Richard D. Hanzel , age 64, of Kirtland, OH, died Dec 4, 2011.
Dear father of Garrett, Justin, Christianne, and Jordan; former husband of Carol (nee Predovich); son of the late Florenz and Marie (nee Arth); oldest brother of Gail, Karen, Jacqueline, Edward, Marie, Paul, Dianne, Michael, Judith, David, and Joseph. A decorated U.S. Army veteran, Richard served as an infantry squad leader with C 2/12 Cavalry, 1st Air Cavalry Division during the Vietnam Conflict.
A memorial service will be held at 12 noon, Saturday, December 10, 2011, at Saint Anselm Catholic Church, 12969 Chillicothe Rd., Chesterland, OH 44026.

Dennis R. Sutherland died Oct 17, 2011 in Chicago, IL. Beloved husband of 42 years to Treva; dear father of Daniel (Cathy) and Ryan (Christina); devoted grandpa of David, Amber and Brandon; loving brother of Russell (Noreen); fond uncle of Sheila (Mark) Cotton; Cherished son of the late Russell and Margaret (nee Carlson) and son-in-law of Georgia Green; dear friend of many. Past Commander and Life Member of the V.F.W. Post 8322. A decorated U.S. Army veteran, Dennis served with C 1/12 Cavalry, 1st Air Cavalry Division during the Vietnam Conflict.

Joe E. Cunningham died Sept. 27, 2011, at North Mississippi Medical Center of Tupelo. Services were at Miracle Temple Church of God in Christ with Elder Robert Brown Sr. and Pastor Charles Godfrey officiating. He was buried in the Memorial Gardens of Columbus.
Mr. Cunningham was born Dec. 29, 1947, in Columbus, to the late Robert Pointer and Henretter Porter. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving with A 1/12 Cavalry, 1st Air Cavalry Division during the Vietnam Conflict. He was a member of Christ M.B. Church. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Corneilous D. Cunningham. He is survived by his wife, Nancy Cunningham; daughter, Stephanie Jamison; sons, Michael and Christopher Brown, Issac Robinson; eight sisters and six brothers; and eight grandchildren.
Joe had recently attended a reunion with members of A-1/12 in Branson, MO and had been awarded a long overdue Purple Heart for wounds received in Vietnam.

Forrest Hicks joyfully went home to the Lord on August 22, 2011 surrounded by his devoted family. He was born June 28, 1947 in Lancaster, NH, the son of Clayton and Patricia (Thayer) Hicks of Jefferson, NH.

Forrest served as a medical corpsman in the 2/12 Cavalry. He was awarded the Bronze Star, Silver Star, as well as Air Medal for outstanding service in connection with military operations against hostile forces in the Republic of Vietnam.

Forrest is survived by his wife and two children Forrest Paul Hicks II, his wife Stacey, and two children Rebecca and Garret Forrest, as well as Benjamin Christopher, his wife Erica, and their four children Haile, Tyler, Alexis, and Benjamin Forrest. Forrest was one of nine children. Six survive him: Clayton Thayer Hicks, Wanda Lacasse, John Hicks, William Hicks, Bruce Hicks, and Jennifer Foster. He had many special nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents along with a sister Kathy Mathieu and a brother Edward Kent Hicks.

Funeral services were held at the Forrest Hicks Field in Jefferson, NH, on Friday August 26th at 2:00PM

In lieu of flowers the family would like to continue to develop the Forrest Hicks Field with added lights, a scoreboard, bleachers and a snack bar. Please send your contribution to the Forrest Hicks Memorial Field fund set up at the Woodsville Guaranty Savings Bank, Jefferson, NH.

Bobby Maurice Fisher, U.S. Army CSM (Ret), 80, of Lubbock, born May 7, 1931 in Eastland TX, died May 10, 2011 after a long battle with lung cancer.
He enlisted in the Army in 1947. Initial assignments in the military included tours with the 4th Infantry Division, 24th Corps in Korea, 2nd Armored Division and 3rd Armored Division in Germany, 4th Army Instructor Group (ROTC) junior and senior divisions, USAREUR Headquarters in Germany. In Vietnam he served as operations Sgt with 1st Bn. 7th Cav. 1st Cav. Division, Airmobile from 1967 to 1968. His second tour of duty in Vietnam was from 1970 until 1971 with the 2nd Bn. 12th Cav. 1st Cav. Division. Bobby was assigned as operations NCO, and principle drill instructor with the ROTC at West Texas State University on his return from his second tour of duty in Vietnam in July, 1971. He was a graduate of the 2nd Armored Division NCO Academy, 7th Army NCO Academy and the U.S. Army Special Warfare School / MATA SR NCO.
Awards and decorations received while in the service include Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal (First Oak Leaf Cluster), National Defense Service Medal with First Oak Leaf Cluster, Good Conduct Medal with Seventh Award, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Bronze Star, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation with Palm, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Metal, Three Overseas Service Bars, Expert Infantry Badge, Army of Occupation Medal (Germany), Army of Occupation Medal (Japan), Combat Infantry Badge, Expert Qualification Badge Pistol .45 Cal. and Expert Qualification Badge Rifle M-1.

He is survived by his son, Bobby Lee Fisher and wife Donna S. Fisher of Austin; daughter, Leota Susan Von Rohr and husband Rolf Von Rohr of Los Lunas, NM; their mother, Anita Fisher of Austin; grandson, Christopher Dillon McDonald and wife Melissa McDonald of Wichita Falls. Nieces are Sandra Kay Davis, Sherry Glenn Terry, Glenna Fay Blair and Cecelia Wynn Fuller. Nephews are Barry Lavon Fisher and Montie Lavera Fisher.

Final resting place will be at Resthaven Memorial Park in Lubbock, Texas, where Bobby's wife also is at rest. Friends are cordially invited to a visitation with the family from 12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. prior to service at Resthaven Funeral Home & Memorial Park, 5740 West 19th Street, Lubbock, TX 79407. A funeral service, including Military Honor Guard detail, will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, May 14, 2011, at Resthaven Funeral Home's Abbey Chapel with Dr. Ken Horn officiating.

Sgt. Vorasack Thomas Xaysana, 30, whose home of record is Westminster, Colo., died April 10 in Kirkuk, Iraq, of injuries sustained, April 9, in a non-combat related incident.

Xaysana joined the military in September 2005 as an indirect fire infantryman and was assigned to the mortar platoon of HHC, 2nd Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood since September 2010.

Xaysana deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom from August 2007 to October 2008 and deployed in support of Operation New Dawn in September 2010.

Xaysana's awards and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal, two Army Achievement Medals, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal with campaign star, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Noncommissioned Officers Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, three Overseas Service Ribbons and Combat Infantry Badge.

Circumstances surrounding his death are under investigation.

Joe Luis Garcia, 92, of Kingsville, died Feb. 2, 2011, in Corpus Christi, Texas. Sgt. Joe L. Garcia was a highly decorated United States WWII Army Veteran assigned to the 1st Cavalry Division, 12th Cavalry, Troop E (1940-1945). He worked for public works in Corpus Christi Army Depot and retired at NAS Kingsville with 35 years of federal service. He was also a member of St. Martin’s Catholic Church, St. Martin’s Mutualistas since 1956, 1st Cavalry Div. Assoc., D.A.V. member, member of the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars, charter member of the Order of the Purple Heart. Survivors include his wife, Estella F. Garcia of Kingsville, TX.; one son, Jose Luis Garcia Jr. of Austin, TX., one daughter, JoLee Garcia West, of Kingsville, TX., two grandsons Gabriel C. Garcia (Veronica) of Austin, TX; Shem T. Vinton of Natalia, TX; one great-grandson, Xavier G. Garcia and numerous nieces and nephews.
Visitation was held Feb. 7 at Ramirez-Salinas Funeral Home in Kingsville. A rosary was recited Feb. 7 at St. Martin’s Catholic Church. A funeral Mass was celebrated Feb. 8 at St. Martin’s Catholic Church with the Rev. Naul Ordonez officiating. Burial followed at Resthaven Cemetery in Kingsville with full military honors.

Justin Kenneth Tate, 28, born in Duarte, CA. May 18, 1982, died in Nolanville, TX. on Dec. 21, 2010. He lost control of his motorcycle just outside of Ft. Hood, TX, where he was stationed. His military decorations include two Army Commendation Medals, two Army Achievement Medals, two Army Good Conduct Medals, National Defense Service Medal, Iraqi Campaign Service Star, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon Army Service Ribbon and Combat Infantry Badge. He is survived by his beautiful wife, Staff Sergeant Dawn Tate of Killeen, TX. who is expecting their first son, Connor Justin Tate, due April 20, 2011, by his daughter, Michele Rene Tate of Fargo, N.D, by his proud parents, Deborah L. Tate and David B. Tate of Ukiah, CA, by "his rock"-Grandmother Brenda Ganatos of Lapine, OR, his adoring sister Ashley Rene Tate-Scott of Ukiah, CA, his sister, Leah Hurley-Tate of Exeter N.H. and numerous loving family members and friends. He will always be remembered for his astounding love for his family, his country, and his brothers in arms. Services to be held Mon. Jan. 3 at 10:30 am at Acheson and Graham Mortuary , 7944 Magnolia Ave., Riverside CA. Burial to be held at Riverside National Cemetery following the service, with full military honors. A Memorial Service in Ukiah will be planned in the future.

Dimitry Ignatiev, 50, died from Leukemia on Feb 27, 1995 in Milwaukee, WI. He was born in 1945 in Milwaukee. He was preceded in death by his parents, Anatole and Natalia Ignatiev, and survived by his wife, Kristin Brown Ignatiev and their children, Matthew, Emily, and Peter. Spec 5 Ignatiev served as a Combat Medic with C Co. 1/12 Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Div from Dec 1967 to December 1968.

Brigadier General (Ret.) James H. Leach, 87, Beaufort, SC died on December 17th, 2009 of an apparent heart attack while driving. He was survived by his wife of 58 years, Marion, and his son, James H. Leach, Jr. (Jamie). Born in Houston, Texas on April 7, 1922, James H. Leach joined the Texas National Guard at 16 and at 22 became the platoon commander in a tank company under Gen. George Patton during World War II. Leach was a five-time Purple Heart recipient and was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for his service during WWII. The medal is the nation's second-highest military decoration, behind only the Medal of Honor. A past commander of the 3/12 Cavalry, Brigadier General Leach retired from the Army in 1972 after tours in Korea and Vietnam.

He and Marion eventually settled in Beaufort, SC, where he was active in veterans' affairs and served as an adviser to the Adjutant General of the S.C. Military Department, which oversees the S.C. National Guard and S.C. Air National Guard.

Raphael Lynn “Buggs” Greenwell, 63, Culvertown, Ky, died Saturday, Nov. 27, 2010, at his residence. He was born and raised in Culvertown. He was a retired employee of G. E. Appliance Park in Louisville with 35 years of service. He was an Army veteran and a member of Immaculate Conception Church, Culvertown. He served in C Co 1/12, First Cav Division in Vietnam during 1968 and 1969 as an airmobile rifleman and was known by the nickname Buggs.

He was preceded in death by his father, Martin Eugene "Junior" Greenwell Jr.; three brothers Phil, Greenwell, Stan Greenwell and Owen Greenwell; and a sister, Dorothy Greenwell. Survivors include a son, Raphael Allan (Miranda) Greenwell, Paducah; a grandson, Garret Greenwell; his mother, Elizabeth Irene Thornsberry Greenwell, Culvertown; two sisters, Angela (Donald) Murphy, Springfield; and Carol Greenwell, Culvertown; three brothers, Dennis (Mary Jane) Greenwell and Vernon Greenwell, both of Culvertown, and Van Greenwell, Raywick.

The funeral was 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, November 30, at the Immaculate Conception Church, Culvertown with burial in the St. Thomas Cemetery, Bardstown, Ky.

Bob McClellan, LTC , Retired, A dear friend, mentor and leader who was an original member of Charlie Company, 1/12th Cavalry from 1965 to 1966, passed from this life on Sunday, November 14, 2010. Robert W. McClellan, age 69, was born in Summit, New Jersey and graduated from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, in 1963. He enlisted in the army and received his commission as an infantry officer upon graduation from OCS at Ft. Benning, Georgia. He subsequently completed airborne training and joined Charlie Company, 1st BN (Airborne) , 12th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division at Ft. Benning. He served as a platoon leader in C Company in Vietnam. He served in infantry and airborne infantry units in the US and in the Republic of the Congo on a security mission to assist the loyalist government and mercenaries, in Germany and in Vietnam, where he served two tours. He served a security assistance tour in Lebanon in 1983 where the Marine Corps barracks was bombed. He was assigned as the Army liaison officer to the Marine Corps Education Center in Quantico, where he was a primary contributor to the development of the Marine Corps anti-terrorism program. Among his military honors were the Combat Infantryman's Badge, Legion of Merit, two Bronze Star Medals for Valor, two Purple Hearts, Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal and Defense Meritorious Service Medal. Survivors include two children, Robert Joseph McClellan of Lorton, VA and Elizabeth Jernigan of Linda, California. Internment at Arlington National Cemetery.

Robert Edward Waszak 63, was born on September 28, 1946, in Rochester, N.Y. He was the oldest child of Edward and Joe Marie. He is survived by his wife Suzanne and his daughter Melinda. Decorated Vietnam War veteran. Retired Sergeant of Sacramento County Sheriff's Department. His passions were golf, travel and gardening. A natural born leader, he loved life and cherished time with family and friends. He will be greatly missed by all those that knew him.

He suffered a massive heart attack while at a golf outing in Georgia. Rob loved life and cherished time with family and friends and loved his dog Colby.

Rob's Vietnam tour began in April of 1967, and he left Vietnam flying back to "The World" in April of 1968. He was assigned to the First Platoon of B Company 2/12 First Air Cavalry, Rob was wounded during an ambush on June 28, 1967 in Dak-To. He rejoined B Company in the Que Son Valley just in time to fight off a major NVA attack on LZ Ross. Rob's battalion was shifted farther north during January of 1968. When the TET offensive of 1968 began in early February, the 2nd of the Twelfth was air assaulted from LZ Evans to PK-17 in the vicinity of Hue. With little or no air or artillery support, the 2nd of the 12th managed to fight off several ground attacks against its perimeter. Using the cover of a dark moonless night, the 2nd of the 12th moved out of its perimeter through enemy territory, to reach high ground overlooking the city of Hue and the enemy positions. Because of the daring night move in which the 2nd of the 12th vanished from the NVA's gun sights, it became known as the "Lost Battalion of TET". Robert E. Waszak was a survivor of the TET offensive of 1968 and of the battle for Hue. He will always be remembered by his Vietnam brothers.

Msgr. Edward Moretti, the longtime pastor of Ss. Peter and Paul The Apostles Catholic Church in Bradenton and Vicar General of the Diocese of Venice, died Friday after a short illness.

Msgr. Moretti, who marked the 50th anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood on July 10, was 76.
In June, then-Father Moretti was bestowed the rank of Monsignor, Protonotary Apostolic Supernumerary by Pope Benedict XVI, the highest honor that can be given a diocesan priest.

Frank J. Dewane, Bishop of the Diocese of Venice in Florida, expressed his condolences to Msgr. Moretti’s family, and to all who knew him. “Please pray for the repose of his soul,” Dewane said. “May he rest in peace.” Msgr. Moretti “was a trusted advisor and friend; indeed he was a priest who possessed unique gifts that made him a legend in his own time,” Dewane added. “He had a holiness of life that served as an example to us all.”

Msgr. Moretti was ordained July 10, 1960, at St. Mary Major Basilica in Rome. From there he returned to the United States and served as a parochial vicar in East Boston, Mass.

He served as a chaplain with the 82nd Airborne Division of Fort Bragg, N.C., and then with the 1st Cavalry Division in Vietnam from 1968 to ’69. “I was there to serve the men; to be with them when they needed me and to celebrate Mass for them in the field,” Msgr. Moretti said. A lifetime member of the 1st Cavalry Association, he was awarded, among other medals, a Silver Star for Gallantry in Action, a Bronze Star for Heroism with an Oak Leaf Cluster, a Soldier’s Medal for Heroism and an Air Medal for Heroism.

Msgr. Moretti was then approached to serve in the Diocese of St. Petersburg, where he was assigned to Holy Name Parish in Gulfport.

In 1975 he was named pastor of St. Joseph Parish in Bradenton. He remained there until 1987, when he was named founding pastor of Ss. Peter and Paul. Since that time, he helped the parish build 10 buildings on 44 acres. He was appointed Vicar General in 2003.

In 2008, he was selected to represent the priests of the Diocese of Venice at a Mass for Religious by Pope Benedict XVI at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York. “I’ve met six popes — Pius the XII, John XXIII, Paul VI, John Paul I (only as cardinal), John Paul II and now Pope Benedict XVI,” Msgr. Moretti said at the time. “Anytime you are going to meet a pope, it is still going to be exciting because of what he represents.”

Msgr. Moretti was born Jan. 6, 1934, in Providence, R.I., to Francesco and Rose Papa Moretti. He was the youngest of six children. He is survived by his brother Wilfred and numerous other family members.

Funeral arrangements are pending.

Robert F. Caldwell Sergeant Robert F. 'Bubba' Caldwell, 69, of Albany, Georgia passed away at Crisp Regional Hospital in Cordele, GA on June 3, 2010. Sgt Caldwell had been in a coma since April. Sgt Caldwell served with D 1/12 Cav and was part of the advanced party to Vietnam in July 1965. His wife Barbara Ann passed away in 2007.

Nickolaus Gregory Gossack, On Sunday June 20, 2010, Spc. Gossack was involved in a car accident at Fort Hood, Texas, which took his life. He was interred on June 29, 2010 at Willamette National Cemetery.

After graduating from Silverton High School in 2005, Spc. Nickolaus Gossack joined the army in December of 2007 and was deployed to Irag in December of 2008 with Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 12th Cavalry regiment out of Fort Hood, Texas. He served honorably, receiving numerous awards and decorations including the Army Commendation medal, National Defense Service medal, Iraqi Campaign medal, Global war on terrorism expeditionary medal, Global war on terrorism service medal, Overseas service ribbon and Army service ribbon.

Nick was in his element as a U.S. soldier, and was prepared to deploy again at the end of this year to defend the country he loved.

Nick is survived by his parents, Greg and Shannon Gossack, and sister, Vanessa Gossack all of Silverton; grandparents, Ed and Jacquie Gossack; great-grandmother, Marjorie Matchett; numerous aunts, uncles and cousins; special friend, Sara; and his brothers in Bravo Company.

Donations can be made to the Wounded Warriors.

Donald E. Grigg, Captain, (medically retired), age 71, of Pine Bluff, AR, died May 6, 2010 at the John L McClellan Memorial Veterans Hospital in Little Rock after a long bout with viral pneumonia.  He was buried with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetary on May 26th, 2010.  He was born on May 6th, 1931 in El Dorado AR, son of the late Thurman E and Florene Coplen Grigg.  He was a US Marine from 1960-1963.  He joined the army in 1965, serving two tours in Vietnam; one as a platoon leader in A Company, 1/12 Cavalry.  He was wounded in the 506 valley and later medically retired as a Captain in 1968.  Trooper Grigg had been awarded a Silver Star, Bronze Star, Combat Infantry Badge, Paratrooper Wings, and two Purple Hearts

Survivors include wife Lisa Anne Grigg, son Grant Grigg, daughter Danielle (Scott) Pinney, and two grandchildren.

His wife, Lisa, said the Arlington services were; “A fitting tribute to a life dedicated to his country, first in the military and then in civilian work for his fellow veterans.”.  She also stated that he was always proud to remind everyone he was “Cav Airborne.

Troopers can contact his wife at: Lisa A Grigg, 8408 Griggs Road, Pine Bluff, AR 71603-1153

Trooper Grigg has long been an active supporter of the 12^th Cavalry Regiment Association; he liked to pay his dues in advance and had prepaid his dues to 2014.  

Memorials may be made to the Arkansas Veteran's Home in Little Rock; St. Peter and St. Joseph Catholic School in Pine Bluff; or the Jefferson County Humane Society.

Charles Ray Hillis, Sr., Command Sergeant Major, U.S. Army, (Retired), age 76 of West Melbourne, Florida (Formerly of McMinnville, Tennessee) died Monday, December 07, 2009.He was born on March 26, 1933, in Campaign, Tennessee.  He attended the Warren County school system prior to entering the army in August of 1948 at 15 years of age.  He was assigned to occupation duty with the 24th Infantry Division in southern Japan. There he attained the rank of Corporal.  He was discharged as a minor in October of 1949. Re-enlisting in the Army in March of 1950, he volunteered for jump school at Fort Benning, Georgia, graduating in June of 1950. He was assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. While serving in the 82nd Airborne, he received his high school equivalency.   In December of 1951, he was reassigned for duty with the 2nd Battalion, 187th (Airborne) Regimental Combat Team in Korea. While engaged in hand-to-hand combat during the prison riots on Koeji Do Island in May of 1952, he was seriously injured and was evacuated to a hospital in Japan. Upon recovery and a short leave, he again volunteered to return to his Regiment in Korea, where he served as a Platoon Sergeant on the front line until the war ended.  After the Korea War, he served as Jump School Instructor, Pathfinder Platoon Sergeant and First Sergeant with the 11th Airborne Division and the 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell, Kentucky.  He volunteered for Special Forces Training in 1958. He then served with the 1^st Special Forces Group stationed on Okinawa until December 1961. After serving in Vietnam with the 1^st SF Group, he returned to Vietnam in August of 1966, where he served two tours of duty with Alpha and Charlie Companies, 1st Battalion, (Airborne) 12th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division. While with A Company, he participated in more than seventy-five combat air assaults and his company was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation for a singular combat operation.

He was honorably retired as a Sergeant Major at Fort Dix, New Jersey in August 1978.  His official awards and decorations include: the Silver Star, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal for Valor with 4 Oak Leaf Clusters, Purple Heart, Air Medal with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters, Meritorious Service Medal with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster, The Army Commendation Medal with 4 Oak Leaf Clusters, Good Conduct Medal 10th Award, Army Occupation of Japan, National Defense Medal with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster, Korean Service Medal with 2 Bronze Campaign Stars, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal with 4 Bronze Campaign Stars, Vietnam Medal of Honor 3rd Class, Vietnam Service Medal, United Nations Medal, Presidential Unit Citation, Combat Infantry Badge 2nd Award, Master Parachutist Wings, Gilder Badge, Nationalist Chinese Parachutist Badge, Royal Thai Army Parachutist Badge and Fourtagere.

After retirement he attended the Morris College of Business in Melbourne, Florida, and operated a small business until returning to McMinnville in 1982, where he owned and operated a Computer Training Facility. In May 2008, he moved to Melbourne, Florida where he died at home on December 07, 2009.

Charles was preceded in death by his mother, Florence Bain Hillis, his father, Linzie Hillis, and four brothers J. L. Hillis, Earl Hillis, Bill Hillis, and Barry Hillis.

He is survived by his former wife and mother of his children, Shirley F. (Wiggins) Windham of Melbourne, Florida, and their three children, Charles R. Hillis, Jr. of Ft. Lauderdale, FL, Brenda F. Cornman and husband Ron of West Melbourne, FL, and Cynthia H. Wheeler and husband Keith of Lake Mills, WI. Charles had six grandchildren, Aimee and Ryan Cornman of West Melbourne, FL, Sophie Carver of Greenfield, WI, Matthew Wheeler of Madison, WI, Chase Wheeler of Mountain, WI, and Vanessa Wheeler of Boston, MA. He is also survived by three great-grandchildren Jayden K. Carver, Madeline E. Carver, and Kyla N. Gress. Charles is also survived by his brother Eddie Hillis and wife Sharon and sisters Marsha Hillis and Linda Durham and husband Terry.  
 
Funeral service is 2 P.M. Saturday, December 12, 2009, in the McMinnville Funeral Home Chapel. Bro. Bob Deason will officiate. Interment will follow at Mt. View Cemetery. Military grave rites will be administered by the American Legion Post 173 and V.F.W. Post 5064. The Hillis Family will receive friends on Friday from 4 P.M. until 8 P.M. and again on Saturday from 11 A.M. until 2 P.M. at the parlors of McMinnville Funeral Home.

Randy Wilson Harwell, Harwell, age 62, of Cornelius, NC died Monday, November 23, 2009 at Levine Dickson Hospice House.  Born September 3, 1947 in Iredell County, he was the son of the late Russell L. Harwell and Kay Mills Harwell. Randy was a US Army veteran of Vietnam, a painting contractor, a member of American Legion #86 and a member of the Veterans of Foreign War #1072.

Memorial services were conducted at 4:00 p.m. Wednesday, November 25 in the Chapel of Raymer Funeral  Home. He is survived by his wife, Beverly Washam Harwell, son, Joseph Russell 'Russ' Harwell and wife Amy of Cornelius, daughter, Allison Nicole 'Nikki' Harwell and fiance, Dr. Donnie Stewart of Lenior, NC, grandchildren, Abigail Brooke Hege, Kayley Elizabeth Harwell, and Madison Leigh Harwell.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Levine Dickson Hospice House, 11900 Vanstory Dr., Huntersville, NC 28078.

Elmer Davis of Charlie Company writes, “Randy arrived in Viet Nam the first part of December 1967, to the 1st Cav’s Charlie Company, 1/12th, 2nd Platoon, 1st squad.  He was my 'Mother Hen' when I arrived in February of 1968.  He took very good care of me and was always there to do anything for anyone.  He was a very giving person and gave of himself daily.  He would volunteer for the bad details.  He went to the gun squad the last part of May 1968.  He was injured in an ambush on June 23, 1968 receiving severe damage to his right knee and elbow.  His entire right side had taken several bullets.  Later in life he had to have his left knee replaced because of the extra stress caused to it by his injured right knee.  All of his battles were, on the battlefield and in life, fought with bravery, courage and loyalty.”

Harold Heinzeroth, we are saddened to report the death of Harold "Hootie" Heinzeroth. He died on November 13th, 2009 in Wellsburg, West Virginia, when his heart gave out. He served with Bravo Company, 1/12th Cav, 3rd Platoon in 1969-70. He spent virtually all of his tour as a rifleman in the jungles northeast of Tay Ninh and in the Central Highlands near the Cambodian border. He was with the 1/12th into Cambodia and will be remembered with respect and warmth by those he served with.  Our condolences go to his wife, Gwen, and his family.

Robert E. Balsley, passed from this life on August 2, 2009.  He lived in Hooven, Ohio.  He served as a draftee in Charlie Company, 1st BN, 12th Cavalry in 1968-69.  He left Vietnam as a SGT E-5.  He is survived by his long time companion, Sarah Rohrer Lewis, daughter Carrie Balsley and son David Balsley.  He was buried at the Maple Grove Cemetery in Cleves, Ohio with full military honors.

Gary Lee Uliano, Col. (Ret), 64, of Orlando Florida went home to be with his Lord on March 28, 2009. Gary served as Company Commander of C Co, 1/12 Cav from February 1969 to August 1969. He then served as Assistant G3 with HHC 1st Cav Div (Air Mobile) from September 1969 to February 1970. He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for his distinguished service. Gary proudly served in the US Army for 26 years in a wide variety of command and staff positions. He has spent the past 17 years in the defense industry managing simulation, training and support programs for Loral and Lockheed Martin. Gary was a member of River Run Christian Church in Orlando Florida. He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing with his family and friends. Gary was a Florida Gators fan. He is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Pat Uliano; his daughter Marcia Bayard and his son Peter Uliano. Gary was laid to rest at Bushnell National Cemetery in Florida. He will forever be remembered. He will forever be missed. His son, Peter, can be contacted at peteruliano@msn.com

Ronald “Scott” Taylor 64, on Sunday January 18, 2009 at the Veteran’s Administration Nursing Home in Washington D.C. from complications of diabetes, brought on by his exposure to Agent Orange during the Vietnam War. Mr. Taylor, an Arlington, VA native, graduated from Virginia Tech as a member of the Corps of Cadets, and commissioned into the Army as an infantry officer in 1966. He had two combat tours of duty in Vietnam with the 1st Cavalry Division, and the Military Advisory Command, Vietnam. He received numerous decorations, including the Distinguished Service Cross, our country’s second highest award for combat valor after the Medal of Honor. 

At the start of the Tet Offensive in January 1968, Lt Taylor’s unit, C. Co. 2/12th Cavalry was heavily engaged with the enemy in the Que Son Valley.  Lt. Taylor’s platoon was encircled by an NVA regiment that repeatedly tried to overrun his small unit.  During the 26 hour fight, 20 of his 50 men were wounded.  His Distinguished Service Cross citation noted that Lt Taylor rallied his men while constantly exposing himself to the enemy fusillade, moving from position to position, calling for and adjusting a concentrated ring of friendly artillery fire. Charles Krohn wrote in his memoir, The Lost Battalion, that over 7,000 rounds of division artillery were fired on top of and around the besieged men to hold off the NVA.

After leaving active duty, Mr. Taylor served in the Army Reserve, and was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel.  He graduated from the University of Virginia School of Law in 1975, and later received an MBA from Stanford University. Mr. Taylor spent most of his federal career as a Department of Justice Criminal Division attorney in Washington D.C., prosecuting crimes throughout the country.  He retired on disability in 2001. He leaves his wife, Le Thu Taylor of Falls Church, VA; mother Ruth of Woodstock, VA; two brothers, Robert Parks of Arlington, VA, and Kevin, of Aldie, VA, and six nieces and nephews. His brother, Kevin, can be contacted at  kdtaylor01@aol.com
 

David Carmody, 61, of Kalamazoo, Michigan passed away March 28, 2009. He was the 3rd Platoon Leader of Charlie Company, 1/12th Cavalry during 1968. His military decorations included the Silver Star, awarded for his actions on May 28, 1968. He is survived by his wife and two children. Memorial Contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project.
 

Donald Garvin, a rifleman with the 3rd Platoon, Company C, 1st Battalion (Airborne), 12th Cavalry Regiment from 1966-67, passed away suddenly in December 2008. Donald is survived only by his two sisters from Ridgeland, S.C. He was a wonderful soldier and a friend to the entire platoon.
 

Rutland D. Beard Jr., 84, of Potomac, Maryland passed away on December 21, 2008. He was the Commander of the 1/12th Cavalry from December 1965 to June 1966. His thirty-three years of military service began when he enlisted during World War II and served with the 102nd Infantry Division. Colonel Beard was buried at Arlington National Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Boys Town, 300 Flanagan Blvd., PO Box 7000, Boys Town, NE 68010 or www.boystown.org/donate
    

LeRoy Shabram of Neligh, Nebraska passed away on December 14, 2008. He served  as an assistant gunner for the 2nd platoon, Company C, 1/12th Cavalry in 1968 and in Headquarters Company 1st Brigade in 1969. He was intending to  attend his first Cav reunion in 2008 when he found out that he had cancer and had to have chemo instead.
 

Mike Sinkovits, of Parkton, NC passed away on December 3, 2008. He served in Company C, 1/12th Cavalry for a few months in 1966 he then was transferred  to Company A, 1/12th Cavalry until he was wounded in August, 1966. He was a good Airborne/Ranger soldier with three tours in Nam, visited Arlington cemetery every year on Veterans Day and put flowers on all our 1/12th Cavalry gravesites. He was involved with the establishment of the 1/12th Cavalry Airborne Memorial in the Airborne museum in Fayetteville. He will be laid to rest in Arlington Cemetery on Friday, February 13, 2008, at 3:00 PM.  Anyone wishing to attend should arrive at the main gate one half hour early, in their own vehicles.
 

Kenneth "Dingle F**K"  Walker, 60,  of Somerville, New Jersey died just prior to Veteran's Day, 2008. He would have been 61 on New Year's Eve. He served in Company C, 1/12th Cavalry in 1968 and 1969. He was awarded the Bronze Star with a "V." Ken attended one Cav Reunion in Washington DC in 2004 and enjoyed it greatly.
 

Raymond " Butch" Hawthorne, of Utah passed away on Sunday, Sept. 28, 2008. He was in the U.S. Army from 1965 - 1967, during which time he served in Vietnam with the Company D, 2/12th Cavalry as a M-79 Grenadier, a great "Blooper Man.". Butch considered his Vietnam service as one of the finest periods of his life. He cared and appreciated his "brothers."
 

Douglas Carroll Thomas, 82, of Frederick, Maryland died Saturday, May 24, 2008. He was a veteran of World War II serving in the U.S. Army, 12th Calvary, as a medic. He was stationed in the Occupation Force in Japan where he helped to set up a base hospital. He received a World War II Victory Medal and the Army of Occupation Medal/Japan.
 

He was a survivor of the battle for Hue during the TET offensive of 1968. After his battalion was surrounded in a village named Thon La Chu, Tilden escaped certain death, along with the rest of his Battalion, as they made a daring night march through enemy lines to high ground where they were able to continue their fight for Hue.   Tilden was a member of the "Lost Battalion of TET".
 

William "Leroy" LAWSON, 62, of Washington DC., died Thursday, July 10th 2008. Leroy is survived by his wife Morgan Kulla, and son, Travis. "LT" Leroy was a member of DELTA Company, 1st Battalion, 12th Cavalry as both a Platoon Leader for the 3rd Platoon and then as Company Executive Officer when DELTA went into Cambodia in May-June 1970. After Viet Nam, Leroy became an accomplished artist, teacher and full time volunteer at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall. Our dear friend and comrade will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery on Tuesday September 30th 2008.  He was loved by the DELTA soldiers, enlisted and officer alike-we will miss him greatly. He will be remembered by his brothers forever as one of those "...soldiers who cannot get older..." In lieu of flowers, etc., donations should be made to "The YELLOW RIBBON FUND"   http://www.yellowribbonfund.com/ .
 

Clyde "Bill" Kizziar, 60, of Lake Isabella, California passed away November 23, 2006. He served with the 3/12th Cav in Budingen, Germany three times. The most recently being with C Troop from 73-76. He served twice in Viet Nam, one of those tours with 3/5 Cav. Scouts Out!
 

Jackson, Handy of Ellen Woods, Georgia passed away from a fatal stroke April 22, 2008. He was a member of Company C, 1/12th Cavalry. You can send a card to his wife or contact his daughter at : Wife--Annette Jackson, Daughter--Lou Jackson, 135 Bond Lake Dr., Ellen Wood, Ga. 30294.

Fuchs, Gerald C. "Jerry" of Fairport, New York, Suddenly on April 8, 2008. Survived by his loving wife, Jewell "Bunny"; 4 sons, Erich, Karl, Jerry and Michael Fuchs; sister, Deborah Licata. Jerry was a Vietnam Veteran. He was a 1st Sergeant with Company B, 2/12th Cavalry of the U.S. Army's First Calvary Division.
 

Riley Frank Palmer, 62, of Terrell Co., GA., died Saturday February 9, 2008. Survived by his wife, Jane, and son, Jeramy, stepson, Joseph Capogreca, and stepdaughter, Julie Duncan. A member of B 2/12 in his first tour in 1966-67. He was one of the original members of the Bravo212 group. Riley once drove 12 hours to be with us for our reunion banquet, then turned around and drove home. He will be remembered by his brothers at every reunion.

John "Mike" Steel, 63, died October 4, 2007 after losing his nine-month battle with Non-Hodgkin's Mantel Cell Lymphoma, one of the conditions recognized by the Department of Veterans' Affairs as associated with exposure to herbicides in the Republic of Viet Nam, where Mike served as a SPC 4, in D Company, 1/12th Cavalry from October 19, 1967 to September 2, 1969. For 38 years, Mike suffered the torment of Post-traumatic Stress Disease. Since 2001 with the help of the dedicated staff and veterans at the West Haven Veteran's Hospital, Mike received the support he needed to begin to achieve his potential. He became the first chairperson of the PSTD Veterans' Arts Council. Memorial contributions may be made to PTSD Arts Council, c/o VA CT Health Care/ PTSD Arts Council, 950 Campbell Avenue, West Haven CT 06516.
 

Robert "Bobby" Enyeart, 59, died December 24, 2006. He was born in Marion, Indiana and was a 1966 graduate of Marion High School. He married his high school sweetheart, Donna Rice on October 14, 1967; she survives. He was a self-employed carpenter and worked with his father for 30 years at Bob Enyeart and Son before retiring. He was a US Army Vietnam Veteran earning rank of E5 Sergeant, and the Bronze Star, serving in 1st Calvary Division as a radio man with Company C, 1/12th Cavalry in 1968-69. He and his father founded Mississinewa Skyhawks Model Airplane Club. Memorial contributions may be made to Disabled American Veterans.
 

Myron "Mike" Taylor, Captain, died April 18, 2007. He was from Gering, Nebraska and is survived by his wife Marge. Mike served with C Troop, 12th Cavalry Regiment from 1942 to 1946.
 

Marvin Epstein died April 25, 2007 from bone cancer. He was from Southfield, Michigan and is survived by his wife Marilyn, children, and many friends including those in the First Cavalry Division Association. Marvin served in F Troop, 12th Cavalry Regiment from August, 1944 through October, 1946. He and his wife Marilyn were a welcome sight at the annual 1st Cavalry Division Association reunions. He will be missed by all who knew him.
 

Walt Gassman died February 28,  2007. Walt was the Communication RTO and passed away due to cancer at Carnie, Nebraska. Walt was an original member of Company C, 1/12th Cavalry he joined the army from South Dakota where he grew up on the Sioux Indian Reservation. After his army tour of duty he went to work with the Union Pacific Railroad. In April, 1966 he was next to Captain McMillan  and Paul Hattabaugh the day they were killed on "Operation Lincoln" in Western Pleiku Province, Chu Pong Massiff right on the Cambodian Border. 

Thomas M. O'Reilly died December 28 2006. Bravo Company, 1/12th Cavalry '65-'66 Vietnam combat Veteran.  He was from Amityville New York. He was working on a bridge as an iron worker when he received his draft notice and although he was at first dismayed, he went to serve his country without regret and would do it again, if called. He took training at Fort Gordon in Augusta GA before attending jump school at Fort Benning GA and was eventually assigned to the new Air Cavalry Unit with the First Cav Division. He kept in close contact with his buddy, Joe O'Brick (who relayed this information and will miss his friend's letter exchange every year on Saint Patrick's Day). Trooper O'Reilly also worked on Building Number Seven at the World Trade Center and fell off the 11th Floor when it was under construction. When this building fell after the attack of September 11, 2001, Thomas and his son volunteered to go back to help clean up the twisted iron at the site. Trooper O'Reilly's name was ceremoniously entered on a construction beam left there at the site, placed there by his son.
 

Jack Burton Gies, Sr., MSG (R), 80, Died Nov. 28, 2006, at Midland Hospice House. He was born Feb. 7, 1926, at Topeka KS, Jack attended Tecumseh Grade School, Highland Park High School, and received a Bachelors Degree from Washburn University. He received his Masters Degree from the University of Kansas. Jack was a U.S. Army Veteran of World War II (HHT, 12th Cavalry Regiment) and was retired from the Army. He retired in 1988 with 39 years as an educator. Memorial contributions may be made to the Highland Park High School Alumni Scholarship Fund, 2424 S.E. California Ave., Topeka, KS 66605.
 

Daniel Marshall Morris, SSG, 28, of Clinton passed away Saturday November 25 while participating in combat operations in Iraq...His family will receive friends Saturday from 6 to 8 pm at Holley-Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton with funeral services following at 8 pm in the chapel...Interment with full military honors conducted at graveside will be held at 2 pm Sunday at the Oak Ridge Memorial Park...In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials instead be made to a college scholarship fund that has been set up at ORNL Federal Credit Union, PO Box 365, Oak Ridge, TN 37831 for his 10-year-old daughter...Holley-Gamble Funeral Home of Clinton in charge of all arrangements.
 

Mutz, Mitchel, SGT, November 15, 2006 U.S. Army SGT. Mitchel Mutz, 23, a soldier in the First Cavalry Division and a resident of Falls City, died in Iraq Nov. 15. He had been in the Army for three years and three months and was on his second tour of duty in Iraq. His parents are Bobby Mutz, a former Karnes County sheriff, and Dixie Mutz, a librarian at the Falls City Library. His brother, Nathan, is a Department of Public Safety trooper in Wilson County. Shawna Mutz is his sister-in-law. He was born in 1983 on March 17, St. Patrick’s Day. He was returned to Dover Air Force Base in Delaware Nov. 17, and will be returned to San Antonio Nov. 20. Memorials can be made to the Falls City Public Library.
    •Visitation: Friday, Nov. 24, beginning at 5 p.m., Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Falls City.
    •Rosary: Friday, 7 p.m., in the church.
    •Funeral Mass: Saturday, 10 a.m., in the church.
    •Interment: Holy Trinity Catholic Cemetery, Falls City.
Source: Wilsoncountynews.com

Petrovich, Walter D., SGT, July 20, 2006. Army/technician, 52-year Colorado Springs resident, born July 16, 1947. Survived by his wife, Catherine; and two sons, Steven Michael Saleny and Walter Joseph Petrovich. Visitation, 4 to 7 p.m. Monday, Swan Law Funeral Directors. Services, 10 a.m. Tuesday, Swan Law Funeral Directors. Burial, Fairview Cemetery, Colorado Springs.

Valletta, Richard F., SFC, July 14, 2006.  Richard was with Company A, 2/12th Cavalry from 1968 to 1970 and he lost his battle with cancer on July 14th, 2006. His former wife, Isolde Valletta can be contacted at rblackdog1@cox.net
 

Swain, Richard A., MSG (R), December 11, 2005. Honorary Sergeant Major of the Regiment since 1992 and he was a charter member of the Association and served as its President for several years. He was a regular at all the 1st Cavalry Division reunions. Survived by his wife, Erica Swain, 4892 Old Cliff Road, San Diego, CA 92120.
 

He was a survivor of the battle for Hue during the TET offensive of 1968. After his battalion was surrounded in a village named Thon La Chu, Tilden escaped certain death, along with the rest of his Battalion, as they made a daring night march through enemy lines to high ground where they were able to continue their fight for Hue.   Tilden was a member of the "Lost Battalion of TET".