12th Cavalry News - Saber Column
May - June 2008
Ken Howser

 

 

DA 1594 Daily Staff Journal of the 12th Cavalry Regiment

0001 Journal Opened. Hey Sailor, new in town? April 1st, All Fools' Day, pulling the dawn watch, Cafe Cody cranked on the internet PRC-25. Time to start another letter home from the Cav. You have my total 50% ironclad guarantee that I am indeed slaving over a hot keyboard this day and that whatever I write is without falsehood - take it to the bank kind of assurance.

0020 –  The 2nd Battalion of the 12th Cav had an awards formation on 4 March the year after their return from Iraq. The HSMOR John BERGER spoke at this ceremony and awards were presented to various spouses of the deployed troopers, among which were the Yellow Rose of Texas, the Order of St. Joan D'Arc , the Shield of Sparta, and “Honorary Ladies of the Regiment” certificates to 21 members of the 2/12th Cavalry Family Readiness Group. We will miss all the departing troopers, wives, and  spouses as they settle into their new lives outside the 1st Cav and their 12th Cavalry family. Picture is the formation of the 2/12 award ceremony, Fort Bliss and the ladies to be recognized, 4 March 2008.

Charlie says to view the farewell letter to the troopers of 1/12 Mo GOINS on the club website listed above or this hotlink: http://www.12thcav.us/commanders_update_112_031308.htm. I quote Mo, “may God continue to bless each family, household and person associated with Task Force 1st Battalion 12th United States Cavalry Regiment, the best battalion in the “Free World.”  It was my honor and privilege to serve you as Charger 6; for the final time: “See You on the High Ground.” Words of high praise any 12th Cavalry Battalion commander could utter. We all wish Mo well, success and advancement in his new assignment outside the Cav. “He has been a tremendous supporter of our Association and as usual he mentions the 12th Cavalry Regiment Association in his letter.” HCOR DINGEMAN states Mo may be seen later this year delivering the keynote address at the 12th Cav Regiment lunch in Jacksonville, Fl. Please make the necessary arrangements to join us at table and hear his well chosen words to both his troopers and his regiment. Hopefully conditions and plans will not change, (Don't we all know the Army!)

0202 – I read with interest “Spiritual Pathways” in the April Legion magazine describing the journeys of our Native American veterans in seeking to recover from PTSD. Of course all that this tails in working with the VA and funding and staff cuts, is the ongoing saga of getting our veterans the help they both need and deserve. It also meshes well with an organization I have recently become reacquainted with, Vets Journey Home. While it was started as a treatment for Vietnam veterans it has gradually become a treatment for the current wars' round of veterans. Their services are available in Mt Airy, MD; Milwaukee, WI; and Houston, TX. Mirroring what  I have attempted to say here is their words, “ When veterans get home they bring back important stories to tell, of adventures and pain, of fear and courage, of lessons learned. But often friends and family do not want to listen or were uncomfortable talking about war. So, if a veteran is going to open up at all, he might seek out another veteran to talk with. Unfortunately, when veterans talk together of the war, attempts at sharing the grief and pain often slip into an escalating exchange of war stories. Finding closure through telling one's story is difficult to achieve and the deeper truths remain untold; the deeper pain remain unprocessed. Eventually, many veterans lock up their authentic stories deep inside their "inner vault" and stop talking. Journey offers a safe place where veterans and civilians want to hear you. They offer you empathy for your painful journey and total support for your healing.

Some veterans return home feeling unappreciated and hide their service from others. It's time to come home--in a good way—and, all the way. Journey invites veterans to come all the way home and find out that they are not alone. There are many who care about you--who are willing to walk point, be at your side, and cover your back. This time, you'll be coming home together with other veterans, and welcomed with   respect and honor. All combat veterans are urged to attend. Journey is also recommended for incountry and offshore noncombatant Vietnam veterans. All combat zone veterans from any era are urged to consider attending. Both men and women vets may attend.” http://www.gaiahealing.com/HTML/vets_journey.htm

 0314 – No one has gotten back to me as to the answer to last issue's puzzler: the location of the town in Iowa that provided greetings and meetings to all the trains coming through during WWII.  Maybe your Googler is broken, mine needs oil to start searching. I take mouse in hand to thank those of you who correspond to me and enable the functioning within standard parameters of my mind. I mention the two RTOs, Elvis and Ron, Jim and Ron, the HCOR and the HSMOR. All other contributors are appreciated also. Then there are the ones who call and leave a message but never call back. If I have an address via e or snail or a telly number I do get back to you, no matter how long.

0444 – Another message and image from Col Dingeman of the presentation of a 12th Cav Certificate of Appreciation to the manager of a Golden Corral in Ft Meyers, FL, for all the free meals served to veterans on Veterans Day. Jim STOKELY provided a 1st Cav flag which was also presented on behalf of all veterans. All items are on prominent display in the restaurant for all patrons to view.  L to R> Jack WAGNER, Jim Stokely, manager Kevin WILSON, Jim Dingeman, and unknown.

1327 – Anyone who has the privilege of knowing me on a personal level very long, know of my love affair with things Aussie and Australian Rules football. I barrack the Richmond Tigers, all Cav black and yellow, ya got to love them. If you once achieve a limited knowledge of the rules you will be taken also – no wimps need apply. Working the image search last night I found the Vietnam Swans. There was the Hanoi Hawks then the Swans; and the Saigon Saints. Who knew that in 2007 Hanoi and Saigon combined to form Vietnam’s first ever National Footie team, the Vietnam Swans? Now I have a reason to return! http://vietnamswans.com

0559 – Served with Pride? I didn't even know he was in my unit. If I am going to have to fly to TX next year for the reunion I will need to get my arms in better shape. The way I am now I don't think I could make it much past Morgantown. I have been wanting to make announcements of all sorts sent in by 12th Cav to me; who knew the first would me mine? I announce to the world that I am the proud grandparent of newly arrived Micah Benjamin. Mother and grandparents are doing well. I still await those cards, email, faxes, text messages, phone calls, MySpace friends, and old fashioned letters in the PO box All I have is here, as well as I can check it. Don't make me embarrass us further by listing either the number of my messages or the number of my respondents, (you know who you are). Fair warning: you will find my life experiences in the Army and Postal Service very exciting to read up on. Spend your Federal Rebate check wisely – at the 1st Cav Reunion in Jacksonville!

1753 – I have an update from Dann DUNHAM, the Welcome Home 2008  for Vietnam veterans, “Welcome Home 2008 started out on the cool and drizzly side at 0700 and cleared up just on time for the largest parade Crossville, TN had ever seen. It was by far the most patriotic feeling I had ever felt when I cleared the final hill leading into town and could finally see the large crowd waiting to welcome us all home. Flags were flying everywhere and the people were shouting out Welcome Home to everyone in the parade.

Back at the Community Complex the vendors were set in place and the stage was set for a complete day's worth of speakers and entertainment. Everywhere someone was meeting up with an old buddy they hadn't seen in several years. It was not the crowd that we had heard was coming due to the weather but the numbers were impressive for a first time event. Sunday was dampened by rain once again but those that stayed enjoyed some more great music, food and brotherhood.

We didn't have the so called Big Names but never the less, we had the best line up of singers for the occasion. Francis EDWARDS from Australia and Homeland were the top of the list with everyone who heard them. Even when the rain started in the early evening, people stayed as we moved indoors to finish the day off. Our web site http://www.ccvietnamvets.com  contains many photos of the entire event that your readers might like to see.

The final result of our efforts turned out to be a resounding, "Lets Do This Every Year" by those that attended. 2009 will be an even larger event. Dates and times are even now being set in place and we have picked up some major pushers for the event on a national level. Keep watching our web site for Welcome Home Reunion 2009 details.”

2203 - Pictures are:

2302 – For your edification and internet reading pleasure – use caution until effects are oblivious:

http://www.historyplace.com/unitedstates/vietnam/index.html

http://www.historyplace.com/unitedstates/pacificwar/index.html

http://www.historyplace.com/unitedstates/pacificwar/timeline.htm

http://www.historyplace.com/unitedstates/aframerwar/index.html

http://www.historyplace.com/specials/slideshows/pearl-harbor/pearl-harbor1.htm

2400 - Write if you get work.

Journal Closed

 

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