12th Cavalry News - Saber Column
November - December 2008
Ken Howser
DA 1594 Daily Staff Journal of the 12th Cavalry Regiment
Hey Sailor, still new in town?” Did I not tell you to 'vote early and often'? My man won and yours lost, or vice versa, the guard has changed and all things good and wonderful exist in Washington. Like it or lump it the political system has given us worthy candidates for America and a new mood infects us all. So go back to work for another four years before we can expunge the evildoers once more.
0200 In the mid-Atlantic region Fall has fallen with a vengeance. For those who never knew or have forgotten, some parts of the country have differing seasons. This one laid in 40 degree temperatures, brisk winds bringing down numerous small limbs and colored leaves, the end of mosquitoes, and a crisp breathable air along with the occasional frost. Presage of Winter indeed. Anyone needing clarification on any item or mention feel free to connect to the LZ Grant homepage via the addresses above. Note all email states the sender is Sgt Rock, I don't use my civilian name. Those already in my vast e-address book get email Division, Regiment and Battalion updates soon as I receive and process them, no one gets first preference. If this is good for you, shoot we an email and I will put you in the First-to-Know Wiki. I am worth every penny that they pay me. The 2/12 Family Readiness Group still sells the tapestry throw pictured and featured in the last issue. It is a good deal and supports a worthy cause so spring for a dozen or so by contacting me. We had a few takers last time and can always use more orders.
0400 This month has been busy from the get-go and the end does not appear in sight. I will spare you my life story but the Cav Front has been busy also with order questions, deaths, reunions and acquaintance, and info desk help. Since I am not the world's most outgoing person, if I can do it, so can you! The lost are out there, seeking only your light to guide them home to Cav Haven. I found a 7th Cav cat by trolling the colors in my travels and got him hooked up to start receiving his Saber issues. He had joined the assoc for $5 back when but never got the Saber. An email to HQ and the 7th Regt Assoc, an address update, a check for $10, all the back issues I could clear, and one satisfied customer. He is also the commander of the local Amvets chapter; which led him to invite me to attend the weekly meeting of the Korean WVA which meets there to meet/greet the 5-6 Cav veterans who attend. I did that today, spoke about the Assoc, passed out Sabers to the Cav present that wished them, stayed through the meeting and helped fold the chapter newsletter, renewed the Saber for a trooper, and was invited to come again. Note: I have never seen a veterans group with more activities on their calendar! Go KWVA!
0600 I spotted an obit for a Korean War 7th Cav trooper, engineer and CIB, in the local paper and went to the viewing as I could not attend the funeral. Wearing my Stetson I was greeted by one son with, “What does that black line separate?” Another of his son's asked the same question on our first meeting. I was able to render further service as the F home could not find 'Fiddler's Green', words or download of 'Gary Owen' on the web. I was able to provide all of these to the family and both they and the F home now have these for future need and use. The family which included active Army personnel were most appreciative that someone who also served in the Cav, though years separate, would honor their loved one in their final hours. The 'Once Cav always Cav' was deployed and displayed again. The doorman introduced himself as a 1st Cav veteran also, he had served as a stenographer for Gen Shoemaker in VN. I made sure to slide by later and souvenir him a copy of the Saber. Two of we 12th Cav veterans and two other Cav NCR members attended the funeral in Arlington National Cemetery of a returned pilot of the VN War, 1/9th Cav 1968. Another NCR member visited the wounded warriors at Walter Reed and took them Sabers for their reading enjoyment. (This month I could have dispensed 20 copies.) Wake up People, these Troopers are out there!
0800 Trooper Ron from Michigan started me on a quest by asking about a trooper he had long searched MI for; Jerry Gann B 2/12 1969-70 was one of our AIT trainees and was one of four to be assigned to the Cav from our flight. Ron and Jerry went to Bad Bet and John and I went to Ace High. Ron mentioned he had read a story on the 12th site about Bet which mentioned Jerry. I asked Ron for the author's email, sent him off a letter, he wrote Jerry, and surprise - Ron and I had letters from Jerry. Jerry made a career or the Army, retired as a CSM and now works elsewhere. Jerry wrote a memorable letter on the Vietnam trooper which I sent to the website. In part it reads: “We did our duty in Vietnam. It was not a very popular place to be but we did not go to the Blue Water Bridge and cross over to Canada, we stayed the course. We were poorly trained and equipped to do what was given to us in Vietnam but we stayed the course. We were not given the support of the American people but we stayed the course. We were brothers in arms and we stayed the course. We came from the families that built America, we were the American heartland. I'll never meet a bunch of guys that I'm so proud of than the guys I went to Vietnam with and stayed the course. You are truly an American that is hard to find these days. Never regret what we did there, but always remember that "We Stayed the Course" perhaps out of ignorance, perhaps out of the way we were raised as children, perhaps because we had no choice but we did it... One of the best times I had was at a First Cav Reunion at Fort Hood, TX, it was great. All the years seemed to drift away and we were the young guys in Vietnam again, it was amazing to me. We talked for hours and probably drank too much but it was one great time.”
1000 RTO William G. 'Bill' McKeown, C 1/12 Cav Aug 1966 - Dec 66, Plover, WI 54467 log-birded in to request supporting fire on his 42 year quest to find his 3rd platoon commander wounded the same day as he. Years had passed and Bill never forgot his Lt or the men he had served with and wished to resolve their final status. His search had been fruitless through attempts to call and hire data services and Bill had all but given it up as a futile. By an accident of cosmic proportions, the alignment of the spheres and conjunction of the planets, and sheer luck he found his Lt John M. Rudd, Fernandina Beach FL 32034. Bill had earmarked $500 when he started looking for his CO and in his gratitude for finally connecting donated that amount into the Scholarship Fund “In honor of the men of Charlie Co., 1/12 Cav 08Aug66 to 12Dec66.” Bill and John also send in the 3rd platoon photo of that time period and asks if you are in the picture or recognize any of the men to contact them. They further affirm that as all members of the of 3d Platoon received a copy of the photo in Oct '66 and served and fought as a unit, that names not be listed. We wish their reunions well.
1200 Gary M. Thomas B 2/12 1969-1970 e-sortied to find old B 2/12 comrades and list the website http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bravo212/ where he has posted pictures.
1400 Fiddler's Green sortied by Jim Breen. “My good friend, Comrade and True Combat Brother Raymond S. (Butch) Hawthorne passed away of a cerebral hemorrhage at his home near Salt Lake City, Utah. He is survived by his wife Merilee and a daughter.” “He was in the U.S. Army from 1965 - 1967, during which time he served in Vietnam with D 2/12, 1st Cavalry Division. Butch considered his Vietnam service as one of the finest periods of his life. He cared for and appreciated his "brothers."” “Butch was our squad's M-79 Grenadier, our best "Blooper Man." An awesome, fearsome Warrior, I was and still am so very proud to have fought along side of this brave Country Boy who gave new meaning to 40mm grenades and the aftermath thereof.”
1600 From Sam Veer. “Pictured at Branson are Lt. Tom Smith, Michelle Baugh, and Chuck Gregore. Michelle is the daughter of Sp 4 Richard Githens, A Co 1/12, KIA 5-29-68 RVN. Through the years she has been researching info on her dad, and what happened to him. Through her efforts, she was able to contact Chuck Gregore, the man that was with her father when he died. She returned to Vietnam with Chuck to the spot her father was killed. She belongs to Sons and Daughter in Touch www.sdit.org/ comprised of the children of those killed or missing in Vietnam. She also took another trip to Nam with about 50 others from her group. Since then she was also able to contact her fathers Lt., Tom Smith. After 40 years, Tom and Chuck were reunited at the 1/12th reunion in Branson this year. She is currently working with an independent film maker on a film about a young man from IL killed in Iraq, and is trying to help his daughter. She recently interviewed Joe Galloway and Hal Moore for a trailer to the film 'Small Town Boy, Real American Hero'” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KqoyuBBDdnA.
1800 Gerry Gudinas writes, “Branson was an extra special time for us as Col. Phil Blake was in attendance. He was my Captain in Vietnam for four months and I believe his excellent leadership is part of the reason I returned home from 'Nam alive. I was proud to have the opportunity to shake his hand and tell him "Thank You"! Also, one of my platoon brothers, Truman Carroll, attended the reunion in Branson and we shared some tears and many laughs!” I am awaiting follow on reports from Branson, these are all that were submitted.
2000 1-12 Cav active Battalion Spouses Pre-deployment Briefing was held on 13 November. “In the past two months the battalion has been extremely busy in preparation for our upcoming deployment to Iraq. During August most Soldiers took advantage of liberal leave to take a week off before heading to the National Training Center in September. While at the NTC, the companies and platoons trained on tasks that they will execute while in Iraq and gained requisite proficiency level; all participated in day and night live fire exercises, as well as practice patrols before going into “the box.” During the eight days of full spectrum operations all systems in the battalion received a great workout. The next two months will be hectic as we load out the battalion and conduct some final training, but all deployable Soldiers will get the opportunity to take two weeks of well earned leave.”
2200 2-12 Cav active “The Battalion and your Soldier are hard at work partnering and training both the Iraqi Army and Police. We're assisting them in the areas of maintenance management for their many vehicles, first aid, as well as combat lifesaver training, operational planning, and training management. By any account, the Iraqi Security Forces are becoming more self-reliant everyday. Additionally, we're working alongside and in concert with the Dhi Qhar and Muthana Provincial Reconstruction Teams (PRT) to improve essential services, key employment skill sets, as well as local and provincial governance. In fact, we regularly see and work with both provincial governors, provincial council leaders, and key judicial and investigative judges. Recently we've been fielding an array of the Army's newest and most protective vehicles. All the units are enjoying and getting used to operating them. Overall, the battalion has established a rhythm where your soldier has a good & equitable balance between operations, maintenance, physical training, and morale, welfare, & recreation.” http://www.state.gov/r/pa/scp/78599.htm
2400 Almost. A scribe mentioned the RAO newsletters and how to subscribe. I second his motion and send them out to the Regt faithful and also give the website and archives site.
Bulletins: http://post_119_gulfport_ms.tripod.com/rao1.html
Archives: http://www.ymlp134.com/pubarchive.php?raoemo