THE BULLWHIP SQUADRON NEWSLETTER LZ FORT HOOD, TX

Transcription

Bullwhip Squadron Association Newsletter
May 2012
THE BULLWHIP SQUADRON NEWSLETTER
1st Squadron 9th Cavalry Regiment 1st Air Cavalry Division - Vietnam
3rd Squadron 17th Cavalry Regiment 11th Air Assault Division - FT Benning
1st Squadron 9th Cavalry 1st Cavalry Division - Iraq
We Can, We Will
2012 REUNION
LZ FORT HOOD, TX
May 2012
BULLWHIP SQUADRON ASSOCIATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS
President
COL (Ret) Joe Bowen
5570 County Road 18
Ozark, AL 36360
Phone 334-774-1184
[email protected]
Treasurer
CW4 (Ret) Charles Ridenour
726 Oak Lake Drive
Enterprise, AL 36330
Phone: 334-308-2110
[email protected]
Vice President
Military and Public Relations
Bob Monette
247 Old Overton Dr
Madison, AL 35756
Phone (256) 468-9290
[email protected]
Membership Chairman
Larry Wright
PMB F254301
3590 Round Bottom Road
Cincinnati OH 45244-3026
Phone: (812) 871-8642
[email protected]
Secretary and Quartermaster
Walt "Titch" Titchenell
3019 Holland Road
Newton, AL 36352
Phone (334) 692-5741
[email protected]
Don Coshey, Project Manager, Web
and Quartermaster
114 Barnes Road
Laurel Hill, FL 32567-2967
Phone (850) 834-3328
[email protected]
BWS WEBSITE
www.BullwhipSquadron.org
This is YOUR website, and we need YOUR input as we highlight Air Cav Troopers, the
1st Squadron 9th Cavalry and the respective troops.
BWS NEWSLETTER
Thanks to each of you for your articles, photos, letters and stories. Can you recall a story that
you want to share with others or specifically with BWS members? Do you remember any "war
stories" about you and your buddies? How about pictures of you, fellow Troopers, aircraft, vehicles, patches, hootches, POL, LZs, fire bases, jungle, mountains, flybys or ceremonies? If
so, let us know! We'd like to include them in the BWS library, BWS Newsletter and on the web
site. All information will be controlled and archived for incorporation into an official BWS repository available to BWS members.
Any story/picture/item you provide by mail, email, or upload should have originator information
and related event/article information. If you like you can download the newsletters on the
BWS website and/or request the newsletter be emailed to you (keep in mind that the pdf file
may be up to 10 megabytes in size so a high speed internet connection will be necessary).
2
May 2012
From Your Association President
REUNION 2012
Many of our Troopers are returning to the Squadron and renewing old friendships and
finding that "once a brother, always a brother". Our Association’s bi-annual reunion is October
11th, 12th, 13th and 14th in Killeen and Fort Hood, Texas and this is our first time we have
scouted out an LZ West of the Mississippi! Your reunion registration packets are enclosed in
this issue so please fill them out, cut them out, enclose a check to cover your events and mail
them to us as soon as you can. The 2012 reunion LZ will be in Killeen and Fort Hood and we
will have access to a variety of events and gatherings not previously available.
A significant benefit to us for the reunion is that our Squadron will be able to join us in
our events and festivities. During the past months we have refined the reunion details and we
will have activities beginning earlier than previous reunions. Both Friday (Texas BBQ) and Saturday night functions will have additional internal events to keep the camaraderie cruising. Of
special note for the Saturday night banquet is that Walt Titchnell convinced Joe Galloway to return to be our Guest Speaker. Joe honored us as our Guest Speaker at our 2004 reunion in
Dothan and for those who missed his presentation you really must be with us at LZ Hood to
meet him and share a tale or two.
Chuck Ridenour and I met with the Shilo Inn and Convention Center personnel in February and confirmed that the facilities will exceed anything that we have had before. Great
rooms, good food and plenty of room to mingle or to have mini gatherings. We still have a lot
of work to do but I believe that our 2012 reunion will be the best one yet.
HEADHUNTERs Update
The HEADHUNTER Command Changes took place on December 7, 2011 in front of 1st
Cavalry Division Headquarters. We have met with the new leaders, LTC Joey Polanco and CSM
Roger Heinze and they have welcomed Bullwhip and are actively supporting us to make our
2012 Reunion on the best ever.
The former Squadron Commander, LTC John Cushing has transferred to Fort Knox, KY to
be the Armor Officer Brach Chief and CSM Dwayne Detweiler retired after a distinguished Amy
career and is settling down in Texas. We wish them and their families the best and unfortunately know that they have just completed their best assignment in the Army—in my opinion it
just won’t get any better as far as leading Troopers.
1-9 Cavalry HEADHUNTERs progressing along an extremely compressed predeployment
training schedule in preparation for a possible deployment to Afghanistan later this year. Take
a look at some of the news on the HEADHUNTERs beginning on page 38. LTC Joey Polanco
and CSM Roger Heinze positive outlooks, commanding presence, and commitment to our Soldiers is precisely what they need as they prepare for the deployment. I was able to spend a
few days with the Squadron in December and February and was again honored to be around
these amazing Troopers.
Respectively,
Joe Bowen, Apache Red
3
May 2012
2012 Bullwhip Squadron Reunion Hotel Information
When making reservations, mention Bullwhip Squadron and Group Number 101112BS to
receive the discounted price per
room per night. to receive the
discounted price per room per
night.
Host Hotel:
Shilo Inn
3701 South W.S. Young Drive
Killeen, TX 76542
1 (800) 222-2244
$99 per room per night
2012 REUNION
LZ FORT HOOD, TX
Alternative Hotels: Holiday Inn
Holiday Inn—Killeen, Fort Hood
300 East Central Texas Parkway
Killeen, TX 76542
$95 per room per night, for rooms with two Queen beds the rate will be $99
Above block of rooms and rates at each hotel are good through September 20, 2012 However, if
Troopers call beyond the deadline and mention Bullwhip Squadron, as long as they have rooms available, Troopers might receive the negotiated rate.
4
May 2012
Advertisers
BullWhip Golf Tournament
The Courses of Clear Creek, Ft. Hood
Texas
Saturday 13 Oct 2012
Tee Time 09:00
Nestled among the hills of Central Texas,
the Courses of Clear Creek offers a private
country club atmosphere without the hassle
and expenses.
Nestled among the hills of Central Texas,
the Courses of Clear Creek offers a private
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and expenses.
18 Holes with cart for only $35.00
Rental clubs are available:
Full set $10.00
Tour Set - $25.00
To reserve your clubs in advance,
please call
254-287-4130
Questions and or comments contact:
Bob Monette at [email protected]
5
May 2012
2012 BULLWHIP SQUADRON REUNION REGISTRATION
Killeen, Texas
October 11-14, 2012
Agenda
Thursday, October 11
*Registration and Early Bird Ice Breaker,
Hors d’oeuvres at Shilo Inn
Friday, October 12, 2010
0900 – 1600, Registration Shilo Inn
1000 – 1400, Fort Hood Tour
1200 – 1700, Socializing at the Shilo Inn Lounge
1700 – 2230, Texas Outdoor Bar-B-Q, Belton Lake
Saturday, October 13, 2010
0700 – 0830, Breakfast (Trooper Preference)
0900 – 1300, Golf at Ft Hood
0930 – 1300, Skeet Ft Hood
1030 – 1500, Spouses Tour at Salado, Texas
1000 – 1500, Gatherings at Shilo Inn
1500 – 1630, Official BWS Business Meeting, Shilo Inn
1730 – 2130, BWS Banquet at Killen Convention Center
Sunday, October 14, 2010
0900 – 1000; Memorial Services Shilo Inn
*Registrations received prior to August 1, 2012 will receive a 2012 Commemorative Reunion T-Shirt in
their registration packet. Please provide T-shirt size for your packet on page 2.
Additional Shirts may be pre-ordered for $10.00 each, add quantity and sizes on page 2.
I will attend the seventh Bullwhip Squadron Association Reunion at Killeen, TX,
October 11 thru 14, 2012.
I will not attend. (Please update your contact information and return)
NO!
Refunds will be made for cancellations received by September 1, 2012
YES!
Name (Please Print)
Title
First
MI
Last
Suffix
Address
Home Phone:
Street
Cell Phone:
City
State
Zip
Email:
Spouses Name:
Troop Affiliation (s) (Please Print)
Squadron
Troop
Date(s) Served
This is NOT your motel reservation, you must do
that on your own.
6
Registration Page 1 of 3
Function
1200 – 1800, Registration
1800 – 2000, Early Bird Ice Breaker,
Commemorative T-Shirts
Include in Packet:
Additional Shirt Size:
May 2012
#
Tickets
Size
Registrations received prior to August 1, 2012 will receive
a 2012 Commemorative Reunion T-Shirt in their
registration packet. Additional may be ordered for $10.00
each
Registration fee (Packet)
Registration fee required for main attendee only – no fee for
accompanying family members and guests
0900 – 1630, Registration at Shilo Inn
1000 – 1400, Fort Hood Tour – (Cost is for bus fare only)
1700 – 2130, Texas Bar-B-Q
Adults
Children (12 and under)
QTY
1
Cost per
Ticket
Total
X
$10.00 =
X
X
X
X
Price
$0.00
$10.00
$10.00
$10.00
X
$10.00 =
X
$30.00 =
X
$15.00 =
X
X
$20.00 =
$10.00 =
=
=
=
=
0700 – 0830, Breakfast (Shilo or your choice)
0900 – 1300, Golf, Green Fees with Cart
X
$35.00 =
0930 – 1500, Skeet ($10.00 per round, includes gun and clays)
X
$10.00 =
1030 – 1500, Spouses Tour, Salado (The best art town in
X
$10.00 =
Texas)
1000 – 1500, Private Gatherings
1500 – 1630, Official BWS Business Meeting Shilo Inn
Bullwhip Squadron Association Members Only
1730 – 2230, BWS Banquet at Convention & Trade Center
Adults
X
$35.00 =
Children (12 and Under)
X
$15.00 =
(Cav Hat, Spurs, Informal or Coat and Tie, your choice, payas-you go bars)
And a little extra to help for transportation and gratuities:
TOTAL ENCLOSED:
0900 – 1000, Memorial Services, Shilo Inn
Make Checks Payable to the:
7
Thank You
Bullwhip Squadron Association
May 2012
Trooper Name Tag Information. Name Tags will be three lines,
1st Line: Fill in preferred Name
2nd Line: Unit affiliation (Will print Bert Chole’s until we run out of ink)
3rd Line: Dates served (if applicable)
Guest Name Tag Information. Name Tags will be three lines,
2nd Line: Guest of (Name of invitee)
3rd Line: Optional
Trooper
Name
Unit
Dates
Guest 1
Name
Guest of
Guest 2
Name
Guest of
Guest 3
Name
Guest of
Guest 4
Name
Guest of
Mail completed forms, pages 1, 2, and 3 to;
Chuck Ridenour
Joe Bowen
726 Oak Lake
5566 Co Rd 18
or
Dr
Ozark, AL 36360
Enterprise, AL
36330
This is NOT your motel reservation, you must do that on your own.
8
Advertisers
9
May 2012
1-9 CAVALRY OPERATIONAL SUMMARY FOR OPERATION NEW DAWN,
IRAQ 2010—2011
On September 15, 2010, the 1st Squadron, 9th U.S. Cavalry of the 1st Cavalry Division departed
Fort Hood, Texas for a one year deployment in support of OPERATION NEW DAWN. 1-9 Cavalry is
the Armored Reconnaissance Squadron for the 4th Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division.
During the initial stages of the deployment, 1-9 Cavalry was responsible for a large area west of
Mosul in Ninewa Province, Iraq. The Squadron’s area of operations stretched from Qayarrah in the
south to Mosul Lake in the north and was bounded on east by the Tigris River and a major oil pipeline on the west. This area was substantially larger than doctrine would normally assign to a cavalry squadron sized element. From October to December, 1-9 Cavalry conducted operations to
establish Observation Posts to observe and secure the Mosul-Baghdad highway, a corps-level line
of communication. Additionally, the Squadron conducted Key Leader Engagements with multiple
battalion and brigade leaders in the 2nd and 3rd Iraqi Army Divisions as well as with several leaders of the Kurdish Regional Guard Brigade and Iraqi Police. These engagements led to multiple
combined operations with the partnered Iraqi elements to include two Iraqi-led brigade sized operations to clear multiple suspected enemy support zones in the southern portion of the AO.
1-9 Cavalry received a change of mission during the second half of December, 2010. The Squadron was tasked to establish a training area on COS Marez that would support training for entire
battalions of the 3rd Iraqi Army Division. This mission became the Squadron’s main effort and
epitomized the Advise, Train, and Assist mission. The Ghuzlani Warrior Training Center had strategic level benefits by providing training to seven Iraqi battalions from January through July. Each
month, 1-9 Cavalry trained a different unit in squad-, platoon-, company-, and battalion-level exercises to improve not only their ability to provide internal security to the Iraqi populace, but also
to protect them from any external threat. The training included defensive, offensive, tactical
movement, and urban operations training. Additionally, 1-9 Cavalry provided specialty training in
medical operations, maintenance, intelligence, communications, and mortar fires. Starting with
the second iteration of the GWTC, each unit conducted a battalion Live Fire Exercise. The February
LFX was the first battalion-sized LFX conducted by the Iraqi Army since the dismantling of the Sadaam Regime’s Army. The LFX incorporated not only the IA battalions’ small arms, but included
their 60mm and 81mm mortars as well as a casualty evacuation exercise by the battalion medics.
Over the course of seven months, 1-9 Cavalry trained over 4,500 Iraqi soldiers at the GWTC, making it the largest and most comprehensive training program in Iraq.
While the majority of the Squadron focused on the Ghuzlani Warrior Training Center, Bandit Troop
remained at the Al Kisik Iraqi Army Base. From there, Bandit Troop maintained relations with the
Iraqi Security Forces and provided training to multiple security elements. Bandit Troop was responsible for Combined Check Point 11 near the village of Zumar. Bandit regularly conducted security patrols and leader engagements in Zumar. The Squadron’s forward support company,
Death Dealers, provided support to both of these remote locations through regular logistical patrols.
During the final months of the deployment, Bandit Troop relieved 6-8 CAV and assumed responsibility for two additional combined checkpoints near Sinjar. The squadron was then responsible for
strategic over-watch of the entire western portion of Ninewa Province, an area approximately
5,000 square miles. In the final month of deployment, Bandit Troop shut down US force presence
in the check points and closed our portion of Al Kisik. They joined the rest of the Squadron at
COS Marez and prepared for redeployment.
In late August, 2011, the Squadron completed a successful Relief in Place with 2-13 CAV from Fort
Bliss and departed Iraq for Fort Hood, TX.
10
May 2012
K
R
OU
Y
.
OR PY cate
F
O
P C pli
EE
Du
2012 BULLWHIP SQUADRON REUNION REGISTRATION
Killeen, Texas
October 11-14, 2012
Agenda
*Registration and Early Bird Ice Breaker,
Hors d’oeuvres at Shilo Inn
0900 – 1600, Registration Shilo Inn
1000 – 1400, Fort Hood Tour
1700 – 2230, Texas Outdoor Bar-B-Q, Belton Lake
0700 – 0830, Breakfast (Trooper Preference)
0900 – 1300, Golf at Ft Hood
0930 – 1300, Skeet Ft Hood
1030 – 1500, Spouses Tour at Salado, Texas
1000 – 1500, Gatherings at Shilo Inn
1500 – 1630, Official BWS Business Meeting, Shilo Inn
1730 – 2130, BWS Banquet at Killen Convention Center
0900 – 1000; Memorial Services Shilo Inn
*Registrations received prior to August 1, 2012 will receive a 2012 Commemorative Reunion T-Shirt in
their registration packet. Please provide T-shirt size for your packet on page 2.
Additional Shirts may be pre-ordered for $10.00 each, add quantity and sizes on page 2.
I will attend the seventh Bullwhip Squadron Association Reunion at Killeen, TX,
October 11 thru 14, 2012.
I will not attend. (Please update your contact information and return)
NO!
Refunds will be made for cancellations received by September 1, 2012
YES!
Name (Please Print)
Title
First
MI
Last
Suffix
Address
Home Phone:
Street
Cell Phone:
City
State
Zip
Email:
Spouses Name:
Troop Affiliation (s) (Please Print)
Squadron
Troop
Date(s) Served
This is NOT your motel reservation, you must do
that on your own.
11
Function
1800 – 2000, Early Bird Ice Breaker,
Commemorative T-Shirts
Include in Packet:
Additional Shirt Size:
May 2012
#
Tickets
Size
QTY
1
Registrations received prior to August 1, 2012 will receive
a 2012 Commemorative Reunion T-Shirt in their
registration packet. Additional may be ordered for $10.00
each
Registration fee (Packet)
Registration fee required for main attendee only – no fee for
accompanying family members and guests
0900 – 1630, Registration at Shilo Inn
1000 – 1400, Fort Hood Tour – (Cost is for bus fare only)
1700 – 2130, Texas Bar-B-Q
Adults
Children (12 and under)
Cost per
Ticket
Total
X
$10.00 =
X
X
X
X
Price
$0.00
$10.00
$10.00
$10.00
X
$10.00 =
X
$30.00 =
X
$15.00 =
X
X
$20.00 =
$10.00 =
=
=
=
=
0700 – 0830, Breakfast (Shilo or your choice)
0900 – 1300, Golf, Green Fees with Cart
X
$35.00 =
0930 – 1500, Skeet ($10.00 per round, includes gun and clays)
X
$10.00 =
1030 – 1500, Spouses Tour, Salado (The best art town in
X
$10.00 =
Texas)
1000 – 1500, Private Gatherings
1500 – 1630, Official BWS Business Meeting Shilo Inn
Bullwhip Squadron Association Members Only
1730 – 2230, BWS Banquet at Convention & Trade Center
Adults
X
$35.00 =
Children (12 and Under)
X
$15.00 =
(Cav Hat, Spurs, Informal or Coat and Tie, your choice, payas-you go bars)
And a little extra to help for transportation and gratuities:
.
OPY
TOTAL ENCLOSED:
UR C n on the
O
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R
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i
O
t
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PF
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s
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0900 – 1000, Memorial Services, Shilo Inn Dupli
ill
n
ou w
io
whip the Reun of
o
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ase
ith yo ration in c
w
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r in
ist
and b ow to reg
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s
a nd
origin
Make Checks Payable to the:
12
Thank You
als y
May 2012
Trooper Name Tag Information. Name Tags will be three lines,
2nd Line: Unit affiliation (Will print Bert Chole’s until we run out of ink)
3rd Line: Dates served (if applicable)
Guest Name Tag Information. Name Tags will be three lines,
2nd Line: Guest of (Name of invitee)
3rd Line: Optional
ou
. als y
Y
P gin
CO ori
R he p
OU on t lwhi
Y
l
n
OR atio o Bu
F
t
m
EP for in
KE he in send
t
l
te wil
ca
i
l
p
Du
Trooper
Name
Unit
Dates
Guest 1
Name
Guest of
Guest 2
Name
Guest of
Guest 3
Name
Guest of
Guest 4
Name
Guest of
Mail completed forms, pages 1, 2, and 3 to;
Chuck Ridenour
Joe Bowen
726 Oak Lake
5566 Co Rd 18
or
Dr
Ozark, AL 36360
Enterprise, AL
36330
This is NOT your motel reservation, you must do that on your own.
13
May 2012
Official BWS Year 2013-2015 Board Members Nomination Form
Troopers
Suspense August 3, 2012
Once again it is time to elect the Board of Officers for the next two years. Only Regular Dues
Paying Members, can Vote. Please nominate who you would like to serve as your Board
Members, sign and mail this ballot back to:
ATTN: Board of Director Candidate Submission
5570 County Road 18
Ozark, AL 36360
THIS Nomination MUST BE RETURNED BY August 3, 2012 TO BE CONSIDERED. Cut
this page out of the newsletter, fold over, tape closed, enter your return address and
mail. Better yet enclose this form with your 2012 Reunion Registration form!!! Voting Ballots with nominees' names will be included in the August newsletter. All election ballets will remain unopened until they are opened and counted at the Bullwhip
Squadron Reunion’s General Membership meeting, 1500-1600, October 13, 2012 at
the Shilo Inn, Killeen, Texas. Board members will be sworn in during the 2012 Reunion in Killeen, Texas.
Write in the names of those you would like to nominate in the respective position. (Nominees
must be Lifetime association members)
President______________________________________
Vice President__________________________________
Vice President__________________________________
Secretary______________________________________
Treasurer______________________________________
Membership Chairman___________________________
YOU make the decision who the Association leaders will be.
Name (Print)_________________________________________
Troop Served__________________________________
Signature and Date_____________________________
Current Board Members
President--------------------------------Joe Bowen
Vice President-------------------------Secretary/Quartermaster Officer ----Walt Titchnell
Treasurer--------------------------------Chuck Ridenour
Membership Chairman----------------Larry Wright
14
1515
May 2012
Nomination for of Board of Directors for the
Bullwhip Squadron Association, 2013 -2015
ELECTION OF OFFICERS BULLWHIP SQUADRON ASSOCIATION for the years 2013 -2015
Any Life member of the Association, including an incumbent, who wishes to be considered for as a candidate for an elective office on the association board (President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer,
Membership Chairman) should forward a candidate packet to:
ATTN: Board of Director Candidate Submission
5570 County Road 18
Ozark, AL 36360
The Bullwhip Squadron Association must receive all nominations for new Board Members no
later than August 3, 2012, to assure sufficient time for processing insertion into the August Newsletter for voting of nominated Board Members.
The biographical sketch must include the applicant’s full name and provide ranks, dates of service, and
units of assignment in the 1st Cavalry Division.
Provide the dates and positions for any offices held and duties performed in support of the Bullwhip
Squadron Association and similar information for any other veteran’s organization the applicant belongs
to. Any instances of special support for Association programs or events should also be included if applicable.
The candidate must also describe what specific benefits he will bring to the position and what his plans
are for enhancing the association and support for current and future members.
A picture of the candidate taken while serving in the Squadron (if available) and a recent picture should
be included (at least a 3x5 size picture).
The candidates’ packets will be scanned and duplicated for printing in the August newsletter
(less private information such as SSN if you provided it) and will be included in the official election ballots that will be mailed to eligible voting members of the association inside the August
newsletter.
Official Election Ballots
The signed, official election ballots inside the August newsletter must be mailed back to the Association
and received not later than October 5, 2012.
ATTN: Board of Director Voting
5570 County Road 18
Ozark, AL 36360
Only Lifetime Members of the Bullwhip Squadron Association are eligible to run for Office and to vote in
the election. Honorary and Associate Members are not eligible to run for board positions or vote in elections.
All election ballets will remain unopened until they are opened and counted at the Bullwhip Squadron Reunion’s General Membership meeting, 1500-1600, October 13, 2012 at the Shilo Inn, Killeen, Texas. The
election results will be announced during that meeting to all Association members present. If a newly
elected Board Member is not present he will be contacted immediately afterwards and congratulated.
15
May 2012
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16
May 2012
The Squadron Landing on the Beach at Qui Nhon —September 13, 1965
Left to right UNK, SP4 Shelman (C TRP), CSM “Rabbit” Lawrence Kennedy, the Dog Suzzie,
LTC John Stockton (Bullwhip 6), SSG Moore, HQ Trp, SP4 Walt “Titch” Titchenell, C Trp *. Many others in the picture just off the landing craft were from C TROOP
Donated by C Troop Troopers 1965-1966
17
REMEMBER
1 LT Robert Poxon
18
May 2012
May 2012
TAPS
As the years go by our fellow Troopers are lifted out of the LZ and our lives. We will keep you advised of
these sad events when we can and post the information here and the BWS website. When BWS members provide information we will try to pass on the information to the rest of the association. If anyone has pictures and memories they would like to share please send them to us. Our intention is to have space for memorialize for all that pass on. Surviving family members can provide information and pictures and we will make
a separate web page/s for the Troopers that died in combat or passed away after tour.
Ed Keeney
Dana Ed Keeney, also known as Ed, passed away Friday, April 20, 2012, at his
home in Ft. Walton Beach, FL.
Born in Prenter, WV, on May 23, 1949, to parents Charles E. Keeney and the late
Frances (McCormick) Keeney, Ed grew up in his hometown of Carlsbad, NM.
He began his career in the US Army as a warrant officer. Immediately after flight
school Ed was deployed to Vietnam as an OH-6 Scout pilot in the 1st Cavalry Division.
He flew 400 combat missions, was shot down three times within a 48-hour period, and
was severely wounded the last time he went down. He was awarded the following
medals for heroism: Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross with Oak Leaf Cluster,
Bronze Star with V, Air Medal with 14 Oak Leaf Clusters and the Purple Heart. Ed was
also awarded the Master Aviator Wings, Meritorious Service Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, National Defense and Army Commendation Medals. He retired out of Ft. Rucker AL
as a CW4 with 26 years of service.
After his military retirement, Ed continued his career in helicopter aviation, eight
years; Ed flew oil inspectors to the platforms in the Gulf of Mexico.
Ed was a man of faith, and was a member of Calvary Baptist Church. He was a
loving husband, father and grandfather. He also was a member of the Emerald Coast
Mustang Club and enjoyed his Shelby Mustangs. In his younger years, Ed was a 2nd
degree black belt and instructor in Hapkido. He also enjoyed deep sea fishing, scuba
diving, watching NASCAR races, making model cars, helicopters and planes. He will be
missed dearly.
He is survived by his wife, Chong Keeney; five children: Clint Keeney, Trisha Holub, Jason Durr, Susan Keeney
and Melisha Keeney; five grandchildren: Alexander Rivera,
Serena Keeney, Cameron Wilson, Caden Wilson and Joshua
Holub. He is also survived by his father, Charles Keeney, his
sister Tara Olds and many close friends.
19
May 2012
TAPS (CONTINUED)
Johnny Keith Gower, C Troop 1/9th
Johnny Keith Gower, age 77, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his family.
Johnny was born December 9, 1934. to Alvin and Mildred Gower in Kendrick, Oklahoma.
Johnny moved to Pasco in 1944 and graduated from Pasco High School in 1952. After high
school, he attended Washington State University. He then moved to Cheney to attend Eastern
Washington College. While at Eastern, he was selected for ROTC and received his commission in
1956. His first assignment after college was in the Field Artillery Branch of the army at Ft. Bliss,
Texas as an Electronics Instructor. After completing his two years at Ft. Bliss, he went to flight
school and became proficient in fixed wing and helicopters. In 1960, he received orders for a
three-year tour in Germany.
Johnny served two combat tours in Vietnam, starting in 1965 with the newly formed Air Calvary
Division. During these tours he served with the Bullwhip Squadron C Troop 1/9th and 117th
AHC Company, as well as many other assignments. He received numerous awards and decorations, including several air medals.
When Johnny returned from Vietnam, he was selected to attend Command and General Staff
College in Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas. He spent seven years assigned to CACDA (Combat Arms
Combat Development Activity). After many commands, awards and schools, Johnny retired as a
Lieutenant Colonel after serving 22 years in the Army. After retiring from the Army, he and his
family returned to Pasco. He then worked for Battelle Northwest for 20 years. While there, he
was a Department of Defense project manager.
Johnny is survived by his high school sweetheart Barbara Conn, who he married in 1953. They
had 3 children, Johnny Keith Gower, Jr., Kathy Jean Bausch, and Karen Leigh Cooper (Blair); 8
grandchildren, Nick, Tony, Ben, Kalleigh and Marty Bausch, Amanda Gower, Cody and Casey
Cooper; great-grandchildren, Caleb, Brayden, Brooklynn, Tabion, Joziah; his brother Jimmy
(Jan) and family, Jenny (Dennis) Rogers; Jimmy Jr. (Mary), Wade, Wyatt and Wilhelmina; also
Jerry's surviving children, Jayna (Craig Motzkus), Janel Clum, Jerry Gower, Jr.; cousin,
DeWayne (Frankie) Gower and family; Aunt Helen Gower. He was preceded in death by his parents, Alvin and Mildred Gower and brother Jerry.
Special mention to close friends and neighbors Lance and Waleta Michael, Glen and Mary
Simons, Roma and Ted Walters, Lori and Dale Lindsey, Sonny Putman, Class of '52, Bill and
Doris Williams. Johnny loved to fly and really enjoyed his antiques and especially his antique
cars. He bought a 1940 Chev like the car that he and Barb used when dating in high school.
In the 5th grade, Johnny made a list of his goals for his life. We can proudly say he completed
these goals by being in the Army and becoming an aviator. No words can express how much he
will be missed nor how much he is loved by all his family and friends. He fought a valiant battle
with his cancer. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and
brother, uncle and cousin.
We want to express our sincere "Thank you" to everyone at Lourdes and Kadlec hospitals, Columbia Basin Hematology and Oncology Center, Tri-City Home Health (especially Clay and
Linda); Hospice at the Chaplaincy, Chaplain Tim and Cassia, Dr. John Intravatolo and Commander Lyle Gilk.
Burial was conducted on Saturday, May 12, 2012, at City View Cemetery, Kendrick, Oklahoma.
20
May 2012
TAPS (CONTINUED)
Roy Allen
Roy Allen, age 64, of Dema, KY, died Sunday, October 2, 2011, at McDowell Appalachian Reg.
Hospital in
McDowell, KY. Survived by: Wife - Glenda Nickles Allen. Sons - Robbie (Angela) Allen and
Jason Allen
Daughter - Leisa (Greg) Woods, Brothers - Gobel Allen, Walter Allen and James Arthur Allen,
Sisters - Clara (Late Duger) Conley and Deloris (Charles) Branham, 4 Grandchildren - Dakota,
Haley, Hannah and Logan.
Funeral services for Roy Allen were held on Wednesday, October 5, 2011 at the Hindman Funeral Services Chapel with Ricky Smith and Randall Short officiating. Burial was at the Whitt
Martin Cemetery at Dema, KY.
John M. Schillereff, HQ,E,F Troops, 70 72-73
John M. Schillereff, born September 19, 1950. Died March 6, 2010. Was a resident of Shadyside, OH. survived by wife Cherl. Served in troops HQ, and E in 1970 and in F troop in 19721973.
He was affectionately known as "Onion". He was a wild man, fiercely loyal to his country and
his friends. He was a firm believer in Sasquatch and spent maybe more time than he should
have in the Northwest Territory looking for proof. I enjoyed his friendship and regret losing
touch with him when he needed his friends the most. Charles R Ridenour
Bruce A. St Laurent , B troop 65-66
Bruce Alfred St. Laurent went to be with the Lord on October 4,
2011. He was born April 12, 1937 to Alfred and Helen St.
Laurent in Exeter, New Hampshire.
Bruce served his country in the US Navy, serving as a Boatsman's Mate. He later served in the US Army and worked as a
helicopter mechanic and inspector. He was preceded in death
by his parents, his step-father, Edward Jandreau and his son,
Bruce Edward St. Laurent.
Survivors include his beloved wife, Joan; daughter, Suzette Haskell; son, Scott St. Laurent and wife Linda; daughter-in-law,
Katherine St. Laurent; grandchildren, Christine Haskell, Elizabeth St. Laurent, Cassandra St. Laurent, Matthew St. Laurent,
and Emerald St. Laurent; aunt, Alice St. Laurent and his feline
buddy, Mr. Tramp.
A Funeral Mass was held October 14, 2011 at St. Thomas More
Catholic Church. Interment with military honors was at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery,
Texas.
21
May 2012
TAPS (CONTINUED)
Dudley Watts
Jim Haslitt, A Troop, 66-67, made contact with Dudley's wife in November
and we received his obituary after the last newsletter.
Posted: Monday, December 28, 2009 12:00 am | Updated: 4:08 pm, Fri
Feb 17, 2012.
Services were held Monday at Saint Peters Catholic Church in Covington
for Dudley Cole Watts Jr. Watts, who passed away Sunday, Dec. 20,
2009, at 12:36 a.m. at Opelousas General Health System, was a native of
Abita Springs and a resident of Opelousas. He retired as a sergeant first
class with the U.S. Army after serving 21 years and 10 months.
He then worked as a licensed master plumber for his own business, DC’s
Plumbing. He retired after working there for 22 years. Watts enjoyed fishing, dancing, bowling and spending time with family. Watts was a parishioner for Our Lady
Queen of Angels Catholic Church in Opelousas.
Mourning his departure while cherishing his memories are his wife of 28 years Annette Watts of
Opelousas; three sons, Dudley Watts III (Brennetta) of Covington, Douglas Watts (Rhonda) of
El Paso, Texas, and Darren Watts (Kim) of Lafayette; four daughters, Yolanda Clark of Washington Parish, Tracy Clark of Opelousas, Monica Sapp of Natchitoches and Mary Boyd (Chad) of
Carencro; 21 grandchildren; three brothers, Toye Watts (Linda) of Leesville, Leonard Watts
(Augustine) of Lumberton, Miss., and Joseph Watts of Deridder; six sisters, Gwen Chave
(Donald) of Westlake; Christine White (Tommy) of Sulphur, Marcia Watts of Hammond, Amelia
Watts of Abita Springs, Terrylyn Richardson of Clarksville, Tenn., and Gabrilla Richard of Deridder; a best friend Shelby Berry (Elaine) of Decutur, Ill.; two godchildren; and a host of nieces,
nephews and friends.
Robert Lundwall, B troop 68-69, F troop 72-73
Robert Lundwall, B troop 68-69, F troop 72-73, Wife Beverly, no other information was obtained, reported by Bob Monette F troop 72-73
Charles Dunlap, C Troop 66
Charles Brady Dunlap, 69, of Glen Burnie, passed away on March 28, 2012 at Gilchrist Center
Howard County in Columbia. Charles was born in 1942 in Wilmington, North Carolina. He
served in the US Army for 20 years until retiring, and then went on to work for the Department
of Defense for 27 years. His hobbies included hunting and fishing. He is survived by his wife of
32 years, Ann M. Dunlap; two children, Christine Trott and Brady Dunlap; three grandchildren,
Garrett Madsen, Lillian Trott and Charles Dunlap; and many cousins and family in the North
Carolina area.
Donations may be made to Gilchrist Hospice Care, 5537 Twin Knolls Road, Ste. 433, Columbia,
MD 21045- OR- Wounded Warrior Project, 4899 Belfort Road, Ste. 300, Jacksonville, FL 32256
22
May 2012
TAPS (CONTINUED)
Jerome M. Boyle, A Troop, Apache 24
Former 1-9 Cav Cobra pilot Jerome Maitland
“Jerry” Boyle died at age 73 on Thanksgiving Day 2011, at the
Whitefish Care and Rehabilitation Center in Whitefish, Montana. His wife Andrea had been with him until nearly midnight
the night before and said he seemed to be OK, but at four in
the morning she was called in, and Jerry died a couple hours
later with Andrea at his side.
Jerry was born May 28, 1938, in Los Angeles. By age 22, he
already had his fixed-wing private pilot’s license and was a police officer with the Ventura (California) Police Department. In
later years, he liked to brag about what a great shot he’d been
there. He sent his friends copies of a June 1968 article, “Ventura Policeman Boyle Big Shot on
Pistol Range,” from the local paper that described how he led the Ventura Police Pistol Team to
victory in National Police Combat Matches, where Jerry himself took top prize.
Two months after that article was published, though, Jerry was out of a job – fired by the Ventura Police Department (for reasons he owned up to in his book) and unable to find work. He
decided the thing to do was enlist in the Army and go to flight school. He called in favors from
his six years as an enlisted medic in the Army Reserve to get an age waiver (the maximum was
29, and he was 31), and soon found himself a Warrant Officer Candidate at Fort Wolters, Texas.
Jerry wrote about his time in flight school, including his discovery that helicopters were different from airplanes, in his book Apache Sunrise: A Cobra pilot’s life-and-death experiences in
Vietnam’s legendary Apache Troop, 1st of the 9th, Air Cavalry. As its title implies, though, the
book was mainly about Jerry’s time in Apache Troop, which he joined in March 1970. He was
thus there for the “Cambodian Incursion” in May 1970, and still there for “Second Cambodia,”
February to May 1971. (When A Troop stood down, Jerry extended and spent an extra six
months in country, flying Cobras in B Troop. His further adventures there were always going to
be part of the next book that some of us kept urging him to write – but alas, it was not to be.)
When I discovered Jerry’s book at the local Barnes and Noble, it opened
memories I had long tried to bury away. I laughed as I read it, and I
cried. When I got to the inside back cover that said he was living in
Ojai, California, I called the operator and got his phone number (no
Internet White Pages then); I had to tell him how much I enjoyed his
book. Jerry was wary at first, thinking I might have been the captain he
blamed for the loss of a friend, but when I was able to recall details of
that incident, and remind him where and how I fit into the story, he
warmed to me and we began a correspondence that lasted until he began his final descent. I will forever be grateful to Jerry because his book
made it OK for us all to think once again about the war nobody like to
talk about, and to be proud of our service there.
Jerry Boyle was a good pilot, to be sure, but he was an even better
teacher. To him, there was no duty more sacred than running a Pink
Team reconnaissance mission, watching over the Low Bird from his perch
in a Cobra circling overhead. He impressed upon his front-seaters, a position I was fortunate to occupy many times, the importance of keeping the Low Bird in sight
and of being ready to dive to the Scout crew’s rescue any time the call came up, “Taking fire.”
23
May 2012
TAPS (CONTINUED)
Jerry didn’t just talk the talk, though. He walked the walk, as I saw for myself on March 7,
1971 when Apache 16, piloted by Bob Smith, was shot out of the sky south of Snoul, Cambodia. I was in the back end of the command and control (C&C)
Huey, high overhead, when Smitty and his crew and their OH-6
light observation helicopter (LOH) simply disappeared. Jerry
and his front seat, Jeff Cromar, had seen them go in, and kept
up suppressive fires as they talked the C&C crew into the right
neighborhood to look for survivors. To our surprise and great
joy, all three members of the Scout crew made it out of the
crash, and we were able to motion them toward an opening in
the tall grass where we could pick them up. As that was unfolding, Jerry reported he had expended all his ordnance, and
said he would try to draw fire away us as we made the approach. He and Jeff Cromar flew low and slow around the pickup zone, including over the very area where the fire that
downed Smitty had come from, daring anyone who wished
harm to the Americans to shoot at his Cobra instead of our
Huey. We all got away unscathed, but Jerry’s action that day
has always stood, for me, as what the Cav was all about – he
ready and willing to sacrifice himself so the crew of his Low Bird
could come home, and they all did.
Jerry also flew in Bravo Troop. When the squadron was standing down, he extended for six
months and flew Cobras in B Troop, which stayed behind when the rest of the squadron came
back to Fort Hood.
Jerry at A Troop Reunion in 2006: Left to
right are Charlie Cochran, Max Evans, Jim
Thomas, Jerry Boyle, and Monte Johnson
Fortunately for all of us, Jerry Boyle made it to a
couple of Apache Troop Reunions, and he was just
as towering a figure then as he had been in Song Be
and Snoul.
On Thanksgiving Day when he died, Jerry had been
in decline for a long time, wasting away physically as
well as mentally, so maybe the fact he died peacefully with Andrea at his side is something to be
thankful for. But it’s a sad, sad thing just the
same. Jerry was always just a little bit larger-thanlife, with his red hair and booming voice, and the
world was a better place for his having lived in it.
Still, he is going to be missed by many. Besides his wife, Andrea, Jerry is survived by his children, James Maitland Boyle of Germany; Kevin Lee Boyle of Sacramento, California; and Jennifer Rebecca Newton of Lincoln, Nebraska; stepsons Brent and Matthew Mikesell of Spokane;
and seven grandchildren.
Apache Troop was well represented at Jerry’s funeral, with John Bartlett, Jim Thomas, Carl Rosapepe, John Williams, Jeff Cromar and Bob Smith (the same Jeff Cromar who’d been Jerry’s
front seater when Bob Smith was shot down and recovered, and the same Bob Smith), there to
pay their final respects. Bart reported they all had dinner with the Boyle family at his house
outside of Whitefish, Montana, the night before the funeral, and Jerry’s friends were able to tell
his children about their Dad and the unit he served.
Jerry Boyle, Apache 24, was one of our best. He is, and will be, missed.
24
May 2012
TAPS (CONTINUED)
Ted MacNish, B Troop
Got this yesterday from Ted MacNish, the son of B Trooper and Bullwhip member Ed MacNish.
I'd messaged his son about the May 28th event that will be at the Wall.
"Dear Jeremy it is with a heavy heart that I have to inform you that my father passed today. If
on any level I can represent him or his group with the utmost humility I would. Today we lost a
great patriot."
I grabbed this info off Ted MacNish's Facebook page:
I'm sorry to deliver more bad news about 1/9th CAV veterans. I'll let you know if and when I
get details about services for MacNish. I also gave his son your e-mail address.
I'd gone to visit and interview MacNish in the summer of 2008.
Jeremy Hogan
B Troop Troopers Ed MacNish and Jerry Mohr (who
lives in PA) taken in 2008
25
May 2012
SICK CALL MAY 2012
Our troopers need our prayers, thoughts and concerns.
Swede Erickson, A Troop, Apache 23, 68-69
Johnny Gower – C Troop Scout, 65-66
CSM "Rabbit" Kennedy, HQ 65-66
Pappy Kuster, A Troop 65-66
Jack Oliver B Troop, 64‐66
William Potts, A & HQ 66-67
William Potts, A and HQ 66 -67
Dave Pryce, A Troop 67
Oscar Rincon, A Troop 70-71
Gen. Robert Shoemaker, Spur 6, HQ 66
MG Jim Smith, HQ 66
Chuck Soltes, A Troop 66-67
Dick Timmons, B Troop 65-66
26
May 2012
TO ALL TROOPERS
PHOTO CONTEST for the 2012 REUNION
We are having a photo contest for each Troop HQ, A, B, C, D, E, F and attached elements.
We want to enlarge a photo from each Troop to poster size to be displayed at the Reunion.
Priority will be given to Photos that have the following:
Identification of Troopers, Number of 9th Troopers in the photo, Identification of Time and
Place of Photo, Number of Bullwhip Members in photo, Clarity of photo (we are enlarging it to
poster size Approximant 24x36 inches). If you have your favorite photo of your 9th Cav Troopers contact Larry Wright to submit it for the contest. Photos must be submitted by August 30,
2012. For example, in the category of completion between Scout and Weapons pilots, Bob
Monette and Norm Stewart have been nominated with the pictures below.
Bob Monette, Sabre 20, F Troop 72-73 and one of
his Girlfriends way back when he could date young
and good looking ladies by F Troop standards
Norm Stewart, Apache 13 found one of his
granddaughters at the Apache Troop Reunion in
Albuquerque, NM, back in August 2011
27
May 2012
FROM THE MEMBERSHIP CHAIRMAN
Larry Wright, Membership Chairman
We have a total of 653 Members. 616 Lifetime Members with 10 being on the installment plan. 37 Annual members with three being Associate Members.
We have 74 Honorary Lifetime Members and one Associate Lifetime Member. After the
newsletter is sent out I will send the Annual and Lifetime payments dues letters out.
541 Paid Lifetime Members
74 Honorary Lifetime
1 Paid Associate Lifetime
37 Paid Annual Members
653 Total Members
New Members
Joseph L. Armelin, TX , B troop 12/70-5/71 Sabre 35, Wife “Cora"Che", Lifetime
Richard S. Chilton, FL, B Troop 63-66, CW2, Rare Fixer Blue 38, Wife: Kit
LTC John M. Cushing, TX, HEADHUNTER 6, 1-9 Cavalry Squadron Commander,
Aug 2009 – Dec 7, 2011, wife; Marla, Lifetime
LTC Andrew J. Hudson, D troop CO in 1969, Armed Savage 6, Served with D
troop as Commander from May 1969 to November 1969, Texas, Wife: Sylviane.
Lifetime
Billy Ray Johnson, Lifetime, VA, B troop 67-68, Red 21 & Blue, Pilot & Blue
Leader, Wife Gayla.
LTC Jose L. Polanco, HEADHUNTER 6, 1-9 Cavalry Squadron Commander, Dec
7, 2011 to present
Gary E. Rossomme, GA, F 1/9 Cav 11/71-1/72, Saber 17, Wife Julia. lifetime
Dr. Thomas J. Williams, OH, HHT 7/65-7/66 Squadron Flight Surgeon, Wife:
Shirley
28
May 2012
FROM THE MEMBERSHIP CHAIRMAN –ADDRESSES
Larry Wright, Membership Chairman
We do not have any good addresses for the attached list of Members.
We have lost contact with the following members. If you know how to contact
them please have them contact Larry Wright at 812-871-8642.
Robert H. Bowman Lifetime
Morton Bulkley
Lifetime
Harry P. Butt
Lifetime
Jim Francis
Lifetime
Charles H. Gregor Lifetime
Donald L. Gresham Lifetime
William W. Hartin Lifetime
Edwin Hill
Lifetime
Richard C. Lunbery Lifetime
James W. McKnightLifetime
Bruce T. Morris
Lifetime
Louis B. Niles
Lifetime
Walter J. Pugh
Lifetime
Steven J. Serkez Lifetime
Robert R. Silva
Lifetime
Peter G. Snow
Lifetime
John F. Stetter
Lifetime
Russ Underwood Lifetime
Franklin Williams Lifetime
Ronald K. Westfall Lifetime
Charles D. Wilke
Lifetime
29
B
B
D
C
C
A, D
B
B
F
B
C
C
F
A
C
C, F
HQ
A
69-70
66-67
B 65-66
67
70-71
68-69
67-68
70-71
71-72
68-69
67-68
69-70
C 69
71-72
69-70
66-67
69-70, 70-71
65-66
65-66
Don Stiver, Apache 56, 1969, and his new RV8 aerobatic
airplane that the built himself…..at Merritt Island Airport,
April 2012. His Skybolt biplane hangs from the rafters of
his hangar.
May 2012
Association Financial Status
2009 2010 2011 Assets: CD: 58641121013
5193 $10,896.43 CD: 58028123541
7343 $27,719.86 Checking Bal‐
ance: $5,115.48 2012 Total: $43,741.77 Opening Balance: $14,209.26 $11,629.20 $11,684.12 $8,820.35 Postage: $221.23 $292.70 $496.44 $128.78 Server: $1,533.98 $503.39 $183.49 $39.95 Reunion: $847.97 $29,167.07 $459.00 $1,915.59 Reunion Refunds: $0.00 $1,782.50 $0.00 $0.00 Quarter Master: $590.29 $2,785.63 $2,293.86 $400.93 Office Supplies: $371.40 $703.03 $263.58 $34.65 Bank Service Fees: $0.00 $103.25 $37.00 $0.00 Newsletter: $2,625.59 $5,676.11 $5,496.44 $0.00 1‐9th Cav Spur Ride: $1,280.00 $590.00 $0.00 $0.00 Total Expenses: $7,470.46 $41,603.68 $9,229.81 $2,519.90 Income: (Membership Dues and Quarter Master Sale) $4,828.25 $41,425.25 $4,688.37 $1,031.00 Variance: ‐$2,642.21 ‐$178.43 ‐$4,541.44 ‐$1,488.90 Closing Balance: $11,629.20 $11,684.12 $8,820.35 30
May 2012
Squadron Paver dedication at the National Infantry
Museum, FT Benning, GA, November 2011
Dave Allen, Jim Talley and Walt Titchnell at
the National Infantry Museum, FT Benning,
GA dedication of the Squadron Paver,
November 2011
31
May 2012
Bullwhip Members World Travels
Colonel Tom Macdonald, HEADHUNTER 6, 2003-2005, in his new job after Fort Benning
with NATO in Afghanistan. I asked Tom if the guy on his right was a former Scout pilot
(mustache)……… Tom usually flies around the AO in MI-17s instead of Army aircraft.
He is due back soon to the cooler Georgia summers.
32
May 2012
Members World Travels
F Troop on a trip back to their old AO as only F Troop can do
it…….Feb 2012
HEADHUNTER February
Spur Ride. The Troopers
were on their 18 hour
mark of long field operations and chilled to the
bone. Some 215 Troopers
completed the Ride and
received their Silver Spurs.
33
Jeremy Hogan Photo
Apache Troopers and their families outside the hotel in Albuquerque , NM, during
the August 2011 reunion hosted by Ron and Bequi Livingston
34
May 2012
May 2012
The Bullwhip and Headhunter LOACH Challenge
Way back in February 2011, somebody got the bright idea to take a Vietnam-era OH-6A that used to be
on display at the Fort Rucker Museum but was no longer needed there, and move it to Fort Hood to be
displayed in front of the headquarters of the current 1st Squadron, 9th Cavalry. The plan was to get the
LOH to Fort Hood, get a proper set of 1st of the 9th crossed sabers painted on the nose and have a
grand unveiling on 10 November, in conjunction with ceremonies marking the squadron’s return from its
latest tour of duty in Iraq.
Joe Bowen, Apache Red, formed a great plan for moving the aircraft from Alabama to Texas, but true to
the old adage, the plan did not survive first contact . . . with the bureaucracy.
The powers-that-be didn’t like the transportation plan – hauling the LOH on a trailer with lead and trail
vehicles occupied by qualified aviation safety officers. They wanted it moved by commercial carrier instead, which would have made the shoestring operation EXPEN$IVE.
Joe teamed up with LTC John Cushing, the Squadron Commander at the time (in Iraq at the time) and
they figured out how to satisfy all the demands of the powers-that-be, and after 9 months of admin bureaucracy the move got underway. Jim Kurtz
This idea started back in October 2009, after the Squadron’s Spur Ride when HEADHUNTER 6, LTC John
Cushing and I were talking over a beer how it would be neat to have one of our aircraft in front of the
Squadron. It took awhile but with a great Team effort from Troopers in the Squadron it happened. The
plans for the November initial dedication did not work out but we successfully moved it to December and
except for the weather it was a “Great Day to Be at Fort Hood”. The move would not have happened
without Jim Kurtz’s encouragement and behind the scenes recon by fire jabs in Washington D.C.. In addition, Guy Rogers, a dear old friend that was in 4-9 Cav at Hood, flew in from Frisco, TX, to help load,
drive and unload the LOACH. If Guy and Jim had not dedicated their time to Bullwhip and 1-9 it just
would not have happened.
Eight HEADHUNTER Officers, NCOs and Troopers worked really hard through nights and weekends to get
the aircraft ready and then moved it to the site Tuesday morning with Temperatures in the teens (wind
chill.) The Troopers that cleaned, sanded, painted and moved the LOACH from the motor pool to the HQ
are listed below:
SGT John Botello, B Troop; SPC Walter
Moeller, A Troop; PV2 Justin Robinson,
HHT;SFC Cory Smith, HHT; SSG Daniel
Seemann, HHT (Rebuild Lead); SSG
Adam Christenson, C Troop; CPT Jonathan Wade, HHT;
CPT Walter Gradzik, A Troop.
The formal dedication with the plaques
and marking of the other side of the
aircraft with F Troop markings and tail
number will take place during the Bullwhip reunion on October 12, 2012. I
have talked to COL Booth about this
and he has agreed to officiate the
event during the reunion.
Apache Red
35
36
May 2012
May 2012
Here are a several pictures from the LOACH dedication from 6 December 2011 in front of the
1-9 Cavalry Headquarters building at Fort Hood, TX. The HEADHUNTERs put on a first class dedication
despite the changing weather and it was obvious to we Veterans that the Troopers enjoyed the idea of
getting the aircraft for the Squadron.
LTC John Cushing, HEADHUNTER 6, escorted General Shoemaker to the aircraft and helped get him on
target to complete the paint of the Sabers on the nose of the LOACH.
37
Apache 6 (LTG “Retired” Paul Funk) was VERY gracious (but grumbling…)for climbing
up the tilted ladder after I provided the safety briefing. Paul then attempted to fill in
the small missing part on the Apache triangle. There was one complication to this in
that he was provided a right handed brush to accomplish the mission and he need a
left handed brush……..General Shoemaker kidded Paul about his taking so long………...
May 2012
Nate Shaffer’s Journey and His Loach, 990 ZIT
Nate Shaffer’s journey to find, rebuild and dedicate the aircraft he
flew , 990 ZIT, is an amazing one
and will be detailed in the next
newsletter. He and his fellow Charlie Troop Brothers efforts to make
this happen is just incredible. ZIT
will be dedicated later this month
at LZ, Motts Museum in Ohio.
Stand by!
38
May 2012
Nate Shaffer’s Journey and His Loach, 990 Cont’d
39
May 2012
HEADHUNTER News
The HEADHUNTER Command Changes took place on December 7, 2011 in front of 1st Cavalry
Division Headquarters. LTC Joey Polanco and CSM Roger Heinze have welcomed Bullwhip and
are actively supporting us to make our 2012 Reunion on the best ever. The former Squadron
Commander, LTC John Cushing has transferred to Fort Knox, KY to be the Armor Officer Brach
Chief and CSM Dwayne Detweiler retired after a distinguished Amy career and is settling down in
Texas.
HEADHUNTER 6, LTC Jose Polanco Commander, 1st Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment
4th BCT, 1st Cavalry Division
LTC Jose Polanco graduated from the United States Military Academy in
1994. His first duty assignment was at Fort Hood, Texas with Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment in the 1st Cavalry Division where
he served as a Mechanized Infantry Platoon Leader and then Company
Executive Officer. He was then reassigned to the battalion’s Headquarters
Company and served as the Support Platoon Leader and the Headquarters Company Executive Officer.
After the Infantry Captains Career Course, LTC Polanco was assigned to
the 4th Ranger Training Battalion, where he served as the Battalion S1 and
then as a Ranger Platoon Trainer with Bravo Company. LTC Polanco later
moved to Fort Bragg and was assigned to 2-505 Parachute Infantry Regiment where he served as the Battalion S4 and then Commander of both
Alpha Company and Headquarters Company, commanding both of these
companies while supporting Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. LTC Polanco later served as the Commander for Alpha Company
and Headquarters Company in the 5th Ranger Training Battalion in Dahlonega, Georgia.
After company command, LTC Polanco attended the Air Command and Staff College (ACSC) at Maxwell
AFB, Alabama. After graduating ACSC in June 2007, LTC Polanco moved to Fort Polk, Louisiana and was
assigned to 2nd Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment, 4IBCT, 10th Mountain Division where he served as the Operations Officer and Executive Officer during Operation Iraqi Freedom VII. He later served as the Brigade
Executive Officer for 4IBCT, 10th Mountain Division.
LTC Polanco has just finished serving as a US Exchange Officer to the United
Kingdom in the British School of Infantry in Warminster, UK. Within the School of
Infantry, he served as a Force Development Officer in their Capabilities Branch.
40
May 2012
HEADHUNTER 9, Command Sergeant Major Roger L. Heinze
1st Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment
4th BCT, 1st Cavalry Division
Command Sergeant Major Roger L. Heinze is a native of Indiana. He
enlisted in the Army on the March 7, 1988 and attended One Station
Unit Training as a 19K Armor Crewman at Fort Knox, Ky.
CSM Heinze’s overseas assignments include one tour in Germany, and
four combat tours in Southwest Asia. His four combat tours were as
Tank Loader with 1-8 CAV, 1CD; Tank PSG with1-67 AR, 4ID; Tank
Company 1SG with 2-8 CAB, 4ID; and SQDN CSM with 2nd SQDN, 3d
ACR. His stateside assignments include tours at Fort Hood, Texas; and
Fort Carson, CO. He has served in a variety of duty positions to include
tank driver, loader, gunner, tank commander, recruiter, tank platoon
sergeant, armor first sergeant, CSM (Rear), 4th Infantry Division, and
SQDN CSM.
CSM Heinze has attended various military schools to include; Primary
Leadership Development Course, Basic Noncommissioned Officer's
Course, Advanced Noncommissioned Officer's Course, Pre-Command
Course, Command Sergeant's Major Designee course, and the Non Resident U.S. Army Sergeants Major
Academy.
His awards and decorations include: The Bronze Star Medal with V Device and three Oak Leaf Clusters,
Meritorious Service Medal with four Oak Leaf Clusters, Army Commendation Medal with eight Oak Leaf
Clusters, Army Achievement Medal with 8 Oak Leaf Clusters, Good Conduct Medal (7th Award), National
Defense Service Medal with Bronze Star, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on
Terrorism Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal with four Bronze Stars, Overseas Service Ribbon
(Numeral 5), NCOPD Ribbon (Numeral 4), Combat Action Badge, Gold Recruiter Identification Badge
and Gold Recruiter Ring.
His other honors include being enrolled in the Excellence in Armor Program, induction into the Sergeant
Audie Murphy Club and Sergeant Morales Club, selection as the 2001 Dallas Recruiting Battalion Recruiter of the Year, and has been awarded the Order of St. George, Bronze Medallion.
He is married to Charlotte who is a school teacher at Copperas Cove HS.
CPT Cook, Squadron Chaplin, LTC Polanco
(HEADHUNTER 6) and MAJ Novoselich
(HEADHUNTER 5) at the February Spur Ride
Chuck Ridenour (Saber 13) and Joe Bowen (Apache
Red) trying to put spurs on Troopers at the conclusion of the Spur Ride. It was really, really cold and
windy for us two “older guys”
41
May 2012
HEADHUNTER Homecoming Ball Nov 2011
Moving the Buffalo, named LTC Stockton, out of the
Homecoming Ball back to Squadron Headquarters
CPT Moore (B Troop Commander, Bandit 6, 2011-12)
and
Bob Marshall (B Troop, Saber Blue 1969)
CSM Longstreet, 4th BCT CSM; COL Brian Winski, CDR 4th BCT, LONGKNIFE 6, 2009-2011; SFC Andre Bundick; MAJ Jason Kniffen, SQDN S3; LTC John Cushing, HEADHUNTER 6, 2009-2011; CSM
Dwayne Detweiler, HEADHUNTER 9, 2010-2011. SFC Bundick and MAJ Kniffen had just received the
Infantry Order of Saint Maurice at the 1-9 CAV Homecoming Ball, November 2011. A nominee for the
Order of Saint Maurice must have served the Infantry community with distinction; must have demonstrated a significant contribution in support of the Infantry; and must represent the highest standards
of integrity, moral character, professional competence, and dedication to duty.
42
May 2012
Pappy Kuster and Documenting Our Trooper’s Service to Our Country—By
Jeremy Hogan, Son of Jerry Hogan, B Troop
Gentlemen,
I'm attaching some stills from the video session I worked on with 1/9th CAV Alpha Trooper Patrick Frank to document the story of WWII, Korea, Cold War and Vietnam Veteran (and pilot
extraordinaire) Robert "Pappy" Kuster.
As many of you knew, Kuster flew just about every type of
combat airplane there was to fly in WWII including B-17s, B
-24s and P-38s. He retired from the Air Force during the
1950s as a Lt. Colonel and then went into the Army as a
Master Sgt. to end up with A Trp 1/9th CAV during the Vietnam War beginning with events leading up the battle in the
Ia Drang. The Army said Kuster, who was in his 40s by
then, was too old to fly therefore they wouldn't send him to
helicopter flight school. There's so much to Kuster's history
then one only gets a brief outline by talking to him for over
an hour.
The video will be shared with the Library of Congress for
their Veteran's History Project. For now, I'm sharing stills in
case they are needed for the Bullwhip Squadron news letter,
website, etc. In the black and white photo that's Kuster
standing on a P-61 Black Widow of the 339th Fighter Wing
at Johnson, Air Force Base in Japan during 1947.
I'm also sharing these stills with the Vietnam Veteran Commemoration, a P-61 Vet of WWII and an archivist of P-61
history. There are only a few P-61s left in existence which were already rare just after they
were made.
Thanks,
Jeremy Hogan
43
May 2012
Pappy Kuster and Documenting Our Trooper’s Service to Our Country—By
Jeremy Hogan, Son of Jerry Hogan, B Troop—Cont’d
Pappy and Pat Frank
Pappy Posting the Colors at the 2008 Reunion
44
May 2012
Stories from the Sons— MAJ Cronen A Troop
Apache Troopers,
Those who attended the Apache Troop Reunion in Albuquerque might remember Thad
Cronen, whose father commanded the troop in 1966. The attachments will be of interest to anyone who served in those days, and the link below will take you to pictures
from the Albuquerque gathering. Many thanks to Thad for sharing. Jim Kurtz
Hello Jim, below is the link to those photos
I am as well attaching a copy of the A Troop Roster 6 June 1966 along with a few other
documents pertaining to my Dad's service with hopes that you may know others that
may have been at the same locations at the same time as well as a photo of my dad
and I as a child. The photo of the 2 holding the elephant tusk are on right John Nelson
( My dad’s pilot) and James Schlottman a forward observer attached to the 1/9 in 1966
they are both on the roster as is "Pappy" & Larry Wright, Larry was Crew Chief.
Thanks Thad Cronen
Louisville KY
Thad Cronen and his Dad, MAJ James Cronen
John Nelson ( My dad’s pilot) and James Schlottman
45
May 2012
Stories from the Sons — MAJ Cronen, A Troop
Scout6-Apache 6 when Dad was aboard , June 1966
46
Advertisers
A GREAT read from one of our own
Squadron Commanders, Pete Booth
(1969). You can find this very comprehensive history and many first person
accounts on Amazon.Com or at your
local book seller. COL Booth is one of
our advertisers and his contribution
helps support the publication and mailing of our newsletter
47
May 2012
May 2012
Do You Have a DFC?
The Distinguished Flying Cross is the highest aviation medal, the fourth highest combat medal
and is awarded for heroism or extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight.
The DFC is awarded to pilots and air crew in all five services (U.S. Army, Air Force, Coast
Guard, Marine Corps and Navy), all rates/ranks, and both genders. It also covers all wars and
campaigns from WWI forward.
The Distinguished Flying Cross was established by Congress on July 2, 1926 to recognize the
gallantry of World War I pilots. The first Distinguished Flying Cross award citations were presented to the Pan American Flight crews on 2 May, 1927 by President Coolidge, for their five
ship, 22,000 mile flight. President Coolidge presented the first Distinguished Flying Cross
medal, on 11 June, 1927, to Captain Charles A. Lindbergh of the Army Air Corps Reserve for
his solo flight of 33 ½ hours spanning 3600 miles across the Atlantic Ocean in 1927. Lindbergh
is also a member of The Distinguished Flying Cross Society.
The Distinguished Flying Cross Society (DFCS), founded in 1994 is a 501(c) (19) nonprofit organization and is made up of men and women who have been awarded the Distinguished Flying
Cross and relatives of those recipients. The Society currently has 5,700 plus members. DFC
recipients should consider joining for the sake of their families even if they aren’t personally interested in joining. Families derive great satisfaction in seeing the recipient’s name on the DFC
Honor Roll on the internet for all to view.
The DFC Society is headquartered in San Diego, and just published a
coffee table size book (8½ x 11) on the DFC entitled “On Heroic
Wings: Stories of the Distinguished Flying Cross”. The Foreword was written by President Bush (41) and the Introduction was
written by Jim Lovell; both are members of the DFC Society. The
book is based on oral history accounts, Distinguished Flying Cross
citations and associated primary source documentation. Visual images gathered from personal collections and archives illuminate the
comprehensive content of this volume. While acquiring the factual
data was essential, capturing the personal feelings and perspectives
of American aviation heroes was also significant. One of the main accounts in the book is the story of Michael O’Neil of the First Air Cav
Div during the assault into Cambodia in May 1970.
The Society educates the general public and enhances public records
by documenting, publishing, and presenting the history of the DFC and its recipients. DFCS
fosters fellowship among its members and takes great pride in aviation and space exploration.
It supports this vision by sponsoring scholarships for descendents of its members. The DFC Society also actively solicits new members to ensure its message is delivered to the general public.
If you are a DFC recipient or know someone who is, check out the DFCS website
(www.dfcsociety.org/) for information on the benefits and requirements for joining, as well as
an application form. Families are also encouraged to enroll a deceased DFC recipient and become an Associate member. For additional information, call their toll-free number at 1- 866332-6332.
48
May 2012
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49
May 2012
2012 REUNION
LZ FORT HOOD, TX
BULLWHIP SQUADRON ASSOCIATION
5570 County Road 18
Ozark, Alabama 36360
NONPROFIT ORG
US POSTAGE PAID
OZARK, AL
PERMIT NO. 18
Address Service Requested
50

THE BULLWHIP SQUADRON NEWSLETTER LZ FORT HOOD, TX

Transcription

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