FALL 04 - NEWS.PUB - 5th INFANTRY REGIMENT ASSOCIATION

The BOBCAT Bulletin
5th INFANTRY CHAPTER of the 25th INFANTRY DIVISION ASSOCIATION
Fall 2004
“I’ll Try Sir”
Volume III
Web Page Address: http://www.bobcat.ws/
BOBCATS AGAIN ARE ANSWERING THE CALL - SUPPORTING OUR
COUNTRY IN COMBAT!
Since the War of 1812 and just about every war since the 5th Infantry Regiment has repeatedly answered the call of our country when it
had a need for well trained motivated heroic warriors. And today is no different with both battalions of the 5th Infantry Regiment either already
engaged in combat operations or will be soon.
In April the 2/5th deployed from Schofield Barracks HI to Afghanistan. They are having success and performing their mission in a manner
that makes us all proud to be Bobcats. For more information on the 2/5th check pages 12, 13 and 14 and our website.
In October the 1/5th will depart FT Lewis WA for a year in Iraq. And after visiting with them in September I have no doubt that they too
will make everyone proud to be a Bobcat.
Operation Bobcat
Remember what it was like to get (or not get) mail when you were deployed to a combat zone or on a hardship tour? We need to make sure
that the Bobcats of both of our battalions know that we support them, pray for them and wish them success. The 2/5th in Afghanistan has been
living up to our motto “I’ll Try Sir” and their success is something we can all be proud of. And within weeks the 1/5th will be in Iraq and I have
no doubt that they too will be successful and make us proud.
The last two years in December I sent an E-mail out to our members with Email asking them to send letters, small gifts (“care packages”) to the soldiers living in the barracks. We had very good responses. This year I want all of you to have the opportunity to show
29 SEP - 3 OCT
your support by writing and or sending something. And since each batOver a hundred are expected for our reunion in Tucson. The talion has about 700 soldiers there are more of them than we have
1/5th is sending the Soldier of The Year and the Battalion colors. If members so if anything send more than one letter etc. I know most of
you miss it you will be sorry. Remember we do not charge a registra- you served with the 1/5th but I hope you will support both battalions by
tion fee and in addition we provide free drinks & snacks in our hos- doing something for the brave soldiers of both. Remember they are all
Bobcats!
pitality room.
The way “Operation Bobcat” will work is you will address your
It is not too late to attend. If you are planning to attend, and we
hope you will, please let me know. Of course other family members letters/packages to the Battalion chaplain with (OB) after his name.
and friends are welcome. Just let me know how many & who will be When he sees (OB) he will know the purpose of the letter. As Chaplain
coming with you. You can E-mail me at fpdcrd@mindspring.com or he has access to the entire battalion and also knows which soldiers
might have the greatest need for a little support.
call 301-387-5011.
I’m still working on the details of “Operation Bobcat” and will
You can reserve your room at the Inn Suites Hotel by calling 1877-446-6589 and tell them you are reserving for the 25th Infantry send you the details and addresses when I send you a new roster in
Division Reunion account (#TSMGF98). Rooms are all suites & are about a month.
----------------------------------------------------------------$62.99 + tax.
We will have a hospitality room that will open at 1 PM on
Church Prayer List
WED 29 SEP and be open THU, FRI & SAT.
We will have a Membership Meeting, Memorial Service, Friday
Chaplin of the 1/5th CPT Donald Carrothers requests that if you
Bobcat Banquet, fragging and auction.
can, to get your church to add the Bobcats to their “Prayer List”. If you
The 25th Infantry Division Association (25th IDA) will also are successful in doing this he requests that you let him know because
have a hospitality room and offers a SAT Banquet and a lot of inter- he wants to, “compile a list of the churches and occasionally send them
esting tours. You can go horseback riding or take a jeep ride in the a short thank you note and encourage them to keep the prayer cover
Desert, have lunch in Tombstone, take a tram ride in a canyon, go thick!” You can let CH Carrothers know about your church including
shopping in Mexico, visit an old movie theater or visit a desert mu- the Bobcats on their prayer list by writing him at: CH (CPT) Donald S.
seum or the Pima Air & Space museum. To participate in the 25th Carrothers (AB) // HHC 1-5 Infantry Regiment // Fort Lewis, WA
IDA events & tours you must register with them.
98433
Final Roll Call For Tucson
The Winter 2004 Newsletter will be out DEC / JAN - Send me articles, pictures and stories for publication.
ADDITIONS, CHANGES &
CORRECTIONS
5th Infantry Chapter
President & Newsletter EditorFred Deverse (XXX) XXX-XXXX
Vice President & Fragmaster Ralph Laubecher (XXX) XXX-XXXX
(Please let me know when any of your
information like phone # , address or Email address changes or is incorrect)
Treasurer & QuartermasterJim Caudle (XXX) XXX-XXXX
Secretary & Membership ChairmanRoger Smith
ChaplainGeorge Maxwell (XXX) XXX-XXXX
Historian & WebmasterRandy Kethcart (XXX) XXX-XXXX
Bobcat Board of Directors:
Consists of the President, Vice
President, Treasurer, Secretary, Historian
and the following;
Andy Anderson
Daniel Curran
Ted Jagosz
David Smeltz
John Snodgrass
Ron (Doc) Soppe
Bart Stanzione
————————
Reminder !
1. Notify me about changes in address
and phone number etc.
2. Check your membership - if there is
a red 04 (only or the last two numbers)
on the address label your dues expires
31 DEC 04. Please renew now!
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Future Reunions:
2004 - Tucson AZ 29 SEP-3 OCT
2005 - Pittsburgh PA 20-24 SEP
2006 - Hawaii (Probably in OCT)
$
Thanks!
The information provided below is new
since the last Newsletter was printed.
$
Donations to the Chapter
Henry, Ron - Pays for our Website
Peal, Jerry …………………………$50.00
Schumacher, William H. (LTC-R) $20.00
* We are a registered non-profit organization and donations to the chapter are tax
deductible.
----------------------------------
>>We donate to the 25th Infantry Division
Association’s (25th IDA) Scholarship Fund
every year. They name one of their Scholarships “The 5th Infantry Scholar”. Please
donate to the Chapter to help us with this
donation.
E-mail Changes & Additions:
>>> If your E-mail address changes you
need to notify me if you want to continue to
receive Chapter E-mails and to have your
correct E-mail address on the roster
Pelfrey, William "Bill" - Change
whpelfrey@XXXXX
Powers, Henry—Change
hopnkat@XXXX
Silva, Bill - Change
billsilva1@XXXXX
Villalpando, Phyllis - Correction
phil057@XXXXX
Werner, John - Change
jwerner@XXXXX
Whalen, Frank - Change
whalen711@XXXXX
Roster Changes:
> If your address / phone number changes
you need to notify me so that I can make
the change on the roster. Your notifying us
will save the Chapter money because
“Address Correction” costs the Chapter
money.
Alexander, Roy L. - New Address
XXXXXXX
XXXXX, IL 61611
Barth, Thomas H. - New Address
XXXX
XXXXX, 22153
XXXXXX
E-mail: thomas.barth@XXXXil
Morgan, SGM William E. - New Address
XXXXX DR #B
XXXXX
13603
Murphy Jr., Johnny (Steve) - New Add.
XXXX DR
XXXX 29332
XXXXX
Schumacher, William H. - New Address
XXXX. Street #1
XXX WI 53140
Smith, Roger A.
XXXX
XXXXIL 62839
Soppe, Ronald "Doc" J. - New Ph. #
XXXXXX
Stocker, Vaughn E. - New Address
XXXXX
XXXX 99505
Illnesses & Deaths:
2
Henry, Ron - Had a heart valve replaced on
12 AUG. Ron is doing fine and is coming to our reunion in Tucson
Loranca, Enrique “Hank” - Died on 11
SEP 04 He was in the 1st Squad, 1st
Platoon in Vietnam from 3/67-3/68
and was the squad leader of the 1st
squad from 12/67-2/68. (See Picture
on Page 3 & E-mail on Page 7)
New Members:
>> Know someone you served with who is
not a member of our chapter? If yes, & you
know their address, phone number or Email address send it to me so we can recruit
them as a member. Having others that you
served with as members only makes your
membership more rewarding, especially
when you all come together to a reunion.
Ade, Walter
XXXX
XXXX 62703
XXXXX9
K Co. 3rd PLT 3/5th (5th RCT) 112/53
Garcia, Roberto
XXXX8
XXXXX
972.524.8654
B Co. 1/5th 7/68-3/69
Spouse: Benja
>I joined the Bobcats in July 68. 17
SEP 68 I was awarded the Bronze Star with
“V” device. Awarded the Purple Heart 24
MAR 69 for wounds
Worked as a meat cutter for years and
as a shipping clerk for a paint company for
24 years. I have 80% disability & 100 VA
unemployability.
> See pictures on page 5
Johnson, John E.
XXXX
XXXX 90810
XXXX5068
HHC Recon 5/69-4/70
Spouse: Ai Lin
E-mail: jejohnson@XXXX
Knepp, Curley B.
XXAPO AP 96266
XXXX
K Co. 5th RCT (Korea) 2/52-11/52
Spouse: Magnal
E-mail: curley.knepp@XXXX
>Retired after 27 1/2 years on 1 JAN
78. Held every grade from PVT to SGM
and retired as a major. Served with the 1st
Signal BDE in Vietnam. Had tours in Taiwan, Northern Canada, East Africa, Germany, Puerto Rica and two additional tours
in Korea (JUN 53-May 54 with 15th INF
REG,3rd INF DIV and 67-69 with 122nd
SIG BN, 2nd INF DIV.)
Still working. After retiring worked for
Department of the Navy, Veteran’s Administration, Defense Logistics Agency and for
the past 23 years with the Air Force Audit
Agency.
The Christmas Platoon Suffers A Great Loss!
1st Platoon B Company 67-68 better know as the “Christmas Platoon” is a very close
knit group. Enrique “Hank” Loranca pictured below died on 11 SEP 04 - “He is greatly
missed by The Christmas Platoon”.
Mathis, Michael
XXXX RD
XXXX 48623
XXXX
B Co. 11/69-4/71
E-mail: MathisMcgee@XXXXX
>Nov. 69 - Cu Chi, Dau Tieng, Tay
Nihn & Cambodia. 16 May 70 ambushed in
Cambodia & wounded. Went to 249th Hospital in Japan, Walter Reed & Cleveland
VA. In the hospital one year. Rather been
back in Vietnam.
Kicked around a lot—long stories.
Took a long time to find some goals when
things have been mutilated on your body. I
survived and doing well. Hopefully I can
make a reunion.
McAndrews, Bruce A.
XXXX
XXXXX 18104
XXXXXX
1/5th 5/68-5/69
Spouse: Ann
E-mail: oskarshamm@XXXX
> I proudly served with the 5th Mech
my whole tour of duty in Vietnam. I was
awarded the Bronze Star for heroic action
on Nu Ba Din. Was promoted to Sergeant
and at the end of my tour supervised bunker
guards at Fire Support Base Trung Lap.
I worked for 27 years with the Long
Island Railroad as a conductor. Was pensioned on special disability. Married 20
years & have two teenage children. Unfortunately my son has Leukemia but it has
been in remission for seven years.
Three KIA’s, three members and one died!
>See picture on page 8.
Spearl, Roger
XXX
XXXX
XXXX
B Co. 1/70-12/70
Spouse: Barbara
E-mail: bsperl@XXXXX
Wilbert, "Bill" Schwinn J.
XXXXX
XXXXXXX
XXXXX
A Co. 1st PLT & HHC
4/66-3/67
Spouse: Marge
E-mail: pasha26287@XXXXXX
Front L to R--Timothy M. Kiester (Died 5-7-96), Mike Rohdy (member)--Back L to R-Collis C. Holcombe (member), Joe Eddie Lofton (KIA 8-19-68), Colombo Phil Del Terzo
(KIA 9-17-68) [Brother Sam is a member], Billy Wells (KIA 10-3-68)
Picture & information from our website’s Memorial Page - It was provided by Roger Smith
3
Members’ Comments, Letters, E-mails & Information
Please send me your thoughts, comments, impressions, criticisms & suggestions etc. along with pictures for “your” Bobcat Bulletin!
THE GREATEST TEXAN
Veterans For Peace
He was the greatest Texan I have ever known.
Like myself, Richard Oman was a teacher when he went to Vietnam, having taught Agriculture in Georgetown, Texas. I had trained to be a teacher before going directly from College to
Vietnam. The two of us worked in the Fire Direction Center of the 4.2 Mortar Section in the
1/5 Mech of the 25th Infantry Division. Oman spoke fondly of a state championship football
team. I had played on the baseball and soccer teams at Berea College.
Our jobs kept us on duty around the clock. We monitored all of the radios for all the companies in the Battalion. When they had enemy contact, we prepared firing data for our mortar
sections to fire in support of our troops.
The heat of the day brought the re-supply convoy from CuChi, our division base camp.
Ammo had to be dealt with first, breaking open cases of mortar rounds attaching the proper
fuses and allotting rounds to all gun crews to prepare for future fire missions.
Toward the afternoon, Oman and I would get data from 1/8 Artillery for night firing H&I's
as well as plotting def cons (defense concentration) in case of an enemy attack. Lastly we
plotted on our maps the night operations of all the line companies as well as observation posts
and night ambush locations in addition to all ARVN units operating in our area of operation.
You really get close to someone during the life and death decisions you make that affect so
many others. We talked about many things in the long night hours. But mostly Oman talked
about Georgetown, Texas and I told him of the hill country of Kentucky.
We listened to music on armed forces radio. It signed off with the National Anthem at midnight and signed back on around 5:00 AM in the morning with Crounaur's "Good Morning
Vietnam."
On the evening of April 26, 1969, at Fire Support Base Patton, Omar and I had plotted all
data on our maps for the night and were sitting on the hatch of the command track singing
"Galveston" along with Glen Campbell on armed forces radio, one of Oman's favorite songs.
It reminded him of Texas and home.
At 3:30 am on the morning of April 27, 1969, the NV A began to drop mortars on our 4.2
position. Oman and I had switched sleeping places for the first time in months. I slept in his
bunker and he slept outside on my cot. The first round hit Oman killing him instantly. I remember helping carry Jimmy, Mahi, and then Washington across the perimeter to the medic
track. I have made that trip daily in my mind, in the surreal light from illumination rounds and
blasts from incoming. When I returned to the FDC track, I realized Oman was not inside. I
found him alongside the track where he had been killed instantly by a Chinese 81 mortar
shell. Some will say they have found closure on the war. I have not and I am not sure I ever
will. Oman was my best friend.
It does haunt me at times as to why that night but never before, why Oman and not me?
Like many others that served in Vietnam, there has not been a day in thirty-four years that I
have not thought about Vietnam and of Oman. Someday I hope I can face going to Georgetown, Texas to visit his grave.
War was brutal in 1968, 69, and 70 in the HOBO Woods,
the Boi Loi's, the Citadel and the Iron Triangle. The war
was also very impersonal. At first light, I packed Oman's
belongings, mounted a recon track, and moved out to survey
in a new patrol base, to be named Devins. Of course when I
returned, Oman and the wounded had been dusted off and
the war continued on.
As I write this, at 03:30 in the morning thirty-four years
later, I suppose I just wanted someone to remember Richard
Oman and all the best he represented for America. Oman
was my best friend, he died serving his Country, he was the
pride of Georgetown, Texas and he was the greatest Texan I
have ever known.
Pat Wooton
Perry County Sheriff
Buckhorn, KY 41721
HHC 1/5 Mech. 25th Inf. Div
Vietnam - Nov 1968 - Jan 1970
Picture from our Website’s
Memorial Page
Like Ralph Laubecher I too am an admirer of John Stuart Mill and, having been
an arch conservative, I have had another of
his quotes on my refrigerator for years:
“Although it is not true that all conservatives are stupid people ...it is true that most
stupid people are conservatives” Next to it I
have a picture of a GI crying (perhaps?) in
the embrace of another GI whose comforting him, and it reads, “Bring them home
now!”
I know that's the support that every single
GI in Iraq wants, just as we did.
Sincerely
Dick Murphy—
B Co. 4th PLT, 4th SQD 2/68-1/69
PS Like Tillman, who was killed
—————————————
A message left on the Website’s Guestbook on 21 AUG 04.
I just wanted to mention that my brother,
Ricky Damschen (C Co.) was killed on this
day 36 years ago and that he and the rest of
you guy's have been on my mind all day. I
want you guy's to know that I appreciate
your sacrifices and I hope that God blesses
every one of you.
Very Sincerely Yours, Jay Damschen
——————————————
An Email from Roy Alexander on 26
AUG 04.
Just received an e mail from our son Jeff
that he has arrived in Iraq. This is his second deployment with the USMC there. It
really drives home (to me) how much support our men and women in harms way and
family at home need….
The web site also is a blessing. Since our
reunion in Indiana I have searched out and
found lots of information that has answered
many questions.
Thanks for all you do for us.
____________________________
An E-mail from John Werner on 1 SEP
04.
Dear Fred, My new email address is
jwerner@XXXXXXXXXX I am now living and working with my two sons in our
family business in Mexico City, which
represents VeriSign in Mexico and Central
America and provides a full range of security solutions for internet transactions and
communications. Keep up the good work!!
(See Comments on page 6)
4
Roberto Garcia’s Vietnam Experiences!
Roberto was awarded a Bronze Star for heroism for action on 17 SEP 68 and a Purple Heart for wounds received on 24 MAR 69
Award of the Bronze Star Medal For Heroism
Reason: For heroism in connection with military operations against a hostile force: PFC Garcia distinguished himself by heroic actions on 17 SEP 1968, while serving with B Co. 1/5th
INF in the republic of Vietnam. While established in their night laager position, Company B
came under intense enemy attach. With complete disregard for his own safety, PFC Garcia
exposed himself to intense enemy fire as he directed his squad’s fire on the advancing enemy
force. His valorous actions contributed immeasurably to the success of the mission and the
defeat of the enemy force. Private Garcia’s personal bravery, aggressiveness and devotion to
duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit
upon himself, his unit, the 25th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.
Roberto would like to locate the Bobcats
pictured on this page.
Anyone know where they are?
Roberto Garcia & Joe Guerra - both are coming to Tucson
Please contact Roberto if you can help.
L to R: Jones, Johnson, Garcia and Lavon Freeman
Glad I wasn’t on this track when it was damaged!
5
$
Treasurer’s Report
$
Honoring One of Our Bobcat Heroes!
2nd Quarter 2004 Financial report:
SP4 John L. Haines
April
Income:
Dues
Debits:
2nd Qtr Website
Newsletter & Postage
Bank - CD
Total
$ XX.00
$ XXX.00
$XXX.00
$XXX.70
MAY
Income - Dues:
$ XX.00
$ XXX.00
DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY
Headquarters, United States Army Vietnam
APO San Francisco 96375
June
Income:
Dues
ter $ 71.00
Donation
Total
$ XXX.00
Quartermas$ XX.00
$ XXX.00
(Comments from page 4)
John Werner Co. A and HHQ 1/5th 19671968 (Lieutenant)
____________________________
Dennis McDonough has been on a mission searching for pictures for our KIA’s
listed on our Website’s Memorial Page. He
has found us many pictures. In his search
he has made contact with family members
of our KIA. On 1 SEP 04 he got this E-mail.
THANK YOU THANK YOU for remembering Bernie. I, and my family appreciates it to no end !! I will pass your note
onto his brothers and sisters. Your picture
was astounding! To see the equipment you
guys drove in sends chills up my spine.
Doesn't seem like a lot of protection. I see
the picture was taken in 67 before Bernie
arrived in Vietnam. If you have anymore
pictures of the areas you were in, please
pass them on. I would love to see them !!
Again, THANK YOU for sending your
note.
Kathy (Mattson) Houser
(Bernard C. Mattson C Co. KIA 12 Jan
68)
___________________________
Roy Alexander asks if anyone knows if
there was a Peter Keane in Alpha Co. in
1968-69? If you can answer this question
contact Roy at mikey@XXXXXXXX or
309-XXX-XXXX
___________________________
In an E-mail on 1 SEP Carl Amedio said.
I'm the guy who posted the photos of
Weaver. I was with him when he was
killed. I don't think I ever knew his first
name since we went by last names or nicknames. I always thought that Richard Allen
was odd, because I to, thought Weaver
Mexican-American, but Richard Allen
GENERAL ORDERS
20 April 1968
NUMBER 1839
AWARD OF THE DISTINGUISHED SERVICE CROSS
HAINES, JOHN L. SPECIALIST FOUR E-4 UNITED STATES ARMY HHC, 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry, 2nd Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, APO 96225
Awarded: Distinguished Service Cross
Date of Action: 6 March 1968
Theater: Republic of Viet Nam
Reason: For extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict
with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam: Specialist Four Haines distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 6 March 1968 as medical aidman
for an infantry platoon conducting a sweep and secure mission near Hoc Mon. As his
unit moved into a dense woodline, it was subjected to intense small arms, automatic
weapons, and anti-tank rocket fire from an enemy force of unknown size. Five members
of his platoon were seriously wounded by the initial burst of savage hostile fire. Fearlessly exposing himself to the withering fusillade, Specialist Haines raced forward to
assist his stricken comrades. With bullets striking all around him, he courageously
moved from one casualty to another, administering first aid. Specialist Haines was hit
while treating one of the soldiers, but disregarded his wound and continued his life saving mission. Observing his platoon sergeant severely wounded and lying in an open area
raked by enemy machine gun fire, he rushed to the man and began attending him. Specialist Haines was instantly killed by the machine gun fire while applying the last bandage to his fallen comrade. His gallant and determined actions in close combat saved the
lives of several fellow soldiers. Specialist Four Haines' extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty, at the cost of his life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
Authority: By direction of the President, under the provisions of the Act of Congress, ap
proved 25 July 1963.
Weaver is only one of two guys on the wall
with that last name. We were best of
friends, and he was my "Rabbi," taught me
how to survive. And this may or may not be
pertinent, just coincidence, because Weaver
said almost the same thing to me--that he
wasn't going home (that he'd be killed). I
remember being very upset with that. When
it did happen there was nothing he could
have done to prevent it, unlike many goofs
who just didn't give a shit about themselves
or their comrades. The one fact that sticks
out is that "my" Weaver was from CA., so
now I'm at a loss on how to find his correct
name. Thanks for the info. really appreciate
it.
Carl.
_____________________________
In an E-mail written 3 SEP to Denis
McDonough.
Denis,
Thanks for writing, this is so special to
me! Through the virtual wall and the Bobcats, I've been able to email with men who
were with my uncle when he was KIA. He
wasn't there long and not many knew him
very well, but one man remembered the day
very well. Each and every one of you are
very special to me and you're all heroes!!
Thank you, Denis for fighting for us, for
giving up the life that a young man should
be able to experience for America. I hope
you don't mind that I've forwarded this
email to my Aunt Darlene, she was Chester's wife when he was killed, and always
(See Comments on page 7)
6
Connecting with Family of two of our KIA’s
This past July Randy Kethcart while traveling through Tennessee &
Kentucky met with family members of two of our KIA’s. In the picture to the left
Randy poses next to the commemorative marker in Villa Hills KY with three of
Ronald Niewahner’s sisters. L to R are Gayle, Millie & Renee Niewahner. Ronald
of Ludlow KY while with B Company was killed on13 DEC 68.
Randy also had breakfast with Patty Alley widow of Douglas Dwight
Alley shown with him in the picture on the right. Douglas with A Company of
Newark DE was killed 26 FEB 66.
There are pictures of both Ronald and Douglas on our website’s Memorial Page.
(Comments from page 6)
my very dear friend. My family is Cherokee
& Choctaw, and I again say thanks, in our
native Cherokee tongue.....
WADO! Jana Jordan Shaw
-----------------------------------Jana and Denis:
First of all let me say thank you so much
from the bottom of my heart for getting in
touch with me. I have been to the wall in D.
C. many times but have never seen any
notes of anything left specifically for Chester. I got 1 letter from PFC. Randall Evans
from Ohio just after Chester was killed
saying he would tell me everything about
that day (May 3rd) but when I responded
Randall was evidently KIA almost immediately after he wrote to me.
---------------------------------------Denis - Did you train with Chester there at
Ft. Polk? Go to Tiger School with him, I
was there almost every weekend. I only
missed 1 time I think because everyone was
quarantined to post. The weekend before
Chester wouldn't tell a soul he was sick as a
dog -- 104 temp. He faked it to get off post
so I could get a room and take care of him.
It scared me to death because he was so
sick. Oh well, any stories you could tell me
would be much appreciated. Thanks again.
Write or call anytime.
Darlene Bailey Jordan Townsend
(972) XXX_XXX or (214) XXX_XXXX
-------------------------------------If anyone can provide some information
to Darlene about Chester’s time in Vietnam
please contact her.
Chester Jordan from Arlington TX
served in B Co. and arrived in Vietnam 7
APR 67 & was killed on 3 May 67.
_______________________________
Hank Loranca Dies
In an E-mail from Roger Smith on 13
SEP to the Christmas Platoon he said:
Christmas Platoon--I have spoken with
Hank's wife Marie, and his son Derek, just a
short while ago. Hank had returned to the
hospital, at his choice, when he passed
7
away Saturday. The family is very appreciative of the phone calls and mailings that
Hank had received lately. Hank loved
it!! Dusty Edwards had just sent Hank
some photographs that the family posted on
the walls in Hank's hospital room, which
made Hank's day!! At Hank's request, a
special fund is being setup at the funeral
home for those who wish to donate, in lieu
of the American Cancer Society, to The
Christmas Platoon to help us continue as a
group. Hank's remains were cremated. ….
Full military rites will be performed at 4
P.M.. …. The Loranca Family will always
be a part of The Christmas Platoon. I have
asked Allan Azary, our treasurer, to use
some of the money we have to send flowers
from The Christmas Platoon. I'm sure the
family would appreciate cards sent to Marie
Loranca. Here's to Hank (I always called
him Enrique), a great guy, a good soldier,
and a great friend. SALUT!!!! Smitty
____________________________
(See Comments on page 12)
“The First Six Months”
Jerry Gogolin sent the copy you see on this page. In a note he said,
“Enclosed is a copy of the original search and destroy missions. The
handout, actually came from headquarters in 1966. I suppose we were
“just keeping score”.
“Class of 1965-66”
----------------------------------------------------------------------- OPERATIONS ---You can read the top part. A list of the operation, their location, type
and date is included:
“Bobcat Track” / Cu Chi - Cay Sop / Clear & Hold (30 JAN-4 FEB 66)
“Search Out” / Boa Cap / Search & Destroy (14 FEB 66)
“Clean Sweep” / Phuoc Vinh Ninh / Search & Destroy (22-24 FEB 66)
“Waikiki” / Xon Moi / Search & Destroy (3-9 MAR 66)
“Glendale” / Ph Biep-Balancie Plantation / Search & Destroy (10 MAR)
“Honolulu” / Boa Trai-Xon Mia / Search & Destroy / (13-19 MAR 66)
“Gardena” Boa Cap-Filhol Plantation / Search & Destroy (24 MAR 66)
“Circle Pines” / Filhol-Liocara Plantation / Search & Destroy (30 MAR 5 APR 66)
“Kahuku” / Phuoc Vinh Ninh / Search & Destroy (7 APR 66)
“Kaena” / Liocara Plantation / Search & Destroy (12-14 APR 66)
“Kahala” / Ho Bo Woods - Trung Lap - Thai MY / Search & Destroy
(16-21 APR 66)
“Lihue” / Trang Bang - Truong Mit / Clear & Hold (2-12 May 66)
“Wahiawa / Boi Loi Woods / Search & Destroy (15-27 May 66)
“Makiki” / Xon Mia - Tan My / Search & Destroy (3-8 JUN 66)
Ann, daughter and Bruce McAndrews
Pictures of Two More KIA’s From Roger Robinson
Charles Rehberger, (C Co. KIA - 2
MAR 68) he was my first squad leader
when I got there in Oct, 67, we were on
Track 33 in company C. Chas was a great
guy and he really spent a lot of time and
effort with any of us new guys. On the web
site history page it says he had left the field
to become a Company Clerk and volunteered to return to the field just prior to
being killed. That is not quite true, he was
selected (I think by Captain Theologis) to
join a "Division Pacification Team" and
work out of Cu Chi. He told me just prior to 2 May 68 that he came
back to the field because he missed his friends and felt he was
needed.
----------------------------------------------------------Dave Stremler, (C Co. KIA - 1 May 68) a
squad leader in the 4th platoon. He was hit
with shrapnel from the 1st round of a mortar
attack and died instantly from massive head
wounds, I was probably within 20' of him
when he was hit. Also wounded from this first
round was Dave Mostek, a track driver from
Chicago, he had shrapnel wounds that went
through his back and out his stomach, he never
came back to the field and we never heard from
him again. Stremler was from Michigan of
Dutch decent, He even spoke Dutch in his
sleep. I remember him as being very religious and devoted to his
mother, he wrote her almost every day.
--------------------------------------------------------Photo of Roger Robinson that was
used in the movie "In Country". If you
happened to see the movie, the photo
was on a bulletin board just prior to the
start of a Viet Nam Veterans welcome
home dance in Mayfield, KY. Bruce
Willis was in the movie. It's a long
story how my picture happened to be in
this movie, if we meet in Tucson I will
tell you about it. Russ Taylor was the
reason it was used in the film.
----ACCOMPLISHMENTS ---VC KILLED: 663 (322 body Count; 341 est.). We have killed or
captured 14.3 VC for every “Bobcat” lost.
VC CAPTURED: 53
WEAPONS CAPTURED: 176
VC LOSSES: 46,875 SA Ammo, 17 mortar ammo, 613 AP
Mines, 57 AT mines, 714 grenades, 826 boobytraps, 83 rockets &
AT rds, 2,327 lbs TNT, 412,412 lbs rice, 1541 lbs clothing, 130
bolts cloth, 183 tunnels, 311 bunkers, 14 fortified bases, 101,750
lbs peanuts, 3,500 lbs sorghum, 4,000 lbs wax, 22 gal. medicine,
357 lbs surgical equipment and misc. equipment & spare parts
The “BOBCAT” have been in-country for 135 days as of 8 JUN 66, of
which 111
days have
been spent
in contact
with the
Viet Cong
and 98
days on combat operations of company size
or larger.
Please send us pictures of KIA’s that you might have
8
B Company - 2nd Platoon - February 1970 - 13 Identified
This picture was in the Summer Bobcat Bulletin asking if anyone knew who was in the picture. Through the efforts of Randy Kethcart &
others we can now identify 13 of them.
1. Washington, 2. David Helsel (KIA), 3. James Piergossi (Pie), 4. Earl Weekes, 5. Smith (Smitty), 6. Clyde Lawrence (KIA),
7. Don Probasco, 8. Tom Craig, 9. Darryl Green, 10. Mike Mathis (Tiny) 11. Bill Silva, 12. LeBeau and 13. Dennis Pocica (Polack)
B Company - 3rd Platoon - February 1970
The picture above is from Ralph Laubecher’s scrapbook. Ralph was B Company’s commander at the time. I took the picture from our Website’s picture page where there are pictures of each of the platoons and of the headquarters group. Are you in the picture or do you know the
names of someone in the picture? If yes, contact Ralph and let him know.
9
1/5th Deploying To Iraq
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
“America's most recent Greatest Generation”
What An Honor!
Fred,
Greetings to you and the rest of the 5th Infantry Association. I know CSM Vic Mercado
has passed along much of our final predeployment news, but I thought it appropriate to send a
short Commander's update on 1st Battalion's readiness and final deployment activities and a
few personal comments on these men-America's most recent Greatest Generation.
Were ready to begin deploying 1-5 IN soldiers to combat for the first time since Vietnam. Our initial flow of advance personnel will depart Fort Lewis within the next several
weeks and be joined by the remainder of the Bobcat's in northern Iraq by mid October. Our
soldiers are trained and ready-they take pride in the accomplishments of their battalion ancestors from Lundy's Lane, Mexico, the western frontier, to the jungles and hilltops of Vietnam. They watch news of their Second Battalion brothers in Afghanistan fighting on America's initial front on Terrorism and stand ready to take their place as proud veterans as we
write the newest chapter of our regiment's combat history in Iraq.
I spend a lot of time watching, training, and talking with these soldiers. As you'd expect,
and probably remember from your own service, each has his own views on this war. However, as United State's soldiers throughout our heritage, they follow orders and are prepared to
do their duty not because of individual political beliefs but because of a common bond of
brother hood and immense pride in this unit, this Army, and this nation. I am deeply humbled
to serve and lead them.
Like soldiers from other units, today's Bobcats come from across this nation. Their
names and faces would remind our membership of their own service: Rivera from New York,
Torres from Puerto Rico, Nelson from Minnesota, Davis from Georgia, Bachl from South
Carolina and every other state in between. In this season of political campaigns, these men
remind me daily that our service is not to a party or administration; its to a Constitution and a
nation. I believe with absolute certainty that the US Army has never put a more trained and
ready outfit into harm's way-these men will serve with courage, compassion, intelligence and
a knowledge that their sacrifice will help the Iraqi people to a true freedom; and in that effort
make us all more secure.
Our equipment (what little we'll take as we're falling-in on another Stryker battalion's
vehicles) has already shipped. Our soldier's took advantage of a well deserved leave to visit
with family and friends before our Most-Interesting-Year. Just this past week we completed
our final block of platoon level collective training and are now focused on final personnel
preparations and turning our barracks over to the installation. In sum-all we can do here has
been done and we're ready to get going with what lies ahead.
As I said before, we're undoubtedly the best trained Army in our history. With certainty,
we'll be the most well connected with family and friends. Troops will have access to e-mail,
phones, and a myriad of services to keep them tied into to the goings-on on the homefront. They'll receive mail and packages from loved ones and neighbors. We hope to offer
frequent updates to the Association newsletter to keep the membership tied into to today's
warriors. The Association has been and continues to be a great friend of this battalion. I
thank each member in advance for their thoughts and prayers for today's Bobcats, both those
currently in Afghanistan and those of us soon to be in Iraq.
Commanding soldiers is the highest privilege. Commanding Bobcats is both a privilege
and an honor. Thanks again for all your support and prayers.
Respectively,
On 7 September 04 the 1st Brigade
“Lancers” of the 25th Infantry Division
stationed at FT Lewis WA held a
“Deployment Ceremony”. Since the 1/5th
Infantry Battalion is part of this brigade our
members were invited to attend this ceremony and at least six of us did. What is
interesting is that many in the Battalion to
include the BN CDR & CSM kept saying
how honored they were to have us there.
Somehow I felt honored to be invited to be
there.
Seeing the entire brigade proudly assembled on the parade field was an impressive
sight. It was also a very sobering sight
knowing that these nearly 4,000 highly
trained, skilled and motivated warriors
would soon be in a very dangerous Iraq
helping the United States with its mission.
Todd McCaffrey
Lieutenant Colonel, Infantry
Commanding
Colors being cased - next stop Iraq!
Photo courtesy Chaplain CPT Carrothers
Myself and Honorary (and retired) Command Sergeant Major Ray Barrett were
asked to participate in the ceremony by
“casing” the 1/5th’s colors.
Reception & Stryker Rides
After the Ceremony everyone was invited to the brigade headquarters for refreshments and rides on a Stryker. This
combat vehicle rides really well - better
than some pickup trucks & SUV’s.
Impressive Stryker
Everyone I spoke with had nothing but
praise for the Stryker and it seems well
deserved. I spoke with BDE CSM Du who
is with the first Stryker Brigade that has
(See Deployment on page 11)
10
(Deployment from page 10)
been in Iraq for almost a year. He reported
that they have only lost one soldier to enemy fire. And that loss occurred when a
Stryker was hit by seven RPG’s. The first 6
broke down a part of the RPG screen and a
7th got through resulting in one death. CSM
Du further said that the enemy has learned
how difficult the Stryker is to defeat and are
leaving it alone. As a result most of their
casualties have been support personnel like
cooks etc. who are being attacked in their
light skinned vehicles like humvees &
trucks.
Bobcats standing tall & proud
Impressive Bobcat Warriors
If you spend any time with these new
generation of Bobcats you come away being so impressed. Impressed with their motivation, training, skills and dedication. And
they are ready to go and do their part for
their country. In fact some were kind-of
angry that they did not earlier.
After meeting & getting to know so
many my thoughts will be with them every
day - wishing them a successful safe deployment.
You can see the RPG screen on the Stryker
A cannon gun salute to the departing
L to R: Fred Deverse, CSM-R Ray Barrett, Jerry Peal, Dennis Luiz, Roy Kirk & Jim
Bechtel
Two Great Command Sergeant Majors
Ray Barrett & Victor Mercado
Picture taken in the battalion classroom.
The wall behind them is filled with awards
& trophies won by the BN along with
many pictures of Bobcats throughout history.
To keep up to date with the 1/5th’s activities check out the page titled “The 1/5th
Infantry in Iraq” on our Website at: http://
www.bobcat.ws/iraq.htm As information is
received it will be posted there.
The 16 who were inducted as new NCO’s at a ceremony on 8 SEP.
11
buildings - all while maintaining security.
"There was no hesitation," said Staff Sgt.
Lamont Williams, ~ 1st platoon, squad
leader. "They were flowing in just like they
were trained. "
The Soldiers have rehearsed the strategies they'll need to survive' and succeed In
Iraq continuously for months in varying
situations. This mission tested their marksmanship, teamwork, physical fitness and
transition into a more urban environment.
"This is like one final polishing before
we send the unit off to do what it's paid
to do," said Lt. Col. Todd McCaffrey, the
battalion commander.
"I know my Soldiers are prepared to go
to Iraq - there's no question in my mind," he
said, "and really, I know there's no question
in their minds."
Soldiers from Company C, 1st BN., 5th INF enter a building during training at Leschi
Town. The Soldiers simulated securing a perimeter, clearing buildings and detaining
insurgents. The exercise culminated 18 months of training for 1st BDE, 25th INF DIV.
EXERCISE CULMINATES 18 MONTHS OF PREPARATION FOR IRAQ
Spc. Sarah Wilkins
1st Corps Public Affairs
"Friendlies coming in, friendlies coming
in," shouted a Soldier as he guided his team
into a building where fellow troops were
already sweeping the perimeter for insurgents.
Less than two months before deploying
to Iraq, a platoon of Soldiers moved on foot
and in Stryker vehicles through a realistic
looking town Tuesday night where they
simulated securing a perimeter, clearing
buildings' and detaining suspected Iraqi
insurgents.
The exercise culminated 18 months of
training that 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division Soldiers have practiced, and the Soldiers executed those skills at Leschi Town
when they encountered opposition role
players using paintball as ammunition. The
live rounds they were shooting back at us
made me really think about what it would
be like being shot at in Iraq," said Spc: Juan
A Stryker rolls towards Leschi.
---------------------------------------------This picture was scanned from a newspaper
(The FT Lewis Ranger) & you can’t see all the
antennas but I counted at least seven.
Cardenas, 1st platoon, Company C, 1st
Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment, 1st BDE.,
25th Inf. Div.
"I just kept my head down, tried not to
get hurt and pulled security to the rear,
"said Cardenas. "I've worked with these
guys for the past two years, and I'm pretty
confident. Hopefully, I'll come back alive.
"His platoon of about 44 men with four
Stryker vehicles was the first of the battalion's 14 platoons to go through the week
long exercise.
Every six hours, a platoon will take off
from its base and immediately operate in a
tactical environment while participating in a
live-fire range, traveling in a convoy and
securing Leschi Town.
"The bottom line, men - there are people
out there who are trying to kill you," said
Capt. Ron Schow, Co. C commander, during the after-action review. "You have got
to maintain security 100 per-cent of the
time." They'll soon be securing their position at all times when Soldiers from 1st
Brigade leave in October to replace 3rd
Brigade troops in Iraq who have served
there for the last nine months. "Our Soldiers
are excited and ready for the deployment
because we have been training for a long
time," said Col. Robert Brown, commander
of 1st Bde., 25th Inf. Div. "We are proud to
do the mission."
Shouting commands and information to
each other, the Soldiers at Leschi Town
accomplished their mission of blocking the
road, searching vehicles, stopping suspicious Iraqis, and entering and clearing
12
CPL Michael Mitchell 1/5th INF waits for an assault on
a hotel where he and others are protecting an Iraqi
troublemaker
(Comments from page 7)
Support House Bill HR - 4637
In an E-mail from O. J. Brooks he reports:
Fred, you may want to include this in
your next newsletter to our members to seek
support of this House Bill.
This Bill (H. R. 4637) "Combat Military
Medically Retired Veteran's Fairness Act of
2004" will pay additional benefits to those
of us who were retired from the military
with less than 20 years of service who were
disabled due to combat wounds & awarded
the Purple Heart.
We were forgotten in the last Bill but
now someone has seen fit to include those
of us in the above.
Any questions give me a shout.
O. J. Brooks - 301-XXX-XXXX or
ojb9600@XXXXXXXX
2/5th In Afghanistan
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Humvee + Explosion = What you see
Pictures from the incident in which CPL Jorge De leon B Co. 2/5th lost his right leg in Afghanistan. The picture on the left shows the armored Humvee and the other picture shows the hole left in
the ground from the explosion. Hopefully Jorge’s rehabilitation at Walter Reed Army Medical Center
has been successfully completed and he is back in Hawaii where he wants to be.
Looking at the picture of what remains of the Humvee it is amazing that Jorge lost only a leg.
EOD Searching the crater in the road.
Task Force 2-5 “Bobcats”
Newsletter
Update from Afghanistan
Aloha from Tarin Kowt, Uruzgan Province, Afghanistan! Amazingly ALL of our equipment is now inside FOB Ripley, FOB Anaconda,
or at the Rear CP in Kandahar! It only took two months to arrive. Things have changed drastically in the past month. In all locations, Bobcat
Soldiers are working hard to improve their living space. Everyone has a large tent and increased space. Tier-three tents are complete at FOB
Ripley and we are arranging for the materials at FOB Anaconda. The Bobcat SHANTY TOWN is torn down and we are inside the new accommodations. There are problems right now with power distribution so not all of the tents have lights or A/C due to insufficient power or broken
generators…always something to work on! More generators are scheduled to arrive soon and we will resolve the power issues. The past month
has been interesting and challenging. Despite all of the hardship and confusion, the one constant has been the Bobcat spirit…they are physically and mentally tough, ready for whatever mission is assigned.
We still maintain five locations in Afghanistan. Rear CP operations continue to improve in Kandahar. 3rd Platoon Bushmasters remain in
Kabul but will be relieved by 2nd Platoon in the near future to conduct Coalition Forces Command (CFC-A) security missions. B Co is doing a
great job with this mission and it will become increasingly important as we approach the National Elections. 3rd Platoon C Company remains in
Dey Rawoud to work with Special Operations personnel and Afghan National Army Forces. Recent activity in their area of operations has been
handled extremely well with no casualties to Bobcats or SOF. The Taliban have not been so lucky and even were bold enough to come to the
FOB hours after an engagement to seek medical treatment for their wounds…obviously with a different story…we treated them and also provided them a ride to the nearest detainment facility. The remainder of Cobra is on a mission now with a TBD return to FOB Ripley. Quickstrike at Khas Uruzgan continues to occupy FOB Anaconda. Recently they have had increased levels of ACM/Taliban activity that resulted in
one destroyed HMMWV and the only injury was a perforated ear drum. Bushmasters are currently conducting operations out of FOB Ripley in
Tarin Kowt. Recent successes in cache recovery decreased the number and type of weapons/munitions available to the ACM/Taliban. Enemy
activity has increased slightly in the past two weeks. That means that there have been an increased number of incidents. It does not mean that
we are in any more danger than before and it does not mean that the enemy is effective in his attacks. Remember that your Soldiers are professionals…they are disciplined, well trained and well led. They are doing a superb job here in a difficult and austere environment.
(See 2/5 on page 14)
13
(2/5 from page 13)
Task Force Bobcat continues to work hard, 7 days a week, and untold hours per day. Be proud of them. I know I am! Afghanistan remains a dangerous place. We are not taking undue risk but constantly face the realities of a developing Afghanistan. I am confident in our
Soldiers’ abilities. Their determination, dedication, courage and their character are simply amazing. We WILL succeed in our assigned missions in the Global War on Terrorism-Operation Enduring Freedom. TF Bobcat IS making a real difference every day here in Afghanistan and
in our security at home.
I want to thank each of you all for your support and encouragement here and at home. We have had some difficult situations arise across
the battalion and you have done a great job in helping the affected Soldiers and families. You are a great strength to each other and everyone
here, and we deeply appreciate all you do on our behalf. God bless.
Aloha and Ahui Hou!
Bobcat 6/Bobcat 7
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------The above is page one of an eight page newsletter from the 2/5th in Afghanistan. Each Company & section of the battalion to include
attached units report on their activities in this newsletter. You can read the other seven pages on our website’s page titled the “2/5th In Afghanistan” at: http://www.bobcat.ws/afghanistan.htm Check this page frequently for the latest information as it is received.
See the letter on page 15 from one of the
Bobcats in Afghanistan.
A Company In Action
Photos of A Company 2/5th in
Afghanistan. In the top/left photo
CPT Andy Brosnan A Co. Commander with a group of Afghan children around him. It looks to me like
he is looking up a word to help him
communicate. In the photo above the
soldier in the Humvee is SGT Suelo
from the AT PLT and the other one is
SPC Jeffrey the first PLT RTO.
Photos courtesy of Deb Sellers - BN
CDR LTC Seller’s wife
14
A Letter From Afghanistan
-------------------------------------------11 August, 2004
Greetings,
First, good luck with my penmanship,
(lack of)!
More importantly, thank you! Thank
you and your family for the sacrifices you
have made to provide me this opportunity to
serve.
I am sitting in the Forward Operating
Base cracking a few almonds that somehow
followed me from the neighboring village.
The town to our north is Tarin Kowt about
75 miles north of Kandahar. It’s a cool 102
degrees today but we can tell it is cooling
off. The best we can hope for is no heavy
winds. We are in a large bowl about 20
miles across, surrounded by 9,000-10,000
foot mountains. Oh, and our base, it sits in
6 inches of fine powdery dirt (moon dust).
You would be proud of the living conditions….one man woodland camouflage
tents, dressed right, in a desert tan area. We
are in the final phase of construction for the
GP medium tents and should move into
them by 20 August.
C Company flew out on a mission this
morning where a few UN people have been
getting ambushed. B Company was patrolling Tarin Kowt yesterday and discovered a
large cache of arms and ammo. The 3’s
truckload is being down loaded now with 2
more expected. EOD will have fun blowing
this one! A Company is currently occupying a company outpost 20 miles to our
northeast. They have effectively shut the
door on an enemy movement corridor.
As for myself, I just left C Company as
the 1SG and am currently running HHC, the
additional duty of camp commandant falling right in my lap. So as I keep the mess
hall running and hire locals to haul trash
and burn poop, I wanted to let you know
things have not changed much.
So as we continue to “write another
story” I wanted to tell you “Thanks” again
for all your service and continued support
and prayers.
Have a Bobcat Day. I’ll try sir!
Park Named After Bobcat Hero!
Melrose Park IL (near Chicago) on 28 AUG dedicated a park in the honor of
Olaf Tommy Olsen. Tommy served with distinction with B Company 1/5th in Vietnam and was Killed-in-Action on 11 MAR 70. Tommy grew up just four houses
from the park. As testimony to his dedicated service Tommy was awarded at least
nine medals to include a Silver Star and Bronze Star during his short (less then two
years) stay in the Army.
Randy Kethcart attended and spoke at the dedication. He also presented a
wreath that was provided by the Chapter.
J. S. Keith
HHC TF 2-5 INF
APO, AE 09355
-------------------------------------------
As it was so appropriately stated in the dedication
ceremony, “This beautiful park is dedicated to Tom
Olsen because he was an ordinary person until he was
called on to do extraordinary things. This memorial
reflects the appreciation of our entire community and
represents not only a tribute to Tommy, but to all the
young men and women who have served this great
country.”
Go to our website www.bobcat.ws for a lot of
additional information and pictures.
Wasn’t it interesting to see that when it
comes to life in a combat zone as 1SG
Keith said, “things have not changed
much”.
If someone wants to write to him you
can use the address above. However do not
put any rank on the address on the envelope.
15
Notice: If the address label on this newsletter has a “04” at the end of your name, your membership expires at the end of this year. You need to
complete the form below and mail in your renewal. Do it now before you forget.
Membership Application
5th Infantry Chapter
25th Infantry Division Association
(Please Print)
Name: ______________________________________________________________________________
_____ New Member (Please complete information below) Active Duty see * below
_____ Renewal (Complete only items that need changed)
Street:
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
City: ___________________________________________________
Phone Number: __________________________________________
State: ___________
Zip: ____________________________________
Wife’s Name: ___________________________________________________
Unit (BN/CO/PLT etc.): _____________________________________________________ Dates of Service with 5th Infantry: _____________________________
E-Mail Address: __________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Membership:
1 Year - $10.00
(Please circle your selection)
2 Years - $19.00
3 Years - $28.00
5 Years - $45.00
10 Years - $75.00
Lifetime - $100.00 (Must be at least 55 years old)
*
Active Duty Soldiers - $5.00 per year
Make checks payable to “ 5th Infantry Chapter” and mail this application to:
1 - 3 year membership circle the one you want:
-Decal as shown -Decal without the word “Survivor”
5th Infantry Chapter
1501 Baychester AVE
Norfolk VA 23503
We have 2 decals. One is shown above and the other is just like
the one above without the word “Survivor” on it. When you
renew / join for 1, 2 or 3 years you will receive free a 11” X 3”
decal as shown above. Five, 10 or lifetime payment will receive
one of each.
U.S. Postage
PAID
Swanton MD 21561
Permit # 3
Non-Profit Org.
Address Service Requested
5th Infantry Chapter of the 25th Inf. Div. Assoc.
138 Glenrise Road
Swanton MD 21561-2317
16