined streets of my neighborhood, wherever my Schwinn bike could take me. The evening news, with scenes of helicopters crashing and men on stretchers with white ban-dages around their heads, brought Vietnam into our living room. But “Vietnam” wasn’t the name of a place. It was the name of a war. When my brother David went there to fly helicopters, I became aware of Vietnam as a pink spot on a map where it was very hot. We sent him Kool-Aid because the water was bad, and letters to remind him of home. Soon “Vietnam” became the thing that took David away from us, for good. And like most Gold Star families of the era, after a while, “Vietnam” became the thing we never spoke of again. Ten years ago, I visited Vietnam for the first time. It became not just the name of a war, but the name of a place. The guns are silent, the land is recovering, and the economy is growing. To Vietnam, “The American War,” as it is called, is just one chapter in a centuries-long battle history. More than two-thirds of the people living in Vietnam today were born after the war. They are a proud people, eager to ex-change friendly handshakes with their former foes. In 2006 and again in 2009,

I stood on a bridge outside of Phuoc Vinh, a mile or two from the site where an explosion brought down the 1st Cavalry scout helicopter carrying my brother David and his two fellow crewmen, causing their deaths. By finding men who served with him, I have learned not only how David died, but more importantly, how he lived. Now, after my third trip to Vietnam last month, I have spent more time there than David did, back in 1969. This time I accompanied my husband Mike Sprayberry, a Vietnam veteran whom I met on that 2006 trip, on a mission of his own. On April 25, 1968, as the 21-year-old commander of a 5th Battalion, 7th Cavalry Rifle Company, Mike led a small group of soldiers on a harrowing nighttime rescue in the A Shau Valley. A platoon of fellow infantrymen had been ambushed and pinned down by North Vietnamese forces. All of the survivors were rescued, but the bodies of three fallen soldiers could not be recovered. A few days later, a helicopter attempting to locate the three men’s bodies was also lost to heavy enemy fire; the bodies of three helicopter crewmen could not be recovered. To this day, the bodies of all six men remain in the A Shau Valley. Mike received our nation’s highest military award, the Congressional Medal of Honor, for his heroic efforts that dark night. Over the four decades since, he has remained determined to find the six missing men and bring them home, return-ing four times to Vietnam in search of evidence compelling enough to convince the U.S. government to initiate a formal recovery effort. The quest to bring the missing men home is the subject of the documentary, “

“Fallen But Not Forgotten,” also known as “The MIAs on Tiger Mountain.” Last month, Mike returned to the A Shau Valley with three of his men who had been in the ambush: Frank Elliott, Frank Brown and Neil Floyd, accompanied by Vietnam veteran/archaeologist Bruce Jones and former Vietnam helicopter pilot Chuck Kinnie. They were joined by members of the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA). Besides being a personal journey for the troopers who returned, the trip helped confirm locations where the missing men may be buried. An excavation is planned soon with the hope of returning these men at last to their waiting families. My husband searches for the dead; I search for the living. For 20 years, I have helped families of helicopter crewmembers killed in Vietnam to find veterans who served with their loved ones - I affectionately call them “my dead guys.” There are over 400 of them. Some of their family mem-bers have become my best friends. I took a list of “my dead guys” to Vietnam. Winding up a high mountain road with breathtaking views, I took out my list and read each name to myself, thinking of their families, of their young lives, and of how things have changed since they shed their blood in Vietnam. I wanted each of them to be remembered in that place, in a time of peace. We, their families, and their buddies, will never forget them. In memory of Hubia J. Guillory, age 20; Daniel M. Kelley, age 20; David L. Scott, age 21; Donald P. Gervais, age 35; Richard D. Martin, age 31; Warren T. Whitmire Jr., age 32; and my brother, David R. Kink, age 19. Thank you Karl and Julie for sharing your thoughts and feeling as a member of the Gold Star Families.

While shopping at my local food store several days ago, they were soliciting funds for Veterans Organizations. As I had never heard of the three they were peddling, I declined until I could do some more research. In so doing I discovered a web site called Charity Navigator located at http://www.charitynavigator.org. Two of the three were not listed and the 3rd received a so so rating. So I offer this as a possible avenue to use as a research tool when you decide to whom you donate your hard earned monies.

Received my Saber today and was saddened to see in the Taps Section the name of COL (Ret) George R. Giles. COL Giles was the Battalion Commander of the Training Brigade when I joined them as a newly minted 2nd Lieutenant in April of 1969. I remember calling on him at his house at Fort Benning and the Silver Platter was exactly where my Officer’s Guide said it would be – in the foyer of his home. I placed probably the only card that I ever used on that platter. A number of years ago I tried to find him, to no avail. He was the Reviewer on the first of many OER’s and gave me high marks. I thought him an excellent commander and fine officer. He served with the 229th AHB in Vietnam and I still remember seeing that big yellow combat patch on his fatigues. Garryowen COL Giles!

The Patriot’s Almanac provides the following: 25 June 1917, ships carrying the AEF approach the shores of France; 25 June 1950, the Korean War starts; 4 July 1802, West Point opens; 4 July 1959, Alaska becomes the 49th state; 4 July 1960, Hawaii becomes the 50th state; 6 July 1976, the Naval Academy admits their first women Midshipmen; 25 July 1951, my wife Juliane is born in Hillsdale, MI; 15 December 1791, The Bill of Rights are added to the United States Constitution.

If there are any former Jarheads who later saw the light and joined the United States Army, this next bit of information might be of interest. From the 1950s through the 1980s, people living or working at the U.S. Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, were potentially exposed to drinking water contaminated with industrial solvents, benzene, and other chemicals. You may be eligible for VA health benefits if you served on active duty (Veterans) or resided (family members) at Camp Lejeune for 30 days or more between August 1, 1953 and December 31, 1987: Veterans who are determined to be eligible will be able to receive VA health care. In addition, care for qualifying health conditions is pro-vided at no cost to the Veteran (including copayments). Eligible family members may receive reimbursement for out-of-pocket medical expenses incurred from the treatment of qualifying health conditions after all other health insurance is applied. See more at: <www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/camp-lejeune>.

As I begin to wind down my duties as your reporter, I have been consolidating the many years of files that have accrued when I was your Secretary. Hundreds of troopers have joined the 7th Cavalry Association during the time frame that Jim Brigham and I were serving as your elected officers. My duties as Secretary were to take each application and make up a membership packet and send it off to the newest member. Sometimes in the short time frame from applying and processing, a trooper moved on without leaving a forwarding address. I would like to get the membership packets to the following soldiers. I will list their name and the city where the packet was sent in the hope that they or someone who knows them can give me their correct address. Gregory D. Moore, Killeen, TX; Carlos A. Pope, Dallas, TX; Robert Blakey, Killeen, TX; Jimmy Fuente, Jr., Killeen, TX; and Johnnie I. Rivera, Merriville, IN.

Marc Levy who served as a Medic in D 1/7 in ’69 and ’70 sends us this. Continued on pg. 15

8th CAV NewsJULY/AUGUST 2016

Thomas J. De Young3439 Brooklyn Ave

Port Charlotte, FL 33952-7211(616) 719-0223

[email protected]

saberHi again,The 69th An-

nual 1st Cavalry Division Asso-ciation reunion is now history,

and by all accounts is was a great success. Those of us from the 8th Cavalry Regiment Association who attended thoroughly enjoyed the gathering. It was a wonderful opportunity to see old friends and share times long past. One of the highlights or our 8th Cav Luncheon was a talk by Jim Comstock, MG, USA (Retired). Formerly at CENTCOM, Jim spoke of the great soldiers serving in our Army today: their dedication, their professionalism, their pride in service. His uplifting message made us all proud to be associated with these fine service members. He stated how large the 1st Cavalry Division is today – some 26,000 members serve around the globe on rotations to Afghanistan, Korea, Europe, and elsewhere. Their selfless service in very difficult environments, with worn out equipment and shortages of necessary repair parts that demand long hours and “doing more with less” are hallmarks of their professionalism. It reminds us to support them at every opportunity, to make their needs known to our elected officials and insist that they provide whatever it is these fine troopers require in order to accomplish their assigned missions.

Steve (Boz) F. Bosma, COL, USA (Retired) gave a presentation on the Re-public of Korea’s “Revisit Korea Tour” in which he participated. I wrote about Steve’s trip a couple of issues back. This tour, subsidized by the ROK, is now open to those of you who served in Korea from October 16, 1954 to the present with priority to those who are “War Veterans.” ROK covers in-country hotel & meal costs; complete information and other costs for these tours for those of you who are interested can be found at: <https://www.miltours.com/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=67>.

SGT Harold Sparks of Seattle, Washington was assigned to Company L, 3/8th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division, when his unit was attacked near Unsan, North Korea in 1950 by the Chinese Peoples’ Volunteer Forces. Like so many others, this 21 year-old trooper was captured and taken to a POW camp – from there, his whereabouts remained unknown for a time. As his name did not appear on any list provided by the North Koreans in 1951, he was declared dead. Five other prisoners later reported that he had died in captivity. His remains were among more than 200 that were found during recovery operations between 1996 and 2005 and were finally identified by scientists from the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency and the Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory in Hawaii. SGT Sparks remains were returned to his family and he was buried June 16th in Kent, Washington. May he rest in peace (RIP). DPAA states that 7,817 Americans remain unaccounted

for from that War.I wrote in the last issue of SABER about several recent articles and TV specials

have caused me to ponder what has been happening to our military over the past few years and wonder what you think. Interestingly, this response comes from COL Robert Kies, USA (Retired), on just one of those topics: “I fully agree with your comments with reference to the latest fiasco allowing assignment of female soldiers to the Infantry Branch. I feel it is the epitome of stupidity! Having served as a rifle platoon leader in Korea and survived the onslaught at Unsan, although I was wounded twice and captured by the CCF because broken and fractured legs rendered me immobile, I cringe at the thought if there had been even one female soldier to worry about and to protect with the tough combat we experienced. I hope in the not too distant future saner minds will reverse this pitiful decision... I am certainly thankful to be retired, as command under these developing situations is a frightening thought.” Thanks for your insightful com-ments, Bob. Now, if any others of you have had a chance to read the articles I cited and would like to voice your opinions, I would like to hear from you. If you want to spout off, that’s fine, too, but know I will edit your comments to keep them “fit for publication.” As I wrote previously, we all know that there are many combat assignments in which our female service members serve with great courage and distinction. The Infantry is not one of them that is appropriate in this columnist’s opinion and experience as a Combat Infantryman. Now that I think about it, in this context “Infantry – The Queen of Battle” sounds a bit odd, doesn’t it? I’ve read that it actually comes from the game of chess. One of the theories on the selection of the queen as symbol of the branch lies in the queen’s dominance of a chessboard where she enjoys much more freedom of movement than any other piece. Her position as the most powerful and versatile piece on the board is indeed analogous to the role of the Infantry on the battlefield. Like the Infantry, it is she who may well determine the final outcome. The queen is the only piece on a chess board that can move in any direction and take on any other piece. Infantry – Queen of Battle!

Tommy Harris, our 8th Cavalry Association President, made several appoint-ments to fill vacancies within the organization in accordance with our By-Laws. Required Officers in the Association according to these by-laws are: President,

SGT Harold Sparks

Vice President, Secretary, and Trea-surer. Also required are a minimum of five Directors on the Board (these may also serve as Officers). Elec-tions for these and other positions will be held at the Columbus reunion next year, but unexpected vacancies required this action in the interim. The following are the Officers and Directors of our 8th Cavalry Regi-ment Association: Tommy Harris, President, Director; Tom De Young, Vice President, Director, Chaplain, Saber Columnist; Al Rackley, Sec-retary, Director, Web Master; Skip Saylor, Treasurer, Director; Larry Hempfling, Director, Chairman of the Board, Quartermaster; Bert Johnson, Director; Jim Beck, Director; John Pike, Sergeant at Arms. Association

Historian is VacantIn addition to his other responsibilities, Tommy has been very busy with prepa-

rations for our 2017 Reunion to be held in Columbus/Fort Benning, Georgia. He signed the contract with the Doubletree Motel, located right across the highway from the airport. They will have a shuttle for that and other trips around the hotel. The room rate is $95 + tax. There is free parking for cars & RVs. The room rate includes a full breakfast each day and is served from 06:00. The rate is good for 3 days before and after our scheduled dates of 17-21 May 2017. You can make reservations any time now online or by phone: 706-327-6868 or <www.doubletree3.hilton.com>. Side trips in the planning stage include Camp Sumter at Andersonville the largest Confederate Prison Camp in Georgia, a National Historic Site. It had 45,000 prisoners during the Civil War including the 13,000 who died while in captivity. Today, Andersonville National Historic Site is a memorial to all American prisoners of war throughout the nation’s history. The visit to Fort Benning was a big highlight during our last reunion there and will be again I am certain. The new Infantry Museum will be on Saturday’s agenda. The evening banquet will be held at the Infantry Museum as we did the last time. MG Ed Scholes, USA, Retired, has graciously agreed to be our speaker. As some of you might recall, Ed commanded Angry Skipper during the time some of us served in Vietnam.

August 9th is the 49th anniversary of the beginning of the Song Re Valley op-eration during which the battle at LZ Pat played a significant role. I remember that operation quite vividly as it was my first combat assault as a newly minted platoon leader. It was also the first time I stood out on the skids on final approach to an LZ but was not to be the last. Many of you have written and much has been written about this operation. Jim Beck has posted the After Action Report for that operation and several others at: <https://plus.google.com/collection/4II7ZB>. Scroll down the collection to peruse them. It’s a little peculiar how much one of our fellow troopers pictured there resembles Leonardo DiCaprio. Or does he?

Sometimes recognition is a long time in coming. This was certainly true for Bill Botts who was recently awarded a Bronze Star with “V” device for his heroic actions thirty-five years ago. The citation reads: “For valorous achievement on 20 April 1971, while as-signed as a Platoon Leader in Company D, 8th Cavalry, 3d Brigade (Separate), 1st Cavalry Division in the Republic of Vietnam. While on a ground reconnaissance mission, First Lieutenant Bott’s platoon was engaged with small arms fire, mines and rockets from a large enemy force concealed in fortified bunkers. Although wounded in the initial en-gagement and with his lead squad in severe distress, First Lieutenant Botts, under continuous enemy fire, effectively deployed his men to return suppressive fire in order to retrieve his wounded soldiers. He remained in the platoon’s most forward position directly engaging the enemy with rifle fire until all of his men were withdrawn into the Company’s defensive perimeter. Only then did he withdraw from his own position while still under fire. First Lieutenant Bott’s performance of duty is in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.”

Someone recently said that life is like a roll of toilet paper – the closer you get to the end the faster it goes. It surely is true as we get older. It’s hard to believe that it is already the 4th of July as of this writing. I have several projects planned around my summer home in Michigan before returning to the Florida residence around November 1st. Here’s hoping that the projects get done before the summer runs out. I’m not betting on it though. At this point in retirement, one applies the old Spanish Proverb to so many days: “How beautiful it is to do nothing – and rest after!” Honor and Courage!

Tommy (Smiley) Harris

Congressman Steve Chabot presents the awardto Bill Botts

New MembersContinued from pg. 3E-4 FLORES, FRANCISCO A. FL B 228AVN 8609MAJ GEORGE, MILAN SR. TX E 1-7C 90PFC GOLDEN, WILLIAM M.. PA 15QM 5006

SPC GOLLMAN, WILMER FL C 2-7C 0003E-8 GRANADO, DANIEL K. TX E 1-12C 6805MAJ GRAY, NELSON TX 1CDH 1507E-5 GREENE, CHARLES D. NC B 15TC 68SSG HALE-BATES, JERVON TX 82FA 1104

MAJ HAMRICK, MATT TX 1-227AVN 1301SFC HASLACH, DAVID TX HHC 2-5C 08E-4 HEATH, BOBBIE OK 11AVN 65SGT HESS, LARRY L. OR C 1-7C 6805Continued on pg. 10

9th CAV NewsJULY/AUGUST 2016saber

Michael W. Bond3014 Northridge Rd.

Hardy, VA [email protected]

(540) 815-5004

Mike Bond is having some health issues and is currently in the hospital and asked us to insert a little history of the 9th Cavalry for this issue of

SABER. We hope that Mike gets better soon.On 15 September 1965, the 1st Squadron, 9th Cavalry arrived in the Republic

of Vietnam and began operations as the divisional air cavalry squadron for the 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile). The 1st Squadron, 9th Cavalry participated in such pivotal battles as the Ia Drang Valley, Khe Sahn, Binh Dinh, and Quang Tri. The Squadron was the first unit of the 1st Cavalry Division to capture North Vietnamese soldiers with C Troop taking three prisoners on 30 October near Pleiku. The 1st Squadron, 9th Cavalry remained in Vietnam until 28 June 1971. During their time in Vietnam, elements of the 1st Squadron, 9th Cavalry earned 14 campaign streamers, 3 Presidential Unit Citations, 5 Valorous Unit Citations, and the reputation as one of the finest combat units in Vietnam. It is estimated that the 1st Squadron, 9th Cavalry was responsible for 50 percent of all enemy soldiers killed by the 1st Cavalry Division during the war. It was for this reason that the Squadron earned the nickname “The Headhunters.” Two troopers of the 1st Squadron, 9th Cavalry earned the Medal of Honor in Vietnam. 1LT Robert L. Poxon, B Troop, was awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously for his actions on 2 June 1969, in the Tay Ninh Province; and SGT Donald S. Skidgel, D Troop, was awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously for actions near Bong Son, Vietnam on 14 September 1969. LTC John B. Stockton, commander of the 3rd Battalion, 17th Cavalry Regiment, is given credit for establishing the tradition of wearing the Cavalry Stetson, much to the chagrin of the Division command group. By the time the 11th Air Assault Division was redesignated the 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile) the members of his unit, the 1st Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment, were wearing the hat. LTC Stockton transferred the “Cav Hat” tradition to the 1st Cavalry Division in Vietnam. By the end of the Vietnam War, many air and ground units were wearing the hat. The tradition was continued after Vietnam and has become the standard for all cavalry units in the Army. Hollywood honored the Squadron in its fictional portrayal of an attack on a communist base camp in the film Apocalypse Now.

During the Squadron’s time in Vietnam it was 100 percent mobile with organic transport, which included nearly 100 helicopters. The unit had three air cavalry troops, and each troop had an aero scout platoon, an aero weapons platoon, and an aero rifle platoon. The mission of the aero scout platoon was to find the enemy. Until 1968, these platoons used OH-13 observation helicopters but by mid-1968 those ships were replaced by the faster, more maneuverable OH-6A Light Observation Helicopter (LOH). The scouts would skim low over the terrain searching for any sign of enemy movement or activity. The scouts were referred to as the “White” platoon. The aero weapons, or “Red” platoon, were initially made up of UH-1B (Huey) gunships until they were replaced by the AH-1G Cobra gunships in 1968. Armed with rockets, miniguns, and grenade launchers the “Red” gunships joined with the “White” scout ships to form the “Pink” team which made up the basic working unit of the squadron in Vietnam. The aero rifle platoon (Blues) complemented the aerial reconnaissance capabilities of the “Pink Team by providing ground reconnaissance. Transported by Huey slicks the Blues could be quickly inserted to check sightings by the aerial observer, assess the damage inflicted by the gunships, and pursue the enemy. The Squadron’s fourth troop, Delta Troop, was a ground cavalry unit with three platoons mounted on wheeled vehicles.

After Vietnam, the Squadron returned to Fort Hood, Texas with the rest of the 1st Cavalry Division and served as divisional recon squadron until 16 October 1986, when it was inactivated. On 25 November, 1992, the 1st Squadron, 9th Cavalry was reactivated, reorganized as a mechanized infantry battalion, redesignated as the 1st Battalion, 9th Cavalry and assigned to the 1st Cavalry Division as part of the 3rd Brigade. The Battalion continued to be called upon for hard missions and completed deployments to the Emirate of Kuwait for Exercise Intrinsic Action and highly successful National Training Center rotations in July 1993, January 1996, and December 1997.

Troop D, 9th Cavalry was reconstituted, reorganized, and redesignated on 19 March 1969 as Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 4th Squadron, 9th Cavalry, and was subsequently reactivated. Its organic elements were concurrently constituted and activated. On 16 March 1987, the 4th Squadron, 9th Cavalry was moved to Fort Lewis, Washington, and was assigned to the 9th Infantry Division (Motorized) as the divisional reconnaissance squadron. In 1991 the squadron was inactivated along with the rest of the 9th Infantry Division.

On 1 December 1957 F Troop, 9th Cavalry was reconstituted in the Regular Army as Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 6th Reconnaissance Squadron, 9th Cavalry. It was redesignated on 30 June 1971 as Troop F, 9th Cavalry, assigned to the 1st Cavalry Division, and activated in Vietnam.

Troop F, 9th Cavalry became the brigade reconnaissance troop for 3rd Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division on 20 April 1999. This activation was part of the transformation of the 1st Cavalry Division to the US Army’s Force XXI force structure. Between 2001 and 2004, the unit deployed with 3rd Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division in support of both Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.

On 20 September 2002, as part of the US Army’s Force XXI force structure, Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 4th Squadron, 9th Cavalry was reorganized and redesignated as D Troop, 9th Cavalry, reactivated and assigned to 2nd Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division. There it served as the Brigade’s reconnaissance troop. The troop deployed with elements of the 2nd Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division to both Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom between 2001 and 2004.

The Headhunters of the 1st Battalion, 9th Cavalry Regiment began deployment to Iraq in September 2003 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, arriving there in early 2004. There they operated in a very complex environment, assisting Iraqi institutions (Neighborhood councils, Iraqi National Guard, Iraqi police, etc), and facilitating quality of life improvements for the Iraqi people. During the deployment, Task Force 1-9th Cavalry soldiers operated in one of the most dangerous sections of the Iraqi capital, including Sadr City. Two companies from 1-9th Cavalry were working with other Task Forces. Task Force 1-9th

Cavalry consisted of C/1-9th Cavalry, HHC/1-9th Cavalry, C/1-153rd Infantry (from the Arkansas NG), A/8th Engineer Battalion, A/215th Forward Support Battalion, along with a PSYOPs and a Civil Affairs Team (both Army reserve units out of Florida and Texas respectfully).

Task Force 1-9th Cavalry was located in downtown Baghdad, subordinate to 3rd Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division. Their area contained slums and lower to upper class neighborhoods. The dense urban terrain meant that the Headhunters had to do a whole lot of dismounted patrolling. The Task Force had been engaged in numerous combat actions. These included reacting to enemy ambushes, hasty attacks on enemy ambush positions, and numerous cordon and search operations to capture terrorists, insurgents, and gangsters. The enemy had employed Improvised Explosive devices, RPGs, mortar fire, small arms, and hand grenades against patrols. Task Force 1-9th Cavalry soldiers did very well against these attacks due to their high level of training, protective equipment, and courage under fire.

Unfortunately, Task Force 1-9th Cavalry suffered some casualties while conducting the mission. By early July 2004, there were over 30 soldiers wounded and 2 killed. Specialist Miranda (from C/1-153rd Infantry) was killed on 19 May 2004 by an IED in a small alley. It also seriously injured 3 others, Specialist Crawford, Specialist Kuykendall, and Specialist Phillips (all 3 were evacuated to the United States). Specialist Pannell (also from C/1-153rd Infantry) was severely injured during a hand grenade attack and was also evacuated to the United States. He and Specialist Phillips went to Walter Reed to recover. Specialist Heines (from C/1-9th Cavalry) was killed when an RPG struck his HMMWV during a night engagement with insurgents. The rest of the wounded were able to return to duty within a few days.

To improve quality of life and make contact with the locals, Task Force 1-9th Cavalry conducted patrols to assess essential services in the city, electricity, water, sewage, and trash removal. The soldiers used these patrols to develop positive relationships with the people and see how they could help them. They also made sure the Iraqi civilians got to hear our side of the story. If the Iraqis were capable of seeing that the US soldiers were genuine in their desire to help them, they would have dropped their support for insurgents, or even better, started providing more information to the coalition.

As part of the Army’s transformation towards a modular force, the 1st Battalion, 9th Cavalry was inactivated and relieved from assignment to the 1st Cavalry Division on 14 July 2005 at Fort Hood. It was reorganized and redesignated as the 1st Squadron, 9th Cavalry and was reactivated on 18 October 2005 as the organic cavalry squadron assigned to the 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division at Fort Bliss, Texas. Additionally, the 4th Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment was activated and assigned to the 2nd Brigade Combat Team and the 6th Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment was activated and assigned to the 3rd Brigade Combat Team.

In October 2006, the 1st Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment conducted their second deployment to Iraq out of Fort Bliss, Texas, and were detached from the 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division and attached to elements of the 25th Infantry Division. Upon returning from that deployment, the 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division was inactivated at Fort Bliss, Texas and its personnel reflagged as the 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division. The 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division was inactivated and reflagged as the 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, which, along with 1-9th Cavalry, was subsequently reactivated at Fort Hood, Texas.

During Operation Iraqi Freedom 06-08, the 4th Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment “Darkhorse” deployed with Black Jack to Baghdad, Iraq, where it secured the International Zone; the area of central Baghdad that is home to the U.S. Embassy, Iraqi Council of Representatives, and numerous other Iraqi and Coalition governmental offices. The squadron’s responsibilities were later expanded to conduct counterinsurgency operations throughout the Karkh District.

The 6th Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment deployed to support Operation Iraqi Freedom 06-08 in 2007 along with the rest of the 3rd Brigade Combat Team which was responsible for the Diyala Province and the capital city of Baqubah and conducted operations in the Sala ah Din Province.

From June 2008 until June 2009, 1-9th Cavalry deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom 08-10. Operating initially in Southern Babil Province, the Squadron changed missions after deploying and was tasked with disrupting lethal smuggling from Iran to Iraq in the Maysan Province. Alongside the Iraqi Border Guards, the Squadron helped to secure 251 kilometers of border with Iran. The Head Hunter’s efforts significantly disrupted enemy smuggling and helped reduce attacks on coalition Soldiers across Iraq.

In December of 2008 the 6-9th Cavalry again deployed with the “Grey Wolf” Brigade, this time to the Nenewa Province in northern Iraq. The 3rd BCT conducted full-spectrum operations to neutralize elements and to improve security, stimulate economic growth, and create enduring stability.

In 2009 the 4th Squadron, 9th Cavalry again deployed to Iraq, this time to Kirkuk Province for OIF 09-10, where it was responsible for the security, stability, and reconstruction of the Daquq district and the Taza, Laylan, and Rashaad sub-districts. The squadronpartnered with the 15th Iraqi Army Brigade and Iraqi police from each of its districts to conduct area security and stability operations for an operating environment of over 3,000 square kilometers. The squadron also helped to balance ethnic tensions through the training and equipping Iraqi security forces, improvement of essential services, and the support and promotion of the legitimate government.

In 2011 the 4-9th Cavalry deployed a third time to Iraq, in support of Operation New Dawn and also deployed with the 2nd BCT to Afghanistan 0m 2013 to support Operation Enduring Freedom.

Redesignated as 1st Battalion, 9th Cavalry Regiment and reorganized as a combined arms battalion the 1-9th Cavalry was relieved of its assignment to the 4th BCT which was inactived and assigned to the 2nd BCT on 17 October 2013. The Headhunters deployed to Korea for a nine-month deployment along with the rest of the 2nd Brigade Combat Team in 2015.

Today the 9th Cavalry Regiment is represented by the 1st Battalion, 9th Cavalry which is a combined arms battalion and assigned to the 2nd Brigade Combat Team; and two Armored Reconnaissance Squadrons, the 4th Squadron assigned to the 2nd BCT and the 6th Squadron assigned to the 3rd BCT.

30th FA News“HARD CHARGERS”

Daniel P. Gillotti4204 Berkeley Dr.

Sheffield Village, OH 44054(440) 934-1750

[email protected]

JULY/AUGUST 2016 saberHard Char-

ger News: The weather is spec-tacular here on the shores of Lake Erie. We were very fortu-

nate as our winter weather was not as brutal as many we’ve had in the past years. The corn will be ready for picking within the next few weeks and we cannot wait to eat some of those lovely ears dripping in butter. Yum! Yum!

Hard Charger Condolences: COL (R) Raymond A. Smith [B-30th FA, Ft Bragg, NC 1945-46 & HHB, 550th FA Rocket Bn., Fort Bliss, TX 1957-58]; COL (R) Wesley Geary [30th FA Association Chaplain 2010-2016]; PFC Gary McKay [A-1-30th FA Vietnam 1965-66]; 1LT David W. Akers [C-1-30th FA Vietnam 1965-66]; SP4 Jonathan W. Woods [HHB-1-30th FA Vietnam 1969-70]; MAJ James Fleming [SVC-30th FA, Germany 1953-55]. Also, over the years we’ve lost several of our Active Duty soldiers assigned to the 1st Bn, 30th FA at Fort Sill including; SGT Angel Aponte, 7-19-1995; PVT Tron R. Boone, 3-6-1996; CPT Michael J. Pelkey, 11-5-2004; CPL Matthew C. Bryant, 11-14-2004; 2LT Robert E. Hayes, 2-25-2006; CPT Conan A. Gray, 10-6-2011; 2LT Ryan C. Yancey, 8-24-2012; SGT Bryan C. Comaduran, 10-31-2013; and CPT George J. Alsfelder, 5-8-2016. May all of these Hard Chargers Rest in Peace!

2016 Annual Hard Charger Reunion at Fort Sill, OK: Theresa and I arrived in Lawton, Oklahoma on Monday, June 6. Then on Tuesday, 7 June we went shopping for the Hospitality Suite along with assistance from some of our early arrivals. We swarmed all over a giant Wal-Mart and filled 3 shopping carts with goodies including: paper/plastic products, cookies, chips, dip, pretzels, energy bars, crackers, cheese, beer, pop, water, booze, and ice. After getting the refresh-ments unloaded, Chuck Causey our Quartermaster set up all of the hats, T-shirts, pullover shirts, pins, patches, and hats for sale. I set out all of the 150 pounds of picture binders for our members to look thru. And thanks to our members we now have “never before seen pictures” to add to the binders. The party lasted until late in the morning and a good time was had by all.

On Wednesday morning we went to Fort Sill and held our General Member-ship Meeting in our 30th Field Artillery Regiment Regimental Room located in Room #114 [Known officially as the 1SG Thomas J. Vernor Auditorium]. The important aspects of the meeting included the election of officers for the next two-year cycle. For the good of the association, I declined re-election as Presi-dent, and nominated COL (R) Theodore Janosko to succeed me as the President of our association. For information, 2018 will mark the 100th Anniversary of

the organization of the 30th Field Artillery Regiment at Camp Funston, Kansas in August 1918. These next two years will be focused on organizing an appro-priate series of events to celebrate this 100th Anniversary. It will require our Association President along with our new Honorary Colonel of the Regiment, COL (R) Frank J. Siltman [Director of all museums at Fort Sill] to participate in the planning and organizing process along with the new Commander of the 1-30th FA, LTC James Egan. It would be impossible for me to commute 2,400 miles round trip every time there was a meeting. Both COL Janosko and COL Siltman live in Lawton and can easily attend all of the meetings. They have at least 50+ years of combined experience dealing with the hierarchy at Fort Sill. COL Janosko served as the 30th FA Regimental Commander from 1998-2000. Later, he also served as the Honorary Colonel of the 30th FA Regiment for 3 years. COL Siltman served as the Battalion Commander of 3-30th FA at Fort Sill from 2003-2005, and is now the current Honorary Colonel of the 30th FA Regiment. I agreed to be nominated as the 1st VP, and was elected to replace CSM (R) John A. Hoetker. He is now serving a three-year tour as the Honorary Sergeant Major of the 30th FA Regiment. Additionally, CW3 (R) Jon A. Fiz-zell was appointed as the Honorary Warrant Officer of the Regiment. Danny Mitchell was re-elected as the 2nd VP, Darrell Comer remains as the Member-ship Chairman, John Dynes remains as the Newsletter Editor and Bereavement Officer, James G. Harris remains as the Association Treasurer, Saverio Grimaldi remains as the Webmaster. Pat Little remains as the Veterans Services Officer, I remain as the Historian and Immediate Past President, and LTC James Egan

is the Ex Officio Member of the Board. We have an open vacancy to replace Chaplain Geary who will be sorely missed. He also served as the Chaplain for 1st Infantry Division Association.

Following this meeting we held our annual Memorial Service with the reading of the names of all of our deceased Hard Chargers dating back to 1918 for those who succumbed to the deadly Spanish Influenza, our WWII Hard Chargers, our Vietnam Hard Chargers, members of the Active Duty 1-30th FA dating back to 1995, and those Hard Chargers who died since our 2015 Reunion. We then held the presentation of pins commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War. Each member was given a pin, a Proclamation Certificate, and a brochure explain-ing the pin. This was followed by a barbeque luncheon in our Regimental Room. We then boarded passenger vans and headed out to Moway Range for a live fire artillery shoot. The first event was the naming of the three howitzers that would be doing the shooting. The A-1-30th FA M109 155mm SP was named “ANGRY ANGEL” and the cutout stencil on the barrel was sprayed by the former A-1-30th FA 1LT Brian Weaver (RVN 69-70). The B-1-30th FA M177 towed 155mm was named “BARBARIAN BUNNY” and the cutout stencil on the barrel was sprayed by the former B-1-30th FA 1LT Darrell Comer (RVN 69-70), and the C-1-30th FA M119 towed 105mm Howitzer was named “CHARGIN’ CHARLIE”. A total of 90 rounds were fired and were easily ob-served by everyone pres-ent. All Field Artillerymen at one time or another know what can be seen from the firing points at the Moway Range. And they also know what Signal Mountain looks like. A good time was had by everyone who at-tended this demonstration. At 6PM most everyone went out the Ted and Marilyn Janosko’s beautiful house for a Pool Party which consisted of drinks and some great snacks. We then went to Marilyn and Ted’s church hall for a very nice dinner. Later in the evening our hospitality suite was packed and everyone was having a great time. We had to call a time-out once per hour while all of the empty powder canisters and unused powder bags were disposed of. Battles and attacks in Vietnam were fought and re-fought several times throughout the evening. By about 1AM, the suite was closed, and folks headed for their bunks.

On Thursday morning 9 June most everyone boarded the passenger vans and we traveled to Duncan, Oklahoma to the Chisholm Trail Heritage Museum. This is a beautiful place to visit as you virtually go back in time and learn how and why the Chisholm Trail came about. The historians are well versed in every aspect of life on the trail back in the 1870’s, and the men who made that history. The rest of Thursday was free-time and folks went in all directions. Theresa and I went to the casinos and she won some money. That night the suite was packed, and a good time was had by all.

On Friday morning 10 June the Change of Command Ceremony was executed at the Polo Field where LTC Jeremy Jelly relinquished command of the 1-30th FA to LTC James Egan. Then at 6PM we opened the festivities at the Patriot’s Club that included the presentation of St. Barbara Medals to: Tim Bauer, Kerry Hage-man, Steve Long, and Brian Weaver. Also, Molly Pitcher medals were presented to: Lorraine Bauer and Nancy Long. Additionally, LTC Jelly was presented with a framed miniature set of 1-30th FA Battalion Colors. Also, an 11” bronze statue of a WWII soldier and an 11” bronze statue of a Vietnam soldier, both mounted on walnut bases with the names of our KIAs were presented to LTC James Egan for display in the 1-30th FA Battalion Headquarters. We also presented Life Memberships to the following members of the Active Duty 1-30th FA: LTC James M. Egan, CW5 Dallas Whitney, MAJ Michael G. Dolan, MAJ Lucas D. Slinker, MAJ Adam T. Schultz, MAJ Eric W. Pickelsimer, CPT David B. Nance, CPT Jed A. Fisher, CPT Timothy J. Thomas, 1LT Roderick Palmer, CSM Randy D. Thornton, 1SG Jarvis M. Dunham, 1SG Aaron L. Griffing, and Mr. Robert W. Roshell.Following these presentations, we held our World Famous Auction in which we raised close to $2,500. While we were enjoying our steak dinners, we were serenaded by a musical ensamble from the 77th Army Band. Those Hard Chargers who came for our reunion included: Ted & Marilyn Janosko, Brian Weaver, John & Sue Hoetker, Stephen & Paula Burke, John & Carole Cashmer, Darryl & Diane Dunkelberger, Steve & Nancy Long, Kerry Hageman, Charles Causey, Dan & Theresa Gillotti, Smoke & Hella Wilfong, Randy Carleton & Patti Lomanno, Gary & Marcella Sawall, John Dynes, Bill Dynes, Jack Dynes, Tom Valentine, Tom & Brenda Pullen, Joe & Marion Fleming, Dan & Susan Mitchell, Tim & Lorraine Bauer, Pat Little & Sandi Keith, Wayne & Jill Crabtree, Darrell Comer, Jim Harris, Bob Waldron, Don & Joyce Corbin, Frank & Bobbie Hilburn, Vernon & Mary Ann Sauter, Lee & Claudia Palmer, Bob & Mary Lee Wilkinson, and Wilson Jefferson.

Our 2017 Reunion will be held at Lake George, New York next June. Stay tuned for more specific information as it unfolds.

This is Hard Charger 9G ~ End of Mission ~ Out! Dan Gillotti

Former CPT Darrell Comer spraying Barbarian Bunny on the tube of a 155mm Howitzer

Hard Chargers viewing our Vietnam Wall

New MembersContinued from pg. 8SP-5 HOOVER, CHUCK NV C 1- 12 6610SP4 HORNBUCKLE, WILLIAM F. NY H 75INF 7110E-5 HRYNDA, DAVID S. FL 1CDH 6312SP-4 JESKY, THMOTHY D. MI HQ 8ENG 6912PV2 JONES, ELIJAH U. TX D 4-9C 162LT KALKMAN, DONALD W JR MD HQ 2-19FA 6309E-5 KOYL, NELSON CA B 2-5C 6705

LTC LAGEMAN, JASON J TX HHB DIVARTY 1601MR. LAW, JAMES MO E 1-7C 9010MR. MARK, ROY 135 L ASSOCCSM (RET) MARRS, DOUGLAS R. NC A 2-8C 65SPC MARTINEZ, QUI TOMAS TX HHB DIVARTY 1601MAJ (RET) MORNING, JOHN C. FL B 2-8C 0305SGT MORRISON, BRYAN TX C 6-9C 1507

COL NEWLAND, ERIC J. TX 15BSB 0801SGT PATERWADE, JOSEPH D. TX 1CDH 1506SP-4 PATTERSON, THOMAS GA A 229AVN 6812CPT PIERSON, MATTHEW TX B 6-9C 1407E-4 POHLER, BRANDON TX A 7-17C 15SPC RAPER, SCOTT M. CA D 1-227AVN 9305SPC RAWLS, SHAWNDALL R. TX 1CDH 1507SFC RIVERA, PETER TX 82FA 1101E-4 RUSSELL, CRAIG A. IN C 82FA 9311Continued on pg. 13

27th ORD/MNT/MSB/BSB NewsEd Jones

38 Sedgwick RdOswego, IL 60543-8907


JULY/AUGUST 2016saberWhat a great re-

union in Las Vegas. Kudos to the Nevada Chapter and the co-ordination with the 1st Cavalry Division Association. If there

were hitches, I was not aware of any. Good show!The 27th was well represented. Diane Johnston ‘72-’73, James Copeland ‘78-

’80, former Association President Jerry Eller ‘72-’73, Gail Porter ‘98-’00, Phil Sparks ‘66-’67, Joe Viggiano ‘68-’69 and daughter/husband Yolanda and Javier Rios, Ron ‘68-’69 and Bert Stokes, Rolly Koreski ‘67-’68 and son Creighton, Nelson Cardona ‘70-’71 with his cousins and nephew, Jack Robak ‘70-’71, Gary Maddox ‘68-’70, and me ‘68-’70 with my wife Lendy.

Several people have provided pictures and with limited Saber space I will include four with this article. Picture 1 was at the Unit luncheon. Pictured L/R Rolly Koreski, Nelson Cardona, Ed Jones, Gail Porter, Ron Stokes, Joe Viggiano, Jack Robak, and Phil Sparks. Picture 2 is of Joe and Yolanda (Rios) Viggiano with Ron Stokes. Picture 3 is Rolly Koreski and Gail Porter and Picture 4 is Rolly with Nelson Cardona. I will try to include other pictures throughout future Saber issues.

If you didn’t attend, you missed out on a lot. Start planning for the next re-union, 7-11 J u n e 2 0 1 7 , at Fort Hood and/or West Virginia in 2018. While we’re at it, don’t forget about the DC Veterans Day and Veterans Day dinner November 11.

Check Saber for more information on reunions.Barry Roberts, B Det ‘69-’70, recently requested a copy of “The History 27th

Maintenance Battalion in Vietnam” that was researched and put together by John Ramsden (XO, ‘68-’69). I called Barry and had a nice talk. He and his wife are going to Austin and on their way back will be stopping by Fort Hood.

I also heard from Mike Kelly, MSD, ‘69-’70 with the same request for a copy of the history. When John sent it out Mike immediately went to his era. In 1970 one of the major projects was inspection, repair and replacement of M-16’s with exces-sive bore corrosion and damage. Our small arms people were on every available flight to take care of this problem. Mike was one of these people. He logged over 300 hours of flight time throughout the CAV AO. Along the way, he also helped several Marine units with mostly M-14 repairs, “requisitions” and ammo to sup-port such. Mike is very proud of his small arms repair section at Phouc Vinh, and

rightfully so. Thank you for all you did, Mike.

I also heard from Paul Ingevaldson, MSD, ‘69-’70, FA-DAC repair special-ist. Mike recently attended a show at Cantigny Park, Winfield, Illinois. Cantigny is a must see for anyone liv-ing in or visiting the Chicago area. It was founded by the Chicago Tribune founder, COL Rob-ert R. McCormick, an officer of the 1st

Infantry Division in World War I and a veteran of the fighting at Cantigny. The park is a beautiful wooded area. The grounds have WWI (and newer) vehicles and other memorabilia. Inside the museum is scale replica of a trench warfare battlefield. Visit <www.cantigny.org>.

Paul was there for a presentation by authors Doug Bradley and Craig Werner who wrote “We Gotta Get Out of This Place - The soundtrack of the Vietnam War.” Paul writes:

“The presentation covers music we all listened to during the war. They tell stories of the recollections of Vietnam vets and how the music helped us through some of the tough spots. It was amazing to participate with a bunch of 70 year old vets singing “We Gotta Get Out of the Place”, “Leaving on a Jet Plane” and others. I also learned about a lot of songs that I re-member but didn’t realize that the lyrics were about the war. I would encourage any vet to find out if the authors are presenting anywhere in their area.” The book is available on Amazon.

You may have noticed Mike and Paul (above) both contacted me within 2 days of one another and were assigned to the same unit at the same time. I got them reconnected. They didn’t remember one another but they knew many of the same people. Once again the reminder of such a small world in which we live.

I also received some sad news. Jim Donahue (B Det, ‘68-’70) received notification that Ray Hanson passed away on April 23, 2016, after suffering through lung cancer. Ray lived in Colby, Kansas and served

during Jim’s time at B Detachment. Ray’s daughter would like to hear about her dad from anyone who served with him. Write me and I’ll get you in touch. Rest in Peace.

This issue is history. Thank you for all who wrote and communicated. It is always great to hear new stories. Stay safe and healthy!

Picture 1 - HQ & Special Troops Lunch with 8 in attendance.

Picture 2 - Yolanda, Ron, and Joe at the Banquet.

Picture 3 - Gail and Rolly at the Banquet

Picture 4 - Nelson and Rolly at the Banquet

Division DoingsContinued from pg. 2

Kaapuwai began with talking about James, a New Jersey-native with an accent Kaapuwai said the rest of them admired.

“She was so motivated to learn as much as she could,” he said. “Especially from all of our NCOs in the platoon ... she never gave up.” Gates, Kaapuwai said, was unique from the very start.

“She will always be remembered as being the helping hand to her battle buddies in need,” he said.

As for Fuller, Kaapuwai said he was a proud Soldier who came from a rich military background.

“He loved being a part of something bigger than himself,” he said. “He truly was an athlete and a scholar who had big dreams of becoming an officer.”

Winey, who was assigned to Co. F during West Point’s annual Cadet Troop Leadership Training, was described by Kaapuwai as being immediately ready to get his hands dirty.

“During the short time Mitch was assigned to us, I came to admire him very much for his aspirations to become a leader,” the lieutenant said. “I could tell he would go far because of his interactions with the Soldiers and his enthusiasm to learn.”

A separate memorial was held June 9, a week before this event allowing Winey’s cadet brothers-and sisters-in-arms, who were also attending Cadet Troop Leadership Training at Fort Hood, to be able to attend. The cadets departed here June 11 for New York.

Singh took over for the remaining Soldier tributes beginning with Colonvazquez, saying he was the type of leader who always had a plan.

“He was an NCO who was always on the move, and always ready to train and lead Soldiers,” Singh said. “He let us figure out our own solutions to our own problems, but was there for guidance.

“Your leadership will never be forgotten,” he said. “I’ll keep it with me no matter where I go in the Army.”

Moving on to Armstrong, Singh said she was one of the hardest-working people he knew, and the one person in the platoon they could all count on to lift spirits.

“It didn’t matter the task, or the time,” he said. “Armstrong was the type to give you her all, even if she did not have anything left.”

DeLeon, Singh said, is someone who could not be easily forgotten.“He never had a problem doing work, he was not afraid to get started,” he

said. “DeLeon was always the first to jump into whatever we needed done and I knew I could count on him to put out information and relay the messages as soon as possible.”

Singh said Banner was known by more than a few Soldiers as a very close battle buddy and a friend to many.

“He was quiet when we first met him, but once he got to know us, he opened up,” Singh said. “He knew he was destined to be great – he had a determination to overcome anything that stood in his way, which exceeded many in our platoon.”

After the benediction by Chap. (CPT) Anthony Turpin, 3-16 FA chaplain, a solemn final roll call was conducted, with nine names now missing an answer within the Rolling Thunder’s formation. A traditional 3-round volley was fired by a rifle team honoring the fallen. Taps followed shortly after, before hundreds of Family members and loved ones walked up to the nine Soldiers’ Crosses to quietly and privately pay their respects to the fallen warriors.

“All nine of these Soldiers had the fortitude and endurance to accept and conquer the challenges the Army gave them each and every day,” Garland said. “They never gave up.

“In closing, to honor their memories,” he added. “I am encouraging you all to embrace that concept: as we move forward, inspire yourselves with their memories and dedication to our unit and our nation. We will never give up.”

1st Air Cav Troopers Home From Kuwait by SPC DeMarco Wills, 1st ACB, 1st Cav. Div. Public Affairs

Families of the 1st Air Cav-alry Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, can expect some more guests at the party this Fourth of July with the return of their Soldiers from Kuwait.

Troopers of Company F, 227th Aviation Regiment, 1st

Air Cav. Brigade, were reunited with their Families and friends Friday, 1 July, on Cooper Field after a nine-month deployment.Continued on pg. 23

CPT Allen leads his company across Cooper Field during a welcome home ceremony on 1 July.

JULY/AUGUST 2016 saberMembers: 407 Guests: 350 Total: 757

1 AIR CAV BDEDara C. Wydler

1 BDETommy H. Harris, Robert W. Moore, Gerald B. Saylor, Howard S. Shute, George A. Temme Jr., and Wayne F. Wehrheim

1 CAV DIV HQ and DIV HHBNClifford R. Boxley, Brian S. Brazee, Brian Brickey, Zane Bruce, Rosemary M. Carter, Richard J. Fousek, Klaus W. Lachmann, Terry W. Macy, John J. McNiff, Joseph Patenaude, Shawndall Rawls, James R.Rollins, Lawrence M. Ryan, Derreck Sullivan, Kenneth R. Swaim, Brandon Wheeler, Dennis E. Webster, and Dara C. Wydler.

3 BDE/BCTCarl Schmeckpeper, Ronald G. Sleeis, and Matthew Van Wagenen

4 CAVSherman C. Flanders

5 CAVLarry K. Allin, Aaron Augustus, William Beddard, Patrick H. Benson, Paul G. Breitfeld, Richard C. Burnside, Thomas A. Campbell, George L.Cesena, Gerald A Clement, Claiborne W. Cowgill, Cruz G. Cuellar, David R. Fawcett, David Garcia, Rodolfo Garcia, Terry A. Gibson, Jesus M. Gonzalez, Gary P. Hauser, Robert S. Heintz, John Herrera, Larry Hub-bard, Doris Johnson (widow of Robert D. Johnson), Donald R. Jones, Nelson Koyl, Robert A. Kulin, Carl H. Lawrence, Harold J. Mayfield, George W. McKee, Kim Morelock, Michael Puraty, James E. Reecamper, Richard R. Sherwood, Jonathan D. Shockley, Don Simpson, Donald E.Stamper Sr., Mike Sullivan, and Harold P. Truitt

7 CAVBob Arbasetti, Ed D. Bailey, Eugene C. Berney, Richard L. Birch, Thomas E. Blankenship, Michael J. Brennan, Carl E. Bruer, James E. Bryant, Francis T. Calabrese, Castulo Camarillo Jr., Larry Carpenter, Warde P. Chittenden, Milton S. Clark, David W. Clem-ons, James M. Coleman, Paul K. Collins, Raymond Lee Craig, Arthur P. Cruz, George D. Dhane, Eric A. Distad, Mark A. Dockter, Glynn R. Donaho, Lyman C. Duryea, James O. Epperson, Robert L. Etzwiler, Sherman C. Flanders, Joseph L. Galloway, Glen M. Gayheurt, Milan George, Charles J. Gibson, James T. Godfrey, Anthony T. Grasso, Gary Groves, Al-bert Guarnieri, Jr., John Guillory, Robert W. Hardy, Michael Scott Harris, Thomas E. Hartin, Michael S. Heinze, Larry L. Hess, Virgie Hibbler Jr., Ryan Hodge, Timothy A. Hodge, Gail M. Hoerner, James R. Horne, Ron Hrydziuszko, Gary Jacobson, Dexter K. Judd, Joseph J. LaPorte, James Law, James C. Leary, Carl R. Lee, Terrance E. Low, Roger Lutz, Edward A. Mabe, James T. Maloney, John Margenau, Claud A. McMillen, Ronald J. Migut, Gary L. Monaco, Wil-liam E. Montgomery, Robert W. Moore, Friedrich H. Morawietz, Patrick Nardi, Richard A. Nelson, Allen O. Norris, John Nowa, Thomas J. Oakes, William K. Olds, John S. Parker, Franklin M. Petty, Donald R. Pit-tman, Gary Power, John O. Rodney, Ronald A. Saizon, Rolando A. Salazar, Fred Schaaff, Carl Schmeckpeper, Steve Shear, Ted W. Short, David W. Siders, James E. Singleton, Charles Sinquefield, Samuel A. Smith, Larry D. Snyder, Philip T. Sparks, Eddie Stanfield, Gary L. Thayer, Gordon Tillery, Clarke S. Tolton, Jack Toney, Holmes L. Townsend, L. Dean Tucker, Eddie D. Vanderpool, Samuel H. Warner, George M. York, and Jerome M. Zdancewicz

8 CAVJerome T. Babor Jr., James P. Beck, Stephen F. Bosma, Butch X. Bottimore, Brian S. Brazee, Patrick R. Camp-bell, William D. Carpenter, David W. Clemons, Paul K. Collins, James Comstock, Barry K. Corno, Donald A. Delsing, Thomas J. DeYoung, James G. Dotson, Fred R. Duncan, Thomas B. Hager Jr., Tommy H. Har-ris, Lawrence F. Hempfling, David L. Hendrickson, Nicolas Hernandez, Bert V. Johnson, Juan Jose, David J. Klimek, Gerald C. Larson, John G. Lyles, Terry W. Macy, Thomas M. Mancini, Merle A. McCracken, Dean McGeath, Charles J. Maguire, John J. McNiff, John C. Morning, John S. Parker, Larry D. Parker, Douglas B. Parkinson, Terry W. Peterson, William H. Pickle, John E. Pike, Al Rackley, Daryl W. Rhodes, Stephen D. Saunders, Gerald B. Saylor, Ron Spada,

Phillip Waln, and Terrance M. Ward

8 ENGGary Crapser, John W. Garmong, Harold Wayne Givens, Carlos Hernandez, Charlie J. Love, David R. Paddock, Lawrence M. Ryan, Scott B. Smith, Lynn Titus, Gary L. Ullom, Richard J. Van Deurzen, and Bruce K. Wagner

9 CAVFrank L. Alverson, Clifford R. Boxley, David W. Clemons, James C. Day Jr., Robert C. Gill, Hans C. Gulden, Carl H. Lawrence, Thomas J. Leonard, Leo Marchand, Orvel L. McKee, Daryl W. Rhodes, Mark A. Rohlffs, and Earnest T. Ryan

115 FSBTimothy J. Wilcox

12 CAVSteven A. Aguilar, Lonnie D. Alexander, John F. Bailey, Larry Baker, John H. Berger, Richard Blonde, Richard M. Cardillo, Pete Carrion, Douglas F. Christ, Alan T. Christy, David W. Clemons, Arthur Colbert, Harold L. Costello, Thomas L. Crabtree, John Crai-gen, Lawrence Davis, Mark A. Dockter, Robert W. Ducker, Richard A. Dyer, Dwight D. Edwards, Gilbert Esquivel, Douglas A. Fields, John D. Floyd, Albert W. Freeland, Eugene A. Fox, Victor M. Freilich Jr., Richard Galvan, Jerry Gann, Richard E. Gauthier, John G. Gergulis, Ken Goff, Jesus M. Gonzalez, Hugh J. Grace, Gerry Gudinas, Michael S. Heinze, David L. Hendrickson, Jose M. Heredia, Leon J. Hinton, Paul E. Hoban, Chuck Hoover, Raul A. Jaramillo, David R. Johnson, Thomas L. Johnson, James Wolf Jordan, Samuel R. Kepler, John Kirby, Thomas W. Kjos, Douglas Kuhlman, Klaus W. Lachmann, Jim Landrum, Frederick H. Lange, Carl H. Lawrence, John Logan, Fred MacLennan, Robert March, Roger May, Kenneth McAteer, Jerry McNelly, Kirk Metcalf, Michael L. Miller, Victor Montanez, Martin J. Mosen, Gary A. Oliver, John A. Orr, Frank Pacheco, Tomas Pacheco, Jack W. Pellington, Eloy C. Pena, Carlos G. Ramos, Ronald R. Redalen, Victor F. Richard, Charles H. Rose, Jim Santo, Stephen P. Schroeder, William J. Schuster, Michael L. Silvanic, Jeffrey E. Spenzer, Robert W. Steinmetz, Raymond St John Jr., James R. Stokely, Thomas R. Strempka, Martell Swain Jr., Jamie Swidecki, Phillip D. Taylor, Michael L. Van Kirk, Douglas J. Warden, Eugene Webber, Richard J. Wilkos, George M. York, and Richard K. Zilka

13 SIGRobert D. Ankeney, Patrick A. Blewett, Rosemary M. Carter, Dale J. Gatehouse, Andy Guzman, Chuck Hoover, and Thomas L. Jones

15 ADMINDavid A. Lutgen and Kenneth R. Swaim

15 AVNRobert L. Blankenship

15 MEDFrancis T. Calabrese, Robert W. Hardy, Henry W. Land II, Terry A. McCarl, William H. Pickle, and Ron D. Strub

15 SSHerman Anthony Jr. and Michael A. Vuolo

15 TCJames T. Burn, Gary D. Decoteau, Guy LaGioia, and Charles F. Macrelli

19 FAWilliam R, Jackson, James P. Johnson, John G.Lyles, Allen O. Norris, John S. Parker, and Gordon Tillery

20 ARAStandley H. Davis, Mark H. Holden, and Kirk W. McCullough

21 FAOrgene F. Davis, Jeffrey Dwyer, Joseph J. LaPorte, Terrance E. Low, Michael McGregor, Victor R Mitchell Sr., John S. Parker, Steven E. Russell, and Clarke S. Tolton

23 TRANS BNDale J. Gatehouse

27 MNT/ORD/MSBDiane M. Boivin-Johnston, Barbara Boxley, Nelson

Cardona, Jerry F. Eller, John E. Firth, Edward C. Jones, Rolland A. Koreski, Gary L. Maddox, Gail F.Porter, Jack A. Robak, Philip T. Sparks, Ronald J. Stokes, and Joe Viggiano

30 FADanny F. Jackson

32 ARMORRoger May

61 FARichard L. Speedman

77 FAMichael D. Carter, Raul N. Diaz, Anthony J. Hartley, Nelson Koyl, and Jack W. Pellington

191 MIThomas A. Campbell, Ronnie L. Killingsworth, Ron-ald G. Kloet, Philip T. Sparks, and James D. Wright

215 FSBPhilip T. Sparks

227 AVNJohn H. Berger, Stephen P.Brown, Milton S. Clark, John W. Culton, Archie E. Ellinger Jr., John R. Goos-man, Charles F. Macrelli , Jim R. McBride, William R. Putnam, James E. Scholl, and Gary L. Thayer

228 AVNRaymond P. Aakjar Sr., Robert L. Blankenship , Walter Harris, Sonny Reyes, Richard L. Speedman, Robert W. Steinmetz, and Peter Tattersall

229 AVNJerome T. Babor Jr., Dale W. Berry, Eugene A. Beyer, Robert L. Blankenship, Richard C. Burnside, Patrick A. Murphy, John I. Spencer, and Kenneth P. White

312 MIRonnie L. Killingsworth

501 ENGGary L. Ullom

615 ASBDara C. Wydler

ASSOCIATE MEMBERSJuan E.Castro, Betty Mause, Michelle Napolitano, J. Stephania Ryan, and Donald E. Stamper Jr.

DISCOMJerry F. Eller, John E. Firth, Richard J. Fousek, Scott B. Smith, and Ronald J. Stokes

DIVARTYDonald Babcock, David L. Bock, Zane Bruce, James Chin, Standley H. Davis, and Sonny Reyes

ENG BDEWilliam Terry Maddox

GOLD STAR FAMILY MEMBERSJ. Stephania Ryan (Daughter of SGT Dwight M. Durham, H Co., 75th INF)

LRRP/RANGER (52 INF and 75 INF)Cathy Ankony (widow of Robert C. Ankony), Wil-liam T. Anton, Ed D. Bailey, Roy C. Beer, Patrick A. Blewett, Michael J. Brennan, Thomas A. Campbell, William D. Carpenter, Robert L. Carr, Gregory T. Chavez, Lawrence M. Curtis, Forrest E. Decker II, Leonard DeClue, Samuel C. Dixon, Charles E. Do-nahoo, James S. Faulkner, John D. Floyd, Stanley D. Freeborn, Kenneth Gallagher, Bennie O. Gentry, Robert C. Gill, Ronald E. Hammon, David E. Han-son, James W. Hinz, Mark H. Holden, William F. Hornbuckle, John LeBrun, Craig Leerberg, Gary T. Lorenz, Patrick J. Lyons, Robert T. Malick, Doug-las B. Matze Jr., Carlos Ochoa, A. Wayne Okken, Douglas B. Parkinson, Keith N. Phillips, Gilbert T. Ramirez, J. David Russell, Howard S.Shute, Roger D. Simmons, Richard Sweeney, Albert P. Voelkel, Bernard J. Wells, Kenneth P. White, Jerry D. Wood, and Richard K. Zilka

The 70th Annual Reunion of the 1st Cavalry Divi-sion Association will be held in Killeen/Fort Hood, Texas from 7-11 June 2017. The Headquarters Hotel will be the Shilo Inn and Suites and most events will be held in the Killeen Civic and Conference Center.

2016 1st Cavalry Division Association Reunion Attendees

JULY/AUGUST 2016saberThe meeting of the membership of the 1st Cavalry Division Association was

called to order by the President of the Association, James R. Stokely, at 0903 hours with a quorum present.

The President welcomed everyone to the meeting and recognized the passing of several members of the Association who had died since our last reunion. Those mentioned were: William A. Richardson, Allan A. MacDonald, Parnell W. Bethune, Hollis Claude Newberry, Tibor Rubin, Terry D. Combs, and Leonard L. Lawrence. He then led the members present in the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America. The Executive Director did the invocation.

The minutes of the 2015 meeting of the membership of the 1st Cavalry Divi-sion Association held in Killeen, Texas on 13 June 2015 were approved as writ-ten. Minutes were published in the July/August 2015 SABER and posted on the bulletin board at the reunion for the past three days. The reading of the minutes was waived.

The President asked the Secretary to present the Nominating Committee Report to the membership. He read the names nominated for office as recommended by the Nominating Committee to the membership. They are:

1st Vice President – Allen O. Norris2nd Vice President – Scott L. Sjule3rd Vice President – Richard A. KayeTen members of the Board of Governors: Clifford R. Boxley, Rosemary M.

Carter, Richard Hernandez, Timothy A. Hodge, Ronnie L. Killingsworth, John LeBrun, Roger May, Michael W. Parker, Michael A. Ryan, and Donald R. Smolinski.

Foundation Executive Trustee – Peter Tattersall Foundation Trustee – Rosemary M. CarterMuseum Foundation Trustees – Jerry F. Eller and James R. Rollins.The President opened the floor for nominations. In the absence of nomina-

tions from the floor, nominations were closed and the recommended slate was approved by acclamation.

David A. Lutgen, Chairman of the Finance and Budget Committee, provided a report on the financial status of the Association. His report covered the period of 31 March 2015 to 31 March 2016. He reported that the assets of the Association were $2,350,899 which is up $121,859. The liabilities for the Association are $37,527 which is primarily unexpired Saber subscriptions. The fund balance, which is the net worth of the Association, is $2,313,372, which is up $206,742 for the period. The Market Value of our investment is $3,823,326 which is an increase of $104,390 over the past year. The unrealized earnings from investments are $1,606,619 which is a decrease of $58,519 from last year. The Association currently owns $1,466,663 in high-grade bonds which produces an annual in-come of $66,662. The Association contributes $12,000 to the Foundation each year. The Chairman of the Committee reported that the Association was in good financial shape. The report of the Finance and Budget Committee was approved by the membership.

The Executive Trustee of the Foundation of the 1st Cavalry Division Associa-tion, Peter Tattersall, provided a report on the Foundation for the period 31 March 2015 to 31 March 2016. A slide was provided along with the Finance and Budget Committee Report to each member present. The Foundation is made up of two segments the Foundation (Base) and the Ia Drang Scholarship Fund. The total assets of the Foundation are $1,180,783, which is up $19,349. The Foundation (Base) assets are $1,009,949 up $44,165 or 4.60 percent. The Ia Drang portion of the assets is $170,834 which is down $24,816 or -12.70 percent. Liabilities, which are payments due to administer our accounts, are $7,500. The fund bal-ance, or net worth of the Foundation, is $1,173,283, which is up $14,349. The Foundation portion of the fund balance is $1,002,449 which is up $39,165. The Ia Drang portion of the fund balance is $170,834 which is down $24,816. The Market Value of the Foundation’s investments as of 31 March was $1,544,486, which is up $42,358 from last year, an increase of 2.80 percent. The Ia Drang share of of their securities is $223,533, which is down $18,789. The Foundation Base had unrealized earnings of $557,084 which is up $8,972. The Ia Drang Fund has unrealized earnings of $63,925 which is up $297. The Foundation Base has high grade commercial bonds in the portfolio which are valued at $511,785. The bonds produce an annual income of $24,976 providing an annual yield of 4.90 percent. The Ia Drang bonds are valued at $32,228, which produced an annual income of $1,429 (yield of 4.40 percent). The Foundation has a more conservative approach to investments based on the closing out of the Ia Drang Fund. The Foundation Trustees estimate that the Ia Drang Fund will run out of money in December 2021 depending on the market and the number of scholar-ships provided to students. The Foundation provides scholarships to the children of those killed in action and the children of those that are totally and permanently disabled, and to active duty troopers and family members. The Ia Drang fund provides scholarships to grandchildren of Troopers in specified units that were active participants in the battles. The membership approved the report of the Executive Trustee of the Foundation.

The Executive Trustee of the 1st Cavalry Division Association Museum Foun-dation, W. Terry Maddox, presented a report on the activities of the Museum Foundation. He reported that he had received a briefing on the Mounted Warfare

Foundation (MWF) in Killeen, Texas. The MWF is attempting to raise funds to construct the Mounted Warfare Museum which will be located at the entrance to Fort Hood adjacent to Welcome Center and the Horse Cavalry Detachment stables. He discussed their current financial status explaining that the MWF had raised some money and had some pledges for donations. Counting the donation of the land by Fort Hood, they had a total of $18,100,531 and still needed to raise an additional $19,700,000 to fund Phase 1 of the project. The MWF was holding fast to their plan to break ground in 2017 and have Phase 1 complete in 2019. The briefing indicated that the size of the building and exhibition space has been cut from the initial proposals he had presented in previous reports. The Center of Military History (CMH) has agreed to fund the exhibit fabrication and instal-lation of exhibits in the museum which totals about $11,000,000 but that money is dependent on Congress to adequately fund the CMH in the future. The MWF has a fund raising event planned which to fund the overhead for the MWF so that the funds donated for the museum are not used for salaries and office rent. Mr. Maddox indicated that he thought that the MWF needed to conduct an analysis of traffic into and away from the museum due to the proposed location. Association member Larry Parker asked if there was a way for the Association to influence decisions on funding of the MWF and planning for the museum. He was told that the MWF was a separate private organization and was independent from our Association. Association member James R. Rollins asked if the 1st Cavalry Division Museum could ever be constructed as a stand-alone project. He was told that was not possible but that the museum would likely remain as it is until a new museum is built. Rollins also asked if the Brick and Paver program was going to continue and was told yes, and that the MWF had agreed to include our bricks and pavers at their museum. Association member Patrick Murphy asked if the exhibits in the museum would change from what we have now and was told yes that some of the exhibits might be redone in the new museum but the story line for the museum was not finalized. Interactive exhibits were being planned which is very limited at our current museum. The members accepted the report of the Museum Foundation Executive Trustee.

The President introduced the next Executive Director of the Association, Dara C. Wydler, to the membership and announced that the Board of Governors had voted to offer her the position and that she was scheduled to take over the re-sponsibilities of the office on 1 July 2016. She promised to provide 150 percent of her time and energy to support the Association and its membership.

The Executive Director provided the membership with a briefing on the Association’s USAA Credit Card and Financial Services Program. We are near-ing the end of our five year agreement with USAA and they have indicated that they want to continue. Negotiations to renew the contract won’t begin until sometime after the reunion. We currently receive an annual bonus and money from members signing up for new credit cards, renewals of credit cards, and a percentage of member’s purchases on the cards. Members also receive points from their purchases, so both the member and the Association benefit when the card is used. In 2015 the royalties from the credit card added an additional $14,212 to the Association. In February we received our first payment for this year from credit card royalties in the amount of $4,806.38. We received our fifth $20,000 payment from USAA in March. USAA will be switching over to VISA from MasterCard in July. Those currently with a MasterCard will continue with that company until renewal and then switch to VISA. USAA also provided keys for the reunion which had the USAA and 1st Cavalry Division Association logos for this reunion.

The Executive Director briefed the membership on a plan to publish a new Division History Book with Acclaim Press. The Board of Governors voted at their meeting to allow the Association to contract with Acclaim Press to do a history book that would also include short biographical information on members with up to two photos if they would pre-purchase a book. The Association does not have to provide any funds for this program but will receive money on each pre-ordered book. The Association can purchase books at a discounted rate to sell in the Souvenir Shop. The expenses for printing and advertising will be paid for by Acclaim Press. Publication would be 18 months to 2 years after the agreement is signed. The Association has to approve the book prior to publishing. Books will cost $54.95 and the Association will receive a royalty of 5 percent of all prior book sales.

The Executive Director thanked the members for the opportunity to serve in the position and for their support over the past 15 reunions. He told them that the real benefit of being the Executive Director was getting to know the members and developing relationships with them. The worst part of the job was listing the names of the members who died in the Taps section of the SABER and on the web page.

The President thanked the membership for allowing him to hold the position of President of the Association for the past two years. He announced the 2017 Reunion would be at Killeen/Fort Hood, Texas from 7-11 June 2017.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 1005 hours.Dennis E. WebsterSecretary

New MembersContinued from pg. 10E-5 RUSSELL, JOHN D. TX E 52INF 6706COL RUTHERFORD, WILSON R. IV TX 1CDH 1601CPT RYAN, LAWRENCE M. WA 1CDH 6912SSG SCHAEFER, JEFFREY A. FL HHC 2-8C 8809SFC (RET) SCHAPATONE, JOSEPH G. TX B 1-9C 8403SPC SEILS, JOHNATHEN W. NY HHB DIVARTY 1407MAJ SEQUEIRA, OLIVER TX DIVARTY 1409SFC SHADRICK, JOE TX 82FA 9410E-4 SIGERS, REGINALD W. TX D 1-8C 8909E-4 SMYTHE, DUANE W. CA D 2-12C 6807MR. STAMPER, DONALD E. JR. DE 1- ASSOCSSG SULLIVAN, DERRICK TX HSC HHBN 1502LTC SURREY, NATHAN S. TX 227AVN 1609SSG TAYLAN, EDMAR R. TX HHB DIVARTY 1507

SGT THOMPSON, TIMOTHY NH A 1-12C 1508SSG TONEY, JACK OK 7C 6908SSG URIBE, BENITO JR. TX 553CSSB 1104SFC VEGA, ELVIN A. TX HHB DIVARTY 1508SGT VIGIL, STEPHEN TX 553CSSB 1412SPC VO, JOELLE NY B 615ASB 1407MR. WALN, PHILLIP CA B 2-8C 6705E-4 WHALEN, YVONNE TX A 115FSB 88SGT WHEELER, BRANDON SC 1CDA 1507CW2 WHITE, KATRINA TX DIVARTY 1505

Thanks for joining the 1st Cavalry Division Association. Please contact us when you move and ensure that we have your current mailing address. Help us to recruit new members by passing an application to those that you served with in the 1st Cavalry Division. Once Cav, Always Cav!

Minutes of the General Membership Meeting of the 1st Cavalry Division AsssociationConducted in the Palace Station Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada on 11 June 2016

JULY/AUGUST 2016

Ken White3834 Inverness Road

Fairfax, VA 22033(703) 352-1468

[email protected]

saberLRRP/Ranger News

Hello from the nation’s capital. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Memorial Day weekend is an exciting time here in the nation’s capital, and this past Memorial Day

weekend was no exception. The Rolling Thunder Motorcycle Procession took place on Sunday followed by ceremonies on The National Mall and at Arlington National Cemetery on Monday.

Rolling Thunder is an annual demonstration intended to pay respect to those who gave their lives for our everyday freedoms, and to build awareness among America’s political leaders of the need for accountability of America’s POWs and MIAs after what happened with the Vietnam War when American abandoned its POWs and MIAs. The organizers of the event estimated that this year’s procession attracted more than a million riders and spectators making it the largest single-day motorcycle event in the nation. They pointed out that the event continues to grow larger every year attracting riders and spectators alike from all parts of the nation and from many foreign countries.

The pre-ride to the Pentagon parking lot - the point from where the ride into the nation’s capital begins, is becoming as big an event as the procession itself. Pre-ride activities take place at a num-ber of motorcycle dealerships in the greater Washing-ton, DC area and attract thousands upon thousands of motorcycles that make the pre-ride to the Pentagon for the ride across the Memo-rial Bridge into the nation’s capital. Also attached is a picture of Stephania Ryan, Gold Star Daughter of Dwight Durham, (KIA 1969), beginning the ride from the Pentagon to the nation’s capital on the back of a friend’s Harley. Stephania was in town for the annual Sons and Daughters In Touch Reunion.

The weather on Memorial Day was splendid, and as you might expect a large crowd turned out for the observance at The Wall. Major General Michael J. Nardotti, Jr. USA (Ret) provided opening remarks. MG Nardotti served as a platoon leader with B Troop, 1st Squadron, 9th Cavalry in Vietnam in 1970. In his remarks, he described one of B Troop’s encounters with the NVA that led to him getting wounded and being carried out on a stretcher. Later in his military career, he served as the Judge Advocate ral of the United States Army from 1993 to 1997.

The day’s keynote speaker was Captain Dale Dye, USMC (Ret) who served in Vietnam in 1965 and 1967 through 1970. He founded a military

consultancy to motion pictures and television and has worked on more than 50 movies and TV shows in the past twenty years, including Alexander under Oliver Stone, The Pacific for HBO, and No Better Place to Die.

That evening, a retirement gala was held at one of the hotels in Washington, DC for Jan C. Scruggs, founder of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund (VVMF). I have included a picture of Scruggs and Stephanie Ryan at the gala. As you might suspect, proceeds from the gala will go to the VVMF to support its mission of honoring veterans.

On a different note, I’m happy to report that our unit had an excellent turn-out at the 1st Cav Reunion in Las Vegas – 54 members, making it the largest turn-out ever for our unit, even beating the 2006 Louisville reunion. With spouses, adult children, and others, the total attendance was even larger.

At the reunion, Pat Blewitt (1968), Ione, California, told us about his involve-

Rolling Thunder - Motorcycles depart Fairfax for the Pre-Ride from I-66 to the Pentagon

Ken White and MG (Ret) Michael J. Nardotti, Jr.

ment in the battle at Signal Hill in the A Shau Valley, April 19, 1968. He was on the second helicopter into the LZ with Larry Curtis (1967-68), Greenfield, Indiana, and others. The LZ was actually a bomb crater located on a steep slope on the side of the ridge surrounded by trees ranging from 30 to 50 feet high. The lead chopper into the LZ was unable to maintain altitude over the LZ and was forced to make a “go-around.” Pat’s chopper was next in but it was unable to touch down so theteam members were directed to climb out onto the skids and repel down ropes to the ground - but somebody forgot to bring the ropes. The pilot then attempted to get as close to the top of the trees as possible so the team members could jump out the side of the helicopter to the ground. In the process of doing that, the main rotor blade hit the trees and the chopper lost power. Pat was standing on one of the skids and started to fall but a team members inside the chopper grabbed him and pulled him in. Larry Curtis, who was standing on the other skid, was not so lucky. He fell off the skid down to the ground. The chopper came crashing down into the LZ and slid down the hill into the trees trapping Larry.

The following email was received from Ron Christopher (1966-67), Beverly Hills, Florida. “I have published my seventh book, entitled Hang Your Hat on a Star. It is the story of a young man from the time of his birth to his passing at the age of 51. It describes the good things about him and about his life, and about his travels with his military father and mother. The young man had a kidney transplant and after a few years, he passed on. The book goes into detail as to why he needed to have a kidney removed, how his other kidney got poisoned, the process of living on dialysis and then undergoing a kidney transplant. In the meanwhile, he tried to live his life.”

“My son started writing this book. With the help of his mother, he completed the first couple of chapters. He needed help from her because he didn’t know what took place from his birth until well after having a kidney removed in Stuttgart, Germany. His kidney was removed because of a Wilms Tumor. Afterwards, he flew to Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, DC where he received radiation. His mother was at his side the whole time. He was one of two children who survived having a Wilms Tumor. Five other children with this problem died at Walter Reed. The young man wanted to be a soldier but only having one kidney made that impossible. The book is an interesting read. By the way, I finished writing the book as if I was the young man.”

“My other book, Lurps at War (the history of our unit) was finally published. It is well over 500 pages. I want all the royalties from that book to go to the LRRP organization. Thanks for taking the time to read this. Ron Christopher.”

If you would like to reach out to Ron, you can contact him at the following email address: <[email protected]>.

The following was received from Ray Janes, Denton, Texas. “Ken and Ron (Christopher). Although I am an Air Force puke, I still subscribe to the SABER and read the LRRP/Ranger News. I do it because I was an OV-10 FAC attached to the 1/9th Cav for six months in 1969 and became friends with Captain George Paccerelli (1968-69), Colville, Washington, at that time. On one occasion, CPT Paccerilli asked me to brief the Lurps on what the Air Force could do for them if needed. I briefed a number of the teams and I always told them that if they were in deep stuff that I could more than likely help get them out.

“Well on May 13, 1969 I got my chance to show what I could do. I got a call while I was on a VR mission from Cavalier 6 that a Lurp team was in trouble. No air cover was available at the time due to a large operation that was taking place somewhere else. I immediately contacted the team and reached the radio operator who was near screaming. He told me that the team was in contact with an NVA unit and was taking fire from multiple directions. He didn’t know if the other members of the team were still alive. He said that he could see some of them lying on the ground but he couldn’t tell if they were dead or just lying still so as not to draw any more fire from the enemy.

“I put on my best calm FAC voice and told him that I was there to get them out but I needed his help. I asked if they were at the coordinates I had been given and he calmed down and said, “Yes”. I told him to hang tough and I would get some help. After calling ARA, tube artillery, and ORC, and getting refused by all three, I called the Direct Air Support Control (DASC) whose mission was to direct strikes to where they were needed. As luck would have it, I recognized the voice of the person at the other end of the line as a classmate of mine from OV-10 school. I asked him if he recognized me and he said he did. I told him I had people dying on the ground and I needed a flight right now.

“I got the frequency of a flight and told them I was the FAC for the mission and that they were being diverted to a TIC. I also told them that I needed their best bombs because the enemy was almost on top of the troops on the ground.

“I then contacted the radio operator again and told him that some air sup-port was coming in and that the team needed to get flat as possible because the bombs were going to be very close. After the planes dropped four bombs, the radio operator screamed you did it, you did it. The NVA are breaking contact and running away.

“The only thing that I heard about the mission afterwards was that of the five men one was dead, three were severely wounded, and the radio operator was babbling. If anybody remembers this mission or what happened to the team, I would like to hear from them. Ray Janes, <[email protected]>.”

Finally, stay in touch, and remember RANGERS LEAD THE WAY.

Stephania on a friend’s Harley

Jan Scruggs, Founder of the VVMF, and Stephania Ryan – Gold Star Daughter, at Retirement Gala

CHAPTER INDEXALMOST HEAVEN WEST VIRGINIA CHAPTERPOC: William D. Carpenter713 Diamond St.Fairmont, WV 26554-3713(304) 366-0022E-mail: [email protected]

CALIFORNIA CENTRAL COAST CHAPTERPres: Barney B. JonesPO Box 444 Pebble Beach, CA 93953(831) 917-5952E-mail: [email protected]

CENTRAL SAVANNAHRIVER AREA CHAPTERPres: John Rangel, Jr.POC: Gary Quinn395 Harlem Grovetown Rd.Harlem, GA 30814-4525(706) 513-5858Meets on 2nd Sat. of mo., 1400 at Ryans Steak House on Peach Orchard Rd., Augusta, GA (Mar., June, Sept. and Dec.)

COLUMBIA-WILLAMETTE CHAPTERPres: Terry Low16560 S Harding Rd. Oregon City, OR 97045-9679 (503) 210-5558E-mail: [email protected]: www.Hood2Hood1stCav.webs.comMeets 1830 3rd Wed of ea. mos. at the Vil-lage Inn, 1621 NE 10th Ave., Portland, OR 97232. No meeting in Dec.

CONNECTICUT CHAPTERPres: Keith Moyer48 Boretz Rd.Colchester, CT 06415-1009(860) 537-1716E-mail: [email protected]: www.ConnCav.comMeeting info in newsletter and on web page.

CROSSED SABERS CHAPTERPres: Jerry Eller808 S. 2nd St.Killeen, TX 76541-7703

FIRST CHAPTERPres: Robert H. Wolfe4756 Haracourt Dr.El Paso, TX 79924-3047(915) 755-7944

FLORIDA CHAPTERPres: Arthur (Joe) Craig295 W Interlachen StLake Alfred, FL 33850(863) 268-8063VP: Gill Harris(585) 704-2758Facebook: Florida Chapter 1st Cavalry Division AssociationContact for meeting info...

FLORIDA TROOP E “BLACK HAT”Pres: Juan Kellog607 SE47th St., Apt. 7Cape Coral, FL 33904-5506E-mail: [email protected]: Johnnie Robertson(239) 600-1273Website: www.seahog.org/cav/index.htmlMeets 4th Sat. ea. mo. from Sept.-May 1:00pm at Biggys Place, 3701 Fowler St., Fort Myers, FL 33901

FOLLOW ME CHAPTERPres: Robert DodsonMeets 1900 4thTues. ea. mo. Veterans Ctr., 1000 Victory Dr., Columbus, GA. No meeting in December.

FORT KNOX AREA CHAPTERPres.: Thomas Ken O’Barr12210 Valley Dr.Goshen, KY 40026-9501(502) 228-8032E-mail: [email protected]: Larry A. Whelan2103 Winston Ave.Louisville, KY 40205-2535(502) 485-1270E-mail: [email protected]: www.1cda.org/fort_knox.htmlMeets 3rd Sat. of mo. at 1100 at the Barker Masonic Lodge, 705 Main St., West Point, KY.

GERALD F. KINSMAN CHAPTERPres: Owen Levine77 Clubhouse Dr.Leominister, MA 01453-5170(978) 534-6284E-mail: [email protected] Meets yearly.

JAMES J. MASON WEST MICHIGAN CHAPTERPres.: Ron KloetPOC: Bob Anderson9030 Conservancy Dr. NEAda, MI 49301-8822(616) 682-5446 E-mail: [email protected]: jjmwmc1cd.comMeets on 3rd Thurs. of Feb., Apr., Jun., Aug., Oct., and Dec., at 7pm, at the Grand Valley Armory in Wyoming, MI .

JUMPING MUSTANG CHAPTER 1-8 CavPres: Harvey Auger4825 King Arthur DrCharlotte, NC 28277-0052(704) 321-2011E-mail: [email protected]: James C. Knafel5510E - 500 SouthColumbia City, IN 46725-7621(260) 244-3864E-mail: [email protected]: www.JumpingMustangs.com

KETTLE MORAINE CHAPTERPres: Gordon Weidner1219 Cleveland Ave.Racine, WI 53405-2929(262) 637-3835POC: Robert RichterW204 N11945 Goldendale Rd.Germantown, WI 53022-2321(262) 628-8056Meetings held at 3 month intervals with a banquet dinner in Dec. when elections are held.

LAST FRONTIER CHAPTERPres.: William H. Martin 8050 Pioneer Dr #1304Anchorage, AK 99504(907) [email protected] Contact for meeting info.

LOS ANGELES/ORANGE COUNTYCHAPTERPres: John Guillory780 Mandevilla WayCorona, CA 92879-8251(951) 278-3740E-mail: [email protected] Pres: John Burgner228 South Hacienda St.Anaheim, CA 92804-2569 (714) 535-0737E-mail: [email protected] 0900 on 3rd Sat. of mo. at American Legion Post 132, 143 S Lemon St., Orange CA 92866

LRRP/RANGER of the 1st Cav Division during the Vietnam War.Pres.: John LeBrun932 3rd St.Blaine, WA 98230(360) 393-6645E-mail: [email protected]: www.lrrprangers.comFull chapter meeting during Reunions

WILLIAM A. RICHARDSONNATIONAL CAPITOL REGION CHAPTERPres: Gene Russell7923 Jansen Dr. Springfield, VA 22152-2413 (703) 220-5322E-mail: [email protected]: 1cda.org/national_capitol.htmMeets 3d Sat. of the month Jan.-Apr and Sep.-Oct. 0900 at the American Legion Post 176, 6520 Amherst Ave., Springfield, VA. Breakfast available prior to start of mtg. Jun meeting is at WRAMC and Nov. meeting at the Assn. Vets Day gathering.

NEVADA CHAPTERPres: John LylesPOC: Milton S. Clark, III7789 Buckwood Ct. Las Vegas, NV 89149-6661(702) 522-7313Meets the first Saturday of the month at 10am at American Legion Post 8, downtown Las Vegas, Nevada. Call for directions.

NEW YORK/NEW JERSEY CHAPTER Pres: Bob Arbasetti973A Thornbury Ln.Manchester, NJ 08759-5296 (732) 657-4284E-mail: [email protected]: New York New Jersey Cav-alryMeets at Elk Lodge at Cedar and Spruce, Ridgefield Park, NJ.

NORTH CAROLINA - TARHEEL CHAPTERPres: Roy Wood4407 Talavera Dr.High Point, NC 27265-9660(336) 707-1402E-mail: [email protected] for Membership: Don Gibson803 McDonald Church RoadRockingham, NC 28379-8529(910) 417-9104e-mail: [email protected] 2nd Sat of Mar., Jun, Sept. & Dec.

NORTHWEST CHAPTERPres.: William Koepp4633 Timothy St. SE Lacey, WA 98503-5764(360) 259-4815POC: Roberto Maanao3036 Marquette Dr. SELacey, WA 98503-6255(360) 491-9118E-mail: [email protected] 1200 1st Sat. of even months, contact William Koepp or Roberto Maanao for meeting location.

ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHAPTERPres: Robert Stauffacher18355 Drennan Rd.Colorado Springs, CO 80928-9308(719) 683-2837POC: Paul LemieuxPO Box 6548Woodland Park, CO 80866-6548(719) 687-1169E-mail: [email protected] 9am 2nd Sat. of mo.at at Retired Enlisted Assn. Chapter 1, 834 Emory Cir., Colorado Springs, CO.

SHERIDAN’S CAVALRY CHAPTER(Greater Chicago Area)VP: Joe LaPorte2900 Maple Ave. #12EDowners Grove, IL 60515-4119(630) 846-9960E-mail: [email protected]: Terry Hodus3718 W 114th PlaceChicago, IL 60655-3414(773) 445-1213E-mail: [email protected]: www.sheridansfirstcav.comMeets at the American Legion Post #1084, 322 E. Maple Ave., Roselle, IL 61072. 2016 Meeting Date - Apr 16, Mar 13, Oct 15, Dec 3

SOUTHEASTERN COLORADOCHAPTERPres: Gregorio TrujilloPO Box 215Las Animas, CO 81054-0215(719) 456-0028POC: John Campos1308 Lewis Ave.La Junta, CO 81050-3024(719) 384-0379E-mail: [email protected]: www.firstcavalry.netMeets 1st Sat. of each month at 10am at the Holiday Inn Express in LaJunta, CO.

WALTER H. WESTMAN NORTHLAND CHAPTERPres: Donald A. Delsing3697 Gresham Ave. N.Oakdale, MN 55128-3212(651) 770-5422E-mail: [email protected]: James D. Wright12781 Able St. NEBlaine, MN 55434-3261(763) 757-7140E-mail: [email protected] quarterly at different locations. Call or write for information.

JULY/AUGUST 2016saber

Crossed Sabers Chapter Souvenir ShopP.O. Box 5774

Fort Hood, TX 76544-0774Phone: 254-532-2075FAX: 254-532-6490

E-mail: [email protected] view our on-line catalog visit:

<www.crossedsabers-chapter-giftshop.com>The Crossed Sabers Chapter Souvenir Shop is a non-profit organization. Net

income is distributed to the Association for application to the Scholarship Program and other ongoing programs as needed, to the Soldier Travel Fund which allows active duty soldiers of the Division to attend away Reunions as guests of the As-sociation, to the 1st Cavalry Division Museum, and to fund other activities for the Troopers and families of the 1st Cavalry Division Association. The manager, Michelle Napolitano, accepts telephone orders with payment by MASTERCARD, VISA or DISCOVER credit cards or you can order on-line using credit cards. Printed catalogs are available for $3.00 from the Association, 302 N. Main St., Copperas Cove, TX 76522-1703. Make your check out to 1st Cavalry Division Association.

12th CAV NewsContinued from pg. 6our own planes fired 4,000 rounds a minute thinking they were wiping out an enemy mortar site when they were mistakenly killing our own men. I have to admit I lost my faith then, too. I couldn’t believe that God would allow such senseless killing to happen.” He has physical reminders of events that happened 47 years ago too, “They say that there lives a little boy inside every man. I came home with no boy left in me and no one to call my friend.” It didn’t change until a World War II veteran pulled Reed aside at a VA meeting and told him to stop crying about his past. “He told me to be grateful that I’m alive. He said it’s time to go on and do something with my life.” Recently, three eighth-grade students from a middle school in Cheektowaga completed a poster project that displayed James Skomski’s obituary, a photo taken of him and Reed and a copy of the poem written into this story. “The project was the idea of my honors students, Taylor DeAmico, Taylor McMullen, and Calie Nazzarett,” says their teacher, Jillian Oswald. “We had the poster sent to the Vietnam Memorial Wall in Washington, 7th CAV NewsContinued from pg. 7

Last year I wrote an article for CounterPunch titled “The Curious Case of Ser-geant Doe” which detailed conflicts in the service record of a boastful Vietnam vet. There have been new developments since then. “Johnny” as I call him, was pressured to step down from his position in Veterans for Peace, but many in his local chapter still support him, or believe he is real. This in spite of the fact that he has furnished another questionable DD 214. Presently he and another supporter have asked a senate aide to obtain Johnny’s DD 214 from the National Person-nel Records Center. Well and good. But the documents in his Official Military Personnel File (OMPF) do not support his case. Neither does a FOIA summary of service. On the other hand, I recently pointed out service date conflicts between the latter two records to BG Burkett, author of Stolen Valor. As I have also never ruled out, Burkett said that “due to multiple archives, it’s possible there was a record slip up.” He’s now reviewing the files. Since Burkett once worked for the VA IG, he may contact them to determine if Johnny has used a questionable DD 214 to obtain VA Benefits. If after a VA investigation it is determined that documents were altered, this could very well be a serious problem for him. Stay tuned. (“The Curious Case of SGT Doe” with redacted OMPF and fake DD 214 is on Marc’s website: Medic in the Green Time. Marc Levy was decorated with the Silver Star for his actions while serving in Vietnam.

My good friend Phantom Raider 3/6 has also uncovered a potential poser who claims to have been decorated with the Distinguished Service Cross for his ex-ploits with the First Team. The trouble is no one can substantiate his name with that Valor Award. Both names redacted by your Editor.

I recently stumbled upon a book titled Under Custer’s Command by James Henry Avery. It details the Civil War Campaigns and daily life of the Michigan Cavalry Brigade that Custer commanded and Sergeant Avery participated in. This is an extremely valuable tool for the aficionados of Colonel Custer. It is

D.C.” “When Jillian called me to talk about the project, I knew then I wanted to tell this story about my buddy, Jim,” says Reed. “I do not want to be called an American hero,” he says. “I just would like to bring a little recognition to James Skomski.” <TnOnLine.Com>. Semper Paratus!

2150 Make the Call. We think we know the hazards we face as war fighters. Traumatic Brain Injury and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder may affect us into our later life and cause us to become debilitated. Symptoms unchecked and untreated can cause cycles of depression, and lead to suicide. Everyone’s life is precious and we should treat that life as precious. Make the step and get treatment. No man is an island. Break the silence which itself can be a killer. The greatest companionship in life is human companionship. Reach out and touch someone with the light of your presence and care. Call on and check in on your friends. # BUDDY CHECK! 2359 Journal closed. “Elections belong to the people. It’s their decision. If they decide to turn their back on the fire and burn their behinds, then they will just have to sit on their blisters.” ~ Abraham Lincoln. Semper Paratus! Write if you get work!jam packed in its 160 pages of daily life, skirmishes’ and battles like Gettysburg to whet your appetite.

Congratulations to Dara Wydler, First Sergeant (Ret) United States Army who took the reins of Executive Director of the 1st Cavalry Division Association on 1 July 2016. First Team and a hearty Garryowen, Top and welcome aboard!

Essentially I have but only one more column to write as my final words to you have mostly been committed for the November/December edition of Saber. So if you would like something to be referenced please send it to me ASAP, as the September/October column is fast filling up. I hope everyone had a safe and relaxing 4th of July holiday. By the time you receive this edition summer will be dwindling fast. Garryowen and First Team!

Hank Llewellyn58 Mapleleaf Lane

Pottstown, PA 19464-1543(484) 948-9451

[email protected]

JULY/AUGUST 2016 saber

Hello once again fellow Sky Troopers. Let’s pull pitch and aunch this month’s column as there is much to share.

The following is related to the story in the May-June issue. It was comprised from information provided by Bruce Silvey, James Davis, and Tom Caraballo of the Army Otter-Caribou Association and Dick Gillem (Pathfinder, Avn Gp.).

During the afternoon of 30 March 1966, the Rifle Platoon Troop A, 1/9th conducted a heliborne operation into an LZ from which it quickly moved to investigate earlier sightings of enemy troops and to capture a prisoner, if possible. Moving to the northeast portion of the L-shaped clearing the platoon was taken under enemy fire from a battalion of the 18th NVA Regiment. After sustaining several casualties and engaging in hand-to-hand combat with the enemy soldiers the platoon managed to break contact and withdrew to the southeast corner of the clearing to await extraction. The extraction helicopters were quick to arrive but rescue attempts by the “slicks” failed: four ships had been shot down and all the others riddled with bullets. One pilot had been killed and numerous casualties had been sustained among the crew members. One ship had been flown back to its base by the crew chief, who made his first landing because both his pilot and co-pilot had been seriously wounded.

The original battle began when the Pink team from A Troop 1/9th Cavalry spotted and engaged a large enemy force in on the morning of the 30th. Support came from the 1/9th Cav gun ships and scouts. The Blue platoon from B Troop was inserted to evaluate the situation. Shortly after the Blues made their Air Assault, they were taken under fire by an unknown size force. The Blue Platoon normally had only 15 to 25 men in the platoon, depending on the number of lift ships. The lift ships were part of the Blue Platoon and there were four per platoon. The Blue Platoon was ordered to withdraw and their lift ships were recalled to pick them up. As they were loading the NVA open fire with RPG and machine gun fire destroying two of the lift ships and wounding a number of troops. Of the two remaining helicopters, the pilot of the lead helicopter and the co-pilot were badly wounded. The crew chief removed the pilot from his seat and although the hydraulics had been shot up, managed to fly the helicopter out (story in last issue of the SABER). The crew chief was later awarded the Distinguish Flying Cross. Other units of the 1st Cavalry Division were called in.

In response, Co A, 1/12 was rapidly airlifted into the LZ to secure the area. After the evacuation of casualties, Company A swept to the north to search for the enemy unit which had engaged the Rifle Platoon; it moved only a short distance when it came under heavy fire from two directions. Caught in the open the company sustained several casualties, including the CO, CPT John Drake. Commanded now by LT Lawrence Britten; the company began withdrawing toward LZ Eagle for a helicopter pickup. A platoon of gunships from D/227th and others pounced on the pursuing enemy force. Under that umbrella, Company A arrived at LZ Eagle at 1900 hours, under the command of the 2d Platoon leader after LT Britten went down, a casualty to the enemy’s fire, and began preparing for a night extraction. An attempt was made by LTC Jack Crawford’s 227th assault helicopter pilots to enter the little field in the dark. Using a lighted “T” set out by Pathfinders, was blocked when a Chinook from the 228th, took around 50 direct enemy hits and the pilots had to execute an emergency landing in the center of the landing zone. Because the LZ was small, no other helicopters could land; the remaining 100 men of Company A 1/12th consolidated around the disabled CH-47. The crew of the Chinook emerged unscathed and found the infantrymen short of ammunition, almost out of water and without rations. They made trips under fire to haul out the supplies of M-16 and machine gun ammunition from their riddled chopper. When it became apparent the Communists were pushing in close and that there could be no night extraction, the food, water, and ammunition situation became desperate. At Camp Holloway in Pleiku the usual red dry-season dust cloud was hanging in the air created by the beat of rotor blades and the blast of CV-2 Caribou transports. The 17th Aviation Co. commanded by MAJ Franklin joined in the action in a classic demonstration of why the Caribou was such a well-loved aircraft in Vietnam. CPT John Gergulis of the Division Support Command and his aircraft engineer supply platoon at the 1st Brigade Headquarters of COL Jack Hennesey, made up pallet loads of what the surrounded troopers needed at LZ Eagle, 2000 pounds of small arms ammo and 2000 pounds of rations. The 8th Engineer Battalion had already created a construction miracle in the opening two days of Operation Lincoln when they cleared an airstrip and covered it with a plastic membrane. The Caribou left Camp Holloway piloted by CPT Tom Caraballo, with CPT Kent Hultz as co-pilot and SP5 Thomas Stonecipher as crew chief. It landed at the strip by the little Montagnard village and the pallets, rigged with parachutes, were loaded. The Caribou headed south and around 00:30 hours it roared down just over the trees, drawing fire from the NVA making a futile attempt to drop the plane. CPT Caraballo states, “As the Caribou was approaching the drop zone, we could not see the marker due to tall trees. An ARA ship gave us a 5 degree right turn to keep us on line. We were now heading due north at a indicated speed of 85 knots. We could see white flashes in the jungle and then almost immediately picked up the lighted “T”. Hultz gave the crew a 30 second standby and leaned over to reach the cargo release. Pathfinders Max Bennett and Lowell Fryar called in that he had visual contact with the aircraft. As the marker passed directly underneath the nose of the aircraft, the Pathfinder radioed: “Execute! Execute! Execute!” Hultz hit the release switch and I pulled up into a steep climb at maximum power. The 2000 pounds of ammunition rushed out the rear of the aircraft, dropping straight down and into the LZ. We leveled off about two miles north of the LZ and prepared to repeat the process a second time, dropping the rations. The Pathfinder gave a “Roger” on the loads arrival within the small perimeter.” The re-supply provided that night by the 17th Aviation Co. helped turn the tide of battle which saved the lives and/or captivity of the men of Company A. Just prior to sunrise, the enemy forces withdrew and disappeared from sight. Max Bennett wrote: “Overall, the actions around LZ Eagle and Cat were a classic 1st

Cav operation - coordination and cooperation was great between all concerned including the Air Force, FAC and flare ship. I doubt if any other unit in Vietnam could have done it all so smoothly. A lot of professionals in action.” Our hats are off to the men of the 17th Aviation Company and the Caribou.

I received the following note that I must share from Steve Saunders <[email protected]>. “The Moving Wall and appropriate ceremonies will take place in our tiny Northeast Iowa community June 30-July 4th. Attached is a brief piece I was asked to do for the complimentary booklet to be available at the site. I know you all understand and may share the sentiment.

“REFLECTIONS: The Vietnam War was brutal for those of us who fought it on the ground. Our military performed with tenacity and distinction little understood. Many people, however, blamed us warriors for an unpopular war waged half-heartedly and unsuccessfully from Washington. They clearly demonstrated what they thought of the war and those who fought it for them. Academia, the media, and the elites spurned our service while glorifying the enemy. Right had become wrong. Vocal and subtle slurs and jibes subjected Vietnam veterans to antagonism and loathing. The stigma tore open the wounds and spit on the graves of my buddies. These blows to my dignity as a young combat veteran remain tender even after fifty years. I survived one solid year of war, then my countrymen shot me in the back. Fire of such caliber tore a jagged hole through me.

“We were castaways; marked as crazed pariahs, lepers afflicted with a nitro-glycerin menace—“post-Vietnam syndrome” was the smear. We were the refuse of a lost war, unexploded ordnance, and duds to be sidestepped. Today those who branded us will not look us in the eye.

“Vietnam veterans returned confused from the war in which we had invested our young lives and sought no return. Many reacted to the homegrown incoming fire like an in-country firefight—we went to ground. It jinxed a homecoming of the spirit. Peace is more than just the absence of war. I rode the brakes on my sensibilities and resolved not to squander a life that had been spared, eager to harness the opportunities of America the beautiful. My country right or wrong; I love her so—for keeps.

“Contrary to the shrill scorn for Vietnam veterans, most had met severe tests there and scored well. Many years after the war, a placid pride crept into me. It balanced the comedown, embarrassment and guilt plaguing me from public disdain and because, unlike so many I had known, I survived with all working body parts and a full tank of blood. It joined other unspoken attitudes shaped by wartime. I harbor no regrets that I fought there or for what I did there, but bear some for what I did not do.

“As a 19-year-old in Vietnam, I took for granted the vivid camaraderie borne of war’s wild circumstances. I was blind to many sentiments under death’s cold stare. Later I learned that these attachments were priceless beyond compare. In Vietnam we haggard grunts supposed we were the lowest of wretches on the planet, but we never stood so tall.

“A few of my platoon survivors of the war and its shameful aftermath gather in our old age, bonded in the past and in a powerful fellowship borne of the inexpressible experience of war. We know each other’s dark place. None can articulate the sentiment, but all feel its muscle. It is an elegy to and a celebration of forlorn sacrifices.

“In 1967, as I left the ‘bush’ for the last time, whopping chopper blades drowned my elated shout of ‘Airborne!’ They lifted me upward, homeward, away from my rifle platoon forever. As the Huey slowly rose, my right arm went up in salute to those left behind, to those gone before, to all that we had been and done, to our teenage savvy of a world of suffering, injustice, evil and love—and to all that we had risked and endured that none can say. I was buoyant; the moment seemed as an ascent to heaven. But it was to be a low height. I would be anchored there always. The shooting stopped, but there was no cease-fire. I hold that salute. My body left that doomful place, but my youth and its unbroken heart never boarded that helicopter.”

Steve, WOW. Well said. Thanks for sharing.Vegas. A commitment during the date of our annual reunion prevented me

from attending. My primary concern was insuring Saturday’s Silver Wings of the Cav luncheon went smoothly and everyone has a great time. So I asked COL (Ret) Eugene Beyer to act as your luncheon host. Gene accepted and relieved my anxiety, although it’s an unusual feeling when a former commanding officer accepts a detail from ME. Gene did an outstanding job and sent in the following after action report.

“Hank, Back from the 1st Cav reunion today. Left Vegas and spent a few days with Gerry Gudinas from 12th Cavalry Regiment.

Representatives of pilots or crew members were as follows: Medevac-1, 227th-7, 228th-3, 229th-4. There were also 6 wives and one grandson in attendance. Of course CPT Hook was there as usual. Still looks the same. Pete Tattersall who is on the board of 1st Cav. Division Association also was there. One of the 229th reps was Dale Berry. He was there when we were. He lives in California and still looks awfully young. His grandson was there. I was most impressed with his grandson.

We were placed in a very small room with one waiter who did a commendable job for what he had to work with. Each one there got to tell a short story about their tour. These, as you may recall, are what make these luncheons so interesting.

The reunion as a whole was somewhat discombobulated. All rooms used by the Cav were on the 2nd floor. You could not reach 2nd floor with the elevator. You had to walk through the casino (a long walk through smoking area) to get to escalator which took you to 2nd floor. Good attendance for the banquet, a nice evening for all.

The Palace Station Hotel and Casino is an old establishment and off the strip. I heard numerous complaints about the water (could not adjust hot to normal, it was too hot) and dirty carpet, etc. Taxi driver said the only thing it had going for it is that was where OJ Simpson was arrested.

Weather was hot and windy. On day of arrival. There was a shower one night which cooled things off somewhat.

Our society was on display in Vegas. I did not like what I saw.” Gene, thank you again for acting as the “Wings” luncheon host and the follow up sitrep. Continued on pg. 17

15th MED/15th FSB/15th BSB

Mike Bodnar13010 N. Lakeforest Dr.

Sun City, AZ 85351-3250(623) 972-4395

[email protected]

JULY/AUGUST 2016saberNo commo received, so

from the Website some reminiscences by new 15th MED Association president Larry Hatch: “First Two UH-1H Aircraft assigned

to 15th Med Battalion,” By MAJ Larry G. Hatch (USA Ret)

WO Call Sign: Mercy 11: “WO Arthur Martin and I were flown to Vung Tau to take delivery of the first two new UH-1H helicopters; an improvement over the D model’s L-11 engines versus the much more powerful L-13 engine. We both had a crew chief along to assist and fill the other front pilot’s seat.

“While flying the two aircraft in trail formation up the coast line towards home base, the helicopter I was flying lost all of

its hydraulic fluid and the hydraulic warning light came on. Beings you can’t hover the aircraft with the hydraulics out, they teach running landings in flight school to deal with these situations. So, when I was adjacent to Cam Ranh Bay Air Base, I radioed the Army Airfield next to the base for permission to make an emergency running landing. I made a shallow, twelve degree approach, keeping my airspeed up until touching the aircraft’s skids down on the very first part of the PSP runway. I had to get the crew chief to help put downward pressure on the collective stick to help take pitch out of the rotor blades and slow us down.

“As it was, the helicopter slid down three-fourths of the runway before stop-ping. I made a picture-perfect, flight school, text book landing. The major in charge of the airfield came running out and chewed me up one side and down the other for landing at ‘his’ airfield. Well, excuse me. Mr. Martin let him have both barrels.

“We left the broken helicopter there and flew home in the other one. Mr. Mar-tin flew back the next day with maintenance personnel and fixed the helicopter. When the helicopter was being built, a mechanic crimped one of the hydraulic line fittings so bad that it leaked at the fitting. The leak wasn’t found after the helicopter was first test flown back in the United States. My forty-five minute flight was all it took to pump out all of the hydraulic fluid.

“Unbeknownst to me, Mr. Martin had saved the crimped hydraulic fitting and had it made into a plaque that I was given when I departed Vietnam in December 1967. That plaque is hanging on the wall in my den.”

“An Lo Valley Ambush” By MAJ Larry G. Hatch (USA Ret) WO Call Sign: Mercy 11: “CPT Eldon Ideus and I (WO Larry Hatch) were making a MEDEVAC pickup in the An Lo Valley outside of LZ English. While I was flying downwind, I couldn’t help but think how beautiful the elephant grass looked; it was like a golf course fairway lined on both side by palm trees.

“I made my final approach to an infantry soldier standing waist high in the grass holding a smoke flare. I was flaring the

helicopter for landing, when at fifteen feet all hell broke loose. The VC had set up an ambush and we were taking automatic weapons fire from the palm trees as well as the ground.

“I immediately broke off the approach, pulling pitch enough to maintain RPM at 6,000 (which had bled off from 6,600 RPM) while simultaneously applying forward cyclic to gain airspeed. With the RPM low warning light blaring and flashing, and trying to stay at fifteen feet without hitting the ground, I finally built up enough airspeed and RPM to get away from the gun fire.

“A bullet had gone through the left door and through CPT Ideus’ right foot. Another bullet went through the open cargo area, hit the metal plate on the back top of my armored seat which holds the seat belt web in place, bent it up sending shrapnel into my neck and then ricocheting off to hit the aircraft’s side panel behind the door. I radioed ahead to LZ English telling them we didn’t make the pickup but we had wounded on board and a wounded helicopter.

“Our wounds were attended to and CPT

Ideus was medevaced back to the United States. I sure was going to miss old ‘Magnet Ass Ideus,’ as I called him, for every time we flew together we got the hell shot out of the aircraft.

“Our Maintenance Officer, WO Arthur Martin, and TI SP6 Clyde Moore, counted one hundred and twenty-seven bullet holes through the aircraft (exit holes were not counted). We were lucky that day. MAJ Goodman told me that I needed to relax and get away from the action so I was sent up North along the coast line in support of the Marines. The very first mission proved to be no better than the last bullet riddled mission in the An Lo Valley. But, that’s another war story to read about on our Website. {Next, below}

“Coast Mission” By MAJ Larry G. Hatch (USA Ret) WO Call Sign: Mercy 11: “Right after the mission on 8 April 1967 where both CPT Eldon Ideus and I were wounded, I was sent up North along the coast-line in support of some Marine Corps operations to give me a break from the action. Well, I flew out of the frying pan into the fire. I was in deep doo-doo on my very first mission.

“The pickup was right on the coast-line of the South China Sea. The only vegetation between the rice paddies and the sea was these patches of twenty foot high willows among other smaller trees.

“The unit on the ground popped a smoke grenade; I identified the color of smoke and was making an approach to the LZ when fifteen feet off the ground all hell broke

loose. I wasn’t flying at the controls because I was breaking in a new pilot so I was looking out my pilot’s left door window looking at the mud flats and water on the ground when I found myself staring down a rifle barrel.

“A Viet Cong (VC) dressed in all black (common dress), bare footed, squatted down on the mud bank, was pointing his rifle at me. He fired and the round went between my feet, hit the cyclic stick, severed wiring, which resulted in my side of the cockpit filling up with smoke.

“At the same time, we were taking automatic weapons fire and I was telling my co-pilot on my radio headset to ‘Get the hell out of here.’ Well, you are in your most vulnerable position when you are slowing the aircraft’s descent for landing and you pull up the collective to get airborne. The helicopter’s rotor blade RPM immediately starts to bleed off.

“I guess it was my instructor pilot’s instinct but I had taken over the controls, held the RPM bleed off to 6000 RPM (down from 6600 RPM) and was able to start moving forward as the rotor blades were chopping up those willows like a lawn mower. At least we weren’t crash landing.

“It seemed like we flew through those willows forever until we flew out of them, turned right towards the rice paddies with the helicopter’s skids about five feet off the ground as I was trying to gain airspeed and slowly lowering the col-lect to gain RPM. As you can probably determine, that combination of forward cyclic stick to gain airspeed and downward collective to gain rotor RPM without hitting the ground was tricky. To top things off, I was trying to see through a cloud of smoke from burning wire, RPM warning indicator bleeping constantly and whatever else was going on to keep the aircraft flying.

“Can you imagine a Vietnamese rice farmer, standing up, pushing his dugout canoe along the rice paddy using a long pole to push him and I’m flying straight at him; true story. I’ll bet he filled his pants before he bailed out into the paddy. I didn’t hit the pole or the farmer but I didn’t alter my flight path; I figured I was the one with the emergency and besides, I had the right-of-way (come to think of it, maybe not). I still laugh thinking about it (the farmer, not the mission).

“After two harrowing missions within three days of each other, they sent me on R&R to Hawaii on August 19, 1967. I wanted to go to Australia and see those beautiful ladies they kept show casing in the ‘Stars & Stripes’ newspaper but, Hawaii was better than nothing.”

Always remembering our 1st Cav troops on duty around the world: over and out.

FIRST TEAM! Garryowen, SO THAT OTHERS MAY LIVERound hit Ideus’ foot

Round through seat

WO1 Hatch. All photos from Larry Hatch.

CPT Ideus

One of 127 hits

Seat hit with ricochet

Silver Wings News Continued from pg. 16

Ben Michels sent in the following request for information. Still kicking. I wonder if you could put a query in your column asking anyone who has knowledge of the action that took place when HHC, 227th Aviation Battalion was awarded the Valorous Unit Award in l968. I would like to know what occurred and the names of any of the men of the unit. I was the PSNCO of the 227th in ‘66 and ‘67. Ben Michels, <[email protected]>.” Okay, Ben let’s ask our fellow troopers/readers who have personal recall of the event to enlighten us.

Johnny Hubbs <[email protected]> <www.229thavn.com> webmaster wrote in seeking assistance for the daughter of a former sky trooper. Hank, “I wanted to say hello and ask you something about one of our HHC B/229th Avn Battalion guys... or if you have heard the name come up. He was Blues Grunt with HHC/229th ‘67-’68? His name was Bill Evans.... I’m trying to help his daughter, Rebecca Saxton, (nice lady for sure) find out any information. Maybe someone remembers him in Vietnam. She loved her dad, but he passed away and I guess she just wants to learn more about him and his time in the Vietnam War. She is a US Navy vet and any help that you or your readers could give would sure help out.”

I sent out inquiries to those in my database from the stated tour date and came up empty handed. So if any of your readers can help out please contact Johnny or me. Thanks.

I wrote of the passing of Fred (Pink) Martin in the last issue and received many emails in response as the one I will share with you here. “Hank, I served on the Board with Fred and we became really good friends as we had both been in the 61st FA. When I was the Association Historian, General Bill Becker told me that Pink was the best pilot in the Far East. He was a Patriot!” Jim Marks.

Julie Kink sent in an update message to the Wings mailbox. You may recall the article in the May/June, 2015 SABER concerning her husband, Mike Sprayberry and Norman Lloyd’s documentary, “The MIAs on Tiger Mountain“. Her husband, Mike Sprayberry of D Company, 5th Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment, on April 25, 1968, led a small group of volunteers on a harrowing nighttime rescue in the A Shau Valley of Vietnam. Their mission: to save a platoon of infantrymen encircled, ambushed, and pinned down by superior North Vietnamese forces on the flank of Tiger Mountain. The rescue was successful--all of the survivors of the ambush were extracted--but the bodies of three fallen soldiers could not be recovered. A few days later, an observation helicopter from B Troop 1/9th Cavalry attempted to locate the three KIAs. It too was lost to heavy enemy fire. Continued on pg. 23

20th and 79th Artillery Regiment NewsJULY/AUGUST 2016

Bruce Wilder9724 Rosariod Dr.

Parrish, FL 34219-9200(423) 245-6116

[email protected]

saber

Greetings from the beautiful hills of east Tennessee! The spring was spectacular with all the red buds, rhododendrons, dogwoods, tulips, and forsythias. The list goes on! The red roses outside my window are breath taking! As you may have guess, I am enjoying this time of the year!

Mail call: Have been in touch with many ARA members and shared many happy moments and several sad moments as we have said goodbye to another member.

I received an email from Chris Palmer on June 3, 2016, which informed me of his father, LTC (Ret) Charles R. Palmer’s, death at his Marietta, Georgia home on May 25, surrounded by his loving family. Charles was born January 21, 1935 to Ralph and Jewel Palmer. He met his wife Carol Ann when they were students at North Georgia College and they married in 1956. He graduated NGC in 1956 with a commission in the US Army Reserve. A career officer, he served with distinction until his retirement in 1976. Beginning in field artillery, he completed flight school in 1958. He was a Senior Army Aviator. He flew Army fixed wing aircraft and helicopters in Central America with the Inter American Geodetic Service.

Charles was one of the first pilots to arrive at Fort Benning in February 1963 for the beginning of what became 2/20th ARA, 1st Cav Division. He was a helicopter gunship pioneer in 377th ARA, 11th Air Assault. They wrote the book on the tactics and technique on the employment of aerial rocket artillery in a combat environment. He deployed with many of us to Vietnam.Charles served two tours of duty in Vietnam. In 1965 with the C Battery, 2/20th ARA, he was Aircraft Commander during the Battle of the Ia Drang. In 1970, he commanded the 243rd, Chinook Helicopter Company. He later commanded the helicopter flight school at Fort Stewart before retiring there in 1976 as Assistant Deputy Post Commander.

Awards and decorations include: Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star with 3 oak leaf clusters, 13 Air Medals, 2 Army Commendation Medals, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Ribbon and four Overseas Bars. He was also given a commendation by the government of Costa Rica for a daring helicopter rescue of several civilians during a flash flood. He led a successful civilian career in Safety and Loss Control with Mission Insurance, Allied Products, SIS and Regional Reporting.During the later years of his life, he fought bravely though many health challenges (with Agent Orange implications), including heart failure, kidney failure and leukemia, defying the odds and beating every prognosis while retaining his sense of humor. He was an intelligent, humble man of honor, valor, and faith who always had a word of encouragement. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Carol Ann Palmer; children David, Chris and Casey, five grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. Emails to the family can be sent to <[email protected]>.LTC (Ret) Charles R. Palmer was buried with full military honors at the Kennesaw Memorial Park in Marietta, GA, on May 28, 2016. Thank you, Charles for your devoted and dedicated service to your country and to your family and community. We miss you! We place you in the loving care of a gracious God! And thank you, Chris, for the information. We pray that God’s constant mercy and strength will be with your family.

An old email has been bouncing back and forth between Gordon Eatley and me for some time and I promised Gordon that I would mention it in this issue. The original email was February 8 at 9:33 AM.

Good morning, Reading you articles about my old unit in the Saber and learning about some of the things I participated in at the time (Jan 67 to Aug 67). Thank you very much. One Item of note, I didn’t see, was the loss of an aircraft and two crew members, CPT Winston T. Robinson and SP4 Clark Paul Leslie, on 9/6/67, UH-1B tail number 64-14028. I, for one, will never forget them. I flew with CPT Robinson the majority of my time with 2/20th. In mid August I was notified that due to the infusion program I was to be transferred to another unit. The infusion program was set up so that all the senior pilots didn’t rotate out at the same time. It was a problem because the Cav came over in mass. I was be-ing shifted to Aircraft Commander at the time, so I don’t know if I would have been flying with him that day, but I have often wondered. Anyway, I went from flying HOGs one day to flying OH-13’s the next. Gordon

Thank you for sharing your thoughts and memories of a very special relation-ship with others in ARA. This is the way we can archive the stories we all want

to save; otherwise, they will go the way of the oral tradition. Somebody has to “Write the Story!”

On Memorial Day, I was invited by Jesse Hobby to render the invocation and closing prayer for the Celebration by the American Legion Post 122, Cairo, Georgia, as they honored the 66 soldiers of Grady County, Georgia and the 1.1 million of our armed forces men and women who gave their lives in service of the United States military. Jesse was the guest speaker and I was honored to participate. It was a moving service highlighted by Jesse’s words of inspiration and honor as the name of each individual from Grady County was read and the bell was tolled, Thank you, Jesse, for the invitation! Once again, I was proud to be an American!

After 51 years, since we were together in Vietnam, we still can wear the uniform and

attend Memorial Day Celebration Services, where we can pay tribute to those who gave their lives for our country! It was a day spent doing what all Americans should be doing on Memorial Day! Cook outs and a day off from work are great, but that can take place on any weekend.

As stated in the last issue, we are including more on the Battle of An Loc, We talked about HEAT rockets and the actions of the of F Btry/79th Bn (ARA) primarily on 13 April 1972 and covered the arrival of the newly developed High Explosive Dual Purpose (HEDP) rockets. Today we are keying in on the Task Force Garryowen.

In the April/May/June issue of the Strap-hanger, the article “HEAT” described the action of F/79 primarily on 13 April 1972 and covered the arrival of the newly developed High Explosive Dual Purpose (HEDP) rockets. The entries below, from the Task Force Garryowen S-3 journal, reflect the level and intensity of the fighting around An Loc in mid-April. TRAC is MAJ GEN Hollingsworth unit of advisors.

The italicized entries highlight the activities of F/79 ARA. 15 April 1972:0255 hours – TRAC: F/79 is to stage from Lai Khe. Be prepared to depart Bien

Hoa at 0700H and to engage enemy armor vehicles, conduct recon in designated boxes. F/79 to be on standby (30 min) starting at 0630 hours. Be prepared to engage enemy armor vehicles.

0520 hours – TRAC: Since approx 0440hours, An Loc has been under heavy ground attack from the S-SE and taking incoming. Bounce heavy fire team of F/79 AFA ASAP w/nails. Weather at An Loc is bad. All families of fighters can-not operate. Put F/79 on alert to depart 1st light. First skids up at 0520. 2nd team at 0550hours. Notified TRAC to make sure Lai Khe fuel and ammo points are open. F/79 ships are Serpents 25, 33, 12, 24.

0620 hours – F/79 has five ships at An Loc. Serpent 26 was #5 our assets 5 MAX birds for our AO. Note: it was unusual that call signs of the attack helicop-ters would be included, especially down to identification of wingmen. Though always reported to Brigade, elsewhere in the journal even heavy hunter/killer team leaders, who were the mission commanders, are not identified by call sign. This appears to be a personal touch by whoever kept the journal that day.

0730 hours – TRAC: Reports 23mm AA, E of An Loc. FAC’s report 37mm, but no location.

0814 Hours – TRAC: Requested F/79 to be bounced to work visual recon boxes. Skids up at 0825 hours. Our representative at An Loc will control our as-sets. Approx 1000 hours the rest of the 8th ARVN Airborne Battalion may airlift in An Loc. May need MAX to engage ground to air fire.

0940 hours – TRAC: LTC Foloyer wanted a message passed to DCO-A that An Loc requested gunship support to protect Tactical Operations Center. Tanks 500 meters from the TOC. TRAC Commanding General says Cav Troop to be used to find anti-aircraft positions for forward air controller.

1035 hours – TRAC: Troop concentrations and 10 tanks in box at XT735894, 731885, 721905, and 716897, requesting arclights. The hunter/killer teams found, attacked, and silenced the active major caliber AAA positions, resulting in the next entry.

1050 hours – DCO-A: Reports no 23mm or 37mm AA fire east of An Loc at this time, but great deal of .51 cal. Ground to air fire.

1135 hours – Message from GEN Hamlet: Get 400 HEAT rockets to Lai Khe ASAP. Note: This was the day the newly developed High Explosive Dual Purpose actually arrived in country. The journal never differentiates between the old and marginally effective HEAT, and the refined HEDP, referring to all armor piercing rockets as “HEAT”. This is similar to the unit’s generic method of referring to any Cobra being used in the attack role as “MAX.”

1500 hours – TRAC CG: At 1450 ten tanks were attacking An Loc. 9 were destroyed. CG TRAC wants more air to destroy tanks before they get in the city. They are in the city and the ARVNS are destroying them there by cluttering the street.

CW2 Ron Tusi, F/79 ARA, made real good use of those HEAT rockets. The NVA tanks were within a few meters of the 5th ARVN Div headquarters in downtown An Loc. They were close enough to fire into the windows of the buildings that had command bunkers in them. When the conditions further deteriorated the US advisors specifically request Cobras and not TACAIR because of the proximity of friendly troops and civilians. Confident of his ability to deliver accurate fire on moving tanks, he responded immediately despite intense air to ground fire. He single-handedly attacked the threatening enemy forces, killing four tanks, damaging one and forcing the other to withdraw from friendly positions. Turn-ing his attention to the supporting NVA infantry, he killed several and forced the retreat of the remainder. For his extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty, Tusi received our nation’s second highest award for heroism, the Distinguished Service Cross. Although the action described above was the high point in Tusi’s activities during the An Loc defense, it should be noted that he also received a Silver Star, three DFC’s, a Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Gold Star and numerous other awards during the forty five day period of the battle. Many former members of Blue Max recall that Ron Tusi was so enraged over the high density of tanks inside the city that he hovered down the roads, sought out the tanks, got behind them and hovered fired into the engine decks causing massive explosions in the power train and fuel storage areas of the tanks. Although he did not blow the turrets off the tanks like as a TOW missile would, a burned out tank is a dead tank.

The last journal entry for the day promised that the excitement would con-tinue.

2310 hours – TRAC G-3: Mission tomorrow is to prepare to execute and order to 1) Send one heavy fire team to arrive An Loc by first light. 2) Send one cavalry troop to arrive An Loc at first light. Additional guidance from 1st Cav S-3: All gunships should have at least 50% HEAT rockets.

There are more entries as the battle progresses and these will be continued in Continued on pg. 21

(Then) CPT Charles Palmer 1965, C/2/20th ARA, Armed Falcon, the Golf Course, An Khe, Vietnam

L-R Jesse Hobby and Bruce Wilder on Memorial Day

Jesse Hobby – Guest Speaker

82nd FA News“Can and Will” Bill Thomason

101 Lakeview Dr.Lexington, SC 29073-9366


JULY/AUGUST 2016saber3rd Bn, 82nd FA News: The

deactivation of 3rd Battalion, 82nd FA Regiment on 5 May 2016 is the only news I have received. I have no other news from members of 3-82nd FA. Come on guys send

me some stories of your experiences in the 3rd of the 82nd FA.Echo Battery (Aviation), 82nd Artillery Vietnam: Where did our spring go?

Here it is in the middle of June, blistering hot summer weather, record rains down South and it is Saber time again. We are right in the middle of election candidate matches. Seems like lots of people are interested in getting their foot in the door and get into politics and those that are there are doing what they can to insure they stay in their loved positions. Wonder why they get out on the streets, on TV, print campaign ads and on and on and all you see is big smiles and big promises when it is election time. They seem to forget how they got there. Doesn’t look very good from where I sit. So “Old Soldiers”, get off the couch and vote. If we do not get some changes to what is going on currently, our country as we knew it, will be in the cesspool here shortly. I think we are sitting and staring down the stinky pit right now. So let us get away from politics for a few moments and find out what is and was going on in the 82nd Field Artillery.

First of all, I have not heard from anyone that has served in the 82nd Field Artillery during the Iraqi and Afghanistan deployments. So guys, you are Veterans just as we the Echo Btry (Aviation), 82nd Arty, 1st Air Cav Division are. We have all kinds of stuff to talk about. We have finally been accepted and thanked for our service and accomplishments during the Vietnam War and era. I personally make it a point to stop and thank any Veteran for the sacrifices they endured and giving their time to serve in our military. It should not make any difference when they served, or if they were deployed to a combat zone. If you are reading this article, you have something to be thankful for, you made it. So if you happen to know of someone that served during any of the conflicts or wars and were a part of the 82nd Field Artillery, they have a story, a tale to tell so shake their hand, give them a hug and get them on-board. So I guess it is time to provide some worthy tales from the old 50+ years or so ago during the Vietnam War. Oh, and the other day I was talking with a non-military and he brought up to me about the Vietnam era. He said that our involvement in Vietnam was not a war but a conflict of interest. That sort of rubbed me wrong and I poked it back at him about the thousands that were killed, the thousands that were wounded, and the thousands that have died from the effects and complications of the Vietnam War. WWII was a war, they used guns, tanks, planes, bombs, etc and we did the same. Sounds like war to me.

What a difference a few years makes: Baby Killer! Or some other unprintable derogatory remark or gesture is what greeted me after my first tour in Vietnam in 1968, and again in 1969 after a second tour. Fast Forward. June 6, 2016. 502 Vietnam combat veterans depart Omaha for Washington D.C. Assembling at 0215 a.m. Monday morning or more appropriate Sunday night, 502 veterans and 51 support and press people boarded three airplanes to begin a day none will ever forget.

Arriving at Reagan Airport we were greeted by the airport fire department creat-ing a halo of water as the planes headed for the gate. Arriving at the gate and the seat belt sign extinguished, we departed our planes for an experience we were not prepared for. As we entered the gate waiting area heading for the doors where our buses awaited us were crowds of people greeting us with warm handshakes and many “thank you for your service, welcome home”. I don’t know how much of it was organized, but emotions ran strong as we negotiated our way through the crowd of cheering and clapping people. There were military, children, young and old adults. People waiting for their planes dropped their suitcases and joined the throng of well-wishers. 502 people boarded the twelve buses with no dry eyes. This was just the beginning. What a difference a few years makes.

The first stop was to the Vietnam Memorial (The Wall). We gathered on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial for our group picture. We then migrated to the Vietnam Memorial Wall. Many looked for the names of family, neighbors, friends, or fellow soldiers that were not as lucky as we were. For those of us who had not seen it before, we were impressed with its size and the 58,307 names engraved in granite. Many greetings and thanks for our service came from others at the wall, as we were impressive in our red, white, or blue shirts embroidered with the Nebraska Vietnam Combat Veterans Flight logo. At eleven o’clock, we gathered for a program and were greeted by several people including Nebraska’s own Senator Deb Fisher and former Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel. It concluded with a representative from each of the three groups to place a memorial wreath on the center of the wall. What a difference a few years makes.

Leaving the wall the three groups split us up as twelve buses to not make find-ing parking spaces easy. We spent the rest of the day visiting the WWII Memo-rial, Korean War Memorial, touring around DC as we ate our lunch, a walking tour of Arlington Cemetery, Changing of the Guard ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Iwo Jima Memorial, and Air Force Memorial. At the various stops we were greeted by many tourists who thanked us for our service and apologized for the rude treatment we receive many years before. What a difference a few years makes.

As we transgressed to our waiting planes to return us back to Nebraska, we were greeted by many well-wishers. More roller coaster emotions. The flight back could not have been quick enough as we wanted to share our day with our families. Even though the day was long - now into hour eighteen, the adrenaline flowing in our veins kept us awake and talking with each other. We knew our arrival would be cheered by our wives, and some well-wishers. What we did not expect was five thousand people who waited for two hours to finally welcome us home as their defenders of freedom, and heroes. We were greeted by family and friends, veteran groups, strangers of all ages, including many small children with their warming smiles and eager hands extending to shake ours as they gripped their welcome home signs. Twenty two hours after it started, it closed but did not end. The warm feelings and memories will last the rest of our lives. What a difference a few years makes.

All of this was possible by many volunteers, sponsors, and two very warm and caring people by the name of Bill and Evonne Williams. They are the founders

of Patriotic Productions they have organized honor flights for WWII veterans and Korean War Veterans. Check out their gracious activities at <www.patriot-icprodutions.org>.

As in years past our loved ones were left behind, but not on this day. The wives were treated to a trip to Lincoln, Nebraska where they toured Memorial Stadium, had lunch with First Lady Susanne Shore, a selection of afternoon tours, with a wine tasting and pizza to conclude their day before they were bused to Epply Airfield to greet their heroes. What a difference a few years makes.

As for me, words do not express the feelings I experienced that day. Return-ing from Vietnam, I was hardened by the terrors of war. The people who had rude remarks did not understand what I understood. They did not know of my wanting to serve my country, to do what I deemed was the right thing to do. I do not talk much of what I did or saw or experienced. It became a part of me and I knew others would not understand it as I did. What I shared were good or fun times and the great friends I made while being in the military. But on June 6, 2016 I found a lot of people who felt as I did and appreciated the values of military service as I did. We know that many have to sacrifice to keep the USA the greatest country in the world. Oh what a difference a few years makes.

Bill Thomason Celebrates-Again: My family was so thrilled about the Mayberry Family Reunion on 18 June in Bluefield, Virginia. The thrill of this reunion was the two remaining sisters of my mother. Cleo Ulch, age 90 and Lilly Richards, age 101. I mentioned the 101st birthday of Aunt Lilly in the last issue. Unfortunately Aunt Lilly was unable to attend due to sudden health issues. Aunt Cleo was there with her family and thoroughly enjoyed the reunion. We had a wonderful time, beautiful weather and many of our normal attenders were not there as they were at the home of Aunt Lilly in Princeton, West Virginia. On Sunday after the reunion I called and talked to her on the phone and she was very

disappointed because she could not attend. I did talk to her son David Richards. David was the only member of the Richards Family that attended the reunion and he went straight to Aunt Lilly’s home afterwards. Now there were some really great moments at the reunion. We had the usual great feasts plus meeting all of the family members. Now there were 5 Vietnam

Veterans attending and my son Michael Thomason, a 9 year Air Force Veteran. Military Veterans were: Myself, my brother Jimmy, 586th Sig Co, 1st Air Cav Div, An Khe, way up North; David Richards, son of Aunt Lilly, 17th Engineers; John Lester, my brother in law, 1099th Medium Boat Co, Cat Lia, Vietnam; and Howard Honaker, 184th Assault Helicopter Company, Tay Ninh. SP5 Howard Honaker was a cousin of mine. Howard was in Vietnam from March 70 to June 71 at the same time and I had the pleasure of going from Phuoc Vinh to Tay Ninh and bringing him for a visit to Cav Country .

E-Mail from Patrick McIntyre: I hate to be the bearer of bad tidings, however the following was sent to me by Rocky Anderson.

Rocky and I shared the same space when we were in Vietnam. His place was in the North East corner of the hooch that I was in at Phuoc Vinh. Per attached is a photo of him & I at Phuoc Vinh, Vietnam in 1969. “Hello Pat, just a note. I’m sure you’re keeping your health checked up on, but I thought I’d better mention this. After being in excellent shape all summer and fall, windsurfing and looking forward to starting the ski season, I suddenly in October got 2 sinus infections, pneumonia, trouble breathing, etc. My local VA quack said I was fine, so I went to a private clinic and ended up in the hospital with a lung infection and then Bronchiectasis, (permanent disorder). That led to more tests regarding the doctor’s suspicions. They found I have Multiple Myeloma, bone cancer causing proteins to be released in the blood, lowering my immune system and making you susceptible to infection and anemia. It’s cancer, and I’m taking tons of big antibiotics to get rid of a lung lesion, among other meds, so I can start the chemo

for the cancer very soon. The hope is that the treatment will work and I can have at least a few more years of almost normal life. The cancer doctor said it was definitely from Agent Orange. He even showed me where the VA almost secretly admits it on poorly planned website. I won’t go into further details now, but it’s been a tough 8 months, and many more to go, but I have faith in getting well again. There are so many I love counting on it, and much more. It occurred to me that I should send you a note, since you, Clint Brown and I were in the same places at the same time and had to have very similar exposure! I hope you don’t have any such problems, but keep an eye on yourself! I still haven’t ever contacted Brown. Just too busy, etc. you know. You can drop him a note if you choose. Have a great summer! Rock”

Humorous story: The following little humorous story came from new WO-1’s Gary Melton and Tony Humphries as they were enroute to their assignment with Echo Btry, (Aviation), 82nd Arty, 1st Air Cav Division in Vietnam.

A little humor from long ago, when I was at Ft. Lewis in May ‘68 in route to Vietnam and unassigned, you gotta remember now I was a brand new WO-1, less than 3 weeks time-in-grade, new to the ways of the conduct of the “officer” part of the Army. I went to the Officers Club with some other newbies, had a Continued on pg. 20

Dave Richards, Howard Honaker, Jim Thomason, Bill Thomason, Michael Thomason, and John Lester

Rocky Anderson and Patrick McIntyre, Phuoc Vinh, Vietnam

ENGINEER NewsJULY/AUGUST 2016 saber

Jesse Crimm4445 Silverwood Ln.

Jacksonville, FL 32207-6241(904) 737-6172

[email protected] Chapter Formation: If you are reading this note and if you live in

Northeast Florida, consider our forming an Association local chapter for our common good. If the words Nassau, Duval, Flagler, Clay, Baker, St Johns, Bradford, Putman or even Alachua sound familiar and if you like BBQ, shrimp, or even Gator tail, you need to call me at the above number. Let’s meet each other in fellowship of a past shared and a future planned. Whoops I forgot to mention the other side of the St. Mary’s river. Add Camden and Charlton to the list along with heart of palm salad.

Milton Arimoto: Remember the driver for the S-2 section? He’s still out there and I do mean out there in Hawaii. Now semi-retired from property acquisition and development, Milton now adds golf to his life. All of which is to say, fair winds and following seas. Wait! That’s navy talk. How about kick butt and take names?

18th Engineer Battalion: No that’s not a typo. There really was an 18th Engi-neers and they were attached to the Cav, more or less. Well, as fate would have it, our own Melvin Blackford out of Bartow, Florida figures that there ain’t no deer worth taking in central Florida and decides to rent some hunting land outside of Quitman, Georgia. Now Georgia being an open carry state, Melvin straps on his S&W 40 cal and decides to take a break from setting up tree stands and goes into town to grab some chow. There he bumps into Samuel Sermons who recognizes the Cav decal on Melvin’s 4x4 and says hello. Samuel was at Phouc Vinh with the 18th same time as Melvin was up at Quan Loi. The story gets told to me for printing purposes and now the 6 points beyond the ears deer in Georgia better watch out for two hunting engineers. Hogs are open season all year sort of like anything outside the wire was. Good luck guys and welcome home Sam.

We Was There Too: When growing up in South Carolina it was mandatory that all Southern boys play Civil War. Of course we included Gettysburg only with a different ending. In our version Armistead cleared the wall with enough guys to turn the cannons and split the Federal line. Well after all these years, my cousins and I went to Gettysburg last month to relive childhood and lost dreams. While touring the battlefield, I came across this Yankee en-gineer monument. Not be-ing overly biased after 150 years, I present to you proof that the Engineers were at Gettysburg. Unfortunately,

history has not changed and we send our taxes to D.C. not Richmond. So here is the evidence of the New York 15th and 50th Engineer Regiments. No doubt they spent their time on laying plank roads, pushing out pontoon bridges, digging revetments, and constructing abites-abeties-abatees (However you spell it, it’s an entanglement to stop the Rebs from getting over the wire so to speak).

Reunion: Once again the Engineers were the life of the party. It could be no other way with Lynn Titus, Jack Garmong, Gary Ullom, Scott Smith, Harold Givens, Rick Van Deurzen, Dave Paddock, Bruce Wag-ner, and Terry McCarl, all in attendance. Ac-tually it was the wives that kept things going as they insisted that the music required dancing and filled in the con-versational gaps when the guys fell silent. Now we especially note that the long missing Charlie Love appeared

and finally got to see Paddock after 47 years. Terry McCarl, our adopted 15th Med member, dined at the Engineer table. But even more interesting was Carlos

Hernandez. Seems that Carlos was in Korea about the time the last great freeze came through. There he was, as an engineer, stuck with the infantry, freezing, (don’t even think about warm water for a shave) underfed, pulling grunt work, shooting and getting shot at and no CIB to show for it. Nonetheless, Carlos was a most welcome addition to the Engineer table and we trust to see him again in Killeen, 2017.

We also are informed that Richard Bauchspies of the Burney Corporation pre-sented a detailed report. Who is that you ask? Bauchspies invests your money and by means of interest, dividends, and capital appreciation keeps our Associa-tion financially stable. At every Reunion, you should expect to be informed of our financial health.

Question: Why did the physics teacher break up with the biology teacher? There was no chemistry between them.

Active Duty Section: You may have missed it the last Saber. Our engineers from the 3rd BCT, 3rd Engineer Battalion took second place beating 47 other teams in the total Army Sapper competition at Fort Leonard Wood. Our guys were CPT William Whitfield and CPT Michael McLaughlin. Grueling is the best word to describe the competition. When was the last time you went for a swim with an 85 pound rucksack attached to your back? And that was just the first day after the PT test.

With Regret: We note the passing of David Thatcher of Missoula, Montana at age 94. He was the next to last survivor of the Doolittle raid on Tokyo. The remaining Raider is Richard Cole of Comfort, Texas. Wouldn’t it be great if he or a representative could make Killeen in 2017?

BBCL: Until such time as we develop our personal PTSD intervention system via our Association, I urge you to view and join the Battle Buddy Crisis Line on Face Book. BBCL is the brain child of our own Richard Gray out of Oklahoma. It operates a means for troubled vet to call out to someone who has directly had the same experiences. There is no intervening doctor or therapist. It’s just one guy talking to, encouraging, and even saving another Battle Buddy. In fact, that’s what we call each other, Battle. Reach out to Richard at <[email protected]>. No money is asked for, just your interest, willingness and participation.

Ernie Agusto: Ernie was from Puerto Rico and was transferred to us since he had an engineering degree. In a couple of days he fit right in, giving as good as he got. He had a hard time with English. He could speak it well, but didn’t understand the slang. He was always asking what we meant. We put him in surveying. He would have done anything to keep from going back to the infantry. The infantry was a living hell. We made him a rod man. Patterson, our metal magnet, Mike, and Ernie had to go out to where a firebase was going to be extended. The general wanted a map showing what was to be done. I gave them all a talking to before they left and told them a lot of the area around an LZ is mined and they did not have to go into a mine field. Fake the drawing, guess at it, but under no circumstances were they to follow any idiot’s orders and go out into the mine field. Most mines weren’t mapped accurately and a stinking map of something that most likely would never get done was not worth getting anyone hurt or killed over. Fake it. The officers wouldn’t know better. They left on the one of the early birds out and I didn’t see them until a few days later. They told me Ernie had been wounded by a Bouncing Betty mine. Bouncing Betty’s had about 4 pound of C-4 in the center of 5 to 6 hundred ball bear-ings. The mine popped up ten or twelve feet in the air, then exploded. If you were close, you didn’t live. Ernie had been about a hundred and fifty feet away. What had happened was the guys were in an armored personal carrier (APC), out near the mine field. The APC took them out to give them quick cover from snipers, should they need it. The sergeant in charge of the APC was gun happy. He and Ernie were riding on top and every so often the sergeant would tell the driver to stop and he’d shoot at a bird out in the mine field. The sergeant kept this up for a while until the last bird he shot at was sitting on the trigger wire of a bouncing Betty. The idiot shot and detonated the mine. Ernie was lucky. He got about twenty ball bearings in his chest and legs. The sergeant was killed. Mike and Patterson were inside the APC and weren’t hurt. The chopper brought them all back in and Ernie went to the doc’s to get the ball bearings taken out. He was a sore sight when he came back to the hut. He laid down in the bed next to me and I knew I could be sympathetic or get on him for the sake of others. I chose the latter. I said, “This guy likes to ride on top of the APC’s instead of in them and now he has lots of holes in his hide. He’s Puerto Rican and we expect him not to be too bright, but I expect all of you to not be so stupid. Look at Ernie and remember the sergeant! (submitted by Richey)

USAA: You do have and are using a USAA 1st Cav Association card right? Oh please. Don’t make me explain again. Look. You’re going to get gasoline and a hundred other things anyway. How about letting the Association earn a small perk for your purchases? Make sense? Of course it does. You will be funding your next Reunion blow out not to mention they really do have some good financial leadership at your disposal.

Not To Let It Pass: Our own Scott Smith, and yes we do claim him, is the new President of the Association and his First Sergeant is Dara Wydler who’s been right there all along in Copperas Cove. This is a kick butt team if there ever was one. Buckle up engineers. Your first opportunity to show our colors is at Veterans Day in D.C.

Gettysburg Engineer Monument

Hernandez and Paddock

82nd FA NewsContinued from pg. 19few drinks of course, and then got involved in an old-fashioned crap game on the floor and bumping the dice against the bar. Doing pretty good, making money when suddenly all hell broke loose and everyone was standing at full attention. The Commanding General of Ft. Lewis was standing there and requested our presence in his office the following morning. This, my fellow Woodpeckers, was my introduction to the “true and expected” behavior of a Warrant Officer Aviator! What was he gonna do? Send us to Vietnam? Nah, he just barred us from the “O” Club. That was short lived however as we had lunch there that day and then we went to Vietnam! Yes we arrived in Vietnam and it seems that we, yes wobbly WO-1s Melton and Tony Humphries found ourselves in an Army area on the north side of the runway at Bien Hoa Air Base when we came across a sign proclaiming that the area was occupied by the “Best Damn Division in Viet Nam”. The problem was that some dumb sign painter painted the wrong Division’s Patch on the sign. Being the kind and considerate souls that we were, we took it upon ourselves to correct his error by installing the correct Division Patch on the sign. Yes, and we did a little more than that, we removed

the sign from its resting place above the door to their “O” Club. We paraded it back to our unit in “Cav Country” showing it off as a prize! Then one of us decided it was not in our nature to be so selfish and keep their sign. It was a bit nobler to return it to the rightful owners but not before we made some modifications. Oh yes, we put our autographs on the eagle’s neck, then took the CAV patch from my uniform and Major Spears gave me his survival knife to attach the patch in the eye of the eagle. Now comes the best part. We paraded the sign back to its original resting place. We backed a jeep

to the front doors of their “O” Club (the doors opened out) blocking anyone from coming out while we placed the sign above the door. Can you imagine this as we were receiving all kinds of encouragement from within the building, most of it very negative and profane! Once our mission was accomplished and Continued on pg. 23

Photo of 101st Abn Div with 1st Air Cav Eye Decor

JULY/AUGUST 2016saber21st FA News

John Parker10915 Tradition View Dr.Charlotte, NC 28269-1411

[email protected]

Mail Call. Welcome all you Tube Troopers. That’s a unique title to have. Tube refers to the fact that you were in artillery and trooper refers to the fact that you were in the cavalry.

Wear it proudly. As you read this, summer will be in full swing and for many of us it’s a time to reflect on our service to our country. Whatever your feelings now, you did serve and that is something to be proud of. No matter what branch or what unit or what conflict, we share a brotherhood of a small percentage that made that decision to serve our country. Vietnam was my era to serve. I made my first visit to the Vietnam Memorial in October 2015. It was a very moving experience. I lost friends before I entered the Army. I lost friends when I was there. I also lost friends after my tour. As I moved down the wall touching the names of servicemen I knew, the Memorial became more than the dark slab of stone with names. To this trooper, it became part of the healing. I encourage everyone to visit the Vietnam Memorial. The Three Servicemen Memorial and the Vietnam Women Memorial; nurses that tended the broken and hurt bodies is only a short distance away. After a little research I found these interesting facts. A wounded Vietnam Veteran, Jan C. Scruggs, used $2,800 of his own money to start the Vietnam Memorial Fund. The purpose was to help in the healing. Bob Hope was a contributor. Over 1,400 designs were submitted but the award went to a 21 year old Yale University student, Maya Lin. The design was con-troversial as it was below ground. It was dedicated November 13, 1982. In 1984 the Three Servicemen Memorial was added. Nine years later the Vietnam Women Memorial was added. Names are still being added to the Wall. All types of memorials and offerings that are left at the Wall are gathered and placed in a secure place in Maryland. Some are put on display at various times. Every name on the Wall was read out loud in 1982, 1992, 2002, 2007, and 2012. If anyone knows a special fact let me know. Also while I was there, I visited the World War II Memorial. My Dad was WWII Navy veteran. He never made it to see the Memorial: I made the visit for him. There are many monuments in every state dedicated to honor servicemen and women in every conflict and war. My next goal is to visit Arlington National Cemetery and take the time to see it completely. There is tons of information out there for you to explore about the background on each on the internet.

Some History: The 21st Field Artillery Regiment began on July 21, 1916 at Camp Wilson, Texas. The regiment was assigned to the 5th Division. It was stationed in Europe during World War I. Later the regiment was assigned to the 90th Division till October 1918. Then it was assigned to the 7th Division to the Armistice. The regiment sailed back to the US aboard SS Rotterdam to Camp Bragg, North Carolina; later known as Fort Bragg. There it was deactivated. During the buildup of America’s forces, prior to World War II, the 21st FA was activated and assigned to the 5th Division. It was first shipped to Iceland and later to England. It landed at Utah Sugar Red Beach on July 9, 1944. The regi-ment fought in many operational European theaters to the end of WW II. Again it was deactivated and activated several times. Eventually it was assigned to the 1st Cavalry in Korea. Coming back to the US and reorganized with the 11th Air Assault Division and other units to become the 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile). As the band played Garryowen, the colors were brought into Doughboy Stadium, Fort Benning, Georgia on July 3, 1965. Not long after that, the whole division was sent to Vietnam. I have to mention that Bob Barker was C Battery, 1/21 FA at that time and made the month long voyage along with Joe Scarborough. Bob Barker has described those early times to me. They were much different from the later times. The regiment was with the 1st Cavalry Division till the division was brought home. On September 13, 1972 the 1/21 FA was relieved from the 1st Cavalry Division and assigned to the 4th Division. After a period of deactivation the regiment was again assigned to the 1st Cavalry Division. The regiment served with the 1st Cavalry Division during the Middle East conflicts as a MLRS (multiple launch rocket system). Returning to the US it went through many changes but was finally deactivated June 12, 2014. During its long history, the 1/21 FA was assigned to many other army units, but the one most associated with the 1/21 FA is the 1st Cavalry Division. Hopefully sometime in the future there will again be a active 1/21 FA. For the complete regiment history go to: <www.1cda.org>.

Reunion: This year saw the 69th Reunion in Las Vegas, Nevada. It was held at the Palace Station Hotel & Casino. There were twenty-seven attendees that signed in for artillery. The 1/21 FA again was the largest group with eight. In attendance representing the 1/21 FA were, Terry Low, Randy Mitchell, Steve Russell, Mike McGregor, John Parker, Gene Davis, Clarke Tolton, and Parker l. Graham. Terry Low, Randy Mitchell, Steve Russell, Gene Davis, and John Parker were also in

attendance last year at Fort Hood. It was great to see these troopers again and look forward to seeing them again next year back at Fort Hood. A little advice, book your rooms early so you will be close to the convention center. On Friday, there was the Era Luncheon where the room was filled with Vietnam Era Veterans. A few of Artillerymen served as Forward Observers and could chat with someone that they knew in a unit they were attached to. It presents the opportunity to meet troopers from the many different units of the 1st Cavalry Division that served in Vietnam. An example is that the last couple of years, I have meet Edward Times, who was with the 1/7 Cavalry on LZ XRay. We are both retired Postal Workers. I also had the opportunity to meet, Joe Galloway, again. On Saturday there was the Unit Luncheon. All artillery was gathered in the same room. Here you can meet people you served with or were in-country the same time as you. Gene Davis met Birth Control 8. Birth Control 8 was, Anthony Hartley. Gene and Anthony conversed on the radio and they were at LZ Buttons at the same time. Gene was in A Battery 1/21 FA FDC and Anthony was in 1/77 FA battalion FDC. You never know who you will meet when you attend a Reunion. They finally, after all these years, met at this year’s Reunion in person. At the Unit Luncheon we could continue old friendships and make new ones. During the Reunion, there are rooms designated for groups to meet and just hang out together. Right now, several of the 1/21 FA troopers are looking into having a room for the 1/21 FA next year at the Reunion at Fort Hood. I will keep you up to date as plans progress. As many of you know, the start of my tour, ‘69-‘70, was with 2/19 FA. I just want to give a shout out those troopers that were at the Reunion for the 2/19 FA. They are Jim Johnson, William R. Jackson, Allen Norris, and George G. Tillery. A quick note, Allen Norris, was my North Carolina 1st Cavalry Chapter president

and was elected the 1st Vice President of the Association. He is on track to become the 1st Cavalry Division Association President. Our own, Hugh L. C. Millar (Tim), was the Association president, 1986-1988. I am look-ing forward to next year’s Reunion at Fort Hood. It seems to be the favorite of many and many retired 1st Cavalry Troopers live nearby.

We now have a new website. This website

is for all of the 1/21 FA. It will take time to get it up to full speed. Check in often to see what’s been added. If anyone has some information or pictures they would like to contribute feel free to contact me. The website is: <www.1-21fieldartil-lery.us>. Also I have a Facebook group. Look up 1/21 Field Artillery & Cavalry Friends. This is a place you can connect to others. Well Troopers that’s Mail Call for this time. Enjoy the summer and be safe. Troops dismissed.

Artillery Lunch 2016 Reunion

1/21 FA L to R: Gene Davis, Terry Low, Randy Mitchell, Steve Russell, and John Parker

20 ARA NewsContinued from pg. 18another issue of Saber.

As I close this article, I want to remind all members of the 2016 annual reunion. The reunion is scheduled for September 7-11, 2016, at the Embassy Suites Ho-tel, 7290 Commerce Center Drive, Colorado Springs, CO 80919. Our hosts are Larry and Regina Mobley, with the Board of Directors assisting. Room rates are $117.00 per night, plus 9.63 % tax. Rates are good for two days pre/post 7-11 September 2016. Reservations may be made by calling 1-800-362-2779 or 1-719-599-9100. When making reservations use code “ARAA” to ensure you receive the $117.00 rate. Thirty-five (35) rooms have been set aside for our reunion. You are encouraged to make your reservations early as more rooms can be set aside as needed. The hotel has requested that all reservations be made by 6 August 2016. Embassy Suites provides a complimentary cooked to order breakfast each morning, plus free drinks during the evening reception each day. For those who are flying, flights can be made into Colorado Springs Airport (COS).

I have a personal request that the original members of the 2nd Platoon (Armed Falcon 28), A Btry, 2/20th ARA, who were boat people on our way over in 1965, make a concerted effort to attend this reunion. We may never know when we may be able to assemble as we did for this.

The Second Platoon was commanded first in combat by MAJ Bob Furney, who is still active today in the Association. Considering the time and life’s experi-

ences, we are very fortunate that all seven of the original group is still kicking!!! We thank God!

We are ex-cited about this r eun ion and encourage all to make hotel reservation and submit reunion r eg i s t r a t i ons soon.

Un t i l nex t time, ”This is Armed Falcon 28 Delta, breaking right!”

L to R: Jerry Hipp, Tom Cochran, Hugh Leatherwood, Joe Pul-lano, Ed Harbold, and Bruce Wilder (We Were Aviator Soldiers Once, and Young!)

JULY/AUGUST 2016

Ron Killingsworth10329 Caddo Lake Rd

Mooringsport, LA 71060-9057(318) 996-9969

[email protected]

HQ and Special Troops Newssaber

Just before I had to send this col-umn in I was noti-fied that Lorinda Davison, longtime staff member of the 1st Cavalry Divi-

“Taskforce Garryow-en” and the 215th Com-posite Ser-vice Battal-ion (SPT), 3 r d B r i -gade (Sep), served in V i e t n a m from April ‘71 to June ‘72. If you served in the Cav in V i e t n a m

from ‘71 to ‘72, please contact me and I’ll put you in touch with Doc and Rich-ard who are working on this history. Richard likes to refer to the units left in Vietnam, part of the 1st Cav, 3rd Brde (Sep) as the “lost brigade” although it was far from “lost”.

March 26th, 1971, marked the official end of duties in Vietnam for the 1st Cav as the colors were cased on May 5, 1971. However, as the 1st Bde and 2nd Bde moved back to Fort Hood, along with the division headquarters and other sup-port units, the 3rd Bde (Sep) was formed April 30th, ‘71, at about the same time I arrived in the Cav (I was first sent to I Corps in the north but was reassigned to the Cav and after spending a few days in Saigon visiting friends assigned there, I finally reported into the Cav.). The 3rd Bde had quite a few units assigned to it, including the 2/5th Cav, 1/7th Cav, 2/8th Cav and 1/2th Cav. Aviation units consisted of the 1st Aviation Plt, “F” troop of the 9th Cav (Air), the 229th Avia-tion Bn., and the 362nd Aviation Co. Artillery units were 1/21st FA, “F” Battery of the 26th Arty, “F” Battery of the 77th Arty (Aviation), and “F” Battery of the 79th Artillery (ARA), known as “Blue Max”. Brigade support units consisted of 14th Military History Det., 26th Chemical Det., 215th Support Bn., (more on this unusual unit later), the 501st Eng Co. and 525th Signal Co. Temporarily attached was the 2/11th Armored Cav. Other attached units were 34th Inf. Plt. (Scout Dog Patrol), 62nd Inf. Plt. (Combat Trackers), 75th InfantryRangers (“H” Co), 191st MI Det., 405th Radio Receiver Det., 483rd MP Plt and a Radio Research Det (ASA). Elements of the 3rd Bde (Sep) were involved in many battles in the area of Bien Hoa, Long Khan Province , Xuan Loc, and Fire Support Base located at the foot of the Chua Chan Mountain (Nui Chua Chan) (map reference YT 626 112). I remember part of the 2/8th Cav was assigned to FSB MACE in the 71-72 period. In addition, there was a medical detachment and a Medevac station on MACE that saw a lot of action caring for wounded troopers as well as wounded POW’s. One of my jobs on MACE was to interrogate POW’s while the doctors and medics worked on them and sending the information obtained back out to the units in contact with the enemy. There was also a morgue, a dentist and other support units, maintenance units for vehicles as well as aircraft, a mess hall and lots of generators and plenty of burning pots around the latrines.

The 215th Composite Service Battalion (Spt) was activated as part of the 3rd Bde (Sep) in April 1971 and served until it was inactivated on 27 June 72. There were six companies of the 215th formed from a company of a corresponding battalion of the 1st Division Support Command (later know as DISCOM). The maintenance company was one of the companies of the 27th Maintenance Bn., the Medical Company came from the 15th Medical Bn., the Supply and Transportation Company came from the 15th Supply and Maintenance Bn., the Administrative Company came from the 15th Admin and the Transportation Company (Aviation Maintenance and Supply) came from the 15th Transportation Bn.

Those of you familiar with the current set up of the brigades of the 1st Cav today know that each brigade is assigned a “Brigade Support Battalion”. So, nothing really ever changes in the Army – units just reorganize with different names – but the support units are always there somewhere if you just search for them.

Again, if any of the readers out there served with the Cav in ‘71-‘72, then please contact me as several people are trying to complete the history of the 3rd Bde (Sep). The 3rd Bde (Sep) was actually reduced in strength toward the middle of ‘72 until it became the “Task Force Garryowen”. All troopers assigned to this task force still wore the 1st Cav patch!

Items of interest: The 3rd Cavalry Regiment has become part of the 1st Cavalry Division. About one third of the regiment is serving in Afghanistan and another squadron will join them this fall.

On June 14th (Army’s Birthday and Flag Day) the CG of the 1st Cavalry Divi-sion, MG John C. Thomson and SPC Zachery Moore (1st Cav DIVARTY) cut a cake to celebrate the 241st birthday of the US Army.

The Division Headquarters is preparing for deployment to Afghanistan this fall.

The November 5, 2009 shooting, by MAJ Nidal Hassan, killed thirteen people and more than 30 were wounded in the attack. Hassan was convicted in August, 2013, of 13 counts of premeditated murder and 32 counts of attempted murder. The DOD finally approved the award of the Purple Heart to the victims of this massacre.

Nine Soldiers at Fort Hood died, on June 2, 2016, during a training accident involving an overturned Light Medium Tactical Vehicle at Owl Creek. On June 16th, thousands attended the memorial held for the nine fallen warriors. Eight of the troopers were from the 3rd Battalion, 16th Field Artillery, 2nd Brigade Combat Team and the other soldier was a Cadet from the US Military Academy at West Point.

TAPS: SGT Dougal E. Mitchell, 32, whose home of record is listed as Palm-dale, California, assigned to the 215th Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, died on June 11th from injuries suffered in an automobile accident in Georgetown, Texas. Mitchell was a veteran of many tours in the sands of the Middle East.

Well, troopers, that about wraps it up for this edition. Sue and I send you the best and may God bless each of you, the USofA, the US Army, the great 1st Cav Division – especially the fine troopers serving in harm’s way. Watch your back and thank a veteran if you see one.

Andy, TJ, and Rosey at the Reunion in Las Vegas

sion Association, had been admitted to a local hospital near Fort Hood, Texas, and that the family had been called in. I was then notified by John that Lorinda had passed away on July 1st at 12:30 PM. Our hearts and prayers are with John and the family. Look elsewhere in Saber for an update and more information on Lorinda. The association has lost a great friend but she joins many other great friends and troopers in “Fiddler’s Green”. John’s address is 223 S. Wildfire Rd, Kileen, TX 76542, if you want to drop him a card.

Greetings, Troopers from Northwest Louisiana where the temperature is 90 and the humidity is almost the same. Sue and I just returned from the annual 1st Cavalry Division Association reunion at Las Vegas, Nevada. The reunion was a huge success

with record attendance with some 7 5 0 o l d and young t r o o p e r s from many d i f f e r e n t units. This was the first time, I be-lieve, that we had no veterans of WWII in attendance. There were

quite a few troopers from the Bosnia peacekeeping, the Gulf War and the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. The unit luncheons were held on Saturday at noon and the Hq and Special Troops luncheon was attended by members from the 27th Maintenance (a large group); 13th Signal; HHC 1st Brigade; HSC HHBN; 15th S&S; HHC 1st Brigade Aviation Platoon; 15th TC; 27th MSB; 15th Finance; HHC 1st Cav, and 191st MI.

Those at-tending the l u n c h e o n were: Ron a n d S u e K i l l i n g -s w o r t h , Moor ing-sport, LA; Ron Kore-ski and son Creighton, St. Simons Island, GA; Nelson Car-dona , E l Paso, TX; Ed Jones, Oswego, IL; Jack Robak, Omaha, NE; Ron Stokes, Roselle, NJ; Joe Viggiano, Mt. Pospect, IL; Chuck Hoover, Pahrumo, NV; Rosey Carter, Lott, TX; Wayne Wehrheim, Viola, IL; Derrick Sullivan, Copperas Cove, TX; Michael Vuolo, Middle Village, NY; George Temme Jr, Vancouver, WA; Guy LaGioia, Las Vegas, NV; Gail (Chappy) Porter, Port Orchard, WA; Dave Lutgen, Cathie Lutgen and children Ellen, Emily and Andrew from Enderlin, ND; Ken and Gale Sweaim, O’Failon, MO; Phil Sparks, Martinsville, VA; and Dennis Webster of Copperas Cove, TX.

Dennis Webster, after serving many years as the Executive Director of the Association, is standing down and has been replaced by Dara Wydler. Dara has been working at the association office for several months and is ready and able to step into the big boots left by Dennis. The association owes a great thanks to Dennis for his many years of hard work for the association. Drop Dara a note and welcome her to the leadership of the association when you get a chance. The association, at the general membership meeting (which was poorly attended!) elected a new president of the association, Scott Smith. I’ve know Scott quite a while and I believe he will be a great president and leader of the board members. We also elected some new board members, several “younger” generation troop-ers, and new trustees to the foundation. When at a reunion, be sure to attend the general membership meeting. How can you be a member of an organization and not support the organization by attending membership meetings? As you probably know, the board members are mostly veterans of the Vietnam War and the association is always looking for hard working people, of the younger generation, to start taking over the leadership of the association by serving on the board of governors.

Las Vegas is not my type of city but I admit I enjoyed myself. But, I did not leave one red cent in any of the gambling devices. Sue and I took advantage of the opportunity to visit most of the large casinos at “downtown” Vegas and they are impressive. We took an extended trip back through northern New Mexico and Arizona and stopped to visit the Grand Canyon. We look forward to the reunion in 2017 at Fort Hood, Texas, in June 2017.

Most history books and even statements coming out of Division Headquarters state that the 1st Cav served in Vietnam from 1965 to 1971. While the 1st Brigade and 2nd Brigade did leave Vietnam in ‘71, the 3rd Brigade (Separate) remained in Vietnam until about August ‘72. I personally served with the 1st Cav in Vietnam from April ‘71 to April ‘72. Mark (Doc) Dockter and Richard Maybury, both serving in the Cav in ‘72, are working on trying to correct some of the history of the last units to leave Vietnam. It appears the 3rd Brigade (Sep) was eventually renamed

Las Vegas Reunion Hq and Special Troops Luncheon

Las Vegas Reunion Hq and Special Troops Luncheon

JUL/YAUGUST 2016saber

Silver Wings NewsContinued form pg. 17

The bodies of the three helicopter crewmen likewise could not be recovered. To this day, the bodies of all six men remain in the A Shau Valley, the basis for the documentary. The update I received tells of their third trip back to Vietnam in search of the missing men.

“Letting you know that Mike and I are home from Vietnam. Here is his report:

“There’s been lots of back and forth c o r r e s p o n d e n c e with the Defense P O W / M I A Accounting Agency (DPAA) team for more information. Unfortunately, no signs of personnel have been found yet. The good news is that the site is not

being closed and the work will be continued at a future date. The appointment of a new DPAA director to replace Mr. Linnington will have a bearing on what happens next.

“Regardless, we made some progress on both our losses and the Chinook loss. I do not wish to get anyone’s hopes up. Just want you to know that we are

82nd FA News Continued from pg. 19without being captured we got the hell outa there! Many cheers and laughter on our part, man could that jeep run! What do you have to say Tony? In the famous words of Sgt. Schultz “I know nothing”.

Condolences: It is great to have to pass along that we have not lost another Woodpecker, however, I reported in the May-June Edition about Patrick McIntyre’s loss of his 103 year old Father-in-Law Roy Millar on 14 February. Just a few weeks afterward his Mother-in-Law Helen Millar at the age of 92, died the day before Mother’s Day. Now she rests in peace with her beloved husband Roy.

Other News: Had a nice long talk with CSM (Ret) Keith Haller. Keith was a Huey crew chief in Echo Btry in Phuoc Vinh from Jun 68 to Jun 69. He decided to stay in the Army and ultimately retired as a Command Sergeant Major. Keith is undergoing chemotherapy for some very serious cancers in bones, brain and Lymph Nodes. He is coming to the end of his treatments and hopefully with a little time and patience his scans will give him good news for his future and will get back to normal. Thoughts and prayers with you Keith.

Had a another wonderful and long conversation with CSM Thurman Cousins of Scurry, Texas. CSM Thurman was the First Sergeant of Echo Btry (Aviation), 82nd Arty for a couple weeks in Aug 69. He is doing quite well now with his back and hip problems. We talked about the massive rainfall they received in Texas. He said in some areas to include where he lives, they have received well over 40 inches of rain so far. I mentioned the problems we had here in South Carolina in October 2015 and the problems they are having in West Virginia at this time. He recently returned from a trip to attend a reunion of another of his old combat artillery outfits in Vietnam. He mentioned how trips of that nature really wears a person out. I personally can vouch for that. Welcome home “Old Soldier”, “Thanks for your Service”.

Received the following from Harry Peters of Oak Ridge, Tennessee. He was an LOH Crew Chief, and wounded during his tour in Echo Btry, 82nd Arty from May 69 – Sep 70. “Bill - thanks for checking on me. Kidney stones will come and go (or so I figure). But the pain they caused forced me to slow down for a bit and allowed the doctors to find two malignant tumors in my bladder. They removed them and after additional test I did not have to have any chemo. However, I have to have my urinary tract up to and including my bladder checked and looked at with a scope about once every two to three months. The cancer is a very aggressive type - that is why the scope every few months or so. After a while and as long as nothing shows up they will back off to about every 6 months. Glad to know you are about 99.9% but will continue to pray for all and especially for that 0.1% and pray that the scar is from your pneumonia bouts. BTW - got to visit with our granddaughter this past week before she went back to the Air Force Academy. First year behind her...she is happy about that. This week she is in jump school and then three weeks out she will be going through survival school. Hard to believe as I remember the times holding her in my arms. Take care and God Bless you and your family.

Donald Holmes sent the following message. He is from Franklin Georgia. He was a F/W Pilot in Echo Btry in Vietnam. “Alice is doing very well. She

is about 97% cured now and is wide open and shopping like mad and having a good time”. I think she is trying to make-up for the four months of being laid up. All in all we are blessed.” We are praying for you and Alice, so hang in there “Old Soldier”.

Received the following E-mail from Jeff Bratsburg on 26 May 2016. Jeff was one of the early arrivals in the 1st Air Cav as he went over on ship in 1965 when the Cav deployed. He was a Huey crewman in the An Khe area.

Jeff was doing an exercise run and tripped on a root, down he went and tore his quadricep muscle. Had extreme pain and unable to walk or stand. He ended up in Emergency, test results required surgery. Surgery went well and his crutches get him around the house. Physical Therapy and treatment will be 6 to 9 months for hopeful full recovery. He also found out that he has cataracts and a follow-up appointment with the eye surgeon to correct this situation. Jeff stated he did even want to describe his dental problems. “Jeff said that getting old isn’t for sissies. My biggest problem now is I am bored to death. Fish are biting, mushrooms popping and the weather is beautiful and I am grounded. Now I know what kids felt like when grounded. Don’t feel sorry for me. Boo Hoo.

Had a nice conversation with Vietnam Veteran and writer Michael McDonald-Low who sent me an autographed copy of his book. His book “Unaccounted” by Captain McDonald-Low wrote about the very realistic view of the experiences that an Infantry Officer, in a combat platoon in Vietnam, remain with us. He is not a 1st Cav Veteran but his book can remind us of the experiences in combat has changed us for the rest of his and our life. The war may be over but it remains in our minds and we fight that war forever. Again, “Thanks for your service” and “Welcome Home Brother”. His book can be purchased on E-Bay. A very good read for any Combat Veteran and any caregiver that treats combat veterans.

Now I just want to say good-bye to Dennis Webster for the years of dedication to the 1st Cavalry Division Association. Wish I had gotten the opportunity to have met you personally but guess I will have to just remember all that you have done for the Cav. Thanks for your service Dennis and hope you have a wonderful future. We will miss you. Bill

I cannot forgive myself if I failed to again remind everyone, that if you are a Vietnam Veteran, and you are not receiving your medical care from the VA, and you become ill with the many diseases produced by Agent Orange sprayed in Vietnam, go see your VA Representative. Most counties have a Veterans Representative that you can call and make an appointment with. Make the call and take with you as much medical info as you can and the representative will tell you if your problem can be related to Agent Orange or service connected and what you need to get the ball rolling. It could mean the difference in getting compensation you deserve or doing without it. You earned it. Please do it. My recommendation also is check with one of the Patriotic Organizations such as the VFW, DAV, American Legion and VVA as most of them have Service Officers that are well trained in preparing and submitting claims. They can answer questions and put you on the right track and fight for you as needed. It works Brothers.

Contact me (803-542-7278) or E-Mail <[email protected]>.

doing what we can. We just don’t know exactly where our guys are buried. But our three witnesses who survived the ambush and returned on this trip did an amazing job of nailing down where they fell.

“Concerning the 1/9 LOH site, 300 meters south, we have our concerns that the site shows signs of sliding down the hill. It has dropped about two feet since our last visit. I will be expressing our sense of

urgency to DPAA, in detail. “Special thanks to John Powell, C 1/9 CAV, for making the trip arrangements

and to Julie for being a good pointman (woman) for our witnesses’ first trip back. The mission continues.

Thanks so much for your support, Mike.”Thanks for the update Julie and we wish Mike continued success on his

mission to find and bring these men home.Okay troopers, time to shut this Wings sortie down. Remember, we had some

request for help in this article. If you have any information that you think may be of assistance, please contact me.

Maybe I’ll bump into some of you former sky troopers at the air show in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Until next time, “Clear right!”

Mike Sprayberry in Vietnam

Division DoingsContinued from pg. 11

MG John Thomson III, commanding general of the 1st Cav. Division, welcomed the troopers as they stood in formation waiting to be released.

“All the Families, you are free to charge those great troopers on the field, and all you great troopers on the field, you are free to charge your Families in the stands,” Thomson said.

Troopers are excited to be back home, said 1SG Donald Edler, the senior enlisted advisor for the company. Everyone is looking forward to spending time with their Families after a job well done.

“We’re extremely proud of our Soldiers,” Edler said. “I believe we made a difference for the people of Iraq as we try to eliminate the ISIS

threat.”The troopers recognize they have done a great deal of good for a country that

really needs it, said CPT Michael Allen, Fox Company commander, who described the deployment as rewarding.

“Morale is at its highest right now,” Allen said. “It has a lot to do with coming back home, but also because we are better prepared for the next mission.”

The Soldiers provided reconnaissance, surveillance and target acquisition ca-pabilities to American ground forces from Kuwait using the MQ-1C Gray Eagle unmanned aerial system.

“The unit’s ability to accomplish their mission was critical in the liberation of Ramadi and Fallujah,” Allen said. “Using the Gray Eagle, Fox Company was a key component in planning aerial strikes.”

The unit’s biggest challenge was getting ground force commanders to see the potential the unit could offer Elder said.

Ground force commanders weren’t aware of the Gray Eagle’s ability to engage moving targets.

“We wanted to demonstrate the full potential of the platform and entice them to use the UAS as a force multiplier,” Allen said. “It enabled us to remove targets without sending boots on the ground.”

Allen stated the most important part of the mission was allowing the Iraqi Soldiers to liberate their own country.CW2 Jonathan Schultz hugs his dauther Jonanna

after redeployment ceremony

HONOR ROLLAcknowledgement of generous

donations from the following troopers:

JULY/AUGUST 2016 saber

The First Team Family Cares!Your donations to the

Foundation and Museum Foundation are tax-deductible.

We are also grateful for your support of the Association through donations to our D

Troop program.

UP TO $25SSG BRELAND, JamalSFC (RET) BROWN, William E.SP-4 BURGESS, John W.SSG CASEY, George W., Jr.SGT CHAMBERS, RobertSGT COX, Steven K.MS. COLLINS, Betty of BP PipelinesSP-4 DAVIS, StevenSFC EVERSOLE, Lawrence A.SGT FARRIS, Robert L.MS. FISK, Sharon E. of BP PipelinesSP-4 HANDS, Robert MartinLTC (RET) HATCH, Alden E.SSG HIGHTOWER, Samuel B.PFC MAZZOCCA, RichardPFC MEYER, Charles1LT McGRATH, Michael J.LTC (RET) McKENZIE, Roger L.LTC (RET) McKISSICK, James D.SP-4 MONTECINO, Mario Z.SGT NELSON, Frederick D.CW2 OAKLEY, Donald H.SP-4 PICARIELLO, Louis J., Jr.SP-4 QUIGLEY, Daniel, E.E-5 QUINN, Gary N.CPT REECE, Frederick J.

SGT RINEER, Paul C.SP-5 SCHROEDER, AlLTC(RET) SIKES, David A.1LT SPILLER, Lewis W.SP-4 SWANSON, Kenneth S.SGT TARDIF, Robert A.SGT THOMPSON, Robert L.PFC THOMS, Walter L.CW2 WADLEIGH, Richard S.SGT WALLACE, John W.SGT WYNDER, Josep C.SSG (RET) ZANOTELLI, James E.

$26 - $502LT BOONISAR, Richard M.SGT CHRISTIANSON, David L.E-4 COTTAM, James R.

SGT HERNANDEZ, Faustino, Jr.PFC MAZZOCCA, RichardE-8 RAY, Kenneth E.SGT TOMANELLI, Cosmo R.

$51 - $100SP-4 BUCHOLTZ, RobertCOL (RET) DIALS, Thomas A. SGT HENRY, AlIn Memory of SP-5 Oscar “Doc” Gutierrez, 3/11/68, C 1/7th Cav, 1st Air Cavalry DivisionSGT JOHNSON, Bruce F.SGT SWAN, James A.CSM (RET) and MRS. WEBSTER, Dennis E.In Memory of Lorinda Davison, 1st Cavalry Division Association Office Manager

$101 - $500Anonymous Donation SGT DEMING, MichaelIn Honor of All Fallen Troopers. Never ForgetSGT HAMPTON, DanIn Honor and in Memory of CPL Paddy Gallagher, Vietnam 1965-1967 1SG (RET) MILLER, LeoCOL (RET) POULOS, Stephen P.

8th ANNUAL 1st CAVALRY DIVISION ASSOCIATION

VETERANS DAY DINNERNOVEMBER 11, 2016

$55 PER TICKET(Please print clearly)

Name __________________________________________________________

Address ________________________________________________________

City/St/Zip _____________________________________________________

Home Phone:_____________________ Cell Phone:____________________

E-mail: _________________________________________________________

# Guests ____ Name(s): ___________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

Unit(s) ________________________________________________________

# Tickets ____ Amount $ ___________ Check ___ VISA or MC ____

__________________________________________________ ___________Credit Card Number - Print clearly EXP Date

____________________________________________________________Print Name on the Credit Card

___________________________________________ Date _________Signature - Credit Card Payment Only

The William A. Rich-ardson National Capi-tol Region Chapter in conjunction with the 1st Cavalry Division Association will spon-sor a Hospitality Suite and Gift Shop from 9-12 November and host the 8th Annual Veterans Day Dinner on the eve-ning of 11 November. Both events will be held at the Crowne Plaza Washington National Airport Hotel located at 1480 Crystal Drive in Arlington, Virginia. Reserve your rooms at the rate of $132 per night plus tax with free park-ing prior to 9 October. Call (703) 416-1600 and tell them you are with the

1st Cavalry Division to get the special rate.Wreaths will be placed at the World War II Memorial, Korean War Memorial,

Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and Women’s Memorial on Veterans Day. The ceremony for the World War II Memorial is scheduled at 0900 hours and the ceremony at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial is at 1300 hours. We normally place the wreath at the Korean War Memorial around 1100 hours since there is not an organized ceremony conducted there. The time for the Women’s Memorial is not set at this time.

The National Capitol Region Chapter in conjunction with the 1st Cavalry Di-vision Association will host the 8th Annual First Team Veterans Day Dinner on Friday evening, 11 November 2016 at the Crowne Plaza Washington National Airport Hotel, 1480 Crystal Drive., Arlington, Virginia.

CSM Rory Malloy who was the Division Command Sergeant Major from 2008-2011 at Fort Hood and in Iraq will be our speaker this year. After serv-ing with the First Team, he was the Commandant of the U.S. Army Sergeants Major Academy at Fort Bliss, Texas. He is currently the Sergeant Major for the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics, and Technology in the Pentagon.

A cash bar will be open at 1800 and dinner will begin at 1900 hours. For dinner reservations please send $55 per ticket to the 1st Cavalry Division Association, 302 N. Main St., Copperas Cove, TX 76522-1703. Full payment must be received

VETERANS DAY AND 8th ANNUAL VETERANS DAY DINNER IN WASHINGTON, DC

Division Honor Guard at the Vietnam Wall Veterans Day 2010.

no later than 21 October 2016. We can accept VISA or MASTERCARD only. Please ensure that your card number and expiration dates are printed clearly and correctly. Provide your name, address, unit you served with and the name(s) of your guests with your payment. Tickets will be available for pickup in the 1st Cavalry Division Association Hospitality Suite or at the door to the banquet room. A form is provided to assist yuu with registering for the dinner. We must make final coordination with the hotel providing the number of people attending before the event and we may not be able to accommodate late registrations.

Join us in the DC area for Veterans Day!

Lorinda A. Davison, who worked at the 1st Cavalry Division from November 1977 to 31 August 2013, died in Temple, Texas on 1 July 2016 at the age of 71. At her request, no funeral or memorial service was conducted.

Lorinda began working at the Association office as a temporary office worker in September 1977 and retired as the Association’s Office Manager in August 2013 with over 36 years of service to the Association and its members. During her tenure with the Association she assisted three Executive Directors in accomplish-ing the goals of the Association. She helped to automate the Association from its original 3X5 Card membership file to using a computerized database which now contains information on over 28,000 active members. For many years she edited SABER and assisted with almost every office action in the Association and the Foundation. Lorinda was the most knowledgeable member of the Association staff when it came to the who, what, where, and when of Association activities. Lorinda became a Life Associate member of the 1st Cavalry Division Association

in 1990 and was named as the “Office Manager Emeritus” at her retirement. She assisted the Crossed Sabers Chapter as their secretary for many years.

While she never served in the Army or the 1st Cavalry Division, she was a “Cav Trooper” through and through and will be missed by those that she served so loyally. She is survived by her husband, John Davison.

Donations in her memory may be made to the American Cancer Society, the Foundation of the 1st Cavalry Division Association, 302 N Main St., Copperas Cove, TX 76522-1703, or the charity of your choice. Rest in Peace Lorinda.

LORINDA A. DAVISON - 1945-2016

Jul Aug '16 Saber Color.indd - 1st Cavalry Division Association

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