2018 REUNION

Tom Fleming, President [email protected] Jerry Headley, President Emeritus [email protected]

Dwight Birdwell, Vice President [email protected] Dave Cox, Secretary / Editor [email protected]

Bob Bingham, Treasurer [email protected] Dennis Roe, Chaplain [email protected]

John Moore, Webmaster [email protected]

Fall 2018 www.3 - 4cav.org

2018 REUNION

Our gathering in Colorado Springs in September brought together 175 Troopers, along with family members, for a

total registered attendance of 325. The final count by Troop came to: HHT - 8, A - 54, B - 37, C - 26, D / LRRP - 46,

F - 4. In all, we had 31 first-time attendees, including two from 1-4 CAV; Jorge Esquilin, who is a life member of our

chapter and Bill Shea, the Honorary Adjutant for the 4th Cavalry Regiment.

The reunion had one hitch, the Thursday tour. Due to last-minute problems with the tour bus operators, the tour had to

be moved from Friday to Thursday, at an earlier time than was originally announced. Unfortunately, several folks

who came in late on Wednesday evening and did not receive their registration packets did not know and missed the

tour. For this, Dave Cox, principal host, is extremely sorry.

We had a beautiful hospitality room with views of Pikes Peak and the surrounding area. Included in the HR were the

Quartermaster Sales and reunion registration tables. A complementary continental breakfast was served Thursday

through Saturday by the hotel and our farewell buffet was also served in the room Sunday morning.

Jane Hanna and other volunteers working QM Sales, with a view to the west of the base of Pikes Peak.

mailto:[email protected]







3rd Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment 2

A table with snacks and drinks, complements of the Peterson family, was also set up in the hospitality room.

Photo courtesy of Bruce Powell

On Friday morning, we held our business meeting. Among the things discussed were changes to the bylaws and the

fact that we are losing members faster than we are gaining them. It was determined that we need to make a stronger

effort to attract younger veterans of the Squadron. The new masthead on this newsletter is one of them. The traditional

passing of the hat netted $2,040 for the scholarship fund. Therefore, it was moved that the money collected from raffle

ticket sales be used toward the $5,000 needed to purchase a plaque honoring our squadron at the National Museum of

the United States Army. The museum is scheduled to be completed next year. As we also had a pledge from John

Radvansky of $1,000 toward the plaque purchase the members present voted to fund the plaque. $3, 501 was

collected from raffle ticket sales, so we almost have enough to make the purchase. Anyone wishing to donate toward

the balance of $499 is encouraged to do so. Also at the meeting, Bill Shea spoke to us about future regimental get-

togethers. There are plans for one next year in Branson, Missouri. The full meeting minutes begin on page 11.


David Montgomery answers questions about Greenville, South Carolina as a potential reunion site.

Jerry Headley describes the National Museum of the United States Army.


Bill Shea, Honorary Regimental Adjutant, presents for future regimental gatherings.

Chaplain Dennis Roe gives the post-meeting benediction.


At our Friday night BBQ, we were entertained by a western swing band, the Flying W Wranglers. Most attendees

enjoyed the performance and several couples got up and danced.

Flying W Wranglers

Dancing to the Wranglers


Chow line at the Friday BBQ

Enjoying our meal before the Wranglers took the stage.


We held our memorial service on Saturday morning. At this service, the names were read of most of those we've lost

since the 2016 reunion. There were 50 in all and since the reunion, we've been notified that there are two more, James

Baldie and Fred Hodges, that we didn't know about prior to the reunion. Our bagpiper, Randy Arent, came down from

Denver to play for us and a bugler from Ft. Carson was on hand to play Taps.

Gathering for the memorial service.

Randy Arent.


Immediately after the memorial service, a gathering was held in the same room in remembrance of Centaurs Dale

Dow and Charlie Rice. Dale's son Tom and Charlie's wife Shellie and sister Terry were among those who told stories

about Dale and Charlie. For many of us who knew either Dale or Charlie, it was a very moving occasion. The two

photos which follow are courtesy of Bruce Powell.

On Saturday evening, we held our traditional banquet. Our speaker for the evening was BG (Ret) Anthony Trifiletti,

who spoke to us about the experience A Troop had preparing to go to Viet Nam from Schofield Barracks, the trip

over including the time spent on Okinawa and the arrival at Cu Chi. The speech included a lot of humor, as did the

trip itself. He mentioned that the troopship we sailed on from Honolulu harbor ran aground on a reef (that had a

lighthouse on it, no less) off Naha, Okinawa in the wee hours of the morning. Your editor recalls that we also sank an

M113 to the bottom of a pond while doing amphibious exercises on the island, which BG Trifiletti didn't mention.

Your editor is sure he didn't forget, as he was one of the officers who swam down to the bottom in over 20 feet of

water to attach a tow cable to it. Not so funny then, but hilarious now.


BG (Ret) Trifiletti Speaks at the Banquet

Colors and Guidons Behind the Banquet Riser

The 4th Infantry Division at Ft. Carson provided us with their Mounted Color Guard for our banquet. It was

somewhat disappointing that they did not bring their horses. Even so, they did an excellent job and were perfectly

dressed for the occasion.


Posting the Colors


Our Missing Man table was arranged for us by the hotel staff. Please note the patch on the fatigue shirt in the photo on

the next page. This shirt was placed courtesy of Bob Rahnefeld, who brings it to every reunion.

A questionnaire was handed out at the registration desk regarding preferences on future reunions. The result is that out

of the 94 responses, 78% stated that reuniting with fellow troopers was their primary reason for attending reunions.

86% said they will attend a reunion anywhere in the country, 56% prefer to drive as opposed to fly and 91% indicated

that they would attend a reunion that was held only on weekdays. 54% indicated that the room rate range that might

keep them from attending would be $130-$150. Anyone wishing to host a reunion should keep these results in mind

for planning a future reunion site.

Overall, the reunion was successful. The total attendance was down once again. We were notified in advance that

many of our members would not be able to attend due to health issues with themselves or their family members. In

addition, we received a number of cancellations from registrants who had to cancel in the last days leading up to the

reunion for medical or other life-affecting issues. We hope that the numbers will come back up for 2020, but with the

aging of our membership, this might not be possible.

We are, in fact, gaining new members from among younger Troopers. As time passes, we expect this to continue and

perhaps accelerate as the younger veterans begin to understand how much these gatherings can mean to them.

Most of the photos in the reunion article are courtesy of our webmaster, John Moore. There will be more later on

in this newsletter.


3/4 CAVALRY CHAPTER

25th INFANTRY DIVISION ASSOCIATION BUSINESS MEETING MINUTES

The 14th business meeting of the 3rd Squadron 4th Cavalry Chapter, 25th Infantry Division Association, was called to order at 8:30 AM on September 28, 2018 by president Tom Fleming.

Chapter Officers present were president Tom Fleming, vice president Dwight Birdwell, secretary Dave Cox, treasurer, Bobby Bingham, chaplain Dennis Roe, and president emeritus Jerry Headley.

Chaplain Dennis Roe opened the meeting with a prayer. Tom Fleming led those present in the Pledge of Allegiance.

BG (RET) Anthony Trifiletti, COL (RET) Guy Troy and MAJ (RET) Bill Shea were recognized. Bill Shea is the Honorary Regimental Adjutant for the 4th Cavalry Regiment.

All first-time attendees present were asked to raise their hands.

MINUTES FROM 2016.

The Minutes from our previous meeting in 2016 had been published in the Chapter newsletter. Guy Troy moved to dispense with the reading of the 2016 minutes and accept them as published. The motion was seconded by Dwight Birdwell. Motion carried.

TREASURER’S REPORT: Bobby Bingham presented the treasurer's report, as well as the scholarship report. As of June, 2018 the Chapter had $117,431.38 in assets. This represents an increase of $2621.12 in the first half of the year, and an increase of $20,482.98 since June 30, 2016. Our net assets continue to grow, largely because of a continued high volume of QM store sales and donations from our members.

MEMBERSHIP REPORT: Dave Cox presented the membership report. In the two years since our 2016 reunion, our membership has remained stagnant. We are losing members faster than we are gaining new ones, so we have a net loss of 9 members as of this meeting. The total includes 43 annual members, 578 life members and 11 honorary members. The total number on the mailing lists was 627 as of July 15, 2018.

CHAPTER WEBSITE: Webmaster John Moore reported that our chapter website is now a secure website. John also reported that most of the Troops have websites of their own now. Stan Homiski may start up the B Troop site again with a new format. The original B Troop site is archived on the Chapter site. The C Troop site has been updated with new software. Bruce Powell was congratulated for his work on the D Troop site and the F Troop site has been integrated into it. As of this meeting, the 3-4 Cavalry Facebook association page had increased to 1200 active members. Roger McGill is moving the HHT FB site. 1st Platoon, B Troop has a Facebook page. Bill Ruff is no longer overseeing the C Troop Facebook page and is looking for a new master. The F Troop page is overseen by Frank Dillon.

OLD BUSINESS: There was no old business.

NEW BUSINESS: The primary subject was changes to the bylaws. An addition to Article 4 regarding membership reads: to include assigned, attached or affiliated personnel. John White's motion to accept was seconded by Chris Heminger. Motion carried. The addition to the bylaws of Article 9 was proposed by Jerry Headley which bequeaths the balance of cash in our Chapter General Fund to either the Army Emergency Relief Fund and / or the USO, in the event that the Chapter should be dissolved from future non-participation as our members age and we are unable to recruit enough younger members to carry it forward. Chris Heminger moved to approve and Andrew Giordano seconded. Motion carried.


2020 Reunion: David Montgomery from Visit Greenville, South Carolina made an excellent presentation for a reunion in that city in 2020. Jerry Headley presented for Fairfax County, Virginia. The vote was in favor of Fairfax County by a large margin, mainly due to the prospect of visiting the National Museum of the United States Army, which is scheduled to open in 2019. The opportunity to tour the museum and hold our memorial service at the memorial garden appeared to be the principal deciding factor. It was announced that the 2020 reunion will be held from September 23 to September 27, 2020.

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 Barry Anderson. As the motion was carried unanimously, a vote was dispensed with.

President: Tom Fleming Vice President: Dwight Birdwell Secretary: Dave Cox Treasurer: Bobby Bingham Chaplain: Dennis Roe

CHAPTER PROJECTS:

25th IDA reunions Attendance of Squadron change of command ceremonies by our local liaison, Galen Narimatsu. Attendance of funerals of departed members. Donations for 25th IDA scholarships. Planning of future reunions. Quartermaster Store. Newsletter Websites

GOOD OF THE ORDER:

Jerry Headley described how the Chapter came into being 30 years ago and the progress that has been made since its formation, including the 14 reunions that have been held.

Bill Shea made a presentation about forthcoming 4th Cavalry Regimental reunions. It was decided in 2017 that the regiment would not create a formal association, but instead would hold informal get-togethers on the odd years when 3/4 CAV is not holding our reunions. The next one will be in Branson, MO in September, 2019. All 3/4 CAV Chapter members are invited to attend. Information will be published in future newsletters.

El Paso County VSO David Donahew made a presentation on benefits available from the VA, with a special focus on benefits for spouses. He stated that he would be available for consultation and to answer questions in the hospitality room from the end of the business meeting until 2:00 PM.

Bobby Bingham announced that he had specially made ribbons and pins memorializing the 1968 Tet Offensive, which were available at no cost to any Troopers who had been with the Squadron during that period.

The traditional passing of the hat for donations to the Scholarship Fund raised $2,040. As a result, it was suggested that profits from the sale of raffle tickets at this reunion be used toward the purchase of a unit plaque to be displayed at the National Museum of the United States Army. John Radvansky stated that he would donate the first $1,000 for this project and moved to approve it. Andrew Giordano seconded and the motion carried.

Chaplain Dennis Roe led attendees in a final prayer for those currently serving, those lost in prior wars and everyone present at the reunion.

President Fleming adjourned the meeting at 1047..

FYI

The Centaur Veterans' Reunion will be held from

November 8-11 at Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas. Go to the

Centaur website: http://www.centaursinvietnam.org/

for details.

ATTA BOY / GIRL

Lynn Peterson Mobley, for her $1,000 donation to the

scholarship fund. John Radvansky, for his $1,000

donation for a unit plaque at the Army Museum. John

White, Jim Messina, Khanh Huynh, Richard Larcom

and anonymous members for their donations to the

scholarship, reunion and general funds. To all who

have newly joined the Chapter, 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

TOM "BUCK" BUCHAN, C TROOP 69

Colorado Springs, Colorado

WILLIAM GREGORY, D TROOP 68/69

Dickinson, Texas

MIKE HOLDER, D TROOP 69/70

Coppell, Texas

GARY JONES, D TROOP 69

South Lake Tahoe, California

JAMES "MIKE" MITCHELL, A TROOP 65/67

Marion, North Carolina

LTC JAMES MODLIN, SCO 2018 -

Hawaii

GERALD PESCARO, B TROOP 67/68

Albion, New York

G. KENT TROY, SON OF GUY TROY, SCO 63/66

JBLM, Washington

Current number of Troopers found – 1649

(Includes those known to be deceased)

NOTE: 626 are on the mailing lists. If your dues

are current and you are not receiving your

newsletter, please contact Dave Cox at 13 Loma

Linda Drive, Kerrville, TX 78028 or the email

address shown in the masthead. Please notify Dave

Cox ASAP if you change your mailing address.

Keep searching for former troopers.

TAPS

JAMES BALDIE, B TROOP 66/67

FRED HODGES, B TROOP 67/69

DAVID POND, B TROOP 66/67

ROGER OLSON, D TROOP 67

RONNIE WALKER, A TROOPS 68

CLARENCE WIDEMANN, B TROOP 69/70

"The infantry reaches a stage of

exhaustion that is incomprehensible to

folks back home."

Ernie Pyle

THE ASSOCIATION ON THE WEB

3/4 Cavalry Chapter (John Moore): https://www.3-4cav.org/

A Troop (John Moore): http://68.233.228.194/~atrp34cav/

B Troop (needs a webmaster): https://www.3-4cav.org/images/BTrp3-4Cav/

C Troop (John White): http://www.ctrp-3d-4thcav.com/

D/F Troops (Bruce Powell): http://www.centaursinvietnam.org/

THE ASSOCIATION ON FACEBOOK note: if the Facebook group is a closed group ask to

join the group.

3/4 Cavalry Chapter: (Ruppert Baird):

https://www.facebook.com/groups/53219715921/

HHT (Roger McGill): https://www.facebook.com/groups/1755445718108376/

1st Plt B Troop (David Xanten/Jerry Boucher) https://www.facebook.com/groups/582621255221032/

C Troop (Bill Ruff/needs an administrator):


F Troop (Frank Dillon/Buddy Ring):


Online announcement layout by John Moore

http://www.centaursinvietnam.org/

https://www.3-4cav.org/

http://68.233.228.194/~atrp34cav/

https://www.3-4cav.org/images/BTrp3-4Cav/

http://www.ctrp-3d-4thcav.com/

http://www.centaursinvietnam.org/







QUARTERMASTER STORE

There have been additional inventory changes in

the QM Store, so if you've been planning to order

something, read carefully to be sure it's still in

stock. Postage for shipping/handling is included in

prices shown and continues to increase. MIN.

TOTAL ORDER IS $40. ($45 IF SHIPPING TO

HI or AK). Send check or money order payable to

3/4 Cavalry Chapter, to P.O. Box 24414, Lexington,

KY 40524-4414, 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.

TET '68 RIBBON & PIN: One set of each is free

except for $5 shipping to any Trooper who served

during the period of the Tet Offensive in 1968. Any

additional ribbons or pins can be purchased for $10

per set, while they last.

NEW LONG SLEEVE T-SHIRT: Gray, like the Tees

already available, but with long sleeves for cooler

weather. Prices are: S, M, L & XL = $25. 2X is $28 and

3X is 30.

NEW DENIM SHIRT: Available to order. Prices are:

S,M,L & XL = $50. 2X is $55 and 3X is $60. Cost is

higher than at the reunion due to shipping fees.

http://www.3-4cav.org/


NEW GUIDON PATCH: For sewing on to jacket or vest.

$45 each. Indicate Troop with order.

FLEX FIT HAT: Black or Khaki with 3rd SQUADRON,

4th U.S. CAVALRY and Crest on the front and 3-4 Guidon

on the rear. S/M fits 6 3/4 to 7 1/8. L/XL fits 7 3/8 to 7 &

3/4. $25 NEW: With Troop designation: $30.

Front of Hat

Rear of Hat with Troop Designation

PINS, WINDOW STICKERS: We still have Harrisburg

reunion pins for $5.00 each. Stickers are 2 for $5.

4"X6" MAGNET: Gold 3/4 crossed sabers on a dark blue

background. Will attach to an auto or other metal device.

Cost is $5.00 each.

4th CAVALRY CREST DECAL (Outside Mount):

These are 3.5" tall and are 2 for $5.00.

COFFEE CUPS: In stock now at just $20 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.

KOOZIE CUPS: Blue with the 3-4 crossed sabers. Priced

to move at two for $5. Don't let your beer get warm!

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. $28.00 ea.

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.


T-SHIRT: Gray with 3rd Squadron, 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.

T-SHIRTS: Gray with artworks by Barry Anderson on the

front and back, as seen below. Prices are $22 (M, L, XL),

$25 (2X) and $27 (3X).

SALE! T-SHIRT: Gray with 3-4 CAV guidon on the

front, crossed sabers on the back. Only 14 are left in

stock, all size XL. $20 each or 2 for $30. Last chance to

get this T-Shirt. Don't miss out! SALE!

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.

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.

GUIDON PIN: Cost is $5.00 each.

REGIMENTAL CROSSED SABER PIN: $10

3/4 CAV LICENSE PLATES: RESTOCKED. Cost is

still $15.00. 125 in stock, but they go fast!

LICENSE PLATE BRACKETS: $20.00 each, including

shipping. Designate Veteran or Vietnam Veteran

preference.

PATCHES: Sew-on. $5 each.

CROSSED SABERS: Crossed 3/4 sabers pin. $8.00

each.

FULL SIZE CREST: $10.00 each.

MINATURE CREST: $5.00 each.

3-4 CAV CARDS - 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 for $25.00, 10 for $10.00, or 5 for $5.00 (min order).

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

[email protected].



The preceding artwork, by Association member Barry

Anderson, is offered as an 11" x 14" Un-matted Print

for $20. Barry always donates a portion of his

proceeds to the Scholarship or General funds. Please

send prepaid orders to Barry J. Anderson, 325 Alma,

Palo Alto, CA 94301.

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 [email protected] or visit our

website.

3/4 CAV Dues

Our association annual membership dues are $10.

Life membership is available for a single

payment of $75. Checks should be made out to 3-

4 CAV Chapter and mailed to P.O. Box 24414,

Lexington, Kentucky 40524-4414. You may also

pay through our website, www.3-4cav.org by

going to the site and clicking on JOIN. In either

case, please mail us a copy of your DD-214 or

other document to verify your service.

25th Infantry Division Dues

25th Infantry Division dues should until further

notice be sent to P.O. Box 7, Flourtown, PA

19031-0007. Dues are age-based, so check their

website, www.25thida.org for amounts. 25th IDA

also requires documentation of service.

CHECKLIST: HAVE YOU...........

X Found a new member?

X Paid your dues?

X Notified us of your address change?

X Joined the 25th Infantry Division

Association?

X Made a donation?

More reunion-related photos follow.

BG(R) Trifiletti and COL(R) Troy


HHT TROOPERS REUNION

In the second week of October, a small group of veterans of HHT held a get-together in Springfield, Illinois. The

reunion was hosted by Roger McGill and consisted of folks who could not make the Squadron reunion at the end of

September. All of them served together at Schofield Barracks and then at Cu Chi, Vietnam. Here are some photos,

courtesy of Roger McGill.

L-R: Lindell Richardson, Nate McIver, Emmanuel Holloman and Roger McGill

Lindell Richardson on a barracks porch at Schofield Barrack

Nate McIver - Schofield Barracks

Emmanuel Holloman (back to camera)

training in Hawaii.

Emmanuel Holloman at Cu Chi

Roger McGill training in Hawaii


Roger McGill at Cu Chi. Where'd the smile go?

McGill, Holloman, Richardson

In front of Lincoln's Tomb. It's good luck to touch

the nose of the Lincoln bust.

Doing what we all do best these days.

Looks like they all had a great time together.

Hopefully, they will all be at our next Squadron

reunion in 2020.

MORE REUNION-RELATED PHOTOS

The following two photos are of Eugene and Nancy Orner and Bob and Susan Delehanty. Eugene and Bob served

together in B Troop in Vietnam and hadn't seen each other since. The reason we hold reunions!

Eugene and Nancy

Bob and Susan


Pre-banquet mixer outside the banquet hall.


Enjoying the hospitality room.

Glen Eyrie estate.


Balance Rock in Garden of the Gods

El Paso County, Colorado VSO David Donohew speaking at the business meeting.


Centaurs in the hospitality room.

Don't know who these guys are, but they're just seedy enough to be A Troop officers.


Speaking of seedy, here's the bunch who went to Vietnam at the end of January.

Don't even know why they let'em in.

The ultimate in spiffiness. (That's called sucking up to the brass.)

Jerry Headley making announcements at the Thursday icebreaker.


Historical monument in Garden of the Gods


United States Air Force Academy Chapel

2018 REUNION

Documents

Transcript of 2018 REUNION