Spring 2011 MAGAZINE Vol. XXVII, No. 1 - The Society of the 173D ...

Spring 2011 MAGAZINE Vol. XXVII, No. 1

OFFICERS
President
Roy Scott
614-235-6055
President@skysoldier.org
Vice President
Ken Cox
706-865-3417
VP@skysoldier.org
Secretary
Tim Austin
580-574-1707
Secretary@skysoldier.org
Treasurer
Gary Granade
281-507-1500
Treasurer@skysoldier.org
Chaplain
Joseph Marquez
864-275-5041
Chaplain@skysoldier.org
Judge Advocate
William Vose
407-894-0075
JAG@skysoldier.org
Member Secretary
Dennis Hill
781-769-6062
Membership@skysoldier.org
Gold Star Representative
Debra Yashinski
205-329-3196
GoldStar@skysoldier.org
Sky Soldier Editor
William Klinger
727-863-9406
Editor@skysoldier.org
Brigade-Assn Liaison
Jim Bradley
727-376-2576
Info@skysoldier.org
LOCAL ASSOCIATION CHAPTERS
1 Washington DC Area – Sigholtz Chapter 15 Minneapolis, MN- John K. Weber
2 New York - Lozada-Watters Chapter 16 NW States - W. Washington State
3 Columbus / Ft. Benning Area Chapter 17 Mid-West-States - Ohio Chapter
4 Philadelphia, PA - Glenn H. English 18 Oklahoma - Larry Pierce Chapter
5 Fort Bragg, North Carolina Chapter 19 New Zealand Chapter
6 Elite Forces -Chicago Chapter 23 Australia - Queensland Chapter
7 Florida Chapter 24 Rochester, Minnesota Chapter
8 NW Inland - Eastern Washington State 25 Phoenix, Arizona - Thunderbird
9 New England Chapter 27 Australia Victoria -Southern States
10 Northern California - Western States 28 San Diego, California Chapter
11 Australia NSW - Down Under 30 South Carolina Chapter
13 Texas Chapter 173 Europe, ( Italy & Germany ) Chapter
14 Southern California Chapter AL Members with no Chapter (at Large)
PUBLICATION DEADLINES AND DISCLAIMER
ISSUE Submission Deadline Pub Date Theme
SPRING 15 March 15 April Ballot Issue
SUMMER 15 June 15 July Post Reunion Issue
FALL 15 September 15 October Membership Renewal
WINTER 15 December 15 January Candidates Issue
Articles, photos and graphics appearing in Sky Soldier Magazine do not necessarily reflect the
views of the 173d Airborne Brigade Association or its members. The Association does not make
any warranties or endorsement of the advertisements in this publication. We reserve the right to
edit all submissions for clarity and to meet space requirements. We reserve the right to refuse any
article or Advertisement for inclusion. All material submitted are at the contributor’s risk. Materials
may be keep in our archives and used at a later date in any publication made by the Association.
Your opinions and suggestions are welcomed.
Add Rates; Full page $600, ½ page $350, ¼ page $200, Business card $125

NEWS FROM THE TOP
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
It is a fine Airborne Morning, March is here, snow is melting. June is just around the corner. I am running for
re-election to the position of President of the Association .The first two (2) years has been a valuable learning
experience. We have assembled an outstanding executive committee, I request your vote to continue to make
administrative improvements in how the association does business .I thank you. Airborne All The Way .The
Brigade has returned from their last deployment, but tragedy has been has been reported. 1) Sgt, Trent
Schmidt of Greenville, IN, died, Auto Accident. Chapter 17 Notified. 2) Pvt. Michael J. Cumpston, of
Tuolumne Ca. Accident (Fall) Chapter 10 Notified, 3) Sgt Hahn of Lockport NY. Auto accident, Chapter 2
Notified, Our Sky Soldiers have fallen, we of the Association pray for their families and loved ones, and they
will not be forgotten.
Chapter 9 Dennis Hill is our Member Secretary, I want to Thank Chapter 9 President Peter Klausner and the
membership for volunteering to take on this difficult task. Airborne Gentlemen. The Reunion this year is in
San Antonio TX, Chapter 13 has been working hard to provide and promote what will be an outstanding
gathering, I have received e-mails regarding rooms available, Rooms for the Reunion ARE available, June
22 nd –June26th, A few have called the Hotel wanting to check in early, but the hotel is busy with another
gathering the days prior to us Jumping in. I have been thinking, who could be singing that old song, “All My
ex’s live in Texas” Respectfully Submitted, Roy F. Scott Ye Iswa
TREASURER’S REPORT
I want to thank you for the great support yawl show for the Foundation and our various projects we support.
The next time you here from me will be at the reunion in San Antonio. I promise a great Texas welcome and
time.
You are running out of time to go to the web Site and get your application for scholarships and complete them.
We obviously care about our Australian Brothers as we have raised over $5,000.00 to support the flood
victims from their disaster in January. We have till April 15 th to add to it.
Thanks to David Nordan, David Glick, Edwin Vargas, Roscoe Heyman, Harry Cleland, Paul Dinardo, Jose
Yepez, Ken Cox, Tim Austin, Gary Granade, Fred Elam, Manuel Mermia, Charles Boss, John Belzer,
MICHAEL Marsh, Frank Martinez, David Leung, G B Humphreys, Santiago Krummel, Michael Herndon,
John Foley, William Gile, Brian McCumber, Daniel Phillips, Dick Kjellsen, George Purnia, Robert
McCartey, CSM John Bagby, Kenneth Onufrock, Harry Kinsella, Dewitt Rule, Kenneth Jones, Lacey
Chesney, Lacy Chesney, Paul Borowoski, Arthur Martinez, Edwin Carns, Michael Switzer, James McDonald,
Keith Cocita, Gene Bland, Barry Salant, Leonard Arveson, Francis Holland, Larry Pugnier, George Leese,
Willard Barron, Jeremiah Minor, Billy Bettison, Kenneth Smith, and Florida Chapter 7, Oklahoma Chapter
18, Arizona Chapter 25, Texas Chapter 13, Sigholtz Capital Chapter 1, SSG John K. Weber – Chapter XV.
Gold Star fund thanks to Deb Yashinski, Michelle Egan in memory of Timothy Egan, and Gayle C. Spencer.
Scholarship fund thanks to Col James Johnston, William McGann, And the Bravo Bulls who gave in
memory The Sky Soldiers from B/2 503 in the war on Terror. Joshua Highland, Lt Michael Lehmiller, Blake
Hall, Christopher Palmer, Lt Derrick Hinds, Timothy Vimoto, Juan Restapo, Mathew Blaskowski, Larry
Rougle, Joshua Brennan, Hugh Mendoza, Nicholas Cook. Gary Granade - Treasuer
3

BAYONET 7
Dear Members of the 173 rd ABCT Association:
The 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team (ABCT) continues to add
to our prowess as an accomplished and adaptive team, as we hone the
skills of our disciplined Paratroopers, so they are set up for success –
no matter what type of mission they find themselves being tasked
with.
We recently bid farewell to SSG Salvatore Giunta, the Army’s only
living MOH recipient from the Global War On Terror (GWOT) era, a
member of Battle Company, 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment
(Airborne) here in Vicenza, Italy, where our headquarters are located.
Our Soldiers are working closely to pass on to Afghan and Iraqi
forces just how important Information Operations by sharing our
experiences with the Voices of Modern Islam program, an initiative
spearheaded by our S-7 section. Representatives of our team visited
Jordan for a very special briefing and there are plans for other units in the Army and Marine Corps to mirror this
program to use words, deeds and images effectively in the war on terrorism.
As a rapidly deployable force, here in Western Europe, “The Herd” has planned out an educational trip for staff
members to visit historic places, where they can use the opportunity to leverage important lessons learned from
World War II and contemplate how best to take initiative and gain tactical advantage over the enemy – relating
examples from the past and applying them in order to allow operational dominance to take place – leading from the
front, as Sky Soldiers always have done and will continue to do.
The Brigade has a joint-operations jump, working side by side with the Italians, scheduled this Spring and with the
understanding that small units within the Brigade being looked to for winning the fight, the brigade is promoting
our vision and uncommon commitment, as Paratroopers, to be about the business of being the most professional
parachutists the Army has at its disposal. We continue to build esprit de Corps and we expect positive results from
this opportunity to jump with our Italian counterparts, sharing information and methods, helping to develop each
other’s skills.
Our focus since redeploying has been getting our Soldiers lined up for the Schools and training they need to tap
their potential. We are focused on contingency preparation, but at the same time, we are multi-tasking by working
with the Polish Army, conducting team leader training, sporting events and getting our Sky Soldiers the support
and gear they need, as part of the process for re-setting our people, gear and planning in order to build a team of
teams!
We continue to arrange training and schools that range from Sniper School, in conjunction with the Germans,
visiting various locations that offer promising environments that are conducive to training, where we can help save
the government money by being creative problem-solvers at a time when budgetary belts are getting tighter all the
time. The Brigade’s Ball is just around the corner and our involvement with the local community has been
exemplary, where our troopers have demonstrated their selflessness and generosity. We are doing a far better job
of taking the time to see and be seen, recognize professional commitment and convince this unit that they remain
the best by developing pride in this team, as we realize one person can make a difference by becoming a leader.
Our year ahead will be spent giving those led a chance to lead!
4

As we enter a new year it
would do well to reflect on
the year past. As the
Brigade returned from a year
in Afghanistan the question
may be asked, What was
accomplished? The answer
to that inquiry may be years in the answering. In my
youth, while many were saying, "make love not war",
and "better red than dead", we were fighting a
determined enemy in Vietnam and an equally
determined group of Communist sympathizers at
home. It cost much for us to continue the fight and
maintain our morale as our efforts were denigrated by
those who we were protecting. Blood, sweat and
treasure were expended helping the Vietnamese
people to maintain their freedom while some of their
own leaders were busy building their own fortunes.
Times have not changed all that much. But this much
I am persuaded of, that those who serve and put their
lives on the line are to be commended far more than
those who shrink from doing their duty. I have just
laid my father Ernest Julian, a WWII Army Air
Corps/Air Force veteran of service in the Philippines
to rest at the National Veteran's Cemetery in Santa Fe,
New Mexico. He died in his sleep on the 26th of
February, 2011. Forty years earlier we had laid my
brother Julian Ernest, to rest in Lake Worth, Florida.
He was KIA in Vietnam, on the 15th of February,
1971. He died on point while trying to cut the wires
of a command detonated Chicom claymore mine.
Freedom always has it's cost, some must die so that
others may live. My father was 87 when he drew his
last breath, my brother was 18. My father grieved for
his son for forty years, But my father was proud of
his sons service in the Army, all six of us, and of his
grandson, my son Daniel, who, with three tours in
Iraq and one thus far in Afghanistan, is now a ten year
veteran and Gunnery Sergeant in the USMC. The
commitment of American men and women to the
defense of this nation is essential to our national
survival and woe to those authorities who take lightly
their responsibility to put them in harm's way. To
take the fight to the enemy before the enemy brings
the fight to us is why we fight on foreign shores. We
have seen what they will do if we don't. With God as
our helper for time and eternity we can take anything
the world can dish out. While you still have the time,
get this most important of relationships straightened
out. If you need help let me know.
Joe Marquez Airborne / Heavenbound
5
Hello Everyone,
It’s hard to believe another
Spring is here and with it comes
memories. It’s hard to believe that
forty-six years ago the 173d
Airborne Brigade went into a small
little known country called Vietnam. Eight years ago the
only combat jump of the War on Terrorism was made
into Iraq. Six years ago the 173d went to Afghanistan
for the first time. Then, four years ago they returned to
Afghanistan.
We each have our own memories of these days. I
send out cards of remembrance to families each month
– 60 in March, 36 in April and 47 in May. But come
Memorial Day, take the time to remember 1,847 Fallen
Sky Soldiers. These were your friends, your buddies.
But, for some of us these were more than comrade in
arms. They were our babies, our soulmates, our daddies,
etc. And we have or will face a lifetime of loss. But, it is
also a chance to make new friends, if we only reach out.
It is easy to be friends with the guys you served with. It
is much harder to reach out a hand or offer a kind word
to a widow, father or sibling who has lost a loved one. I
have been really trying to encourage the Herd Gold
Stars to attend the Reunions and become involved with
the Association. We are trying to help. We have created
a wonderful cookbook. It is filled with favorite recipes
of your fallen friends. Pictures from Vietnam, formal
and casual pictures chosen by the families. The
important thing to know about these cookbooks is that
they were created with love. All the money goes to the
Gold Star Fund in the 173d Airborne Brigade
Foundation, as they are the ones who fund the Gold
Stars, such as Christmas Cards, gifts for the children,
cards of Remembrance, flowers for funerals and other
needs. Please take the time to purchase these
cookbooks. They are $13 for each cookbook. Make the
check out to 173d Airborne Brigade Foundation. On the
memo line write “Gold Star Fund”. Send the check to
me at – 112 Cooper Rd, Richlands, NC 28574.
Or SAVE money and pay only $10 at the San Antonio
Reunion !!!
Yes, Spring is here. A time to warm up and
remember. Hope to see you all at the Reunion !! Love,
Mommaski.

Soldiers test skills in combatives tourney
DAN BLOTTENBERGER/STARS AND STRIPES
Jeffrey Sanderson, bottom, battles Joshua Achor 2/503 rd , 173ABCT, during the second annual European Forces Combatives
Championships in Bamberg, Germany. Achor won the match and finished second in the heavyweight division, while Sanderson
finished third.
BAMBERG, Germany — Gabriel Matt, a Grafenwöhr-based heavyweight, took home the “most outstanding
fighter” award Friday at the second annual European Forces Combatives Championships at the Freedom Fitness
Facility on Warner Barracks.
The 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat
Team from Vicenza was named the top team - having four fighters finish in the
top three in four of the five weight classes.
The home-team fans got to see the only female in the tournament, Jen
Brouillette, beat all the males in the lightweight division. Brouillette, a second
lieutenant in the 16th Sustainment Brigade out of Bamberg, eventually lost in the
semifinals to cruiser-weight winner Erick Leon-Garcia, a sergeant in 2-503, in
the best overall fighter bracket.
For the tournament to succeed in Europe there needs to be more qualified
officials in Army combatives, Mosely said, as well as more qualified trainers to
teach soldiers the skills. Most of the higher-level training courses are taught at
Fort Benning, Ga., he said, so either the trainers or Europe-based troops would
have to travel to get the instruction.
Lightweight: 2 place, Sgt. Le’Kendrick Lovett, BSB, 173ABCT 3 place, Spc. Carlos Newman, 2/503, 173ABCT
Welterweight: 3 place, Sgt. Markar Young, STB, 173ABCT
Cruiser weight: 1 place, Sgt. Erick Leon-Garcia, 2/503, 173ABCT
Light heavyweight: 1 place, Sgt. Benjamin Cardoza, 2/503,173ABCT
Heavyweight: 2 place, Spc. Joshua Achor, 2/503,173ABCT
6

Giunta says farewell to Army
By KENT HARRIS Stars and Stripes Published: March 7, 2011
VICENZA, Italy — When word leaked out in September that the decision had been made to present him with the
military’s highest honor for bravery, Staff Sgt. Salvatore Giunta was conducting inventory in his battalion’s
weapons area.
He told a public affairs officer that interviews
with reporters interested in talking to the
country’s first living Medal of Honor recipient for
the ongoing war in Afghanistan would have to
wait until he was finished. Since then, Giunta
hasn’t done a lot of that kind of work.
“No more inventories,” he said with a laugh
Monday after a farewell ceremony at Caserma
Ederle, a base he’s called home for parts of the
last seven years. He’ll be leaving Italy this week
and — after taking advantage of some accrued
leave — will be out of the Army in June.
Instead, the 26-year-old has been feted around the U.S. as the face of the modern American soldier. “The last four
months have been exciting and fast and hectic,” he said. “I didn’t know I was going to be that involved in the
speaking circuit.”
Giunta isn’t comfortable talking about himself or his actions on Oct. 25, 2007. In the nightmarish Korengal valley,
Giunta and his unitmates were ambushed. Amid a hail of bullets and RPG rounds, Giunta pulled one wounded
soldier from the battlefield to safety and hunted down two insurgents carrying away a dying soldier, bringing him
back to the unit. He said he’s talked with other living Medal of Honor recipients and agreed that the honor presents
opportunities to talk about the efforts of his fellow soldiers.
“And I could talk about them all day,” he said. Giunta said his post-Army plans include attending Colorado State
University. He hasn’t been accepted yet. “I had meant to get it done about six months ago, then …,” he shrugged
with a smile indicating the events going on around him.
Standing on the stage of the base theater shortly after receiving the U.S. Army Meritorious Service Medal from
Maj. Gen. David R. Hogg, Giunta delivered a few thoughts to his fellow soldiers. Many were members of
Company B, 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment — known as Battle Company.
“Lately, I’ve been able to stand up in front of a lot of people and say a lot of things,” Giunta said, but standing in
front of his fellow troops meant a lot. “It really means the world to me to stand up here with people I’ve served
with.”
He helped unveil three plaques that will soon be on display in the base’s Hall of Heroes, the battalion headquarters
and the headquarters of the 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team.
“We acknowledge your courage, your sacrifice,” Hogg said. “Thanks for being a soldier.”
7

TIMES ARE A CHANGING … THE “ROCK” TO TODAY
It is hard to believe that we are coming up on the 50 th Anniversary of the Brigade, Some Sky Soldiers out there
remember March 1963 when the Brigade began to form and that day on 25 June 1963 when the 173d Airborne Brigade
(SEP) was activated. It was a whole new concept that a Brigade would be acting independently – not part of a division –
definitely on the cutting edge, Tip of the spear so to speak. We were so new back then we did not have a Flag. The
Brigade was activated with a Brigade Flag with the number 173 on it – no patch. Indeed much of what we were back
then was just left over would World War II equipment and uniforms.
What made us different was this idea of independence and out of it grew more rigorous training and new concepts like
cavalry becoming LRRP, then LRRP rangers. The Brigade parachuted its way across the Philippines and trained with
the Republic of China’s paratroopers. They gave us the name “Tien Bing” – Sky Soldiers and thanks to Colonel Boland,
1/503rd, who had the song “RAWHIDE” played over the PA system during all battalion formations. The paratroopers
had to run to and from all these formations, and with the roads being unpaved they kicked up quit a cloud of dust. One
of his staff remarked that they looked like a “herd” of cattle and the new name stuck – The 173d Airborne Brigade
(SEP) became the HERD. Colonel Boland was given the name Rawhide.
Fast forward 48 years, The Brigade saw action in Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan and still is the most decorated Brigade
in the Army as it moves on. Indeed the Concepts, training and jumping continues. The 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat
Team – is a separate unit. Facing reality there are more of these young troopers alive today then of us old troopers from
the past. But what will not change is the spirit of the Brigade – The power of the patch, the pride of the unit and those
who served. We all can sleep a little safer because Sky Soldiers will bring the Tip of the Spear – to our enemy in the
dark of the night and make fear the HERD. I look forward to the 50 th Anniversary where ever it may be, as we have
cause to celebrate the achievements, valor and the Sky Soldiers of the 173d Airborne Brigade.
8

Sky Soldier inducted into Army Ranger Hall Of Fame
By Staff Sgt. Thaddius S. Dawkins II49th PAD
“Take anyone off the street, shave his head, put dog
tags on him, get him to raise his hand and he’s a
Soldier, but it takes a different kind of person with
heart to be a warrior,” said retired Special Forces
Chief Warrant Officer Gary O’Neal.
O’Neal’s dedication to his country was recognized
last Friday when he was one of 14 “warriors”
inducted into the Army Ranger Hall of Fame at Fort
Benning, Ga.
O’Neal’s military career began with him being
drafted in 1969. “My first assignment was a combat
tour in Vietnam,” he said. While there, O’Neal served
with several elite units to include the 173rd Airborne
Brigade Line Company, Company C, 75th Ranger
Regiment and the 5th Special Forces Group. During
his first tour in Vietnam, O’Neal spent the majority
of his time conducting hazardous missions that
included prisoner of war rescues and sniper
operations.
“We lost 60,000 troops, but we killed over eight
million,” O’Neal said. “That’s almost a nine to one
ratio.” Shortly after his return home, in 1972, O’Neal
attended Ranger School before returning for a second
tour in Vietnam. O’Neal received both the Silver and
Bronze Star medals for his service in Vietnam.
“The Rangers are the toughest and best light infantry
unit in the world,” O’Neal said. Up next, O’Neal
went to the Special Forces Assessment and Selection
course where he completed all the training to earn his
green beret.
“There wasn’t a mission we couldn’t do as Special
Forces and Rangers,” O’Neal said. “That’s the
attitude that I’ve had as a team member, team
sergeant and a team leader.” After earning his green
beret, O’Neal went on to complete scuba and suboperations
training as well as high-altitude, lowopening
parachute jump school.
Besides attending schools, O’Neal spent more than
15 years training and fighting with American and
Latin American forces in Central and South America.
“Gary is one of the finest field Soldiers I have ever
met in my entire life,” said Gary Dolan, O’Neal’s
9
platoon leader while
he was in Company
C, 75th Ranger
Regiment. “His
ability to track the
enemy soldier was
the best I have ever
seen.”
Additionally,
O’Neal was an
instructor for the
Army HALO
School and spent
two years as a
Golden Knight on
the Army parachute
team. “I will be the
Courtesy photo
Retired Special Forces Chief Warrant
Officer Gary O’Neal was recognized Friday
when he was one of 14 “warriors” inducted
into the Army Ranger Hall of Fame at Fort
Benning, Ga.
first Golden Knight to be inducted into the Ranger
Hall of Fame,” O’Neal said. He was also handpicked
to help develop the first survival, evasion, resistance
and escape course at Fort Bragg.
“SERE is everything a Special Forces Soldier needs
to survive,” O’Neal said. “It is one of the most
important schools he will ever go through.” In 1996,
after an impressive military career, O’Neal retired
from the Army. However, in 2004, the Army again
called him to active duty. This time, it was to be a
master trainer in the world’s largest unconventional
warfare field exercise — Robin Sage.
“Being a former Soldier, I will continue to train
Soldiers until my body no longer physically allows
me to,” O’Neal said. O’Neal currently teaches
seminars on his own developed fighting style,
American Warrior Free Fighting System, where he is
a 10th degree black belt. He travels throughout the
United States to teach the AWFS fighting style.
“When in combat, you don’t have time to take your
opponent to the ground and try all the submissions
and moves mixed martial arts teaches,” O’Neal said.
“You have to get in and kill the enemy quickly so
that you can continue on with the mission.” All
things considered, O’Neal is a true example of a
warrior living by his motto, “Glory has a price.
Honor is priceless. Integrity covers it all.”

CUSTOM BAG INSPIRED BY 173d
The Carson Bag is inspired by my son Carson Smith,
and the paratroopers of the 173rd Airborne Brigade.
Imagine a soldier's rucksack. Its function and durability
depend on high standards for its material and
construction. The Carson Bag begins with this
fundamental premise and it does not disappoint.
Our bags are designed and constructed to withstand the
rigors of everyday use. They are lightweight and roomy
enough to hold all essentials including a laptop or the
IPAD. Made in the USA by a master craftsman using
time honored bench made methods, our bags are
produced in luxurious leathers, uniquely custom printed
laminated linen, and traditionally woven French
canvases.
In a world of mass production we look to carve out a
space where individuality is respected and encouraged.
The vibrant colors of the bags captivate the eye and the
quality of materials inform the touch.
www.carsonbag.com/the-carson-bag.htm
Sky Soldiers Support HERD Brothers
In January at the Board of Directors meeting, the
flooding in Australia was brought to out attention. One
chapter pledged support, then another. Soon it was
obvious that all the Board wanted to help. Our National
webmaster stepped in and suggested that we start a
support drive on our website. Soon chapters and
individual Sky Soldiers were stepping help to help their
HERD Brothers.
IN THE NEWS
10
Chapters and States like FL, TX, OH, VA, AR, TN.
OK, SC, CA, NC, LA, NY, CO, MD, AZ, MS, MN and
Puerto Rico, all gave. The support was spontaneous and
all the way. Close to $5,000 was raised. The money
going to our brothers “down under” to donate to the
appropriate agencies that help them the most. This just
goes to show … Once a Sky Soldier, Always a Sky
Soldier
173d VIETNAM HD TV
I'm conducting audio and video research for a History
Channel production (Vietnam in HD a Lou Reda
Production www.louredaproductions.com) and am
curious if any of your members have film/audio from
their time in Vietnam. The film we're producing is
"Vietnam in HD" and the 173rd is featured prominently
in the film. Some vets might be familiar with our work
on World War II, as we also produced WWII in HD for
HBO.
I'm searching for 8mm and 16mm film from in-country
or the home-front between 1964-1975, in addition to
any cockpit/ground audio recordings veterans may have
and are willing to share. As a courtesy, we're also
transferring any film reels to DVD for veterans,
something that we've found helps bring these
documents out of the attic to be viewed again for, most
times, - the first time - in years.
Might you be able to help? Also, are you aware of who
possesses the rights for the "Have you heard of the
173rd" song as well as the official march song?
Warmest Regards, Doc Kane 773-600-4920
Ex-173d CDR to command 1st Infantry Div.
Maj. Gen. William C. Mayville Jr. will become
commanding general of the 1st Infantry Division and
Fort Riley, Kansas.
Mayville was deputy chief of staff for operations of
NATO's International Security Assistance Force in
Afghanistan. He has been deputy commander of the
82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg.

Mayville graduated from West Point in 1982 and
received his commission as a second lieutenant in
Infantry. His career began as a platoon leader in 1st
Battalion, 75th Infantry Battalion (Ranger) at Hunter
Army Airfield near Savannah, Ga. He commanded the
173rd Airborne Brigade and was chief of staff of the
U.S. Southern European Task Force (Airborne) in Italy.
173d at the Oscars
By ashmccall– March 7, 2011
I received the email on Feb. 15, with an invitation that
read “You are cordially invited to watch the Academy
Awards,” and I couldn’t help but smile.
Sgt. Misha C. Pemble-Belkin speaks with reporters at
the 83rd Academy Awards Feb. 27, in Hollywood,
Calif. Pemble-Belkin was one of the 173rd Airborne
Brigade Combat Team soldiers whose deployment was
chronicled in the Oscar-nominated documentary film
“Restrepo.”
An experience only
a handful of people
get to attend every
year, how could I
not be excited?
After I checked in
and received my
gift bag, which held
a few snacks, gum,
a t-shirt and a
pencil; the crew
running the event
led me to the fan
bleacher area. I
wasn’t alone of
course.
Surrounding me
were other
members of the
military, including a group of airmen, marines, sailors
and two fellow Army sergeants, Diego R. Perez and
Ivan Haynes. Intimidating, considering I was a
specialist surrounded by sergeants and officers alike
from not just the Army, but all the other services as
well. But there I was, waiting patiently for the activities
– and fun – to begin.
When all of the stars made their way into the Kodak
theatre, the crew running the red carpet began to take
11
everything down. They let the bleacher sections leave
one section at a time; it took about 20 minutes for us to
be released from the bleachers. The red carpet was
closing, but the excitement was still in the air. Inside,
the awards were kicking off and everyone in the stands
was checking their phones for news of any early
winners. In the end, I was excited to attend the event
and to see the stars I usually only get to see in the
movies. My favorite people to see were Robert Downey
Jr. and Mila Kunis, the latter of which was wearing a
very beautiful dress. I was also thankful I had a zoom
lens, so I could see the stars closer than most. Finally, I
was astonished at how all the celebrities looked the
same in real life as they do on the big screen.
Petraeus reveals that son served in Afghanistan
The Associated Press 8:13 p.m. Wednesday, March 16, 2011
WASHINGTON — Challenged by a congressman to
"be honest" about how long American troops might
have to fight in Afghanistan, Army Gen. David
Petraeus revealed that he has a personal stake in
ensuring that
the U.S. war
objectives are
met — his
son, Stephen,
whose recent
combat tour
was kept
"very quiet."
Petraeus
replied: "I
may not be at
this table,
probably
won't be, in
2015, but I'll
tell you that my son is in uniform, and Lieutenant
Petraeus just completed a tour in Afghanistan, which
thankfully we were able to keep very quiet, and left in
November after serving as an infantry platoon leader.
We're very proud of what he did. He thinks he was
doing something very important." His son, 2nd Lt.
Stephen Petraeus, served in Afghanistan as a member
of Co. A, 3rd PLT 1/503rd, 173rd Airborne Brigade

MTBI AND PURPLE HEART
By Richard Sandza and Andrew deGrandpre ‐ ARMYTIMES
Tens of thousands of soldiers may soon receive Purple Heart awards for traumatic brain injuries if proposed new policy
guidelines are approved as expected. The guidelines would apply to those who suffered such head wounds in the wars in
Iraq and Afghanistan.
Vice Chief of Staff Gen. Peter Chiarelli, who is leading the Army’s
initiative, said Army Regulation 600-8-22 lists five examples of “enemyrelated
injuries that clearly justify award of the Purple Heart.” No. 5 reads:
“Concussion injuries caused as a result of enemy-generated explosions.”
“The regulation specifically says ‘if you have a concussion”. Gen.
Chiarelli, believes some soldiers were shortchanged. He encourages them
— back to 2001 — to reapply.
The Three Strikes Rule: Since last summer, the military has required 24hour
rest for any personnel suffering even a mild concussion. After a
second head injury, sufferers are required to spend seven days with no
physical activity. A third head injury requires evaluation by a neurologist in
theater.
The nature of conflict is constantly changing, he said, so the criteria should
be adapted to the times. Current Purple Heart criteria list 10 examples of wounds that do not qualify. Among them are “battle
fatigue” and post-traumatic stress disorders. If and when the new guidance is approved and issued, the folks at HRC are
expecting a flood of requests from former soldiers who suffered concussions.
Here is the Army’s proposed checklist to help determine if a soldier has suffered a concussion and whether he received
“medical officer treatment.” Positive answers in both of these categories are required for approval of a Purple Heart:
If at least one of these signs or symptoms was present immediately after the event, the soldier suffered a concussion:
■ Diagnosis of concussion or traumatic brain injury.
■ Loss of consciousness or decreased level of consciousness.
■ Loss of memory of events right before or after the injury.
■ Neurological deficits such as weakness, loss of balance, change in vision, difficulty coordinating movement, headaches,
nausea, difficulty understanding or expressing words, sensitivity to light.
■ Intracranial lesion identified on CT or MRI scan.
If any of these treatments occurred, the soldier received medical officer treatment:
■ Limitation of duty after the incident.
■ Pain medication such as acetaminophen, aspirin, ibuprofen, etc., to treat symptoms associated with the injury such as
headache.
■ Referral to neurologist or neuropsychologist to address problems associated with injury.
■ Rehabilitation such as occupational therapy, physical therapy, etc., for problems associated with
injury.
■ Medical officer certification if treatment is given by other medical professionals.
Note: Treatment is described as “any action, procedure, restriction or medication directed by a
physician as a component of a deliberate plan to address a specific medical condition or injury.”
Here are examples of injuries that justify award of the Purple Heart, according to the Army regulation:
■ Injury caused by enemy bullet, shrapnel or other projectile created by enemy action.
■ Injury caused by enemy-placed mine or trap.
■ Injury caused by vehicle or aircraft accident resulting from enemy fire.
■ Concussion injuries caused as a result of enemy-generated explosions.
12

173d AIRBORNE BRIGADE ASSN. MEDAL
The Board of Directors of the 173d Airborne Brigade Association approved the creation such an award in their
June 2010 meeting. The Medal was designed with the ribbon using the colors of the 173d patch with 3 vertical
stripes symbolizing the three combat theaters of operation of the Brigade. Yellow for Vietnam, Tan for Iraq and
Black for Afghanistan. The medal displays the Logo of the Association with our nick name and Airborne Motto.
The back of the medal uses the distinctive unit insignias of the Brigade in Vietnam (173d Airborne Brigade, the 1 st
Royal Australian Regiment and the Royal New Zealand Artillery) and the Combat badges earn by the Sky Soldiers
of the Brigade.
The medal was created by the Association and may be awarded to any Sky Soldier for Special Recommendations
for continued superior service to the Association. Approval of the award will be made by the Board of Directors
of the Association. ROTC cadets may be awarded the medal for continued superior service and/or achievement
and be awarded by local Chartered Chapters at local ROTC award ceremonies. It is also to be awarded to all Sky
Soldiers receiving the Medal of Honor at a time and place set by the recipient.
The Medal has been awarded to CSM John Bagby of 1/503 Infantry, for his continued superior to the Association.
13

Sky Soldier Gets Distinguished Service Cross
By Sgt. Neil W. McCabe XVIII Abn. Corps and Fort Bragg PAO
“Many talk about being in the company of heroes — today, we are truly in their company, and today we celebrate
and recognize one of our very best — Staff Sergeant James M. Takes,” said Col. William Ostlund, who
commanded Takes’ battalion, the 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team,
during that deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. The battalion is known as the Rock Battalion.
to the arm, he said.
Maj. Matthew R. Myers, who was the Chosen
commander, said the attack came Nov. 9, 2007 as
the 30-Soldier column, which included squad of
Soldiers of the Afghanistan National army, moved
on foot from a key leader engagement in the village
of Aranas. “They were returning from that mission
after they had stayed at the village overnight,”
Myers said. The troopers traveled by foot because
the area was inaccessible to vehicles.
With the command, “Follow me!” Takes ordered his
men to seek cover on a slope below the road and it
was during this movement that the squad automatic
weapon gunner tumbled down the hill losing both
his weapon and helmet, he said. Before he went
down to check on the saw gunner, Takes had already
been temporarily knocked unconscious from a
rocket-propelled grenade blast and a gunshot wound
Takes, who gave his own helmet to the gunner, said he was hit the other arm at the bottom of the slope. When he
was hit the second time, Takes said he was applying a combat tourniquet to the gunner’s leg with his left arm and
firing his M-4 with his right arm.
The gunner tells it the best, he said. “He said he was looking up at me from the
ground and saw it go through and I kinda jumped a little bit. He said I got a really
upset look on my face like I was mad. He said, ‘Man, that really had to hurt.’” As the
bullet struck, Takes said he said to himself, “I am really tired of getting shot at.” Just
before the ambush, Takes said he and the other squad leader had stopped to discuss
the terrain they were about to enter.
“You could not have asked for a better place to set up an ambush,” he said. The unit
the Rock Battalion had replaced had also been ambushed in almost the same place.
“It was called ‘Ambush Alley.’ We all knew it was coming. We had an odd feeling.
The night before, nobody wanted to go out on this mission. We just knew.”
After the ceremony, Anderson said the troopers from the battalion had the mission of
creating enough security for the people in their area of operations, so that they did
not feel threatened, and to convince them that development, such as roads, schools
and civil governance offer them a better future. “It was an austere area with
challenging terrain,” Anderson said. “But, the Rock Soldiers did their job and
performed their duties very well.”
14

Sky Soldier receives Soldier's Medal
By Kent Harris Stars and Stripes Published: February 4, 2011
VICENZA, Italy — Spc. Justin Paquet was six hours into a patrol up and down a mountain in Afghanistan,
carrying almost half his weight in gear under a steady drizzle. He already had been shot at multiple times. And his
day was about to get worse.
It was Aug. 7, 2010, and a patrol led by Staff Sgt. Daniel Schaffer
was returning to Combat Outpost Conlon. In order to get back, they
had to cross a river that, under normal conditions, wasn’t much more
than a stream. But several days of rain had added a lot of swiftflowing
water.
Still, it made sense to try to ford the stream rather than to use any
bridges in the area, Schaffer said. Bridges are obvious places to stage
an ambush, and Schaffer’s patrol — made up of a small group of
soldiers from Company C, 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment —
had already fought off two attacks during the patrol.
Little did any of the soldiers know that it would take a heroic effort
by Schaffer to make sure the day didn’t turn tragic. An effort that
would eventually earn him the Soldier’s Medal, the Army’s highest
award for valor in a noncombat situation.
Paquet, 23, from Milford, Conn., waded into the stream in an attempt
to get across. Twice he turned back, because the water was too deep
and moving too swiftly. The patrol tried another spot. Paquet waded
in again, the water level reaching his waist at some points.
“I lost my footing, maybe four feet from the other bank,” Paquet said in an interview Thursday. “There are some
parts I don’t remember after that.” “He went down for a long time and when he came back up, he was obviously
not himself, probably in shock,” Schaffer said.
So while most of the patrol manned security — waiting for another attack they thought was likely — Schaffer
handed off his rifle, dropped some gear and went after his struggling soldier. “I’m a pretty strong swimmer,”
Paquet said. “But with 60, 80 pounds of gear … not so much.” Schaffer, 28, from Boulder, Colo., is less confident
in his swimming ability. “I can dog paddle and get where I need to be,” he said with a
smile. With a combination of swimming and sheer determination, he reached a halfconscious
Paquet, who was being carried away by the water. “At that point, I was so
exhausted, I couldn’t do anything,” Paquet said. “I think I would have died if he wouldn’t
have grabbed me when he did.” It took Schaffer a while to steady himself and Paquet.
Other soldiers were eventually able to help them out of the water and back onto the same
bank they had started from. They rendered aid to Paquet and got him back on his feet.
This week, Schaffer was presented the Soldier’s Medal during a ceremony at Caserma
Ederle in Vicenza for his actions that day. Paquet was left with a few cuts and a debt to
his squad leader that he won’t soon forget. “I’m here today because of him,” he said.
harrisk@estripes.osd.mil
15

SKY SOLDIER Football JERSEY
Cost is $70 each shirt plus shipping cost $ 8.70 each shipment
Shirts are due out in time for Football season (Sept.) Double Sewn Dazzle Fabric Shoulders, 100% Heavyweight
Polyester Tricot Mesh Body, Breathable Contrasting Color Spandex Side Inserts, High Quality Tackle Twill
Appliqué Numbers & Nameplate, Custom Embroidered Insignia on Front Chest & Sleeves, Officially Licensed
Product of the United States Army, Sizes are: 46/M, 48-50/L, 52-54/XL, 56 XXL
All profits go to the 173d Airborne Brigade Foundation that provides us with a Scholarship fund,
Bereavement fund and Support fund for our wounded warrior projects.
This year’s edition – “Afghanistan”
Please send your pre-orders payable to 173dABF
Sky Soldier Store, 5640 Wellfield Road, New Port Richey, FL, 34655
Please allow two weeks for delivery
Name ____________________________________________
Address/ CMR #-Box # _______________________________
City/APO_________________State/AE _______Zip _______
2011 Calendar - Cost: 12.95 + S &H
1- $ 15.50, 2- $ 30.75, 3- $ 43.75, 4- $ 56.75, 5- $72.25
Make Checks Payable to; 173d ABA Calendar
c/o 5640 Wellfield Road, New Port Richey, FL 34655
16

CHAPTER NEWS
CHAPTER 1- WASHINGTON, D.C. AREA- SIGNHOLTZ CHAPTER
Terry Modglin – Terry.Modglin@Gmail.com 202-270-3083
Arlington Marker Dedication Set - With all the authorizations completed, the Brigade Arlington National
Cemetery Marker that was dedicated in 1999 can now be replaced with one that reflects the service and sacrifice of
those who have served since 2000 as well as our Vietnam-era Sky Soldiers. The Sigholtz Capital Chapter is
pleased to announce that the Dedication of the new Marker will take place on Saturday, May 7 th at 1100 hours, in
conjunction with the Chapter’s Annual “Reading of the Names.”
Those planning to attend this ceremony should gather outside the Arlington Cemetery Visitors Center no
later than 1030 hours. We will move as a group from the Visitor’s Center to the Marker site where the Dedication
ceremony will be held. If you need to drive to the Marker site, you can obtain a pass from the Visitors Center. We
anticipate a good number of Sky Soldiers from the new Brigade as well as Vietnam and Iraq-Afghanistan vets
from around the country.
This year, in a departure from our normal sequence of remembering the fallen from a specific year in
Vietnam, we will read the names of those warriors who fell in Iraq and Afghanistan as well as the Australian and
New Zealand fallen to continue to honor our bonds with those nations. We have extended an invitation to our
Australian and New Zealand friends and hope that they will be able to attend. The ceremony will be followed by a
picnic brunch at Spates Hall on Fort Myer at the cost of $14.50 per person. If you are interested in being at the
picnic, please send check or money order to Picnic, Sigholtz Capital Chapter 1, 173d Airborne Brigade
Association, P.O. Box 15133, Arlington, VA 22215-0133. We need to receive your funds by May 1. If you are
coming to the Dedication but not the Picnic, it would be great to know that as well for planning purposes. If you
need lodging for the event, Virginian Suites Hotel next to Fort Myer is available at 703-522-9600. Please call
Terry Modglin at 202-270-3083 or email him at terry.modglin@gmail.com for more information or to check in.
Further information regarding plans for the Dedication will be posted after March 15 at www.173dabnchap1.org.
Thanks to the generosity of a number of Sky Soldiers, including three Association Chapters, our Australian
comrades in arms and some very generous Chapter 1 members, for their contributions to replace the old marker.
New Chapter Secretary is Afghanistan Vet – In line with the goal to begin to transition to the next
generation of Association leadership, Chapter 1 is proud to announce that Dave Fultz, who served with the Brigade
for two tours in Afghanistan, is the new Chapter Secretary. One of the initiatives Dave will lead is the recruitment
of more 21 st Century Sky Soldiers to the Chapter.
Facebook Page - One of Dave’s other initiatives is to grow participation in the Chapter’s new Facebook
page, found at http://www.facebook.com/pages/National-Capital-Region-Chapter-173d-Airborne-Brigade-
Association/15907410781194.
Outreach Officer – The Chapter is also reaching out to its Vietnam-era Members, especially those unable
to make it to our periodic gatherings. Former Chapter President Roy Sparks will lead that initiative. Roy is
available at elite173d@yahoo.com.
CHAPTER 2 – NEW YORK – LOZADA-WATERS CHAPTER
Pres. Tommy McMahon POC - David Glick Pointman173@optonline.net 516-431-8311
17

CHAPTER 3 - FORT BENNING, GA CHAPTER
Art Van Allen Art173rd@aol.com
Chapter 3 has had a busy year; we went to Tuskegee VA Hospital five times over the year to play bingo with the
troops and guest. We also served refreshments after bingo. In October we started a House Of Heroes project, this
is where we make small home repairs to the home of a Veteran or a spouse of a Veteran home. It took six trips to
finish all the repairs and the family of six was very grateful for all the improvements we made on their home. If
you don’t have a House of Hero’s program close to your Chapter, I recommend that you look into this project. We
close out our year with our annual Christmas Party for our members and their wives or sweethearts. We encourage
our out of town members to attend this special event.
As always if you or someone from your family comes to Ft. Benning please get in contact with us so that we may
assist you anyway that we can. Our monthly meetings are held on the second Saturday of each month at the VFW
Post 65 located on Victory Drive. We eat breakfast at 0800hr and our meeting starts at 0900hr. Everyone is
welcome.
On a sad note we lost four members this past year. They are: William (Bill) Ward, John Slovenz, Charles Kankel,
Jesse Davis, Please remember their families in your prayers.
CHAPTER 4 - PHILADELPHIA, PA CHAPTER
George Bembischew - 215-788-0824
CHAPTER 5 - FORT BRAGG, NC CHAPTER
Pres. Jose Bercedoni - POC - Bill Rasool Ankhe173@aol.com 910-826-7320
CHAPTER 6 - ELITE FORCES – CHICAGO, IL AREA CHAPTER
Jose M. Palacios - madmex173@hotmail.com 815-568-0766
CHAPTER 7 – FLORIDA CHAPTER
James Bradley – Webmaster@173rdAirborne.com 727-376-2576
The Florida chapter is looking close at a new Range to hold our annual shoot out...more news to Follow. With the
Troops back in their bases in Germany and Italy, The chapter still sponsors our soldiers down range through
Operation Showtime – as we send DVD to various units – mostly they are units that Sky Soldiers have transferred
to and email us asking for support like we have them when they were in the HERD. We still run the Sky Soldier
story for the Association and have our part of the store that helps fund our chapter but we never have enough funds
to support the needs of sky soldiers past and present. In the last 12 months we have supported Toys-for-Tots, The
build a home for the wounded program, a gold Star gathering, A winter get away for two sky soldiers from Fort
Bragg with help of our 82 nd Abn Assn Brothers, the memorial marker in Arlington, The 173d Airborne Brigade
Foundation and many other events around the state. These things happen only because of your continued support.
This years’ schedule is below and as always we need your support. Wither it is just attending meeting, helping with
projects or sending a check. All support is needed and welcomed. We still look for Sky Soldiers to take leadership
roles in The Jacksonville and Pensacola/Panama City areas.
7 May 2011, The Ed Proffitt East Coast Meeting, Melbourne, FL
28 May 2011, Memorial day event, 173d Memorial Bushnell, FL
22-26 June 2011 National Reunion, San Antonio, TX
16 August 2011, National Airborne Day, TBA
8 November Run, Bamberg Germany
11 November 2011 Veterans Day Parade, Orlando
18

Once a Sky Soldier, Always a Sky Soldier – Stay hooked up with your membership
www.skysoldiers.com/dues.htm and support your local chapter www.floridaskysoldiers.com/donate.htm
CHAPTER 8 – EASTERN WASHINGTON STATE AREA - NW INLAND CHAPTER
Eldon Meade – eknmeade@earthlink.net 509-370-3598
Chapter contact information, PO Box 302 Liberty Lake, WA 99019 Email eldon.meade@gmail.com
The Chapter supports the New Eastern Washington Veterans Cemetery located in Medical Lake WA just east of
Spokane. Secretary Eldon Meade Provided mentor ship to the Students of the West Phoenix High School
participating in the live Broadcast on the 15th of March.
Secretary Eldon Meade provided direct mentor ship to the Following Students.
• Jose Garcia won the Senior Individual Exhibit and was nominated by the judges for Best Use of Oral History on
his research; Nazi War Criminals: 65 Years Later: Revenge or Justice.
• Eduardo Segura and Lucero Molina placed in the Senior Group Exhibit category with their research on Non-
Aggression: Stalin and Hitler: Origins of Evil When Diplomacy Fails, War Prevails.
In addition, I am also proud of Jessica Ridings (The Scopes Trial) and Ulises Marquez (The Declaration of
Independence) for their efforts but unfortunately did not move on to state.
CHAPTER 9 – NEW ENGLAND CHAPTER
Peter Klausner - logpc@comcast.net 508-238-0219
After a near record year for snow, Chapter 9 is thawing out. The feet of snow is melting, grass can even be
seen in places. Our Chapter geographically covers the entire New England States as well as Canada and Alaska.
Understand that warm weather is a much looked forward to event. A good year for maple syrup!
A new year and a new enthusiasm to complete our many goals set forth by our Chapter President. High on
our priority list is the continuance of locating former and new Sky Soldiers. We have had a lot of luck finding new
members so far and with the hard work of many within the Chapter our numbers continue to rise.
The Chapter now is in full control of the Association’s membership. Dennis Hill is firmly entrenched and
working hard on membership. Our thanks go to Jim Bradley for his past work on this project, and for his many
hours to training that he provided to us.
As the weather warms and travel becomes easier we begin moving our meeting locations within our AO.
Our website calendar is current as to locations dates and times of these events; we look forward to meeting new
and old faces.
Our goals remain steadfast, those that paid the ultimate price, new members, and today’s warriors. Our hair
may have grayed in the years that passed but not our spirit. We are Sky Soldiers, yesterday, today and tomorrow.
Peter Klausner, President, New England Chapter, www.newenglandskysoldier.com
CHAPTER 10 – NORTHERN CALIFORNIA AREA - WESTERN STATES CHAPTER
J.C. Terry Terry_173@sbcglobal.net 916-457-4870-home/fax
19

Our quarterly meeting was held February 19, 2011,at the American Legion Post 172,at 1960 North Tracy
Blvd, Tracy, CA. We try to schedule four meeting a year. we rotate the meeting places to give ours members a
chance to be able to attend at least one meeting close to their home. We participate in various activities during the
year. Some of the members visit the VA Mather Medical Center in Sacramento/Mather CA. Several chapter
members are planning to attend the 173d Reunion in San Antonio, Texas, in June 2011. Several chapter members
will be performing Honor/Color Guard duties at the 2nd Annual "welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day
Ceremony, March 26, 2011,in Yuba City, CA 95993.Some members attended the funeral of PVT Michael Jacob
Cumpston in Sonora, CA95370.
Our Calendar of Events (Activities) for 2011
June 2011-All Services Airborne Association Annual BBQ for patients-Menlo Park, CA
June 2011-SkySoldiers Reunion-San Antonio, Texas
July 2011-Western States Chapter 10 Day at Raley Field, Sacramento River Cats Triple A Baseball
September 2011-Col Maggie's Drop-In, All Services Airborne Association-Marina, CA
September 2011-Western States Chapter 10 Meeting/Gathering
November 11, 2011-Color Guard for Military Appreciation Monday-Golden Corral Restaurant-Elk Grove, CA
December 2011-Western States Chapter 10 Meeting/Gathering Christmas Party
A moment of Silence for Our Fallen Brothers, May they Rest In Peace.
Tillman Jeffrey, Edward "AL" Goldman, Paul D. Crossman, Michael Jacob Cumpston.
CHAPTER 11 - NEW SOUTH WALES, AUSTRALIA - DOWN UNDER CHAPTER
Sid Cheeseman – shcheeseman@unwired.com.au 011-61-2-9683-4271
CHAPTER 13 – TEXAS CHAPTER
Scott Smith Shs2pm@hotmail.com 254-753-4870
Our last Chapter meeting was held at Santiago Krummel’s home in Progreso, Texas on February 19 th 2011.
Progreso is in South Texas near the border and is home to the Veteran’s War Memorial of Texas. The Chapter
helped fund the Memorial and has a 173d Airborne Brigade section within the Memorial. The Chapter Members
assembled at the memorial at 1100 hours. Then the members went to Santiago’s home for lunch and the meeting to
follow.
The Chapter is primarily working on the upcoming reunion in San Antonio to be held June 22nd - 26th
June. Everybody has their respective responsibilities and will be ready for the party in San Antonio. You can
register online or send your registration fee via snail mail. The details can be found in this newsletter or by going
online to www.texasskysoldier.org Go ahead and visit the website to view the facilities, events, and those who are
already registered. This is the Association’s once year event where you can hook-up with past comrades and have a
good time.
NOTICE: There has been some misinformation going around about the reunion hotel being full. If you are
trying to come in early on the 20 th or 21 st the hotel will tell you it is full. There is a different event still ongoing
thru the 21 st . The hotel has plenty of rooms from the 22 nd on and also available after the reunion for those who
want to stay later.
CHAPTER 14 – SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA CHAPTER
Wambi Cook wambicook@aol.com 626-339-7071
Our February 12th meeting date was chosen to coincide with our annual(44 th ) recognition of the Viet Nam war’s
first and only combat” Blast” undertaken by the 2 nd Battalion on February 22,1967 on Operation Junction City
.Three members who made the jump were in attendance: Lawrence Felix, Ignacio Zarate, and Wayne Sutterfield
accepted well deserved kudos from their peers, and accepted, on behalf of Chapter 14, Certificates of Recognition
20

from the State Senator Ed Hernandez- 24th Senate District, and Assembly Member 57th District, Roger
Hernandez. (No relation) The City of Baldwin Park Council Member Susan Rubio invited members to their March
9 th council meeting where we were bestowed another Certificate of Recognition presented by Mayor Manuel
Lozano and the entire city council as well as heads of all city departments.
From February 14th-24th ,Wambi Cook and fellow Herd Bros ,Les Fuller( A 2/503) wife Billie, and Gene
Couselman ( A 1/503) returned to Viet Nam on a tour that took them North to Hanoi, then on to Hue,Hoi An,Da
Nang,Kontum,Dak To, and several exceptional points in between, ending their journey in Saigon. Their itinerary
included a condensed tour of the US Embassy , Hanoi’s Ho Chi Minh’s compound which included Ho’s( House)
mausoleum, The War Museum, The Citadel,Vin Moc Tunnel complex, Saigon’s War Remnants Museum,
highlighted with an adapted tour of the Saigon’s US Consulate( the former US Embassy)by Deputy Consul
General, Angela Dickey. Interested parties can view pix and videos on both Wambi and/or Gene’s Facebook
pages.
And lastly, without question, our venture to Hill 875 was the most significant moment of our sojourn. This battle
site’s history from November 1967 is well documented. Wambi and Les- both members of 2 nd Batt’s No DEROS
Alpha- survived the clash. For some inexplicable reason, the Vietnamese allowed them access. They may be the
first American combatants to actually revisit the Hill. However the opportunity for futures visits become more
remote as time passes. Thousands of pine trees now line the entire region, and it’s a good chance that outsiders will
no longer be allowed to intrude.
21

WWW.173RDAIRBORNECHAPTER14.ORG
The membership voted to sponsor a local Young Marines troop, and a donation was made to the Wounded Warrior
operation with several members matching earmarked funds. On March 28 th , we sponsored a table at the Third
Annual WELCOME HOME VIET NAM VETERANS gathering in the City of Whittier. The all day multifaceted
event entertained over 3,000 vets.
Our next scheduled meeting is scheduled for Saturday; May 7.All welcomed and bring a friend.
CHAPTER 15 – MINEAPOLIS, MN CHAPTER
Trudell Guerue elfguerue@msn.com 651-455-3787
CHAPTER 16 – WASHINGTON STATE – COLONEL BOLAND CHAPTER
Chris Clewell chrisclewelll@aol.com 425-672-7486
CHAPTER 17 - MIDWEST CHAPTER
Dave Carmon dcarmon@roadrunner.com 740-821-2844
CHAPTER 18 – OKLAHOMA – LARRY PIERCE CHAPTER
Thom Cook – grouse@flash.net 405-240-7520
A Chapter Meeting was conducted on, 12 February 2011, at the VFW Post 5263, in sunny Lawton, OK.
At our last meeting it was confirmed that Saint Michaels Medals, provided by the Chapter, were received and
distributed to the members of A 4/319th FA Btry,173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team our adapted Unit now
redeployed to Germany. One was provided for each member that served in Afghanistan with the unit, We also
donated funds to the 173rd Chapter Australian Flood Relief to assist our brother’s downunder. Our next meeting
will be at: April 9, 2011, 1300hrs at: VFW Post 1317, Melvon N. Carnes Memorial Post, 811 E Macarthur St,
Shawnee, OK 74804, Phone: (405) 273-7098 or 273-3600 Hope to see you there. Gene Bland, Secretary
CHAPTER 19 – NEW ZEALAND CHAPTER
Denis Dwane - denma@extra.co.nz
Greetings all Chapter 19 is moving slowly at the moment.
ANZAC Day April 25 will see many Veterans parading at venues around New Zealand and this is when many
vets catch up with one another. This is the main war commemorative day in New Zealand and Australia.
Another forthcoming event is Gunners Day May 26 2011. Members of 161 Field Battery Royal New Zealand
Artillery will be meeting with gunners and others who served the guns for a Formal Evening at Papakura
Returned Services Association near Auckland plus other centres in NZ. Again this is time when those who served
with 173d Airborne Brigade do meet and enjoy the company.
New Zealand Ex Vietnam Services is hosting a National Reunion June 1 2012 to June 4 2012 at the birthplace of
the nation of New Zealand - Pahia in the Bay of Islands - this is truly a beautiful tourist destination. We have
booked during the off tourist season so will have plenty of room for visitors. For more information please contact
John (dezal) Deazley on dezal173@hotmail.com.
That is it for now. Airborne John (dezal) Deazley, President Ch 19,. New Zealand
22

CHAPTER 23 – QUEENSLAND, AUSTRALIA CHAPTER
Bob Cockerill cockrill@bigpond.net.au
Some members of Chapter 23 were affected by either the Queensland floods or the horrific cyclone that hit the
north coast of the State, fortunately we had no injuries. Water damage caused lots of heart ache and sadly in one
case he lost irreplaceable memorabilia. I spoke with one member days after the cyclone hit and he said, “We are
okay, but my shed and everything in it is two streets away ... I think!” True to the Aussie spirit they are all
bouncing back with more concern about others than themselves.
On behalf of those members who were affected by these events we’d like to thank the Association for quickly
setting up an assistance fund to accept donations and those members who so generously donated ... thanks for your
demonstration of true mateship.
The first part of this year has been busy for members, our monthly meetings continue to be well attended and
between meetings we have had some separate social events. A number of our members with caravans and RV’s
spent a week at Evans Head, a small coastal village in northern New South Wales, this was not an official
gathering but it was well supported and it gave an opportunity for some members living south of that area to hook
up, we will now hold the unofficial gathering every year.
Our Chapter ladies gather in Brisbane during the last week of each month for lunch. Some of our ladies travel in
excess of 80 miles to attend. For their last gathering they changed their routine and went for morning tea at a
members new home and then onto the new Lions Football Supporters Club ... history was made because two men
attended the ‘ladies lunch’ both because their wives needed drivers ... but that doesn’t mean they was privy to any
‘secret women’s business’.
The battle with our Australian Government to have the Republic of South Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm -
Unit Citation awarded to the 1 RAR Group for its service while under the operational control of the 173d Airborne
Brigade (Sep) continues. Since an application was first placed before the Government and rejected in 1989 many
further submissions have been put forward only to be continually rejected, with them claiming it was presented to
the 173d and never officially offered to the 1RAR Group. At this time another submission is being prepared ... we
will not give up.
The Chapter 23 committee is currently investigating holding an ‘away’ meeting on a South Pacific cruise of 10
days during September or October 2012. Early indications are that a good number of our members are extremely
interested in attending. Members of other Chapters will be invited to attend. Information will be made available as
it comes to hand.
CHAPTER 24 – ROCHESTER, MINNESOTA CHAPTER
Floyd Reister - friester@co.wasbasha.mn.us 570-281-0926
CHAPTER 25 – PHOENIZ, ARIZONA- THUNDERBIRD CHAPTER
Chuck Cean, Chuckcean@aol.com, 480-857-8259
CHAPTER 27 –VICTORIA, AUSTRALIA –SOUTHERN STATES CHAPTER
A.B. Garcia – abugar@connexus.net.au
CHAPTER 28 – SAN DIEGO, CA – SAN DIEGO CHAPTER
Nick Aguilar – naguilar@ucsd.edu 619-475-8899
CHAPTER 30 – SOUTH CAROLINA CHAPTER
Jesse Beacham dustoff@bellsouth.net 803-260-5653
23

Norman D. Herring, Jr., 173d RVN, Killeen, TX.
CSM Vincent Daniel Roegiers, 173d RVN, Fayetteville, NC
LtCol Manuel M Salguero Jr., HHC 3/319th 173d RVN, Holly Springs,
NC
Albert Craig Miller, C 1/503rd 173d RVN, Warwick, NY
Richard E. Fox Sr., HHC 1/503rd 173d RVN, Hedgesville, WV
Sgt. Trent Schmidt, STB, 173ABCT
Sgt James D. Conley, B Btry 3/319th Arty 173d RVN, Oregon
LOST & FOUND
Amato Valencia: Anyone that might have known Amato Valencia whom was a KIA in '69, his family in
lived Bakersfield, CA. He had a sister, Lucy Valencia who was subsequently married and moved (?) back to
Texas. Amato also a couple brothers in the service, Airborne possibly. One brother was called 'Boy'. If anyone
has any information, please RSVP . . . . Dave Glick pointman173@optonline.net
PFC Billy Williams: I am looking for information on PFC Billy Williams who was killed June 12, 1966. He was
a member of A-1/503d 173d (SEP). He lived in North Charleston and was 21 years old. If you have any
recollections of him, please let me know. I have all the information I can get from him on the Internet, but I am
trying to talk to someone who knew him in Vietnam. Contact Henry Darby. henrydarby@msn.com
David Kuhns: Looking for information on David Kuhns. Kuhns was from the Beacon Hill area of Boston. He
was in the 3rd platoon B/2/503d in 65-66. pointman173@optonline.net
John Powers; Looking for information on Spc. John Robert Powers KIA April 14, 1970 - while serving with the
173rd Engineer Company he came from Chehalis. Contact bmittge@chronline.com
Richard Geer; I am looking for Richard T. Geer in the records of the Herd. I need to know if, one he was
actually with the Herd, if so with who; was he on Hill 875 and any other information you
can get. It appears this guy has a tattoo which is the full picture of me standing on top of
Hill 875
I have his facebook page and his website which is entitled Drop Zone 875 and is located
at http://ourbunkers.0catch.com/DropZone875.html I have talked to several Herd
brothers and no one knows him. On his facebook page he has 123 friends listed and I do
not see any Herd brothers listed, at least none that I know or have ever heard of. I ask
him straight out but have had no replies from him on any venue. Could you guys do a bit
of checking and see what you can find out. I think he may have been with either 2nd or
1st BN but not sure. Contact rocky173abnc75rgr@yahoo.com
24

TIME TO GO GREEN
In 2011, the Association will offer the membership the option to “Go
Green”. We will offer you the opportunity to receive your Sky Soldier
Magazine electronically as a PDF file in place of mailed printed copy. If
you chose this option, you will be helping in three ways.
� You will have access to the magazine first, before it goes to print.
� You will help us in supporting our activities (Wounded Warrior
project, 8 th November Run and the Army 10 Miler, etc) by
allowing us to save on printing and mailing cost.
� You will also help save on the environment.
Help us … Help you by “Going Green”
25
DON’T GET CAUGHT SHORT!
KEEP YOUR
MEMBERSHIP
UP TO DATE
RENEW NOW!
FILL OUT THE BACK COVER OF THIS MAGAZINE AND MAIL IT IN WITH
YOUR PAYMENT
OR GO ONLINE TO: WWW. SKYSOLDIERS.ORG
173d Airborne Brigade Foundations
Scholarship program
is accepting applications.
TP apply please go to;
www.skysoldiers.com/173ABF-SP.htm

173d AIRBORNE BRIGADE ASSN.
REUNION 2011
22 June – 26 June 2011, San Antonio, TX
Hosted by Texas Chapter 13
Name __________________________________________________ Phone (___)_____________
Address ________________________________ City_____________ State ________ Zip______
E-mail address __________________________________________________________________
Unit served with in the Brigade _________________________ Dates served _______________
Circle Shirt Size: S M L XL 2XL 3XL Male/Female _______________
Exact hat size____________(NOTE: A cowboy hat will be given to the 173d member above if
Registration Form and hat size are received by March 1, 2011.
Guests Circle Shirt Size for each guest
Name _____________________ Relationship:_______Male/Female ____Shirt size S M L XL 2XL 3XL
Name _____________________ Relationship:_______Male/Female ____Shirt size S M L XL 2XL 3XL
Name _____________________ Relationship:_______Male/Female ____Shirt size S M L XL 2XL 3X
Registration/ Event Fees
______ $173.00 per Association Member
______ $125.00 per guest
______ $125.00 per Gold Star Family Member
______ $ 75.00 per Active Duty Soldier (Not on Orders)
______ FREE – ---Active Duty Soldiers on Orders (i.e., Command, Color Guard)
______ $ 75.00 per Vendor Table
______ FREE – ---Gold Star Brunch – 173d Gold Star Families
______ Ladies Brunch (Included with registration) Please check if planning to attend.
______ $ 15.00 Trip to Fort Sam Houston per person
______ $ 15.00 Sky Soldier Adoption Program **Have a meal on me” for active duty soldiers
______ $ TOTAL COST
Make Checks Payable to: Texas Reunion 2011 -173d Airborne Brigade
Mail Checks to: John Rolfe, 100 Oleander Rd., Comfort, TX. 78013
For Hotel Reservations: Hilton Palacio del Rio, $119 + tax per night. Call 1-800-HILTONS and request the
group rate for The 173d Airborne Brigade Association, Inc. or use the unique group code ABA.
Overflow Hotel: Menger Hotel, $119 + tax per night, Call:1-800-345-9285 and requesting the group rate for
The 173d Airborne Brigade Association.
To Register Online, Visit www.texasskysoldier.org/reunion2011
26

HOW TO VOTE
You must be a Regular Members to Vote.
You may vote On-Line or by Mail
Voting online; go to www.skysoldiers.com/login.php
login and select a candidate for office
Voting by mail; please tear out this sheet with the mailing address on the outside
and the ballot part on the inside.
Only one ballot with be accepted per regular member,
Voting by mail & online or sending multiple ballots will invalidate your vote.
------------------------------------------------------------FOLD HERE--------------------------------------------------------------
_____________________________
_____________________________
_____________________________
Jesse Beacham
PO Box 3421
Columbia, SC 29230
------------------------------------------------------------FOLD HERE--------------------------------------------------------------
Select your candidate for office by placing a “ √ ”- check mark
27

173d AIRBORNE BRIGADE ASSN.
James Bradley – 5640 Wellfield Road
New Port Richey, FL 34655
FOWARDING SERVICE REQUESTED
173d AIRBORNE BRIGADE ASSOCIATION
Mail Application and Payments to;
Membership Secretary – Dennis Hill
97 Earle Street
Norwood, MA 02062-1504
--------------------------------------------
Make checks payable to;
173d Airborne Brigade Assn.
28
Please circle the appropriate boxes below
New Renewal Change of Address, Change of Chapter
Annual Membership
Ends on 31 December of each year - $ 24.00
Regular * Associate
Sky Soldier Veteran Gold
Star
Spouse of
deceased Sky Soldier
Life Membership $ 173.00
Regular * Gold Star (Parent or Spouse)
*Regular Membership open to those assigned or attached to the 173d Airborne Brigade
Enter curr ent or updated information in the right columns below
Service Number (B446349)
(Use first Letter of last name and last 6 of service/SSN)
First Name ( John)
Middle Initial (W.)
Last Name (Smith) (Needed)
Email (yourname@some.com)
Current Mailing Address
(Street or CMR 427)
City (Town or APO)
State (or AE, ot her counties enter “OUS”)
Zip Code / APO #
Home Phone 555-555-1234
Cell Phone 555-555-1234
173d Service Dates (02/2003-02/2005)
Unit while with the 173d: 503 rd , BSB, etc
Chapter Affiliated to:(4, 18, At Large)
Magazine (Check one please) Electronically (need Email above) Mailed
Gold Star Relationship (Wife, Mother, etc)
(PFC Mike Smith 11-08-67)