MACKENZIE’S
RAIDERS
Frank Cuff, President bcuff@2020cmp.com Jerry Headley, President Emeritus jaheadley@comcast.net
Tom Fleming, Vice President ThosFleming@verizon.net Dave Cox, Secretary / Editor cox.a.34cav@gmail.com
Bob Bingham, Treasurer bigbob9976@aol.com Dennis Roe, Chaplain mathatas@sbcglobal.net
John Moore, Webmaster jmoore1692@comcast.net
Fall 2014
www.3 - 4cav.org
2014 REUNION
A total of 542 registered attendees gathered in San Antonio in September for what turned out to be the largest reunion the association has yet had. Among that total were at least 256 veterans, including 58 first-timers. We had 6 HQ Troopers, 74 A Troopers, 35 B Troopers, 57 C Troopers, 57 D Troopers, along with 21 veterans from the various LRRP units of the 25th Infantry Division. Please note that these numbers represent final registered attendance and are not reflected in the business meeting minutes published
elsewhere in this newsletter. Those numbers were what was estimated the morning of the meeting, before last-minute cancellations and walk-in registrants were recorded. We understand that there were also additional veterans of our Squadron who came by the hotel to visit, but they did not all make themselves known to the registration desk.
A big thank you on behalf of the reunion committee, Jerry Headley, Bobby Bingham and Dave Cox, to all those who made cash contributions to the reunion fund. Your generosity allowed us to provide a few extra "perks," such as the coffee bars at the hospitality room entrance on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, as well as a few extra kegs of beer.
All the feedback was positive. It appears that overall, San Antonio was a big hit with our members. One thing in particular that we heard over and over again was how friendly everyone was. San Antonio apparently lived up to its chosen nickname, "Military City USA."
Your editor and principal host would also like to thank those who assisted us with the reunion. They include, first and foremost, Janice Bingham, Diana Cox and Fran Wolfe, 'cause without them, your hosts could have never gotten away with this. Bob and Susan Delehanty, Doug and Jane Hanna, Fernando "Chico" Herrera, John Moore, Dave Nelson, Les Stafford and Earl Hornung all contributed their time and assistance. If anyone was left out, we hope they will accept our sincere apologies. A note of thanks as well
to Jim Ross, who donated two new banners to hang in our hospitality rooms. The banners are in honor of GEN Glenn Otis and of the Presidential Unit Citation earned by the Squadron for its success in breaking the back of the attack on Tan Son Nhut airbase on January 31, 1968.
Banners donated by Jim Ross at Banquet
At our business meeting on Friday, Harrisburg,
Pennsylvania was selected as our reunion site for 2016. The dates will be August 3 thru 7. More about that will appear in future newsletters. Also at the business meeting, the existing slate of chapter officers was re-elected, which probably will surprise no one. The minutes of the meeting may be read in this newsletter on pages 8 and 9.
The Saturday night banquet went very well, in spite of us all being stuffed into a pretty tight space. The hotel managed to fit 40 dining tables into the main room, which was a great job on their part, and we had 10 additional tables next door in the hospitality room for overflow. A quick survey of those who were placed in the hospitality room revealed that they were very comfortable in there, as they got to spread out a little and the room was not quite so hot. Our keynote speaker was COL David Hodne, who was Squadron Commander in 2008-2010. COL Hodne gave an excellent speech, the main point of which is he and most currently serving Troopers strive to live up to the legacy we established in Vietnam. He, himself, tries to model his leadership philosophy on that of GEN Glenn Otis.
COL Hodne receives Book from President Cuff
There were six plaques awarded at this banquet. The recipients of the GEN Glenn K. Otis Meritorious Service Award were Dave Cox, John Moore and Jim Ross. The recipients of the COL Robert S. McGowan Achievement Award were William Altenhofen, Richard Christy and Manny Montanez.
Our president emeritus, Jerry Headley, was also presented with a "Quilt of Valor," the award of which was arranged by his daughter, Leigh Headley, and coordinated by some very sneaky Chapter officers.
Our thanks go also to the members of VFW Post 76, the oldest VFW post in Texas, who served as our color guard for the banquet.
The post-banquet raffle generated $4,131.00. There were two grand prizes awarded, both of them Apple I-Pads. On Sunday morning, we held our usual farewell breakfast buffet, which was well attended and gave everyone a little boost before starting the trip home.
We hope all had as good a time as we did and we hope to see all of you (and others) in Harrisburg in 2016!
JIM ROSS VISITS THE 377TH
Keynote speaker Jim Ross - 377
thSecurity Police
Squadron reunion, Wilmington, Delaware
4/23/14 - 4/27/14
For forty six years, the 377th has been wanting to thank the 3/4 Cav for saving and reinforcing them at Tan Son Nhut on 1/31/68.
Amanda Ross
I’d also like to thank Dwight Birdwell and Oliver Jones (C Troop), Stan Homiski (B Troop), and Captain Malcolm Otis (B Troop), for their accounts especially for my speech.
The one interesting thing I discovered about that battle is that it all had to do with positioning. A Troop was at Tay Ninh, further South was B Troop at Trang Bang, two platoons from Charlie were at Cu Chi, and one platoon of Charlie was guarding the Hoc Mon Bridge.
When the 377th was hit at approx. 0320, Col. Otis got the call to commit the 3/4 Cav. The first troop alerted was D Troop (air support). Two Platoons from Charlie reinforced the 377th at approx. 0630. Not knowing what to expect. Fierce fighting was taking place with 1,500 to 2,500 NVA and VC. Even though the 377th and Charlie were fighting valiantly, they were underequipped and outnumbered. This brought the other Platoon of Charlie guarding the Hoc Mon Bridge, and B Troop into the equation. By the time it was over, the 377th lost four at gate O51, C Troop lost twelve, and B Troop lost three. Our presentation lasted about 45 minutes, covering a wide range of that battle such as the communists planning for the attack on Tan Son Nhut 12/23/67 in the tunnels of Cu Chi, which would be part of Tet. I’m very proud to say for the 377th and the 3/4 Cav, that both were awarded the Presidential Unit Citation for their action. There were also 19 other units that took part in defense of Tan Son Nhut but out of all the units, the 377th & the 3/4 Cav took the most fierce onslaught at gate O51 .I could never close without mentioning the great
leadership of Lt. Col Glenn K. Otis leading us to Victory who took orders from no one during a battle only
suggestions. In my speech I stated to them I had spoken with the Col. just before his death and he stated some in the Air Force was taking all the credit for the battle. Of course with all my respect for our leader I wanted to call them out. They stated none of it was them. So I came to the conclusion, they were right or I wouldn’t have been
there but I did find out who it was and they were not there.
On a closing note, I never saw a unit have so much respect as the 377th had for our unit. They were a great bunch of Vietnam Veterans I can’t say enough how welcome they made me and my wife feel.
There’s so much else I could add to this, but due to space I couldn’t.
Jim Ross
LETTER FROM BILL SHAFFER
To all Centaurs,
Just recently, I went to the Centaurs page and learned that the MOH efforts for CW 2 Craig Peterson, helicopter pilot extraordinaire , were not to happen. I was moved and felt it necessary to relate my contacts with over a long time span with Craig. I am so sorry he is no longer with us but at least he returned from Nam to see his family.
The first contact occurred as a result of an assignment C Troop was executing through the night of July 2 and into early morning of July 3, 1968. C Troop with all available tracks was to escort an empty 6 truck convoy from Tay Ninh to Saigon to keep the Main Supply Route (MSR) from being mined- my opinion was not asked for, it was
wasn't any pain. Frank got me to the side of the road and called for Medic Russ "Doc" Gearhart. Doc gave me morphine and placed a wrap- around pressure bandage in just the right spot. Undoubtedly that bandage saved my life by slowing the blood loss. Many years later I thanked Doc for saving my life. They gave me 5 units of blood in the 12th Evac before putting me under for surgery. Don't know how much more 'pickle juice' I got there. Dick Thomas, C Troop attached Artillery FO, who had been knocked off the track got back inside and thinking I was dead started to call the shots and guide the Troops return fire. He called for flares and Centaur support before his right arm was severed just above the elbow but the lower hand and arm hanging from 2 tendons after a strike by another RPG.
Several gunships came but by then the very brief fight was over. A couple Huey's picked up our dead and wounded. Another call for more help reached the ears of Craig Peterson flying empty and returning to Cu Chi Centaur base from another mission. I found out later in a conversation with Craig he was over hours and was likely to get into trouble if he responded to the help call but in his mind he Had The Back of 3/4 Cav Troopers in trouble and wasn't going to let a possible ass chewing stop him helping HIS fellow Cav Troopers in trouble. (Personal Note: Thank The Lord Once More for Centaur). He landed by a handheld strobe in a rice paddy on the other side of the road from the ambush and myself, I think Frank and Doc were put on board, maybe others too. Frank's eardrums had been ruptured and his APC was done for. Craig lifted off for Cu Chi in pitch black conditions with some small arms fire popping. On the way, Doc tried to trade him a fifth of whiskey for that long purple-white banded neck scarf Craig's wife had made and sent him. I don't know who ended up with which. We made triage in Cu Chi and got squired around different places in the hospital. A piece of shrapnel had severed the right femoral artery under where I felt pulsing blood under my hand when we dismounted. I was in fact out-of -action and on my way home. 2/3 of the people that got that wound lost their leg. Mine was saved and functioned normally for walking. The surgery had nipped the nerves of the skin below the cuts. There is no feeling in the front of the leg which made it my briar busting leg while rabbit hunting.
I hunted Craig up at the reunion in 2008 at Ft. Mitchell (Cincinnati); well actually Frank found him. We had a great visit and there I thanked him for saving my bacon back in '68. He remembered the night Medevac and yes he was in trouble when he got back but the he just gave a shrug to his shoulders and we went on. I didn't know he was so sick, he had such a sunny disposition. He remembered Doc Gearhart and the Purple-White scarf/ bottle of booze talk. Then just a short time later he passed.
Now, very fond memories.
Thank God above for men like Craig and all you other Centaurs who always had our Backs !
Very Sincerely and on behalf of C Troop,
William Shaffer, C-6 (then), Harrisburg, PA.
ATTA BOY/GIRL
Anonymous members for their donations.
To all of you who renewed or upgraded your
membership.
Your tax deductible donations and dues keep our
chapter running. Please send your tax-deductible
donations to Bob Bingham, treasurer.
FOUND AND NEW TROOPERS
WILLIE J. HARRELL, C TROOP 67/68
Kalamazoo, Michigan
RICHARD F. MARTINEZ, C TROOP 68
San Antonio, Texas
Current number of former Troopers found – 1,585
(Includes those known to be deceased)
NOTE: 626 are on the mailing lists.
Keep searching for former troopers.
TAPS
CHARLES DEPEW, A TROOP 67/68
GEORGE E. LINKINS, A TROOP 68/69
KENNETH J. OSBORNE, A TROOP 66/67
"I find television very educating. Every
time somebody turns on the set, I go into
FYI
If you are a Purple Heart recipient and are
interested in a trip like the one Jerry Headley
took back to Vietnam in April, contact your
local VFW post. You do not have to be a
member to be considered for participation. All
travel expenses are paid by VFW.
3/4 CAV FACEBOOK PAGE
The 3/4 Cav Association group count on Facebook has grown to 731 former and current troopers and family members. The advantage to using Facebook is
that you have real-time interaction with your fellow troopers. You have to be a Facebook member to see
it since this is a closed group available only to 3/4 Cavalry troopers. If you use Facebook, go to the address shown below and on the right hand side request to join the group. One of the administrators
will add you to the group.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/53219715921/
MINI-REUNION
Hello from the North Pole in Crivitz, WI.
There will be a mini reunion in Wisconsin Rapids, WI.
on Nov. 9-12 2014.
The reunion hotel is the Mead Hotel in Wisconsin
Rapids, WI. There are rooms set aside under the “ 3/4
Cav- Tom Boettcher.”
The rooms are $79.00 plus tax a night.
All are non-smoking rooms located on one floor and
there is an elevator. Please include your name and
address for packet material and correspondence.
Thanks in advance.
THE VETERAN'S DAY ACTIVITIES WILL BE HELD
OUTSIDE EXCEPT IF IT RAINS.
PLEASE BRING COLD WEATHER CLOTHING. (In 2013 in
Des Moines, we needed warmer clothes)
Hope to see you all there.
Thomas Boettcher
N9205 Flowage Rd.,
Crivitz, WI
PH.
715-757-9205
The book, "When the Nation Called a Third Time -
Army Officer Candidate School at Fort Knox, KY: the Vietnam Era," about OCS at Fort Knox was
co-written by five Armor OCS graduates including John Moore of A Troop and with a forward by Bill Coomer of A Troop. The book can be ordered at:
http://www.starnetdp.com/103108/when-the-nation-called-a-third-time.html
Purchase the book “Centaurs in Vietnam: Air Cavalry
at War” or lithographs “MacKenzie’s Raiders” or
“Centaurs in Vietnam.” Proceeds help 3-4 CAV
projects. Email
cwburns@optonline.net
or go to our
website.
QUARTERMASTER STORE
Postage for shipping/handling is included in prices
shown. MIN. TOTAL ORDER IS $20. Send check
or money order payable to 3/4 Cavalry Chapter, to
P.O. Box 23678, Lexington, KY 40523-3678,
EXCEPT WHERE NOTED. You can also order
items on the Chapter website –
www.3-4cav.org
, and
pay using PayPal. You do not need a PayPal account,
the PayPal system will process your credit card.
NEW WINDBREAKER: These are $50 in Medium. Large is $52. XL is $55, XXL $60, XXXL $62, XXXXL $65 The front is plain, with snaps instead of a zipper. .T-SHIRT: Gray with 3-4 CAV guidon on the front, crossed sabers on the back. Sizes Small thru XL are $22. XXL $25. XXXL $27.
T-SHIRT: Navy Blue T-Shirt with embroidered regimental crest on front. Get one for your grandkids. Cost $22.00. S,M,L,XL. $27.00 2X, 3X.
NEW T-SHIRT: Gray with 3rd Sqdn. 4th U.S. Cavalry
and 25th Infantry Division lettering, regimental crest and Tropic Lightning insignia on the front and crossed sabers on the back. Sizes S, M, L, XL are $22. 2X are $25 and 3X are $27.
POLO SHIRTS: Navy Blue with embroidered 4th Cavalry Crest, crossed sabers and Mackenzie’s Raiders on left front. Cost $35.00. S,M,L, XL, $40.00 2X, 3X. NEW! Get your name, unit & years served embroidered on the right side for just $5.00 extra.
SWEATSHIRTS: Navy Blue with embroidered 4th Cavalry Crest, crossed sabers and Mackenzie’s Raiders on left front. Cost $35.00. S,M,L,XL. $40.00 2X,3X.
NEW FLEX FIT HAT: S/M fits 6 3/4 to 7 1/8. L/XL fits
7 3/8 to 7 & 3/4. $25
BELT BUCKLE: Enameled full-color 4th Cavalry crest on crossed sabers. This is the same buckle awarded each year to the top two Troopers in the Squadron. Cost $28.00 Order yours today!
NEW REGIMENTAL CROSSED SABER PIN: $10 NEW 4"X6" MAGNET: Will attach to an auto or other metal device. Cost is $5.00 each.
STONEWARE CERAMIC COFFEE MUGS: Cost is $30.00 each, including shipping / insurance to most zip codes.
PERSONALIZED VERSION OF COFFEE MUG: $35.00.
Please allow 4-5 weeks for delivery.
PINS, WINDOW STICKERS: We have a few San Antonio reunion pins left. for $5.00 each. Stickers are 2 for $5.
CAPS: Cost $20.00. Black with embroidered regimental crest and motto. Better get two!
CAV LICENSE PLATES: Cost is $15.00. First come first served. Order now!
PATCHES: Sew-on like you had in Nam. Cost $5. We regret to say that we are sold out of the ornate patches. CROSSED SABERS: Crossed sabers pin. Cost $8.00. FULL SIZE CREST: Cost $10.00 while they last. MINATURE CREST: Cost $5.00.
STADIUM CUPS: While they last. From reunion. 2 for $5.00. Have crossed sabers logo on two sides.
3/4 CAV CARDS - Pkg of 25,10,5:Color drawing of unit crest, crossed sabers, unit guidons on front cover. Old Bill on top of inside. Description of crest on back. Includes envelopes $25.00, $10.00, $5.00.
POEM: Cost $10.00. Jim Locklear wrote the poem "Vietnam Vet" and his new one “Welcome Home.” Jim donates all money made from the sale of these poems to the scholarship fund. Send your order to Jim Locklear. P.O. Box 824, Pembroke, NC 28372.
BAND OF BROTHERS POSTER: Bob McCarthy will provide a free poster of the Henry V soliloquy, “We Band of Brothers.” Write to The Printing Center, 7518 Fullerton Rd., Springfield, VA 22153 or email
yourprinter@aol.com.
3/4 CAV Dues
Send your dues ($10 Annual/$75 Life) payable to
3/4 CAV Chapter to P.O. Box 23678 Lexington, KY
40523-3678. You may also pay your dues on our
website. Go to
www.3-4cav.org
and click on JOIN.
Your dues pay for the publication and mailing of
your MacKENZIE'S RAIDERS newsletter. Please
mail us a copy of your DD-214, if you’ve never
sent one.
25th Infantry Division Association Dues
Send your 25th Infantry Division Association dues to
P.O. Box 7, Flourtown, PA 19031-0007. Attach a
copy of your DD-214 or other documentation of
service. Check out their web
www.25thida.org
for
dues costs.
CHECKLIST – HAVE YOU
X Paid your dues?X Notified us of your address change?
X Joined the 25th Infantry Division Association?
X Made a donation to the Scholarship Fund, General Fund, or the JH Soldiers’ Fund? X Found a new member?
3/4 CAVALRY CHAPTER 25th INFANTRY DIVISION ASSOCIATION
The 13th business meeting of the 3rd Squadron 4th Cavalry Chapter, 25th Infantry Division Association, was called to order at 9:03 AM on 19 September, 2014 at the Holiday Inn - Riverwalk, San Antonio, Texas, by President Frank Cuff.
Chapter Officers present were president Frank Cuff, vice president Tom Fleming, secretary Dave Cox, treasurer, Bobby Bingham, chaplain Dennis Roe, and president emeritus Jerry Headley.
Chaplain Dennis Roe opened the meeting with a prayer.
Frank Cuff led those present in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Reunion photographer, Larry Sullivan, was introduced. He thanked all present for their service and gave instructions on what to do to have a photo taken for those who had not yet done so. At the time of this meeting, 182 attendees had been photographed.
BG (RET) Anthony Trifiletti and former Squadron Commanders COL (RET) Guy Troy and COL (RET) George Stenehjem were asked to stand for recognition.
All first-time attendees present were asked to stand for recognition.
MINUTES FROM 2012.
The Minutes from our previous meeting in 2012 had been published in the Chapter newsletter. Dave Cox moved to dispense with the reading of the 2012 minutes and accept them as published. The motion was seconded by Tom Fleming. Motion carried.
TREASURER’S REPORT: Bobby Bingham presented the treasurer's report, as well as the scholarship report, and informed attendees that D Troop had set up a donation point on the small table to the right of the hospitality bar. It was noted in the treasurer's report that the Chapter had $85,728.27 in cash assets as of September 1, 2014. It was moved and seconded to accept these reports as given. Motion carried.
MEMBERSHIP REPORT: Dave Cox presented the membership report. In the two years since our 2012 reunion, the Chapter has lost 19 annual members, but gained 54 lifetime members. The Chapter also currently recognizes 12 honorary members. As of this meeting, total Chapter paid membership had grown from 603 to 626. All attendees were reminded that any paid member who has provided the Chapter with an email address will be moved to the online mailing list. Our costs for mailing the newsletter continue to be our single largest expense. Members present were also reminded that anyone who was not up to date on his dues should see Bobby Bingham and bring his membership current. Attendees at this reunion included two former Squadron Commanders and totaled 545. HHT had 8, A Troop 78, B Troop 35, C Troop 58, D Troop 57 and there were 26 LRRP attendees from the combined units. At least 45 first-timers attended.
CHAPTER WEBSITE: Webmaster John Moore reported that some back-end rework was needed on our Squadron website and there would be cost increases for that. Guestbook entries are to be encrypted and must now be approved for posting to keep out "trolls," or people who post obscene or otherwise inflammatory remarks. John also reported that as of this meeting, the 3-4 Cavalry Facebook site had grown to 731 members.
OLD BUSINESS: Under old business, Chaplain Dennis Roe thanked members for their prior support of Orphans of Foreign Wars. He described the trip he and his wife, Julie, had made to the border of South Sudan, and the heart-breaking conditions they observed while teaching English to the Sudanese refugees located there.
CHAPTER PROJECTS: Chaplain Roe presented to the Chapter a project he and his wife are working on in southwest Kenya to drill water wells for rural villages that have no source of fresh water. He noted that most of these villages have a high nuber of orphans due to tribal wars and an exceptionally high incidence of AIDS among the adult population.
It was announced that the traditional passing of the hat had resulted in just under $2,000 in donations. President Frank Cuff made up the small difference out of his pocket to bring it to an even $2,000 donated to be used for scholarships or other suitable projects. Additional pending projects include:
25th IDA reunion.
Other unspecified Squadron functions Newsletter
Website
Reunion Planning
Continuing donations to the 25th ID memorial at Ft. Benning and for the addition of the Wahine Warrior statue to the Schofield Barracks memorial. Jesse Doyle reminded us of the cost of memorial bricks still being placed at the Schofield memorial. The 4"x8" brick is $100 and the 8"x8" brick is $250.
Bain Cowell, who lives nearby, described the new Armor and Cavalry wing of the National Infantry Museum, just off post at Ft. Benning. When the dedicated National Armor and Cavalry Museum is built, it will stand facing the Infantry Museum.
COL ( RET) Galen Narimatsu, a resident of Oahu, was recognized for his work representing the Chapter with the active-duty Squadron.
Jesse Doyle announced that the 2015 25th IDA reunion will be held in Springfield, Illinois.
A letter from the current SCO, LTC Daniel Mark, was read out loud. It was noted that the Squadron had been awarded a Meritorious Unit streamer for operations in Afghanistan in 2011 and 2012.
An effort to have the name of Ed Willmers, a 3/4 Cavalry Trooper who was badly wounded in Vietnam and never fully recovered, added to the Wall was described.
Vice President Tom Fleming informed us of a new D Troop website, Centaurs in Vietnam.
NEW BUSINESS: Election of Officers: Nominations for Chapter officers were requested from the membership present. A motion from Les Stafford that the existing slate of Chapter officers be reelected was seconded by Chris Heminger. Motion carried and the following officers were reelected:
President: Frank Cuff Vice President: Tom Fleming Secretary: Dave Cox Treasurer: Bobby Bingham Chaplain: Dennis Roe
2016 REUNION: President Emeritus Jerry Headley announced that, lacking any presentations for other locations, our 2016 reunion will be held on August 3-7 in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.
GOOD OF THE ORDER: Attendees who had not yet determined where they would sit during the banquet were instructed to see Jerry Headley. All banquet attendees who brought items to be raffled off after the banquet were asked to bring those items with them to the banquet.
Dave Garrod commended Jim Ross for the banners honoring GEN Glenn Otis and the PUC earned by the Squadron for actions during the 1968 TET Offensive. Jim also was commended for his efforts on behalf the posthumous award of the Medal of Honor to Ardie Copas, who was KIA in Vietnam, and his efforts to raise money for Ardie's daughter to enable her to attend Ardie's gravesite memorial service in Florida.
First-time attendees from C Troop who served in Pleiku were asked to stand for recognition.
Warren Yeagley described the George S. Patton Museum, which stands at the crest of Chiriaco Summit on I-10 in the California desert.
Dave Nelson made a formal motion to name Harrisburg, PA our next reunion site. Dennis Roe seconded. Motion carried.
