May Jun '10 Saber.indd - First Cavalry Division Association

1st Cavalry Division Association
302 N. Main
Copperas Cove, Texas 76522-1703
Change Service Requested
Non-Profit Organization
US. Postage PAID
West, TX
76691
Permit No. 39
VOLUME 59 NUMBER 3
The President’s Corner
CWO LOU “Rocket” ROCHET.
Last night I called Lou’s home to check
in with him and have a little chat. Ann
answered the phone. When I asked about
Lou she choked up a bit and said, “He will
be released from the hospital tomorrow (6
May) to come home for Hospice care. Lou
has pneumonia, a bladder infection and
several other serious medical problems.
Lou strongly wanted, and his family and doctors believed it best that his hospice
care be administered at home. Ann was trying to be as positive as possible, but
under the circumstances that was difficult for both of us. Lou has fought as hard
as anyone could possibly do in an extremely difficult situation. I ask all of you to
pray for Lou, Ann and his family. Lou and Ann decided that Lou will be buried in
Arlington National Cemetery among our national heroes. He earned it. A memorial
service will be held in San Antonio: date and time to be decided.
Illegal Immigrants. We have all seen hundreds of video/movie clips on television
of large groups of illegal immigrants streaming across the Mexican/US border into
the USA. It is a daily occurrence and outrages me that very little and certainly
nothing effective is done to stop it. Immigration control is the responsibility of
the Federal Government. The problem has existed for years through several administrations,
but for political reasons Congress and the Administrations in power
chose to do nothing. For border state Arizona the problem has become critical.
The state is up to its hips in illegal’s, so, the Arizona legislature acted, passing
a state law which is similar to the US Federal law, but includes a provision that
permits local police/authorities to require proof of citizenship or legal status under
a number of circumstances such as traffic stops, suspicious activity, etc. Moreover,
Arizona authorities intend to enforce the law. That excites Rev Al Sharpton and
a wide range of civil libertarians to numerous to mention. They believe it gives
authorities license to use wide spread racial profiling in their efforts to “Lock “em”
up and deport them.” Considering the scope of the problem and pressure on law
authorities some profiling will likely occur. Meanwhile protests are breaking out
all over. So what’s the answer Obviously this is not a simple problem. But I hope
Arizona’s strength has provided a catalyst that will force the federal government
to take action. Some actions I believe most can agree on are:
Secure the Border. Those crossing illegally have a wide variety of reasons: job
seekers, pregnant women who want to have their babies in the USA so they will
be US citizens, others attempting to join family members all ready in the US, some
to get health care for themselves or family members and on and on. But mixed
into the growing horde there are some criminals, drug smugglers/dealers, people
smugglers, traffickers in enslaved women, possibly terrorist and a wide variety
of others who will never be good citizens. We need the President and Congress
to take strong action to stop it now. I know the US Border patrol does not have
sufficient people to do the job. If they did the problem would already be on the
way to resolution. To provide enough strength backing up the Border patrol may
require deploying the National Guard. If so do it now. But, send them armed and
ready to do business. Do not risk our soldier’s lives by sending them unarmed.
I don’t want them observing or counting border crossers, I want them to stop the
flood. And I certainly don’t want them unable to protect themselves if attacked:
which I believe is inevitable.
Deport illegal’s who commit Felonies. After conviction and serving their sentence,
deport them immediately. Illegal’s are already here in violation of our laws.
The government has no responsibility to rehabilitate them. Easy decision.
Continued on pg. 10.
James W. Booth, PO Box 235, Tennille, GA 31089-0235, (478) 552-8464,
.
INDEX
PAGE
5TH CAV 5
7TH CAV 7
8TH CAV 8
9TH CAV 9
12TH CAV 6
15TH MED 17
20TH ARA 18
27TH MNT 11
30TH FA 10
61ST FA 4
77TH FA 22
82ND FA 19
99TH FA 14
545TH MP 21
INDEX
PAGE
BRICK & PAVER 24
CALENDAR 2
CHAPTER INDEX 15
CHAPTER NEWS 3
CHANGE ADDRESS 2
DIVARTY 23
ENGINEERS 20
FOUNDATION 12
HICCUP 3
HONOR ROLL 24
IA DRANG FUND 17
IT’S THE LAW 21
LIFE MEMBERSHIP 3
LTRS TO EDITOR 2
Website: http://www.1cda.org
Horse Detachment by CPT Jay Bunte
INDEX
PAGE
MEDAL OF HONOR 12
MUSEUM NOTES 9
NEW MEMBERS 4
OTHER REUNIONS 18
SILVER WINGS 16
SKYTROOPER 18
SOUVENIR SHOP 24
SUB RENEWAL 3
TAPS 19
TAPS - ACTIVE DUTY 19
TOYA MARU 12
VETERAN’S DAY 24
WANTED 19
SGT BENO and SSG VILLARREAL
prepare their weapons for engagement
in McGregor
MAY/JUNE, 2010
Greetings from the Horse Cavalry
Detachment. As the weather warms,
The Horse Cavalry Detachment’s
schedule of performances continues
to grow. We have quite a few local
shows in the next few months so
be on the lookout for us. Here are
some highlights from the past two
months.
In March, the HCD again was invited
to the Houston Stock Show and
Rodeo. For those who do not know,
this rodeo is one of the biggest, if not
the biggest, in the USA. We had an
amazing time performing for the rodeo
and literally meeting thousands of families. We finished up the month in League
City, Texas for their Sentinels of Freedom Celebration. They showed HCD Troopers
world-class treatment. Thanks again!
In April, HCD pretty much lived on Cooper Field. We supported six Divisionlevel
ceremonies. Somehow we made it through every ceremony without being
rained on. Quite a feat for Texas in April!
I want to take a moment to welcome CPT David JACKSON to the HCD family.
He is the incoming commander of HCD on 27 May and will do a remarkable job
for the First Team.
Since I am leaving command just before Memorial Day, this will be my last
Saber submission. Thank you to everyone I have met over the past two years and
your words of wisdom. I will never forget them.
As always, the door at the stables are open to the public. You can also check us
out at .
See you around the barn. First Team!
DIVISION DOINGS – by MAJ Chad Carroll, 1st Cavalry Division
Public Affairs
Overview - As part of the division reset following this last Iraq tour, the division,
three brigades and the Division Special Troops Battalion all conducted change of
command ceremonies in April. MG Daniel BOLGER relinquished command of
America’s First Team to MG Daniel ALLYN on 8 April at Cooper Field. 2nd
Brigade Combat Team Soldiers welcomed COL John PEELER, and fare welled
COL Ryan GONSALVES during a change of command ceremony on April 9 at
Cooper Field. DSTB (now renamed DHHB for Division HQ and HQ Bn) changed
command from LTC Matthew KARRIS to LTC Jeremy SIEGRIST on April 13.
COL Gary VOLESKY relinquished command of 3rd Brigade to COL Douglass
CRISSMAN on April 16. COL Tobin GREEN relinquished command of the 1st
Brigade Combat Team to COL Scott EFFLANDT during a ceremony on Cooper
Field April 23. In addition to brigade changes of command in 1st, 2nd and 3rd Brigades,
the majority of the battalions in those units changed commanders as well
Despite severe air travel disruptions due to the Iceland volcano activity, the Air
Cav Brigade returned in April except for a few Troopers in the trail party. The
Brigade uncased its colors on Cooper Field on April 19 – signifying the official
return of the unit to Fort Hood. By mid-May, all of the First Team will be back
in the States. Welcome home, 1st Air Cav Brigade!
The 4th Brigade Combat Team continues to prepare for its deployment to northern
Iraq in late summer or early fall. The Brigade trained at the squad, platoon
and company levels during exercises at Fort Hood and sent key personnel to Fort
Polk, Louisiana to plan the brigade’s rotation there in June. Good luck to the
Long Knife Brigade!
As new commanders and Troopers flow into the First Team, the brigades will
draw the appropriate equipment and vehicles in the coming weeks and begin training
again for the next mission.
Allyn Takes Command of ‘America’s First Team’
FORT HOOD, Texas – Major General Daniel AL-
LYN assumed authority of the 1st Cavalry Division
from outgoing division commander MG (Promotable)
Daniel BOLGER during the 1st Cavalry Division’s
Change of Command Ceremony April 8, here, at Fort
Hood’s Cooper Field.
Allyn, of Berwick, Maryland, graduated from the
United States Military Academy and comes to the 1st
Cavalry Division from the XVIII Airborne Corps,
where he served as the deputy commanding general.
MG Allyn has also served numerous deployments
Continued on pg. 2.

MAY/JUNE, 2010
ADDRESS
CHANGE
SABER
The newspaper of the 1st Cavalry Division Association
published during each even numbered month at
302 N. Main St., Copperas Cove, TX 76522-1703.
Phone: (254) 547-6537
Deadline for publication is the 1st of each odd numbered month.
e-mail: firstcav@1cda.org
Home Page: http://www.1cda.org
EDITOR: Lorinda Davison
ASSISTANT EDITOR: Martha E. Fisher
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: Dennis E. Webster
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Clip and Mail to 1st Cavalry Division Association
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I served with the 1st Cav. Div. in (Circle one or more) Pre-WWII WWII
JAPAN KOREAN WAR KOREA ‘57-’65 FT BENNING
VIETNAM FT HOOD GULF BOSNIA AFGANISTAN IRAQ
I DO/DO NOT authorize release of my personal info to Assn. members.
I served with another military unit during a war time period YES NO
Calendar
2010
63rd Annual Reunion, Bloomington, Minnesota
Veteran’s Day Dinner in Washington, DC
2011
Feb. 25-26 Board of Governors and Trustees Meeting, Fort Hood, Texas
June 8-12 64th Annual Reunion, Killeen, Texas
Division Doings
Continued from pg. 1.
overseas with the 75th Ranger Regiment, and as the 3rd Brigade Combat Team,
3rd Infantry Division (Mechanized) commander during a deployment in support
of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
“It is my humble honor today to join the ‘First Team’ and to serve with the
Soldiers of this legendary 1st Cavalry Division,” Allyn remarked during the
ceremony. “To paraphrase [General Creighton ABRAMS;] serving in the [1st
Cavalry Division] makes the world’s finest Soldiers and leaders even better. We
will uphold that tradition,” he added.
Allyn takes command of the First Team as the division prepares to welcome
home its 1st Air Cavalry Brigade from Iraq later this month. The homecoming
will be short lived however as the division’s 4th Brigade Combat Team prepares
for another deployment later this year.
“For those units that have found themselves redeployed back to Fort Hood
it is very important that we reestablish some balance in our lives, take time for
ourselves and our families. But we must also look forward to the missions that
our Army has for us and be prepared to answer those calls, and accomplish those
missions our country will ask of us,” said Allyn.
The ceremony was not only a chance to welcome the newest division commander
to the helm but, also an opportunity to acknowledge the end of MG (P)
Daniel Bolger’s tenure as commander of “America’s First Team”.
Bolger, who led the troopers of the 1st Cav Division since 2008 and throughout
their most recent deployment to Baghdad, Iraq in January 2009, leaves the division
for the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. where he will receive his third star
and serve as the Army’s deputy chief of staff for operations.
“The president can make a general in five minutes, but only the men and women
on this field, the commissioned officers, warrant officers, non-commissioned
officers, the specialists and the privates; only you can make a cavalry trooper.
The greatest honor in my life has been to ride with you, to march with you and
to stand in honor beside you. You all are and always will be America’s First
Team. Thank you,” said Bolger.
MG Allyn is accompanied to his newest command by his wife Debbie, and
children Danielle and Joshua. The commander’s awards and decorations include
the Silver Star, Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion Of Merit, Bronze Star,
Armed Forces Expeditionary medal (with Arrowhead), Presidential Unit Citation,
Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Combat Infantryman Badge (with Star),
Master Parachutist Badge (with Bronze Star), ranger Tab, and Joint Chiefs of
Staff Identification badge.
1st ACB Uncases Colors Following Flight Delays
FORT HOOD, Texas – As volcanic ash from Iceland left air travelers all over
the world stranded, the 1st Air Cavalry Brigade successfully navigated the crisis
to return home from Iraq and uncase the unit colors at Cooper Field, April 19.
The brigade had been thwarted by the volcano, causing numerous flight delays,
as the 1st ACB sought to return all its Soldiers home, following a year-long
Continued on pg. 3.
Page 2
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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
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Dear Editor,
Thank you very much for the opportunity to receive such a sizeable
and advantageous scholarship. Hearing of all the things my
grandfather has accomplished during his time in the military makes
me very proud and I am incredibly honored to receive a grant in
the name of his achievements. The scholarship eased my financial
situation as a college student-reducing my tuition and making it
easier to acquire textbooks and the other materials for my major at the University
of Oregon. Thank you again for the scholarship from the Foundation of the 1st
Cavalry Division Association-Ia Drang. It has made a considerable difference
in my college career.
Kevin Harrison DeAngelo
Dear Editor,
The scholarship from the Foundation of the 1st Cavalry Division
Association (Ia Drang) is much appreciated. It makes me proud that
my grandfather served our country during a time of an unpopular
war. I am proud to be related to a man that had the pride, courage
and vigor to overcome anything that stood in his way.
This grant will help give me the privilege of continuing my education in college
to better my life and become the person I want to be and have the career
of my choosing. I hope to receive continued support from the Foundation that
will make my dreams a reality. Thanks again for this grant and support in my
academics.
Sincerely, Tanner Taylor
Dear Editor,
Enclosed is one of three photographs of the 1st
Cavalry Division that I submitted. The photo is of
me standing next to Lippan Buck, COL MILLER’s
horse. I was a dog robber or what they called the
Colonel’s Orderly.
I would exercise the horse three hours each day for
five days then groom it till dry, take it in the barn give
it some fresh bedding and hay and oats. The Colonel
gave me $5.00 dollars a month for doing this. In the
afternoon, I would go to his quarters and do whatever
chores his wife wanted me to do.
One is a photo of Mounted Color Guard in the Division
parade at the Emperors Parade Field in Tokyo,
Japan. Carrying the colors are SGT Martin, SGT Scott, SGT MacDonald, SGT
Roetger and SGT Pore. This was the last Mounted Parade with the 1st Cavalry
leading the 1st Cavalry Division in front and the 7th Infantry Division in rear.
The second photo is a Division review at Fort Bliss, Texas with the 7th Cavalry
Regiment in the front followed by the 5th Cavalry Regiment, the 8th Cavalry
Regiment and last the 12th Cavalry Regiment. (Editor’s Note: The photos not
shown may be included in future papers.)
I am an 87 year old 5th Cavalry Trooper.
Yours truly, Allan MacDonald, 3241 Villa Dr., Marina, CA 93933
Dear Editor,
In reading the January/February Saber I learned that LT James M. Stone was
still listed as MIA. After 42 years, I had always assumed his body was recovered.
I was a sergeant, 1st Platoon, Charlie Company, 2-12th Cavalry, and I was
wounded the same day Lt. Stone was killed in Que Son Valley on January 6,
1968. When I read the article, I contacted our medic, Doc Owings, who was
also unaware that Lt. Stone was still listed as MIA. Doc and I have remained in
contact all these years and he put me in touch with Trooper Herb Marshall. When
I contacted Herb after nearly 42 years, we didn’t miss a beat. SGT Marshall was
LT Stone’s Communications NCO, 5-0 and was beside LT Stone when he was
killed and gave me details surrounding LT Stone’s death. I cannot tell you how
disturbing it was to learn that Lt. Stone’s body was never recovered. Even though
I only served under LT Stone a short time, I had an unwavering respect for him
as an officer and soldier, and knowing he has not been laid to rest as a decorated
soldier is quite disheartening to say the least. I would like to commend Troopers
Al Freeland, Doug Warden, and David Dentinger for making sure that LT Stone’s
memorial stone was updated to indicate he had received the DSC.
Steve Martin, 1306 Thurell Rd., Columbus, OH 43229

Page 3
LIFE APPLICATION/SUBSCRIPTION RENEWAL BUSINESS STYLE CARDS
are available at 200 for $15.00. No hassle with having to carry legal size sheets of
paper (Life Membership Applications) or sub forms. Orders will be sent to printers
for printing when 3-4 are accumulated. Please be patient with us. Sample below.
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1st CAVALRY DIVISION ASSOCIATION
302 N. Main
Copperas Cove, TX 76522-1703
(254) 547-6537
NAME
POSITION IN CHAPTER
UNIT
DATES OF ASSIGNMENT
STREET ADDRESS
PHONE:
CITY, ST, ZIP (000) 000-0000
E-MAIL:
Enroll me as a Life Member.....................................................................$10.00
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$10 covers your subscription to SABER for one year.
$25 makes you a D-Troop member plus a one year subscription.
$50 makes you a D-Troop member plus a one year subscription and you receive
a suitable poster. Live the Legend Print
$100 makes you a D-Troop member plus a one year subscription and you receive
a Spirit of the Cav print.
$500 makes you a Silver Brigade member plus a 10 year subscription.
$1,000 makes you a Gold Brigade member plus a 20 year subscription.
All D-Troopers receive certificates suitable for framing.
Brigade members receive handsome 1st Cavalry wall plaques.
All donors ($25 or more) receive mention in the Honor Roll column and may
dedicate gifts. D-Troop milestones can be achieved cumulatively. We will keep
track of your contributions..
Associate Membership - for those with no service with the 1st Cav. Div.
$15 one year Associate membership plus a one year subscription.
$150 Life Associate plus a five year subscription and you receive a framed
certificate.
LAST 4 NUMBERS OF SSN ____________ DOB ________________________
Rank __________________
Name_____________________________________________________________
Address___________________________________________________________
City _____________________________________________ State __________
Zip _____________________ Phone (________) ______________________
Dates Assigned _(1)_________________________ (2)____________________
I served with 1st Team in Unit (1)___________________________________and
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E-mail ____________________________________________________________
I DO / DO NOT Authorize release of my personal information to Association
members.
I served with the 1st Cavalry Division in (Circle one or more)
Pre-WWII WWII Japan Korean War Korea ‘57-’65 Ft Benning Vietnam War
Ft Hood Gulf War Bosnia Afghanistan Iraq Ft Bliss
Have you served with any other military unit during a war time period YES NO
(CIRCLE)
Division Doings
Continued from pg. 2.
deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
In front of MG Daniel ALLYN, Commanding
General, 1st Cavalry Division,
and hundreds of cheering spectators, COL Douglas
GABRAM, from Cleveland, commander, 1st
ACB, 1st Cav. Division, unraveled the brigade’s
colors, and said it was a relief to return.
“It’s great to be back … it was a long trip because
of the volcano issues and we got caught up in that,
so we had a 24 to 48 hour delay,” GABRAM said.
“Everybody knew they were heading (home) so
they took it well and we’re here.”
Any frustration from the delay disappeared once
the plane landed and the Soldiers on the flight
headed to Cooper Field, GABRAM said.
“For most of our Soldiers this is their second,
third or even fourth deployment, so the expectations
were realistic and everyone was fired up
Uncasing of the 1st Air
Cavalry Brigade Colors.
when the plane landed,” Gabram said. “There
was a lot of clapping and happy faces.”
Gabram said the happy faces were well earned,
after a successful deployment which the 1st ACB performed above expectations.
“The deployment went great … the team flew over 68,000 hours and we bought
all our aircraft and air crew members home safely,” he continued. “We were
fortunate to work with two division headquarters, 12 (brigade combat teams) on
the ground and also form a special relationship with the Iraqi Air Force, which
was a first.”
“It was a great step forward on the partnership level,” Gabram said.
The flight delay didn’t dampen the spirits of Christine HOLDER, who said
Continued on pg. 7.
MAY/JUNE, 2010
CHAPTER NEWS
COLUMBIA WILLAMETTE CHAPTER
From Fort Hood to Mount Hood - The Chapter had a wonderful turn out and
good time at our February social luncheon with wives and family members at
the Newport Seafood Grill in Tigard, Oregon. Members came from as far away
as Eugene, Oregon to attend.
During our March meeting the members voted to participate in the Vancouver,
Washington Memorial Day Parade this year with our Chapter Color Guard.
Details will be on the Chapter website located at very soon.
Our April bowling event was another successful outing for the chapter;
however, none of us were bowling like we once did. Too much complaining
about sore knees, bad backs, etc. Lot’s of gutter balls. Looking forward to
seeing you all in Bloomington. Klaus LACHMANN, President
CROSSED SABERS CHAPTER
The Chapter hosted a Stable Call” for the Troopers of the 1st Cavalry Division
at the 1st Cavalry Division Museum just prior to Memorial Day. We provided
hamburgers, hot dogs, chips and sodas to the event and the MG Daniel ALLYN
and CSM Rory MALLOY, the CG and CSM of the First Team, spoke to the
crowd of around 2,000 Troopers that were in attendance. The 1st Cavalry
Division Band’s Rock Group provided music.
Over 325 of those in attendance joined the Association during the Stable Call
and the business in the Crossed Sabers Souvenir Shop was great.
We received great support from the 1st “Ironhorse” Brigade Combat Team
and presented a “Live the Legend” poster to them for their assistance.
A record by Bill ELLIS, Impressions of a Skytrooper, was presented to the CG
and Steve DRAPER, who is the Museum Director, for the museum collection.
The Chapter plans on conducting similar events on a quarterly basis. Jerry
ELLER, President
NEW YORK-NEW JERSEY CHAPTER
The Chapter held its spring meeting on Saturday, 1 May at the Elks Lodge in
Ridgefield Park. Our first guest speaker, Tom HAR-
RINGTON, told of his time with the U.S. Marine
Corps during Operation Desert Storm, with the 1st
and 2nd Marine Division. He also discussed his time
with the Army, in Iraq from January, 2004 to March,
2005 while attached to the 1st Infantry Division,
Hauling food, fuel and ammo.
Tom, who is half Vietnamese, left Saigon at the age
of 5, two days before the fall of Saigon to live with
his father and family in the States. About 6 months
ago, he received a phone call from his mother who
had come to the United States to find him. In a short
Tom HARRINGTON
time he had a reunion with his mother and, she got to
meet a grand-daughter that she never knew she had.
This summer Tom will return to Vietnam for the first time in 35 years to see his
family. Tom has promised to keep us updated at our next meeting.
I want to thank all who made this meeting a success. Special recognition to the
Troopers from New York. Also a special thanks to the Vets from Bogota High
School and a particular thanks to Lee” Skipper” BIGBEE for stepping in and
taking photos of this event. Bob ARBASETTI, President
THE HICCUP - Health Care Information Committee Report
Scott B. Smith
1575 W Warm Springs Rd., Unit 1822
Henderson, NV 89014
Scott.Smith@unlv.edu
“I’d like to remind
you of the topic of last
edition’s column: Post
Traumatic Stress Disorder
(PTSD) in women veterans and women soldiers.
“Interestingly enough, on 27 March, the Nevada Office of Veterans Services
sponsored a “Women Veterans Summit.” They were fortunate enough to have
the Honorable L. Tammy DUCKWORTH serve as the opening speaker. Ms.
Duckworth is the Assistant Secretary for Public and Intergovernmental Affairs
for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. She was formerly the director of
the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs and may be best known for being the
helicopter pilot who was shot down in Iraq in 2004, losing both legs and partial
use of her right arm.
“During an extremely engaging, moving and relevant talk, Assistant Secretary
Duckworth touched briefly on the medical challenges experienced by women service
members and women veterans. On the subject of PTSD, she told an audience
of 250 listeners that many veterans---particularly women---who are impacted by
PTSD and/or TBI either don’t realize it or won’t admit they’re in trouble. They
need help...perhaps from a colleague, a supervisor at work or a family member
who notices that a veteran just isn’t functioning or acting normally. Although
soldiers and veterans with mental problems are urged to come forward, they
frequently don’t. Some do not because they do not realize that they need help;
others are too proud, too stubborn to do so.
“So task number one---for all of us---is to create a climate wherein those affected
will feel welcome and supported and will know that society at large and
the communities in which they live will not regard them as pariahs.
“Task number two is for the Administration, the Congress and the VA itself to
resource its facilities with professional counselors and mental care health providers
sufficient to meet the ever-increasing influx of veterans needing help with
PTSD and TBI. And, in the case of women veterans, since many face the challenge
of not having their injuries recognized as resulting from military service,
the VA needs to do a much better job of making their facilities and programs
more women-friendly.
“Secretary Duckworth takes the view---like her boss, General Eric SHINSEKI-
--and unlike some of General Shinseki’s predecessors---that the VA has not had a
robust budget and that the United States had better listen well, stay agile and hustle
if it’s to live up to its obligation to those who have defended its freedom.
“She also mentioned that she relishes speaking engagements that get her out
to veterans groups and VA facilities. Perhaps some of our chapters would like
to take advantage of Secretary Duckworth’s willingness to travel”

MAY/JUNE, 2010
61st FA News
Gordon Cress
6562 Windflower Dr.
Carlsbad, CA
92011-2508
(760) 918-0470
gordon@dlsea.net
Hi all, this issue
of the Saber
should be reaching
you in mid-
June; just after
all the kids are
out of school and
everyone is thinking of summer vacations.
Hope you’ve all made your reservations for the Chitose-Younguns reunion in
New Hampton, Iowa in July. Joyce and Richard WALTER have gone to a lot of
work to make it a great event. Just in case there are a few of you who might want
to make some last minute plans to join the group, please call Joyce or Richard
at 2720 Kenwood Ave., New Hampton, IA 50659, (641) 394-2332 at home or
(641) 394-4993 at work) or via e-mail at .
Received the flyer from Dick GALLMEYER on the 16th reunion of the Korean
War Veterans to be held in Laughlin, Nevada on October 4-7. It’s being
held at the Tropicana Express Hotel Casino and you can make your reservations
direct at (800) 243-6846. The rooms are only $20 and that’s hard to beat. For
details contact Dick via e-mail at < msg1gal@aol.com>, by telephone at (800)
523-4715 or (757) 366-0393 or by mail at 1125 Evert Dr., Virginia Beach, VA
23464-5007.
This from Peter O’BRIEN… “Hi Gordon, Hope all is well with you and your
excellent 61st FA Bn column. First of all, we thank Jim MILLER, 99th FA Bn
Saber correspondent, for the recently discovered photo of the ill-fated Toya Maru
ferry that sunk in a typhoon on September 26, 1954, taking 35 1st Cav men with
her (Note – the photo is most likely in the 99th FA Bn column). Two members
of the 61st had been scheduled to go on the ferry as advance party for the move
from Camp Chitose, Hokkaido, to Younghans but they were cancelled at the
last minute. Once the move south was ordered, we boarded LSTs with trucks
and 105’s at Sapporo, Hokkaido and sailed, with one day’s rations, for Sendai
where we were to disembark and drive down to Younghans. When the typhoon
that sank Toya Maru hit the area that day we immediately put in to a tiny, very
beautiful cove to ride it out. My memory of it is like a Japanese calendar with
little islets and those gnarled and stunted trees. We spent two and a half days
there running out of food and other essentials, but fortunately suffering only a
little sea-sickness and plumbing difficulties. You can guess the shock when we
heard about the Toya Maru sinking and taking over 1100 people down, including
our 35 1st Cav guys. My recollection is that the train in the lower hold tipped
over, dooming the ship, which couldn’t right itself. Finally, we are pleased to
report that our 1955 DivArty Red Raider football team will reunite again this
September 21 and 22, at the Marriott Courtyard in Ocean City, Maryland. This
one-year-old hotel is right on the boardwalk overlooking ten miles of sandy
beaches. Seventeen golf courses, deep sea and surf fishing, museums, fine dining
and outlet shopping are all nearby and accessible by all-day bus service. We
are looking forward to a great reunion. Best Regards, Peter O’BRIEN, 61st FA
Bn, HQ Btry 1954-55.”
My wife, Lorna and I took some time off from this hectic retirement life in
Carlsbad to relax and enjoy ourselves in Hawaii in late April. We flew into Honolulu,
spent about ten days in the Waikiki area and four days on Maui. Oahu
is a terrific place to visit and there are lots of things to do and see. Among the
sights we took in were the huge waves along the north shore and those brave
(some might say foolish) surfers who test themselves against them. Always enjoy
Hawaii and the leisure laid-back lifestyle there. It’s a beautiful place and I hope
all of you get a chance one of these days to enjoy our 50th state.
This from Tom ARTHUR… “Hi Gordon! It’s good to hear from you. Yes, I
have news. My book is at the publishers -- Mill City Press and will be published
under their “Two Harbors” name. The book is Destiny! In the Land of the Morning
Calm, A Korean War Novel. A battery is overrun and my hero calls in fire on
NEW MEMBERS LISTING
SGT ACEVEDO, VINCENT TX A DSTB 08
SSG ACOFF, HOWARD TX G 5-82FA 0806
SPC ADAMS, BRANDON W. TX C 2STB 1003
PVT ADAMS, DAVID OH C 2STB 1003
SP-4 ADAMS, DAVID C. MN 53AVN 6608
SSG AGUILERA, MATTHEW TX B 15BSB 0810
2LT AGUIRRE, JOHN MICHAEL TX HHB 2-82FA 1003
SPC AKOFIO-SOWAH, ANYETEI NII TX E 2-7C 0802
SPC ALEXIS, FABIO TX HHB 5-82FA 0803
SFC ALLEN, JUSTIN TX C 4BSTB 0811
MG ALLYN, DANIEL B. TX HHC 1CDH 1008
1SG AMUNDSON, WILLIAM L. TX D 1-8C 0510
E-4 ANDERSON, JOHN A. NJ CSC 1-5C 7506
MR. ANDREW,S DAVID IA 1-5C 6906
SFC ANDRIKE, ARTHUR TX HHC 4BSTB 1001
SGT ANTHONY, JR., LANICE LA 1-82FA 0806
MR. ANTON, BRUIE H. CA 1268 1-ASSOC
SPC ARCE, ROLANDO PR B 6-9C 0606
PFC ASENCIO, JONATHAN NY B 130ENG 0610
SSG ASHE, CHAD TX A 5-82FA 0909
SGT AUUON, TONYO TX C 2STB 1003
SPC BAKER, JEREMY TX C 2STB 0904
SGT BARANUK, MICHAEL FL 15AG 73
SFC BARBER, SR., CHEYENNE TX E 1-8C 0510
E-3 BARDON, GERALD ESTODILLO TX A 5-82FA 1003
PFC BASILE, JEREMY TX C 2STB 1002
SPC BEATY, JASON TX C 2-8C 0809
E5 BECKER, CARL E. IN A 2-12C 6904
SGT BENOIT, JR., ARMOND J. TX A 82FA 1003
MAJ BERG, PAUL TX HHC 2-227AVN 1005
E-4 BERGERON, RICHARD FL B 1-5C 6804
SGT BERGMANN, MATTHEW P. TN D 1-9C 1003
E4 BERRY, DAVID W. KY D 2-8C 72
E-2 BERTHIAUME, JONATHAN A. AL G 27BSB 1007
SPC BETTS, AARON TX E 1ACB 0909
MAJ BILLER, ACHIM M. TX HHC 4BCT 1002
Page 4
his bunker in the DMZ. There’s romance, fun, and lots of action. I hope to have
advance copies at the 1st Cavalry Division Association Reunion in Bloomington,
Minnesota June 2. I will also be at the Chitose-Younguns Reunion in New
Hampton, Iowa July 22-24. Destiny should be published by September 1. I’m
about half way through six months of chemo for pancreatic cancer-caught very
early- and playing golf exercising a lot and going to tennis drills. To illustrate
that I am doing well, last week I had another hole-in-one, won a bridge event with
Jane and toward the end of the week shot my age. We return to Glencoe, Illinois
for the summer and fall by April 30. Best regards, Tom ARTHUR.” Glad to
hear that Tom’s book is finished and being published. Of course, we wish Tom
and Jane all the best on the health issues.
From Howard INDERDAHL… “Hi Gordon, lets follow the 61st FAB for May
and June, 1951. May 4, 1951. We are still in Seoul. The trees are getting leaves
on them. I am back in the radio section again. They were short of Morse code
operators due to rotation. PV2 Henry DAVENPORT replaced me as the jeep
driver for our CO (He was captured on May 14, 1951 and died of non-battle as
a POW). May 5, 1951. We are north of Seoul. I am back in the liaison section
again. CPL Donald WELTY rotated and I replaced him as Liaison section chief
[241 call sign]. It is still hot in the daytime. May 14, 1951. We are still just north
of Seoul waiting to see what the Chinese are going to do. They started a push
last night but they haven’t hit the 1st Cavalry Division yet. May 16, 1951. We
are north of Seoul. We went on patrol to see where the Chinese are. We went
up to the 38th Parallel today. We are dug in north of Seoul. May 20, 1951. The
Chinese Communists tried to get into Seoul but they ran into the 1st Cavalry Division
and we got most of them either killed or captured. We had a big day with
our artillery batteries firing all day at Chinese positions. The sun is out most the
days keeping it warm during the daytime. May 22, 1951. We are at Tokchong,
South Korea and about 10 miles south of the 38th Parallel. My jeep driver, PV2
James HUTTON was killed today by a land mine this forenoon while backing the
jeep off the road. That day I followed company A doing a sweeping action over
a big hill looking for some die-hard dug in Chinese. I went with them to give
them radio communication to our FDC. May 27, 1951. I am back in Seoul today
to get my replacement jeep equipped with radios. My liaison jeep was blown
up when it hit the land mine. It has been raining here the last days. May 30,
1951. Yonch’on, North Korea. We have now crossed the 38th Parallel and about
12 miles north of it. We have lots of rain and mud to put up with here. June 1,
1951. Yonch’on, North Korea. PAYDAY today. I got $137.50 for Corporals pay.
We are still north of the 38th Parallel. The mud is drying up now. June 6, 1951
Yonch’on, North, Korea. We got off the front lines for a few days. We were on
the front lines for 10 days this time. Good food again. We had chicken for two
days, steak, hamburgers and “Spam”. June 16, 1951. Yonch’on, North Korea.
We are still in reserves and getting cleaned up and some needed rest. Note: My
letters from June -July 12, 1951 are missing. Got promoted to Sergeant July 14,
1951. Sta Bueno, Howard INDERDAHL.” Thanks, Howard. Use this address
to order Book In the Hills of Korea… Howard INDERDAHL, P.O. Box 156,
Scandinavia, WI 54977, $12.00 SandH incl.
This from Rich WEAKLEY… “Hi Gordon, I talked with Jack STIDHAM last
week and he informed me that he is doing fairly well. He is still confined to a
wheel chair (he had to have both legs amputated below the knee). Jack said that
I am the only one that has contacted him and that he hasn’t heard from anyone
else for a number of years. He has a toll free phone number which is (866) 600-
4897. Think it would be nice if a few of the “old gang” would give Jack a call
to say hello and cheer him up a bit. Thanks again for your good work! Rich
WEAKLEY.” I agree, Rich. Anyone out there who remembers Jack, please
give him a call. Rich gave me a call later just to say hello and follow up on his
contact with Jack. Always nice to hear from Rich.
Take care, ‘Sta Bueno and keep those cards, letters, phone calls and e-mails
coming!
SPC BOECKERS, RALPH M. MN A 15TC 6905
2LT BOEHMKER, DAVID KY A 6-9C 1003
SPC BOWERS, DALE TX E 1-8C 0805
CPT BOWLING, ANDREW MA 4BCT 1003
SGT BRADSTREAM, LEVI TX A 3-8C 0910
SPC BRANCH, DESTRY TX C 2-8C 0909
PVT BREVARD, SHERRICK FL HHC 4BSTB 1002
E-3 BROWN, GEORGE N. TX E 1-8C 0808
SFC (RET) BROWN, WILLIAM EDWARD TN HHC 1CDH 7111
SFC BRUNDAGE, JEFFREY S. TX HHC 4BCT 0909
SP4 BUEHNER, LAWRENCE E. OH 37ISD 7009
1SG BUENO, JOSE C. TX D 1-5C 1003
SGT BUTLER, NEIL H. AL C 2-8C 6805
MR. BYRNE, RICHARD MN 61FA 4611
1LT CAIN, RANDALL L. OK HM 7C 5604
SGT CARINO, JACKLOID M. TX G 27BSB 0706
SP4 CARNEVALE, VITTORIO NJ D 2-4C 6202
SGT CARRETERO, MIGUEL TX 4BSTB 1005
SPC CARRISOZA, ANGEL S. TX C 2STB 10
WO1 CASAGRANDE, THOMAS STEPHEN ME C 227AVN 6603
SSG CASE, ERIC BRENT TX HHB 2-82FA 0802
SSG CASTILLO, KERVIN A. TX E 1-8C 08
SPC CHANEY, BILL CA A 5-82FA 0802
1LT CHARLTON, NICHOLAS TX HHB 5-82FA 1002
PFC CHRISTIANSON, RAY MN HHC 1-12C 6305
E-6 CHRISTMAS, ERICA TX HHC 4BSTB 0912
SGT CHRISTOPHER, ROBERT A. TX A 5-82FA 0906
LT CLARK, NATHANIEL TX C 4STB 1003
MAJ CLARKE, NATASHA S. TX HHC 1ACB 0903
PFC CLIFTON, WILLIAM WESLEY IL C 3-18FA 6604
CW4 CLINANSMITH, DAVID A. A L 11AVNGP 6508
SP4 COLLINS, JR., ELLIOTT JAMES SC HHB 1-77FA 7003
SGT COLSON, ALVIN TX C 2STB 1002
CW4 COMBS, THOMAS TX HHC 1ACB 0607
SP-4 COOK, CHARLES E. TX C 13SIG 7412
PFC COOPER, MARSHALL T. MN HHC 1CDH 6110
Continued on pg. 8.

Page 5
5th CAV News
Jim Stanford
1115 Walnut St.
Royse City, TX 75189-2306
(972) 635-2429
Believe it or
not, Summer
time is just
around the
corner and
for Cav
troopers that
means that
reunions are getting organized and plans are being set into place. That’s very
true for all the units of the 5th Cavalry Regiment. Along with the 5th Cav
reunions there will also be a number of Veterans Salute programs around the
nation going on this summer, too. It seems appropriate that March 31 marked
the 35th anniversary of “the end of the Vietnam Conflict”.
One of the headliners this year will be the 5th Cavalry Regiment Association/
Bravo 2-5 Cav reunion which will be held in St. Louis, September 8-11 at the
Hilton Inn Airport. Activities during the reunion will include the Association
Officers meeting, Board of Directors Meeting and the 5th Cavalry Regiment
Association General Membership meeting which will include elections for
officers, including the position of President, which has been ably held the past
four years by David Garcia.
David says it’s time for some new blood and new ideas and he is stepping
down from the position. I’d like to pass on a “Job well done!” to David. He was
instrumental in getting me involved in the Association and I really appreciate it.
It took about two years of prodding but I finally stepped up. Then when Paul
Schwiegeraht stepped down as the 5th Cav News Correspondent, I volunteered
to try to replace him. What was the old saying “Don’t Volunteer for nuttin’”…
well, sometimes you’ve got to pick up the banner and continue forward.
There will be several tours planned during the reunion, including a tour of
the Budweiser Clydesdales facility, a historic tour of St. Louis and a Military
Heritage Tour which will include a tour of historic Jefferson Barracks, one of
the early homes of the 5th Cav, with a memorial service.
For more information about the 5th Cav reunion contact Jim Reecamper at
or call him at (417) 724-8257.
For the Bravo 2-5 Cav reunion information contact Phil Truitt at
or call him at (661) 945-4132.
The most exciting thing about the week of Sept. 8-11, 2010 is that I will not
only be able to meet and greet with the 5th Cav and my fellow Ridge Runners
from Bravo 2-5 Cav, I’ll also be able to go on to Nashville later in the week and
catch up with my Tall Comanche brothers in Charlie 2-5 Cav. That’s gonna be
a whole bunch of reunionizing!
C Co., 2-5 Cav will be gathering at the Sheraton Music City Hotel in Nashville,
Tennessee on September 10-12, with the 9th as an optional gathering day.
Activities will include a dinner tour on the General Jackson Riverboat, and an
outing to the Grand Old Opry.
For more information about the Charlie 2-5 Cav reunion contact James “Tree”
Machin at or call (630) 587-645.
Meanwhile, “Tree” Machin writes that they are in the process of trying get
reunion coordinators to locate and organize reunions for the various year-groups
of C 2-5. “Tree” says he will provide the computer support and assist with
the reunion planning. I know that during the last C 2-5 reunion we found 17
troopers from 1967-68, and got them all in one photo, with the old original
company guidon.
The Recon Platoon of Echo 1-5 Cav will hold their reunion October 1-4 at the
Springhill Suites by Marriott in Willow Grove, Pennsylvania (near Philadelphia).
For more info contact Howard Patrick at (215) 806-7790.
This year the State of Oklahoma has a big reunion project for all Veterans from
across Oklahoma, July 2-4. Governor Brad HENRY and Oklahoma National
Guard MG Myles DEERING announced back in March that “Operation
Oklahoma” would be a three-day, three-city salute to Oklahoma’s Vietnam
Veterans. The activities will be held in Tulsa, Oklahoma City and Norman.
GOV HENRY said, “This statewide salute will honor our Vietnam Veterans
and show Oklahoma’s gratitude for their service to our great country and the
sacrifices they made on our behalf.”
Gray, Tennessee will hold their First Annual Vietnam Veterans Homecoming
at the Gray Fairgrounds June 4-6 honoring all Veterans of all services.
Two reunions that will have been held before this issue are the Vets from the
1970 B 2-5 Cav Cambodian excursion and Delta 3-5 Cav and I’m hoping to get
an after-action report from both groups for the next issue.
Earlier this year, I mentioned that the vets of D 2-5 Cav were beginning to
build a roster of names from their old company and at the time I wrote that the
roster included about 20 names. I got a note from Rossie Nance saying that after
the mention in the column they had found another 26 former members of the
company and they now have a collection of about 50 names. I know there are
more of you out there than that, so you need to get on the roster, by contacting
Rossie at 910-675-9208 or e-mail him at . That way
you guys can have yourselves a reunion also.
I recently received a letter from PFC Martin D. Gonzales asking for some
help. Maybe some of the other folks from WWII can help him out.
“I’m writing this letter to you to see if you can help me (with) a problem I
have with my discharge papers. I was discharged on 16 October, 1945, from the
separation center at Ft. MacArthur, California. On my discharge it says Co H,
169th Infantry Regiment. I never served under this unit, and I don’t even know
what division it is. “I served all my time overseas with 1st Squadron, Troop D,
5th Cavalry Regiment as a machine gunner, heavy weapons.
Please if you can help me I wouldn’t want to die, serving my duty in another
outfit.”
Mr. GONZALES included a copy of the orders he received late for the Bronze
Star, which clearly indicates it was awarded by General Order 3, Headquarters
5th Cavalry, dated 1 April 1945.
Mr. GONZALES concluded, “I sure would like some kind of explanation to
this matter. I’m 87 years old and don’t get around much.”
If you might have an answer for Mr. GONZALES, you can write him at PO
Box 883, Penn Valley, CA 95946.
Correction: In the last issue I ran a photo of SSG Carroll Everist and his
daughter Wanda. But I failed to include Wanda’s last name, which is Magers.
MAY/JUNE, 2010
She retired on 1 February after 24 years in the USMC.
Can’t find that old piece of paper they gave you when you were discharged and
told you, “Don’t ever lose this piece of paper. It’s as important to you as your
birth certificate.” You probably glanced at it and then put it away somewhere,
so it wouldn’t get lost. Now you are told you need a copy of your DD214 and
you have no idea where you put it “so it wouldn’t get lost”. Or maybe there was
a fire or a flood in the past and everything was lost.
Well, fear not. You can still get a copy of that valuable DD 214, fairly easily.
If you have access to a computer, you can order a copy online. The National
Personnel Records Center (NPRC) has provided a website for veterans to gain
access to their DD 214 online.
However, the whole web address is two lines long. Here is the short version:
www.archives.gov/veterans/evetrecs, or just Google . Follow
the steps to “Obtain your DD214” and they will mail it to you. Of course, there
will be some delay, since they have to find it. And anytime anybody tells you
“your records were lost in the big fire” take it with a grain of salt and continue
to pursue your records.
More from the Mailbag: Got a note from Jim Bitter of Florida: “Was glad to
see that the division calendar now includes the taking of hill 346 on October 18,
1951. Can you use your influence to have the hill identified on the calendar as
“Old Baldy” It took 2 weeks and 2300 casualties to take that lump of dirt and
my buddy, Glen Lusebrink from Lancaster, Pennsylvania (whom I have lost
track of) and I were the first two to stand on top. There were only 11 of us left
from King (company).
“I think the action of Sept. 4-5, 1951, known as “the patrol base” is also
worthy of note on the calendar. K Co. received the Presidential Unit Citation for
that action and a full-page write up in the Pacific Stars and Stripes.”
I’d also like to see those events identified by their names rather than hill
number, because I’m sure I saw many hills that would qualify as Hill 346 in
Korea. Well, I know I saw lots of hills there, anyway.
From the VA: A warning has been issued by the Department of Veterans
Affairs advising veterans not to disclose personal information over the phone
to callers claiming to update, confirm, or verify VA-related information. The
warning reports that the fraudulent caller’s mode of operation (MO) includes
asking for credit card numbers, bank routing numbers and other personal and
financial information. A recent fraudulent call reported by a veteran included
the caller claiming to be a VA employee and stating that the veteran’s medical
card had expired. The caller would then ask the veteran to submit a check over
the phone to renew the medical card. Be leery of any call originating from (888)
555-1234, which is the number identified in the case reported. If you have
questions contact the VA at (877) 222-8387.
From Eugene Beyer , “I am the former
commander of A Co. 229th AVN Bn., 1st Cav. During the TET offensive, I had
two birds flying nonstop ammo resupply to the (5-7 Cav) west of Hue. One of
my birds got shot up but made it back to LZ Evans. I was on strip alert with 6
birds ready to go on a moment’s notice.
“CW2 Homer Jackson was flying the other bird and I talked to him upon his
return to Evans. He allowed as how he wasn’t going back down there (as a)
single ship. I told him to take my place on the RRF (ready reaction force) and I
would go. He would have none of that so we walked down to the GCA (ground
controlled approach) radar tent. The operator told him he had to go down there
VFR (visual flight rules) one more time so he could plot him on his scope and
then he would be able to put him in the clouds and vector him down to the 5-7’s
location and let him drop down through the clouds. He did, and numerous trips
were made in the clouds ferrying ammo to the 5-7 as they were in one hell of a
fight with the NVA. That was 1967.
Fast forward to 1975. I was stationed at Fort Bragg and commanding the
269th AVN Bn. and BG Vaught was chief of Staff of XVIII Airborne Corps. We
were having an Army Aviation Association of America meeting at the officers
club and GEN Vaught and I went to Simmons AAF to meet GEN Maddox, CG
of the AVN Center at Fort Rucker, who was flying in to be our guest speaker.
While talking to GEN Vaught, I found out that he was the commander of the
5-7th Cav during TET and he was all laudatory of the support our helicopters
provided. That was one hell of a fight they had outside of Hue.
I asked GEN Vaught what guidance he could give me to achieve the rank of
general officer. He replied: “Do the best job you possibly can with every one
given you.” I’m positive James Vaught did exactly that.”
From Bob Derryberry : “My brother, Lee Harold
Derryberry, volunteered for the Cavalry in 1940 and was assigned to Troop A,
5th Cav at Fort Bliss and later at Fort Clark and took part in the project of riding
horses from Fort Bliss to Louisiana. He died on Leyte from a sniper shot we
were told. If you know of anyone who knew him or was in Troop A on Leyte,
I’d like to talk to them. I think it would help me on closure. Thanks for your
help”
From Rudolfo Garcia (Ventura, Calfornia) (This letter was sent to Paul
Schwiegeraht, the previous writer of this column, who forwarded it to me).
“Dear Paul, You wrote a story in the Saber about two years ago, March-April,
2008 to be exact. It was about Hugh Hoffman, CO of Company C, 5th Cav. We
were on the Pusan Perimeter when I met him.
I just got in contact with Miguel Arvizu, who was in D company with then-LT
Hoffman. Arvizu told me on the phone that 1LT Hoffman, saved his life when
Arvizu was wounded and could not walk. Another LT ran off and left him in a
ditch. This was in the small town of Chirye. LT Hoffman found him and saved
his life. Arizu would like to make contact with him (Hoffman) and thank him
for saving his life.
My name is Rudolfo Garcia, I was a gunner on one of the 60mm mortars in
the weapons platoon, C Co, 5th Cav.
I don’t think Mr. Arvizu subscribes to the Saber. I would like some information
on LT Hoffman, if possible. LT Hoffman took over our company (from) LT
Seifert…on Hill 303...on the Naktong River. I’m sorry I waited so long to write
to you, but since I made contact with Arvizu, it prompted me to write. Mr.
ARVIZU was in C company in 1949 in Japan, Camp McGill. Later on he was
transferred to D company, 5th Cav, That’s where LT Hoffman was.”
You can contact Mr. Garcia at 6319 Hunter St., Ventura, CA 93003-2450.
Continued on pg. 19.

MAY/JUNE, 2010
12th CAV News
Ken Howser, Jr.
PO Box 234
Walkersville, MD 21793-0234
(301) 898-7763
AceHigh6India@comcast.net
0001 Hey Sailor, new in
town Read on for another jaw
dropping shade tree session of
chewing on the good times and
spitting out the bad. You have
my guarantee that you will get
your money’s worth the first 5
www.12thCav.us/
minutes or the rest is free.
0114 Your favorite Cav Regiment is not still slogging in the past, we have become
socially networked for you and your fellow 12th Troopers! Go to Facebook.Com,
log onto your account, enter ‘12th Cavalry’ in the search box and there you/we
are! Surf on over, give us a look-see, become a friend, view and upload and
kindly avail yourself and your comrades of all these ultra-modern conveniences.
Your service has given you benies, don’t say we do not provide.
0214 To all who have inquired and expressed
concern over my welfare, many thanks. I have
had ulnar nerve and carpal tunnel release surgery
to correct those deficiencies of my body. I have
had a great surgeon and wonderful care, being
almost totality free from pain at the surgery
sites from the get go. Where I am sore and not
yet stable is in my forearms and wrist areas.
The right side went way better than the left (5
weeks apart), in fact I was back at the laptop
and writing in two days and that only because I
held myself back. Now if the muscle mass and
strength in the arms and hands will return, I’ll
be 29 once again!
0314 We are still looking for those items of
interest and pictures you feel worthy from our
Bushed - Vietnam 1970
Roland A. Sander Photo.
current or near current 12th Cavalry Regiment
Troopers; which means Active Duty! Since I was
conned into appearing here I have asked for your
input and contributions: what am I, the Maytag
repairman Except for the FRG websites, the Battalion liaisons, and the command
structure I am getting negative feedback. Your words printed here – free.
The royal ‘we’, as my social studies teacher (a retired diplomat) once stated to
our class, “We will be absent tomorrow, but we will have a substitute.”
0414 “Ken, Hope everything goes well for you and your surgery. We had
the change of command for 3rd Brigade and all the Battalions under 3BCT this
morning, but LTC FADDEN did not change out. This will come sometime during
the first part of June I am told. Will let you know for sure once I get a firm date.
Take care.” From Kyong (Susie) CARTER, Family Readiness Support Assistant
1-12 CAV. Thank you Susie and Semper Paratus! A best seller and available
still - order your 1-12 CAV Throw today! See your 12th Cav Saber Scribe for
info and other battalion items available.
0514 “Ken, We have welcomed Angela SHOEMAKER as our new FRSA. On
a separate note: 2-12 Cav just finished platoon-level training here at Fort Hood
and we’ll begin platoon live fire exercises in a couple of weeks. We’ve really
improved the competency of the Soldiers and leaders in the past 60 days in our
training cycle. During that period of time as well, we integrated over 100 new
Soldiers into our ranks - most straight out of basic training. It’s great to see the
look of confidence that our Soldiers have as they complete a training event. Case
in point: we completed night live fire for our platoons earlier this week and in
the glow of the B Co 1SG’s HMMWV headlights at 0430, I saw determination
and pride in the faces of our infantrymen - the same
faces that my CSM and I inbriefed only a week ago
that were filled with anxiety. We’re preparing for
our rotation to the joint readiness training center at
Fort Polk in June and we’ll continue to keep you
updated.” From LTC Joseph C. (Joe) HOLLAND,
Commander, 2nd Bn., 12th Cavalry, Thunderhorse.
Thank you, Sir and Boot to Boot!
0614 We noted the passing of Lawrence William
GUBBE, Sr. January 27, 2010 (in line 0613 last issue).
Since I quoted to you an online obituary, I was
presuming that it was in all matters correct. Edward F.
“Ted” CADWALLADER called in from Elk Groove,
California and placed my toes firmly back on the
Beating the Heat -
Vietnam 1970 Roland A.
Sander’s Photo.
line. There was no ‘San Marcos Prison Camp’, a
fact I easily verified via Google. The citation should
have read “Santo Tomas Internment Camp” and Ted
would have known – he was a civilian internee, age
6 when it was liberated by the 1st Cav, 3 February,
1945 and he is CMDR of 49’ers Chapter, American Ex-Prisoners of War and a MSG (Ret) USAR. Talk of small worlds; he described to
me his friend Trooper George Fisher, asst. gunner on the “Georgia Peach” from
the 44th Tank Battalion, 2nd tank through the wire and living in my small burg
in Maryland, unbeknown to me. He suggested we make contact, seeing how all
this had played out and my extreme interest in the 44th and indeed, all things Cav.
I have done this in person, no cold anonymous phone call from me, and a nicer
person one could not find. I hope to have many more visits to George. As there
are only about 10 members remaining to the 44th they have effectively disbanded
as an organization, but their memories and spirit remain. Because of my error I
have met two intelligent, gracious, verbose and just plainly nice individuals. As
we say in the newspaper game, “All mistakes you find, were put there for you
to find.” Otherwise I would get few responses.
0714 Since I am fessing up about miscues, the image in March-April Saber
labeled ‘1SG Paul T. LYCZAK, C 1-12’ was indeed not Sgt LYCZAK but an
unknown Trooper of B 1-12 Cav, somewhere in Vietnam. With a little bit of luck
and some grease to the chassis, the correct picture will appear as if by magic in
this current column. My humble apologizes to all concerned, but most importantly,
to Mrs Marlene Lyczak.
0814 Trooper Ronnie A. GAINER, D 2-12 and Vietnam,
writes in to ask a question of the time period
Page 6
near 6 May, 1969 concerning his company and either an ambush or an explosive
attack that day. The exact date is unknown, the date given is the date on his special
orders for a purple heart award. He was wounded that day and is seeking
the names of all the other Deck wounded that day, and/or that month if someone
can provide them to him. One he remembers is
‘KESLER’, exact spelling of name unknown, also an
engineer and an artillery officer. Another time Ron
was ordered off a QRF helicopter to a combat zone,
allowing an artillery officer and the artillery support he
could bring on-board and into the fray. He was later
to hear the artillery officer was killed in the ensuing
firefight. He would like learn who this officer was
and to put these matters at long last, to rest.
0914 Trooper Steven C. ‘Doc’ VOGT, B 2-12 and
also Vietnam,
calls in to request a copy of December, 1970 Stars
& Stripes or there about. On 31 December, 1970,
1SG Paul T. LYCZAK,
1300, Bet was sent to reconnoiter a possible POW
camp with Doc’s platoon walking point, when they
walked into an undiscovered bunker complex. Within
C 1-12 CAV.
minutes Doc had 17 WIA on his hands and the rest, as they say, is history. The
story got a write up in Stars & Stripes and as was the norm then, only a few were
ever sent out to each company. Doc was not the lucky one to get or save a copy,
so now he seeks someone to scan and souvenir him a copy. Can someone help
a brother out
1014 Trooper JONES, Carl B., B 2-12 and again Vietnam (3rd times the charm!),
writes in from Baltimore, Maryland (today!) to report that he is once again in
contact with Martin N. ‘Marty’ TIRRELL and Jerald ‘Jerry’ McLAIN, due in
large part to the Saber and the 12th Cavalry Regiment Association. Carl is still
working for the Postal Service and as a landscaper; all the while contemplating
journeying into retirement, though laboring under no rush to surrender to it. Carl
looks forward to seeing his old and new Trooper buddies, perhaps at a reunion
or a gathering down the road.
1114 Good times, good times. To make a long story short, I won’t. Betwixt my
surgery’s and to escape the heretic pace for awhile my wife and I slipped away
to Williamsburg Virginia, historic capitol of the Commonwealth, for a week of
R&R. Being the veteran supporter that I am and loving to be in the fellowship
of fellow veterans, whenever we travel somewhere I always look for both Cav
Association and Vietnam Veterans of America meetings I might attend, on the
rare chance one actually is taking place while I am in town. Using the internet
to scrounge for local VVA chapters, I came upon VVA 957 and its members. It
seems this enlightened chapter holds a weekly breakfast meeting at the Cracker
Barrel open to available members and various and sundry visitors. I did avail
myself the pleasure of attending and would highly rate the experience to you all.
I spent an immensely enjoyable 3 hours in their company, only disconnecting
to honor another appointment. Many topics were openly discussed, the least of
which was the variance and detail of our Vietnam service. Don’t get me wrong;
it did come up, but it was not the thrust and parry of our conversation. So I postulate
to you that you do likewise and follow in my wake. You have nothing to
lose but your fears and your prejudice.
1514 “Reunion: a meeting or social gathering of persons acquainted with each
other through some former event or connection.” - The FreeDictionay.Com. Each
reunion is better than the last and worse than the next and you never know where
you will find the next one. I am a firm believer in relaxation and the attending
of reunions, greatly evidenced by my exhortations to you each bi-monthly issue.
I take liberties to say my fellow scribes are down with that though I have never
submitted them to a certifiable poll. With luck continuing on your side you will
meet me and I in turn will meet you at the Bloomington Homecoming. Ya’ll
come now and introduce yourself.
1714 From the online ElPasoTimes.Com “Tales from the Morgue” file dealing
with LTG Hobart R. GAY, GEN George S. PATTON, Jr.’s chief of staff and chief
strategist throughout World War II, with Gen PATTON when he was accidentally
killed in 1945, and commanding the 1st Cavalry Division in the Korean War
from July, 1950-April, 1951. “When World War 1 broke out I was a senior (in
college). A group of us decided to enlist in the Army.” he said. Upon completing
OCS at Fort Sheridan, Illinois, he was commissioned as a Cavalry lieutenant. “I
had never seen a McCLELLAN saddle.” he said. He was sent to Hatchita, New
Mexico for his first assignment, to serve with the 12th Cavalry Regiment. “I
stayed there on the border” he said, “until I got orders to report to Fort Bliss (the
7th Cav) in December, 1917. My heart was broken – I did not know what I had
done to get shanghaied away from my outfit.” Place that in the ‘We knew but
we didn’t know what we thought we knew, now we know the rest of the story!’
file. Shoot me a line and I will send you the link or the complete story.
1914 ‘Missing in the Ozone’ + An Ongoing Saga = You have gone missing in
our directory and website locators; please check in and notify us of your e-mailing
and other particulars. A B-C’ing you list to include: Daniel W. BURGE> C
2-12 Cav, Larry BURKS> D 2-12, Leonard “Butch” BYRAM> B 2-12, Robert
CALDWELL> D 1-12, Bill “Doc” CAMPBELL> C 2-12, Truman CARROLL>
A 1-12 Cav, Don CARROWAY> B 2-12, Terry L. CARTER> C 2-12 Cav, Ben
CASTANEDA> A and Service Troop, James “Steve” CATT> E 2-12, David
CLEMENT> B 1-12, George COCLOGH> B 1-12 Cav, Johnny COLE> A 2-12
Cav, Roy CONNER> E 2-12, Jack CRAIGEN> C 1-12 and Thomas J.CROWLEY>
C 1-12. All Troopers please ensure that we have your data in our records, even
if your name has not yet been listed, by sending an e-mail update to both myself
and the webmaster at the addresses under my name. (Anyone else possessing
these details, please also notify us.) We have had 2 replies from last issue, so
thanks be to all.
2114 If you have not seen this
video, go online and check it out. It is an intense but upbeat song and has been
making the rounds of the warrior e-mails for a while now. The words and music
are by Sean HOUSEHOLDER (no relation) and it is available via iTunes with
all profits going to the Armed Forces Relief Trust.
2214 All items are figuratively if not literally true at time of printing and under
a strict, though liberal, Literary License.
2399 Write if you get work and I will do the same. I am out of here.

Page 7
7th CAV News
Robert J. Anderson
2243 Ancient Dr.
Wyoming, MI 49519
(616) 534-9180
RJ.Anderson2243@comcast.net
Saber@US7thCavalry.com
www.US7thCavalry.com
The old adage “I’m so
far behind, that I think I’m
first,” certainly applies to
me lately. News has been
sparse so here goes with
what we have been gathering
regarding our glorious
7th Cavalry Regiment.
The months of May and June are difficult ones for me as I think back over the
40 years since the Cambodian “Incursion.” Shortround MIGUT sent a reprint of
the current VFW magazine article on that historical event and I thank him. The
First Team had 150 men killed out of the total American casualties of 382, a staggering
39%. To me this just confirms that the First Team led the way in terms of
engagements as well as caches found. I can still remember the briefing that we
(C 1-7) received on the eve of what was to be the Air Assault into the sanctuary
led by Charlie 1-7. We were told that there would be no problem getting us on
the ground but they couldn’t guarantee extraction if everything turned to sh_t.
What a sobering thought that was. We were on FSB Frances, recovering from
our own little bit of hell from April 26th after losing CPT Pete BOYEV and SP4
Manuel TORRES, along with some 18+ wounded. The same day of that briefing,
Alpha Company was involved in a similar battle with most likely the same
NVA and lost 1LT Louis FAVUZZA and SGT Charles JOHNSON, as well as
20+ wounded. As it turned out, the 1-7 wasn’t the lead maneuver battalion into
Cambodia and in fact didn’t air assault until the 14th or so. During those 45 days
in Cambodia, C Company lost 14 men killed and an additional 50+ wounded.
Relatively speaking (if that’s even an appropriate saying) the rest of the battalion
line companies faired better with only 8 men killed. The other interesting statistic
is that so many of these battle casualties occurred on Sunday (26 April, 17 May
and 24 May) – testing my faith (even today upon reflection) even more.
The two best books that I have ever read on Cambodia were written by Keith
William NOLAN – Into Cambodia and by the Cav’s own JD COLEMAN – Incursion.
You might have to find them at an old bookstore now but if you are interested
in Cambodia, it would be worth your sleuthing as both are excellent reads.
Art MELTON, the nephew of the late Ray AMENT, C 1-7, 1968-69 called to
thank me for the mentioning of Ray’s passing and to let me know that Bonnie
(Ray’s wife) and their family are planning a celebration of his life on July 3rd.
Art can be reached at (586) 949-6374 for more details. If you served with Ray or
Tom HARTIN, please give Art a call, to at least remember Ray. It would mean
the world to the family of this wonderful soldier.
Jack TEMPLETON reported that Ronald Vaughn STEVENS passed away in
April. Vaughn was a veteran of the 7th Cavalry receiving a Purple Heart for
wounds during the Korean War. Shortround also reported that Hans HUNDS-
BERGER, C 1-7 passed away at 3am on 30 March. Jimmy “Red” DATCHER,
who was a Rifleman in my second platoon of A 1-7 in 1969 passed away earlier
this year from complications due to Agent Orange exposure.
Warriors from Bravo and Charlie 1-7 are planning to get together during the
Cav reunion and Alpha 1-7 will again gather in Fairfield, Ohio the week after
Minnesota. I hope to report on these mini-reunions in the next column.
The 5th Battalion, 7th Cavalry will be having their reunion during the week of
4-10 July, in Nashville. For more information on the reunion or joining their great
group, please contact Karl HAARTZ. His e-mail is .
Karl also passed on some great info regarding Agent Orange as follows: For
those of you that are going to the VA, just keep this in mind.
Presumption of Exposure -- A veteran who, during active military, naval, or air
service, served in the Republic of Vietnam during the period beginning on January
9, 1962 and ending on May 7, 1975, will be presumed to have been exposed to
an herbicide agent during such service, unless there is affirmative evidence that
establishes that the veteran was not exposed to any such herbicide agent. See 38
U.S.C.A. § 1116(f) (West 2002); 38 C.F.R. § 3.307(a) (6)(iii) (2008). (Note: the
dates of service in Vietnam for the purpose of presumed exposure are not the same
as the statutory definition of the “Vietnam Era” in 38 U.S.C.A. § 101(29).)
Length of Exposure -- There is no regulatory requirement as to how long the
veteran was in Vietnam; even a few hours of service in country is sufficient to
establish the presumption of exposure. The last date on which a veteran will
be presumed to have been exposed to an herbicide agent will be the last date on
which he or she served in the Republic of Vietnam during the period beginning
on January 9, 1962 and ending on May 7, 1975. See 38 C.F.R. § 3.307(a)(6)(iii)
(2008).
Presumptive Service Connection (herbicide-related diseases). If a veteran has
one of the diseases listed in 38 C.F.R. § 3.309(e) (see Appendix A) and his/her
exposure to an herbicide is either presumed, based on service in Vietnam, or
otherwise proven by the evidence, the disease is presumed to be related to the
in-service exposure (the regulation provides the nexus – see Pearlman v. West, 11
Vet. App. 443 (1998)) – provided it was manifested within the appropriate time
frame. Hence, service connection should be granted. This web site gives some
more information. . I urge you all to not wait and get your claims filed ASAP. Do
not wait for the local VA office to invite you in, because, sad to say and to be
perfectly blunt, you will die waiting. To some, this might not be new news, but
to others, this might indeed be new - to all, it is positive. But you must take action.
Your claims are retroactive - but only to the date that you file. Please take
the time and get what you deserve. Start the process if you have not done so
Division Doings
Continued from pg. 3.
she traveled to Fort Hood from Charlotte, North Carolina, to welcome her boyfriend,
CPT Logan CLOANINGER of the 1st ACB.
“As long as he gets home safe I don’t care how long it takes,” Holder said prior
to Cloaninger’s arrival. “I tried not to watch the news and waited for him to call
me instead. It was a little aggravating for sure, but I had plenty of support from
family while I waited.”
Knowing she would be welcoming Cloaninger back is something Holder said
she could hardly put into words.
“It makes me tear up thinking about it; I’m so excited to see him,” she said.
MAY/JUNE, 2010
already. Thanks Karl for this report and for your continuing leadership in your
wonderful organization.
The United States Postal Service deserves a sincere pat on the back for Bill
MAULDIN is getting his own postage stamp. MAULDIN who died at age 81 in
the early days of 2003, meant so much to the millions of Americans who fought
in World War II and to those who had waited for them to come home. He was
a kid cartoonist for Stars and Stripes, the military newspaper; and his drawings
of his muddy, exhausted, whisker-stubbled infantrymen Willie and Joe were the
voice of truth about what it was like on the front lines. He was an enlisted man
just like the soldiers he drew for and about; his gripes were their gripes, his laughs
were their laughs, his heartaches were their heartaches. He was one of them.
They loved him and he never held back. Sometimes, when his cartoons cut too
close for comfort, his superior officers tried to tone him down but one of his most
ardent fans was the SHAEF Commander General Dwight D. EISENHOWER.
Ike put out the word: MAULDIN draws what he wants. If, in your line of work,
you’ve ever considered yourself a young hotshot, or if you’ve ever known anyone
who has felt that way about himself or herself, the story of MAULDIN’s young
manhood will humble you. Here is what, by the time he was 23 years old, he
had accomplished: He won the Pulitzer Prize. He was featured on the cover of
Time magazine. His book Up Front was the Number 1 best-seller in the United
States. Yet when he returned to civilian life and as he grew older, he never lost
that boyish grin, he never outgrew his excitement about doing his job, he never
big-shotted or high-hatted the people with whom he worked every day. He had
achieved so much. He had won a second Pulitzer Prize and he should have won
a third, for what may be the single greatest editorial cartoon in the history of
the craft: his deadline rendering, on the day President John F. KENNEDY was
assassinated, of the statue at the Lincoln Memorial slumped in grief, its head
cradled in its hands. But he never acted as if he was better than the people he
met. He was still MAULDIN the enlisted man. During the late summer of 2002,
as he lay in that California nursing home, some of the old World War II infantry
guys caught wind of it. They didn’t want him to go out that way. They thought
he should know that he was still their hero. “Almost every day in the summer
and fall of 2002, they came to Park Superior nursing home in Newport Beach,
California, to honor Army Sergeant, Technician Third Grade, Bill MAULDIN.
They came bearing relics of their youth: medals, insignia, photographs and carefully
folded newspaper clippings. Some wore old garrison caps. Others arrived
resplendent in uniforms over a half century old. Almost all of them wept as
they filed down the corridor like pilgrims fulfilling some long-neglected obligation.”
“You would have to be part of a combat infantry unit to appreciate what
moments of relief Bill gave us. You had to be reading a soaking wet Stars and
Stripes in a water-filled foxhole and then see one of his cartoons.” MAULDIN
is buried in Arlington National Cemetery. This month, the kid cartoonist makes
it onto a first-class postage stamp. It’s an honor that most generals and admirals
never receive. What MAULDIN would have loved most, I believe, is the sight
of the two guys who are keeping him company on that stamp. Take a look at it.
There’s Willie. There’s Joe. And there, to the side, drawing them and smiling
that shy, quietly observant smile, is Bill himself, with his buddies, right where he
belongs. Forever. This too was a contribution from Shortround. MAULDIN’s
book of cartoons – a 2 volume series is available at Barnes & Noble and I’m
sure other book stores.
Steven SIEGEL who served in C 2-7 sent a poem for our hero medics. Since
the Saber doesn’t print poetry, you can get a copy by contacting me. The title
of the poem is The Doc. Thanks Steve for sharing your thoughts on the bravest
of the brave.
Bloomington, Minnesota is the host of this year’s reunion and we will be electing
a new President and a new Vice-President for our 7th Cavalry Association.
The office of President will be for a 3 year term and the office of Vice-President
will be the final 2 year election and I will serve 1 more year as your elected Secretary/Treasurer.
This gets each Association Officer on a staggered 3 year term,
with only one new position elected every year. I am pleased to report that both
William A. RICHARDSON and Phil ZOOK have expressed interest in running
for these offices. Please give some thought to running for the Secretary/Treasurer
position in 2011 at Fort Hood. It’s time for some younger troopers to get
in this game.
Speaking of which, if you are not a member of the 7th Cavalry Association,
please give some thought to joining. I would like to publicly thank Jim and Judy
BRIGHAM for their many years of dedicated service to the 7th Cavalry Association.
Through Jim’s leadership, the financial strength of our Association has
grown tremendously through programs that he has initiated or expanded. Likewise
Jim SAVAGE, our Webmaster continues to be a driving force in updating
new member listings as well as keeping me on my toes. Jim is also a great link
to the 3rd Squadron, the unit he served in as an NCO from 1967-1969.
I don’t know how many of you collect “Challenge Coins” but it has become
an obsession with me. At least that’s what Julie and my checkbook keep telling
me as I close in on about 100 of them. Recently, I sent a letter to GEN George
CASEY, our current Army Chief of Staff and son of our Division Commander
in RVN. He was gracious enough to add his personal coin to my collection. It’s
amazing what types you can get with newer ones appearing every day and it’s
good to have one on hand especially if you ever get “Challenged” in a bar.
Farewell to Ernie HARWELL, the legendary voice of the Detroit Tigers who
passed on 4 May. For those who attend the 63rd Annual Reunion, I hope that
you had a wonderful time. Julie and I just returned from a successful Morel
Mushroom Hunt and with that I bid you a fond GarryOwen!
“This was his first deployment and even though I have to go back to Charlotte
and say goodbye to him soon, I’m not thinking about that right now.”
“i’m just concerned with him coming home along with the rest of the heroes,”
Holder said.
Ironhorse Donates to Cav Memorial Fund
FORT HOOD, Texas – Golf tournaments, brigade balls and other military functions
are ways of raising morale and camaraderie within units. They also give
Soldiers the opportunity to raise funds for their unit, a cause or a memorial.
1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division chose to raise funds for the 1st
Cavalry Division Association Museum Foundation in support of the 1st Cavalry
Continued on pg. 9.

MAY/JUNE, 2010
8th CAV News
Michael W. McGhie
17495 Cold Springs Dr.
Reno, NV 89506-8821
(775) 972-4210
mmcghie@prodigy.net
http://www.angryskipper.org
Four years
ago (this issue)
I took
over writing
this column
f r o m m y
good friend
Jim ROW-
ELL. Jim succeeded the late Job “Joe” CHRISTOPHER who wrote the column
for several years. Like many of you today, I looked forward to receiving my Saber
every other month and enjoyed reading the articles and catching up on Division
doings. Since taking the column I’ve really enjoyed the photos and stories many
of you have mailed to me and I have particularly enjoyed conversing with Korean
War Veterans from the 8th Cavalry Regiment.
During the last decade I have watched Korean and
Vietnam Veterans getting together at reunions and
sharing their memories, good and bad. Almost all of
them are combat veterans and that makes for interesting
stories that can only be shared by those who have
experienced combat. I am one former “Grunt” that
appreciates the jobs non-combat soldiers did and do
and I always thank them for their service, but I know
Jim ROWELL,f ormer
8th Cav columnist
that with few exceptions they do not share the close
brotherhood that combat veterans have.
Unfortunately the veterans who served in Korea are
fading. Most are near or beyond 80 years old and those of us who served in
Vietnam are dying younger and faster than any former combat soldiers of the
previous three wars. The reasons are mainly from exposure to chemicals that
came from U.S. made defoliants, from the many hazards of the jungle, like diseases
or parasites and/or from the wounds they received that shorted their lives.
This is eventually going to dwindle down the number of attendee’s at reunions
and unless we can get the younger veterans to join up and participate. They will
not have the division or regiment associations when they get old enough to really
enjoy the old friendships unless some of them start participating now. Those of
you who made the military a career have the friendships you have made over the
last 20 to 30 years. Some of those friendships even go beyond the bond created
in combat. You spent a lifetime constantly running into old friends at different
times in different places and it was like one huge family. It seems to me about
50% or more of the reunion attendees were career soldiers. But will the future
retirees have the same division loyalty that it takes to sustain these associations
We’ll have to hope for that but in the mean time if you know any Persian Gulf
or Iraq War Veterans, try to convince them to join up. Where are all of our Gulf
War Veterans Most are out of the service now and should be getting together
with us. Where are all of the Iraq War Veterans
Last year at Fort Hood an Iraq War Veteran told me that his war was nothing
compared to Vietnam. I told him I would not have traded places with him and
some day I’d like to sit down and swap stories with him. Sooner or later the
effects of war will begin to haunt these Veterans and hopefully they will seek
out their former combat buddies and start attending reunions. The only advice I
can give the younger troopers is not to wait until you are old to get in touch with
combat brothers. If you do you’ll feel awful when you learned they have passed
away before you could see them again. Now is the time for you to get in touch
and involved. Older veterans can be a big help to you young vets when it comes
to VA problems too. There are so many reasons for you to join an association
and get your buddies to meet you at the reunions.
As I was in the process of typing this newsletter, my March-April issue arrived.
Of course I always sit down and read all of the articles right away. In reading
Jim STANFORD’s 5th Cav News, I see he shares my deep respect for veterans
of WWII, the Japan Occupation and Korea. Jim has written how much he enjoys
hearing their stories and sharing his experiences with them.
One of America’s darkest hours in warfare history involved the 8th Cavalry
Regiment at Unsan, North Korea, November, 1950. I refer to it as the 8th Cav’s
“Little Bighorn”. The Regiment was overrun by two divisions of Chinese Infantry.
The biggest mistake General McARTHUR ever made in many people’s opinions
was underestimating and ignoring the Chinese threats of retaliation. Hundreds
of 8th Cavalry Troopers suffered and many died in Chinese POW camps until a
truce was declared in 1953. Only a real jerk would not be humbled to be in their
presence. It’s sad that so few Americans know about Unsan. Don’t ever let anyone
get away with using the term “Conflict” when talking about the Korean War.
I received a phone call from Bob WLODARSKI (7th Cavalry Japan occupation
1948-51) who informed me that the remains of Stanley ARENDT, L Co,
3rd Battalion, 8th Cavalry, have been identified and returned to his hometown of
Naperville, Illinois for burial. I have
not yet received the official DOD report
yet, but Bob mailed me the newspaper
article from the Chicago Tribune
Dorothy STEWART receives the flag
at her brother Stanley ARENDT’s
funeral service.
dated 30 March, 2010. Stanley’s
sister Dorothy STEWART accepted
the flag at his memorial service as he
was buried with full military honors.
Stanley’s brother Jim ARENDT would
like contact with anyone who served
with his brother especially if they were
in his unit at Unsan, North Korea. Jim
can be reached at (630) 209-9108 or
on-line at . If
there is anyone out there who served
with Bob during the Japan occupation,
he’d like to hear from you too. He can
be reached at (847) 259-8752. Thanks
Bob, I will take the newspaper clipping
to the Canton reunion and give them to the association to archive.
By the time you receive this issue my wife and I will have been to the 8th Cavalry
Association reunion in Canton, Ohio and the Division Association reunion
in Bloomington, Minnesota. You know I’ll take about 1000 photographs (or
Page 8
more) and select the ones I think you’ll enjoy for the July-August issue. Digital
cameras are great, aren’t they You can take as many pictures as your memory
card will hold and delete all of the bad ones. I wasted a lot of 35mm film in my
days and I’m sure most of you did too.
Correction: In the last issue of Saber I stated that the 3rd Brigade remained
in Vietnam with elements of the 1st Brigade (1-7C and 2-5C) in mid 71 to mid
1972. The entire 3rd Brigade did not remain. The 2-8C and the 1-12C stayed
the rest of the brigade came home in 1971 with the rest of the division. That was
pointed out to me by Kevan MYNDERUP who is the Webmaster for the “Jumping
Mustangs” (http://www.jumpingmustangs.com). Kevan served in C 1-8C in
1968. He also writes a site for C 1-8 (68) “Death From Above” at . Check out his web sites and if you served in the 1-8 Cav in
Vietnam you should get hooked up with the Jumping Mustangs and get to one
of their reunions. They have been around for nearly 20 years now that I know
of. Thanks for the heads-up Kevan. I am certainly going to make mistakes now
and then and I hope someone will let me know when it happens.
Letters: Mostly e-mails
this period and most of
those were Troopers asking
to be listed on the “Locator
Pages” of my Angry Skipper
Web Site. For those of you
who are new to the Internet
or have yet to find my web
site be sure to check out the
locator pages for all 1st Cavalry
Troopers who served in
A Vietnam scene at The American History
Museum in Washington DC.
Vietnam. The format makes
it simple to find your unit and
all troopers listed by year of
service. A direct link to the
locator pages is . I have more than 2000
troopers listed. The Division Association’s Historian also has an E-mail locator
for all years of services in the Cav on its web site at so get yourself listed and find your old buddies.
I also received e-mail from former D 2-8 Vietnam Vet Randy DUFFY who
served in White Skull Platoon in 1969 and a nice note from my good buddy Paul
COLLINS of Boston. Massachusetts. This is truly the most rewarding part of
being involved in the Saber, the Regiment Association and my former combat
unit “Angry Skipper”. I have met and associated with some really true American
heroes along the way.
Ron SMOOT who served in A 1-8C 1967-68 recently wrote me and is hoping
to find Al SCODIN (possibly from Chicago) and/or Ron SUMMERS from Minnesota.
Trooper SMOOT can be reached by e-mail at .
Reunions: There will probably be information about the upcoming Veteran’s
Day reunion in Washington, DC in this issue. Check in the index on page 1 to see
where it is located. Many of you know the Division has been hosting a reunion
in DC for many years on this special day in November. If you haven’t been to
DC, to the “Wall”, to the Korean War Memorial or the new WWII memorial, Vet
Day is a great time to load the family, grandkids and all, and visit our National
Mall. There is so much to see and you’ll rarely find DC room rates as low as
the Cav Assn. gets them. This is the last reunion of the year. Don’t sit through
the winter wishing you had gone to DC in November.
Ben GUTHRIE, 8th Cavalry Regiment Association President, forwarded an
E-mail message from Jon GEPHART who found some old postcards of the 8th
Cav sent by Trooper John FULLER sometime around 1915. He found them
when he was going through his Grandmother’s old pictures. Jon noticed that
most of the 8th Cavalry history mentioned in the Saber was WWII or beyond so
he didn’t know if these postcards would be of interest to us. Well Jon, they are
and we appreciate you sending them. I will share them at the 8th Cav reunions
and will put them in the Saber whenever I have the extra space to fill.
D 2-8 meets Sam Elliot at the National Infantry Museum in Columbus,
Georgia at Fort Benning.
The 8th Cavalry was formed at Angel Island, California on July 28, 1866. COL
John I. GREGG told the Troopers that their first goal was to defend the country
against its enemies by fighting with “Honor and Courage”. That motto is on our
regiment crest to this day.
Honor and Courage
New Members
Continued from pg. 4.
CPL CORNEL,L BRIAN S. TX C 1-9C 1003
SGT CORTEZ, JR., SERGIO TX C 3BSTB 1003
REV CORY, CHRISTOPHER CA 1264 1-ASSOC
SGT COSTANZO, SR., JAY M. CT E 227AVN 7807
SGT CUNNINGHAM, ADAM C. TX A 5-82FA 0806
MR. CURCI, LANCE TX B 2-5C 0808
1SG CURRY, PHELAN A. TX HHC 1-8C 0906
Continued on pg. 13.

Page 9
9th CAV News - ON POINT
Lou “Rocket” Rochat
181 High Oak
Universal City, TX 78148
(210) 658-1651
Apache16@aol.com
I know that
I told all of the
loyal readers
that my article
in the last issue
of the Saber
would be my
one and only article as Lou ROCHAT (Rocket) would resume his old duties and
write all future articles. A few days ago COL BOOTH called me and asked if
I would consider writing another article because he felt that Lou was not quite
up to the task yet. I agreed and began pondering what I could write about that
would be of interest to all of you. A couple of days after I spoke with COL
BOOTH, I called Lou to check on his progress. He sounded strong and was very
enthusiastic about getting on his computer and writing the article for the Saber.
He was concerned that he may not have the energy but was ready to try. He
mentioned all of this before I told him that COL BOOTH had asked me to write
an article. I told him about my conversation with COL BOOTH and he said go
ahead because he wasn’t sure if he was up to the task. I made him agree that he
should write the article and I would also start working on an article. We agreed
that if he couldn’t finish his article then I would submit mine.
Now it is Thursday, May 6, 2010 and Lou has been readmitted to the hospital
a couple of days ago. He was having trouble breathing and was placed in ICU,
diagnosed with pneumonia in one lung. Since then he has started bleeding internally
and has to receive a blood transfusion. His heart is apparently beating
erratically in spite of the pacemaker and has caused his kidney to fail. With all of
this and seemingly no hope of a complete recovery, the family and Lou decided
to take him out of the hospital, to return home to be as comfortable as possible
with his family around him. Arrangements have been made with Hospice to
come in and take care of Lou in his final hours. Lou’s body has been through so
much it just can’t take anymore surgeries.
People are already contacting me to ask how I am doing and I appreciate
everyone’s concern. I am not doing well emotionally however. I never expected
to be writing about Lou going home to die. When I gave him a kidney I had
every intention of going fishing with Lou and for Lou to enjoy many years of
improved health with his family by his side. This was not meant to be. Lou has
been discharged from the hospital several times since the transplant on January
13th only to be readmitted a few days later each time. See I’m an eternal optimist
and the scenario that is playing out now was never an option for me. It is not as
if I didn’t know that this might happen, it is just that I never considered anything
but improving Lou’s health.
Actually a part of the interview process at Christus Transplant Institute was
questions about how would you feel if the recipient rejected your kidney or even
died from the transplant. Of course being the optimist, I would respond that I am
aware of that risk but it will not bother me. I only said that because to me it was
not going to happen. I could only deal with the bright side of the transplant and
that after the surgery I would see a marked improvement in Lou. Then within
a few days, we would both be out of the hospital looking back on the transplant
as just another adventure. But that was not to be as Lou continued to remain in
Division Doings
Continued from pg. 7.
CSM James Norman, 1st BCT,
presents a donation check to the
Executive Director of the 1st
Cavalry Division Association Dennis
Webster.
Division Memorial.
On a rainy day in front of the division’s
memorial on Cooper Field, COL Tobin
GREEN, 1st BCT’s commander, along
with CSM James NORMAN presented
CSM (Ret) Dennis WEBSTER, executive
director for the 1st Cavalry Division
Association, with a check for $2,500
for the division’s Memorial Fund, April
16.
“As we went through the process of
having a golf tournament and a brigade
dining-in upon redeployment, it was
a unanimous consensus of everyone
involved that we do the right thing with
the money in donating it to the memorial
fund,” Norman said.
Norman and Green pieced together
the small, last-minute ceremony which
was a surprise for Webster, who was
there attending the 3rd BCT’s change
of command ceremony.
“This memorial was designed by the
Soldier’s of the division and it’s [the
association’s] honor to keep adding
names to it as necessary and we are
always appreciative of the support of
the Soldiers,” Webster said.
Also in attendance to witness the check
presentation were MG Daniel ALLYN, 1st Cavalry Division’s commanding general,
and CSM Rory MALLOY, the division’s command sergeant major.
“The memorial inspires all of us who continue to serve and honor the sacrifice
of our fallen heroes who have gone before us,” ALLYN said. “It also adds to the
rich tradition and history of our division and the fact that the ‘Ironhorse’ Brigade
is donating such a large sum of money to the memorial fund is just awesome.”
Malloy said he feels the donation speaks very highly of their command climate.
“Without the support from the brigades like 1st Brigade and what they’re doing
we wouldn’t have the type of monument like we do to remember our fallen
Warriors,” he said
Furthermore, each of the units within the division will continue to have morale
raising activities and unit fundraisers. And for units like the 1st BCT, more
funds will be donated to honor those fallen heroes by contributing to the 1st Cav.
MAY/JUNE, 2010
the hospital; but I kept telling myself that it was only a temporary set back and
that Lou will get better.
I continued this illusion up until last night (Wednesday, May 5, 2010) when Ann
called and told me that they were bringing Lou home and arrangements had been
made to have Hospice provide the final care for Lou. It was at this moment that I
felt like I had been kicked hard in the groin and couldn’t catch my breath. I only
slept off and on throughout the night and it is only today I am slowly coming to
grip with the reality that Lou’s time on this earth is short.
I am not the kind of person that will now second guess if what I did was the
right thing. It was the right thing and if I could do it all over again I would. It
was a gamble and we lost. To improve Lou’s life and to give him a few more
years was well worth the risk. It will however take time for me to be able to
accept the fact that it didn’t work. I know that I will get through this, because I
have the support of so many people that have been calling, writing, e-mailing and
donating to Lou and I. While I will now need emotional support from everyone
more than ever, I ask that you all give all of your support and prayers to Ann and
the rest of Lou’s family. That will help me more than anything at this time.
I want everyone to know that when Lou passes away, this country will lose yet
another great hero. But I can assure you that he will not be forgotten! Thanks
to all of you for your help during this endeavor.
Editors Note: Lou died on 29 May. More information in the next issue.
A Post office in Georgetown, Texas will be named after a Lieutenant who died
in Iraq while serving with A Troop, 6-9th Cavalry in Iraq. The following is from
the Round Rock, Texas newspaper (Brad Stutzman, Editor) and was provided to
the Saber by Bob Tagge.
On Saturday, May 29 - almost three years to the day after 1st Lieutenant Kile WEST
was killed in Iraq - the U.S. Post Office in Georgetown will be renamed in his honor.
WEST, a 2001 Hutto High School graduate, will be recognized during an 11 a.m.
ceremony, said John STONE, spokesman for District 31 U.S. Rep. John CARTER.
Plans for the renaming have been ongoing for months, with STONE coordinating
scheduling with postal authorities and WEST’s family members.
“It would be appropriate with it being Memorial Day [weekend] to designate it in honor
of a fallen soldier,” STONE said. “Also, 1LT WEST was killed on Memorial Day.”
WEST lost his life on May 28, 2007, when the Bradley fighting vehicle
he was commanding hit an improvised explosive device as WEST and his
crew were trying to rescue a soldier in a downed helicopter. He was 23.
The facility that will bear WEST’s name is the U.S. Post Office at 2300 Scenic
Drive in Georgetown, located just east of Interstate 35 at the Leander Road exit.
At the time of his Memorial Day 2007 death, WEST family friend Cindy
ALLEN-LOTT of Hutto said young Kile had developed two passions early on:
football and the U.S. Army. The WEST family moved to Round Rock when
Kile was in seventh-grade and he completed his high school years in Hutto.
WEST competed in football, baseball and track, and also belonged to Future
Farmers of America. After graduating from Stephen F. Austin University in 2005,
WEST received Army training at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. He was stationed at Fort
Hood in Killeen and deployed to Iraq on October 3, 2006.
Ron LIVINGSTON, Apache 29 March 1969 – March 1970, 10707 Baldwin Ave.,
NE, Albuquerque, NM 87112, (505) 237-2291, .
Division’s Memorial Fund.
Long Knife Troops Shapen Skills During FTX
FORT HOOD, Texas—Soldiers assigned to the 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st
Cavalry Division conducted critical training during their brigade field training
exercise on Fort Hood April 7- 18 prior to their upcoming overseas deployment
later this year.
Troops had the chance to work together as a unit, as they prepared to transition
over to their advise and assist mission with the Iraqi Security Forces this fall.
“This field training exercise is a major milestone in terms of preparation for
our mission in northern Iraq,” said COL Brian WINSKI, the brigade commander.
“We’ve conducted, over the last six months, a number of individual training
densities, gunnery densities and this is our first opportunity to do collective
training focused at the platoon level for the tasks that they’re going to execute
in northern Iraq.”
Throughout the exercise, which also included key leader engagements, mission
planning and battle drill rehearsals, leadership integrated realistic scenarios to
prepare troops for working in Iraq.
“The cornerstone of this FTX has been the situational training exercise lanes,
which are resourced with role players that replicated Iraqi Security Forces, they
replicated Iraqi civilians and then we converted a number of the urban ops facilities
here on Fort Hood to replicate Iraqi towns,” said Winski, from Milwaukee,
Wisconsin.
Performing multiple iterations of various situations and missions that they’re
going to face in Iraq, Soldiers refined their standard operating procedures and
their reaction techniques. Troops conducted joint planning and mission execution
with their “Iraqi Army and police” partners, engaged “civilian Iraqi leaders”
to gain their assistance in apprehending criminals targeting the Iraqi people and
defended themselves against enemy attacks. Units also took part in mass casualty
training (MASCAL), which gave the troops in the brigade the opportunity
to refine their basic combat lifesaving skills.
The training helped new Soldiers get acquainted with the unit and learn how
the unit operates. For all Soldiers, the training allowed them to leave with the
highest level of proficiency at the platoon level.
“The unique thing to the FTX, at the platoon level, the training is enhanced
significantly because the entire brigade is in the field so we’re able to support
the training exercises that they’re doing with all the brigade enablers, including
our Shadow UAV’s, including the Army aviation support; including doing all
their sustainment functions from the field allowing them to focus on the training
itself,” said Winski.
Division Web Page Tells the First Team Story
For all the news on the Division, visit the official web site of the 1st Cavalry
Division at , a quality site run by the 1CD
Public Affairs office. Check out the Cavalry Charge for some regular updates
on the activities of the Division.

MAY/JUNE, 2010
30th FA News
“HARD CHARGERS”
Daniel P. Gillotti
4204 Berkeley Dr.
Sheffield Village, OH 44054
(440) 934-1750
firstcav68@roadrunner.com
www.hardchargers.com
H a r d C h a r g e r
News: Spring has
sprung! And green
is the Grass! And ‘ol
man winter can kiss
my trash! Our snow
has finally melted and
it has been raining for
three days now.
Obits
We were sorry to receive the information that LTC (R) Ed ROYSE passed
away on 30 January, 2010. Ed served as the HHB Commander and later as the
Assistant S-3 in 1968-69.
Ironically, Marilyn J. GENZ, the “Sweetheart of the 1st Cav” also passed
away on 30 January. When visiting the 1st Cav Museum in 1995 during the 1st
Cav Reunion, Theresa and I stopped to admire her
famous dress that was on display. Theresa commented
that her sash with all of the pins must have
weighed a lot. From behind us, a female’s voice
said, “It weighs over 20 pounds.” We turned around
and there was Marilyn. We chatted with her for a
while, exchanged addresses, and later corresponded
with her. She was kind enough to send me an autographed
picture of her book 20,000 Men and Me.
Some of our Hard Chargers remember her visiting
their LZs and FSBs, while others flew to Vietnam
or home from Vietnam, on flights she was the Flight
Attendant on. It is amazing the impact one good
person can make to so many people.
May the souls of Ed ROYSE and Marilyn GENZ rest in peace! Please remember
them in your prayers.
Mail Bag, E-mail, and Phone Calls
I’ve been corresponding with Sandy KAPLAN whom served with the 30th FA
Battalion in Erlangen, Germany back in the 1950’s. Here is his latest email: “Dan:
Thanks for the photo of all the iterations of the 30th’s insignia! I am amazed that
the unit’s insignia would be modified so many times. I guess that everyone wanted
to have their own imprimaturs on the items. Also, I believe I had advised you
earlier` this week, but if I failed to tell you thanks for your address! Regrettably,
I kept very little memorabilia from my days with the 30th or from my previous
service with the 221st Signal Depot Company, (which was stationed on the far
side of Nuremberg near the margarine plant), and, in the infinite wisdom of the
military establishment, I was the 1st Sgt during the period of 1945-47. During my
first sojourn in Nuremberg, (and because of my exalted rank), I had the opportunity
of sitting through most of the “Nuremberg Trials”, I was visiting a friend in the
“Palace of Justice” at the time they found Goering dead. I remember clearly that
I commented that some American GI would have had to slip him the poison! It
took a while, but I believe it was some captain or lieutenant who got Goering’s
watch in payment for the poison. The security there was so tight that whoever it
was, it had to be an officer! So, I can tell you that my two visits to Nuremberg
and Erlangen were pleasant and I look back at both times as being an enjoyable
time of my life. Thanks for your input and the 30th memorabilia. Best regards,
Sandy.” Sandy’s e-mail address is .
The 30th FA Battalion holds a separate reunion every two years. Their next
reunion is scheduled for 9-11 September in Rochester, Minnesota. Contact Lyle
SOLEM at , or call him at (507) 289-7501.
Also, Woody ALEXANDER, our Membership Chairman received this e-mail
from Tommy HERMAN, who served with A-1-30th FA from June, 1970 to April,
1971. He wrote: I was with the “Dirty Thirty” from around June 1970 to about
the same time in 1971 in the Phouc Vinh (spelling is likely wrong) AO of South
Vietnam. I was AG on gun # 6. Our Battery was split... three guns per FSB
alongside the 105’s. My first LZ was “Snuffy” along the Cambodian border.
I stumbled on your website and am excited to learn of it. I am a member of VFW
post 5466 in Taylorsville, North Carolina. I would appreciate more information
on the organization. Tommy R Herman, .
President’s Corner
Continued from pg. 1.
Set up nationwide procedures to review and rule on the vast number of others
that are already here. A wide range of circumstances will become evident.
For example, a recent complex case in Georgia illustrates the problem. A 20
year old girl was pulled over by police for a minor traffic violation (improper
lane change). In examining her driver’s license, etc. they ascertained she was
not a US citizen and had no legal immigration papers. She was sent to deportation
holding facility. The rest of the story: She was a college student majoring
in pre-med and had earned a strong academic record. Her family brought her
to the United States when she was 10 years old. She has two younger siblings
who were born in the United States and are, by law, US citizens. She and her
parents can be deported, but that leaves two children in the US without parents.
That’s a serious Gordian knot. I don’t know how to solve it, but rules to cover
this and similar situations must be established. Doing so will probably lead to
some form of Amnesty: a word many regard with suspicion.
Some may say, ”deport them all.” Approximately 11 million illegal’s are
already in America. About 60% have been here more than 5 years. In an editorial
George Will estimates it would take 200,000 busses bumper to bumper in a
convoy 1,700 miles long to carry them to the Mexican border. I don’t believe
anyone would consider rounding them up and trying to move them all in one
convoy. But it illustrates the magnitude of the problem. If you think it’s a mess
now in Arizona, envision the aggressive, nationwide police methods it would
take to round up and deport the equivalent to the population of the State of Ohio.
The American people would not tolerate it.
Every year dozens of people die in the deserts of our southwest states. Some
individuals and small groups get lost in the desert after crossing the border. They
cannot find water and perish in the harsh, arid climate. Larger groups that have
paid exorbitant sums to be led across by guides to a promised safe location in
a city are abandoned in the desert by their supposed guides at the first sign of
Page 10
Incident
This incident involved SP5
Jim ELLIS, A-1-30th FA (Btry
FDC). In January, 1971, A
Btry had just occupied a new
Fire Support Base (FSB) and
was continuing to improve
their positions. This involved a squad from the 8th Engineer Battalion, using
explosives (huge amounts of explosives!) to push back the tree line away from
the defensive berm. The extensive use of high explosives always caused little
fires in the vegetation. Apparently, one of these fires got too close to where the
engineers were storing their explosives, and the explosives detonated. Jim ELLIS
was apparently very close to the explosions causing him to be hurled into the air
and to sustain metal fragmentation wounds to his upper left arm. It was not a
life-threatening injury, but it was severe enough for him to require hospitalization
and convalescence for several weeks in the rear area. There were others hurt,
but their names are not available. There
are two pictures attached with one showing
Jim ELLIS with a bandaged left-arm.
The other picture shows from left-to-right,
LTC Bob BASHA (Bn CO), 1LT Mike
JONES (A Btry XO), CPT (later COL)
Mike MACLAREN (A Btry CO), and SP5
Jim ELLIS. LTC Bob BASHA was the last
Bn CO of the 1-30th FA before the unit left
Vietnam in April, 1971. He was promoted
to Colonel and after surviving two tours in
Vietnam, he was killed in a helicopter crash
in Germany in 1972. Jim ELLIS is alive
and well, living in Avon, Ohio, about two
miles from my house. He recently retired
from the Post Office.
A picture of CW2 Ron DURHAM (Left)
who was the Bn CO’s helicopter pilot in
1970-71.
2010 Hard Charger Reunion
Our 17th Annual Hard Charger Reunion is tentatively scheduled for 23-26 June,
2010 at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. As usual, the Active Duty 1-30th FA is preparing
to roll out the Artillery Red Carpet for us. We are working out of the details, but
it looks like the Change of Command Ceremony for the commanders of 1-30th
FA will be Friday, 25 June. This will be followed by the dedication of Building
#758 as “Callaway Hall.” We’ll then proceed to Snow Hall for the dedication of
the St. Barbara Statue that the 30th FA Regiment is purchasing. Anyone wanting
to donate for this statue can send a check made out to the 30th FA Regiment
Association, to Jim HARRIS, our Treasurer, at 212 Brittain Ct., Brentwood, TN
37027. This dedication will be followed by our Annual Memorial Service in
Room 114A “1SG Vernor Auditorium.” Details that are more specific will be
coming shortly. Anyone with Reunion Questions can contact John HOETKER,
by calling (518) 377-9420, or by e-mail at: .
I’m still looking for your orders, pictures and short stories Hard Chargers! This
is Hard Charger 9G, EOM – Out.FA
trouble /encounter with law enforcement authorities. In these cases, most of the
illegal’s have no idea how to find their way to safety and perish. More than
once the traffickers abandoned the refugees/illegal’s locked in the back of a large
truck in the sweltering heat at times reaching 120 degrees outside the truck and
intolerable temperatures inside the truck: terrible way to die. Again, the federal
government is responsible for immigration control. They need to get on with it.
Write your Congressman/woman.
Be Army proud. When the Army awarded you a medal they gave you the
medal, a ribbon and lapel pen. The lapel pen is intended to be worn on civilian
suit and sport coats. I encourage you to wear them. They demonstrate pride
in service to our nation and convey that to people you meet: they will notice.
People respect your service: also, a good way to start a conversation and make
new friends.
This is the last President’s Corner that I will pen. My term as your Association
President ends with completion of the 2010 reunion in Bloomington, Minnesota.
It has been my privilege to serve in this position for our highly respected Division.
Last week I was going through the security gate at Fort Gordon. The security
guard saw my front bumper 1st Cav tag. As I handed him my ID card he said,”
1st Cav.” I replied, “First Team”. He then said, “1st Cavalry, first in, last out.”
They all know and admire our division.
COL (R) Lyman “Chan” Duryea will take over as President after the reunion.
We have served on the Board of Governors (BOG) together for many years. Chan
is a soldier’s soldier. The Association will be in good hands. Additionally, my
thanks to the members of the BOG. They are a professional group who continually
put the Division and Association first. That’s how it should be.
I would like to thank Dennis and the Association staff for their support over
the past two years. Thanks to you all. We could not do it without you.
As always: God Bless the American Soldier, God Bless the 1st Cavalry
Division and God Bless America.

Page 11
27th ORD/MNT/MSB/BSB News
Ed Jones
38 Sedgwick Rd
Oswego, IL 60543
(630) 554-9245
ecjones19@aol.com
John Ramsden
11210 Shadowmere
Mews
Columbia, MD 21044
jlram80@aol.com
Hello once again. By the time you read this many of us will be gathering in
Bloomington, Minnesota to attend the 63rd Annual 1st Cavalry Division Association
Reunion. The dates are June 2 through 6 and, as of the end of April,
we have at least 14 former member of the 27th attending, several with family
members, bringing the total to at least 23 folks. That is a great turnout compared
to other CAV Annual Reunions and I want to express my sincere appreciation
to Nelson CARDONA for most of the heavy lifting, which included sending out
numerous e-mails, resending e-mails, following up on e-mails, and calling people.
Ed JONES also deserves our thanks for beating the bush with phone calls and
encouraging people to attend.
As of this writing, the troopers attending from the Vietnam era 27th Maintenance
Battalion are: Wayne BARRETT (1966-67), Nelson CARDONA (1970-71), George
De ANDA (1970-71), Jim DONAHUE (1968-70), MICHAEL Hayes (1970-71),
Ed JONES (1968-70), Ed MATTINGLY (1969-70), John RAMSDEN (1968-69),
Tom SKINNER (1969-70), Phil SPARKS (1966-67), Ron STOKES (1968-69),
Joe VIGGIANO (1968-69), and Jack YANCHAR (1968-69). From the 27th MSB
we have Jerry ELLER who was the Battalion CSM from 1989 to 1990. I will
provide a full report and pictures of the reunion in the next SABER!
Unfortunately lots of folks reported to us that they will not be able to attend but
one in particular was Richard DISNEY who became the unofficial unit barber in
Phu Bai in 1968. He noted that he remembered giving me a few haircuts in Phu
Bai during the good old days. They must
have been good ones as I still have hair!
Frank ROMEO was kind enough to send
a nice letter, along with two pictures and
that resulted in a telephone call to him. I
reached him at the local VFW where he
was bartending. Turns out Frank had been
President of that VFW for seven years and
they have 213 members. That is quite an
honor! Frank was the Armament Section
Chief and a small arms repairman in B
Detachment and later in A Detachment in
Vietnam from June, 1967 to June, 1968.
That was an action packed time. He was
initially in and around An Khe and then
moved north to Quang Tri Province just before TET 68 broke out. He also participated
in the lifting of the siege of the
Marine Corps base at Khe Sanh, and A Shau
valley campaign. Picture number one is of
Frank during a quiet time along the An Khe
perimeter before the move north.
Picture number two is of Joe NEVA-
TINSKI, who was there at the same time
as Frank. The picture was taken in 1968 in
the Quang Tri area. Joe was honored last
year by the State of New Jersey, along with
other veterans, for their wartime service
to their country. This was mentioned in
the November/December, 2009 edition of
SABER and led to Frank getting in touch
with me and sending the pictures. Frank
mentioned several incidents he remembers
but one I will mention in this column happened in May, 1968 while he was in the
A Shau valley operation. Frank was on the ground operating from his mobile
shelter/workstation (MOCON) when a resupply airdrop came over. Frank knew
enough to keep an eye out for things dropping out of the sky but was surprised
when a pallet load come out of a C130
and the parachute failed to open. The
pallet landed next to Frank’s MOCON
and rolled into it. Come to find out the
pallet was loaded with 105mm artillery
rounds. Fortunately for Frank, none
went off! Thank you Frank for the letter,
pictures and story! Most appreciated.
A second Vietnam trooper heard from
was Wayne BARRETT. He wrote that
he and Louis GONZALES, who served
together in Vietnam in 1966-67, were
getting together after 44 years as Louis was coming to Wayne’s daughter’s wedding.
He mentioned that Louis was bringing a case of “Bam Mi Bam”, a Vietnamese
beer and they will be toasting all of us as they work their way through the case!
Picture number three is a picture of Louis with a bottle of “Bam Mi Bam!
MAY/JUNE, 2010
Picture number four was also sent to me by Wayne and shows a scene along
Highway 19 that ran from Qui Nhon to An Khe.
That may bring back lots of memories for some of you. Thank you Wayne for
the news and all the pictures.
I also received a long report written by Phil SPARKS, part of which concerned
Christmas 1966 in An Khe, Vietnam. It is too long to include the whole piece
in SABER but I will try to express some of what he said. “It really was the night
before Christmas forty-three years ago this year. My life that year had been through
some dramatic changes. I had left my home, family and Martinsville, Virginia
and enlisted in the United States Army in April of that year. Now eight months
and twenty days later I found myself at what should have been the most miserable
place on earth. I was in the Central Highlands of the Republic of Vietnam
serving with the famous 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile). I had been there only
three and a half months and to say life had been exciting does no justice to the
situation.” Phil goes on to talk about the heavy monsoon rains, the cold nights
and no mail for a long time. Then he found that the Reverend Billy GRAHAM
was supposed to appear on Christmas Eve at the “Division Bowl” at An Khe. As
he and three or four others were walking the mile and a half to the Division Bowl
and just about ready to give it up, a truck pulled up and gave them a ride. By the
time the service started at 2000 on Christmas Eve, over 5000 troopers were in
attendance. Reverend GRAHAM gave an inspiring sermon and “as he spoke a
heavy fog moved in and shrouded us in a gray cloud. We sang Silent Night and
lit the candles. We were told we would only burn the candles for a couple minutes
so we didn’t create a target from the light. The Candles instead of burning
yellow or orange almost had a ‘red glow’ to them as they reflected off the grass
and weeds and gave the Division Bowl a Red and Green Christmas look. In the
midst of this majestic celebration of the birth of Christ there was indescribable
peace and calm.” ... “That night, December 24th, 1966 was etched indelibly in
my heart...” . Thank you Phil for a most moving and heartwarming true story!
Bill JACKSON, who served in the 27th Maintenance Battalion in Korea in
1963-64, wrote to tell me of an article he saw in the Washington Post of the
death of Mrs. Beatrice PETERSON, wife of BG (Ret) John T. PETERSON, who
was the commander of the 27th Maintenance Battalion in Korea in the 1964-65
timeframe and was its commander at the time of the transfer of the colors of
the 1st Cavalry Division from Korea to Fort Benning. Our condolences to BG
PETERSON. Mrs. Peterson was a nurse during WWII and served in the Pacific
theatre. She and BG PETERSON were married in 1945.
On other news of former commanders, COL Larry PHELPS, who commanded
the 27th MSB from 2001 to 2003 and is currently commanding the 15th Sustainment
Brigade in Iraq, will be returning the Brigade home to Fort Hood within the
next two months. I am sure all members are happy to hear that. Also COL Dave
WHITAKER, who commanded the 27th MSB and then the 27th BSB from 2005
to 2008, is graduating from the Army War College and is being assigned to the
Pentagon in the Army G-4 Section. He will be working with COL (Ret) Terry
BEYNON who commanded the 27th MSB from 1999 to 2001.
Now on to news of the 27th BSB. Several changes in personnel have or are
taking place. A key one is the retirement of CSM LOCKAMY last November with
27 years’ service. He is being replaced by CSM RUTHERFORD who already
has 30 years’ service and will be retiring after the 27th returns from their next
tour in Iraq. The 27th is also getting a new XO, MAJ Mike BURCHAM who
is replacing MAJ Steve
FABIANO. I want to
express our sincere thanks
to Steve for all his help in
keeping us up to date with
27th BSB activities and
sending along pictures and
articles. We wish the very
best to you in your next
assignment! Steve’s latest
article sent to me concerns
a recent Brigade Field
Training Exercise (FTX)
that involved the entire
27th BSB. Part of the exercise involved defending a forward operating base and
handling mass causalities while under mortar, small arms and IED attack. The
exercise involved providing emergency care under fire, assessing the wounded,
calling in helicopters for those severally wounded and conducting the appropriate
medical evacuation. Given the conditions in Iraq, this certainly sounds like
necessary and valuable training. Picture number five shows 1st Cavalry Division
CSM Rory MALLOY handing out CAV coins to members of the 27th BSB Mass
Causality exercise for an outstanding job.
Picture number six is also from the Brigade FTX and may look familiar to
Vietnam veterans. It shows 27th BSB troopers getting ready to sling load a
vehicle with a helicopter inbound. Some things never change!
The 27th BSB is headed for a major FTX at the Joint Readiness Training Center
at Fort Polk, Louisiana from June 6-30 and shortly after their return from Fort
Polk, will be packing for deployment
to Iraq once again.
Many thanks to LTC GAL-
BRAITH’S wife for her efforts
in posting the History of the 27th
Maintenance Battalion in Vietnam
to the 27th BSB web site.
Please go to , look under history and
you will find it there! Disregard
the web site info I gave you in
the last issue. That was the official
web site that is associated with the units of the 1st CAV. The 27th BSB.
com site is separate from that. Thank you Jess for posting our Vietnam history
there. Most sincerely appreciated!
Well that about does it for this column. Hope all are having a good start to
the summer season and we will see you again with lots of news from the CAV
Reunion in the next column.

MAY/JUNE, 2010
TOYA MARU SURVIVOR’S STORY by Peter O’Brien
On March 29th, 2010, through
the amazing earth-shrinking
miracle of the Internet, I found
and spoke with the lone 1st
Cavalry Division Artillery survivor
of the Toya Maru ferry
disaster of September 26, 1954.
The ferry had sailed from Hakodate,
Hokkaido, with about
1,309 passengers including 36
members of the 1st Cav Division
Artillery’s advance party
being sent south to set up a new duty station at Camp Younghans, near Sendai
on Honshu. The four and a half hour ferry ride to Aomori, Honshu, was to be
the first leg of the trip for the advance party. The battalions were to move to
Honshu with their equipment on LSTs and disembark further south at Sendai for
the 40-mile drive to Younghans.
PFC Francis P. GOEDKEN, 99th Field Artillery, HQ Battery 1953-55, was on
an upper glassed-in deck of Toya Maru with several other 99th troopers when,
at about 2100 hrs, he and those gathered there were told by an unknown 99th
Officer to don their life jackets and remove their shoes. Winds were howling and
enormous waves loomed ahead but they were unaware that they were weathering
a typhoon. The soldiers had earlier had supper aboard the ship when seas were
relatively calm. Japanese train travelers were still sitting in their trains on the
train deck of the ship. One of the GI’s, sensing the growing danger, said, “let’s
pray.”
It was soon apparent that the ship was losing headway and taking on water.
The rising water in the ship compressed the air in the upper decks, causing the
large glass window ports to pop out. The anchor was put out but it failed and the
ship grounded which negated all efforts to stabilize her. Buffeted by the huge
waves and typhoon winds she capsized at 2243 hrs, just several hundred meters
off the coast of Hakodate, Hokkaido.
The last thing Frank remembered before being washed out of one of the ports
was the sound of two GI’s praying. Once in the water, not knowing how he got
there and despite the pitch-black night, he spotted a life raft that had been washed
off the deck. An elderly Japanese man was sitting on it and Frank swam to it.
Frank climbed aboard but soon one of the enormous waves washed them off.
They remounted the raft, only to be washed off again. In the second displacement,
GOEDKEN broke his elbow when his arm became entangled in the raft’s
rope lines. Drifting now in the inky darkness he saw the lights of a ship nearby,
but it was not in a life-saving mode. The waves battered him against the steel
MEDAL OF HONOR
CARMEL B. HARVEY, JR.
Rank and organization: Specialist Fourth Class,
U.S. Army, Company B, 1st Battalion, 5th Cavalry, 1st
Cavalry Division (Airmobile).
Place and date: Binh Dinh Province, Republic of
Vietnam, 21 June 1967.
Entered service at: Chicago, Ill.
Born: 6 October 1946, Montgomery, W. Va.
Citation
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at
the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. SPC4 Harvey
distinguished himself as a fire team leader with Company B,
during combat operations. Ordered to secure a downed helicopter,
his platoon established a defensive perimeter around the aircraft,
but shortly thereafter a large enemy force attacked the position
from 3 sides. SPC4 Harvey and 2 members of his squad were in
a position directly in the path of the enemy onslaught, and their
location received the brunt of the fire from an enemy machine
gun. In short order, both of his companions were wounded, but
SPC4 Harvey covered this loss by increasing his deliberate rifle fire at the foe.
The enemy machine gun seemed to concentrate on him and the bullets struck the
ground all around his position. One round hit and armed a grenade attached to
his belt. Quickly, he tried to remove the grenade but was unsuccessful. Realizing
the danger to his comrades if he remained and despite the hail of enemy fire, he
jumped to his feet, shouted a challenge at the enemy, and raced toward the deadly
machine gun. He nearly reached the enemy position when the grenade on his belt
exploded, mortally wounding SPC4 Harvey, and stunning the enemy machine gun
crew. His final act caused a pause in the enemy fire, and the wounded men were
moved from the danger area. SPC4 Harvey’s dedication to duty, high sense of
responsibility, and heroic actions inspired the others in his platoon to decisively
beat back the enemy attack. His acts are in keeping with the highest traditions of
the military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the U.S. Army.
FOUNDATION PROVIDES SCHOLARSHIPS
The Foundation of the 1st Cavalry Division Association offers scholarships to
eligible applicants who are attending accredited educational institutions. Currently,
scholarship grants of up to $1,200 are offered annually and pay up to a
total of $4,800 for four years of schooling.
The scholarship program was initiated by the Association in 1967 during the
Vietnam War in response to requests from the Sergeants Major of the Division
who committed their support to perpetuation of the program. A trust agreement
was signed 16 August, 1968 establishing the Foundation. Since that time, no
child has been turned away for lack of funds. Between the generous donations
of Association members and a good investment program the Cavalry has taken
care of its own.
Children of Troopers that were killed in action or are totally and permanently
disabled due to wounds or diseases contracted while serving with the division
are eligible for scholarships. Children of 1st Cavalry Division Association
members who die while serving with the 1st Cavalry Division in peacetime are
also eligible. Additionally, active duty soldiers, spouses and children of soldiers
who currently serve in the division and are members of the 1st Cavalry Division
Association are also eligible.
Page 12
hull of the silent ship several times as he was being washed toward the stern.
Fearing the suction of the propeller he managed to pull away and a wave hurled
him further astern. Soon, without any real effort on his part, he felt the ground
beneath his feet as he was being miraculously washed up on the storm-lashed
Nanae Beach, near Hakodate, Hokkaido.
Walking along the beach he came to an Army Piper Cub that was tied down
on the hard packed sand. Apparently the survivor of an emergency landing,
the plane was intact and Frank considered riding-out the storm in it. He soon
changed his mind, however, and headed inland where he found a large warehouse
and hunkered down there until he was found and taken to a local hospital where
his arm was treated. The next morning his Japanese nurse told him he was very
lucky to have survived, and that’s when Frank learned what had happened to the
1,159 people who didn’t make it. Only 150 survived.
Frank recuperated in an Army hospital on Hokkaido. When released, he was
debriefed by a group of 1st Cav generals. Frank told them what he had experienced
and about the unknown 99th officer who had coolly issued orders as they
were gathered on the upper deck in that ferocious storm. Frank suggested that
whoever he was, he deserved a medal. That officer was 2LT George A. VAIL-
LANCOURT, 99th Field Artillery, Battery C, who was posthumously awarded
the Soldier’s Medal. The football field at Younghans was dedicated a year later
to LT VAILLANCOURT and the others who lost their lives that night.
Soon after the sinking, the ship owners offered Frank 100,000 yen but he
declined. He was informed by a friend that to decline this face-saving gesture
by the genuinely sorry ship owners was not good Japanese manners and might
offend, so he relented and took the money; about $280 at that time.
After his discharge in April, 1955, Frank GOEDKEN returned to his hometown
of Dubuque, Iowa and found a job as a pattern maker at John Deere’s Dubuque
Works where he stayed 55 years. Now retired, the 77 year old, and his wife Esther
enjoy the quiet peace of small town America in nearby Zwingle, Iowa, population
120. Frank is very much interested in any efforts for a Memorial to those
comrades he lost that long ago night of September 26, 1954. He remembers the
typhoon and near drowning vividly to this day. Frank may be reached at 10226
Arensdorf Road, Zwingle, IA 52079, tel (563) 773 2618.
While the photo of the Memorial to LT VAILLANCOURT at Camp Younghans
shows an Honor Roll of those lost that night, it’s too small to read. So, if anyone
has a list of those men, please share it with Jim Miller where it can be available
to all interested 1st Cav veterans.
I also spoke with Lloyd Pitman recently. He sent in the photo of the Toya
Maru and as a 1949-50 member of the 99th he too is very interested in any Toya
Maru memorial.
Peter O’Brien, PO Box 133, Foxboro, MA 02035, HQ, 61st FA, 1954-55.
MEDAL OF HONOR
EDGAR L. McWETHY, JR.
Rank and organization: Specialist Fifth Class, U.S.
Army, Company B, 1st Battalion, 5th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry
Division (Airmobile).
Place and date: Binh Dinh province, Republic of
Vietnam, 21 June 1967.
Entered service at: Denver, Colo.
Born: 22 November 1944, Leadville, Colo.
Citation
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at
the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Serving
as a medical aidman with Company B, SPC5 McWethy accompanied
his platoon to the site of a downed helicopter. Shortly
after the platoon established a defensive perimeter around the
aircraft, a large enemy force attacked the position from 3 sides
with a heavy volume of automatic weapons fire and grenades.
The platoon leader and his radio operator were wounded almost
immediately, and SPC5 McWethy rushed across the fire-swept
area to their assistance. Although he could not help the mortally
wounded radio operator, SPC5 McWethy’s timely first aid enabled the platoon
leader to retain command during this critical period. Hearing a call for aid, SPC5
McWethy started across the open toward the injured men, but was wounded in the
head and knocked to the ground. He regained his feet and continued on but was
hit again, this time in the leg. Struggling onward despite his wounds, he gained
the side of his comrades and treated their injuries. Observing another fallen rifleman
Lying in an exposed position raked by enemy fire, SPC5 McWethy moved
toward him without hesitation. Although the enemy fire wounded him a third
time, SPC5 McWethy reached his fallen companion. Though weakened and in
extreme pain, SPC5 McWethy gave the wounded man artificial respiration but
suffered a fourth and fatal wound. Through his indomitable courage, complete
disregard for his safety, and demonstrated concern for his fellow soldiers, SPC5
McWethy inspired the members of his platoon and contributed in great measure
to their successful defense of the position and the ultimate rout of the enemy
force. SPC5 McWethy’s profound sense of duty, bravery, and his willingness to
accept extraordinary risks in order to help the men of his unit are characteristic of
the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself
and the U.S. Army.
The first scholarship grant was awarded in 1973. Initially grants were for
$400 per year and have been raised incrementally over the years. The grants
were increased from $1,000 per year to $1,200 per year in June, 2008. As of
Donations to the Foundation by Association members are gratefully accepted
and are invested and managed by the Foundation Trustees to support this worthy
program.
Undergraduate students must be enrolled for a minimum of 12 semester hours
to receive a full grant. Students enrolled in a Masters Degree program must
maintain a semester total of 5 hours and those enrolled in Doctorate Degree programs
must maintain 3 hours for a full grant. A course of instruction deemed by
the trustees to be of a frivolous nature and not normally leading to a career or job
opportunity generally disqualifies an applicant from receiving a scholar
ship grant.
Continued on pg. 17

Page 13 MAY/JUNE, 2010
New Members
Continued from pg. 8.
E-4 DAVIS, JAMES PA C 2STB 1002
1SG DAVIS, JR., JIM TX 27BSB 1005
E4 DAVIS, III, VERNON E. MD F 1-8C 0504
1SG DAVIS, WALTER B. TX C 2-8C 1003
MAJ DAY, EUGENE R. TX HHC 4BCT 0806
SSG DeLEON, ESTEBAN S. TX A 5-82FA 1001
SPC DeMARS, SAMUEL PAUL MN A 5-82FA 0803
PFC DEGAETANO, CHRISTOPHER NJ HHC 4BSTB 1002
PFC DEMPSEY, ROBERT P. TX HHC 4BCT 1003
SFC DENNIS, THOMAS E. FL A 229AVN 7006
SGT DIAZ-SUAREZ, RAQUEL TX HHC 4BSTB 0910
SGT DOMINGUEZ, MANUEL TX HHD DISCOM 97
PFC DUFFY, THOMAS J. PA C 4BSTB 1004
E-6 DUFORT, KEITH ALLEN FL B 6-14FA 6511
E-5 DUNIVAN, JERRY D. MO B 2-7C 6702
SGT DUNNELL, CHARLES TX C 2STB 0907
SGT ECKER, RANDY A. MN C 8ENG 7511
SSG EDMOND, JACQUES TX A 5-82FA 0803
PVT EDWARDS, NEHEMIAH M. VA 4BCT 1005
SGT ESTRADA, JORGE TX C 2STB 1003
PVT EVANS, JOHN TX C 2STB 1003
LT EZELL, MICHAEL TX C 2STB 1003
SGT FALCONER, LARRY TX A 5-82FA 0806
SSG FARRELL, DAN CA C 1-7C 7206
1SG FERNANDEZ, EDUARDO TX C 2-12C 0712
SPC FERRANCE, DAVID TX G 27BSB 10
SSG FERRELL, NORBERT GA C 2-8C 0712
SSG FERRER, KRISTOFFER C. TX C 2STB 1003
CPT FITZGERALD, CHAD TX HHB 5-82FA 1003
PVT FLETCHER, ANDREW TX B 2-12C 1003
SSG FLOWERS, DERRICK TX C 2STB 1003
E-6 FOOTMAN, JOHN D. TX A 3-8C 72
SSG FOX, CHRISTOPHER E. TX C 4BSTB 1001
PFC FRALEY, JR., CRAIG U. TX D 1-8C 0501
WO1 GABARA, SAMUEL A. TX A 215BSB 1003
SPC GALLOWAY, MATTHEW A. TX C 2STB 0805
PV2 GARCIA, EDUARDO CA HHC 1ACB 1003
PVT GARCIA, LUIS E. AZ HHC 2BCT 1003
LTC GARCIA, PAUL VA HHC 4-9C 1003
PVT GATHERIGHT, CALVIN TX A 5-82FA 1003
SGT GAUDIN, JOSE FELIPE FLORES TX HHB 5-82FA 08
E-2 GEBHART, VANESSA PA 4BCT 1003
SGT GENTZLER, TRAVIS TX D 1-8C 0801
SGT GIBSON, DAVID WAYNE TX C 4BSTB 0910
SGT GILES, JONATHAN TX HHC 4BSTB 1003
CPT GOFF, CHRISTOPHER TX 1BCT 1005
SGT GOLPHINSYAS, DOROTHY J. TX C 2STB 1003
SGT GOMEZ, STEVEN TX HHC 4BSTB 0804
E-4 GONZALEZ, LOUIS A. SC C 27MNT 64
PV2 GONZALEZ, LUIS A. AL 4BSTB 1003
SFC GORDON, MARLON D. TX C 4BCT 1003
E-4 GORMAN, ROBERT K. IL B 1-5C 6709
SGT GRANESSE, GREGORY P. TX A 5-82FA 0903
SFC GREEN, JR., LEVI L. TX E 2-7C 0806
PVT GROETSCH, JOSHUA D. PA C 4BSTB 1003
PVT GURVIR, SINGH CA F 2-12C 1003
SPC GUTIERREZ, HENRY TX C 2STB 1002
PFC HALEY, CODY SD 1ACB 1003
LT HALL, SCOTT FL C 2-8C 0905
PFC HARALSON, DANNY C. TX 1BCT 1003
SFC HARBERT, WILLIAM A. TX D 1-8C 0803
CPT HARDEN, JESSE TX A 1-8C 1003
CPT HARDY, JOHN TX HHC 4BCT 1004
E-4 HARRIS, ALLEN TX G 2-7C 0704
SFC HARRIS, SEAN TX HHC 1ACB 0911
SSG HARRIS, SHELBY W. TX B 6-9C 0512
1LT HARRISON, III, CHARLES A. LA HHC 4BSTB 06
PFC HARTMAN, ANTHONY TX C 2STB 1002
SSG HAWTHORNE, ISAAC TX A 5-82FA 07
SFC HAYNES, MATTHEW TX A DSTB 0901
SSG HAYWOOD, SR., COLE B. SC 1269 1-ASSOC
E-4 HEINZE, MICHAEL S. ND 1-7C 72
PFC HERNANDEZ, JASON H. TX C 4BSTB 1003
SGT HERNANDEZ, JUAN TX C 2STB 0802
SPC HERRERA, CARLOS TX B 2-7C 1003
MR. HILGRIS, WILLIAM WALTER MI 1-77FA 6511
MAJ (RET) HOLLINS, JR., JOHN E. OH 1-12C 6506
PFC HOLT, ANTHONY TX C 2STB 0909
LTC HUFF, WILLIAM H. VA 2-227AVN 1007
SPC HULL, CHARLES IVAN TX C 2STB 1001
SSG HUNT, LEE TX A 5-82FA 0802
1LT HUTCHENS, JERRY TX HHC 4BSTB 1002
E-4 INGLIS, KENNETH TX C 2STB 1004
SFC IRVIN, TASHEEMA A. TX HHC 4BSTB 0908
SP5 JACKSON, FLOYD F. MN HHC 15MED 6902
PFC JACKSON, JOSEPH TX A 5-82FA 1003
PFC JASPER, CHARISSE IA HHC 4BSTB 0910
SGT JENKINS, MATTHEW P. TX E 1-5C 1005
SPC JOHANSEN, JUSTIN ME C 2STB 1002
SPC JONES, ALEX TX C 2STB 1003
E-4 JONES, JR., CHARLES ERNEST NC 2-7C 6702
PVT JONES, MYRIA MS HHC 4BCT 1003
SSG JONES, TERENCE TX 4BCT 1003
SPC JORDAN, EBONY SC HHC 4BSTB 0911
SPC KAISER, MATTHEW TX A 5-82FA 0911
SPC KALUP, QUINTON CLIFFORD OK A 5-82FA 0712
SGT KAPAUN, RONALD TX DHHB 0811
2LT KARR, STEPHEN T X C 2STB 1003
MAJ KIELPINSKI, MICHAEL W. TX 4BCT 1001
SFC KING, JR., REGINALD E. TX HHC 4BCT 07
SGT KNELL, JOSEPH TX C 4BSTB 0909
SPC KONECNY, SAMUEL JASON AL A 5-82FA 0803
PFC KOWALSKI, GERALD TX C 2STB 1003
E-4 KRAUSE, RICHARD TX B 2-7C 1002
SGT KUNZE, CLINTON TX C 2STB 1003
1LT KURKOWSKI, AMBERLE TX HHC 4BSTB 0712
T-4 LaFLEUR, RICHARD MN HHT 8C 4601
PV2 LAMAR, QUINCY GA 4BCT 1003
CPT LAMPHERE, CHAD TX HHC 4BCT 0909
SFC LAND, BARRIE TX 4BCT 0805
CPT LANE, KENT TX A 4BCT 0811
SGT LANGLEY, LUCAS TX C 1-8C 0906
CPT LAZARD, DARLENE A. TX 115BSB 1003
SGT LEFEVER, MICHELE NY HHC 4BSTB 0810
MAJ LEGEREIT, DANIEL TX HHC 1ACB 0901
E-4 LEIBY, GEORGE F. PA B 1-7C 7109
SPC LEWERENZ, DANIEL MI D 1-8C 0801
E-5 LILIENTHAL, RICHARD W. MN B 1-9C 6808
1SG LINDSEY, JIMMY TX B 6-9C 0511
SPC LINE, II, ROBERT E. OR A 5-82FA 0803
SSG LIPP, JOSEPH TX GFSC 27BSB 1002
CPT LOCKHART, PAUL G. TX 2-12C 1003
SPC LOFQUIST, TIMOTHY TX A 5-82FA 0708
2LT LOPEZ, JUSTIN J. TX 2-7C 1003
CW3 LOWERY, CHAD TX 2-227AVN 1003
SFC LOYA, JR., GUADALUPE TX HHC 1ACB 0801
2LT LUDWICK, RONALD V. TX C 2STB 1001
PVT LULL, ADAM DEAN TX A 5-82FA 1003
SGT LYONS, PATRICK J. TX E 52INF 66
SGT MACE, SEAN TX E 1-5C 0610
CPT MADLINGER, JOSHUA DAVID TX HHC 2-227AVN 0607
SSG MAGEE-LINDSEY, PHYLLIS TX HHC 4BSTB 1001
CW2 MALDONADO, LUIS D. TX HHC 4BCT 0907
PVT MARBLE, REUBIN M. MI 4BCT 1005
MSG MARKER, CHRIS A. TX A 615ASB 0102
SSG MARQUEZ, JASON L. TX A 5-82FA 08
SP4 MARTEL, THOMAS W. NH A 1-30FA 6902
PFC MARTINEZ, CHRISTINE TX 1-9C 1003
SGT McBRIDE, RALPH C. SC F 12C 44
PFC McCANN, REUBEN KS C 2STB 1003
SSG McCOWN, DANA J. TX HHB 5-82FA 0803
MAJ McCRANEY, SCOTT E. TX A 4-227AVN 0603
SGT McDONELL, MARTIN TX C 2STB 1003
MAJ McKENZIE, GEOFFREY TX 4BCT 0912
SGT McLEMORE, JOSEPH TX C 2STB 1003
SFC McMANUS, JOHN B. AZ H 1-5C
SFC McNEIL, DURNELL TX C 4BSTB 0904
SGT McNETT, JOSHUA TX G 27BSB 0803
SSG McPHERSON, SETH TX C 4BSTB 0909
PVT MEIKLE, ALISA WA HHC 4BSTB 1003
PVT MENDOZA, MARTINEZ TX A 5-82FA 10
MAJ MERCADANTE, MATTHEW TX 4BCT 1001
PVT MILLER, JOSHUA WV 5-82FA 1005
SPC MILLS, TODD TX C 2STB 1005
PFC MIRABELLA, DAVID STEPHEN MD B 1-5C 6904
SPC MOLS, JOEY I. TX A 5-82FA 1005
SSG MONCRIEF, II, WILLIE R. TX B 6-9C 0908
SSG MOODY, JONATHAN K. TX A 5-82FA 0803
SSG MOORE, CHAD W. GA A 2-5C 0801
CPT MOORE, RAMEY TX 1-9C 1005
SPC MOORE-WORDLAW, LASHONDA TX HHC 4BSTB 1003
SGT MORRIS, TIMOTHY J. TX A 5-82FA 0803
SFC (RET) MOSS, DAVID A. WA B 1-8C 6807
PFC MUHAMMAD, MUEEN NY HHC 4BSTB 0909
SGT MURPHY, TYLER CO C 2STB 1002
SFC NEAL, JEREMY L. TX HHC 4BSTB 1001
E-4 NELUMS, NICHOLAS A. TX HHB 1-82FA 0604
SGT NERGELOVIC, ALEX TX A 5-82FA 0803
SFC NEVILLE, RICHARD WI B 2-19FA 6509
SGT NORLIN, KYLE R. TX G 27BSB 0803
SGT OLCOTT, ROBERT TX B 615ASB 1005
MR. OLSON, BARRY MN 1266 1-ASSOC
MR. OLSON, DEREK MN 1265 1-ASSOC
SGT OPIO, JOSE L. TX 5-82FA 10
E-9 O’ROURKE, MIKE ,MN HHC 1BDE 6810
SPC ORZECHOWSKI, JUSTIN OR C 2STB 0805
SFC PARKER, BRENT TX E 1-8C 0906
SSG PASCAL, GREGORY TX 4BCT 0609
MAJ PASTELLA, JOHN TX 1BCT 1005
MAJ PATTERSON, MICHAEL W. TX 4BCT 1001
CH (CPT) PATTERSON, ROBERT TX HHB 5-82FA 0912
SP5 PAUL, GARY M. MN B 2-5C 69
E-4 PAULA, JOAO P. TX C 2STB 1004
SSG PEACOCK, ROBERT TX A 27BSB 1001
SGT PEETE, PATRICK D. TX C 2-8C 0910
SGT PELZ, TRAVIS K. TX D 1-8C 0507
SPC PENBERTHY, JOHN TX A 3-8C 1003
PVT PENN, ERIC D. CT 2-7C 1003
SPC PETTY, MATTHEW TX B 6-9C 0805
SGT PICKETT, TERRI TX HHC 4BSTB 0804
SGT PIKE, JOHN MO C 2-8C 6806
SFC PINKETT, ERIC TX A 5-82FA 1002
PVT PITTERS, POPITO FL HHC 4BSTB 1003
SGT PLEBAN, VANESSA J. TX HHC 4BSTB 0804
PVT PLUMMER, SHANE E. MD A 5-82FA 1004
SGT POOR, JOHN E. MO B 1-12C 6802
SPC POPE, DAKOTA TX C 2-8C 0809
CPT POWLEDGE, RUSSELL TX C 1-9C 1003
E-5 PURDY, PHILLIP F. CO E 1-7C 7201
E-5 QUINN, GARY NORFORD GA B 1-9C 6802
SGT QUINTERO, JARIO A. TX A 5-82FA 0803
PFC REECE, TYLER A. CA A 5-82FA 0912
SGT REED, JASON W. TX HHC 4BSTB 0910
MSG REESE, JAMES E. TX HHC 1BCT 1005
SSG REID, DARRIN TX HHB 5-82FA 0907
LTC REILLY, STEPHEN T. TN HHC 1CDH 81
SPC RELLING, GAVEN I. TX HHC 2-12C 1003
SSG REYES, JEFFREY B. TX G 27BSB 1003
SGT REYES, JOSUE TX D 1-8C 0604
Continued on pg. 14.

MAY/JUNE, 2010
99th FA News
Jim Miller
819 West Howard St.
Winona, MN 55987-2642
(507) 454-4224
jimarmiller@hbci.com
It is necessary to start
this column with notification
of the passing of some
of our fellow Troopers. I
received word from Phyllis
RUTLEDGE that John
had passed away February
18th. John would have been 80 in July. John served in B Btry during the
Occupation of Japan and the Korean War. He was very active in the 99th FA
Battalion Association. I first met John at the 99th FA Bn Assn reunion in June
of 1998. He and Phyllis hosted that reunion in his home of Lafayette, Indiana.
That was the first of three 99th reunions that Marge and I had the privilege of
attending and I was always appreciative of the work that John and Phyllis put
into hosting that event. It got me actively involved in the 99th and the 1st Cav
Div Assn. We will all miss John RUTLEDGE. If you’d like to drop Phyllis a
note: 208 Eastland Drive, Lafayette, IN 47905.
I also received word by e-mail from James BAILEY that his father, LT Robert
BAILEY, served in the 99th from the end of the Admiralty Campaign through the
Luzon Campaign as an FO. He took part in the Flying Column. He later served
as a spotter on the destroyer, USS Bailey. In 1945, he took part in disarming the
Japanese in Korea. James BAILEY served in Vietnam as a 1st Cav Trooper in
the 15th Medics. He said that he came away with a better insight of what the
WW II veterans did; they were truly the “Greatest Generation.”
I also received word from Buck BURGESS that Miles JOHNSON of A Btry
died. Thank you to these three combat veterans for their honorable service to
their country. Farewell, Comrades, farewell.
Buck BURGESS and I always have a lot to talk about. It seems like we were
in the same place at almost the same time in our military careers. It’s funny isn’t
it that I might have handed you a wire to hook up to the switchboard or your
EE-8 and never knew who you were. We might have hit the dirt, probably the
mud, together when some “incoming” was coming in. Ask me today and you’ll
probably get a blank stare; that’s something I’m good at these days. Buck told
me about going to an Army graduation ceremony for a grandson which he thought
was great except they were all wearing BDU’s. He and I both think the lack of
an everyday dress uniform takes something away from the military look of the
Army today. Buck has been wondering what ever happened to Cecil HART-
MAN. Anyone know
My old buddy, John BATT and I have had a couple of interesting phone conversations.
It usually takes us two or three tries to get connected. He and I share
birthdays a few days apart. We both
turned () 80 the second week in March.
John has decided to have his “other” knee
replaced. He’ll probably be running in
marathons by next March.
I talked to Bill LAFERTY the other day.
Bill served with the 583rd FA at Camp
Drake, Japan. I got some technical info
from Bill that I’ve been looking for. On
my second and third (last) enlistments,
I served with a 155mm Howitzer battalion
in the 1st INF Div, The Big Red
One. Several years ago, I was trying to
describe the tractors that we used to pull
the howitzers to my son. Although he
was an officer, infantry, he didn’t know
what I was talking about. Mr. LAFERTY
gave me some nomenclature: M-4 or
M-8. His outfit was 8 inch howitzer
so they needed bigger tractors. When
USO.
I Googled M-4, I saw that it replaced the M-5 (that makes sense in the Army,
right). When I brought up the M-5, there was the tractor that we chewed up
New Members
Continued from pg. 13.
SPC REYES, SAUL A. TX C 2STB 1003
CPL REYNOLDS, KAMOWA TX A 5-82FA 07
1SG RICE, TORRY TX B 3-8C 0810
CPT RIDEAU, ALPHONSE T. TX 4BCT 1009
SP4 ROBERTS, ANTHONY LORREN FL B 1-12C 6608
SFC ROBLING, MICHAEL TX C 4BSTB 0912
SSG RODRIGUEZ, ALLAIN TX C 4BSTB 0910
PVT RODRIGUEZ, ANDRES NJ A 1-9C 1003
1SG ROGERS, WALTER P. TX C 2STB 1003
SGT ROLDAN, JOHNNY A. TX C 4BSTB 1002
SSG ROSALES, JASON G. TX A 5-82FA 0907
SGT RUSSELL, JOHN TX C 2STB 1003
SGT SABLAN, JONATHAN TX HHC 4BSTB 0908
SSG SAFFELL, DOUGLAS JAMES TX G 5-82FA 1004
WO1 SANCHEZ, ANTONIO TX HHC 4BCT 1003
SFC SANFORD, ROBERT C. MN A 4-9C 7606
SPC SCHAEFFER, ARTHUR TX C 2-8C 0712
PFC SCHEBLER, ADAM P. IA HHC 1BSTB 1003
SPC SCHMITTOU, CHRISTOPHER TX C 2STB 1003
SPC SCOGGINS, WILLIAM BERT TX B 5-82FA 0806
SPC SCOTT, BYRON THOMAS TX HHC 3BCT 0804
SPC SCOTT, DAVID D. FL A 5-82FA 0802
1SG SEAMANDS, DAVID EUGENE TX 545MP 9304
SSG SEMETARA, SHAYNE NV D 1-8C 0303
LT SHAFER, SCOTT TX 1-12C 1003
SPC SHEPPARD, JASON MI C 2STB 1003
WO2 SHERIDAN, EZEKIEL TX HHC 4BCT 1003
SSG SHIELS, EVAN O. TX C 2STB 1005
LTC SICOLI, PETER TX HHC 1-8C 1003
PFC SIEBERG, ZACHARY TX A 5-82FA 0801
LTC SIEGRIST, JEREMY TX HHC DHHB 1004
PFC SIELOFF, KYLE TX G 5-82FA 1005
LT SILER, FRANK E. TX HHC 4BSTB 0903
CW2 SINGLETON, KALONJI TX A 4BSTB 1001
CPT SINGLETON, SCHNICKA L. TX HHC 4BCT 1001
Marilyn Maxwell serving with the
Page 14
a lot of Bavarian farm land with. When we came to Fort Riley from Germany
on Operation Gyroscope, we went to five ton trucks. I guess they didn’t want
us to tear up Kansas farm land. Bill also said that he helped bring the restored
LST back to the US. He said that was quite a trip. I can believe that. Sailing
to Japan on the USS Funston was bad enough and it was a little bigger than an
LST. If you remember, Bill and Richard SCHULZ were in the 583rd at Camp
Drake and share a lot of small world items with me.
Back a couple of issues, I wrote about the famous Browning .50 cal machine
gun and warned that I would relate a couple of stories about my involvement
with that noble weapon.
When we were in Japan before Korea, the Hqs Btry Wire Section had a couple
of .50 cal mg. One went in the deuce-and-a-half in a ring mount for anti aircraft
protection and the other was mounted on a pipe mount in a ¾ ton wire truck.
The one on the ¾ ton wire truck did not work! This fact didn’t keep us from
cleaning it and mounting it for looks when we were touring around. On the way
back from Mito, on alert after the North Koreans had invaded the South, we were
given a full box of .50 cal ammo and told to load the inoperable machine gun
and watch for enemy planes. I guess the idea was to yell up to enemy pilots and
say, “Hey, look out we’ve got a machine gun down here.” Anyway, we were in
Korea before a replacement arrived. Two of us took the new gun out to test fire.
We had a tripod mount and took it up on a hill which isn’t hard to do in Korea.
This during the Pusan Perimeter so you could fire anywhere across the Naktong
River safely and you might do some damage. So we set it up and started firing
trying to hit trees, rocks, signs, or anything else we could see. I was lying beside
the gun, when the guy firing noticed that the barrel was sinking towards the
dirt. “Raise the barrel!” He shouted. I don’t know; maybe it was the noise and
excitement, but I reached over and grabbed the red hot barrel and started lifting
it up. “Oh, you mean the mount,” I yelled as I watched the skin peeling off my
hand. No wonder I was never asked to be part of the Heavy Weapons Platoon.
I was too embarrassed to seek medical help; I just used stuff out of the first aid
kit to heal it. I burned the same hand in an equally stupid move later.
Ed CARTY, former long time writer of this column and I did a lot of e-mailing.
He said that his old buddy Bob PARKER from the wire section called him.
John BAGGE, C Btry WW II, called and e-mailed me to get back in touch
after a hard year. He turned 88 and is wondering if anyone else from C Btry is
still kicking.
Don WHITE called and told me about planting and harvesting crops down in
Florida. We were still sitting under a foot of snow. But I like it when Don calls;
I just sort of imagine green stuff growing and people out in shorts. It gives me
hope.
I received a classic photo from Lloyd PITMAN. Lloyd was digging around in
some stuff and he found a photo of the Toya Maru. I know how interested Peter
O’BRIEN and some of the “younger” guys from the 99th are about the Toya
Maru tragedy so I e-mailed it to him. Peter wrote an article about the Toya Maru
catastrophe which will run separately in the Saber: watch for it! Many thanks go
to Lloyd PITMAN for thinking about us when he saw that photo.
Continuing our new tradition of printing “before and after” photos, I have included
Charles GREEN in this issue. I always
appreciate Charles and Jo GREEN for all the help
they provide me in this job. The other photo is
of Marylyn MAXWELL, the female (and that
was important in October of 1950) vocalist for
the Les BROWN band with Bob HOPE.
I can’t forget RJ CLARK. We’ve got something
going with Camp Drew being used as a
Charles Green - then and
now.
hospital during the Korean War which I’ll give
you at a later date.
Give a few minutes remembering those 99th
Troopers who have gone before us. Pray for
those who are suffering and remember: Red GREEN says, “We are all in this
together.”
SGT SMITH, COREY J. TX E 1-5C 0903
CPL SMITH, JAMES P. NH B 8ENG 5103
PFC SMITH, KYLE L. TX C 2-12C 1003
1SG SMITH, RONALD W. MN A 229AHB 7109
SGT SORIA, ANGELINA TX 1267 1-ASSOC
CSM SOTO-BONILLA, CARLOS R. TX HHB 3-82FA 0806
LTC SOUTHERLAND, GROVER TX 1-7C 1004
CPT SOYARS, TIM R. TX C 2-5C 6703
2LT SPARKES, MICHAEL BRENT TX HHC 4BCT 1003
MAJ SPENCE, SEAN TX 4BCT HHC
1LT SPERATI, MICHAEL TX HHC 4BCT 0910
SGT ST LEGER, RICHARD CA 11AVN 6607
CW4(RET) STARBUCK, LAWRENCE E. CO D 227AHB 6510
E-5 STEPHENS, DONALD J. FL RPS 6910
SFC STREIGLE, BRIAN TX C 2STB 1003
SPC STRUTHERS, PATRICK T X C 2STB 1002
2LT SUMALINDINIE, SERION TX GFSC 5-82FA 1003
MSG SUTTON, CASH E. IA 4BCT 1003
SPC TABOADA, ELBERT A. TX HHC 4BSTB 1003
SPC TALAVERA, GEOVANNY TX B 2STB 0904
E-6 TAYLOR, SHANE TX 4BSTB 0807
SP-4 THOMPSON, GARY R. NY B 2-12C 6806
SGT THOMPSON, RODGER E. PETE VA B 1-8C 7004
SP-4 TOFTNER, LEE MN HHC 1CDH 5707
SGT TORRES, EDWARD G. TX 4BCT 1005
SGT TOTTEN, LAMAR TX HHC 615ASB 9912
SGT TRAMIEL, CASSANDRA TX HHC 1ACB 0703
MAJ TRAN, XUAN N. TX 1ACB 1005
CSM TRAYLO,R MARTIN TX 2BCT 10
CW3 TREVINO, CARLOS TX HHC 4BCT 09
E-3 TROXELL, SHANE CA B 2-12C 1003
SGT TYSEN, PATRICK TX C 2STB 0904
LTC (RET) UNDERWOOD, CONE S. GA HHC 1-5C 6808
CPL VAUGHN, FLOYD CARLTON GA 7C 53
SGT VELILLA, JONATHAN TX G 5-82FA 0705
CW2 VERALOPEZ, AURELIO TX HHC 4BCT 0601
Continued on pg. 15.

Page 15
ALL THE WAY BRIGADE CHAPTER
Pres: Bennett Guthrie
29112 S. 558 Road
Park Hill, OK 74451
(918) 207-2982
E-mail: bennettguthrie47@msn.com
Website: www.honor and courage.net
Call or e-mail for meeting info.
CAJUN CAVALRY CHAPTER
Pres: Perry Tillman
1330 S. Vista Ave.
Gonzales, LA 70137
E-mail: diane-perry@worldnet.att.net
CENTRAL SAVANNAH
RIVER AREA CHAPTER
Pres: John Rangel, Jr.
2665 Teakwood Dr.
Hephzibah, GA 30815
(706) 771-1173
Website: gandata.com/First_Cav.htm
Meets on 2nd Sat of mo., 1400 at Ryans
Steak House on Peach Orchard Rd., Augusta,
GA (Mar., June, Sept. and Dec.)
COLUMBIA-WILLAMETTE
CHAPTER
Pres: Klaus W. Lachmann
880 Fran St. SE
Salem, OR 97306-1626
(503) 740-2402
E-mail: nagshead65@comcast.net
Meets 1830 3rd Wed of odd mos.at DAV
Bingo Hall, 8725 NE Sandy Blvd., No
Dec. meeting
CONNECTICUT CHAPTER
Pres: Keith Moyer
48 Boretz Rd.
Colchester, CT 06415-1009
(860) 537-1716
E-mail: kpmoyerco@hotmail.com
Vice-Pres: Dennis DeLaire
55 Salmon Brook Dr.
Glastonbury, CT 06033-2141
(203) 659-4169
http://www.conncav.com
Meeting info in newsletter and on web
page.
COWBOY STATE CHAPTER
Pres: L. Pete Quinnell
11 Lone Cedar Dr.
Gillette, WY 82716
(307) 682-5354
E-mail: pbquin@vcn.com
POC: George Cook
1400 O’Shannon
Gillette, WY 82716
Meets in July and on the Sat. closest to
Sept. 23 .
CROSSED SABERS CHAPTER
Pres: Jerry Eller
808 S. 2nd St.
Killeen, TX 76541-7703
FIRST CHAPTER
Pres: Robert H. Wolfe
4756 Haracourt Dr.
El Paso, TX 79924-3047
(915) 755-7944
FIRST COAST TROOP
Pres: Mark Adams
495 Romano St.
St. Augustine, FL 32086-7136
(904) 794-1895
Vice-Pres: Jim Price
236 Joey St.
St. Augustine, FL 32080-6420
(904) 429-7852
Meets monthly on the 3rd Thurs. at 7pm
at VFW Post 2391, 6184 US 1 S., South
City
FLORIDA CHAPTER
Pres: John R. Gailfoil, Sr.
1832 SE 29th St.
Okeechobee, FL 34974-6402
(863) 467-1288
E-Mail: johngailfoil@hotmail.com
POC: Ken Baker
1509 Tate St.
Cocoa, FL 32922-6532
(321) 632-4928
E-mail: BakeVet@aol.com
Meetts quarterly at different locations
around the state.
LAKELAND AREA TROOP A
Pres: Walter C. Smith
5090 Ironwood Trail
Bartow, FL 33830
(863) 644-7207
E-mail: tarbucket67@yahoo.com
POC: Verlin Buck Rogers
(863) 858-3559
E-mail: vrogers8@tampabay.rr.com
Meets at 1100 on the 1st Sat. of mo. at
L.J.’s Diner & Lounge, 1395 E Main
St., Bartow, FL (corner of Main and
Hwy 17 South)
SPACE COAST TROOP B
Pres: Bill Franklin
473 Kimberly Dr.
Melbourne, FL 32940
(321) 255-0868
E-mail: swfwwf@aol.com
POC: Ken Baker
1509 Tate St.
Cocoa, FL 32922
(321) 632-4928
E-mail: BakeVet@aol.com
Meets qtrly. at area restaurants
FLORIDA TROOP C
Pres: Woodrow N. Hines, Sr.
POC:Thomas Horas
1007 Catalpa Ln.
Orlando, FL 32806-1742
(407) 894-5213
E-mail: thoras@aol.com
Meets 2nd Sat. at 11:00am of ea. mo.
at VFW Post 2093, 4444 Edgewater
Dr., Orlando, No meeting in June or
July.
FLORIDA TROOP E “BLACK
HATS”
Pres: W. E. “Stretch” Hungerford
15 Desert Candle Circle
Lehigh Acres, FL 33936
(239) 369-7871
E-mail: wdhung@earthlink.net
Website: http://www.seahog.org/cav/
index.html
Meets 4th Sat. ea. mo. from Aug. - May
1:00pm. at Buddy Freddies at the corner
of Old 41 and Bayshore, N Ft. Myers.
FLYING HORSEMAN CHAPTER
(Upstate New York Area)
Pres: Thomas R. Randall
209-A Harmon St.
Elmira, NY 14904-1220
(607) 259-9881
Vice-Pres: Charles T. Sullivan
148 Decker Rd.
Lowman, NY 14861-8900
(607) 737-0743
E-mail: firstcavhorse@aol.com
Meets 1st Sunday each month at the Elmira
Am. Legion Post #443.
CHAPTER INDEX
FOLLOW ME CHAPTER
Pres: James R. Lee
3 Marriott Court
Columbus, GA 31907
(706) 568-3732
E-mail: ljam93@bellsouth.net
Meets 1900 4thTues. ea. mo. Veterans
Ctr., 1000 Victory Dr., Columbus, GA.
No meeting in December
FORT KNOX AREA CHAPTER
Pres.: Robert L. Magruder
8012 Boadfern Dr.
Louisville, KY 40291-2304
(502) 239-1522
E-mail: bobmagruder@bellsouth.net
POC: Larry A. Whelan
2103 Winston Ave.
Louisville, KY 40205
(502) 485-1270
E-mail: lawhelan@insightbb.com
http://www.1cda.org/fort _ knox.html
Meets 3rd Sat. of mo. at 1300 at the
Barker Masonic Lodge, 701 Main St.,
West Point, KY.
JUMPING MUSTANG CHAPTER
1-8 Cav
Pres: Tom Brett
4216 Wynnwood Dr.
Annandale, VA 22003-3453
(703) 642-1595
E-mail: tombrettphoto@cox.net
POC: James C. Knafel
5510E - 500 South
Columbia City, IN 46725
(260) 244-3864
E-mail: jjknafel@earthlink.net
Website: www.JumpingMustangs.com
KETTLE MORAINE CHAPTER
Pres: Gerald J. Nelson
N99 W16781 Woodcock Rd.
Germantown, WI 53022
(262) 251-2298
Vice-Pres.: Gordon Weidner
1219 Cleveland Ave.
Racine, WI 53403
(262) 637-3835
Meets quarterly at the Bunker,29224
Evergreen Dr.,in Waterford, WI. (262)
514-2442
GERALD F. KINSMAN CHAPTER
Pres: Owen Levine
77 Clubhouse Dr.
Leominister, MA 01453
(978) 534-6284
E-mail: sonny01453@comcast.net
Meets yearly.
JAMES J. MASON WEST MICHIGAN
CHAPTER
Pres.: Doug Kamphuis
86 Birchwood Ave.
Holland, MI 49423
(616) 392-5074
POC: Bob Anderson
2243 Ancient Dr.
Wyoming, MI 49519
(616) 534-9180
E-mail: rj.anderson2243@comcast.net
Website: jjmwmc1cd.com
Meets Sept.-June on 3rd Thurs. of mo.
at 7pm, at the Grand Valley Armory in
Wyoming, MI .
LOS ANGELES/ORANGE COUNTY
CHAPTER
Pres: John Guillory
780 Mandevilla Way
Corona, CA 92879
(951) 278-3740
E-mail: fisheye1@sbcglobal.net
Vice Pres: John Burgner
228 South Hacienda St.
Anaheim, CA 92804
(714) 535-0737
E-mail: jburgner@sbcglobal.net
Meets 0900 on 3rd Sat. of mo. at Brea Veterans
Club, 735 S. Brea Blvd., Brea, CA
LRRP/RANGER of the 1st Cav. Div. during
the Vietnam War.
Pres.: Keith Phillips
18288 Acre Ln.
Kemp, TX 75143
(903) 498-4194
E-mail: darby7172@embarqmail.com
Website: www.tomah.com/lrrp_ranger/
Full chapter meeting during Reunions
NATIONAL CAPITOL REGION
CHAPTER
Pres: Gene Russell
7923 Jansen Dr.
Springfield, VA 22152-2413
(703) 569-2770
E-mail: ncr1stcavdivassn@yahoo.com
Website: 1cda.org/national_capitol.htm
Breakfast meetings are normally held at
0900 on the 3rd Sat. of each month at the
SFAC, Bldg. 200 on Ft. Belvoir. Check
web page meeting schedule.
NEW YORK/NEW JERSEY CHAPTER
Pres: Bob Arbasetti
60 River Rd. #E103
Bogota, NJ 07603
(201) 883-0343
E-mail: nynjcavalry@optimum.net
Vice Pres.: Joe Panzardi
Meets at Elk Lodge at Cedar and Spruce,
Ridgefield Park, NJ.
NEW YORK TROOP
Troop Commander: Joe Panzardi
89-59 217th St.
Queens Village, NY 11427
(718) 776-9749
e-mail: aircavny@verizon.net
Meets at Fort Totten, Queens, NY in the
spring and fall.
NORTH CAROLINA - TARHEEL
CHAPTER
Pres: Allen O. Norris
8160 Waterford Dr.
Stanley, NC 28164
(704) 483-8778
E-mail: anorris@infionline.net
Contact for Membership: Don Gibson
803 McDonald Church Road
Rockingham, NC 28379
(910) 895-0747
e-mail: dtbjgibson@yahoo.com
Meets 2nd Sat of Mar., Jun, Sept. & Dec.
NORTHWEST CHAPTER
Pres.: Roy Rio
E-mail: allrio@live.com
POC: Ric James
PO Box 1305
Bremerton, WA 98337
(360) 536-1050
E-mail: arejay5353@aol.com
Meets 1200 3rd Sat of even months in
the Sam Allen Room at the Tacoma Elks
Club,1965 S. Union, Tacoma, WA
ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHAPTER
Pres: Richard Sweat
4436 Delighted Cir. N
Colorado Springs, CO 80917
(719) 596-7773
n0ike@juno.com
Website: 1cda.org/rocky_mountain.htm
Meets 9am 2nd Sat. of mo.at at Retired
Enlisted Assn. Chapter 1, 834 Emory Cir.,
Colorado Springs.
SAN BERNARDINO CHAPTER
Pres: Robert E. Keith
3105 Glenview Ave.
San Bernardino, CA 92407
(909) 800-1074
SHERIDAN’S CAVALRY CHAPTER
(Greater Chicago Area)
Pres.: John Schwan
27 Watergate Dr.
S. Barrington IL 60010-7123
(847) 381-6868
E-mail: john@schwanusa.com
Vice-Pres: Don Smolinski
435 Fordham Pl.
Roselle, IL 60172
(630) 894-2606
E-mail: dsmolin266@comcast.net
Website: sheridansfirstcav.com
Meets quarterly
SOUTHEASTERN COLORADO
CHAPTER
Pres: Clifford Boxley
24 Paseo St.
Lamar, CO 81052
(719) 336-7385
E-mail: crboxley@hotmail.com
Vice Pres.: Gregorio Trujillo
PO Box 215
Las Animas, CO 81054
(719) 456-0028
Website: www.firstcavalry.net
Meets 1st Sat. of ea. mo. at 10am at the
Holiday Inn in LaJunta, CO..
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
CHAPTER
Pres: Ray McCarville
(626) 358-3790
Meets 1st Sat. of mo. at the Monrovian
Restaurant at 0730.
WALTER H. WESTMAN NORTHLAND
CHAPTER
Pres: David L. LaPlante
5307 Mayview Rd.
Minnetonka, MN 55345
(952) 933-3487
laplanterez@comcast.net
POC: James D. Wright
12781 Able St. NE
Blaine, MN 55434
(763) 757-7140
E-mail: 1stCav-MN@comcast.net
Meets quarterly at different locations. Call
or write for information.
FORMING CHAPTERS:
If you have changes or additions to this listing, contact the Association at (254) 547-6537 or e-mail
at .
MAY/JUNE, 2010
Las Vegas Area
Contact Person: MSG James L. Edwards
3056 E. Russell Rd.
LasVegas, NV 86120
oldtoad@excite.com
Ken White
3834 Inverness Road
Fairfax, VA 22033
(703) 352-1468
Ken.White68@verizon.net
Fellow LRRP/Rangers: Here is a short note on a fellow Ranger. I hope to
have seen you all at the reunion in Minnesota.
A Real Hero - Corporal Benjamin S. KOPP, a rifleman with Charlie Company,
3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Infantry, died on July 18, 2009 at Walter Reed Army
Medical Center in Washington, DC, as a result of wounds suffered in Afghanistan.
His body was interred at Arlington National Cemetery on August 7, 2009.
He was 21 years old.
CPL KOPP got wounded on July 10, 2009 when his unit attacked a Taliban
safe haven in Helmand Province, according to the 75th Ranger Regiment. The
New Members
Continued from pg. 14.
SGT VILLALTA, ADER E. TX A 5-82FA 0804
CPT VILLALUZ, PETER TX HHT 3BCT 0908
SSG VOSS, JASON TX B 2-7C 1003
PFC WAKEFIELD, BRYCE M. OK C 4BSTB 1003
E-5 WARD, DONALD LYNN OR HHB 2-19FA 6510
SFC WARD, RICKEY FL C 227AVN
SPC WARNER, WHESLEY TX HHC 6-9C 1003
CPT WARREN, RASHAUN TX 4BCT 1005
SPC WASSERMANN, JEREMY R. TX HHC 4BSTB 1001
SFC WATSON, MICHAEL J. TX HHC 3BCT 1003
E-4 WAUNEKA, FREDDIE E. NM B 2-7C 6805
CPT WELLER, SHANE TX HHC 3-227AVN 0902
MSG WENDELL, DANNY TX HHC 1ACB 1001
fight lasted several hours and resulted in the death of more than 10 Taliban fighters.
CPL KOPP got shot in the leg during the battle. A bullet hit the popliteal
artery in his knee and the loss of blood caused him to go into cardiac arrest. He
subsequently developed swelling in the brain and was evacuated to Landstuhl
Regional Medical Center in Germany before being transferred to Walter Reed.
CPL KOPP was on his third tour of duty having served two tours in Iraq before
going to Afghanistan.
Sometimes out of tragedy comes some good. CPL KOPP had told his parents
that if anything was to happen to him, he wanted to be an organ donor. After his
death, his heart was transplanted into a family friend, Judy MEIKLE, age 57, of
Winnetka, Illinois who had a rare form of congenital heart disease, according to
CPL KOPP’s mother, Jill STEPHENSON of Rosemount, Minnesota. His kidneys,
pancreas and liver were also removed for transplant.
Among the mourners at CPL KOPP’s interment were Secretary of Defense
Robert M. GATES, Secretary of the Army Peter GEREN, U.S. Senator from
Minnesota, Al FRANKEN and several Rangers from Fort Benning, Georgia.
E4 WENSEL, JOSHUA E. TX DSTB 0809
PVT WEST, JOSEPH P. TX C 2STB 1003
SPC WHALEN, SEAN TX A 5-82FA 0709
E-2 WILHELM, CHRISTOPHER GA 4BCT 1003
SGT WILLIAMS. ANNIE A. TX .HHC 4BSTB 1002
SSG WILLIAMS, JR., CLAUDE PEURSELL TX G 5-82FA 1003
E3 WILLIAMS, CODY K. UT C 4BSTB 1003
SPC WILLIAMS, JR., JOHN M. TX C 2STB 1003
PVT WILLIAMS, TYRONE NY A 2-7C 1003
SGT WILLIAMSON, CHRIS MO C 2-8C 0701
SSG WOOD, MASON TX C 2STB 1003
E-4 WYATT, STEVEN M. IL A 2-12C 9405
1SG WYDLER, DARA TX HHC 1ACB 0812
SPC YANG, CHIANENG WI HHC 4BSTB 07
Continued on pg. 19

MAY/JUNE, 2010
Hank Llewellyn
58 Mapleleaf Lane
Pottstown, PA 19464
(484) 948-9451
SilverWingsoftheCav
@comcast.net
Page 16
Greetings once again fellow Sky Troopers. I’ll start this month’s article with
my AAR of the April 8-9, 2010 Arlington National Cemetery (ANC) special
service for the crew of Huey 808. For those of you that have not followed this
story in my earlier columns I shall bring you up to speed.
Our journey to ANC began 45 years ago, 28 December, 1965, when Huey
#808 of the 229th AHB lifted off for a routine ten minute DCS flight from the
Central Highlands of Vietnam and disappeared into the jungles of II Corps. On
board were pilots CWO Kenneth L. STANCIL and CWO Jesse D. PHELPS
along with crew chief SP5 Donald GRELLA and gunner SP4 Thomas RICE,
all veterans of the IaDrang Valley battle. The crew would remain missing for
over four decades and numerous attempts to find the Huey were unsuccessful.
That is until March, 2009, when a excavation team set out to find and
subsequently found the crew and bird based on information from an April,
2006, investigation team. The 2006 U.S. - Vietnamese team led by the Joint
POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC) found a villager that claimed to
have shot down the bird and was able to lead them to a crash site on the side
of a 4,700-foot mountain. It took another three years for an excavation team to
return to the supposed site, about 10 miles from our old base camp in An Khe.
The forty plus years of not knowing for the four families was full of unanswered
questions, disappointment, rumors of sightings, frustration, grieving, loss, determination,
but never without hope. New generations of family would learn of
the missing loved one and rekindle that hope. Parents would pass without ever
knowing.
The journey would finally come to an end this past April as the four families,
friends and comrades gathered in Washington, DC to witness the crews’ remains
laid to rest together at Arlington National Cemetery on a beautiful spring day
in a background of cherry blossoms in full bloom. So, this is where my report
begins.
There was several reasons why I needed to attend this service. Although I
never personally knew any of the crew, I was part the same company, A/229th.
I remember listening to the story from the “Old Heads” of the lost bird and have
flown the same route they took that morning a number of times. I’ve maintained
contact with some of the family members for many years via the Saber and
“Silver Wings” sites and visits to DC. But most importantly, I felt that I needed
to represent the troopers of the “Wings” group as in a display of respect for the
families - We never forgot.
My Virginia sortie to the Arlington Residence Court Hotel in Rosslyn was
uneventful. Arriving in time for an early afternoon gathering of the families and
veterans. In the lobby I immediately noticed Shirley (the sister of Don GRELLA)
and Ron HAASE, Joe GALLOWAY, Bruce and Arlene CRANDALL. Walking
through the door behind me was Jon MILLS and Frank MORENO. Within minutes
I struck up conversations with Faye SMITH, one of SP4 Thomas RICE’s
sisters and Don STANCIL, the brother of CWO Kenneth STANCIL. The next
couple of hours were full of introductions, questions and photos from all the
generations of the four families as well as the press that accompanied two of the
families and local TV folks.
That evening we gathered again. This time at Murphy Funeral Home on Wilson
Blvd., to pay tribute to their sacrifice and to honor and remember these men. I
thank Fred (A/229th AHB) and Marge ROBINS for the ride to the service. Inside
we found four separate Guest Registries, one for each family. Fred, Marge and
I made our way to the left rear of the room to sit among the other Stetson bearing
troopers. Mr. Kenneth WASHINGTON gave opening remarks followed by
Public Affairs Officer Shari LAWRENCE. Then the opportunity to give personal
remarks was presented to all. One by one family members, young and seasoned,
stood and spoke of their loved one or gave thanks to those responsible for bringing
them home again. Some of the veterans, including this writer, took turns to speak
to the group. Bruce CRANDALL fought back tears, unsuccessfully, as he stood
and gave a very emotional presentation of responsibility and honor for the crew.
He made us all proud to have been a part of this very special gathering.
Friday morning we made our way to the chapel located on the grounds of ANC.
Chaplain (LTC) Kenneth GODFREY talked of the history and actions of the crew
of #808; of family members passing never knowing what became of their son;
of the extended search for the crew and how their fellow troopers never forgot
them. As the flag-covered coffin containing remains of the crew was loaded
onto the horse drawn carriage for the one mile joinery to the gravesite, mourners
began placing their vehicle in the procession line. Some, including Walter “Doc”
ROBERTS, elected to walk behind the caisson. By the time the last car left the
chapel the procession was almost halfway to the designation. As we made our
way along the winding paths among the headstone covered hills, the silence of
the procession is broken only by the rhythmic clip-clop of the caisson horses and
the trees responding to a brisk breeze.
When the last of the procession joined those already at the gravesite four
Army Blackhawk helicopters began to bear down on us. As the ground shaking
gaggle flew over the site, mourners began to clap and veterans saluted. Chaplin
GODFREY officiated at the site and was followed by the Honor Guard three
volleys and taps.
A reception followed at the Arlington Residence Court. After refreshments, a
remarkable and unforgettable event took place. Navy Chief Petty Officer Troy
HANSON, who flew to Arlington from Oklahoma to honor the crew, addressed
the assembled group of family, friends and warriors. He was one of the volunteer
JPAC excavating team members at the Vietnam crash site. He gave the group a
first hand, detailed account of the dig. Telling us that there was a large boulder
about 300 yards down the side of the 4,700-foot mountain. From that spot he
could see that the top of the trees had been clipped off at some point. He suspects
the Huey broke off the top of the trees before it crashed into the boulder. The
actual excavation site was located about 100 yards below the boulder as erosion
would cause debris to travel downhill. But the jungle site was so moist that the
surrounding trees had to be removed to allow sunlight to dry out the ground before
work could begin. The team would spend 18 days on that mountain digging
and sifting. They had their high and low points, but about 10 days into the dig
someone yelled, “DOG TAG!” As the tag was quickly cleaned it would bear the
name of Donald GRELLA. At that point HANSON said, “An adrenaline rush
took over and a new sense of urgency took place“. The team went on to find three
229th “Winged Warrior” pins, aviator sunglasses, an empty glass Coke bottle and
human remains including 23 teeth. Also found was a lot of ammunition. The
projectiles separated from the casings. That indicates an after crash fire took
place. HANSON’s sincere and emotional report kept the group in awe. For most
of us, this was the first time we heard such details. After a question and answer
period CPO HANSON received a standing ovation from all in that room.
So now everyone from that battalion has come home. Closure for the families,
closure for all the “Winged Warriors” that have never forgotten their brothers,
the missing crew of Huey 808. Writers note: You can also find a short article
about Huey 808 in the next issue of Flight Journal. Also a special thanks to Al
RHOADES, C/229th 1968/69 for supplying the family members with “Stacked
Deck” patches and unit crest. It was an honor for me to attend.
Okay troopers, let’s pull pitch and get the mail sortie underway. I received
a nice handwritten note from John WIELKOPOLAN, the father of one of our
fallen Vietnam sky troopers. John is also a 101st ABN, WWII vet. In thinking
of his lost son, he wanted to let us know, “It has been so long, but seems like it
was just yesterday - each night when I go to bed I say a prayer for him - as well
as I do for all the others”. John, thank you for writing and as promised I shared
your message.
I also received a great four-page handwritten letter from John “Doc” NAGAL
of Brooksville, Florida. John served as a medic with Co B, 2-5th in I Corps from
February, 1968 to February, 1969 at LZ Jane, just outside of Camp Evans. His
letter held praise for all the chopper crews during Operation Pegasus and beyond.
John included a special 1st Cav patch for me in trade for a pair of silver wings.
Chris MORETINA sent in a request. “I served in the 1st Cav 229th AHB Co.”D”
between 1970-71 in Vietnam. I at one time had the different unit patches for
the 229th, but since have lost my boonie hat with all the patches. I am trying to
find the “Smiling Tigers” patch for D Company. Can you send me in the direction
of where I might be able to find that patch Thanks for your help. Chris
MORETINA 1st Cav 229th AHB Co.D, < dmoretina1@kc.rr.com>. Anyone out
there able to help Chris EBay
The next note came in from Ralph JONES, 2-32nd FA, 1969-70. “This is Ralph
Jones of the Proud Americans, 2-32nd FA, Vietnam. You might have heard of us
but if have not - we were the Big Howitzers in Vietnam! I spent my whole tour
( Feb. 8, 1969 to Apr. 25, 1970 ) inside War Zone C just north of Tay Ninh City.
Our group, assigned a park in Fort Sill, Oklahoma since May, 2003,
Planted two trees: One for Proud Americans, 2-32 FA from World War II,,
Vietnam and all supporting units. Another for the memorial of FSB Illingworth.
On April 1, 2005 at Fort Sill, we had a Full Military Honors ceremony. This past
April 1, 2010, we decided to Honor those at; FSB Jay and FSB Illingworth.
We believed that FSB. Jay should be recognized because they were in the same
Operation as FSB Illingworth. With 39 KIA and 107 WIA, it had to be one of the
worst days in the 1st Cavalry Division in 1970. We donated money to the 1st.
Cavalry Division Association for the college kids and the veterans having a rough
time. We had little white crosses with names, honor guard, bugler and speakers.
We had 14 members of C Co., 2-8th Cav including CPT George HOPSON, the
company commander that had not seen each other since the battle. Also, the
mortar team (E/2-8 ) and CPT Joe HOGG (Cobra pilot/Blue Max). We had about
30 some people there - Great first turnout honoring both battles.
The Proud Americans, 2-32 FA decided to pay tribute, in a special way, to the
brave soldiers who gave their lives so others may live by placing a saber into
the ground with the Stetson Hat on top! “Honoring the Horsemen on their final
ride!” I hope the next ceremony for both FSB’s bring a larger crowd!”
SP5 Denny WOLFE, (607) 734-6623, wrote. “Hank,
Don’t know if you remember meeting me and my friend Teddy at the 20 anniversary
in DC We talked for quite a while. Teddy was GEN METZER’S crew
chief. Anyway I was reading our Mar./Apr. Saber and came across a blurb at the
bottom of page 10. It was a request from Lloyd LYSNE II for info on his brother
John Charles LYSNE who served in B Co 15 TC in 67/68. I did e-mail him and
although I don’t remember the name at this time , I asked if he had a pic., from
that time.(crs disease). You did at short story on us after our meeting in 02 in
the Saber, Thank you. At this time I am still searching For “Big Stan”, Cal. Sal
, McCUTCHION or anyone else who was in B-Co 15 TC 67/68”.
Next, an e-mail to the “Wings” group from James BREEN. “I was stunned
yet very touched that you sent me the March “Silver Wings” of our great Saber
newsletter. Of course I was very moved that you quoted me, a lowly unimportant
machine gunner who just so happens to worship your flying outfit of brave,
crazy Chopper dudes that dropped us into Hell, extracted us from the same and
blasted all of our “Hot Lima Zulu’s” on each air assault my entire tour. You guys
Rocked! Talk about delayed stress Lord have mercy! You guys must wake
up every night re-living each and every air assault you ever completed. I know
I do (grin). God Bless you Hank of Pottstown, Pennyslvania. and God bless
your entire bunch of Barbaric Anti-Communist Barbarians. God bless America
and the Silver Wings of the CAV. Sincerely your trooper brother, Jim, machine
gunner, Company D, 2-12th. Cav. 1st Cavalry Division, (Airmobile) Vietnam,
1966-67. Thanks again Trooper Hank. You and your boys....Rock. Jimbo“. Jim,
thanks for the upbeat note.
CW4 (Ret) Steve STEWART 615th ASB, wrote: “Stewart here, of Steven2
fame. I have been on the western side of the frontier (Monahans, Texas) for two
months and just arrived back home to east Texas. Wanted to share a developing
support idea (typical CSS guy!) that myself and a veteran in Monahans have in
motion. We designed a simple white bumper stick that has the Cav patch in the
top right corner, a black stripe running corner to corner, top left to bottom right,
and simply says, “Happiness.....is a cold LZ!” We’re having 250 made and are
coordinating with Steve2 to ship them to the battalion, possibly company commanders
of the 1CD aviation units deployed. Once we’ve stroked the monkey
we’ll give you a whistle and send you one for grins. Air Cavalry!”
George SULLIVAN wrote informing me of the passing of CWO Ed HODGES,
16 February, 2010, from pneumonia. Ed served two tours with B Co. 15th Trans.
The first tour in 1966 and then in 1968. Sorry to hear of his passing, another
Continued on pg. 17.

Page 17
15th MED/15th BSB
Mike Bodnar
13010 N. Lakeforest Dr.
Sun City, AZ 85351-3250
(623) 972-4395
mbodnar27@juno.com
http://15thmedassociation.com
I got a phone call from
Doc John NAGEL of B 2-5
Cav 1968-69 who started his
tour up by Camp Evans, and
moved down south with the
division, remembering Phouc
Vinh. John said, “Thanks for
all the MEDEVACs.” He said
their call sign was “Ridge Runner.”
I got an e-mail from Mike INGRAM who said,
“Mike, I am Mike INGRAM and I’m having trouble with a VA claim. I was
with C 2-7 from July, 1969 to March, 1970; with B 228 Aviation Battalion from
March, 1970 to July, 1970.
“All of my records of visits with the 15th MED while in Vietnam have been
lost. When I cleared from the 228th Aviation, the 15th MED never gave to me
any medical records of my visits to the 15th MED.
“I was in the hospital at Tay Ninh. I was at the hospital at Bien Hoa, or Long
Bien. I took a flight physical at Tay Ninh. I was grounded by the 15th MED
for an ear infection at Bearcat. The flight physical took three visits before I was
accepted to flight status.
“When I cleared from Vietnam they signed my clearance sheet and never gave
me any records of visits to the 15th MED. Was I suppose to receive a copy of
my records before leaving Vietnam
“Do you know where these records may have been sent to I’m being denied
VA benefits because I can’t produce these records. Do you know anyone that
may be able to help me The VA will not accept a diary that I kept while there
as proof of visits to the 15th MED.
“Is this a common problem with Vietnam vets I will appreciate any help.
Thank you, Michael Kevin INGRAM.” If anyone has any experience with this,
and suggestions, contact Mike.
From Webmaster/Past President 2003-2006 15th MED Association, MEDEVAC
1967-68, Murray GIBBS , “Greetings 15th MED
members. The 2010 Reunion will be here shortly. It is April 15-18 in Boise,
Idaho. There will be many members attending this Reunion who have never been
MEDEVAC landing on North Bridge at Hai Lang, Vietnam, 1968. Photo by
Mark CULVERHOUSE, B 2-5 CAV.
Silver Wings
Continued from pg. 16.
fine trooper.
Walter “Doc” ROBERTS wrote: “It was nice that I finally got to meet the
man behind “Silver Wings”, I very much enjoy your articles in the Saber. I just
wanted to thank you for requesting Cav guys to show up at the funeral for the
crew of A/C 808. The family members were very gracious that so many showed
up to pay their respect. I was reluctant to show up at the reception, but very glad
I did, chatting with Joe GALLOWAY and meeting Bruce CRANDALL, its one
thing to read about folks, but when you meet someone face to face, well it was
an honor and privilege as far as I’m concerned. I have always considered myself
more a paratrooper than Cav. I came down on levy sent to RVN, assigned to D
Company, 1-7th Cav, 1971-72. I did many more years in the Airborne, but the
Colonel we were sitting with kept telling jump stories, got me going on mine
and I felt right at home. Very enjoyable, I was the youngster of that crowd. If I
wasn’t on the meter, I would have stayed longer. On a final note, after chatting
with the brother of one of the crew members, to me, it seems that it was destiny
to find that A/C and crew. From his story, they found very little of crew and A/C
but the find of the A/C data plate. Amazing!”
Foundation Scholarships
Continued from pg. 12.
Payments are made to the college or to the college and the student. The trust
ees make exceptions to this rule on an individual basis. Payment is made annually
in two installments, normally corresponding with the traditional semester
breaks, although the trustees may consider other payment schedules when appropriate.
Payment of subsequent installments will be based on evidence of
satisfactory completion of the preceding scholastic period and continuation of
the education program. No payments for schooling already completed are made
retroactively.
To obtain an application, send a self-addressed stamped envelope to the Foundation
of the 1st Cavalry Division Association at 302 N. Main St., Copperas
Cove, TX 76522-1703 or visit the web page at . For additional
information call (254) 547-6537 or send an e-mail message to .
MAY/JUNE, 2010
Outgoing 15th MED Association President John CRESPI standing up at
2009 Reunion Banquet.
to any of the past Reunions. There are a few members who will not be able to
attend this Reunion due to personal reasons who are the regulars that attend the
Reunions. I know those in attendance will miss those who regularly attend.
“Vietnam Documents - Years 1965 to 1968 have been posted on the Website.
The documents we do have are only about 5% to 10% of the possible documents
to get. I just recently posted 211 award documents from the second half of 1968
and 1969.
“These award documents are not complete either. I have spoken with our
historian Paul TROOP about the disparity of documents not found. He is just
one man doing what he can to get as many documents from the Archives he can
during each visit. There are still a lot of documents to get. Based on what we
have my estimate of total documents may well be over 10,000. We have only
approximately 1400 to 1500 of them. I still have 1969 and 1970 to be posted
soon in the near future.
“Website updates-I have made several updates on our Website. They are: (1)
Donation Button on the main index page. (2) Chat/Shout screen Button on the
main page to leave a quick comment. (3) Historical Documents are now accessible
from the Website. (4) Saber magazine issues have been update to Jan\Feb
2010. (5) Member Information Update Button can be entered by member if he
has a change to personal info like address, phone or e-mail. (6) Reunion Picture
main page changed and 2007 available Reunion pictures added. (7) Reunion
Pictures for 2005, 2008, and 2009, soon to be added. (8) Historical documents
for years 1969 and 1970 soon to be added.
“Facebook & Guest Book - I just had a recent discussion with Jim CALIBRO
about Facebook. He told me there are many of our members on Facebook. He
commented that it is a good way to keep in touch with many of our members.
I don’t have the details of all the members who have Facebook. I will in the
future need to setup a list of those in Facebook with their contact name.
“We do have a Guestbook link at the bottom of the main index page of our
Website. You can either leave a message or view existing messages. I just recently
viewed all messages left last year and this year.” {This column tries to
always include the recent posts.}
“Soon, the 2010 Reunion at Boise, Idaho, will start. I will not be able to attend
this year, but I will be at the 2011 Reunion wherever it will be at. Have a great
Reunion to all those who are attending.”
“I got an e-mail from Jim CALIBRO about President James BELAIR going
to communicate with the offices bi-monthly. So, I put together a phone list for
him.”
Always remembering our 1st Cav troops on duty around the world; over and
out.
FIRST TEAM! Garryowen SO THAT OTHERS MAY LIVE
I heard from Al DeMAILO and Jack BURRER commenting,
humorously, on my “Shocking” leading story on the March/
April issue. Gentlemen, I enjoyed your notes! And thanks
John LADUE, 11/66 -11/67, An Khe, LZ Hammond,
Bong Son, PhanThiet, sent in a request. He’s looking for personnel that served
with D/227th, particularly the 1st Platoon at Phan Thiet supporting the 2-7th
Cavalry and Operation Byrd. ARMSTRONG, PIERCE, BEST, DIGGERS,
HALL PERRON, etc…..where are you
One more recent item to cover. A Silver Wings of the Cav salute and congratulations
to Retired LTC Bruce CRANDALL who was promoted April 15, 2010
to the rank of colonel 30 years after retiring due to his heroic efforts during the
Battle of Ia Drang in the Vietnam War in a unique ceremony at the AAAA convention
in Fort Worth, Texas. Army Vice Chief of Staff, GEN Peter CHIARELLI
presented Bruce his Eagles.
With that, I’ll shut down this flight of Silver Wings of the Cav. I hope everyone
attending the annual reunion this year in Minnesota has a great time. If you
have something to share with the group, news, an event, story, then by all means
please contact me. Until next time, “CLEAR RIGHT!”
IA DRANG SCHOLARSHIP FUND OVERVIEW
The Ia Drang Scholarship Fund was founded in 1994 by LTG (R) Harold G.
MOORE and Joseph L. GALLOWAY from earnings on their book We Were Soldiers
Once--And Young. They continue to support the program by donating speaking
fees and other donations. Many Association members and other individuals make
regular donations specifically for the Ia Drang Scholarship Fund.
In early 1994 the Board of Governors of the 1st Cavalry Division Association
agreed to expand the activities of the Foundation of the 1st Cavalry Division
Association to include the Ia Drang Scholarship Program. They included a
new eligibility sub-paragraph in its instructions to the Trustees. It reads, “to
provide financial assistance in the form of scholarship grants toward the pursuit
of an advanced education for descendants of soldiers who served in designated
qualifying units which were involved in the battles of the Ia Drang valley
during the period 3 through 19 November, 1965. The source of funding for
these scholarship grants is to be derived solely from contributions specifically
Continued on pg 18.

MAY/JUNE, 2010
20th and 79th Artillery Regiment News
Russ Warriner
10845 SE 178th St.
Summerfield, FL 34491
(352) 283-7147
arace@aerial-rocket-artillery.org
http://www.aerial-rocket-artillery.org
Hello Straphangers. It is time to crank up the old PC and see what we can
find for news.
14th ARA Reunion in Charleston, South Carolina 2011
Now that the 13th Aerial Rocket Artillery Reunion is over, it is time to start
planning to attend the 2011 reunion in Charleston, South Carolina. We do not
have an exact date to report but by next issue that should be in place. I know that
the plans are already under way. Jesse HOBBY and Ray HATFIELD have been
working on the plans for months, so it should be a good reunion.
I do not have an after action report for the 13th reunion, as it is underway as I
write this column and I could not attend. I do know that Gary BISHOP worked
hard to make the Big Sky Country, Bozeman, Montana reunion great for all who
attended.
NEWS ABOUT HUEY 68-16563
In the last issue, I wrote about where Huey
68-16563 is today. The new life of combat
veteran Huey 68-16563 is one of pride and
honor. Displayed proudly on the tail of the
old girl is the “Duty Not Reward” patch. I am
sending in a photo of the Duty Not Reward.
I have been waiting for this photo for some
time and now I have it. I sent the photo of the
patch to the crew and the last time I spoke to
them, the painting was incomplete. Today,
I spoke to the proud owner of the old girl.
Charlie WALKER was pleased to talk to me for the first time. It seems that in
the past, I always talked to his brother-in-law. Charlie is proud of 563, proud to
display all of the unit
patches from Vietnam
and proud to take the
war bird to air shows
every where he can to
say thank you to not only
to the veterans who flew
that bird in Vietnam, but
all Vietnam veterans.
Among the great photos
of 563, I found this
great shot of the instrument
panel. I have to
say, the guys have done
the old girl proud.
I need to mention my
PROJECT SKY TROOPER II
1st Cav Daily Casualty Reports and Purple Heart orders needed for
“Project Sky Trooper II”.
We have been asked several times over the years why the 1st Cavalry Division
Association does not have a complete list of Vietnam War casualties (KIA’s,
WIA’s, and MIA’s) similar to the one available for the Korean War. The answer
is that no one has compiled that type of a list. The good news is that we have
about half of the information we need to achieve that goal.
For those that may not remember, in 1995, we began compiling the list of 1st
Cav Vietnam KIAs for all assigned and attached units down to the Troop/Company/Battery/Detachment-level.
Our final list was turned over to the 1st Cavalry
Division Association in 2003, and it contains nearly 5,700 names. That “Project
Sky Trooper” list is available on the association’s website. Lists of names byunits
are available to unit historians and unit coordinators upon request.
In order for us to complete a Vietnam War 1st Cavalry Division Casualty List
to include KIA’s, WIA’s, and MIA’s we need your help.
During the Vietnam War, the 1st Cavalry Division Casualty Branch published
and distributed a Daily Casualty Report. Accompanying this article is a sample of
the cover page for one of these reports. As you can see, every unit in the division
received a copy of the report. We need your copies of these reports please.
We also need copies of:
Purple Heart awards orders
Daily Staff Log Journals that name casualties
After Actions Reports
Unit Operations Reports
Lessons Learned
Unit Histories
We will accept scanned copies in a .pdf format, or mailed hard copies. If you
have just one of these documents or one hundred, each is important towards
compiling this list.
We may all be staring across the river at “Fiddler’s Green”, but we are not quite
ready to take that boat ride. So while we are still kicking and screaming, please
assist us with “Project Sky Trooper II.”
My contact information for submission of documents is as follows: Dan Gillotti,
4204 Berkeley Dr., Sheffield Village, OH 44054; E-mail ; phone (440) 934-1750.
First Team ~ Sir!
Ia Drang Scholarships
Continued from pg 17.
designated for this element of the trust program by the donor and not in
competition with other elements of the program”.
Children (including legally adopted) and grandchildren of Ia Drang valley
battlefield combat veterans of designated qualifying units (ground and air) which
Page 18
fellow columnist
Lou (Rocket) RO-
CHAT in this column.
He wrote the
9th Cav news for a
long time. Aircraft
563 flew with the
9th Cav and this is
another reason to
mention Rocket.
Rocket had transplant
surgery that
his body did not
accept. He needs
our prayers as he
is going down in
an area where the
enemy forces are too great for us. Our prayers go out to him and his family.
I am sending in this great photo of Rocket (on the left) and a photo of the
crossed sabers on the nose of 563.
My last item for this issue that I want to mention is that 563 will be at many
locations this summer. Be sure and watch for her. Give a donation to help keep
her flying and for $85.00 you can take a flight on her.
Until next issue, “Clear Left, Sir!”
were involved in the battles of the Ia Drang valley during the period 3 through
19 November, 1965 are eligible. Children and grandchildren of men who were
assigned to a unit that fought in the Ia Drang battles but were themselves at An
Khe base camp, at Pleiku/Camp Holloway, at Catecka, in a hospital, etc. and not
in the Ia Drang battles are not eligible.
Continued on pg. 23.

Page 19
82nd FA News
“Can and Will”
Dan Gillotti
4204 Berkeley Drive
Sheffield Village, OH 44054
(440) 934-1750
firstcav68@roadrunner.com
My second request please!
Where are the ‘ol 82nd Field
Artillery Battalion Troopers
from World War II & the
Korean War Let’s hear from
you ‘ol cannon cockers! And
we would also like to hear
from some our currently serving
Troopers and those that served in Desert Storm and Iraq.
Taps: We received a letter from John E. SMITH,
E-2-82nd FA (1938-41). During World War II, John
was transferred to the 61st FA Battalion, then later to
the 271st FA Battalion when the 1st Cavalry Division
landed at Los Negros Island. He informed us that
his wife passed away on 12 December, 2009, and
she was just short of her 105th birthday. We pray
she is resting in peace with the Lord. John has now
moved from a nursing home in Shreveport, Louisiana
into an apartment in Dallas. His new address is John
E. SMITH, 4420 Dickason Ave. #1232, Dallas, TX
75219-6643 and his phone number is (214) 443-7972.
We are sending John our sincerest condolences on
the loss of his wife.
Mail Bag and E-mails: I received an e-mail from
1SG Cunningham and
MAJ James, H&S Btry,
83nd FA Regt 1938.
Two sharp 82nd FA
Troopers 1938.
Mike Shaffer, E-82nd FA. He lives in Indiana and
he thought I was talking about him in my last article.
Mike, I was just trying to get some response from
our WWII and Korean War-era guys. Mike has been
keeping our 82nd FA Contact Roster up to date and
we thank him for volunteering to do that.
I also received a phone call from Bob SMITH, B-
5-82nd FA 1962~63, and I
apologized to him about the
coin that I forgot.
We also heard from Bill
THOMASON, E-82nd FA
1969~70. Bill reminded us
that Vietnam Vets are dying
at a very high rate. He asks
that we thank a Veteran from
any era for their service and
sacrifice, and I second that
motion.
I’ll await some juicy 82nd
FA stories as I’m out of material.
Can and Will ~ Sir!
82nd Field Artillery Regimentt Camp, Toyahvale, Texas 1938.
New Members
Continued from pg. 15.
PVT YARBROUGH, STEPHEN TX C 4BSTB 1003
PVT YEPES, JUAN E. TX C 2STB 1004
CPT YETMAN, NICHOLAS R. TX HHC 4BCT 0808
SGT ZEIGLER, NATORIAL TX E 2-7C 0806
1SG (RET) ZINGRAF, HOWARD D. OK HHB 1-77FA 6603
Thanksgiving Menu
for 2-82nd FA, 1938.
Thanks for joining the 1st Cavalry Division Association.
Once CAV, Always CAV!
Keep us up to date - notify us when you move and keep
receiving your annual calendars and SABER.
5th Cav News
Continued from pg. 5.
Taps: Ronald Allen Wotring passed away unexpectedly February 23, at this
home in Cleveland, Tennessee. Ron, pictured on the left, served in Bravo 2-5
Cav and was severely wounded on May 5, 1968 at LZ Snapper.
In 2009, he was reunited with the medic who had saved his
life, “Doc” John Nagel, at the annual B 2-5 Cav reunion in
Louisville. Both men expressed profound gratitude for having
had the opportunity for their reunion, which was featured in the
November-December, 2009 issue of the Saber. Ron is survived
by his wife Brenda.
Eduardo Cardenas (B 2-5 Cav, 1968-69) died April 15, 2010
following a massive heart attack. He served in the 1st Platoon
during his tour in Vietnam.
Word was received just prior to press time from B 2-5 Cav 1SG Steve Maney
of the death of SPC Eric Monson, who was killed in a motorcycle accident on
April 23, 2010. 1SG Maney said Monson, who had just returned from the Cav’s
latest deployment, had served as the Brigade Commander’s driver while in Iraq.
Other details were unavailable
MAY/JUNE, 2010
TAPS
WE HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED OF THE DEATH OF:
LAST NAME, RANK, First Name, Unit, Date. Date of Death
ANCHELL, CPT (DR.) Melvin, HHT, 7th CAV, 1945-46. 27 Mar., 2010.
ANDERSON, MSG (R) Alfred J., L Trp., 3-7th CAV, 1948-51. 17 Feb., 2010.
ANDERSON, SGT Lonis ‘Andy’, C Co., 2-7th CAV, 1968-69. 19 Mar., 2010.
BLANCHARD, E-5 Edward L., HHC, 1-5th CAV, 1969. 2 May, 2010.
BRENCE, SFC Philo D., MED/F Co., 7th CAV, 1950-53. 10 May, 2010
CARMACK, SSG Robert F., HQ, 2nd BDE, 1942-45. 1 Mar., 2010.
CARSTENS, SFC Carl W., MED 5th CAV, 4811. 9 May, 2010
CLAY, PFC Henry G., Jr., L Co., 3-7th CAV, 1950-51. 24 Feb., 2010.
DATCHER, SP-4 Jimmy “Red”, A Co., 1-7th CAV, 1969. 18 Feb., 2010.
DE LA TORRE, CPL Juan M., G Trp., 2-12th CAV, 1940-44. 5 May, 2010.
DEAN, SP-4 Robert L., C Co., 1-7th CAV, 1970-71/E Co., 1-7th CAV, 1971. 5
Feb., 2010.
DOVER, SSG Thomas J., H Co., 2-7th CAV, 1949-50. 21 Mar., 2010.
FAULKNER, E-5 Bernard Q., B Co., 2-5th CAV, 1966. 9 May, 2010.
GILLES, PVT Robert S., C Co., 2-8th CAV/LRRP, 1968-69. 19 Sep., 2009.
HANSON, CPL Bernard C., C Btry., 82nd FA, 1943-45. 17 Apr., 2010.
HAYDEN, PFC William deG., HHC, 1CDH, 1946. 30 Apr., 2010.
HUNDSBERGER, SP-4 Hans, C Co., 1-7th CAV, 1965. 30 Mar., 2010.
KNOWLES, 1SG (R) Hulen E., 545th MP, 1948-49/A Co., 2-12th CAV, 1968-
69. 31 Mar., 2010.
MATHA, SSG Warren E., H Trp. & G Trp., 2-5th CAV, 1942-45. 11 Mar.,
2010.
McKENZIE, CPL James A., K Co., 3-7th CAV, 1951. 20 Mar., 2010.
O’ROURKE, SGT James J., 1CD, Korean War. 3 Apr., 2010.
RAYMOND, SGT Frank W., G Co., 2-7th CAV, 1951. 2 Jan., 2010.
REECE, SFC (R) David N., Med Co., 7th CAV, 1949-50. 1 July, 2009.
ROYSE, LTC (R) Edward E., HHB, 1-30th FA, 1968-69. 30 Jan., 2010.
RUTLEDGE, SFC John M., B Btry., 99th FA, 1949-52. 18 Feb., 2010.
STEVENS, CPL R. Vaughn, G Co., 2-7th CAV, 1951. 12 Apr., 2010.
TIMMONS, E-9 ® James H Jr., B Co., 2-8th CAV, 1974. 11 May, 2010
WILLIAMS, CW4 (R) Ramon R., A Co., 15th TC, 1968-69/ A Co., 227th AVN,
1971-74. 11 Mar., 2010.
WOOD, 1LT Morton “Pete”, C Co., 1-5th CAV, 1951. 10 Aug., 2009.
WOODARD, SGM (R) Ray H., HHC, 1CD, 2002-04. 10 May, 2010.
WOTRING, E-4 Ronald A., B Co., 2-5th CAV, 1968. 23 Feb., 2010.
ZACHAREK, CPL Frederick H., SVC Co., 8th CAV, Korean War. 8 Apr.,
2010.
ACTIVE DUTY TAPS
WE HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED OF THE DEATH OF THE FOLLOWING
ACTIVE DUTY TROOPERS IN THE UNITED STATES THAT WERE
NOT COMBAT RELATED:
LAST NAME, RANK, First Name, Unit, Date. Date of Death.
MONSON, SPC Eric W., B Co., 2-5th CAV, 2008-10. 23 Apr., 2010.
OTHER REUNIONS
30th FA Regiment Association “Hard Chargers” (all eras), 23-27 June,
2010. Fort Sill, OK. Contact John HOETKER, , (518)377-
9420 or visit .
Aerial Rocket Artillery Association, 23-27 June, 2010. GranTree Inn, Bozeman,
MT. Information available at or contact Gary
BISHOP at (406) 579-0940, .
5-7th Cavalry, 4-10 July, 2010. Nashville Airport Marriott, Nashville, TN.
Information and registration forms available at .
Chitose-Younguns, 22-24 July. Super 8, New Hampton, IA. Contact Richard
WALTER, 2720 Kenwood Ave., New Hampton, IA 50639, (641) 394-2332,
.
Korean War Veterans 7th Cavalry, 16-20 Aug., 2010. Hilton Garden Inn,
Council Bluffs, IA. Contact Richard MITCHELL, 311 Southbrook Cir., Houston,
TX 77060, (281) 876-4417, .
Society of the 1st Infantry Division, 25-29 Aug., 2010. Crowne Plaza Riverwalk,
San Antonio, TX. Information is available on , or contact
Ed BURKE, (888) 324-4733, .
1-8th Cavalry “Jumping Mustangs”, 2-5 Sep., 2010. Holiday Inn, Rosslyn,
VA. Information and forms available at . Contact
James KNAFEL, 5510 E 500 S, Columbia City, IN 46725 or William HAWKIN-
BERRY, .
5th Cavalry Regiment, 8-12 Sep., 2010. Airport Hilton, St. Louis, MO. Information
available at . Contact Jim REECAMPER, (417)
724-8257, .
12th Cavalry Association and the All The Way Brigade Chapter, 8-12
Sep., 2010. Stone Castle Hotel, Branson, MO. Information is available on
.
77th Field Artillery Regiment Association, 17-19 Sep., 2010. Sleep Inn,
Round Rock, TX. Contact Bob TAGGE, 2113 Oak Ridge Dr., Round Rock, TX
78681, (512) 255-7247, .
2-7th Cavalry, (1965-68), 23-26 Sep., 2010. Marriott Cool Spring, Franklin,
TN. Contact J.L. ‘Bud’ ALLEY, 404 Waterton Ct., Brentwood, TN 37027, (615)
781-1633, .
1-9th Cavalry Vietnam and Iraq, 7-10 Oct., 2010. Holiday Inn North, Columbus,
GA. Contact Larry WRIGHT, (812) 871-8642, , .
WANTED
IF YOU SERVED WITH, KNOW, KNEW OR HAVE INFORMATION
ABOUT ANY OF THE FOLLOWING, PLEASE COMMUNICATE WITH
THE CONTACT LISTED.
2-20th Artillery, (Honest John Rocket Battery), 1960-62. Located at Camp
Snow in Pobwon-ni, South Korea. Contact Jack CUSTER, 10072 Sterling St.,
Romulus, MI 48174, .
D Co., 227th AHB, Nov., 1966- Nov., 1967. Looking for ARMSTRONG,
PIERCE, BEST, DRIGGERS, HALL, PERRON all 1st Platoon. Contact John
LaDUE, 22 Belmont St., Carbondale, PA 18407, .

MAY/JUNE, 2010
ENGINEER NEWS
Jesse Crimm
4445 Silverwood Ln.
Jacksonville, FL 32207-62241
(904) 737-6172
thecrimms@gmail.com
Repeat Your Last. I Say
Again. Repeat Your Last:
OK, David CHRISTEN requests
that anyone who served
with HHC, 8th Engineer Battalion
during 1968 and 1969
please contact him. By mail,
at 1220 8th St. SE #22, Detroit Lakes, MN 56501-2717. By phone David can
be spoken to at (218) 842-2498. All this looks like a good local contact person
for the Annual Convention coming up. David probably knows the best local golf
course or tattoo parlor for those so inclined.
Put on your feedbag: At the Engineer lunch at the Annual Convention. Come
on guys. Get on board! We’re not offering petite trendy west coast hardly can
see it on the plate for the garnishments lunch. We’re talking about slabs of beef,
a side of fried chicken and a pile of mashed potatoes (maybe not that much, but
good Engineers will be there). Now that’s a reason to attend this year!
Robert McMAHON who made a contribution to the Jan/Feb issue sent some
further observations. “Thanks for printing my information on the USNS Buckner.
By the way, when I left the Army, I went to work for the Air Force as a civil
service type. I was the MPA Man-Day Manager for Engineering and Services,
part of the USAF Civil Engineering Air Staff. I was assigned to the Readiness
Directorate. In this capacity, I worked with RED HORSE. Note, it was part of
the Air Force, at that time, 1974-1992, when I retired. The Readiness Directorate
was concerned with Air Force Engineering of “Rapid Runway Repair”. There
were 7 Air Force Reserve or Air National Guard REDHORSE Squadrons and
2 active duty ones. Each squadron had 6 ea. M-60 machine guns. One day I
calculated the basic load, using that old technique. Squeeze the fist, saying “fire
a burst of 6”, letting up and doing it again. I determined that REDHORSE did
not have enough ammunition to be able to put out that minimum amount of fire
throughout the hours of darkness. I brought this problem to my boss, a COL
BLANCHARD, whose late father had been a Property Book Warrant Officer in
the 1st Cav. He sent me out to the Security Police base in Albuquerque, NM.
They controlled the basic loads of Air Force ground weapons. I convinced them
and got the basic load significantly increased.”
Thanks Robert and keep those thoughts coming.
The Jump Tower: You readers will hopefully remember an earlier story regarding
Instant NCO Academy stateside. Do you also recall that “in country”
there was an abbreviated one-week version at Phouc Vinh The course work
was a review of formulas for blowing up things and wrench turning for equipment
maintenance. Another objective was to teach us NCOs’ how to rappel out
of choppers into a raw landing zone. Thus the class ended with a day long trip
to Long Binh where a rappelling tower had been constructed for this and other
training purposes. (I suppose the infantry might have some use of the facility as
well but doubtful the artillery.) At any rate, if you were an E5 and the top graduate,
you made E6 with an instant promotion by the Bn Cdr. It was not a bad deal
for a week’s vacation from the field. Bring back any memories
C RATS: Can you name from memory the entrees found in those round brown
cans Let’s see. There was ham, beef, something else and something else. Was
there a pineapple fruit All of the ingredients thrown together in a steel pot and
MG GEORGE WILLIAM CASEY, JR by MSG (Ret) William C.
Thomason
I was a reenlistment NCO in the 1st Cavalry Division, assigned to 15th Admin
Company, with my duty assignment as the Division Artillery Reenlistment NCO.
My office was located in a little building just outside of the DIVARTY compound
at Phuoc Vinh, Camp Gorvad, South Vietnam. My office was nestled between
the 1st Cavalry Division Chapel, Service Club, Post Exchange, 1st Cav Division
Headquarters and the VIP pad where helicopters arrived and departed daily. This
helipad was the focal point of important visitors to Camp Gorvad. During my
tenure there, I had seen many dignitaries and generals such as GEN ABRAMS
arrive and drive by on their way to 1st Cav Headquarters. This particular day was
the 7th of July, 1970, MG CASEY walked over from the Division Headquarters,
sat down and we talked for a few minutes about reenlistment as he and others had
done before. I cannot remember exactly how long we talked but the sound of
his UH-1 rotors were heard and he immediately and gentlemanly got up, said his
goodbyes and departed. This was his last flight as his helicopter went down that
day in dense and rugged jungle and he and his entire crew were lost. Searches
were launched and days later the wreckage and his crew was located. He was on
his way to a hospital to visit wounded 1st Cavalry Division Sky Troopers. We
were in the waning days of the invasion of the sanctuaries in Cambodia. The 1st
Cavalry Division took heavy casualties during this operation. I may have been
the last person on the ground at Phuoc Vinh to have spoken to him personally
before the tragedy.
The following is a tribute that I have taken from the Website on the Internet
about MG CASEY. He was a gifted leader and great and compassionate soldier.
I have corresponded with his son, GEN George W. CASEY, Jr. before writing
this story. He gave me his permission.
MG George William CASEY, Sr.
Commanding General, 1st Cavalry Division, Republic of Vietnam
Born on March 22, 1922, he graduated from
the United States Military Academy at West
Point in 1945. He served at the end of World
War II, in the Korean Conflict and in the Vietnam
War. He was killed-in-action in the Republic
of Vietnam on July 7, 1970 while commanding
the 1st Cavalry (Airmobile). His command
helicopter crashed while in a hostile combat
zone. He had previously served in the Korean
War. He was subsequently buried in Section
5 of Arlington National Cemetery
MG George William Casey (posthumously
promoted)
Status: Killed In Action from an incident
on 07/07/1970 while performing the duty of
MG George W. CASEY, Sr.
Page 20
cooked with C4 made an excellent picnic. Do I recall some kind of bread or
cracker or am I mixing up decades Afterward to light up a free cigarette with
those green matches was a joy, be those smokes an unfiltered Lucky Strike or
Pall Mall. And, of course, some of us still have our P38 can openers. Mine is
on a neck chain with my dog tags, a nice souvenir or something to leave at the
Wall someday. Yours
The Observer: That was the title of the MACV newspaper published out of
Saigon. As you might well remember, the actual printed newspaper would be
delivered to the orderly room. From there distribution was haphazard but in one
case effective. Our own Bill TEW saved Vol.6, No.1 dated May 10, 1967 and now
we can all share in this almost forgotten engineer article, edited in part. “Dense
foliage and small village houses are all one sees when flying over Highway One
before reaching Bong Son. But the road itself is dusty and potholed and is a
constant headache to drive. One never knows when the VC may detonate a mine.
(Why does Iraq come to mind) Elements of the 41 ARVN patrol the road to
cut down on ambushes. Keeping the road passable is also the responsibility of
the 35th Eng. Bn, 45tyh n group, 1st Air Cavalry Division. Each morning two
minesweeping teams start from LZ Uplift working north and south. Each team
sweeps with mine detectors to either remove or blow them in place. Any spot
of dirt that looks suspicious is checked carefully. Road shoulders, culverts and
the roadway itself are checked. Minesweeping is a cautious, delicate operation,
which requires time and patience. Minesweeping is an important task for field
units to receive badly needed supplies hauled over the road each day.”
Leo MILLER dropped by for another e-mail visit. This time he offered a
remembrance of Arc Light and B52 Bombers. “Arc Light” was a sight to behold,
especially the wall of smoke and flames visible for miles that rose during daylight,
which I saw several times on the ground and once up in a slick while in III
Corps working the border areas. Kinda dangerous PITA afterwards when doing
the clean-up work on dud’s so the gooks couldn’t recover them. I still remember
a night about 10-15 clicks east of Khe Sanh just off QL-9 (a kick or two east of
a Marine outpost called Calu). We were attached to a Marine engineer unit at
what was then the undeveloped site, which would become “LZ Stud” for Operation
Pegasus. 52’s bombed the next valley over unexpectedly; basically world
class monuments. Went from a pitch black night to daylight bright at times and
we thought the NVA would’ve seen us for sure standing there with our mouths
hanging open, but nothing else happened that night. Also had a chance to see
them take off from Kadina, Okinawa, when I was there briefly mid-tour in August
1968 - a story for another time. Still brings tears to my eyes when I visit
the Museum at WPAFB and the Vietnam version “Blacktail” displayed indoors.
Ah, the “good times”! Thanks again to Frank from all of us, Leo.
GOOGLE and Us: The difference between looking up the 8th Engineers on
Google and us is that we are real. Google is a display of data that is ultimately nothing
but zeros and ones arrayed to look like what we call words and pictures.
Ok guys. It’s the end of March, 2010 and I have to now submit this shorter
piece for the May/June issue. As soon as you real people read this paragraph, get
on the horn to me with your input, thoughts, opinions and even facts. Otherwise,
July/August will be a masterpiece of spliced together snippets and more of my
opinions. Also, somebody send me a report of Engineer names and events that
occurred at the Convention. Yours truly has to work for a living.
Pilot.
Age at death: 48.3 Date of Birth: 03/09/1922 Home City: Allston, Massachusetts
Service: U.S. Army Unit: HHC/1 CAV DIV Major organization: 1st Cavalry
Division
Short Summary: Hit a mountain near Bao Luc partial IFR flying to visit troops
in hospital
Aircraft: UH-1H tail number 69-15138
The 1st Cavalry Division suffered a tragic loss early in July when the 1st
Cavalry Division Command Helicopter, piloted by Major General George William
CASEY, enroute to visit wounded Sky Troopers, crashed in a remote area
in South Vietnam.
Six members of his personal staff perished with him: MAJ John Alexander
HOTTELL, III, Aide-de-Camp; 1LT William Frederick MICHEL, Pilot; CSM
Kenneth William COOPER, Division Sergeant Major; SGT William Lee CHRIS-
TENSON, Door Gunner; SGT Ronald Francis FFULLER Crew Chief; SGT
Vernon Kenneth SMOLIK, Aide and Stenographer.
MG CASEY took command of the 1st Cavalry Division, considered the Army’s
best, in May 1970, while the division was engaged in the operation against the
communist sanctuaries in Cambodia. He served as the Task Force Commander
in that operation.
MG CASEY was widely regarded as one of the most promising officers in the
Army before his death at the age of 48. His combination of traditional Army
methods with the latest in air mobility tactics was widely respected by other
commanders who had asked to serve under him, and by his superiors. He was a
familiar figure to troops in the 1st Cavalry Division in South Vietnam. He had
served as Chief of Staff of the division there in 1967 and has for nine months
Assistant Division Commander before he gained his second star and a promotion
to commander two months ago.
MG CASEY’s initial service in the Army was as a platoon leader of a paratroop
regiment stationed in Japan. He moved through his division and became aidede-camp
of then Major General Lyman L. LEMNITZER.
In 1951, he became a rifle company commander in Korea and participated
in engagements at Heartbreak Ridge. After Korean service, he returned to the
United States for a number of tours of duty before going to Europe in 1963 as
commander of the 8th Infantry Division.
MG CASEY is survived by his wife, Mrs. Elaine Morton CASEY of North
Scituate, Massachusetts, three daughters and two sons. One of his sons General
George W CASEY, Jr., is now the Chief of Staff, United States Army. Like
Father, Like Son.
MG George William CASEY, Sr. was laid to rest with honors at Arlington
National Cemetery in Section 5, Site 16.
William C. THOMASON, E Battery., 82nd Field Artillery, 1969-70, 1000
Lighnen Rd., Parrottsville, TN 37843, ,.

Page 21
545th MP COMPANY
Sam Reinert
626 ½ South 9th St.
Richmond, IN 47374
(765) 962-4627 ph and FAX
samreinert1@545thmpcoassn.org
http://www.545thmpassn.org/
Greetings Fellow 545th MPs!
The 545th MP Company has turned in their
vehicles in Iraq and is also getting ready to turn
in their computers and other equipment issued
in theater in preparation for their return home to
Fort Richardson, Alaska. This will be their first
complete deployment since they were deactivated
at Fort Hood in 2005 and taken away from their
beloved 1st Cavalry Division. Although no longer
with the 1st Cavalry Division, the 545th MP
Company has carried on their Cavalry traditions
1SG Connie Dementier
and have won several sports competitions’ with
other units to include Air Force units and have
successfully completed another combat tour of
duty which included training Iraqi Policemen and setting up various facilities
for them. They have won the respect of not only the Iraqis but of the many other
US Military units they were associated with in theater. What else would you
expect with a First Sergeant like 1SG Connie DEMENTER who is a veteran of
the 545th MP Company when they were in Bosnia and still with the 1st CAV!
We will pray for their safe return home.
If you have not been to our web site recently, I strongly suggest that you do
so. We have added several new pages/Tabs and hundreds of new photos which
I know you will all enjoy. If you have photos of your time with the 545th MP
Company and would like to share them with us, please send them to me at
or snail mail them to me at the address
shown above and I will make sure that they make their way into our award
winning web site.
A few weeks ago, I received a letter
from GEN Peter W. CHIARELLI who
commanded the 1st Cavalry Division in
Iraq when the 545th was still with that
unit. GEN CHIARELLI is presently the
US Army Vice Chief of Staff and during
his busy schedule at the Pentagon, took
the time to view our web site and noted
that GEN FRANKS and Toby KEITH had
sent us autographed photos for our Iraq
Tab in our web site. Having always been
a supporter of the 545th MP Company (he
even took the time to attend our change
of command ceremony in Baghdad
when CPT MULARONI turned the
GEN Pete Chiarelli
545th over to CPT TOWNSEND), GEN
CHIARELLI sent us an autographed
photo of himself, which he signed “To
the Officers, men and women of the First Team’s Finest” which we now proudly
exhibit in our web site in the Iraq Tab.
One of our better known 545th MPs, CSM Freddie L.T. BROCK, is soon to
retire in June. CSM BROCK served with the 545th MP Company at Fort Hood,
Texas from 1997 until 1998 and like so many of our 545th veterans attained
a position of great responsibility in the US Army. Since the days of GEN
George WASHINGTON at Valley Forge, Pennsylvania there have been Provost
Sergeants but until recently there has never been a Provost Command Sergeant
Major of the US Army. The Provost Sergeant Major of the United States Army
is a recently established position in the Military Police Corps. The Provost
Sergeant Major of the United States Army is the senior MP NCO in the Military
Police Corps. Since this position is assigned to the staff of the Provost Marshal
IT’S THE LAW
by Richard Cohen, Esq.
©2009 Richard Cohen
Attorney at Law
235 High Street, Room 513
P.O. Box 771
Morgantown, WV 26507-0771
(304)-413-0838
vetlaw @wvajustice.com
http://www.wvajustice.com
PTSD
In ARZIO v. SHINSEKI no.
2009-7107 decided April 19,
2010 by the Federal Circuit the
Court explored whether there
are alternative methods in the
VA’s regulations for a veteran
to obtain service-connected
benefits for PTSD without
proving the existence of credible evidence of an in-service stressor. While in
service this non-combat veteran was diagnosed with a variety of psychological
conditions in an attempt to understand his complaints of right foot and leg
pain and chest pain. The diagnoses included psychogenic pain, psychophysical
reaction, psyconeurosis and conversion reaction. Many years later the VA
denied the veteran’s claim for benefits based on PTSD acknowledging that he
was receiving treeatment for psychiatric problems including PTSD but rejecting
the claim for lack of proof of creditable in-service stressors. In supporting the
denial the Federal Circuit concluded that 38 CFR § 3.304(f) makes clear that
credible evidence of an in-service stressor is a mandatory element in any claim
for disability compensation for PTSD. Further, the Court rejected the veteran’s
argument taht 38 CFR § 3.303 provides an alternative method of establishing
service connection without proof of an in-service stressor.
EQUITABLE TOLLING
In yet another decision we can see that the Courts are still not in total agreement
as to whether equitable tolling is available at the agency level when a veteran has
been mislead by the VA. Both the Veterans Court and the Federal Circuit accepted
the veteran’s assertion that VA personnel had erroneously told the veteran that
he was not permitted to file a claim for benefits until his other-than-honorable
discharge was corrected. Nevertheless, in BUTLER v. SHINSEKI no 2009-
MAY/JUNE, 2010
General of the U.S. Army, which is a two star post,
this Sergeant Major is representing the only two star
position in the in the US Army Military Police and
therefore is senior within the Corps.
As per Wikipedia, Provost Sergeants have been
around for quite a while – “In the United States Army
Military Police Corps or United States Marine Corps
Military Police, the title of Provost Sergeant typically
refers to the operations sergeant in charge of the staff
of the Provost Marshal office or the NCO in charge
of an MP Station. The position is commonly held
by a Sergeant Major or Master Gunnery Sergeant,
but may also be held by a Sergeant First Class or CSM Freddie Brock
a Master Sergeant. U.S. Army Provost Sergeants
cannot be recognized by any specific insignia and few Provost Sergeants even
wear the distinctive military police identification patch on their Army Combat
Uniform.
There was at least one Provost Sergeant at Valley Forge with General
WASHINGTON and many of the old Cavalry Regiments on the western plains
had a Provost Sergeant (as recorded by the 6th Cavalry Regiment historical
files and Texas A&M). During the Civil War, both the Confederate and Union
Armies had Provost Sergeants and even entire Provost Units. During the
Mexican War, the Cavalry units all formed Provost Squads which were led by
Provost Sergeants to collect, classify and detain all the Mexican troops which
were captured during that action. It should be noted here that these units set up
what has become the system used to this day by Military Police Units in any
combat action to handle, classify and detain what we now call EPW’s or in days
gone by POW’s.
LTG Arthur MacARTHUR had a Provost Sergeant on his staff when he was
the PMG of the Philippines and there has been a Provost Sergeant Major at West
Point since anyone can remember. Until 1941, none of the Provost Marshals
or Provost Sergeants was of a permanent nature. All of these Provost Generals,
Provost Marshals, Provost Sergeants and Provost Units were assigned these
jobs on a temporary basis. Cavalry units were most frequently used as provost
troops, but it was not uncommon for artillery or infantry units and even invalids
from hospitals to be used as Provost Troops.
On 29 October, 2003, MG Donald J. RYDER was sworn in as the Army’s
Provost Marshal General by LTG James J. LOVELACE, Director of the Army
Staff, who hosted the Pentagon ceremony on behalf of the Army Chief of
Staff.
The Provost Marshal General existed as a permanent position from 1941 to
1974, with ten individuals serving during the period. The last Provost Marshal
General, MG Lloyd RAMSEY (Ret), served from 1970 to 1974.
Nearly 30 years after retiring the Provost Marshal General colors, MG
RAMSEY, who is the only surviving former Provost Marshal General,
participated in the ceremony by joining MG RYDER in posting the same colors
he cased in 1974. The positional flag, as it is called, was temporarily removed
from its home in the Military Police Corps Museum to be part of the ceremony.
An Old Guard Military Police Corps member, Specialist Brian BARRY, carried
the flag and passed it to newly appointed Provost Sergeant Major of the Army,
Sergeant Major Brian DEOROCKI who was the first MP NCO to hold this
exalted position as the Senior NCO in the Military Police Corps.
On June 1, 2008 CSM BROCK took over this position from SGM DEOROCKI
as the second Provost Sergeant Major of the US Army and will retire from that
position and the US Army on May 30, 2010 after 28 years of active duty – all of
it in the Military Police Corps. We wish CSM BROCK who has been an active
supporter or our association, an enjoyable retirement and a great life. There will
be more on his retirement ceremony in the next issue of the Saber.
Any of you old 545th veterans out there who are not yet members of our unit
association, please go to our web site and sign up or if you are not a computer
person, just write me a letter and I will add you to our Buddy Roster and send
you a copy. You will also receive a Membership Certificate which is suitable
for framing and a laminated, wallet sized membership card.
Until the next issue – lets all be careful out there
7066, decided April 23, 2010, the Federal Circuit relied on its earlier decision in
ANDREWS v. PRINCIPI 351 F.3d 1134, 1137-38 (Fed. Cir. 2003) agreed with
the Veterans Court that the one year period of presumptive retroactivity which
the veteran would have received had he filed his claim within one year of discharge
was not subject to waiver or relaxation. One Judge dissented, asserting
that this situation is different than ANDREWS becasuse in this case there was
misinformation or erroneous advice given to the veteran because that the court
in ANDREWS had not stated that equitable tolling is never available.
NOTICE OF BVA APPEAL
A recent Veterans Court decision is a reminder of the distinction between an
appeal to the Board of Veteran’s Appeals and an appeal to the Veterans Court.
In POSEY v. SHINSEKI no 08-0240, decided April 23, 2010, the Court noted
that although the veteran stated that he had wanted to appeal a BVA decision, the
form used was titled “Appeal to Board of Veterans’ Appeals” and stated that he
wanted to have a video conference hearing. Because this letter did not indicate
that the veteran wanted to have the Court review the Board’s decision, the document
was determined to be a request to reconsideer the Board’s decision and not
an appeal to the Veterans Court.
Plan now to attend the 64th Reunion of the 1st Cavalry Division
Association in Killeen/Fort Hood, Texas from 8-12 June, 2011.
Registration forms and information will be sent out with the
2011 calendars and will be published in the November/December
2010 SABER and placed on the Association web page when
available.
2011 will be the 20th Anniversary of the Gulf War

MAY/JUNE, 2010
77th FA News
Robert W. Tagge
2113 Oak Ridge Dr..
Round Rock, TX 78681-7248
(512) 255-7247
rwtagge@gmail.com
Operation MOSBY II
was completed on 3 May
and most 2nd Brigade units
returned to the Division’s An
Khe base camp. As always
May brings back memories
of “OPERATION LEWIS
& CLARK”, a 2nd Brigade
Ground Reconnaissance
operation assigned to 1-5th Cav, commanded by LTC William R. RAY (COL,
Ret), and B/1-77th FA.
It began at Plateau Gi,
Kontum Province and
ended at Camp Radcliff,
An Khe, the 1st Air Cav
base camp, a distance
of approximately 100
miles and ran from 3
to 16 May, 1966. This
was the hardest mission
the unit encountered
during my tour as B
Btry Commander!
We literally had to
cut our own Landing
Zone’s (LZ’s) in the
jungle. In order to
Lewis & Clark LZ 10 miles north of An Khe provide continuous and
overlapping support,
the Battery was employed in two 3-gun sections and leapfrogged from LZ to
LZ so all of the Infantry units were provided fire support while on the move. A
sniper followed us and wounded several personnel to include my Btry XO, 1
LT Clint WATSON (MAJ, Ret) and the Btry medic. WATSON was taking off
in an OH-13 to do some aerial observation when he was shot and lost a good
portion of his calf muscle and had to draw his pistol to force the pilot to fly
him to An Khe for medical treatment. The pilot, a young WO-1, turned in his
wings after this episode, why I am not sure but guess the event was too much
for him to take. My “regular pilot”, CW-2 James F. PORTER, was off for a bit
of respite as the day previous he placed himself and his aircraft between our
wounded Btry medic and the sniper so we could load him on the OH-13 for
medical evacuation since the non-divisional Med Evac folks would not land due
to “hostile interference” and for this he was awarded the Distinguished Flying
Cross. The sniper’s muzzle flash was spotted by one of the gun sections, we
got a bearing and the sniper was ‘dispatched’ by a few well-placed direct fire
rounds into the jungle. We had no major enemy contact until we were about
ten miles from our base camp in An Khe. Close to dark, the 1-5th Cav ran into
a reinforced North Vietnamese Regular Army Regiment. Defensive positions
were quickly organized as it was too late in the day for any kind of attack. To
protect the 1-5 Cav during the night, B/1-77th FA fired continuous high angle
fire all night long, firing a round about every 30 seconds. Resupply became a
MAJ problem but CH-47 and CH-54 (Flying Crane) deliveries sustained the
unit overnight. Another bit of trivia that is probably not recorded anywhere, is
that the 1-5 Cav was also requesting a lot of illumination. Unfortunately, there
was no data in the TFT’s or GFT’s available for any charge or fuse settings
for illumination at the range and high angle the guns had to fire. The Btry
FDC (Jim DYER and Bruce GRAINER) did however give them illumination by
the “WAG” method (Wild Ass Guess). They used information available from
charge three high angle and then estimated the fuse setting to deploy the flare.
This caused some initial problems by reason that if the flare deployed after the
round began its descent, the chute would tear off. The Btry FDC continued to
tinker with the fuse setting until the 1-5 Cav got their best light and the same
setting was fired all night long for illumination shells. The next day additional
Infantry and Artillery support (3-18FA, 8-inch How, SP) were brought up to
reinforce the 1-5 Cav. Two days later we were in base camp, being relieved and
replaced by a ‘fresh’ unit.
The next morning after are all night firing a bunch of choppers descended on
the Btry. One contained COL Marvin J. BERENZWEIG, CO, 2nd BDE, one
with COL Bill BRAND, DivArty commander and the third with LTC Harold
C. SMITH (COL, Ret) 1-77 CO (an aviator who flew himself often) and MAJ
Griff DODGE, (COL, Ret) 1-77 FA XO. It seems that during the previous
evenings 2nd Brigade staff meeting the brigade commander stated he had not
been provided any artillery support that day. LTC SMITH kept his cool, passed
this information to COL BRAND and hence the meeting the next day at the B/1-
77 FA location. The two 0-6’s had “their discussion” and when finished COL
BRAND pointed his finger at COL BWIG and said “From now on you take care
of the Infantry”, then turned to me and said “he’ll take care of the artillery”,
turned, got on his chopper and left. COL BWIG departed quickly while I am
there with my mouth open wondering what was going on. Griff DODGE filled
me in and after this incident no more problems from COL BWIG!
The Btry had only had the new M-102 105mm howitzers a short time and as
most of the firing during this operation was high angle due to jungle growth, we
noticed that the sight mounts on these new weapons were beginning to crack.
Upon return to base camp this information was relayed via flash message to
Watervliet Arsenal and several days
later a team was in-country to look
Another view of Lewis & Clark LZ
10 miles north of An Khe
and fix this problem. It was of
significance in as much as Watervliet
was manufacturing additional weapons
for use in Vietnam. 1LT Jim BOWERS
(MAJ, Ret) moved from the hill as
FO for A/1-5 Cav to replace Clint
WATSON as Btry XO with 1LT John
CHAVARRIA (MAJ, Ret) replacing
BOWERS.
In retrospect and looking at the photos
I have of this operation, there was little
distance between the Btry position and
the jungle. HQ, 1-5 Cav bivouacked
with the Btry each evening which was
the only infantry security provided.
Plans were made for the next day’s
operation, possible LZ’s and routes of
advance discussed. LZ’s were cleared
using primer cord denotations of trees
Page 22
and large objects and manual labor to make the areas accessible for the Btry’s
howitzers. I think we all enjoyed a few days rest once back in An Khe!
While “LEWIS & CLARK” was going on the rest of the 2nd Brigade was
involved with “OPERATION PAUL REVERE”, a Reaction Force consisting of
1st and 2nd Brigade, ARVN Scout Company, 22nd ARVN Division, a Republic
of Korea (ROK) Battalion and CIDG units. This ran from 9 May to 20 June,
1966.
From 3 to 20 June the 1-5 Cav along with B/1-77 FA along with elements
of the Div HQ and 2nd BDE HQ was again sent to support the 101st Airborne
Division, this being the third mission B/1-77 FA supported the 101st ABN.
Operation “HAWTHRONE” was a three battalion Search and Destroy mission
vicinity Dak To Tou Morong, Kontum Province. This pretty much ended the
May-June time frame with July fast approaching.
It is not by choice that I write almost exclusively about B/1-77 FA, rather I
have had limited input about other 1-77 FA Btry’s be it the 1965-66 time period
or other times during the seven year deployment of the Bn in Vietnam or while
in Japan and Korea. I would appreciate input from you all for the times you
served in the battalion regardless of time period. Thanks.
I am pleased to announce that the 1-77 FA (155 SP How), the DS artillery unit
for the 172nd Separate Infantry
Brigade, returned from Iraq to
its home base in Schweinfurt,
Germany during this past
April. A Change of Command
ceremony will take place the
morning of 7 May, 2010 at which
time the present commanding
officer, LTC Steven L. HITE
will relinquish command to LTC
Christopher J. CARDONI. LTC
HITE will depart Germany at the
end of May and is being assigned
to Fort Sill, Oklahoma as Chief
of Field Artillery Concepts under
1-77 FA Change of Command
the direction of MG David D. HALVERSON, Chief of Field Artillery and CG,
Fort Sill, Okalhoma, who has served with the 1st Cavalry Division and at Fort
Hood, Texas. We wish Steve all the best in his new assignment!
The 2-77 FA (105 and 155 How, Towed) is returning to Fort Carson, Colorado
from its yearlong assignment in Afghanistan during May, 2010. LTC Michael
A/2-77 FA air assault in Afghanistan, first since
Vietnam.
FORSYTH will
turn over command
to LTC Gary R.
GRAVES at some
date in the near future
– once every one has
returned home. LTC
FORSYTH’s new
assignment will be as
an instructor at the Air
Force Academy also
located in Colorado
Springs, Colorado.
On 3 May, 2010,
A/2-77 FA made its
first air assault since
Vietnam, from an
advanced position
to provide fires for
an operation along the critical Hwy 1A linking Jalalabad and Kabul where the
enemy is coming out of the mountains to hit log convoys. A/2-77 FA is the
battalion’s 155mm towed tow howitzer Btry.
I have been a recent recipient of information from a group of individuals (from
2-8 Cav, 1-77 FA, 2-32 FA, 2-20 ARA,11th ACR, 229 AHSB and others) about the
possibility of unit’s that fought at FSB’s JAY and ILLINGWORTH be awarded
the Presidential Unit Citation (PUC). From what I have read these were horrific
battles that took place during late March, 1970 near the Cambodian border.
The attack on FSB Illingworth resulted in the award of the Medal of Honor to
SGT Peter LEMON, E Company, 2nd Battalion, 8th Cavalry and 3 Silver Stars
and 2 Distinguished Service Crosses. “On 20 October, 2009 President OBAMA
presented the PUC to veterans from Troop A, 1st Squadron, 11th ACR, for their
heroic actions March 26, 1970. They came to the aid of Soldiers from C Company,
2-8 Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile), who were facing more than 400
enemy fighters.” (Official U S Army News Release) It would seem fitting that
a similar award be made to those units that participated in these events. This is
not within my power and to be honest a long time has passed for the two-year
moratorium for submitting such awards but obviously an exception was made
so that A/1-11 ACR could get their award in 2009. Additionally the 1st Air Cav
did not receive a battle streamer for these actions for the Divisional Colors. This
is, in my opinion, a matter for review by the Division and should be looked into
for possible action and correction. The point of contact for this is Jack MOR-
RISON, 112 Olde Brook Court, Norman, OK 73072-4555 and as the e-mail address.
The 77th Field Artillery Regiment Association has scheduled its reunion
for 17 to 19 September, 2010 at the Sleep Inn, 1980 South IH-35, Round
Rock, TX. Reservations can be made by calling the hotel at (512) 246-6000
or via their web site at . Rates are $65 for a king size bed ad $70 for two beds
plus local taxes. Identify yourself as part of the 77th Field Artillery Regiment
Assn reunion to obtain our special rate. Plan now to attend and make your
reservations. This location opened 1 April 2010 and has all the latest amenities.
Round Rock is just north of Austin, Texas and serviced by the Austin-Bergstrom
International Airport. Any questions please let me know.
The 77th Field Artillery Regiment Association is now located on Facebook. Go
to your Facebook.com account (or join), enter 77th Field Artillery in the search
box should get you to the right location or use the following: < http://www.
facebook.com/pages/77th-FIELD-ARTILLERY-REGIMENT-ASSOCIATION/
114612491895852ref=ts>. Add your comments, photos and tell your friends.
I look forward to seeing many of you at the 1st Cav Division Association
annual reunion in Bloomington, Minnesota this June. Hopefully many of you
will also plan to attend the Regimental association reunion as mention above.
Please forward your stories, comments, photos and other items of interest for
inclusion in this, your 1-77 FA voice. Take care. Concrete 46 – out!

Page 23 MAY/JUNE, 2010
DIVARTY News
SSG Donald 0. Callahan
6412 Oak Dr.
Moro, IL 62067-1628
(618) 656-3145
I have received some very interesting
notes and letters from fellow Div
Arty Troopers. I got home one night
and found a phone message from
Richard CLARK from Greenfield,
Indiana. The next day I returned the
1st Cav DIVARTY 9/68-9/69
call and had a nice conversation with Rich, who was the Div Arty Photographer
during the Korean War. He doesn’t have internet and has sent me a letter with a
few things he would like to include in the Saber.
He has been to eleven 1st Cav reunions since 1992 and wants to know why he
has been the only one to sign in on the Div Arty role He and I as well, enjoy
the reunions but there are not many from Div Arty who attend.
Rich joined Div Arty in 1949 and worked as the photographer and FDC operator.
Most of his friends in Korea were with the 99th Artillery. He would like to hear
from you if you served at that time. He included a photo of some of his buddies
1950 Korea
and I’ve posted it with this article. It was taken in Teague, Korea in August, 1950.
They had just had their first shower and change of clothes in 3 weeks. The photo
shows JAMESON cleaning his weapon on the left, then DRIGGERS from West
Virginia, James STORK leaning on the tree and Roy SIMERSON from Wisconsin
now deceased standing far right. If you would like to get in contact with Rich
just send me an e-mail and I will forward his address to you.
I also received an e-mail from Jack BRENNER from Pennsylvania who was
an Artillery Surveyor in Div Arty at An Khe in 1966-67. Sounds like he and I
have a lot in common but different place.
I have also received e-mails from Dr. John HOUSE, the Div Arty MD in 1969.
Another REMF who has stories of being in the field and memories of being with
great young men who served in Div Arty. I have pasted part of his letter to this
article. One of his Medics, Robert MEWES who was from Missouri is mentioned in
his letter and I recently learned that he passed away in November, 2002 at his home
in Newton, Illinois with leukemia. I sent Dr. HOUSE the photo included with this
article and
m e n t i o n s
the people
in the
photo. Dr.
HOUSE’s
note:
R o b e r t
missed his
DEROS as
he developed
appendicitis
and I had
to medevac
him to
Dr HOUSE being wrapped up by SP MEWES for a first aid
demonstration
Long Binh
for surgery.
He tried to
hide his symptoms so he could go straight home on the ‘Freedom Bird’ but his
fellow soldiers ‘ratted him out’. Good thing too. He probably would have ruptured
the appendix. He spent an extra week in RVN.
Mike GUITTEREZ went with me to the flight line during a rocket attack to
attend the wounded on his LAST NIGHT in RVN. He was awarded the Army
Commendation Medal with V device and it was well deserved. I would not have
let him go with me had I known the next day was his DEROS.
Harold RUSK, medic at 2-20 ARA at Phuouc Vinh eventually retired as a
Command Sergeant Major and lives in San Antonio.
Others I remember are FREEMAN, Rudy FLORES, Dennis MCCLELLAN ()
and a young kid from the northwest whose father was a commercial fisherman.
Ia Drang Scholarships
Continued from pg. 18
It is the responsibility of the applicant to determine whether his/her father/
grandfather served in battle in at least one of the qualifying units in at least one of
the specific battle locations and provide proof thereof. Proof must include at least
a birth certificate or legal adoption certificate showing father or grandfather’s
chain of relationship to the applicant, a copy of the Ia Drang Battle survivor’s
DD Form 214 and/or positive evidence of the battle participant’s assignment
to a qualifying unit during a specified battle. Such evidence may include
citations for awards earned in the battles, signed statements from battlefield
leaders, extracts of official personnel records, copies of morning reports, copies
I can’t remember his name but he didn’t look a day over 15.
I received an article in the mail years ago about Agent Orange being so heavily
sprayed in Phouc Vinh area but since at that time I had 5 normal children I
figured I didn’t have much exposure.
Chaplain (MAJ) Max MEIR and I spent a lot of time together in LOHs flying to
LZs. He to give sermons and I have immunizations and followed up on illnesses
the onsite medics wanted me to check out. The medics with the artillery batteries
and the medics with the infantry companies did a great job. There wasn’t much
they couldn’t handle.
Since Chaplain MEIR and I were in the helicopters so much, the pilots new to
the area were assigned to fly us as we were able to tell them various landmarks
on the terrain. On one trip we got socked in so bad on our way to Tay Ninh, I
was sweating bullets as I kept thinking the last thing I would see was that huge
mountain just outside Tay Ninh. Nui Ba Dinh, I think. We got lucky and broke
out of the mess just southeast of the mountain and flew VOR to Tay Ninh.
I have many fond memories of HHB Divarty. CPT RICHARDSON, MAJ
Ralph BERRY of HHB 2-20, LTC WAKEFIELD. There are so many young faces
I still recall vividly but I can’t put names with them. I’ll have to go through the
attic and find my slides. With all the moves over the years they got placed in
different boxes but I know I can find them.
MEDCAPS: We went to seven different villages. One was almost 11 miles
away. Though we were told by the villagers that VC were in the area, we were
never harmed or threatened. On one trip none of the villagers would come out
to see us after we had set up. Finally a little boy that I had nicknamed ‘Tom’ told
us that VC were in the village and the people were afraid to come to us for help.
We packed up swiftly and left. On the next trip to the same village everything
was back to normal.
My hometown of Winder, Georgia got in the act by donating vegetable seeds,
toothbrushes and paste, soap, etc. Before my rotation was over I saw several
nice gardens. The Vietnamese were amazing in the ability to achieve so much
from so little.
A picture of me applying a splint to one of the girl scouts was in my hometown
newspaper. I didn’t know it until my parents sent me a copy.
I’ll send you more stories and pictures after I find them.
I’m so glad you started this section in the 1st Cav news. Maybe we can find a
lot of people again just to say hello. I hope all made it home and are doing well.
Certainly glad to hear you are okay
Someday we’ll swap stories about Belize. I went to Punta Gorda on several
medical missions. Delivered the children of a missionary friend and also a Peace
Corp worker. Beautiful but primitive country.
Take care, John
I’m not sure if Div Arty was responsible for the Agent Orange that was dropped
around Phouc Vinh but I remember those flights overhead quite well. You would
look up and see 3 C-130’s flying along and dropping their load of Agent Orange
and then a few minutes later feeling a mist fall on your face. If you go to the
15th Field Artillery Regiment website you will discover that Phouc Vinh received
more Agent Orange than any other location. I’ve talked with a local crop duster
and he tells me you could have sprayed hundreds of square miles with what was
sprayed at Phouc Vinh. Phouc Vinh had 643,000 gals of concentrate drop within
a 5 mile radius of base.
Another first, I found for the 1st Cav Div Arty was that they were the first unit
to use what was called TacFire in 1970. It was the start of the new technology
used today. In 1970, I was at Fort Sill as an Artillery Survey instructor and was
asked to join the Survey Information Center, SIC and test new distance measuring
equipment. Then in 1970, I had to present my findings and recommendations to
the Field Artillery Systems Review. Gen Bruce PALMER, the Vice Chief of the
Army asked several good questions of what I thought. I remember him looking
at my right shoulder Cav patch and telling me they were the best. Had I stayed
in the Army I was to go to California and work on further testing of TacFire.
When the Cav came home from Vietnam, they were the FIRST unit chosen to
put the system into play.
Does anyone remember CSM Bill CORN Good man to have served with. One
of my duties while at Fort Sill was to remove some of the survey marker towers
on top of mountains in the Wichita Mountain Wildlife Refuge. They wanted the
mountains to look more natural. But these are real mountains, no matter what
they look like from the artillery ranges. How are we going to get something off
of a mountain we can’t even climb The 1st Cav Div Arty comes to the rescue
again. CSM CORN was with the helicopter unit at Fort Sill and I had seen him
at the NCO club. I asked him the chances of getting a bird long enough to swipe
3 towers off the mountains. His reply was yes and whenever I needed it. It only
took about 2 hours and everybody was happy, especially me since I really didn’t
want to have to learn how to climb a mountain.
Have you ever gone to Google Earth and get a look at where you were with
the 1st Cav It was interesting to find that LZ Grant and other LZ’s in that part
of the jungle are now under water. Vietnam has dammed the Song Be River and
flooded the whole area. And Nui Ba Den is now an amusement park.
I would like to hear from ALL of you who were in Div Arty, anytime, anyplace.
Rich CLARK of the Korean Div Arty and most all I do hear from are trying to
find old friends and fellow Div Arty Troopers. So, send me a quick e-mail and
I’ll put it on a spread sheet I’ve started. If I see any connection I will pass it on
to you and I will not send your e-mail without your permission. Your buddies
are looking for you!
of articles about the specific battles naming sponsor, extracts from books which
name sponsor as a battle participant and/or copies of letters to family/friends
about the specific battles. Additionally, male applicants must provide proof that
they have registered for Selective Service.
Donations to continue this program are greatly needed and appreciated. Mail
donations to the Foundation address below and indicate that the donation is for
the Ia Drang Scholarship Fund.
Those interested in obtaining an application must send a self-addressed
stamped envelope to the Foundation of the 1st Cavalry Division Association at
302 N. Main St., Copperas Cove, TX 76522-1703 or may obtain an application
at .

MAY/JUNE, 2010
UP TO $25
SGT CZAPLICKI, MATTHEW W.
In Memory of SSG Donald SPICER.
SFC GARCIA, Saul Gene
SGM HUNTER, Richard Dean
E-4 SEICHKO, Melvin M.
SP-4 WAGNER, Bruce K.
$26 - $50
E-5 CRABTREE, Thomas Lon
FLORIDA CHAPTER
In Memory of CPL Roy C. BLUMENAUER, Past
National President.
VETERANS DAY 2010 IN WASHINGTON, D.C.
From Tuesday, 9 November to Friday, 12 November, 2010 the 1st Cavalry
Division Association and the National Capitol Region Chapter will sponsor our
annual Veterans Day Hospitality Suite and Gift Shop at the Crowne Plaza Washington
National Airport Hotel for all present and former First Team members and
their families. The hotel is located at 1480 Crystal Drive, Arlington, VA 22202.
The 1st Cav Division Association room rate is $119 for a single or double room
plus tax (10.25%). We have contracted for complimentary parking at the hotel
for guests of the hotel. Call the Crowne Plaza directly at (800) 227-6963 (800-
2CROWNE) or book on-line to make your reservations. Be sure to tell them that
you want the special “1st Cavalry Division” guaranteed rate. To reserve your room
on-line place the following address in your web browser: . Enter the arrival
date and number of nights you will be staying (use calendar with arrows). Scroll
down and click “check availability” – a page will pop up requesting individual
information. You will also see your group identification. Follow instructions
on making/completing the reservation.
Room reservations MUST be made before 10 October, 2010 in order to receive
the discounted rate.
On Thursday, 11 November at 1300 hours, there will be a ceremony and wreath
laying at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. The Association will coordinate times
to place wreaths at the Korean War Memorial and World War II Memorial on
Veterans Day. The Division Honor Guard will be present for these ceremonies.
Details will be posted in the Hospitality Suite. Join us in honoring our veterans
on Veterans Day.
2nd ANNUAL VETERANS DAY DINNER
The National Capitol Region Chapter in conjunction with the 1st Cavalry Division
Association will host the 2nd Annual First Team Veterans Day Dinner on
Thursday evening, 11 November, 2010 at the Crowne Plaza Washington National
Airport Hotel, 1480 Crystal Drive, Arlington, VA 22202. A cash bar will be open
at 1800 and a plated dinner will begin at 1900 hours.
Last year’s dinner was a great event and we expect this year to be even better,
especially if you sign up quickly so we can prepare properly. Space will be limited
due to the size of the room, so don’t wait to purchase your tickets.
For dinner reservations please send the form below and $45 per ticket to the
1st Cavalry Division Association, 302 N. Main St., Copperas Cove, TX 76522-
1703. In order to ensure that you have tickets, full payment must be received
by us no later than 20 October, 2010. Do not wait until October to order your
tickets. We urge you to send in your reservations and check or credit card number
as early as possible. We can accept VISA or MASTERCARD. Please ensure
that your card number and expiration dates are written correctly. Please provide
your name, address, unit you served with and the name(s) of your guests with
your payment.
Tickets will be available for pickup in the 1st Cav Division Association Hospitality
Suite or at the door to the banquet room. Seats are limited due to the size
of the room. We must make final coordination with the hotel before the event
and we may not be able to accommodate late registrations.
We are still in the process of coordinating the speaker for the dinner but the 1st
Cavalry Division Honor Guard will be present.
2nd ANNUAL
1st CAVALRY DIVISION
ASSOCIATION VETERANS DAY DINNER
$40 PER TICKET
(Please print clearly)
Name ________________________________________________________
Address ______________________________________________________
City/St/Zip ___________________________________________________
Telephone ____________________________________________________
# Guests ____ Name(s): _________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
Amount $ __________ # Tickets ____
HONOR ROLL
Acknowledgement of generous
donations from the following troopers:
Check ____ VISA or MC _____
____________________________________________ EXP Date ________
Credit Card Number - Print clearly
______________________________________________ Date ___________
Signature - Credit Card Payment Only
SGM KING, Dennis J.
MR. MAROVICH, John J.
In Memory of my brother, E-4 Rudolph J. MAROV-
ICH.
PFC O’BRIAN, Joseph T.
$51 - $100
SP-4 DEVON, David
In Memory of Victor WILLIAMS, KIA 29 October
1971, Long Khanh Province Vietnam.
COL (RET) GOMEZ, Jr., Viviano
1LT KELLY, Timothy D.
MAJ MEEKS, Mark A.
Page 24
$101 - $500
MR. BRUMBACK, Wesley
CW3 ELLIS, Charles L.
LTC (RET) McKAY, Ivor W.
SGT WOLAVER, Rob
In Memory of Keith V. HUFFSTUTLER, KIA Republic
of South Vietnam 1967.
The First Team Family Cares!
Your Donations to the Foundation and the
Museum Foundation are Tax-Deductible
BRICK AND PAVER CAMPAIGN
Do you want to go down in history and help the 1st Cavalry Division Association
Museum Foundation fund a new 1st Cavalry Division Museum
The 1st Cavalry Division Association Museum Foundation is conducting a
Brick and Paver Campaign to raise funds to help construct a new museum or
renovate an existing building that will house the Museum. The 1st Cavalry
Division Museum is currently housed in a World War II wood building that was
supposed to be destroyed years ago. While money and hard work have kept
the building well maintained, there is no room for expansion to increase exhibit
space to display the history and accomplishments of the First Team.
You can have granite brick or paver can be inscribed and placed in the museum
complex that will become the new 1st Cavalry Division Museum. This brick may
honor your service or the service of someone that you wish to be remembered.
Bricks and Pavers are being emplaced near the entrance to the present Museum
and will be relocated to the site of the new museum when it is ready.
SGT John Smith
B/1-77 FA
KIA 65 - Aug 66
A 4 X 8 inch granite brick can be inscribed for a donation of $100. The brick
can accommodate no more than 14 characters, including spaces, on each of 3
lines.
In Memory of
SGT John Jones
A/1-5 CAV
KIA 20 Nov 1965
Rest in Peace
Mom and Dad
Granite pavers are available in three sizes. An 8 X 8 inch paver is available
for donation of $200, a 12 X 12 inch paver is available for a $450 donation and
a 24 X 24 inch paver is available for a donation of $1,200.
All pavers can accommodate no more than 14 characters, including spaces,
on each of 6 lines. A design may be substituted for 3 lines of characters. An
additional cost for a specific design is $50. Replicas of your brick or paver can
also be purchased for the same price as indicated above plus shipping charges.
The Museum Foundation reserves the right to reject wording and art that it
deems unsuitable for this program.
It is easy and convenient to order a personalized commemorative brick or paver.
You can place an order using a credit card on-line by visiting the following web
page: .
If you don’t like ordering on-line we do have order forms available from the
1st Cavalry Division Association office at 302 N. Main St., Copperas Cove, TX
76522-1703 or from our web page at .
Determine the inscription you want on the brick or paver, ensure each line is
no more than 14 characters including spaces. Bricks are 3 lines and pavers are
6 lines maximum. Fill out your order form and mail to the Association with your
check or money order or do it all on-line.
The 1st Cavalry Division Association Museum Foundation is a charitable
organization in accordance with Section 501(c)(3) of the IRS code. The Museum
Foundation’s tax identification number is 91-2199014.
For more information contact the Association Headquarters at (254) 547-6537
or e-mail .
Crossed Sabers Chapter Souvenir Shop
P.O. Box 5774
Ft. Hood, TX 76544
Phone: 254-532-2075
FAX: 254-532-6490
Visit to view on-line catalog
The Crossed Sabers Souvenir Shop is a non-profit organization. Net income
is distributed to the Association for application to the Scholarship Program and
other ongoing programs as needed, to the Soldier Travel Fund which allows
active duty soldiers of the Division to attend away Reunions as guests of the
Association, to the 1st Cavalry Division Museum and to fund other activities for
the Troopers and families of the 1st Cavalry Division Association. The manager,
Michelle Wolfe, accepts telephone orders with payment by MASTERCARD,
VISA or DISCOVER credit cards or you can order on-line using credit cards.
Printed catalogs are available for $3.00 from the Association, 302 N. Main St.,
Copperas Cove, TX 76522-1703. Make your check out to 1st Cavalry Division
Association.
Thank you for supporting the Souvenir Shop and the Troopers of the 1st Cavalry
Division Association.