July - August - First Cavalry Division Association

JULY/AUGUST, 201161st FA NewsGordon Cress6562 WindflowerDr.Carlsbad, CA92011-2508(760) 918-0470Hi everybody,this issueshould begetting to youaround mid-August, thatgreat time of the year when we enjoy the summer months, vacations, etc. Hopethat all of you are having a terrific summer.Received word in early May that Grady Tucker is getting married. In checkingit out with Grady, we received this reply… “Gordon, it’s true. The lady is a NewYorker living in Florida. Has no background with the military so most of whereI shop is new to her. Her name is Phyllis Denton. We are currently planningon 19 June (Father’s day) in Florala, Alabama. It is on the map exactly on thestate line between Alabama and Florida. We are looking to buy near Asheville,North Carolina, but that is subject to change to Huntsville, Alabama. Grady.”Congratulations, Grady and I know everyone wishes all the best for you andPhyllis. Always nice to receive cheerful news like this.Also in May, Rich Weakley and his wife, Audrey, spent some time down inTexas visiting their son. They also took time to motor over to Richard and JoyceWalter’s new winter home in Conroe, Texas. All in all they spent 21 days on theroad, had a lot of fun and saw lots of Texas before returning to their Coloradohome.I did hear from Bill McSpadden via Rich Weakley. Bill was just a little concernedas to why the Army Special Forces weren’t involved in the bin Ladenexercise. I had the same thoughts, but I doubt if we’ll ever be privy into theprocess that wound up with the Navy Seals being selected for the operation. Myexperiences with the Army Special Forces (some 25 years ago, if you must ask)was that they are an outstanding group of young men totally dedicated to theircountry and constantly training at a level you can only imagine. I know frompersonal experience that they are on the same level of expertise as the Navy Sealsin what they do and are capable of.Speedy Speedman, up in Big Bear Lake, called in May to chat. It’s alwaysgood to hear from Speedy. He was the 61st FA Battalion scribe before I tookover way back in September, 2002. Wow, it’s hard to believe that I’ve been doingthis 61st Saber scribe stuff for 9 years now! Time sure does fly when you’rehaving a good time.In early May, we received this good news… “Dear Friends, after being gonefrom March 24 to June 5, my dad, John Hasselmeier is now back at the house!Following very strenuous and extensive physical rehab, he is in better physicalshape than he’s been in years. Now he has to keep his resolution of workingout every day on his own. Thank you for your prayers and concerns, John Hasselmeier,Jr.” Thanks so much for the note, John and it’s always good to getnews like this.On a sad note, we also got a notice from Peter O’Brien thatVictor Guidry (HQ 1954-56) had passed away at his home inLos Angeles on June 3rd. Victor had played halfback on the1955 Red Raiders championship team. Our condolences tothe Guidry family. Here’s a picture of Victor during practicein 1955 at Camp Younghans.And speaking of Pete, here’s what he sent along regardingthe latest on the DivArty 1955 football team reunionfor 2011… “Hey Y’all, arrangements are now complete forour 2011 Reunion at Crowne Plaza Tennis and Golf Resortin Asheville, North Carolina on September 27 and 28. Wethank our hosts, Ray and Carole Rice, for all the legworkand negotiations to put the makings of a great reuniontogether. Ray informs us that the greeting above is properNorth Carolinese for ‘Hi.’ Whether ‘Hi’ or ‘Hey,’ we wanty’all there for a good time with your friends from our goldendays. All the best, Pete.” Additional info on the reunion canbe obtained from the reunion committee by phone at (508)543-8402 or by e-mail at .Victor GuidryRich Weakley can get 61st FA Battalion auto window decalsfor you if you’d like one. Just give Rich a call at (719)547-0686 or via e-mail at . I believethey are only $5 each. Rich can give you all the details.I had sent out a notice via e-mail on the Honor Flights that take World War IIVeterans to the memorial in Washington, DC. We got this in reply… “Gordon,here is the web site for the outfit which was featured in the video you sent. Ithought you might like to send it on. ‘Sta Bueno, Ted Covington (B and HQ ,Pacific Theatre, 1942-45), .” Ted said that he went on itseveral years ago and that it was great.Got this note from Jim Marks that he’d sent to Bill Stewart… “Dear Friend Bill:Crossed Sabers Chapter Souvenir ShopP.O. Box 5774Ft. Hood, TX 76544Phone: 254-532-2075FAX: 254-532-6490Visit to view on-linecatalogThe Crossed Sabers Souvenir Shop is a non-profit organization. Netincome is distributed to the Association for application to the ScholarshipProgram and other ongoing programs as needed, to the Soldier Travel Fundwhich allows active duty soldiers of the Division to attend away Reunions asguests of the Association, to the 1st Cavalry Division Museum and to fundother activities for the Troopers and families of the 1st Cavalry DivisionAssociation. The manager, Michelle Wolfe, accepts telephone orders withpayment by MASTERCARD, VISA or DISCOVER credit cards or you canorder on-line using credit cards. Printed catalogs are available for $3.00from 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 Trooper of the 1stCavalry Division Association.I received your good letter about the cancellationof this year’s reunion. I would like to thank youagain for all your good work in the past and yourcontinued efforts on behalf of the Association.No one could have predicted the cost of gasolineand the domino effect it had on our economy,not to mention the fact that some old veteranshave ridden some pretty hard trails and are notup to travel as in years past. Everyone seemedto enjoy Branson and Jenelle and I enjoyed itenough to go back sometime in the future. Nomatter where we light next year, you have mycomplete support and gratitude, best wishes toPat. Your friend, Jim Marks.” I think that’s agreat and well-deserved tribute to Bill and Patregarding all the work and effort they have expendedover the years on the 61st FA BattalionAssociation reunions.And speaking of Jim Marks, he’s got quite aPage 4Jim Marks paraphernaliacollectionmilitary paraphernalia collection as you can see from this photo. It’s just part ofhis huge collection of things military from as long ago as the Civil War. Thanksfor sending it along, Jim.Received this from Peter Macfarlane… “Hi Gordon, over the years I alwaysread all the other unit columns in the Saber. In the 61st FA news is the questionof who put up the sign “The Old Gray Mare Ain’t What She Used To Be” inYokohama on September 2, 1945. It was not the Navy Seals. I landed that dayas the S-2 Sergeant in the 1st Squadron Headquarters 5th Cavalry. We were toldthat the 8th Army (new for the occupation) sent a small unit of the 11th Airborneby planes to the Atsugi Airport in Yokohama to be sure that the Japanese weresurrendering in good faith. That was September 1. Also on September 2nd, therewas a rumor that, as a part of that contingent, was three members of their bandwho with their instruments played that tune at one of the docks to needle the Cav.I will be 91 in August. I joined the Cav as a member of the 1st Platoon (rifle unit)of B Troop, 5th Cavalry in December, 1942, that was when we were still horsemounted. Our horses were taken away February 1, 1943 and we became footsoldiers attacking a village called Little Tokyo out in the desert near Fort Blissso we knew which theater we would be sent to. I must have led a charmed lifeas with being in combat in the Admiralties and Leyte and Luzon with the streetfighting in Manila I had many close calls with a lot of my buddies being killed.I was at the seventh class of the Alamo Scouts on Bataan for 6 weeks startingApril 1, 1945 and even though I graduated I was not picked for team, but this iswhat got me the job as S-2 Sergeant when I returned to my unit. You can see mypicture on the Alamo Scouts web site, check under archives. Peter Macfarlane.”Thanks so much Peter, appreciate the input and we’re glad to clear up the mysteryof who painted the Old Gray Mare sign.Got this in late June… “Hi Gordon, It’s Robert Jackson of Baltimore, Marylandand I want to let you know that I will be receiving my medals; they were put onmy DD214 but I never got them. A counselor at the VA hospital sent for themfor me. I received a letter saying that I should be getting them soon. They are 2Bronze Stars, National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal and TheUnited Nation Service Medal. I will be getting some more but as you know myrecords were burned up in the St. Louis fire, but my counselor knows how tofind them. I’m in a PTSD class with some World War II veterans and Koreanveterans. They are colonels, lieutenants, master sergeants and they tell me a lotof things to help me. I have a lot more to tell you when I write again. Also mywife, Margaret, is right by my side and we have an anniversary coming up; it isJuly 5th and it will be 56 years with God’s help.” Thanks for the update, Margaretand Robert. And congratulations on your 56th! That’s quite a milestone.Later, during a telephone call, Robert said his counselor is also helping him gethis Purple Heart medal. He said he was only 16 when he was hurt and he didn’treport it because he was afraid they might find out how young he was and sendhim back (like what happened to a friend). And he’s still looking for his ROKfriend (the same one who tended his wound), but not having much luck. TheKorean Embassy tried, but wasn’t able to help much. He’s now working withthe VFW to see if they can aid in his search.And yet another item from Jim Marks… “Hello Friends: I want to recommenda book about the Korean Warwritten by my friend Colonel BillRichardson, Valleys of Death. Itis about the 8th Cavalry at Unsan,available at Amazon. Your friend,Jim Marks.” Thanks again, Jim.Appreciate your taking the time tosend these things along to us. Here’sa photo of Jim and Bill at the 1st Cavreunion in June.Jim Marks and Bill RichardsonTake care, ‘Sta Bueno and keepthose cards, letters, phone calls ande-mails coming!Division DoingsContinued from pg. 1.Airmen, Sailors, Marines, Coalition service members and Inter-agency partners.We are impressed with their extraordinary accomplishments each and every day.Additionally, we’ve met with our Afghan partners, Military Commanders, ProvincialGovernors, District Governors, and Tribal Elders. We are encouraged byall we see – our Afghan civil and security leaders are dedicated and determined tolead their people and their country into a secure, stable, and prosperous future.Those not familiar with RC-E and the forces serving within CJTF-1 will findBCT teammates from the 101st Airborne Division, 25th Infantry Division, 10thMountain Division and the 1st Infantry Division, the 18th Engineer Brigade(USAREUR), the 10th Combat Aviation Brigade, and separate brigades fromthe Army National Guard (2/34 2IBCT), France (TF Lafayette, 11th ParachuteRegiment) and Poland (TF White Eagle, 17th Mechanized Brigade). In additionto the Continued on pg. 10.

JULY/AUGUST, 201112th CAV NewsKen Howser, Jr.PO Box 234Walkersville, MD 21793-0234(301) 898-7763AceHigh6India@Comcast.Netwww.12thCav.USFacebook.Com/12thCavalryRegiment0001 Hey Sailor, newin town? If I were half asfunny as I think I am, I’dbe twice as funny as I amnow - I need a check upfrom the neck up - Seriously- I don’t get anyrespect - Time to put upor shut up. You still here? I guess shutting up didn’t work. Thank you for yoursupport, all the cards, letters and calls with info, pictures and ideas. Together onthese PT and duty roster details we can clear the area and make some improvementsfor the better of us all.0121 1-12 Cavalry – “On the day after Memorial Day, President Obamasigned into law legislation that names the post office in Inverness, Californiaafter the late U. S. Army Specialist Jake Robert Velloza, 1-12 Cav. Velloza, 22,was ambushed and killed outside of Mosul, Iraq in May, 2009, one of two U. S.Army soldiers killed when a lone gunman opened fire on a group of Americans.(The other was Specialist Jeremiah McCleery, 24, Portola, California, 1-12 Cav)‘With his signature today, the President has ensured that Jake Velloza’s name anda reminder of his service, will be permanently displayed in his hometown.’ Rep.Lynn Woolsey said Tuesday. SPC Velloza, was born June 21, 1986, in Santa Rosaand grew up in Inverness. After distinguishing himself as an athlete at TomalesHigh School, he joined the Army in 2006 and was serving his second tour of dutyin Iraq in 2009, having earned the Bronze Starand the Purple Heart.” - Senator’s release.0221 http://seattletimes.nwsource.c o m / h t m l / p h o t o g a l l e r i e s / n a t i o n -world2003623291/2.html?news=/html/photogalleries/localnews2014981309- ‘The Viewfrom a U. S. Military Humvee on Patrol’ “Lastmonth, photographer Chris Hondros spent aday with a U.S. Army 1st Cavalry DivisionCharlie Company, 2-12 Cavalry patrol in12th Cav BBQ at ReunionBaghdad. Here are some of the images hecaptured out the Humvee’s window duringthe patrol.” - Seattle Times.0321 2-12 Cavalry – “The 2-12 Cav Town Hall held on 13 June 2011 startedoff by awarding two Soldiers for their excellence and dedication to helping theRear Detachment run smoothly and effectively. SFC Alister Bilyou and SGTAntonio Giardina were awarded the Army Achievement Medal for their hardwork during the deployment of 2-12 Cav.” Iraq - “2-12 Cav Soldiers have beenhighly recognized for their discipline and outstanding military manner and haveset themselves apart from other units in that area. During the deployment thereenlistment rates have increased so 2-12 Cav will be experiencing a big turnover come late Spring. Stability for the unit is expected to be strong.” - Facebookunit page. Check out the Facebook page of the Battalion at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Thunder-Horse-2-12-Cavalry-Regiment/126766004015195and check the album “Gifts and such!0521 The family of Trooper Johnny Joseph Moore Jr., B 1-12 from July, ‘66to July, ‘67, with part of the time in HHC wants to be in touch with anyone whoremembers him or has any of his particulars on any of your orders. We havebeen informed that his records were lost or destroyed, the presumption is thatthe family is trying to get him veteran benefits. Al Zeller, B 2-12 is the contactperson with the assistance of the Bravo 2-12 group.0621 Five months into his third tour in Iraq, U.S. Army COL Jeff Jerome,assigned to the 1-12 Charger Battalion, 3rd Advisory and Assist Brigade, 1stCavalry Division, has noticed an improvement in the capabilities of the Iraqimilitary. But the former operations division manager for the Douglas Countypublic works department says many challenges remain and he blamed Iran both forsmuggling weapons across the border into southern Iraq and trying to underminethe Iraqi economy. Last Tuesday one of his unit’s vehicles was destroyed by animprovised-explosive device near Basra in southern Iraq. No one was injured,he said. Jerome wasn’t in the convoy, but he said the components to the devicearen’t manufactured anywhere in Iraq, leading him to suspect they were broughtacross the border from Iran.“The goal here is to give the Iraqi government the opportunity to govern themselveswithout interference,” said Jerome, who is the chief of a stability transitionteam with the 3rd Brigade in the Army’s 1st Cavalry Division. “But we see a lotof Iranian subversive (action) and operations to undermine everything from theeconomy to the security. And that’s the biggest challenge.” – LJWorld.Com.0721 Last Call This Year - Branson - The 6th annual 12th Cavalry RegimentReunion will be held at the Welk Resort Hotel beginning Wednesday, September14th through Sunday, September 18th, 2011. Room rates for attendees is peggedat $75 plus tax. Rate includes breakfast at the Stage Door Restaurant, room ratesare available if you are coming in early or staying after the Reunion. Please contactthe hotel reservation desk and mention you are with the 12th Cavalry Regimentgroup. Call the hotel at: (800) 505-9355 to reserve your room today. The scheduleof events is at .0921 12th Cav Book Club – A Young Soldier’s Memoirs: My One Year Growingup in 1965 Kore’ – Julio Martinez; ‘Boy Soldier’ – Doug Warden; and ‘INo Hero’ – Victor M. Villarreal. Space does not permit me to expound on themerits and joys of these books – I will be brief, a new for me. Each involvesthe author as a member of a 12th Cav unit, two are of Vietnam and the other is1965 Korea. We have been waiting long and hard for Julio’s book, he was oneof the first Troopers to reach out to me when I took this gig. He has an excellentwebsite devoted to the Blue Lancer Valley where he served in Korea, which Ihave mentioned here before. He is trying to get his book into the Crossed SabersChapter Souvenir Shop (CSCSS), the other two are already there. Doug’s bookwas wonderful, I finished it on the plane to Killeen and my wife finished it inone night. Vic mentioned his book to my wife and I, and I went to the shop andbought it and started reading it. I had just finished his story of Father Black aswe landed at BWI and for the first time in 41yrs I saw Vietnam out the planewindow! Vic’s book is also an excellent read but it is like comparing apple andpeach pies – you like them both but they are completely different and each willPage 6appeal more to one than another. SO? Tryall three! Check your local book shop,the CSCSS or use Google. For those whothink new books have a lot of typo’s andmiss-spellings, after all the re-reading andediting the author and family does and itis sent to the publisher, any new mistakefound, “I have pay an extra $175 + $2 perword to correct!”, so be extremely gratefulfor whatever you get. If I am lying, I am Hollis, our WW II Vet at the reuniontrying! .1121 BASRAH, Iraq - Basrah is a 19,000 square kilometer Southern Iraqi provincewith a growing population of three million people. The Basrah OperationsCommand is the command and control element headquarters for all Iraqi securityforces operating in the Basrah province. The BaOC is located at the Shat Al ArabHotel and is sustained by C Company, 1-12th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Advise andAssist Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division. This coalition enables Task Force Chargerto meet with and advise ISF on a daily basis and allows TFC to shape decisionmaking of key Iraqi leaders creating a pathway for bilateral information flow.At the heart of this operation representing U. S. forces is the battalion tacticalliaison officer in charge, MAJ Luis Cruz, a Stability Transition Team member from1-12th Cavalry. He runs the Battalion Tactical Center 24 hours a day with theassistance of two noncommissioned officers and two O-9Ls. - Dvidshub.net.1321 Mouse McGhie of the 8th Cav: how do you describe a legend? If therewas ever a person who should be an honorary member of the 12th and all otherRegiments, it should be Mouse. He was both a mentor and a figure I emulatedas I write for the Saber. No one wrote like Mouse and no one should. He wasavailable to everyone, you needed to get to him first or there was no chancelater – he was truly each man’s brother. He collected people to talk to like theywere steel and he an electromagnet. He was the first I looked for at reunionsand the Wall and usually the last I saw as I left. Mouse was tirelessly fair andeven-handed, he never met a Cav man he did not like. He worked tirelessly andexpounded daily for veterans to achieve their rights and bennie’s, for the midribreunions and for veterans to reconnect with ALL their fellows. That he died at areunion is entirely apropos. What a great gaping hole he left at our 64th Reunion!In his last e-mail to me he said, “I think it is our job to represent the men, not totell stories about ourselves or boost our ego. We need to help our brothers getbenefits and find their lost army buddies. I get tickled pink when two guys reunitethrough mention in the Saber. I have received nothing but positive e-mailsand letters and have not received any hate mail - which I find unusual becauseit seems there is always someone who cannot be pleased when you represent somany. I think it’s great to get together with you and other scribes at the reunionand always look forward to it. We also need to help out each other and wheneverstories are entwined with two units, such as a support unit and a regiment, it’s nicewhen both writers get together to offer a two unit view of the event.” I can onlysurmise that God needed a veteran’s advocate and a scribe for the Cavalrymenin Fiddler’s Green. Ride well and long, my Brother, be at peace.1421 Have any ideas or opinions, want to vent? Officers and enlisted. Differenteras and distaffs. Wives who knew their husbands before their service - wiveswho met their husbands after their service. Those recently or currently deployed.Short-termers and career folks. Other iterations of the above. Privacy assured.1521 I have received contact from the Minnesota Cav Chapter for Ray Christianson– hopefully by now they are hooked up. Ben Tuggle and Roland Weisshave been reconnected after 46 yrs. Herb Marshall has been put in touch withGary Hubbard. Both were with or near LT Stone, when he was killed. - Allprevious per the last issue.1721 “Staff Sergeant Jimmy G. Stewart - Veterans Bridge.” “A bridge on US33 in Ohio which connects with Ohio 7 will be named in memory of CongressionalMedal of Honor recipient, the late SSG Jimmy G. Stewart. SSG Stewartis unique in that he is claimed by both West Virginia and Ohio - he was born inWest Columbia, West Virginia in 1942 but lived in Middleport. His May 26, 1966obituary in the Point Pleasant Register said the 23-year old soldier was killedduring hostile action on May 18, 1966 in Vietnam. At the time of his death he’dbeen in the military for six years. SSG Stewart served in Company B, 2-12thCavalry, 1st Cavalry Division. He was posthumously awarded the Medal ofHonor for his actions in the Vietnam War.“ - Pomeroy Daily Sentinel1921 Yvette Michelle Baugh, Daughter of Richard Githens, A 1-12 Cavalry,KIA 5/29/68 in Quang Tri Province, RVN. “Got exciting news, the PBS NationalMemorial Day Concert chose my Dad’s story to feature for this years show!Dad was 19, I was 3 months old when he died. A. J. Cook from Criminal Mindswill be reading the story and my family and I will be there, along with my Dad’sbuddy Chuck, who was with him when he died! Gary Sinise will be readingChuck’s part! If you go to the PBS National Memorial Day Concert website,there is a clip, I believe it’s called children of the fallen. I’ve had the nickname,“Cav Girl” for years now, proud to be the daughter of a trooper! The concert wasamazing! The Capitol Concert people are truly doing this for all the right reasons.Five of the nicest, most sincere people in the world- Joe Mantegna, Gary Sinise,A. J. Cook, Jason Ritter and Hayley Westenra...amazing people! Hayley is theyoung lady and opera singer who sung after dad’s story was told. She actuallywent to The Wall with my son and I!” - Edited FB chats. I can attest the showwas fantastic, as usual and I was in tears during the entire section on Michelle,her dad and Chuck. Google Sons and Daughters in Touch. I keep telling ‘YouPeople’ you need to watch the Memorial and Veterans Day programs from theMall, on PBS!2021 The 64th Annual Reunion went off without a hitch, if you can considersome 600 of your closest friends and neighbors, brothers and sisters by differentmothers, in the heart of Texas, all wanting to be entertained, fed, find their roomand be served water at the same time less than stressful. But you served in themilitary, right? So just make your buddy smile, enjoy the view and hope yourdeodorant holds. My wife finally agreed to attend one of these things with me(why our marriage lasts?) and the first in Texas for each of us. We were wellpleased, had a blast at the Hood visiting the rear areas and chatting up the currentTroopers and visiting the Hoss-Detach – there was no time to do anythingContinued on pg. 10.

Page 77th CAV NewsRobert J. Anderson9030 Conservancy Dr. NEAda, MI 49301(616) 682-5446RJ.Anderson2243@Comcast.NetSaber@US7thCavalry.Comwww.US7thCavalry.ComThe 1st Cavalry Division’s64th Annual Reunionis now history andanother successful jobwas performed by ourAssociation HeadquartersTeam. At my last countthe 7th Cavalry lead all theother Regiments in attendance but only by one Trooper. There were some 600attendees, including our own Mike Sprayberry, who was awarded the Medal ofHonor for exceptional bravery on 25 April ‘68 while serving as a Platoon Leaderwith D Company, 5th Battalion, 7th Cavalry.Our 7th Cav luncheon was honored to have as our guest speaker the SquadronCommander and Command Sergeant Major of the 1st Squadron: LTC Southerlandand CSM Ripley. The 1-7 is currently on orders to deploy back to Iraq thisSeptember. They will be guarding a 300 mile long section of a major roadwayduring this deployment. Their sister battalion the 2-7 CAV is already deployedin Iraq.Marion Siara sends this report on another warrior reunion. On May 1st and2nd, fifteen troopers from Charlie Company, 1-7 CAV, 1970-1971 gathered atthe Davidson Inn, in North Carolina. Some brought their wives or guests for atotal of 24 people. Ten of the 18 rooms at the Inn were occupied by our troopers.The Inn was exceptionally accommodating and provided space in their loungeand patio for our gatherings. Most of the men had not seen each other in 41years. Most had wanted to put the past behind them and rarely if ever talkedabout their war experiences to their family and friends. Most were anxious aboutreconnecting and uncertain if they really wanted to re-open that chapter of theirlives. Most were concerned that the men who were attending were not the sameas the men they knew and fought with so long ago. After a few short minutesall those concerns were cast aside. It seems that in spite of balding heads, facialhair, creases, lines and wrinkles, the core character of our brothers remained thesame. They were good men then and they are good men now. Despite initialmisgivings every man was happy that they attended and described the gatheringas emotional, heartwarming and therapeutic. Not to mention educational whensome were informed of veterans benefits they may be entitled to. It was good toknow that there was life after Vietnam and that we made it. God willing, we willall get together again. Attending were, Dan Alligood, Elray Anderson, DouglasBesteman, Pete Boyd, Joseph Carney, Martin Duesel, Wayne Johnson, DanielMcNamara, Tom Oliphant, Roger Parker, Marion Siara, David Smith, John Sullivan,Robert Windell and Phillip Zook. To quote a passage from These GoodMen, a book by Michael Norman, “I now know why men who have been to waryearn to reunite. Not to tell stories or look at old pictures. Not to laugh or weep.Comrades gather because they long to be with the men who once acted at theirbest; men who suffered and sacrificed, who were stripped of their humanity. Idid not pick these men. They were delivered by fate and the military. But Iknow them in a way I know no other men. I have never given anyone such trust.They were willing to guard something more precious than my life. They wouldhave carried my reputation, the memory of me. It was part of the bargain we allmade, the reason we were so willing to die for one another. As long as I havemy memory, I will think of them all, every day. I am sure that when I leave thisworld, my last thought will be of my family and my comrades…….Such goodmen.” In Cambodia the 1st Battalion, 7th Cavalry had 24 soldiers killed in actionand 175 wounded in action. Of those, C Company took the brunt with 15killed and 48 wounded. Their field strength dropped from 111 on May 15th to 44on June 12 and that included dozens of replacements coming into the companyduring that time period. Since there was such a large and quick turnover, it wasdifficult for the troops to truly get to know each other. C Company also had oneMIA during Cambodia – James Arvil Green.35 Alpha Company troopers from 1969-1971 for the seventh consecutive yeargathered in Fairfield, Ohio on June 9-11. There were several new attendees tothis reunion and now only two men have been to every company reunion andmini-cav. These two warriors are Jim Hackbarth and Rick Carr.The 4th Platoon of A 1-7 had a gathering in Chicago the following week thatwas attended by 17 members.B Company 1-7 from 1968-69, gathered at the Holiday Inn Express in Paducah,Kentucky on June 9-11. There were 15 troopers from that company inattendance as well as several wives. Otis E “Gene” and Judy Rittman: Jon andJacquie Schneewind; Jack and Pollyanna Buneta; Charlie Koester; Jim Dean; JayHargis; Arnie and Mary Allaman; Robert “Pop” and Sandra Wellmaker; Ronald(Peewee) and Gloria Price; Thomas and Sandy Hoover; Dave and Jane Chandler;Chuck and Shirley Hackenmiller; Tony and Veda Cauley; Ron and Nancy Grinnand Fred And Kristine Morawietz. The activities included: a visit to the quiltmuseum; golf; the riverboat casino and local flea markets. We all had breakfasttogether and there was a lot of story telling, “or maybe lies”. Everyone had agood time and Ron Grinn is planning the one next year in Michigan. Thanks toPop Wellmaker for providing this info.During the 7th Cavalry luncheon, I volunteered to be placed in nomination asyour Secretary/Treasurer for another 3 years. As there were no other membersthat expressed an interest, I was placed in nomination by my (formerly) goodMUSEUM NOTESW. Terry Maddox522 County Road 3371Kempner, TX 76538Executive Trustee, 1st Cavalry DivisionAssociation Museum FoundationTerryandKelly@embarqmail.comFor those of youwho attended thebusiness meetingsat the reunion, thisinformation will berepetitious. Prior togetting into museumbusiness I would like to thank Dennis Webster and the Association staff for agreat reunion. It was one of the best I have attended.Now to the good and the bad news (your choice). A non-profit foundationknown as the Mounted Warfare Foundation (MWF) has been formed with theassistance of the City of Killeen to raise money for a “Museum of Mounted Warfare”which will consolidate all existing museums on Fort Hood. LTG (R) PaulFunk, who served in the 1-9th Cav in Vietnam, is heading this organization. Hebriefed the Museum Foundation Trustees on their plans and the present timelines.JULY/AUGUST, 2011friend Ron Sutton. Just kidding Ron. There was only 1 vote not in favor – mine.On a serious note it is quite an honor to be your Secretary/Treasurer and over theyears with wonderful leadership by our President Emeritus – Jim Brigham, ourcurrent President – William A, Richardson as well as a host of great previousVice-Presidents: Rolando Salazar, Bob Arbasetti, John Guillory and Phil Zook wehave accomplished quite a bit. Our Association has grown to over 2,000 currentmembers and our financial health continues to be in excellent shape. Next yearthere will be an election for another Officer position. If you have ANY interest,please contact me ASAP.As is the custom, the Division reunion ends with the Memorial Ceremony. Iwas given the high honor of participating iIn The Long Roll Muster for Vietnam.This Muster recalls the battles from World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Desert Stormand the current War On Terrorism. I struggled a bit when the part of Cambodiacame up as many of my troopers were killed there. I can remember past MemorialCeremonies when the Chapel was filled to standing room only. This time thechapel held only maybe 30% of its capacity and several of us spoke afterwardhow sad that made us.What a reunion often meansis an opportunity to reconnectwith a person that actuallysaved your life on a dirty,hot and stinking battlefieldso very long ago. Take forexample this tale from BobArbasetti. At the recent 1stCavalry Division AssociationReunion at Fort Hood,Texas, 2 soldiers were unitedfor the first time in 43 years.On May 21 1968 I was a riflemanin the 3rd Platoon of BCompany 2-7th Cavalry andDoc Nogel and Bob Arbasettiwas hit by shrapnel during afirefight with NVA soldiers.This piece of metal somehowgot past my flak jacket and hit me in the upper shoulder area severing an artery.Medic Richard “Doc” Nogel’s quick response in assessing the serious nature ofmy wound, giving me words of encouragement that I would be ok, while tendingto and clamping off the artery prevented me from bleeding out thereby saving mylife. Doc then held the artery until I was safely on a Medevac bird and instructedthe Medic on board what had been done. For many years I have been searchingfor the medic that saved my life. Now after all these years I was able to meet,look him in the eye and tell him in person “Thank you for saving my life.” Thereare two more special people that are grateful for Doc Nogel’s action on that day:Michael Arbasetti, Bob’s son and Jacob Arbasetti, his grandson. That woundand after many months at Walter Reed Army Hospital forced Bob to be medicallyretired from the Army. Our medics go in harms way on a daily basis, withnothing more than an aid bag and sheer courage to insure that our warriors getalmost instantaneous triage.We have received word that Linuel Gary Tinsley, who served as a medic withA, 2-7 from 1967-68, passed away on 14 April at his home. We salute all of ourMedic’s past and present with a hearty Garryowen.As you reflect on these last fleeting days of summer, please give thought tothose men and women who perished on September 11, 2001 during the attackson the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and those brave souls who retook Flight93 from the terrorists. Their brave actions certainly prevented more deaths andmany of us remember exactly where we were when we heard the news.The following are my opening remarks to my column of November, 2001: AsI begin this last column of the year I, along with millions of Americans, are filledwith competing emotions regarding the unparalleled and barbaric attack on ourCountry on September 11th. The first emotion was let’s hit them back and do itnow, the “eye for an eye” theory. Fortunately we now have outstanding leadershipin the Executive Branch and they realize that we must form a coalition and thenhit them and keep on hitting them until they get the message. Of course it is a loteasier to second guess and pontificate what should be done when I am now 32years past having to answer the call to arms, smell the burnt gunpowder and beon the receiving end of incoming fire. This tragedy has served to galvanize andbond our great country like no single event, save Pearl Harbor, in our lifetime.It has also taken one of our own - Rick Rescorla - who along with many of our7th Cav Veterans fought in the early stages of the Vietnam War. Rick died savingothers by insuring that they evacuated the World Trade Center as calmly and asexpeditiously as possible and instead of leaving, he continued to go up into thebuilding toward the horror to help others and his actions have been estimatedat helping to save thousands.Many are still working to get Rick honored with a Presidential Medal Of Freedomfor his actions on that day but I am told that a “political” situation standsin the way. Perhaps if you are compelled enough to see this honor realized thenyou will contact your elected representatives to get them off the dime and onboard. Garryowen from Michigan.The location of this museum has not been determined, but it appears that it willbe located on land adjacent to Fort Hood so there is access from post and thecivilian community. This decision is scheduled to be made in September of thisyear. The MWF has set a goal of $100 million to build the new museum. Theyexpect this fund raiser will take 9 years. According to LTG (R) Funk, there willbe a decision point in February, 2013 to assess the progress of the fund raisingand determine if it is to be continued or abandoned. Should the necessary fundsbe raised, the present 1st Cavalry Division Museum will cease to exist. Thisis not expected to occur for at least another 10-12 years. The current outdoorequipment display area will remain and other equipment added to it. The newmuseum and the outdoor display area will include all mounted units from thehistory of Fort Hood. I will continue to follow this and will keep the membershipposted as developments occur.In the meantime, I urge you to continue supporting the Brick and Paver programas this money will be put to good use no matter what happens in the future.

Page 99th CAV NewsRonald F. Livingston10707 Baldwin Ave. NEAlbuquerque, NM 87112-3008(505) 237-2291RFLivingston@Msn.ComMy familyand I attendedthe 64thAnnual Reunionof the1st CavalryDivision Association and I would like to thank the staff of the 1st Cavalry DivisionAssociation for a job well done.I would like to thank the following distinguished guests GEN (Ret) RobertM. Shoemaker, LTG (Ret) Paul Funk, COL(Ret) Pete Booth, Mr. Andy Anderson andJulie Kink who were at the 9th Cavalry Luncheon.There were many other distinguishedpeople at the luncheon including some activemilitary personnel and I apologize for nothaving everyone’s name to include in thisarticle but thank you all for your support atthe luncheon. I was made a DistinguishedMember of the 9th Cavalry Regiment and mywife, Bequi Livingston and Ann Rochat weremade Honorary Members of the 9th CavalryRegiment.While it was a great honor to become an HonoraryMember of the 9th Cavalry RegimentBequi Livingston, General BobShoemaker and Ann Rochatit was bittersweet in that only the day beforeat Fort Hood my daughter-in-law, SavannahLivingston was deployed to Afghanistan. Sa-General Membership Meeting MinutesContinued from pg. 8.in the stock market which has been good. We are fairly conservative in our investmentsand do not expect much up and down in our investments. The Foundationhad unrealized earnings of $167,556 an increase of $104,820. The Ia Drang Fundhad unrealized earnings of $66,296 which is up $3,124. The Foundation Basehas high grade commercial bonds valued at $315,415 which is up $7,417 for theyear. These bonds produced an income of $18,201 providing an annual yield of5.80 percent. The Ia Drang bonds are valued at $148,218, which is up $2,530and produced an income of $7,760 (5.20 percent). Overall the Foundation isimproving but the Ia Drang account is still having problems, primarily becausethat fund provides scholarship to grandchildren and this has added to the numberof people eligible to receive grants. Our projections indicate that the fund mayrun out of money in 2016. Last year we thought it would run out in 2015 butgains in the stock market have extended our projections. He discussed donationincreases and possibly reducing the size of the scholarship grant to extend theprogram. He asked the membership to consider donating to the Foundation toinvest in the education of the children, which is a gift that keeps giving becauseeducation cannot be taken away from the person who gets it. The membershipaccepted the report of the Executive Trustee of the Foundation.The President announced the results of the voting for the site of our 2014Reunion. The membership selected Chicago with Louisville finishing in secondplace and Dayton last. The President congratulated the Sheridan’s CavalryChapter on their successful bid to host the 67th Annual Reunion of the 1st CavalryDivision Association.The Executive Trustee of the 1st Cavalry Division Association Museum Foundation,W. Terry Maddox, presented a report on the activities of the MuseumFoundation. He discussed the Museum of Mounted Warfare Foundation whichhad been formed to build a Museum of Mounted Warfare and how that wouldaffect the 1st Cavalry Division Museum. The Mounted Warfare Foundation isheaded by LTG (Ret) Paul Funk who served with the 1-9th Cavalry in Vietnamand COL (Ret) Larry Phelps who served with the 1st Cavalry Division in multipletours at Fort Hood and in Iraq. Their plan is to raise enough money within 7-9years and construct a museum on the edge of Fort Hood with access to the cityof Killeen. There has been no decision on the location at this time. The abilityof raising this amount of money is based on the number of large donors that theycan obtain. There are no changes planned for any changes in the Division Museum.Any changes will happen in 8-12 years. If the Mounted Warfare Museumis built the current vehicle park at the museum would only have minor changesbut much of the collection of the museum would be included in the MountedWarfare Museum. He will update the membership at the next meeting on anyadditions or changes. The Museum Foundation has determined that they wouldbe unable to raise the money to construct a new 1st Cavalry Division Museumon its own. The membership accepted the report of the Museum FoundationExecutive Trustee.The Executive Director provided a report to the membership on the followingprograms of the Association: Credit Card program, Association web page,Motorcycle group, and the Calendar Program.Credit Card Program: The Association has had an agreement with the Bankof America to offer credit cards to our members for several years and that termexpires in September. The Board of Governors directed that we research withother companies to find a better deal. The Board of Governors approved theproposal presented to the Association by USAA to offer our membership creditNew Members ListingContinued from pg. 5.SP-5 MADDOX, GARY L. FL 27MNT 68081LT MAYOR, MARK TX HSC HHBN 1105MR. MEISTER, RICH IL 1-ASSOCMAJ MELLOH, ERIC TX 1BCT 1106SGT MILLER, ADAM C. TX 545MP 0308MAJ MITROKA, GEORGE A. TX HHT 1BCT11061LT MOLLANDOR, RICHARD A. CO D 2-7C6812SGT MORETON, JR., DENNIS MI A 2-5C 69COL MORRIS, ROBERT G. AZ DIVARTY 90E-5 NICHOLS, SHEROD J . WA B 1-5C 6702SP-5 NORRIS, KENNETH A. GA B 1-7C 7205SGT PARKER, JR., JOSEPH E. TX HHT 1-7C8605MSG PETERSON, STEPHEN C. OK HHC2BCT1105LTC PURVIS, J. KEITH TX 1CDH 1106SP-4 RAMSAY, DAVID M. TX C 1-9C 6704CPT REARDON, JR., THOMAS L. MI C2-8C6604SP-5 ROBBINS, VICTOR W. AR HHC 2-8C 6809SPC RODGERS, BRUCE A. TX 68CHE 9305E-4 RUTH, KEN NJ HHC 2-12C 6602PFC SADLER, SHAWN R. IL 2-5C 1105SP-4 SKINNER, PERRY D. IN B 8ENG 6511JULY/AUGUST, 2011vannah is a Blackhawk pilot with the 1stCavalry Division. My thoughts are with herand all of the active duty personnel around theworld in harm’s way and I pray that Savannahand everyone will have a safe deployment andreturn soon to their loved ones.COL (Ret) Pete Booth ask me to pass alongsome new contact information for MG (Ret)Jim Smith and it is as follows: MG (Ret) JimSmith, 1150 8th Ave SW, Pinecreast Place,Largo, FL 33770 (727) 474-5403. So pleasecall or write a letter, he would love to hearfrom everyone.Ron Livingston and Pete BoothTwo Troopers assigned to C Troop, 4-9thCavalry were killed by an Improvised Explosive Device while serving in Iraq on26 June. PFC Dylan J. Johnson, 20, entered active-duty service in August 2009and went through basic and advanced individual training at Fort Knox, Ky., beforebeing assigned to Fort Hood. He was posthumously promoted to Specialist.SSG Russell J. Proctor, 25, was serving on his third deployment to Iraq. He issurvived by his wife and one year-old son, his parents and ten siblings.Additionally, SPC Matthew R. Gallagher, A Troop, 6-9th Cavalry, died ofinjuries suffered from a non-combat related incident on 26 June in Wasit Province,Iraq.On another note, don’t forget that Apache Troop 1-9 will be having a reunionin Albuquerque, New Mexico in August. My contact information is above foranyone who needs more information.cards. Bank of America did not want to renew our contract. The USAA creditcards will be available in the 3rd Quarter of 2011 and details and offers will bemailed out to the membership. It is believed that the card will be a Master Cardand while USAA may offer special incentive interest rates the individual interestrate will be determined according to the market and credit report on the individual.USAA will pay for all of the card design and marketing of the cards.Association web page: We are working with a private company to design anew web page. While we want the web page to remain simple and easy to navigatewe want to provide upgrades to our web page that will allow members toupdate address changes and work in a social media aspect. We are asking thatthe Association be able to make changes and updates in the same manner thatwe currently have. The Board of Governors has dedicated funds to accomplishthis task. Issues with the web page being down for extended periods have beenresolved.Motorcycle group: A request from an association member, Bill Frazier, to forman Association Motorcycle Club prior to last year’s meeting are still on-going. Agroup, First Cav Riders, has been formed by Bill Frazier and he has been acceptingdues and making donations but is not incorporated as a non-profit organization.This will complicate the process because he has started collecting dues. TheBoard of Governors voted to table this action until their February meeting butauthorized the Executive Director to continue research into this program. Anychanges to our Constitution and By-Laws cannot happen until the Associationmeets in Portland in 2012. Association member Doran Johnson offered to assistin setting up this organization or to work as an advisor.Calendar Program: The Board of Governors voted in their meeting to cancelthe distribution of the 2011 calendar and directed the Executive Director to sendout the 2012 calendars in October.Association member and Sheridan’s Cavalry Chapter President Mason Holmesstated that the Chapter was honored to be selected to host the 2014 Reunion andasked that anyone with questions about the area or transportation to contact himby visiting the Chapter Hospitality Suite in the Shilo Inns.Association member Robert J. Anderson asked that the improvement of theservice by the Shilo Inns from the 2009 reunion be noted in the minutes of themeeting. He commended the staff of the Shilo on their food preparation, professionalismof the staff and the improved coordination with the Association staffin the conduct of this reunion.Association member Leo E. Williams commented on the 1st Cavalry DivisionMuseum not having much in it about the 15th Medical Battalion and asked thatthe museum staff try to fix this issue and offered to help. The information wasnoted and passed to the Museum Foundation and Division for discussion at thenext meetings in February 2012.Association member James A. Carnes was interested in holding a reunion inthe Columbus, Georgia area in the future since the Infantry Museum has openedand due to the history of the 1st Cavalry Division at Fort Benning. The ExecutiveDirector explained the process for bidding to host a reunion to the membership.Any chapter or grouping of individuals can bid to host a reunion.The President of the Association welcomed all first reunion attendees and askedthem to stand and be recognized. He then encouraged the membership to bringin the younger memberss to our Association to ensure our continued growth.There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 1009 hours.Dennis E. Webster, Secretary1LT SMITH, DAVID A. TX E 2-8C 1007SGT SMITH, JUSTIN D. GA 1BCT 1106SFC SMITH, II, ZACHARY TX A 115BSB 08112LT SNIPES, JOE BEN TX 4BCT 1106SSG STRATTON, JAMES N. VA HHC1-21FA7006MAJ SUTTON, JOHNNY R. TX 1CDH 1106SGT TWO STARS, JOHN SD 1-5C 7306SFC VAZQUEZ, JOSE CO 1ACB 1106SGM WAGLEY, TIMOTHY R. TX 615ASB 1106SSG WALKER, PAUL TX 6-9C 1106SFC WARD, BRYAN J. TX A 1BSTB 1006E-6 WIGGINS, JR., VICTOR V. TX A 15ST 7302Continued on pg. 10.

Page 1127th ORD/MNT/MSB/BSB NewsEd Jones38 Sedgwick RdOswego, IL 60543(630) 554-9245ECJones19@Aol.John Ramsden11210 Shadowmere MewsColumbia, MD 21044JLRam80@Aol.ComThis is being written just before the end of June so by the time you read this Ihope everyone had a fun filled 4th of July with lots of good weather, lots of hotdogs and burgers and plenty of fireworks!The first news for this column is about our Veteran’s Day 1st CAV Reunionin the Washington, DC area. Hopefully, by the time you read this you will havereceived an e-mail from Nelson Cardona and the Reunion Team giving you allthe details – and you have already signed up to come! In case you have not,here are all the facts. When: Wednesday, November 9 to Sunday, November 13:Where: Crowne Plaza Washington National Airport Hotel, 1480 Crystal Drive,Arlington, VA 22202 (same place as last year): How to make reservations; Callthe Crowne Plaza Hotel at (800) 227-6963; reservations must be made NLT 10October, 2011 (recommend earlier as rooms do sell out early); rate per night is$119 single or double plus tax; be sure to tell them you are a member of the 1stCAV Association and ask for the CAV rate: major events; First Team AnnualVeteran’s Day Dinner on Friday, November 11, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel; costis $45 per person; for reservations send request and check to 1st Cavalry DivisionAssociation, 302 N. Main Street, Copperas Cove, TX 76522-1703; Or see theform on page 12 of the May/June SABER; reservations should be made as soonas possible but NLT 21 October, 2011; space is limited; dinner is sponsored bythe National Capital Region Chapter and the 1st Cavalry Division Association;we are looking to fill at least two tables with 27th ORD/MNT/MSB/BSB troopersand will have a separate 27th get together, besides the November 11 Dinner,if we get sufficient response.So far we have heard from several people who have indicted a strong interestin attending. They include Cliff Baker and Pete Shakes from the 27th OrdnanceCompany during the Korean War, Jack Robak, Peter Durno, Ron Stokes andEd and I from the Vietnam era, and from the 27th MSB and BSB era we expectDave Whitaker, and Terry Beynon. We are not getting any younger so we hopeyou will join us for a great reunion! There are lots of great things and places tovisit in the Washington, DC area.Speaking of getting a little older, I came across an interesting article aboutVietnam vets. It says: “Of the 2,709,918 Americans who served in Vietnam, lessthan 850,000 are estimated to be alive today, with the youngest American being54 years old. So if you are alive and reading this, how does it feel to be amongthe last 1/3rd of all the US vets who served in Vietnam.” NOW will you thinkabout coming to the Reunion!As promised in the last edition of SABER, I will recount the story of the “Orderof the Broken Saddle Program (OBS).” This was established by LTC Cortez, per27th Brigade Support Battalion Memorandum dated 7 April 2011. The governingbody of the OBS Program consists of the Senior Officer, NCO and WarrantOfficer heretofore known as the Senior Order of the Broken Saddle or more appropriatelySOBS. “a. Nominations will be for actions by an individual, who, byvirtue of stupidity, clumsiness or sheer bad luck, deserves special recognition fortheir efforts. c. Once awarded, the Trooper must record, in excruciating detail,the circumstances for which they will be forever remembered and ridiculed. d.The trooper who is awarded the saddle must display it, as prominently as possible,in their work place and bring it to any Rough Rider event as directed by theSOBS.” Sounds like a great motivator not to screw up, as well as a fun moraleevent. Thanks LTC Cortez for letting us know there is still a sense of humor andtime for fun even when deployed in Iraq!While we are on the subject of the 27thBSB, they are getting short and will beback at Fort Hood in September. They aredefinitely counting the days and lookingforward to getting back home. However,the mission goes on at a frantic pace. Basedon the 27th BSB Facebook page and inputfrom LTC Cortez, Alpha Company is runningover fifty convoys a month, rangingfrom six trucks up to forty-two trucks insize. In spite of bad roads and weatherconditions, they keep supplies movingM88 Tank Recovery Vehiclethroughout northern Iraq. Bravo Companycontinues to perform all types of maintenancefrom vehicle repairs to armamentand electronics, vehicle recovery missions (See the newest version of the M88Tank Recovery Vehicle in picture number one), as well as continued training ofIraqi forces on armament systems being turned over to them or procured by them,to include new tanks. (A note on the M88 pictured above - kind of reminds youof the 3/4 ton wreckers we had in Vietnam - except it probably cannot be liftedDivision DoingsContinued from pg. 11.throughout the area. With the help of Air Force aircraft, Attack aviation, artilleryand their own dogged determination and courage, the TF Cacti team cleared thevillages and valleys and handed the insurgents a significant defeat. When thefight was over, an estimated 124 insurgents were eliminated, and 45 wounded.BG Volesky, the CJTF-1 Deputy Commanding General – Maneuver, was able tovisit the Cacti team just before their extraction and heard some of their inspiringstories first hand.Another CJTF-1 success comes from the Khost and Paktiya provinces where TFDuke, their ANSF, SOF, and Coalition partners have systematically dismantledthe 3 major elements of the insurgent network. Over the course of a recent weektheir team conducted 14 missions that resulted in 32 detainees and 4 insurgentseliminated. These successes reflected close cooperation between the AfghanArmy, Afghan Police, Coalition Forces and the District and Provincial Leadership.Their combined efforts allowed the identification and removal of high priorityinsurgents from the battlefield.Bravo Company troopersturn ins to include over $850,00 of supplyitems, performing customs inspectionsand is the forefront of planning for baseclosures and turn over as the 27th preparesto return to Fort Hood. All units did taketime out to participate in the “InauguralRough Rider Challenge.” This involvedteams from each company competing ina series of tests involving military skillsand knowledge, strength conditioning, andstamina. Bravo Company troopers took thetop prize and I have included a picture ofBravo Company troopers as number two.Charlie Company took second place andthey posted a picture of their team so it ispicture number three. If you are lookingfor an interesting way to do group pushups,take a look at picture number four!I am happy we did not think of doing thatwhile in Vietnam! This was part of theRough Rider Challenge event.Charlie CompanyJULY/AUGUST, 2011by a helicopter!) CharlieCompany, the medics, notonly take care of 4th Brigadesoldiers – having seenover 7000 patients sincebeing deployed last September,but also is heavilyinvolved in training IraqiArmy medical counterparts.The Headquartersand Headquarters Companyis running equipmentFor all practical purposes, Ed and I have not heard much from anyone these lasttwo months so we do not have much new material to report from members of the27th Ordnance Company, the 27th Maintenance Battalion or the 27th MSB.There were two exceptions. The first was a new contact. This was RonaldBumann of Payson, Arizonia, who was with B Detachment from 1965 until 1966and was looking to contact anyone who served with B Detachment in that time.Nelson has sent him a roster of folks we are in contact with from that period.The second was input from Peter Durno in response to information aboutLTC Staggs, who commanded the 27th Maintenance Battalion at Fort Benningand then in Vietnam from 1965 to 1966. Pete wrote that he and a few buddiesdecided to “let their hair down” just before deploying to Vietnam and put themselvesin jeopardy for some serious disciplinary action. But, according to Pete,LTC Stagg conveniently “lost” the paperwork! The result was that all concernedkept their stripes and rededicated themselves to the good of the battalion led byLTC Staggs.We need more input from all of youreading this! Please write, e-mail,call and send stories and pictures toinclude in this column. I will includea few pictures of earlier days that mayjog your memory about the “good olddays.” The fifth picture is from the27th Ordnance Company taken duringthe Korean War and shows chow timeduring a fast moving operation. Notexactly the “dining facility” we see insome pictures today.Picture number six is from the 27th Maintenance Battalion days in Vietnamand shows the battalion headquarters area in Phu Bai, probably in October, 1968,just before we movedsouth. In the foregroundis the S-1 shop with thebattalion headquarters(with the CAV patch) onthe left and the commobunker on the right. Thecommo bunker was thebest protected buildingin Phu Bai and also inBien Hoa. It was myfavorite place to go tocheck on when we had “incoming.”That’s about it folks for this edition. Please try to join us for the Veteran’s DayReunion and send stuff for this column!RC-E routinely experiences organizational transitions; a number of Transfer ofAuthority (TOA), ceremonies are complete and others are on the horizon. Thefirst and only First Team battalion to serve under the division standard this tour,1-227th Attack Reconnaissance Battalion, conducted their transfer of authoritywith the 4th Attack Reconnaissance Battalion, 4th Combat Aviation Brigade onJune 24th at FOB Sharana. First Attack is attached to the 10th Combat AviationBrigade and will eventually join the 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade. On the 29thof June, BG Les Simpson’s 176th Engineers transferred authority to the 18thEngineers, commanded by COL Paul Paolozzi. Finally, I was fortunate enoughto make it to Mazar-e-Sharif on 1 July to witness the First Team’s own 1st AirCavalry Brigade take responsibility for aviation operations from the 4th CombatAviation Brigade in Regional Command-North. The 4th CAB and 1st ACBtransfer of authority finalized the arrival of the ACB in Afghanistan, with unitsserving in RC-E, RC-N, RC-S, RC-SW, and RC-W.Most recently CJTF-1 celebrated the 235th Anniversary of our Nation’s Independencewith Senators McCain, Lieberman, and Graham, and GEN PetraeusContinued on pg. 23.

JULY/AUGUST, 2011Pictures by Peter Mahler2011 Reunion Attendees.343 Registered Members and Total of 619AttendeesPage 12Herb DoyleBetty and Bill Rambo withDavid Garcia1st CAV DIV HQDavid A. Barnes, Philip R. Battaglia,David Francvilla, Paul Funk, Paul Hanson,Paul M. Inman, Weldon S. Hoyle,Edward J. Kelly, III, Klaus W. Lachmann,Norman Lorsung, John J. McNiff, JohnP. Pulido, Sebastian Rodriguez, JamesR. Rollins, Robert M. Shoemaker, ScottSjule, Robert W. Tagge, John Tilelli, BruceVeteto, Dennis E. Webster and Eugene G.Wentworth, Jr.1st BDEGeorge Harmeyer, Weldon S. Hoyle,James S. Hufnall, Jeff Lopau and HowardShuteIda and Cid VelezGeorge Clemmens2nd BDETommy D. Guinn, Jimmy Harkness andRandolph W. House3rd BDESamuel C. Dixon, Dale Dobesh, EmoryAllen Eason, III, James R. Horne, RobertW. Minney, William Reichert, Jr. andJames R. RollinsLeo WilliamsonBill Shepherd4th BDEPhilip R. Battaglia5th ADAJeff LopauClaire and Bill RichardsonRolando SalazarBob Heintz and JackPellingtonChan Duryea and PattiWebsterDonald StamperScott SjuleBob and Pearl EtzwillerRichard Hanesworth and PaulCollinsCharlie BrownWilliam S. Lee5th CAVJames R. Baker, Leonard W. Barnard,Parnell W. Bethune, Gerald E. Boldenow,Earl G. Bragg, Patrick J. Brosnan, JohnH. Bullock, Ralph H. Canitz, Jim Clancy,George Clemmens, John D. Crowden,Howard O. Dean, James E. DuBois, CharlesDykes, Talmadge G. English, Allan F.Foster, David Francvilla, David Garcia,Richard Hanesworth, Jimmy Harkness,Gary P. Hauser, Robert S. Heintz, WeldonS. Hoyle, James Curtis Hozey, Robert DJohnson, Donald R. Jones, Kartar Khalsa,Thomas C. Loper, II, Peter P. Mahler, GaryF. Marstall, Kim Morelock, Claude Newby,James M. Noel, Michael W. Parker, JamesPaar, William D. Rambo, James Reecamper,William Reichert, Jr., Chris Robinson,George M. Shannon, William D. Shepherd,Terrance A. Skipper, William M. Slayton,Tim R. Soyars, Donald E. Stamper, JamesStanford, Charles P. Sweeney, FrederickScott Thompson, Michael A. Torres,Magno B. Tulfo, Richard Whatley andLeo E. Williams6th FADonald Smolinski7th CAVRobert J. Anderson, Robert Arbasetti,Malra C. Bell, Max L. Bennett, ThomasE. Boyd, Ralph Braunstein, RaymondBrown, Carl E. Bruer, John H. Bullock,Lloyd Butler, Joseph M. Carney, DavidW. Clemons, Peter C. Cole, Paul Collins,James C. Comer, John D. Crowden, CharlesM. Culbertson, George D. Dhane, MarkA. Dockter, Robert N. Douglas, LymanC. Duryea, George J. Earle, Emory AllenEason, III, James O. Epperson, Jr., RobertL. Etzwiler, Larry W. Graham, Henry L.Guidotti, Michael S. Harris, Tom Hartin,Jesus Hernandez, Troy F. Kimbell, GeroldE. Knapp, James R. Horne, Carl R. Lee, TerranceE. Low, Frank I. Marks, Bill Mercer,Robert W. Minney, Richard A. Mollandor,Richard Nelson, Richard B. Nogle, AllenNorris, John Nowa, Karl D. Oestreich,Pat O’Lear, George T. Parkinson, FrankPetty, John P. Pulido, William D. Rambo,Mauricio Reyes, William A. Richardson,John O. Rodney, Ricardo C. Ruiz, JamesSagerhorn, Ronald A. Saizon, Rolando A.Salazar, Fernando A. Salinas, Jim Self,Steve Shear, Thomas Lee Smith, JamesMichael Sprayberry, Ron Sutton, CharlesP. Sweeney, Horatio Sprague Taveau, IV,Henry W. Taylor, Jr., Aves D. Thompson,Clarke S. Tolton, Sr., Edd Vanderpool,Jon Wallenius, Boyd Williamson, PhillipJ. Worsley and George ZamudioTricia Hall and James HufnallJeanne Collins and HelenHanesworthPam and Klaus LachmannDelores and Magno TulfoEdd and Robin VanderpoolAllan Foster and CharlesDykesGary HauserSteve RussellTerry CombsMike Carter, Terry Low andAl HartleyPeg and Ray BrownFrank Alverson and RalphBraunsteinDavid Barnes8th CAVDavid A. Barnes, Richard A. Boedecker,James Booth, Joseph G. Brown, JamesLogan Brown, William D. Carpenter, DavidW. Clemons, Paul Collins, FranciscoDeRamirez, George Flavin, Eugene C.Goldner, Jesus Gonzales, James Hancock,Jimmy Harkness, Craig Henderson, JesusHernandez, John D. Hershberger, JosephF. Holtslag, Doran Johnson, RichardKijowski, William F. Krivda, LeonardLawrence, Bobby J. Martin, John J. McNiff,Claude Newby, Terry W. Peterson, JohnPike, William J. Richardson, Jr., DonaldM. Sampson, Andrew Tsimpides andDonald R. Wiles8th ENGPhillip M. Blevins, John W. Garmong,Harold Wayne Givens, Larry Greidanus,Richard Hunter, Hector Mitchell, JohnL. Momeier, Robert L. Moore, Joseph T.Orient, Scott B. Smith, Gary L. Ullom,Rick VanDeurzen, Louie Warren andDonald R. Wiles9th CAVFrank L. Alverson, Jr., Eldon Anderson,James BrownClifford Boxley, Charlie Brown, David W.Clemons, Charles Crow Flies High, AdamDuBois, Paul Funk, Warren G. Langston,Ronald F. Livingston, Norman Lorsung,Claude Newby, John W. Powell, John S.Rike, III, Earnest T. Ryan, Gary D. Salmon,Robert M. Shoemaker, Robert R. Silva andSteven D. Stewart9th FAIvor W. McKayVic Villarreal11th PATHFINDERSJohn D. Crowden12th CAVSteven A. Aguilar, John F. Bailey, JohnH. Berger, Clarence K. Bradford, GeorgeClemmens, David W. Clemons, TerryD. Combs, Frederick R. Cote, ThomasLon Crabtree, John F. Craigen, John D.Crowden, John E. Darnell, James W.Dingeman, Jeral C. Eaton, Gilbert Esquivel,Willard A. Flippin, Eugene A. Fox, AlContinued on pg. 13.

Page 13 JULY/AUGUST, 2011Louie WarrenMike VanKirkReunion AttendeesContinued from pg. 12.Freeland, John T. Gordish, Steve Hendrix,Barry J. Hinytz, Paul E. Hoban, RandolphW. House, Kenneth G. Howser, Jr., EdwardJ. Kelly, III, Alvion Kimball, TroyF. Kimbell, John Kirby, Richard Kopec,Klaus W. Lachmann, Jim Landrum, RobertMagruder, Robert O. Martin, Roger May,Russell McAfoose, Ken McAteer, MichaelMitchell, Cesar V. Morales, TerranceMrachina, Hollis Newberry, Donald H.Oakley, Gary Oliver, John J. Owens, JackW. Pellington, Elvis L. Poe, Jr., John P.Pulido, Jack Reed, Stephen P. Schroeder,George M. Shannon, Sam Shell, RobertM. Shoemaker, Mike L. Smith, RobinG. Speiser, Raymond St. John, James R.Stokely, Charles P. Sweeney, JamieSwidecki, Mike VanKirk, Bruce Veteto,Victor M. Villarreal, Stephen Vogt, WillieJake Walker, Douglas J. Warden, LarryD. Whitman, Charles Whittington, A. P.Wilganoski, Richard Wilkos and DannyR. Woodard13th SIGBill Ahrenberg, Patrick A. Blewett, EddieMarie Dockery, Dale J. Gatehouse, AngeloGibilterra, Steve Hammond, John C. Hemauer,Stanley D. Holewa, Thomas L. Jones,William C. Rizi and James RomingerKim Morelock, Johnny Ray,and Allan FosterTom JonesKen and Karen HowserJames EppersonLarry Greidanus15th ADMINMason Holmes and David LutgenStephania Ryan15th FSBRichard A. Kaye15th MEDFrank Forestiere, Henry W. Land, ClaudeNewby and Leo E. Williams15th S&SWilliam H. HillR. O. Martin and RichardKiljowskiScott SmithParnell Bethune15th S&TDonald Smolinski and Eugene G.Wentworth, Jr.John Crowden15th S&SRonald Davis15th TCJames T. Burn, David Foster, Gary D.Salmon and Foster Sexton, Jr.Jim Stokely17th AVNHerbert S. DoyleSue and Ron KillingsworthLeonard Lawrence19th FAJoseph G. Brown, Joseph F. Holtslag, AllenNorris and Pat O’LearFoster SextonElsie Givens, Dee and GaryUllom20th ARAStandley H. Davis, David Foster and FrankForestiere21st FACarleton Wayne Barrett, Fred Bromwell,Terrance E. Low, Steven E. Russell andClarke S. Tolton, Sr.Jamie Swidecki, Richardand Kyle Wilkos and PatWilganoskiGeorge Shannon23rd TCDale J. Gatehouse27th MNTCarleton Wayne Barrett and Joseph ViggianoDan BaughmanBob Heintz and Bob Arbasetti27th MSBJohn E. Firth and Pat Lynch30th FACirilo VelezMike Carter, Al Hartley andAllen NorrisRalph Canitz32nd ARRoger May and John P. PulidoDavid Clemons and IvorMcKay - Pre-registration desk52nd INFLawrence M. Curtis, William T. Hand, JohnE. Hutter, Patrick J. Lyons, J. David Russell,Bernard J. Wells and Ken White61st FAJim Marks68th ADAJeff Lopau and Bill PomeroySebastian and GraceRodriguezKathy Dewald and MarkDockterJerry BoldenowRebeacca Nethercutt and BobAnderson - Banquet Seating75th INFWilliam T. Anton, Carlos Castro, Samuel C.Dixon, Mike Doran, Kenneth W. Gallagher,Bennie Gentry, John E. Hutter, TimothyH. Joeckel, John LeBrun, Craig Leerberg,Doug Matze, Jr., Mac McSwain, CarlosOchoa, Keith Phillips, Daniel J. Roberts,Howard Shute and John C. SimonesGeneral Membership Meeting77th FAJohn B. Avera, Michael Carter, RichardHanesworth, Anthony Hartley, James Paar,Jack W. Pellington, Matthew S. Quay, WilliamD. Rambo, William D. Shepherd andRobert W. TaggeRay St. JohnStephen VogtTroy Kimbell82nd FACharlie Brown, Charles Crow Flies High,Scott Sjule and Edd VanderpoolContinued on pg. 14.James ComerGeneral Membership Meeting

JULY/AUGUST, 201199th FA NewsJim Miller819 West Howard St.Winona, MN 55987-2642(507) 454-4224JimArMiller@Hbci.ComTHE HICCUP - Health Care Information Committee ReportScott B. Smith1575 W Warm Springs Rd., Unit 1822Henderson, NV 89014Scott.Smith@unlv.eduUnfortunately Ihave to start thiscolumn with obituaries.Tom Francionejoined the99th FA Battalionas we were preparing to embark for Korea in July of 1950. His original assignmentwith the 1st Cav Division was with the 15th Quartermaster Troop at CampDrake. When the Communists invaded South Korea, many 1st Cav Trooperswere transferred to the 24 Infantry Division which was sending troops at the endof June to stop the invasion. This left many combat units badly under strength.To solve this problem many men in non-combat units were transferred to combatunits and Tom came to us. He served in HQ Btry as a radio operator for FOparties. Tom served mostly with the 3rd Battalion, 8th Cav and was with themat Unsan.Tom Francione was captured at Unsan and imprisoned for 33½ months in oneof the terrible North Korean/Chinese prison camps. Tom, who died on 30 October2010, is survived by his wife of 56 years, Eileen, four children, 15 grandchildrenand seven great-grandchildren.Michael W. McGhie, the columnist for the 8th Cav Regiment, passed awayon 20 May. Mike was a Vietnam Veteran who was very concerned with “phonysoldiers”. Those guys who go around wearing medals they aren’t awarded. Mikeand I had some interesting phone and e-mail conversations about that issue.We mourn the loss of these Veterans who served their country honorably andwe bid them farewell with heavy hearts, but with a promise to remember themand all who have gone before them.I received a packet of information from Ellen Jacot about the troopers in WorldWar II. Ellen’s husband CWO Earl Jacot was sent as cadre from Fort Riley, Kansasin 1940 to the newly formed 99th FA Regiment in Edgewood, Maryland. ThenSGT Jacot served with the 99th from then until the end of WWII. It is good toget letters from WWII folks. I was lucky; I got Ellen’s packet and a letter fromJerry Schear in the same week.One of the interesting items that Ellen sent was a copy of a newspaper articletelling the story of a girl who was rescued by the Flying Column of the 1st Cavfrom the inhuman Japanese prison camp at Santo Tomas in the Philippines. Thegirl, who was five at the time of her rescue, got in touch with one of her heroes,Ed Wagnild after 55 years. It was a touching story and reminded me that I’veoften received a Christmas card from a man who was a young boy at the samecamp. He always thanked the 99th Troopers for taking part in that daring raid.He said that the Japanese soldiers had planned to kill all the prisoners so thatthey couldn’t tell how terribly they had been treated.Another item was an airmail letter (remember those) dated August 7, 1945 toW/O Earl Jacot APO 201 San Francisco from CPT John Gibson telling him whatto expect when he finally gets home. Although I was a teenager working on thePennsylvania Railroad in August of 1945, I certainly remember the excitement atthe end of WWII with the troops returning home. Items like this are treasures!There is an article about Walt Epling going to the C Btry reunion in 2010 at theage of 91. Included in the article Walt, “Bud,” Epling mentions the same raidwith the Flying Column going 100 miles in 66 hours and surprising the Japaneseat Santo Tomas. There is a photo in the article of 1SG Epling along with five ofhis troops after the raid. Included in the photo is CPL Jose Mendez who savedWalt’s life in an incident related in an earlier 99th FA column. Unfortunatelyboth SGT Epling and CPL Mendez have passed away taking a part of the pastwith them.I have included a photo of 1SG Walt Epling taken in 1946 that was included inEllen Jacot’s packet. There was also a flyer advertising the 2011 C Btry reunionin Watertown, South Dakota on September 15th, 16th and 17th. For informationEmergency Health Carefor Veterans – by Jim BobRollinsWith the recent 1st CavalryDivision Association64th Annual Reunion at Killeen, Texas, many First Teamers were on the road,away from their homes. One of the many benefits that you earned was access toVeterans Administration Hospitals and non-VA Hospitals for emergency treatment.This is why it is so important for all Veterans to register with their localVA Medical Facilities prior to an emergency and always carry their VA Card.The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has two authorities to pay for emergencycare in non-VA facilities for eligible Veterans. These authorities allowVA to pay for emergency care rendered for service-connected Veterans and nonservice-connectedconditions for enrolled Veterans who have no other source ofpayment for the care.Service-connected Veterans may be eligible for payment or reimbursement foremergency treatment received in non-VA emergency departments if they receiveemergency treatment. This benefit is a safety net for enrolled Veterans who haveno other means of paying a non-VA emergency bill. Currently, if another healthinsurance provider pays all or part of a bill, VA cannot provide any reimbursement;however, in limited circumstances VA may be secondary payer to statemandated automobile reparations insurance, less the third party payment up tothe VA allowable, less deductible, co-payments. To qualify you must meet allReunion AttendeesContinued from pg. 13.99th FAJohn Ray112th CAVAndrew Tsimpides115th FSBPat Lynch and Timothy J. Wilcox191st MIRonnie L. Killingsworth and Ronald G.Kloet215th FSBPat Lynch227th AVNJohn H. Berger, Bruce A. Peterson, EugeneL. McCrary and Phillip J. Worsley228th AVNJames A. Carnes, S. J. Morris, DonaldH. Oakley, Mauricio Reyes and PeterTattersall229th AVNEugene A. Beyer, Hank Llewellyn, EugeneL. McCrary, S. J. Morris, Patrick A. Murphy,Robin G. Speiser and Ken White312th MIRonnie L. Killingsworth and Gary F.Marstall371st RRCWilliam S. Lee478th FCFoster Sexton, Jr.501st ENGGary L. Ullomcall Pat Hillard (605) 886-3359, or Merlin and CherylAnderson (605) 543-6867 or e-mail PRH317@gmail.com. I know this will be getting out a little late, butI’m sure the friendly folks from C Btry will welcomeyou if you call.A special thanks to Ellen Jacot for all this wonderfulmaterial for our column. She mentioned that shehad been the author of the column for awhile and waspleasantly surprised at the contacts made in this job.That is certainly true.As I mentioned I received a letter from Jerry Schear.Jerry is from Lakewood, New Jersey and he rememberedmy interest in the Hindenburg disaster at Lakehurst in1937. May 6th was the 74th anniversary of Hindenburgburning and Jerry sent me a newspaper clipping withPage 141SG Walt Epling, HqBtry 1946some eye witness accounts from that day which ranks with the sinking of theTitanic as far as transportation disasters go. There weren’t as many casualties butit killed off the idea of the dirigible as a major mode of transportation for sure.Jerry also mentioned the fact that April of 2012 will be the anniversary of “thebig build up of the 99th after the big grab of personnel for the Americal Division.”Jerry wondered if there was any interest in having some kind of memorialto commemorate that occasion. It would be nice to have some of you WWIIpeople comment on that. I’ll try to do a little research on the subject, but I’ll beflying blindly. Thanks Jerry for the letter which I always appreciate.I have a couple of questions too. I have a copy of the book, 1st Cavalry Division;Korea June 1950-January 1952. It’s a great book and I often refer to it.However, there is a list of names for each unit in the back of the book. I don’trecognize any of the names and I don’t know anyone who has. Who are thesepeople who are listed in the book?I also have a copy of a page out of life magazineabout the landing at Pohang Dong on July18, 1950. It shows the actual ship that the 8thCav landed from. I have found out that it (therewas only one) was an AKA type ship. I landedwith the 8th Cav over the side on a rope ladderinto a small landing craft and then on to abeach just like in the movies. I was a LiaisonWireman; my job was to go with the 8th CavCommander’s party and lay wire back to ourposition with those little handheld reels. I havetwo questions about the landing. First: whatwas the number or name of the ship? Second:why weren’t we awarded an arrow device forthe landing? It was certainly in hostile territory.I asked when I retired from teaching andchecked into veterans stuff. The people whomake those awards told me they didn’t know ofDaniel Sullivan and AnthonyBlasovichany arrows awarded the 1st Cav. If any 8th CavKorean vets read this and know the answers,please contact me.There’s another photo from the Daniel Sullivancollection in this issue. Dan Sullivan and Tony Blasovich are picturedtouring the town in Japan.Keep in touch and remember those who have gone before us and those whoare serving our country now they are always in danger in these troubled times.Remember, we are all in this together. CSMOof the following criteria:1.--You were provided care in a hospital emergency department or similarfacility providing emergency care2.--You are enrolled in the VA health care system3.--You have been provided care by a VA health care provider within the last24 months4.--You are financially liable to the provider of the emergency treatment forthat treatment5.--You have no other form of health care insurance6.--You do not have coverage under Medicare, Medicaid, or a state program7.--You do not have coverage under any other VA programs8.--You have no other contractual or legal recourse against a third party thatwill pay all of the bill9.--Department of Veterans Affairs or other Federal facilities were not feasiblyavailable at time of the emergency10.--The care must have been rendered in a medical emergency of such naturethat a prudent layperson would have reasonably expected that delay in seekingimmediate medical attention would have been hazardous to life or health.Again, this is available to only registered Veteran’s in the Medical side of VA.This is not something you can expect to occur if you have done nothing with VA.More information on this can be found at the VA website - 615th ASBSteven Buckey and Steven D. StewartASSOCIATE MEMBERSSteven Draper, Julie B. Kink and J.Stephania RyanDISCOMJerry F. Eller, Rich Fousek, Eugene C. Goldner,Arthur J. Junot, Norman Lorsung, ScottB. Smith and Eugene G. Wentworth, Jr.DODDaniel BaughmanDIVARTYFred Bromwell, Standley H. Davis,PaulM. Inman and James RomingerENG BDEWilliam T. MaddoxGOLD STAR FAMILIESWO David R. Kink – Julie B. Kink(Sister)SGT Dwight M. Durham – J. StephaniaRyan (Daughter)PFC Timothy R. Vimoto – Missy Vimoto(Mother)LIFE ASSOCIATE MEMBERSLorinda A. Davison and Joyce DenkeLRRPPatrick A. Blewett, Terry D. Combs,William D. Carpenter and Douglas Parkinson

Page 15ALL THE WAY BRIGADE CHAPTERPres: Bennett Guthrie29112 S. 558 RoadPark Hill, OK 74451(918) 207-2982E-mail: bennettguthrie47@msn.comCall or e-mail for meeting info.BUCKEYE CHAPTERPres.: Frank D. ForestiereBuckeye Chapter, 1st Cav Div Assn.PO Box 340038Columbus, OH 43234(614) 889-2358E-mail: buckeyechapter1cda@yahoogroups.comMeet on 3d Sat. of Mar., June, Sep. andDec. at VFW Post 1598, 677 E. 11th Ave.,Columbus, OHCENTRAL SAVANNAHRIVER AREA CHAPTERPres: John Rangel, Jr.2665 Teakwood Dr.Hephzibah, GA 30815(706) 771-1173Website: gandata.com/First_Cav.htmMeets on 2nd Sat of mo., 1400 at RyansSteak House on Peach Orchard Rd., Augusta,GA (Mar., June, Sept. and Dec.)COLUMBIA-WILLAMETTECHAPTERPres: Randy Putnam1004 SE Althaus Dr.Troutdale, OR 97306-1626(503) 544-7868E-mail: WRP@destinywarriors.comMeets 1830 3rd Wed of odd mos.at NewportSeafood Grill, 10935 SW 68th Parkway,Tigard, OR 97223. No Dec. meetingCONNECTICUT CHAPTERPres: Keith Moyer48 Boretz Rd.Colchester, CT 06415-1009(860) 537-1716E-mail: kpmoyerco@hotmail.comContact: Keith Morin84 Dibble Hollow LaneWindsor Locks, CT 06096-2731(860) 627-9711E-mail: nriinc@sbcglobal.nethttp://www.conncav.comMeeting info in newsletter and on webpage.COWBOY STATE CHAPTERPres: L. Pete Quinnell11 Lone Cedar Dr.Gillette, WY 82716(307) 682-5354E-mail: pbquin@vcn.comPOC: George Cook1400 O’ShannonGillette, WY 82716Meets in July and on the Sat. closest toSept. 23 .CROSSED SABERS CHAPTERPres: Jerry Eller808 S. 2nd St.Killeen, TX 76541-7703FIRST CHAPTERPres: Robert H. Wolfe4756 Haracourt Dr.El Paso, TX 79924-3047(915) 755-7944FLORIDA CHAPTERPres: Leo ‘Doc’ Williams3098 Golden View Ln.Orlando, FL 32812(407) 277-5763E-Mail: dragin52@hotmail.comMeetts quarterly at different locationsaround the state.FLORIDA TROOP A “LAKELANDAREA“Pres: Walter C. Smith5090 Ironwood TrailBartow, FL 33830(863) 644-7207E-mail: tarbucket67@yahoo.comPOC: Verlin Buck Rogers(863) 858-3559E-mail: vrogers8@tampabay.rr.comMeets at 1100 on the 1st Sat. of mo. atL.J.’s Diner & Lounge, 1395 E MainSt., Bartow, FL (corner of Main andHwy 17 South)FLORIDA TROOP B “BAKERTROOP”Pres: Bill Franklin473 Kimberly Dr.Melbourne, FL 32940(321) 255-0868E-mail: swfwwf@aol.comContact: Frank Alverson12468 Boney Rd.Jacksonville, FL 32226-1983(904) 757-7009E-mail: mcalverson@comcast.netMeets qtrly for dinner at area restaurantsin Melbourne, Merritt Island area, usuallyon Tues. evening.FLORIDA TROOP CPres: Woodrow N. Hines, Sr.(407) 957-6917POC:Thomas Horas1007 Catalpa Ln.Orlando, FL 32806-1742(407) 894-5213E-mail: thoras@aol.comMeets 2nd Sat. at 11:00am of ea. mo.at VFW Post 2093, 4444 EdgewaterDr., Orlando, No meeting in June orJuly.FLORIDA TROOP E “BLACKHATS”Pres: W. E. “Stretch” Hungerford15 Desert Candle CircleLehigh Acres, FL 33936(239) 369-7871E-mail: wdhung@earthlink.netWebsite: http://www.seahog.org/cav/index.htmlMeets 4th Sat. ea. mo. from Aug. - May1:00pm. at the Country Kitchen, 2921 E.Palm Beach Blvd. in Fort Myers.FLYING HORSEMAN CHAPTER(Upstate New York Area)Pres: Thomas R. Randall209-A Harmon St.Elmira, NY 14904-1220(607) 259-9881Vice-Pres: Charles T. Sullivan148 Decker Rd.Lowman, NY 14861-8900(607) 737-0743E-mail: firstcavhorse@aol.comMeets 1st Sunday each month at the ElmiraAm. Legion Post #443.CHAPTER INDEXFOLLOW ME CHAPTERPres: James R. Lee3 Marriott CourtColumbus, GA 31907(706) 568-3732E-mail: ljam93@bellsouth.netMeets 1900 4thTues. ea. mo. VeteransCtr., 1000 Victory Dr., Columbus, GA.No meeting in DecemberFORT KNOX AREA CHAPTERPres.: Robert L. Magruder8012 Boadfern Dr.Louisville, KY 40291-2304(502) 239-1522E-mail: bobmagruder@bellsouth.netPOC: Larry A. Whelan2103 Winston Ave.Louisville, KY 40205(502) 485-1270E-mail: lawhelan@insightbb.comhttp://www.1cda.org/fort _ knox.htmlMeets 3rd Sat. of mo. at 1100 at theBarker Masonic Lodge, 705 Main St.,West Point, KY.JUMPING MUSTANG CHAPTER1-8 CavPres: Tom Brett4216 Wynnwood Dr.Annandale, VA 22003-3453(703) 642-1595E-mail: tombrettphoto@cox.netPOC: James C. Knafel5510E - 500 SouthColumbia City, IN 46725(260) 244-3864E-mail: jjknafel@earthlink.netWebsite: www.JumpingMustangs.comKETTLE MORAINE CHAPTERPres: Gerald J. NelsonN99 W16781 Woodcock Rd.Germantown, WI 53022(262) 251-2298Vice-Pres.: Gordon Weidner1219 Cleveland Ave.Racine, WI 53403(262) 637-3835Meets quarterly at the Bunker,29224Evergreen Dr.,in Waterford, WI. (262)514-2442GERALD F. KINSMAN CHAPTERPres: Owen Levine77 Clubhouse Dr.Leominister, MA 01453(978) 534-6284E-mail: sonny01453@comcast.netMeets yearly.JAMES J. MASON WEST MICHIGANCHAPTERPres.: Doug Kamphuis86 Birchwood Ave.Holland, MI 49423(616) 392-5074POC: Bob Anderson9030 Conservancy Dr. NEAda, MI 49301(616) 682-5446E-mail: rj.anderson2243@comcast.netWebsite: jjmwmc1cd.comMeets Sept.-June on 3rd Thurs. of mo.at 7pm, at the Grand Valley Armory inWyoming, MI .LOS ANGELES/ORANGE COUNTYCHAPTERPres: John Guillory780 Mandevilla WayCorona, CA 92879(951) 278-3740E-mail: fisheye1@sbcglobal.netVice Pres: John Burgner228 South Hacienda St.Anaheim, CA 92804(714) 535-0737E-mail: jburgner@sbcglobal.netMeets 0900 on 3rd Sat. of mo. at Brea VeteransClub, 735 S. Brea Blvd., Brea, CALRRP/RANGER of the 1st Cav. Div.during the Vietnam War.Pres.: Keith Phillips18288 Acre Ln.Kemp, TX 75143(903) 498-4194E-mail: darby7172@embarqmail.comWebsite: www.tomah.com/lrrp_ranger/Full chapter meeting during ReunionsNATIONAL CAPITOL REGIONCHAPTERPres: Gene Russell7923 Jansen Dr.Springfield, VA 22152-2413(703) 569-2770E-mail: ncr1stcavdivassn@yahoo.comWebsite: 1cda.org/national_capitol.htmBreakfast meetings are normally heldat 0900 on the 3rd Sat. of each monthat various locations. Check web pagemeeting schedule.NEVADA CHAPTERPres: Ken Gallagher217 Windson Dr.Henderson, NV 89704(704) 414-9586E-mail: abnrngrnam71@hotmail.comMeets the first Sat. of the month at 10am atthe American Legion Post 8, 733 VeteransMemorial Dr., Las Vegas.NEW YORK/NEW JERSEY CHAPTERPres: Bob Arbasetti60 River Rd. #E103Bogota, NJ 07603(201) 883-0343E-mail: nynjcavalry@optimum.netFacebook: New York New JerseyCavalryVice Pres.: Joe PanzardiMeets at Elk Lodge at Cedar and Spruce,Ridgefield Park, NJ.NEW YORK TROOPTroop Commander: Joe Panzardi89-59 217th St.Queens Village, NY 11427(718) 776-9749e-mail: aircavny@verizon.netNORTH CAROLINA - TARHEELCHAPTERPres: Allen O. Norris8160 Waterford Dr.Stanley, NC 28164(704) 483-8778E-mail: anorris@infionline.netContact for Membership: Don Gibson803 McDonald Church RoadRockingham, NC 28379(910) 895-0747e-mail: dtbjgibson@yahoo.comMeets 2nd Sat of Mar., Jun, Sept. & Dec.JULY/AUGUST, 2011NORTHWEST CHAPTERPres.: Roy Rio(360) 871-5867E-mail: allrio@live.comPOC: Ric JamesPO Box 1305Bremerton, WA 98337(360) 536-1050E-mail: arejay5353@aol.comMeets 1200 1st Sat. of even months - contactRoy Rio or Ric James for meeting place.ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHAPTERPres: Kenneth Overturf1660 Leotii Dr.Colorado Springs, CO 80915(719) 596-4751E-mail: kgoverturf@live.comContact: William Truesdaell306 Kenwood Cir.C o l o r a d o S p r i n g s , C O 8 0 9 1 0(719) 636-3063E-mail: williamandkristine@comcast.netWebsite: 1cda.org/rocky_mountain.htmMeets 9am 2nd Sat. of mo.at at RetiredEnlisted Assn. Chapter 1, 834 Emory Cir.,Colorado Springs.SAN BERNARDINO CHAPTERPres: Robert E. Keith2055 N. Central Ave. #6BHighland, CA 92346-7403(909) 800-1074SHERIDAN’S CAVALRY CHAPTER(Greater Chicago Area)Pres.: Mason Holmes456 Raintree Ct. #2-AGlen Ellyn, IL 60137-6713(630) 835-6486 CellE-mail: masonholmes2003@yahoo.comWebsite: www.sheridansfirstcav.comMeets at the American Legion Post #1084,322 E. Maple Ave., Roselle, IL 61072at 1pm.SOUTHEASTERN COLORADOCHAPTERPres: Clifford Boxley24 Paseo St.Lamar, CO 81052(719) 336-7385E-mail: crboxley@hotmail.comPOC: John Campos1308 Lewis Ave.La Junta, CO 81052-3024(719) 384-0379Website: www.firstcavalry.netMeets 1st Sat. of ea. mo. at 10am at theHoliday Inn in LaJunta, CO..WALTER H. WESTMANNORTHLAND CHAPTERPres: Donald A. Delsing3697 Gresham Ave. N.Oakdale, MN 55182(651) 770-5422E-mail: dandmdelsing@aol.comPOC: James D. Wright12781 Able St. NEBlaine, MN 55434(763) 757-7140E-mail: 1stCav-MN@comcast.netMeets quarterly at different locations. Callor write for information.If you have changes to thislisting, contact the Associationat (254) 547-6537 or e-mail at.Ken White3834 Inverness RoadFairfax, VA 22033(703) 352-1468KenWhite68@Verizon.NetIt’s hard to believethat the MemorialDay weekend andthe 1st Cav Reunionin Killeen have comeand gone and that thedog days of summerare fast approaching. Here in the nation’s capital, the Memorial Day weekendwas marked by the Rolling Thunder Motorcycle Procession on Sunday and theMemorial Day observances at the various memorials on The National Mall andat Arlington National Cemetery on Monday. Rolling Thunder is intended to remindAmerica’s political leaders and Americans in general, of the need to supportthe men and women who serve in the nation’s armed forces and of the need forgovernment to recognize and protect the nation’s POWs and MIAs. This year’sprocession had a little extra excitement – like it needed it. Sarah Palin, the formergovernor of Alaska, made the ride on the back of a Harley motorcycle from thePentagon parking lot across the Potomac River in neighboring Virginia downConstitution Avenue NW to the rally that follows the ride, attracting a crowd ofreporters, fans and gawkers. Many Rolling Thunder bikers and spectators werehappy to see her there but others were not, expressing concern that her presencedrew attention away from the veteran’s cause, according to the Washington Postnewspaper. As a side note, again this year Marine Staff SGT Tim Chambers(Ret) stood at attention by the Lincoln Memorial for roughly four hours salutingthe bikers as they came off the Memorial Bridge and turned onto ConstitutionAvenue NW for the ride past The National Mall.The Memorial Day Observance at The Wall was the highlight of the weekend’sactivities not only for Vietnam veterans but also for Iraq-era vets. The weather wasvery hot and humid and the crowd size was moderate. The observance’s keynotespeaker was Juan M. Garcia, III, Assistant Secretary of the Navy. Garcia was anaval aviator and served in Kosovo and in the Persian Gulf. He was introducedby Ram Chavez, a retired educator and Vietnam veteran from Corpus Christi,Texas. Chavez served in Vietnam with the 4th Battalion 12th Infantry, 199thLight Infantry Brigade, from 1967-68 as a medic, earning the Bronze Star withV and the Silver Star. Near the end of the observance, the names of five servicemenwho died as a result of their wounds in Vietnam, were read aloud by theirfamily member - their names were added to The Wall in early May. The additionof these names brings the total number of names on the wall to 58,272.It was great to see everyone again at the reunion in Killeen – the names of theattendees appear in another section of this edition of the SABER. Keith Phillips,our unit president, was unable to make it this year and Doug Parkinson,our unit vice president, was forced to step-in and take charge. As many of youknow, Keith is with the government and sometimes duty has to take priority. Arepresentative from Texas Tech University, Vietnam Center, stopped by the hospitalitysuite to brief everyone on their activities and to explain the process forgetting Vietnam-related documents submitted to the center for archiving. Thecenter collects, preserves and makes available materials related to the VietnamWar and has complied an impressive collection of after-action reports, lessonslearned documents, operations plans and other historical documents.The following was submitted by Jim Wright (’67) and Doug Parkinson (’67-’68). After more than 50 years of service, the UH-1D helicopter, also known asthe Huey, has been retired from service with the U.S. Army. A gathering of communitymembers and area leaders was held at Cairns Army Airfield, Fort Rucker,Alabama, on May 17th to bid farewell to the bird that first arrived in Vietnam inMay, 1963. The first Hueys were assigned to the 145th and 13th Combat AviationBattalions, 1st Aviation Brigade, which operated in the Bien Hoa area of IIICorps and supported the ARVN 5th, 18th, and 199th Infantry Divisions. Morethan 7,000 of these helicopters ultimately served in Vietnam and flew 7 millionassault sorties, 4 million attack or gunship sorties and 3½ million cargo supplysorties in support of ground operations, according to CW4 Larry Castagneto, thegathering’s keynote speaker. Castagneto flew the Huey in Vietnam with the 1stAviation Brigade. Although the helicopter has been retired from active servicewith the Army, it will continue to be used by the U.S. Air Force as part of itsrotary-wing training program. By the way, the nickname Huey came from thehelicopter’s original designation of HU-1 by Bell Helicopter, the designer andbuilder of it.I received an update from Toni Prchal on husband, Myron (’71-’72) by way ofBill Carpenter. In September, the Illinois School Board sent out a notice fromContinued on pg. 16.

JULY/AUGUST, 2011Hank Llewellyn58 Mapleleaf LanePottstown, PA 19464(484) 948-9451SilverWingsoftheCav@comcast.netHowdy once again fellow Sky Troopers.Summer got off to a great start and is already up to mach 1. Memorial Dayweekend took me to Longneck, Delaware. Am Vets Post #2, a rather large facility,re-dedicated the post in the name of 1st Cav Medal of Honor recipient DavidCharles Dolby. I was honored to be one of the special guest speakers at the newlynamed post. You can read more of this in Thomas De Young’s, 8th Cav column inthe next SABER. I know all of you took part in something to honor our fallen onMemorial Day or helped educate your community in the meaning of this day.Our 64th annual reunion is now just an enjoyablememory. It was good seeing old friendsand meeting new ones. Gene McCrary, fromVilla Rica, Georgia and I combined the reuniontrip with a visit to COL (Ret) Eugene Beyer.The colonel was our CO the latter part of ourtour in Vietnam and was a great pilot and eveng r e a t e rcompanyGene McCrary - Julie Kink - GeneBeyerc o m -mander.He and hispeter pilot, Jenny Donovan, reside near JohnsonCity, Texas. I stayed with the Beyer’s andwe commuted daily to Killeen for the reunionactivities. Now I’m neither a city slickernor a country boy, you’ll find my lifestylesomewhere in between. But, I do find Texasenjoyable and much different from my homeAO. The four mile driveway from the mainhighway to the Beyer ranch was like a safarisortie. Dodging cattle, viewing wildlife, lotsof deer, buzzards, turkeys, rattlers, traversing adammed creek bed before arriving at the gatewhere the family dogs were always patientlyawaiting our return. At Great Adventure inHank meets Hank the mule atthe Beyer ranch in Johnson City,Texas.nearby Jersey they would charge fifty dollars a car load for the same experience.Although Great Adventure has monkeys that sit on your roof and peel off thevinyl, you’ll find no monkeys in Johnson City. Just keep an eye out for the tinyMaine lobsters with a curled upward tail!The Silver Wings Luncheon (Saturday, June 11) was my only duty assignment.I inevitably get a little anxious before the event. Always have. I guess I just wantto ensure everyone has a memorable time. Well, my worries were unfounded.A great group of former aviators, fixed and rotary wing crew members, maintenanceand support veterans filled the luncheon tables. We were joined by threeactive pilots: CW3 Wayne Martin, Rear Guard, 2d Bn, 227th AVN, along withCW3 Arundel Hunte and CW2 Pat Dukes. And also, to my surprise, attendingwas Steven D. Stewart, retired CW4 (151AE, Aircraft Maintenance Technician,Armament Officer). Last serving in Iraq in A Company, 615th Aviation SupportBattalion (ASB) attached to the 4th Aviation Brigade Combat Team (BCT) andretired CW4, Steven A. Buckey (Apache driver and Safety Officer) who is nowthe Safety and Occupational Health Specialist for HSC, HHBn, 1st Cav Division.During our 2009 reunion the “Steves” entertained the Wings luncheon group withtheir knowledge and humorous personalities.After our meal, everyone, table by table, took a turn to stand and address thegathering with some sharing stories. Following introductions we had the opportunityto ask questions of the three active warrant officers. And plenty of questionsand answers flowed from both the vets and warrants. During this session,COL Philip Battaglia arrived and spoke of the Division’s current responsibilities.Before I knew, two hours and twenty minutes had passed since we opened thedoors and the staff was awaiting our departure to clean up. But first, the “Steves”handed out Cav patch adorned bumper stickers stating, “HAPPINESS…..IS ACOLD LZ”.My sincere thanks to everyone attending the Unit Lunch and for your contributionto ensure a wonderful event. A Silver Wings salute and thank you toWayne Martin, Arundel Hunte and Pat Dukes for sharing their afternoon withLRRP NewsContinued from pg. 15.the National Air and Space Administration (NASA) inviting teachers from urbanschool systems to apply for a special program that would take place during thesummer at one of four NASA sites. The program would attempt to infuse newways of teaching math, physics and computer sciences into urban classroomsthrough NASA’s STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics)project. NASA thinks it will be able to get the kids more interested in science ifit can demonstrate how these subjects are involved in our space program. Theteachers would be trained in various NASA experiences and would be shownhow the classroom subjects are used to achieve these experiences. Teachers fromall across the nation were invited to apply for the program, but only 32 of themwere chosen. Myron and three other teachers from his high school applied as aWANTEDIf you served with, know, knew or have information about any of the following,please communicate with the contact listed..545th MP or 15th MED Troopers on FSB Mace from April 1971-February1972. Contact Ron KILLINGSWORTH, 10329 Caddo Lake Rd., Mooringsport,LA 71060, (318) 996-9969, .BOWLES, SGT Richard, 371st RRC, 1967-68. Contact his cousin, PhilSWICK, 102 Harbor Lndg., Braidwood, IL 60408, .COMPANY CLERK for B Co., 2-12th CAV, 1965 on USNSPage 16us “seasoned” troopers.Let’s pull pitch and move onto the mail sortie. I received plenty of mail, cards,photos and stories since the last column and would like to share a small sampling.Let’s start with one of our Medal of Honor recipients, COL (Ret) Bruce Crandall(Snake 6) who sent this note at reunion time. “26 (Hank), I will not be makingthe reunion at Fort Hood this year but have been down there to visit several timesin the past few months. I intend to visit with the 1st ACB in the late summeror early fall once they get settled in down range. I have had a rather busy andinteresting few months traveling to visit with the troops in Germany, Italy andacross the U.S. I don’t know if you saw the Indianapolis 500 on Memorial Daybut the guy in the Cav Stetson waving the green starter flag was Snake 6. I spent5 days doing the 100th anniversary activities for the race; rode around the trackat 190 mph; and as a real nice extra bennie, got to fly a Huey while there. Thereis a really nice restored H model that is part of the Indiana Search and RescueUnit. (It doesn’t seem possible that I was flying Hueys before my “copilot”on the flight was even born). The Stetson always goes with me and is the bestrecognized unit symbol everywhere we go. Old Cav troopers love to see it andoften show up with theirs later in the day or evening. I am greatly honored to beinvolved in mentoring the 2 living Medal of Honor recipients from the war onterror. They are truly outstanding young men and are highly welcomed to ouraging group. Both are about 30 years younger than the next youngest Medal ofHonor recipient and 45 years younger than our recipients average age. It is longpast due for the military to recognize the heroism of our service personnel servingtoday. Please pass on my regards and best wishes to the Fort Hood contingent!My best to you and yours! Snake 6.” Bruce, I don’t know where you get theenergy to stay so busy, I did convey your wishes to many of the attendees. Thanksfor the personal up-date.Jon Rice of Redondo Beach, Californiawrote in April and again in May and includedsome photos for my archives. Jon was respondingto John DePerro (LTC Ret) requestfor a copy of a photo displayed on the SilverWings website in May of 2005. He wantedto forward the photo to John Brennen who isabout to publish a book on RVN nose panelart. Jon wrote, “Hank, I have been readingyour column for years. I was in-countryfrom 9/21/67 - 10/23/68 joining the 15th TC(AM&S) on September 25, 1967 as a replacementin S-4. I soon became the S-4 clerk andremained so until the end of my tour. I wasFanny Boom-Boom 6permanent CQ for a month or two. Your March/April column had an item thatjumped out at me, “Little Annie Fanny”. Our Battalion Commander, LTC VaughnC. Emerson’s ship had ‘Annie’ in the nose, as well as his call-sign, ‘Boom-Boom6’. I contacted John DePerro and have sent him copies of the photo I took of our‘Annie’. He will forward to John Brennen.” Jon also spoke of Curtis Grant, Jim?Shows (Tennessee), SP5 Don Courts, and LTC Priem. Jon, thanks for writingand sharing the photos.Ron Reiss, C/2-12 Cav, of Harpersfield, New York wrote in again. You mayrecall last time he mentioned his boat ride to Vietnam aboard the “cruise ship”,USNS General Simon B. Buckner (previously the USS Admiral E. W. Eberle).Most stories about the 1965 sailings were not of fond memories. Ron’s is different.He shared this memory. “The Buckner Voyage - 1965. Looking back atthe Buckner voyage I can truthfully say that not only was it one of the greatestadventures in my life, I loved it. I’ve been on small boats and big ships, recallworking the bay fishing and going off to war. A slow boat to China can bepacked with adventure and memories and the Buckner voyage was no exception.I remember the flying fish that would glide away from the bow of the ship; Ourflag flying in the strong sea breeze; The uncertainty of going off to war. TheArmy band gave us a send off in Charleston, South Carolina as we ascended thegang plank and a month later we were greeted by another band as the ramp ofthe landing craft lowered and we stepped onto the sand of a secure beach at QuiNhon, Vietnam. Ahead lay the mist shrouded peaks of the Central Highlandsawaiting my arrival. Now we speak as old men with old memories, but I willnever forget the greatest of all adventures.”Foster Sexton, one of the Wings luncheon attendees, sent a nice card and anewspaper clipping from a Corpus Christi newspaper containing the story of theretirement of the Corpus Christi Army Depot’s last Huey. Thanks, Foster.Before I bring this month’s Wings sortie to an end I wish to thank Gene Beyerand Jenny Donovan for their Texas hospitality during my reunion stay. The visitto San Antonio, Alamo and River Walk was outstanding.Enjoy what’s left of summer. Until next time, “Clear right!”team and found out at the end of May that all four of them had been selected.When they had applied, they felt that it was a long shot, not only because of thenumber of applicants, but also because they applied as a team. Here’s the ironyof this whole thing - when Myron got out of the Army, the VA advised him notto pursue a profession that was too physically and mentally strenuous, such asteaching, because they felt his wounds were such that he would be unable toperform his duties effectively. So, for 30 years he worked as an accountant, wentto work every day and hated every minute of it. Twelve years ago he decidedto go back to school. He got a second bachelors degree in mathematics and twoyears ago, at age 59, he earned a Master of Teaching degree. He’s been teachingfor 8 years now and loves every day of it. Myron and his three team memberswill spend the month of July with NASA at Moffit Air Force Base in California.RANGERS LEAD THE WAY.Buckner. Contact Gary OLIVER, 577 S. Juanita St., Hemet, CA 82543,.COSTA, CPL Anthony E., HQ, 3-8th CAV, captured at Unsan 2 Nov. 1950and died as a Prisoner of War. Contact his niece, Nancy COSTA, 2394 Aron Dr.E., Seaford, NY 11783-3513, (516) 221-3840, .POTTS, CPT Bill, FDO, 1-30th FA, April-June 1968, possibly transferredto a Direct Support Battalion as a Battery Commander. Contact DanGILLOTTI, 4204 Berkeley Dr., Sheffield Village, OH 44054, (440) 934-1750,.

Page 1715th MED/15th BSBMEDEVAC pilot LTHenry Tuell, Vietnam,‘70.Mike Bodnar13010 N. Lakeforest Dr.Sun City, AZ 85351-3250(623) 972-4395MBodnar27@Juno.Comhttp://15thMedAssociation.ComA MEDEVAC pilotwhom they flew with andthey felt had helped themto get the job done and allowthem to safely returnhome was mentioned byMEDEVAC Medic BillWALSH and gunner Rick Goodson who e-mailed thefollowing: “COL Hank Tuell had an outstanding careeras an aviator, commander and hospital administrator. Hisinitial assignment after flight school was with the 15thMedical Battalion in Vietnam. He flew more than 1,000combat hours, evacuating over 2,100 patients, demonstratingtenacity and bravery under fire. His combat awardsinclude the Silver Star, six awards of the DistinguishedFlying Cross, Air Medal, Bronze Star, Soldiers Medaland Purple Heart. He served two tours on the SurgeonGeneral’s Staff, as an assignment officer and later chiefof the Career Activities Office. His second great passionafter flying was mentoring the young aviators and Soldiersof the Corps. He commanded the 63rd Medical Detachmentin Germany, 571st Medical Detachment at Fort Carson and the 56th MedicalBattalion at Fort Ord. Hank was selected as the first Chief of Staff of the newlyformed US Army Medical Command. His final assignment was as the GarrisonCommander, Fort Detrick, Maryland. One of the most decorated aviators of theVietnam era, Hank’s quiet and humble dedication to the Army Medical Departmentand its Soldiers is an example for all. Hank Tuell was inducted into theDUSTOFF Hall of Fame on 12 November 2011.”My first flight as a MEDEVAC Medic in early January, ‘70 was with LT Tuellas copilot, known as “Young Okie,” with the senior pilot of that flight, “OldOkie,” probably CW2 Phillip K. Gibbons. They more than likely took advantageof flying together because both were from Oklahoma. That flight was justa quick hoist operation out of HQ Phouc Vinh where I was learning the ropes.CW2 Gibbons DEROSED the next month in February, ‘70. “Young Okie” thenbecame the only “Okie.”They could also mention “considerate” when listing Henry Tuell’s attributes.He always carried with him on his flights a #10 G.I. can-as well as his personalshotgun-where he would deposit his chewing tobacco spit, avoiding sending itout the window and possibly addicting the door gunners. I ended up flying a lotwith LT Tuell; enough to know.John Brennan comments, “Gentlemen of the 15thVETERANS DAY 2011 IN WASHINGTON, DCFrom Wednesday, 9 November to Sunday, 13 November, 2011, the 1st CavalryDivision Association and the National Capitol Region Chapter will sponsor ourannual Veterans Day Hospitality Suite and Gift Shop at the Crowne Plaza WashingtonNational Airport Hotel for all present and former First Team members andtheir families. The hotel is located at 1480 Crystal Drive, Arlington, VA 22202.The 1st Cavalry Division Association room rate is $119 for a single or doubleroom plus tax (10.25%). We have contracted for complimentary parking at thehotel for guests of the hotel.Room reservations MUST be made before 10 October 2011 in order to receivethe discounted rate.Call the Crowne Plaza directly at (800) 227-6963 (800-2CROWNE) or bookon-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 thefollowing address in your web browser: .Enter the arrival date and number of nights you will be staying (use calendarwith arrows). Scroll down and click “check availability” – a page will pop uprequesting individual information. You will also see your group identification.Follow instructions on making/completing the reservation.On Friday, 11 November we will place wreaths at the War Memorials.The ceremonyat the Korean War Memorial will be conducted by the 1st Cavalry DivisionAssociation. The time for Korean War ceremony has to be coordinated with theNational Park Service but we hope that it will be around 1100. The Associationwill lay a wreath as part of the official ceremony conducted at the World War IIMemorial with the Chairman of the Joint Staff, Admiral Mullen. This is the firstyear that we will participate with other organizations at the World War II Memorialand the ceremony will begin at 0900 hours. Our Association and DivisionHonor Guard have been a long-standing participants at the ceremony conductedThe Hot LZContinued from pg. 3.The bags landed side by side, with military precision, in neat rows. At first ithad looked like the crewmen threw the bags with disregard. After a while I sawit was with care and precision.I looked at the faces of the soldiers who waited, and I wondered which oneswould come back. I stopped myself. I remembered what Major Hayne had toldme. “You assume you will come back. You have to.”I stood on the airstrip now. My thoughts shifted to watch men getting off anotherplane that had just landed. The soldiers looked like the duffle bags. Fromhelmet to boot, mud had soaked them through. Even their faces and hands werebrown. They looked tired. I was relieved.These were the men who belonged with the bags I had seen earlier. To makeit easier on the combat-worn soldiers, the Army had transported their bags ona different plane. The men sagged with a fatigue that comes when adrenalin isdrained. They were safe. I felt myself quietly smile at how filthy they were.They were a contrast to my fresh memories of shined and buffed soldiers in theStates and Korea. The difference between the exhausted and fresh soldiers wasremarkable—these were two faces of warriors.The crew finished unloading the plane. We scrambled aboard. Thirty of us satagainst the sides facing center, and from the front, I could see everyone. Theloaded Caribou took off. Every man on board lit up a cigarette at once, as if oncue. I watched. Every one was smoking, even though I knew that not everybody2005 1st Cav Reunion Killeen,Texas, MEDEVAC gunners L to R:Mike “Smitty” Smith, Jim Calibroand Murray Gibbs.JULY/AUGUST, 2011MED Battalion, my name is John Brennanand I am the author of, U.S. Army HelicopterNames In Vietnam, a book from Hellgate Press.The listed price is $31.95, however; you mayobtain a signed copy for $29.95, shippingincluded, by sending a check or money orderto: John Brennan, 17355 Via Annette, SanLorenzo, CA 94580.“P.S. Listed in the book are 23 copter namesattributed to the 15 MED Bn.P.P.S You are welcome to preview the first20 pages by accessing the publisher’s Websiteat and clicking onthe .pdf hyperlink.“I’ll also be signing books ($28) at the VHC-MA St. Louis Reunion June 16-19. It weighsin at 2 pounds, measures 8.5x10, contains 408 pages and 40 photographs.”Arthur Ray Watson of Dinwiddie, Virginia, signsin with, “I was with A Co., 15th MED Bn., during 1967-1968. I remember Mr.Crespi, as he was in my unit as a Staff Sergeant. I was the Supply Sergeant forA Co., 15th MED.Executive Director, 1st Cavalry Division Association, Dennis Webster sends over, “I received word about the death of LTC (Ret)Spencer J. Campbell who served in C Company, 15th Forward Support Battalionat Fort Hood and during Desert Storm. His obituary is at . He died on 13 April.”From Steve Richey, “I write an article for the Saber now and then. I served inthe 1st Cav in the 8th Engineers in Nam and now have a book out. I’ve enclosedthe video of it, you might like the music. It’s for sale at .“I’d appreciate you telling others. Hell, it’s worth the time to watch the videojust to hear the music! The book has eight exNam Cav veterans who decide tohave a big adventure. It’s a good’rn! Thanks!“We were the engineer company between you guys and the perimeter wire inPhouc Vinh. I was there the night incoming blew up five of your helicoptersand the frigging M-60 ammo was cooking off, filling the air with bullets. Wasa lively night.”Always remembering our 1st Cav troops on duty around the world; over andout.FIRST TEAM! Garryowen, SO THAT OTHERS MAY LIVEat the Vietnam War Memorial and we will again be part of this ceremony. The1st Cavalry Division Honor Guard will be in DC to assist with the placement ofthe wreath at the Korean War Memorial and to stand atop the Wall during theceremony at the Vietnam War Memorial. They will also participate at the VeteransDay Dinner in the evening. Details will be posted in the Hospitality Suite.There are numerous sites of interest in the Washington, DC area to visit inaddition to the events we have planned. If you have never been to our nation’scapitol, this is an excellent time to make your first visit. Monuments to PresidentsWashington, Jefferson, Lincoln and Franklin Roosevelt are all located inthe mall area and are free. You do have to coordinate in advance to go up in theWashington Monument but all of the others are easily visited.The Smithsonian Institution has numerous museums on the mall includingthe Natural History, the American History, Air and Space, and American IndianMuseums just to mention a few.Tours of the White House and Capitol Building can be arranged through yourcongressman’s offices. Contact the office of your congressman for details onhow to do this if these tours interest you.Arlington National Cemetery is a must if you have never been before. Thechanging of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a ceremony thatyou will never forget. The Tomb is never unguarded and the Soldiers that conductthis change in all kinds of weather in daylight and dark are spectacular.The Metro makes it easy to get around in the area but they don’t drop you offat the entrance of every site. Walking will be required for most of your visits.There is a tour company that provides tours by bus of Arlington and the sitesalong the mall that will drop you off but the service is not free. Information onthis and many other things is available on our web page at .Join us in honoring our veterans on Veterans Day in Washington, DC.smoked regularly. They were nervous. Had some of them overheard the mechanicsay that LZ Oasis was hot? They were young. I wondered which ones wouldn’treturn. I stopped myself. No good to think. That flight was the same as the bunkerwhen I sat and listened to the shells fly overhead. I needed something to occupymy mind. In the bunker, it was a conversation. To these men, in an airplane toonoisy to talk, it was a cigarette. Maybe the Army knew what it was doing, issuingcigarettes to men in combat.The first thing I always did with a group of soldiers was smile. That was all ittook to lighten them up. I smiled. Nothing happened. They didn’t smile back. Intraining we had been taught how to catch a man’s eye and smile. I tried that. Oneman gave me a half-hearted smile. No one else responded. They were stressed.That wasn’t going to work.I got out my diamond nail file and filed my nails, the feminine gesture that haddelighted the door gunner on the way to Buon Blech. The magic failed. I put onsome fresh lipstick, another gesture that men found endearing. Still no one responded.Nothing worked. Instead of smiling I realized that it would be betterjust to look pleasant. I settled back and tried to relax. They knew I appreciatedhow they felt.The plane engines were too noisy for anyone to talk. But one man asked mewhere I was from. It was a question everyone asked each other. I was tired of it,but this time it didn’t bother me. I gave him the answer that always got a laugh.Since so many men were from the South, I would answer, “I’m from the South,Continued on pg. 22.

JULY/AUGUST, 201120th and 79th Artillery Regiment NewsBruce Wilder2004 Lynnwood RoadKingsport, TN 37660(423) 245-6116WBWilder@Gmail.Comwww.AraAssociation.Com/The following is the President’s report from the reunion:I am happy to report that forty-seven (47) Association Members and Alumniaccompanied by thirty-six (36) wives, family members and guests showed upbetween 18-22 May. Some of those who came, including a Medevac pilot, wereonly there for a day or two but they came just to be with old friends and comrades,if only for a short time. That’s what reunions are about.Wednesday was a time for reporting in, getting settled in, orientation to Charlestonand renewing old friendships and making new ones. Dinner, which was supposedto be “on your own” turned in to a mass of us all going to dinner togetherand then adjourning to the hotel lounge or the hospitality suite for an evening offellowship – sharing old memories of times in distant places and sharing a fewdrinks before calling it a day.Thursday was a day packed with activity for nearly everyone. We convoyed toPatriots Point and spent the morning touring the USS Yorktown, which broughtback a lot of memories to those of us who deployed to RVN by boat in 1965.There was also a submarine, the USS Clamagore and those who were adventuresomeand not claustrophobic toured it also. After lunch we had some time to killbefore the Fort Sumter tour and a group of us went to Fort Moultrie on Sullivan’sIsland. This fort, which dates back to the American Revolution, was in use untilthe end of World War II and boasts a large collection of Coast Artillery from allperiods – Revolutionary War, War of 1812, Civil War, WW I and WW II. Oneof the most interesting things was to climb onto the parapet and get the sameview of Fort Sumter that Confederate Gunners had on April 12, 1861, includinglooking along the gun-target line of a large muzzle loading cannon. Later in theday we had the opportunity to look through the gun ports of Fort Sumter, justlike the Federal Gunners did on that same day. After this we returned to the hotelfor a catered dinner consisting of a Low Country Boil and barbeque and anotherevening of socializing in the hotel lounge and hospitality suite.On Friday morning we convoyed to the Hunley Museum in North Charleston.This was a private tour for our group and here we saw the world’s first successfulcombat submarine. This small vessel, about forty feet in length had a crewcompartment just large enough to accommodate seven men sitting shoulder toshoulder (turning a hand cranked propeller) and one other who commanded, steeredand controlled depth. Although they were successful in sinking one Union Navywarship, the USS Housatonic, the Hunley and its crew were also lost. Recoveredin 2000, it was raised and brought back to Charleston where it now resides in atank of fresh water, the object of much historical research. While it was interestingto read about and see this vessel it was also quite sobering to realize that youwere observing what was the tomb of its last crew for 136 years.Friday afternoon was the business meeting for the Association. Minutes ofthis meeting are published in the Association newsletter.While the members were conducting the business meeting about 25 of theLadies of the Association took the trolley downtown for lunch at “Hyman’s.”This place is an institution, featured in Southern Living and other publicationsthat tell you where to eat. It is family run and they welcome you as if they hadknown you all your life. They easily managed to accommodate the group andbrought complimentary appetizers like fried green tomatoes, crab dip, calamariand hushpuppies. For some this was their first experience with the fried greentomatoes. Everyone agreed that the food was delicious and that it was a memorabledining experience. After lunch the ladies then proceeded to the Old CityMarket and other shopping areas of downtown Charleston. Some of the groupbroke off and went sightseeing. You are never far away from something of historicalsignificance in Charleston.Friday evening was dinner on your own and our members took the opportunityto enjoy the fine cuisine of Charleston. Many also took advantage of the eveningtours and activities including socializing in the hotel lounge and hospitalitysuite.Saturday morning and afternoon were free time for members to continuetheir exploration of Charleston and the surrounding areas. A lot of what youcould and should see was listed in the “Reunion Extra” and in the CharlestonArea Visitors Guide, but you have to actually get out and see it to appreciate it.IT’S THE LAWby Richard Cohen, Esq.©2011 Richard CohenAttorney at Law235 High Street, Room 513P.O. Box 771Morgantown, WV 26507-0771(304)-413-0838vetlaw @wvajustice.comhttp://www.wvajustice.comVA’s FIDUCIARY SYSTEM ISSUBJECT TO COURT REVIEWIn one of the more important cases ofthe year, the Veterans Court rejected theVA’s position that the appointment of afiduciary by the VA is non-reviewable. Inthe Freeman case, appeal number 10-1462,decided April 26, 2011, the petitioner wastrying to compel the VA to allow him tochallenge the VA’s appointment of a stranger to be his paid VA fiduciary insteadof his sister, who would manage his money for free. When the veteran attemptedto appeal the actions of the VA, the VA refused to accept the appeal, claiming thatthere is no right to appeal VA appointments. In a historic decision, the Veterans’Court decided that a veteran who has a veteran appointed for him or her is entitledto appeal that decision. In a footnote, the court suggested that payments from aveteran’s benefits to a fiduciary are also reviewable in court.CLEAR AND UNMISTAKABLE ERRORIn Hillyard v. Shinseki 08-1733 (decided March 29, 2011) the Veterans’ Courtconsidered a new question of law, whether a motion to revise a decision of theBoard of Veterans Appeals deciding a particular claim bars all future motions torevise regarding the same claim even if the theory advanced to support revisionin the second motion is different from the theory advanced in the first motion.Mr. Hillyard had first argued that there was clear and unmistakable error(”CUE”), in a 1987 decision which denied service connection for a mental disorder,because the VA did not decide whether he had a condition which pre-existedPage 18There are beautiful churches that are over 300 years old, cemeteries that holdthe graves of men who sat on the first Continental Congress, who were signersof the Declaration of Independence, signers of the Articles of Secession, statesmen,military heroes and ordinary men like the crew of the “Hunley.” There arebeautiful houses and plantations that pre-date the American Revolution, scenicgardens, museums, theaters, art galleries, etc. There are so many sights that itwould take days to really take in Charleston. Many also took advantage of theshopping opportunities available.Saturday evening we convoyed back to Patriot’s Point for our Farewell Dinneron board the USS Yorktown. Eighty-seven members and guests were in attendance.We had two guest speakers, the first being MG (Ret) Morris J. Brady,who served as Executive Officer of 3rd Bn (ARA)/377th Arty/11th AAD atFort Benning, Georgia and Executive Officer and Commanding Officer of 2ndBn (ARA)/20th Arty/1st Cav Division in Vietnam. He spoke of the early daysof ARA – activation of units, development of weapons systems, techniques ofemployment, movement to Vietnam and involvement of the ARA in the earlybattles of 1965-66. Gen Brady was followed by LTC (Ret) Larry McKay, whocommanded F Btry/79th Arty during 1971-72. F/79 was the last ARA unit inVietnam and played a major role in halting and then rolling back the NVA in thepivotal battle of An Loc in the spring of 1972. This was the first battle in whichAttack Helicopters were employed against tanks, destroying nineteen and forcingthe withdrawal of NVA armor. For this action F/79 was named Army AviationUnit of the year (1972) by the Army Aviation Association. At the close of theevening both guest speakers received plaques from the Association and HonoraryMembership was extended to MG Brady by the Board of Directors (in accordancewith Article III, Section 1.C. of the Association By-Laws) for his service to ourCountry, the United States Army, Aerial Rocket Artillery and the Association.He was also given the Honorary Title of “President Emeritus” for his service asfirst President of the Aerial Rocket Artillery Association.After departure from Patriot’s Point, we assembled in the hotel lounge for afinal time of comradeship. It was interesting to note that it was a group of wiveswho closed the bar at midnight. The ladies seemed to have bonded much likethe old warriors and were reluctant to part company.Sunday morning came all too early and it was time to part company. Oldfriends once again said goodbye and departed for home stations. Reunion 2011was over and it is now time to look forward to Reunion 2012 which will be inPortland, Oregon. Hope to see you there.Following members were in attendance:Alexander, George and Kathy C/2-20 69-70; Johnson, Erik and Deborah B/2-2068-69; Beck, Barry Associate Member; King, Dewey and Mary Alice HQ andB/20 65-66; Bishop, Gary B/2-20 6/68-6/69; Klinker, Allan A/2-20 5/66-11/66;Borgeson, Dave and Pat A/2-20 7/66-4/67; Konitzer, Tom and Kathy B/2-2069-70; Brown, Glenn and Linda C/2-20 4/68-3/69; Krull, Jim C/2-20 67-68;Cole, Stephen and Maxine B/2-20 8/67-9/68; Mallow, Sherod B/2-20 67-68;Cookson, Maurice “Mac” C/2-20 12/69-12/70; McAlister, Rodger and MarilynA/2-20 3/66-4/67; Dauley, James and Donna B/2-20 68-69; Melancon, Steve andJan B/2-20 67-68; Foreman, James and Marguerite B/2-20 7/65-2/66; Mobley,Larry and Regina B/2-20 68-69; Forestiere, Frank and Judy Hayes B/2-20 67-68;Neal, Paul and Joann C/2-20 66-67; Garrity, Paul C/2-20 7/69-7/70; O’Dell, Hueyand Kathy B/2-20 68-69; Giles, Jim and Rose B/2-20 01/68-01/69; Pollard, RayA/2-20 66-67 and 4/77 69-70; Govignon, George and Shelia B/2-20 7/65-7/66;Pullano, Joseph and Arlene A/2-20 65-66; Grice, Johnny and Kathy B/2-20 8/68-8/69; Retterath, Bill and Carol B/2-20 8/68-8/69; Hartley, Bob C/2-20 68-69;Richardson, Milton B/2-20 68-69; Hatfield, Ray and Martha A/2-20 65-66 andB/2-20 68-69; Russell, Mike and Ellan Everett B/2-20 11/67-6/69; Hipp, Jerryand Ann A/2-20 7/65-10/66; Szabo, Jule F/79 11/71-10/72; Hirst, Herbert andCindy A/2-20 5/66-5/67; Talbot, Asa and Jean HB/2-20 67-68; Hobby, Jesse andGloria A/2-20 7/65 – 8/66; Titchenell, Wallace and Mary Alice B/2-20 68 – 69;Hogg, Joe and Susan A/2-20 5/69 – 4/70;Voeltz, Charles and Jean A/2-20 65-66;Voss, Wally and Melba Mahoney B/2-20 12/68-12/69;Williams IV, William andDale C/2-20 7/69-7/70; Wilder, Bruce and Patti A/2-20 65-66; Wood, Billy andCarolyn A/2-20 7/66-7/67Guest Speakers: MG (Ret) Morris J. and Jo Brady HHB/2-20 65-66; LTC (Ret)Larry E. McKay/Fay McKay F/79 71-72.Please note that while some members served in other ARA Battalion, notably3/377 and 4/77 we have only shown here the time served in 2-20 and F/79 sincethey were 1st Cavalry units. Jesse L. Hobby, President ARA Associationservice. That request for revision was denied. Later, in 2006, the veteran filedfor revision arguing that the VA had failed to sympathetically read his claim forbenefits and failed to apply the correct law.The court decided that the first denial of the motion to revise based on CUEprevents the veteran from filing a second motion to revise the same decisionbased on another theory.SPECIAL MONTHLY COMPENSTIONIn Buie v. Shinseki no. 08-2705, decided on March 23, 2011, that a total disabilityrating based on individual unemployability which is based on more thanone underlying disability does not satisfy the first requirements that a claimantmust have “a service-connected disability rated as total.”The veteran had been granted a 100% award of benefits based upon individualunemployability, a 30% rating for his post traumatic stress disorder and a 60%rating for his low back disability. His request for an additional award for specialmonthly compensation at the “s level” was denied based on the determinationthat although he met the requirement of having a disability independently ratedat 60 percent he did not have “a single service-connected disability rated at 100percent.”The court agreed with the VA that unemployability does not qualify as a singleservice-connected disability and that the denial of special monthly compensationwas therefore proper.Join us for the 65th Reunion, 6-10 June, 2012 in Portland, OregonReserve your room at the Red Lion Hotel on the River - Jantzen BeachCall Toll Free: (800) 733-5466 or local: (503) 283-4466

Page 1982nd FA News“Can and Will”Dan Gillotti4204 Berkeley DriveSheffield Village, OH 44054(440) 934-1750FirstCav68@Roadrunner.ComHappy 4th of July and aproud salute to all the membersof our Armed Forcesas they go in harm’s way sothat we can continue to enjoyour freedoms. We must continueto remember all thosewho paid for those freedoms with their lives. And may God continue to BlessAmerica!Wanted: We are looking for CPT Bill Potts who was a Battalion FDO with1-30th FA in March-June, 1968. We suspect he was transferred to another unit,possibly to take command of a Btry in a DS Battalion, or possibly transferred toDIVARTY. I know he was in the Captain’s Field Artillery Career Course at FortSill, Oklahoma in late 1969 to early 1970. Please contact me with any info.E Btry 82nd FA Vietnam: I received thefollowing message from the former CPTCarl Buick who served as a pilot with E-82nd FA from March, 1970 to March, 1971.“Danny: I visited the Army Aviation Museuma few months ago and saw 1LT Frank WalterBengston’s name on the memorial wall. Iremembered that he was an OH 6 pilot with ECPT Carl Buick, Pilot with E-82ndFA 1970-71.Btry, 82nd FA who flew on a pink team withour sister ARA battery. He loved to fly and heloved his work. When our unit started to standdown, he extended for 6 months and went withA Troop, 1-9 as a scout pilot and was shot down on May 7, 1971 in Cambodianear the Chup rubber plantation. I missed him very much. This was forty yearsago. Could it have been that long ago? Here’s a picture of me with one of oursix O-1 Bird-Dogs at Phuoc Vinh in 1970. “Thanks for the memories, Carl.E-82nd FA Vietnam KIAs: I recently acquired new KIA data and we’ve addedfour new names to our list of Vietnam KIAs. Please remember all of our E-82ndFA Troopers who were killed in Vietnam to include; 1LT Lawrence V. Beattys,SP4 Robert L. Bennett, CPT Michael J. Blanscet, SP4 Michael S. Carter, WO1Patrick F. Cawley, SP4 Wayne R. Davis, SP4 Gary L. Frazier and SP4 Paul H.Tober. May they rest in peace.2-82nd FA: The STEEL DRAGONS are currently deployed to southernIraq in support of Operation New Dawn. The Task Force is responsiblefor two Iraqi Provinces, Muthanna and Di Qar. The mission includesconducting combat patrols along over 260 KMs of the most importantHQ and Special Troops NewsRon Killingsworth10329 Caddo Lake RdMooringsport, LA 71060(318) 996-9969RetMIAgt@Dishmail.NetThis is a new column in theSaber so let me explain who theheadquarters and special troopsare and what part they play inthe division. “Special troops” issort of like “Military Intelligence”when it comes to being special orbeing intelligent. I have been toldthat both phrases are oxymorons (contradictory terms which are used in conjunction:i.e. living dead, cruel kindness). I will also give you a little informationabout my 21 years of service in the US Army.If you read the Saber and/or attend reunions, you know that the line units, theartillery units and some of the combat support units have columns in the Saber.During reunions, troopers of all units other than the line combat units, artillery,engineers, LRRP/Rangers or Silver Wings attend the unit luncheon with “Hq andSpecial Troops” and they also sit together at the banquet. There are not enoughattendees from these various units to justify their own unit luncheon. So, duringthese luncheons we find the room filled with troopers from the division headquarters(CG, CSM, etc.), finance, MI, the AG section, signal, transportation, supply,communications, military police and anyone else who is lost. What makes thesetroopers so “Special”? Well, while we are not combat troopers (although manycombat support troopers were shot at and often hit – we are all infantry first!),we do perform very important and special functions within the division. Takeaway the finance, intelligence, AG, transportation, supply, commo and MPs andthe combat troops would soon find themselves in a bad situation. But, we arenot really special any more than military is necessarily intelligent! We did (do),however, perform vital functions within the division.I hope that this column will generate more interest in attending the reunions.It is something my wife, Sue and I look forward to each year. It is a privilegeto sit next to some World War II or Korean War soldiers and spend some timegetting to know them. Sue and I spent a lot of time this year talking with MalraC. Bell (Buddy) who served with A Company of the 2-7th Cav in ‘65 and wasin the battle highly publicized by General Hal Moore and Joe Galloway’s bookWe Were Soldiers Once… and Young and the movie We Were Soldiers. Buddywas one of 12 troopers in his company who survived the battle and then laterseveral of the survivors were killed in a plane crash. Buddy is just one exampleof some of the true heroes you meet at the reunions. I have found that time andtalking with fellow veterans does help to heal old wounds.This is the only time I will be talking a little about myself. Future columns willbe about you, the troopers of the “HQ and Special Troops”. But, you should knowsomething about the person writing YOUR column. I took basic training at FortPolk, Louisiana, in June, July and August of 1963. Many of you had the sameprivilege and will understand how Fort Polk weather in the heat of summer madelife almost unbearable. I was at North Fort Polk which was all WWII barracksand buildings and the cows roamed free among the barracks. What was the worstthing that could happen to you in basic training? Catch poison ivy during bivouacweek, spent a week in the hospital and get re-cycled back three weeks!My first assignment was to IX Corps on Okinawa. Okinawa at the time was aUS possession. My father had been in the US Navy in WWII and was involvedin the battle of Okinawa. (My grandfather was a medic in WWI and my unclewas a buck sergeant in the USMC in the Korean War.) When I received myorders, he thought there had to be a mistake, as his battleship had practicallyJULY/AUGUST, 2011MSR in Iraq, partnering with two Provincial Reconstruction Teams (oneled by the Department of State, the other led by the Italian Government),we facilitate and train the Iraqi Army at what is known at Tadrib-al-Shamil(training a IA Battalion every 3 weeks) and partner with two ProvincialChiefs of Police and two Provincial Governments. Task Force STEELDRAGON is making a difference everyday by enabling a more safe andsecure environment while increasing the capabilities of the Iraqi SecurityForces. Information submitted by LTC Robert A. Wright, IV.5-82nd FA: Contingency Operating Site Marez, Iraq – Over the last year, Soldiersof the 5th Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery Regiment, 4th Advise and AssistBrigade, 1st Cavalry Division have been conducting a complex variety of missionsin Mosul, Iraq with the focus on preparing Iraqi Security Forces to support andsecure the populace when U. S. forces depart. Alpha Battery has spent endlesshours training and mentoring policemen from the 3rd Iraqi Federal Police (3FP)on raid operations. The hard work and training of the 3FP recently paid off in thesuccessful execution of Operation Iron Lion. Operation Iron Lion was a demonstrationof the ability of the Iraqi Shurta to protect the Iraqi populace. DuringOperation Iron Lion, the 3FP successfully conducted a raid in which they detainedinsurgents, while the Emergency Response Battalion defeated a mock attack ona checkpoint they were manning and the IP Riot Control Company controlleda mock riot. Bravo Battery has spent its time training the recently developed102nd Field Artillery Regiment (102nd FAR) on the M198 howitzer as well asfire direction center crew drills. The culminating event for the training will takeplace in late July with Soldiers of the 102nd FAR conducting a live fire exercisewith their M198 howitzers. In addition, Bravo Battery has demonstrated itsflexibility by providing security escort for the Ninewa Provincial ReconstructionTeam (N-PRT) as they conduct missions increasing the civil capacity throughoutthe province. The Soldiers of Golf Company and Headquarters Battery havecontinued to conduct a wide variety of missions supporting the Black Dragon Battalion.From providing radar coverage to logistical and maintenance operations,the support element of the Black Dragons have ensured the battalion is preparedto accomplish any mission. The Black Dragons performance in Operation NewDawn was nothing short of excellent. In just a few short months the battalionwill redeploy to Fort Hood, Texas and begin prepping for their next mission.Submitted by CPT Martin Piecuch, Bn FDO, 5-82nd FA.82nd FA Bn: I received a letter from Alva Snider announcing the 82nd FABattalion Reunion on 14-16 June, 2011. The reunion was held in Lafayette,Indiana. Hopefully we’ll receive an update on their reunion turnout for the nextissue. And maybe someone will send me a few pictures (hint-hint)! Keep thosee-mails, cards, letters, and photos flowing my way. Can and Will ~ Sir!destroyed everything on the island during the battle of Okinawa. They had rebuilt.The commanding general of IX Corps was also the High Commissionerof the Ryukyus Islands (the governor). The 173rd Airborne Brigade was onOkinawa and there was a Marine division on the north part of the island. In late‘64 or early ‘65, a Top Secret message came down from the Pentagon alertingthe 173rd to prepare to deploy to Vietnam. I’m pretty sure this was the first fullunit to deploy to Vietnam.My next assignment was in the Pentagon and for three years I reviewed andassigned action on highly classified messages coming out of Vietnam. I workedfor the Deputy Chief of Staff for Logistics and most messages concerned logisticalproblems in Vietnam and Congressional Inquiries.I transferred to Military Intelligence and attended the CounterintelligenceAgent course at Fort Holabird, Maryland. My first assignment in intelligencewas to Bangkok, Thailand, where we supported the efforts in Vietnam, helpedwith intelligence collection on enemy activities and strengths and gave securitybriefings to military personnel arriving in Bangkok on R&R. We were actuallyawarded the Vietnam service and campaign ribbons for service “supporting” thewar. We did other very interesting things but that is another story.I then attended 47 weeks of Vietnamese language training at Biggs Field (nowhome to the Sergeants Major Academy), El Paso, Texas, a branch of the DefenseLanguage Institute that taught only the Vietnamese language. There were hundredsof soldiers studying this language and a few of them actually believed theywould not go to Vietnam. We all went.I arrived in Vietnam as was assigned to I Corps headquarters in the northernmost part of South Vietnam. This was in April of ‘71 and the war was alreadywinding down, although the fighting was still fierce. The 1st Cavalry Division,by this time reduced in strength to a separate brigade (3rd Brigade (Sep)), washeadquartered in Bein Hoa next to the Air Force base. I was sent by I Corps tothe 1st Cav’s 3rd Brigade and assigned to the 191st MI Detachment. Upon arrivalin the detachment, I was immediately sent to Fire Support Base MACE, near GiaRay, at the base of a large mountain (Nui Chua Chin) in the middle of nowhere. Ibelieve units from the 2-5 Cav and the 1-7 Cav were at FSB MACE and possiblyother line units. I had the most contact with the detachments of the 545th MPCompany, 27th Maintenance and medical personnel of the 15th Med assigned toMACE. I was in charge of a small detachment of CI Agents and Interrogators Prisonerof War. We collectedintelligence informationabout the enemy activitiesin the area and interrogatedprisoners of war that weremedivaced to the medicaltreatment facility run bythe detachment of the 15thMed. We would send theintelligence informationobtained from the prisonersback out to the commanderof the unit in contact withFire Support Base Macethe enemy. In about February1972, MACE wasclosing and our detachment moved back to Bein Hoa where I servedContinued on pg. 21.

JULY/AUGUST, 2011ENGINEER NEWSJesse Crimm4445 Silverwood Ln.Jacksonville, FL 32207-62241(904) 737-6172TheCrimms@Gmail.ComGo, Look, Weep: Contributedby Robert TAGGE: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=--92lbsY2T0&feature=player_embeddedThe Tunnel: It’s a long way upto the surface when you start at the track level of the Metro in DC. You exit thetrain into a darkness lit only by concealed fluorescent lights. Grey is the generalcolor tone. A short escalator ride takes you up one level where the downdraftfrom ground level seems to impede your progress upward. At that first level, youpunch your outgoing ticket, turn, face the downdraft and begin your ascent. Youknow that only in facing the draft can you ascend to its source above where thereis light. At the Bethesda Naval Hospital exit (which now includes Walter Reed)the escalator is particularly steep. It must be ten stories high and you wonder ifyou can ever ascend. The escalator clunks and lurches along and you notice theother up escalator is deadlined for maintenance. You wonder how much of thesame yours needs. And yet it moves. You grasp the side rail and maybe eventake a step. Other commuters bustle past you on the left and you wonder why arethey stepping up when the escalator will move them? It’s progress you realize.Their steps are progress. And you take another step then another even while beingmoved upward. In the corner of your mind you notice the air becoming moist,breathable and the grey of below yields to colors. You are half way up. You beginto fidget wondering how you will manage the exit. Will there be any help or do Imanage on my own? You have baggage with you that must also be maneuveredoff the moving ramp. You wonder can I do it? Suddenly you realize you haveno choice. You must do it. The steps begin to level out approaching the surface.Instinctively you step off with your left foot while dragging your bag along. Yournew metal right calf and foot swing forward under your unconscious directionand you arrive whole. You turn about to look back but already others exitingblock your view. No need to look back anyway. Across Wisconsin Avenue yourtherapy appointment waits. You notice an older vet raise a salute towards you.You acknowledge the same and step forward into the future.Billy: In the last issue I promised you a write up on Billy Mobin out of Athens,Georgia. Billy, Shepardson and myself were at Illingworth. On our mine sweeptowards LZ Jay that morning, Billy and I were the only ones with enough senseto hit the dirt when we heard a distinctive metallic sound in the brush. We didnot fire back but sought a visual target. Not seeing one right away, I went back toget the infantry support squad to fire up the woods line with their truck mounteddual 60’s. The guy mumbled some crap about calling in permission. I wackedhis helmet and climbed back down from the truck. By then, even Billy had stoodup to survey the road. That night Billy stood firm beside me firing clip after clipat the gooks in the wire. In no small part that’s why I don’t hear so well today.Billy also reminded me of our exit from Cambodia experience. We were drivingback several captured trucks. Diesel fuel was being siphoned out of 55-gallondrums on the truck beds. If we ran out of fuel, which we did, we left the truckbeside the road and blew the motor with C4. Well, this process went on for acouple of iterations including a Mercedes 2 ½ truck no less. About that time achopper buzzed down upon us carrying some Colonel. Apparently he had hiseye on the Mercedes from above. Billy suspects that the truck was to be addedto a private inventory back in Nam. At any rate, I was relieved on the spot asthe convoy E5 NCOIC and replaced by an E6 who was more subservient to theColonels needs. That did not merit any of us an air ride back. So we trucked oninto the night to finally reach Phu Loi way after dark and plenty scared. Whilewe were in Cambodia Billy also thought of a hat trick. There was an after darksniper that was costing us sleep. Billy had the idea that if I stuck my helmeton my M16 and danced it above the berm that the sniper would fire at it. Sureenough, Billy was able to pop off some rounds as I danced the helmet. I guesswe at least ran the sniper off as I don’t remember his presence night after night.Billy and I had both been in contact with Shep separately over the years but justrediscovered each other a month or so ago. Billy was one of those adventuroustypes and stayed on for a couple of more tours. More details will follow.A General Ass Chewing: In the past two years if you have made any contributionto this column, you are exempt from this formation. Fall out and return toyour duties. All others close ranks and remain at attention. If you are readingthis column you are a member, along with 30,000 others, of the Association. Inparticular, if you are an engineer listen up. In every issue one or more Sabereditors beg you to write or call. Here are your excuses and the appropriate rebuttal.(1)” I can’t write. “ B.S. You can talk. Pick up the phone and call yourappropriate editor. Talk to someone who can take notes. Even notes that haveto be edited are better than no notes. Send those notes to your editor. (2)” I don’thave time.” B.S. You are running out of time. You have not told your story toyour children or grandchildren. If you wait longer, you will be unable to tell yourstory. Your first or second wife has nagged you to tell your story and you havestubbornly refused. No one beats the coffin. (3) “No one cares anyway.” B.S.What do you think is the purpose of this publication? It is not to save trees. Wewant to print your story. The purpose of this publication is to memorialize youwhile you can still read it and to create a document with which you can begin thatmissing conversation with your grandchildren. They need to hear your story aswe are losing much of that generation to sloth, entitlement mentality, and selfcenteredness.And that is no B.S. Do your part now. Fall out.Does This Sound Familiar? A man in a hot air balloon realized he was lost.He reduced altitude and spotted a woman below. He descended a bit more andshouted “Excuse me, can you help me? I promised a friend I would meet him anhour ago, but I don’t know where I... am.” The woman below replied, “you’rein a hot air balloon hovering approximately 30 feet above the ground. You’rebetween 40 and 41 degrees north latitude and between 59 and 60 degrees westlongitude.”“You must be enlisted,” said the balloonist. “I am replied the woman, how didyou know?” “Well,” answered the balloonist. “everything you told me was technicallycorrect, but I have no idea what to make of the information and the factis I’m still lost. Frankly, you’ve not been much help at all. If anything, you’vedelayed my trip. “The woman below responded, “You must be an Officer”.“I am,” replied the balloonist, “but how did you know”?“Well,” said the woman, “you don’t know where you are or where you arePage 20going. You have risen to where you are due to a large quantity of hot air. Youmade a promise, which you have no idea how to keep and you expect the peoplebeneath you to solve your problems. The fact is, you are in exactly the sameposition you were before we met, but now, somehow, it’s my fault.”Pop Corn Anyone? We are glad to discover Don Manvell whose base camp isin Rome, Pennsylvania. Don was secretly a cook at heart and found expressionof his art form in a slightly different way. But let him tell it. “Here is my PopCorn Story: I had been at LZ English with the 8th Engineer Battalion and was sentback to An Khe for a special assignment at the 1st Cav Division Headquarters.By this time An Khe had the tropical buildings for barracks. I really like popcornso I had my wife send me a Sterno stove, a can of fuel and a Jiffy Pop. Theseare the ones in an alum pan with the alum foil top that expands as it pops. Onenight, I popped this in the barracks and shared it with several others that werethere. It was great! The next day I got this idea. I would write to Jiffy Pop andtell them how much we all liked their product and that we couldn’t get it herein Vietnam. I was hoping they would send me some. Some weeks passed and Ihad forgotten about writing that letter. Several weeks later in the early evening,I was called to the Company CO’s office. What had I done wrong? He just saidfollow me and we headed to the mess hall. It was full of people. He said it wasmy fault why we were all here and everyone will stay until this is done! Mostof the guys were not happy! Then the cooks pulled out all these cases of JiffyPop and said the popcorn was on me! They cooked all of it and everyone had agreat time eating popcorn and drinking beer.Your Sports Reporter, Me: On behalf of you Engineers and other Saber readers,I wrangled a press credential out of the Tournament Players Championship (TPC)using my sterling Saber qualifications. Being so armed, I accepted my missionand trudged off to Ponte Vedra, Florida to cover the golf tournament for you. Ipromise to mention Tiger Woods only one time. There. That’s done. Variousimpressions not reported in the usual print media: (A) These guys are skinnyand they hit the ball a mile. Couldn’t follow the flight path as they disappearedagainst the sky. (B) Paid uniformed guards at every crosswalk, watching justwatching. (C) Media (me) treated well. Sheltered parking, shuttle bus, mealtickets. (D) Cameras everywhere and not just a couple, dozens inside the ropes.(E) Big ticket holders sitting on a patio only faintly resembling the same Augustaconcept only missing the magnolia trees. (F) Tiger bombs out a 42 front nine andwithdraws. (Whoops that’s twice.) Hell, I can make a 7 on a par 4 same as him.(G) Ice water is more precious than beer in Florida. (H) Volunteers everywhereall holding their hands up palms facing me. Why? (K) Rain delays third round.God not concerned about TV scheduling. (L) The newest model driver, the onethat’s white and heavily advertised, sounds like wet cardboard when smashedagainst a golf ball. (M) Bumped into 1SG Burgoyne from Fort Jackson. He wasin town for the S.E. Military Invitational Tournament at Naval Air Station. Like allthe new breed of E8’s and above, he is a flat belly and young. BTW, we militaryare treated great at the TPC with our own air conditioned tent and refreshments.Next year, plan a trip here. Free admission also comes with active or retired ID.(N) Next sports report? Pro football is only six months away. See ya there.Free Gold Anyone? Our very own Steve Richey has published his Vietnamnovel. Yep, free gold. All you gotta do is go get it according to Steve. Here is thelink to his book. Enjoy. http://animoto.com/play/cSgapegcohCpqmceknTNCwWorthy Quotes: Beware of the woman who only has one gun, because sheprobably knows how to use it very well.‘The true soldier fights not because he hates what is in front of him, but becausehe loves what is behind him.’A people that values its privileges above its principles will soon lose both.“Those who hammer their guns into plows will plow for those who do not...”More Pictures to ID: Continuing from the last issue, if you know or recognizeany of these fellow Engineer Vets, contact them or me.Unknown But Not ForgottenUnknown But Not ForgottenThe 1st Cavalry Division Association has found someone to providereturn mailing labels for the membership. Amy Waeffler, is thegrandaughter of Donnie Wallis, 77th FA, 1953-54. Her work is goodand she is offering a fair price. An example of what she provides and anorder form are below.RETURN ADDRESS LABELS1st Cav Div Assn. return address labels are now available from AmyWaeffler, P.O. Box 2886, Loves Park, IL 61132,

Page 21545th MP COMPANYSam Reinert626 ½ South 9th St.Richmond, IN 47374(765) 962-4627 Phone and FAXSamReinert1@545thMpCoAssn.OrgGreetings Fellow 545th MPs.On June 17th at Fort Richardson,Alaska, 1SG Matthew T. Ivacicrelinquished responsibility as FirstSergeant of the 545th Military PoliceCompany to 1SG Franklin J. Solomon.1SG Solomon is no stranger to the 545thMP Company. He served with the unitin the 1st, 4th and 6th Platoons in Bosniaand Kuwait from 1997 until 2001 andduring this time picked up many of theold Cavalry MP traditions which I am1SG Ivacicconfident he will pass along to the current members of theunit. We wish 1SG Solomon the very best of luck with this new assignment.There are several delayed TAPS entries this issue and they are as follows: SFCRoy Wireman who served with the 545th MP Company from 1949 until 1951at Camp Drake, Japan and during the Korean War. Roy Passed on February 17,2011 in Augusta, Georgia and was buried in Westbury Memorial Park, AugustaGeorgia with full military Honors. Heaven will surely be a better place withRoy there.SFC Robert E. Purcell who served with the 545th MPCompany from 1953 until 1956 as the Provisional PlatoonSergeant at Camp Crawford, Japan. Robert passed May 6,2011 at his home in San Hose, California and is buried in theOak Hill Cemetery, San hose, California. Saint Peter willsurely place Bob on Gate Duty as he was the sharpest MPNCO in the unit at the time.SP4 Catherine D. Eicherly who servedSFC Purcelwith the 545th MP Company from 1974until 1976 at Fort Hood, Texas where sheworked as an MPI Investigator. Catherine passed June 14,1999 in Shreveport, Louisiana and was put to rest at BossierCity Crematory, June 17, 1999.And for all you history buffs out there here is an extractfrom the 1945 Unit History Report for the old MP Platoon,HQS Troop, 1st Cavalry Division:On January 19, 1945, the two remaining Traffic Sectionsand the HQS Element departed Tunga and rejoined theoriginal section at the beach to assist in the traffic control1SG SolomonSPC Eicherlyuntil the entire division had loaded. When this was completed, the entire platoonconsisting of 8 officers and 121 enlisted men boarded LST #3. At 1730 hourson 22 June, 1945, the convoy steamed from Leyte Gulf towards the SariagoStraights, starting the 600 mile voyage that would carry then to Lingayen Gulfon Luzon Island where a beachhead had already been established.On 27 January 1945, after five uneventful days at sea, marred by only negligibleenemy interference, the Division landed at White Beach, Luzon Island. Delayingonly long enough to unload supplies and equipment, one traffic section with thedivision rear CP proceeded at once to Santa Barbara while the forward echeloncontinued on to Guimba, 32 miles beyond Santa Barbara and 67 miles inlandHQ and Special TroopsContinuted from pg. 19.the reminder of my tour.In April 1982, I found myself again in the “Cav” when I was assigned to the312th MI Battalion at Fort Hood. I served there, in the S-2 section, until I retiredin January, 1984. I was privileged to spend a month in Germany when the entiredivision was sent to Germany on REFORGER in the fall of 1983. I attendedmy first reunion of the 1st Cavalry Division Association in the summer of 1983when the reunion was held at Fort Hood and the division put on a large equipmentdisplay and supported the reunion. I have since lost that reunion pin. I did notattend any reunions from then until 2003 when I started attending the reunionson a regular basis, missing only two since then.I hope you have read this column with enough interest to participate in futurewritings. If I am to continue writing this column, I will require input from all ofVETERANS DAY DINNER IN WASHINGTON, DCThe National Capitol Region Chapter in conjunction with the 1st CavalryDivision Association will host the 3rd Annual First Team Veterans Day Dinneron Friday evening 11 November 2011 at the Crowne Plaza Washington NationalAirport Hotel, 1480 Crystal Drive, Arlington, VA 22202.The speaker at this year’s dinner will be CSM (Ret) Jimmie W. Spencer. Heserved in C Company, 2-8th Cavalry in Vietnam in 1965-66 and a second tourin Vietnam with the Military Advisory Command. Jimmie has served as theDirector, Noncommissioned Officer and Soldier Programs for the Associationof the United States Army since 1993. During his 32 year Army career heserved with the 2nd Infantry Division, 82nd Airborne Division, 101st AirborneDivision, the 75th Ranger Battalion and Army Special Forces in a variety ofleadership positions.A cash bar will open at 1800 and a plated dinner begins at 1900 hours.Both of the previous Veterans Day dinners were great and we expect this yearto be another great one. Please plan to attend this event.For dinner reservations please send $45 per ticket to the 1st Cavalry DivisionAssociation, 302 N. Main St., Copperas Cove, TX 76522-1703. In order to ensurethat you have tickets, full payment must be received by us no later than 21October 2011. Please do not wait until October to order your ticket or tickets.We urge you to send in your reservations and check or credit card number as earlyas possible. We can only accept VISA or MASTERCARD. Please ensure thatyour card number and expiration dates are written correctly. Please provide yourname, address, unit you served with and the name(s) of your guests with yourpayment. Tickets will be available for pickup in the 1st Cav Division AssociationHospitality Suite or at the door to the banquet room. Seats are limited dueto the size of the room. We must make final coordination with the hotel beforethe event and we may not be able to accommodate late registrations.JULY/AUGUST, 2011from White Beach.Men of the two forward traffic sections spent the next three days checkingequipment and clothing and formulating plans for their participation in thepending drive to Manila. On the night of 31 January 1945, the drive for Manilabegan and two traffic sections departed with the forward element of the nowfamous “Flying Column”. As the column swiftly advanced, men were postedat the road junctions, bridges, defiles and fords. Their mission was to safeguardthese critical locations against possible enemy infiltration and to prevent anycongestion of traffic on this all important main supply route. The remainingtraffic section and HQS section took their place in the column and activelyassisted the military police already posted along the road in addition to theirparticipation in eliminating by-passed groups of enemy who presented a threatto the supply trains bringing up the rear. On one of these instances, CPTThomas (then still a 1LT), in command of the two mounted sections, received areport that a platoon of men from another unit was pinned down by an unknownnumber of Japanese and were unable to withdraw. With the aid of two tanks,brought up from the rear and a platoon of men from another unit, the men wereskillfully deployed and succeeded in completely annihilating the machine gunnests, this relieved the imperiled men and eliminated a serious menace. Withoutfurther pursuing the few enemy left alive, the men returned to the convoy andcontinued on the original mission.On the morning of 4 February 1945, the column moved into Manila followingthe 8th Cavalry’s breakthrough the previous day. The Division forward CP wasset up in Grace Park. On the night of 4 February 1945, men of this platoon wereposted along the route to assist the movement of a spearhead whose missionwas to liberate several hundred American civilians, held as prisoners by theJapanese, at Santo Thomas University in Manila.Major Carver and one section were dispatched on 7 February 1945 by theCommanding General to reconnoiter an area in Quezon City for a new CP site.They encountered an undetermined number of Japanese and withdrew. In theengagement SGT Robert M. Izzo was wounded. A similar occurrence happenedthe following day and T-5 John F. Green was also wounded. On the next daythe area was cleared and the CP moved into this new area. In the meantimetwo traffic sections were deployed throughout the division’s sector in Manilaand surrounding areas guarding bridges and installations while the HQS andthe remaining section were detailed as Prisoner of War and perimeter guards atthe CP.The Diliman Creek bridge west crossing between Rosario Heights and QuezonCity, sub-divisions of Manila, was attacked on the night of 11 February 1945by a strong force of Japanese. This bridge was on the main supply route for thedivision which was fighting for Manila and was being guarded by a squad ofMilitary Police. The Japanese had made previous attempts to destroy the bridgewithout success. The attack this night was also repulsed without damage to thebridge, but the platoon suffered the loss of two men killed, SGT Frank Respoliand Private Norman H. Bishop and one man seriously wounded, Private WyattC. Albright.While the CP was located at Quezon City, two companies of guerrillas wereattached to the platoon. Our various duties included: guarding the reservoir andpipe lines, bridges, telephone exchanges, prisoners of war and the maintenanceof traffic control on the main supply route to the forward areas.On 23 February 1945, the Division CP moved to Mandaluyong Airfield whichnecessitated the addition of several new posts directly in the rear of the frontlines. These posts were often subjected to enemy artillery fire which, luckily,was ineffective and the platoon suffered no losses.I will continue this historical report in the next issue and I wish you all agreat summer. Lets all be careful out there.you “headquarters and special troops” out there. This is your chance to tell your“war story”, to talk about your trip to the jungles of Vietnam, your trip to thedeserts of the Middle East, your fun at Fort Polk or other basic training locations,your participation in Desert Storm or Bosnia, your current assignment on activeduty, or your “fun” assignment with the Cav and playing war games in the sandsof Fort Hood. This is your place to ask about buddies you have lost contact withand to seek contact with old friends. Tell me why you are a “special” “specialtroop”. So, get those e-mails and letters rolling into me so that each time I submita column to the Saber I will have enough material. This column is about you, notabout me. I have few war stories and they are all boring. Without your supportthis column will cease to exist.Get your stories and comments in! My deadline to the Association is the firstof every odd numbered month, so plan accordingly! Until then I wish you thebest in life, God’s blessings and good health.3rd ANNUAL 1st CAVALRY DIVISIONASSOCIATION VETERANS DAY DINNERNOVEMBER 11, 2011$45 PER TICKET(Please print clearly)Name __________________________________________________________Address ________________________________________________________City/St/Zip _____________________________________________________Telephone ______________________________________________________# Guests ____ Name(s): _________________________________________________________________________________________________________Unit(s) ________________________________________________________# Tickets __ Amount $ __________ Check ___ VISA or MC ________________________________________________ EXP Date __________Credit Card Number - Print clearly______________________________________________ Date ____________Signature - Credit Card Payment Only

JULY/AUGUST, 201177th FA NewsRobert W. Tagge2113 Oak Ridge Dr..Round Rock, TX 78681-7248(512) 255-7247RWTagge@Gmail.ComThe 64thannual 1stC a v a l r yD i v i s i o nA s s o c i a t i o n( 1 C D A )reunion is now history. An excellent turn-out considering the country’s economicproblems and with most of the active duty personnel engaged in activities ineither Afghanistan or Iraq. A list of 77th FA attendees is printed on page 12.I want to mention that the 1CDA received a proposal from USAA offeringcredit cards to association members. Currently the Bank of America offersthese cards and the agreement between BofA and 1CDA expires at the endof August and BofA did not wish to renew this agreement. As many 1CDAmembers already belong to USAA this proposal met with great interest amongthe Board of Governors. USAA will have a number of different logo’s availablefor selection and as I understand it current USAA credit card holders can askto get a new 1CDA card. The Board of Governors approved this measure andI expect come this fall USAA will be contacting 1CDA members to offer thema Cav credit card. Obtaining a Cav credit card does benefit the association asUSAA will return a percentage of each card’s use to the association’s generalfund. Additionally, a while back USAA opened its membership to “all whoserved honorably” regardless of rank. If you are not currently a USAA memberI would recommend you check out joining. I have been a member for over 50years and they are consistently rated in the top five insurance companies in theUS by Consumer’s Report magazine.Sadly I must report the loss of two of our veterans. MAJ (Ret) Leo L. Johnsonpassed away on 2 September, 2010 in Stratford, Oklahnoma. I never met Leobut we spoke on the phone on several occasions. His initial service began priorto World War II in C/1-77 FA which at that time was a part of the 18th FieldArtillery Group. I have a 1940 yearbook for that unit and he is pictured in it as avery young man. Leo later served with A Btry, 99th FA in Korea. Additionally,CSM (Ret) Abe Z. Riggs, Jr. passed away on 20 October, 2010 in Puyallup,Washington and was buried in the Tacoma National Cemetery . Our thoughtsand prayers go out to the family members of these great American heroes!I was also saddened to learn of the passing of COL (Ret) William B (Bill)Ray, who commanded the 1-5 Cav from March to August, 1966. During hiscommand both 1-5 Cav and B/1-77 FA conducted several independent missionsprimarily as the II Field Force reserve supporting the 101st Airborne, the mostnotable one being Operation LEWIS AND CLARK from 3 to 16 May, 1966.After his retirement Bill got his law degree from Baylor and established anoffice in Copperas Cove, Texas where I would occasionally run into him atvarious events. Another great warrior gone to his reward!The 1st Battalion, 77th Field Artillery along with its parent organization,the 172nd Separate infantry Brigade, cased their colors on 11 June, 2011 inpreparation for deployment to Afghanistan. The unit then went on block leaveuntil early July at which time they will begin their deployment. The battalionis now a 105/155mm howitzer towed battalion and stationed in Schweinfurt,Germany. The battalion’s units each have a page on Facebook and one need onlytype in the search block “1-77 FA” to find their location. Each Btry/Bn site hastons of photos to view of events going on with each unit. For those interestedThe Hot LZContinued from pg. 17.southern Michigan.” He appreciated my joke.Well into the flight, one of the more bold soldiers asked the Crew Chief, “Thearea we’re going to. Is it hot?” I thought, Yes, they know.The Crew Chief shook his head. “Naw, there’s nothing much going on.”The boy couldn’t believe his ears. “Nothing going on? Really?” It was too noisyto frame the obvious question, Then, why send all of us up there in such a rush?The answer was the crew chief had lied. Oasis itself may have been quiet. Onlyone plane had been hit, but near there, where the troops would go, the Viet Congwere waging a fierce battle. The weathered crew chief knew it was best to easethe tension. It seemed to work a little. Nobody needed to confirm that the troopshad waited so long for a ride because their plane was shot down, at LZ Oasis.One man asked me, “Are you going the same place we’re going?” I gave hima pleasant smile and said, “No, I’m going on.”About half an hour into the flight, the crew chief sat down and strapped himselfin. The drone of the engines changed to a deep growl, and the wing flaps whinedto maximum drag. The nose of the aircraft dropped; we went into a steep dive. Theplane shook. Gravity pulled me forward, out of my seat. We plunged toward theearth. The landing gear ground open and thumped into place. The pilot couldn’tabort and try a second time if he came in wrong. He had to be right the first time,with a load of troops and their gear. He knew the VC were watching.Finally we leveled off, then landed, fast and hard. The engines revved up to ascream, straining to stop the loaded caribou on a short runway. We had made acombat approach to a hot zone. Cruising at altitude, we were safe. On the ground,no hostile fire in the zone threatened us. The danger lay when we descended intothe range of fire from the ground. If the VC had shot at us, we hadn’t heard it.If they had hit us, as long as we could still fly, the mechanics would only countthe bullet holes. If this had been a helicopter drop with enemy fire, the aircraftwould have stayed on the ground for a few seconds. Everyone would have hadto dive out shooting, running for cover.When we landed at LZ Oasis, no one hurried to get out of the aircraft. I spoketo the men as they got off, after some of the noise had stopped. “When you getback, come over to our recreation center. It’s right next to 2nd Surgical Hospital,under the big yellow Cavalry patch.” It was the right thing to say. Major Hayne’swords helped several of them visibly relax and smile.A handful of men commented, “I may do that.” “I’ll have to do that.” I hadassumed that they would come back. Major Hayne had told me never to losemy optimism. These boy-soldiers needed all the encouragement they could get.I didn’t know if it lasted until they got out of the plane, but for a moment theysmiled. I hoped that the soldiers knew what I was trying to do for them. I hadlearned from the doctors in the mess hall, that if a wounded man could get to thehospital, he had a 98% chance of survival. These men would be all right. Out of30, a few might be wounded, but they would all make it back home.1-77 FA prior to casing battalion colors,11 June, Schweinfurt, GermanyPage 22in checking of what 1-77 FA is up tothere’s a video on YouTube featuringthese soldiers as they prepare for theirdeployment to Afghanistan. Check itout here: .Our prayers and thoughts go with thebattalion as they again go into harm’sway. May they return safely andunscathed!This is the present informationconcerning the 77th Field ArtilleryRegiment Association (FARA)reunion. Place: Comfort Inn, SouthColorado Springs, 1410 HarrisonRoad, Colorado Springs, CO 80905-4002. Phone (719) 579-6900; Dates:September 8-10, 2011. Make sure you ask for the 77th FA special rate as it islower than the standard rates. The 2-77 FA, 4th Infantry Division will host themeeting and I’m sure a schedule of events will be coming out in the near future.Paige Lanier is our President and will run the meeting. Per our constitution onlythe Third Vice President will be elected - so begin to think about whom you wantin that position. For those of you we met at the 1st CAV reunion and/or you whohave not joined the 77th FARA please do so before the reunion. It makes it easieron our Treasurer. One year dues are $20.00 and Lifetime is $100.00. PersonallyI believe lifetime is the way to go so you don’t have to keep up with year toyear dues. To join the 77th FARA please contact Jim Bowers, our Treasurer, at:. He will get you the registration form and collect any dues.Had an unexpected phone call from LTC (Ret) Jack Sterne who served initiallyas the Bn LnO to 1-5 Cav and later as commander, A/1-77 FA during the1965-1966 time period. Jack was making some inquiries regarding the IaDrang college scholarships for his grand children as the Ia Drang scholarshipfoundation covers both children and grand children of Ia Drang participants. Iprovided Jack with what information I could but also mentioned that funds forthis scholarship are slowly being used up although attempts are being made toobtain additional funds. It is currently possible that the Ia Drang scholarshipfund could be exhausted between 2015 and 2018 so any and all donations willbe greatly appreciated. They can be sent to the 1CDA HQ in Copperas Cove.As I complete this column, the outside temperature is about 100 degrees, thisbeing one of the hottest spring and early summer I can recall living in Texas.A major part of the state is suffering a severe drought with over 3.5 millionacres of ranch and farm land destroyed by wild fires. My God-son also losthis house in a wild fire just outside Sierra Vista, Arizona and elsewhere thereis extensive flooding, severe tornadoes and other natural disasters. I doubt anyreader doesn’t know someone who has suffered in some degree during all thisactivity. I sincerely hope most of you have been spared any danger or damageand it sure is time to get the weather back into its “normal” pattern.That’s it for this issue. A shorter column than in past months making a bitmore space for the other regimental columnists. Keep your information comingand hope you all have a great summer and look forward to a well attended 77thFARA reunion in September in Colorado Springs! Concrete 46 - out!TAPSWe have been notified of the death of the following:LAST NAME, RANK, First Name, Unit, Date. Date of DeathBARCUS, SGT Robert H. Sr., A Co., 1-5th CAV, 1952-53. 22 May 2011.BOWLES, SGT Richard, 371st RRC, 1967-68. 11 December 2010.COTE, COL (R) Paul R., HHB, DIVARTY, 1967-68. 26 June 2011.DeFLERON, MSG (R) Lynne A., B Trp., 1-9th CAV, 1965-66. 24 May 2011.FRANCIONE, CPL Thomas V., 15th QM, 1949-50/A Btry., 99th FA, 1950-53.30 October 2010.DOBSON, SGM (R) Arnold H., 15h AG, Fort Hood. 7 July 2011.DUVE, SFC Fred A., Jr., A Co./HHC, 7th CAV, 1950-51. 27 April 2011.FRANZEN, SGT Howard A., A Trp., 1st MED, 1941-45. 29 June 2011.GUIDRY, TRP Victor J., HQ Btry., 61st FA, 1954-56. 3 June 2011.HANKINS, PFC Benjamin R., D Trp., 7th CAV, 1944-46. 9 July 2011.HAYDEN, SGT Thomas D., B Co., 8th ENG, 1967-68. 10 July 2011.HESLEP, PFC Carl D., C Co., 1-7th CAV, 1965. 7 March 2011.JOHNSON, MAJ (R) Leo L., C Btry, 77th FA, 1940-42/A Btry., 99th FA, 1950-51. 22 September. 2010.LAUREL, SGT (R) George H., Sr., Med Trp., 5th CAV, 1940-45. 30 May2011.LUNA, SGT Robert L., C Co., 2-12th CAV, 1966-67. 6 June 2011.MASON, SP-4 Albert R., HHC, 229th AVN, 1966. 11 July 2011.McGUIRE, MSG (R) John C., 15th AVN, 1965. 21 June 2011.MINGUS, SGT Robert A., 501st ENG, 1971-72. 21 October 2011.PENCE, SGM (R) Eugene F. “John”, B Co., 1-5th CAV, 1950-51. 10 April2011.RIGGS, CSM (R) Abe Z. Riggs, Jr., C Btry., 1-77th FA, 1965-66. 28 October2010.SALAS, SGT Aurelio “Roy”, B Co., 1-8th CAV, 1948-51. 21 June 2011.TOZIER, PFC Howard B., HHC, 1CD, 1951-52. 26 May 11VICKERY, CW4 (R) William R., A Co., 229th AVN, 1968-69 and 1971-72/HHC, 1CD, 1990-91. 28 November 2010.The Caribou now empty; the pilot suggested, “Would you like to ride in thecockpit?” Pilots did that for Red Cross girls, even when the aircraft was full. Iwas sure the pilots kept me with the soldiers on the inbound flight because theyknew the men would benefit. Take off repeated the hot landing in reverse: ashort, fast sprint down the runway, a leap into the sky, a climb, engines racing,the plane straining, and then we leveled off and relaxed into the familiar cruisedrone. Safe at altitude again, the pilot invited me to fly the plane. I was eager totry. I loved it. Those moments in the cockpit too, were part of my work. Theygave the pilots reminders of home, as we cruised toward our base.Note: Joann Puffer Kotcher is a member of the 1st Cavalry Division Association.

Page 23 JULY/AUGUST, 201121st FA NewsMichael McGregor7173 Packer Dr. NEBelmont, MI 49306(616) 866-0384Mike7173@Yahoo.ComOn April 20, the unit had a changeof command. LTC Davel took hisfinal run as “Rocket 6”. He has beenreplaced by LTC Everett. The unitalso had six other officers leaving tofurther expand their careers in otherpostings: CPTs Ward, Stapletonand Martin, 1LTs Murray, Spencer and Horvilleur. I’m sure you all will join mein wishing these gentlemen well. They now are, as we are – proud veterans ofa great unit!The day after I submitted the last article to the Saber, I heard from Al Berry.Al was with the 1-21 and has published a book , XO into the Ia Drang Valley,about his experiences. Al wrote that the book covers the period January, 1966with Operation MASHER/WHITE WING in the Bong Son area to August, 1966in Operation PAUL REVERE II. The book is available from Amazon.com or canbe ordered through major bookstores - just give them the title and author. DennisBlessing, B/1-7 Cav, also contacted me and highly recommended the book.Joe Koch has been in contact. Joe was FDC with A Battery 12/66 – 12/67. Weserved together for a few months but in the last few months of his tour, he hadboth an in country and out of country R&R. I was a new guy but I remember Joeas he lived a few miles away from where I grew up. He’s retired now and livesin North Carolina and reports that he still tries to fly once a week. He remembersJohn “Moose” Mulvey from Michigan, Pete Peterson from Minnesota andJohn “Doc” Vincent. He would like to hear from them (so would I). Joe can bereached via e-mail at .Got two great letters from Newell “Hump” Humphries. After a 13 month tourin Korea at the DMZ with a M101A1 (split tail) unit he ended up in Vietnam.He was with A Battery (1967-68) and his tour just about coincided with mine.He joined the Battery as a gun chief, SGT (E5), during Operation BYRD. Hisgunner, CPL Bob Sullivan, quickly trained him on the “new guns”, M 102s. Hemoved with the Battery to II Corps and was on LZ English when it was hit at thebeginning of TET. Then on to I Corps, Khe Sahn and the A Shau. Hump hadto leave the A Shau with his howitzer due to maintenance issues and was withit at Camp Evans. During a 122mm attack, he barely escaped injury or worse.Obviously not thinking of himself he wrote: “My howitzer wasn’t so lucky itgot destroyed. Sure hated to lose that one”. Hump made SSG in July, 1968 andstarted flying missions with CPL/SGT Armstrong calling in artillery strikes. Herotated back and left the service returning to Oklahoma where he has just retiredfrom ranching and farming. He sent a CAV patch with “Air Assault” embossedon the bottom, a Cav magnetic patch, a Cav key chain and rubber bracelet. A trueSky Trooper! Hump reports that he wears his Cav bracelet every day. I don’tknow if he remembers but when I had about 2 months left in-country he sent mewhat by any description can be called a XXX-rated short timer calendar. Thanksfor the short timer calendar (40+ years late) and the stuff just sent. Hump wouldlike to get in contact with his gunner, Bob Sullivan. Bob’s last know whereaboutswere in Columbia Mississippi. If Bob is reading this or if anyone else knowsthe status of Bob, please pass that information on to me and I’ll get it to Hump.Terry Campbell A/1-21 reported in. He served 2/70-12/70 and writes that theBattery set up LZ XRay in Cambodia a few days before the Cambodian operationbegan and during the operation they set up three other fire bases. They leftCambodia the evening of 6/30/70. Welcome home Terry.Tom Desper reported in. Tom was in the Army for nine years, 1960-1969. InApril, 1963 he was assigned to the 11th Air Assault Division which we all knowwas re-flagged as the 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile). He deployed with thedivision to Vietnam in August, 1965 as a Staff Sergeant in FDC. He participatedin the Ia Drang fight and Operation MASHER/WHITE WING. He stated thatfrom August, 1965 to February, 1966 over 100,000 rounds were fired in supportof the 3rd Brigade. He also related that at LZ Columbus his FDC crew had tofight on the perimeter to help stop an attempt to overrun the LZ. Tom writes: “Ihave never served with finer officers and men then in the group we went to Vietnamwith. CPT Langford, my FDO in the Ia Drang, CPT Bob Baker, B Batterycommander in the Ia Drang and later my FDO, CPT Jerry Whiteside, BattalionLiaison in the Ia Drang, were superb officers. MSG Cato, our operations sergeantin the Ia Drang was a true professional.”Not to sound smug or anything but I think most of us would share Paul’s senseof pride whenever we served as it was the people that made the First Team andthe 1-21st great.When someone contacts me, I attempt to include as much information as possibleabout their time with the 1-21st. Following up on that idea, I would like toinclude an expanded section of “How I ended up in the 1-21st and what I did”.In some cases the entire story can fit in one issue and in others it might have tobe serialized. At any rate Steve Russell volunteered to go first. He writes…“In December, 1968 while assigned as a battery commander of an 8” SP batteryin Geissen, Germany, I received orders for Vietnam. Also at this locationDivision DoingsContinued from pg. 11.and CSM Hill (the ISAF/USFOR-A CMD Team). The CJTF-1 JVB, PAO, andOperations SGM’s team did a fantastic job of transforming one of the aviationhangars into a first class venue complete with ruffles and flourishes on the stage,American and Service flags adorning the walls, and a thirty foot PattonesqueAmerican flag providing a back drop for the stage. In First Team fashion, the1st Cavalry Division Band was on hand to provide the music and pageantrywe have come to depend on – they were outstanding as usual. MG Allyn providedopening remarks and introduced GEN Petraeus who praised the sacrifice,dedication and patriotism of the assembled Soldiers. After his closing remarks,GEN Petraeus conducted a mass re-enlistment/reaffirmation oath for 235 Servicemembersbefore yielding the podium to Senator McCain. Senator McCaincommented that today’s military continues to amaze him; after ten years of warand multiple deployments, American Soldiers continue to take another oath ofservice knowing that they “likely will be asked to deploy again.” The presenceof all our distinguished guests certainly made this 4th of July Ceremony in aCombat Zone one for the history books!In addition to visits from Senators McCain, Lieberman, and Graham, we havebeen visited by multiple congressional delegations, the Deputy National Securitywere a 175mm battalion and an Honest John battalion (This becomes importantlater in my story). The orders stated I was to report to Fort Lewis for a weekof Vietnam indoctrination training. I had two opposite reactions. First, I questionedhow a week in cold, rainy, foggy and cloudy Washington was going toprepare me for Vietnam. My second reaction was “Outstanding”. I wanted tobe assigned to the 1st Cav and knew that flights from McCord AFB or SeaTacusually went to Cam Ranh Bay which was the feeder replacement depot for the1st Cav at Camp Evans.“Everything was falling into place. Dressed in Class A uniforms about 200soldiers boarded a PanAm 707 at 2:00am on February 14, 1969. Once airborne,we were told the flight was being diverted to Travis AFB. No explanation. Wewould leave for Vietnam later in the day. Now the 1st Cav seemed more remoteas flights from Travis went to Ton Son Nhut and the 90th Replacement Battalion.We arrived around 11:00pm, anxious and not knowing what to expect. Tenmonths later I visited Saigon for the day and had to check my weapon and thenreally understood how silly my anxiety had been.“We went to Long Binh, was assigned a bunk in the ambitiously named BOQ.The next morning we began processing: briefings on the rules and regs, the scaryVD class, paper work, converting currency to MPC, jungle uniform issue andthe like. On the way to the mess hall, someone behind me called out my name.I turned and was surprised to see the Sergeant Major from the 175mm battalionfrom Germany. He was with a heavy artillery unit that desperately needed officerswith that experience. He said it was a great unit and I would probably have abattery command in a few weeks. He could have my orders cut that afternoon.“I thought about it for perhaps five seconds and told the Sergeant Major thatI appreciated the offer but I really wanted to be in the 1st Cav and if I couldn’tget the Cav I would take whatever support artillery assignment I could get. Ididn’t want to be back in Corps Artillery. He said he understood but it would beunlikely that I would get the 1st Cav as their replacements came via Cam RahnBay. He wished me luck and we parted.“The next morning I was stopped by a personnel clerk and given some paperwork.He said: “Sir here are your orders. I don’t know who you know but youhave been assigned to the 1st Cavalry Division.” I never saw the Sergeant Majoragain but any doubts I ever had about Sergeants Major running the Army wereerased in an instant.“A few hours later, I flew to Camp Evans via C-130 for a few more days ofindoctrination where I fired an M-16 for the first time. More orders. I was assignedto 1-21st which was direct support for the 3rd Brigade operating aroundBen Hoa. So true of the Army getting me from Germany to Vietnam: Germanyto CONUS for a 30 day leave to Fort Lewis to Travis AFB to Ton Son Nhut toLong Binh to Camp Evans to Ben Hoa (which is next door to Long Binh!). Thisis how Steve got to the best artillery unit in the Army. In subsequent articles hewill relate some of his experiences in-country.” Thanks Steve! He broke the iceand now I hope others will share as well.In a previous article I wrote that I have been helping a professor with an oralhistory project. His name is Jim Smither. Of interest to all Vietnam veterans is aproject that he will be working on in the coming year while he’s on sabbatical fromteaching. All too often Vietnam vets are seen as bikers (although I have nothingagainst bikers) or drugged out sociopaths walking around in jungle fatigues. Wecollected ears, killed babies and all the other nonsense we have heard over theyears. The whole has been viewed as belonging to a tiny minority. It’s obviousthese stereotypes were developed and perpetuated by the media and wannabesover the years. Conversely the Greatest Generation, our World War II generation,are looked at as heroic. (I have nothing against the WWII guys as my father wasKIA on Omaha Beach). They were not judged as the generation that gave us theHells Angels or by the atrocities committed by a very few. Professor Smither’sproject will serve to define the Vietnam veteran as what we actually were. Wefought the war, and fought well, against crazy odds, against enemies on the fieldand at home and without the support other generations have taken for granted.As his work unfolds I’ll keep you advised. As a PS he is already thinking abouthis next project which hopefully will be a Stephen Ambrose type history of the1st Cav in Vietnam.As I was just putting this article to bed, Bob Ross sent me the information onthe Chapel on LZ Bartlett. This is a great story and I will lead off the next articleabout this. In advance, thanks Bob!Just for information, my deadline for submitting material to the Saber is the firstof every odd numbered month. I like to send the info a week or so early to givethe staff some time and not be part of the end of the month information avalanche.So if you are sending anything to me, just keep the deadline in mind.If anyone reading this column wants to contact a person I have written aboutand if contact information is not given, just let me know whom you would like tobe in contact with. I’ll send your contact information to that person and hopefullycontact will then be established.Your responses are what makes this article…keep in touch.ACTIVE DUTY TAPSThe Department of Defense has announced that the following Active DutyTroopers assigned or attached to the 1st Cavalry Division have died in supportof Operation NEW DAWN in Iraq.LAST NAME, RANK, First Name, Unit. Date of Death.BELLARD, SSG Nicholas P., C Trp., 6-9th CAV, 2008-11. 13 June 2011.GALLAGHER, SPC Matthew R., A Trp., 6-9th CAV, 2010-11. 26 June 2011.JOHNSON, PFC Dylan J., C Trp., 4-9th CAV, 2010-11. 26 June 2011.PROCTOR, SSG Russell J., C Trp., 4-9th CAV, 2005-11. 26 June 2011.SEWELL, SGT Glenn M., C Trp., 6-9th CAV, 2009-11. 13 June 2011.TALAMANTEZ, SGT Steven L., C Co., 3-8th CAV, 2008-11. 10 July 2011.We have been notified of the death of the following active duty Troopers inthe United States that were not combat related:BEARD, SGT Bryan D., D Co., (FSC), 4-9th CAV, 2006-2011. 12 June 2011.CHAMBERS, SPC Cole L., C Trp., 1-7th CAV, 2010-11. 10 June 2011.NORDER, PFC William V., D Co., 3-8th CAV, 2010-11. 9 June 2011.Advisor, the Secretary of Defense, the Polish Chief of the General Staff, threeState Adjutant Generals, and multiple Joint Service Flag Officers. CJTF-1 andContinued on pg. 24

JULY/AUGUST, 2011HONOR ROLLAcknowledgement of generousdonations from the following troopers:Page 24UP TO $25SFC ABRAHAM, Richard L.SGT BANKO III, Stephen T.CW2 BATEMAN, BobbyE-4 BLACK, Dennis F.SSG (RET) BOCOCK, Gilbert E.E-4 BOGGESS, Heinrich J.2LT BOONISAR, Richard N.MSG (RET) BOOTH, Daniel T.MSG BRYCE, Joe H.E-4 BURKHARDT, John B.COL (RET) BURNETT, Clark A.MAJ BUTCHER, Brian J.SP-4 BUTLER, Tony M.CPL CAMPBELL, William L.SSG CASEY, Jr., George W.SP-4 CHURCH, ThomasSGT CIFELLI, Richard J.SP-5 CISKO, WilliamCOL (RET) COLGAN, Eugene D.SGT CROMBE, Raymond W.PFC CRUMP, William H.CPL CUELLAR, Cruz G.SP-4 DE PASQUALE, Anthony P.SFC (RET) DESPER, Jr., Leon T.SFC EARLS, Richard L.CPT (RET) EMBREY, James L.SGT FRANKS, Floyd E.COL (RET) GAIDA, GerrySGT GAMBRELL, Jr., Robert M.COL (RET) GESKER, Joseph M.SSG GONZALEZ-ARAUZ, Edgardo A.PFC GORDON, Harry W.SGT GRAY, Jerry M.SGT GREENE, Ronald J.SFC GREGG, Dennis J.CW4 (RET) HAKOLA, MichaelCPL HALSTEAD, Marvin L.SGT HAYES, James AllenCSM HENDRICKSON, Robert J.SFC HIDANO, Jay F.E-6 HIGHTOWER, Samuel B.CW2 (RET) HILTON, Mark H.COL KALINOWSKI, William J.MAJ (RET) KEATING, Charles F.CW3 (RET) KELLER, John L.SGT KERNEK, Steven P.LTC (RET) KIMBALL, Alan M.SSG KIRBY, RandyCPL KITTELSON, Richard D.SGT KLEIN, William S.CPL KNOERZER , Sr., Robert E.MSG (RET) KNOTTS, Alan W.E-4 KREGAR, Simon P.SSG KRZYWOSINSKI, Alfred R.1LT KUHN, James J.SGT LEE, Edwin W.SFC (RET) LINDSEY, James R.1SG LOCKE, Donald E.SP-5 LONG, Theodore S.CW2 MAHANY, Patrick E.Division DoingsContinued from pg. 23.the proud units that make up RC-E have suffered 34 Fallen Heroes. We ask thatyou join us in prayer for these Fallen Soldiers, our Wounded Warriors, and theirFamilies whose lives are now forever changed. We are a Coalition of inspiredvalues and courageous commitments…because of the incredible heroes and familiesthat put their lives to the cause here every day. It is a humbling experiencebeyond description to Serve alongside such extraordinary Patriots.In closing we offer a special Thank You to all of our Families back home.They continually put up with the long hours of work when we are home, andthe missed birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays while we are deployed. Theymake the sacrifices that enable us to do what we love…Serve our Country. Wecould not do what we do without your love and support. Keep us All in Prayer!God Bless You, Live the Legend! ‘‘Kings of Battle’ Train Iraqi Field Artillerymen by SPC Terence Ewings, 4thAB, 1st Cavalry Division, PAOCONTINGENCY OPERATING SITE MAREZ, Iraq “ Since November 1775,U.S. Army field artillerymen have become renowned for their use of indirectfire weapons support to provide timely, accurate and lethal deliveries of artillerymunitions.More than 200 years later, modern-era “Kings of Battle” serving with 4thAdvise and Assist Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, are advising, training andassisting their Iraqi partners on how to use fire support weaponry to defend Iraq.Soldiers of Battery B, 5th Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery, mentored field artillerycrews from 2nd Iraqi Army Division during a course on M198 155mm howitzersat Ghuzlani Eagle Training Site, Iraq, June 21.“We’re here to teach the Iraqi soldiers how to properly use theM198 howitzer so they are capable of providing indirect fire supportfor their unit,” said CPT Chad Fitzgerald, commander of Battery B.PFC MAZZOCCA, RichardMAJ (RET) MC ALLISTER, Max W.SP-5 MC BRIDE, Jim R.LTC (RET) MC KENZIE, Roger L.1SG (RET) MC WILLIAMS, Danny R.SGT METRANDO, Andrew J.SP-5 MICHAUD, Donald J.COL (RET) MIDDLETON, Robert D.SP-4 MILLER, Theodore R.SGT MITCHELL SR., Victor R.E-5 MORAN, Donald J.In Memory of SGT Robert LUNA, D Co. 2-12 CAVwho passed away June 6, 2011. Rest in Peace.SGT (RET) O’DONOVAN, Ken W.LTC PEREZ, OctavioSGT POWER, GarySP-4 QUIGLEY, Daniel E.SP-4 RENTERIA, GregCOL (RET) RHYNSBURGER, Robert B.CW2 RICK SR., Dennis L.E-4 ROBINSON SR., James A.MR. and MRS. RODRIGUEZ, Ramon and EloisIn Memory of SGT (RET) George H. LAUREL.E-5 (RET) ROY, Claude D.COL (RET) SCULLIN, Michael J.SGT SEMAN, Jr., Frank J.1SG SETLIFF, EdE-5 SHAW, Harold E.LTC (RET) STAUFFER, Wallace J.1LT STRAWTHER, Edward L.SFC TABER, Robert W.SGT THOMPSON, Robert L.E-5 TRIPLETT, Gary W.COL (RET) TUCKER, Jr., George G.SFC VELA, Ruben H.SGT YATES, Bruce R.$26 - $50SGM (RET) AREND, Leland R.MR. AND MRS. AUSTIN, Roy and RubyIn Memory of COL Frank L. HENRY.SP-5 BUCHVALT, Frank S.CW4 CAINE III, Vaughn H.SP-4 CARTER, Tedford H.SGT CHRISTIANSON, David L.SGT COOK, Ira GeorgeMR. AND MRS. DIEM, John and JulieIn Memory of COL Frank L. HENRY.E-4 GRIER, William M.CPT HALL, Sanci M.MSG HENDERSON, NorvellSP-5 MIRAGE, Paul L.In Memory of Donald A. ORSINI, D Co. 1-12 CAV.MSG (RET) LUSK, RandallSGT MARINKOVICH, VincePFC RILEY, Dennis G.SGT SALSBURY, Leroy A.MSG (RET) SMITH, Ora A.SP-4 VADALABENE, William J.E-4 WILSON, Jr., John R.$51 - $100SP-4 COX, Robert E.In Memory of Mrs. Dorothy A. MARM.BG Hinz, Peter C.In Honor of LTG (RET) Harold G. MOORE andJoseph L. GALLOWAY.SP-5 HYATT, Calvin W.In Memory of Thomas S. BRIDGES and Johnny R.GREEN.MS. MORI, HeatherIn Memory of COL Frank L. HENRY.PSG (RET) PALMER, Leslie L.In Memory of PFC William Henry WHITE, A Btry.,1st Battalion, 30th FA, KIA 23 July, 1968, Danang,Biah Dinh Province RVN.MR. POOL, RobertIn Honor of CSM Basil PLUMLEY.MR. AND MRS. TROY, Patrick and CathyIn Memory of COL Frank L. HENRY.MSG (RET) VIGIL, Eloy E.CSM (RET and MRS. WEBSTER, DennisIn Memory of Michael W. McGHIE, Angry Skipper.$101 - $500E-4 ADAMS, Robert R.In Honor of the Redlegs of 7-13th Artillery who werekilled or wounded in Operation Pershing I during1967-1968.SGT HENRY, Alfred C.In Memory of SP-5 Oscar GUTIERREZ, C Co. 1-7thCAV, 3/11/68.COL (RET) HERREN, John D.In Memory of the Great NCOs of B Company, 1-7Cavalry, LZ X-Ray, November ‘65.THE JAMES J. MASON CHAPTERIn Memory of CPT (RET) James J. Mason.SFC (RET) KINNEY, Charles M.The Men of C Company, 1-7th CavalryIn Memory of SP-4 Douglas M. GIST and PFC CarlD. HESLOP, who served in C Company, 1-7th Cavalry,1965.LTC (RET) MERCHANT, RichardSP-5 NORTON, JerryIn Honor of the 42nd PID, Vietnam 69-70.SP-5 PENDLETON, Verne H.MG (RET) SMITH, Scott B.In Memory of LTG (RET) Paul G. CERJAN and SP-4Michael W. McGHIE.$501- $599NORTHWEST VETERANS MOTORCYCLECLUBIn Memory of PFC Marvin DICKS, 1-77th FA, KIAJanuary 21, 1967.$1,001 AND UPE-4 CLARK, John P.The First Team Family Cares!Your Donations to the Foundation and theMuseum Foundation are Tax-DeductibleFor the past two weeks,artillerymen from Battery Btaught Iraqi soldiers how toassemble and disassemble thehowitzer’s components and usegrid coordinates to compute firingdata.“The Iraqis have made greatgains throughout the classes,” saidFitzgerald, a native of Arlington,Texas. “They are eager to learnand just as quick to pick-up onwhat is being taught.”“These guys are making history,” said 1SG Mario Lindsey. “I worked on thishowitzer when I was a private. Few field artillerymen that are in today’s Armycan say they’ve had an opportunity to work on this weapon system and also traina new Iraqi field artillery unit on how to be proficient with it.”While the fire direction center artillerymen worked on enhancing theIraqis’ map-reading and mathematical skills, U.S. cannoneers tested their IAcounterparts’ ability to assemble and disassemble the breach of an M198 howitzer.“Both field artillery specialties are critical to utilizing an M198 howitzer; itrequires teamwork and builds camaraderie among the Soldiers,” said Lindsey, anative of DeFuniak Springs, Florida.After the IA soldiers complete their advanced computing procedures andhowitzer proficiency tests, US Soldiers will continue to prepare their Iraqipartners for a live fire exercise scheduled for next month.“We put a lot of hard work into training these guys and they give us the sameamount of effort back.” said SSG Matthew Spurling, pictured above, a native ofKilleen, Texas. “They want to know how to do this, that’s why we train them.