Happy New Year to all!! Here in Texas the weather changes every couple of days. We were in the eighties for Christmas, by New Year’s Day a cold front had moved in, 19 degrees feels like 3 is NOT normal.

As we enter year three of the pandemic, I urge those who are on the fence about getting vaccinated to go ahead and take the plunge. You will not grow horns, extra limbs, a third eyeball, etc. You will reduce the risk of catching any of the three variants (now it may be four) and/or reduce the symptoms to more like a cold. You owe it to yourself, family, and fellow Troopers. Besides, we need to break some attendance records for our upcoming reunion in Dayton, OH, 6-10 July 2022.

During the month of December, USAA gifted the Association with tickets to the Army/Navy game played at the Metlife Stadium in New Jersey. Robin Bartlett, from the New York/New Jersey Chapter, his two sons, and a fellow Cav Trooper attended the game. They had great seats and took some awesome pictures. Occa-sionally, USAA will contact me about sports game tickets they have to give away. I have sent members to baseball games in California, Military Appreciation Nights at various sport venues, and the occasional football game. It is always nice to brighten someone’s day.

Since February is Black History Month, I would like to honor the late Lawrence Brooks (age 112). He served in the 91st Engineer Battalion, a predominately Af-rican American unit who served in Australia, Papua, and the Philippines during WWII. Read more about his life at <https://www.armytimes.com/military-honor/salute-veterans/2021/11/11/the-oldest-living-wwii-veteran-now-112-wants-to-be-remembered-as-a-good-soldier>.

I look forward to seeing all our members at the next reunion (vaccinated or not) in Dayton, OH, July 6-10, 2021.

1st Cavalry Division Association302 N. Main St.Copperas Cove, Texas 76522-1703

Change Service Requested

Non-Profit OrganizationUS. Postage PAID

West, TX76691

Permit No. 39

VOLUME 71 NUMBER 1

HORSE DETACHMENT by CPT Abby Edwards, Commander

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2022Website: www.1CDA.org

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

SABER

INDEX PAGE1CDA OFFICE NEWS 165th CAV 5545th MP CO 21 7th CAV 78th CAV 89th CAV 912th CAV 615th MED 18AIR ASSAULT COIN/PIN 19 CALENDAR 2CHAPTER INDEX 15

INDEX PAGECHAPTER NEWS 14CHANGE ADDRESS 2DIVISION DOINGS 4DIVISION DVD 11DOCTOR'S REPORT 11DONATIONS 4ELECTION 12ENGINEERS 20HICCUP 10HISTORIAN 10HONOR ROLL 23

INDEX PAGELRRP 4NEW MEMBERS 22 OTHER REUNIONS 2REUNION 12-13REUNION PINS 19 REUNION T-SHIRT 12 SABER RENEWAL 2GIFT SHOP 15TAPS 18TROOPER'S TALE 3VIETNAM BOOK 14 WANTED 2

Greetings Troopers,I hope all had a great

Holiday season with a good start to 2022.

It’s hard to believe it is already 2022. December was a month of extreme weather. Please remember all that experienced terrible losses and hardship due to weather events around the country.

The D.C. Veteran’s Day Reunion was great, with mostly very cooperative weather. Some special highlights were the 100th Anniversary of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The event was opened to the public, where roses were provided to groups and individuals, to be placed at the base of the Tomb. It was truly spectacular to see how many were willing to stand in long lines to personally place roses. The Ceremonies at all the War Memorials were very well attended. It was a privilege to lay wreaths at the WWII, Korean War and Vietnam Memorials. The Korean War Memorial renovation is progressing well and is scheduled to be rededicated in late July. For more info visit <https://koreanwarvetsmemorial.org/the-memorial/> America’s Finest, First Team Honor Guard was one of the top highlights of the day’s celebrations. Thank you, Dara, and staff for coordinating a great reunion.

In early December I had the privilege of talking to over 200 of the Division newly assigned Troopers. The recently constituted Pegasus Troop is an 8 day in processing which includes all mandatory briefings and training. Additionally, all Troopers draw all equipment, obtain housing, finalize travel claims, receive household goods, and get family settled. These Troopers are ready to go to work the first day they arrive at their unit. Truly an excellent Soldier program, designed under the advisement of MG Richardson and CSM Munday. Thank you to the CG and CSM for allowing the Association to educate and offer Life Memberships to the incoming Troops.

I received an interesting letter from Ronnie McKiddy of Miamisburg Ohio. Ronnie is an Associate Member whose brother, SGT Gary McKiddy was KIA with C Trp 1/9 CAV 5-6-70. Ronnie went to school with Mandy Wright, whose Great Grandfather, Lorin Wright was Wilbur and Orville Wright’s brother. Orville Wright’s home at Hawthorne Hill is in Oakwood, a Suburb of Dayton, Ohio. I plan to visit during the Dayton Reunion (6-10 July 2022). The home is owned by the Dayton Historical Society and is open for tours. Innovation history, not unlike many of the innovations that have been accomplished by the 1st Cavalry Division during their 100-year history. Many of you have been a part of those developments. That’s a connection! What is your connection to history? Con-sider refreshing or reconnecting with Your Cav Buddies. During these turbulent times, we can help each other make it through! May God Bless You All in 2022 First Team, Let’s Ride!

Respectfully, Scott Sjule

Scott Sjule1CDApresident21@gmail.com

THE PRESIDENT’S CORNER Howdy all, I hope everyone had an excellent holiday season and New Year. We at the HCD had an amazing time at Equestfest and the Rose Parade in Pasadena, CA. A huge thank you to everyone who helped us accomplish this, the Troopers really appreciated the opportunity to participate in such a memorable event.

Ringing in the New Year we rode in the 133rd Rose Parade. The HCD had special guests MG Richardson, Commanding General of the 1st Cav-alry Division, and CSM Munday, the Command Sergeant Major of the 1st Cavalry Division, riding alongside us for the parade (photo below). January has been a well-deserved recovery time for

the Troopers and Horses as we conduct weekly mounted demonstrations and prepare for our next missions. The detachment supported 1st Cavalry Division in the retirement ceremony of CSM Kenny, as well as the Change of Responsibility Ceremony for HHBN, 1CD amongst the numerous re-enlistment ceremonies for Troopers throughout the Division.

February sees us back in action with participation in the Western Heritage Parade and the San Antonio Stock and Rodeo Show. You can also see us participate at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. The newest group of HCD hopefuls have begun their training cycle where they’ll learn how to be Detachment members. We’re excited for them pass the test and requirements nec-essary to join our ranks and be a part of our distinguished heritage.

The Horse Cavalry Detachment is fully open to the public! Please come visit us at our barn for a barn tour or our Thursday 1000 demonstration at 69007 Trooper Loop, Fort Hood, TX. We love and appreciate the support that this amazing community bestows on us and look forward to our continued engagements and exchanges long into the future. Please check out the link on the Association website to make it easier to request the HCD to support an event in your area. We do ask that you have the request turned in for consideration 120 days before the event so that we have enough time to prepare. Please call (254) 287-2229 or (254) 404-5193 with any questions. Check us out on Facebook (1st Cavalry Division Horse Cavalry Detachment) where we post pictures from the barn and strive to keep everyone informed of upcoming events and ceremonies. We have an Instragram now (horsecavalrydetachment) as well where we post pictures of the great things our Troopers are doing. The Facebook page now has an official email that you can send questions and request for support to. HOT TO TROT!

CPT Edwards and CPL Christensen riding Reveille and Lefty during Equestfest

133rd Rose Bowl

MG Richardson & CSM Munday riding with the HCD

Dara C. Wydler302 N. Main St.

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

FirstCav@1CDA.org

THE DIRECTOR’S CHAIR

1CDA EVENT CALENDARFeb 25-27, 2022 Board of Governor's Mtg, Killeen, TXJuly 6-10, 2022 74th Annual 1CDA Reunion, Dayton, OHJune 14-18, 2023 75th Annual 1CDA Reunion, Louisville, KY

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: (_______) _____________________

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2022Don’t Keep it a SECRET, Let us Know About It.To submit by e-mail, send to memberships@1CDA.orgClip and Mail to 1st Cavalry Division Association302 N. Main St. Copperas Cove, TX 76522-1703

Last 4 #’s of your SSN___________ Tel: (______) _____________________

Rank and Name:_______________________________________________

New Address: _________________________________________________

City: _______________________ State: _______ Zip: ________________

E-Mail:_______________________________________________________

AD

DR

ESS

CH

AN

GE

ARTICLE SUBMISSIONOriginal, clear copies, typed or printed are accepted via

e-mail at Programs@1CDA.org. 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 not 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 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.

Page 2 saberSABER

The newspaper of the 1st Cavalry Division Association published during each even numbered month at

302 N. Main St., Copperas Cove, TX 76522-1703Phone: (254) 547-6537 / 547-7019

Email: firstcav@1CDA.orgWebsite: http://www.1CDA.org

www.facebook.com/AlumnioftheFirstTeam Dara C. Wydler: Executive Director Tina Wilgeroth: Program Director / Editor / Graphics Karleen Maloney: Memberships / Scholarships / Chapter Director

SABER RENEWAL / DONATION FORMRenew my Saber $_________ for _______ year(s) @ $10 per year (6 issues). Fill out and return the form below or attach your Saber label so we have

your pertinent information. D-Trooper Fund $___________

In Memory of: _______________________________________________

Association General Fund Donation $______________ In Memory of: _______________________________________________

Your "In Memory of" acknowledgements will appear in the HONOR ROLL section of the Saber

D-Trooper Program consists of a donation of $25 or more. This donation will give you one year of Saber with the remainder going into the D-Trooper Fund. The D-Trooper Fund is one of the more positive means by which you can actively participate in furthering the programs of the Association and again show your pride as a CAV Trooper–a LifeTime Member of the First Team! If you choose to participate in the D-Trooper Fund, your name will be published in the Honor Roll section of the Saber newspaper and we will send you a certificate suitable for framing, for your first donation only.

LAST 4 NUMBERS OF SSN ____________ DOB ______________________Rank _______________Name_________________________________________Address___________________________________________________________City _____________________________________________ State __________Zip _____________________ Phone (________) ______________________ E-mail ___________________________________________________________

CREDIT CARD #______________________________________________ EXP DATE:__________ CVV: ___________

TOTAL AMOUNT $___________________ SIGNATURE ________________________________________________

You can also renew online at www.1CDA.org Log in>>> Saber Newspaper >>> Saber Subscriptions/Renewals

A donation to the FOUNDATIONof the 1st Cavalry Division Association

helps a student achieve their educational goals and is an investment in the future of America.

Consider donating today.

MSG DARRELL ROBERTS, HHC 1-7 CAV, 1980This is my great granddaughter and I sponsor her as a member of the 1st Cavalry

Division Association. She is a member of the Mississippi Junior High School Rodeo Assn and a true rodeo cowgirl.

WANTED:PFC JERRY KLUTE D CO, 2-7 CAV, KIA 6/15/69

Hi. I’m trying to locate my dad’s official army photo in uniform to print for my mom. He was killed on 6/15/69, 3 months before I was born. The past year and a half she’s been struggling with his death. She keeps saying how much she’d like to have that picture. I’ve tried Googling his name and didn’t have any luck. Jerry Craig Klute, born 4/3/49, death 6/15/69, 1st Cavalry Division; 2nd Battalion, 7th Calvary, D company. Service assignment # 51804576. Thanks so much!

Cheri Dorsey 402-319-3131 or <dorsey.cld@gmail.com>.

LEONARD SEALEY A TRP, 1-9 CAV, 1965-66I hope someone here can help me. My dad, Leonard Sealey, served in

the Army with the 1st Cav, A Troop Headquarters, 1st of the 9th in 1965-66. (It was 11th Air Assault before becoming 1st Cav) out of Fort Hood. He is 79 years old now and has never reconnected with anyone he served with. He would love to catch up with anyone from that time. Thank you. Patty Ellsworth <Pellsworth@sbcglobal.net>.

Way to Go

Cowgirl!

OTHER REUNIONS:15th Medical Battalion Association Reunion, 21-24 April 2022. Omaha,

NE. Hampton Inn & Suites Omaha Downtown, 402-345-5500 and Homewood Suites by Hilton Omaha Downtown, 402-345-5100, Use Code: “15th Med MVV.” POC: Ron Ingram, <papillion251@aol.com> or 402-670-1370. Info at <www.15thmedbnassociation.org>.

E Co 2/5 Reunion, 16-19 May 2022. Ft. Walton-Destin Beach, FL area. Island Hotel, (formerly the Ramada). POC Mick DeHart, <michael.dehart754@gmail.com> or 937-875-8446.

1st Cavalry Division Association 74th Reunion, 6-10 July 2022. Radisson Dayton, Dayton, OH. 1-866-247-5162.

8 Cav Jumping Mustangs, 14-17 Sept 2022. Crowne Plaza Burr Ridge Chicago, IL. 630-325-2900 $125/night. Use Code Jumping Mustangs. POC: James Knafel 260-244-3864 or <jjknafel@gmail.com>.

Have your upcoming reunions posted here!Email to Programs@1CDA.org

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2022 Page 3saber

Culmination of treasured long lost stories or photos from our members.

Trooper's Tale BIG DUKE 83, 1968

In late 1968 I was S3 Air with 1/8 Cav (Big Duke 83). We were flying out of Tay Ninh to stage for a CA to build an LZ close to the Cambodian border. The sun was rising over Nui Ba Den and I took this picture. At the time I thought this was almost surreal. Just wanted to share it. 1LT Sam Francis 1/8 Cav, Feb 1968-69. <sfmtn5d@citlink.net>

SMSGT GILBERT CURTIS 15 QM, 1949SMSGT Gilbert

Curtis celebrated 50 years of retirement on July 31, 2021. His career started 1948 at Fort Jack-son, SC in the Army. After basic training he was transferred to Fort Lawton, Seattle Washington. He was then booked on a ship to Japan to 1st Cavalry Division at Camp Drake. While serving there, he drove trucks hauling laundry and school buses.

He was then discharged to Camp Stonemen, California. He enlisted in USAF January 1953 as a Munition Specialist serving remaining years as Munitions Inspector/Evaluator for SAC, retiring in 1971.

2/17 ARTILLERY VIETNAM, 1966-67My name is Tim Smith and my father SP5 David Smith served with the Divi-

sion in Vietnam in 1966-67. While there he took over 300 photos of his life in the war. He was with the 2/17th Artillery and was at LZ Pony, LZ English and helped support LZ Bird from being overrun. He took many interesting photos. Here are just a few. Thank you. <timsmith.tn@comcast.net>

1CDA HOG HUNT RAFFLE PRIZEAt our 73rd Annual 1CDA Reunion we had several raffle prizes that benefit our

Scholarship Fund. The lucky winner of the weekend Hog Hunt was Robert & Pat Gill of Arizona, H Co 75 INF, 1968 and A Co 1-9 CAV, 1969. The Hog Hunt was donated by 1CDA member, Mark Ballard.

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2022Page 4 saberGreetings to all from the

Volunteer State of Tennes-see, I am hoping that every-one had a wonderful Holiday Season!

This will be more of an introduction as Ken White

(past scribe) has decided to retire from writing and as such left big shoes to fill. Ken has done an excellent job over the years representing H Company (and pre-decessor Unit designations) and the vital relationship that existed with the many units within the 1st Cavalry Division.

My history: I spent almost two ½ years with the 1st Cav, first as a platoon leader with the 1/7th early in 1970, moving to H Company, 75th at the end of 1970 as XO, then from March of ‘71 to the summer of ’72 as the CO. For the past few years, I have been writing the H Company submissions for Patrolling Magazine, a publication of the 75th Ranger Regiment Association in which I try to honor the fallen from our unit as well as highlight the missions and history of the unit (I am currently the 1st VP of the 75th Ranger Regiment Association).

The format for the Saber seems to be a bit different so my first job will be to adjust my approach to putting an article together, specifically attempt to bring in the unique connection that H Company had with the different Cav units and how two of the best to serve in RVN were able to work together and achieve success.

To make this happen I will need your help. In my Patrolling articles I rely on members of the unit to get me ideas and mission briefs that become the basis for the article. I am hoping to get some of the same basics from those of you who had the opportunity as a member of the 1st Cav to collaborate with teams from H Company/E Company. I realize most of our support from the Cav was from the 1/9th but I know there were any number of opportunities to collaborate with other units, some that come to mind immediately are when General Casey’s helicopter went down, or the An Loc/Loch Ninh operation in ‘72.

I am looking forward to your support. First, those of us who were around that long ago recognize our numbers are dwindling. My goal in addition to connect-ing with fellow members of the 1st Cav, is to get as much of this information in writing as possible for history/posterity, and in some cases so our kids and grandkids know what we did long ago in SE Asia. Lastly, looking for any current information that I can include in the column.

You can reach me at my contact info above. I am still working so if I do not answer leave a message and I will get back to you. Thank You! All the best for a great 2022 (and beyond)! Pete

“For those who have fought for it, Life has a flavor the protected will never know”

L R R P / R a n g e r N e w sPete Dencker

234 Sontag Dr Franklin, TN 37064615-202-4804

pdencker@outlook.com

DIVISION DOINGSConstruction Complete for Fort Hood’s National Mounted Warrior Museum by Taylor Cooper | Herald staff writer Dec 28, 2021

Officials with the National Mounted Warfare Foundation have announced that the first phase of construction for the National Mounted Warrior Museum at Fort Hood has been completed. A soft opening for the new 28,700-square-foot museum is planned in late spring 2022 and grand opening in summer 2023 after interior displays are in place, foundation officials announced in a holiday message this week.

“2021 was a landmark year for your Foundation, we completed construction of Phase I of the National Mounted Warrior Museum,” according to emailed message. “We will begin conducting special events in the Museum in March 2022. Please get in touch with us if you are interested in holding an event or would like to tour the building.”

Bob Crouch, the vice president of the foundation, said officials are still continuing fundraising for the other phases of the museum and will offer commemorative bricks, which can be ordered through the website at <nmwfoundation.org>. In 2020, the $38 million project broke ground at Fort Hood after being in planning for 10 years.

The new museum is expected to grow in size in subsequent phases, officials said. It is being built outside Fort Hood’s security fence, meaning visitors will not have go through a Fort Hood gate to get to it.

When the Mounted Warrior Museum opens, the two museums on post, the 1st Cavalry Division Museum and the 3rd Cavalry Regiment Museum, will close and move into the new museum building.

Retired LTG Paul Funk, the president and CEO of National Mounted Warfare Foundation, said previously the museum would be receiving some exhibits from the 1st Cavalry Division and 3rd Cavalry Regiment museums.

“We still have to get the exhibits put together, and the Army is working on that,” Funk said. “The exhibits should be ready by late 2022 or early 2023.” Touted as tourism draw for the Killeen-Fort Hood area, officials expect the museum to bring in 265,000 visitors per year, most of them who live outside the area.

At the museum’s groundbreaking in November 2020, Crouch spoke after the ceremony on a day long in the making. “Today is a day that’s been almost 10 years in the making. Our foundation, the National Mounted Warfare Foundation, was founded in early 2011 with the mission to plan for, to raise the funds for and to build the National Mounted Warrior Museum, and we are here today breaking ground on the first phase of that museum,” Crouch said at the time. “We wanted something that would honor all of the Soldiers and units that have served here at Fort Hood over the years, and we really wanted to make it a world class facility that makes this community and this installation proud.”

When regarding the subsequent phases after Phase I; Phase II will expand the permanent exhibit gallery space by 11,000 square feet. Phase III will be the con-struction of two 1,500 square foot multi-purpose conference/classrooms, Phase IV will be the construction of the museum gift shop and foundation staff offices, Phase V will be the construction of staff offices for the museum curators, Phase VI will be an upgraded outdoor amphitheater and Phase VII will be an additional pair of multi-functional conference/classrooms.

1st Cavalry Division’s Pegasus Troop by SGM Kenneth D. Dyer, 1st Cavalry Division, III Corps

Pegasus Troop aims to integrate incoming Troopers and make them, and their families feel like part of the “First Team” from day one. It’s essential to allow our new Troopers time to get themselves and their families situated. It takes time to find a home or childcare, and each of us has our unique situation. This program provides guidance and time, which helps our newest team members navigate those situations before they report to their units. In doing that, we’ll build trust and a stronger team.

It’s also important to identify any issues the Troopers might have, especially issues that occurred during their PCS, so we can get them ready. We must ensure they and their families have a support system before starting to work. That’s one way we put people first, and people first is a part of everything we do; it’s not just another thing that we do.

We recently celebrated our centennial. The 1st Cavalry Division is a hundred years old. Explaining to our Troopers how impressive our heritage is and helping them understand that they are a part of that legacy now is important. We try to help them know that. They also attend a series of inclusive culture classes from our SHARP, EO, PAO, and Chaplain.

Additionally, they will conduct a height and weight, ACFT, Leaders Forum, First Team counseling standards class, horse detachment demonstration, and complete all annual health, HR, and 350-1 readiness requirements. Lastly, every New Trooper will do PT with the Division commander and CSM and have the opportunity to ask them questions. In the end, we are trying to build trust, fix individual issues immediately, and give our newest teammates time to get themselves and their families settled.Continued to pg. 5

SCHOLARSHIP DONATIONS1CDA supports four scholarships for qualified applicants:

ACTIVE DUTY SCHOLARSHIPSoldier has to be a member of 1CDA & assigned to 1CD. This grant is offered to the Soldier and spouse.

FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIPS100% Offered to the child/children of 1CDA members with a 100% disability rating, that were assigned to 1CD.

KIA To be used by child/children of Troopers killed in action while assigned to 1CD.

IA DRANG SCHOLARSHIPExclusive to the children & grandchildren of the Veterans who were involved in the battles of the Ia Drang Valley during 3-19 Nov 1965.

SUPPORT THE FUTURE, DONATE TODAY!N O T a v a i l a b e o n l i n e

Active Duty Foundation Ia Drang $_________ $_________ $_________

Form of Payment:

Cash Check Enclosed Credit Card (Service Charges Apply)

Credit Card # ________________________________________Exp Date: _______ CVV on back: ______ Total Amt: ________

Name on Card:

Signature

Phone #

MAIL TO: 1st Cavalry Division Association 302 N. Main St. Copperas Cove, TX 76522

All scholarships of the 1CDA are tax-exempt charitable organizations described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and all donations are tax deductible.

BY MAKING A SCHOLARSHIP DONATION, YOUR NAME WILL APPEAR UNDER HONOR ROLL ON PAGE 23.

DIVISION DOINGS Continued from pg. 41st Cavalry Division’s Horse Cavalry Detachment Returns to Rose Parade by MSG Miriam Espinoza

Pasadena, California – After the 2021 cancellation due to COVID-19, only its fourth cancellation since it began in 1890, the Rose Parade returned Jan 1 and the 1st Cavalry Division’s Horse Cavalry Detachment returned to the historic event. MG John B. Richardson, commanding general, and CSM Shade S. Mun-day, division command sergeant major, also made an appearance this year for the 133rd Rose Parade in Pasadena, California.

“For us to have an opportu-nity to participate in such an American tradition with the Horse Cavalry Detachment means a lot, not only to the Soldiers of the detachment, but also for the Division it-self,” said Richardson, who participated in the parade for the first time.

The parade passes along a 5 1/2-mile route, and it is an iconic New Year’s Day tradition for millions of

Americans. Nearly half a million people line the streets to see more than 40 floats decorated with millions of fresh flowers, bands and equestrian units. Millions more watch the parade via live broadcast from the comfort of their homes.

“It’s great to be able to represent 1st CAV and showcase who we are and what we do to the thousands of people who show up,” said CPT Abigail Edwards, commander, HCD, 1CD. While on temporary duty in California, the HCD also took part of the 30th Annual Equestfest in Los Angeles, where the detachment performed their mounted demonstration.

“I cannot say enough about the commander, the Soldiers, Non-commissioned Officers, and officers that make up our detachment,” said Richardson. “They do everything first class and today at the parade they just showcased the level of pride that they have not only for their detachment but for the Division as a whole.” The unit started preparing for this event, the biggest of year, 6 months in advance. The 3-day, nearly 1,400-mile trip from Fort Hood, Texas to Pasadena, California requires a significant amount of detailed of planning to ensure horses and personnel arrive safely to their final destination. A total of 21 Soldiers, two veterinarians and a civilian trainer traveled to Pasadena alongside 13 horses and two mules.

“This is the biggest event we do; this is what we look forward to every year, and I could not ask for a better group of Troopers, they have put a lot of work into making this happen and everyone is extremely excited,” said Edwards, who took command of the detachment only a few months ago.

The parade’s first three cancellations happened in 1942, 1943, and 1945 and were all due to World War II. Last year out of an abundance of precaution, the parade was cancelled to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

“I want to showcase our professionalism, and for the American public to know we are the most prestigious horse cavalry detachment in the U.S. Army, and I want everyone to see the care that we take in our mounts and the pride that we have in what we do,” said SFC Michael Hannibal, platoon sergeant, HCD, 1CD.

The detachment has been invited to the parade since 1996 and this year they were the only active-duty Army unit invited to the parade. “I’m always impressed

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2022 saber Page 5

Harold P. "Doc" Truitt4584 50th St W

Rosamond, CA 93560661-810-5971

rr3-6bandaid@antelecom.net

5 th CAV News

Over the past months, I have tried to address myself, as much as I can, to the moral and esprit de corps of our people. By presenting history and other items that to me, go directly to why I am so proud of this unit and its sister organiza-tions. The portion of the population of our society that we represent, has a much greater portion of discipline and courage than is normally found in the general population. Despite this we are sometimes categorized in a way that does not reflect an awareness of this fact as I see it. For example, if an individual from among us, for whatever reason, falls under the care of say, a psychiatrist, and gives information that makes it clear they have seen combat, the urge to label them as damaged may be almost overwhelming and they may wind up on meds they do not need with negative effect on their lives. The health care individual may have visions of a violent breakdown to justify this, but it does not reflect the truth. We learn a specific and important set of behaviors to allow us to perform the jobs we must do. These behaviors are a normal reaction to a very abnormal circumstance that others do not need and the awareness of them should always be tempered by what I mentioned earlier, that is, a heavy dose of discipline and a load of courage among those of whom I speak. I will get back to this as we go along.

In support of moral and esprit, I have spoken at least a couple of times of the fact that I do not see an end to missions that disappoint us or worse. It feels to me like one of those times right now. Please remember as these things happen, that we fight for an ideal, specifically, our Constitution and we do this because like our founding fathers, we envision a society of laws applied to all equally. We do not wish to be ruled by a king or dictator and to do this we have set up a government we fervently hope, is of the people, by the people and for the people. (I hope I got the quote right). Our elected officials can no more be perfect than the rest of us and as a result those of us that follow their orders as we must, to preserve our way of life, are not infrequently disappointed. Even so, I do not see a better place on earth to see my grandchildren grow up.

The circumstances referred to in the first paragraph, are a part of us. They get more deeply ingrained with time and the intensity of what goes on around us. We use them to succeed. The awareness and focus achieved are wonderful tools in the service and out even if we do pay a certain price for having them.

As we deploy for longer periods or do so more frequently, the combination of this “awareness” and “focus,” along with a great deal of time away from our families, is also something we pay a price for. So as one progresses from private to upper leadership some have the skills or are blessed with a saintly spouse and get through well. Some struggle. Whatever your situation, you can learn about the tools you have and their effect. Learn (or reinforce) the understanding of what these things mean and navigate the resulting social minefield more safely. I have recently been introduced to a group of Veterans, working for Veterans, that really have something to share. Their mission statement is, “Giving warfighters their greatest weapon back” and they are not kidding. They and their program are not a treatment program for damaged warfighters although they will go to great lengths for one who is struggling. Those with the most to gain are still in the service of their country. The things taught or reinforced will not only help the individual who attends but give them tools to help those who have not. This program will increase the network of people they know to help towards the same goal. We who are serving or have served are the best resource other Vets can get, and as we add tools we get even better.

Warfighter Advance is the result of the service and vision of Mary Neal Vieten, Ph.D., ABPP, CDR. Medical Service Corps, USN (ret) who during her career worked with and for countless men and women like you and me. She observed the results of what we do and of what we face in many instances from those entrusted with our care. This program, information and education is available to all of us. For those who need help to attend, that is available at no cost. These people can show you the way and if you do not need that, they can give you tools to help any of us you decide to lend a hand to. One of the best ways for an early peak at this is the Warfighter Advance website. Please go to <www.warfighteradvance.org> and check it out. There is info there to contact them. If you would rather talk to me, my info is at the head of this column.

Now here is the deal. I am fully aware that I do not reach everyone I would like to and that is on me. I try. But if you do read this, I would see it as a big favor if you would take it on yourself to get this little piece of info to anyone you know. Those with the most time down range and pushing on up the chain of command are the most likely to be so busy they do not pick this up. If you are close to someone like this, see if you can get them a copy. Please talk to your friends about this! Having been through this program and because of things I have personally been through previously, I feel more than a little qualified to make this a strong recommendation. Call, email or if you would rather, write me. All the things you need should be at the top of this piece. Godspeed, fair wind and courage brothers and sisters!

by the Horse Cavalry Detachment’s Troopers and Non-commissioned Officers, their professionalism and dedicating to showcasing our Division’s rich history were on full display for the country to see,” said Munday. “It was an honor to be side by side with them during this year’s Rose Parade.”

Fort Hood Makes History by Welcoming the CSM A.C. Cotton VFW Post 12209 by SFC Angela Holtby, III Corps

The Veterans of Foreign Wars host-ed an installation ceremony Jan 7, 2022, for the only current VFW post on an active-du-ty installation in the United States located on Fort Hood, Texas. The VFW honored the memory of CSM A.C. Cotton, the first known African American command sergeant major for the 1st Cavalry Division by dedicating VFW Post 12209 in his name.

Cotton, a beloved member of the “First Team,” said before his passing in 2021 at age 86, “I hope the American people realize what a great Army we have; great Soldiers who get up every day to defend our freedom.”

Although other VFWs have been on Army installations throughout the orga-nization’s 122-year history, Post 12209 at Fort Hood is the only current one. “It’s hard to name things after people you know who have affected your life and affected other people’s lives in the community,” said Willie Keller, Post 12209 commander. “As far as I can remember, me being a tanker, (Cotton) was always world-known in the armored cavalry community.”

In attendance to help dedicate the CSM A.C. Cotton VFW Post 12209 were LTG Pat White, III Armored Corps and Fort Hood commanding general and COL Chad Foster, Fort Hood garrison commander. Also on hand were Texas state Rep. Brad Buckley, VFW Texas Commander Norman Macey, Cotton’s family members, VFW members, and Soldiers past and present.

“I’m happy to bring the services of the VFW to the Soldiers and Veterans that live and work on Fort Hood,” Keller said. “Once a Soldier, always a Soldier, and the VFW never stops supporting Soldiers.”

Adjutant Lupita M. Perez, Texas VFW, gave the opening remarks at the ded-ication. Several new VFW candidates administered the Oath of Obligation and presented the Cross of Malta. At the end of the ceremony, the Department of Texas Military Order of the Purple Heart designated the CSM A.C. Cotton VFW Post 12209 a Purple Heart Post. “I was so honored to witness history in the making today as the CSM A.C. Cotton VFW Post 12209 held their chartering and installation ceremony at Fort Hood,” said Texas state Rep. Brad Buckley.

CSM A.C. Cotton Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 12209 meets on the first Monday of every month at 6 pm at the Oveta Culp Hobby Soldier and Family Readiness Center on Fort Hood.

The VFW is a congressionally chartered war Veteran’s organization that dates back to 1899. With 1.5 million members, it is the largest American organization of combat Veterans, which supports Veterans and active-duty service members from all branches.Continued to pg. 17

LTG White & COL Foster pose with family and VFW members, photo by SGT Dylan Bailey

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2022Page 6 saberThomas Lon Crabtree

195 Buzz Street # 18Branson, MO 65616

432-853-4851MMCTLC3@aol.com

www.12thCav.US

1 2 t h C AV N e w s

Hello, Semper Paratus, Happy New Year! Hope all made it through the holidays without any major disruptions and your New Year started with a bang. Here in the Crabtree nook of the Ozarks, ours was pleasant and 2022 holds promise. Maggie and I celebrated our 20th official sanctified and blessed anniversary on 31 Dec. We look forward to a new adventure as we locate to warmer and more pleasant climate, possibly returning to TX. We are looking at AZ and FL. Most likely we will land in FL sometime around June 2022. From there, we will continue to serve the 12th CAV and 1st CAV in whichever capacity the ‘Chief Chopper Pilot’ directs us, while we rest and retrofit.

2021 had many ups and downs with the passing of too many Vietnam Troop-ers of note, Joseph L. Galloway- 18 Aug 2021 (We were Soldiers fame); COL (R) Chaplain Billy R. Lord-15 Oct 2021, 1-12 Cavalry, 1965-66 (first Chaplain awarded a Silver Star for valor in VN Oct 1965); GEN Colin L. Powell-18 Oct 2021 (VN 1962-63 Tactical Advisor to 1st Division ARVN, 1968-69 Americal Division and Secretary of State under George W. Bush 2001-05).

Of specific mention, 1st CAV Trooper, A Co, 13th Sig Bn and HHC 2-12 Cav, CPT Joseph Maxwell ‘Max’ Cleland, crossed over 9 Nov 2021, from congestive heart failure.

Cleland served in the 1st Cav Division in Vietnam, May 1967-Apr 1968. His first assignment was with A Co, 13th Signal Bn, May 1967 to early 1968. Max was assigned to 2-12 Cav, as Bn Signal Officer (S-3), shortly after 2-12 TET Offensive’s 1968 Lost Battalion and Battle for Hue City Excursion, 1-26 Feb 1968. He was awarded a Bronze Star, Silver Star, and Purple Heart during his tenure with the Signal group and 2-12 Cav. Little was known about CPT Cleland among Troopers of 2-12 who were there during

his time with them. Cleland’s time was cut short by an unfortunate incident on 8 April 1968, that occurred in Khe Sahn just outside the perimeter of LZ Stud. This cut short his military career. What makes Cleland’s service with the Division and 2-12 Cav, is his recognized career in public service and politics after his recovery from the physically devastating and traumatic circumstances of his mishap.

The Bronze Star w/V device was awarded to Cleland on or about 27 Jan 1968 while he was still with 13th Sig Bn. The Division had moved into Hue, Quang Tri area. 13th Sig headed toward Khe Sahn in a two-vehicle convoy. Half-way to Khe Sahn they were ambushed. The sergeant major and radio-teletype operator were killed instantly. By quick action from the second vehicle, Cleland, dismounted and was able to eliminate the enemy ambush and saved the commo team in the second vehicle. Eyewitness to this event was SGT Andrew McCormick, tele-type repairman, and lifelong close friend to CPT Cleland. In SGT McCormick’s words, this was Max Cleland, doing what he had seen Cleland do in a previous situation November 1967, after An Khe had been hit by 300 plus mortar rounds. Their commo team was sent out on a search and destroy patrol they dubbed as Operation D Ring to search for the source of the bombardment. Even though they did not encounter enemy resistance, the area was heavily booby trapped and unexploded munitions around the tripwires. One of the team members became entangled in the tripwires. Then LT Cleland moved the other men of the team into a safe zone, then proceeded to the trapped member, slowly and diligently, disentangling the trapped Trooper. In SGT McCormick’s words, “I never forgot this or what Max did. He led from the front and set an example I never forgot! He asked of us nothing that he himself would not do. Max was a LT who came to see how you were doing or ask if you needed anything-not to lock your heels and give you order. Salute to my brother and lifelong friend.”

Andy and CPT Cleland worked together through end Feb 1968 in Ashau Valley, later returning to Camp Eagle/Camp Evans. Cleland, at that time had about 30 days before DEROS. Max had related to Andy his desire to lead a platoon in combat and volunteered to go to 2-12, having to extend for his desired mission, no doubt, to advance his career. Unfortunately, he was cut short in Operation Pegasus, which began 1 April 1968.

3 Apr 1968, 2-12 moved from LZ Jane to LZ Stud then Air Assaulted into LZ Wharton, a green LZ, the battalion set about preparing defensive positions with overhead cover and establishing communications and securing movement for support elements and materials. From 1630 hrs-2230 hrs., 2-12 received 35 rounds of incoming artillery with negative casualties. Throughout the next four days to 7 Apr, LZ Wharton received daily incoming fire of 122mm rockets; incoming on 5 Apr resulted in 4 KIAs and 3 WIAs in D Co. 6 Apr 2-12 made an air move from LZ Wharton to hill 471 located at coordinate XD848375. B Co received rifle grenade fire incurring two slight WIAs. On 7 Apr 2-12 Lead Elements, C and D Co entered Khe Sahn Village without incident. B Co and Bn CP then moved to Hill 471 while HHC remained at LZ Wharton. The day ended with B and C Co conducting search out and around Hill 471, discovering hootches with 300 lbs. of rice and an extensive tunnel complex. Four NVA were discovered running into one of the hootches at 1630 hrs. and the vicinity was leveled by Artillery. Several weapons were found and at 1900 hrs., LT Lazar was injured by a chi com grenade he was placing on a stack of captured weapons.

On 7 Apr at 2145 hrs., 2-12 received a report from Brigade intelligence that, a Bn of NVA had amassed NE of Hill 471 with intent to attack the area around Signal Hill. 8 Apr B Co moved out into the area at 732 hrs. followed shortly by C and D Co while A Co remained on 471. The companies search discovered enormous quantities of concertina wire, one ton of wheat and rice and a TOC with 292 antennae and extensive mine field. D Co 1-12 was moved into the area and Air Force EOD teams were called to deconstruct the mine field. At coordinate XD847383 a small Marine TOC area was discovered with bunkers, showers, tube urinals and letters to American GIs were found dated 23 Dec 1967. This scenario preceded the disastrous accident that cut short Cleland’s time with 2-12.

At 1430 hrs. the 2-12 log helicopter was transporting commo personnel and equipment to Signal Hill outside LZ Stud, to set up a relay. When the helicop-ter landed as CPT Cleland stepped off, he spotted a live grenade that had been dropped by another Trooper. He stepped to grab the grenade which detonated

as he was reaching for it. The explosion severed Cleland’s right arm and both legs! (S-3 operations report for 8 Apr 1968, signed by William I. Scudder, Major Infantry, stated the helicopter landed on a mine and had to go in for re-pairs). Max’s Medevac was completed at 1434 hrs. Information in the above two paragraphs was extracted from 2-12 1968, ORLL Reports, signed by R.S. Sweet, LTC Infantry, Commanding, and, daily S-3 Operations Reports for April 1968, signed by MAJ Scudder.

This entry created confusion and contradicting stories about the who, why, and how it happened. Some thought, the grenade fell from Cleland’s webbing, others thought it fell from another and newer Trooper’s vest when they were setting up equipment. Over the years, Cleland argued with himself about how he could have dropped an armed grenade and questioned his own competence as an officer. In interviews over the years, CPT Cleland admitted that the act of trying to pick up the grenade was not one of his better decisions. The question of who had dropped the grenade was resolved in 1999. A Soldier had seen a televised interview of Cleland mentioning his dilemma. That Soldier contacted the station that aired the interview and Cleland to report his view of what happened.

There was a Marine contingent at LZ Stud. Marine CPL David Lloyd was the first to reach Cleland when the explosion happened. Lloyd stated that, “He also treated another Trooper nearby, who was sobbing uncontrollably and saying, “it was my grenade, it was my grenade.” This was a relief to Cleland but had a negative effect later in Cleland’s run for reelection to the U.S. Senate in 2002. His opponent used this bit of info against Cleland questioning his honesty, integrity, and patriotism. Cleland lost his reelection bid.

Cleland grew up in Lithonia, GA a suburb of Atlanta. In high school he was a basketball star and accomplished swimmer. He graduated in 1963, went to Stetson University, Deland, FL, on ROTC Scholarship, received a bachelor’s degree and pursued a master’s degree at Emory University, Atlanta, GA. In late 1965, Max joined the Army, went to Jump School, Ft Benning, GA. Serving two years stateside, he volunteered to go to Vietnam.

When evacuated from Vietnam he spent eight months in Walter Reed. When released from Wal-ter Reed, he returned home to Atlanta, resided in his parents’ house. He fell into intense boredom and the depression of PTSD. His solution was to run for office. Campaigning on two artificial legs in 1970 for GA State Senate, he won election and served to 1974. 1974 Cleland ran for GA. LT Governor office but lost. He went to D.C., served two years as a staffer on the Senate Veter-an Affairs Committee. When Jimmy Carter was elected President 1976, he appointed Cleland as Director, Department of Veterans Affairs. CPT

Max immediately butted heads with the “Bureaucracy rooted in WWII view-points and unprepared for the crunch of casualties returning from Vietnam” (Jim Galloway, Atlanta Journal-Constitution, 9 Nov 2021). During his four years as VA head, Cleland convinced doctors and congress that PTSD was a legitimate combat incurred disorder. He was influential in securing additional funding for health care and the establishment of the VA Outreach Centers, now available in most regions of the country. One of his main accomplishments in the four years he served as VA Director, in his words he stated, “For the first time ever, you could get combat related pay even if you came back without visible wounds.” When Carter lost in 1980, Cleland returned to Atlanta, in 1982 was elected as GA Secretary of State and served in that office to 1994.

In 1990, Cleland contemplated a run for the GA Governors seat. He backed out due to a leak of an audio sex tape of him and a former girlfriend. Although, embarrassing to Max, it had an unexpected effect, garnering him 1,016,341 votes in his reelection bid for Secretary of State. Max responded with this, “It not only raised my profile in the state in a way no amount of political advertising could, but it also showed that I was, despite my handicaps, a full-blooded American male.” (Atlanta Journal-Constitution, 9 Nov 2021, Jim Galloway). In 1996, GA Senator Sam Nunn decided to not run, Max ran, was elected to U.S. Senate, serving to 2002. As Senator, he secured funding for additional missions for the 13 Military Installations in GA, funding for a new Veterans Cemetery in the state, now the Georgia National Cemetery, Canton, GA., where he is buried.

In tandem with a bi-partisan group of Sen-ators; Bob Kerry, Chuck Hagel, John Kerry, Chuck Robb, and John McCain, Cleland and the group expanded Veterans Benefits, which today, are the best provisions of any VA Benefit package since WWII. 2009 Obama appointed Cleland as Head of the American Battle Monu-ments Commission, where he served to 2016. Cleland never forgot the battles he fought after Vietnam or Troopers he served with. LTC Charles Krohn, BN CO during TET tells this brief story about Max. Just after TET, I was in my command tent drafting the Presidential Unit Citation for TET when Cleland blocked the entrance. I told him to get out of my light, as I did not want to be bothered by a new young officer I did not know. I barked at him to get out of my light. Next time I saw him was when he was sworn in as U.S. Senator. Years later he became my boss at the American Battle Mon-uments Commission. It was good to working together. I retired shortly after; Max wanted me to stay on, but it was time for me to go. We talked regularly on the phone after he moved back to Atlanta. During our last call we argued because I favored Trump over Biden. Next time I heard from him, he had left an invitation to shelter with him in Atlanta as Hurricane Michael was headed toward our cottage in Panama City Beach, FL. Service was knocked out, I did not get the invitation until a few months later. I called and Linda Dean his caretaker told me Max was in his final illness and could not take my call. I was too late but sent him a get well note anyway. SGT McCormick called Max in 2015, not sure how he would respond. Andy was surprised that he Continued to pg. 10

Cleland in Vietnam

As a young man and now

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2022 Page 7saber Karl Swenson

3526 E Park LnBloomington, IN 47408

(812) 345-4055kswenson1@wgu.edu

7 t h C A V N e w s

Happy New Year to all 7th Cavalry Troopers, spouses and especially our Veterans. I am filling in for our regular scribe, Karl Swenson, MAJ (Ret) who has been under the weather for several weeks now. Karl and I served in the 1/7 during Vietnam (1969 -1970). He with Echo Recon and me with both A and C Co. We are all hopeful that Karl will be back at the keyboard soon. Our 7th Cavalry Association is undergoing an influx of new ideas under the leadership of our new President: Mike Campbell; Vice-President: Tim Hodge and our Honorary Command Sergeant Major: CSM (Ret) Dave Clemons. All combat Veterans of Desert Storm and/or OEF/OIF. One of the first items that will be undergoing a change is that our website will be getting a facelift. New members will be able to apply on-line which will make everything easier for them and our secretary, John Guillory, who likewise served in the 7th Cavalry in Charlie 2/7 in 1968-69. Kudos to Jim Savage, who started the website oh so many years ago and served in the 3/7 in Germany.

By the time you receive this issue, our reunion will be just 5 months away in Dayton, OH. Make your reservations today, especially if you have never attended one before. They are a fun and often emotional gathering of Troopers from across these glorious United States.

Many military installations will be going through a renaming process. There is a push to have Fort Benning, renamed to honor GEN Moore and Julie Compton Moore. If you are so inclined, give your Congress Critter your thoughts! The ‘Critter’ reference is courtesy of our late Cav friend Joe Galloway! A look back and an eyewitness perspective. The 1st Team moved South into III Corps in November of 1968. Their Mission was to screen the Northwesterly approaches to Saigon, from the infiltrating NVA. The 2nd Battalion was based out of Quon Loi, and it did not take long for them to engage an enemy force that had been running rampant. On 3 Dec, D Co became heavily engaged with a force determined to wipe them out. The battle raged for hours, and parts of the battlefield caught on fire due to the heavy volume of fire from both sides. SGT John Holcomb was awarded the Medal of Honor, posthumously for his actions on that fateful day. This perspective comes from Association Past President and current Secretary John Guillory, who was the 2nd Platoon Leader in Charlie 2/7 on that fateful day. It’s early afternoon, December 3, 1968, and we are back on LZ Sue for bunker duty. By the look of things, it occurs to me that we will be working on bunkers while we are here. A and B Co are in the bush, and D Co just left LZ Sue for a charlie-alpha northeast of here. As the men of C Co sat on the tops of bunkers on LZ Sue, we monitored the radio chatter related to D Co’s charlie-alpha. The insertion went like clockwork and was uneventful until the last chopper deposited the balance of Delta personnel and then lifted off. Once that final lift bird was out of site, a battalion sized force attacked D Co from three sides with mortars, RPGs,’ automatic and machine gun fire. The assaulting NVA troops also started a brush fire that consumed many Delta Troopers, and their artillery FO perished in the first volley of enemy fire. Many of the officers and NCOs were also wounded or killed as well. We listened to the action on the radio and felt helpless sitting on the bunker tops at LZ Sue as Delta was nearly ground down to nothing. We could see teams of cobra gunships working the area, and Air Force jets were making bombing runs and 30mm mini gun runs as well. The Air Force’s Forward Air Controller (FAC) had to wave off cobras to avoid a midair collision. As I stood there watching and listening to the bits and pieces of the firefight, I was thinking how I wish D Co could get some immediate help. I know I would want help immediately if I were experiencing the pure hell that they must be going through. Knowing you are on the losing end of a firefight, and the uncertain future losing might mean, must put some freaky thoughts in your head. I have a strong feeling that I am not alone in my thoughts as I watch. The CO said get your men ready, we may be headed to help Delta. I asked 2-5 to pass the word to get things together and wait until we get the word to go. We hear a short time later that A Co has been lifted and is on its way to D Co’s location. We hope that Delta can hold on until help arrives. Delta’s wounded are medevac’d directly to 15th Med in Quan Loi. Those most seriously wounded and burned will go on from there to an evac hospital in Phuoc Vinh and then on to Japan or the States. The first chopper carrying Delta’s KIA has landed at LZ Sue’s log pad, which is close to where we are standing. We can see all the stacked, burned bodies that were loaded onto the chopper, but cannot figure out why they stopped here. Seeing that gruesome sight was, for FNGs’ and the hardcore alike, a jolting wakeup call or reminder of death’s possibility. Thank you, John, for that insight into a horrific day. Exactly 1 year later, A Co of 1st Battalion engaged an NVA column crossing an open field, west of FSB Jerri, also in III Corps with Tac Air and Cobra gunships. When that one sided battle was over, some 34 NVA soldiers lay dead. Some small measure of payback for what our sister battalion had gone through. As I was working on this article, I paused for a bit and watched as President Biden awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor to 3 Army Soldiers, 2 of them posthumously. Such incredible courage each displayed and brought a tear to my eye.

Cheri Dorsey, the daughter of a D 2/7 KIA, Jerry Craig Klute, is trying to locate her father’s official Army photo in uniform, to print for her mom. He was killed 3 months before she was born. This past year and a half her mom has been struggling with his death. She keeps saying how much she would like to have that picture. I’ve tried googling his name and didn’t have any luck. Jerry Craig Klute, born 3 Apr 1949, KIA 15 Jun 1969. Cheri Dorsey (402) 319-3131. Cheri, there is some information on the Coffelt Data Base about your dad. All you need to do is put his name into the search box. You might also request his Official 201 File which is located at the National Archives in College Park, MD. If you have his Basic Training yearbook, that would be the best source for an official photo.

One of the ‘Greatest Generation’ Warriors Senator Bob Dole, passed away on 5Dec21. Senator Dole was badly wounded in Italy during the last stages of WW II, while serving as a Platoon Leader with the 10th Mountain Division. He was instrumental in getting the WW II Memorial to those Veterans funded and built.

He spent many hours down there greeting Veterans and was a huge supporter of us. If you are further interested in his Army exploits, I encourage you to read his book, ‘One Soldier’s Story.’ It truly is amazing.

Thanks to 1SG (Ret), Dara Wydler, the Executive Director of the 1CDA and her team: Tina Wilgeroth and Karleen Maloney who compiled, verified, handed out and mailed some 1500 Honorary Air Assault Certificates. They look great and it is a fitting tribute to those of us who pioneered the Air Assault concept, especially to those who spent 2 years at Fort Benning developing and fine tuning the idea! Personally, I have always felt that the Army should have made the Air Assault badge retroactive. Kudos to our past Association President Allen Norris, who served almost 4 years in this demanding chair. Shout Out Trail Spike 4-7.

For those of you on Facebook, there is a GarryOwen page that has all sorts of good information about the active-duty Troopers. Check it out, you will be impressed with their goings on! Here are some web portals that could be of use to Veterans: <https://www.myhealth.va.gov>. This site allows you to view upcoming appointments, refill prescriptions and view lab and doctor notes. You must create an account, which is free. <https://www.usa.gov/federal-agencies/national-archives-and-records-administration>. NARA is the repository of every record you can think of. Remember, our government never throws anything away. You can get S-2/3 Daily Journals, your individual Awards File, which is NOT located in St. Louis. NARA is located now in College Park, MD. These documents could help you if you apply for VA Compensation. The repository of your individual 201 file is in St. Louis, MO <https://www.archives.gov/personnel-records-center>. You can request DD-214’s as well as other documents, on-line. The Army Air Crews site is <http://www.armyaircrews.com/> and contains a listing of most Army Aviation losses from every type of aircraft flown by our brave pilots and crew members. It contains records and links from the early 60’s and some from last year and many years in between. The best site for locating the final resting place of our honored Vietnam dead is the Coffelt Data Base: <http://www.coffeltdatabase.org/index.php>. It is searchable by both Date and Name and has information as to Rank, NOK, Photos of Graves, etc. Every one of these sites are worth a look. Many Veterans that are 100% Permanent & Total as rated by the V.A. may live in a state that grants some or all an exemption of Property Taxes. There may be forms and deadlines so check out your state to see if you qualify.

On 18 Dec, 38,000+ volunteers placed 257,000 Christmas wreaths on the final resting places of our Honored Dead in the hallowed grounds of Arlington National Cemetery. A monumental task and as always, well done!

A few days after you receive this Saber will mark the 31st anniversary of the ground war called Desert Storm. On February 24, 1991, a massive coalition ground offensive began, and Iraq’s outdated and poorly supplied armed forces were rapidly overwhelmed. By the end of the first day, the Iraqi army had effectively folded, 10,000 of its troops were held as prisoners, and a U.S. air base had been established deep inside Iraq. After less than four days, Kuwait was liberated, and a majority of Iraq’s armed forces had either been destroyed or had surrendered or retreated to Iraq. On February 28, U.S. President George H. W. Bush declared a cease-fire, and Iraq pledged to honor future coalition and U.N. peace terms. One hundred and twenty-five American Soldiers were killed in the Persian Gulf War, with another 21 regarded as missing in action. Many of our 7th Cavalry Association members, including our President, Mike Campbell and Vice-President, Tim Hodge served during this conflict.

Our Scribe Karl Swenson has weighed in with a couple of items. Larry Parker (C Company 1/7) reported that his close friend, L. John Fisken, died November 16th. Both Larry and John served in 1967-68. Of John, Larry had this to say: “Sir, you could not ask for a better Soldier and great friend. He will be sorely missed.”

And this from Wendell Janke: I was with B Co 5/7 from 12/68 to 12/69. I am trying to find daily logs or after-action reports. I would appreciate any help. Thank you. Wendell, please see the reference to NARA in this column (Ed).

From Ron ‘Shortround’ Migut, C 1/7. Note to all: many may not know it but about the time of Desert Shield there was really no 7th Cavalry website. Given its heritage, and that it was once again marching off to war, Jim Savage began a search to find whatever was available about the mighty U.S. 7th Cav and started to compile it into what has now become the most comprehensive tribute to every Garryowen. When Jim began, there were no easy steps, no templates and he sat down and wrote the individual programming codes to put our history together; constantly adding features, updates, and refining sections on an almost daily basis. When you visit our website, it might just look nice but every tab leads to another tab, and to another tab. Do you think that the 7th Cavalry Regt began with Custer? Wrong! <https://us7thcavalry.com> Click on “History” which brings you to “Unit History” There you click on “U.S. 7th Cavalry Regiment” and it opens to “Early History” Scroll to “Inception of the Regiment” and then you can follow the Regiment’s birth from 1866 up to 1921. Each tab is a treasure trove of multiple tabs with information about the U.S. 7th Cavalry Regiment and each of its five Squadrons/Battalion’s from their early history to Iraq. So, here is my point. Our website is the house that Jim built (confidentially, at the cost of failing vision). He has never to my knowledge ever been openly thanked. Just recently, Jim released the control to the website. What I am asking of you is to email a New Year’s “Thank you for your years of dedication to Garryowen.” His email address follows: Jim Savage <US7thCavalry@hotmail.com>. What a great way to start off his New Year! Ron.

Thank you, Ron, what a great tribute to a loyal, dedicated and hard charging GarryOwen Sergeant! Keep sending in stories to Karl and I thank you for the opportunity to share again part of our legacy. Bob Anderson, President Emeritus!

It is only fitting I leave the last word to Jim Savage. To 7th Cavalry Assn: Please accept this letter as formal notification of my resignation from the 7th Cavalry Association as the Webmaster. My last day serving the Association will be, Dec 31, 2021. I would like to thank the Association for the opportunity to represent, promote, maintain rosters, and keep records online for the past 21 years. During this time, I have enjoyed working with the Association and will miss the challenge. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you need further information after I leave. Regards, Jim Savage, SGT, D Co, 3-7 Cavalry, 1967-69.

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2022Page 8 saber8 t h C AV N e w s

James “Top Gun” Dotson P.O. Box 684

Murray, KY 42071270-978-1075

airmobile68@gmail.comwww.8Cavalry.org

Happy New Year and welcome to 2022. I am glad you are reading this; it means we are still here. I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and a safe New Year’s celebration. Let us work in this new year to help each other more and get together every chance we can. Nothing warms my heart more than to know I am about to see an old friend. Someone who feels the same way I do, who has no agenda but friendship.

It has been a weird weather year: floods, fires, and tornados. I have been sick the last week, so I have been sitting in my recliner looking out my front win-dow. I have seen three different seasons in 3 days. Thursday it was 74 degrees and sunny, Friday was tornado warning day and thunderstorms. Today snow is falling, and the temperature is hovering around the freezing mark. Oh well, like they say, there is nothing that can be done about the weather.

With the beginning of a new year, it is time to make new resolutions. We make them every January 1st and seem to forget them by January 25th. Here is a list of the most common broken resolutions: Lose weight, get fit, quit smoking, read a new book once a month, learn something new, eat healthier, get out of debt, save money, spend more time with family, take a trip, get rid of stress. Some of these are my resolutions, I am sure you have a similar list. I am going to try harder this year and have some success. Good luck with your list!

♫ Drove my Chevy to the levy but the levy was dry. The good ole boys drink-ing whiskey and rye, singing “This’ll be the day that I die… this’ll be the day that I die.” ♫Chronic Pain

Chronic pain is ongoing and usually lasts longer than six months. This type of pain can continue even after the injury or illness that caused the pain has healed or gone away. Pain signals remain active in the nervous system for weeks, months or years. How many must suffer this every day? The medical system says because they say it is so that we will suddenly be pain free. Bull crap. About seven out of 10 Veterans, from all eras and branches, men, and women, which have a common problem. It is not regret, loss, trauma, or illness... though these problems may be present. The most prevailing complaint is persistent pain. Chronic pain is the most common medical problem we have since our service days. Sixty percent of Vets returning from service in the last 10 years have chronic pain. What do medical experts do to help? Drug them. One VA doctor told me recently that opiates are the go-to solution. Between 2001 and 2013 pain medications prescribed by the VA (including oxycodone and morphine) increased by 259%. VA scripts for these drugs doubled for every 100 patients during this time. Drug ‘em. Poof! Tramadol came along. It was thought to be a safe alternative to opiates, non-habit forming and easier to tolerate. The VA doctors handed out free samples, with little usage restrictions. The reality was way off course. This crap was handed out like candy and people were using tramadol for any number of non-medical purposes. Then the VA and the powers that be classified Tramadol as a controlled substance. What is next? Now, after studies, some folks have come to say “might have been a bad idea” to dismiss these problems of U.S. Vets returning home and suffering so lightly. As of now the VA reports that more than a half million Veterans are prescribed opioids. After the media applied pressure, VA doctors admitted they were over-medicating Vets. The VA’s way to make changes? Not drug them but under-drug them. Prescriptions were cancelled, dosages were cut, making Vets feel that they were to blame. We were told, ok Veterans, find a way to help cut your pain on your own. How about trying a chiropractor and while you are there get some needles stuck in you (acupuncture). Still hurting? Go on down to Sister Sarah’s, roll around for a little yoga. I do not know what the answer is, but we Veterans with chronic pain deserve more help than we are getting from the VA and one yoga class per week.

♫ When a man loves a woman, cannot keep his mind on nothing else. He will trade the world for the good thing he is found. If she is bad, he cannot see it. She can do no wrong. Turn his back on his best friend if he put her down ♫Mayfield, KY

Mayfield is a small town in the Western part of Kentucky. On December 10, 2021, it started as a beautiful winter day. Too warm for December, but you cannot control the weather. Storms had been predicted on the television and internet that day. Old timers spending time together on the court square said it was going to be bad. There was a candle factory in Mayfield, employing 110 people. Seven inmates of the Graves County jail were working there too, making Christmas money. Shortly after 9pm sirens started going off in town and the surrounding area. Then the wind began roaring, and walls and roofs started collapsing. What a nightmare. I will not belabor the horror of that night, but when it was over eight people were dead and numerous people were hurt. The once beautiful small town looked like a war zone.

As 3rd vice president of the board of AMVETS Post 45, myself and other board members felt called to action. Commander Kathi Duncan started making phone calls to see what we could do to help. Ron Georgette, a commercial caterer who works with Op-eration Stand Down, took his cooking rig to Mayfield, set it

up and started serving free meals to anyone needing one. Commander Duncan and I took food and supplies to the site. We took propane, tarps, and folding chairs. Donations were sent to Post 45, and we passed them on to authorities in Mayfield. The folks in Mayfield are so grateful for everything that people have helped them with. The town was mostly destroyed, but not the people that called it home, nor their supporters. It will take a long time to rebuild, and it will never be the same, but it will be done. The work to rebuild and support this community will be ongoing. If you would like to donate to help you can send donations to:

AMVETS Post 45 14365 Hwy 79 N. Buchanan, TN 38222We will make sure all donations get to Mayfield. Thank you for your con-

sideration. ♫ We gotta get out of this place, if it is the last thing we ever do ♫Earning Spurs

They died with their spurs on. Well, not exactly. But two old Cav Troopers did get hot and thirsty with their spurs on.

According to the manual, a Trooper can earn his spurs by doing a spur ride or serving during combat as a member of a Cav unit. A few years ago, a dear friend, Rich O’Brien D 2/8 1967, bought me a set of spurs. We both agreed to earn our spurs. That same summer, Rich, me, Bruce Peterson, and other Vets attended Braveheart Therapeutic Riding, an organization that sponsors Veterans of all abilities to ride as a form of therapy. Trooper John Crowdin, a Korean War Vet, and his daughter Tammy oversaw this organization. There were several horses at this event. Vets of all sorts were riding, walking, and grooming these beautiful animals. Rich said, “Let’s earn our spurs” and Tammy was our way to get on a horse. We jumped on our horses (I mean crawled) and rode around the arena at break-neck speed (actually, barely moving) and that is how we earned out spurs. Many thanks to John, Tammy, and the horse.

American Flag still flying high in the tree

Bruce Peterson, John Crowdin, Rich O'Brien, James Top Gun Dotson

In ClosingI hope everyone stays

healthy, warm, and safe this winter. Hopefully by the time of my next writing the weather will be warming up.

Until then, Honor and Courage

Giddy Up, Top Gun

Rich O'Brien Riding the

Range

True Cowboys

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2022 Page 9saber

Readers of this page may remember the way Mike Bond, the previous 9th Cavalry scribe, began every one of his columns with “Greetings from Smith Mountain Lake, the Jewel of the Blue Ridge.” From his first issue (January/February 2013) until his tragic death five years later, Mike loved where he lived and enjoyed telling us all how sweet life could be in Southwest Virginia. I recently moved from the Washington DC area down to the same Hardy, VA where Mike lived. In my case it was to be closer to our son and his family, and my new place is not right on the lake the way Mike’s was, but I am just a few miles from his house. So, to honor Mike Bond, let me open this by wishing all a

Happy New Year from Smith Mountain Lake, the Jewel of the Blue Ridge.Will the Real “Captain America” Please Stand Up?

A website called “We are the Mighty” <www.wearethemighty.com> recently carried an article titled “This was Captain America’s Army unit, and it’s still active.” According to the author, Miguel Ortiz—

"Captain Steven Grant Rogers, better known as Captain America, is the perfect Soldier… at least in the fictitious world of Marvel Com-ics. Created by Joe Simon and Jack Kirby in 1940, the character of Captain America was developed with a fully-fledged backstory. A frail, young newspaper boy was turned into a perfect human specimen with a super-Soldier serum to help America win WWII. As a Soldier

in the U.S. Army, Rogers was given the rank of Captain along with his iconic star-spangled suit and shield. Moreover, Cap was assigned to an Army unit that actually fought in the war: 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division."

I sent the link to fellow Veterans of A Troop in an email with the subject “These folks obviously didn’t know OUR Captain America.” Included in that email was the following photo of Apache Troop’s then-CPT Ty Graham (left), pictured next to an A Troop Cobra and holding the helmet and

armored vest that he had painted to turn himself into OUR Captain America.

Almost immediately a reply came back that said, “In 1969 Alpha Troop had its own Captain America.” It was signed “Norm Stewart, Apache 13,” and came with this photograph you see to the right.

It would not be at all surprising to learn that other 1-9 Cav Troops, and other aviation units across Vietnam, had their own versions of Captain America. LTC Kilgore

The day after Christmas, a story appeared on the web that described how actor Robert Duvall developed the character of LTC Kilgore, the fictional commander of the 1st of the 9th that he played in the movie “Apocalypse Now.” According to the article’s author, Josh Lanier, the movie’s director, Francis Ford Coppola, originally created the character as LTC Bill Carnage, “a cigar-chomping wannabe cowboy.” The article goes on to say that—

“Duvall thought that was too “over the top” and asked the director for time to do some research into 1st Cavalry commanders. He also worked with a Vietnam Veteran who helped ground the character in a more realistic place.

“[The air cavalry] did wear cavalry hats, crossed sabers, boots with spurs, the cavalry of the last century, which went into helicopters and tanks in the follow-ing century,” Duvall said. “So, I did my homework and Coppola let me find my research and come up with that, which was different from the actual script.”

Duvall said he used Soldiers he had met when he was in the Army, stationed at Fort Bragg, as inspiration for the character of LTC Duvall. He also used them to help him sell the movie’s most iconic line, the one about “the smell of napalm in the morning.” There is a video clip of that scene embedded in the article. See it at <https://outsider.com/american-entertainment/apocalypse-now-star-robert-du-vall-explained-how-developed-iconic-lt-colonel-kilgore-character/>How the Cobra got its name

Former Cobra pilot Carl “Rosie” Rosapepe (another Veteran of A Troop who also happens to reside in Southwest Virginia, where snow is coming down hard as this is written) asked why the Cobra was not given a Native American name like all other Army helicopters. That turned into a group research project with Troopers’ sharing their knowledge, and it boiled down into two separate questions:

1. Why was the AH-1 the first Army helicopter not named for a Native American people since the practice began with the H-13, Sioux (and has continued ever since)? The short answer is that under government acquisition regulations, the Army could not buy an all-new original helicopter without triggering the requirement

for a formal design competition involving every other company, but the Army could buy a modification of a pre-existing helicopter model. The Bell Model 209, prototype for what became the Cobra, was a derivative of the UH-1, which had the official nickname Iroquois but was universally called the Huey.

2. Where did the name “Cobra” come from? The answer to this one was provided by Jim Haslitt, a former member of

A Troop and a former member of the unit that gave the Cobra its name, as he describes below:

"The AH-1G Cobra was named after the gun pla-toon of the 114th Aviation Company, stationed in Vinh Long. In January 1963, the loss of five helicopters and three Soldiers in the battle at Ap Bac signaled a change in the conflict in Viet Nam. At the time, they were using CH 34s and 21s. A high-level decision was made that a UH-1B helicopter company was needed, and quickly. The 114th Company (Air Mobile Light) was equipped with 25 UH-1Bs and de-ployed in March. Upon arrival in Viet Nam, the Troop ships were called the Knights, and the CO was Knight 6. The eight gunships were called the Cobras and had the Cobra Snake painted on the nose."

Jim Haslitt also shared the following words from a former Bell Helicopter Vice President for Marketing and Programs. They were originally published in Knights Over the Delta, the history of the 114th AHC in Vietnam:

"First, the Cobra was not named after a Native American leader, tribe, or historical event. The UH-1 parent of the Cobra was named after the renowned Iroquois tribe but that famous Native American name never did catch on with the aviators. They preferred to call it the Huey. The Cobra was informally named by Bell Helicopter and officially accepted by the U.S. Army.

In our early briefings about this new helicopter, we called it the AH-1 Cobra, based on the Cobra platoon of the 114th Air Mobile Company.

One day, General ‘Ham’ Howze, then working for Bell, walked into my office, and suggested that we not call it the UH-1 Cobra, but the HueyCobra. From that day on, it had HueyCobra as its official name.

Coincidentally, the December 2021 issue of Smithsonian magazine contained the following Q and A:

Q: Why do military helicopters have Native American names?A: The U.S. military began naming advanced weapons systems, as well as he-

licopters, after Native nations early in the second half of the 20th century. It was done as a tribute to the valor and “warrior spirit” of Native Americans. However, it was done with neither the involvement nor agreement of tribes and many felt it perpetuated a simplistic 19th-century notion of Native Americans. Today, the military not only consults with Native groups and seeks their approval before using their names, but also in doing so acknowledges the many sacrifices and contributions Native Americans have made serving in the U.S. armed services.−Cécile Ganteaume, co-curator of the “Americans” exhibition, National Museum of the American Indian.In Memoriam

The deaths of six 9th Cavalry Veterans have been reported since the last issue:CW4 Ronald E. Burgess died September 1 in Woodbridge, VA. VHPA re-

cords indicate he flew Cobras in F Troop, 9th Cavalry in 1972-72, with call sign Saber 82. He later flew Apaches, serving as an Instructor Pilot at Fort Rucker and Fort Bragg.

CPT Richard K. “Rick” Chesson passed away on September 13 in Louisville, KY. VHPA records indicate he served in B Troop in 1968-69, with call signs Saber 14 and Saber 21.

Percy “Doc” Hipple of New Bloomfield, Pennsylvania, who served with C Troop as a Combat Medic, passed away October 29 after contracting sepsis following surgery. Patrick Bieneman recalls how in February 1969, the Charlie Troop Blues got caught in an ambush and Doc was hit in the head. The bullet or shrapnel did not go into Doc’s head but cracked it for about six inches, and Patrick reports that Doc never recovered from that. Patrick prefers to remember him as “that young 19-year-old Medic, a comrade in arms and a friend.”

William M. Moeller, a Radio Repairman and Gunner who served with C Troop in Vietnam and Cambodia, died October 16 from the effects of Covid-19. His daughter Tracie is planning a “Life Party” in honor of her dad, to be held in conjunction with his interment in Billings, Montana in June. She requests that people with stories to share contact her at (561) 672-4360.

Joseph C. Schlein, an Apache Troop Scout Pilot, died on December 9. Joe enlisted in the Air Force in 1956 as a flight mechanic and transferred to the Army in 1968. Joe completed the Warrant Officer course and subsequently trained as a helicopter pilot. He did two tours in Vietnam, serving as a scout pilot in A Troop. He retired from the military in 1978 at Fort Sam Houston, Texas. Jeff Cromar remembers that Joe Schlein was “older than all of us yet he volunteered to fly scouts.” Joe “was always calm and cool even when taking fire. He had the eyes of a hawk and could track VC through the jungle like no one else. You could rely on his observations. If he said to get ready because we were upon the bad guys, you better be ready because the stuff was about to hit the fan.”

Michael K. O’Donnell, a crew chief in A Troop, died December 23 from Mul-tiple Myeloma, a blood disease attributed to exposure to Agent Orange. Mike joined A Troop’s Red Platoon (Huey gunships) in June 1966 (before HueyCobras came along). PFC O’Donnell was assigned as Crew Chief of Huey tail #081 and completed over 2000 assaults during his year in Vietnam. SGT O’Donnell left the Army in October 1967.

Rest in Peace, Brothers

Jim Kurtz, Apache 03, 1970-71

Ty G as Cpt A

Norm S as Cpt A

Duvall as Kilgore

114th Cobra nose art

Jim Kurtz91 Professional Drive

Hardy, Virginia 24101-1400202-316-6916

kurtzjh@gmail.com

9th CAV News

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2022Page 10 saber

Terry A. McCarl 1122 Main St, Plattsmouth, NE 68048

402-296-3150TerryAMcCarl@gmail.com

1 s t C AVA L R Y D I V I S I O NASSOCIATION HISTORIAN

Max Cleland TributeCPT Joseph Maxwell “ Max” Cleland passed away on 09 November 2021.

He served with 13th Signal BN and with 2/12th Cav 1967-68. He lost both legs and a forearm at the Battle of Khe Sahn as the result of an accident. He served as the Administrator of Veterans Affairs, Secretary of the Battlefield Monument Commission, and held other positions of distinction including Georgia US Senator and Georgia Secretary of State.

Please refer to Thomas Crabtree’s 12th CAV NEWS in this issue of Saber for a tribute to him.

How Many Vietnam Veterans are Still Living? (Part 2)In my Nov-Dec 2021 Historians Column, I pledged to report back in this Jan-

Feb 2022 column on the estimated number of Vietnam War Veterans still living. I requested and received information from the Veterans Affairs Office National Center for Veterans Analysis and Statistics (hereafter referred to as the “VA”). The VA deals only with information on Vietnam War Era Veterans (hereafter referred to as “Era Vets”) defined as personnel who served in the U.S. Military anywhere in the World between 1964 and 1973. The number of Era Vets is established as 8.8 mil (million). The VA does not maintain records on Vietnam War Veterans that actually served in-country in Vietnam during the Vietnam War (hereafter referred to as “In-Country Vets).”

To the best of my knowledge, there is no agency or organization that determines or keeps track of which Era Vets that have passed away were In-Country Vets.

As Patrick S. Brady discussed in his article which was published in the Mar-Apr 2011 issue of the “VVA Veteran” (the Official Publication of Vietnam Veterans of America) entitled “ Not Dead Yet,” based upon information from various sources, estimates of the number of In-country Vets for 1964-1973 vary widely, but 2.8 Mil. appears to be a reasonable number. Thus, the percentage of Era Vets that were In-country Vets is estimated at 2.8 mil. / 8.8 mil. = 32%. We must assume that 32% of Era Vets that have passed away were In-country Vets.

As pointed out in Brady’s article in 2011, according to the VA Veteran Population Model for 2007, the number of living Era Vets in 2010 was about 7.5 Mil. According to the VA, in recent years since 2010, due to re-evaluation of some statistics, the estimated number of living Era Vets in 2010 has been revised from 7.5 mil. to 6.8 mil. Therefore, in 2010, the percentage of living Era Vets was 6.8 mil. / 8.8 mil. = 77%.

Information recently received from the VA indicates that for 2011- 2020, the number of deaths for Era Vets was 1.5 million. The number of living Era Vets in 2020 was therefore 6.8 mil. – 1.5 mil. = 5.3 mil. Therefore, the percentage of living Era Vets is 5.3 mil. /8.8 mil. = 60 %. The same percentage would apply to In-country Vets.

Numbers for 2021 will not be available until late 2022 when a report by VA entitled “USVETS 2021” is released. Also, that report will include projections for future years. I will hope to be around to update you again late 2022 or early 2023 when that report becomes available to the public. A rough guess for the number of living Era Vets at the end of 2021 would be 5.0 mil.; (57% of 8.8 mil.)

and for In-country Vets would be 1.6 mil., (57% of 2.8 mil.)So, in conclusion, about 57% of us Era Vets and In-country Vets are still

living. That sounds much, much better than the rumors of 33% that have been circulating over the past several years, doesn’t it?

More on Bill Ellis and His Music:Following up on information about Bill Ellis in my Sept-Oct 2021 and Nov-

Dec 2021 columns, Bill presented the film of his “Skytrooper” show at the State Theatre in Auburn, CA on Veterans Day, 11 Nov 2021. “Skytrooper” was a 90-minute rock musical that was originally performed at Temecula, CA on July 25, 2014. A total of 240 people attended the film on Veterans Day 2021, several whom were Skytroopers who served in Vietnam. Bill had a great time reminiscing with those fellow Troopers! You can see a 30-minute promo video at <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5vj5zHqTMUU&t=1560s>, or go to youtube.com and search for “Skytrooper- Bill Ellis” Below are the lyrics to GRUNT:

Bill has confirmed the written lyrics for the four songs on his record (1st Cav, Firefight, Freedom Bird, and Grunt). Although these songs were written by a Vietnam Veteran about that war, the emotions of fear, stress, anxiety, misery, and depression expressed in these songs are familiar to all who have served in any conflict. For the benefit of those whose tour in Vietnam ended before mid-1969 (when Bill Ellis’ records were distributed) and those that served in other conflicts, here are the lyrics to “Grunt,” which I personally feel expresses the most emotion of the four songs.

Space does not permit including the lyrics of all four songs in this column, but if anyone would like a copy of them, please contact me, and I will email them to you.

A note on my Nov-Dec 2021 Column: The photo in the upper right-hand corner of the column is MAJ J. D. Coleman at Phuoc Vinh, Circa 1969.Best Wishes for 2022 everyone!

Sure is hot!I raise my hand to wipe the sweatDrippin’ in my eyesSure does burn!We’ve humped a clickMy shoulders ache Wish we’d get the word to break for chowIt’s almost timeWhat I’d give for an ice-cold beer,Ice cold coke, or just a piece of iceTo cool the waterIt’s getting hotter Little things mean a lotWhen they’re things you haven’t gotBeing a grunt, you learn to liveWithout the little thingsThat really meant a lot,Share between you what you haveAnd learn to live with what you’ve got. Every day is like the lastNothing ever changes,

Just the time It moves too slowAnd all I own is on my back,Rifle in my hand,I’m always readyFor things to happen Hope we get some mail tonightWith the C’s and water on the log birdIt’s been a while Can’t find a smile Little things mean a lotWhen they’re things you haven’t gotBeing a grunt, you learn to liveWithout the little thingsThat really mean a lotShare between you what you haveAnd learn to live with what you’ve got Sure is hot!I raise my hand to wipe the sweatDrippin’ in my eyesSure does burn!

STARS AND STRIPES VETERANS BENEFITS GUIDE AND

VETERANS LEGACY MEMORIALDownload Stars and Stripes Veterans Benefits Guide

The Department of Veteran Affairs and Stars and Stripes has created a special edition insert for the Stars and Stripes called “The Veterans Benefits Guide.” It is possible to download the digital publication for free, which highlights VA benefits and services available for Veterans and their families.

The Veterans Benefits Guide answers most of the commonly asked questions for a variety of benefits and services, including Compensation, Life Insurance, Pension and fiduciary services, Education and training programs, Economic Development and Employment, Home Loan Guaranty programs and housing assistance, and Mental Health resources.

The digital version is available at: <https://epub.stripes.com/?issue=VBA_011021>.

Veterans Legacy Memorial (VLM)The Veterans Legacy Memorial (VLM) is the nation’s first digital platform

dedicated entirely to the memory of more than 4.3 million Veterans interred in VA’s national cemeteries.

Launched in 2019, individual Veteran profile pages are populated with military service and cemetery information. Publicly available information gathered from VA records includes service branch with logo, dates of birth and death, rank, war period, decorations, emblem of belief, and cemetery information.

Interactive features allow family, friends, and others to preserve their Veteran’s legacy by posting tributes (comments), upload images, share their Veteran’s military service timeline and achievements, biographical information, historical documents and more. The site allows visitors to share Veteran profile pages by email and post them to Facebook and Twitter. Additionally, VLM users can also “Follow a Veteran” to receive email alerts when new content is added to that Veteran’s page.

At this time, those Veterans at the Arlington National Cemetery are not listed, and you must go to <www.arlingtoncemetery.mil> to view the information. It is planned that information from Veterans buried in state and local cemeteries, as well as private cemeteries, will be added in the half-million new names to be added.

The website is found at: <https://www.cem.va.gov/VLM/index.asp>.

12 CAV NEWSContinued from pg. 6had an immediate response and was invited to come to D.C. They got together several times until 2020.

What Cleland accomplished in face of all odds against him is a lesson for us all and one needed by today’s mainstream. We can turn the pain of our misfor-tunes into gain for others if we stand up for what we believe. We can resolve our differences and take to heart one of Max’s primary beliefs; “that patriotism and Soldiering are not Republican values or Democrat values, they are American values.” Although, Cleland was not an active part of the 12th Cavalry or Division Associations, he was a Troopers’ Trooper, a 12th Cavalry Trooper, who fought Battles after Vietnam that most of us would cringe from. What he accomplished for himself and Veterans in general, CPT Joseph Maxwell ‘Max’ Cleland, deserves our gratitude and salute of enduring respect. No doubt, Fiddlers Green welcomes him with open arms and plenty of “Ba Muoi Ba”!

Beaucoup articles and documentary interviews are on the internet, check them out for a new understanding of what it means to be “A Soldier for Life.” I close with this; In the words of MG John B. Richardson, IV, as he describes the 1st Cavalry and Cavalry Troopers, “WE ARE THE CAV, Courageous, Audacious, Victorious!” Max Cleland certainly fits that description, Salute! (TLC)

Cleland was buried with full Military Honors, 14 Nov 2021, in the Canton, GA Cemetery. There will be a Public Memorial Ceremony held 14 January 2022, Northside Methodist Church, Atlanta, GA. Cleland was the author of three books, “Strong in the Broken Places” 1980; “Going for The Max” 1999; “Heart of the Patriot” 2000. No doubt the books are worth the time to read.

Until next issue, Crabtree Out! Semper Paratus

T H E H I C C U P - Health Care Information Committee Report

James R. Rollins1566 FM 3258

Lufkin, TX 75904-0440RollinsJ@consolidated.net

THANK YOU for those who donated to the General Fund, Scholarship Fund & Calendar Program, we

couldn't do it without our dedicated membership!

We appreciate YOU!

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2022 Page 11saber

The 1st Cavalry Division is the most lethal and powerful division in the U.S. Army. The Soldiers of this distinguished Division are recognized around the world for their courage, honor and bravery. Travel through time and witness legendary battles as Troopers share their combat experiences. Over 30 interviews combined with real Army war footage, their stories come to life. 89minutes.

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ARMY-NAVY GAME The 2021 Army-Navy Game was played at MetLife Stadium

in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on Saturday 11 December. One of our members, Robin Bartlett, CPT A Co 1-5 Cav of NY/NJ Chapter, was the recipient of 4 free tickets donated by USAA. He had the pleasure of attending with his two sons and a 1st Cavalry Division associate/college classmate. Robin said, “I had never been to an Army/Navy game before, and it was truly awe inspiring to attend. We had a wonderful time.” These are the photos they took at day.

W h e n USAA has extra tickets

to give away to Vet-erans, they contact the 1st Cavalry Division Association and we in turn reach out to the Chapter or members in the area where the event is taking place. Over the past 5 years we have sent mem-bers to numerous baseball or football games.

Want to see your name in the Saber under the Honor Roll?

Honor Roll privileges are given to members who make a D-Trooper donation, donation to the Association, or

scholarship donations to the IaDrang or the Foundation.Please Consider!

Documentary DVD Historical Overview 1921-2006

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Front

The 1st Cavalry Division Association invites you to join the rest of the First Team Family in Dayton, OH for the 74th Annual Reunion from 6-10 July 2022. All Life and Associate Members, Gold Star Families and Widows are all welcome to attend this special event.

Please register early to assist us in coordinating the best reunion possible. Some events have limited seating available due to the size of available rooms. All members of the Association must register and pay the $20 Registration Fee except for our Active-Duty Troopers who pay $10 to register. Family members attending with an Association member, Widows of 1st Cavalry Division Troopers, and Gold Star Family members that attend do not have to pay a registration fee. NOTE: Cancellations are non-refundable after the June 01, 2022, deadline. Cancellations must be received by 5pm Friday June 01 in our office (254-547-6537) for a refund.

Hotel InformationHotel InformationWe will be utilizing the Radisson Dayton as the headquarters hotel. The Radisson

has guaranteed a room rate of $109 per night plus tax and there is no charge for parking. Make sure that you identify yourself as attending the 1st Cavalry Divi-sion Association Reunion. The Radisson Dayton provides a free shuttle service from the Dayton International Airport and rental cars are available at the airport.

Radisson Dayton (HQ Hotel) 1-866-247-5162 $10933 E 5th St, Dayton, OH 45402

Guests can call 1-866-247-5162 and identify themselves with the “1st Caval-ry Division Association” for the group rate.

A link to ONLINE Radisson Hotel reservations are available on our website,www.1CDA.org

• Go to Annual Reunion Tab• Scroll down to Information• Click the Radisson Hotel link• Populate the check in and check out date. (Please note the rate will only

be available for the date(s) listed on the agreement.)• Click the drop-down arrow where it says, “Special Rates” and scroll

down to “Promotional Codes”• Type “CDA” and click check availability.

Marriott at the Univ. of Dayton (937) 223-1000 $1091414 S Patterson Blvd., Dayton, OH 45409

Additional hotels for our members to consider:

Fairfield Inn and Suites (937) 331-9330305 E Monument Ave, Dayton, OH 45402

Holiday Inn Express (937) 250-64002140 S Edwin C. Moses Blvd., Dayton, OH 45417

Reunion Event OverviewThis year’s Ladies Tea will be held at Carillon Historical Park (lunch includ-

ed). Carillon Historical Park is a 65-acre open-air history museum, that serves as the main campus for Dayton History. They share the amazing stories of how Dayton changed the world!

The Association has planned for transportation to visit the Air Force Museum adjacent to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. Members will have all day Friday, 8 July, to peruse the Museum at their own speed and time. Additionally, our Banquet Dinner will be held in the AF Museum on Saturday evening.

All our planned events will be held in the Dayton Convention Center (adjacent to the Radisson Dayton): War Era Lunches, Unit Lunches, Purple Heart Breakfast. The Group Breakfasts and Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, 10 July, in the Radisson Dayton. We will have all meetings for the Chapter Presidents, Foundation Trustees, the Board of Governors, and our General Membership meeting at the Convention Center. During our General Membership meeting on Saturday morning, we will hold elections for the Association’s Board.

Seating for all events is open except for Reunion Banquet on Saturday night. If you are attending the banquet, you must get your tickets marked with a table number at the Banquet Seating table when picking up your registration packet. If you want to sit with specific people, we recommend that you all go to the Banquet Seating table together with your tickets available. Don’t wait until the last minute or we may not be able to accommodate your needs.

Cavalry casual attire is appropriate for all reunion events. We are always ques-tioned about attire for the banquet. Wear what you feel comfortable wearing: a coat and tie, your uniform (if it still fits), casual clothing with open collar, jeans, or shorts. We want you to attend and aren’t overly concerned with what you wear, so long as it isn’t indecent!

The Association will provide a Reunion Room in the Radisson Dayton (Salon A) for you to gather and enjoy yourselves. Drinks (beer and wine) in the Reunion Room are free but we ask that you generously donate to help us pay for this room. The Reunion Room will open daily at 0900 with the bar opening at 1200 hours.

The Crossed Sabers Souvenir Shop (McKinley Room) will set up a store in the hotel to sell all kinds of Cav-tastic First Team merchandise including shirts, hats, Stetsons, pins, decals, and other items too numerous to mention.

The Best Part of the ReunionAs always, the best part of any reunion is the people that attend. The 1st Cav-

alry Division Association Reunion brings in Troopers from almost every era of the First Team’s history. Troopers that rode horses, fought in the Pacific with MacArthur, occupied Japan, fought in Korea, or stood watch on the DMZ will spend time with the Sky Troopers of Vietnam and the Troopers from Operation Desert Storm, Fort Hood, Bosnia, and the latest combat Veterans of Iraq and Af-ghanistan. The equipment and terrain might be different, but the common bond of serving with America’s First Team binds us together. Saddle up and ride on down to Dayton in 2022!

74th ANNUAL REUNION OF THE 1ST CAVALRY DIVISION ASSOCIATION DAYTON, OH 6-10 JULY 2022

74th ANNUAL 1st CAVALRY DIVISION ASSOCIATION REUNION, JULY 6-10, 2022, in DAYTON, OHIO

SEATING AT SOME FUNCTIONS IS LIMITED.

WEDNESDAY JULY 6 0900-1800 Registration Desk Open 0900-1800 Souvenir Shop Open 0900-2400 Reunion Room Open 1300-1400 Foundation Trustee Mtg THURSDAY JULY 7 0900-1000 Chapter Presidents Mtg 0900-1800 Registration Desk Open 0900-1800 Souvenir Shop Open 0900-2400 Reunion Room Open 1100-1300 War Era Luncheons 1100-1400 Ladies Tea 1330-1530 Board of Governor’s Mtg 2000-2200 Welcome Mixer

FRIDAY JULY 8 0900-UTC Tour AF Museum 0900-1800 Registration Desk Open 0900-1800 Souvenir Shop Open 0900-2400 Reunion Room Open 1500-1600 Veterans Benefits Briefing SATURDAY JULY 9 0730-0845 Purple Heart Breakfast 0900-1100 General Membership Mtg 0900-2400 Reunion Room Open 0900-1600 Registration Desk Open 0900-1600 Souvenir Shop Open

SATURDAY cont’d 1100-1300 Unit Luncheons 1745-1845 Cocktails (Cash Bar) 1900-2230 Association Banquet SUNDAY JULY 10 0700-0830 Group Breakfast 0700-0830 LRRP/Ranger Breakfast 0900-1000 Memorial Service (Long Roll Muster)

Mail to: 1st CAVALRY DIVISION ASSN. REUNION, 302 N. MAIN, COPPERAS COVE, TX 76522-1703

The 1st Cavalry Division Association 74th Annual Reunion is at the Radisson Dayton, 33 E. 5th St, Dayton, OH (937) 224-0800, July 6-10, 2022. Cancellations must be received by 5:00pm June 1, 2022, in our office (254-547-6537) for a refund. **Cancellations are non-refundable after the June 1, 2022, deadline. *Registration fee is required for Lifetime and Association Member only (Widows and Gold Star Family members pay no fee). *Registration fee includes Name Tags, Reunion Booklet, Reunion Pin, and an information packet.

Are you a member of 1CDA? Yes No Is this your first 1CDA Reunion? Yes No

Name: ______________________________________ Registration Fee (Members): 1 $20.00 $________

Address: ____________________________________

City/State/Zip: _______________________________ After June 1, 2022: 1 $40.00 $________

Phone #: ___________________________ Active-Duty w/ID: 1 $10.00 $________ Email: ______________________________________

THURSDAY JULY 7

Unit(s): #1________________ War Lunch (Circle one) _____ $35.00 $________ Year(s): #1________________ Korea Vietnam GWOT

Unit(s): #2________________ Ladies Tea (includes lunch at Carillon Historical Park) _____ $40.00 $________

Year(s): #2________________ Welcome Mixer (Cash Bar) _____ $35.00 $________

Nickname: ___________________

Guest/Spouse/Other: _________________ SATURDAY JULY 9 #1: _______________________________ Purple Heart Breakfast _____ $25.00 $________

#2: ________________________________ Unit Lunch (Circle one) _____ $35.00 $________ #3: ________________________________ 5C 7C 8C 9C 12C #4: ________________________________ W ARTY HQ LRRP ENG #5: ________________________________ Assoc Banquet (Circle one) _____ $48.00 $________

#6: ________________________________ 5C 7C 8C 9C 12C W ARTY HQ LRRP ENG

Method of Payment: (circle one) SUNDAY JULY 10

Credit Card Check: #_______ Group Breakfast _____ $25.00 $________

LRRP Breakfast _____ $25.00 $________

CC#: _______________________________________

Exp Date: _________________ Donation (Reunion) $________

CVV#: ____________________ Saber Newspaper Renewal $10 PER YEAR $________

Signature: ___________________________________ Grand Total $____________________

*To have the merchandise shipped, please use the chart to determine rates. No shipping for merchandise picked up at the reunion.

Description: Black shirt with logo on the left chest as well as

full-color imprint on the back.

Please indicate quantities in boxes.

$23.95 each+S/H= Total________________

Shipping Chart:1 Shirt @ $9.502-8 Shirts @ $16.509+ @ $21.50

Please check box if you plan to pick up shirt @ Reunion

Reunion T-shirts will NOT ship prior to 15 June 2022.

Please mail order form to:Crossed Sabers Souvenir Shop

302 N. Main St. Copperas Cove, TX 76522

Adult Sizes Only

SMLXL2XL3XL

OFFICIAL NOTICEELECTION OF OFFICERS – REUNION 2022

The By-Laws of the Association provide that the Officers and members of the Board of Governors shall be elected by the General Membership at the General Membership meeting conducted during the Annual Reunion. Further, that the President may appoint a Nominating Committee to nominate candidates for office and that other nominations may be made by Life Members from the floor at the General Membership meeting. The Resolutions of the Trust Agreement of the Foundation of the 1st Cavalry Division Association require the election to the Board of Trustees for positions coming vacant each year shall occur at the Annual Reunion. Candidates for all offices must be Life Members of the Association.

The President has appointed a nominating committee to recommend Life Members of the Association for election or re-election to fill the terms of office for the following positions that become vacant as of 9 July 2022:

1st Vice President2nd Vice President3rd Vice President

One Executive TrusteeThree Foundation Trustees

Ten Places on the Board of GovernorsAny Life member of the Association, including an incumbent, who wishes to

be considered by the nominating committee for one of these positions, should forward a letter to the Chairman, 2022 Nominating Committee, 302 N. Main St., Copperas Cove, TX 76522-1703, requesting consideration for nomination to the specific office. The Nominating Committee must receive all requests no later than 30 April 2022 to assure sufficient time for processing and full consideration. Requests must be accompanied by appropriate documentation that includes proof of service with the 1st Cavalry Division (e.g., a DD214 or equivalent) and a biographical sketch. The biographical sketch needs to outline the applicant’s full name and provide ranks, dates of service and units assigned to in the 1st Cavalry Division. Additionally, it needs to provide the dates and positions for any offices held at National or Chapter level in the Association and similar information for any other Veteran’s organizations the applicant belongs to. Any instances of special support for Association programs should also be included if applicable.

The election will be held during the General Membership meeting at the 74th Annual Reunion of the Association on Saturday 9 July 2022 in Dayton, OH. Nominations from the floor will be accepted. A Life Member making such nomination will be expected to provide the information outlined above on the nominee and in addition provide assurance that the nominee is either present at the General Membership meeting or has agreed to accept nomination to the specified office.

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2022 Page 13saber

74th ANNUAL 1st CAVALRY DIVISION ASSOCIATION REUNION, JULY 6-10, 2022, in DAYTON, OHIO

SEATING AT SOME FUNCTIONS IS LIMITED.

WEDNESDAY JULY 6 0900-1800 Registration Desk Open 0900-1800 Souvenir Shop Open 0900-2400 Reunion Room Open 1300-1400 Foundation Trustee Mtg THURSDAY JULY 7 0900-1000 Chapter Presidents Mtg 0900-1800 Registration Desk Open 0900-1800 Souvenir Shop Open 0900-2400 Reunion Room Open 1100-1300 War Era Luncheons 1100-1400 Ladies Tea 1330-1530 Board of Governor’s Mtg 2000-2200 Welcome Mixer

FRIDAY JULY 8 0900-UTC Tour AF Museum 0900-1800 Registration Desk Open 0900-1800 Souvenir Shop Open 0900-2400 Reunion Room Open 1500-1600 Veterans Benefits Briefing SATURDAY JULY 9 0730-0845 Purple Heart Breakfast 0900-1100 General Membership Mtg 0900-2400 Reunion Room Open 0900-1600 Registration Desk Open 0900-1600 Souvenir Shop Open

SATURDAY cont’d 1100-1300 Unit Luncheons 1745-1845 Cocktails (Cash Bar) 1900-2230 Association Banquet SUNDAY JULY 10 0700-0830 Group Breakfast 0700-0830 LRRP/Ranger Breakfast 0900-1000 Memorial Service (Long Roll Muster)

Mail to: 1st CAVALRY DIVISION ASSN. REUNION, 302 N. MAIN, COPPERAS COVE, TX 76522-1703

The 1st Cavalry Division Association 74th Annual Reunion is at the Radisson Dayton, 33 E. 5th St, Dayton, OH (937) 224-0800, July 6-10, 2022. Cancellations must be received by 5:00pm June 1, 2022, in our office (254-547-6537) for a refund. **Cancellations are non-refundable after the June 1, 2022, deadline. *Registration fee is required for Lifetime and Association Member only (Widows and Gold Star Family members pay no fee). *Registration fee includes Name Tags, Reunion Booklet, Reunion Pin, and an information packet.

Are you a member of 1CDA? Yes No Is this your first 1CDA Reunion? Yes No

Name: ______________________________________ Registration Fee (Members): 1 $20.00 $________

Address: ____________________________________

City/State/Zip: _______________________________ After June 1, 2022: 1 $40.00 $________

Phone #: ___________________________ Active-Duty w/ID: 1 $10.00 $________ Email: ______________________________________

THURSDAY JULY 7

Unit(s): #1________________ War Lunch (Circle one) _____ $35.00 $________ Year(s): #1________________ Korea Vietnam GWOT

Unit(s): #2________________ Ladies Tea (includes lunch at Carillon Historical Park) _____ $40.00 $________

Year(s): #2________________ Welcome Mixer (Cash Bar) _____ $35.00 $________

Nickname: ___________________

Guest/Spouse/Other: _________________ SATURDAY JULY 9 #1: _______________________________ Purple Heart Breakfast _____ $25.00 $________

#2: ________________________________ Unit Lunch (Circle one) _____ $35.00 $________ #3: ________________________________ 5C 7C 8C 9C 12C #4: ________________________________ W ARTY HQ LRRP ENG #5: ________________________________ Assoc Banquet (Circle one) _____ $48.00 $________

#6: ________________________________ 5C 7C 8C 9C 12C W ARTY HQ LRRP ENG

Method of Payment: (circle one) SUNDAY JULY 10

Credit Card Check: #_______ Group Breakfast _____ $25.00 $________

LRRP Breakfast _____ $25.00 $________

CC#: _______________________________________

Exp Date: _________________ Donation (Reunion) $________

CVV#: ____________________ Saber Newspaper Renewal $10 PER YEAR $________

Signature: ___________________________________ Grand Total $____________________

74th ANNUAL 1st CAVALRY DIVISION ASSOCIATION REUNION, JULY 6-10, 2022, in DAYTON, OHIO

SEATING AT SOME FUNCTIONS IS LIMITED.

WEDNESDAY JULY 6 0900-1800 Registration Desk Open 0900-1800 Souvenir Shop Open 0900-2400 Reunion Room Open 1300-1400 Foundation Trustee Mtg THURSDAY JULY 7 0900-1000 Chapter Presidents Mtg 0900-1800 Registration Desk Open 0900-1800 Souvenir Shop Open 0900-2400 Reunion Room Open 1100-1300 War Era Luncheons 1100-1400 Ladies Tea 1330-1530 Board of Governor’s Mtg 2000-2200 Welcome Mixer

FRIDAY JULY 8 0900-UTC Tour AF Museum 0900-1800 Registration Desk Open 0900-1800 Souvenir Shop Open 0900-2400 Reunion Room Open 1500-1600 Veterans Benefits Briefing SATURDAY JULY 9 0730-0845 Purple Heart Breakfast 0900-1100 General Membership Mtg 0900-2400 Reunion Room Open 0900-1600 Registration Desk Open 0900-1600 Souvenir Shop Open

SATURDAY cont’d 1100-1300 Unit Luncheons 1745-1845 Cocktails (Cash Bar) 1900-2230 Association Banquet SUNDAY JULY 10 0700-0830 Group Breakfast 0700-0830 LRRP/Ranger Breakfast 0900-1000 Memorial Service (Long Roll Muster)

Mail to: 1st CAVALRY DIVISION ASSN. REUNION, 302 N. MAIN, COPPERAS COVE, TX 76522-1703

The 1st Cavalry Division Association 74th Annual Reunion is at the Radisson Dayton, 33 E. 5th St, Dayton, OH (937) 224-0800, July 6-10, 2022. Cancellations must be received by 5:00pm June 1, 2022, in our office (254-547-6537) for a refund. **Cancellations are non-refundable after the June 1, 2022, deadline. *Registration fee is required for Lifetime and Association Member only (Widows and Gold Star Family members pay no fee). *Registration fee includes Name Tags, Reunion Booklet, Reunion Pin, and an information packet.

Are you a member of 1CDA? Yes No Is this your first 1CDA Reunion? Yes No

Name: ______________________________________ Registration Fee (Members): 1 $20.00 $________

Address: ____________________________________

City/State/Zip: _______________________________ After June 1, 2022: 1 $40.00 $________

Phone #: ___________________________ Active-Duty w/ID: 1 $10.00 $________ Email: ______________________________________

THURSDAY JULY 7

Unit(s): #1________________ War Lunch (Circle one) _____ $35.00 $________ Year(s): #1________________ Korea Vietnam GWOT

Unit(s): #2________________ Ladies Tea (includes lunch at Carillon Historical Park) _____ $40.00 $________

Year(s): #2________________ Welcome Mixer (Cash Bar) _____ $35.00 $________

Nickname: ___________________

Guest/Spouse/Other: _________________ SATURDAY JULY 9 #1: _______________________________ Purple Heart Breakfast _____ $25.00 $________

#2: ________________________________ Unit Lunch (Circle one) _____ $35.00 $________ #3: ________________________________ 5C 7C 8C 9C 12C #4: ________________________________ W ARTY HQ LRRP ENG #5: ________________________________ Assoc Banquet (Circle one) _____ $48.00 $________

#6: ________________________________ 5C 7C 8C 9C 12C W ARTY HQ LRRP ENG

Method of Payment: (circle one) SUNDAY JULY 10

Credit Card Check: #_______ Group Breakfast _____ $25.00 $________

LRRP Breakfast _____ $25.00 $________

CC#: _______________________________________

Exp Date: _________________ Donation (Reunion) $________

CVV#: ____________________ Saber Newspaper Renewal $10 PER YEAR $________

Signature: ___________________________________ Grand Total $____________________

74th ANNUAL 1st CAVALRY DIVISION ASSOCIATION REUNION, JULY 6-10, 2022, in DAYTON, OHIO

SEATING AT SOME FUNCTIONS IS LIMITED.

WEDNESDAY JULY 6 0900-1800 Registration Desk Open 0900-1800 Souvenir Shop Open 0900-2400 Reunion Room Open 1300-1400 Foundation Trustee Mtg THURSDAY JULY 7 0900-1000 Chapter Presidents Mtg 0900-1800 Registration Desk Open 0900-1800 Souvenir Shop Open 0900-2400 Reunion Room Open 1100-1300 War Era Luncheons 1100-1400 Ladies Tea 1330-1530 Board of Governor’s Mtg 2000-2200 Welcome Mixer

FRIDAY JULY 8 0900-UTC Tour AF Museum 0900-1800 Registration Desk Open 0900-1800 Souvenir Shop Open 0900-2400 Reunion Room Open 1500-1600 Veterans Benefits Briefing SATURDAY JULY 9 0730-0845 Purple Heart Breakfast 0900-1100 General Membership Mtg 0900-2400 Reunion Room Open 0900-1600 Registration Desk Open 0900-1600 Souvenir Shop Open

SATURDAY cont’d 1100-1300 Unit Luncheons 1745-1845 Cocktails (Cash Bar) 1900-2230 Association Banquet SUNDAY JULY 10 0700-0830 Group Breakfast 0700-0830 LRRP/Ranger Breakfast 0900-1000 Memorial Service (Long Roll Muster)

Mail to: 1st CAVALRY DIVISION ASSN. REUNION, 302 N. MAIN, COPPERAS COVE, TX 76522-1703

The 1st Cavalry Division Association 74th Annual Reunion is at the Radisson Dayton, 33 E. 5th St, Dayton, OH (937) 224-0800, July 6-10, 2022. Cancellations must be received by 5:00pm June 1, 2022, in our office (254-547-6537) for a refund. **Cancellations are non-refundable after the June 1, 2022, deadline. *Registration fee is required for Lifetime and Association Member only (Widows and Gold Star Family members pay no fee). *Registration fee includes Name Tags, Reunion Booklet, Reunion Pin, and an information packet.

Are you a member of 1CDA? Yes No Is this your first 1CDA Reunion? Yes No

Name: ______________________________________ Registration Fee (Members): 1 $20.00 $________

Address: ____________________________________

City/State/Zip: _______________________________ After June 1, 2022: 1 $40.00 $________

Phone #: ___________________________ Active-Duty w/ID: 1 $10.00 $________ Email: ______________________________________

THURSDAY JULY 7

Unit(s): #1________________ War Lunch (Circle one) _____ $35.00 $________ Year(s): #1________________ Korea Vietnam GWOT

Unit(s): #2________________ Ladies Tea (includes lunch at Carillon Historical Park) _____ $40.00 $________

Year(s): #2________________ Welcome Mixer (Cash Bar) _____ $35.00 $________

Nickname: ___________________

Guest/Spouse/Other: _________________ SATURDAY JULY 9 #1: _______________________________ Purple Heart Breakfast _____ $25.00 $________

#2: ________________________________ Unit Lunch (Circle one) _____ $35.00 $________ #3: ________________________________ 5C 7C 8C 9C 12C #4: ________________________________ W ARTY HQ LRRP ENG #5: ________________________________ Assoc Banquet (Circle one) _____ $48.00 $________

#6: ________________________________ 5C 7C 8C 9C 12C W ARTY HQ LRRP ENG

Method of Payment: (circle one) SUNDAY JULY 10

Credit Card Check: #_______ Group Breakfast _____ $25.00 $________

LRRP Breakfast _____ $25.00 $________

CC#: _______________________________________

Exp Date: _________________ Donation (Reunion) $________

CVV#: ____________________ Saber Newspaper Renewal $10 PER YEAR $________

Signature: ___________________________________ Grand Total $____________________

1st CAVALRY DIVISION ASSOCIATION 74th ANNUAL REUNION REGISTRATION FORM

(FREE)

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2022Page 14 saberWe invite all of our Chapter Presidents, VPs or POC’s to contribute any photos, news, or

updates about your Chapter, to be posted here in the Saber! We would love to hear updates from all of our Chapters spread across the United States. WE ENCOURAGE YOU TO USE THIS PLATFORM TO SHARE YOUR BULLETINS.

Submission deadline to appear in the next Saber is Tuesday, March 1, 2022. Please send to Memberships@1CDA.org or mail to 302 N. Main St. Copperas Cove, TX 76522.

CHAPTER NEWSU P D A T E S

CONNECTICUT CHAPTERHere are some of the guys at

our summer meeting playing cornhole. L-R: Al Johnson, Glen Bentz, Rich Magner and Jack Kranyak. Contact Keith Moyer, President Connecti-cut Chapter at kpmoyerco@hotmail.com (860-885-4330) for informa-tion on the next chapter meet-ing. Prospective members and all members including guests are invited.

CROSSED SABERS CHAPTERHappy New Year

to everyone from the members of the Crossed Sabers Chapter. I have been regularly attending the Division’s New-comer orientations and briefing all new Cav Troopers about membership in the 1st Cavalry Division Association.

There are some perks to being an old guy that isn’t on any-body’s payroll

CROSSED SABERS CHAPTER continuedand spending time with CAV Troopers is one of them.

The Chapter had several members assisting with the preparation of wreaths and placing wreaths at the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery in December. Then in January we were also involved in the retrieval of the wreaths.

We will have one of our two meetings of the Chapter on the 24th of March, and it will be held at the VFW in Killeen beginning at 1800 hours. This is a business meeting that will be held to conduct Chapter business and plan for events throughout the rest of this year. Dennis Webster, President

NEW YORK-NEW JERSEY CHAPTER At the recent 1st Cavalry

Veterans Day dinner in Washington, DC, I had the honor of sitting at the table of Combat Medic Ron Strub,15 Med. As every infantryman knows that a medic is your best friend on the battlefield. As a combat-wounded Rifleman, I salute them all.

A big thank you to the 1st Cavalry Division Associ-ation, who donated four tickets for the Army-Navy game held at Met Life in the New Jersey Meadows Lands. Robin Barlett attended the game. Said he and his guess had great

seats. It was a special moment.The spring meeting is still undecided, complications from the Omicron Variant,

and its long-term effects made it hard to see into the future. To keep up to date, check out the New York-New Jersey Facebook page.1CDA Newcomers Briefing at Ironhorse Chapel, Dec 2021

L to R: Bob Arbasetti and Ron Strub

memoirs of the first team in vietnam-special reprint edition

Limit 1 book per member

Amount Due: $ 85.00

Form of Payment: Cash Check Enclosed Credit Card

Credit Card # ___________________________________Exp Date: ________ CVV on back: ________

Name on Card: Signature: Phone #: Name: Address:

Mail to: 1st Cavalry Division Association 302 N. Main St. Copperas Cove, TX 76522

SHIPPING IS FREE

the 1st air cavalry division: memoirs of the first team in vietnam-special reprint edition

Yes! This is the same book Acclaim Press offered in the Saber last year (where you purchased directly from the publisher). If you missed that opportunity to pre-order, we were able to order a limited amount of copies to have available to our members. Please mail us your completed order form located below.

ABOUT THE BOOKIn 1970, the Division published a full-color hardbound commemorative book to document the time spent by 1st Cavalry Skytroopers in Vietnam, from 1965-69.

Many of our members received a copy of this special book nearly 50 years ago, but over time the books were lost, damaged or worn down from frequent use. This reprint is identical to the original printing that rolled off the presses in 1970, but brand new and in pristine condition!

The 1st Air Cavalry Division in Vietnam-Special Reprint is a 10x12-inch, oversized hardbound volume with 296 pages with hundreds of full-color photos, printed on heavy-weight glossy paper for superior photo reproduction, with sturdy smyth-sewn binding for longevity, and bound in a classy black leatherette cover with full-color silk screening. Only $85 with FREE SHIPPING! Due to limited quantities, we are limiting 1 book per member.

LIMITED QUANTITIESavailable

(Service Charges Apply)

CHAPTER INDEX

CROSSED SABERS GIFT SHOP

302 N. Main St Copperas Cove, TX 76544 Phone: 254-532-2075

The Crossed Sabers Gift Shop is a Non-Profit Organization. Net income is distributed to the Association for the Scholarship Program and to the Soldier Travel Fund, which allows active duty Soldiers of the Division to attend away Reunions as guests of the Association.

We accept telephone orders with payment by MASTERCARD, VISA, DISCOVER or AMERICAN EXPRESS or you can order online at shop.1CDA.org using your credit card.

Printed Catalogs Are Available For Purchase!Send $5.00 to the ASSOCIATION located at: 302 N. Main St., Copperas Cove, TX 76522-1703.

Make your check out to 1st Cavalry Division Association.

CROSSED SABERS GIFT SHOP IS NOW SET UP AND OPEN FOR BUSINESS AT 1CDA HQ NO LONGER AT THE MUSEUM ON POST

Online Catalog Visit: shop.1CDA.orgE-mail: 1stcavgiftshop@gmail.comShop Hours:

Mon - Fri 0900 - 1600

Crossed Sabers Chapter Souvenir Gift Shop20% OFF COUPON

Telephone Orders Only

Mention coupon code 063022 to receive your discount. 1 per person

Expires: June 30, 2022Excludes Stetsons & Consignment items

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2022 Page 15

NEW HOURS!

saber

GOT CAVALRY HISTORICAL QUESTIONS

Did you know we have a 1CDA Historian?

Reach out to Terry A. McCarl with any questions, or information regarding 1st Cavalry Division history!

TerryAMcCarl@gmail.com or 402-296-3150

1st CAVALRY DIVISION ASSOCIATION - ALUMNI OF THE FIRST TEAM

ALMOST HEAVEN WEST VIRGINIA

POC: Jim HaysP.O. Box 97 French Creek, WV 26218-0097(304) 924-6380Email: purplehays_05@yahoo.comFacebook: Almost Heaven Chapter 1st Cavalry Division Association- West VirginiaMeets 2pm 1st Sat Feb thru Sept at Shoney's Restaurant, Flatwoods, WV.

CALIFORNIA CENTRAL COAST

Pres: Barney B. JonesP.O. Box 444 Pebble Beach, CA 93953(831) 917-5952Email: firstcav-cc-chapter@outlook.com

COLUMBIA-WILLAMETTE Pres: Terry Low16560 S Harding Rd. Oregon City, OR 97045-9679 (503) 210-5558Email: tangolima2505@comcast.netWebsite: www.Hood2Hood1stCav.webs.comMeets 1200 2nd Thurs of ea mos at the Kings Omelets Restaurant, 10711 NE Halsey St, Portland, OR. No meeting in Dec.

CONNECTICUTPres: Keith Moyer48 Boretz Rd.Colchester, CT 06415-1009(860) 885-4330Email: kpmoyerco@hotmail.comFacebook: CTCAVWe meet quarterly. Email me for info. All new & prospective members welcome.

CROSSED SABERSPres: Dennis Webster(254) 220-2164Email: Dennis.webster7@gmail.comFacebook: 1st Cavalry Division Asso-ciation Crossed Saber ChapterGen membership mtgs Mar & Oct.Stable Calls: 4th Thurs of ea mos, 6pm, except Nov, Dec and the month of the Assn Reunion. Stable Calls at various locations in Cen TX area.

FLORIDAVP: Gil Harris(407) 296-2413Facebook: Florida Chapter 1st Cavalry Division AssociationMeets 1300 2nd Tues of ea mos at VFW Post 2093, 4444 Edgewater Dr, Orlando

FLORIDA’S FIRST COASTPres: Jesse Crimm4445 Silverwood LnJacksonville, FL 32207-6241904-534-8899Email: thecrimms@gmail.comMeets at noon on 3rd Tues of every mos. Locations alternate between westside & southside Jacksonville. Call 904-534-8899 to be notified & placed on mailing list.

FLORIDA TROOP E “BLACK HAT”

Pres: Juan Kellogg607 SE 47th St., Apt. 7Cape Coral, FL 33904-5506Email: juankellogg@embarqmail.comPOC: Johnny Robertson1109 Highland Ave Lehigh Acres, FL 33972 (239) 265-1509Email: Robertson.johnny06@gmail.comWebsite: www.seahog.org/cav/index.htmlMeets 4th Sat ea mos from Sept.-May 1:00 pm at Mission BBQ, 12984 S. Cleveland Ave, Fort Myers, FL 33907

FORT KNOX AREAPres: Thomas Ken O’Barr12210 Valley Dr.Louisville, KY 40026-9501(502) 228-8032Email: ko42@bellsouth.netPOC: Larry A. Whelan2103 Winston Ave.Louisville, KY 40205-2535(502) 439-6454Email: whelan1@outlook.comFacebook: 1st Cavalry Div Fort Knox Area ChapterMeets 3rd Sat of mos at 1100 at the Masonic Lodge, 1158 N. Dixie Hwy, Radcliff, KY.

JAMES H. UNRUH CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA

Pres: Michael T. Mazzaro2600 Willow St. Pike North PMB 231 Willow Street, PA 17584 (717) 389-1000Email: cenpenn1cda@gmail.comMeets on 1st Tuesday of odd number months at 6pm, at the Lititz VFW Post 1463, 14 N. Spruce St., Lititz, PA 17543

JAMES J. MASON WEST MICHIGAN

POC: Bob Anderson9030 Conservancy Dr. NEAda, MI 49301-8822(616) 682-5446 Email: rj.anderson2243@comcast.netWebsite: jjmwmc1cd.comMeets on 3rd Thurs of Feb, Apr, Jun, Aug, Oct, and Dec, at 7pm, at the Grand Valley Armory in Wyoming, MI. JUMPING MUSTANGS 1-8 Cav

Pres: Rick Wagner 13950 Lake Mahogany Blvd #1212Ft. Myers, FL 33907(239) 337-2557E-mail: bwagner@wyoming.comPOC: James C. Knafel5510E - 500 SouthColumbia City, IN 46725-7621(260) 244-3864Email: jjknafel@gmail.comWebsite: www.JumpingMustangs.com

KETTLE MORAINE Pres: Gordon Weidner1219 Cleveland Ave.Racine, WI 53405-2929(262) 637-3835POC: A. Michael Lorber4819 Longwood Dr., Mt. Pleasant, WI 53403-9769(262) 554-8310We meet quarterly on 2nd Sat of Mar, Jun, Sept at 12pm at the Bunker in Waterford, WI. Election of officers are the 2nd Sat of Dec at 12pm at Meyers Restaurant in Greenfield, WI.

LOS ANGELES/ORANGE COUNTY

Pres: John Guillory780 Mandevilla WayCorona, CA 92879-8251(951) 278-3740Email: fisheye1@sbcglobal.netVice Pres: John Burgner228 South Hacienda St.Anaheim, CA 92804-2569 (714) 535-0737Email: jburgner@sbcglobal.netMeets 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 WarPres: Robert J. Raab Sr. 725 Tuttle Mason, MI 48854(517) 525-0747Email: RJBarsr@yahoo.comWebsite: www.lrrprangers.comFull chapter meeting during Reunions.

NEW YORK/NEW JERSEY Pres: Bob Arbasetti973A Thornbury Ln.Manchester, NJ 08759-5296 (732) 657-4284Email: b.arbasetti@gmail.comFacebook: New York New Jersey CavalryInstagram: NYNJCavalryMeets at Elk Lodge at Cedar and Spruce, Ridgefield Park, NJ.

NORTH CAROLINA TARHEEL

Pres: Johnny Parker10915 Tradition View Dr. Charlotte, NC 28269-1411(704) 517-5445Email: shagon19@gmail.comContact for Membership: Don Gibson803 McDonald Church RoadRockingham, NC 28379-8529(910) 417-9104Email: dtbjgibson@gmail.comMeets 2nd Sat of Mar, Jun, Sept & Dec.

NORTHWESTPres: Gail Porter6791 Jasper PL SE Port Orchard, WA 98367-9038(360) 265-6216Email: Blueplate545@gmail.comPOC: William Al Jackson9703 Vantage Terrace CT SEOlympia, WA 98513(360) 539-8110Email: williamaljackson@comcast.netFacebook: 1st Cavalry Division As-sociation-Northwest Chapter We currently meet online due to Covid-19. We will resume after the pandemic on the 1st Sat of even months, 12pm at Carr’s Restaurant, 11006 Bridgeport Way SW, Lake-wood, WA, except Christmas dinner, TBA

SHERIDAN’S CAVALRY(Greater Chicago Area)Pres: Don Smolinski 630-841-1452POC: Terry Hodous3718 W 114th PlaceChicago, IL 60655-3414(773) 445-1213Email: us67-hodo@outlook.comWebsite: www.sheridansfirstcav.comFacebook: Sheridan’s Chapter 1st Cavalry DivisionMeets at the American Legion Post #1084, 322 E. Maple Ave, Roselle, IL 61072.2021 Meeting Dates: Feb 13, May 8, Picnic Aug 7, Oct 9, Xmas partyDec 4

WALTER H. WESTMAN NORTHLAND

Pres: Donald A. Delsing3697 Gresham Ave. N.Oakdale, MN 55128-3212(651) 770-5422Email: dandmdelsing@aol.comPOC: James D. Wright12781 Able St. NEBlaine, MN 55434-3261(763) 757-7140Email: 1stCav-MN@comcast.netFacebook: Walter H Westman-North-land Chapter 1st Cavalry Division AssociationMeets quarterly at different locations. Call for updated information.

WILLIAM A. RICHARDSONNATIONAL CAPITOL REGION Pres: Gene Russell9056 Belvoir Pkwy Fort Belvoir, VA 22060-2702 (703) 220-5322Email: enrussell@msn.comFacebook: 1st Cavalry Division Nat’l Capitol RegionMeets 3rd Sat in Jan-May off Jun-Aug. Meets again Sept-Dec. Nov meeting held in conjunction with 1CDA Veterans Day gathering.

Are you tied into one of our Chapters? We encourage you to link into your

nearest chapter! Reach out to the president and meet

new Cav brothers/sisters!

From theDirector’s Desk O f f i c e o f 1 C D A

The mission statement for Soldier for Life is to connect Army, governmental, and community efforts to build relationships that facilitate successful reintegration of our retiring Soldiers, Veterans, and their Families in order to keep them Army Strong and instill their

values, ethos, and leadership within communities.Soldiers start strong, serve strong, reintegrate strong, and ultimately

remain strong as Army ambassadors to their communities. The 1st Cavalry Division Association (1CDA) and its members will help to ensure Veterans connect to resources and their communities as they make the important transition from Active, Reserve, Guard or become civilian leaders. The 1CDA stands ready to help prepare those Soldiers to thrive as civilians and Veterans.Why is this important to the Association?

The Soldier for Life concept helps Veterans ‘bridge the gap’ from the service through reintegration into their communities. The 1CDA has 25 chapters across the US to help facilitate veterans during their reintegration and beyond. It is here that their Army Story becomes a legacy that perpetuates the proud traditions of the 1st Cavalry Division. “Once Cav, Always Cav…. First Team.”

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2022Page 16 saber

S O L D I E R F O R L I F E UNITED STATES ARMY

W E S U P P O R T

The next Saber newspaper is the March/April 2022 edition.

Deadline for submissions of your stories or photos is Tuesday, March 1, 2022.

Please email to Programs@1CDA.org

CREDIT CARD SERVICE CHARGES NOW APPLY

We have upgraded our credit card machine. A service charge will now be applied to all credit card transactions managed through the Association Office (calls & mail ins). This does not affect website transactions.

In the past, 1CDA has absorbed all customer service charges.

It is with a heavy heart we must announce the passing of SSG Victor M. Alvarez

He was a current scribe for 1st Cavalry Division Association Sa-ber newspaper, writing for the 545th MP Co column since mid-2020. Mr. Alvarez answered the request of the Association and

stepped up when there was no writer for his unit. He was a Vietnam War Veteran who served in 545th MP Co in

1968 and 1970. Victor passed away on December 4, 2021. RIP Mr. Alvarez

As of 1 January 2022

ALL BOUNCED CHECKS WILL INCUR A $25 FEE.

2022 CALENDAR DONATIONSHope everyone is enjoying YOUR new calendar!

Thank you to our following members who have donated $100 or more towards our 2022 calendar:

ANONYMOUS $1,000SP-4 ARENA, Salvatore A. $100SFC ANDERSON, Ronald T. $1001LT BARRETT, John L. $125PFC BOBBITT, George $100SGM BRZYSKI, Francis J. $100SSG BURCH, Charles $100SGT CARTER, John G. $1001LT CARTWRIGHT, John H. $100SGT CHACON, Ray D. $150GEN (RET) CHIARELLI, Pete $390CW2 (RET) COGUT, Theodore L. $100SP-4 COPSON, Charles E. $100CPT COX, Jr. Charles $150SGT DeJULIO, Tiberio P. $1001LT DeMILLE, Nelson $100CPT DUNNE, Bob $100SSG FINKELSTEIN, Jerome $100COL (RET) FREELAND, Al $100SP-5 GALLAGHER, Joseph $100CW4 (RET) GOLDEN, Robert T. $100E-5 HAASE, Terry L. $100SGT HAGER, Thomas T. $100CPT HOFFMANN, Ken $100COL (RET) HOLLAND, Barry $250MR. JOHNSON, Taylor D. $200SFC KELLING, James E. $100CSM KENDRICK, Garry $100E-5 KENNEDY, Thomas J. $200CW3 (RET) KILLINGSWORTH, Ronnie $100CPT KINNIE, Chuck $100SFC LEARY SR., Lonnie L. $100SFC (RET) McBRIDE, Jack E. $150SP-5 McCLUNG Jr., William $100MAJ McDERMOTT, Vince $100CPT MOKHIBER, Samuel E. $1801LT MOLLANDOR, Richard $100CPT MOORE, Robert W. $250SGT MOXHAM, Walter E. Jr. $100LTC PAGE, Bertrand A. $100MG PHILLIPS, Jeffrey E. $150COL PINKERTON, Kurt $100COL (RET) POULOS, Stephen P $125CPT ROONEY, Thomas J. $100CSM (RET) SANDERS, Donald R. $100MSG (RET) SCREWS, Eldon $100SGT SILVER, Royal W. II $160CSM (RET) SMALL, Stanley D. $150LTC (RET) SPEEDMAN, Richard $150MAJ STANDLEY, John M. $125SGT STITES, Gary L. $110SGT VERNON, J. Fred $100GEN (RET) VUONO, Carl E. $200

C o n s i d e r D o n a t i n g T o d a y !

Calendar donations keep this program operational. Without your donations we are unable to continue this program.

Thank you to all our members that support this program!THANK YOU FOR YOUR

CONTINUED SUPPORT & GENEROSITY!

DONATION BREAKDOWNEach one of your donations to the Association has a significant

importance and is beneficial to a specific area or program within this non-profit organization. Here is a breakdown:

ASSOCIATION Supports ongoing annual programs such as the yearly historical

calendar, Veterans Day, Reunions, Saber newspaper production (print-ing, paper, postage, labeling), as well as everyday operating costs. To help keep the cost of your yearly Saber subscription down to $10, we rely on your donations.

IA DRANG SCHOLARSHIPFinancial support offered to the children & grandchildren of Troopers

who served in the 1965 Battle of the Ia Drang Valley.

FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIPS(Supports three separate scholarships grants)

ACTIVE DUTY: Members actively serving in 1CD. Scholarship can be used by the Trooper or their spouse.

KIA: Troopers killed in action while assigned to 1CD. Scholarship can be used by children of the Trooper.

100% DISABLED: Members that were assigned to 1CD. Scholar-ship can be used by children of the Trooper.

YOUR DONATIONS FOR OUR SCHOLARSHIPS ARE TAX DEDUCTIBLE.

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2022 Page 17saber

USEFUL VETERAN ASSISTANCE INFO:<https://www.archives.gov/> National Archives & Records Administration, Veteran service records <https://www.archives.gov/personnel-records-center> Central repository of personnel-related records for both the military and civil services of the United States Government. 314-801-0800<https://www.veteranmedals.army.mil/> U.S. Army Veteran Medals <https://nvf.org/> National Veterans Foundation: crisis man-agement, information and referral needs of all U.S. Veterans and their families. 310-642-0255Vet-to-Vet toll-free helpline: 888-777-4443<https://nationalresourcedirectory.gov/> Dept of Veteran Affairs, The National Resource Directory is a searchable da-tabase of resources vetted for Service members, Veterans, family members and caregivers. 800-342-9647<https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/> Veterans Crisis Line 800-273-8255 <https://www.dav.org/> Disabled American Vets is a non-profit charity that provides a lifetime of support for Veterans of all generations and their families. 877-426-2838

SPECIFICALLY FOR TEXAS VETERANS<www.TVC.texas.gov> Texas Veterans Commission advo-cates for all Texas Veterans, assisting with: VA Claims, Em-ployment, Education, Entrepreneurship, and VA Healthcare Advocacy. 254-238-7124 <https://www.texvet.org/> Informative resource guide for Texas Veterans and family members. 512-341-4924

1st CAVALRY DIVISION UNIT BREAKDOWN1st Armored Brigade Combat Team "IRONHORSE"

• 1st Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment “GarryOwen”• 2nd Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment “Lancers”• 2nd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment “Stallions”• 2nd Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment “ThunderHorse”• 1st Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery Regiment “Dragons”• 91st Engineer Battalion “Sabers”• 115th Brigade Support Battalion “Muleskinners”

FACEBOOK: 1st ARMORED BRIGADE COMBAT TEAM

2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team "BLACKJACK" • 1st Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment “BlackKnights”• 1st Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment “Mustangs”• 1st Battalion, 9th Cavalry Regiment “HeadHunters”• 4th Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment “DarkHorse”• 3rd Battalion, 16th Field Artillery Regiment “RollingThunder”• 8th Engineer Battalion “TrojanHorse”• 15th Brigade Support Battalion “Gamblers”

FACEBOOK: 2nd ARMORED BRIGADE COMBAT TEAM

3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team "GREYWOLF"• 1st Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment “Chargers”• 2nd Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment “Ghost”• 3rd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment “WarHorse”• 6th Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment “Saber”• 2nd Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery Regiment “SteelDragons”• 3rd Engineer Battalion “Beavers”• 215th Brigade Support Battalion “Blacksmiths”

FACEBOOK: 3rd BRIGADE COMBAT TEAM

1st AIR CAVALRY BRIGADE "AIRCAV"• 1st Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment “Attack”• 2nd Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment “Lobos”• 3rd Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment “SpearHead”• 7th Squadron, 17th Cavalry regiment “PaleHorse”• 615th Aviation Support Battalion “ColdSteel”

FACEBOOK: 1st AIR CAVALRY BRIGADE AIRCAV

1st Cavalry Division Sustainment Brigade "WAGONMASTERS"• 1st Special Troops Battalion• 553rd Combat Sustainment Support Battalion

FACEBOOK: 1st CAVALRY DIVISION SUSTAINMENT BRIGADE

1st Cavalry Division Artillery Brigade "REDTEAM"FACEBOOK: 1st CAVALRY DIVISION ARTILLERY

Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion "MAVERICK"FACEBOOK: 1st CAV HHBN

Today's 1st Cavalry Division breakdown is not what it once was. Below is a breakdown of the current units of the Division. Also for anyone on social media, please feel free to look up the units on Facebook and see what your old unit is doing.

DIVISION DOINGSContinued from pg. 5American and Greek Military Friendship Marches Forward by CPT Taylor Criswell

VOLOS, Greece --1st Air Cavalry Brigade (1ACB) command team embraces military partnership with Hellenic Army during area visit on Dec. 27, 2021.

Seated squarely in the heart of the port city of Volos, Greece along the plains below the foothills of Mount Pelion, Camp Georgoulas is home to the 32nd Ma-rine Brigade of the Hellenic Military and, for the past few years, the stanchion of U.S. and Greek bilateral military cooperation. Unlike the U.S. Marine Corps, the Hellenic 32nd Marine Brigade falls under the Hellenic Army.

COL Reggie Harper and CSM Tyrone Murphy v i s i t e d C a m p Georgoulas on Dec. 27 to engage with their Hellenic Military counter-parts and meet with Air Cav Troopers currently assigned there. Upon ar-rival to the camp headquarters, COL George Gavounos, deputy commander of the 32nd Marine Brigade, greeted Harper and Mur-phy and provided a brief history of the brigade by CPL Taxiarxis Chry-sikos just inside the entrance, where the unit had con-structed a small

gallery of notable brigade historical artifacts.After a tour of the headquarters, Gavounos, Harper and Murphy exchanged

bilateral talks regarding training cooperation and the logistical support for American Soldiers. Removing barriers and building partnerships is mutually beneficial and increases strategic military capability for both units and the future cooperation between armies.

“We are flexible, we are capable and we can operate in a complex environment for bilateral training cooperation,” said LTC Vlasios Makris, chief of logistics for the 32nd Marine Brigade as he presented a 32nd Marine capability brief to the “Air Cav” command team. “We’ve made categorical improvements over the last four years to the facilities to make everyone’s lives better, certainly better than the first deployment here.”

The recently renewed Mutual Defense Cooperation Agreement between the U.S. and Greece and the ongoing European Defense Initiative mission has resulted the preparation of multiple sites across Greece for multinational training. For the past few years, U.S. Army aviation regionally allocated force units have been able to train and live alongside Hellenic military partners at Camp Georgoulas, Stefanovikeio Air Base and Litochoro Range located at the foot of Mount Olympus.

“We realize that one of the main reasons we are here is the tactical cooperation,” said Harper when speaking with Gavounos. “We can make each other better at the tactical level, but ultimately it’s about being good allies and partners.”

“I’m happy to have our unit here. We are all interested in this as an enduring partnership that lasts. So, we want to make sure that we’re doing the right things as guests.”

The moderate climate and varied terrain make Greece an ideal training location for maximum flight hours during deployment and increase flying experience near mountains and coastal waters. Leaders also toured Stefanovikeio Air Base where 1ACB shares hangars and an airfield with the Greek 1st Army Aviation Brigade.

“The airfield here is very good for us,” said Harper when speaking with COL Nikos Biniatidis, executive officer of the Greek aviation brigade. “Down here the weather is good enough to fly almost every day.”

Biniatidis described the partnership by saying, “we are one big family. If you need anything, you only need to ask.” 1ACB leaders echoed his sentiment.

“It’s beautiful here in Greece, with great training areas to fly in and friendly cooperation to deconflict airspace with the Hellenic forces,” said LTC Matt Min-ear, commander of the 7th Squadron, 17th Cavalry Regiment and leader of the aviation task force from 1ACB assigned to Greece. “It’s been an exceptionally good partnership so far.”

Minear has invited the local Hellenic military partners to participate in an upcoming “Spur Ride,” a challenge where American Cavalry Troopers earn the right to wear the coveted cavalry spurs. Sharing friendship and culture enhances trust in one another and builds an unbreakable bond between countries. It was clear throughout the visit that partnership and cooperation is at a peak, but not yet at the summit.

Since April 2014, U.S. Army Europe and Africa has led the Department of De-fense’s Atlantic Resolve land efforts by rotating units based in the U.S. to Europe. There are four types of U.S. Army Atlantic Resolve rotations – armored, aviation, sustainment task force and division headquarters. Rotational units conduct bilat-eral, joint and multinational training events across more than a dozen countries. Atlantic Resolve is funded by the European Deterrence Initiative, which enables the U.S. to enhance deterrence, increase readiness and support NATO.

MAJ Dalamagkidis, CSM Rickert, LTC Minear, COL Bini-atidis, COL Harper, and CSM Murphy in front of Hellenic

1st Army Aviation Brigade HQ, photo by CPT Criswell

RENEW your SABER subscription today, Check the expiration date on your label.

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2022Page 18 saber1 5 t h M E D / 1 5 t h F S B / 1 5 t h B S B

I was forwarded another view of the night battle at FSB David in Cambodia, June 1970. Email from: Mike Crutcher <mcrutcher6797@comcast.net>, Carlisle, PA. S1, 1-5 Cav & CO, Echo Company 1-5 Cav

at FSB David who served 20 1969-19 Feb 1971. Comments: For Mike Bodnar: “Your comments about FSB David after the BDE HQ left are pretty much on the mark. A couple of minor points: first, the recoilless fire we took was from a 75mm RR. Our S2, an unhappy but superb reserve CPT recalled to duty to serve in Vietnam, identified them as 75mm and noted that the only NVA units with them were NVA regiments. We (1-5 Cav, I think) did lose one Soldier in a hammock, after the Troops had been repeatedly told by our NCOs to dig in and NOT to use a hammock. Within about 20-30 minutes we had a ‘Pink Team’ (Cobra and OH-6) overhead, and then not too long later we heard the 4-engine drone of an AC-130, called either SHADOW or SPECTER, not PUFF, the AC-47. The AC-130 sprayed the area from where we calculated the RR fire had come, and he got at least one secondary explosion. A couple of hours later, another AC-130 showed up and the first left. We had AC-130 coverage through the night, because there was concern that, having been attacked on 14 June 1970, they would mount a regimental assault on FSB David, which had far fewer men defending the same size perimeter.

“As for the attack on FSB David, with no supporting artillery in range and no air support because of the weather, our Direct Support Artillery Battery (C 2-19) and our own Echo Company mortars played a critical role in our defense. I heard one report that C 2-19 was down to less than 50 rounds remaining before the emergency ammo resupply arrived. My Echo Company had all the 1-5 Cav mortars, and I think I had 11 or 12 tubes manned that night. The 81mm crews fired about 640 rounds of illumination and nearly 1550 rounds of HE, never putting one HE round inside the berm, while working under fire. At an E 1-5 Cav reunion a few years ago, I pointed out to the 11C mortar men what a critical role they played that night. Many of them had felt that they had ‘not done much’ while serving in Vietnam. I think I was able to correct that misperception. I enjoy reading your accounts, especially from the safety of my living room! God Bless, Mike Crutcher”

I received email with an image from’67-’68 MEDEVAC 21 Art Jacobs who said: “Mike: A guy I know at Fort Campbell came across this homemade looking patch and has no idea regarding its origin.

“It could be vintage 1965 when the Cav went to Vietnam, or it could be another Air Ambulance organization and was an individual pilot’s callsign number. You may want to publish this in the next Saber and see if anyone recognizes it. Art” If anyone does recognize it, please let us know.

If you missed it, there was mention in the last Saber LRRP Ranger\News about receiving email from ‘70-’71 MEDEVAC 8 Monty Halcolmb. He is trying to contact LRRP personnel whom he had extracted around LZ Mace in1970. Then MEDEVAC 8 made the decision to override policy orders to only extract wounded when he heard on the radio about some LRRPs who were surrounded and had no other immediate way to get extracted.

Apparently, MEDEVAC 8 already had an almost full helicopter but helping the LRRPs was also needed, so they did. Monty Halcolmb gives <MEDEVAC8@hotmail.com> for information.

I received the following as snail mail from Ron Strub:

“Hi Mike, thanks for doing such a great job with the Saber. We hardly ever hear from anyone from A, B, or C Company, so thought I’d put in my two cents. My adventure started on the night of 28 July 65 in our barracks at Fort Benning. I was a PFC medic in Company C, 11th Medical Bn, 11th Air Assault Division. We were listening to the radio because Pres. Johnson was going to give a major talk concerning Vietnam. He said, ‘the situation in Vietnam is worsening, I have today ordered the Army’s Air Assault Division to Vietnam.’ We were the only

Air Assault Unit in the Army. The next morning formation our 1st Sgt told us we were now Company C, 15th Medical Bn, 1st Cavalry Division Airmobile and we would be leaving for Vietnam in two weeks.

“The Company would be spending one month going over on old Navy ships. Five of us medics would be flown over on Air Force C-130’s with the Advance Party of the 8th Engineers. I do have bragging rights. I was not only on the first plane to land there, but also the very first medic from the 15th Med Bn to set foot in Vietnam because I was sitting in the last cargo net seat next to the off ramp on 20 Aug 65. I have a copy of the ‘Daily Staff Journal’ dated 21 Aug 65 showing that PFC Johnson, PFC Tommie Cole, and myself arrived at NhaTrang on 20 Aug 65. Three others from C 15th Med arrived on 21 Aug 65.

“Tommie Cole and I put our poncho’s together and that was our home for that first week. As each C-130 landed the three of us PFC’s gave everyone two shots of gamma globulin in their rear ends. I still remember the first one. This Major walked up to me, an E-3 and I said, ‘Major, turn around and drop your pants.’ When I put that first needle in his ass, we both jumped a couple of inches. After another 20 or so Soldiers it got very easy, at least for me. After one week we all flew up to our new Base Camp near An Khe. Tommie Cole shared the pup tent with me until the day the rest of Company C arrived the day before my 20th birthday, 17 Sept 65. And from there, the adventures continued. Ron Strub, 423 E. Madison St. Caledonia, MN. 55921 <rstrub@hotmail.com>

“PS: Mike, feel free to give my name & address out with the story. Thank you, my friend.”

Always remembering our 1st Cav Troops on duty around the world; over and out. FIRST TEAM! Garryowen, Mike Bodnar C 2\7 Cav 1969, MEDEVAC 1-7\1970, SO THAT OTHERS MAY LIVE

Mike Bodnar13010 N. Lakeforest Dr.

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

MBodnar27@Gmail.Comwww.15thMedBnAssociation.org

Unknown 15 Helicopter Ambulance patch

Ron Strub at home in Nha Trang, Vietnam 1965

Ron's new home in An Khe '65

TAPS:We were notified of the following deaths:

ALVAREZ, SSG Victor M., 545 MP Co, 1968-70. 4 December 2021.ANDERSON, SGT Arden “Andy”, B Co, 2-7 CAV, 1968-69. 3 January 2022.BEARDSLEY, LTC (RET) Stephen G., A Co, 1-9 CAV, 1965-66. 2 November 2021.BOBOCK, SSG (RET) Gilbert E., B Co, 2-12 CAV, 1965-66. 27 September 2021.CHAPPELEAR, SP-4 Charles G., B Co, 2-12 CAV, 1965-66. 6 November 2021.CHESSON, CPT Richard K., B Trp, 1-9 CAV, 1969. 13 September 2021.CLELAND, CPT Max, A Co 13 SIG, 1967 & HHC 2-12 CAV, 1968. 9 No-vember 2021. DOCTOR, 1SG (RET) Alan S., 27 ORD, B Co 1-8 CAV, & HHC 8 CAV, 1950-51. 30 August 2021.FISKEN, SGT L. John, C Co, 1-7 CAV, 1967-68. 16 November 2021.GENTRY, SGT George C., H Co, 75INF, 1970-71. 24 September 2021.HAYES, CSM (RET) Douglas B., K Co, 7 CAV, 1953; 2-7 CAV & 1-9 CAV, 1971; 1CD, 1977-83. 4 March 2021 (Division CSM 77-83).HERNANDEZ, CSM (RET) Jose A., 545 MP CO, 1969-75. 6 November 2021.HIPPLE, SP5 “Doc” Percy, C Co, 1-9 CAV, 1968. 29 October 2021.HOLBROOKS, SGT Larry D., HHC, 1CD, 1966-67. 22 December 2020.HOLDERREAD, SGT Donavon N., HHC & C Co, 1-12 CAV, 1969-70. 31 July 2021.HUGHES, COL (RET) David R., K Co, 3-7 CAV, 1950. 14 October 2021. (Distinguished Service Cross)INGRAM, SGT Robert E., D Co, 2-12 CAV, 1966-67. 18 February 2021.KEMP, SFC James C., HHC, 1CDH, 1951. 26 July 2021.LOVEJOY, Trooper Joseph “Butch” Lovejoy, A Co, 1-5 CAV, 1969-70. 21 July 2021.LYONS, SGT Rhett R., B Co, 1-12 CAV, 1968. 10 October 2021.MARKOVICH, SGT Dale M., H Co & E Co, 75INF, 1967-68. 9 September 2021.MARTIN, SP4 Thomas J., D Co, 1-9 CAV, 1966-67. 22 January 2021.MAYFIELD, SP4 Dennis V., Co 1-8 CAV, 1966. 13 August 2021. MCMAHON, CPT Robert W., B Co, 2-5 CAV, HHC 2BDE, HHC 1CD, 1965-66. 12 November 2021.MOELLER, Trooper William M., C Trp, 9 CAV. 16 October 2021. NATTRASS, SFC (RET) Eric, A Co, 15 TC, 1970-71. 21 October 2021.O’DONNELL, SP5 Michael K., A Co, 1-9 CAV, 1966. 23 December 2021.PACE, SP-5 John C., HHC, G-3, 1CD, 1967-68. 30 August 2021.PRINCE, BG (RET) Howard, II, Cdr B Co, 5-7 CAV, 1967-68. 19 May 2021. (President of the 5th Battalion, 7th Cavalry Association)RANDLEMAN, SGT Robert K., C Co, 1-5 CAV, 1969. 21 October 2021.RIDER, MSG Paul W., A Btry, 82 FA, 1942-45. 11 February 2021. (WWII Veteran)SCHLEIN, CW3 (RET) Joseph C., 11GSC, 1969 & A Co, 1-9 CAV, 1970. December 9, 2021. TOUCHTON, CPT John E., HHC, 1CDH,1980. 24 August 2021.VINGLISH, SP-4 Mark, D Co, 1-12 CAV, 1970-71. 26 October 2021.

ACTIVE-DUTY TAPS:We have been notified of the following non-combat Active-Duty death:

MARTINEZ, SGT Francine, 1CD, 2019-2021. 16 September 2021.

LIMITED QUANTITIESCommemorative Air Assault Coin

LIMITED TO ONLY ONE PER MEMBER WHO RECEIVED THEIR

1CDA AIR ASSAULT CERTIFICATE(Your name will be checked against our master list)

Due to limited quantities, if you purchased a coin at the reunion, you may not purchase another one.

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JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2022Page 20 saberThis is the end of Marty’s

article. Thank you, Marty Suydam, great article.

Titled September 1969September 2, 1969, we took

the first known .50 caliber anti-aircraft fire while flying north and east of Bu Dop. The

rounds left an “impression” on us in the form of holes in water cooler we had on board the helicopter.

September 3, 1969, Phouc Vinh, Republic of Vietnam with the mist rising off the rice paddies, I ate breakfast with the battalion staff. It was my 26th birthday. At our 6am breakfast meeting, COL Broumas asked me if I was going to fly with him that day, “another day to excel.” I said I thought not, I had things to do at our home base in Phouc Vinh. We had been doing reconnais-sance for several days of a Special Forces camp, Bu Gia Mop, abandoned a few years earlier. The division was preparing to retake the area, but reconnaissance missions had to keep a low profile so as not to show intent to the enemy. In the end, it was not a happy birthday at all, except I was alive and all those that went out that day did not come back. Those that died that day were: SGT Mark Alford, MAJ Ron Britz, LTC Andre Broumas, SP5 Michael Collins, CPT Mac Genwright, WO David Hanna, CPT Norman Nesterak, WO William Tittle.

Rich Estes remembers: “…my first day in the 8th. I reported in the same morn-ing LTC Broumas’ chopper was shot down, and one of my West Point classmates, CPT Nesterak, who had reported in the day before, was on the bird and was KIA. Folks told me that that morning Broumas had asked him if he wanted to take a tour of the AO, and of course he said yes. I got assigned his room in the BOQ, and all his personal gear was still there. So, it was pretty darned ominous.”

“I never knew Broumas. Leroy Hammond took over as acting Bn CO until Smith signed in. Smith was one tough cookie. I never had a tougher boss before or after. After I had been away from RVN for a few years, I came to appreciate more of his leadership “style.” I always knew where I stood with him. Being in a combat unit, in a war, I appreciated that he was no nonsense and direct; no ‘reading between the lines’ with him.” Pictured above are CPT Bart Bohn, CPT

Rich Estes, LTC Scott Smith, CPT Bert McCullam, CPT Marty Suydam. COL Smith made his own imprint on the 8th Engineer image. He changed our

call signs from Skybeaver to Blackjack, had us wear camouflage Avis Rental Car buttons with the slogan “We Try Harder,” and expected nothing but exceptional performance. He set the example of hard-charging, personal risk-taking, and all-business.

October 1969: It was monsoon again, mud dominated everything. Much effort during the month was spent on improving the road between Phouc Vinh and Song Be where our B Company was headquartered. I usually flew every day and the Company Operations used to hate the first hour when I was gone, because I would be able to think of all the things that needed to be done until I ran out of radio range. One day, LT Earl Brown, Company Operations Officer decided he wanted to recon the partially paved road (LTL 1A), northeast out of Phouc Vinh (bottom center), to Song Be (near Don Luan). I was unaware, but my driver, nicknamed “Rat” for the tattoo he had on his arm, told me, “Don’t let LT Brown ever have me drive him again, we shot our way all the way to Song Be and back. He could have gotten me killed.” Earl was a bigger-than-life and very smart person who had a PhD in Geophysical Engineering and had no fear. He provided the inspiration to make me want to teach at Colorado School of Mines, his alma mater, when I returned from Vietnam.

November 1969: It was monsoon still, mud dominated everything. Early one morning the clerk on duty in our Company TOC rushed in to tell me my wife was on the phone. Joyce had a friend who had discovered that if you call the Pentagon in the middle of the night, they often had phone lines open to Vietnam and could patch a call through directly to a unit in the field. So, she decided to call and chat. The call was so clear I was sure she had decided to fly to Vietnam and was now in Phouc Vinh. Later I would learn that the clerk had asked Joyce, “CPT Suydam isn’t in right now, could he call her back?” She wondered how many women call in asking for me. So, on our “push-to-talk phone,” we had a nice chat.

We continued to support a wide range of field operations, so I spent my days

E N G I N E E R N e w sSteve Richey

P.O. Box 250Wildomar, CA 92595-0250

(714) 931-3123D9Dozer@verizon.net

in the field. One day, Joyce got a call from her friend saying lines were open. It was mid-morning in Vietnam. She was patched into “Skybeaver forward,” but I was now in the field and out of radio contact. Several attempts were made to contact our aircraft without luck. It was then decided we must be down, and they sent out several aircraft to search for us. They found us and we were all right. When I finally returned to Phouc Vinh I was told how and why they sent out search teams. I was first worried, wondering why Joyce had called. Was there something wrong at home? That night, I was somehow able to get a call back to her, now in the wee hours of East Coast time and found she had again, only wanted to chat. I was furious although I knew she really meant well.

December 1969: It was no longer monsoon, heat and dust dominated every-thing. It was during this month I became friends with the infamous LTC David Hackworth. His reputation going back to the Korean War where the lore was that he was the most decorated Soldier of the war. He was visiting Phuoc Vinh one day and we met. He wanted me to come work for him with the Vietnam-ese Airborne Division. He was the Deputy Senior Advisor. I saw him several times and he kept pressing to become part of the new initiative that partnered a Vietnamese Division with a U.S. Division both operationally and mirroring organizations. The U.S. intent was to make the Vietnamese Airborne Division operate like the Cav. Somehow, I managed to get a release to transfer command and be reassigned, still not sure of the details, but it did happen.Team 162, Vietnamese Airborne Division

January 1970: I was Medevac’d for internal bleeding but was also in the process of transferring company command, so my being absent for a week in a hospital was not a big problem. At this time, I believed I would be moving to an assignment with Team 162, the advisory detachment that supported the Vietnamese Airborne Division. I did not have orders yet, so was temporarily assigned to the 1st Cav Division staff. I was also scheduled for R&R in Hawaii with Joyce, but she had to depart the U.S. and she had had no contact from me since I had been Medevac’d. Joyce was not sure I would meet her in Hawaii until she saw me at the airport, surprise I made it. Overall, it was a perfectly scheduled month, for which I had no control over the planning nor the events.

February 1970: I returned from R&R and was efficiently transferred to Team 162, Vietnam-ese Airborne Division, co-located with the 1st Cav at Phouc Vinh. Shortly thereafter, I moved to Tan Son Nhut, Saigon where the division headquarters and our advisory detachment were lo-cated. Now I would change into the same camouflaged uniform as the Vietnamese soldiers I was advising. When I would interface with U.S. forces by radio, they were sure I was Vietnamese, “Suydam” looks somewhat like “Nguyen.” I liked the picture taken when I arrived in Saigon. I sent it to my Joyce and my folks. My mother hated it, saying I looked like a POW.

My first day in Team 162, COL Hackworth wanted me to go fly with him. I only had a .45 and a couple clips at the time. We got to a place where one of our battalions was in contact. He said “jump, I’ll pick you up in a week.” I thought I was taking the scenic tour of the Area of Operations (AO), not so — tough initiation.

<https://marymountarl.net/CG/documents/suydam/2020Hindsight50Year-sExtract1966-1970.pdf> This web address is where you can read all of Marty’s article plus more from him. I recommend it.

I received this from Joe Wagle, 8th Engineers 1969. Returning to Phuoc Vinh from working at any one of the LZ’s or Firebases

usually meant being assigned to details. The details were KP, guard duty, the morning BBQ, burning stew (not good), or any other duty’s that had to be done to maintain the company area. One detail that was not as bad as some others was working at the equipment lift and return area. As dozers, backhoes, etc. were required at various places away from Phuoc Vinh the items would be prepared for lifting by the equipment operators or personnel assigned to the lift area. The lifts were usually performed by CH-47 Chinook or CH-54 flying crane helicop-ters. This was commonly referred to by equipment operators as “slinging out.” As equipment was prepared for lifting, nylon slings or chains were attached using clevises and a nylon “donut” that would be attached to the lifting hook on the helicopters. The helicopter crew would contact the radio operator at the lift area when they were ready to pick up the load. Personnel assigned to the task of hooking the “donut” to the lifting hook would move into position alongside the load as the helicopter would move into position over the load. Now comes the exciting part. Static electricity that is built up in the lift helicopter is looking for a way to “ground” itself. If you were the guy hooking up the load and had your hands close to the hook you could be in for a shocking surprise. The stat-ic discharge would hit your hands with about a bazillion volts that you would remember for a long time. It only took one time of getting zapped to figure the right way to hold that nylon donut. Once you were off the load the helicopter would lift away from the area.

If anyone would like to contact me about this article my email address is <jcwagel@gmail.com>. Joe is a great guy, well worth emailing.

Joe told me of watching a Skycrane try to pick up a D-6 with a full tank of fuel, the blade, and tracks still attached. He hooked up and as he tried to lift it, the helicopter, rolled forward, still hooked to the D-6. The guy on the ground doing the hooking, hit the release, just as the blades of the Skycrane were about a foot off the ground, and freed the Skycrane to pop up into the air. It was a narrow escape.

1969-4 8th Engineer Battalion, Commanders, October 1969

Mug Shot Newly Assigned to Team 162

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2022 Page 21saberTo the reader community: I been

asked to author a series of articles about the experiences of the men of the 545th MP Company of the 1st Cavalry Division (AIRMOBILE). I joined the company in July of 1964, shortly after its inception at Ft. Benning, GA, as the

11th MP Company of the 11th Air Assault Division (TEST). The men still alive of the original company of 1964-66 are now in their late 70’s and early 80’s and wanted their stories documented while they could still remember them. This I will attempt.

My background before the Army was growing up on a cattle farm in East Tennessee, a college student studying civil engineering, and summer jobs in construction. My career after the Army was in data processing as a programmer/systems programmer in the trucking industry and later in the telecommunications industry. So please bear with my writing style.

As documented in various places, in the early 60’s there was a move afoot in the Army that the concept of helicopter borne assault Troops might be a viable technique to gain the edge in battle. It was decided that a division would be created to develop and assess this concept. Thus, was born the 11th Air Assault Division (TEST) to be based at Ft. Benning, GA. The 11th Airborne Division of WWII had been deactivated in 1958, so the name and insignia of it was used for the new division. The ‘AIRBORNE’ rocker above the patch was replaced with the ‘AIR ASSAULT’ rocker.

Hank Ross experience HQ Plt (PMO), Henry R. Ross, SP4 – SFC, written: April 28, 2008 (deceased 2015).

In July 1964, (Author’s note: had to have been 1963) I was assigned to the 11th Military Police Company, 11th Air Assault Division (Test), Fort Benning, Georgia. Fortunately, I had already spent 3 years as an MP at Fort Benning, so I knew my way around. That was “fortunate” because there was not any 11th MP Company – or 11th Air Assault Division! I did know about some new unit out on Highway 27 in the Harmony Church area, and that was where I found MAJ Hugh H. Riddle, the Provost Marshal of the Division-to-be. In the beginning, the “Division” was a battalion (with an MP Squad); then it became a brigade (with an MP Platoon); and finally, a full-fledged division (with a full MP Company). The whole thing was a “test.” We evaluated equipment, vehicles, tactics, and aircraft, all the while having little, if any, awareness of that “Viet Nam thing.”

Since I was the first MP assigned, MAJ Riddle told me to find us a building, which I managed in short order. Then he wanted a jeep. And a Morning Report. And I was lucky again when Herman Ehrentraut showed up to be Supply Sergeant and took care of getting bunks and bedding and so forth. I would have been up the creek without Herman! Eventually, we got a 1SG and a Company Commander, but I frankly do not remember who the first ones were. (Before they came on board, however, I figured out how to promote myself to Sergeant!)

Over time, we set up a Provost Marshal Office, and I was the Operations Sergeant. But much of our time was spent in the field, and much of that in the Carolinas, for weeks at a time. I do not remember having a clue that we were practicing for Viet Nam. I was as shocked as everyone else when we heard over a jeep field radio President Johnson say something like, “I have this day ordered the 1st Cavalry Division to Viet Nam.” It seems like that announcement came right after the 11th Air Assault Division was re-flagged as the 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile).

In early 1965, I was promoted to Staff Sergeant, this time from the consolidated promotion list! It seems like right after that, we started packing the CONEX containers.

Dallas Mills wrote I came to the 11th MP company from Fort Knox, KY. I had re-enlisted after returning from 4 years in Germany and was assigned to the REPO Depot processing new enlistees. Arrived 11th MP late March or early April. FYI, my first enlistment was four years because all Soldiers got the one-year Kennedy extension due to the Cuban conflict.

I was assigned to barracks that had been vacant since the Korean Conflict, so much time was spent “scrubbing and painting.” When I arrived, there was no more than 12-15 Soldiers in the unit (but the club was open across the street)

Soon after my arrival then, SSG Pike came into the unit and I was assigned to assist him and then SP4 Ross in receiving the new personnel, which most were fresh out of MP School and needed to be assigned to a platoon and issued equipment unique to our MOS. SP4 Ross was soon re-assigned to the PMO, and soon became MSG Ross.

We had three or four little forays into the woods at Fort Benning if you could call that going to the field. I did do three RECON trips to South Carolina prior to the entire Division going in. The first trip was then SP4 Woods, me (SP4) and two other EM. The second was 1SG Miller, me, and two other EM. The last trip was then SP4 Maloney, me, and two other EM. During the first entire Division movement I flew with a DHC-2 Beaver crew doing airborne radio relay between the convoys and Division HQS. We also covered the convoy transporting the payroll to the Troops in S.C. at that time we were paid in cash.

For what it is worth, I remember doing a road march from the barracks in Harmony Church to one of the training areas (eqpt & pro mask). When we arrived, there was a GP Medium erected and the commander stated that we were going through the gas chamber, but we had to wait a bit because the gas was too intense now. He pulled out a couple Troopers to roll up the side of the tent, and when they did, to our surprise the tables were full of food and several kegs. If you remember that is when now SGT Woods and SSG Stark wrecked Stark’s car and Woods was injured. (SSG Stark was a Combat Veteran of the 11th Airborne, I guess in Korea).

CPT Paul Lewis, Jr, Commander wrote I was the Security Platoon Leader and later the Executive Officer of the 4th MP Company, 4th Infantry Division, at Fort Lewis Washington before being assigned to the 11th MP Company, 11th Assault Division (Test). The Provost Marshal was COL “Dutch” Uhland (deceased 2007), the Deputy Provost Marshal was MAJ Hugh H. Riddle, Company Commander was MAJ William Pope (deceased 2010), and the Company Executive Officer was CPT David Kennedy. I (1LT) was Security Platoon Leader, 1LT Joe Dunnington (deceased 2010) was a Platoon Leader, and 2LT Couture was another Platoon Leader. I am not sure as to exactly when 2LT’s Al Rampmeier, Lewis, Schieb, and York became Platoon Leaders of the company. MAJ Riddle, CPT Kennedy

Lawrence Gardner Ketron232 New Beason Well Rd

Kingsport, TN 37660 (423) 967-8226

LGKetron@earthlink.net

545th MP Co News and LT Couture did not accompany the unit to Vietnam.Author’s note: 2LT’s Al Rampmeier, Billy York, Jim Lewis, and Barry Schieb

(deceased 2020) were transferred in as platoon leaders a couple of weeks or so before the company loaded onto a Troop ship, the General Alexander M. Patch at Charleston, SC.

In preparation for deployment, MAJ Pope became Deputy Provost Marshal, I was designated Company Commander and 1LT Dunnington became Company Executive Officer. During our stay at Fort Benning, I was promoted to the grade of Captain. SSG Pike was a Platoon Sergeant and SSG Hoagland was Security Platoon Sergeant. I do not remember the names of the other Platoon Sergeants, but they were in place. SGT Ehrentraut (deceased 2000) was Supply Sergeant and SGT Givens was the Motor Sergeant. The command section and leadership (four Platoon Leaders and Platoon Sergeants) were assigned. The unit was not at 100% strength, but fills were showing up faster than normal. Complete fill was almost immediately following President Johnson’s announcement of the Division’s move to Vietnam. The unit exceeded the level identified by the Table of Organization and Equipment (TOE) almost immediately following President Johnson’s announcement of the Division’s move to Vietnam.

Author’s note: SGT Givens was the motor pool sergeant. He transferred to another company after the arrival in Viet Nam.

Intense training was continuous which included frequent extended Field Training exercises (FTX). I particularly remember the thirty-day FTX in South Carolina within the area of Shaw Air Force Base and the Big and Little Pee Dee Rivers. SSG Wellborn was injured (leg amputated at the knee), by a hit and run driver, when Wellborn stopped his jeep to help a stalled convoy vehicle on the shoulder of the highway. SGT Collard provided immediate medical assistance and transported Wellborn to the Hospital. He (Collard) was awarded the Army Commendation Medal, which represented the first award given to a member of the Company.

The Military Draft and Its Effect on the Army of 1964-1966. Comments by the author.

In 1963 while the 11th AAD was being formed there was a change in the draft process that affected this new division. Before his assassination, President Kennedy got together with Robert McNamara, the secretary of defense, and they decided that to save a lot of money by reducing the money spent on the dependents of Soldiers, only single men would be drafted. By early 1964, the streets were being swept of single men, which included the author of this article. I was 21 and most of my fellow draftees were older, some of them 24 and 25. Imagine being a young single man of 24 or 25 years old. You have been working at a decent job since high school, moving up in the pay scale. Maybe you had earned a college degree, have been working 2 or 3 years, moving up in the company. Maybe you were driving a new Corvette. Maybe you felt that you had the world by the tail! Maybe you had been married, then divorced, and your ex-wife had made sure the draft board knew you were now single. At the then current E-1 pay of $78/month, the first thing that went has your new automobile. If you were drafted, your car payments could be deferred, but the interest accumulated, and it had to be parked. By law, your job or a like position had to be held for you upon your return but did not always occur.

The author had taken a break in his studies in civil engineering at the University of Tennessee and worked the summer of 1963 on the surveying crew for a construction company that was building a factory close to home. I was making as much in a week at a summer job as I was to make a month in Army. The job was not completed until November of 1963, just in time for the opening of hunting season in Tennessee. (Not going back to school, the fall quarter meant that I lost my draft deferment). My good friend had worked that summer on the same construction job, so we both had money, bird dogs, beagle hounds, and I had a 1950 Ford pickup. We were both 21, 21 at that time being the legal age, voting age, and age of consent. We could legally purchase alcohol. Hunting season was open! We knew several young ladies that were out of school and working. Life was good! Being a few months older than I am, he got his draft notice first. I was inducted 11 March 1964.

At the time we had a lot of Troops in Germany and Korea. Viet Nam was in the news, but most of us draftees saw this Army duty as mostly a major 2-year inconvenience. At this time, the Army consisted of four components, the Regular Army (volunteers, career Soldiers), the Army Reserve, the National Guard (normally under control of the state governor), and the Army of the United States (draftees). At that time, a Soldier was assigned what was known as a service number, the SS number not being used for identification. The service number for a member of the regular Army was prefixed by RA, Reserve by ER, National Guard by NG, and Army of the US by US. Officer service numbers were prefixed by an “O.” Therefore, draftees were easy to identify. Of course, the Army of the United States, if it exists at all, exists mostly on paper. As a side note the discharge document of my father, a WWII draftee, states that he was a member of the Army of the United States.

On 11 March 64, there was bus load of us sent from the Kingsport area to the induction center in Knoxville to be inducted. We initially were sent to Ft Jackson, SC, but due to lack of space, in a couple of days we were sent on to Ft Gordon, GA, for basic training. Of course, we were asked what our preferred MOS was. I asked to be sent to the engineers, but three (Egan, Collins, Ketron) of us from Kingsport were sent to MP school and spent the whole two years together.

Our home at Ft Gordon was a WWII POW camp that was built to house German POW’s. The barracks consisted of a concrete slab with exterior walls made of hollow red brick, open ceilings, a couple of light bulbs suspended from the rafters, a cast iron coal stove for heat, and no plumbing. Latrines were in a separate like- constructed building. Since the Army was experiencing deaths in recruits from spinal meningitis, and at that time there was no vaccine against it, the only means of preventing the disease was fresh air and separation. Every other window was nailed open at the bottom, alternate windows being nailed open at the top. Bunks were not stacked and were head to toe with eight feet between each other. Gets cold and damp in Augusta, GA, in March.

The M-14 rifle was being phased into the Army, but at this time there were not enough of them to go around. We were supplied with the M1 Garand (30-06) rifle for basic training. Some were well used, while others were almost new. I think the last Army contracts for them was around 1955. Some of the other training companies had M-14’s. One company had M-14’s without flash suppressors on Continued to pg. 22

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2022Page 22 saber

ARE yOU ACTivE DUTy?

DiD yOU SERvE iN 1ST CAv DURiNg gUlf WAR, BOSNiA OR WAR ON TERROR?

WE WANT TO HEAR fROm yOU!

We are looking to hear your 1CD war stories. Our older members want to hear from our younger

generation of Troopers! Please consider sharing your experiences with our

1st Cav Veterans!

lET yOUR STORiES BE HEARD

Share your significant memories, possibly of you & your battle buddies in the field or down range.

lOOkiNg fOR ACTivE-DUTy SOlDiERS gUlf WAR, BOSNiA &

WAR ON TERROR CAv vETERANS

Email to programs@1CDA.org today and they will appear in an upcoming Saber!

T H E D O C T O R ' S R E P O R TCOL (Ret) James Noel

HHC 1-5 Cav, 1990 JNoel2@live.com

SSG (Ret) Jonathan Shockley HHC 1-5 Cav, 1988-1992 (Doc Shock)

Jsho941055@aol.comGood day! Recent research has investigated the risk of heart disease among

Veterans. A study from the University of Michigan found Veterans over the age of 50 were almost two times more likely to have heart disease than non-Veterans. This increased risk was independent (not affected by) socio-economic level, other chronic medical conditions, weight, or mental health status. Post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, and depression made that risk even higher. The risk for heart disease among female Veterans is even higher than it is for male Veterans. The mortality for female Veterans from heart disease is higher than for male Veterans and this increased mortality is related to poor surveillance for heart conditions in female Veterans. These statistics have resulted in an increase in surveillance and treatment of heart conditions in active-duty Soldiers and Veterans in military health care facilities and in Veterans’ administration health care. While on active-duty Soldiers (male and female) have a lower prevalence of heart disease, but within 10 years of separation from service that risk approaches twice their civilian counterparts. How do we change this increased prevalence?

The key is preventive health care and monitoring for contributing health condi-tions. The first condition that contributes to increased prevalence of heart disease in Veterans is the presence of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Recognition while on active duty and implementation of therapy is a key block in preventing post service heart disease. Monitoring for and treating hypertension is a significant importance in preventing heart disease. Other important contributors to prevent-ing heart disease include treating obesity with weight reduction, monitoring for increased levels of cholesterol and triglycerides, smoking cessation, treatment of depression, control of diabetes, initiating physical activity, reduction of drug and excess alcohol use, and removing veterans from the condition of homelessness.

How much exercise? A minimum of 15 minutes of continuous aerobic activity daily is important. This can be a daily walk, treadmill, elliptical exercise ma-chine, swimming, and rowing. It is best if this exercise is low impact to prevent joint damage.

Implementing a heart healthy diet is important. Limit portion size is key. For those of us over 50, it is okay to order from the senior menu, it is okay to divide a meal at a restaurant in half and take half in a to go box, serving meals at home on smaller plates is another tool to use in reducing intake. Second is consuming a larger portion of one’s diet as fruits and vegetables. When consuming breads and pastas go for whole grains. Limit saturated and trans fats by cutting fat from our meats, use olive canola, and vegetable oils for cooking and trans fat free margarines or butter substitutes, and avoid butter, lard, bacon fat and creams. (Yes, I know they taste good. I enjoy my steak and butter but limiting our intake is wise.) Consume foods high in 3 Omega fatty acids such as salmon and any cold-water fast swimming fish i.e., tuna. Reduce salt intake.

References:1. Hinojosa, R Cardiovascular disease among United States military Veterans:

Evidence of a waning healthy Soldier effect using the National Health Interview Survey. Chronic Illness: 2020 Vol16(1) 55-68.

2. Mayo Clinic website – Heart-Healthy diet: 8 steps to prevent heart disease.3. Han J. et al. Cardiovascular Care in Women Veterans. Circulation: 2019

Vol 139:1102-1109. 4. Assari S. Veterans and Risk of Heart Disease in the United States: A cohort

with 20 years of follow up. Int. Journal of Preventive Medicine: 2014 Vol 5(6) 703-709.

5. Women Veterans and Heart Health <GoRedForWomen.org/en/about-heart-disease-in-women/Facts/Women-Veterans-and-heart-health>

Doc out! James M. Noel COL Ret USA

545TH MP NEWSContinued from pg. 21them. Looked weird with short barrels. My first exposure to an M-14 was in 1960 when one was shown to my ROTC class at UT.

The training companies were not prepared for this abrupt change in the age of draftees. We had been around so to speak, had worked on jobs, had been away from our parents, could vote, and were by our estimation ‘men.’ When the cadre started treating us like boys fresh out of high school, we sullied up on them and did the least we had to do to get by. The night we left basic; we were called into formation where we were told “This company has the highest education level of any company that has been through Ft. Gordon. This company has done the worst on the tests of any company that has been through Ft Gordon. If we did not want to get rid of you so bad, we would hold you over for a couple of weeks!” We just shrugged our shoulders, grabbed our bags, and got on a bus for a two-week leave before AIT.

I say all this because a major portion of the lower ranks of the 11th MP/545th MP Company was comprised of draftees. However, we were mature enough to do a decent job even though it was not of our choice.

On to the 11th MP company!On the 25 of July 1964, 66 graduates (all draftees) of Company A, 10th Training

Battalion, 4th Training Regiment (MP) boarded a charter bus with the destination of the 11th MP Company at Ft Benning. Rumor always had it that six graduates were asked for, but somehow 66 was typed on the request. Upon on our arrival there was a mad scramble to procure bunks, bedding, etc. for that many newcomers.

SGT ALVAREZ MYCHOL TX A 1-7CE-5 ANDERSON RICHARD P. CA A 2-12CE-4 ASTEN LAWRENCE D. GA 1-229AVNCW3 BADEN ROBERT E. MI 1435 ASSOCWO1 BALDREE CODY TX 1ACBSP-4 BARILE JAMES K. CT B 2-5CMSG BONEY DEON TX HHC 1CDSP-4 CABEEN DENNIS E. IN B 2-8CSFC (RET) CAMPOS ALFRED TX 1-82FSE-5 CLARK WILLIAM E. IA C 1-12CPFC CLICK RODNEY VA HHB 1-77FAE-5 CODY MICHAEL J. MO D 2-12CLTC DIALS ADAM Y. TX A 1-9CE-5 DOWNEY DAVID J. MI A 227AVNSP-4 DOYLE FRANCIS PA HHQ 1CDE-5 EATON PAUL CT B 5-7CE-5 ETSCHEID MICHAEL A. IL C 5-7CCPT EVANS RONNIE D. LA C 1-9CSP-4 FRY TODD MO HHC DISCOMSGT GADDIS DONALD R. GA A 1-12CSGT GUTIERREZ MICHAEL TX D 227AVN1LT HARBISON JAMES W. AZ A 2-5CSSG HOFFNER CARL W. VA A 2-5CSGT HOGAN DENNIS F. MI 11PATHMR. HUMPHREY ROBERT WV 1-92ARTYSGT KELLIHER ROBERT T. JR MA A 1-5CSP-4 KETRON LAWRENCE G. TN 545MPPFC KNUDSEN WILLIAM W. CA HQ 3-18ARTYE-5 MANIJO PATRICK H. HI C 1-5CSGT MILLER DONALD R. CA A 1-8CMS. MOORE ANDREA TX 1437 ASSOCCPT NANDOR DAVID NY 3BDEE-5 NASCIMENTO GORDON A. HI C 5-7CCPT NISHIOKA SAXON H. HI D 1-5CE-5 NORRIS RENNIE D. WA C 1-9CMSG NORWOOD T.J. GA C 1-9CMR. PERSSON ERIC SE 1436 ASSOCMAJ PITTS JAMES M.C. MS HHC 1 81ARME-4 RODRIGUEZ-MARTINEZ PEDDRO A. PR 1-8CSP-4 ROSS RUSSELL L. CA B 2-8CSGT ROWDEN RONALD W. MO D 2-12CCW2 SALAS GILBERTO GA 2-227AVNSGT SCHWARTZ MARK FL HHQ 1-77ARTYCW2 SMYTH FRED C. WA HHC 1BDESFC SNYDER DALE H. SR AE 1-21FASP-5 TRENT LARRY G. IL C 1-9CE-5 VARGAS FRANK H. CA 5-7CLTC (RET) VAXMONSKY ALBERT L. JR VA C 2-5CWO1 VINSON TIMOTHY A. TX HHB 1-68ADACW4 WISNER RICHARD C. MA E 82ARTY

W E L C O M E t o t h e 1 C D A T E A M !

N E W M E M B E R S

Anyone who served within the 1st Cavalry Division

YOU earned the right to be a part of the elite

1ST CAVALRY DIVISION ASSOCIATION!

Are your battle buddies members?

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2022 Page 23saberH O N O R R O L L

Thank you for the generous donations from our following Troopers:

Editor Note:Honor Roll privileges are given to members who make a D Trooper donation, donation to the Association, or scholarship donations to the IaDrang or the Foundation. Honor Roll privileges do not include calendar donations nor Saber renewals.

IaDrang & Foundation are both a tax exempt 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in accordance with the IRS under section 501(c)(3), Charitable Organizations, Code Section 170.

MG (RET) ALLEN, William $150SP-4 ALLEXENBERG, Michael R. $25IMO SP-4 Gary MeszarosGEN (RET) ALLYN, Daniel $1,000ANNONOMYOUS $200SP-4 ARENA, Salvatore A. CPL BEAMESDERFER, Richard $25SGT BENNER, David $100SGT BERNARD, Michael F. $200IMO Michael S. CarterSP-4 BLACK, Drew F. $70SGT BOLLING, Ray $25IMO COL Wesley L. Fox, USMC M.O.H.E-5 BRINCHEK, Michael E. $100IMO Parnott, Dempsey Woodrow KIA 05/04/68SSG BRUNER, Don W. $100IMO SFC John De Marches, 10/24/69MAJ CAGLE, Norman $10IMO the UnknownsE-7 CARLEY, Don $25SSG CORBUTT, Tom $200SP-5 CIMOLI, Michael $25IMO James Stockdale, Edwin LucksteadCW5 CROSLEY, Richard $100MR. DAVIES & MS. WALCOTT $10,000IHO Joseph GallowayCPL DeFAZIO, Richard $25SP-4 DEVON, David $100IMO Victor Williams KIA 29 Oct 1971PFC EYER, Robert J. $250IMO Mark E. Vnglish D 1/12th Cav SGT FICKLING, James $25LTC FRATES, Ralph C. Jr. $250COL (RET) FRENCH, Mark R. $25CPT FRICK, Robert III $100MR. & MRS. FROST, Barry $1,000

CPT GORDON, William H. $100SP-4 HACKETT, James F. $25IMO 7th Cav KIA’sLTC HALE, Henry $100CPT HALL, Henry $25CPT HALL, Sanci $50MG (RET) HAMMOND, Jeffery W. $25SGT HARSHBERGER, Leroy E. $15SP-4 HASKINS, Samuel R. $25SFC (RET) HAYS, Wilbur P. $25SGT HENDRICKSON, David $150SGT HENRY, A. C. $300IHO SP5 Oscar “Doc” Gutierrez 3/11/68, C 1/7 Cav, SSG William SGT Pete Peterson 11/15/67, C Co 1/7 Air Cav, 1 Cav Troopers, past & presentSSG JACKSON, Benjamin $55E-6 JACKSON, George $50IMO B Co 8th Eng Bn VietnamSP-4 KOSIBA, Gary $25IMO Thad CookeCPL LEARY, Michael $100IMO Lee Fix H CoLTC LEVENSON, Elliott I. $25IMO SGT Kash Memon OIF 08/10E-5 LOCKHART, Kenneth $15CPL LOPENSKI, Allen H. $100SPC MARKELL, Joseph $50LTC (RET) MAC MILLAN, Dougland $50IMO COL (RET) William D. MacMillanMR. & MRS. MARTIN, Anthony $400IMO PFC Roger M. MartinE-5 McCORMICK, Timothy J. $25SGT McGOWAN, James F. $100MR. McSHERRY, Robert $25MRS. METHVEN, Robert D. $50IMO Robert D. Methven

SGT MORAN, Thomas $25SSG (RET) MORRISON, Howard $10LTC (RET) MURPHY, Richard L. $100SGM (RET) NAUJELIS, Ronald J. $10IMO Steven PopperMR. NOEL, James M. $20SGT O’CONNOR, Todd $25SGT PHILLIPS, James $20IMO Jack P. Dove-Shot Down in 1967LTC POWELL, Raymond F. $100SGT RABKIN, Ted $100CPT RAMPMEIMER, William $100IMO Joe Galloway, COL Hal Moore, & COL William R. Lynch, 545th MP CoDR. RICHARDSON, Francis H. $500SP-4 ROSS, Sidney E. $80IMO James Williams-Medic 1st Cav 1968 RIP, SPC Spurlock and Musman KIA Camp Evans 02/68 COL (RET) SCOTT, William A. $25SGT SCHUSTER, William J. $25IMO James L. “Chip” ClarkLTC SMITH, Wilbur $90LTC (RET) SPANN, Patrick J. $100IMO 1LT Thomas P. King C 2/8th CavGEN TILELLI, John H. Jr. $100SGT TONEY, Daniel $100IMO Garry OwenCSM (RET) TRATT, Samuel G. $500CPT VATH, Frederick J. $200SGM WALK, Willie Jr. $25IMO All KIAMR. WHITTINGSTALL, Cliff $2,500LTC (RET) WILEY, David $500DR. WILLIAMS, E. G. IMO GEN Hal Moore and Soldiers at Ia DrangCPT (RET) WILLIAMS, Gene $25

IF YOU'RE IN CENTRAL TEXASHAVE YOU STOPPED BY THE NEW GIFT

SHOP YET?

CROSSED SABERS GIFT SHOP

Located at 1CDA HQ 302 N. Main St Copperas Cove, TX 76544

Phone: 254-532-2075

HOURS: Monday - friday 0900-1600

Challenge Coins, Clothing, Flags, Jewelry,

License Plates, Medals, Military Brass, Patches, Pins,Stetson & Accessories, Ties, Unit Stickers

& Much More!

IF YOU'RE NOT IN THE AREA shop online at: shop.1CDA.org &

call to place your order today!

Get All your CavTastic Souvenirs here!

1stcavgiftshop@gmail.com

ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS: only 1 April - 1 Aug 2022

NOT accepting early packetsThis Scholarship encompasses

FALL 2022, SPRING & SUMMER 2023 sessions

you or your spouse may qualify for a 1st Cavalry Division Association

Are you Active Duty &

serving in 1st Cav?

SCHOLARSHIPREQUIREMENTS: • Become a member of 1st Cav Div Assn @

1CDA.org to become a LIFE MEMBER• Must be currently assigned to the Division

for the length of scholarship CANNOT be on orders or ETS• Letter of recommendation from Command

Team for Active Duty / employer for spouses

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2022Page 24 saber

Birthday Wishes to our Troopers turning 90+ years young!

SGT RICHARD M. JOHNSON turned 92 on 1/19/2022

COL (RET) MERLE PETERSON turned 91 on 1/20/2022

CPL GENE S. MONROE SR. turned 90 on 1/21/2022

CPL FRANK B. MAZUR turned 93 on 1/28/2022

MG (RET) MAURICE EDMONDS turned 91 on 1/28/2022

CPL RICHARD BEAMESDERFER turned 90 on 1/30/2022

1LT JOHN H. CARTWRIGHT turned 90 on 2/01/2022

SSG DERYL V. HERREN turned 91 on 2/06/2022

COL (RET) ROBERT H. KIES turned 96 on 2/07/2022

CPL WILLIAM D. SMITH SR. turned 91 on 2/10/2022

SGT ANDREW J. MICHEL turned 90 on 2/18/2022

CW4 (RET) ALBERT MEDEIROS turned 92 on 2/25/2022

CPL MERRILL C. SIMONS turned 92 on 2/27/2022

SSG RAYMOND DI CAPRIO JR. turned 94 on 2/29/2022

We have revamped the Lifetime Mem-bership cards! If you would like to order one, please fill out the order form below. Due to spacing issues, we are going to type in your name as it appears in our database. There is no space for your rank.

The new cards are NOT available for Associate Members, the new cards are only available for our Life Time Members. On the back of the card it says:

1st Cavalry Division Association is a non-political, non-profit 501(c)19 fraternity for Soldiers and Veterans currently serving or have served in 1st Cavalry Division.

The Association is a group of Soldiers and former Soldiers from Private to 4-star Generals who share a bond of service with the FIRST TEAM who are dedicated to supporting the Division and each other.

Replacement Membership CardsThis card is presented to

PROUD LIFETIME MEMBER OF1ST CAVALRY DIVISION ASSOCIATION

Executive Director

302 N. Main St. Copperas Cove, TX 76522254-547-6537 / 7019

1CDA Membership Cards Total Due: $5.00 each

Cash: _______ Check: _______

Name: Signature:

Phone #:

Address: Mail to: 1st Cavalry Division Association 302 N. Main St. Copperas Cove, TX 76522

PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY

VIETNAM (Short Sleeve): M & LTRIBUTE (Long Sleeve): S, M, L, XL, 2XLTRIBUTE (Short Sleeve): M1ST CAV (Short Sleeve): S & M7 CAV Long Sleeve: S, M, XL7 CAV Short Sleeve: S, M, L, XL, 2XL

ONLY $10 each

Cleaning out the closet & we have a few shirts & sizes still available!Sizes & Quantities are LIMITED

Call to Order ONLY First Come, First Serve

254-547-6537

VIETNAM BACK TRIBUTE BACK 1st CAV BACK 7th CAV BACK

LTC (RET) RICHARD SPEEDMAN turned 92 on 1/01/2022

CPL JULIUS J. MIANECKI turned 91 on 1/02/2022

CW2 (RET) THEODORE COGUT turned 94 on 1/03/2022

MSG ERNEST F. RHODES turned 93 on 1/04/2022

PFC JOHN L. TUTTLE turned 90 on 1/04/2022

LTC (RET) HAROLD BOURNE turned 91 on 1/07/2022

SGT CULLEN D. FROST turned 90 on 1/07/2022

PFC HARRY R. VAN GIESEN turned 90 on 1/09/2022

CPL JOSEPH T. LANGEVIN turned 91 on 1/12/2022

CPL ANTHONY T. ANNICELLI turned 90 on 1/14/2022