1st Cavalry Division Association Non-Profit Organization 302 N. Main St. US. Postage PAID Copperas Cove, Texas 76522-1703 West, TX 76691 Change Service Requested Permit No. 39

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

VOLUME 66 NUMBER 6 Website: http://www.1CDA.org NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017 The holiday season is here, HORSE DETACHMENT by CPT James J. Nance The President’s Corner and the festivities have begun in Change is in the air with the hot and humid Central Texas days slowly transi- Allen Norris earnest. In our area the big box tioning to the fantastic riding season we call fall. The change is even more real 8160 Waterford Dr. Stanley, NC 28164-6777 stores had Christmas items on to Horse Cavalry Detachment who said “goodbye” to CPT Jeremy A. Woodard (704) 483-8778 display before Halloween, just after two years of his endless dedication to the Detachment. We would like to <[email protected]> a little early for my tastes. My wish him, his wife Kristen, and their five children good luck as they both embark preference would be for a shorter on a new command with the Headquarters Support Company, Headquarters and and more concentrated celebration. It seems that by the time the actual holiday Headquarters Battalion, 1st Cavalry Division. arrives many people are already worn out and for them the true meaning of this I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself, season was lost somewhere along the way. Any day now I expect some radio I am CPT James “Justin” Nance from Las Cruces, NM. stations will switch from their normal lineup to Christmas music. I am not married but am the proud guardian of three lazy Please remember those who serve our great country and are separated from their pets, Honey, Max, and Nika. Having attended college Families. This time of year can be very difficult for them. If you know someone at Texas Tech University in Lubbock, I am so glad to whose has a Family member who can’t be home, reach out to them and tell them be back in Texas after so many years away. It is a great how much we appreciate them and their loved one. As Veterans we know about their honor to be able to command the Horse Cavalry Detach- sacrifice and its cost. Letting them know that we care might help, if only a little. ment and a special honor to be a part of this amazing Whatever you are celebrating this time of year we wish the best for you and your organization. Since taking command, I’ve met several Family. And, we hope you have a safe, happy, and prosperous new year. former Detachment and Horse Platoon members, their Note: It is not too early to begin making plans for next year’s reunion in Charles- stories have been an inspiration and every day at the ton, WVA. I expect this will be a popular reunion destination. detachment is an opportunity to carry the legacy of the As always, thank you for your service. Allen (TrailSpike 47) Cavalry tradition. Another change that the Detachment CPT James Nance participated in was the 1st CAV DIV change of command. We were able to honor and give our thanks to MG Thompson for all he did for the First Team and our THE DIRECTOR’S CHAIR We attended the various Memori- Detachment, he will be missed. We were also honored to welcome MG Calvert. al ceremonies in Washington D.C. Since taking command, the Detachment has participated in the annual Ranger Dara C. Wydler again this year. The entire week 302 N. Main St. Oil Boom Centennial Celebration in Ranger, TX, presented the Nation’s Colors Copperas Cove, TX 76522-1703 tested our resolve as we stood in on Military Appreciation Night at the Belton Rodeo, the Centerville, TX Military (254) 547-6537 the pouring rain reading names Appreciation Day, and the Elgin Veterans Appreciation Parade. HCD recently put [email protected] from the Vietnam Memorial of on a demonstration for the Fort Hood Retiree Appreciation Day, we were honored dads, uncles, or brothers who left and humbled to perform for such an amazing audience. We look forward to several us too soon; bundled up tightly, daring the wind and cold, to spoil our visit with of the upcoming events at the Dallas Veterans Day Parade, the Waco Veterans Day friends and Family. Many thanks to GEN (Ret) Barry McCaffery for accepting our Parade, the Salado Christmas Parade, and our time-honored tradition of delivering invitation to join us as the guest speaker at the Veterans Day Dinner. Besides our Santa Claus at the III Corps annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. Troopers normal rowdy crew, others came out to support the Association and its members: are continuing to perform Yesterday and Today Presentations at local middle and MG (Ret) Mike Conrad, MG (Ret) Francis Ianni, LTC (Ret) Mike Sprayberry high schools, and will also be conducting several Barn Tours for local Boy Scout (MOH Recipient), and our Gold Star Family members. We hope to see you all and Girl Scout troops. As always, we will stay busy conducting performances, again in 2018. and providing historical information to groups around the area. We enjoy being That new and improved website I have been talking about is now up and run- involved with the local community parades and rodeos and look forward to our ning. It did take some time to import over 18,000 members with emails, but it upcoming events. was done with little or no interruption to the service. In the event members failed We conduct our demonstrations at the detachment every Thursday at 1000 hun- to update their emails with the Association HQ’s, no need to fret, we can get you dred hours (depending on weather and mission requirements). We use this time taken care of you manually. For the remainder of our members who do not have to train new mounts and Troopers and invite the public to come out and enjoy the emails, which is OK too, we can handle you by phone or mail. show. Feel free to call ahead to check our schedule at (254) 287-2229. You can Speaking of the webpage, the 2018 reunion information is current with an op- also find us on Facebook at 1st Cavalry Division Horse Cavalry. It is truly an honor tion to register online. The registration will be in the November/December 2017 to represent America’s First Team and I look forward to the year ahead. through the March/April 2018 edition. The registration form will also be mailed out with the 2018 Association Calendar, which should arrive in your mailboxes the first week of December. DIVISION DOINGS I will apologize now for the calendar not being sent out earlier, Murphy’s Law 1st Cav Div HQ Honors Fallen Trooper by MSG Jacob Caldwell, interjected, nonetheless you will receive it before the start of 2018. 1st Cav Div Public Affairs Thanksgiving is just around the corner and Christmas soon thereafter. I do not FORT HOOD, Texas - Troopers from the 1st know about the rest of the country, but Christmas has been in Texas stores since Cavalry Division Headquarters and Soldiers from July. I wish a wonderful holiday season for all, spent with Family and friends. across post gathered to honor the life of Chief Please do not forget the Troopers who are unable to spend the holidays with their Warrant Officer Four Derrick A. Walker during loved ones. Be sure to keep a place in your heart for every one as they continue a memorial ceremony held Oct. 18 at the Spirit to protect our freedoms. Cheers to the New Year and another opportunity to get of Fort Hood Chapel. Walker, an Information it right! God Bless Us All. Services Technician assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, 1st Cavalry Division since May 2016, died of a long-term illness on Oct. 5 in San Antonio. INDEX PAGE INDEX PAGE INDEX PAGE LTC John Mailman, Commander of HHBn, 1st 5TH CAV 5 CAV T-SHIRT FORM 11 NEW MEMBERS 4 Cavalry Division, was recently deployed with 7TH CAV 7 CHAPTER INDEX 15 OTHER REUNIONS 2 Walker to Afghanistan and spoke of Walker’s 8TH CAV 8 CHAPTER NEWS 3 REUNION 12/13 character as a Soldier. “Chief Walker person- 9TH CAV 9 CHANGE ADDRESS 2 REUNION PINS (PAST) 21 ified what you would want in a Cav Trooper,” 12TH CAV 6 ELECTION 8 SILVER WINGS 16 Mailman said. “He was physically fit, extremely 15TH MED 17 ENGINEERS 20 SOUVENIR SHOP 15 competent in his craft, and his character was 20TH ARA 18 HONOR ROLL 24 SUB RENEWAL 3 beyond reproach. He was a leader that you 30TH FA 10 HQ AND SPEC TRPS 22 TAPS 2 wanted your son or daughter to be led by.” 61ST FA 4 LTRS TO EDITOR 2 TAPS-ACTIVE DUTY 2 Honoring the life of 77 FA 10 LIFE MEMBERSHIP 3 UNIT HIGHLIGHT 19 “Derrick was a quiet professional who led by CW4 Derrick A. Walker during personal example and instilled confidence in 82ND FA 19 LOST & FOUND 2 T R O O P E R ’ S T A L E 2 3 memorial ceremony CALENDAR 2 LRRP 14 WANTED 9 everyone he worked with,” Mailman said. “He CAV CREDIT CARD 17 Continued on pg. 5 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017 saber Page 2 Don’t Keep it a SECRET, Let us Know About It. To submit by e-mail, send to [email protected] SABER Clip and Mail to 1st Cavalry Division Association The newspaper of the 1st Cavalry Division Association 302 N. Main St. Copperas Cove, TX 76522-1703 published during each even numbered month at 302 N. Main St., Copperas Cove, TX 76522-1703. Last 4 #’s of your SSN______Phone: (254) 547-6537 / 547-7019

Tel: (______) ______E-mail: [email protected] website: http://www.1CDA.org Rank and Name:______www.facebook.com/A l u m n i o f t h e F i r s t Te a m Program Director / Editor: Tina Wilgeroth New Address: ______Scholarship / Membership Director: Karleen Maloney Executive Director: Dara C. Wydler

ADDRESS City: ______State: ______Zip: ______

CHANGE E-Mail:______ARTICLE SUBMISSION Original, clear copies, typed or printed are accepted via e-mail at [email protected]. SNOWBIRDS Articles should be received at National Headquarters no later than the 1st of If you have two addresses during the year, we need to know them. Please give us the every odd month. Any article received after the 1st of the month will be put in dates and addresses for both households. on a space available basis. (Circle one) Winter Summer Opinions expressed are the writers and not necessarily those of the Saber or Rank and Name: ______the 1st Cavalry Division Association. LAST 4#s SSN:______DOB ______1: Address: ______City: ______State: _____ Zip: ______Dates: ______Tel: (______) ______LETTERS TO THE EDITOR To be considered for publication, letters should not exceed 300 words and should 2: Address: ______be of general interest and in good taste. Letters express the writer’s opinion, not City: ______State: _____ Zip: ______that of the Saber or the 1st Cavalry Division Association. Dates: ______Tel: (______) ______Political endorsement and poetry cannot be used. Form letters or third-party letters are not acceptable. Letters which contain libelous or obviously untrue statements will be automatically rejected. All letters must be signed with addresses and telephone numbers included. 2018 Calendar of 1st Cavalry Division Association Names will be used with the letters but addresses and phone numbers may be omitted. Letters also may be edited for length or clarification. We reserve the right to reject for publication any letter received. Unused letters Feb. 23-24, 2018 Board of Governor’s Meeting will not be acknowledged. Jun 20-24, 2018 71st Annual 1st Cav Division Reunion in Charleston, West Virginia Letters to the Editor:

Dear Editor, This scholarship means the world to me, as I am so proud and thankful for my grandfather for serving in the 1st Cal- TAPS vary. His heroics and bravery are the reason why I am here We have been notified of the death of the following: today and able to pursue my hopes and dreams in college. In BAILEY, SGT John F., C Co, 2-12 CAV, 1969. 23 October 2017. addition, without other men serving side by side with him I BLAKE, SGT Peter W., 371st ASA, 1970. 15 September 2017. would not be here today as well so I am appreciative to them BRAUNSTEIN, PFC Ralph E., A Co, 7 CAV, 1941. 13 October 2017. for serving our great country. I believe this scholarship is for BROOKS, SFC Michael L., F Co, 2-8 CAV, 1951; HHC, 2-8 CAV, 1958. 24 the memory for who served and who are alive today but also August 2017. for those who lost their lives in the 1st Cavalry. I thought of CARLSON, BG (Ret) William E., A Co, 1-21 FA, 1966. 2 September 2017. them while applying for this scholarship because just like COY, Trooper David L., 1CD. 2 September 2017. my grandfather who is the reason I write this paragraph, those men who fought FIZZELL, CW3 (Ret) Jon A., 1-30 FA. 22 October 2017. and lost their lives are a part of history that sculpted this nation into the place HALL, Trooper R. Dean, 1CD. 13 October 2017. it is today. This scholarship is for those who never got the opportunity to go to KINNEY, SFC (Ret) Charles M., C Co, 2-7 CAV, 1965. 25 September 2017. college and instead served their country in this Division. MCGINNIS, SP-4 James, C Co, 1-7 CAC, 1967. 18 September 2017. Sincerely, MONTERO, CPL John, E/HHC 2-12 CAV, 1945-46. 30 October 2017. Justin Marciano SAND, PFC Warren R., A Co 61st FA, 1953. 27 October 2017. STRICKLAND, SSG (Ret) Guy W., 1CD. 20 September 2017. SUNDT, LTC (Ret) Richard S., 1-21 FA, 1965. 13 September 2017. Dear Editor, WOLLGRAMM, Trooper Eckhard, 1CD. 28 September 2017. I would like to thank you for the generous scholarship you have given me. This scholarship ACTIVE DUTY TAPS means the world to me because it means I am one- We have been notified of the following Active Duty deaths. step closer to my academic goal. Every cent helps TROTT, SPC Mansie, C Co, 2-7 CAV, 1968-69. 22 October 2017. me reach my degree by paying class expenses with less stress. I am grateful and will repay the favor by getting my degree in Pharmacology. OTHER REUNIONS Sincerely, 15th MED BN Association Reunion, 26-28 April 2018. Great Wolf Lodge, Trenton Wilson Williamsburg, VA . POC Dan Toothman or 757-872-8504. 227th Assault Helicopter Battalion Reunion, 25-28 April 2018. Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center, Nashville, Tennessee. For reunion and hotel information go to

LOST & FOUND I am looking for past issues of the Cavalair published from 1966-67. POC is Joshau Bowe or 612-443-1979. Looking for our Platoon Sgt. during a deadly battle off LZ Carol, from 7/24-26,1968. SSgt. Joachin Zamora was critically wounded in the early mo- ments of the battle. POC is Steve Bird, Combat Medic B 2/8th and 15th Med Looking for my buddies who served with me in C Co, 229, 1970-71. POC is Bruce Vinacco see photo to the right.

C Co 229, 1970-71 Do you recognize us? What is YOUR best way of reaching out and spreading the word about the benefits of the Association? Check the expiration date on your Saber label. Expiring soon? Page 3 saber NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017 LIFE APPLICATION/SUBSCRIPTION RENEWAL BUSINESS STYLE CARDS CHAPTER NEWS are available at 200 for $15.00. No hassle with having to carry legal size sheets of ATTENTION CHAPTER PRESIDENTS: paper (Life Membership Applications) or sub forms. Orders will be sent to printers for printing when 3-4 are accumulated. Please be patient with us. Sample below. There will be a Chapter Presidents Meeting at the 71st Annual Reunion in (Actual size 3” x 2”) West Virginia. It is recommended that you start collecting your ideas to present 1ST CAVALRY DIVISION ASSOCIATION them to the other Chapters. Please stay tuned for further details. 302 N. Main St. Copperas Cove, TX 76522 (254) 547-6537 / 7019 NEW YORK / NEW JERSEY CHAPTER www.1CDA.org At our fall meeting, the New York-New Jersey Chapter displayed the banner that the Vietnam Veterans of the 1st Cavalry Division march behind in the NAME Welcome Home Parades. This was donated to the Chapter by Tim Millar. POSITION IN CHAPTER UNIT Tim says “My wife and I, and an artist friend of hers made the banner. I DATES OF ASSIGNMENT was thinking we did it for the Chicago Parade in 1986, but New York was the year before and I’m pretty sure the banner is in the NYC pictures from STREET ADDRESS PHONE: 1985. HQ was the Penta Hotel by Penn Station. That banner really made the CITY, ST., ZIP 000-000-0000 rounds - also Cleveland, LA, etc.” Spring Meeting will be April 21, 2018. EMAIL 000-000-0000 Cell

Enroll me as a Life Member (gives you one year subscription to Saber) .....$10.00 Renew my Saber subscription ($10/year)...... $10.00 New or Renewal of Associate Membership...... $15.00 D-Trooper...... $25.00

Business Cards ...... $15.00 Donations received: $25 makes you a D-Troop member including a one year subscription. $50 makes you a D-Troop member including a one year subscription and you receive a suitable poster or print. $100 makes you a D-Troop member including a one year subscription. $500 makes you a Silver Brigade member including a 10 year subscription. $1,000 makes you a Gold Brigade member including a 20 year subscription. All D-Troopers receive a certificate suitable for framing, upon your first donation. NY / NJ Chapter Brigade members receive handsome 1st Cavalry wall plaque. JUMPING MUSTANGS Honor Roll Mentions: September 2017 Newsletter: Saturday morning was our business meeting All donors of $25 or more receive acknowledgment in the Honor Roll column where by a close margin we selected Anaheim California as the site for our and may dedicate gifts, In Honor Of. 2019, 34th reunion. We went to Anaheim for our 6th reunion, so Mike and D-Troop milestones can be achieved cumulatively. We will keep track of your Ginger Price thought it was time for us to come back. Other cities proposed contributions. were Gettysburg PA and Cleveland OH. Associate Membership - for those with no service with the 1st Cav Division Sharon and Alan Jacobsen brought us up to date for our reunion in Colorado $15 one year Associate Membership including a one year subscription. Springs, CO where we will be staying at the Hotel Elegante check it out at . It looks like a great place. certificate. Starting January 2019, you will be getting the bugle through your email account $10 covers your subscription to Saber newspaper for one year. (currently 50% do) and by going to our Facebook page “Jumping Mustangs”. Bill Hawkinberry will be resigning the editor’s position shortly and we felt LAST 4 NUMBERS OF SSN ______DOB ______we needed to ease the process and work load in order to get any interest for his Rank ______replacement. If you have interest in becoming the Editor, please let me or any Name______other Board member know. See you all in Colorado Springs. Harvey Auger Address______City ______State ______NORTHWEST CHAPTER Our next General Membership Meeting will be held during our Christmas Dinner Zip ______Phone (______) ______at 1200 hrs, December 2, 2017, at The Elks, 4131 Pine Rd NE Bremerton, WA Dates Assigned _(1)______(2)______98310. Your attendance at this meeting is very important; our goal is to elect our I served with 1st Team in Unit (1)______and new officers and enjoy our Christmas Dinner. Please RSVP for the Christmas Dinner (2)______by going to this website . According to our By-Laws, Article 2, we are required to conduct our elections E-mail ______which is required every two years on odd numbered years, i.e. this year. The new officers will take post on December 2, 2017, at our Christmas Party. Every I Authorize release of information to: No one___ Other Members only___ officer position (President, VP, Treasurer, Secretary and Public Relations Advisor), Other Members and USAA Only___. is up for election. Currently there is only one candidate running for election; Roy Rio is running I served with the 1st Cavalry Division in (Circle one or more) for the Public Relations Advisor position. If your want our Association to Pre-WWII WWII Japan Korean War Korea ‘57-’65 Fort Benning continue, then you need to consider running for office. Failure to elect officers to Vietnam War Fort Hood Gulf War Bosnia Afghanistan Iraq Fort Bliss the executive board may result in the dissolution of our Association, so for those Have you served with any other military unit during a war time period? YES NO of you that have not held an office or have not done so in a while, you may want to give of yourself to keep our Association alive and well. We, the Executive First Cavalry Division Life Member, Frederick A. Tay- Board, ask and encourage you to consider running for office. lor, Jr., was inducted into the Indiana Military Veterans’ Reminder, dues for FY 2017 are due. We request that you pay your dues at this Hall of Fame in the class of 2017. He served with the meeting after the election of officers. If you are unable to attend this meeting feel st First Cavalry Division Airmobile in Vietnam in 1968 free to send your dues, check or money order to 1 Cavalry Division Association, with Co. C 2/8. He is a 3-time Purple Heart recipient. Northwest Chapter, c/o William A. Jackson 903 Vantage Terrace Ct. SE, Olympia, Fred resides in Florida with his wife, Patty. WA 98513-6686, payable to 1CDANW Chapter. Do Not Send Cash, as we or The induction ceremony was held on Friday, No- I will not be responsible for any cash sent by mail. vember 3rd, at the Indiana National Guard Armory We are still continuing with our membership drive as we have been and need located at 9920 East 59th Street in Lawrence, IN to seek new members. versus at the Garrison So please keep this in mind and be sure to set folks that you meet in NO CHAPTER IN YOUR AREA? your travels know about our organization. Our members continue to Are YOU interested in forming a new 1st Cavalry get older so we are in Division Association Chapter in your local area? need of some younger high energy members. If you are interested in Contact the Association’s Chapter Coordinator at joining the Northwest or call (254) 547-6537 Chapter, please e-mail for assistance on how to get started! William A. Jackson @ . A donation to the Foundation of the 1st Cavalry Division Association helps a student acheive their educational goals and is an investment in the future of America.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017 saber Page 4 61st FA News and, of course, taste. Two of the best Thanksgiving Gordon Cress 6562 Windflower Dr. Dinners I ever had were in Carlsbad, CA 92011-2508 that Mess Hall. We can thank (760) 918-0470 Mess SGT Emil Wielinski [email protected] (sp?) of Boise, ID and two of his cooks, CPL Ott and The last issue of the Saber marked the 15th anniversary of my doing this column CPL Heroux. They really on the 61st. Hard to believe it’s been that long since I took over the reins from cared and tried very hard to Speedy Speedman way back in 2002. Let’s see, fifteen years times six issues a do it right. year means I’ve generated some 90 articles on the 61st. It is, however, getting And speaking of food harder and harder to get items of interest from you as the years go by. I realize again, one day in ’54 we had that our unit was disbanded in 1957 and that we’ve lost a lot of comrades over a surprise IG visit to check the years, but remember this column is for you and your friends and your buddies on the food commissary (the do care about what you’re doing and planning. After sixty years we’re all getting 1954 Cpls Ott and Heroux place the battalion’s food on in age, but please try to take the time to let me (and your friends) know about was ordered, received and your status. We care. stored). We, HQ Btry, had just put a new replacement Private in there to help Around the end of September, I talked with Bill Fancher (A 41-42 & HQ 43- the Sergeant in charge. After two hours or so, the General’s Aide came in to LT 45). He’s been living in Escondido for several years and now, at age 97, he’s McSpadden to announce an on-the-spot moving out of state to live near his son. I’ve been out to see Bill several times; promotion of that Private to Sergeant. I Escondido is just about 15 miles east of Carlsbad, and we always had a good was ordered to immediately prepare the time talking over 1st Cav experiences. Wish him well. papers with a letter outlining the reasons As I noted in the last issue of the Saber, my wife and I took a driving vacation for the promotion and who ordered it. In up to Lake Tahoe, Reno and then over to the Napa Valley wine country. We about two more hours LT McSpadden weren’t in any great hurry and made 500+ mile trip from Carlsbad to South Lake signed the papers and we carried them Tahoe in two days. Took the CA 395 highway and stopped in the little town over to Bn HQ. Can’t remember the Pri- of Lee Vining for the first night and then made it to South Lake Tahoe the next vate’s name, but I think he had, in a very day. Lake Tahoe is one of the most beautiful spots in the Sierras at an altitude short time, figured out an improvement of around 6000 feet. In Tahoe we spent a week in a timeshare that was very in the food requisitioning process and it comfortable and convenient to just about everything. Took the scenic 90-mile impressed the hell out of the IG General. drive around the whole lake. From there we drove the 65 miles to Reno with He had sergeant stripes the next morning. a stop in Carson City for lunch and a look at the Nevada capitol. In Reno we Only time I ever saw that happen. Wish I stayed in a huge hotel casino complex called the Peppermill Resort & Casino. It could remember the kid’s name. Anyone was a gigantic place that rivaled any Las Vegas hotel and actually reminded me out there know? Pete.” Thanks so much of Caesar’s Palace. My wife was delighted to find a whole bunch of penny slot again for the interesting anecdote of our machines, but not so happy when she found out they had minimum bets of from Younghans experiences. You must have 30 cents to $5. Talk about false advertising! We were only there for a couple of kept copious notes during your stay there days and at least we were able to leave with some of the casino’s money. From to still have all those names, photos, etc. there we motored the 215 miles to the city of Calistoga in the Napa Valley. It’s I had the mess hall for a few months in right in the middle of the California wine country and has more vineyards than late 1955 before I was transferred to the you can ever hope to see in just a week, much less three days. In any event we IX Corps at Camp Drake. The Cav was did do some wine tasting and had several very nice dinners. On the way home getting ready to relocate to the states and to Carlsbad via CA 99 we stopped for the night in Tulare after about 265 miles. they weren’t taking any of us short-timers 1954 SGT Wielinski The next day we made it home, although we encountered some of the worst with them. Based on my vast experience traffic we’d ever been in over the last 125 miles or so. Not sure what the cause with mess hall operations at Younghans I was assigned as the OIC at the IX was, but it was just stop and go even on four-lane freeways. Anyway, we were Corps 8” Howitzer Battalion Mess Hall. Thank God, I had another old hand very happy to get back home. sergeant there who ran things smoothly and kept me out of trouble. Got a couple From Frank Burr… “Gordon, I don’t remember if I have passed this on to you more interesting and amusing items from Ed Jakubowski via email. Thanks for or not but, I lost my wife on October 2 and had her funeral on Friday the 6th. something worth a smile, Ed. We had a very good service with 115 in attendance and that is the largest funeral Just got this notice on the passing of Warren Sand, so sorry to hear this sad that I remember at our church and Angie and I worked most of the funerals in news. Here is a note from his daughter: I am Warren’s daughter-in-law (Sherry our church for the past 15 years. A very special service for a very special Lady! Sand) and am writing regarding Warren. He sadly passed away on October 27th Anyhow she isn’t hurting anymore and also I know that Angie is in Heaven with with the funeral service being held Oct. 30th. He had been diagnosed with cancer her brother who was killed in Korea. They are probably rejoicing in the Lord at the end of June and was in good spirits most of the time with little pain and while they are visiting with their Mom and Dad.” So sorry to hear about your went very peacefully when it happened. We weren’t sure how to contact some loss, Frank. Our condolences to you and the Family. of the people who he regularly corresponded with and I apologize that we are On Monday October 30th we’re flying to Austin, TX for a couple of days and doing it this way. He will be surely be missed and we felt we just needed to let then driving on to Houston for a huge quilting show. My wife is really looking others know. forward to it, but much as I’d love to attend, I think I’ll have to pass on it and Again, this article is short on news of what you’re all doing, where you’ve take in the Manned Spacecraft Center where I can see some of the Gemini and been, what you’re planning, etc. I hate to keep relating my vacation plans, ex- Apollo stuff I worked on many years ago. I’ll bet there are a number of husbands periences, etc. I do strive to keep the article interesting and up to date and your at the show who’d like to join me. input is the only way it can be done. Please try to remember the Saber and let From Peter O’Brien… “Hi Gordon, and speaking of food, 61st HQ Btry Mess us know how things are going. Hall put out the best food in the U.S. Army. I had a chance to visit many bases Take care, ‘Stay Bueno and keep those cards, letters, phone calls and e-mails and found none could beat ours for presentation, cleanliness, careful servers, coming.

NEW MEMBERS: WELCOME TO THE TEAM! E-5 ADKINS, ROBERT L. FL 15SS 6712 COL O’CONNOR, JOSPEH W. AZ C 2- 8C 6706 1LT BOWLES, JOHN TX 2- 82FA 1606 CSM POSPISIL, SHANE TX HHC 1CDH 1710 E-4 BYRD, WILLIAM A. AZ C 8ENG 6401 SFC PRIMERO, RAMIRO TX HHC 1CDH 1512 SFC CARRISALEZ, JORGE JR TX C 312MI 0311 SP-5 PRIMROS,E WILLIAM D. NE B 228AVN 7006 CPT CLARDY, GEORGE K. JR SC A 2- 5C 6707 SP-4 RIVERA, HENRY BEJARA NV C 227AVN 6804 SP-4 CLARK, DAVID A. IA A 1/ 8C A7006 SP-4 ROSENCRANS, LARRY PhD MI B 1- 501TRANS 70 MSG DRIGGERS, STANLEY FL B 2- 82FA 8110 E-5 ROTGERS, KENNETH A. TX 1CDH 1205 CSM DYER, KRISTOPHER TX HHC 3- 8C 9812 MR SCHROEDER, FRED W. SR TX A 1- 9C 7009 SGT FOLKERTSMA, MELVIN J. CA HHC 11AVN 6905 E-2 SHIPMAN, SPENCER R. TX B 91ENG 1708 1SG FREMAN, JAMES MO 1- CDH 9307 CPL SIULEY, WALTER T. III TX C 15ST 0710 PFC GREER, WILLIAM W. OH A 1- 12C 7106 CSM THOMAS, JANET F. TX 14CDH 1710 SSG HAAS, BRENDAN L. TX D 1- 227 0503 SSG (RET) THOMAS, MARLON L. TX 3- 7C 0301 SGT HEUTE, KENNETH IN A 1- 21FA 9106 E-6 VAUGHAN, ROBERT TX 1- 1CDH 7906 SGT HOGUE, RICHARD L. PA C 2- 12C 6904 CW3 WIGGERS, KENNETH F. IN B 228AVN 6801 E-5 HOLT, STEVEN TN B 1 7 6806 E-4 WILLIAMS, RONALD R. KS 17AVN 6507 SGT HUGHES, JIM NY D 1- 8C 6903 SP-4 WILSON, WAYNE NH B 1- 27MAINT 7506 1SG JIMENEZ, ALEX R. FL C 130ENG 0609 SSG WOODWARD, F. NY 2- 7C 7511 SFC JONES, KENNIS TX 1CDH 1508 SGM YOUNG, JERRY W. AL A 2- 12C 6710 LTC KENNEDY, ED NC 2- 7C 1704 SPC LITTLEFIELD, ROBERT E. TX 1- 12C G MSG (RET) MANAHAN, JAMES D. FL B 1- 9C 71 E-4 MARSHALL, UGENE SCOTT OK E 227AVN 9108 SP-4 MC CAMEY, JAMES R. OK A 1- 5C 69 Thanks for joining the 1st Cavalry Division Association. MAJ MC GOVNEY, ELIZABETH TX 545MO 03 CW2 MORROW, ROBERT G. TX C 229AVN 7008 LTC (RET) NELSON, MARTIN E. TX B 228AVN 6908 Page 5 saber NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017 5th CAV News The 1st and 2nd of the 5th Cavalry served in Vietnam from 1965 to 1972. During James E. Reecamper that time assuming five companies in each battalion and nominally a hundred men 2351 Robertson Mill Way in each company with twelve-month tours, then a minimum of approximately 6000 Nixa, MO 65714-6113 Soldiers served in the 5th Cavalry during Vietnam. Our present active membership in the 5th Cavalry Association is less than 100 Veterans. The individual company (417) 844-5347 organizations may account for another three to four hundred Veterans. So, what is my point? My point is that the association is going to cease to exist and so Greetings fellow Troopers, Family members & friends of the 5th Cavalry Association. Good news and bad news, the bad news is that only a small will the individual company organizations unless we do something different to number of members and friends could attend the Association’s 20th Reunion in appeal to the Veterans from our generation and the next generation of Veterans Harrisburg/Hershey, Pa. The good news is that we had a great and cozy reunion. because the Vietnam era Veterans are starting to pass on. The separate company We had members that had never attended before and of course the main stays. organizations will disappear first since they appear to be strictly Vietnam Vets. During the meetings we discussed several issues that might encourage higher The problem facing the association is first to reach out to the Veterans who are attendance. As the reunion coordinator for the past 10+ years, I realized I’ve not currently members and secondly to hold on long enough until the peacetime been stuck in a rut that didn’t change with the times. Therefore, we agreed and Gulf War Vets are ready and able to join and sustain the organization. The unanimously to reduce the typical reunion schedule to be Wednesday through Gulf War Vets are an average age of approximately 50 to 60. If we are to have Saturday’s banquet. It was also discussed to possibly have an activity for an organization to turn over to them, we need to hold on for at least 5 to 10 years the guests during the Board of Governors and Officers meetings. All your and we need to actively start recruiting now. What can we do to entice former suggestions are always welcome, but please keep in mind if you’ve made any suggestions in the past & they haven’t been implemented, doesn’t mean you members and welcome new members into the association? I feel we need to should not stop suggesting new ideas. make the reunions more acceptable by reducing the number of days, reduce the Regarding having the 5th Cavalry Association’s reunion with the 1CDA cost, allow time for the individual companies to meet, and have a less formal reunion every year, for it’s the consensus to keep our own reunion at a site atmosphere. We should also seriously consider offering a free one-year mem- other than Killeen, Texas every other year. This allows us as an association to bership to new members to give them an opportunity to see what it is all about. choose where we go and want to do. We still encourage attendance at the 1CDA We also need to be open to hearing about their experiences weather in peacetime reunion. or in combat. I personally would find it very interesting to sit down sharing Stories from a Vietnam Veteran Wife by Phyllis McKee: some refreshment and hear a Gulf War Veteran describe what it was like in the Chapter One: I know you all remember your tours in Vietnam. Most of you desert since I also served a two-year tour in Jordan 1972-73. I would also find lived through hell. I know that. But what about your wives and sweethearts? I it interesting to listen to a Trooper who has served on the DMZ in Korea. My can’t speak for all of them, but I can tell you my story. time in Korea, 1962-63 was spent in the mountains in the central part of South We were married just before the 11th Air Assault was formed. Having been Korea. I will continue to work thru the association to reach out in any way that a WAC I knew pretty much what to expect, but neither one of us was ready for I can, and I challenge each one of you who read this article to also reach out and the fact that in the first five years of our marriage we were together for 9 months. encourage others to become active. He was out in the field for weeks and sometimes a month or more at a time. So, I have continued the dialogue and sincerely hope to hear from others with We knew the orders would come down we just didn’t know exactly when. better ideas as to how to make our organization more relevant to today’s Troopers. I even got the word to dye all his fatigues and underwear in preparation for deployment. I still remember ‘Rit dye 2 olive green, one black to a washing Division Doings machine load. Continued from pg. 1 The Battalion (First of the Fifth) shipped out the day our second child, our was an exceptional mentor. He always had time to assist, provide some coaching, son was born. My husband got 10 days to get his Family to Pittsburgh, get us or just took the time to listen. Derrick never shied away from rolling up his sleeves settled, and get back to Benning to pick up the rear unit. For the next 11 months and getting dirty to complete a task - a trait that separated him from his peers.” all I could do was keep busy, take care of our children and pray. I did a lot Mailman shared a personal memory of Walker during the ceremony. “I can of praying. I am very grateful that I had my in-laws to lean on. They were a still recall seeing Chief Walker crawling under desks running cables and fixing Godsend. I had an apartment across the way from them, so I always had support user-level computer issues as we migrated to Windows 10,” Mailman said. “For when I needed it. some, this might seem odd, but those who knew Derrick understood that this One day while watching the news I saw a story about a woman whose husband was normal.” had been killed. She had no one who knew what it was like to be in that situation. SPC Christy Ferguson, a signal Soldier also assigned to HHBn, 1st Cav Div, I decided that I would organize a “Viet Wives Club.” I got in touch with one of shared her memories of Walker when she had first arrived at the unit. “I the city newspapers and they did an article and it took off from there. Within remember my first steps into the old division building just about two years ago,” two weeks we had a dozen women in our group. We met every two weeks and said Ferguson. “I was walking through G6, which was a very tight-knit group basically gave each other the support we needed. We were sisters all going of Soldiers of all types of ranks. I was very intimidated at first, but there was through the same hell of not knowing, waiting, and praying. Chief. All bright eyes and bushy tailed, super energetic and lots of enthusiasm One day I got the call that one of our group ladies had become a widow. I was for life.” “As all of G6 would agree, he was always there to lend a helping hand president and the chaplain’s office knew to call me, so I could be there when the or an ear, he was all about selfless service,” said Ferguson. official word came. Her name was Susan, and she was 16 years old, and had Walker’s awards and decorations include three Meritorious Service Medals, two a beautiful baby girl. Her husband was 18 and they got married just before he Joint Service Commendation Medals, three Army Commendation Medals, Joint shipped out. I am grateful that she was the only one I ever had to comfort. Service Achievement Medal, two Army Achievement Medals, two Army Good Whenever one of the husbands came home, he would be the honored guest at Conduct Medals, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary our next meeting. It was wonderful to welcome one of you home and yet heart Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal with 2 campaign stars, Global War on Terrorism wrenching to know that the rest of us still had to wait. Service Medal, two Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Rib- When my husband came home there was a commercial airline strike and it bons, Army Service Ribbon, four Overseas Service Ribbons, and NATO Medal. took him a couple days to get across country and land in Pittsburgh. My prayers were answered, and it was my turn to proudly bring my husband to my farewell Leon County Hosts First Team DIVARTY Veterans by MAJ Paul meeting. This is the first chapter of my side of the war. Oliver, 1st Cav Div Public Affairs BUFFALO, Texas – Red Team Troopers from POST-VIETNAM ERA ARTICLES WANTED the 1st Cavalry Division Artillery Brigade partic- The article by Phyllis is a great idea and, I for one, am grateful for another ipated in the Leon County Veterans Appreciation perspective. But many of the 5th U.S. Cavalry Association Members (past, pres- Day on Oct. 21 at the Leon County Expo Center ent and want to be’s) want and need to hear the stories from the Troopers and in Buffalo, Texas. Family members. This also includes articles from those currently serving with The event honored Veterans and their contri- the 5th Cav. Today’s members will be very excited to get the newest generations butions to the country. COL Kelly Webster, 1st involved with your association. By Jim Reecamper Cav Div Artillery Brigade Commander, took the 5th Cavalry Association by George McKee opportunity to honor the residents of Leon County I am writing this in hopes of continuing a dialogue that has been going on ei- for their contributions to the DIVARTY and Fort ther spoken or at a bare minimum in the minds of many of the Veterans of the 5th Hood. “The relationship between the 1st Cavalry Cavalry as well as other units. This dialogue concerns the lack of and or declining Division Artillery and Leon County is, dare I say, membership in our Veteran association. I joined the 5th Cavalry Association about the best among brigades assigned to Fort Hood, six years ago at age 70. Why did I wait so long? Well speaking for myself and Texas,” Webster said during his speech at the event. perhaps stating the obvious for others, I was working for a living, raising and MAJ Koelling, “ It’s neat to “It began and has thrived during a period of near educating a Family, and had precious little time and resources to spare. see the generation which has persistent conflict that has seen both the division At age 70 I had convinced my wife to join her Veterans’ organization and she come before us and to say and the brigades deploy on multiple occasions.” thanks. It’s always amazing DIVARTY was not immune to the impact of the felt what was good for the goose was good for the gander. We joined our respec- to hear their stories.” tive organizations and started to attend our reunions. We both joined in hopes of busy deployment and rotation cycles. finding people we served with. My wife was fortunate and found several women “The Troopers of your division ar- she went through training with. I have yet to find anyone that I personally knew tillery redeployed from Romania this while in Vietnam in 1965-66. This brings me to one of the reasons that I feel the summer, where they lead Europe’s Association is declining. Many others joined for the same reason, wanting to largest multinational live fire in an meet with others they served with. Think back to your time on active duty. How effort to deter Russian aggression,” many individuals did you know, or can you remember who served in a different Webster said. Webster has been platoon or another company let alone another battalion. From my view point impressed with the relationship his Vets want to meet and talk to others who experienced the same events whether unit shares with its adopted commu- good or bad. You cannot identify with the mortar attack on LZ Dog in 1966 if nity. “While Leon County is farther you were not there. You cannot identify with the terrible treatment of the Cavalry away from Fort Hood than any of the personnel at Camp Hollaway after Ia Drang if you were not there. So, Vets want posts traditional partners, and with to meet with other Vets who walked the same walk. Therefore, the individual the smallest populations of any of company reunions seem to be flourishing and also why the younger Vets from those communities, your dedication Dan Wingerson (left), “It’s a joy to catch the Gulf Wars may not want to join with us who served in Vietnam. and commitment to our Soldiers and up on things on what’s changed and stayed Continued on pg. 11 the same.” NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017 saber Page 6 0002 Hey Sailor, not available.” . We salute these, our honored dead. 12th CAV News new in town? Sure 0800 Some months ago I was on the receiving end of a forwarded email discussing Ken Howser, Jr. looks like fall, don’t the war experiences of a Trooper unknown to me. I emailed said Trooper back, 16505 Virginia Ave Unit 1141 it? That’s because it is. and as I awaited his reply, deleted the letter as I could not/would not use the Williamsport, MD 21795-1483 Heckly, by the time your material without his permission. #1, his address was now gone. #2, I no longer 240-366-8447 lonely eyes feast on the had his name, same reason as previously. He telephoned me and left his name [email protected] shapely image of this and number, requesting my return call. Before I could call him back we had a www.12thCav.US masterpiece of a column, power outage of about six hours, and since our landline is now a digital service Facebook.Com/12thCavalryRegiment it might even be winter! ‘line’ through our cable service, #3, I lost/no longer had his saved message, his Life proceeds apace here name and his number. See where I am going here? Dude Trooper, I did not dis on post continuing care. Walking around picking up fallen twigs, limbs, and you or forget you, I lost you. Please get back in touch with me. <#Experience bark and sizing them down. Here abouts we’uns call that ‘free mulch’. They be a harsh Mistress. There is no cure.>. have drafted a new, young, youthful and exceedingly good-looking bingo caller. 1000 Ever heard of a 12th Cavalry Regiment monument at Fort Benning, With the most, resonate voice! I guess it’s good to be an X-RTO. Radio training Georgia? Me neither but it doesn’t have to stay that way according to Trooper always seems to be a desired quality for recruiters across all disciplines. Nielsen, Mark Williams, 3/12. After attending the ground breaking of the 3rd AD the TV folks, also do radio ratings. (I know! Who knew?) Our household was monument there he posed, “Is the 12th Cavalry looking at building a monument ‘chosen’ to give a weekly sample (this exact week) and fill out a daily diary of our at FT Benning? All the other regiments are hard at it.” Mark is heavily involved listening for each household member of a certain age. I hope their collective hive with his sector of the 12th, as indeed he is with all things 12th Cav, like a lot minds are not blown beyond salvage with the eclectic range of AM, FM, internet, of us. “Fort Benning is the new home of the Infantry, Armor and Cavalry. The satellite, car, home, and smarter-phone listening we explore and represent. Local National Armor and Cavalry Museum (due date 2020) will be built there, near market - what local market? We are worldwide! The eldest of our grandsons is the National Infantry Museum in Pattons’ Park (named for the father and the enlisting in the Army in satellite communications, reporting date 30 November, son) along one side of Fort Benning Road. The park has walkways, and along enlisting as a PFC. It seems now days with varying levels of successful civilian those are the individual monuments. The 3AD got the spot next to 11th Cavalry education behind you, one can enlist at higher ranks than previously. (E-nothing Regiment. There are plots along the walks of different sizes, you pick the one you as we termed it.) No more of the good old days clawing your way up to E-3, but want, they tell you the price, you enter into a contract if you get busted... Maybe one day he will make First Cavalry like his wonderful with the Army, and cut them a check for the land grand (see?) father! and the ground maintenance.” Then there is still the 0200 Another month, another day, another story to tell, another life experience cost designing, constructing, and maintaining the to relate, willingly or unwillingly. Maybe unwitting, also. Remember the 60’s monument. Do we want to go there? Prior to that and 70’s and getting stoned? Well me neither. But it’s a fact Jack and Jill, that Trooper Mark, he of the Regimental flags, proffered, either every story told to you about stoned kidneys (kidney stones) is utterly “Look what I found. A 1902 copy of the ‘12th U.S. vividly validly true in every core facet and aspect, or they don’t go far enough in Cavalry March and Two Step’. I am going to get the definitively alerting you to the pain, un-comfort, and agony you will face if you post band here to play and video it.” Composed by too are stricken with this scourge. You have been warned by one who now knows the 12th Cavalry bandmaster, F. W. Eilers, the march for true. I have heard the passing of a kidney stone, or multiple ones, described is dedicated to Colonel J. N. Wheelan, commander of as male childbirth. Having never birthed one or a child (I had what might be the 12th Cavalry, and I believe its first commander. referred to as a type of C-section, you don’t want to know about that either!), That I will drink and look forward to. I cannot wait I cannot for certain say it is so. I’ll end by saying you don’t want to know and to hear it performed and played live for what, the first I am back writing once again. The follow-up is I was sent home without pain time since 1902? Sounds like a must to download medication. Do not ever listen to a hospitalist who tells you that. Just ignore him. and format for loop play on just every single music The dry run relapse, return trip to the ER, and recovery were worse than ever the 12th U.S. Cavalry March device I possess. Make the non-12ers envious and wet run. My kidneys feel like they were a speed bag worked by Muhammad Ali. jealous; Score! Ein prosit! How’s that for a ‘Mister Peabody’s Wayback Machine ‘ reference? Know the 1200 Families and friends “rushed to embrace their loved ones early Monday best drug-free relief for kidney’s pain we discovered entirely on accident? Heated morning as the first group of 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team Soldiers (1-12 car seats! Google staghorn calculi if you want to make your groin involuntarily Cav is a part) returned from a nine-month deployment to Kuwait, Iraq and other spasm. My urologist stated he has removed those the size of his fist. . and an additional 200 were expected to return around midnight. Nearly 3,000 0220 The voters so polled hath decisioned, and be it herewith announced; Soldiers deployed in February to Kuwait for a nine-month deployment in support of said site for your (Non-Div Assoc connected) 2018 12th Cavalry Reunion. By Operation Spartan Shield, supporting regional partners with operational missions, unanimous decision, super majority general agreement (37 to 15), the 13th Annual bilateral, multilateral military exercises and theater security cooperation activities instance of our reunion will again be in Branson, Missouri the 13th through 17th in the Central Command area of responsibility, which covers the Middle East. of September, 2018. . According to a fact sheet released by the Division, Greywolf Soldiers provided 0400 Staff Sergeant (Retired) Guy ‘Wayne’ Strickland, combat and advise and assist support to Operation Inherent Resolve in the fight 62, of Columbus, Georgia passed to Fiddlers Green on 20 against the Islamic State group, conducted theater security cooperation exercises September 2017. “Born in Anderson, South Carolina, Wayne that built partner capacity and strengthened interoperability, and sustained readiness served in B Troop, the 3rd Squadron 12th Cavalry Regiment, through ongoing training to be prepared for any mission during their deployment. 3rd Armored Division ‘Spearhead’ in Büdingen, Germany, in The brigade is returning from the deployment at the same or higher rate of readiness 1973-1976. Wayne served honorably in the U.S. Army during than before the deployment, according to the fact sheet. In addition to multiple the Gulf War and achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant prior to training exercises, the brigade conducted crew and collective qualification along his retirement. He is survived by his wife of forty-one years, with two sustainment gunneries. The remainder of the brigade was expected to Brenda, and daughters, Jenna, Heather, and Angela, among return over the next few weeks.” . others.” . 1400 Welcome to America, Troopers, where Christmas has officially arrived! 0460 Sergeant John Franklin SSG Wayne Beginning 0001 hours, 2017-11-01, Sirius XM began broadcasting 24/7 Christmas Bailey, 69, “passed away on Strickland music on two channels. Likewise, the Stingray Holiday channel on my cabled October 23, 2017 with his Family by TV. More channels and stations being added as we read and wait. Get your chill his side. He was born September 15, 1948 in Paintsville, on, this incomprehensible joy and adoration is available for a limited time only Kentucky, lived in West Covina, California for 18 years, before Christmas. One full and 80.645% months is a mere pittance of time to and in Chino, California for the past 27 years. Working enjoy this specialty, so imbibe to the fullest. Who knows how long these treasures hard and providing for his Family was something for will extend into the newer year. We can’t wait; am I right, am I right? Did I say which John shrived. As a young man, he received his have a Merry Christmas? Well do! Or any holiday your heart or spiritual guides Associates Degree while attending Mount SAC. He (or none) desires. One can’t judge what one doesn’t know. worked as a maintenance mechanic for Golden State 1600 1-12th Cav “Infantrymen Foods for 25 years. From July of 1968 to July of 1970, crouched in the back of the 40-ton SGT John Franklin Bailey John dedicated his life to serving in the US Army. He Bradley Fighting Vehicles with served in Vietnam from January of 1969 to January of their weapons clutched tight as they 1970. He was a proud member of the Veterans of Foreign War Post 1944 and the barreled towards the mock village 1st Cavalry Division (Air Mobile), Charlie Company, 2-12 Cavalry Regiment. John on Udari Range Complex here in loved his Family and is survived by his wife Becky; son Michael; and daughter Kuwait. The Bradleys simulated firing Malinda, among others. A celebration of life service was held November 6, 2017 on enemy elements with their 25mm in Chino. Inurnment was at Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside; staging guns before dropping their ramps area #7.” “I was his squad leader. He carried an M-79. He was on LZ Grant and allowing the infantry platoon to Dismounted assault on objective when the Battalion Commander was killed, also on LZ Grant when snippers got clear the objective on foot, assaulting inside the perimeter 12 May 1969. He was honest, straight to the point and very building after building. The training, conducted by Company C, 1-12 Cavalry strong. In his fight against cancer, he fought hard. When I was leaving after Regiment, was part of a company workup designed to help the unit prepare visiting him in August, he gave me a slow hand Farewell Salute. I knew then we for qualifications when they return to the U.S. “It’s a great way to build teams would not see him alive again. He enjoyed the Cav Reunions.” . Commander CPT Reid Seiler said. “So, it gives young leaders a chance to exercise 0600 Specialist Luke Hampton Toomey, 21, “was found unresponsive Oct. their initiative in situations they haven’t been in before. It gives junior Soldiers 18 at his off-post residence in Copperas Cove, Texas. Specialist Toomey, home a chance to build confidence in their basic soldiering skills, and to provide them of record Lakeland, Tennessee, entered active-duty service in May 2015 as an feedback from outside evaluators.” The unit recently swapped which personnel infantryman. He was assigned to the 2nd Squadron, 12th Cavalry Regiment, 1st were in which positions, and junior Soldiers and young leaders enjoyed the chance Brigade Combat Team, since February 2017. Specialist Toomey’s awards and to get comfortable in their new positions. “We had to move some guys from decorations include the National Defense Service Medal, a Korean Defense Service the ground into the Bradley and some guys from the Bradleys to the ground,” Medal, an Overseas Service Ribbon, and the Army Service Ribbon. Circumstances said SGT Nigel Lallarank, a squad leader in C Co, “and in the mix up, a lot of surrounding Toomey’s death are under investigation by the Copperas Cove Police us hadn’t really worked together at all.” For the infantrymen, especially those Department and the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command. A photo was Continued on pg. 9 Page 7 saber NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017 Greetings to all members of said. “Now can you do something, completely exhausted after walking for three 7th CAV News the 7th Cavalry! Thanks to hours or less carrying a pack and accomplish a mission at the end of that 12 miles. Karl Swenson those of you who welcomed It’s that final mental test. It’s not a difficult thing.” “When I went through, it was -dis 3526 E Park Ln Bloomington, IN 47408 me to my new position here assemble, reassemble and do functions check on an M4, and if you screwed that up, (812) 345-4055 in the Saber, your kind words you’re done,” Greene added. “Like, that 12-miler, even though you did it in an hour [email protected] were appreciated. Also thanks and a half or however fast you did it, it didn’t matter. That whole thing was a fail.” to those of you who sent me The scene at the Objective Bull lane was a pressure cooker of emotions. Some information for this and upcoming columns – that, too, is greatly appreciated. It were stoically fighting back tears. Some were grimacing in pain as muscles they is you, the reader of this missive, who ultimately creates the content by sharing didn’t even know they had screamed out in agony. Some brand-new badge holders, your stories, memories, and important notifications. Please keep it up. And as overcome with adrenaline, were slapping high-fives and running from place to a side note, taking over as scribe has led to my reunion (at least by email) with place motivating those who were still trying to complete Objective Bull. And some brothers in arms from 50 years ago. Since beginning this endeavor, I have come were so exhausted, so physically spent, they nearly fell over while attempting to in contact with Bob Tortolani, the 1/7 Battalion surgeon during 1968 and 1969, drag 130 pounds of sandbags wrapped up in an evacuation sled from one point to and Tom Hartin from C Company, 1/7 Battalion, whom I met and served with in another. And these same Soldiers got a miraculous jolt of energy when they crossed March of 1969. Thanks for reaching out, brothers! the finish line and were met with jubilant cheers of, “Congratulations, Expert!” And to the rest of you who are reading this column, please continue to send “You infantrymen, you are the decisive effort,” said BG Jeff Van, Deputy Com- your stories to me. They all deserve to be told again and again, as they are the manding General of 35th Infantry Division and guest speaker of the EIB grad- stories of our history. Contact me at the above email address. uation ceremony. “Infantry units bear the largest brunt of warfare and typically From Chan Duryea (Charlie Company, 2nd Bn, 7th Cavalry): I’m writing to let suffer the greatest number of casualties during warfare campaigns. Youare you know of the passing of Charles M. (Doc) McKinney on 25 September 2017. the Soldier that everybody else relies on to conduct direct combat operations, Doc was the senior medic in Charlie Company, 2/7 for just about all of 1966 and seize terrain and hold it by putting your feet on it. Your boots on soil is what for most of the 9 months or so that I was the Company Commander. Doc was drives the national strategy of our country and ensures freedom in our country. a true hero, twice wounded caring for fellow Soldiers while under fire. He was “Getting the expert infantry badge is special,” he continued. “As your counter- always by my side until the shooting started, and then he would be out recovering parts who did not pass will attest, this is no easy task. This is especially within and taking care of the wounded. Returning from the hospital after he had been the infantry community a rite of passage. You are in a fraternity of men that wounded the second time, he was reassigned to the Battalion Aid Station in an comprise the best Soldiers in the Army. Be proud of what you just accomplished. attempt to keep him alive. When the battalion surgeon shortly thereafter was Be proud of what you stand for. You are part of a profession of arms that spans injured in a helicopter accident and evacuated, Doc (without anyone to stop him) the globe and is required for peace and security in any nation.” simply left the aid station and returned to Charlie Company to rejoin the rest of us. Now, that’s one tough test! I was extremely proud the day I saw a copy of the He is the author of the book Borrowed Time: A Medic’s View of the Vietnam War. orders stating that I had been awarded the Combat Infantry Badge, but I can only Doc and I got together years after the war and were close friends. We both were imagine how proud those 29 Troopers were when the EIB was pinned to their active in the 1st Cavalry Division Association, he was a trustee until his health chests! Congratulations, one and all! began to slow him down. I am still on the Board of Governors. Doc’s wonderful A request for information has been received from Chan Duryea, 2nd Battalion wife Linda cared for him until the very end. He was a handful as those of you 7th Cavalry. If you can help him, please reach out: who knew him can imagine. He and Linda were very dear to Patti and me, and “I have agreed to coauthor a book with another Cav Vet, Bob Orkland, on the we are in close contact with Linda. malfunction issue (failure to extract) of the first issue of the M16 rifle to Viet- My thanks to Jim Savage for this report on 2nd Battalion 7th Cavalry Troopers: nam bound Troops. My first KIA as Company Commander resulted from just Camp Buehring, Kuwait - Competition can often bring out the best in people. such a malfunction when one of my guys got off just one round at a group of Whether a person is competing against other individuals or just with himself advancing NVA at night. He was killed by return fire. Before going to Vietnam or herself, he or she is challenged to come out on top. Two hundred twenty in February of 1966 I had spent two years as a test officer on the Infantry Board infantrymen from the 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division at Fort Benning. I was acutely aware of the problems with the then XM16E1. engaged in a week of intense competition, not against each other and not even Bob and I need first-hand accounts from men who had problems with the M16. against themselves. These Soldiers competed against long-established standards This will be an essential part of the book. We would be greatly appreciative of to earn the coveted Expert Infantryman Badge, and 29 emerged victorious. any support and information we might receive from 7th Cavalry Vets.” After two weeks of train-up, the candidates began testing week with the Army Contact information for Chan and Bob is: Physical Fitness test. While the Army standard is at least 60 percent in each of three Chan Duryea 701 Timberlake Ln, McDaniels, KY 40153 (270) 316-6295 candidates had to score at least 80 percent in each event. “It always starts with the Bob Orkland 27 Elkins Lake, Huntsville, TX 77340 PT test,” said Greene. “And when it starts out, 42 percent are going to lose imme- st diately for multiple reasons, not making the run, pushups, sit ups, whatever it is.” And finally, it’s never too early to start your planning for the 2018 1 Cavalry Ever true to historical trends, 220 candidates began the APFT; when the last person Division Association Reunion, to be held in Charleston, WV, June 20-24. Reunions crossed the finish line, 122 remained. “And then the percentage decreases, because the are a time for all of us to gather and renew old friendships or make new ones and we number is smaller, but normally you end up with 10 to 15 percent who actually make want each of you to be a part of this great event. The Almost Heaven West Virginia it,” Greene said. “So, if we end up with 50 EIBs out of this, that will be a huge number.” Chapter invites you to join the rest of the First Team Family in Charleston, West The competition had just gotten started, and already nearly half the Virginia for the 71st Annual Reunion of the 1st Cavalry Division Association from candidates were out, but those remaining weren’t even close to be- 20-24 June 2018. We are planning numerous events and with ample opportunity ing finished. The next event was a day and night land navigation. for you to go off on your own and see the surrounding area. All Life Members “And you’re doing it in Kuwait where it’s between 95 and 120 degrees depend- and Associate Members of the 1st Cavalry Division Association are welcome to ing on the day and the night you’re doing it, so now you’re not just adding the attend this special event. As always, Family members of our war dead, Gold Star normal work environment, you’re throwing a heat index on it, so it’s going to Families, and widows of our members are welcome to join us for this reunion. be tough,” said Greene. “The heat and the humidity will be playing a factor.” Please register early to assist us in coordinating the best reunion possible. All Because of the environment in which the brigade is currently deployed, the members of the Association must register and pay the registration fee in order EIB was scheduled on a reverse schedule, where the Soldiers rested during the to attend the reunion. Early registration, November 2017 through 01 June 2018 heat of the day and commenced their EIB tasks starting at 8 p.m. until 8 a.m. will be $20 for members, except those on active duty. Active Duty Troopers “Land navigation is the only one that will have some daytime and nighttime hours pay $10 to register. Those sending in registrations post-marked after 01 June in it,” Greene said. “We’re doing all the lane stuff, medical, patrol and weapons, 2018 must pay late registration fee of $40. Family members attending with an at night to try to keep the sun off the Soldiers. That’s another mitigating factor Association member, widows of 1st Cavalry Division Troopers and Gold Star that we’re using to at least not have the sun on top of the heat and humidity.” Family members that attend do not have to pay a registration fee. One hundred sixteen candidates now remained and began testing on the 30 We will be utilizing the Charleston Marriott Town Center as the Reunion Head- tasks split between three lanes; the patrol lane, the medical lane, and the weap- quarters and will hold many of the scheduled reunion events at that same location. ons lane. Whether it was lack of attention to detail or a momentary lapse in The Charleston Marriott Town Center has a guaranteed room rate of $99 per night judgement, slowly but surely, the number of competitors was whittled away. plus tax (12.5%) for up to 300 rooms on peak nights and there is no charge for The tasks had to be executed step-by-step in sequence and perfectly. The parking. Call (304) 345-6500 to reserve a room. The hotel’s reservation toll-free standard is established, and there is no getting around it. Candidates can number is (800) 228-9290. Make sure that you identify yourself as attending retest after one no-go in an event, but two no-goes’ in the same event the 1st Cavalry Division Association Reunion and make your reservations prior or three cumulative no-goes leaves a candidate with no more chances. to 01 June 2018. The hotel does provide a free shuttle service from the Yeager “You get flustered,” said Greene, who earned his EIB in 2004 after his third Airport. Shuttles and rental cars are also available. The hotel is located at 200 attempt. “There’s a lot of stuff going on. You have to memorize- every Lee St, Charleston, WV 25301. There are several other hotels within walking thing. You’re talking not just the road march or ‘The Bull,’ not just land distance of the Marriott. navigation or the PT test, but there’s 30 stations that all have subtasks in- And so, as we look to the future, we also must remember the past. If you have side each one, and they have to memorize each one at every station and contributions that you would like to see in this column, please, please, PLEASE what they’re supposed to do on it. If they mess up one thing, they’re out.” feel free to send them to me. Use the contact information at the top of this column. “I’m making it this year,” said SSG John Agoo, infantryman assigned to Bravo Until next time Garryowen, brothers and sisters! Company, 2nd Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, who attempted the EIB for the second time. His advice to his Soldiers was, “Try to get in a small group where everybody actually wants it. Take your time. Help us recruit, Don’t let the nerves get the better of you.” At 2 a.m. on Oct. 1, after training for two weeks and perfectly executing task after task after task, 36 candidates make sure those that you served with in the Division stepped off with 35-pound ruck sacks on their backs and a burning desire in are also members of the their hearts, a desire to wear the badge. When their bodies begged them to quit, when their feet felt like they were on fire, they persevered. They put one foot in 1st Cavalry Division Association! front of the other, and many of them ran, didn’t walk, but ran to get their badge. Even at the completion of 12 grueling miles in less than three hours, the exhausted candidates were still not done. They still had to pass Objective Bull, a series of medical tasks standing between the candidates and that shiny new badge. “Twelve miles is not the end state; 12 miles is how to get from one place to another,” Greene NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017 saber Page 8 8th CAV News my life has been so important. I must admit that my life is so much better with Thomas J. De Young a horse in it. He seems to quell the emotional pain and sadness that I carry. I 3439 Brooklyn Ave call him my ‘Sin Eater.’ Just being near him whether standing near him, riding Port Charlotte, FL 33952-7211 him, or just the smell of him, my life is so much better. I’m living vicariously (616) 719-0223 through equine therapy.” [email protected] Thank you, Byron, for sharing your journey with us. It was great talking with www.8Cavalry.Org you today. Hi again, I was out at the airport where I used to keep a plane having coffee Military Horseman Badge: On a somewhat related theme, horses have a with old friends last Saturday. As we were sharing old flying tales (kinda like long and distinguished history with the U.S. Army and the 1st Cavalry Division. “war stories”), I looked out the window and saw SNOW! AGH! Today, (I’m Now the Army has created a special award to recognize current Soldiers with writing this column on October 30th) it’s cold, gusty winds with sleet attacking the Military Horseman Badge. Awarded to specially trained personnel who my good mood. It’s time to get out of Michigan and head down to my winter serve in the Caisson Platoon at Arlington National Cemetery with their mounts, home in Florida. I’m busy packing and getting this place closed up, so pardon this badge reflects the pride of service that these Soldiers present to the public me if this column is a bit shorter than usual. at innumerable ceremonies and associated burials. This is a recognition that is On Combat Stress: I suspect that most of us have seen the 1970 movie well deserved. See more information at: Patton. It was a biopic of one of America’s great WWII Generals. He was a scenes in which he is visiting wounded Soldiers at field hospitals? Early in the Nantucket Holidays for Heroes: I film he finds two Soldiers hospitalized with self-inflicted wounds. He lets his heard from Bert Johnson about the latest feeling be known in no uncertain terms: “There will be no battle fatigue in my event of Nantucket Holidays for Heroes, army–it’s a ticket for a free ride for yellow bastards to a hospital. I’m not going an organization about which I have written to subsidize cowardness!” He chastises the doctor, and commands “… get these in previous columns. Four members of cowards out of here.” In a later scene in Sicily, he talks with badly wounded men, Scotch Platoon, C 2/8, attended the Sep- kneels and places a Purple Heart on the pillow of one unresponsive man, leans tember fundraising event. Pictured from over and whispers in his ear and prays. When he rises from that clearly moving left to right are: SGT Ted Ward, LT Terry exchange, he encounters a crying Soldier. “What’s the matter with you?” he asks. Macy, SSG Bert Johnson, and SGT William “I just can’t take it, it’s my nerves, I just can’t take the shelling anymore.” “Your Pickle. Nantucket Holidays for Heroes nerves,” Patton shouts, “Hell, you’re just a god-damned coward!” He continues provides all-expense paid vacations on to berate the Soldier and slaps him shouting, “SHUT UP!” He orders the Soldier Nantucket for wounded Veterans and their be sent to the front telling him that he may get shot, he may get killed. “Either Families of the Iraq and Afghanistan Wars that or I’ll put you up before a firing squad, I ought to shoot you right here” as he as well as start up fund for those Veterans reaches for his pistol, doctors rush the man out. Again, Patton shouts: “I won’t to start their own businesses and Service have cowards in my army!” Dogs for Veterans to help stop the number Times have sure changed in the last three-quarters of a century, and so has our of Veteran suicides. The event raised over understanding of combat stress. Sometimes not recognized until months or even $300,000.00. Congratulations, Bert, on years after the initial trauma of combat action, we now know the severe effect of another very successful fundraiser for this combat on those who have engaged in it. Referred to now as PTSD or PTS, the worthy cause. impact on the psyche can be severe as many of you well know. The debilitating On Patriotism: Finally, many have spo- effects have ruined lives and careers. Treatment options today have helped many ken on the apparent loss of the patriotism cope with it in their daily lives. Some find help in private counseling, some in Bertyl Johnson & Friends that once bound together the hearts of our group therapy, medications can often help others. Another that has calming, citizens. It is not as pronounced as it once and restorative effects has been found to be in partnering with a service animal. was, perhaps, but I still see it in the lives Usually dogs can fill this role well. Having been a dog owner, I know them to be of our young people. They may express it differently than we older folks do, but loyal companions who can actually sense one’s mood and react to it in positive that should not be misconstrued as being absent. I doubt many younger than I ways. But other animals also serve. I received a note from Byron Edgecomb will recognize the faces in this 1970 video clip submitted by LTC (Boz) Stephen followed by a great phone call. He offered this brief biography about his Vietnam Bosma, as just about all of them are gone now, but it carries a strong message for service as an Army medic and his subsequent dealing with PTSD: us all. “I had been in the Army from 1962 to 1965 and was discharged with the rank God Bless America! Honor and Courage! Tom of SP5. I had been trained as a medic and served at Walter Reed General Hospital. In the spring of 1964, I was reassigned to OFFICIAL NOTICE Kagnew Station in Eritrea Ethiopia, Africa. I worked in a 36-bed hospital until I was ELECTION OF OFFICERS – REUNION 2018 discharged. I reenlisted in September of The By Laws of the Association provide that the Officers and members of the 1966 but had to lose two stripes to do so Board of Governors shall be elected by the General Membership at the General and came back on active duty as a PFC. Membership meeting conducted during the Annual Reunion. Further, that the I tried to get more schooling, must have President may appoint a Nominating Committee to nominate candidates for made someone mad because instead I got office and that other nominations may be made by Life members from the floor orders for Vietnam; “That’s your training” at the General Membership meeting. The Resolutions of the Trust Agreement of I was told. I was first assigned to HQ, 1st the Foundation of the 1st Cavalry Division Association and the By Laws of the Bde, at Camp Radcliff. From there I went Museum Foundation require the election to the Board of Trustees for positions to HHC 2/8th and was assigned to Co A coming vacant each year shall occur at the Annual Reunion. Candidates for all as a Platoon Medic and later promoted to offices must be Life members of the Association. Senior Medic for the company. I really felt unprepared for any of this. It was the The President has appointed a nominating committee to recommend Life day after the battle on LZ Pat where the Members of the Association for election or re-election to fill the terms of office company lost a medic who I was replacing. for the following positions that become vacant as of 23 June 2018: I had very big shoes to fill. We saw a lot 1st Vice President of action after that. (Byron left the service 2nd Vice President Byron & Oddessy as a decorated Staff Sergeant having been 3rd Vice President awarded the Silver Star.) Three Foundation Trustees “I suffer from PTSD from my combat experiences in Vietnam. It took a long Two Museum Foundation Trustees time for peace to come into my life. My first wife left me and had a baby in her Ten Places on the Board of Governors new life while I was still over there. Fortunately, I never did get into the drugs and alcohol with which so many of our Vets had to deal. It was many years after Any Life member of the Association, including an incumbent, who wishes to Vietnam that I was introduced to horses. I picked up my horse, Oddessy a couple be considered by the nominating committee for one of these positions, should of years ago. It was very painful since I had to euthanize my horse, Beau, of forward a letter to the Chairman, 2018 Nominating Committee, 302 N. Main St., many years. He had a colic that could not be fixed. Oddessy, my new horse, is a Copperas Cove, TX 76522-1703, requesting consideration for nomination to the very big Quarter Horse. He had spent 9 years in the pasture doing nothing after specific office. The Nominating Committee must receive all requests no later his 90 days of training at the age of 3. I was given an opportunity to give him a than 15 April 2018 to assure sufficient time for processing and full consideration. good home, a fun job, and a purpose. I knew it would involve some retraining. Requests must be accompanied by appropriate documentation that includes proof I was sure that if he had been trained as I was told, it should not have been too of service with the 1st Cavalry Division (e.g., a DD214 or equivalent) and a much of a problem. The difficult part of the problem was finding a trainer with biographical sketch. The biographical sketch needs to outline the applicant’s full whom I felt comfortable. name and provide ranks, dates of service and units assigned to in the 1st Cavalry “Denny Chester of Fredericktown, Ohio fit that bill for me. I knew when I Division. Additionally, it needs to provide the dates and positions for any offices first met him and saw how he moved around Oddessy that he could do the job. held at National or Chapter level in the Association and similar information for He worked with Oddessy every day for three weeks. I watched Denny’s every any other Veteran’s organizations the applicant belongs to. Any instances of move trying to see the cues he was using. The problem was I could not see the special support for Association programs should also be included if applicable. subtle cues he was using. While the trainer makes all of this happen it means nothing if the owner does not understand the cues that the horse understands. To The election will be held during the General Membership meeting at the 71th have the partnership of horse and rider is of the utmost importance. The rider Annual Reunion of the Association on Saturday 23 June 2018 in Charleston, West must understand the cues. The trainer needs to evaluate the skills of the owner Virginia. Nominations from the floor will be accepted. A Life Member making to make sure the owner understands the cues and can do them without too much such nomination will be expected to provide the information outlined above on over-thinking. As we know, over-thinking the cues just confuses the horse. the nominee and in addition provide assurance that the nominee is either present “Since that short retraining of Oddessy, he has become a fantastic partner. We at the General Membership meeting or has agreed to accept nomination to the are having great trail rides together. With all of this being said, having a horse in specified office. Page 9 saber NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017 Michael W. Bond 3014 Northridge Rd. 9th CAV News copter skid and a well-entrenched enemy began pouring withering fire into both Hardy, VA 24101 A late autumn chill has de- ground units. Now we had two rifle platoons pinned down and a full-scale fight [email protected] scended on beautiful Smith on our hands. Our gunships and scouts began to screen around the village of (540) 815-5004 Mountain lake. After several Tam Quan in order to keep whoever was in the village there and to prevent any weeks of 70-degree tempera- enemy reinforcements. That turned out to be the least of our worries. By this ture, we’re finally get some cooler weather. time the 1st Brigade of the 1st Cavalry Division was assuming operational control Next month marks the 50th anniversary on December 6th of the Battle of Tam of the contact and the Brigade CO ordered his ready reaction force, B Co.,1/8 Quan. I watched Ken Burns Vietnam Documentary with great interest in the lead into the fight to try and assist the two 1/9 platoons. As darkness approached, B up to Tet, 1968. I was dismayed that he chose to highlight the 173rd Airborne Company was air assaulted into rice paddies North of the village. As soon as they Brigade’s taking of an insignificant hill only to give it back to the NVA and VC approached the village they were under very heavy fire and close-range combat later. I guess it didn’t suit his narrative that the 1/9’s violent collision with the 22nd was being fought all along the line of advance. NVA Regiment in a battle that lasted four days and resulted in reduced fighting While our ship remained on station, to coordinate gunship and artillery fire, the capability of the Regiment. rest of the 1/8 moved in to reinforce B Company. Later on, that night some APCs As tribute to all those who fought in that battle, here is my recollection of the from the 1/50 Mech Infantry tried link up with Blues. One APC took a direct hit Battle: I was flying Apache 6 X ray on 6 Dec 1967. I was the pilot for MAJ from a B-40 rocket and was destroyed. Sometime around 2300 hours one APC Gordon Stone, the CO of A Troop, 1/9 and in addition to our crew chief, we had made it to A Troop Blues and rescued them from the battlefield while our ship our Artillery Forward Observer, 1LT Al Tyre on board (who also manned one of along with other gunships laid down covering fire. Finally, around midnight this our door guns and he was deadly with an M 60). one APC was able to extract what was left of the QRF. We landed after 12 hours Around 1430 hours 1LT Tyre spotted a long radio antenna running from a hooch in the air, landing only to refuel and re arm several times. to the top of a palm tree. We came around to investigate and when Al tossed a frag This engagement turned into a running battle with at least two battalions of the grenade to recon by fire toward the hooch we began receiving intense fire from the 22nd NVA Regiment that lasted two weeks, until 20 Dec 1967. Somehow what ground. We immediately returned fire and broke contact while climbing up from was left of the 22nd managed to get across the Bong Son River and melt away tree top level. While Tyre called in an artillery fire mission, MAJ Stone called into the mountains to the South. for our Blue Platoon to be air lifted in to check out the contact. I should point out This was the largest battle I fought in and some of the fiercest fighting I expe- that the CO in an Air Cavalry Troop flies a single gunship without a wing man. rienced during my tour. We all sustained heavy casualties during this fight, but I We conducted a “hot” insertion into a rice paddy LZ just a little west of Tam believe whipped them pretty good. Many of us believe that the 22nd was getting Quan. Our gunships fired rockets into the tree line beside the paddy as the lift into position to try and over run LZ English or LZ Dog during the Tet offensive ships landed the Blues. As soon as they got off the helicopters the Blues became scheduled for Jan 1968. By making contact with them early we prevented that pinned down from intense fire from the village. It became obvious that we were from happening and as a result there was little activity on the Bong Son Plain engaged with much larger force and MAJ Stone called for the Squadron QRF, when Tet arrived. which was a rifle platoon from D Troop. Our lift ships, known as the Headhunters, That wraps up this addition of the 1/9 newsletter. Please feel free to share with picked up the Quick Reaction Force at LZ Two Bits and raced back to the East me any stories from your service with the 1/9. Until next time We Can and We and air assaulted them into a rice paddy just South of our Blues. Will, We could and We Did. Unfortunately, the QRF platoon leader was killed as he stepped off the heli-

12th Cavalry Continued from pg. 6 WANTED used to light units, it can be a challenge to learn how to best use the unit’s armored vehicles. “We’ve been doing a lot of integration with the Bradleys,” said Wagner. If you served with, know, knew, or have any information about any of the “Being infantry, we want to hide a lot, but that’s not always possible when you’re following, please communicate with the contact listed: in a big Bradley.” The unit will redeploy to the continental U.S. in the near future, I am looking for anyone who served with my brother LESTER H. where it will have to go through the training cycle and then certify to deploy. For LEOPOLD, B Co, 2-8 CAV, KIA 19690906. POC is William Leopold C Co., this task is less daunting thanks to the training they’re getting in Kuwait. . “It makes us better” said Seiler. “We still expect to go through the full train- DION, MICKEY, 1/12th or 2/12th, Arrived in Vietnam January 1969. Contact up cycle, but these guys are going to go into it Greg Schlieve, P.O. Box 369 Grandview, WA 98930, Phone 509-781-0799. better trained, more fresh than they would if we had to wait until we got back to go through it.” My father, ROBERT GARRETSON, was driver for General’s Mudge and . Chase. Participated in liberation of Santo 1800 Private Rodgers Mosiria, “a native of Tomas. Below are the photos he took in Kenya, joined the Army in March 2016 because he Admiralties and on Samar. Would also like had a “passion to serve.” On 17 October, Mosiria assistance in identifying officer’s in photo recited the Oath of Allegiance and were granted currently attached. Was during liberation American citizenship during a naturalization of Samar. Gentleman in center is expatriot ceremony at III Corps Headquarters. Mosiria, American. Would like assistance in identi- a small arms repairer with 2nd Battalion, 12th fying two officers on either side of center. Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, Two other photos are Filipinos holding 1st Cavalry Division, was already living in the welcoming sign and Filipino Guerillas U.S. with a green card when he enlisted. “When armed with Japanese weapons. Contact: I came to the U.S., I wanted it all,” he said. Douglas Garretson . including his goal of going Green to Gold and becoming a commissioned officer in the Army. “There are so many better opportunities for me and my Family,” Mosiria said. He is hoping to now bring his wife and infant daughter to the U.S. from Kenya. Morsiria explained many African American citizens SPC Javal nations are densely populated but have relatively Wilson - PVT Rodgers Mosiria small military forces, so enlistment into military service is very competitive. With citizenship, Amoako is looking ahead to the doors that open to him. “I can get help with my education,” he said. “I can achieve everything.” (Also, not noted in the article, but duly noted on the Thunder Horse Facebook page, new U.S. citizen Specialist Javal Wilson!) . 2000 Preventive services are a woman’s best defense against preventable diseases. Annual women’s health service exams are the best way to maintain your health and diagnose potentially serious conditions for successful treatment. Many issues women face are preventable and treatable. The leading causes of death for women are heart disease 22.3%, cancer 21.6%, chronic lower respiratory diseases 6.0%, stroke 6.0%, Alzheimer’s 5.0%, unintentional injuries 3.9%, diabetes 2.7%, influenza & pneumonia 2.2%, kidney disease 1.8%, and septicemia 1.6% according to the CDC. Talk to your health care provider about non-physical concerns as well. Dealing with high stress, depression, difficulty sleeping, or WWII Photos, Battle for other non-physical health concerns are just as important to stay healthy. Proper Samar, PI sleep, physical activity, and nutrition are key components of preventive health and day-to-day wellness. Women need a mix of cardio and resistance or weight- bearing exercise at least three to five times a week to help prevent osteoporosis, heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. Exercise also promotes good self-image, which is important to a woman’s mental health. Eating healthy is critical to women’s health. A balanced diet of lean proteins, healthy fats, smart carbs, and fiber are essential elements to a proper diet. . 2200 Journal closed. “We’re a sentimental people. We like a few kind words better than millions of dollars given in a humiliating way.” ~ Gamal Abdel Nasser, on refusing Western economic assistance, ‘Realites’, January 20, 1969. Semper Paratus! Write if you get work! Ken Howser, Jr. NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017 saber Page 10 funeral was held on Saturday, 28 October, with 30th FA News “HARD CHARGERS” friends, Family, and members of the 1st Bn, 30th Daniel P. Gillotti FA in attendance. Jon was a husband, a father, a 4204 Berkeley Dr. brother, a mentor, a friend, and a Hard Charger. Sheffield Village, OH 44054 Jon had served with the 30th FA Regiment as (440) 934-1750 a Maintenance Sergeant, and eventually was [email protected] www.HardChargers.Com commissioned as a Maintenance Warrant Officer. After he retired he served as the Supply Officer Hard Charger News: The planning for the 100th Anniversary Celebration of for the 1st Bn, 30th FA as a civilian employee. the organization of the 30th FA Regiment is in full swing. This event will take He also served as the Contracting Officer’s place at Fort Sill, Oklahoma next year (2018). We are working on the exact Representative (COR). Jon Fizzell is survived dates with the leadership of the 1-30th FA at Fort Sill. LTC James Egan will be by his wife Diane, and daughters Jennifer and changing command next June. The approximate date for his Change of Command Tomara. Jon’s wife has asked for donations is 16 June 2018. Our current President of the 30th FA Association is COL (R) instead of flowers. MAJ James O. Johnson is Theodore Janosko. He also commanded the 30th FA Regiment back in the 1998- serving as the point of contact if you would like 2000 time-periods. He also served three years as the Honorary Colonel of the to make a donation. His contact information is 30th FA Regiment. Ted along with our 2nd VP Danny Mitchell spent many hours as follows: . visiting motels/hotels in the Lawton, OK area trying to locate the best possible His phone number is 580-442-1667. Jon’s hard Jon Fizzell place to hold our 100th Anniversary Celebration of the organization of the 30th FA work and dedication to the 30th FA Regiment Regiment. We are doing everything possible to ensure we have the best possible will be sorely missed by all who worked with him or knew him. May he Rest in celebration we possibly can. As soon as we lock in a contract for a location we Peace, AMEN! will be detailing the arrangements in our January 2018 Newsletter. Life Membership in the 30th FA Regiment: For those of you who have been Hard Charger Obituary: It is with a heavy heart that I must report the tragic dragging your feet about becoming a Life Member, we have lowered the Fee to loss of CW3 (Retired) Jon A. Fizzell. The 1st Bn, 30th FA and the entire 30th FA only $99. Over 300 of our members have reached the conclusion that becoming Regiment has lost its first ever, Honorary Warrant Officer of theth 30 FA Regiment a Life Member is a good thing! Contact me for a membership form. My email (HWOR). John was a good Samaritan who was assisting a member of his church address is: . Our Hard Charger website address group on Sunday, 22 October. He was installing a new electric water heater in her is: . This is Hard Charger 9G End of Mission-Out! house when he was accidently electrocuted. CPR was administered and he was Dan Gillotti rushed to the hospital, but the doctors in the ER were not able to revive him. His

John Moran 77th FA News 1013 Willowdale Ave Kettering, OH 45429 SHARE YOUR PHOTOS WITH US! The 77th Field Artillery Regi- [email protected] Email to [email protected] ment held its reunion September 20-23, at the Hotel Elegante, in Colorado Springs, CO. It was hosted by the 2/77th, part of the 4th ID. Paige Lanier, the Association’s Liaison with the 2/77th, and 1LT Camille Longuevan, FAR Liaison, coordinated the event. Attendees were Juan Garcia, John Moran, Paige Lanier, Mike Gallucci, Steve Glick, Jack Paar, Don Gross, Charley Watkins, Carl Bruer, Merlin Beedy, John Ahearn, Dwayne Fowler, Dave Morehead and William Brown. We began Wednesday evening with a get-together and pizza provided by the 2/77th. It was good to see old friends, and meet new ones. Thursday, we were able to tour part of Ft Carson, visit the PX, and have lunch at the DFAC (aka, mess hall). That evening we had a little ceremony where we recognized Awardees: M. Gallucci, D. Morehead, 2 members whose contributions meant J. Ahearn, S. Glick, J. Moran a lot to the 77th. Steve Glick was given a plaque by former members of his Battalion FDC in appreciation of his leadership. John Ahearn received an award in recognition of his actions during the attack on FSB Illingworth. The next morning, we explored Colorado Springs and the surrounding area. Some visited Cheyenne Mountain, others climbed SPC Tobias Brown (left), SGT Michael Cheney, SPC Ronald Walker (right) up Pikes Peak (and learned what thin air Former Delta Company 1/227th Aviation Regiment, First Calvary Veterans of Desert is like); one couple even went Estes Perk. Shield and Desert Storm 1990/91. Michael and Tobias were Armament & Fire Con- That evening we had our banquet dinner trol Technicians for the AH-64A “Apache” and Ronald was an Avionics Technician. at the Elegante Hotel, and afterward COL We summited the tallest mountain in the lower 48 states on August 13, 2017. Mount Menendez, the 4th Division Artillery Com- Whitney in California. We proudly posed with our First Calvary Flag. We have been mander, our honored guest and featured friends ever since the war and get together every year. First Team! First Attack! speaker, spoke to us about the current state of the Field Artillery, giving us an update and answering our questions and engaging in conversation. We left believing that the Road to Pikes Peak D. Gross, P. 71st Annual future of the artillery is in good hands. Lanier, J. Moran, D. Morehead 1st Cavalry Division Association This was re- inforced the following afternoon when we visited C Reunion T-shirts Battery, 2/77th, in the field. We met 1LT Tirabassi, the Battery XO, BN CSM Fofana, Section Chief SSG Pre-order Yours Today! Purvis, and his gun crew. They were operating the M777 155mm howitzer, and we got to see them fire a Pre-Order Cut off Date is 01 March 2018 number of rounds. We saw that they, although young, were very professional and efficient. One of our mem- $19.95 bers, Bill Brown, who had been in FDC back in the Available Sizes: Adult S - 3XL day, visited with their FDC, and was quite impressed (For 2XL & 3XL, please add $2.00) with the advances in technology. When he mentioned the FADAC, the young EMs didn’t know what he was Description: Blue T-shirt w/pocket. Logo on pocket talking about. The FDO, however, knew---he had Full Color Imprint on back seen one in the COL Menendez, museum. Time speaking at dinner flies. Reunion T-shirts will NOT ship prior to 01May18! In our election of officers, Juan Garcia succeeded Tom Shipping Chart: 1 shirt @ $7.50; 2-8 shirts @ $14.00; 8+ @ $19.00 Chiappone as President, and Dave Morehead became First VP. We are planning to have next year’s reunion Please call to place your order today: back on Amelia Island, either the week of September 10th or 17th. Dave Morehead, who Crossed Sabers Chapter Souvenir Shop is moving near there soon will coordinate (254)-532-2075 with the Amelia Hotel. We will notify all Or order online @ shop.1CDA.org members once we have a date. C Btry gun crew in action Page 11 saber NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017 Division Doings as the guest speak- Continued from pg. 5 er for the event. their Families remains the envy of Fort Hood, Texas,” Webster said. “The NCO CSM Phong Tran, 1st Cav Div Artillery Brigade Command Sergeant Major, loved Corps is a the opportunity to connect with the unit’s partnered community. “Because what time-honored it does for us is it allows us active duty Soldiers out of Fort Hood to come back corps that is rich here and give to a community that has supported us pretty much on every event in its lineage and throughout the year,” Tran said. “Whether it’s a baby shower for expectant mothers, history,” said Christmas gifts, or holiday baskets, the community here has done a lot for us.” Bell. “It is our DIVARTY has made efforts in the past year to reach out to Leon County also. job as NCOs and “What we were able to this past year was, we were able to send a team out here to as leaders to in- help a WWII Vet rebuild his kitchen floor that was in dire need of some repairs,” vest in the future, Tran said. That’s one of the ways that we can express out thanks to this community. and identify our It’s just a great relationship between the DIVARTY and Leon County. We hope to replacements to keep it going for years to come.” “In all my years of service, I can attest that it is carry on this lin- rare to see a community give so much and ask for so little in return,” Webster said. eage and history.” SGM Edward A. Bell, (left) and CSM Jill L. Crosby, stand The NCO induc- at the position of attention in front of the noncommissioned Wagonmasters conduct NCO induction ceremony tion ceremony is officer (NCO) arch at the 1CDSB NCO Induction Ceremony. The 1st Cavalry Division Sustainment Brigade (1CDSB) inducted 56 new ser- a traditional event geants into the noncommissioned officer (NCO) corps at an NCO Induction Cere- that celebrates newly promoted sergeants joining the ranks of the NCO Corps mony at the Backbone NCO Lounge on Fort Hood, Oct. 23. SGM Edward A. Bell, and emphasizes the pride and esprit de corps all NCOs share as members of an Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff, logistics, traveled from the Pentagon to serve Continued on pg. 19

1ST CAVALRY DIVISION SHIRTS AVAILABLE All shirts are 100% cotton in sizes XXL, XL, L, M, S & are all available in Long Sleeve or Short Sleeve.

PRIDE SHIRTS 1Cav & 7Cav PRIDE shirts are black with YELLOW Cav Patch on front. Left shoulder says either 1st CAVALRY DIVISION OR 7TH CAVALRY DIVISION. On right arm the US flag in YELLOW. Back: either FIRST TEAM or GARRY OWEN in YELLOW.

Mail in the below order form, or feel free to call the office SWEATSHIRTS ARE NOW to place your order. 254-547-6537 / 7019 AVAILABLE! 1st Cavalry Division Shirts Order Form In the same Cav Style as the PRIDE shirts. Short Sleeve Shirts $23 ea 7th Cav Pride ____XXL, ____XL, _____L, ____M, ____S Out of Out of Out of 1st Cav Pride Stock ____XXL, Stock ____XL, _____L,Stock ____M, ____S

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# of Shirts:______Total Due: ______Cash: $______Check: $______Credit Card:$______Credit Card # ______Exp Date: ______Please Print Clearly Name on Card: shirts are black with WHITE Cav 1Cav TRIBUTE Signature: Patch on Left shoulder says 1st CAVALRY front. Phone #: DIVISION. On right arm the US flag in WHITE. Name: GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN and lists the names Back: Address: of our fallen Troopers from ODS, OIF, OEF, OFS. Mail to: 1st Cavalry Division Association 302 N. Main St. Copperas Cove, TX 76522 SUPPORT YOUR ASSSOCIATION SHIPPING & HANDLING IS FREE NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017 saber Page 12 2018 71st ANNUAL REUNION OF THE FIRST CAVALRY DIVISION ASSOCIATION 20-24 JUNE CHARLESTON, WV Reunions are a time for all of us to gather and renew old friendships or make Division Association reunion brings in Troopers from every era of the First Team’s new ones and we want each of you to be a part of this great event. The Almost history. Troopers that rode horses, fought in the Pacific with MacArthur, occupied Heaven West Virginia Chapter invites you to join the rest of the First Team Japan, fought in Korea, or stood watch on the DMZ will spend time with the Sky Family in Charleston, West Virginia for the 71st Annual Reunion of the 1st Troopers of Vietnam and the Troopers from Operation Desert Storm, Fort Hood, Cavalry Division Association from 20-24 June 2018. We are planning numerous Bosnia, and the latest combat Veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan. The equipment events and with ample opportunity for you to go off on your own and see the and terrain might be different, but the common bond of serving with America’s surrounding area. All Life Members and Associate Members of the 1st Cavalry First Team binds us together. Saddle up and join us in Charleston in 2018! Division Association are welcome to attend this special event. As always, Family members of our war dead, Gold Star Families, and widows of our members are welcome to join us for this reunion.

Please register early to assist us in coordinating the best reunion possible. Some events will have limited seating available due to the size of available rooms. All members of the Association must register and pay the Registration Fee in order to attend the reunion. Early registration, November 2017 through 01 June 2018 will be $20 for members, except those on active duty. Active Duty Troopers pay $10 to register. Those sending in Registrations post-marked after 01 June 2018 must pay late registration fee of $40. Family members attending with an Association Member, widows of 1st Cavalry Division Troopers and Gold Star Ladies Tea 2016 Family members that attend do not have to pay a registration fee. LODGING We will be utilizing the Charleston Marriott Town Center as the Reunion Headquarters and will hold many of the scheduled reunion events at that same location. The Charleston Marriott Town Center has a guaranteed room rate of $99 per night plus tax (12.5%) for up to 300 rooms on peak nights and there is no charge for parking. Call (304) 345-6500 to reserve a room. The hotel’s reservation toll-free number is (800) 228-9290. Make sure that you identify yourself as attending the 1st Cavalry Division Association Reunion and make your reservations prior to 01 June 2018. The MSG Ruben Ortiz hotel does provide a free shuttle service from the Yeager Airport. Shuttles and rental cars are also available. The hotel is located at 200 Lee St, Charleston, WV 25301. A Co 1-21 FA 2017 Additional hotels to consider and within a short walking distance are:

Holiday Inn Express: 100 Civic Center Dr, Charleston, WV 25301 (800) 465-4329 or (304) 345-0600

Courtyard by Marriott Charleston Downtown/Civic Center 100 Kanawha Blvd E, Charleston, WV 25301 (304) 344-5777

Each of these additional hotels offer free parking and complimentary airport shuttle service. Keep in mind, we do not have a contract with either of these hotels. If you are traveling in a Recreational Vehicle, there is an RV Park located approximately 9 miles from the Charleston Marriott Town Center. Their number for reservations is (304) 925-0997. TRANSPORTATION We encourage you to coordinate your travel arrangements early especially if Posting of the Colors 2017 Howard Dean you are using public transportation. National Travel, Inc. can help support you in making your plans for the reunion: .

REUNION EVENT OVERVIEW The 71st Annual Reunion will run from Wednesday, 20 June through Sunday morning 24 June 2018 and is full of events and time to visit with one another. As usual, we will also have our Welcome Mixer, War Era Lunches, Unit Lunches, Gold Star Family Breakfast, Purple Heart Breakfast, Ladies Tea, Sweetheart Dance, Annual Association Banquet, Group Breakfast and Memorial Service. We will have meetings of the Chapter Presidents, Foundation and Museum Foundation Trustees, the Board of Governors and our General Membership meeting. During our General Membership meeting on Saturday morning, we will hold elections for the Association and both Foundations. There will be two tours offered this year. The first tour will be on Wednesday 20 June and members will have the opportunity to visit the Capital building, Cultural Center, museum, and the West Virginia Veterans Memorial. The cost for this tour is $10. The second tour offered will be Thursday 21 June and members will be given the opportunity to tour a coal village/ mine and take in some shopping at Tamarack (https://www.tamarackwv. com/). The cost of this tour is $40 and includes a plated lunch at Tamarack. Seating for all events is open, with the exception of the Reunion Banquet on Saturday night. If you are attending the banquet, you must get your tickets marked with a table number at the Banquet Seating table when picking up your registration packet. If you want to sit with specific people, we recommend that you ALL go to the Banquet Seating table together with your tickets available. Do not wait until the last minute or we may not be able to accommodate your needs.

Cavalry casual attire is appropriate for all reunion events. Wear what you feel comfortable wearing; a coat and tie, your uniform (if it still fits), casual clothing with open collar, or jeans or shorts. We want you to attend and are not overly concerned with what you wear, as long as it is decent. The Association will provide a Reunion Room in the hotel during the reunion for you to gather and enjoy yourself. Drinks in the Reunion Room are free, but we ask that you generously donate to help us pay for this room. The Crossed Sabers Chapter Souvenir Shop will set up a store in the hotel selling all kinds of First Team merchandise including shirts, hats, Stetsons, pins, decals and other items too numerous to mention. A Reunion T-shirt may be ordered, and the order form will start running in this edition of the Saber.

THE BEST PART OF THE REUNION

As always, the best part of any reunion is the people that attend. The 1st Cavalry Page 13 saber NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017 WEDNESDAY JUNE 20 FRIDAY JUNE 22 SATURDAY cont’d 0900-1800 Registration Desk Open 0700-0830 Gold Start Family Breakfast 1200-1400 Unit Luncheons 1300-1800 Souvenir Shop Open 0900-1800 Registration Desk Open 1200-2400 Reunion Room Open 1200-UTC Capital/Culture Center Tour 0900-1800 Souvenir Shop Open 1500-1600 Veterans Benefits Briefing 1200-2400 Reunion Room Open 1100-1400 Ladies Tea (JQ Dickinson; 1745-1845 Cocktails (Cash Bar) THURSDAY JUNE 21 http://www.jqdsalt.com/) 1900-2230 Association Banquet 0900-1800 Registration Desk Open 1100-1400 War Era Luncheons 0900-1800 Souvenir Shop Open 1200-2400 Reunion Room Open 0900-1000 Chapter President’s Meeting 1800-UTC Live on the Levee Concert SUNDAY JUNE 24 0930-1030 Museum Trustees Meeting SATURDAY JUNE 23 0700-0830 Group Breakfast 1045-1145 Foundation Trustee Meeting 0730-0845 Purple Heart Breakfast 0700-0830 LRRP/Ranger Breakfast 1200-UTC Tamarak/Coal Mine Tour (includes Lunch) 0900-1100 General Membership Meeting 0900-1000 Memorial Service (Long Roll Muster) 1330-1500 Board of Governors Meeting 0900-1800 Registration Desk Open 1200-2400 Reunion Room Open 0900-1800 Souvenir Shop Open 1700-1900 Welcome Mixer 1st CAVALRY DIVISION ASSOCIATION 71st REUNION (2018) REGISTRATION FORM Mail to: 1st Cavalry Division Assn. Reunion, 302 N. Main, Copperas Cove, TX 76522-1703 I will attend the 1st Cavalry Division Association’s 71st Annual Reunion at the Marriott Charleston Town Center, Charleston, WV June 20-24, 2018. Cancellations must be received by 5:00pm Friday, June 01, 2018 in our office (254-547-6537) for a refund.Seating at some functions is limited. Hotel Cancellations must be done personally with the hotel. Are you a member of the 1CDA: YES_____ NO_____ Is this your first 1CDA Reunion? YES NO NAME:______I will be accompanied by: ADDRESS:______SPOUSE/OTHER ______CITY/STATE/ZIP:______GUEST#1 ______NICKNAME:______GUEST#2 ______GOLD STAR FAMILY MEMBER: ______PHONE# (H)______GUEST#3 ______(C)______GUEST#4 ______PREFERRED UNIT (s) GUEST#5 ______#1______I am staying at: Marriott:_____ Other:______#2______Home:_____ RV:_____ I served during (circle one or more): Pre-WWII WWII Japan (anytime) Korean War Korea 57-65 Ft Benning Vietnam War Ft Hood Registration fee required for Association Member only (Widows and Gold Gulf War Bosnia Iraq Afghanistan Ft Bliss Other:______Star Family members pay no fee) – no fee for Family members accompanying Association members. Registration fee includes: Name Tags (required for admission to Reunion Room and other activities, Reunion Pin, and information EMAIL:______package. FUNCTION # AMOUNT TOTAL FUNCTION # AMOUNT TOTAL Registration Fee (Members Only) 1 $20.00 ______SATURDAY JUNE 23 After June 1, 2018 1 $40.00 ______Purple Heart Breakfast ____ $20.00 ______Active Duty (w/ID Card) 1 $10.00 ______Unit Luncheons (circle one) ____ $27.00 ______WEDNESDAY JUNE 20 5C 7C 8C 9C 12C Wings Capital/Cultural Center Tour ____ $10.00 ______ARTY HQ LRRP/Ranger E Association Banquet (Adult) ____ $45.00 ______THURSDAY JUNE 21 *(circle one) (Child) ____ $22.00 ______Welcome Mixer ____ $25.00 ______5C 7C 8C 9C 12C Wings Tamarak/Coal Mine Tour ____ $40.00 ______ARTY HQ LRRP/Ranger E FRIDAY JUNE 22 SUNDAY JUNE 24 Gold Star Family Breakfast ____ $20.00 ______Group Breakfast ____ $25.00 ______War Era Luncheons LRRP/Ranger Breakfast ____ $25.00 ______*WWII/Korean War Veterans ____ $27.00 ______*Vietnam War Veterans ____ $27.00 ______Add a little extra (Donation) *Gulf War/OIF/OEF Veterans ____ $27.00 ______Ladies Tea (JQ Dickinson) ____ $22.00 ______Saber Renewal $10.00 ______Live on the Levee ____ FREE ______New Life membership $10.00 ______Rank_____ Banquet seating is assigned at the reunion. You must take your tickets to the Last four of SSN: _____ Banquet Seating Table to get your table number assigned. NO ONE will be admitted into the banquet without a table number on their ticket. To assist us in DOB:______organizing the seating, please circle the unit you wish to sit with at the banquet. Please get your table assigned prior to noon on Saturday. Grand Total:------$______

____ Credit Card ____ Cash ____ Check

If you served with the 1st Cavalry Division, ______Credit Card # you are part of the First Team Family! ______Exp. Date CVV/CSC#:______NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017 saber Page 14 Hello from the nation’s the LZ below, sliding down the hill into the trees. The approach axis was shifted LRRP/Ranger News capital. I was at Fort Belvoir from west to east and the lead aircraft on a second approach successfully repelled Ken White recently to visit LTC Tom his load. A total of 14 sorties were lifted into Signal Hill without further incident 3834 Inverness Road Fairfax, VA 22033 Campbell (1967-68), Kailua, with constant improvement being made to the LZ. From the initial assault, it (703) 352-1468 Hawaii, who is in a health looked like a milk run as no significant anti-aircraft fire was encountered. [email protected] care center there recovering Glenn remembers: “When we got over the LZ, we could see the helicopter that from a broken leg, and while I lost lift and came crashing down through the trees below. It landed on its side was there, I got to see the site of the new National Museum of the United States and slid down the mountain and became wedged between the trees. We didn’t Army. The museum is currently under construction on the North Post of Fort know at the time what the disposition was of the LRRPs onboard the helicopter Belvoir, and as can be seen from the photo below, is only partially complete, or of the four-man crew. Once we got on the ground, Lieutenant Joe Dilger, at this time. It will be finished in late 2018 or early 2019 with the opening set Louisville, Kentucky, directed team leader Sergeant Jim (Mac) McDonald, Brazil, for June 2019. Of course, June 2019 coincides with the 75th Anniversary of the Indiana, and our team, LRRP Team 3 Charlie, to establish a defensive perime- Allied Invasion of Europe in World War II. As we know, our unit, Company ter on the northern edge of the LZ. We would learn shortly afterwards that the H, 75th Rangers, traces its linage to one of the three units, the 2nd Battalion, 75th LRRPs and the four crew members onboard the helicopter were still on it and Ranger Regiment, that was in the first wave of Soldiers to assault the beaches of were attempting to free themselves. Later, we also learned that Larry Curtis, Normandy, France in the early morning hours of June 6, 1944, D-Day, beginning Greenfield, Indiana, and one other LRRP were standing on the helicopter skids the liberation of Western Europe from Nazi control. The 2/75th Rangers landed in and were about to repel down ropes to the LZ when the helicopter lost lift. They the main attack on the western side of Omaha Beach at Pointe du Hoc, alongside fell to the ground with the helicopter crashing down behind them. Larry, who the 116th Infantry Regiment, 29th Division, from Fort Belvoir. The 16th Infantry was pinned under the helicopter and unable to get free, was badly injured as was Regiment, 1st Division, landed on the other side of the 116th Regiment. the other LRRP. It wasn’t until more LRRPs and more 8th Engineers got on the The museum backs-up to the North Post Golf Course and will be accessible ground, that they were able to maneuver the helicopter and dig Larry out from from the Fairfax County Parkway, approximately 1 ½ miles or less from where under it. Larry and the other wounded Troops were moved to a bomb crater at the parkway intersects with U.S. Route #1. It will not be necessary to enter the the northern end of the LZ until they could be evacuated. I also remember that post to access the museum. Visitors will be able to access it directly from the we could see headlights on the valley floor that night from trucks being driven parkway. through the valley by enemy soldiers.” The museum will be the official museum for the history of the Army. It will “On the morning of the 20th, we came under sniper attack from the North Viet- honor America’s Soldiers, namese. We fired our M16s at suspected targets and threw grenades down the preserve Army history, and slopes in an attempt to keep the enemy soldiers at bay. The dense foliage on the educate the public about ridge and the blaring noise from the chain saws used to cut down the trees and the Army’s role in Ameri- clear the LZ, made it nearly impossible to pinpoint the location of the snipers. can’s history, according to While we were attempting to keep the enemy at bay, Larry was lifted out on a the Army. In September McGuire Rig. By early evening, a small clearing capable of accommodating a 2000, the Army entered single helicopter, had been cut out on the ridge, but not before the snipers shot and into an agreement with the killed Glenn Lambert, (Pensacola, Florida); Dick Turbitt, (Waukegan, Illinois); Bob Army Historical Foundation Noto, (St. Louis, Missouri); and James F. MacManus, (Anaheim, California, 8th (AHF), a charitable nonprofit Engineers). Lieutenant Dilger received a near-fatal gunshot wound to the chest.” organization established in “On the morning of the 21st, Captain Gooding (St. Louis, Missouri) along with 1983, designating it as the several more LRRP teams arrived at the LZ. Captain Gooding ordered a systematic official fundraising agency sweep of the ridge and several snipers were located and killed. That evening, a for the museum, and with helicopter arrived to retrieve the bodies of the dead Troopers and transport them the National Museum of the to Graves Registration at Camp Evans.” National Museum of the United States Army nd United States Army Project Under Construction at Fort Belvoir North “On the 22 , several Chinook helicopters delivered 105mm howitzers to the Office to oversee the design Post, Fairfax, Virginia LZ and it was expanded to include an artillery battery that would provide support and construction of it. The to the 1st Cav Troops on the valley floor.” Army estimates that it will cost $200 million to build the museum and that it will “For the next three days or so, we continued to secure the LZ. My team was come from private donations from individuals and corporations. The Army will positioned at the northern edge of the perimeter just beyond the crater where the operate and maintain the museum when it opens and the AHF will be responsible dead and wounded had been brought. We continued to patrol the area to the north for all revenue-generating operations. to ensure that enemy snipers had not moved back onto the ridge. A line company The main building will be approximately 175,000 square feet and will display finally arrived to assume security and we were transported back to Camp Evans.” selections from 15,000 pieces from the Army Art Collection and 30,000 artifacts, The following email was received from Doug Parkinson (1967-68), Bayside, documents, and images, according to the Army. Outside the main building will California: “Okay guys, in reading the latest book on Nam, ‘Hue’, Mark Bowden, be a park with a memorial garden and parade ground. There will be space to our movement north to Camp Evans and Quang Tri by boat, planes and convoy accommodate ceremonies, reenactments, lectures, educational programs, confer- in January 1968, one group hitched a ride with some Marines from Phu Bai ences, and reunions. The museum is expected to attract an estimated 750,000 through Hue. You guys have been immortalized on page 76 of the same book. visitors yearly. The Marine Lieutenant refers to us as “Bad Ass” and appreciated the presence. Interestingly, the museum will be located about 10 miles up the road from The Who are you? Parkinson.” National Museum of the Marine Corps located on U.S. Route #1 in Triangle, On a different note, I hope that everyone had the chance to watch The Viet- Virginia, near the Marine Combat Base at Quantico. The museum is adjacent to nam War, the 18-hour, 10-part documentary film on the Vietnam War aired on I-95, and the centerpiece of it, the photosphere gallery, is visible as you pass by PBS TV over the two-week period of September 17th and 24th. It was not the on I-95 going to or coming from the nation’s capital. The exterior of the photo- first documentary on the war to be aired by PBS TV, but it was likely one of the sphere gallery is designed to evoke the image of the flag raising at Iwo Jima, an most significant ones. It examined the 30-year history of the war in expansive image that is preserved by the Marine Corps Memorial on Route #50 in Arlington, detail with footage of the fighting, news clips of protests and riots in the U.S., Virginia, overlooking the Roosevelt Bridge crossing the Potomac River into the and numerous interviews with North Vietnamese, Viet Cong, South Vietnamese, nation’s capital, according to the Marine Corps. The Marine museum opened Americans, and others. The interviews were fascinating. For example, one with on November 10, 2006, and is now one of the top tourist attractions in Virginia, an elderly Vietnamese man who served as a colonel in the South Vietnamese drawing over 500,000 people annually. Army and spent 17 years after the war in a communist reeducation camp, was While I was at Fort Belvoir, I also talked with Glenn Merritt (1967-68), Vienna, very revealing. He talked about the impact that corruption in the South Vietnam- Virginia. Glenn was at Signal Hill in the A Shau Valley on April 19, 1968 when ese government had on the army during the war and of the “divide” that exists the LRRP/Rangers along with Engineers from the 8th Engineering Battalion today in Vietnam as a result of the hardships that the communists put the South and volunteers from the 13th Signal Battalion rappelled from helicopters onto a Vietnamese people through after the war. Another interview, one with a former 5,000-foot high mountain ridge on the eastern side of the valley five kilometers 1st Lieutenant with the 173rd Airborne Brigade, who saw action in the Dak To northeast of A Loui Airfield. The A Shau Valley was located in far northwestern area in 1967, raised serious questions about our strategy in fighting the North South Vietnam, along the Laotian border, just below the DMZ, and roughly 30 Vietnamese and Viet Cong in remote sparsely populated areas along the border kilometers southwest of Khe Sanh. There they established a radio relay site for the where the North Vietnamese had every advantage and the American Soldiers and 1st Cav Troops who would be air assaulting onto the valley floor on the morning Marines had none. If you missed the film, you can view it online with your PC of the 20th and attacking the North Vietnamese and Viet Cong soldiers there who by going to the PBS TV website, . were using the valley as a staging area to attack Hue, Phu Bai, and DaNang on The following email was received from LTC Jim Wright (1967), Yorktown, the coast. Glenn came in on the first lift of five helicopters. Virginia regarding the film: FYI.“ It was readily apparent to me that they went According to the 227th Aviation Battalion (Assault Helicopter) After Action into the effort with a negative theme/conclusion and “stacked the deck” accord- Report, dated April–May, 1968, on April 19, 1968, the weather, which was to ingly. Jim” play a harassing part throughout the 29 day operation, was a thin overcast on The following email was received from Rick Barela, president of the 75th Ranger the plains and solid overcast above the valley. The cloud tops, however, were at Regiment Association: “All, you have heard me talk about the Ranger Legacy about 4500 feet. The top of Signal Hill was above the clouds. With the main Walkway Memorial, a planned historical walkway to be built at Fort Benning assault aircraft on a temporary weather hold, Company B, 227th AHB, with four that will tell the story of the U.S. Army Rangers past and present. Commencing UH-1H helicopters, a command and control ship, and two escort gunships from D with the original Ranger Battalions and Merrill’s Marauders from World War II, Co was suddenly in the position of the lead assault element. Carrying an aircraft it will take us through the Airborne Ranger Companies of the Korean Conflict to load of five, the four lift ships departed Camp Evans, climbed through the thin those of the Long-Range Patrol (LRP) and Long-Range Reconnaissance Patrol overcast, and were vectored to the initial landing zone. It was briefed to be a (LRRP) detachments of the Cold War Era. It will highlight the establishment single ship LZ and intelligence reports had spotted anti-aircraft positions along of the Ranger Companies in Vietnam and of the present-day Rangers who are the ridge to the northeast and a heavy concentration of assorted weapons on the fighting the Global War on Terror (GWOT).” valley floor to the west. The initial approach was attempted directly to the west, “Based on the cost of building the Savannah, Georgia memorial for the 1st Ranger approaching the ridge at a 45-degree angle. The first view of the LZ showed it to Battalion, we are estimating we will need to raise $1,000,000 for the Walkway be a bomb crater on a 40-degree slope surrounded by 50-foot trees. Touchdown Memorial project. If anyone is interested in contacting companies who you think was impossible and the LRRPs would have to repel from about 50 feet. The lead can assist in the development of the project, please do so and let me aircraft was unable to maintain a position over the LZ and made a “go around.” Continued on pg. 18 The second aircraft attempting the drop lost lift and came crashing down onto Page 15 saber NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017 CHAPTER INDEX ALMOST HEAVEN WEST VIRGINIA FLORIDA TROOP E “BLACK HAT” JUMPING MUSTANG CHAPTER WILLIAM A. RICHARDSON NORTHWEST CHAPTER CHAPTER Pres: Juan Kellog 1-8 Cav NATIONAL CAPITOL REGION Pres: William Koepp POC: William D. Carpenter 607 SE 47th St., Apt. 7 Pres: Harvey Auger CHAPTER 4633 Timothy St. SE 713 Diamond St. Cape Coral, FL 33904-5506 4825 King Arthur Dr Pres: Gene Russell Lacey, WA 98503-5764 Fairmont, WV 26554-3713 E-mail: [email protected] Charlotte, NC 28277-0052 7923 Jansen Dr. (360) 259-4815 (304) 366-0022 POC: Johnnie Robertson (704) 321-2011 Springfield, VA 22152-2413 POC: Roberto Maanao E-mail: [email protected] 2641 Ashwood St. E-mail: [email protected] (703) 220-5322 3036 Marquette Dr. SE Fort Myers, FL 33901-0910 POC: James C. Knafel E-mail: [email protected] Lacey, WA 98503-6255 CALIFORNIA CENTRAL COAST (239) 265-1509 5510E - 500 South Website: 1cda.org/national_capitol.htm (360) 491-9118 CHAPTER Website: www.seahog.org/cav/index.html Columbia City, IN 46725-7621 Meets 3d Sat. of the month Jan.-Apr and E-mail: [email protected] Pres: Barney B. Jones Meets 4th Sat. ea. mo. from Sept.-May (260) 244-3864 Sep.-Oct. 0900 at the American Legion Meets 1200 1st Sat. of even months, PO Box 444 1:00pm at Biggys Place, 3701 Fowler St., E-mail: [email protected] Post 176, 6520 Amherst Ave., Springfield, contact William Koepp or Roberto Pebble Beach, CA 93953 Fort Myers, FL 33901 Website: www.JumpingMustangs.com VA. Breakfast available prior to start of Maanao for meeting location. (831) 917-5952 mtg. Jun meeting is at WRAMC and Nov. E-mail: [email protected] FOLLOW ME CHAPTER KETTLE MORAINE CHAPTER meeting at the Assn. Vets Day gathering. ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHAPTER Pres: Robert Dodson Pres: Gordon Weidner Pres: Robert Stauffacher CENTRAL SAVANNAH RIVER Meets 1900 4thTues. ea. mo. Veterans 1219 Cleveland Ave. NEVADA CHAPTER 18355 Drennan Rd. AREA CHAPTER Ctr., 1000 Victory Dr., Columbus, GA. Racine, WI 53405-2929 Pres: John Lyles Colorado Springs, CO 80928-9308 Pres: John Rangel, Jr. No meeting in December. (262) 637-3835 POC: Milton S. Clark, III (719) 683-2837 POC: Gary Quinn POC: Robert Richter 7789 Buckwood Ct. POC: Paul Lemieux 395 Harlem Grovetown Rd. FORT KNOX AREA CHAPTER W204 N11945 Goldendale Rd. Las Vegas, NV 89149-6661 PO Box 6548 Harlem, GA 30814-4525 Pres: Thomas Ken O’Barr Germantown, WI 53022-2321 (702) 522-7313 Woodland Park, CO 80866-6548 (706) 513-5858 12210 Valley Dr. (262) 628-8056 Meets the first Saturday of the month (719) 687-1169 Meets on 2nd Sat. of mo., 1400 at Ryans Goshen, KY 40026-9501 Meetings held at 3 month intervals with at 10am at American Legion Post 8, E-mail: [email protected] Steak House on Peach Orchard Rd., Augusta, (502) 228-8032 a banquet dinner in Dec. when elections downtown Las Vegas, Nevada. Call for Meets 9am 2nd Sat. of mo.at at Retired GA (Mar., June, Sept. and Dec.) E-mail: [email protected] are held. directions. Enlisted Assn. Chapter 1, 834 Emory Cir., POC: Larry A. Whelan Colorado Springs, CO. COLUMBIA-WILLAMETTE 2103 Winston Ave. LOS ANGELES/ORANGE COUNTY NEW YORK/NEW JERSEY CHAPTER CHAPTER Louisville, KY 40205-2535 CHAPTER Pres: Bob Arbasetti SHERIDAN’S CAVALRY CHAPTER Pres: Terry Low (502) 485-1270 Pres: John Guillory 973A Thornbury Ln. (Greater Chicago Area) 16560 S Harding Rd. E-mail: [email protected] 780 Mandevilla Way Manchester, NJ 08759-5296 Pres: Don Smolinski 603-894-8524 Oregon City, OR 97045-9679 Website: www.1cda.org/fort_knox.html Corona, CA 92879-8251 (732) 657-4284 POC: Terry Hodous (503) 210-5558 Meets 3rd Sat. of mo. at 1100 at the Bark- (951) 278-3740 E-mail: [email protected] 3718 W 114th Place E-mail: [email protected] er Masonic Lodge, 705 Main St., West E-mail: [email protected] Facebook: New York New Jersey Cav- Chicago, IL 60655-3414 Website: www.Hood2Hood1stCav.webs. Point, KY. Vice Pres: John Burgner alry (773) 445-1213 com 228 South Hacienda St. Meets at Elk Lodge at Cedar and Spruce, E-mail: [email protected] Meets 1800 3rd Wed of ea. mos. at the GERALD F. KINSMAN CHAPTER Anaheim, CA 92804-2569 Ridgefield Park, NJ. Website: www.sheridansfirstcav.com Village Inn, 1621 NE 10th Ave., Portland, Pres: Owen Levine (714) 535-0737 Meets at the American Legion Post #1084, OR 97232. No meeting in Dec. 77 Clubhouse Dr. E-mail: [email protected] NORTH CAROLINA - TARHEEL 322 E. Maple Ave., Roselle, IL 61072. 2017 Leominister, MA 01453-5170 Meets 0900 on 3rd Sat. of mo. at American CHAPTER Meeting Date - Aug 12 Picnic, Oct 14 Mtg, CONNECTICUT CHAPTER (978) 534-6284 Legion Post 132, 143 S Lemon St., Orange Pres: Roy Wood Dec 2 Christmas Party Pres: Keith Moyer E-mail: [email protected] CA 92866 4407 Talavera Dr. 48 Boretz Rd. Meets yearly. High Point, NC 27265-9660 SOUTHEASTERN COLORADO Colchester, CT 06415-1009 LRRP/RANGER of the 1st Cav Division (336) 707-1402 CHAPTER (860) 537-1716 JAMES J. MASON WEST MICHIGAN during the Vietnam War. E-mail: [email protected] Pres: Gregorio Trujillo E-mail: [email protected] CHAPTER Pres: John LeBrun Contact for Membership: Don Gibson PO Box 215 Website: www.ConnCav.com Pres: Ron Kloet 932 3rd St. 803 McDonald Church Road Las Animas, CO 81054-0215 Meeting info in newsletter and on web page. POC: Bob Anderson Blaine, WA 98230 Rockingham, NC 28379-8529 (719) 456-0028 9030 Conservancy Dr. NE (360) 393-6645 (910) 417-9104 POC: John Campos CROSSED SABERS CHAPTER Ada, MI 49301-8822 E-mail: [email protected] e-mail: [email protected] 1308 Lewis Ave. Pres: Jerry Eller (616) 682-5446 Website: www.lrrprangers.com Meets 2nd Sat of Mar., Jun, Sept. & Dec. La Junta, CO 81050-3024 808 S. 2nd St. E-mail: [email protected] Full chapter meeting during Reunions (719) 384-0379 Killeen, TX 76541-7703 Website: jjmwmc1cd.com E-mail: [email protected] Meets every 3rd Monday of the month Meets on 3rd Thurs. of Feb., Apr., Jun., Website: www.firstcavalry.net (except Dec), 11:30 at 302 N. Main St. Aug., Oct., and Dec., at 7pm, at the Grand Meets 1st Sat. of each month at 10am at Copperas Cove, TX. Open to everyone. Valley Armory in Wyoming, MI . the Holiday Inn Express in LaJunta, CO.

FIRST CHAPTER WALTER H. WESTMAN Pres: Robert H. Wolfe NORTHLAND CHAPTER 4756 Haracourt Dr. Pres: Donald A. Delsing El Paso, TX 79924-3047 3697 Gresham Ave. N. (915) 755-7944 Oakdale, MN 55128-3212 (651) 770-5422 FLORIDA CHAPTER E-mail: [email protected] Pres: Ferd Gardiner Jr. POC: James D. Wright 2290 W Tall Oaks Dr. Once Cav, Always Cav! 12781 Able St. NE Beverly Hills, FL 34465 Blaine, MN 55434-3261 (407)-473-8407 1st Cavalry Division Association (763) 757-7140 E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] VP: Gill Harris Meets quarterly at different locations. Call (585) 704-2758 or write for information. Facebook: Florida Chapter 1st Cavalry Division Association Contact for meeting info.

FROM THE 1CDA HQ OFFICE: Calling all local handymen & handywomen: We have been working diligently here at the office in sprucing up the place. As many know, the Foundation has funded to have some renovations in parts of the Headquarters building, which have been going smoothly. After the contractor finishes his portion, there are a few projects that still need tending to. We sure could use some assistance and expertise from our local friends to pitch in and make them happen. We would greatly appreciate any help on our honey do list!

Many Thanks! Crossed Sabers Chapter Souvenir Shop P.O. Box 5774 Fort Hood, TX 76544-0774 Dara, Karleen & Tina Phone: 254-532-2075 FAX: 254-532-6490 E-mail: [email protected] Online catalog visit: shop.1CDA.org Please ensure we have your updated email The Crossed Sabers Chapter Souvenir Shop is a non-profit organization. Net income is distributed to the Association for the Scholarship Program and other address, so you can access ongoing programs as needed, to the Soldier Travel Fund which allows active duty Soldiers of the Division to attend away Reunions as guests of the Association, to the new website. the 1st Cavalry Division Museum, and to fund other activities for the Troopers and Families of the 1st Cavalry Division Association. The manager, Michelle Napolitano, accepts telephone orders with payment by MASTERCARD, VISA or Email us with your updates: DISCOVER credit cards or you can order on-line using credit cards. Printed catalogs are available for $3.00 from the Association located at: D a r a : fi r s t c a v @ 1 C D A . o r g 302 N. Main St., Copperas Cove, TX 76522-1703. Make your check out to 1st Cavalry Division Association. Karleen: [email protected] Tina: [email protected] Once Cav, Always Cav! 1st Cavalry Division Association NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017 saber Page 16 Hank Llewellyn only a few days had passed, not fifty years. They talked about life after Vietnam 58 Mapleleaf Lane as well as their war and military experiences while their spouses listened and Pottstown, PA 19464-1543 learned of never heard-before experiences. (484) 948-9451 Tuesday, Bell Helicopter provided a tour bus and transported the group from [email protected] the hotel to their Ft. Worth training facility. As we disembarked the bus a restored UH-1D did a fly-over announcing our arrival. In trail-formation we assembled in Hello once again fellow Sky Troopers. The holiday season is upon us and the the building. A Naval Color Guard did the presentation and retrieval of the Colors end of a busy year for me is about to conclude as well as my detail as writer of followed by a Bell employee, Steven Turner, singing the National Anthem. After your Silver Wings of the Cav column. So, let’s crank up and launch this “Wings” dividing our gaggle into two groups, Bell escorts conducted a tour of the building sortie. including a stop at the latest helicopter flight simulators. Following our tour, I received an announcement from the VHPA recently concerning the Pilot/Crew Bell provided certificates to our pilots who demonstrated more the 1000 hours Monument that so many of you have been supporting with letters and trips to of VN flying time as well as pins to all. Bell concluded the tour with beverages D.C. “The Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association Legacy Committee is pleased and a special cake, a gift bag of souvenirs and posters. They also provided a to report the United States Commission of Fine Arts (CFA) has approved the professional photographer to document the visit with over 250 photos that all Vietnam Helicopter Pilot and Crewmember Monument design proposal submitted members of our group received via email within days of our visit. July 2, 2017. Although the U.S. Army authorized the monument’s placement Wednesday, the Bell motor coach took our group for a tour of Ft. Wolters and within Arlington National Cemetery (ANC), the CFA is required to review the Mineral Wells with a stop at the Medal of Honor Monument and a visit to the design proposal to ensure aesthetic values are appropriate. Their approval was National Vietnam War Museum. Our group was treated to a filling lunch at the the final step needed before construction and placement could begin. Many ask Mesquite Pit by former Alpha pilot, 7/66 – 7/67, Don Payne, of Colleyville, when the dedication ceremony will be held. The Legacy Committee anticipates Texas. Thank you, Don from all for your generosity. a ceremony being scheduled before Memorial Day, 2018, hopefully in early The Wednesday evening group dinner was highlighted by Don Payne playing April. The event must be coordinated with ANC management and other federal his guitar with songs he sung back during our tour in Vietnam and Keith Bodine entities to coordinate military honors and ensure the Memorial Amphitheater is whose stories brought the crowd to tears of laughter. Presentations were made available for the ceremony. We encourage you to attend. For three years we including CO, Eugene Beyer, receiving a hand-carved mahogany UH-1D as a struggled against the odds to achieve a physical monument honoring our fallen gift of appreciation from the unit members. rotary-wing comrades, and we have triumphed. It is a genuine pleasure to see the The gathering was the brainchild of CO, COL Beyer who indicated “We’re efforts moving towards a successful conclusion.” This is great news. not getting any younger and better reunite while we still can.” After a year of Mail: A request for help from Joseph DiRienzo , work headed up by former Ops officer, Lanny Julian and a team of workers, 310-846-7933. Joe served with the 23rd Americal Div in Chu Lai as an 11B20 we experienced that reunion. And what an incredible experience it was, three (Light Weapons Infantryman) until being transferred to the Cav in 1971. He did days of comradeship and remembrance. Thank you, Lanny. Our thanks to Bell OJT as a Huey door gunner and stayed in that capacity until May of 1972. He is Helicopter for their support. And thanks also to Tim Griggs and Bruce Holmberg looking for anyone who may remember him serving with A/229th. He mentions, who maintained, supplied and kept the reunion room going each evening for the “From what I remember, which is vague and could be a bit inaccurate (participated enjoyment of all the attendees and their guests. in) the Gary Owen Task Force, the LZ was possibly called either Lolo or Lulu, Former pilot Ed Amazol shared these words with me and I believe he speaks for something along those lines. The only name I can recall was the company clerk’s all, “Who could have predicted 50 years ago that we’d be having dinner together name, which was Armando, nicknamed Mando.” I asked for the name of the on this night. Who knew back then if we’d even be having dinner the next night? company CO, platoon members, tail number, etc. He was unable to recall. If But thanks for your friendship over all these years. Getting together with that anyone remembers this Trooper, please contact him at the addresses above. band of brothers and sharing the ties that bound us and carried us through those In the last issue I noted the Ken Burns “The Vietnam War” documentary times just reinforces the deep bond that we had and have. I’m saddened by the was about to air, and I asked for your thoughts about the series you cared to thought that this was probably the last and only time that we’d be gathered as a share with this Wings group. Well my mailbox began to explode as soon as the group. But heartened by the fact that we’ll always have each other’s back and the show aired. I can’t say I received one completely positive comment from any knowledge that we answered the call and did the job to the best of our ability.” Vet who responded. I personally lost interest after the third segment in which I noted in the beginning of the year that the Nov/Dec issue of the Saber would buddy Clinton Poley appeared in that iconic clip of him, head bandaged, in the contain my last column as your “Silver Wings of the Cav” writer. I was hoping Ia Drang. However, I continued to watch the entire documentary. Some of the someone would step forward and take the “Stick” to allow the column to continue. comments I received I can’t repeat but here’s a sampling of the majority: “We That has not happened but there is still time. I assumed this detail as a “Temporary probably won’t get done fighting that damn war from 50 years ago until we all Duty Assignment” from “Double Duck” Frank Tierney, twenty years ago. It’s are dead.” “The nice thing about Burns’ documentary is that we can hit the TV been a labor of love and countless hours at the keyboard. Hopefully a younger power switch if we don’t like what we are hearing.” “The documentary leaves Sky Trooper of more recent conflicts is willing to carry this column into the next us with lots of questions.” “Did John Kerry edit this?” “There’s very little in 20 years. It’s time for me to “Stop and Smell the Roses” as they say. the Burns “Documentary” about the courage, patriotism and dedication of the This has been an incredible and rewarding journey for me as your aviation U.S. Troops who fought so bravely, and honorably.” correspondent. I’ve interacted with Veteran pilots, crews and support personnel This handwritten note came from Jesse of West Babylon, NY. “You mentioned from the: 11th Avn Gp, 227th, 228th, 229th AHB; 11th Avn Co, 17th Avn Co the Burns series “The Vietnam War” and I was glued to the TV for every part. (Fixed Wing), 478th Avn Co, 2/20th Arty, Battery E-82th Arty, 1/9th Cav, 15th Burns and Novick got it right concerning the segment on the 1st Cav and paid Service Co, 15th Trans Bn, 27th Maint Bn, 110th Avn Co, 131st Avn Co, 132nd proper homage to our beloved Gen Moore and his men. After that it seemed to Avn Co, 133rd Avn Co, 194th Avn Co, 202nd Avn Co, Co A, 4th Avn Bn, Co play up the anti-war image and the Soldiers to quit for parts overseas. Some of A 5th Avn Bn, Avn Co 6th Sp. Forces Gr, Avn Co 7th Sp. Forces Gr and more, the guys interviewed look as though they were burning the candle at both ends. I from generals to PFC’s. I’ve made many new and renewed old friendships. The will give credit to John Musgrave now of Kansas as a hard charger. But at some journey has taken me to the White House twice, numerous military installations point, he came out against the war and then at the end of the series he seemed to and appearances on the Learning Channel representing you, the aviation Sky regret the loss of South Vietnam and what the people there now had to endure. Troopers of the Air Cav. What a flight it has been. I thank you, the readers of this You have to realize that Mr. Burns, although well meaning, has always been column for your support in providing the material, stories and items to maintain liberal in politics and leftwing causes. He was not a supporter of the war from an interesting column for all to enjoy. More importantly, your input over the years the start. I, for one have no regrets for my service in the war. I did two tours has also allowed this writer to connect many of the Family members, parents, and support the old adage, “My country right or wrong.” wives, children and now the grandchildren of our fallen with those who’ve spent Everyone’s Vietnam was different. Logistics, MOS, non-combat, combat, time with their loved ones in Vietnam. combat support, personal mindset, different War Corp Zones, some draftees “It’s time to bring this “Wings” sortie to an end. I’ll leave you with a couple wanted no part of the Big Green Machine. I never saw drug abuse or shooting fitting quotes: “I loved the Infantry, but I really loved hanging with a bunch of up. Most of us arrived as an individual and returned as one, most likely changed Army aviators more than anything. I figure if I live a good enough life, God forever. I, for one, will always be proud for my service. We ended up confused, may let me come back as a helicopter pilot,” Joe Galloway. “For once you have fighting for each other, to survive and to return home unappreciated by many, to tasted flight you will walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward, for there you quietly blend back in. Okay enough of this rant. Let’s move on to something have been and there you will long to be.” Leonardo da Vinci. more pleasant that I experienced. Clear Right! Hank Mid-October took my wife, Susan, to central and south Texas. We spent a few days in San Antonio exploring the sites. Including the Alamo and downtown River Walk. If you haven’t been before, the River Walk is a network of walkways along the banks of the San Antonio River, one story beneath the city streets, shops, dining, music, bars and great nightlife. Susan’s Fitbit recorded us walking 8.5 1CDA Social Media miles on Saturday alone. I’ve been to the River Walk once before and wanted to return since. My visit to San Antonio also allowed me to finally meet Webmaster, Website: Johnny Hubbs with whom I’ve collaborated with for two decades concerning 1st www.1CDA.org Cav aviation inquires. He and his wife, Karen, treated us to a wonderful hour and a half breakfast at the Hyatt River Walk. follow us on Facebook: But the real reason that took us to Texas was the gathering of my company www.facebook.com/AlumnioftheFirstTeam aircrew in Ft. Worth. Fifty years have passed since I last saw most of these follow us on Instagram: Vietnam Veterans. Monday, 16 Oct., Ft. Worth: In my minds eye I’m looking 1st Cavalry Division Association - for the faces of nineteen and twenty-something year olds as I walked into the reception room. What I experienced was “Sticker Shock” finding more then Alumni of the First Team thirty men; many accompanied by their wives, most in their 70s now and a few YouTube Videos: older. Gray/white hair abounds. But we have more then that in common, we all Search: 1st Cavalry Division Association are Air Cav Troopers having served with Alpha Co., 229th AHB, mid 1966-1968. Those tour dates mark the 50th anniversaries of some of the bloodiest months of the Vietnam War. The year 1967 saw the deaths of 11,400 Americans, and 1968 Get Linked & Stay Connected claimed 16,900, the worst yearly toll of the war, according to the National Archives. The reception room remained open into the night and each night. Many stories were exchanged, photos shown, and experiences and acquaintances renewed as if Page 17 saber NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017 they do practice demos each week all spring and summer. What is not yet known 15th MED/15th FSB/15th BSB is whether the practice demo during the reunion will be on Thursday or Friday. Mike Bodnar I received a telephone call This is expected to be known in early 2018, and the detailed schedule will be 13010 N. Lakeforest Dr. from Bob Tortolani who was posted on the website. Sun City, AZ 85351-3250 the 1-7 Cav Battalion Surgeon “For planning purposes by reunion attendees, reunion activities will begin on (623) 972-4395 from 9-’68 until April of 1969. [email protected] Thursday morning April 26 and end after the banquet on Saturday night. Wil- www.15thMedBnAssociation.org Bob said he was originally at liamsburg is in one of the most historically significant areas of the U.S. Reunion Camp Evans and then made attendees will be able to choose from a multitude of available tours. the move south to III Corps “The reunion will be held at the Great Wolf Lodge in Williamsburg, VA. Check with the division. He said that his remaining months in Vietnam were with 15th the website or the 15th MED column in the September-October issue of Saber MED in Tay Ninh, which had to be A Co. He said that he didn’t remember with for detailed hotel reservation information. Call 1-800-551-9653 or go to . Our group rate is $111.89 per night which includes Brattleboro, VT and his phone is (802) 257-1575 if anyone who knew him wants all taxes and fees. Be sure to specify our group code which is ‘15thMED’ (no to get in contact. He has retired from medical practice and his e-mail and other spaces between figures) to get the group rate. information with the 1st Cav Association needs to be updated. “Check the website frequently for updates. If any questions, contact Dan I got another phone call from William “Bill” Dolinger. Bill was a two war Toothman, Reunion Coordinator at or call (757) Army Medic and a career Soldier from 1948; his ETS was as an E-8. Bill called 872-8504. It’s going to be another great reunion! Our 20th! Don’t miss it!” about the jackets showing on the 15th MED Assn website. I had to say I didn’t From Terry: “New historical documents: Two new historical documents have know anything about them and I must have made a reference because Bill later recently been acquired from the National Archives and Records Administra- said that he had made his decision about them when I called him for more of his tion (NARA) which were apparently not available when former historians Bill information. Bill is at (804)861-3951 if you want to contact him. Downey and Paul Trout visited NARA in College Springs, MD in 2008. These Bill was in the 2nd ID in documents are Activities Report 1 Jan 66 - 31 Dec 66 and Annual Historical Re- the Korean War functioning port 1 Jan 70 - 31 Dec 70. They have been posted on our website. To see them, as a 91B. In Vietnam he was just go to , click on ‘Informational,’ and then originally in HHC 15th MED on ‘Historical Documents.’ Thanks to Corky Walsh for generously donating and made the move south to the funds for these documents ‘on the spot’ at the Executive Committee at the III Corps from Camp Evans Branson Reunion! Check them out along with other historical documents that bringing the safe and three were originally posted on the website. We are advised by NARA that we now legged dog “Tripod” to Phouc have all 15th MED Bn documents that it has on file. Vinh. Bill was in HHC S2. “Second anniversary of www.15thMEDBnAssociation.com: October 15, 2017 Because LTC Turner who was was the 2-year anniversary of the 15th MED Bn Assn website . Congratulations and thanks to Webmaster Ron ‘Baby Huey’ mander which was Division Huether for creating and running this outstanding website! If you haven’t done Surgeon needed something so, take a look through the whole website. You’ll be amazed at the wealth of to report on in division staff information on it! meetings, he assigned some- “BG Turner to honored at Madigan Army Medical Center: The 15th MED one from S2 to go out to field Bn Assn has been informed by the Family of BG Guthrie L. Turner Jr. (26 May units to bring back enemy 1930 - 9 January 2014) that a new building on the Madigan Army Medical Cen- captured medical supplies ter Campus at Joint Base Lewis-McChord near Olympia, WA will be named in and info. That S2 Soldier honor of the General. BG Turner was 15th MED Bn Commander and 1st Cavalry was Bill, who said that he Division Surgeon June ‘68-June ‘69. went out with units like 1-9 “The building to bear BG Turner’s name will be the Preventive Medicine Clinical Cav to bring in what they had Services Building (Building 9025). BG Turner completed his medical internship captured. at Madigan Army Medical Center in 1953, and served as the Commander of the Bill eventually transferred facility from 1980-1983. to A Co. 15th MED in Tay “The date for a ribbon-cutting ceremony has not been set as yet, but is expected LTC Guthrie L. Turner Jr., 15th Medical Ninh. Bill mentioned that to be in January or February 2018. When the date and details are determined, they Battalion BC and 1st Cavalry Division Surgeon A Co. and the MEDEVAC will be posted on our website and Facebook unit received the Valorous page <15th Medical Battalion Association>. Unit Award for August 12, 1969 but he said that he didn’t know why and what Always remembering our 1st Cav Troops on duty around the world; over and out. specifically had happened to warrant that. I said that I would research it. FIRST TEAM! Garryowen, Although I have not yet found the citation, I did find something online about Mike Bodnar C 2\7 Cav 1969, MEDEVAC 1-7\1970 August 12, 1969 in Vietnam: from “Viet Cong forces launch a new offensive with attacks on 150 cities, towns, and bases, including Da Nang and Hue. The heaviest attacks were aimed at the area adjacent to the Cambodian border northwest of Saigon; an estimated 2,000 Communists attacked Tay Ninh, Quan Loi, Loc Ninh, and 1ST CAVALRY DIVISION ASSOCIATION An Loc. Further north, North Vietnamese commandos fought their way into the U.S. First Marine Division Headquarters in Da Nang. They were eventually USAA REWARDS VISA SIGNATURE® CARD driven out by the Marines, who killed 40 Communist soldiers, sustaining five killed and 23 wounded in the process.” If there were a lot USAA Bank will make a contribution to the 1st Cav Division Association of casualties in Tay for every credit card account opened and each time you make an eligible Ninh as it says where purchase with the card. heavy attacks were, (You get 2,500 Bonus Points after your first purchase) then A Co. 15th MED and MEDEVAC had • Start earning 1 point for every $1 spent for all your everyday purchases. to be overwhelmed • No annual fee for this card. and performed well as usual on the occasion • Enjoy no cap or expiration date on points. to receive any citation. • Redeem points for 1% cash back or use them to purchase travel, gift cards or The 1st Cav Division merchandise. as a whole received the • Redeem your rewards points anytime on usaa.com or from your mobile phone, Valorous Unit Award with no redemption fee. for later actions in the Cambodian Incursion (You can also redeem your points and donate to your favorite military affiliate in May 1970. group. Many of our members actually donate them back to the Association.) A Company 15th Medical Battalion, Tay Ninh Yet another phone • Choose from two card designs created exclusively for the 1st Cavalry Division call came from Stephan Vogt who was a Medic in B 2-12 Cav from August Association. 1970. He said he went home on leave for R&R and when he returned the 1st Cav Division had started to go stateside so he got assigned to the dispensary in Bien Hoa and wanted to know if that was 15th MED which would give him a reason to go to the 15th MED Assn Reunions. I suggested getting a copy of his 201 File to see what units he was assigned. That’s where I left off with him. His phone is (636) 240-4581. Anyone who knew him or wants to tell him what they know, give him a call. From Terry McCarl “At of the time of this writing, it is only about six months until the 20th 15th MED Bn Assn Reunion, April 26- 28, 2018 in Williamsburg, VA. Reunion Coordinator Dan Toothman is a busy guy, putting together a terrific program for us! “Registration forms and other information are now available on our website: For more information about USAA you may call . Just click on Reunion info. The detailed 877-917-1232 or visit www.usaa.com/1CDA. schedule is still being prepared and is expected to be available around January 1. What is being arranged is a group visit to Langley AFB for an F-22 Raptor Flight Demonstration by the East Coast Flight Demo Team which is part of the First Fighter Wing stationed at Langley. If they are not on the road for air shows NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017 saber Page 18 20th and 79th Artillery Regiment News Colorado Springs. Our Secretary, Huey O’Dell, was not able to attend at the last Bruce Wilder minute. The minutes will be posted to the ARA webpage. The 2016 and 2017 1308 Blue Sky Lane minutes will be approved by the full Board offline and distributed to ARA mem- Kingsport TN 37664 bers. Likewise, the final treasury report will be published in a future Straphanger 423-276-6626 newsletter after a board meeting with a quorum and the final report is accepted. [email protected] Dave Borgeson provided the status on the placards (bronze plates) and the www.araassociation.com problems we continue to face in getting the placards placed at the desired lo- cations. Without the appointment of a new Secretary of Army, no one in the Well, another terrific Aerial Rocket Artillery (ARA) Annual Reunion is over system would give final approval. A placard has been placed at Fort Rucker and we remember the great time we had in Williamsburg, VA. Now press onto thanks to Larry Mobley efforts. Also, our brick pavers are now in place at Fort other activities and planning for next year’s reunion at Fort Sill, OK, hosted by Rucker and we have requested that Larry take pictures for inclusion into next our good friends and Association members, Clovis and Marva Jones. This is a Straphanger newsletter. Jule Szabo purchased a brick at the Yorktown/Jamestown perfect place for our 21st Annual Reunion as it recognizes our units as part of museum to commemorate our reunion. The brick paver was displayed during Division Artillery in both the 1st Cav Div and the 101st Airborne Div during the our Yorktown visit. Vietnam War era. It is good to have a home post for our designated military Asa Talbot requested members submit to him news articles and photos for in- branches of service within the Army. We are fortunate to have two posts: Fort clusion in the ARA Straphanger. As always, I welcome any, and all for the Saber. Sill for Field Artillery and Fort Rucker for Aviation. We need to resolve the refund issue. As you are aware, in planning this type of As most everyone knows, the weather was not our best friend this year. Many event we must make deposits at certain stages prior to the event. There are per of our registered guests had to cancel at the last minute leaving us with financial plate charges, discounts on hotel rates, and the bus rate based on the number of and logistical challenges! But not to fear, our Board of Directors and Association passengers. Herb and I have been working with our vendors to try to get reduced Members came through in the pinch with the assistance of the vendors providing costs. Herb will address this in a separate communication. Our members need our service and accommodations. To the casual eye, there appeared to be no to understand that even though they did not attend, costs were still incurred. problem, and the bottom line was that we survived with minimal impact. The Jim Castillo volunteered to set up a conference call, so the Board could dis- vendors were flexible, professional, and very helpful. cuss these issues and speak with one voice. We needed to wait until Herb Hirst Here are words from our President about Williamsburg as written in the current had time to prepare the final numbers and make a recommendation. The first issue of the Straphanger: conference call was made in October and a second call has been scheduled for November 30, 2017. “All I can say is, ‘Wow what a reunion!’ From the Historic Area, Master Mer- Dave Borgeson forwarded an email from John Brennan, former SP5, 114 AHC, chants Square to Jamestown and Yorktown, we were overwhelmed with history, 1970-71, Vinh Long AAF, Mekong Delta, who published Vietnam War Army great food, and the wonderful camaraderie of our members. Ever since I was Helicopter Nose Art, on September 28th, 2017, from Fonthill Media. The email elected your President, I have gained a deep appreciation for the friendliness, reads in part: “Gentlemen, the book’s total photo count is 295. One A/2/20 unit the fellowship, and the comradeship of the Association. I wish everyone could photo is showcased in the book. Let me know by email at if you would like to receive the pre-sale ordering instructions towards the met with Jule Szabo in Williamsburg to start looking at hotels in the area and purchase of an author signed copy of this book. Previous editions have photos interesting activities for the members. The variety of class restaurants, the of B Btry and C Btry unit photos. All publications are still available from the revolutionary war history, and the natural beauty of the area made Williams- author. Inquiries welcomed. Thank you, John Brennan” burg a natural fit. We settled on the Embassy Suites for our lodging. Colonial Connections coordinated our bus tour of Jamestown and Yorktown. The Fort New ARA shirts and baseball caps were displayed at the reunion and a few Magruder Conference Center catered our Saturday night banquet. They were orders were taken. We have identified high quality soft golf (polo) shirts with all good choices. What I didn’t plan for was Hurricanes Harvey and Irma. Our fully embroidered lettering (not print on) for future reunions. A new fully em- registration number was at 75 and the attendance at the Saturday night banquet broidered cap will be available. We are exploring a similar cap with a shorter was 41. To hold our reservations at the different venues, we had to make de- bill to compliment the beautiful ladies’ shirt. It would be a real sight to have posits and guarantee a certain amount of revenue. We are working hard to all the attendees at Ft. Sill in matching outfits. The cost is not in concrete yet, finalize our costs, so we can provide some type of refund for those members but it is rumored that the $20 cap and $30 shirt may go for a total of $40-$45, that had to cancel. The Williamsburg area is amazing. The beauty, the history, depending on the demand. All sizes will be available. Photos from the reunion the friendliness of the local people, and the tradition of Colonial Williamsburg are in the current Straphanger so that those who missed the reunion could also is very special. When you combine this with a chance to meet old friends and make purchases. Your opinion is sought after by Jesse Hobby. meet new friends, our members experienced a great reunion.” I just recently received word of the death of another member of the ARA com- Asa Talbot, our editor of the Straphanger, had this to say about the reunion: munity. CPT William Andrew McCaslin, 70, C Btry 2/20th 1968-69, died August “When the bottom falls out of your plan, your ranks are depleted and each time 23, 2017, in Bradenton, FL. A private memorial will be held at a later date. After you turn around a new crisis arises, you can give up or be the leader you need Vietnam, Bill served as flight/gunnery/academic instructor at Fort Rucker. His to be. As the cancellations rolled in and the venue usage crumbled, our leaders awards include: 2 Silver Stars, 3 DFCs, Bronze Star, Purple Heart, and 108 Air showed why we really did win in Vietnam. They kept everything in perspective Medals. He obtained three honorable discharges, one as an enlisted man, one and met each event with skill and confidence. Williamsburg was not the only as a Warrant Officer, and one as a Commissioned Officer. Bill is survived by smart choice; our leaders were also. From arrival to departure, the reunion was his wife, Penny, his son, Brendon, his daughter, Christie, and his brother, Marc. superb and the Ladies (as always) were right there supporting their men. I am Donation in his memory may be made to the military charity Fisher House proud to be a part of the finest unit there ever was and ever will be.” Thank you, Foundation or the Moffitt Cancer Center. God bless Bill’s Family, and may he Asa for those kind words. I agree! rest in God’s eternal peace! We had three threats to overcome with this reunion: Harvey, Irma and Maria. I wish for all of you, your Families, and friends the best for the holidays. May All three managed to close enough airports to keep many of expected attendees God’s riches blessings be upon all of us, our communities, our nation, and the from being able to get flights into Williamsburg from their homes. Some had to world this Christmas Season. Let us all continue to pray for peace. “This is go to the aid of loved ones in the path of the storms. Illness struck Jesse Hobby Armed Falcon 28 Delta, breaking right!” and he had all the materials, cups, etc. He and Gloria got them on Fed Ex and to us in plenty of time. Unbelievably, Huey O’Dell, who lives in the Needle, CA desert came back from a trip to find his house under water (don’t build on the sand or near an arroyo). LRRP News For the first time in the twenty years of the ARA Board, we could do no busi- Continued from pg. 14 ness as we did not have a quorum. We really missed our friends and comrades know. As of now, we have a donation coming in from Mr. Mark Cuban, owner as we soaked up the history of early colonial America and the struggles that our of the Dallas Mavericks.” forefathers endured to build a new nation. Jule Szabo contributed a copy of the “We would be the lead organization in this effort and would make this a great coffee table edition of The Vietnam War which Herb Hirst auctioned off with the historical event by bringing the history of the modern Ranger from 1942 forward. skill of a master merchant netting the Association $210. LTC Bill Knowlton, We are currently in the conceptual design and fund-raising phase right now. We a Veteran of the 11th Cavalry Squadron in Vietnam, our speaker, gave us many are fortunate to have recently retained, on a pro bono basis, the landscape design insights into Strategic Planning. architect from the existing memorial. We have spoken to and gotten some basic Reunion site for 2018 is Fort Sill, OK on 12-16 September, with the following information from a top design team from the Savannah College of Art and Design. events: live fire exercise, visit to wild life reservation, artillery museum visit and They are currently working together on the site plan. We have reached out to presentation of placard to the curator of the Fort Sill Museum. It will be the 50th some major companies, i.e. LM, Boeing, SAIC, and L3 Communications. As of anniversary of the deployment of those elements of the ARA which came out of this date we have received a notice from Mr. Cuban’s Executive Assistant and Oklahoma and promises to be as fun-filled as ever. We encourage all who can to he is planning to make a donation to our cause. I am sure he is inundated with requests, but we would welcome his full involvement. Rick” attend. Also members who do not have a military ID will need to get a visitors th pass. More on this will be forthcoming in the next issue. By the way, the 75 Ranger Regiment Association is still looking for a new Unit Director to represent the 1st Cav LRRP/Ranger Veterans. As mentioned in There was discussion about holding a future reunion at Fort Campbell (rationale the previous issue of the Saber, Jim Regan (1968-69), Lexington, Kentucky, took was to get additional members from 4/77th ARA, 101st ABN DIV to attend). We over the job on a temporary basis following the death of Bill Anton (1971-72), Las need to nurture our relationship with the 4/77th ARA. I suggest we find a writer Vegas, Nevada, but his personal responsibilities are making that impossible now, for the 101st ABN DIV Newsletter to ensure the Association Board’s actions are Jim is involved in a number of Veteran organizations and local shelters already. shared with the 4/77th. Dave Cooper feels that it is important to pull the two Please contact Jim at or Rick Barela, president of groups closer and that we should do it soon. “We are all ARA and should be the 75th Ranger Association at , if you think you might one Family,” said Billy Wood. This can be discussed at the 2018 reunion when be interested in this. we make our plans for the coming two years. Finally, before we know it, the Holiday Season will be upon us. I would like Other places considered for future reunions include Northern Virginia/Wash- to wish you and your Families a very Happy and Joyous Holiday Season. May ington D.C. Metro Area, to lay a wreath at the Vietnam Memorial and to tour the you have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, and may you be blessed with Smithson Air and Space Museum at Dulles Airport, the White House, and the happiness and good health in 2018 and beyond. RANGERS LEAD THE WAY. Capital Building. Fort Hood, Texas and Fort Bragg, NC were suggested since Renew your SABER subscription today, they are posts from which the ARA units were deployed. check the expiration date on your label There were no minutes read of our last meeting on September 17, 2016 in Page 19 saber NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017 Division Doings Continued from pg. 11 elite group. Each Soldier passed under the NCO arch as they crossed the stage, the symbolic gesture of officially entering the NCO Corps, before they were congratulated and presented their certificates by Bell and CSM Jill L. Crosby, 1CDSB. “The NCO induction ceremony is a very important tradition and one of my favorites,” said Crosby. “Events like this should instill a great deal of pride in the Soldiers who participate, but should serve as a reminder to all the NCOs out there that the responsibilities of leadership far outweigh the privileges.” The ceremony also serves to honor the memory of the men and women of the 4th BATTALION, NCO Corps who served in the past, and gave the ultimate sacrifice. The 1CDSB proudly inducted two wounded warriors into the NCO Corps at the ceremony. 227th AVIATION REGIMENT SGT Addie Ford and SGT Haylee Rodriguez were awarded the Purple Heart after • Constituted 1 February 1963 in the Regular Army as Company D, 227th Assault they were wounded in an explosion in Afghanistan, Nov. 12, 2016. Helicopter Battalion, an element of the 11th Air Assault Division SPC Maggie Bilyeu and SPC Robert Healy, who were also wounded in the • Activated 18 July 1963 at Fort Benning, Georgia blast, were in attendance and recognized during the ceremony. “It added some- • Reorganized and redesignated 1 July 1965 as Company D, 227th Aviation thing special to the ceremony to see those two young NCOs walk through the Battalion, an element of the 1st Cavalry Division archway, knowing what they have been through,” said Crosby. “It was a great moment in my military career.” • Inactivated 19 November 1974 at Fort Hood, Texas • Redesignated 16 July 1987 as Company D, 227th Aviation, and activated at First Team Trooper Participate in Cowboys’ Salute to Service Fort Hood, Texas st Event Story by SGT Michael Smith, 1 Cav Div Sus Bde Public Affairs • Reorganized and redesignated 16 November 1993 as Headquarters and Head- SPC Robert Healy, small arms/ quarters Company, 4th Battalion, 227th Aviation, an element of the 1st Cavalry artillery repairer, 602nd Support Division (organic elements concurrently constituted and activated) Maintenance Company, 553rd Combat Sustainment Support • Battalion inactivated 15 February 1997 at Fort Hood, Texas Battalion, 1st Cavalry Division • Redesignated 1 October 2005 as the 4th Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment Sustainment Brigade, and his • Activated 16 November 2005 at Fort Hood, Texas, and assigned to the Combat girlfriend went on a little week- Aviation Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division end trip Nov. 3 through Nov. 5, and the Dallas Cowboys or- • Battalion inactivated 22 October 2015 at Fort Hood, Texas ganized and paid for the whole CAMPAIGN PARTICIPATION CREDIT thing. Healy, a Purple Heart recipient, Vietnam was honored on the field at the Defense Cowboys Military Appreciation *Counteroffensive Game at AT&T Stadium in Dallas *Counteroffensive, Phase II *Counteroffensive, Phase III Nov. 5, as part of the Salute to *Tet Counteroffensive Service Campaign. “I’m very *Counteroffensive, Phase IV Cowboys Healy and Leadbeater pose with appreciative and very humbled,” *Counteroffensive, Phase V Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones during the said Healy. “It was an incredible *Counteroffensive, Phase VI NFL’s Salute to Service campaign. experience.” Although Healy *Tet 69/Counteroffensive said hearing the crowd cheer for *Summer-Fall 1969 him and seeing his face on the jumbotron was his favorite part of the trip, it was *Winter-Spring 1970 not the only highlight. *Sanctuary Counteroffensive Healy and his girlfriend, Shana Leadbeater, stayed in the same hotel as the *Counteroffensive, Phase VII Cowboy players, attended a Dallas Stars hockey *Consolidation I game, were treated to a calendar release party by Southwest Asia the Cowboy Cheerleaders and met Jerry Jones, the Cowboys franchise owner. The weekend *Defense of Saudi Arabia culminated with a private helicopter ride back to *Liberation and Defense of Kuwait Fort Hood, landing at the III Corps helipad. “It was really special to join him as he was War on Terrorism honored for his service at the Cowboys game,” Operation Iraqi Freedom said Leadbeater. “I’m thankful and happy to have Operation Enduring Freedom shared this experience with him.” Healy said he’s DECORATIONS still in shock from the whole weekend, but it is • Presidential Unit Citation (Army), Streamer embroidered PLEIKU PROVINCE something he will remember forever. “I still wake • Presidential Unit Citation (Army), Streamer embroidered BINH THUAN PROVINCE up and wonder if it really happened,” said Healy. Healy on his private • Valorous Unit Award, Streamer embroidered QUANG TIN PROVINCE • Valorous Unit Award, Streamer embroidered BIEN HOA PROVINCE “They really rolled out the red carpet for me.” helicopter ride. • Valorous Unit Award, Streamer embroidered FISH HOOK Healy was wounded by a suicide bomber at Ba- • Valorous Unit Award, Streamer embroidered AN NAJAF gram Airfield, Afghanistan, Nov. 12, 2016. Three Wagonmaster Soldiers and • Meritorious Unit Commendation (Army), Streamer embroidered VIETNAM 1966 two civilian contractors were killed in the attack. • Meritorious Unit Commendation (Army), Streamer embroidered SOUTHWEST ASIA 1990-1991 by PFC • Meritorious Unit Commendation (Army), Streamer embroidered IRAQ 2009-2010 Blackjack Soldiers Experience Korean War Museum • Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, Streamer embroidered VIETNAM Seong Joon Kim, 2ABCT, Public Affairs 1966-1969 Having endured a great tragedy of the civil war, South Korea has consistently • Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, Streamer embroidered VIETNAM made its full efforts to commemorate the Republic of Korea Army (ROKA) and 1969-1970 the United States Army Soldiers in recognition of their humble devotion to pro- • Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, Streamer embroidered VIETNAM 1970-1971 tect the liberty. To experience and learn about the Korean War in more detail, • Republic of Vietnam Civil Action Honor Medal, First Class, Streamer embroidered Gyeonga Kang from Gyeonggi Provincial Government Northern office hosted a VIETNAM 1969-1970 tour for 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division Soldiers at the • Company B additionally entitled to: Yongsan Korean War Memorial Hall and Ministry of National Defense Agency • Meritorious Unit Commendation (Army), Streamer embroidered AFGHANISTAN for KIA Recovery and Identification located in Seoul, on November 2, 2017. MAR-OCT 2011 After paying a silent tribute to fallen heroes of South Korea, Soldiers visited MAKRI, a military organization similar to U.S. Defense POW/MIA Accounting Command, to learn about how they strive to search for the fallen heroes of South Korea who did not return home. “MARKI seems to have developed an excellent way to memorialize fallen heroes who have not Thanks for joining the 1st Cavalry Division Association. yet been identified or returned home after We greatly appreciate your support. Help us sign up other Troopers their death on the battlefield,” said 2LT Ryan that you have served with in the First Team. Thomas, HHC, 1st Battalion 5th Cavalry Regiment. “I was impressed by how well Please keep us updated on your moves and address changes the ROKA attempts to recover the remains by sending an e-mail to [email protected] or calling and their whole process behind the great the office at undertakings.” (254) 547-6537. Following the MARKI, Soldiers visited the Korean War Memorial Hall, where Soldiers were able to gain more knowledge SGT Seung Chul Lee, holds an about the history of South Korea and the American flag & leads a tour with Korean War. Black Jack Soldiers in Seoul. What is YOUR best way of reaching out and “It was a great place to learn about the Korean War that I was not aware of,” spreading the word about the benefits of the Association? Continued on pg. 23 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017 saber Page 20 Jesse Crimm ENGINEER News 4445 Silverwood Ln. The Choice Is Ours: Jacksonville, FL 32207-6241 Again I reference the (904) 737-6172 Wall St. Journal, Sep- [email protected] tember 16-17 issue, Review section. (Ob- Chester York: Did anybody viously I think WSJ is reading this paragraph serve with a readable and intelli- Chester in HHC during 66-67, gent paper especially RVN? Even if not knowing Ches- the weekend edition.) ter directly, if you were stationed In this section we find at such vacation spots as Camp two approaches to life, Radcliff, An Khe, or Bong Son, that of Melinda Gates contact his sister to fill her in on and that of Peggy some of the details of Chester’s Guggenheim. And life as you would know it to have again, in no small way been. The POC is Bettye McLau- the two stories are rin, 619 744 0556. And yes, those similar to the choices are jump wings on his uniform. we face as an Associ- However, there was no jumping ation. In short, Bill in a dozer, shovel, truck, humping and Melinda Gates unit. Perhaps that is lesson one for created a fortune and Bettye. The army takes a person now use that fortune qualified in one area and puts them alleviating hunger and in another. Sound familiar? despair in third world Joe and Leo: They did it again. countries, namely in This time there is photographic Africa. Peggy inher- evidence. So, don’t try to wiggle ited a fortune and used out of it. And in Joe Wagel’s own it for self-indulgence Airmoble Engineers words: “Well, another year has of all imaginable sorts. Chester York passed and it was time for Leo (If you are able to look at the pictures of the two, the difference in attitude is Miller and I to get together for a starkly visible. Melinda has her sleeves rolled up as she tends to an African baby luncheon and catch up on things. in distress. Peggy, behind her ornate sunglasses, is being rowed in an elaborate As always, we talked about health, politics, past experiences and just about any gondola in a Venetian canal. In short, it is the difference between Dallas and subject we could think of. So anyway, I thought I would send you a picture of us Paris/Venice.) So, what does that have to do with us? Simple. We can go to that was taken today at Famous Dave’s in Novi, Michigan. Consider this evidence Reunions, hear reports, drink beer, play golf and generally indulge ourselves, that we are both alive OR we can do something to benefit others. Who among us will say, “I want to and well.” (Joe Wagel head up a project to prevent Veteran suicides.” Who among us will say, “I want and Leo Miller-HHC to head up a project to reduce Veteran homelessness.” Will you roll up your 8th Eng Bn.) sleeves or put on sunglasses? This is not some writer’s BS. It is a call to you Chicken Wings: to move out Soldier. Who would have Ken Burns: By the time you are reading this, the muchly hyped Viet Nam War thought that frozen documentary has aired on PBS. I have started and stopped this portion of Saber bird wings would have a dozen times sometimes with wet eyes as my sobbing has already been done at anything to do with the Wall. I cannot speak for all of you but several things from the series and in your money? But by particular, the last episode tightened my chest as I type these lines. “We all came no small extension of home alone.” For me that was ironically true as Ft. Dix was where I began basic the imagination, these and from where I got my flight to Paducah, Kentucky where my wife of one year wings do. As you read apart with only a few months of marriage snatched together at Ft. Leonard Wood this, you are in the for NCO School greeted me. I will forever appreciate Jan Scruggs for his efforts heart of the chicken to get the Wall built so that “those who died should be remembered.” And so, wing season. Think I to this day, lift up the names of my squad members who went out and did not of your going to some come back, Cleveland O. Johnson and Kenneth S. Bercier. Their memory brings football game; say meaning to what could have been a void. I thank Tim O’Brien for two words Texas vs. Oklahoma or from his book, The Things They Carried, “they endured.” It is true. We did and Florida vs. Georgia. I do endure. For those of you who still carry a burden, rest. Rest my brothers. needn’t mention Super There are no more tracers, neither green nor red. Cast thy burden upon the Lord. Bowl for you to get Joe and Leo And as the series ended, how appropriately chosen was the last song, Let It Be. the idea. You invite Say what you will about Paul McCartney, the guy knows how to craft a song. So, your friends over to show off your new HD 100-inch flat screen TV or you and my brothers let it be. Rest. Tell your children, your grandchildren your stories 80,000 others gather at a stadium. What do you eat? Chicken Wings! Now and let your soul be at rest. You have a future. Live it. comes the catch. Demand for wings has exceeded supply and has for the past William Sillery: The first response to Ken Burns came as soon as the series year according to industry news sources. (see WSJ, Aug 26-27 2017, section ended. William Sillery from somewhere in N.J. wrote as follows. “By way of my B, p.3.). When total demand for a product exceeds total supply, prices go up experience I offer that I was a member of B Company, 8th Engineer Bn. serving every time; be it gasoline, lumber, coffee pots, yard mulch or in this case chick- from November 4th, 1966 to November 4th, 1967. Initially we were in Plikeu, en wings. What happens next? Retail vendors such as Buffalo Wild Wings or but then shipped down to Bong Son until September 1967 when we returned to Hooters face two choices. Either they increase the retail price to their customers An Khe, until finally for me traveling up to Dok To before rotating out. In your or they reduce the number of units sold for the same price. (Remember the once October 2017 column you asked for feedback regarding Ken Burns Vietnam 5-pound bag of sugar is now 4 pounds). The retailer’s profits are squeezed. In production on PBS. I watched the entire series and thought it was excellently the meantime, producers and suppliers such as Tyson Foods or Sanderson Farms done however my memory of Vietnam began in 1965 when I was drafted into enjoy enhanced profits for as long as their supplies last. In other words, market the Army and being told by a drill instructor to pay attention to the instruction dynamics affect stock prices. To come to the point, look carefully at how your because we all would wind up in Vietnam. I will say the series from 1965 all the present investment plan is working or how market dynamics may affect your way to 1975/76 was very accurate and without agenda. It literally is nonpolitical future withdrawals. (Remember, if you have a 401k and you are age 70 and a and done in historical context.” half, you have mandatory taxable withdrawals facing you). Typically, hopefully and particularly if you trust a fund manager, your money is balanced in regularly Col. Frank Walter: We are honored that the former Commander has replied producing income vehicles. A “normal” balance for income production is 59% to the PBS series. Many of you continue to hold him in esteem. He writes as common stocks, 40% bonds and a cash reserve or accumulation section of 1% follows: “This is COL (Ret) Frank Walter, who served as CO, 8th Engineers, from of your total portfolio value. Your balanced funds could include the foresight to May ’68 to May ’69. My take on the Ken Burns 10-part series on the Vietnam invest in chicken wing producers. It’s like my ole Granpappy used to say, “trade War, is this: The writers had a distinct bias against the war, seeing it as a terrible what’s in front of you.” What he meant was that you’ll never out sharp shoot mistake by President Johnson and General Westmoreland. I won’t argue one the New York sharp shooters. However, if you usually see the A&P parking lot way or the other. Given the writers opposition to the war, they wrote a political empty, sell your stock or at least have a conversation with your financial advisor. review of the 10-year struggle, and gave an unusual amount of time to the views If you always see the parking lot full at Cracker Barrel, buy the stock. From the of the North Vietnamese (NV) Government and old NVA soldiers. They also regular accumulation of dividends and interests in the stocks and bonds, those went out of their way too interview many NV citizens. What was so obvious values are directed or flow into the cash account for your withdrawal and usage. during the series was a short change in reporting the American military side of To come to another point, really no one other than yourself is responsible for the the war. Beyond adequately reporting on the first big fight of the First Cav in management of your money. You must read, study and understand the statements November 1965, there was scant footage of what the American infantry divisions that your fund manager is required to send to you. If you are in any way uncertain and other friendly forces did during those 8 years, and too few interviews with or just plain buffaloed, ask questions till you get answers that make sense or that the grunts and supporting forces, like 8th Engineer Skybeavers. Missing was you accept as valid. To give you a bit of courage, the Dow Industrial Average coverage of the struggles of Soldiers, sailors and airmen, in various combat and was at 6443 on 3/6/2009. It has now nearly quadrupled that number. Ask if your combat support roles. Yes, they covered Jane Fonda’s travels to North Vietnam, present investments have done as well. Next issue, orange juice. giving much too much time to that side of the war. For me, the Vietnam Series was a huge disappointment.” For those that may wish to contact Col Walter, Airmobility: Thought you might like this reminder of Engineers in flight. (Photo th email or postal mail is best. Use 3609 Sprucedale Dr., Annadale VA, 22003 or courtesy of L. Titus who has also created an 8 Eng Facebook Page.) Continued on pg. 21 Page 21 saber NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017

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Engineer News excellent taste. Jesse, I say the following as a former ten-year employee (1989- Continued from pg. 20 99) of the Coors Brewing Company down in Golden, Colorado and one who sat, . He goes on to say: “After retiring in 1979, I had for several months, on an ad hoc tasting committee that was intended to assure a second 25-year career, as a factory-built housing trade association executive, that Coors Beer’s taste topped them all. My current view is that Pilsner Urquell, here in the Washington, DC Area. For over 25 years, I have run a hunt club, made in Pilsen, Czech Repub- and spend many days a year on a 450-acre preserve (called tree farms, both hard lic, is tops. They call it “The wood and pine), by abutting landowners. In the last two months I have spent Original Pilsner” and, if you 10 days on the property, 115 miles from my house, getting stands, blinds, trails, haven’t tried it, you should!” logging roads, access gates, posted signs, and a 1-acre stock pond ready for our I did try it and would have fall season. Deer archery season is now open, and the gun seasons run from switched had the Pilsner not early November though early January. Located in SE Virginia, we have good cost $3 a bottle at my local populations of deer, turkey and small game.” wine/beer big box store. Mark Moyer: author of two books on VN (extracted from WSJ, Oct7, p.23) Engineer Art: Who said “Mr. Burns has said he intended to produce a definitive account that would bring Engineers have no artistic Americans together. He could have pulled it off, but he chose instead to make it sentiment? Here is proof another partisan harangue that is certain to keep Americans divided.” otherwise from Les White. Even the sandbags are neatly Terry Moon: “I was very disappointed in Ken Burns “documentary,” my book stacked. Les served with will be a positive counterpoint to his totally negative unbalanced approach. Many B/8th from 66 thru 67. The of us made the most of a tough situation, and the teamwork and brotherhood we sign is credited to SGT Lynn were part of there remains with us today.” For those of you who wish for photo- Speakman from St. Louis who graphs of your hooch at Phouc Vinh, go to Amazon and check out Terry’s book, has now passed from us. At “How Did You Get This.” You readers the time, B Co. was stationed will get some of Terry’s pictures next at LZ Uplift near Bong Son month and another plug for the book. along route QL1. Les is also Great Beer: In case you missed the the winner of the Engineer beer review in the last issue, there is photo contest previously an- an amendment from a noted but pres- nounced in Saber and on our ently unnamed expert. “Received the Association Facebook. Now latest edition of Saber today...and, as if I only had his address for the always, enjoyed your column. One cash award, non-reportable to differing opinion though on your “#1 the IRS. Guess the cash will sit comment” about the best readily avail- a while longer undistributed. Engineer Art able beer. You named Warsteiner. Fair enough; Warsteiner does, in fact, have an Les White NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017 saber Page 22 “Ron, I was going through some old letters from my time with the 13th Signal HQ and Special Troops News Battalion, 1st Cavalry Division during OIF II and I came across one I wrote to Ron Killingsworth my Family around Thanksgiving, 2004. I thought I’d share since the events 10329 Caddo Lake Rd below occurred almost 13 years ago to the day. At the time of the letter, I was a Mooringsport, LA 71060-9057 (318) 996-9969 young Captain working in our Systems Control in the Division HQs. We were [email protected] responsible for positioning and monitoring communication teams in Forward Operating Bases across Iraq and mobilizing available signal assets for various campaigns. One of which happened to be for the second Battle of Falluja. His- Greetings, Troopers and Family from NW Louisiana where we went the entire tory tells us that this was a coalition effort that was led by the Marines. But if month of September without a drop of rain. Fortunately, we live on historic one were to read the small print, it would also note the pivotal role that the 2nd Caddo Lake and are able to pump irrigation water directly from the lake. Sue Brigade Combat Team (2BCT), First Cavalry Division played in sealing off the has been busy replanting a lot of her irises and I have been building bird houses city so that the insurgents were contained while civilians could escape. Here is and also working on my various Louisiana iris beds. We have had one night of my account of the communication planning that the 13th Signal Battalion con- 34-degree weather but warmer days are coming back. We normally have to wait ducted to support that mission: until after Christmas for what we, down south, call cold weather. Dad, Andrew, Mom, Hq and Special Troops Column – the column in the Saber for any member of the I am sure by now you are up to date with the assault on Falluja. Many late 1st Cav Div Association who does not otherwise have a column in the Saber. The nights went into this mission and it’s pretty amazing to see what was once on HQ and Special Troops column is also for those who attend the HQ and Special paper, is now in the news. A third of the First CAV is there, fighting with the Troops luncheon during the unit lunches at the reunions. If you were assigned Marines. What started out as a small contingency that consisted of the Marines to the Division HQ, DISCOM, Wagonmasters, any of the brigade headquarters, and 2-7 CAV turned into a 10,000-person operation. Our signal folks are there MI, MP, Maintenance Bn, Supply Bn, Transportation Bn, or you just cannot with them as well, inside and out of the city. I remember the call I got from the find a place to fit into any of the other units that have a column, listed on the 2-7 CAV SIGO a few months, requesting almost every spare commo asset we had front page of each issue of the Saber, then we would be proud to be your voice to support a “small effort” 2-7 was going in to west of Iraq. “You want how in the Saber. Not only would we be glad to have you as part of this column, many assets?” I asked him incredulously. “Even the TACSAT (tactical satellite) we welcome your stories and comments. Humor in combat is always welcome. team? John, you’re out of your mind. There’s no way the Battalion Commander Did something really weird happen to you while in the Cav? We would be glad is going to authorize that. What the hell are you guys doing west of Baghdad?!” to hear from you. Want to contact other members of your old outfit? Looking Jon laughed, reminding me of the favor I still owed him from our time together for a buddy? Did you serve in WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Gulf War, Bosnia, Iraq, as Platoon Leaders, and replied, “You’ll hear about the mission soon enough Afghanistan, at Fort Hood, in peace or at war, the Cold War, we would like to and then you’re going to be pulling signal assets from that National Guard unit give you the chance to tell others your story. We only ask that you keep it short that’s attached to you. This is going to get big.” He was right because a few and to the point. Sometimes I have a lot of room. Sometimes room in the col- days later, I’m in the Division TOC with LTC Morrison (13th Signal Battalion umn is scarce. If I cannot fit your comments in the next issue, they will be in the Commander), planning to send what felt like a brigade’s worth of signal assets. following issue of the Saber. Troopers, I cannot continue to write this column The small effort turned out, would become what you’re hearing in the news as without your input. My few war stories have long since been recorded in this “Phantom Fury” and grew from a battalion effort to a brigade combat team column. Now it is time to share your stories. effort. We did, in fact, send signal assets from the National Guard unit that is I received the following from Rosey Carter. Rosey is a Board Member of the attached to us, plus our TACSAT to the 2-7 CAV SIGO’s delight. I look forward Association and also serves as a trustee on the Association Foundation. Words to taking him up on that beer he promised when we get back to Hood. cannot express how pleased I am to have younger Troopers taking on positions As we gave our guys their final mission OPORD and sent them to their assigned of responsibility within the Association. Rosey wrote: maneuver units, I felt a sense of foreboding. Soldiers from my old platoon, who “Ron, I hope all is well in LA as we settle in for winter. The first cold winds were now NCOs, were going to Fallujah and it didn’t seem right that I wasn’t here in Central Texas always remind me of the Warfighter Exercise that First Cav going with them. But I’m not a butter bar anymore. I’m in Ops. I plan, and I conducted in the winter of 2000. The Division Headquarters was recently back monitor the battalion’s signal assets. I keep an eye on the big picture. Never from Bosnia (August 1999) and MG McKiernan took command in October. The had I wished that I hadn’t been promoted more than when I watched the signal entire division was focused on training with multiple brigades going through NTC convoy depart for Fallujah. This war is an urban war. Signaleers are not rotations as well as the Warfighter Exercise which was really a series of events immune. This war is different. We’re blessed that 13th Signal has not expe- culminating in the evaluation exercise in March 2000. We set up our command rienced loss like other units have. But we have had our wounded casualties. centers (TOCs) around the Fort Hood Battle Simulation Center for several months Good news though, none of our Signaleers at Falluja have been injured. Over doing connectivity tests and relearning our warfighter systems. With all seven the commo network they’ve setup for the Manuever Brigade, they tell us terrible Bde TOCs and TACs (Ironhorse, Blackjack, Greywolf, Warrior, Red Team, stories of the fighting they’ve seen and the bravery of our Cav Troopers. There Sapper, and Wagonmaster), three separate battalion TOCs (Mercury, Raven and are stories of insurgents killing innocent civilians as they attempted to flee Falluja Renegade) as well as the Div TOC, TAC and Rear, there were tents as far as the before the operation began. Our teams remain steadfast though, and committed to eye could see in the fields around the Sim Center. Most of the division staff keeping the commo up. Every time I see a signal asset go red from our Battalion was new so we also spent hours and hours on our SOPs and TTPs for everything SYSCON, it sends a chill down my spine. from fire missions to passage of lines and river crossings. It was a long winter In the SYSCON, we follow the battle just as much on the news as you all probably with cold Texas winds keeping everyone on their toes for flying camouflage do. We smile and cheer as we hear familiar names and units who have succeeded corners as well as the ever-present mud. I am sure that a lot of folks reading in getting into the city. But in the end, we all pray that everyone comes home this are thinking that since we weren’t north of the cattle guards that it wasn’t alright. This battle is expected to be very long. much of an exercise. While I can appreciate that, we really did have our hands Love, Starr full relearning systems and just getting connectivity between all the TOCs and TACs on the radio/voice nets and the data networks (AFTADS, MCS, GCCS-A, When the battle had been won, every Signaleer did return safely and I happily etc). After two years of focus on the Bosnia mission – it was a major challenge took John up on that beer when we eventually returned to Hood in March 2005.” to get everyone back up and operating on all of our systems. As the Assistant Thank you, Starr for sharing your comments and the letter back home with our Division Signal Officer (ADSO), I was feeling a little bit of accomplishment in readers. I wish Sue had saved those letters I wrote her from Vietnam. I did write late February as we were ready to go for the Warfighter. You can imagine my her, didn’t I! Probably not near as often as I should have written. dismay when MG McKiernan announced that we were going to jump the Division Troopers, that’s a wrap for this time. Please re-read the second paragraph. I Main Command Post as part of the exercise. I was one of the many skeptical need your input to keep the column full and interesting. Rosey and Starr came souls as we started to bring down the main tents and mother-of-all camouflage through for me when toward the end of October, I had nothing to report! Take care. nets. I was also one of the most admiring souls when we were able to complete a Best wishes to all of you. Have the best possible Thanksgiving and remember to thank the One from whom all blessing flow. May God bless you, your Family, major road march to north Fort Hood and then reestablish the TOC. Huge kudos st to SGM Garrett (G3) and SGM Laboy (G6) who orchestrated all of it and to the the 1 Cav, the US Army and the greatest nation on earth, the good old USofA. many Soldiers who faithfully PMCSed their parked vehicles all winter, so they started on demand and made that road march. It really was a good day. One final quick story, we struggled with SATCOM Net Calls throughout the exercise, our satellite channels were less than optimal because it was a training event and ad- ditionally our SATCOM skills were rusty. Finally, on the last day of the exercise we conducted checks with the TOCs most of the afternoon and everyone was up and ready to go. Pegasus 6 reached for the handmike and..nothing. I was stunned... until I looked up and saw a Shift NCOIC walking into the TOC was rolling up the antenna cable. They were proactively taking down as much of the We want to hear from YOU. Do you TOC as they could before ENDEX, which was scheduled for immediately after have a long lost story to tell, perhaps the netcall. Fortunately, the FM net was still working so we switched over and you want to share an old photo of you completed the netcall. I may have lost my cool a little over that one, but all in and your battle buddy? all it was a very successful exercise and the Division was rated as deployable.” As a really “old Soldier” I had trouble with many of the acronyms in Rosey’s Share your treasured thoughts with write-up. Some of them I could figure out, others remain a mystery. One thing that never changes in the Army, acronyms for everything, although the things your 1st Cavalry Division Assoication that have acronyms do change. Thanks, Rosey. I thought spending a week out Family. in the woods across the cattle guards for various exercises during my tour at Fort Items for submission are due the 1st Hood was bad. I can’t imagine spending that much time in Army tents. I did get of every odd month; Nov, Jan, Mar, May, to sleep in a one-man tent in north Germany during REFORGER 1983. There, July, Sept. Email to Programs@1CDA. another acronym! It snowed almost the whole time we were there! org. I also heard from Starr Corbin. Starr is another “young” Trooper that has taken on responsibility within the great 1st Cavalry Division Association. Most of us “old” Vietnam Vets are getting to the point where we are ready to turn over leadership to the younger generations. Star wrote: Page 23 saber NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017 thousand lives. We handlers believe that number to be a gross understatement. Regardless, you’d think that even ten thousand would warrant a little more respect, wouldn’t you? But I digress… Trooper’s Tale Of those hundreds of K9s still left in Vietnam when I arrived in January ‘72, some few were retrained for a new security force (an Air Force Program rekindled for the Army) involving a new dynamic known as the Patrol Dog Team. These were not simply sentries, they were still scouts and mine and tunnel trained and thus they served a dual purpose. Not just security, but they were stealthy too. They could get close enough to the bad guys to catch the little bastiges in the act and provide a silent early warning (we did this often and with great relish). Culmination of treasured long lost stories or photos from our members. As 11B-P8 (Infantry-Scout Dog Handler) newbies at the 90th Replacement Company on Long Bihn, and with no 11B-P8 slots open, we fortunate graduates from Georgia lucked into those new dog handler slots along with another grad- 8th Cav: uating group from a Dog Handler School in Fort Lewis, WA. On the 17th of June 2017 a portion of State Route 317 in Franklin County Ohio We were assigned to the Dog Training Detachment on Bien Hoa as of 02Feb72 was dedicated to SGT Joseph W. Danison, KIA on the 13th September 1969. At and graduated from Patrol Dog Handler School on 14Feb72 when we were as- the time, SGT Danison was serving as a Platoon Sergeant with B Co, 2/8 when his signed to the 34th, which just happened to be about a block away from the training platoon walked into an ambush. For his heroic action, he was posthumously awarded detachment on Bien Hoa. I understand that this particular facility had been there the Bronze Star with “V” Device, and second Purple Heart. SGT Danison was for a while, so for reference, the 34th was located two streets north of the 11th Cav’s assigned to Co A, 2/8, in May 1969 prior to going to Co B due to a shortage NCO’s. heliport, one of our primary guard mounts and the base of operations for our CO’s Ray B. Armer, MAJ (R), Co A, 2/8 (1968-1970) other job as a loach pilot, “huntin’ wabbit” as he liked to say. The 34th company area was the 34th IPSD (Infantry Platoon Scout Dog) Company area before us. 34th Patrol Dog Platoon: A good number of their dogs came to us including my Prince 16x5. We used to joke that they kept the “34th” designation so the K9s wouldn’t be confused. After reading the latest edition of Saber, I decided to write you. I saw your suggestion that we write you if we do not see our unit represented. My unit was Our mission was security. One well trained dog team is equal to ten, foot sen- so small I am not surprised that it is not noted. There were twelve handlers and tries, no lie. We guarded everything from the PX and supply yards, to the berm, a cadre of three, our CO, our Top and our Armorer/Kennel master, fifteen total to ammo dumps on the army and air force side, to heliports and the AO storage guys and 12 K9s. I had to search a few Order of Battle tomes to confirm our yards. We also guarded remote airstrips where they kept small scout craft. These official designation. were located on little strips carved out of the countryside all around the Bien Hoa/Long Bihn complex. We also worked with ARVN’s 25th Infantry Division, We were the 34th Patrol Dog Platoon, 4th War Dog Company (Provisional), 3rd doing local sapper sweeps, too. Those little buggers were our biggest threat. It Bde, 1st Cav. I’m only guessing, but I think that made us part of HQ Batt. We was during one of these I earned my way home via injury. were based on Bien Hoa from January of ’72 until we left Bien Hoa later the Odd as it may seem, we were literally all sitting around on a daily basis, rela- same year. Our platoon was so new, that as of 19APR72, when I was shipped th tively fat and happy, not knowing that Le Duan had started yet another offensive, out, I still hadn’t received my orders assigning me to the 34 . To this day, my The Easter Offensive, and the NVA had come within 70 short clicks of us on Bien trail of orders stops at the Dog Training Detachment, with my Diploma from Hoa in their many thousands during the month of March ‘72. same. I disappeared from the face of the planet until I showed up at Chelsea Naval Hospital 10 day after I left Nam, and I had no paperwork! NONE! It In so many ways, I am grateful for not having to deal with what most of the caught up to me eventually, about a week before they discharged me. rest of you guys in the Cav had to deal with. One of my closest friends from those days, fell a month to the day after I was A little history, you may or may not know: shipped out. He was SP4 Santiago Herrera Escobar. His partner’s name was In late ’71 and early ’72, slews of GIs were DEROS-ing. You might know Rex. He was and is my 1st Cav Hero. I don’t know this of course, but he must how it worked for grunts there and then; you did forty days supporting a fire- be one of the last Cav Soldiers to fall in Vietnam. base in the boonies and then forty days of relative peace and tranquility on a I think there’s only the three of us handlers from the 34th left, now. Donnie base-camp, repeat ad-infinitum until DEROS. Part of the base-camp routine Lassiter from NC, Duel Cooper, also from over that way, and myself. I’m would include pulling guard duty on the berm and the towers for instance. originally from Boston but now reside in Cali with my Family. We three were With all these grunts going home, there were less and less bodies left to mount the lucky ones who didn’t get the AO storage yard duty whenever we worked guard and that was leaving a huge hole in our collective security blanket. There the Air Force side of Bien Hoa. We got the ammo dump instead. Maybe weren’t enough MPs to fill the gaps. I’m just bitching, but we were there at the end of it. We were the youngsters While all those Army grunts were going home, so too were their Dog Handler of the Vietnam War. Why are we nearly all dead now at so young an age? counterparts, the Scout Dog Handlers and Mine and Tunnel Dog Handlers. Their Sincerely and regards, PFC Michael K Hurder (Boston Shorty) and Prince 16x5 dogs, however, were not so lucky. They did not come home for the most part. th rd st Out of the roughly four thousand K9s that served the U.S. in Vietnam, less than 34 Patrol Dog Platoon, 4th War Dog Company (Provisional), 3 Bde, 1 Cav, two hundred came home. It’s estimated that those four thousand dogs saved ten Bien Hoa, RVN ‘72

Division Doings “Me being a Squad Leader, I make sure my NCO’s are on top of their Soldiers Continued from pg. 19 for maintaining the vehicles,” said Gutierrez, “and that all of my vehicles are at said SPC Aidan Lee, HHC, 1-5 Cavalry Battalion. “This place also reminded us 100 percent by conducting proper preventative maintenance checks and ensuring of the sacrifices made by ROKA and US Army during the Korean War.” that my vehicles are getting their proper maintenance.” Without preserving Iron- At the end of the tour, Soldiers became very confident about why they are horse’s combat power through a constant and persistent maintenance schedule, in South Korea. The tour program has been designated in order to strengthen the brigade’s M1A2 Abrams Main Battle Tanks, M2A3 Bradley Infantry Fighting alliance between South Korea and the U.S. and to broaden Soldiers’ experience Vehicles and other equipment wouldn’t be able to do their missions. and understanding of the Korean history. “We had three Bradleys dead lined,” said Gutierrez “but by working with my “It was a great opportunity to remind us of why we are here,” said Lee. “Also, mechanics, we were able to make them all operational and ready to go to NTC.” because we were able to visually see how ROK is memorializing what the ROKA Vehicles and equipment aren’t the only things to be maintained and ready to go and US Army did during the Korean War.” The spirit of the fallen heroes’ will- when called upon, the individual Soldiers as well need to be physically prepared. ingness to sacrifice oneself for country and the liberty and the alliance between “I run to prepare and be ready for duty,” said SPC Joshua Pruitt an Infantryman ROKA and US Army is solid. The tour to Seoul holds great significance in that from Company C, 2nd Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment, “As a leader, in infan- it contributes to acknowledging the importance of maintaining strong alliance try, it requires a lot of physical training. A and tragedy of the war, which should never occur again. lot of physical things you have to do and Ironhorse Stands Ready For NTC by SGT Christopher Dennis, 1st if you can’t make it to the fight, then you ABCT PAO, 1st Cav Div can’t lead Soldiers.” Being physically fit FORT HOOD, Texas – As the early November chill creeps into the air and the isn’t the only requirement to be in balance signs of fall start to sidle into everyone’s awareness, Soldier’s from Ironhorse for a Soldier, there is also the mental half are already at work before the sun starts to crest the horizon, preparing their that needs to ready as well -- the Family equipment and vehicles for movement. back home needs to be prepared for when The mission to the National Training Center in Ft. Irwin is the culmination of the Soldier is away. the training 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team “Ironhorse” has done up to this “To prepare isn’t all physical, there is also point to show that they stand ready for any mission the United States of America a lot of mental things, like being away from may need them for. For the Soldiers of Ironhorse, it is the final certification that the Family,” said Pruitt, “Usually before I they are ready to do their mission in just about any location around the world. leave for a mission, I talk to my wife and “A rotation to NTC means we have been assessed, we have been trained, daughter to let them know what’s going on this is our final certification and we would do well in an operation or a combat and that everything is going to be ok.” With deployment,” said SSG Gustavo Gutierrez, a Combat Engineer from Company all these different parts to being prepared A, 91st Engineering Battalion, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry and ready to fight, it can be a challenge Division. Over the past year, Ironhorse’s battalions conducted training at all to maintain that capability, but it must all levels, beginning with squad, company and battalions training up for Ironhorse come together to ensure Ironhorse is ready Inferno this past July. This in turn prepared the brigade for the Pegasus Forge to fight wherever the country needs them. II exercise, held this last September. That is only the surface of what readiness “Be ready to fight, be ready to train and looks like though. To be prepared for any situation, the U.S. Army may need be ready to execute whenever called upon. 1st ABCT to respond to, it takes more than just field training, it takes continuous PVT Winroy Smalls & SPC Vanessa Obviously, it all ties together, in order to be maintenance and preparation that is both physical and mental. Milby, secure an M1 Abrams Main successful and achieve whatever the mis- Battle Tank to a rail car. sion is going to be,” said Gutierrez. NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017 saber Page 24 HONOR ROLL Thank you for your generous donations from our following Troopers:

UP TO $25 DR. KENT, Lawrence $51 - $100 CPL KING, Fletcher G. CPL ANNICELLI, Anthony T. SP-4 KRAUSE, Robert J. LTC (RET) BARKER, Robert L. E-5 ASHMAN, Richard L. COL LANGFELLOW, David In Memory of LTC Richard Sundt, 1st BN, 21st Field SGT BAGGOTT, Charles E. SFC (RET) LARSON, Edward M. Artillery Regiment, RVN, 1965-1966. He was Fire CPL BARCA, Joseph S. SGT LASKA, Tom J. Support Officer with 1st Squadron, 9th Cavalry and SP-4 BECK, Frederick L. SGT LOPEZ, Jesse C. A Battery Commander during his tour in RVN. SP-5 BECKER, Tyssen W. SGT MAYS, Johnnie MG (RET) BELTSON, Richard D. SGT BENEDICT, Bobby L. E-5 McCORMICK, Timothy J. CW3 CHEADLE, Lyle E. SGT BERNARD, Michael F. SP-4 McGOVERN, Gerald In Memory of Carlos Zamora SGT BESHORE, Michael J. SP-4 McKNIGHT, Phillip W. SP-4 DEVON, David SGT BOLING, James R. CPL MOODY, Michael In Memory of PFC Victor Williams, KIA 29 Oct 71, 1LT BRAUNEIS, Paul F. CPL MOREHEAD, David B. Long Khanh Province Vietnam SFC BRUZENSKI, Chester J. SP-4 MUNI, Joseph MSG (RET) DOLINGER, William A. SGT BURRIS, Donald F. 1SG (RET) OSSA, Daniel W. MR. GALLOWAY, Joseph L. COL (RET) BUTCHER, Brian J. SGT PASTERNAK, Paul J. SGT HENRY, A.C. SP-4 CARLILE, Gary A. SP-5 PLYMAN, Steven R. Sr. In Honor of 1st Cav Troopers, past & present LTC (RET) CHAPMAN, George G. MAJ (RET) RETTERER, John M. SGT HENRY, A.C. SP-6 CHAPPELL, Elton B. SP-5 RIORDAN, Brian L. In Memory of SSG Wm. “Pete” Peterson 11/15/67, SGT CHAVEZ, Lorenzo SGT SCHILTZ, Richard A. C 1/7th SP-5 CIMOLI, Michael E. CPL SEVERSON, Michael R. SFC LUONG, Tai SP-4 CLARK, Victor D. 1LT SHANKMAN, Bernard COL (RET) MARM, Walter J. SP-4 COLEMAN, Aaron R. SGT SHIPPEF, John H. Jr. MR. MILLER, Richard CPL CUSTER, Jack L. E-5 SISTEK, John B. MR. POOL, Robert B. SGT DAVIS, Jerry C. SP-4 SLOIZIS, Michael J. In Memory of my Friend CSM and Mrs. Basil Plumley 1LT DENNY, Stephen E. SGT STAHL, George A. E-5 SNIEZYK, Gerald PFC DEUTSCH, Frank E-5 STOECKLIN, Glenn SGT DICKERSON, James L. 1LT STRANGE, Joseph L. $101 - $500 SP-5 FERRIER, Robert T. PVT SUMMERS, Barry R. LTC (RET) FISCHER, James C. MG (RET) SMITH, Scott B. E-4 TOMARO, John R. In Memory of SSG Arnold Robbins (B Company, SGT GIBSON, Charles J. MSG TRAHAN, John M. E-5 GLOVER, John A. 8th Engineers), Sergeant Melvin Thomas (HHC, 8th MAJ (RET) WESTMORELAND, James A. Engineers) and Specialist 4 John Stinn (C Company, SP-5 GLUMACK, Dennis D. LTC (RET) WILLIAMS, Billie G. SP-4 HACKETT, James F. 229th Assault Helicopter Battalion). MAJ HARRITY, Brian P. COL (RET) SPENCE, Thomas H. PFC HAYES, Paul H. $26 - $50 CSM (RET) HERNANDEZ, Jose A. SP-4 ARENA, Salvatore A. SGT HESS, Charles R. SSG BRUNER, Don W. $1,001 AND UP MAJ (RET) HIBBITTS, James E. SP-4 CRECELIUS, David CPT BELDING, Chuck CPT HOLSTEIN, James J., MD CPL DeFRONZO, Francesco VFW Post 8577, INC Bingo SP-4 HOOPAUGH, Michael D. COL (CH) LIEVING, Bernard H. Jr. SP-4 JARMAN, Arthur D. E-4 MERKEL, Curtis J. SGT JOHNSON, Steven M. SGT RABKIN, Ted CPT JONES, David P. PFC SCHAEFER, Patrick G. The First Team Family Cares! COL (RET) JONES, Joel D. SSG SPRINKLE, Rodney E. Your donations to the SGT JONES, Robert B. SGT TIBBETTS, Gerald W. SGT KATHERMAN, John E. SGT TORBECK, Edmund A. Foundation and Museum Foundation SP-4 KICKLIGHTER, Joseph S. E-4 WALSH, William J. are tax-deductible.

SAVE THE DATE! Plan now to attend the 71st Annual 1st Cav Division Association Reunion 20 - 24 June Charleston, West Virginia

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1st Cav Division Association/USAA Rewards Visa Signature Card Show your support for the 1st Cavalry Division Association each time you use your 1st Cavalry Division Association USAA Rewards credit card. USAA Bank will make a contribution to the 1st Cavalry Division Association for every credit card account opened and each time you make an eligible purchase with the card. This card offers you great service, competitive interest rates and rewards points that you can redeem for your choice of gift cards, merchandise, travel discounts and other rewards. This card benefits the Association Scholarship Program. For more information about USAA you may call 877-917-1232 or visit www.usaa.com/1CDA. Also see page 2 for further details.

AmazonSmile This a website operated by Amazon with the same products, prices, and shopping features as Amazon.com. The difference is that when you shop on AmazonSmile, the AmazonSmile Foundation will donate 0.5% of the purchase price of eligible products to the charitable organization of your choice. We ask you to please set up your Amazon account to support Foundation of the 1st Cavalry Division Association. Every item available for purchase on www.amazon.com is also available on AmazonSmile (smile.amazon.com) at the same price. You will see eligible products marked “Eligible for AmazonSmile donation” on their product detail pages. For more information about the AmazonSmile program, go to http://smile.amazon.com/about.

Corporations matching donations to NonProfits Thousands of companies across the United States (and some companies internationally) offer matching gift programs to their employees as part of a corporate giving philanthropy. This means millions of individuals are eligible to participate in a matching gift program. In addition, 65% of For- tune 500 companies offer a matching gift program, and some companies even double, triple, or quadruple donations! Some of the top companies that participate in giving back to Non Profit Organizations are: General Electric, Soros Fund Management, BP (British Petroleum), Gap Corporation, State Street Corporation, ExxonMobil, CarMax, Johnson & Johnson, Boeing, Microsoft, Pfizer, Capital Group, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Coca-Cola, IBM, Avon, Air Products and Chemicals, American Express, FM Global, MBIA. We have a full list of participants in the office for reference, if needed.