February 2011 - A Troop 4th Squadron 12th Cavalry

The 12th CAV
Trooper
Semper Paratus
Serving Those A/4-12 Cav Troopers who Served In The Republic of Vietnam 1968 - 1971
February, 2011
Volume IV, Issue 1
Veterans Day 2010, Las Vegas Nv.
The 2010 reunion began with
the opening of the hospitality suite on
November 10th. registration proceeded at a rapid pace as John Sharpe the
Second Platoon reunion chairman got
everything in place for the Veterans
Day parade on the 11th.
Thursday morning bright and
early the Troop and the Sisterhood of
the Cav began gathering in the hotel
lobby waiting for the bus that was to
transport us to the parade site. The bus
arrived and took the waiting Troopers
to the parade site, where we milled
around for about an hour waiting for
the parade to kick off. We met alot of
nice people including a woman who
ask that we sign a POW-Mia Flag that
she flies on a daily basis. A group of
Marines had a few vehicles in front of
us and allowed those unable to march
a ride in their jeeps. We had to remind
Morris Smith to keep the 50 Cal on
his jeep pointed forward away from
our formation, you never can tell when
those Jar heads might snap.
The parade kicked off and as
we went down the route the crowd
A Troop Takes Vegas in Stride
grew and grew. We were really welcomed home. At one point a little girl
came out of the crowed and approched
Bob Rebbec and handed him a letter.
Children and adults lined the route
reafferming our faith in our country.
This year our wives provided an extra
thrill as some followed us along the
route and others cheered loudly as we
approched the reviewing stand.The Parade honored our Iraq and Afganistan
Wounded Warriors. Some Troopers
broke ranks and presented them flags
and our thanks.
The Trooper
2
February, 2011
This letter was presented to Bob Rebbec while we were marching in the Veterans
Day Parade. Bob felt that it was to the entire Troop and has shared it with us for
this issue of the Trooper
The Trooper
3
February, 2011
Row One L-R : Shannon Struckmeyer, Jenny Dye, Rachel Schafer, Cathy Larson, Evelyn Adams.
Row Two L-R : Natalie Dye, Sandy Dye, Elda Lang, Wendy Ferguson, Teresa Coles, Helen Smith, Laverne Brooks, Linda Eaton,
Nancy Curnell, Reda Reed, Linda Rinaldi, Jan Davis.
Row Three L-R : Amy DeLaFuenete, Kathleen Casini, Marcie Shue, Jeannie White, Diane Schlitzberger, Val Larson, Minerva Richardson, Janine Drake, Rita Maher, Ernestine Sandidge, Sherri Taylor, Diane Smith, Mary Weaver, Gerry Congleton, Cheryl Sharpe,
Sybil Oldham, Vani Davis holding Cole Davis.
Row Four L-R : Kim Vidovic, Nikoda Rotvold, Lori Shue, Linda Kiren, Nancy Coulter, Nancy Swinford, Susan Christine,
Diane Rebbec, Stephanie Keenan, Janet Garrison, Ellen Styles
Row One L-R: Bob Richards, Merle Reed,George Gibbs, John Richardson, Jim Rinaldi, Ken Dye, Bob Kerin, JT Tillman, Walt Ferguson, Danny Hawn, Ed Monreal.
Row Two L-R : Charles Russell, Bob Taylor, Ynasio Rendon, Tom Oldham, Robert Schlitzberger, Jim Littlepage, Bob Curnell, Keith
Eaton Stanley Centala, Ray Gavi, George Gersaba, Dennis Perrino
Row Three L-R: Floyd Weaver, Neal Smith, Dave Boshell, Warren Swinford, Joe Shue, Don Casini, Kent Drake, Jim Good, Don
Scott, Morris Smith, John Smith, David july, Tom Lang, Brooks Styles
Row Four L-R: Bob Rebbec, Jim Davis, John Sharpe, Al Christine, Jerry Malan, John Reynolds, John White, Warren Congleton, Stuart Coulter, Dave Larson, Henry Adams. Missing from photo is Nicholas Cazares.
The Trooper
4
February, 2011
Business Meeting Notes
Bob and Sherri Taylor have taken the position as
The 2010 business meeting was held on Saturday
November 13th. It was opened by John Sharpe, Chairman ,
with reports by each of the unit leaders present.
Both the Original Commo net and the PFC net
continue to be popular with troopers .
The newsletter will continue with bi-annual issues
being sent out. The editor requests that all troopers remember to send in change of address if they move that is the
only way we can keep in contact.
Bob Taylor is stepping down as Troop treasurer,
Neal Smith was elected by those present to take over the
position. Bob will remain as a secondary signator of the account
Diane Rebbec, spoke on the continuing efforts to
find additional Troopers. All of the low hanging fruit has
been picked. The remainder of the people missing will be
harder to find since they have very common names. The
quest will continue.
Charles Cooper is stepping down as secretary,
Sherri Taylor will fill in until a trooper can be found that
wants to take over the position.
Unit Memorial, the Memorial has been completed
currently we are waiting for the Department of the Army to
move other memorials to the new Museum at Ft Benning.
Once the decision has been made we will announce the
date, time and place of the memorials placement, this will
allow as many Troopers as possible to be on hand for the
event.
Agent Orange Information and support coordinators. See
article on page nine for details.
Third Platoon, will be incharge of the 2011 reunion.
Detroit was proposed as a reuion site but voted down by the
Troopers present. Las Vegas was then approved for
November 2011, Veterans day weekend. Charles Russell
will lead the reunion unit for this years reunion.
Headquarters Platoon will be incharge of the 2012
reunion, Keith Eaton and Bob Curnell will be working to
get details firmed up, it is tentatively being planned for the
Washington DC area.
Acknowledgements
The Trooper would like to thank the following
people for their assistance in providing material for
this issue.
Barbara Cooper Photos
Linda Eaton Photos
J.T. Tillman Photos
Bob and Sherri Taylor Article’s
Jim Littlepage Poem
Bob Rebbec Little Girls Letter
5
The Trooper
The Veterans Day Parade
A soldier walked through the terminal;
His mind far away,the DMZ and his crew,
His tour of duty over now,time to go home;
A young girl bolted from the crowd,”Baby Killer!” she yelled then spat on his shoe.
For forty years he kept his anguish buried,
“What did you do in Vietnam? Did you ever kill anyone?” people would ask; he lied.
Freedom is not cheap,our boys,these men,
Many soldiers,died.
We knew the price;
We fought the battles; no one cried;
Though tears welled up deep inside.
Alpha Troop,4th Squadron,12th Cav;
The 10th reunion in Las Vegas on Veteran’s Day?
Sin city,the city of love,a parade;
The wizard of Oz will show us the way?
A fairytale welcome home;
We’ll march behind crossed sabers,the red and white
Representing the Cav Semper Paratus in freedom’s fight.
“A” troop gathered on 4th Street for the 12 block march;
A little reluctant but our heads held high.
The spirit like a baptism on Easter Sunday,
Almost brought a tear to my eye.
This soldier marched with his unit and the ones here from his crew;
An outpouring of love flowed like a river
All through the streets of Las Vegas renewing our spirit.
The ring of freedom so loud it fractured the dam holding back our tears;
Can you hear it?
The wave rolled,as we marched in a sea of flags;
What an awesome experience!
America, our mother.
The young child’s note slipped into the soldier’s hand,
It read,” Thank you for Freedom. I love you.You make my heart Twinkle.”
The cheers of gratitude, the cleansing of souls,legitimize our battles
The crowd’s chant, “Welcome home, my brothers. Welcome home”
February, 2011
The Trooper
6
February, 2011
L-R : Kathleen Casini, Don
Casini, David July and Stanley Centala
For Sgt Ken Dye the reunion
is a family affair.
L-R : Tracy Dye, Kim Vodovic, Sandy Dye,Natalie Dye, Ken Dye, Jenny
Dye, Stuart Dye, Nikoda Rotvold.
Brooks and Ellen Styles: Brooks 1st Platoon 1969-70
Bob Richards, CO Hq Platoon 1970
The Trooper
February, 2011
7
Henry and Evelyn Adams
This years Banquet entertainment suddenly at a loss
for words after speaking with Susan Christine.
The 12th Cav Trooper
Is the authorized publication of The A
Troop, 4th-12th Cavalry Association,
5548 Hazelwood Rd. Columbus, OH
43229. It is published biannually in
Feburary and September.
The cost of this publication is paid
by the donations of the members of
the Cav Brotherhood.
Newcomers Tom and Elda Lang
Mission Statement
The driving force of the Association
is to continue promoting comaraderie of A Troop 4/12 Cavalry
(Vietnam Era) through reunions,
memorial services, and communications.
Editor/Publisher: Keith Eaton, 5548
Hazelwood Rd. Columbus, OH
43229 e-mail : [email protected]
Chairman of the Association: John
Sharpe, Email : John@sharpestuff.
com
Web Master: George Gresaba,
aka Pineapple,
Email : [email protected]
Three friends back together again: Ed Monreal , Walt Ferguson and Bob Kerin
The Trooper
February, 2011
8
Headquarters Platoon
Row 1: l to r Dennis Perrino,Bob Richards,
John Smith, Bob Curnell, Ray Gavi.
Row 2: l to r Jim Davis, Thomas Oldham,
David July, Keith Eaton, Tom Lang
1st Platoon
Row 1: l-r Walt Ferguson, J.T. Tillman, Jim
Littlepage,Ken Dye, Jim Rinaldi.
Row 2 l-r Al Christine,Warren Swinford, Jim Davis,
George Gersaba, Ray Gavi, Ed Monreal.
Row 2: l-r Joe Shue, Brooks Styles,Warren Congleton,
Dave Larsen, Jerry Malan, Bob Kerin, Stuart Coulter
Second Platoon
Row 1: l to r Stanley Centala, Thomas Oldham,
Danny Hawn, Dave Boshell, George Gibbs, Dennis Perrino, Bob Taylor.
Row 2 l to r Ynasio Rendon, John Sharpe, John
Richardson, Bob Rebbec, Bill Garrison, John
White, Merle Reed, Neal Smith, Floyd Weaver
Troop,Platoon and Sisterhood Photos were
provided by David Proctor: FocusWest
Photography
The Trooper
9
Third Platoon
Row 1 : l to r Don Casini , Robert Schlitzberger,
Charles Russell, Don Scott, Henry Adams.
Row 2 : l to r Kent Drake, David July, Jim Good, John
Reynolds, Morris Smith. Missing: Nicholas Cazares
February, 2011
Agent Orange is the code name for one of the
herbicides and defoliants sprayed in Operation Ranch
Hand during the Vietnam War from 1961 to 1971.
Over 500,000 gallons were sprayed on our area of
operation. I Corp was the second most sprayed area of
Vietnam during the war.
Now over 40 years later, many of us are getting
certain diseases from that toxic chemical. The Veteran’s Administrationlists these diseases as presumptive.
This means that they are caused by exposure to Agent
Orange. The only requirement is that the veteran was
in Vietnam. Your DD 214 is the document required.
The Diseases Are:
Diabetes Type 2
Hodgkin’s Disease
Ischemic Heart Disease
Multiple Myeloma
Non - Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
Parkinson’s Disease
Prostrate Cancer
Respiratory Cancers of the Lung,
Larynx, Trachea, and Bronchus
Acute and Subacute Peripheral Neuropathy
Al Amyloidosis
Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia and Cronic B Cell Leukemia
Soft Tissue Sarcoma
Nancy and Bob Curnell showing their colors
The VA also has an Agent Orange Registry.
They will give you a free physical exam at your local
center to check for any of the above diseases. My local
primary care doctor found my lymphoma so there is
no reason not to be checked.
The following web site details the benefits to you
http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/dependents/index.htm
or call 1-800-827-1000 for your nearest VA center.
Diane Rebbec and Miranda Richardson with raffle prizes at the banquet.
You can also contact me for assistance.
Bob Taylor
email: trooper 29 [email protected]
Phone: 928-701-2155
February, 2011
10
The Trooper
A Troop Reunited
In the fall of 2001 a small group of men gathered at the Stardust Hotel and casino in Las Vegas. This was no ordinary gathering but the reuniting of men that had experienced a life time in
one year. 30 plus years ago they were members of A Troop 4th
Squadron 12th Cavalry Regiment, the only Troop from the 4th
Squardon to journey to Vietnam. They were a mixed group from
different platoons and different times ; Officers, NCO’s and regular Troopers. But as they say” It don’t matter”, they arrived alone
but while in Las Vegas they became a family.
This all came about because of a vision fostered by ( Ltee )
Frank Canda and a few other troopers that felt the time was right.
Right to remember the past, and to put fears and disappointment
away and to replace them with acceptance and a knowledge
of the honesty of our past actions, so long ago in a distant and
strange land.
The first reunion brought a resolve that we would attempt
to find all of our brothers and offer them a chance to get together
once again, not to fight but to enjoy the fellowship that began so
long ago on the backs of our Tanks and ACavs traveling the dusty
roads and trails of Quang Tri province.During the following year
troopers and wives worked diligently to locate troopers, it was
hard work and sad work at times to find out that some of our
fellow troopers had passed since we returned from Vietnam. But
our efforts were fulfilled in October of 2002, we met again this
time at the Golden Nugget in Las Vegas, our tiny band had grown
from 17 to over 50. We decided at this time not to have a formal
organization but to be as informal as possible, similar to the way
we worked in Vietnam. We would work on our own to continue
to grow our Brotherhood and find the many troopers that had
served in A Troop during the Vietnam era of 1968 to 1971. We
also determined that those who served in the Troop would never
be forgotten, Thus came about our web site and our tribute at Fiddlers Green.
During the years that followed we grew and grew and to
keep contact with our brothers we created a commo net and
newsletter to keep everyone informed of issues that were germaine to our lives. The results of our exposure to Agent Orange,
and benefits available to those with problems based in their
service to our country.
Our brotherhood is one that experiences some hardship, from
time to time as the years take their toll. As we lose our brothers
it brings a stronger bond between those that are left. Just as those
friendships of the past are being renewed, the loss is telling but
we honor those passing’s as we can, joining in prayer and remembrance for those friends of long ago and those brothers of today.
Listed below are our brothers that we lost in Northern I Corps
or in other units as some were transfered from the Troop. On
the next page are the names of our brothers that have gone on to
Fiddlers Green since we returned home, and are waiting to lift a
glass with us when we rejoin them in the future.
Fiddlers Green
Halfway down the trail to hell, In a shady meadow green
Are the souls of all dead troopers camped
Near a good old-time canteen
And this eternal resting place is known as Fiddlers Green
Marching Past straight through to hell
The Infantry are seen accompanied by the Engineers,
Artillery, and Marines
For none but the shades of Cavalrymen dismount at
Fiddlers Green
Though some go curving down the trail
To seek a warmer scene No Trooper ever gets to Hell
Ere he’s emptied his canteen
And so rides back to drink again with friends at
Fiddlers Green
And so when man and horse go down, Beneath a sabre
keen,or on roaring charge of fierce melee
You stop a bullet clean.
And hostiles come to get your scalp Just empty you canteen
And put your pistol to your head, And go to
Fiddlers Green
These Troopers gave their lives for our country in a time of war.
While Serving in A Troop 4th Squadron 12th Cavalry
SP4 Steven Andrew Bednar
SP4 Thomas H. Farmer
SGT Michael J. Le Boeuf
SP4 Leonard Ashworth Coles
SSG Guy B. Creep
SGT Alfred F. Hall
SSGT Gary L. Pflaster
SP5 William D. Ryan
PFC Monte L. Stamm
SP4 Harold J. Van Winkle Jr.
SGT John R. Jackson
PFC George H. Potts
PFC Melvin E.
These Troopers gave their lives in another unit after leaving A Troop 4/12 Cav.
Robert James Hall
Gerald Ray Hill
Samuel A. Bessent
Melvin W. Lay
Stephen Lee Smith Jr.
The Trooper
11
February, 2011
Fiddlers Green
Jerry M. Darnell
James M. Johnson
James H. Platt
Luther T Adams
Jack L. Davidson
Lee W. Junior
Elliot R Pickett
Robert Adkins
Barry J. Kalas
Paul Milburn Porter
William Daniel AlexanderErnest C. Davis
Hal
M.
Davis
John
W
Kaufman
Thomas C. Rainone
Alvin Allen
Raymond M. Deon
James A. Keene
Louis/Luis Ramirez
Arthur D. Almanza
Eugene Martin DiSanto Alfred Doyle Kirk
Philip F. Regan
George W. Alvis Jr.
Louis Edward Dossey
David George Kondeff
Ronnie L. Reisinger
James E. Armstrong
Porter L. Dozier Jr.
Roger A. Kunce
Barry Roy Reynolds
Willie Lee Arnold
Carcel
J.
Dubose
Alexander
E.
Law
Joseph V. Roberto
Otis L Artis
Kenneth W. Eizik
Charles C. Lawrence Jr.
Richard G. Rodgers
David Bailey
Flavous Elliott
David Paul Ledford
Harold Eric Rudinger
Jimmie Baker
John E. Fisher
Wilson Woodrow Likely
Johnny Michael Sammons
Robert R. Barham
Marc J. Fitzgerald
James Donald Lindley
James R. Schnitz II
Peter S. Barnes
Erodius
Flemming
Victor
B.
Locke
James A. Scott
Roger H. Barrow
Joseph E. Flynn
Kyle D. Loveridge
Thomas D. Shearer
Kenneth O. Barton
Danny L. Frazier
Donnie J. Lowman
Delmar Eugene Shelby
Carl E. Baxley
Richard C Freehauf
John E. Macklin
Donald G. Smallwood
Lawrence W. Benson
Dennis Allen Ganzel
Richard Lee Makela
Carl Edward Smith
Vernon J. Berg
Jerry
Marr
Gilstrap
Marshall
Peter
Matthieu
Stephen L. Smith
Arthur Bettis Jr.
Louis Glover
Clarence A. McClain
Wendell Frederick Smith Sr.
Leroy P. Biggs
Loyd Thomas Gore
Robert E. McClenney
Donald Eugene Spray
James R. Blair
William D. Gossman
Thomas W. MacConchie
Dennis Louis Spriggs Sr.
Mack A. Blevins
Donald E. Gracie
Robert E. McGown
Thomas Woodrow Spybuck
Lane N. Bosshardt
Richard
W.
Hall
George
Washington
McGrogan
Gerald Wayne Stephens
Robert M. Bown
William T. Harris
James McKinney
Robert Walter Stephens
John J. Bracken
Heinz Rudolf Hegel
John I. McNeil
Mark Daniel Stevenson
Kenneth E. Brinkoff
Luther E. Heim
Philip Edward Melanson
Loren L. Sundell
Robert Brouwer
Ray Heishman
Dennis E. Miller
Jerry Taylor
James E. Brown
Evertt
J.
Hennie
Johnny
Glen
Mills
Tommy Taylor
Wayne R. Brown
John E. Hershberger
Michael Sidney Minchey
Norris J. Teal
George M. Bruen
Craig R. Hierz
Chester A. Misa
Steve Rogers Thompson
Donald Ray Bunch
Ross Allen Traylor
Francis Edward Canda Ronnie Allen Hitchcock Sr.Michael Earl Moon
Ernest Holton
Charles Ray Moore
William Charles Trimble
Billy B. Carr
Kenneth
E.
Hooker
John
C.
Moore
Richard H. Turner
Bernard Charles Casha
Curtis M. Hopson
Joseph B. Mullins
Carl Homer Umbenhower
Carroll ( Al ) Church
Barron R. Horne
John D. Nolan
Ernest L. Walker
Danny Christian
Ernest L Howell
Roy G. Northcutt
George Ward
Gene M. Clark
John C. Howell
Royce R. Olsen
Andrew Frank Watson
John M. Clayton
Eugene
T.
Huntley
Donald
A.
Olson
Shelly Williams
Wesley Bill Cogburn
Joe Rodney Outzen
Jerry Wayne Willoughby
Carmen R. Cologrante Jerry Jackson
Willie Thornton Jackson Wilbert L. Owens
Randy Marshall Winkle
Randy G. Colton
Ronald A. Jillson
George Wallace Pearl
Kenneth Eugene Wulf
David E. Cox
James A. Johnson
William T. Petersen
David Joseph Wujastyk
Benjamin J. Crescini
Raymond S. Peterson
George Zakutansky
These Troopers Have Passed on to Fiddlers Green Since their time with A Troop.
They will Not be Forgotten
A Troop, 4th Squadron, 12th Cavalry
5548 Hazelwood Rd
Columbus, Ohio 43229
Disclaimer
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Needs Your Support
The 12th Cav TROOPER is an
authorized publication of the
A Troop 12th Cavalry Association. Articles or opinions
expressed in this publication,
however, reflect the views of
the authors and do not imply
endorsement by the Association.
We hope you enjoy receiving
The 12th Cav Trooper. As
you can see, the format and contents are new and will coutinue
to improve. The production of
such a quality newsletter, however, is not inexpensive. The
newsletter constitutes one of
the highest expenses of the Association budget. Many thanks
to those who have contributed.
Many more contributions are
needed, Please send your check
(Payable to A Troop, 12th Cavalry) along with the form below
to Neal Smith, 3002 Arapaho
Dr.Fitchburg,Wisc. 53719 We
will list all who donate in the
next issue.
Change of Address
Provide all changes of address to
The Trooper
5548 Hazelwood Rd
Columbus, Ohio 43229
c/o Keith Eaton
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