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

Publishedsaber By and For the Veterans of the Famous 1st Cavalry Division VOLUME 65 NUMBER 5 Website: http://www.1cda.org SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016 The President’s Corner Horse Detachment by CPT Jeremy A. Woodard I loved being on Active This issue we dedicate our Scott B. Smith column to Mr. Larry Borth 833 State Highway11 Duty. The one problem I had was that I knew when I by using an article written by Laramie, WY 82070-9721 SGT Garett Hernandez of the (307) 742-3504 was in the Pentagon or on a staff somewhere that I had 1st Cavalry Division Public no clue what was going on in Affairs Office. His article the 1st Cavalry Division…or in one of the battalions…or, where the rubber meets follows: the road, in a platoon or squad. Long Time First Team And that, my fellow Troopers, is what I like MOST about our Association. Member Rides into the Sunset. EVERY ONE of us is associated with a Chapter or a community…and quite For the last 23 years, on any frequently our Chapter is an integral part of the community in which we live. given morning at Fort Hood One of you asked me what my goals are as your President. I answered that I you will find a man in his 60s at have three hopes for each of us: the 1st Cavalry Division Horse * Have fun. Most of us are in the third or fourth quarter. We’ve all had Cavalry Detachment stables. He will be looking over the difficulties in life. Many of our best friends have already died. Why do anything Mr. Larry Borth delivers the roses. that isn’t rewarding or that isn’t fun? stables to find anything wrong * Bring credit to the 1st Cavalry Division. Even if you spent only two or or out of place, as part of his morning routine. three years in the Army, you are part of the Cav legend. And if, like me, you “I can tell you the first thing he does when he comes in every morning,” said were fortunate to serve more than 30 years on active duty, spend seven tours SGT Cassidy Snell, demonstration rider and leather workshop noncommissioned in infantry divisions and three more tours in engineer divisions, the highlight officer-in-charge for the 1st Cav. Div. HDC. “He will walk the whole detachment of your career was still IN THE CAV. We were honored to serve with the 1st area looking for anything out of place, and if something is out of place, the ol’first Cavalry Division…and we all want to preserve its great name. sergeant will get a Soldier on it.” * Help our fellow veterans. When we see a Vet who’s confused, lost, fragile Larry Borth is the 1st Cav. Division stable master civilian trainer for the Horse or hurting, it doesn’t matter if he or she is a Trooper…or a Marine…or a Coast Cavalry Detachment, and now after 23 years on the job, he retired Wednesday. Guardsman…he or she is one of us. You took care of one another on the battlefield “He has been, I would say, the life and drive of the detachment,” Snell said. and in hard times…and we owe our fellow vets nothing less today. “Because if there’s one weed unturned, he’ll notice.” Now, what’s going on in our communities that would let us help a fellow During his tenure at the detachment, Borth worked tirelessly to improve his veteran, and give us a sense of pride and, perhaps, help the reputation of the 1st surroundings. He lobbied for the things that the HCD needed such as new stables, Cavalry Division? Well, as I mentioned in my last column, the one single scourge new trucks and trailer and a covered practice arena, to name a few. that most seems to be afflicting the veteran community is SUICIDE. It has a For more than 40 years, Borth has been, in some way or another, raised around, great impact on Afghanistan and Iraq veterans…but it also takes a considerable cared for and competed with horses. toll on Vietnam-era military. Current studies tell us that 20 veterans commit Borth started life in North Dakota in a farmhouse, where he was born during suicide every day (that’s about 7,300 a year). Now very few of us are mental the middle of winter. The youngest of six spent his days on the farm and going to health professionals…so what can we do? What can our Chapters do? school in a one-room schoolhouse. His siblings and he walked three miles to and That’s the right question…and whatever we do will probably be done at the from school every day unless the weather was bad. That’s when his father would Chapter level or at the YOU level. You can spend time with a vet who needs load the six children into a horse-drawn sleigh. fellowship or just needs someone to be with or to talk with! Help sponsor an “We’d all pile in the back of the sleigh wagon, or wagon sleigh whatever you activity of some sort…hiking…or working with horses…or bike riding…or Continued on pg. 18 rafting trips…or a musical group! Get on the phone and talk! Be aware, get involved and help. DIVISION DOINGS Continued on pg. 3 First Team Cases Colors, Ready for Afghanistan by MSG Jacob Caldwell, 1st Cav. Div. Public Affairs THE DIRECTOR’S CHAIR FORT HOOD, TX Dara C. Wydler As summer comes – Three different First 302 N. Main St. to an end and fall Team commanders cased Copperas Cove, TX 76522-1703 begins (almost ev- their colors August (254) 547-6537 erywhere except 25 on Cooper Field in [email protected] Texas) so does our time for reflection. preparation for a year- The coming months will bring us special family holidays like Thanksgiving long deployment to and Christmas. Over Thanksgiving our thoughts are more about family, our Afghanistan. health and friends. Christmas, although more of a spiritual holiday, has us all Nearly 500 troopers still pondering what the true meaning is: the giving, receiving, or both. will deploy from the However, before both of these special holidays comes Veterans Day. A 1st Cavalry Division day set aside to honor all the men and women who served in the Armed headquarters, the 1st Forces both past and present. A Soldier’s spirit and service to their country Cavalry Division are reflected upon through words like duty, honor, courage, and sacrifice. Sustainment Brigade MG Thomson and CSM Jackson case the colors. and 1st Cavalry Division We shall mourn all our brothers and sisters we have lost along the way yet Headquarters and continue to laugh at the fond memories they left behind, while keeping Headquarters Battalion in the coming weeks. They will join about 1,000 other those Continud on pg. 24 troopers from 3rd Cavalry Regiment already in Afghanistan. INDEX PAGE INDEX PAGE INDEX PAGE MG John Thomson III, commanding general for 1st Cavalry Division, and 5TH CAV 5 82ND FA 19 LIFE MEMBERSHIP 3 CSM Maurice Jackson, command sergeant major for 1st Cavalry Division, cased 7TH CAV 7 CALENDAR 2 LRRP/RANGER 14 the division colors and addressed First Team friends and Family members during 8TH CAV 8 CAV CREDIT CARD 21 LTRS TO EDITOR 2 the ceremony. 9TH CAV 9 CHAPTER INDEX 15 NEW MEMBERS 4 “Four of eight subordinate unit colors are now cased, as well as the division 12TH CAV 6 CHAPTER NEWS 3 OTHER REUNIONS 11 colors,” Thomson said. “More than 6,000 First Team troopers are currently 15TH MED 17 CHANGE ADDRESS 2 SCHOLARSHIPS 12 deployed on five of the seven continents supporting six different combatant 20TH ARA 18 ENGINEERS 20 SILVER WINGS 16 commands. It speaks to the complex, dangerous and uncertain world that we live 21ST FA 21 FOUNDATION 13 SOUVENIR SHOP 15 SUB RENEWAL 3 in today. 27TH MNT 11 HICCUP 11 “America’s First Team has a tremendous legacy of doing our nation’s bidding 30TH FA 10 HISTORY BOOK 23 TAPS 2 61ST FA 4 HONOR ROLL 24 TAPS-ACTIVE DUTY 2 over the past 95 years,” he said. “Now it’s our time to carry the torch for this, HQ AND SPEC TRPS 22 VETERANS DAY 13 Continued on pg. 3 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016 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, Copperas Cove, TX 76522-1703 published during each even numbered month at Last 4 #’s of your SSN______DOB______302 N. Main St., Copperas Cove, TX 76522-1703. Tel: (______) ______Phone: (254) 547-6537 Rank and Name:______Deadline for publication is the 1st of each odd numbered month. New Address: ______e-mail: [email protected] City: ______State: ______Zip: ______Home Page: http://www.1cda.org Unit: (1)______and (2)______EDITOR: Dara C. Wydler Date of Assign: (1)______and (2)______ASSISTANT EDITOR: Karleen Maloney E-Mail:______I served with the 1st Cav. Div. in (Circle one or more) Pre-WWII WWII EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: Dara C. Wydler

ADDRESS JAPAN KOREAN WAR KOREA ‘57-’65 FT BENNING VIETNAM CHANGE FT HOOD GULF BOSNIA AFGHANISTAN IRAQ FT BLISS ARTICLE SUBMISSION I DO/DO NOT authorize release of my personal info to Assn. members. Manuscripts should be originals or clear copies, either typed or printed in I served with another military unit during a war time period? YES NO near-letter quality printer mode. Word processor submissions are accepted via e-mail. Attach a self-adhesive label with photo information to the back of photos and cut lines for each photo. Include name and address if the photo SNOWBIRDS is to be returned. Do not send panoramic photos wider than 8.5 in. If you have two addresses during the year, we need to know them. Please give us Articles should be received at National Headquarters no later than the 1st the dates and addresses for both households. of every odd month. Any article received after the 1st of the month will be (Circle one) Winter Summer put in on a space available basis. Rank and Name: ______Opinions expressed are the writers and not necessarily those of the Saber LAST 4#s SSN:______DOB ______or the 1st Cavalry Division Association. 1: Address: ______City: ______State: _____ Zip: ______Dates: ______Tel: (______) ______LETTERS TO THE EDITOR To be considered for publication, letters should net exceed 300 words and 2: Address: ______should be of general interest and in good taste. Letters express the writer’s City: ______State: _____ Zip: ______opinion, not that of the Saber or the 1st Cavalry Division Association. Dates: ______Tel: (______) ______Political endorsement, “thank you” notes and poetry cannot be used. Form letters or third-party letters are not acceptable. Letters which contain libelous Calendar of 1st Cavalry Division Association or obviously untrue statements will be automatically rejected. All letters must be signed with addresses and telephone numbers included. Names will be used with the letters but addresses and phone numbers may 2016 be omitted. Letters also may be edited for length or clarification. November 9-13 Veterans Day and Veterans Day Dinner, Washington, DC We reserve the right to reject for publication any letter received. Unused letters will not be acknowledged. 2017 Letters to the Editor February 24-25 Board of Governors and Foundation Meeting, Killeen, TX Dear Editor, Thank you for awarding me a scholarship from the Foundation June 7-11 70th Annual Reunion Fort Hood, TX of the 1st Cavalry Division Association and giving me the opportunity to help pay for some of my college expenses. My TAPS family and I are very blessed and I could not be more excited We have been notified of the death of the following Troopers who served with for this upcoming school year at Wartburg College. I will use the 1st Cavalry Division: the scholarship money to help pay for my tuition, textbooks, BALL, LTC (Ret) Eldon Keith, C Trp., 1-9th CAV, 1970-71. 21 July 2016. and fees that are due. Again, thank you for your generosity. BOROZAN, SP5 Steve G., C Co., 15th TC, 1965-66. 29 April 2016. Sincerely, BUCHHEIT, E-5 Randolph A., A Co., 2-8th CAV, 1970-71. 13 August 2016. Janae’ Conley CATA, SGT Fred, D Co., 1-5th CAV, 1968-69. 6 August 2016. COLLINS, SGT Paul K., C Co., 1-7th CAV, 1966-67; A Co., 2-8th CAV, 1968- Dear Editor, 69. 8 August 2016. The Foundation of the 1st Cavalry Division Association DeMARTINO, SP4 Michael J., C Co., 1-7th CAV, 1966-67. 31 May 2016. grant has afforded me the opportunity to further my higher FANTL, T-5 Philip K., 1st SIG, 1945-46. 19 July 2016. education. It is also allowing me to get a head start on reaching GARCIA, E-5 Augustine P., E Co., 52nd INF, 1968-69. 29 July 2016. my goal of becoming a police detective. I am very thankful to HEAPE, LTC (Ret) Charles Neal, A Co., 227th AVN, 1967-68. 11 August receive this grant and I intend to use this grant wisely and to 2016. the best of my abilities. I would like to thank all the sponsors HOFFMAN, LTC (Ret) Robert J., HHC, 3rd BDE, 1971; H Co., 75th INF, and donors for making this grant possible. 1972. 30 July 2016. Very Respectfully, HORNE, T-5 Fred, 112th CAV, 1945; 7th CAV, 1945-46; HQ 1CD, 1946. 12 Austin R. Thomas July 2016. LaRUSSO, SP4 Joseph, D Co., 2-7th CAV, 1967-68. 20 August 2016. Dear Editor, KAGAMIDA, LT Robert T., B Btry., and HQ Btry., 61st FA, 1953-54. 17 May I was born into the CAV family. My parents were both Avia- 2016. tion Officers assigned to 1/227 1CD, and I was born at Darnell MAJAN, SGT Juan R., C Co., 2-7th CAV, 1968-69. 15 June 2016. Army Medical Center. My father was on active duty when I McCRARY, SFC Eugene L., A Co., 229th AVN, 1967-68; B Co., 227th AVN, was very young, and that even inspired me to pursue a com- 1969-70. 24 August 2016. mission in the Army. I was fortunate enough to be assigned to McSPADDEN, COL (Ret) William A., II, B Btry., and HQ Btry., 61st FA, the 1st CAV like my parents, and I am incredibly proud to have 1953-54. 4 August 2016. served. The Foundation of the 1st Cavalry Division Association MORRISON, SP4 John J., B Co., 1-5th CAV, 1965. 12 January 2016. is a great program that offers support to those like myself to NAVA, SP4 Robert, A Co., 1-12th CAV, 1965-66. 12 April 2016. pursue higher education and make transition from the military NETTLES, MSG (Ret) Tommy C., B Co., 1-8th CAV, 1965-66. 9 August a little easier. I am very grateful for the 1CD Association’s support and would 2016. encourage all members to donate to this foundation. RICE, SP5 Jon K., HHC, 15th TC, 1967-68. 13 April 2016. Very Respectfully, SHRADER, COL (Ret) Cecil L., C Trp., 1-9th CAV, 1966-67; C Trp., 1-9th Robert B. Wilson, III CAV, 1969; HHC, 1st BDE, 1981-83. 3 May 2016. SMITH, MAJ (Ret) Thomas J., D Co., 2-7th CAV, 1967; HHC, 2nd BDE, 1967- Dear Editor, 68. 29 July 2016. I received a scholarship from the Foundation of the 1st Cavalry STEMPLE, SFC Delbert N., 2-12th CAV; 2-5th CAV, RVN. 7 July 2016. Division Association due to my Grandfather serving in Vietnam. STONE, COL (Ret) Gordon L., HHT, 1-9th CAV, 1967; A Trp., 1-9th CAV, His father, my great grandfather, served in the Battle of the Bulge 1967-68. 28 August 2016. and went on to be a liberator of Dachau. My father is currently SZCZYGIELSKI, SP4 Dennis, A Co., 1-5th CAV, 1969-70. 20 August 2016. in Afghanistan for a year with the United States Air Force. My TAYLOR, PFC B. H. Jr., C Co., 1-8th CAV, 1970. 5 March 2016. father is enlisted and my mother has been a stay at home Mom. THOMASON, MSG (Ret) William C., E Btry., 82nd FA, 1969-70. 31 July Neither of them received college education. I started college a 2016. month ago thanks to the G.I. Bill being passed to me from my Dad. I am attending Embry Riddle Aeronautical University. It’s ACTIVE DUTY TAPS difficult to put into words how grateful I am for this scholarship. Just two books We have been notified of the death of the following Active Duty Troopers of cost me $520. My parents have done their best for me but there is obviously a the 1st Cavalry Division in the United States that were not combat related: shortfall and lack of ability for them to cover my college expenses. HARDY, PFC Stacy J., I Trp., 3-3d CAV, 2016. 10 September 2016. Aside from the financial need, I feel great pride in telling people that I received HUNT, 2LT Andrew J., HHT, 6-9th CAV, 2016. 13 September 2016. this scholarship and what it’s origin is. I often get a “Wow” when I explain it. I JOHNSON, SPC Alexander M., B Co., 615th ASB, 2014-16. 12 July 2016. hope to honor this scholarship by becoming the 4th generation of my family to RAINWATER, SPC Logan E., 154th Comp. Trk. Co., 553rd CSSB, 2015-16. serve in the military. Please let your members know that I thank them from the 1 August 2016. bottom of my heart! SERVANT, SPC Dion S., F Trp., (FSC). 6-9th CAV, 2014-16. 19 August Sincerely, 2016. Heather McGraw We honor the passing of our friends and comrades in arms. Continued on pg. 24 Page 3 saber SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016 CHAPTER NEWS LIFE APPLICATION/SUBSCRIPTION RENEWAL BUSINESS STYLE CARDS FLORIDA CHAPTER are available at 200 for $15.00. No hassle with having to carry legal size sheets of At our 6 September meeting we hope to come up with some ideas on a Thanks- paper (Life Membership Applications) or sub forms. Orders will be sent to printers giving and Christmas gathering. We need some feedback at the meeting and via for printing when 3-4 are accumulated. Please be patient with us. Sample below. email. (Actual size 3” x 2”) We want to thank Michael Hull for a donation for me to send out letters via 1st CAVALRY DIVISION ASSOCIATION snail mail, that’s via the U.S. Postal Service for some of you. I had to send forms 302 N. Main St. off to Texas for our Tax Exempt number and as soon as they get it back to me Copperas Cove, TX 76522-1703 I’ll take it to the post office and try to get a Non- Profit Organization stamp to (254) 547-6537 be able to send this stuff out at a cheaper rate. [email protected] Contact me at . Joe Craig, President NAME JAMES J. MASON WEST MICHIGAN CHAPTER POSITION IN CHAPTER The 1st Cavalry Division Association, in conjunction with Acclaim Press are UNIT working together on a new book about the First Team. The Publisher is looking DATES OF ASSIGNMENT to gather stories and biographies of former members of the Division for inclu- sion in the book. That is the good news, the bad news is that there is a deadline STREET ADDRESS PHONE: for submission of 31 October 16. If you are interested contact Acclaim Press CITY, ST, ZIP (000) 000-0000 at 877-427-2665 or order on line at . This sounds E-MAIL: (000) 000-0000 Cell like a great idea but only came to my attention a few days ago. Biographies are limited to 200 words and stories are limited to 1,000 words. Inclusion of each is free if you order a copy of the book, but the Editor reserves the right for final Enroll me as a Life Member...... $10.00 acceptance. Please pass and share this information to any former 1st Cavalry Renew my subscription...... $10.00 Division Veteran. Our last Bingo (31July) at the GRHV was, as always well received by the resi- New or Renewal of Associate Membership...... $15.00 dents. They are extremely well versed in the nuances of the various ideations of the game. Our Chapter meeting on 18 August had to be moved from the NCO D-Trooper...... $25.00 Club at the Grand Valley Armory. As a result, attendance was sparse. We reviewed the banner proposal from the 1CDA and decided to try and source it closer to Business Cards ...... $15.00 home because of the cost. As a reminder to those who may have Property Tax $10 covers your subscription to SABER for one year. Relief because of being 100% Permanently and Totally disabled by the Depart- $25 makes you a D-Troop member plus a one year subscription. ment of Veterans Affairs, you must file an annual request for exemption. The $50 makes you a D-Troop member plus a one year subscription and you receive DVA is supposed to send out annually a letter with your status but you can also a suitable poster or print. get it online through the DVA, Veterans Benefits Website. We would love to see $100 makes you a D-Troop member plus a one year subscription and you receive some new Troopers join the Chapter. Contact Bob Anderson at 616.682.5446 a First Team print. $500 makes you a Silver Brigade member plus a 10 year subscription. or e-mail him at for more information. We $1,000 makes you a Gold Brigade member plus a 20 year subscription. would also welcome you to just stop in, if only to say hi. We now meet on even All D-Troopers receive certificates suitable for framing. numbered months (next meetings are in October and December of this year and Brigade members receive handsome 1st Cavalry wall plaque. February of 2017) on the 3rd Thursday at 1900 hours. First Team! Bob Ander- All donors ($25 or more) receive mention in the Honor Roll column and may son, Secretary dedicate gifts. D-Troop milestones can be achieved cumulatively. We will keep Division Doings track of your contributions.. Continued from pg. 1 Associate Membership - for those with no service with the 1st Cav. Div. $15 one year Associate membership plus a one year subscription. the Cav’s sixth turn since 9/11.” Thomson said the division is well-prepared for $150 Life Associate plus a five year subscription and you receive a framed the mission. certificate. “CSM Jackson and I are absolutely confident that we are trained and ready to accomplish our mission, especially with the fantastic Central Texas and Fort LAST 4 NUMBERS OF SSN ______DOB ______Hood communities covering our backs,” he said. Rank ______Thomson and his staff will take command of and man the United States Forces Name______Command-Afghanistan, where they will support nearly 10,000 U.S. service Address______members by ensuring their logistical, contracting, and medical needs are met City ______State ______-- all this in order to ensure Afghan advisers can focus on their task at hand. Zip ______Phone (______) ______The ceremony also recognized retirees, volunteers and exceptional Soldiers Dates Assigned _(1)______(2)______and Family members within the division. I served with 1st Team in Unit (1)______and The ceremony concluded with a traditional cavalry charge performed by the (2)______1st Cavalry Division Horse Cavalry Detachment. Stronger Together - 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team Trains with Texas E-mail ______Army National Guard by CPT Eileen Hernandez, 2nd ABCT, 1st Cav. Div. Public Affairs I Authorize release of information to: No one___ Other Members only___ FORT HOOD, TX – More than 6,000 Other Members and USAA Only___. Active Duty and Texas Army National Guard I served with the 1st Cavalry Division in (Circle one or more) Soldiers and contractors participated a three- Pre-WWII WWII Japan Korean War Korea ‘57-’65 Fort Benning week long eXportable Combat Training Vietnam War Fort Hood Gulf War Bosnia Afghanistan Iraq Fort Bliss Capability exercise which ended August 22 Have you served with any other military unit during a war time period? YES NO here. President’s Corner The Army National Guard’s XCTC Continued from pg. 1 program provides realistic training for I’m told that one of our Chapters has sponsored a “PTSD Information Forum.” required company level certification and I’m sure we’d all like to hear more about that! battalion battle staff proficiency for ARNG One of our most illustrious troopers, former 1st Cav Commanding General units. Active Duty and Reserve Component Peter Chiarelli, is the CEO of a group called One Mind. One Mind has a web units training side-by-side support Army site that provides a wealth of information for veterans Total Force Policy. Army Total Force Policy, as well as health care professionals. Information on this web site might just signed by former Secretary of the Army John help you recognize when someone is suffering from PTSD or some form of McHugh in September 2012, formalized the emotional distress. And with this recognition, you might be able to help him or partnership between Active Duty and Reserve her in some way or to encourage that person to seek professional help. Components. Remember…the Chapters are where the action is…every meeting…every For many Active Duty and Reserve month…every opportunity to help a troubled fellow veteran. Component units, Total Army Force Policy Be well…and do good! simply reinforces a partnership already decades in the making. contractors and support staff, along with the training audiences 56th Infantry “I have been in the Guard in Texas for 30 Brigade Combat Team and Joint Task Force 136th Maneuver Enhancement SGM Robert Symaszek, years, and we have always had an informal Brigade and our battalion.” operations sergeant major for relationship with 1st Cavalry Division, so 189th Infantry Brigade, First Army Division West, out of Fort Lewis, the 1-8 Cav works with SPC when the partnership program came out, it was Washington served as Observer/Coach, Trainers for XCTC. Richard Kovach, an armor already what we have been doing for a long “We are the local guys on the ground for XCTC, providing the OPFOR crewman, to create a map overlay time,” said COL David Webb, 56th Infantry (opposing force) during the exercise,” said Towers. of significant areas of operations Brigade Combat Team, Texas Army National “We have anywhere between 100-200 Soldiers in the field at any given time for a training exercise on Fort serving as OPFOR. We also have an aid station, a field kitchen and a tactical Hood, Texas. (U.S. Army photo Guard. “You can tell that the First Team by Spc. Micah Merrill, 1-8CAV and their higher headquarters are genuinely operations center.” UPAR) supportive of this relationship.” “Our guys are out there in BDUs and carrying AK47s, either dismounted or in “Our partner unit is 2nd Armored Brigade pickup trucks. It’s kind of labor intensive, because we have every trigger puller Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division and as busy as they are being an active duty we have in the field supporting this exercise, said Towers. brigade, they were always willing to help us and provide any support that we “The guidance for opposing force was to provide adaptable, free thinking, need,” said Webb. disciplined, hard-core OPFOR in order to provide the best training for these These training missions are no small effort. National Guardsman, in other words, I told them to kick their butts!” “XCTC a very large operation,” said MAJ Daniel Towers, operations officer, “If the Guard are not ready to go, whenever they get called up, and they 1st Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment. “It included Ravenwood Solutions, XCTC Continued on pg. 9 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016 saber Page 4 61st FA News Gordon Cress starting chemo. We can’t adequately express our heartfelt gratitude to you for 6562 Windflower Dr. your prayers, love and concern on her behalf. The past few days have been very Carlsbad, CA 92011-2508 stressful for her. Please continue to keep her in your prayers as she faces the (760) 918-0470 upcoming days of challenges. In Christian love, big hugs and tears of joy, the [email protected] Danny Talberts and Pete Coppocks.” On July 18, we received this update… “As This issue of the Saber should be getting to you in mid-October. Still have a the medical team explained to Miriam, the effects from the chemo and other meds couple of weeks to get ready for Halloween. hit yesterday. Today she has really been ill with nausea, etc. Pete and I stayed Got this note from Ed Jakubowski in early July (while he was in Hawaii)… with her until her husband came home with another medication. Miriam has “Gordon, it sounds as though you had a great trip. Going to Italy, which is my sugar diabetes and that just complicates things. She did attend church yesterday wife’s ancestral homeland (her father was born there), has always been on our and played the piano. We so appreciate your continued prayers, encouragement bucket list, but it doesn’t seem likely at this point with advancing years and de- and concern. Love, Pete and Shirley.” Haven’t heard anything since mid-July, clining health. You mentioned a reunion in November, of which I am not aware. so we’re hoping for the best. Toni and I are doing as well as can be expected. I have been going through cardiac Peter O’Brien sent this… “Hi Gordon, prescient or just lucky? When the ACA rehab for the last few months pursuant to some problems during the past year, but (Obamacare) hit America in 2010, I had a hunch it didn’t bode well for us old things seem to be improving. I have discovered one thing, however. Getting old retirees, so, as a hedge, I joined the VA health care system, 55 years after discharge isn’t for sissies! Best wishes, Ed.” Nice to hear from you, Ed. I did send him in ’56. A few weeks ago my 43-year employer announced the cancellation of the latest reunion information from Grady Tucker (see below). all retiree’s health insurance! Thankfully, they are funding an account for the From Grady Tucker, also in early July pertaining to the November 15-20 purchase of Medigap and prescription insurance on an “Exchange.” How long reunion… “Gordon, I am moving very slowly on this. I am out of the hospital will they continue funding it, who knows? Anyway, going through the whole new for the fourth time this calendar year with pneumonia and am not progressing experience of the “Exchange” has shown what a hassle it is for uninsured people as well as I think I should be, but I’ll get there. So far I have reserved housing to get coverage under ACA, especially for those without a computer. And now, and meeting space at the Tops’l Beach and Racquet Resort in Miramar Beach, with large insurers withdrawing from ACA in many states, many others losing Florida for November 15-20th. It is an older facility, but very nice. You should money, an indefinite fund from the old employer and presidential candidates of- call them at 800-380-4808, mention the 61st FA Battalion and Customer Code fering revision or destruction of ACA, the VA system looks pretty darn good!” R8017 for reservations. Rates start at $77 for a studio and $118 for a two-bed- Thanks for the note, Peter. Always enjoy and appreciate hearing from you. room unit. Sorry I didn’t get it to you in time for the last Saber. Best to you and Speaking of Peter, he’s been working on a story about the Toya Maru disaster yours, Grady.” Thanks, Grady, appreciate all you’re going through to get this and here’s some of the material he’s recently located. In a London paper dated set up. Maybe we can get the group together for one last reunion. The Florida October 1954 he found this article… “A typhoon which hit norther Japan on panhandle area is a great place to visit. Everyone is invited and I hope you get September 26 sank 876 ships – the highest total in Japanese maritime history a great turnout. – damaged 3467 ships and grounded 130. But the worst disaster, in terms of Also received in early July from Bill Stewart… “Sorry this is late but our inter- human lives, occurred when the railway ferry Toya Maru (4300 tons) capsized net has been down and the company we had didn’t seem to care. We now have outside Hakodate Harbor, with the loss of over 1000 people. The ferry, designed a new carrier and are trying to catch up. After Pat had her left eye worked on, to carry railway trains, and with 1252 passengers on board, was caught by the we took time out and went on a cruise to Nassau and Freeport. Not as exciting full force of the typhoon and her engine rooms were swamped. Her captain gave as your trip to Italy, but it was fun. We traveled with six friends. When we went the order to beach, but she was swept on to the rocks. The railway carriages are for the follow-up exam on her left eye, the doctor recommended she also have reported to have torn loose and to have crashed to one side of the vessel, rolling the right eye done. She had it done June her over in the water just outside Hakodate Harbor, in Japan’s northernmost island 27th and she now has corneal transplants in both eyes. The fun part of this is the of Hokkaido. After the storm abated, over 500 bodies were washed ashore, but two-hour drive to the eye center in Indy. It gets a little hectic playing dodge ball many were still entombed in the overturned ship. On September 29 the number with semis doing 75 to 80 miles an hour. For anyone who went to Branson, we of divers working on the wreck was increased to forty and it was agreed to open are sorry we missed you, but we are planning a trip for November, probably up the exposed keel of the vessel. The Japanese National Railways said that around Veterans week, it should be fun. We hope some of you can come join those on board included some American soldiers and their families.” Here are us, if our bodies don’t need more repairs. Otherwise, just take care and maybe several photos before and after the disaster. our paths will cross again sometime. Sta Bueno, Bill.” Glad to hear that Pat is doing well. I had that cataract surgery several years ago and my vision is terrific. I understand that cataract surgery is the most common surgical procedure in the US these days. If any of you make it to Branson, you might also consider going on to Florida for the festivities there being planned by Grady Tucker. I think it would be great to get the two groups together again. We’re about to leave on a fly-drive vacation in early September. We’ll fly to Jackson Hole, Wyoming and rent a car. We’ll then embark on a drive to Yel- lowstone National Park, Shoshone National Forest, Bighorn National Forest, and Thunder Basin National Grassland, through Sturgis (SD), Custer State Park, Mt. Rushmore National Memorial, Wind Cave National Park and the Badlands National Park. We’ll turn in the car at Rapid City, South Dakota and fly back to San Diego. Ought to be fun, should be gone about 12 days, and we’re looking forward to it. I arrived at Camp Younghans, Japan in A couple of sad notes to pass along this issue… Just received the word that Bob Kagamida had passed away last May. I had replaced Bob as the 61st Recon & Survey Officer in late 1954. Also Bill McSpadden left us on August 4th. His wife Blair sent along this note… “I think you knew that Bill had been in very poor health for six or so months. Actually probably longer than that. With all that was happening to him he ended up having to have major surgery (6-1/2 hours for one and 6 hours for the second) and only eight days apart. Service was on August 10th and the burial on Monday August 15th. We chose a cemetery in our area rather than going back to VA.” Our condolences to both families. Got this note from Jimmy Marks… “Hello Gordon, yesterday, August 14th, I had a visit from 1LT Dustin Merli, USMC, and his wife Kath- leen along with Kathleen’s friend Rachael Bergman. LT Merli is the grandson of one of our 61st FA Bat- tery Commanders, LT John P. Kean (USMA 48) and retired Colonel. Kean played football at West Point October 1954 just after the disaster. The on the legendary National Cham- whole camp was still in shock at the time pionship team under Coach Earl and later the athletic field was named in Blaik. When Battery A CO, CPT honor of Lt. Vaillancourt who was lost Rex Gunnell was killed in Korea, when the Toya Maru went down. November 25, 1950, LT Kean took Hope all of you are doing well. command of the battery and skill- Take care, ‘Sta Bueno and keep those fully and heroically led the battery cards, letters, phone calls and e-mails out of harm’s way and saved many coming. lives. LT Merli was on his way to Camp Pendleton, California to con- NEW MEMBERS tinue his training as a Marine Corps LTC BEAHM RICHARD S. VA A 1-7C 7209 Jimmy Marks with 1LT Dustin Merli, Pilot.” Thanks for the note, Jimmy. LTC (RET) BLANCHARD ROBERT C. JR LA 26CHE 6905 USMC Our best wishes for LT Merli. SSG BURROUGHS MICHAEL R. TX G 3-82FA 1307 From Shirley and Pete Coppock concerning their daughter MiriamTalbert… SFC CARD CHRLES B. PA HQ 70ENG 6606 “Today (June 28th) Miriam went in to learn more about the cancer she was re- SP-4 COOK TERRY WY C 1-12C 7009 cently diagnosed with. After extensive testing that included a biopsy of several CPT CORBIN STARR TX A 13SIG 0102 lymph nodes, her doctor believes she’s in Stage 1 instead of Stage 3 as previ- E-5 COX JERRY JOE TX 545MP 7001 ously determined. Great news! She will have an MRI and port inserted before Continued on pg. 5 Page 5 saber SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016 5th CAV News 2-5 Cav had 4 companies deployed. One of our companies patrolling in the James E. Reecamper mountains east of our LZ ran into an enemy unit very late in the day and a fire- 2351 Robertson Mill Way fight ensued. Unfortunately for us, this “meeting engagement” was one sided, Nixa, MO 65714-6113 the enemy was firmly entrenched in fighting positions and we were deployed (417) 844-5347 in a patrol formation. The company commander was adamant about taking the initiative and pressing the attack. LTC McDonough overruled him because of the There’s a lot to report on, so I’ll get right to it. I have to begin with a heavy time of day and the risk to his troops would increase as night fell since we would heart. I received word that Tom Smith, MAJ (Ret), passed away. He was my be on unfamiliar terrain in the dark and hence at a distinct disadvantage. Some CO for a short time in Nam with D-2-5 in 1967. In my last Saber article, I Battalion Commanders would have let the Company Commander continue the mentioned that I witnessed his injuries. Here is a portion of his obituary: pursuit in order to increase the enemy body count, a statistic that was so popular Major (Ret) Thomas J. Smith “slainte” died Friday, July 29 at Gundersen at the time. LTC McDonough did not care about statistics and was more con- Medical Center LaCrosse, Wisconsin, and his wife Barbara was at his side. cerned about the safety and security of the troops under his command and hence Tom was born in Detroit, Michigan February 28, 1943. His parents died when ordered the company commander to withdraw. He told the Commander that we he was young and at age 12 he went to Boysville, a boarding school for at risk would get them again but at a time and place of our choosing, not theirs. He youth. He excelled in sports, especially football, and attended Adrian College then asked about casualties and was told there were several soldiers wounded and on Scholarship. they needed immediate evacuation, my FO being one of them. Unfortunately, the He enlisted in the Army in 1963 to play installation military football at Fort area they were in did not have any terrain that would accommodate a medavac Knox, Kentucky. Football was short lived because of a knee injury. He was helicopter. LTC McDonough then ordered our pilot to descend low enough to then assigned to Fort Dix, New Jersey then to Fort Benning, Georgia where he search and find a location where the troops could create a landing zone so we attended OCS. Four days after his graduation from OCS he married Barbara could conduct a medavac. After a short search we found a spot that could be Kaye Dugan in Toledo, Ohio. Over the years Tom and Barb lived in many places made to work with the unit cutting some light brush, but it needed to be prepped and had three wonderful sons; Brian, Mike, and Terry. to allow a landing. Since we could not land and at LTC McDonough’s order, Tom was a basic training Company Commander at Fort Leonard Wood, Mis- we hovered over the spot with our landing lights on to give the company a bea- souri. He was sent to Vietnam in 1967 and served as a rifle Company Commander. con to guide them to that location. The company made it to the spot and all the There, he was wounded and awarded the Purple Heart. He spent two months in wounded were ultimately lifted out. I don’t know how many soldiers were saved Japan for treatment and returned to Vietnam in November, 1967 as an Assistant that day, but I am sure that LTC McDonough’s decision to disengage and to find S-3 and in time for the Tet offensive. a way to get the wounded out saved lives that would have been needlessly lost. The Smith family made homes in Germany, Michigan, Kansas, and Fort Mc- Some would criticize him for risking our helicopter and crew, but he would have Coy, Wisconsin – his last duty station before retirement. At Fort McCoy he was seen it as the more fortunate trying to take care of those brave soldiers that risked the Director of Personnel and Community Activities. His most memorable time their lives and were in dire need. While I was one of the helicopter crew at risk, frame was during the 1980 Cuban refugee settlement. He retired from the Army I have never ever questioned his decision and admired him for what in my view in 1983, settled in Sparta, and began a second career teaching and coaching. was a very brave decision. He taught at St. Patrick’s school in Sparta for 14 years. His sons were active in During Tet in 1968, COL McDonough was then our Brigade Commander and sports and Tom was an assistant football and wrestling coach for many years. In we had our hands full. The other two brigades had been rushed north to sup- 1997 Tom joined Aric Soderblum to establish Sparta Area Independent Learn- port the heavy fighting in Hue and Quang Tri and our brigade was left behind ing School (S.A.I.L.S.) to help at risk students. He was especially proud of the to essentially cover the entire 1st Cav Division area of operations. The Colonel establishment of S.A.I.L.S. continually flew over the AO trying to manage all the engagements that we were He was also a Veteran’s advocate, an Ambassador for Teach Vietnam, and was involved in that week. We were constantly in heavy firefights with all our units. privileged to travel to Washington, DC to read names at the 25th Anniversary While en-route to oversee an ongoing firefight, we flew over an area where a of the Wall. Tom retired from teaching in 2005 and was diagnosed with non- scout helicopter had just been shot down. It was on the ground with its crew Hodgkin’s Lymphoma 3 months later. Over the last 11 years he endured numer- of two trying to protect themselves from Viet Cong in the area. Two gunships ous chemo and radiation treatments and a stem cell transplant. He was strong tried to land and rescue the crew but took so much ground fire they aborted and brave thru all the health problems. He had a positive attitude that everyone their attempts at rescue. COLMcDonough sensing that the crew on the ground who knew him admired. was at great risk ordered our pilot to land to see if we could pick them up. As Since retirement from teaching Tom served on Compass, the S.A.I.L.S. school we landed, we came under immediate fire from VC who were only about 20- board, and he was on the board of the 5th Cavalry Association, as well as an 30 yards away and the pilot was forced to make an emergency maneuver to get Ambassador for Teach Vietnam. Tom was an avid Detroit sports fan. He also away. Before we powered off the ground, one door gunner was able to jump off, loved everything Irish. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who and now we had three soldiers in a perilous situation. While many AK rounds always put family first. struck our helicopter, miraculously nobody on board was hit. But we now had He was preceded in death by his parents Peter and Eulalie Smith. two concerns, whether any vital helicopter components were hit and a question He is survived by Barbara, his wife of 51 years; sons Brian, Mike (Bonnie), and of how damaged the engine was after being severely over-torqued in the violent Terry; and the joy of his heart his granddaughters Sydney, Megan, and Rachel. maneuver to get off the ground. Just as we were about to “limp back” to the LZ, Good bye Sir, it was one hell of a ride. a 9th Cav helicopter arrived and told us he was willing to attempt the rescue. On a lighter note, we, the 5th Cavalry Association continue to march on. We’re COL McDonough ordered our pilot to return to the area in order to provide door planning a raffle for 2017 to help raise funds so we can continue our efforts to gunner support to the other bird. As a result, the other helicopter was able to pick support active duty Troopers assigned and attached to the 5th Cav. As mentioned up the two pilots and our door gunner. It was a brave decision and one that was previously, our next reunion is scheduled for September 11–16, 2017 in Harrisburg, made to save three soldiers that would have been killed or captured had we not Pennsylvania. There is a post on our web page, , on how to intervened. We then flew back to base, picked up a replacement helicopter and make your hotel reservations. As always, you’re welcomed and encouraged to went back to work. To understand COL McDonough’s decision, one only has to let me know via e-mail at or phone 417-844-5347 with know that the Division creed was that if any helicopter went down rescue would any suggestions what you like to see and do during the reunion. be the Division’s highest priority. We all were comforted in the knowledge that Correction to the Gooseman story in the last issue, I mistakenly stated that it was if we had to crash-land that the Division would spare no resources to rescue us. the soldiers of B-1-5, it should have stated that they were from D-1-5. Here is the Leave no solder behind was our doctrine and we followed it religiously. COL story as told to me via e-mail. “I was at the firebase and saw his chopper take off McDonough made another brave decision and I admired him greatly for it. with SFC Diaz on board. Moments later, we saw a plume of smoke and were told It was my great fortune and honor to have served with General McDonough. a chopper had just crashed nearby. We rounded up a search and rescue party and He was a consummate professional officer and an inspiration to all that were headed out through the jungle on foot to the crash site. The Huey was by then, privileged to serve with him. Under his leadership, both the 2-5th Cav and the a mass of smoldering metal. John, the lone survivor, came out of the bushes to 2 Brigade were superb units and it was my great fortune to have been assigned great us. The pilot, or co-pilot, not sure now which, had been dragged away from to both of them under his command. the wreckage. I personally picked up with an entrenching tool, what remained 2017 Raffle Prizes: The 5th Cav Association is dire need to replenish the of the burned bodies that were trapped on board and placed them into body bags. general fund. We spent a significant amount of money to bring active duty Mel Feather, SSG, 1969-70, Co., D 1/5. I do apologize for the error. soldiers from Fort Hood to the 2013 Reunion. Our only means of revenue is General Joseph McDonough by Richard (Dick) Beltson, Redleg 17 from membership dues, donations, and raffles. In the past the prizes consisted In 1967 I was a captain assigned to the 1-77th FA Battalion in direct support of cash rewards which greatly minimized the net funds to the general fund. In 2017, we will have another raffle but we are looking for prizes that can be of the 2-5th Cavalry commanded by then LTC Joseph McDonough. As his fire donated and fresh ideas from everyone what you would like to see in the prize support coordinator, I was his shadow 24 hours a day both on the ground and in parade. The raffle will be conducted during the banquet at the 20th Reunion the air (command and control helicopter). Battalion Command was an awesome in Harrisburg/Hershey, Pennsylvania. September 16, 2017. Any suggestions, responsibility, foremost of which was the safety and wellbeing of the soldiers questions or concerns can be directed to me via e-mail at under that command and LTC McDonough took that responsibility very seriously. or phone call to 417-844-5347. He had more compassion and concern for the soldiers under his command than As mentioned in the last Saber issue we have our reunions on the odd numbered any other commander that I observed in my tour. Here are two incidents that, in years. Please visit our web site at for hotel room rates and my view, epitomized what I admired most about him. reservation information. In June 1967, we were operating out of LZ Uplift in the Bong Song AO and New Members Continued from pg. 4 SPC MACHUCA STEVEN R. TX C 27MSB 0004 SGT CRUZ RICARDO TX A 27MSB 0203 CSM (RET) MALPICA RAYMOND J. SR CA B 1-7C 4809 PFC DEYO ALLEN NY D 2-8C 66 SP-4 MANN PATRICK TX HQ 13SIG 6301 SP-4 DURRANT MILES P. FL H 16C 7107 SSG MC BRIARTY THOMAS S. CT A 228AVN 6903 LTC ERRINGTON JOEY TX 3-16FA 1605 SGT NERO MARC IAN E. MI B 615ASB 1211 SP-4 JENNINGS ARTHUR T. NC B 228AVN 6606 SGT PEREZ ROBERT CA E 52INF 6704 SPC KIBBE BRIAN JAMES FL HHC 1CDH 9901 SGT PHILLIPS WILLIAM B. IA E 7-17C 1307 PFC KUENSTING TIMOTHY MN HHC 2-7C 6812 E-4 QUELLO JOHN WI C 3-40AR 62 PFC LAMONTAGNE NORMAN J. CA A 27MNT 6409 1LT REYES-MERCA GIOVAN A. TX HHBN 1CDA 1602 MR LEE CHARLES R. TN 1363 1- ASSOC PV2 RICHMOND VICTOR F. TX D 2-12C 6705 SP-5 LEERHSEN FREDERICK NJ HHC 3-40AR 6012 Continued on pg. 21 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016 saber Page 6 12th CAV News Ken Howser, Jr. 0001 Hey Sailor, new Officer LTC Chris Alfeiri for the PO Box 234 in town? We meet to- 1-12 Cavalry Charger Battalion Walkersville, MD 21793-0234 gether as Terra has (301) 898-7763 Summer Ball. That morning I [email protected] once again traveled presented to LTC Alfeiri and www.12thCav.US another 1-6th segment CSM Ron Graves a Model 1860 Facebook.Com/12thCavalryRegiment of its transit around Cavalry Saber manufactured by Sol. What great and Mansfield & Lamb of Forrest- classic names! Try pondering on those thoughts for … Times Up! Did I win the dale, RI, dated 1865. The blade Presidency? I haven’t had time to and can’t bring myself to look; I still get all is approximately 34 ½ inches my politics and political info on Comedy Central. No time to get to you again long (41 inches overall) and has before December, someone give me a call and let me know if I need to be in a leather and double twist wire DC in January 2017. Happy Christmas - Any Other Holiday - Merry New Year wrapped grip with brass guard. - See You! The saber was purchased by 0153 1-12 Cavalry, Fort Hood - Tanned, dirt-stained faces. Uniforms caked BG (Ret) Loyd Rhiddlehoover, with dust and salty white streaks – the remnants of a sweaty week spent in hot, Saber presentation, L-R: CSM Graves, Doug former commanding officer dry conditions. It was a scene that could have played out in Iraq or Afghanistan, Warden, and LTC Alfeiri of 1st Battalion. It was BG but this was no war zone. In preparation for an upcoming rotation at the NTC, Rhiddlehoover’s wish that this Fort Irwin, California, soldiers from the 1-12th Cavalry Regiment teamed up saber be donated to the Commanding Officer of the present day 1-12 Battalion. with 6-9 Cavalry and 1-227 Aviation to conduct a live-fire assault on targets in It was my pleasure to carry out BG Rhiddlehoover’s wishes. The saber will be the training area. Companies that would normally have been purely infantry or displayed in the Battalion History Room at 1-12th Headquarters. The Ball, a armor were sprinkled throughout with a bit of each in a configuration in which black tie event, was attended by over 300 personnel from the 1-12 Cavalry. (I many were inexperienced. “In addition they’ve also got attack aviation, tube wore a tuxedo for the first time in 25 years!) 1-12 Cav will be deployed during artillery and mortars. They’re synchronizing all these assets to fight 13 separate the 2017 Reunion in Killeen, 2-12 Cav will be in garrison at that time. The new engagements to qualify for live-fire training at NTC.” This CALFEX brought Commander for 1-12, LTC Andrew J. Kiser, was installed 22 July, the new CSM, together the combat power of M1A2 Abrams tanks, M2A3 Bradley Fighting Shelly Jenkins, on 1 September, both 2016. Vehicles, Apache attack helicopters, and dismounted infantrymen to fight as a . synchronized element. It also brought into use the live firing of both an M58 1553 70th Annual 1st Cavalry Division Reunion 7-11 June 2017, in scenic Mine-clearing Line Charge and a BGM-71 TOW missile. . Killeen/Fort Hood, Texas. “Much of the First Team will be home for this reunion 0353 HELP! Now is the Time for All Good Troopers to send ME your latest and we are planning an excellent event. All Life members and Associate mem- updated EMail Addresses, Phone(s) numbers and US Postal address. Verily, bers of the Division Association are welcome to attend. Register early to assist some of the Brethren have blithely skipped this yearly housekeeping chore for our coordinating the best reunion possible. Early registration is from December the beach. I cannot relate the number of addresses returned as undeliverable 2016 through 21 April 2017 at $20 for all members except those on active duty. when I reach out to help you. My last best effort was to B 2-12 and of my lim- Those sending in Registrations post-marked after 21 April 2017 must pay late ited addresses, 14 were like “Bro; Who is dis Guye?” Not the kind of feedback registration fee of $40. “ . anyone wants to get. I will tell you these job initiated conversations always lead 1653 2-12 Cavalry, August 2016 - During a six-day exercise US and South to great discussion and are the life’s blood to a secretary. Do it now! How can I Korea personnel practiced combat methods together at a training range near help you - if you don’t help me? Pocheon, South Korea. The combined forces exercise included a series of air- 0553 SP4 Bob Nava passed to his reunion at Fiddlers and-ground assaults on a mock objective. B 2-12 Cavalry Troopers worked with Green Tuesday, April 12th at the age of 74. He was the Korean Army 137th Mechanized Battalion, 16th Mechanized Brigade, 8th born in May of 1941. At Bob’s age of 3, his Marine Infantry Division, practicing a series of maneuvers with M2A3 Bradley fighting father was killed in action on April 12, 1945 in the vehicles. South Korean battalion commander lieutenant Kim Seung-kon said: Battle of Okinawa. Bob enlisted in the Marine Corps “During war we should be able to fight together. During peacetime, we need to in 1959 and served as a machine gunner in the Infan- familiarize with each other and train together so that we can fight.” The aim was try as well as a Military Policeman. In May 1963 he to give the forces a better understanding of each other’s battlefield capabilities. joined the US Army for an Airborne assignment. He During a combined-arms assault drill, South Korean troops maneuvered their was assigned to the 11th Air Assault Division at Fort armored vehicles across the battlefield, calling in live 81mm and 4.2in mortar Benning and stayed with them until they became the support. The soldiers also operated with a Korean Cobra helicopter firing live 1st Cavalry Division. Bob fought in Vietnam with A ammunition and launching smoke grenades to hinder the enemy’s view. . the Los Angeles Police Department in 1968 and served as a policeman for 21 1753 After 46 years in law enforcement, 20 of those years. He spent over 30 years defending his country and protecting the citizens years as Cambridge Township, Michigan police chief, of Los Angeles. Bob is survived by his wife, Marcy; son, Robert Nava Jr. and Larry K. Wibbeler is ready for a new career – retire- three grandchildren among others. . ment. Effective July 31, Larry will hang up his utility 0753 Our 12th Annual ‘SGT Terry D. Combs Branson Reunion’ will be held belt and trade it for a fishing pole and a travel itinerary. rain, snow, shine or no shine hold this spot and page for the forthcoming details. “It’s time because this is a working chief’s job and Continue until then to breathe normally and in correct aspect. I am hearing rumors the person in this chair needs to be able to do it all, of a Second Ace High 2-12 Reunion next year in Oklahoma, USA where the old including foot chases.” Wibbeler served three years in Red River flows. “1st Air Cav, Ace High 2-12 1970 Trooper Reunion, will be held the U.S. Army, spending one year in combat in Viet- at Bell Cow Ranch and Cabins, Chandler, Oklahoma, Thursday through Sunday, nam with D Company, 1-12 Cavalry, the 1st Cavalry 1-4 June 2017. For more info contact Doyle Miller: 405-258-3660 or Rachelle Division. When honorably discharged in 1969 as a South: 405-258-0016.” When I hear more definitive news I will tell you as my sergeant, he started his law enforcement career as a best Friend, first, over everyone. Go ahead, cross those fingers. road patrol officer with the Jackson Police Department. Larry said he will miss 0953 SGT Daren Craig Taylor, (no battalion given) 12th Cavalry Regiment, the people but decided to retire to get a jump on fishing and traveling before the Combat Medic Iraq - “I set up a little medic room in our snow falls. “The salmon start running in August and I want to be there,” he said. outpost (we were working with the Iraqi Army). Several “I will miss the people and the officers I’ve worked with,” he said, “but, it’s time Iraqi soldiers rushed in with a badly wounded soldier. I to fish.” . examined him and realized he was pretty far gone. His 1853 From oral notification only, (daughter, Renee Thompson), we learned of veins were all black and they had collapsed. The only veins the passage to Fiddlers Green of COL Norman A. Moffett, 83. COL Moffett, I could use to insert an IV were in both of his ankles. Even living at the time in Federal Way, Washington, passed in with two IVs flowing into him in both ankles, he was having April 2015 of advanced Parkinson’s. Norm first served in trouble breathing. I tried a needle chest decompression. We the 7th Cavalry at Camp Otsu, Japan in 1957. On his first inserted a needle between his ribs - if air comes out it would Vietnam tour he served in the 5th Cavalry; he commanded allow his lungs to expand and he would be able to breathe the 1-12 Cavalry during the invasion of Cambodia during better. It didn’t work, he had fluid in his chest cavity. The his second tour. After Vietnam, Norm became a Special only way to fix that was to put a chest tube in him. This Forces Officer and commanded the Special Operations had never been attempted in the field in Iraq; it was always done at a hospital. Task Force Europe. For many years in retirement, Norm I had a chest tube with me, but I didn’t have a scalpel; I used a pocket knife. I spent his winters in Arizona and summers in Oregon. His opened him and inserted the tube into his chest. Blood and fluid poured out. A ashes were returned to Honolulu, where he was interred short time later he regained consciousness. It was a hallelujah moment for us,” with his wife Lillian. . Semper Paratus, we salute Taylor recalled a decade later. “We fixed the chest tube so it wouldn’t fall out and these Troopers - our honored dead. his fellow soldiers transported him from our makeshift field clinic by Humvee 1953 Troopers of the 3rd Squadron, 12th Cavalry Regiment met with other to the nearest hospital. The soldier came back to our unit a couple months later members from their parent division in the Association of 3d Armored Division and thanked us for saving his life. . Veterans Reunion, 13-16 July 1153 Help Again! Association Trooper Dan P. Brodt is on a mission to find 2016 in Washington, DC. your photos and remembrances of SP5, Doc Robert D. Donaldson, Medic with Attending, in order from left B 2-12 and HHC 2-12 Cavalry. Doc Donaldson was a resident of Dickerson, to right were Troopers Ronnie Maryland, KIA in Operation Masher/Whitewing 31 January 1966, and buried in Bauer, Don McFetridge, Schwebheim Germany. Dan is working for the Vietnam Veteran Memorial Fund Wallace Johnathan, Gary President and Project Coordinator on this special project to provide aid to our Wittaker, Mark Williams, Cecil fellow comrade, and his relatives. He has the After Action Report and 2 other Ray Hutto, and Bill Donathan. reports via the National Archive Research Association but your help, pictures, and <3rd Squadron, 12th Cavalry input are still needed. Dan can be reached at <301-788-2410> or . [email protected]>. HELP UNTIL IT HURTS! 2053 Help Help Again Again! 1353 “I journeyed to Killeen on July 15, 2016 at the invitation of Commanding Continued on pg. 15 Page 7 saber SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016 7th CAV News astore.amazon.com/recordsofwar-20>. Robert J. Anderson 9030 Conservancy Dr. NE One of our C 1/7 FB members posted an interesting question a few days ago Ada, MI 49301-8822 regarding MEDEVAC’s from Cambodia. I sent an e-mail to my contacts Marc (616) 682-5446 Levy and Mike Bodnar (who writes the MEDEVAC column) specifically about 24 [email protected] May ‘70 nighttime and 25 May ‘70 daytime. These were wounded (my friends) [email protected] and killed from Charlie Company’s horrific firefight late in the day on the 24th. www.US7thCavalry.Com Any way to track down the Bird and or the crew(s), I’m guessing they first went As you begin this 7th Cavalry Spur Ride, Labor Day is in the rear view mirror to Charlie Med at Quon Loi for Triage. Thoughts? Marc who was both a field which marked the official end of summer. Worldwide events have marked another Medic with the 2/7 and a MEDEVAC Medic responded: The best thing I think brutal chapter in the Global War on Terrorism. The United States Olympic you can do is to call the National Archives and request the daily journals for the Teams led the world in the number of medals won and it certainly would be nice 15th Med Battalion, specifically for the Air Ambulance Platoon’s logs for the if the community of countries would model themselves after that unique spirit of dates which you are interested. Like the line units, MEDEVAC kept those daily sportsmanship. This will be the last column prior to the November Presidential journals. I have gotten them for my past requests. Word of mouth I don’t think Election. The 7th Cavalry played an important part in securing your right as an would produce anything. There were too many pickups for any crew member individual voter. Please exercise that vote in November, no matter for whom to remember. See what you can find then we can track it down. Actually with you pull the lever. This column also represents the penultimate column as your all of my trips over the years to NARA I never thought about this before. I then reporter, so let’s ‘Saddle Up.’ e-mailed my colleague Rob Weeks from the 5th Battalion who spends hours of The following was pulled from the Facebook page of General Moore on 1 time at NARA every year doing research primarily for his Battalion. He agreed August 2016. Our family extends its thanks to Mel Gibson, Vince Vaughn, to look up some specific dates for me. Stay tuned. This is the beauty of network- and Rosalind Ross for taking several hours out of their busy schedule to travel ing with friends cultivated over the years. Questions that one person might not to Auburn to visit Dad. The group was at Fort Benning in conjunction with know the answer too can be found because a friend knows the answer or knows the screening of the WWII movie, Hacksaw Ridge, scheduled for release this someone who does. Thanks to Marc, Mike, and Rob. November. Mel and Dad developed a close friendship during the filming of We Along the same lines, I received an e-mail from a pilot asking about Call Were Soldiers. Our brother, Dave, hosted the group during their one hour visit at Signs. As way of introduction, I flew for the 229th AHB in the 1st Cav in Dad’s home and he reported Dad was delighted to see his old friend again. The 1968-1969. I see from the Saber that you are the guy that writes the 7th Cav movie details the life and conscientious objector status of PFC Desmond Doss column. By chance could you tell me the call signs of the 5/7th Cav in Vietnam? who was awarded the Medal of Honor while serving as a medic on Okinawa Especially around the 1968-1969 period. Some guys I flew with and I are curi- with the 77th Infantry Division. Gibson is directing the estimated $50 million ous, as we can’t remember. My call sign was North Flag. Thanks. John Rob budgeted film. . Thanks for the question John and I’ll also pass it On September 9th a gathering of Phantom Raider’s (A 1/7 from 1969-1970) to my 5/7 Contact. GarryOwen! will be held in Gettysburg, PA. This mini reunion is being organized by my From Army Times (22 Aug 16): The Army is considering a proposal brought good friend COL (Ret) Michael Brennan. Mike came to A 1/7 in January of forward by an NCO to combine the Combat Infantry Badge and the Expert Infan- 1970, fresh from a 6 month tour with Company H, 75th Infantry. Mike and try Badge into a Master Infantry Badge. If approved the Master Infantry Badge another of his West Point (68) classmates will be leading the tour and taking us would look like the current CIB but with both the wreath and Flintlock shaded to places that most people overlook. A little known fact is that General Custer in gold. The subdued version would only have the Flintlock shaded in Gold. was instrumental in securing the Union victory when he and the Michigan Personally as the holder of a CIB, I’m not exactly sure about this idea. Of course Cavalry engaged General JEB Stuart’s cavalry forces on the last day of the under this proposal an individual would have to earn both awards. Currently if hostilities at what is now called East Cavalry Field. Gettysburg has been called a person qualifies to wear both, they can only wear one badge at a time. This of the ‘High Water Mark’ for the Confederate Forces led by General Robert E. Lee. course would fix that problem. You might want to read the book The Killer Angels by Michael Shaara to give The 1st Cavalry Division Association is working with Acclaim Press featuring some more background. the history of the First Team from 1921-2016. Part of this book will include our The 5th Battalion recently concluded their 13th Reunion in Colorado Springs. individual stories and personal biographies. I just received word of this when a Here is their report as submitted by Karl Haartz: A lot of people came early and packet of brochures was dropped into my mailbox. This unfortunately is time stayed after as Colorado Springs is a beautiful area for sightseeing. Thursday was sensitive with a deadline of 31 October 16. This seems to me not realistic for general meeting one in the morning with nomination of officers, sight sugges- us to get the word out, especially when the Saber won’t be delivered until early tion for the 2018 reunion, etc. After the meeting, there was a Ladies Tea, hosted October but all members should have received a form in the mail. If your story, by Jane Edmonds, wife of MG (Ret) Maurice Edmonds and our new President limited to 1,000 words is accepted, it will be included in the book provided you Emeritus. There were 136 ladies in attendance. Friday was meeting number pre order a copy. Individual biographies are limited to 200 words. Please pass two, with new officers elected and the suggested 2018 sites were narrowed down the word as time is limited. But if you are interested contact the Acclaim Press to: Myrtle Beach, Pittsburgh, and San Antonio. Our new President is BG (Ret) at 877-427-2665 or order on line at . Howard Prince, II. The Friday night banquet went off in grand style with 574 As a reminder to those who may have Individual State Property Tax Relief people in the chow line. Special service awards were presented and parting because of being 100% permanently and totally disabled by the Department of thank you gifts to Maury Edmonds and Royce Vick. Royce was our Associa- Veterans Affairs. In Michigan, you must file an annual request for exemption. tion Treasurer for several years. The Memorial Service on Saturday was again Your state may have different filing requirements. The DVA is supposed to send a very somber occasion, with the reading of our 368 Vietnam KIAs, 15 Iraq and out annually a letter with your status but you can also get it online through the Afghanistan KIAs and all who have passed since the 2014 reunion. Karl gave a DVA, Veterans Benefits Website. 15 minute stepping down from 1st VP talk. When he came into office there were Joe Galloway continues his travels back and forth to Washington, DC as part about 300 members, now there are over 2000. He said he was stepping down but of his commitment to the 50th Anniversary Commemoration program held he wasn’t going away. It is not going to be easy for the new VP when the board monthly around the United States. If you haven’t as yet attended one of these finds someone to step up. Total registration was 635 troopers and guests. There gatherings you can Google the name and find the closest venue. These types of were 31 first time attendees and 10 new from the 5th Squadron. events will continue for 8 more years. Here are some excerpts from an interview A Mini-Cav at the Welcharosa in Pine City was recently wrapped up Joe did with Vietnam Magazine in 2011: Exceptional insight for one so young for members of A 1/7 (69-71). September 9th will see a C 1/7 gathering of then. Joe arrived in Vietnam in early 1965. Cambodian Warriors in Northern Minnesota hosted by Elray Anderson. So, your views of the war were getting shaped right away? Shortly after I Fred Roscoe, 3rd Platoon, A 1/7, in ’69 and ’70, reported that at the recent got to Da Nang, an old UPI hand, Ray Herndon, took me to meet a Vietnamese event (20 Aug), ‘Thunder Over Michigan,’ Huey and Cobra rides were being Corps Commander. He was a very intense guy and we were sitting there, offered. The Huey was $75 and the Gunship was $375. This is an annual event drinking tea, when he leaned forward in his chair and said: “Are you Americans at the old Willow Run Airport near Detroit. B-24 Heavy Bombers were built at serious about this? Are you here for the long run? Because we’ve been fighting Willow Run during World War II. Hopefully next year for me! this war for 20 years and if you come in and take it over, I want you to know Mike Kinney, 1st platoon, A 1/7, in ’69 and ’70, reports that a tornado hit if you cut and run, the helicopters taking you out will have people shooting at Howard County and Kokomo, Indiana pretty hard on 2 4Aug. Here’s hoping them, and it will be me and my troops.” I sat there thinking, these are questions that the Fairgrounds were spared and that no one was injured. for Westmoreland, not me! Our President John Guillory has jumped in with both feet as our Secretary and So, even before Ia Drang, you were having doubts? No, it didn’t take Ia has already processed some 6 new members into our Association. GarryOwen Drang to convince me that we didn’t have enough force to counter a guerrilla John! force the size of the Viet Cong, never mind the NVA. If you read Clausewitz, Vice-President Phil Zook during March of 1970 spent some harrowing you know you need 10 regulars for one guerrilla, and we sure didn’t have that. time talking a wounded NVA lieutenant out of a bunker. On my recent trip to Years later, you learned how your experience at Ia Drang was a model NARA, at Phil’s request, I was able to locate the documents that cataloged the for the final thrust of the NVA? We were desking the fall of Cambodia out interrogation of this prisoner including his name, unit and much, much more. of Saigon. And I was sitting there working on that when the end started in the A friend of Phil’s is returning to Vietnam and will be attempting to locate this Central Highlands. It all seemed very familiar. Later I talked to NVA General former combatant. Hopefully that search is productive as it would be fascinating Man, and in 1975 he was senior general, but back in 1965 he was a Division to hear about his life since that fateful day in the spring of 1970. Everyone close Commander at LZ Xray. He was an old revolutionary and he had a twinkle in to Phil was imploring him just to frag the guy but he recognized the value, his eye as he told me: “You know, we tried to cut the country in half with that intelligence wise of a prisoner. That decision was borne out by the information operation in 1965, we were going to besiege the Plei Me Special Forces Camp, retrieved. draw a relief force out of Plekiu with the last of the troops there, draw them into Kudos to Robin Woo for having the brilliant idea of starting a FaceBook page regiment-size ambush, turn and take Plekiu and ride on down the highway to the for Vietnam Veterans only. There are about 7,000 members currently from all coast. The only thing to stop that from happening was the intervention of the branches of the military as well as warriors from Australia who fought there as 1st Cavalry Division. You were able to bring artillery and hopscotch along with well. The topics as you might imagine are as varied as our individual experiences the relief column and really lay the air cover on, so our plan didn’t work. But were. There are a couple of members who are actually Veteran Service Officers in 1975, all we had to do was pull that plan off the shelf, dust it off, make a few who give freely of their expertise to direct and assist with claims information. changes and this time it worked real well.” Thanks Robin! Beyond Washington, was our military leadership flawed? It didn’t help My 9th Infantry Division buddy (SGT Mike Hale) sent me these 3 sites that the commander in the crucial years was William Westmoreland, who was that might be of interest to you: , , and a site for books about Vietnam . the way on this move.” The unit you see arrayed before you, the 2nd Battalion of On a side note, many of you the 8th US Cavalry Regiment,” he said, “Proud troopers from the world-famous will recognize one of the other US 1st Cavalry Division, who are on rotation to Korea, serve as a vanguard for pieces of equipment that the the force that will eventually arrive to call Camp Humphreys their home.” Great museum has that was a staple job, fellow 8th Cav Troopers! Honor and Courage! in the Cav in Vietnam. I posted Well, just a few more projects remain here at the Michigan house as summer a picture of a fully loaded one quickly fades. What do they say, how is life like a roll of toilet paper? The closer with yours truly in the driver’s you get to the end the faster it goes! Well this summer has passed quickly and seat in the masthead of this by the time the next 8th Cav column hits the word processor, I’ll be packing up column. What a great little for the trip home to Florida. I’m getting anxious to get home and have already machine that was – power- purchased a plane ticket. Then its starts all over with several improvement proj- ful, immensely useful, and ects on that house. Sister Mary Firmine told us in 4th grade “An idle mind is surprisingly cheap! I think the devil’s workshop, and “Busy hands are happy hands.” So projects are good it was a ½ ton little vehicle things as long as health permits. I asked my doctor why I’m feeling and do- – whatever its stated capacity, ing much better in my 70’s than I did in my 60’s. He claims it’s because of his we often grossly overloaded it. extremely good care. He’s probably right. Have a good time enjoying the rest We could not have done our of this summer. missions without our Mules! Honor and Courage! Page 9 saber SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016 9th CAV News Michael W. Bond Greetings from beautiful tree line and firing the miniguns on the NVA. We told them that the brass (shell 3014 Northridge Rd. Smith Mountain Lake the casings) from the guns would be falling on them. They radioed back acknowl- Hardy, VA 24101 Jewel of the Blue Ridge. edgement. Later on that night some APCs from the 1/50 Mech Infantry tried link [email protected] As we enjoy the Labor up with Blues. One APC took a direct hit from a B-40 rocket and was destroyed. (540) 815-5004 Day weekend, which many Sometime around 2300 hours one APC made it to A Troop Blues and rescued consider the unofficial end them from the battlefield while our ship along with other gunships laid down of summer. While there may be a hint of autumn in the air, we’re headed back covering fire. Finally, around midnight this one APC was able extract what was up in to the 90 degree temperatures next week. left of the QRF. We landed after 12 hours in the air, landing only to refuel and I begin with sad news; our beloved COL Gordon Stone slipped the “surly bonds rearm several times. of earth” and on Sunday August 28, 2016, flew to his eternal home to be reunited This engagement turned into a running battle with at least two battalions of the with his beautiful wife, Sofia who passed away in February of 2015. 22nd NVA Regiment that lasted two weeks, until 20 December 1967. Somehow Gordon Stone was the finest CO I ever had in the military and was a mentor and what was left of the 22nd managed to get across the Bong Son River and melt role model for many of us. I was privileged to be his pilot, Apache 6 X-ray, for away into the mountains to the South. countless hours that we flew in combat. This column is dedicated to his memory This was the largest battle I fought in and some of the fiercest fighting I ex- and will contain stories that we shared together. perienced during my tour. We all sustained heavy casualties during this fight Gordon took over A Troop 1/9 CAV on November 30, 1967, when MAJ Archie but I believe we whipped them pretty good. Many of us believe that the 22nd Rider was wounded and medevaced to Japan. I was flying as 6-Xray at the time was getting into position to try and over run LZ English or LZ Dog during the and so when Gordon took over, I continued to fly with him. In an Air Cav troop Tet offensive scheduled for January 1968. By making contact with them early the CO flies a gunship in the AO as a single ship checking out various activities we prevented that from happening and as a result there was little activity on the of the troop. This means there is no wing man and so there is a heightened sense Bong Son Plain when Tet arrived. of danger on these missions. Our first real test game on 6 December 1967, during Another time when Gordon and I flew in the An Lo Valley and experienced what would become known as the battle of Tam Quan. Gordon and I flew 14 something that can’t be explained and defies all physical logic. hours that day stopping only to refuel and rearm. The following is my account of As luck would have it! In late December, 1967, MAJ Stone and I were fly- that battle that was started by 1LT Al Tyre discovering an antenna wire running ing in the upper end of the An Lo Valley in what is commonly called the “fish from a tree into a bunker on the edge of the village of Tam Quan. hook” (every river and valley in Vietnam seems to have a “fish hook’). We were Tam Quan: I was the pilot for putting in air strikes using three Navy F-4 Phantoms in a bunker complex our MAJ Gordon Stone, the CO of Scouts had found. We were flying a race track pattern parallel to the gun target A Troop, 1/9 and in addition to line after we had marked the target with smoke. We flew up to altitude to ob- our crew chief, we had our Artil- serve the strikes. Those Navy boys can put a five hundred daisy cutter right on lery Forward Observer, 1LT Al top of a smoke grenade! On the next run an F-4 dropped a bomb and there was Tyre on board (who also manned a huge secondary explosion. Within seconds we felt something hit the rear of one of our door guns and he was the aircraft. We asked our door gunner to check and he reported “that big thing deadly with an M 60). It has long on the back fell off”. been erroneously reported that the We quickly realized that a large rock had come through the rotor blade and Apache Scouts spotted the radio knocked the horizontal stabilizer off! Somehow that rock passed through our antenna. The fact is the antenna rotor blade traveling at 1 revolution per second and struck the stabilizer. Other was spotted by 1LT Tyre. than the aircraft wanting to Around 1430 hours, 1LT Tyre “porpoise”, it was flyable spotted a long radio antenna running from a hooch to the top of a palm tree. We and we returned safely to LZ came around to investigate and when Al tossed a frag grenade to recon by fire Dog. Talk about your lucky toward the hooch we began receiving intense fire from the ground. We immedi- day! I couldn’t buy a lottery ately returned fire and broke contact while climbing up from tree top level. While ticket (they didn’t have them Tyre called in an artillery fire mission, MAJ Stone called for our Blue platoon to back then) but I sure enjoyed be air lifted in to check out the contact. I should point out that the CO in an Air a nice cold beer when we got Cavalry Troop flies a single gunship without a wing man. back!Finally, let me close We conducted a “hot” insertion in to a rice paddy LZ just a little west of Tam with an email Gordon sent Quan. Our gunships fired rockets into the tree line beside the paddy as the lift me awhile back about always ships landed the Blues. As soon as they got off the helicopters the Blues became identifying yourself as a CAV pinned down from intense fire from the village. It became obvious that we were veteran. engaged with much larger force and MAJ Stone called for the Squadron QRF, No horizontal stabilizer Wear an item of recogni- which was a rifle platoon from D Troop. Our lift ships, known as the Headhunters, tion of the CAV: In mid-January, I was in Sam’s Club with my CAV baseball hat picked up the Quick Reaction Force at LZ Two Bits and raced back to the East on. (It was raining outside.) I carry the hat on my dash to hide my CPS/Fuzz and air assaulted them into a rice paddy just south of our Blues. Buster from open sight and to wear if the weather requires. In the middle of Unfortunately, the QRF the aisle someone comments, “You were in the CAV?” Turns out he was also platoon leader was killed as and as we compared notes on time in the CAV, 67/68 came up and the Battle of he stepped off the helicopter Tam Quan. Turns out Dick Wilkos, who lives in North Myrtle Beach and me skid and a well entrenched en- in Surfside Beach South Carolina, were there for the battle. Mike and I started emy began pouring withering the battle where we found an antenna (that’s a story Mike can tell.) The 1/12 fire into both ground units. Now CAV was added to the battle a few days later in the fight. They came in after we had two rifle platoons pinned investigation of a radio antenna that led us to find a wire to houses and bunker down and a full scale fight on our with no village activity other than one young male sweeping the yard (in the hands. Our gunships and scouts same spot). We called one of our Scout ships to keep surveillance in the area began to screen around the vil- while the Battalion Commander was taken around to show where been bunkers lage of Tam Quan in order to and houses were wired in. The lead Company Commander was talking to me as keep whoever was in the village his point man and my helicopter came under fire. My aircraft put in suppression there and to prevent any enemy fire to aid in extraction of the point man. With the smell of hydraulic fluid and reinforcements. That turned out blinking caution lights, we turned the support over to other aircraft and headed to be the least of our worries. home (LZ Dog). Al Tyre, Mike Bond, and Gordon Stone By this time the 1st Brigade was Almost to Dog, and election was made to land in the rice patty. About 15 to assuming operational control 20 feet in the air the controls locked up. A landing was made by rocking of the of the contact and the Brigade CO ordered his ready reaction force, B Co.,1/8 throttle. Rice patty water running through the helicopter floor wasn’t on the into the fight to try and assist the two 1/9 platoons. As darkness approached B agenda, in that, this was the Squadron Commander’s helo on loan to me. Company was air assaulted into rice paddies north of the village. As soon as they So the point of this story is for you to wear some form of recognition of the approached the village they were under very heavy fire and close range combat military unit of service and find a friend. was being fought all along the line of advance. More stories about COL Stone in upcoming columns. Remember our reunion While our ship remained on station, to coordinate gunship and artillery fire, is scheduled for October 7-9, 2016 in Myrtle Beach, SC. POC is Mike Bond, the rest of the 1/8 moved in to reinforce B Company. As we flew along the tree email, phone and snail mail at the beginning of this column. line we were receiving fire from NVA soldiers positioned in the tree tops. We Until next time, we can and we will, we could and we did. informed the ground troops not to panic when we started making passes along the Division Doings The Home Station ceremony was held at the 1st Cavalry Division Museum Continued from pg. 3 and led by the Home Station’s Deputy Commander COL Robert Whittle and are fighting side-by-side with us, we are doing ourselves a disservice,” said CSM Roger Heinze. Towers. Members of the 1st Cavalry Division, Horse Cavalry Detachment, the 1st “My hats off to them,” said Webb about the Soldiers of the 1-8 CAV. “They Cavalry Division Honor Guard, the 1st Cavalry Division Band, local community provided OPFOR support, day and night - they were out there in the same heat leaders, and veterans from all generations participated in the event. and rain as us. When you can have active duty soldiers as your OPFOR, that’s The event began with a reading of the First Team history. just not something we can replicate ourselves,” explained Webb. “It’s always inspiring to hear the 1st Cavalry Division history, and to know “They gave us a good fight and that was a part of our training and a part of our that we are writing the next chapter right now,” Whittle said during the event. getting better,” said Webb. “When the President needs an armored force to do the nation’s bidding, he calls First Team Celebrates 95th Birthday by MSG Jacob Caldwell, 1st Cavalry the First Team. And we have proof- here it is: We currently have over 7000 Division Public Affairs Soldiers deployed across the globe. The division headquarters, sustainment FORT HOOD, TX – Troopers young and old, past and present, and near and brigade headquarters, and half of the 3rd Cavalry Regiment are deployed in far gathered to celebrate the 1st Cavalry Division’s 95th birthday Tuesday at both Afghanistan. The 553rd CSSB is deployed to Iraq and Kuwait. 1st Brigade is Fort Hood and Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan. Continued on pg. 12 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016 saber Page 10 30th FA News “HARD CHARGERS” Hard Charger Harness, Hitching, and Eq- Daniel P. Gillotti News: Sum- uitation; Schools for Truck 4204 Berkeley Dr. mer is starting Drivers, Mechanics; Radio, Sheffield Village, OH 44054 Motorcycles; Machine Guns, (440) 934-1750 to wind down [email protected] here in Northern and Special Details. The www.HardChargers.Com Ohio. We’ve Regiment also conducted the been getting necessary weekly inspections, some frost on the cars at night, but it has been hot during the days. We’ll take marching, and divisional re- this weather for about another six months if Mother Nature will just cooperate. views. The end strength of the Hard Charger 2017 Reunion at Lake George, NY: The plans for our 2017 Regiment on 31 August 1918 Reunion at Lake George, NY are progressing very nicely. Stay tuned for updates consisted of 12 officers, 1612 as they occur. enlisted men, 200 serviceable horses, and 32 mules. Hard Charger Sick Call: Here is a message about MAJ (R) Bill Noard from Camp Funston Building in 1918 his daughter. Please keep him in your prayers and your thoughts. If you haven’t Throughout the month of heard my Dad, Bill Noard, took a pretty nasty hit while working the field at a September 1918, the Regiment continued to follow the Regimental Training football game in Port Townsend on Friday night. He was attempting to get out Schedule. On 18 September 1918, command of the Regiment was passed to of the way of the play and slipped which caused him to hit his head on a player’s Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) Marlin A. Prather. Near the end of the month of helmet which knocked him out instantly. He fell to the ground and hit his head September the training was hampered by an outbreak of an influenza epidemic again. He was taken to the local hospital where they discovered he had bleeding which prevailed throughout the camp. Hundreds of men began showing initial in his brain which is not a good thing to start with let alone for a ...man of his signs of the influenza as the Medical Detachment struggled with the outbreak. age taking blood thinners. They were able to get that under control by reducing The end strength of the Regiment on 30 September 1918 consisted of 11 officers, the blood thinner and giving him some frozen plasma but felt it necessary to life 1573 enlisted men, 258 serviceable horses, and 32 mules. One death by suicide flight him across the water to Harborview to better monitor him. He does not was reported for the month. recall anything leading up to the accident. He still can’t move his left leg and arm For the month of October 1918, the Regimental Training Schedule was aug- which they say should come back with time. He also has a nasty bruise on his mented with the addition of Mounted Inspections; Road Marches; Gas Warfare hip. From the time we got to the hospital in P.T., and when we got to Harborview Instruction; Occupation of positions; Gun Emplacement Construction; and live today, he was awake with his same ol’ wise cracks and good spirits. When we firing during a Service Practice which was conducted in conjunction with aerial went back after having lunch today he said he had an MRI and it came out with observation. In preparation for overseas movement, the Regiment’s Advanced no bad news. At this point all we have been told, only because I asked the nurse, School Detachment departed for France on 27 October 1918. Training was be- is he will probably be moved from ICU tomorrow to a regular room where he will ing dramatically affected as the influenza epidemic that gripped the camp began spend a few more days. From there we are unsure. I just want to thank everyone to take its toll. Several men in the Regiment died as the result of the disease. for their prayers and concerns. I know he appreciates it also. The end strength of the Regiment on 31 October 1918 consisted of 29 officers, Condolences: I received a call from Johnny Wincz that his father-in-law, Russell 1611 enlisted men, 258 serviceable horses, and 66 mules. There were 20 deaths Chernock passed away on Friday, 2 September. Prayers go out to Missy Wincz from disease reported for the month and one desertion. and her family. May Mr. Chernock Rest in Peace! At the beginning of November 1918, Hard Charger History ~ 30th Field Artillery Regiment organized on 10 August command of the Regiment passed to 1918: The 30th Field Artillery was constituted on 5 July 1918 in the National Colonel (COL) John E. Sloan on 8 No- Army as the 30th Field Artillery (FA) Regiment at Camp Funston, Kansas. On vember 1918, and training continued 10 August 1918, the 10th Division under the command of MG Leonard Wood as detailed in the Regimental Training was organized. Assigned to the 10th Division was the 10th FA Brigade (BDE) Schedule. The influenza epidemic that under the command of BG William H. Burt, and was organized with the 28th, had hit the camp appeared to be on 29th and 30th FA Regiments assigned to it. MAJ John K. Dorrance was appointed the decline as the Regimental Medi- as the first Regimental Commander when the 30th FA Regiment was officially 10th Division Parade Camp Funston 1918 cal Detachment used every treatment organized. The Regiment was comprised of the Regimental Headquarters and they knew to combat the disease. The the 1st and 2nd Battalions of the 30th FA Regiment. The mission of the 30th soldiers of the 30th Field Artillery Regiment must have been filled with the same FA Regiment was to organize and train for deployment to France to assist the sense of adventure that every soldier experiences at one time or another. They American Expeditionary Force (AEF) towards the defeat of the German Army. trained vigorously with their horse-drawn Rifled Guns and tried to imagine what it The Regimental Headquarters consisted of a Headquarters Company and a would be like to fire them at the enemy. Their officers drilled them hard in prepa- Supply Company. The mission of the two Companies was to provide central- ration for experiencing combat and instilled in them a spirit of pride, patriotism, ized services to support the entire Regiment. The Headquarters Company honor, and duty as they waited anxiously for overseas movement orders. How provided the consolidated command, control, operations, training, signal, and disappointing it must have been when the war suddenly ended with the signing administrative staff necessary to support the Regimental Commander and the of the Armistice on 11 November, 1918, for they had not fired a single shot in Battalion Commanders for the 1st and 2nd Battalions. Attached to Headquarters anger. The end strength of the Regiment on 30 November 1918 consisted of 29 Company was a Medical Detachment that provided medical support to the men of officers, 1574 enlisted men, 273 serviceable horses, and 66 mules. There was the Regiment and Veterinarian Services for the Regiment’s contingent of horses one death from disease reported for the month and one desertion. In December and mules. The Regimental Headquarters also consisted of a Supply Company 1918, training continued but it was apparent that the war was finally over and which provided rations for man and beast, uniforms, tentage, transportation, the Regiment would not be deploying to France. How unfortunate it was that ammunition, maintenance, carpentry, blacksmith services, leather workers, and the influenza epidemic began to spread again and the Medical Detachment began boot smiths. Additionally, attached to the Supply Company was an Ordnance another battle. The end strength of the Regiment on 31 December 1918 consisted Detachment responsible for the repair of all optical systems, small arms, crew- of 29 officers, 1544 enlisted men, 281 horses, and 66 mules. There were two served weapons, and primary weapon systems. deaths from disease reported for the month. The 1st Bn, 30th FA consisted of Firing 30th Field Artillery Regiment is Demobilized in 1919: Early in January Batteries A; B; and C, and the 2nd Bn, 1919, some of the men began to be reassigned or discharged. The bulk of the 30th FA consisted of Firing Batteries D; E; demobilization of the Regiment began on 22 January 1919 in compliance with and F. Each of the Firing Batteries were telegraphic instructions from the Adjutant General of the Army, dated 17 Janu- manned by 4 officers and approximately ary 1919. For many men, news that they would not be going to war was a 200 enlisted men, and consisted of six welcomed relief. For others, their quest for adventure would not be fulfilled. Gun Sections. The 1st Bn was initially Although the influenza epidemic continued to escalate, almost 1,400 men were commanded by MAJ Samuel F. Hawkins either discharged or transferred out of the Regiment by the end of the month. and the 2nd Bn by MAJ (later BG) Charles The end strength of the Regiment on 31 January 1919 consisted of 18 officers, A. French. The primary weapons of 186 enlisted men, no horses, and 40 mules. There were six deaths from disease the 1st and 2nd Battalions were the 4.7- reported for the month. 4.7 inch M1906 Gun inch/120mm Rifled Gun (Horse Drawn). On 5 February 1919, In compliance with the telegraphic instructions received This was the only American made artillery on 17 January 1919, the 30th Field Artillery Regiment was reduced to zero piece to be fielded during World War I. All other artillery weapons used by the strength and fully demobilized. Most of the enlisted men and officers were dis- American Forces were produced by Great Britain or France. charged and sent home to pick up the pieces of their lives. Ironically, the 30th 30th Field Artillery Regiment at Camp Funston, Kansas in 1918-1919: The Field Artillery Regiment had lost exactly 30 men while preparing for a war they initial organization of the Regiment was completed on 10 August 1918, but never had the opportunity to participate in. Thanks to the great detective work much work remained to be accomplished. Part of the initial cadre assigned to by CSM (R) John H. Hoetker [A retired New York Detective Sergeant], he was the Regiment began the job of preparing additional housing for the incoming able to identify by name and rank 28 of our soldiers, and he is still working on troops and drawing the necessary primary weapons, horses, mules, and required identifying the last two names. Here is the list of names he has identified thus support equipment. The remainder of the cadre began the job of processing all of far: 30 Hard Chargers of the U.S. 30th Field Artillery Regiment who died at the 1,400 new soldiers who were rapidly arriving. The activities for the month Camp Funston, Kansas, between August 1918 and February 1919: PVT Clair of August 1918 were executed according to the Regimental Training Schedule, Brooks, PVT Roy A. Avery, PVT Arvey Farmer, SGT Joseph C. Harrold, PVT and consisted of Dismounted Drill; Leslie A. Headrick, SGT Omar A. Kerscheval, PVT Frank Moore, PVT Clyde School of the Soldier; School of the S. Osborn, Rank Unknown Peter B. Petek, PVT Temple S. Sherman, PVT Fritz Squad and Battery; Gun Drill with Stolte, Mechanic Floyd T. Tarr, PVT Joseph D. Terrell, PVT Robert L. Varner, pieces; the Manual of Arms; Aim- Rank Unknown Vester T. Weiss, PVT Fred N. Baker, Wagoner James Christian, ing and Sighting drill; Instruction in PVT Ray D. Frey, PVT Anton Mingora, PVT Charles F. Wilson, PVT Paul E. Guard Mount; Custom and Courtesies Wren, PVT Ocal Chapman, PVT Daniel R. Spillane, PVT William A. Cline, PVT of the service; Articles of War; First Elzie M. Dickey, PVT Jacob Martin, CPL Homer E. Polk, and PVT Louis D. Aid; Mounted Drill including Battery Embry. CSM Hoetker is the current Honorary Sergeant Major of the 30th Field Drill with guns and horses; Instruction Artillery Regiment. Thank you for all of your hard work John. in Nomenclature; Care of Material, 30th FA Troops, Camp Funston, 1918 This is Hard Charger 9G, End of Mission ~ OUT! Page 11 saber SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016 27th ORD/MNT/MSB/BSB News Ed Jones We’re a little Pelicans minor league baseball game. It was a 38 Sedgwick Rd short on news but big attendance night, about 5500 fans. So, my Oswego, IL 60543-8907 I do have a few wife and I are going to our seats, row seven, (630) 554-9245 points of interest just down from first base. As we are moving [email protected] for this edition. As from the right to left I make eye contact with the calendar turns to the couple moving left to right. It’s Phil and September it reminds me that our favorite CAV unit has its birthday. On Septem- Sharon Barb! Phil and I were assigned to ber 1, 1921, the 27th Ordnance Company was constituted to the Regular Army the 27th, almost to the day, and we spent 23 and assigned to the 1st Cavalry Division, as one of the original units of the 1st months together, including two R & R’s to Cavalry Division at Fort Bliss, Texas. Happy Birthday! Sydney. Picture 1 is Phil and I at the game. In the last issue I talked about the great reunion in Las Vegas. In listing those in There was a third person who served the same attendance from the 27th I failed to include two of the attendees. Barbara Boxley dates with the 27th, Gary Maddox, my good and John E. Firth were omitted from the list and I sincerely apologize for that. I friend. Gary and I attended the Vegas reunion wish I had had an opportunity to meet with you both at the reunion. and had a great time. Picture 2 is of us at the reunion. While apologizing, I would also like to correct my spelling of Mike Kelley. His Our road trip continued from Myrtle Beach to Charleston for a couple of days; story on small arms weapon repair operations with A Detachment was a very and then on to Savannah for a couple more days before ending up at St. Simons interesting look at what we did best. Keeping the CAV shooting! Keep stories Island, Georgia. Rolly Koreski (‘67-’68 XO) lives there, and he graciously provided coming Mike, we all appreciate your input. us one of his condo rooms, right across the street from the famous St. Simons I recently spoke to John Ramsden (‘68-’69 XO). He had heard from Shirl and Lighthouse. The restaurants and tours Rolly took us to were outstanding. Those Bill Farroux (‘69-’70). Bill has struggled with bad knees and he finally was able two days were the highlight of our “road trip”. to start the replacement procedure. In early Rolly is excited about his 1976 Bicen- August, Bill had his worst knee replaced tennial Class, the Army War College, 40th and he is way ahead of schedule with re- Reunion. The festivities will take place hab therapy. Good news. John also told at Carlisle Barracks, Pennsylvania, on 29 me about Lydia and his visit to New York and 30 September 2016. It is anticipated City. The highlight of the visit was the that 25 members from the class will be 911 Memorial Museum. John spent the in attendance. COL (Ret) Jack E. Ring is better part of three hours at the site. The the take charge member spearheading the two, John and Lydia, were also traveling event. I’m extremely confident that a good to Copenhagen between 8/21/16 - 9/7/16. time will be had by all. Safe travels! By the time this issue reaches you, the DC Lendy and I followed our grandson to reunion will be upon us. I hope to see many his baseball tournament at Myrtle Beach, of you there on Veterans Day. More information about Veterans Day in DC is in South Carolina in July. We had never been this issue of Saber. It’s not too late to sign-up but you need to hurry. there and we had a good time. The really I continue to encourage you all to write me, call me, and email me with your big story is - once again, the small world stories and situations. This column depends on your input!As always, stay safe thing - we were attending the Myrtle Beach and healthy! THE HICCUP - Health Care Information Committee Report James R. Rollins Addition on Combat- the National Personnel Records Center in St. Louis, MO. It was estimated that 1566 FM 3258 Related Special Compensation 16 million to 18 million files were destroyed. You can either go online to the Lufkin, TX 75904-0440 (CRSC) National Archives - Veterans Service Records and submit the request online or [email protected] CRSC - In discussing the print off the SF180, Request Pertaining to Military Records. The DD214 is free, eligibility, it was not stated just the cost of a fax or stamp, and even if you have yours from your discharge, clearly about reservist, but basically, to draw CRSC or CRDP payments you have you need to see if it is there. Plus, you need it if you are trying to show your to be receiving retired pay, not just disability pay. Here are the basic requirements status as a Veteran and who knows you might have some awards issued after for eligibility: (https://www.hrc.army.mil/SITE/CRSC/CRSCvCRDP.html) you got out. Combat-Related Special Compensation (CRSC) From the same site, you can also request your medals and this is where my • AC, RC, NG with 20 years of credible service, medical retiree, or a TERA correction is - I always thought you could receive one free set while alive and retiree your family once you are deceased. Seems that it is only one free set. However, • 10% or greater VA rated injury that is combat-related you can still request and you will have to pay for additional sets, but you will • Receiving military retired pay not be able to purchase it any cheaper (these are the full medal sets in cases). • Military retired pay is reduced by VA disability payments (VA Waiver) For example, the National Defense Medal from the military is $2.66 and from Concurrent Receipt Disability Pay (CRDP) various companies - $9.95 to $14.95 and not sure if those are in the presentation • AC, RC, NG with 20 years of credible service, or a TERA retiree sets. • 50% or greater VA rated injury that is service-related For all services, the DD214 can be easily requested online and you should get • Receiving military retired pay a certified copy in the mail approximately 30 days once the signed verification • Military retired pay is reduced by VA disability payments (VA Waiver) form is faxed or mailed in. Medals can also be requested online at the same TRICARE for LIFE website for the Army and Air Force; and, recently the Navy with the Marine This is for military retirees that are eligible for TRICARE benefits. Retirees Corps joined the online request. Coast Guard has to receive a mailed request. must take a few simple steps to make sure they have their TRICARE benefits Once the signed verification form is faxed or mailed in, it will take about 6 after they turn 65. Four months before your 65th birthday, you will receive a months to receive the medals. What happens is that the National Archives will postcard from the Defense Manpower Data Center (DMDC), the office that submit the request to the various services and validate what awards are eligible supports the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS). It for the Veteran. For more information: is a database of information on uniformed services members (sponsors), • http://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records/ U.S.-sponsored foreign military, DoD and uniformed services civilians, other • NOTE: make sure you go to a website with “.gov”, a lot of commercial sites personnel as directed by the DoD, and their family members. You must be if you try to google it. registered in DEERS to get TRICARE. To maintain TRICARE coverage after age 65, you must have Medicare Part A OTHER REUNIONS and Medicare Part B to be eligible for TRICARE For Life. TRICARE For Life A Troop, 1-9th CAV, 7-9 October 2016. Holiday Inn Oceanfront, Surfside is Medicare wrap-around coverage for TRICARE beneficiaries who are entitled Beach, SC. POC Mike Bond, 540-815-5004, . to Medicare Part A and have Medicare Part B regardless of where you live or B Company, 1-8th CAV (Pig Iron 1969-70), 17-19 March 2017. La Quinta your age. Inn (Federal Hwy), Ft. Lauderdale, FL. Contact Dan Houmes, 954-489-0684. The Medicare initial enrollment period is seven months. If you miss your 15th Medical Battalion Association, 26-30 April 2017. Westgate Branson initial enrollment period, your next chance to sign up for Medicare Part B is Woods Resort, Branson, MO. Info at , POC during the general enrollment period, 1 January to 31 March. If you wait until Ron Ingram, , 402-670-1370. the general enrollment period, your coverage will begin July 1st , and your D Company, 2-8th CAV (Angry Skipper 1965-72), 17-21 May 2017. Crowne monthly premium for Part B may go up 10 percent for each 12-month period Plaza (Dulles Airport), Herndon, VA. Info , that you could have had Part B, but didn’t sign up for it. Also, there will be a contact Robin Woo, . lapse in your TRICARE coverage until Part B is effective. 5th U.S. Cavalry Association, 11-16 September 2017. Best Western Premier, Be sure to sign up for Part B no later than two months before your 65th Harrisburg, PA. Info at . birthday. If you do not receive a postcard from DMDC, call them at 1- 800- A CH-47 Chinook, 538-9552. For more information: (left) an AH-64 • TRICARE For Life: www.tricare.mil/tfl Apache, (center) and an UH-60 Blackhawk • Medicare Parts A and B: www.medicare.gov were part of the 1ACB • DEERS: www.tricare.mil/DEERS static display from Replacement Military Awards and Decorations - eVetRecs in support of their While this really doesn’t have much to do with Health issues, it is someting partner city Burnett, that is important and updates information that I have put out at reunions in my TX, during the 25th briefings on Veterans Benefits. This is a correction on the information I have Annual Bluebonnet provided in the past on how you can request military awards and decorations. Airshow. (USArmy First, if you have never requested your DD214, Certificate of Release or photo by SSG Julie Discharge from Active Duty, you need to do it. On 12 July 1973, a fire engulfed Wallace-Myles, 1st ACB PAO (released) SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016 saber Page 12 Foundation of the 1st Cavalry Division Association Scholarship Recipients Children and Grandchildren of Veterans of the Ia Drang Campaign Children of Killed in Action or Totally and Permanently Disabled Troopers Scholarships between 9/20/2015 Gabrielle Maria Mar- Scholarships between 9/20/2015 Victoria Ann Stiefel, and 9/20/2016 tin, granddaughter of PFC and 0/20/16 daughter of SSG Karl El- Ia Drang Roger Michael Martin, B 100% Disability/KIA lington Stiefel, A Btry., Heather Nadine Bird, granddaugh- Co. 1-+5 Cav , .5 Grant; 2-17FA 10/66-3/67, 2.5 ter of SGM (RET) Henry DeMeritte University of Wisconsin- Sajjon Antonio Boodoo, son of SFC Grant; University of South DIVARTY & A Btry. 1-77FA 7/65 - Parkside (Ret) Brent Boodoo, 2-8 Cav, .5 Grant; Carolina. 7/66, 3.63 Grant; Virginia Polytechnic Gina Marie Martini, Central Texas College Austin Rigoberto Institute and State University granddaughter of PFC Terilynne Rae Budreau, daughter of Thomas, son of John Andrew Allen Birdsong, grandson Roger Michael Martin B SP-4 Terry L. Budreau 2-20ARA, 1.0 Wayne Thomas C Co., 2-8 of COL (Ret) Jerry Eugene Whiteside Co. 1-5 Cav 11/17/65, 3.0 Grant; Viterbo University Cav., 1.0 Grant; Central 1-21 FA August 1965, 3.0 Grant Texas Grant; University of Wis- Baylee Nicole Clemons, Texas College A&M University consin--Milwaukee daughter of CSM (Ret) Robert B. Wilson III, Dillon Clay Blyth, Martha Olivia Mc- David W. Clemons, HHT, son of 1LT Robert B. Wil- grandson of SGT Frank Clary, granddaughter of 1-7 CAV, .5 Grant’ Temple son II, HHC, 1-227 AVN, John Knowski, A Co. 1-5 SP-4 Hardy Devon Brown, College .25 Grant; Loyola Univer- Cav 7/65-12/65, 3.0 Grant; C Co. 1-7 Cav 7/65 -3/66, Emily Lynn Cox, daughter of SPC sity Chicago Colorado State University 3.0 Grant; University of James Andrew Cox, 43CSG, .5 Grant; Dorothy Elaine York, Arthur Louis Brunson, South Carolina Campbell University daughter of CPT George Malcolm York, III, grandson of SSG Ar- Sydney Anne McClary, granddaugh- James Nilson Christopher Mix- B 1-12 Cav, 2.38 Grant; New Mexico thur L. Brunson, C Co., ter of SP-4 Hardy Devon Brown, C Co. sooke, son of SGT Reuben Moses Highlands University 1-7 CAV 1-7 Cav 7/65-6/66, 05 Grant; Winthrop Mixsooke, C Co., 1-8 Cav., .5 Grant; The Foundation is a 501(c)(3) Kayla Elizabeth Clegg, University University of Alaska at Anchorage charitable organization. granddaughter of SP-4 Pat- Tess Marie McDunn, Granddaughter rick Robert James Selleck, of MSG (Ret) William David Bradley Active Duty 1st Cavalry Division D Co. 1-7 Cav 7/65-11/65, A and D Co. 229 AVN, 1.0 Grant; Uni- Grant Recipients 2.0 Grant; Plattsburgh State versity of Tennessee at Martin SPC Santonio A. Hoke, Self, C Siul Figueroa-Velez, son of CW2 University Tiffany Camille McDunn, grand- Co., 1-227 AVN, 1st Grant, Walden Luis A. Figueroa, B Co., 615ASB, 1st Elizabeth Carol DeVito, grand- daughter of MSG (Ret) William David University Grant, Central Texas College daughter of COL (Ret) Herman Louis Bradley, A and D Co. 229 AVN, 1.0 Janae’ Dechelle Conley, Wirth, HHC 1-7 Cav, 1965: Deceased, Grant; University of Tennessee at daughter of SFC Roberto R. Support the Foundation of the 1st .5 Grant; Gettysburg College Martin Rocha, D Co., 2-8 Cav, 1st Cavalry Division Association by mak- Kerry Kathleen Devney, Todd Robert Ace McDunn, grand- Grant, Wartburg College ing a tax-deductible donation to help granddaughter of B Co. son of William David Bradley, A and educate America’s future. 1-7 Cav 8/65 - 8/66, 3.5 D Co. 229AVN, .5 Grant; University Grant Indiana Wesleyan of Tennessee at Martin Division Doings University Heather Grace Mc- Continued from pg. 9 Noah Devney, grandson of LTC Alan Graw, granddaughter of serving in the Republic of Korea. Edward Devney, B Co. 1-7 Cav 8/65 William Francis McGraw 2nd Brigade just came back from - 8/66, .5 Grant Indiana University Jr. B Co. 1-8 Cav 1965, Korea. 3rd Brigade is loading trains Jennifer Lyn Doyal, granddaughter .5 Grant; Embry-Riddle right now to go to the National of Matthew Anthony Pepe Jr., A Co. Aeronautical University Training Center, and we then expect 228 AVN, .42 Grant, Jefferson State Alyssa Nicole Murphree, grand- them to be ready for deployment University daughter of SSG Matthew Anthony right after the New Year. The Air Katherine Theresa Doyal, grand- Pepe, Jr., A Co. 228 AVN, 1.5 Grant; Cavalry Brigade just had an avia- daughter of SSG Matthew Anthony University of North Alabama tion task force return home after Pepe, Jr., A Co. 228 AVN, 4.0 Grant; Olivia Ann Otten, granddaughter of a superb 9-month deployment in Jacksonville State University SP-4 Jerome Curiale D Co. 2-5 CAV Europe. Indeed, when our nation Lucas Lawrence Fisher, grandson of 7/65 - 2/66, 2.0 Grant, College of calls, the First Team answers, 1LT Ralph E. Fisher, C Btry 1-21 FA, Staten Island always ready to deploy, fight, and 1.0 Grant; Moorpark College Samantha Renea Presson, grand- win.” Skyler Paige Hanson, daughter of Mathew Anthony Pepe, Jr., This was followed but the tra- granddaughter of LTC A Co. 228 AVN, 1.0 Grant; Jacksonville ditional cutting of the cake with Roger Jay Bartholomew, State University sabers and recognizing the old- MG J.T. Thomson, CG 1st Cavalry Division C Btry, 2-20 ARA; KIA Rebecca Joan Small, granddaughter est and youngest Soldiers in the and CSM Maurice Jackson join the oldest and 11/27/68, 3.0 Grant; Uni- of CPT Robert Allan Carrara HHC 1- division. the youngest division Soldiers in Afghanistan versity of Georgia 7 Cav 1964-1965, 4.0 Grant, Loyola “This symbolizes our senior to cut a cake commemorating the division’s Troopers handing off the knowl- 95th birthday at Bagram Airfield, Afghani- Kerrie Allyson Harlow, grand- University Chicago stan. (Photo by Benjamin Santos, USFOR-A daughter of COL (Ret) Edward Charles Dalton Taylor Smith, Grandson of edge and history to our junior Public Affairs) Robinson B Co. 229 AVN 1965 – 1966 SGT Ronald Wade Barrow, B Co. 1-7 Troopers,” Whittle said. “It is our 4.0 Grant; Virginia Commonwealth Cav 6/65-11/65, 1.0 Grant; Campbell junior Troopers who will write the next chapter of history for our division and University University our Army.” John Robert Hogg, Zane Nicholas Pierce, grandson of “Our youngest Trooper is PVT Cornelia Green,” Whittle said. “She enlisted grandson of LTC (Ret) SGT Richard Albert Pierce, HHC 3 BDE this past March as a supply specialist. She turned 18 only three weeks ago.” Robert Lee Baker, C Btry, 9/1/65-8/31/66, 1.0 Grant; Washington “SSG Mike Toole from Black Jack Brigade, he is our oldest Trooper at 58 1-21 FA 6/65-3/66, 3.5 State University years-old and first enlisted in the Army back in 1978,” Whittle said. Grant; Louisiana State Courtney Michelle Sugdinis, grand- Earlier in the day at Bagram Airfield, MG J.T. Thomson, commanding general University daughter of CPT Joel Edward Sugdinis, 1st Cavalry Division and CSM Maurice Jackson held a parallel birthday ceremony Julia Rae Jacobs, granddaughter of A Co. 2-7 Cav 10/65 - 3/66 3.0 Grant; with deployed Troopers. LTG (Ret) Harold G. Moore, Jr., HHC University of Central Florida This was part of a larger ceremony which included the uncasing of the division 1-7 Cav 11/65, 2.0 Grant; Front Range Jonathan Harris Swedberg, grand- colors, transfer of authority from 10th Mountain Division to 1st Cavalry Divi- Community College son of PSG John Allen Uselton, B Co. sion, and a ‘patching’ ceremony allowing division Troopers to wear the division Katie Maria Clarice 2-7 Cav 8/65; deceased, 3.96 Grant, combat patch. Kolar, granddaughter of Columbus State University Oklahoma Army National Guard Unit Dons New Patch byMSG Henry Eugene Ainsworth, Emma Catherine Williams, Grand- Claudia Burcham, 145th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment HHC 3 BDE 1965, 1.0 daughter of LTC (Ret) Billie Gene ADA, OK – In a ceremony Grant; University of West Williams, C Trp. 1-9 Cav .5 Grant; San called historic by both ac- Alabama Diego State University tive-duty Army and National Tanner Joseph Konrardy, grandson Joshua Michael Williams, grandson Guard leadership, Okla- of 1LT Robert Joseph Konrardy, A Co. of LTC (Ret) Billie Gene Williams, C homa National Guardsmen 1-5 Cav, 1.5 Grant; Scott Community Trp. 1-9 Cav 1965; 2.5 Grant Texas of the 1245th Transporta- College A&M University Galveston tion Company (TC), Spe- Colleen Anne Lane, granddaughter Caitlin Victoria Anne Wirth, grand- cial Troops Battalion, 90th of SP-4 Charles Frederick Lane, C Trp. daughter of Douglas Herman Wirth, Troop Command, removed 1-9 Cav 1965, 2.0 Grant; University of HHC 1-7 Cav 1965, .5 Grant; Diablo their Thunderbird patch and Delaware Valley College replaced them with those of Anna Mae Lombardo, granddaugh- Christopher Thomas Wray, the 1st Cavalry Division out ter of CW3 Riccardo Joseph Lombardo, grandson of Ronnie Thomas Mathis, of Fort Hood on August 7. A Co. 228AVN 1/65-3/66 Deceased; 2.5 11/17/1965, .5 Grant; Tulsa Welding This gives us a unique Grant, University of South Alabama training opportunity,” said School 1245th Transportation Company becomes part of Kylee Marie Lynch, granddaughter the First Team. CPT Aaron Knott, com- of SP-4 Dennis Lane Wilson 2-7 Cav The Ia Drang Fund is running out mander of 1245th TC, 4/65-7/66; 1.5 Grant; SUNY Jefferson of money. Donations are needed. Continued on pg. 19 Page 13 saber SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016 FOUNDATION OVERVIEW predetermined maximum. All eligible candidates for grants who are children of The Foundation of the 1st Cavalry Division Association was established for deceased members of the Division are funded. Active Duty soldiers and their the purpose of providing financial assistance in the form of scholarship grants spouses and children compete for grants and selection is made annually. If nec- toward the pursuit of an advanced education. essary, a board comprised of Command Sergeants Major of the Division acting These grants are reserved for children of those soldiers of the 1st Cavalry Divi- in their private capacity as members of the Association will select recipients if sion who died, or were totally and permanently disabled as a result of wounds the requests exceed the available funds on hand. All requests for grants in this received or disease contracted while serving with the 1st Cavalry Division in any category were satisfied through school year 1996/1997, however the large number armed conflict. Additionally, children of members of the Association who die of active duty applications for school year 1997/1998 necessitated that grants be while serving with the 1st Cavalry Division in peacetime and active duty soldiers awarded in order of priority. currently assigned or attached to the 1st Cavalry Division and their spouses and Funding for the Ia Drang program comes from donations specifically earmarked children are eligible to receive scholarship grants. for this category of grant. Ia Drang funds are separately invested in a fenced The Foundation also administers a separate program for descendants of soldiers program to build up an investment corpus which will sustain additional grants who served in designated qualifying units that were involved in the battles of the from its proceeds. Ia Drang valley during the period 3 through 19 November 1965. Leadership of the Foundation The Foundation of the 1st Cavalry Division Association is a tax-exempt chari- Six trustees elected by the membership of the Association manage the Founda- table organization described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code tion of the 1st Cavalry Division Association. The trustees provide oversight and and all donations are tax-deductible. The Foundation’s tax identification number direction for the Foundation by meeting twice yearly to review operations and is 23-7016417. the fiscal ability of the investments to fuel the scholarship programs. While the Background day to day operations of the Foundation are run by the Foundation Secretary and The scholarship program was initiated by the Association in 1967 during the the Association office staff, the trustees set clearly defined standards of eligibil- Vietnam War in response to requests from the Sergeants Major of the Division ity and ensure that money is available to provide grants to those who meet the who committed their support to perpetuation of the program. criteria. The Executive Director of the Association who is a non-voting member A trust agreement was signed on 16 August 1968 establishing the Foundation. performs the Foundation Secretary duties. Since that time, no child of a Trooper that has been killed or disabled has been The Trust Agreement, signed in 1968, requires that six Association members turned away for lack of funds. Between the generous donations of Association each be elected for three-year terms with one of the trustees being elected as members and scholarship drives within the Division, the Cavalry has taken care of the Executive Trustee. Each year the membership of the Association elects two its own. In the 1970s, in response to a perceived downtrend in applications from trustees at the General Membership meeting of the Association conducted during the aging children of the Division’s Troopers that were killed in action from the the annual reunion. This provides the Foundation with continuity by ensuring a Vietnam war, eligibility was expanded to children of Association members killed minimum of four trustees will continue service to assist the two newly elected or disabled while on active duty with the Division. This extension produced an members. The Executive Trustee of the Foundation submits a report to the unexpected response from Vietnam veterans who were still producing children. Board of Governors at each of their meetings and a report to the Association at In 1988, again at the behest of the Division Sergeants Major, the program was the General Membership meeting. expanded further to include soldiers and spouses of soldiers while assigned or Current trustees and the year their current term expires are: Executive Trustee attached to the Division and in 1996 children of active duty soldiers assigned to Peter Tattersall (2019), Trustees Rosemary M. Carter (2019), Ronnie L. Kill- the Division were added to the list of those eligible. The Foundation assumed ingsworth (2018), David A. Lutgen (2017), and Eugene G. Wentworth (2017). responsibility for the Ia Drang program in early 1994 and awarded the first grant Trustee Charles R. “Ric” James died and his replacement will be appointed. from this program in 1997. Applications Since its inception, the Foundation has provided: For more information or an application to register for benefits send a Self Ad- • Over $803,000,000 to 510 children of Troopers that were killed in action or dressed Stamped Envelope (SASE) to the Foundation of the 1st Cavalry Division totally and permanently disabled. Association, 302 N. Main St., Copperas Cove, TX 76522-1703 or e-mail us at • Over $277,500 to 283 active duty Troopers and their family members. . You may also print the on-line Registration Form, fill it • Over $738,000 to 274 descendents of the Ia Drang battles. out completely, and mail it with all of the required supporting documentation to Scholarships that began at $200 per year currently provide $1,200 per year with the Foundation of the 1st Cavalry Division Association. a maximum of $4,800 for four years of schooling per student. The application forms for Association members who are active duty Troopers Funding for the program, less the Ia Drang element, derives primarily from currently serving with the First Team and their families is no longer open. You the Foundation’s primary investment portfolio and random donations from can get the information about this program on our web page at . Printed forms are available at the National Association annually provides $12,000 to satisfy projected shortfalls up to a Continued on pg. 15 VETERANS DAY AND 8th ANNUAL VETERANS DAY DINNER IN WASHINGTON, DC The William A. Rich- no later than 21 October 2016. We can accept VISA or MASTERCARD only. ardson National Capi- Please ensure that your card number and expiration dates are printed clearly and tol Region Chapter in correctly. Provide your name, address, unit you served with and the name(s) of conjunction with the your guests with your payment. Tickets will be available for pickup in the 1st 1st Cavalry Division Cavalry Division Association Hospitality Suite or at the door to the banquet room. Association will spon- A form is provided to assist yuu with registering for the dinner. We must make sor a Hospitality Suite final coordination with the hotel providing the number of people attending before and Gift Shop from 9-12 the event and we may not be able to accommodate late registrations. November and host the Join us in the DC area for Veterans Day! 8th Annual Veterans Day Dinner on the eve- 8th ANNUAL ning of 11 November. 1st CAVALRY DIVISION ASSOCIATION Both events will be held at the Crowne Plaza VETERANS DAY DINNER Washington National NOVEMBER 11, 2016 $55 PER TICKET Airport Hotel located (Please print clearly) at 1480 Crystal Drive in Arlington, Virginia. Reserve your rooms at Name ______the rate of $132 per night plus tax with free park- Address ______ing prior to 9 October. Division Honor Guard at the Vietnam Wall Veterans City/St/Zip ______Day 2010. Call (703) 416-1600 and tell them you are with the 1st Cavalry Division to get the special rate. Home Phone:______Cell Phone:______Wreaths will be placed at the World War II Memorial, Korean War Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and Women’s Memorial on Veterans Day. The E-mail: ______ceremony for the World War II Memorial is scheduled at 0900 hours and the # Guests ____ Name(s): ______ceremony at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial is at 1300 hours. We normally place the wreath at the Korean War Memorial around 1100 hours since there is not an ______organized ceremony conducted there. The time for the Women’s Memorial is not set at this time. ______The National Capitol Region Chapter in conjunction with the 1st Cavalry Di- vision Association will host the 8th Annual First Team Veterans Day Dinner on Unit(s) ______Friday evening, 11 November 2016 at the Crowne Plaza Washington National Airport Hotel, 1480 Crystal Drive., Arlington, Virginia. # Tickets ____ Amount $ ______Check ___ VISA or MC ____ CSM Rory Malloy who was the Division Command Sergeant Major from ______2008-2011 at Fort Hood and in Iraq will be our speaker this year. After serv- Credit Card Number - Print clearly EXP Date ing with the First Team, he was the Commandant of the U.S. Army Sergeants Major Academy at Fort Bliss, Texas. He is currently the Sergeant Major for the ______Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics, and Technology in Print Name on the Credit Card the Pentagon. A cash bar will be open at 1800 and dinner will begin at 1900 hours. For dinner ______Date ______reservations please send $55 per ticket to the 1st Cavalry Division Association, Signature - Credit Card Payment Only 302 N. Main St., Copperas Cove, TX 76522-1703. Full payment must be received SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016 saber Page 14 LRRP/Ranger News Ken White Hello from the nation’s capi- away. Fortunately for us, the Spooky AC-130 that had been supporting the 3834 Inverness Road tal. We have two anniversaries line company in its fight with the NVA heard our call and moved to our Fairfax, VA 22033 to celebrate this month marking position in short order to put a ring of fire around us.” (703) 352-1468 significant events in Ranger his- “We requested that it make a run with its miniguns on the back side of an [email protected] tory. October 3rd is the 70-plus anthill very close to our position so we could make a run for it to an area year anniversary of the forming of the 5307th Composite Unit (Provisional), one that was out of the path of the NVA. We grabbed our rucksacks and gear of the first modern day Ranger units, and coincidentally, it is also the 23-year but we couldn’t find the radio. It had gotten covered with dirt from the dirt anniversary of the Battle of Mogadishu involving the 75th Ranger Regiment, the shower we just got from the minguns. We finally spotted the cord and reeled unit that our LRRP/Range unit traces its linage to. in the handset. We could hear CPT George Paccerelli (1968-69), Colville, In mid-1943, President Franklin D. Roosevelt and his military advisors de- Washington, on the horn saying “46 PLEASE talk to me, PLEASE talk to termined that a long-range penetration mission behind Japanese lines in Burma me.” Evidently, after Spooky made its run, the pilots thought they had run was needed in order to destroy Japanese supply lines and communications, and right over us with their miniguns, and where we hadn’t provided any status to play havoc with the enemy forces there while an attempt was made to reopen on the radio - because we couldn’t find it, everyone thought the worst.” the Burma Road linking Burma with China. A call was issued for volunteers and “Later that evening, a liftship came out to extract us. We used out strobe 3,000 soldiers responded. A special operations composite unit was organized lights to signal our position but the pilots couldn’t see them. We didn’t want from battle-tested jungle troops from the Guadalcanal and Solomon Islands to use flares because they would reveal our position to the NVA who were campaigns and from jungle-trained ground troops in the Continental U.S. The still very close by so we fired an emergency magazine of green tracers. In unit would exist as a provisional unit only and would be disbanded or combined the darkness, the helicopter came down almost on top of us forcing us to with another unit after its objective was accomplished. scatter in every direction. We did manage to recover several backpacks that According to LTG Sam V. Wilson (Ret.), who helped create Delta Force, the the NVA soldiers dropped in their hast to get back into Cambodia, includ- 5307th was formed specifically for the purpose of going into Burma in WWII and ing one that was full of pot and another that was full of unopened bottles of capturing north Burma’s only all-weather airstrip at Myitkyina. In the process, wine. When we got back to our LZ, we opened a bottle to wash down some it had to defeat the much larger elite 18th Japanese Imperial Guards Division in of that minigun dust, but the wine was nasty.” five major battles and 30 minor engagements. “We were expendable. A plan “I’ve been meaning to share this story for some time now but never found existed on paper to get us into Burma, but no plan existed to get us out,” says that circular tuit. Harry “Hippie” Elston.” LTG Wilson. After achieving its objective on May 17, 1944, only slightly more The following email was received from Dan Brodt. “Hi Ken! My name than 100 of the original 3,000 members of the unit remained. is Dan Brodt. I served with the 1st Battalion, 7th Cav and with the LRRPs. GEN George C. Marshall, then Chief of Staff of the Army, said the Burma After almost 50 years, I have “come out of my shell” thanks to my wife. I mission “was one of the most difficult of the war.” He also said that the mission have read the LRRP/Ranger News in the Saber for as long as I can remem- against “large numbers of the enemy with few resources was unmatched in any ber. I have always wondered why this portion of the 1st Cav has been a tad theater.” overlooked. “It was hard to keep going as we wore down, became debilitated and our numbers “I got to Vietnam the day after Christmas 1967 after completing Ranger began to decrease,” said Wilson. ”These soldiers, not even expected to survive, School at Fort Spencer, Panama and Fort Polk (Tigerland), Louisiana and did survive by forcing themselves to take the next step. They were infantrymen. NCO Recon Training at Fort Huachuca, Arizona. At the 1st Cav placement They leaned forward and took one more step and then another. Taking that next center at An Khe, I immediately received orders for the 5th Special Forces step is what kept the outfit together to the bitter end.” Recondo School in Nha Trang. By the time I finished that school, it was That mission involved an almost January 1968 and the 1st Cav LRRPs had morphed into E Co. 52nd Infantry, 1,000-mile march up the Japanese- and then later that year into H Company 75th Rangers. But I was always held Himalayan foothills into the assigned to the 1/7 Cav. I then volunteered for an extended tour 1968-1969 jungles of Burma. With only what with the 5th Special Forces - Studies and Observation Group-SOG. I was they could carry on their backs, or on assigned to the Lang Vei Special Forces Camp in extreme northwestern pack mules, the 5307th, nicknamed South Vietnam, located west of the U.S. Marines Combat Base at Khe Sanh Merrill’s Marauders after its leader, adjacent to Route 9, and two kilometers east of the Laotian border. I was a Brigadier General Frank Merrill, team member and a team leader as a staff sergeant” hiked farther than any other WW “I grew up in Maryland and live there today. I was interviewed by Maryland II fighting force and was the first Public Television in May on LZ Maryland and by Mack Payne at Vietnam American ground troops to fight the Veterans News (Podcast 389), and twice by Ralph DeMarco at Johnstown Japanese on the Asian mainland. Live Radio. I am a member of the Pentagon 9/11 Committee, and I do work On August 10, 1944, the 5307th for Arlington National Cemetery, the VVMF-Wall of Faces, and the Depart- was combined with the 475th In- ment of the Army Archives. I have published two articles, one in Army fantry, and on June 21, 1954, the Magazine 2015-2016 and the other one in USA Today as a photojournalist. 475th was redesignated the 75th My photo of the Pentagon 9/11 Memorial Emblem turned into the lapel pin Infantry. It is from this redesigna- for the Memorial. I am currently involved with the VVMF -Wall of Faces- tion of 5307th to the 75th Infantry Faces Never Forgotten Program that attempts to find a face for every veteran that the modern-day 75th Ranger whose name is inscribed on The Wall.” Regiment traces its current unit “My main reason for this email is to say “Welcome Home” and thank you designation. for your column in the Saber. I On a more recent note, units of still do not think many vets/civil- the 75th Rangers were ordered into ians realize that the First Team Men and Pack Mules of Merrill’s Maraud- Mogadishu, Somali, on October 3, always had LRRPs. Thanks again ers Cross Tanai River Bridge in Burma, 1993 by then President Bill Clinton for your column! I love it! Dan March 1944 (Courtesy of the 75th Ranger for the purpose of capturing two P. Brodt.” Regiment) high-echelon leaders of the Habr On a different note, the follow- Gidr clan led by the self-proclaimed president-to-be Mohamed Farrah Aidid. The ing email was received from Ray operation began with the Rangers traveling from their compound on the outskirts Janis, Denton, Texas as a follow- of the city into the center of it where Aidid was holding a meeting. It included up to his email in June and which nineteen aircraft, twelve vehicles including nine Humvees, and 160 men. It was was included in the July-August intended to last no more than an hour. issue of the Saber. “Ken, I was Shortly after the operation began, however, Somali militia and armed civilian with the 1st Squadron, 9th Cav for fighters shot down two Black Hawk helicopters, and the subsequent operation six months in 1969. The AF didn’t to secure and recover the crews of the helicopters extended the operation into an like me flying Army helicopters overnight standoff and daylight rescue on the following day. The battle resulted so they kept trying to move me by in 18 deaths, 73 wounded, and one helicopter pilot captured among the rescue offering me different jobs. They force. American sources estimate between 1,500 and 3,000 Somali casualties, finally sent me to Thailand as an including civilians. Phu Cat Marketplace, Eastern Binh Dinh IP and flight CO so I spent the last On a different note, the following email was received from Harry Elston (1968- Province, 1966 six months back in the AF with 69), French Lick, Indiana. Harry was the RTO on LRRP Team 46 – a five-man the O Club, air conditioning three days a month in Bangkok. I only flew team that consisted of SGT Dwight “Bull” Durham (KIA), team leader; Wayne once a day and not every day but each mission was over four hours long. Kingston, Duchesne, Utah, assistant team leader; SGT Charles Hasty, Tazwell, In South Vietnam, I flew the OV-10 in the morning and the choppers in the Virginia; PVT White (full identity unknown); and Harry. The team was operat- afternoon and then switched. When I flew with the troops at Quan Loi and ing along the South Vietnam-Cambodian border with the mission of locating the Tay Ninh, I just flew the choppers for a couple of days and the FACs used NVA force that had been in contact with one of the 1st Cav line companies and my bird. Ray” was believed to have retreated to Cambodia to lick its wounds. Finally, Veterans Day 2016 marks the 50th anniversary of Operation “We were operating along the western edge of the border in an area that of- Masher/White Wing when the 1st Cav moved from its base camp at An fered no shade whatsoever. There were a couple of widely spaced clusters of Khe in the Centrals Highlands to the Phu Cat and Bong Son areas on the trees complete with anthills not too far to the west of our position, but based on coastal lowlands of eastern Binh Dinh Province in central South Vietnam. our topology map, they were in Cambodia. Regardless, we needed to get out From there, it attacked the NVA Sao Vang (Yellow Star) Division with great of the sun and cool off so we humped over to them for shade. It’s a good thing tenacity. Many of the veterans of this operation will be in Washington, DC that we did because later that evening we received word that a company of NVA on Veterans Day to commemorate this event. As always, the 1st Cav As- soldiers was headed our way. It had been in contact with a line company and sociation, in conjunction with the William A. Richardson National Capital was attempting to make it back to Cambodia. The only problem was that we Region Chapter, will be sponsoring a hospitality suite and gift shop at the were smack in its path and on target to get run over by it.” Crowne Plaza Washington National Hotel in Crystal City and the 8th Annual “We called for helicopter gunship support from the 2nd Battalion, 20th Artillery Veterans Day Dinner on Veterans Day evening. It should be a great time. (ARA), call sign Blue Max, but the nearest ARA gunship was at least 20 minutes Hope to see you there. RANGERS LEAD THE WAY. Page 15 saber SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016 CHAPTER INDEX ALMOST HEAVEN WEST VIRGINIA JUMPING MUSTANG CHAPTER FLORIDA CHAPTER WILLIAM A. RICHARDSON ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHAPTER CHAPTER Pres: Arthur (Joe) Craig 1-8 Cav NATIONAL CAPITOL REGION POC: William D. Carpenter Pres: Harvey Auger Pres: Robert Stauffacher 295 W Interlachen St CHAPTER 18355 Drennan Rd. 713 Diamond St. Lake Alfred, FL 33850 4825 King Arthur Dr Pres: Gene Russell Fairmont, WV 26554-3713 Charlotte, NC 28277-0052 Colorado Springs, CO 80928-9308 (863) 268-8063 7923 Jansen Dr. (719) 683-2837 (304) 366-0022 VP: Gill Harris (704) 321-2011 Springfield, VA 22152-2413 E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] POC: Paul Lemieux (585) 704-2758 (703) 220-5322 PO Box 6548 Facebook: Florida Chapter 1st Cavalry POC: James C. Knafel E-mail: [email protected] 5510E - 500 South Woodland Park, CO 80866-6548 CALIFORNIA CENTRAL COAST Division Association Website: 1cda.org/national_capitol.htm (719) 687-1169 CHAPTER Contact for meeting info... Columbia City, IN 46725-7621 Meets 3d Sat. of the month Jan.-Apr and Pres: Barney B. Jones (260) 244-3864 E-mail: [email protected] Sep.-Oct. 0900 at the American Legion Post Meets 9am 2nd Sat. of mo.at at Retired PO Box 444 FLORIDA TROOP E “BLACK HAT” E-mail: [email protected] 176, 6520 Amherst Ave., Springfield, VA. Pebble Beach, CA 93953 Website: www.JumpingMustangs.com Enlisted Assn. Chapter 1, 834 Emory Cir., Pres: Juan Kellog Breakfast available prior to start of mtg. Jun Colorado Springs, CO. (831) 917-5952 607 SE47th St., Apt. 7 meeting is at WRAMC and Nov. meeting E-mail: [email protected] Cape Coral, FL 33904-5506 KETTLE MORAINE CHAPTER at the Assn. Vets Day gathering. Pres: Gordon Weidner SHERIDAN’S CAVALRY CHAPTER E-mail: [email protected] (Greater Chicago Area) CENTRAL SAVANNAH Contact: Johnnie Robertson 1219 Cleveland Ave. NEVADA CHAPTER Racine, WI 53405-2929 VP: Joe LaPorte RIVER AREA CHAPTER (239) 600-1273 Pres: John Lyles 2900 Maple Ave. #12E Pres: John Rangel, Jr. Website: www.seahog.org/cav/index. (262) 637-3835 POC: Milton S. Clark, III POC: Gary Quinn POC: Robert Richter Downers Grove, IL 60515-4119 html 7789 Buckwood Ct. (630) 846-9960 395 Harlem Grovetown Rd. Meets 4th Sat. ea. mo. from Sept.-May W204 N11945 Goldendale Rd. Las Vegas, NV 89149-6661 Harlem, GA 30814-4525 Germantown, WI 53022-2321 E-mail: [email protected] 1:00pm at Biggys Place, 3701 Fowler St., (702) 522-7313 POC: Terry Hodus (706) 513-5858 Fort Myers, FL 33901 (262) 628-8056 Meets the first Saturday of the month Meets on 2nd Sat. of mo., 1400 at Ryans Meetings held at 3 month intervals with 3718 W 114th Place at 10am at American Legion Post 8, Chicago, IL 60655-3414 Steak House on Peach Orchard Rd., Augusta, FOLLOW ME CHAPTER a banquet dinner in Dec. when elections downtown Las Vegas, Nevada. Call for GA (Mar., June, Sept. and Dec.) are held. (773) 445-1213 Pres: Robert Dodson directions. E-mail: [email protected] Meets 1900 4thTues. ea. mo. Veterans Website: www.sheridansfirstcav.com COLUMBIA-WILLAMETTE Ctr., 1000 Victory Dr., Columbus, GA. LOS ANGELES/ORANGE COUNTY NEW YORK/NEW JERSEY CHAPTER Meets at the American Legion Post #1084, CHAPTER No meeting in December. CHAPTER Pres: Bob Arbasetti 322 E. Maple Ave., Roselle, IL 61072. Pres: Terry Low Pres: John Guillory 973A Thornbury Ln. 16560 S Harding Rd. 780 Mandevilla Way 2016 Meeting Date - Apr 16, Mar 13, Oct FORT KNOX AREA CHAPTER Manchester, NJ 08759-5296 15, Dec 3 Oregon City, OR 97045-9679 Pres.: Thomas Ken O’Barr Corona, CA 92879-8251 (732) 657-4284 (503) 210-5558 12210 Valley Dr. (951) 278-3740 E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] SOUTHEASTERN COLORADO Goshen, KY 40026-9501 Facebook: New York New Jersey Cav- CHAPTER Website: www.Hood2Hood1stCav.webs. (502) 228-8032 Vice Pres: John Burgner alry com 228 South Hacienda St. Pres: Gregorio Trujillo E-mail: [email protected] Meets at Elk Lodge at Cedar and Spruce, PO Box 215 Meets 1830 3rd Wed of ea. mos. at the Vil- POC: Larry A. Whelan Anaheim, CA 92804-2569 Ridgefield Park, NJ. lage Inn, 1621 NE 10th Ave., Portland, OR (714) 535-0737 Las Animas, CO 81054-0215 2103 Winston Ave. (719) 456-0028 97232. No meeting in Dec. Louisville, KY 40205-2535 E-mail: [email protected] NORTH CAROLINA - TARHEEL Meets 0900 on 3rd Sat. of mo. at American POC: John Campos (502) 485-1270 CHAPTER 1308 Lewis Ave. CONNECTICUT CHAPTER E-mail: [email protected] Legion Post 132, 143 S Lemon St., Orange Pres: Roy Wood Pres: Keith Moyer CA 92866 La Junta, CO 81050-3024 Website: www.1cda.org/fort_knox.html 4407 Talavera Dr. (719) 384-0379 48 Boretz Rd. Meets 3rd Sat. of mo. at 1100 at the High Point, NC 27265-9660 Colchester, CT 06415-1009 E-mail: [email protected] Barker Masonic Lodge, 705 Main St., LRRP/RANGER of the 1st Cav Division (336) 707-1402 Website: www.firstcavalry.net (860) 537-1716 West Point, KY. during the Vietnam War. E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] Pres.: John LeBrun Meets 1st Sat. of each month at 10am at the Contact for Membership: Don Gibson Holiday Inn Express in LaJunta, CO. Website: www.ConnCav.com GERALD F. KINSMAN CHAPTER 932 3rd St. 803 McDonald Church Road Meeting info in newsletter and on web Blaine, WA 98230 Pres: Owen Levine Rockingham, NC 28379-8529 WALTER H. WESTMAN page. 77 Clubhouse Dr. (360) 393-6645 (910) 417-9104 E-mail: [email protected] NORTHLAND CHAPTER Leominister, MA 01453-5170 e-mail: [email protected] Pres: Donald A. Delsing CROSSED SABERS CHAPTER (978) 534-6284 Website: www.lrrprangers.com Meets 2nd Sat of Mar., Jun, Sept. & Dec. Pres: Jerry Eller Full chapter meeting during Reunions 3697 Gresham Ave. N. E-mail: [email protected] Oakdale, MN 55128-3212 808 S. 2nd St. Meets yearly. NORTHWEST CHAPTER Killeen, TX 76541-7703 (651) 770-5422 Pres.: William Koepp E-mail: [email protected] JAMES J. MASON WEST MICHIGAN 4633 Timothy St. SE POC: James D. Wright FIRST CHAPTER CHAPTER Lacey, WA 98503-5764 12781 Able St. NE Pres: Robert H. Wolfe Pres.: Ron Kloet (360) 259-4815 4756 Haracourt Dr. Blaine, MN 55434-3261 POC: Bob Anderson POC: Roberto Maanao (763) 757-7140 El Paso, TX 79924-3047 9030 Conservancy Dr. NE 3036 Marquette Dr. SE (915) 755-7944 E-mail: [email protected] Ada, MI 49301-8822 Lacey, WA 98503-6255 Meets quarterly at different locations. Call (616) 682-5446 (360) 491-9118 or write for information. E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] Website: jjmwmc1cd.com Meets 1200 1st Sat. of even months, Meets on 3rd Thurs. of Feb., Apr., Jun., contact William Koepp or Roberto Aug., Oct., and Dec., at 7pm, at the Grand Maanao for meeting location. Valley Armory in Wyoming, MI . 12th CAV News Foundation Overview Continued from pg. 6 Continued from pg. 13 On a mission to identify, find, and reconnect with an African American Medic Headquarters in Copperas Cove and at the Crossed Sabers Chapter Souvenir of B 2-12 or other unit, attached to or on LZ Grant, Tay Nigh Province during Shop in the 1st Cavalry Division Museum at Fort Hood, Texas beginning on 1 the ground attacks of 8 and 11 March of 1969. Trooper and Black hat Dan M. March 2017. Gustafson of the 11th Pathfinder Company, 11th Aviation Group, 1st Cavalry Donations Division was calling in support and directing air traffic those two nights, working Please mail your tax-deductible donations to the Foundation of the 1st Cav- beside this Medic triaging the wounded and injured. Dan remembers him as slim alry Division Association, 302 N. Main St., Copperas Cove, TX 76522-1703. and young, and maybe named ‘Valentine’. (Name might be totally wrong.) “He Donations in the amount of $25 or more will be acknowledged in the SABER. may have been a SP4 or 5, rank was unknown. The triage station was right by Donations of $250 or more will receive a tax certificate as required by the IRS. the LZ’s center road, close to the front gates. (The landing pad gates.)“ Lately Donations intended for the Ia Drang Fund should be made out to the Ia Drang Dan dreams of these events nightly - not a day goes by that he doesn’t think of Scholarship Fund. Grant. (Like many of us and our various war(s) experiences.) Dan M. Gustafson, Fund Raising Events , 763-331-0223; 248 West Eagle Lake Drive, The Dallas Chapter of the Finance Forum conducted its Annual Charity Golf Maple Grove, MN 55369-6149. Tournament on Monday, 25 April 2016 to raise funds for the Foundation of the 2153 Beratement - Smart people do this; the wise have already so done. Find 1st Cavalry Division Association. This year’s tournament was again held at the or obtain a copy of your DD214. If it is wrong apply for and obtain a DD215 Dallas Cowboys Golf Club in Grapevine, Texas and raised $17,000 to provide - Correction to DD Form 214. Certify or register this, or both, DD(s) with your scholarships for the Troopers of the 1st Cavalry Division and their families. We city or county courthouse (in case you subsequently lose it or can’t find it, they greatly appreciate the support of the Dallas Chapter of the Finance Forum which will still have it). Apply for and make use of your VA benefits. Get checked out has donated a total of $182,434 to the Foundation from its eleven Annual Charity and registered. Why use your own money to pay for care and medicine if the Golf Tournaments which began in 2006. VA system can do it cheaper and more expeditiously? I have a friend (I know, The Association normally conducts a dance or golf tournament in conjunction quit bringing that up) who was rated 10% for high blood pressure when he was with the annual reunion and the proceeds from these events is donated to the discharged over 40 years ago. He never went to or used the VA for anything. Foundation. Being noticed for hearing problems his civilian doctor told him to go to the VA The Trustees of the Foundation and especially the worthy students that receive for a hearing test. To make a short story long, he now gets hearing aids, his scholarship grants greatly appreciate your generous donations to the Founda- heart and blood pressure, and sleep apnea equipment, medications, supplies and tion. monitoring from the VA. All as he told me, “better and cheaper” than through the higher priced civilian docs he was using. Crossed Sabers Chapter Souvenir Shop 2253 Make the Call to your own. # BUDDY CHECK! No person is an island P.O. Box 5774 (we are land masses connected by isthmuses?) Everyone needs to be respected Fort Hood, TX 76544-0774 Phone: 254-532-2075 and loved, and to share out respect and love to others. Reach out to your combat FAX: 254-532-6490 buddies and take the edge off their, or your, personal situation. A burden shared E-mail: [email protected] or unburdened with friends is a burden diminished, lessened, and lightened. Be To view our on-line catalog visit: the reason fellow Troopers care to fight and live their lives for themselves. Break down the barriers and silences between humans to enable coping and healing. If The Crossed Sabers Chapter Souvenir Shop is a non-profit organization. Net you are close – visit; if you can’t one-on-one – pick up the phone and call. Better income is distributed to the Association for application to the Scholarship Program to be too much of a friend now than to regret not being enough of one later. No and other ongoing programs as needed, to the Soldier Travel Fund which allows Man (Person) Left Behind! active duty soldiers of the Division to attend away Reunions as guests of the As- 2359 Journal closed. “In a democracy, someone who fails to get elected to sociation, to the 1st Cavalry Division Museum, and to fund other activities for office can always console himself with the thought that there was something not the Troopers and families of the 1st Cavalry Division Association. The manager, Michelle Napolitano, accepts telephone orders with payment by MASTERCARD, quite fair about it.” ~ Thucydides, ‘History of the Peloponnesian War’. Semper VISA or DISCOVER credit cards or you can order on-line using credit cards. Paratus! Write if you get work! Printed catalogs are available for $3.00 from the Association, 302 N. Main Do you have plans for Veterans Day? Join us in the Washington, DC area St., Copperas Cove, TX 76522-1703. Make your check out to 1st Cavalry to celebrate your day. Info on the events and Dinner on page 13. Division Association. SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016 saber Page 16

Hank Llewellyn skin rashes that keep “popping up” and going away. Typical Rotary Wing Avia- 58 Mapleleaf Lane tor problems with hearing and too much: “HUH?” and “Say again.” John, I use Pottstown, PA 19464-1543 two local VA centers, Coatesville and Spring City and agree with your statement. (484) 948-9451 They recently fitted me with state-of-the-art hearing aids as a result of one too [email protected] many “HUH’s” with my wife, Susan. Worked out well for both of us. John thanks for taking the time to send in your comments. Hello once again fellow Sky Troopers! Time for another Silver Gary Decoteau, Chaplains Assistant, HHC, 15th TC (1967-68) sent in the fol- Wings sortie so let’s launch this flight with a follow-up to a story that appeared lowing noting the passing of Jon Rice. “In April Jon Rice, HHC 15th TC (67-69) in the last two issues concerning Orvel McKee. passed away due to a severe form of Leukemia. It was through the Silver Wings The story generated much email and several other versions of the event. What of the Cav that Jon and I were able to reconnect after more than 40 years. Jon I printed derived from a conversation, many years ago, with the late Hank Milum and I served together with the 15th TC at An Khe and Red Beach. who witnessed the landing of the bird. At that time Hank didn’t have many facts “My memory of dates and events that took place in 67 and 68 get fuzzy. Jon only had the name of the PFC at the controls of the Huey. was able to help me over the past five years to remember people and events. James Kurtz, 1/9th, sent in the following that he shared with “I want to thank you for the work you do with the column and for the SABER. his email group. It reads, in part: “The May/June 2016 issue of the Saber had It was through some letters Jon and I sent to the column that we were able to a great story, in Hank Llewellyn’s “Silver Wings of the Cav” section, about a reconnect with each other. It was great that Jon and I were able to share experi- crew chief named Orvel McKee, who took the controls of his Huey when both ences from those days in RVN and our lives after coming home. Thank you again pilots were wounded. The write-up never identified Orvel’s unit, but in attribut- for writing the column.” John, the column works well as a tool when our former ing the story to the late Hank Milum, who served in A Company, 229th Assault Sky Troopers don’t hesitate to respond. Thanks for the nice remarks. Helicopter Battalion, it semi-implied that Orvel was from the 229th. Not so. On August 16th I was notified of the passing of LTC (Ret) Charles Neal Heape, The July/August 2016 issue of the Saber contains a by-unit listing of Association A Company, 227th AHB, 1967-68. His first assignment as an aviator was with members who attended the 2016 reunion. There, under the “9 Cav” heading is A Co., 227th, 1st Air Cavalry, Vietnam. During this combat tour, Dr. Heape (a that same Orvel McKee”. practicing family dentist) was promoted to Chief Warrant Officer. He logged James is correct as I also heard from Orvel, Troop A, 1/9th, himself who read well over 1000 combat hours as an assault helicopter pilot with the 1st Cavalry the July/August column. Orvel provided the missing facts and figures as well and participated in Operation Byrd in Phan Thiet; Operation Pershing in Bong as the names of the pilots, 1LT Meriman and WO Parent. He also verified that Son and Landing Zone English as well as the Tet 1968 Counter Offensive at Hue Hank Milum did indeed witness the landing of the UH-1D. and Phu Bai. He participated in relieving the siege at Khe Sahn during Operation PFC Orvil McKee did receive the DFC at Fort Eustis, VA in January 1967, for Pegasus and in the A Shau Valley in Operation Delaware. During this tour, he valor for his deeds on 30 March 1966. Reading from the official citation, General was awarded the DFC for Heroism, the Bronze Star for Meritorious Service and Orders #2704, the actual events are more amazing then the verbal versions I’ve 36 Air Medals with two awarded with the V Device for Valor. A “Silver Wings” heard. My abridged account: He was in one of four birds that air assaulted onto salute to our former warrior, LTC Heape. a hot LZ southeast of the Chu Pong Mountain. As they went into the LZ the Retired COL Eugene Beyer expressed in his thoughts at the passing of MAJ aircraft came under intense automatic weapons fire and his bird was hit several Ron Miller. “Hank, One of my best friends and a fellow army aviator, MAJ Ron times. Orvil, manning one of the door guns, laid down enough cover fire to Miller, passed away June 28th. I attended his funeral in Jonesboro, AR on 2 allow the aircraft to leave the LZ. However, the rifle platoon had been unable July. Ron and I came into the army on the same set of orders, attended Infantry to break contact and reach the pick-up area. On the second attempt to pick up Officer Basic Course together, went through airborne school together, and went the troops the Huey was hit with several more bursts of auto weapons fire. The through helicopter school together, having the same instructor in the advanced pilot and co-pilot were critically wounded and the aircraft severely damaged. stage. We were assigned to 2nd Aviation Company, 2nd Infantry Division out The pilot managed to get the bird out of the landing zone, but it was again raked of flight school. We parted ways in 1963 as I departed for my first tour in Nam. by fire on take-off and the hydraulic controls were shot away. Seeing that the We remained in contact throughout our careers winding up at Fort Sam Houston co-pilot was unconscious and the pilot was losing consciousness, Orvil removed where we both retired from the Army. We remained in touch through the Internet the pilot from his seat at the controls and took his place. He flew that severely and visiting each other through the years. Ron served 3 tours in Nam as a gun damaged Huey for twenty minutes until reaching Plei Me and executed a safe ship pilot and was awarded three DFC’s. He served briefly in the 1st Cav before (first time) landing. Saving the lives of the ten troopers onboard and leaving being summoned as a general’s pilot in Saigon. Ron contributed so much of his Orvil with Plexiglas shrapnel in his face, eyes and arms. Now that’s some un- retired years assisting Veterans. When the announcement was made of the dedi- questionably courageous OJT. A “Silver Wings” salute to Orvil McKee. And cation of the Wall in DC he organized a flight for Veterans from Atlanta flying thanks for contacting me. over 300 veterans to the dedication at no cost to them. A most remarkable feat”. In the last issue I also wrote of Rebecca Saxton, the daughter of a former trooper Gene thanks for sharing with us. A Silver Wings salute to MAJ Ron Miller. who is seeking assistance locating anyone who knew her late father while he was Next is part of a Gold Star Family Breakfast sitrep from Julie Kink of the July in Vietnam. Here’s a follow up to that request. “Dear Hank, read in the last edi- VHPA reunion in Reno. tion of the Saber that you were looking for someone who remembers Bill Evans. “We had about 130 people at the Gold Star Family Breakfast on July 7 - about I remember a Bill Evans and knew him pretty well. He spent most of his time in 100 VHPA members/wives and about 30 family members. Gold Star Family An Khe as a radio operator for the 229th. He was at Shadow and Shooting Star members were there in memory of: CPT Eddie Molino Jr., C/7/1 CAV KIA 5- for call signs. He was a great guy and easy going, a Southerner from Tennessee, 26-1970; WO David Lindford Nelson, C/158 AVN 101 ABN KIA 3-5-1971; LT I believe. Sorry to hear that he is no longer with us. I don’t know what I could Gregory Charles Engel, 128 AHC KIA 7-24-1969; LT Dan Cheney, A/3/17 CAV tell his daughter but if she wants to get in touch with me she is welcome to do so. KIA 1-6-1969; WO Gerald McKinsey, 282 AHC KIA 1-21-1968; WO Vernon Bill worked with a guy named Nevelizer (James or Richard?). He signed the 1st Lee Leuning, A/7/1 CAV KIA 3-4-1968. Cavalry Division Association guestbook a few years ago and I saved his address, “As I passed around the portable mic, each family member said a few words which was then . Hope he is still kickin’. As for myself about their loved one. Many tears were shed. For some, this was the first time I was with the 229th AHB from Feb. ‘67 to Feb. ‘68. Left the day we took Hue they were among veterans who did what their loved one did - the first time they City back from Charlie. I was a SGT E5 and was a radio operator but did enough had ever spoken publicly about the brother, cousin or nephew they lost so many door gunning to earn an Air Medal. Flew with Mr. Braa, Mr. Finke, Mr. Sims, LT years ago. Mirabella, and others whose names escape me. Got into some hairy stuff during “Many VHPA members contributed to the breakfast, continuing the tradition Tet in Hue and Quang Tri. Spent virtually all my time in the field, which suited of covering the breakfasts for the Gold Star Family members attending. This me better. Hope this helps and it is the right Bill. Meanwhile; thanks for your year, there was also a donation from the Fallon Paiute Shoshone Tribe thanks to work keeping Sky Troopers in touch. Appreciate it. Take care. Have fun”. George Molino, brother of CPT Eddie Molino. Well it turned out to be the same Bill Evans. And here’s the result: “Thank you “Family Contacts Committee member Jim McLaughlin, our resident map “wiz- Hank. Bill Evans’ daughter did contact me, today actually. I did know her father ard,” created maps for each family member showing the exact location of their pretty well since we were both radio operators for HHC, 229th though he was loved one’s incident. Many of the family members had never before known the in An Khe and I was at LZ English most of his service. I went on to LZ El Paso location of the loss. Jim and his wife Marilyn also brought along a big Vietnam then LZ Evans then LZ Sharon and then home, shaken but not broken. My last map and easel showing all the loss locations by red markers. I have to say, look- day in Vietnam the Secretary of Defense, Robert McNamara, resigned (February ing at the map of Vietnam with all those red dots that blend together in a huge 29, 1968) admitting that it was FUBAR and he should have said something a lot red swath hits me like a ton of bricks every time I see it - each one represents a earlier. Though I would have preferred to have skipped the whole thing (drafted) family, like mine, that was torn apart. VHPA member Gary Rossomme read a I am proud to have served with the 1st Air Cavalry and the 229th in particular. beautiful poem written by Gold Star Mother Evelyn Hatley, as is our tradition If you have to be in a war go with the bad-asses. It is a pretty exclusive club, each year. with less members all the time. Thanks again for the connection. We made “At the closing banquet, the tradition continued of having Gold Star Family somebody happy. Best regards, Harry Sweeney”. Harry thanks for reading the members place objects on the Missing Man Table during the Missing Man Toast. SABER and responding. That too is impactful. John Keller, A/227th, 1966-67 from Cave Creek, AZ “One thing I want to emphasize is that, even if you didn’t know a particular wrote, “Glad you had that paragraph about the DD- KIA, as a Vietnam helicopter pilot, you have a lot to share with a family member 214’s available online! I tried it and all worked well. who never heard stories of the missions. The good times, the bad times, the ter- You must send in a separate signature page before they rain, the types of aircraft flown, what the country of Vietnam was like, what you will work on your request. That is no big deal! guys ate, drank, laughed or cried at. Families are hungry to know these things. “Also, just completed enrollment with the Phoenix It was so cool to see VHPA members at the Gold Star Family breakfast telling VA Health Medical Center. Had my first appointment a the Gold Star Family members about their time in Vietnam. week ago and now scheduled for further tests. Despite “In a few months I’ll start searching for families of the fallen who were from previous nationwide news reports, I was treated with the area surrounding Indianapolis, where the next VHPA reunion will be held. respect and efficiency at the health clinic. Yes, they (This year, I sought out families of the 312 KIA pilots who were from the 9-state are busy, but they are willing to keep you informed area surrounding Reno.) I hope that we get some of the families to register early of delays when other higher priority patients arrive. I enough so that I can seek out fellow members from their loved one’s unit who feel very fortunate having survived two tours in RVN may be able to spend a few minutes with them during the reunion. without being shot or taking a round in my aircraft; “My photos for anybody interested are at . Son River, VN 1967 sorties! Just a lot of lower back problems now, with Continued on pg. 17 Page 17 saber SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016 15th MED/15th FSB/15th BSB Mike Bodnar I got a confirmation about Vietnam/Cambodia organization. I attended my first 13010 N. Lakeforest Dr. who MEDEVAC pilot “Big Reunion in Olympia, Washington last year. I was Sun City, AZ 85351-3250 Okie” was. Terry McCarl off handedly asked/suggested that Arizona might be (623) 972-4395 says that it was, indeed, a good site for a future Reunion. I’ve given it some [email protected] WO Philip K. Gibbons. thought and think that maybe Tucson would be a www.15thMedBnAssociation.org Terry says that he knew him good location to bring in numerous members for an very well. Terry says that approximately week Reunion. I can go into further he, himself, DEROSed detail if you are interested in how it proceeded. MEDEVAC CE Jim Fergu- shortly before the Febru- “I’ve never done anything like this, I know how son, Circa 1970. ary date I mentioned see- to organize things but I’m not necessarily a people ing on SNORE’s original person – a Vietnam veteran characteristic. I would need help to make this hap- Website. Their tours pen, even if it would happen. overlapped by all but a “If you have a desire to help on organizing this would you please respond? few months. Take care and I look forward to hearing from you, Terry says that he found Larry Silvey.” out later that WO Philip Terry McCarl also notes, “Mark your calendars! K. Gibbons died after his The 19th Annual 15th Medical Battalion Association tour in Vietnam. Reunion will be held April 26-30, 2017, at Westgate Listed as living in Hel- Branson Woods Resort, in Branson Missouri. ena, Alabama, his original Information, including registration forms, will soon L to R MEDEVAC Medic Becker (ID confirmation home was Muskogee, MEDEVAC Medic Dan be on our Website at under the 2017 Reunion tab. If you are not into LT Henry Tuell, pilot “Big Okie” WO Philip K. Gib- from Muskogee.” The computers, or just want additional information, contact bons, and CE Norvell Godsie. Circa 1969-70. Looks Reunion Coordinator, Ron Ingram at {need computer} like Song Be. date of death in his obitu- ary is 4 August 1976. or call 402-670-1370. Terry adds, “I have never been able to find any information like why he died “The Reunion will be held at the beautiful Westgate Branson Hills Resort. at such a young age. Phil had a great sense of humor. I recall one night we were Check out its Website (www.westgatebransonwoodsresort.com). For room discussing what we were going to do when we got back to the ‘World.’ He said reservations call 1-877-502-7058 and refer to Group Code: 61-327. Reunion that the first thing he was going to do was visit the zoo, which was the first place room rates are $63/ day plus tax, a real bargain! To get to Branson by air, fly that he always checked out when he visited a new city. I asked him why. He to Springfield, Missouri and take a shuttle service to the Resort. Schedules and said, ‘To see the Gibbons, of course!’” additional information will be coming out soon!” Another death at a young age was 15th MED Association founder SNORE, i.e. The 70th Annual 1st Cavalry Division Reunion will be 7-11 June 2017 - Killeen/ MEDEVAC crew chief Sherman Breeden. SNORE died unexpectedly shortly Fort Hood, Texas. Mark your calendars! or Google: “1st Cav Reunion 2017.” Check the SABER. Larry Silvey writes: “This unsolicited e-mail is Always remembering our 1st Cav troops on duty around the world; over and being sent to you because at one time you had joined the 15th Medical Battalion out. FIRST TEAM! Garryowen, SO THAT OTHERS MAY LIVE Silver Wings News tours with the Air Cav, A/229th and Continued from pg. 16 C/227th AHB’s, 1967-68 and 1969- 70 respectfully. He protected those serving under him. You’d never know that by his old school Army attitude, but he did. For example, as a Huey approached the landing pad full-bore, the pilot flared hard and dropped the bird into the bunker, showing off his skills I guess. Upon observing this Mac crossed the flight line as fast as his legs would carry him. Got right-up in the young officer’s face and began Gene “Mac” McCrary and Homer to dress-down the “cowboy” pilot. “If Jackson. y’all want to kill yourself you go right ahead and do it, I don’t give a f***. But y’all are not taking my men (crew chief and gunner) with you. You understand that! There was some additional verbiage between the two before the officer stormed off to Ops to report Mac to the CO. With the exception of this, any other time you saw Mac running you had better Oshkosh reunion group A/229th AHB (some missed the photo op). Back row, L-R: grab your steel pot and weapon because we were about to get “INCOMING”. I Gene Beyer, Don Payne, Bill Charbonnier, John Lehrter, Bruce Holmberg, Chris don’t know how he knew it but he did. Laskey, and Bill Woollen. Frt row, L-R: Lanny Julian, Jerry Gladysz, Gene Mac retired from the military after his second tour, established himself and Wilkie, Milton “Tim” Griggs, George Pylawka, Hank Llewellyn, Ed Grier, Walter his military wife, Rose, in Villa Rica, GA. He became the city inspector for the Garner and Homer “Jack” Jackson. City of Douglasville until he retired from that office. Mac loved spending time “Thanks to everyone who supports us Gold Star Families. You are the reason with his family. He and his VN buddy, 1st Cav pilot, Tom Johnson from nearby our loved ones will never be forgotten.” Julie Kink is the sister of WO David Carrolton became an avid golfing team. Mac also loved to travel. He liked those Kink, C Trp., 1/9th CAV KIA 8-3-1969.” big 5th wheel campers and Winnebago type motor homes. He went through a Julie, thank you for the report. bunch. During the past 20 years or so Mac and I traveled most of the southeastern This note comes from Ron McKiddy, the brother of SGT Gary Lee McKiddy, states and west to Texas, mainly to attend military/veteran events, taking turns 1/9th, crew chief/gunner, who was KIA, 6 May 1970, after his Loch was hit and driving and sharing expenses, stories, humor and loud music as we are both hard went down. of hearing. Wish I had a dollar for every “HUH?” we exchanged. “Hank. I am back reading the Saber once again and doing some e-mailing. As a guest in his home many times I would say to Rose, “You deserve a medal Sadly, this email is to inform you of my Dad’s passing. Dad, Edgar McKiddy, for putting up with him barking commands at you for all these years.” It was was as a member of the 9th Cav many years ago. He was able to meet many of reminiscent of LZ English. Her tolerance for her old soldier was as strong as the men, enlisted and officer, over the years and become someone they enjoyed her love for him. He lost Rose in August of 2015 and his health deteriorated talking with when he could get to their reunions.” quickly following her passing. The tough old warrior was lost without her. Mac Ron, sorry to hear of your father’s passing. Our condolences to family and didn’t own a PC, no Internet, email etc. So we communicated by phone. And friends. Thanks for sharing with the group. Edgar A. McKiddy passed on Au- that was difficult, between his drawl, poor hearing and the many “HUH’s?” we gust 11, 2016. exchanged. The passing of a soldier and friend. Almost fifty years have gone by since the Earlier this year I informed Mac that COL (Ret) Beyer, our CO during the first time I crossed paths with SFC Mac McCrary. It was a hot and dusty day time in II and I Corps implied we were getting long in the tooth and suggested a at LZ English on the Bong Son plains of Vietnam. The sortie from An Khe was gathering of our company from 1966-68. The thought of the event put renewed at 6000 feet and I enjoyed the cool air (by Vietnam standards) during the flight. life and sprite in the voice on the other end of the phone. But Mac required as- I had spent the last three months at Radcliff in the Central Highlands and was sistance getting around and monthly blood transfusions and no longer could fly. now assigned as a replacement for a DEROS trooper. Walking towards the Ops I mentioned using one of his RV’s and I would make sure he got there. He really bunker from the flight line I observed him (Mac) barking instructions with his liked the idea. So the wheels were put in motion. The gathering would take place heavy Alabama, southern-drawl at a crew struggling with the Swashplate atop a in Green Bay/Oshkosh, WI in conjunction with the EAA Air Venture Oshkosh Huey. His faded tee was soaked with sweat and a cigarette was dangling from Air Show. Mac was determined to go and I was determined to get him there. his mouth. I’m sort of feeling bad for this old guy (mid-30’s) as it was still early So with the blessings of his doctors, on July 22nd, I flew to Atlanta, packed in the day and it looked like he had his hands full. “Hey, trooper, y’all the new the Winnebago, put a car on the dolly/trailer and attached it to the 38 ft. RV guy?” he shouted as I passed near him. “I guess so, sergeant”, was my reply. for our sortie north. For the next nine days Mac and I would be “on the road “YOU GUESS SO? Where y’all from son?” “Pennsylvania”, I replied. “A again”. Despite his illness, he acted 20 years younger sitting in that navigator’s damn Yankee! That explains it all.” So my introduction to Sergeant Mac was seat, once again barking commands at me like a drill sergeant as we stopped forged with insult and sweat. and passed through Chattanooga, Nashville, Louisville, Indianapolis, Chicago, For most, Sergeant Mac wasn’t an easy guy to like. Whatever was on his mind Milwaukee, Oshkosh, Green Bay to our destination, Cedar Valley RV Park in came out his mouth, usually without regard for rank or political correctness as Kewaunee, WI. we now say. But for some reason he and I got along really well after that first For the next three days we enjoyed the company of 20 former troopers most initial encounter. Mac was a Korean War Vet and this would be his first of two Continued on pg. 21 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016 saber Page 18 20th and 79th Artillery Regiment News Bruce Wilder and no answer. Finally, the ground com- 9724 Rosariod Dr. mander called in on my FM radio to say your Parrish, FL 34219-9200 buddy is down; there was another machine (423) 245-6116 gun nest on the side he broke towards. The [email protected] grunts quickly secured the crash site as I www.araassociation.com covered them and searched for the other fir- I have just returned to our RV located at the FamCamp at the Air Force Academy ing position. Soon the bad news came…three from our Reunion Banquet which was held at the Embassy Suites in Colorado of the four were KIA, including “Wild Bill” Springs, Colorado. We gathered here this week of September 7-11, 2016, to cel- (nickname dating back to Academy Captain ebrate our Annual Reunion. We have had a fun filled, emotional, action-packed of the Hockey Team). As usual we cleaned gathering. In addition to the beautiful weather with the cooling temperatures, out his locker and I wrote Nancy, his wife, a bright blue skies, puffy white billowing clouds; we had no rainfall or hail storms personal letter as I had watched Bill write as the area experienced just a week before! We reserved Friday to take the Cog letters home to her and little Bill and Kim. Railway to Pikes Peak. Over fifty members and spouses enjoyed the perfect day In this letter I promised them that I would for the trip. The weather was cool, yet refreshing! The climb allowed time for come see her if she wished. I never heard the conductor to tell us all about the history of the Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog back and subsequently assumed this was too Road. Where the standard adhesion railroad trains can only climb grades of 4 painful for her. In 1998 time frame, I saw a to 6%, with very short sections of up to 9%, the Cog railway using the “rack” message in the VHPA Aviator….children of Bill Hingston, USMA ’63 who was railroad can climb up to 48%. The majority of rack railroads cannot go much KIA January 1967 would like to hear from anyone who knew their Dad. This faster than 15 miles per hour or they run the risk of dislodgement from the rack started pages and pages of emails and hours and hours of telephone calls over rail – the top speed of the Pikes Peak Railway is about 9 mph. For reliability the years. But I had not kept my promise. So I took my wife, golden retriever, and safety, the Manitou & Pikes Peak Railway uses a double cog system. The Cav Stetson, and motor home and drove to Denver from Louisville. I finally got Pikes Peak Railway is the highest rack railway in the world as well as the highest to hug Bill’s wife and daughter and the four of us had a wonderful visit. The railway in North America and the Northern Hemisphere. The Pikes Peak Railway photo may only show three people, but believe me… Wild Bill was there! Editor’s also has a perfect safety record! We were thankful for that record as we started Note: The photo referenced above was not provided with this article. up the last step incline! 1LT Dave Borgeson was not found in the crash site, but was found yards away During our Wednesday evening dinner, we recognized those attending members in the helicopter seat which had torn away from the aircraft during the impact. who were our first replacements arriving in 1966. This was their 50th Anniver- He survived the crash! During the dinner, Dave gave a video presentation of Bill sary to Vietnam! We had several first time attendees, which is very encouraging Hingston’s life and service to his country, which enabled us to pay tribute to one for the Association. We need to have more “never-attended members” take the of our fallen. Thank you Rodger and Dave for making this all possible! Dave plunge and make it a point to attend next year’s reunion! I can assure you that Borgeson’s story should be heard and I will share it with you in a later issue. it will be worth your time. Mike O’Connor, who was the only survivor of a crash in February 1968, was We also had two special guests of David Borgeson and Rodger McAlister. captured, and held as a POW for five years in Hanoi. His story will be the subject Kimberly “Kim” Hingston and Bill Hingston, daughter and son of CPT William a later article. E. Hingston, Jr., who was a member of A Btry., 2/20 ARA in 1966-67. They Our new Aerial Rocket Artillery Association Board of Directors was elected were there for a special tribute to their father who made the ultimate sacrifice on and the following officers will serve for two years: President – David Borge- January 24, 1967, while participating in an Aerial Rocket Artillery Fire Mission son, A Btry 1966-67; Vice President – Jim Castillio, C Btry 1970; Secretary in Binh Dinh Province II Corps. He was serving as the Aircraft Commander on – Huey Odell, B Btry 1967-68; Treasurer – Herb Hirst, A Btry 1966-67; Editor a fire mission called in during the lunch hour back in base camp. Crew members for Straphanger – Asa Talbot, HQ Btry 1967-68. Web Master – Jesse Hobby, scrambled to fill aircraft seats for the mission. 1LT David Borgeson was married A Btry 1965-66, and Columnist for Saber and Chaplain, Bruce Wilder, A Btry up with CPT Hingston and they joined the other helicopter which was crewed 1965-66, were asked to continue. They both agreed to stay. by CPT Rodger McAlister and 1LT Billy Wood. Once on target the team set up A hearty thank you goes out to those who have served these past two years: the aerial fire mission and started the daisy chain of gun-runs being covering by President – Larry Mobley; Vice President – Johnny Grice; Secretary – Huey each other during the time on target, especially during the breaking away from Odell; Treasurer – Jule Szabo; Editor – Asa Talbot; Web Master – Jesse Hobby, the firing line. McAlister recalls having made his run and break off from the and Columnist and Chaplain – Bruce Wilder. target and started looking for his wing man and didn’t see him. He called several Our next reunion site selected is Williamsburg, Virginia for September 13-17, times, with no response. The commander on the ground reported that his wing 2017. Jesse and Gloria Hobby have volunteered to be our hosts. They have been man had been hit by ground fire and had crashed. hosts for three precious reunions in Charleston, Branson, and Columbus. They Here is an account of the action told by CPT McAlister: I was a section leader always host and coordinate a great event! It is never too early to start making in ARA and had signed off on CPT Hingston , USMA ’63 to be my replacement. plans to visit one of our nation’s most beautiful and historic sites. Mark your On the 24th, Bill led a bread and butter insertion that went by the book and this calendars! time I flew wing for him. We waited the traditional ten minutes overhead until For long range planning, the 2018 reunion is planned for Fort Sill, Oklahoma, the ground commander would confirm no contact and then release us… but not home of Artillery! It will be great getting back to our roots in Artillery and seeing today. Contact there was and as the ground commander identified the bad guys, the beginnings of our heritage. I know this is two years off, but it is nice that we CPT Hingston set up to take them out… two pair/three ripples into the tree line have time to make even better plans to attend. and good bye Charlie. Bill went in first and fired..as he broke left I began firing Let us keep in touch and be safe! to cover his tail. When I broke, I looked back and he was not there to cover me. This is Armed Falcon 28 Delta, breaking right! So I radioed, “Armed Falcon27 Bravo, this is Alpha, over.” And over and over, Horse Cavalry Detachment has won titles all over America and Europe. Contiued from pg. 1 His titles include Alaska State Champion, European Champion more than call it, pulled by a team of horses and he’d take us to school wrapped up in once, Pennsylvania State Champion, Virginia State Champion and several in blankets,” Borth said. Texas. After North Dakota, Borth found himself in Columbus, Georgia. There, he “Winning an event here in Texas is pretty tough,” Borth said. “There is some went to school and worked as a mechanic at a gas station. It was during this tough competition around here in Texas.” time his love of cars grew. During the different times Borth was stationed at Fort Hood, he never could One day while driving his two-door ’57 Ford Custom, another car smashed make it to the HCD while on active duty. into the front of his beloved car. “As a Soldier, I tried to get stationed here. I think that was in the 80s,” Borth “Some drunk guy pulled out in front of me one night when I was going to said. “Then I tried to get back out here when I got back from Germany in the work, and I totaled the front end,” Borth said. “I said, ‘Well, I know what I want 90s. I heard the first sergeant slot was coming open. I thought I’d try to come to do. I want to make a race car out of it,’ so I did.” out here. I just inquired about it, but of course, I couldn’t get released.” Once he was satisfied with the rebuild of his car, Larry took up dirt track Borth said that when he was on active duty, it was very hard to leave the racing in the old Ford, winning many races. aviation career field to go to special-duty assignments because of how important “I’ve been wanting to go back to it ever since,” Borth said. the career field was. During his racing days, Borth moved from Georgia to El Paso, where he After 25 years in the Army, Borth retired as a first sergeant in January 1993. continued to race and win. It was at this time the 20-year-old received a letter An unusual job opened up that sparked Borth interest – the detachment stable in the mail – it was a draft notice. master. On the advice of an older brother, who was a Soldier stationed at Fort Bliss, “When the job became open, I applied for it,” he said. “Because it was in the Larry decided to commit an additional year to the Army to become part of horse world. It had to do with horses and people; that’s why I was interested.” the regular Army. This gave Borth different job options within the Army that One of Borth’s main duties is to train Soldiers in military horse riding, a task were not available to draftees. He entered the Army in 1967 as an aircraft he performs exceedingly well. mechanic. During Borth’s 23 years of service to the detachment, he has been a part of the Borth was soon sent to Vietnam twice, once with the 101st Airborne Division Tournament of Roses Parade 11 times. While in California, the HCD stables and again with 1st Battalion, 10th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division. the horses in the same stable as the Los Angeles Police Department stables. The It was in January 1972, with two tours of Vietnam under his belt, Larry rode in detachment is also welcomed to the Los Angeles Saddle and Sirloin club for to Fort Hood for the first time. It was about this time he bought his first horse. breakfast each year. For most of his Army career, Borth was able to pursue his passion of horses Saddle and Sirloin club is a private club for horse owners and gives their while in the Army. Wherever the Army took him, he always found a way to members the chance to ride horses inside Griffith Park. bring his beloved horses with him. “We were watching these guys rope, and you could tell that LB was itching “It was hard to do sometimes, like when you get deployed,” Borth said. to get out there,” said 1SG Aaron Campanella, the senior enlisted advisor of “Wherever I went in the Army, I had a horse. Anybody can do whatever they the HCD. “And one of the guys asked if he wanted to give it a go, and (Borth) want if they just commit their self.” kind of ‘aww shucks’ his way on to the horse. When they let that calf out, he Throughout his military career, Borth charged toward excellence, not just in was on it.” the Army, but in his passion for horses as well. He took up roping in amateur “He didn’t miss the whole time I watched him,” Snell added. “By far, besides rodeos in 1974 winning countless titles, buckles and saddles over the years. He Continued on pg. 22 Page 19 saber SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016 82nd FA News Another Woodpecker passes: MSG (Ret) William Cecil Thoma- Bill’s first column of the son who wrote the 82nd FA News passed away Sunday, 31 July 82nd FA News was published 2016, at his home in Lexington, South Carolina. Bill was born in in the May/June 2014 Saber Bluefield, Virginia to the late William E. and Nora V. Mayberry replacing Dan Gillotti who was Thomason on 15 February 1941. He retired from the U.S. Army then writing both the 82nd FA and was a Vietnam Veteran serving with E Battery, 82nd Field News and the 30th FA News. Artillery from July 1969 to August 1970 and had previously Bill did a great job telling the served in Vietnam with another unit. In addition to being a story of the 82nd Field Artil- Life member of the 1st Cavalry Division Association, he was lery and tried to include all a member of the Disabled American Veterans and was a Master areas of the Regiment’s service Mason. A graveside service was held on 5 August in the Fort in his articles but it was easy Jackson National Cemetery with full military honors and Masonic to tell that he really cared for rites. Bill is survived by his wife Janet E. Thomason; children, those that served in Vietnam Shari L. (Steve) Solesbee; Michael D. Thomason, William C. as he did. Bill will be missed (Tamara) Thomason; brother, James Thomason; grandchildren, greatly by all that knew him Bill Thomason reading a book by Michael Lazarus Kimberly Thomason, Chelsa Clay and Emile Harshbarger; from personal contact or his that was published in his Mar/Apr 2016 column. great-grandchildren, Noah, Zao, Elizabeth, Mikaela and Freya. writing in Saber. Division Doings before deployment. They were able to train in a familiar environment and go Continued from pg. 12 home to their families every night, but still obtained the required training needed adding that his unit is the first Oklahoma Army National Guard unit to begin a before deployment.” five-year training cycle under an active-duty unit. The myriad of training was twofold: it helped validate their systems and validate Switching the familiar Thunderbird patch for the larger 1st Cavalry Division the personnel using the systems, said Wilson. patch signifies a unity of effort to build closer relations between active duty and “This ensured everyone was trained on some of the battle drills or events that National Guard forces, build stronger cohesion and share resources and ideas. we may encounter [in Afghanistan], also making sure that they understand re- This year, the 1245th will begin training on the 1st Cavalry Division’s mis- porting procedures, how to use the equipment, how to work together as a team,” sion-essential tasks on drill weekends. In 2017, they will join the 1st Cavalry said Wilson. “And, the fact that we did this training in a condensed period of Division’s Special Troops Battalion at Fort Hood, Texas, for annual training. time is truly impressive.” According to Knott, of Weatherford, Texas, the 1245th, which up until now fell Although the Soldiers conducted several training exercises in a short period of under Oklahoma’s 345th Combat Service and Support Battalion, has received time, their morale didn’t falter. six extra drill days and 21 extra annual training days to meet the new training “We are lucky because we have amazing leadership, and we can tell they care requirements. The unit will now be assigned to the Special Troops Battalion, 1st because they always go the extra mile to ensure everyone is comfortable with Cavalry Division at Fort Hood. their mission and their job,” said SPC Colter Krohn, a combat engineer with The 1245th is a medium truck company with the ability to haul containerized 2nd platoon, 43rd Combat Engineer Company “Sapper,” Regimental Engineer and non-containerized cargo; palletized, dry and refrigerated cargo; break bulk Squadron, 3rd Cavalry Regiment. “It’s easy to stay motivated when you have cargo; water products and ammunition. The trucks have palletized loading systems great leadership.” designed to offload supplies quickly and efficiently in a combat environment. “Not just assigning a Soldier a job but making sure they understand the impor- Even though the Oklahoma Soldiers had to give up their unit insignia, Knott tance of the job that they are doing. And then, rewarding the Soldiers for a job said, “We are still Guardsmen.” well done also helps keep motivation high,” said Wilson. COL John Zenker, brigade commander of 90th Troop Command, spoke to the Krohn’s platoon is slated to deploy with Sabre squadron although his unit falls Soldiers in formation during the ceremony, reassuring them that even though under another squadron within the regiment. they were donning an active-duty patch, they were still Oklahoma Army National “When I got to the unit a month ago, they were asking for volunteers to deploy. Guard Soldiers. So, I decided to go,” said Krohn, who has deployed to Afghanistan twice. “I’m “This is a great opportunity for you Soldiers,” Zenker said, “A great opportunity really excited to join teams with Sabre.” for the active-duty Soldiers and a great opportunity for the 1st Cavalry Division. “We brought on a platoon-sized element from Sapper because we identified In 30 years, you will know you have played an important part when you see how an opportunity to do some [counter Improvised Explosive Device] training in the Army has developed. My expectations of you are that you will continue to country with the Afghan military,” said Wilson. “It would add additional training solve problems and do your job well, as you always do. To some of you who that our Afghan counterparts find valuable and adding the combat engineers not still have reservations, what I say is this: pull the Thunderbird patch off and put only widens their abilities to conduct operations on their own, it also increases it in your pocket to keep it close.” our capabilities on the battlefield.” The Thunderbird insignia, designed by renowned Native American artist Wood- After three weeks of intense training, Wilson expressed how proud he was of row Big Bow, was authorized for wear in 1939 and has come to represent the all the training the Soldiers accomplished. courage, fortitude and heroism of the 45th Infantry Division Soldiers who fought “I’m extremely proud. We had a very short notice that we were deploying. And, in WWII across Europe and into Berlin and endured combat through the harsh we really pulled in and brought the team together with the help of the Regiment Korean winters. Later the Oklahoma National Guard wore the insignia proudly and 1st Cavalry Division,” said Wilson. “It’s not only remarkable efforts on the to deployments in Bosnia, the Sinai Peninsula, Afghanistan, Iraq and Kuwait. help we received, but the maximum motivation the Soldiers displayed.” The 1245th deployed to Desert Storm in 1990, Operation Iraqi Freedom in ACB NCO Strives for Success by SSG Julie G. Wallace-Myles, 1st ACB PAO, 2003 and 2008, and Operation Enduring Freedom in 2012. The unit has been 1st Cav. Div. awarded three Meritorious Unit Commendations. FORT HOOD, TX – Motivational LTC Darrell Morse, home station commander, 1st Cavalry Division Sustainment speakers say that success is 99% attitude Brigade, thanked the Oklahomans for their excellent hospitality and welcomed and 1% aptitude. But what happens the Oklahoma Soldiers to his unit. Morse called this opportunity “a partnership when you have a Cav Trooper in your between National Guard, the Reserves and active duty. It is a relationship that unit who has both a positive attitude is unparalleled. We are one Army.” and strong aptitude? Sabre Squadron Undergoes Myriad Of Training Before Deployment by SSG Then you end up with a trooper like Tamora Clard, 3d Cavalry Regiment Public SGT Jesiely “JJ” Johnson, an informa- FORT HOOD, TX tion technology specialist assigned to – Upon receipt of a the 1st Air Cavalry Brigade’s commu- deployment mission, nications section. many units undergo SGT Jesiely Johnson preps a command Her determination and resolve to training to ensure all post node for field exercises on Hood Army succeed were demonstrated when she personnel are pro- Airfield at Fort Hood, Texas. (U.S. Army graduated Aug. 2, from her Advance ficient and trained photo released) Leader’s Course having made the on their equipment. Commandant’s List. She scored 99.5% But, what happens on academics and 96.4% in Total Soldier Concept. when a unit only Johnson said it took a lot of hard work to get to that point. has two months to “In a matter of four months, I took three Army Physical Fitness Tests,” Johnson prepare for a mis- said. “I did four height and weight tests to ensure I was fully prepared to go to sion? Its business as ALC and not have to worry about the physical portion of school.” usual—training. Her passion carries over into her day-to-day job where she is actually filling More than 500 a cyber network defender (25D) slot billeted for a staff sergeant – a career field Troopers of 2nd Soldiers fire a .50 Caliber Machine Gun on top of a Mine that she will be reclassifying into in the near future. Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle at Trapnell Squadron “Sabre,” “JJ’s a superstar,” said SFC Benjamin Smith, non-commissioned officer in Multiuse range recently to train for an upcoming deployment 3d Cavalry Regiment charge of the 1st Air Cavalry Brigade’s S6 shop. “She’s so technical and picks to Afghanistan. trained in prepara- up fast on the things I train her on.” tion for deployment For as long as she can remember, Johnson has always been fascinated with to Afghanistan later this month. The training consisted of: mounted live-fire fixing things and finding ways to make it work. iterations, a staff exercise, Security Forces Assistance Academy, and observe, “If it’s broke then I need to find out how to fix it,” she said. “Even if it takes orient, decide and act training commonly referred to as OODA loop. All of this hours’ worth of work.” training was completed in three weeks. Johnson’s personal, long-term goal is to be a pioneer in the IT world, and her “We are on a bit of a time crunch, but it did allow us to get some excellent upcoming career change is another step in achieving that goal. training in before deploying,” said CSM Joseph Wilson, the senior enlisted advi- “I’m proud of my accomplishments,” said Johnson. “I know there’s so much sor for Sabre squadron. “With our compressed timeline, it allowed us to bring more out there I want to do, and that I’m going to do. It’s my thing. I have to the trainers here and allow the Soldiers to spend more time with their families figure out how to make things work.” SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016 saber Page 20 ENGINEER News Jesse Crimm tional training, mentoring individuals through difficult personal and professional 4445 Silverwood Ln. challenges, or administering “tough love” … it’s your job to determine what is Jacksonville, FL 32207-6241 needed and then cause it to materialize. That’s the job, and if you’re trying hard (904) 737-6172 to do that job, you’ll be given a chance – maybe even multiple chances – to get [email protected] it right. If you’re not interested in leading … if you’re more interested in status, Physical Exercise: I asked the trainer at my gym which machine I should best prestige, power, position, or any of the other various illusions that are mistaken use to most impress beautiful women. He replied, “The ATM outside.” for organizational leadership … you’re in the wrong business. This is a team But Seriously: Aren’t divorces like algebra? You look at your X and wonder sport. Y. But for the record, our own Lynn and Ro Titus have been hooked for some “And this leads into my final point. We must restore trust across the board, 40+ years now according to Facebook. which means we have to start seeing the best in one another again. We have to But Now Seriously: In almost every conversation, email, letter (yes I actually stop, as a service, looking darkly upon one another. We must return to a culture get letters) that I have with you guys, the subject of PTSD comes up in some that presumes good intentions and honorability unless and until evidence to the form. Obviously I am not your doctor or therapist or counselor or trainer but I contrary presents itself. Trust is critical in our business. We go to war together, am going to offer one piece of knowledge to you from my vault. Start reading and without trust in one another as wingmen, victory is not possible. War doesn’t C.S. Lewis. He is my literary and spiritual guide and PTSD is pain by another permit constant monitoring or verification. It doesn’t afford needless redundancy. word. Thus I recommend “The Problem With Pain” by Lewis. If you find that It doesn’t allow for individuals who act in their own interest rather than adopting hitting too close to home, back off and move over to “Surprised by Joy” then a team mentality because they refuse to trust their teammates. This is especially go back. Like many things these days, you can find the condensed versions of true of our career force. While airmen and officers in their initial service com- C.S. Lewis on Google or YouTube. It might be ok to get an overview at those mitments are still determining whether they want to be part of our team for the places but eventually you gotta dig deeper into Lewis and yourself and “Pain” long haul, those who have reenlisted or incurred additional service commitments and “Joy” are the places to begin. have made a crystal clear statement that they are with us for good. We can’t af- Looking for Jim? Anyone searching for Jim Horne who was with the 3rd ford to alienate them by refusing to acknowledge that they have earned a special Brigade, 2/7 out of Quan Loy can find him circling around Macon, Georgia and and long-term place on our roster.” answering the phone at 478-361-1179. In case you missed They did it. You can too: The most current issue of VFW features I/A warriors it: Here is the fa- that climbed Mt. Everest one of whom is a leg amputee. In the words of Charlie mous Iowa Rock, all Linville, “I really wanted to show other veterans that we can take our lives back. hand painted from the It’s time to conquer our injuries and not let the injuries conquer us.” Harold Earls heart of the heartland. is quoted as pushing himself further than ever before because he was confident America exists quite that the team’s effort was going to make a difference in a lot of lives. And yes well in the so called Harold it will. For those who are reading this right now, your Mt. Everest could “fly over” area be- be making one step or one push more than yesterday. Mount up! Get going! tween NY and CA. The next step or push is one breath away. Then bring your story to Killeen in And Now from our June of 2017. We’re listening. China Correspon- Not a bad idea and it works: One of the guys I work with and I were discuss- dent: My name is ing fuel mileage and engine performance the other day. He more than suggested Joe Keezer. I am a that adding a pint of ATF to your full gas tank once a month cleans up a whole life member of 1st bunch of fouled plugs and injectors. With some hesitation I began employing Cav Association; I his suggestion. And just for the record, he said he got the idea from Don Garlits. joined in 1977 at a (If you don’t know Don, look him up on You Tube. He’s the guy in the sling Reunion at Fort Hood. shot dragster going 300 MPH.) My mileage went from 19 to 22 city mpg on a I have served with car that now has 200K miles on it. (My wife won’t drive in it because the pas- the First Team in the senger side floorboard is also my coffee cup disposal area. That could be called 8th Engineer Bat- a double benefit.) I will confess that I cannot offer my highway mpg because talion from ‘77-’79. we take my wife’s car on trips. It only has 100k miles. And BTW, don’t use any I also served with gas with more than 10% corn syrup in it. 2nd Infantry Division, Engineer Insignia: (submitted by S. Richey) I didn’t know we had one. I was 2nd Engineers, on the The Iowa Rock rocks! in the 8th, in Nam, had been there a while when 1SG Schmidt asked me to drive boarder of the DMZ him across the base to the east side. He had heard a guy there had a Skybeaver from ‘79-’80. I currently live in China, Guangdong Province, Zhaoqing City. patch and he wanted one for his collection. I’d never heard of anyone collect- A smaller more laid back town of about 4.5 million. Everyone knows everyone ing insignias, but he was. He had several he showed me. 1SG Schmidt was a else and everyone else’s business! Busy bodies. I have lived here for neigh on really good man. We were all so young; some of us weren’t even shaving. We 7 years, working as a school teacher. My prime subject is American English. I were kids with guns in a war a long way from home; in a land where they spoke am looking for (COL) James B Royce and Major Ruff. Major Ruff is a war hero a language we didn’t understand. It seemed everyone was mad at us and any- of the Vietnam War and is my idol. God what a fruit salad he had on his dress thing we did, we did wrong. Everyone who out ranked us, and that was nearly uniform! We served together in the 8th Engineers. I last saw COL Royce in Car- everyone, seemed to enjoy making our days miserable. But then there was 1SG lisle Barracks where I was stationed at the USAWC, in a sub-basement of Root Smith. He was a kindly old man, who took care of us very well. He wasn’t out Hall when I was assigned to NSA from ‘80-’83. My students and some of their to make us wrong, just to make sure we stayed out of harm’s way and did our parents want to go to see America next summer. I can think of no finer place than jobs. He and the C Company’s first sergeant were both like that. I was always Ft. Hood, where they can go swimming in the clean clear waters of Lake Belton, glad to see either of them coming my way. I think they were left over from the horseback riding, back packing, and after instructions from a trained professional, Army my grandfather told me about. My grandfather was in WWI, back when target practice with .22’s and Bow & Arrow. As you can imagine they are not they actually rode horses. A third sergeant, SGT Wright, the S-3 sergeant was allowed to learn these skills in China. Additionally, I would like to introduce the a pretty good man also. Again he was older and was there to help get the work youngsters to the Scouting (formerly BSA) programs, and for God’s sake yes, done and not be a sour grump all the time. Those are the men in the Army that American Baseball through little league. Most of my students and some of their to me, knew how to be a soldier. There was one other. He was a black E-6. He parents are fluent in English. If he is still alive, I would need some political pull reminded me of the actor Woody Strode. All muscle, sinew, bones. He was from this fine officer, Colonel Royce. The Chinese people love Americans, and wounded one night out on an LZ, was bleeding from several wounds, and had I wish to help them to understand how to change their own world and their own bandages all over him and around his shot up body. He had three bottles of liq- government when they are old enough to take the reins of responsibility. Please uid hooked to IV’s next to the stretcher he was laying on. When the helicopter help me Jesse. I wish to fulfill an obligation to show some Chinese citizens a landed to take him to a rear hospital two guys from the chopper came running good time at the Fort Hood area of Texas. Good, clean American fun! Thank out and picked up his stretcher. He told them to, “Put me down...” and they just You, Joseph R Keezer, Furong Gardens APT 701 Building B, Zhaoqing City, looked at him. He said it again, this time with no doubt as to what he wanted.. Guangdong, PRC 56620. PH# (86) 1.303.020.2260 “PUT ME DOWN, NOW!” and the two stretcher bearers did. He sat up, and then Editor’s Note: COL (Ret) Edwin R. Ruff died 15 July 2011 and the address stood up. You could tell he was in a lot of pain but he picked up his IV bottles and of COL (Ret) James Royce is unknown. walked to the chopper. When he got there he sat in the door for a moment and In respect and honor: Lynn Titus, then said, “No man carries me...” and lay down on the floor of the MEDEVAC. who worked in the Battalion S-3 That guy was at that moment and every moment since been one hell of a soldier shop in Vietnam, submitted a photo in my eyes. He did the gutsiest thing I ever saw. He was in the 8th and of all the of LTC Francis J. Walter (Battalion things I remember, I don’t remember his name, and I wish I did. Commander May 1968-May 1969) Skybeaver Alert: Terry McCarl sends this information. Richard Esquivel and and MAJ Howard D. Graves (S-3) Gregg Brodine are looking to reconnect with any who know or knew them from from 1969 with an unidentified RVN days. Richard is in Lincoln, Nebraska and served in A Company during ‘70 Trooper in Vietnam. LTC Walter to ‘71. His email is . Gregg Brodine similarly wishes is in the middle and MAJ Graves to reconnect. He is in Gibbon, Nebraska and served in B Company during ‘66 is on the right. MAJ Graves went to ‘67. His email is . Hook up if these names ring on to become the Superintendent of a bell. West Point and retired as a Lieuten- Excerpt: Submitted by Leo Miller from an address by GEN D. L. Goldfein, ant General and died in 2003. LTC USAF. “Leaders have a sacred charge: to take care of people so those people Walter was replaced in Vietnam by can take care of the mission. This doesn’t mean “going easy” on your people LTC Andre G. Broumas who was when they drop below standards. It means giving them the resources and support KIA on 3 September 1969. and example to enable them to meet and exceed those standards … so you can And finally: It’s not too early to measure them against those standards without reservation. begin planning for Killeen in June “Your duty as a leader is to work tirelessly to clear obstacles between your of 2017. people and their mission. Whether this means burning red tape, providing addi- Walter and Graves Page 21 saber SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016 21st FA News Mail Call Tube Troopers: me wonder, what duty was like there? John Parker I remember when I arrived in Vietnam in March 1969. I landed at Bien Hoa Air 10915 Tradition View Dr. This is the September/Octo- Charlotte, NC 28269-1411 ber 1/21 Field Artillery 2016 Field and from there I was sent to Pleiku. I was ultimately assigned to the 1st Air [email protected] article. The mail bag is a little Cavalry Division because they needed the replacements. I spent a couple of days low this time. Guess the clerks there at the replacement unit. I thought that I would be placed with the 82nd or must have put the good stuff the 173rd Airborne. I remember the big vats of Cool-Aid. Having spent the last on the wrong chopper. Just year in the 82nd Airborne in a regular army barracks, I found it very difficult to kidding, but this will be a short edition. My first business is to welcome Dara C. sleep at first. What didn’t help was that each night a Duster would set up behind Wydler as the new Executive Director of the 1st Cavalry Division Association. the barracks and fire intermittently all night long on a hill just outside the berm. I was able to meet her at the reunion in Las Vegas this past June. I introduced That was the only time I saw a Duster in action. Since the 1st Cavalry Division myself and we had a short chat. I look forward to working with her knowing had already moved south, my next stop was Tay Ninh; which was my only ride the 1st Cavalry Division Association is in good hands. Farewell to you, Dennis in a Caribou transport plane. Thus began my tour in Vietnam. Webster, thanks for all you have done for all of us. Enjoy a well earned retire- Anyone have a good short story? I’m still looking to hear from some of the ment. A Smart Salute. Veterans after the Vietnam Era. The 1/21 FA finally cased their colors June 12, I received a note from Gene Davis, asking me to remind everyone to start 2014. I remember reading that Joe Galloway came across the 1/21 FA during making plans to attend the 2017 1st Cavalry Division Association Reunion at Desert Storm. They called themselves The Falcons. That name came from Fort Hood form 7-11 June. Both he and I are hoping for a large showing of the the fire support from LZ Falcon during the Ia Drang engagement on LZ XRay, 1/21 FA next year. We had nine sign-ins which again made the 1/21 the largest November 1965. Anyone served with the 1/21 FA in Korea? It’s time to stand showing. Gene Davis says that he had the chance to chat with Anthony J. Hartley and be counted. I know there are many experiences that can be shared. We are during the Reunion. They had chatted while in country when Anthony Hartley all Brothers of the Tube. was with Battalion FDC, 1/77 FA. They finally were able to meet face to face Beginning in the next issue the article will be laid out by Battery beginning and exchange experiences. But what was surprising is that I received an email with the Headquarters Battery and moving down the line. If you supply any from John Moran, President of 77th Field Artillery Association. John had read information for the Saber give me enough information so I can place you in the about Gene Davis and Anthony Hartley in my last article. The 77th FA was hav- correct battery. ing their Reunion the next month and was wondering if I had contact information I’ll also include a section for the 2/19th Field Artillery since they don’t have a for Anthony Hartley. He was trying to make contact with as many fellow 77th column of their own. I started out in C Btry., 2/19 FA so I do have some con- FA Troopers as he could. I hope I helped out contacting the five 77th FA attend- nection with you. There were five of you at the Reunion so you deserve a space, ees. Gene Davis also met Danny Jackson from 1/30 FA and a couple of troopers unless someone steps up and want to start as the 2/19 FA scribe we’ll include from DivArty at Phouc Vinh that served with Gene’s friend in Basic or AIT. I you with us. have also met and made some friends at these Reunions. Both Gene Davis and My endeavor is to keep the Spirit of the 1/21 FA alive. No matter what era I encourage all to attend Reunions. You never know who you’ll meet. you served in, from World War II to Iraq and Afghanistan, our stories and memo- I want to give a shout out to Jim Goemmer from Green Valley, Arizona. I met ries should be kept alive. Help me to remember who we were. This space is Jim last year at the 2015 Reunion at Fort Hood. Jim was on a trip to Washington for you. There is a Facebook Page that you can join by asking. On Facebook visiting Fort Worden. There he explored a state park that used to house a battery search 1/21 Field Artillery & Cavalry Friends. Also there’s a website that you in the Coastal Artillery Network. Jim states that it was interesting to see where can visit: . It’s a place we can call home. Let’s keep artillery was in that time period. Jim noted that after some research he found the spirit alive so we will be remembered. Until next time, Garryowen Brothers. out his father-in-law was a driver during World War I at Fort Worden. It made Dismissed! Silver Wings News Continued from pg. 17 failed attempts to draw blood in a proper fashion. Mac was being admitted as not seen in almost 5 decades. Our youth replaced by wrinkles, graying hair and my departure time neared for the airport. He reiterated how much it meant to failing parts. Photos were shared, 8mm film on video of us at war were played, him to once again see those former sky troopers and how the RV adventure kept stories exchanged. his mind off other things. All things good things must come to an end and it was time to return home As I was leaving Mac’s hospital room for the return trip to the airport I stopped in what seemed like the blink of an eye. The trip south was delayed as we lost and turned at the doorway to bid goodbye one more time. The expression on a tire on the car dolly to a blow out. Spent the night in a parking lot north of his face and his welled eyes said it all. He and I both felt that we two warriors Milwaukee until we could get a replacement. For the most part the return trip would not be seeing one another again, despite promises made for another trip was much like the ride north. Mac riding shotgun, barking driving commands at next year. It shook me, as the message was so clear and not a word spoken. me, talking about the guys we had just reunited with, planning another road trip Something I will never forget. with me for the following year. But as we approached the Atlanta area I could Mac never got to return home again. After a three-week stay in the hospital he tell he was not feeling well again. passed away on Wednesday, August 24th and laid to rest next to Rose on Monday, Arriving in Villa Rica, Mac went inside to rest as I reversed the pre-trip proce- August 29, 2016 at Georgia National Cemetery in Canton. dure on the RV. After dinner Mac talked about our trip and how happy it made They say friendships forged in time of war are much stronger than any other. him, and then retired as I packed for my flight home in the morning. In the wee Mac and I were of that stock. He will be missed. hours that night Mac felt ill. His daughter, Debbie, was called to drive us to With that, I will bring this Wings sortie to an end. Until next time, Clear the hospital. He was once again barking. This time at the ER nurses for their right! 7th CAV News Continued from pg. 7 to shoot…. a book later about the war and said that Westmoreland’s idea was a “strategy Has time helped you all heal the pain? It doesn’t stop. It doesn’t go away; of attrition,” and a strategy of attrition is the proof that you have no strategy at I think we all know that now. Hal Moore and I used to hope, “OK, we’ll get the all. And certainly, attrition was never going to work there. There was never one book done, that will close the loop.” But, when all those men were dying around year in the Vietnam War when we killed a number of the enemy that equaled or us, we were all young, we didn’t know what life held, or even understand what exceeded the natural birth rate increase in North Vietnam alone. So every year those around us dying were giving up. You know the joy of a wife, having kids looking out into the farthest future there would be a fresh crop of draftees up and seeing grandkids, and shit, even the bad stuff that happens in life. So your there. We certainly were not going to win with those tactics and I’m not sure appreciation of their sacrifices only grows as you understand more of what there what other tactic we could have used to win short of nuking North Vietnam and is good in life, that they gave up. So the passage of years doesn’t make it easier, turning into a parking lot. And if we had, I guarantee our sons would be out in fact it makes it harder. Great stuff Joe, now about YOUR memoir? there garrisoning that place now, and people would still be shooting at them. For you FaceBook aficionados, The 1st Cavalry Division has a FB page. Lots Did we learn from Vietnam that we must never turn our backs on our war of interesting posts that will keep you engaged. veterans again? We have to take care of them. I don’t want to hear we don’t Get your reservations made for the annual Veterans Day First Team festivities have any money left because we pissed it all away on the wars that destroyed in Washington, DC. GarryOwen from the great state of Michigan! those people. Cough it up because you owe it, just like the Vietnam veterans and all the others. You’ve got to do what’s right. I can’t say it better than Hal 1st Cavalry Division Association Moore, who says, “Hate war, but love the warrior.” We sent them there we owe USAA Visa Signature® Credit Card them all of the support and everything that we promised them. You know, I look at these kids today, pulling five or six tours in Iraq and now Afghanistan, and I know what 12 months in Vietnam could do to a kid, and I know what five or six such tours would have done to them, and it’s not pretty. We are going to be dealing with the consequences, and the cost, of taking care of many of those young men and woman for the rest of their lives. And every war we’ve ever had we say we will do the right thing, and then somehow the money doesn’t get voted in by Congress. Read Kipling: For its Tommy this, an’ Tommy that, an’ Chuck him out, the brute! But it’s “Savior of ’is country” when the guns begin New Members • Show your support for the 1st Cavalry Division Association each time you use your 1st Continued from pg. 5 Cavalry Division Association USAA Rewards credit card. • USAA Bank will make a contribution to the 1st Cavalry Division Association for every SFC ROCHA LARRIE A. TX HSC 615ASB 0404 credit card account opened and each time you make an eligible purchase with the card. SFC ROCHA ROBERTO R. TX D 1-8C 0401 • This card benefits the Association, its scholarship program and the 1st Cavalry Division SSG ROFF ARNOLD J. CA B 227AVN 7009 Museum Foundation. MR SIMPSON HARRY KY C 1-21FA 6507 • This card offers you great service, competitive interest rates and rewards points that you MR TEMPLETON LYLE CA A 2-7C can redeem for your choice of gift cards, merchandise, travel discounts and other rewards.* • There is no annual fee for this card. SP-4 ULRICH GERALD E. MO C 1-8C 6812 • Choose from two card designs created exclusively for the 1st Cavalry Division SFC (RET) WALKER STAN AL C 15FSB 88 Association. COL WEBSTER KELLY TX HHB DIVARTY 1607 For more information about USAA you may call 877-917-1232 or visit www.usaa. Thanks for joining the 1st Cavalry Division Association. com/1cdacc. SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016 saber Page 22 HQ and Special Troops News Ron Killingsworth Best wishes to all medical unit at MACE during the period January to April ‘71. 10329 Caddo Lake Rd of you from Sue and Elements of the great 1st Cavalry Division continue to be deployed in various Mooringsport, LA 71060-9057 me from Mooring- locations. As of the date of this column, the 3rd Cavalry Regiment (attached (318) 996-9969 sport in Northwest to the First Team) is deployed in support of OEF. The Division headquarters [email protected] Louisiana. We suf- will deploy in September 2016 in support of OEF. The Division headquarters fered severe flooding cased their colors on 25 August. The 1st Brigade Combat Team is deployed to (did not flood our home) this spring and now the southern parts of Louisiana South Korea and will be rotating back to the US in about September 2016, to be have suffered flooding and over 60,000 homes are ruined while home owners replaced by another Brigade. lost everything they owned to flood waters. The worst flooding has been in Sue has been working on a Baton Rouge. To my knowledge Fort Polk has not been affected. We have had 1st Cav quilt to be raffled off an unusual amount of rain for August but so far we have dodged all the flood- at the reunion in June 2017 at ing. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all those suffering from floods, fires in Fort Hood. It is not finished California, Colorado, Montana, Wyoming, and Washington and other weather but this picture will give you an problems throughout the United States. idea of what the finished product We enjoyed watching the Olympic events and look forward to the beginning will look like. We still have to of the football season. Acclaim Press, with the support of the 1st Cavalry Divi- add the Regiments of the past sion Association Board of Governors, has started soliciting information from and present to the top part of individual troopers in order to publish a History of the 1st Cavalry Division. the quilt. Hopefully it will be You should have received information about this in the mail. I urge all of you to finished by the next reunion. It contribute to this great effort so that the published book will contain a complete will make a great wall hanging history of the Cav. for some lucky trooper. Attention Gulf Storm, Bosnia, Iraq, Afghanistan, and South Korea peacekeep- (Insert Picture – Sues quilt) ing Veterans: I am very interested in publishing your story in this column. If you The old DISCOM is back under served (or are serving) with any part of the great 1st Cavalry Division in any of a new name. The 1st Cavalry these conflicts, please contact me. If you were not assigned to any of the units Division Sustainment Brigade that have a column in the “SABER”, then this is your column! We are starting to (Wagon Masters) is the name pick up some of these younger veterans for leadership positions in the Associa- of the new organization. It is tion. Now we need to start hearing your stories. Wall hanging quilt to be raffled at next re- commanded by COL Colavita General John William Vessey Jr., born June 29, 1922, died August 18th, 2016. union. and CSM Crosby. As best I Vessey served in World War II, Korea, and Vietnam and was Chairman of the could determine, there are two battalions under this Brigade, the 1st Special Joint Chiefs. Vessey was very involved in actions pertaining to MIAs and POWs Troops Battalion (commanded by LTC Kruelski and CSM Jasper) and the 553rd at the end of the Vietnam War and beyond. He was awarded the nation’s highest CSSB (commanded by LTC Chandler and CSM Crosby). It also appears the civilian award, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, in 1992. His ranks held are 553rd Combat Sustainment Support Battalion is currently deployed to Kuwait. from PVT to 1SG and from 2LT to 4-Star General. President Reagan said this We need to remember these active duty troopers of the 1st Cav and pray for their about the general: “Jack Vessey always remembered the soldiers in the ranks; safety and eventual return to the US. If you are interested in these combat sup- he understood those soldiers are the background of any army. He noticed them, port units, most of them have a “Facebook” page. spoke to them, and looked out for them. Jack Vessey never forgot what it was There used to be an Hq & Hq battalion but I cannot find a listing for it. The like to be an enlisted man, to be just a GI.” past commander of that unit was a good contact for events within the division but I continue to receive more information about the last days of the 1st Cavalry I assume he has moved on to another assignment. There are no postings on their Division’s involvement in the Vietnam War. I understand the VFW magazine, “Facebook” since July. If you know the status of this unit, please let me know. several years ago, published an article about the 3rd Brigade (Sep) and the last From the Fort Hood “Sentinel” dated August 20, 2016: “A memorial ceremony days of the Vietnam War. If anyone has a copy of that article, or knows where was held at the Spirit of Fort Hood Chapel Aug. 10, for SPC Logan E. Rainwater, to find it on the internet, please let me know. a motor transport operator assigned to 154th Composite Truck Company, 553rd Lloyd Jackson contacted me by email. He was assigned to the 3rd Brigade Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 1st Cavalry Division Sustainment (Sep) Chemical Section but said he ate, worked, and slept with the 26th Chemical Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division. Rainwater, 24, was killed in a motorcycle Detachment from April ‘71 to February ‘72. He sometimes visited Fire Support accident Aug. 1 in Killeen. Several members of his chain of command and his Base MACE located near the mountain, Nui Chua Chan. He reminded me of fellow Soldiers took the opportunity to address the crowd of more than 200 with the “incident” that occurred on 24 December ‘71 when his unit dropped napalm anecdotes and words of praise for Rainwater’s personality, sacrifice and work on top of the mountain in an area that was believed to be a VC or NVA build ethic. ‘SPC Rainwater’s service in the Army should remind us of how grateful up. I was at FSB MACE at the time and recall the incident. I was told, at the we should all be to him, his family and his fellow Soldiers,’ said LTC Daryl time, that it was efforts to destroy a possible underground enemy complex, but Morse, commanding officer of the Special Troops Battalion, 1st Cav. Div. Sust. do not remember any other details. Lloyd’s unit performed “sniffer” missions Bde., 1st Cav. Div. ‘It should remind us what a special obligation the world in the general area of operations. Lloyd is interested in contacting anyone who owes to Spc. Rainwater and so many other brave young people.’” served with the Brigade Chemical Section, the 26th Chemical Detachment or The “Army Times” reports, on 18 August 2016: “The Army’s pilot program with the 362nd Aviation Company during the period April ‘71 to February ‘72. to bring together active-duty, Army Reserve and Army National Guard units His email is . Thanks for the input, Lloyd and good is well underway as soldiers trade patches and form relationships across the luck contacting former friends. components. Leaders of the 1245th Transportation Company, a medium truck I also received a telephone call from Steven Vogt. Steven was assigned to company that is part of the Oklahoma Guard has been assigned to the 1st Company B of the 2/12th Cav as a 91A, Combat Medic, until he took R&R. He Cavalry Division.” The members of the 1245th Trans Co have put on the 1st arrived in August ‘70 and left in ‘71. While he was on R&R, the 1st Cav Divi- Cav Division patch and are assigned to the 1st Cavalry Division Sustainment sion stood down and left Vietnam, leaving only the 3rd Brigade (Sep) behind at Brigade as part of an Army Associated Units pilot program. Bien Hoa. When he returned to Vietnam from R&R, his unit was gone! He was I also heard from Marc Kearns of Pinnacle, North Carolina, by telephone. then assigned to a medical detachment at FSB MACE. He recalled there was a Marc served with Delta company of the 1/7th Cav, 3rd Brigade (Sep), from large medical station there that stabilized wounded troopers and enemy soldiers. February ‘72 to 4 August ‘72. Toward the end of his tour remaining parts of the He can’t remember if he was assigned to a medical company or if he was part of 3rd Bde (Sep) became known as “Task Force GarryOwen”. Marc was headed the 2/8th Cav that was at FSB MACE during this period. Steven is interested in out on vacation but has agreed to tell his story in the next issue of SABER. learning which unit he was assigned to and contacting anyone who served at the Horse Cavalry Detachment Civilian Service Award. Continued from pg. 18 On the same level as a Legion of Merit, the Meritorious Civilian Service at a professional rodeo, the best roper I Award is awarded to those who have displayed a pattern of excellence. have ever seen. He really is that good.” Over the years Borth has, in no small way, contributed to the detachment’s Borth also cares for the nearly 50 horses pattern of excellence. One last honor Borth received was a chance to ride in a and mule teams of the detachment. He is cavalry charge. During a cavalry charge, detachment troopers on their horses responsible for everything from managing gallop across Cooper Field, re-enacting how the cavalry would ride into battle. the herd’s diet to matching the right rider “It was awesome riding with the Soldiers for my final run with them,” he said. to the right horse. Borth is present for “It’s something I’ll never forget.” all of the demonstrations and cavalry On September 10th the Detachment is traveling to Cranfills Gap, Texas to par- charges, as well as the trail rides. ticipate in the Septemberfest Parade. On the 17th of September the Detachment He watches the riders and horses, giving will conduct Drill and Ceremonies and Mounted Weapons Drills followed by a advice to the troopers on how to improve parade just up the road in Stephenville, Texas for the Cowboy Capital Rodeo. their riding or how to better control a Another exciting event planned this month is the Army Equine Conference and horse. He is the first one troopers go to the National Cavalry Cup Competition. We are sending 24 Troopers to El Reno, when they have a question about their Oklahoma to participate and compete at all riding experience levels. On the 15th assigned horse. of October we are on the road again, this time headed to Centerville, Texas to “My hobby became my career which perform our famous Drill and Ceremonies and Mounted Weapons Drills. We made my hobby really aggravating,” said are looking forward to a busy fall season here at the barn and in the local com- Borth, chuckling. munity! Borth’s time with the 1st Cav. Division, As always, we conduct practice demonstrations at the detachment on Thurs- once again, came to an end. During days at 10:00 a.m. This is the time we use to train new mounts and troopers and a Distinguished Service Recognition invite the public to come out and enjoy the show. Feel free to call ahead and ceremony held August 25 on Cooper reserve some seats at (254) 287-2229. You can also find us on Facebook (Horse MG Thomson awards the Meritorious Field, Borth was awarded for his many Civilian Service award to Mr. Larry Cavalry Detachment) where we post pictures from the barn and let you know years of service to the detachment with Borth for his 23 years of service with about upcoming events and ceremonies. the Department of the Army Meritorious the HCD. Live the Legend! Page 23 saber SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016 NEW BOOK FEATURES THE HISTORY OF THE 1ST CAVALRY DIVISION…AND YOU! Sponsored by the 1st Cavalry Division Association Attention: All Members of the 1st Cavalry Division Association: In commemoration of the ongoing legacy of the 1st Cavalry Division, our Association is sponsoring a new book, History of the 1st Cavalry Division Association & Its Veterans, which will provide a detailed history of the “First Team” and feature biographical narratives of the men and women who have served our country since 1921. Acclaim Press, one of our nation’s leading publishers of commemorative history books, has been commissioned to oversee this landmark project, and the book is being written by a team of our Association’s most prominent historians. In addition to the 1st Cav’s glorious history, this exciting 9x12-inch, hardbound “coffee-table” book will feature a special section showcasing biographies of 1st Cavalry veterans, with “then and now” photographs, and YOU are invited to be included (see sample biography inside). There will be no cost to have your 200-word biography included! Our book will feature veterans from all eras, from the early days leading up to World War II, to the deserts of the Middle East and our on-going War on Terror. Note: all 1st Cav veterans are encouraged to participate, even those who were active in peacetime — all served with honor and distinction. The book will also include special after action reports, stories and photographs from the membership. WHAT YOU NEED TO DO Send in your personal biography. Biographies are brief vignettes (up to 200 words) detailing the person’s military career and life after the military (see example inside), and also may include up to two (2) photographs of each individual, one from the service and a current picture. You may also submit historic photos and general interest stories of up to 1,000 words for the editor’s review. When sending photos, please include your name, address and a caption on the back. This unique book will give us the opportunity to record our Division’s rich heritage, inspiring and educating future generations. Please send us your information so this book may be as complete as possible. IT IS FREE TO BE INCLUDED! Widows, friends and family members are also encouraged to send in biographical portraits and materials for their loved ones now passed on—a perfect tribute to your veteran’s service to our nation. In addition, all members of the 1st Cavalry Division Association may order their personal copy of this keepsake for only $54.95 (see details inside). This will be a limited edition printing, and only those who order now, before we go to press, will be assured of getting a copy. Therefore, you are encouraged to order by the 15 September deadline. A QUALITY PUBLICATION Acclaim Press is proud to publish beautiful, commemorative books for organizations, groups and communities across the country, with hundreds of titles in print. Each book is painstakingly researched and documented, containing scores of superior, historic photographs, capturing the spirit of each SAMPLE BIOGRAPHY: Use the example below as a guide in writing your organization. biography. You may include up to two photographs, one from your glory days The History of the 1st Cavalry Division & Its Veterans will be printed on with the First Team!, and a current photo (suggested). Note: your 200-word number one grade, acid-free, double-coated glossy paper to ensure the highest caliber photo reproduction, and smyth-sewn for longevity, meaning the pages biography will be included for FREE; however, a 15¢ charge per word applies will be stitched together and bound to last. after the first 200 words. NEED HELP? Your choice of books include the Deluxe Hardbound Edition, which will Contact Acclaim Press for a questionnaire and an editor will compose be bound in a classy, black leatherette cover for only $54.95, or the Leather your biography for you — [email protected] OR 573.472.9800. Collector’s Edition, bound in genuine bonded leather with the 1st Cavalry Division emblem embossed in gold or silver on the front cover for only JIM A. KEETON enlisted for the Medical Corps in August of 1969 and $79.95. entered military service at Fort Campbell, Ky on 3 September 1969. Fol- Either version may be personalized with your name, or that of a friend or loved lowing basic training, he was transferred to Fort Sam Houston Medical one, embossed on the front cover for $6.00. NOTE: This hardbound, 9x12-inch Center for Medical Corpsman training, where he graduated with honors. commemorative “coffee-table” volume will be a limited edition publication Keeton applied and was accepted into the Clinical Specialist Program with the number of books printed based upon the number of books ordered in advance. Therefore, you must order now to be assured of receiving a copy! (early PA school), and graduated from Clinical Specialist Program in 1971 at the top of the class. ABOUT THE BOOK Keeton served with the 101st Airborne Division 1/321 Artillery in charge • Includes a detailed history of the 1st Cav, Div., from WWII, Korea, Vietnam, of the Battalion Aide Station in Phu Bai, Vietnam, where conducted Civilian Bosnia, the Gulf War, and the War on Terror, including its founders, training, Med Cap operations on the Perfume River as well as medical operations engagements, responsibilities today, and more. on Fire Base Bastogne and others firebases in I corps. • Historical overview of the 1st Cavalry Division Association. • Richly illustrated with historic and modern photographs, charts and diagrams • Personal biographies from 1st Cav Division veterans, with “then and now” photos • After Action Reports & Stories from 1st Cav. Div. veterans, and more! Mail Orders & Materials To: 1ST CAVALRY DIVISION ASSOCIATION BOOK A s c/o Acclaim Press • P.O. Box 238 • Morley, MO 63767 • the 101st Airborne was leaving Vietnam, Keeton was transferred to the [email protected] HHC 2ND BM 8 CAV 3 BDE (SEP) First Cavalry Division, where he was in charge of the Battalion Aide Station on Fire Base Melanie. Jim worked Include your name, address, phone number, and email address. Also print with Dr. William J. Osheroff (Battalion Surgeon), where Osheroff and the name you wish to be embossed up to 24 spaces (see below). Make checks Keeton manned the aide station on Fire Base Melonie 24/7 during opera- payable to Acclaim Press. tions of the 1st Cav Division, 2/8th Cav. He returned to the US in late 1972 Please check the appropriate boxes: and was discharged from service. Keeton received the Bronze Star Medal, Combat Medical Badge, Army Standard Book - $54.95 Leather Edition - $79.95 Name Embossing - $6.00 Commendation Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal * Add Shipping/Handling - $6.50 first book; $3.50 each add’l to same w/60 Device, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Cross of Gal- address lantry with palm, Army Valorous Unit Award and the Presidential Unit * Missouri residents add 6.225% sales tax Citation. After discharge, he returned to Graduate school at Colorado State Uni- ORDER TOLL-FREE: 1-877-427-2665 versity in 1973 and started Keeton Industries, Inc. that same year; he serves ORDER ONLINE: WWW.ACCLAIMPRESS.COM as Chief Scientist and Aquaculture Engineer for the company. VISA • MASTERCARD • DISCOVER Keeton married Linda Keeton in 1969, and they have two children, Luke and Jennifer, along with four grandchildren, Peyton, Braden, Stella and Grier. DEADLINE: 31 OCTOBER 2016 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016 saber Page 24 HONOR ROLL Acknowledgement of generous donations from the following troopers:

UP TO $25 CW3 MASON, David G. $51 - $100 SP-5 ALLQUIST, Myron J. 1SG MAY, John R. CPT BARTON, Donald SGT BATES, Bobby G. MAJ (RET) McDONNELL, James J. SP-4 BROWN, Hardy E-4 BLACK, Henry W. LTC MEGEHEE, Daniel B. In Memory of Charles Dashner, C Co., 1-7th Cav- SP-5 BLAKESLEE, Bruce E-5 MERRITT, Lu, Jr. alry SP-5 BONN, Henry PFC MEYER, Charles MRS. BROWN, Karen PFC BORSO, Francis M. SP-4 MILLS, James B. In Memory of Nancy Edwards wife of COL Bob SGT BRACKEN, Harold W. SP-4 MITCH, William G. Edwards SGT BRAUN, Paul SGT MORAN, Thomas COL (RET) BLUHM, Raymond K., Jr. CH COL BREWER, Dewayne L. PFC MOUL, William F. SGT CRAFT, Edwin T. MSG (RET) BOOTH, Daniel T. MAJ (RET) NEWCOMBE, Nelson O. In Memory of SSG David W. Osborne, C Co., 1/12 SGM (RET) CAPSHAW, Jimmy F., Sr. SP-4 NISTLER, Ron – KIA 23 August 1970 – RVN SGT CAZIER, Stanley W. T-5 NOVAK, Alan L. SGT HENRY, Al SP-5 CIMOLI, Michael E. LTC OBISPO, Kurt In Honor of SSG Wm., “Sgt. Pete” Peterson 11/15/67 MSG (RET) CLARK, Val D. SP-4 OSTROWSKI, Joseph B. C. Co 1/7th Cavalry 1st Air Cavalry Division SFC (RET) COSHEY, Donald J. SSG PEAL, Jerry C. SGT HENRY, Al CPT COX, John L. SP-4 PFLUGLER, Ronald D. In Memory of SP-5Oscar “Doc” Gutirrez, 1/11/68, LTC (RET) CRAWFORD, George S. E-4 PEREZ, Louie C Co., 1/7th Cav. 1st Air Cavalry Division SGT CRISPINO, Joseph J. SSG POPE, Billie G. LTC (RET) KIMBALL, Alan M. SGT CURTIS, Patch SFC POTTER, James H. COL (RET) KURTZ, James H. CPL DAVIS, Cecil M. SGT RADER, Melvin In Memory of SGT Curtis R. Smoot, Aeroscout Gun- SSG (RET) DAVIS, Charles F. SGT RAMBO, William D. ner in Apache Troop, 1-9 Cav, Lost in Cambodia 10 PFC DICKINSON, Earl W. MSG (RET) REGALADO, Richard T. March 1971 MSG (RET) DOLINGER, William A. MAJ REKTORIK, H. Jerome SP-4 LANDSTAD, John T. MSG (RET) DOWERS, Billy F. SGT RICHARDS, Dick C., Jr. CPL LEARY, Michael C. SSG DOWLING, David W. SGT RICHARDSON, George L. In Memory of Mike William “Weird Willy” SFC (RET) ENGLISH, Gregory S. SP-5 RIORDAN, Brian L. and Ralph Forbes CPT EZELL, Keith R. CW2 RUSS, Brian J. NORTH CAROLINA TARHEEL CHAPTER 1LT FALVEY, W. Partrick SSG SANTY, John E. In Memory of Robert E. “Bob” Cox SSG FAUX, Thomas Glen SSG SCHAEPPI, Frank P. SP-4 McNICHOLS, Robert LTC (RET) FISCHER, James C. 1LT SIEMER, Robert W. PSG (RET) PALMER, Leslie L. E-4 FORD, James L CPT SMITH, Kenneth M. In Memory of PFC William Henry White, A Battery, LTC (RET) FOUSE, Scott D. SSG STIEFEL, Karl E. 1st Battalion, 30th FA, who was Killed in Action 23 E-4 FOWLER, Thomas PFC STRUNK, Robert July 1968, Danang, Biah Dinh Province, Republic SP-5 FULLER, John H. SSG TAYLOR, Allen J. of Vietnam SP-4 GAFFNEY, Patrick A. SSG TERRY, Robert L. SGT PELLINGTON, Jack 1LT GARMONG, John W. SP-4 THOMAS, Edgar R. In Memory of Lorinda Davison, 1st Cavalry Division SFC GIBBS, Lyle R. CW3 TOWLER, Gerald A. Association Office Manager (RET) MSG (RET) GRAY, Franklin B., Jr. SP-4 TUERKE, Theodore R. MR. POOL, Robert B. SP-4 HACKETT, James F. SP-5 WARD, David In Memory of S. Robertson SP-4 HARRIS, Thomas S. CPL WEAKLEY, Richard A. 1LT SMITH, Frank T. CSM (RET) HAYES, Douglas B. SGT WESTFALL, Robert 1LT STONE, David K. SGT HECKMAN, Lee A. MAJ (RET) WESTMORELAND, James A. SGT THORNTON, Koblar D. TSG HENSON, Richard E. SFC (RET) WRIGHT, Francis A., Jr. SSG WILLIAMS, Robert E. SGT HENZI, Walt W. SP-5 WRIGHT, James D. In Memory of Our Fallen Troops CW5 (RET) HESS, Gerald L. LTC (RET) WRIGHT, James E., Jr. SSG HOLSMAN, Leonard W. COL (RET) YORK, Dennis $101 - $500 CPT HOLSTEIN, James J., MD SP-4 BENSON, Richard J. PFC HOLZ, Ron $26 - $50 E-6 CORONA, Edward J., Jr. CPT HOUSE, John C. ANONYMOUS SP-4 DAMPMAN, Richard H. PFC HOWORTH, William F. SP-5 GALLAGHER, Joseph C. SGT DEMING, Michael COL (RET) JACKSON, Wilfred A. E-3 GODFREY, Butch In Memory of Trooper Lorinda Davison CPT JACKSON, William P. SP-4 HAMILTON, Larry SFC GOBETH, Marcel N. LTC (RET) JAMES, Lynn M. In Memory of M. McClelland SP-4 HUTSON, Richard B. PSG JARAMILLO, Raul A. E-4 ROEDER, Harlan L. SP-5 TURNER, Danny R. SGT JIMENEZ, Richard R. In Memory of John J. Morrison, B Co. 1/5Cav, In Honor of All Men and Women Who Gave One Drop E-4 JOHNSON, Donald A. 1965 of Blood or Sweat in the Defense of Our Country SP-4 JONES, Richard Q. CSM ROMER, Clifford P. MSG WEBSTER, Larry L. COL (RET) KALINOWSKI, William J. SGT SCHREINER, Dennis R. COL (RET) WRIGHT, Raymond J. SP-4 KEMMERLIN, Marion Lloyd, Jr. LTC (RET) SPANN, Patrick J. In Memory of LTC James Moore, HHC 5-7Cav, KIA 1LT KERSHNER, Kenneth E. MSG TERESKO, Steve H. 1967 MS. KNIGHT, Mary S. MSG (RET) VIOLINO, Anthony D. LTG (RET) WISHART, Leonard P., III SP-4 KOHL, Robert G. SGT WOODS, Stephen R. SGT WOLAVER, Robert G. SP-4 KUBIK, Gerald H. In Memory of Keith V. Huffstutler KIA Republic of SP-4 KUCHENBAKER, Robert E. South Vietnam 1967 SP-4 LANMAN, Joseph F. The First Team Family Cares! LTC (RET) ZABICKI, Bill SGT LASKA, Tom J. In Honor of the Brave Cav Troopers that Defended 1SG (RET) MACKEY, Charlie Your donations to the Firebase Jay, 29 March70 SP-4 MARGIOTTA, Charmine Foundation and Museum Foundation are tax-deductible. $1,001 AND UP In Memory of SP-5 Steve Borozan We are also grateful for your support of CPT (RET) MARTIN, Thomas E. the Association through donations to our D CPT BELDING, Chuck SP-4 MARTZ, James E. Troop program. SSG MASCI, William J. Letters to the Editor Director’s Chair Continued from pg. 2 Continued fomr pg. 1 Dear Editor, who are still in harm’s way in our thoughts and prayers. I am Bob Jacobs, among my other veterans’ activities I am Vice Chairman of There is still plenty of time to join us for Veterans Day in Washington, the national Jewish War Veterans’ Vietnam Veterans Committee. We have an D.C. This year we have added the Women’s Memorial to our list of loca- on-going project to collect and preserve the stories of Jews who served during the tions to place wreaths. The dinner will be held on the evening of the 11th Vietnam Era, whether boots on the ground (as I was) or wherever Uncle Sam sent at the Crowne Plaza. You can find all the information in the this issue on you. Our national organization has a museum (The National Museum of Jewish page 12 or on our web page . American Military History or NMJAMH) located at our national headquarters in We are currently looking for scribes to take over the 82nd FA and the 7th Washington, DC. Stories submitted will be placed in an interactive touch screen CAV columns. If anyone is interested please let us know. Additionally, program. We are looking for the equivalent of 1 1/2 to 2 pages with a then picture I am looking for Christmas pictures taken of Cav Troopers throughout and a now picture. There is a possibility of later publication of the stories on a the years for the next issue of Saber. Please send them in Jpeg format to disc with profits going to support the NMJAMH. Stories may be sent to me at: with captions. . If you need addition information or guidance, Lastly, if you are a Purple Heart recipient please pay close attention. contact me at (732) 691-6139. The National Purple Heart Hall of Honor is working on updating their Sincerely, database. Please visit their website and enter Bob Jacobs your information.