MACKENZIE’S RAIDERS

                                                            

Jerry A. Headley, President email – jaheadley@comcast.net                                        June 2007

   Stanley Homiski,  Editor        email –capthom@snet.net                                        www.3 - 4cav.com

 

  20^th ANNIVERSARY IN 2008

 

Help us celebrate our 20^th anniversary when we meet June 26-29, 2008 in Fort Mitchell, KY.

The Drawbridge Inn in Fort Mitchell, KY is our hotel. It is located just off Interstate   I-71/75. For you that will fly, they provide free transportation to and from the airport. We have a great rate of $75 per night and it is good for three days prior to and after our reunion. Beginning July 1^st you may make reservations. Outside of Kentucky call 800-354-9793, in Kentucky call 800-352-9866. Tell them it is for the 3/4 Cavalry Reunion. You will also receive a 10% discount in their restaurants. All you have to do is show your reunion name - tag.

For you early birds there is much to see and do in the Cincinnati area. Maybe the Cincinnati Reds will be in town. There is horse racing close by and riverboat gambling is located in nearby Lawrenceburg, IN. There is much history associated with the city of Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky that had an impact on our nation.

A special 3/4 CAV Coin is being made and each member attending will receive a free coin as a memento.

On Thursday we will hold our traditional golf tourney. It will be held at the Twin Oaks Golf and Plantation Club. It is a privately owned public course in Covington, KY.  Remember that the ladies can play too. Later that evening we will have our ice - breaker in the hospitality room. Make sure you bring your photos and films from Nam to share. Freshen up your stories too.

On Friday morning we will conduct our Memorial Service in the Stuart room. Afterwards, a great city tour has been planned with a stop at Newport on the Levee. More than 10 restaurants are located here with the Hofbrau Haus just across the street. There are a number of shops that the ladies will want to visit and plenty of entertainment.  The Newport Aquarium is here. After you return, we will have our group photos taken. Friday evening we will have a Bavarian dinner with live German music. The guest speaker will be MG (Ret) Tom Tait.

Saturday will begin with our business meeting. A riverboat luncheon follows. Our banquet will be that evening and GEN Glenn Otis will speak. Our raffle will follow. Again, being our 20^th anniversary we will have some special gifts to hand out. Plus, the money raised always goes to a good cause.

Sunday we will have a breakfast buffet to give us a final opportunity to say our good-byes.

 

 

3/4 CAV SOLDIERS ARE CASUALTIES IN IRAQ

 

 

     On 17 May (Iraq time) elements of C (Comanche) Troop were conducting a patrol when a roadside bomb (IED) detonated. SSG Christopher Carver, SPC Michael Alsop, and PFC Anthony Labelle suffered injuries.

     SSG Carver is still in Landstuhle Germany. His family is with him. SPC Alsop has moved to Brooke AMC in San Antonio, TX. PFC Labelle is at Walter Reed.

     On 24 May (Iraq time) elements of A (Apache) Troop were conducting a patrol when an IED exploded. SPC Casey Zylman, Coleman, MI, died as a result of injuries. SSG Joshua Martin and SPC Shane Vincent suffered injuries.

     SSG Martin is at Brooke AMC. SPC Vincent is in ICU at Walter Reed. His wife, mother and father are with him.

MAJ Adam Kuhn, former D Troop commander was evacuated from Iraq to Walter Reed and is being treated for Sarcoma cancer.

Tom Fleming, Gary Quay and Jerry Headley have visited the soldiers at Walter Reed. They were given caps, 3/4 sabers, and reunion pins. Updates on their progress will be on our web page.

 

 

DONATIONS NEEDED FOR SQUADRON COIN

 

 Donations are still needed to help defray the cost of the “challenge” coin that the squadron had made for each squadron member to commemorate their tour of duty in Iraq. The squadron needs to raise an additional $2500. The 3/4 CAV Assn. has paid the balance. If each member would donate at least $5, we can replace the money in our treasury. Send your donation to Bobby Bingham, 4505 Arvice Court, Lexington, KY 40515

 

 

ATTA BOY/GIRL

 

 

Atta Boy/Girl to:

Joe Clock, C Troop, who took the initiative to get Hwy 1 in Indiana named the Purple Heart Highway.

Charles Curtis III, “Chico” Herrera, Jim Keul, Charles Macchiaroli, donation for squadron coins.

Tom Fleming, Gary Quay, Jerry Headley for visiting our wounded soldiers.

Dick Hemmer, Larry Maxwell, Terry Satchell, and Harry Sweebe for attending CPL Zylman’s funeral.

COL Walter Golden, former SCO for being selected for promotion to Brigadier General.

Anonymous members for their donations.

 To all of you who renewed or upgraded your membership.

Your tax deductible donations and dues keep our chapter running. Please send you tax-deductible donations to Bob Bingham, treasurer.

 

 

       TAPS

Charles Deel             B Troop 63-65.

SAM JENKINS          A&B TROOP, 67-69

JOHN KOPP               B TROOP, 65-67

LLOYD REEVES         C  TROOP, 69-70

STEPHEN ROSE     B TROOP, 68-69

JOE SLOAN                 C TROOP, 68-69

ROBERT WEBB         B TROOP, 69-70

CASEY ZYLMAN*,      A TROOP, 06-07

To the family and friends of those departed, you have our deepest sympathy and we share your grief.

 

            * Active Duty

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

 

 

            The 25th Division Association awards scholarships to all sons/step-sons, daughters/step-daughters, and grandchildren of ELIGIBLE 25th veterans.  To be ELIGIBLE, you MUST BELONG

to the 25th Infantry Division Association.  If you haven’t joined yet you need to do so. See DUES for information.  Note: For a student to be eligible for a scholarship the parent or grandparent has to have been a member of the 25^th IDA for a minimum of one year.  JOIN NOW!

            The 3/4 CAV Chapter annually donates at least $1,000. In 2006 we donated $2000. This is awarded to an ELIGIBLE child/grandchild of a 3/4 Cavalry veteran.  Joanna Roe, daughter of Dennis Roe, B Troop, 68-69, received the 2007 3/4 CAV Scholarship.  Make tax-deductible donations to our treasurer, Bob Bingham.

 

 

 

SQUADRON NEWS

 

            Our squadron, along with the rest of the 25^th Infantry Division, has been extended for 90 more days in Iraq. Hopefully, they’ll be returning sometime in November.

            The squadron has been awarded the Meritorious Unit Citation for their service in Afghanistan.

 

 

 

 

NEW MEMBERS FOUND

 

 

Tom Lange, D Troop (Air), 1/67-5/68, Seward, AK

Raymond Reavis, D Troop (Air), 1/67-1/68, Clover, SC

Jerry Sprague, C Troop, 8/68-8/69, Little River, SC

 

Current number of former 3/4 Cavalry troopers found – 1,385

 

NOTE: 483 are on the mailing list.

 

Keep searching for former troopers.

OUT OF THE ATTIC AND INTO HISTORY

 

By John Alto

 

 

In April of last year, inspired by my plan to attend the 3/4 CAV reunion in Kansas City, I dug my old boxes of slides that I had taken during my stint as Aero Rifle Platoon Leader out of the attic and had them transferred to DVD. To my good fortune, Burnit Studio had just opened their doors very close to our business. Burnit Studio has all the hardware, software and creative talent that helped me to convert my slides into a living and breathing video history complete with music.

 

Burnit Studio is now working with slides from another D trooper, with several other veterans on deck. My hope is that those of you reading this will also consider bringing your images out of storage so that your experiences may become a part of a living history of our tours in Vietnam.

 

If you’re interested, contact me at jalto@spiritone.com and look at Burnit Studio web www.my-vietnam-tour.com

 

 

    

25^TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE WALL

 

 

            The 25^th anniversary of The Wall will be Veterans Day 2007. Rooms are available on a first come basis at the  Sheraton National Hotel on 900 S. Orme St., Arlington, VA. They are holding 25 rooms for us. If those are sold, we may get more. So, get your room now. Call (703) 521-1900. Let them know it is for 25^th Infantry Division veterans. Great rates at a great location. Room rates are $99.00 and the hotel will provide a shuttle to the Pentagon, where you can take the Metro to the Wall. Parking is $8.00, Half the regular rate. There will be a hospitality room for that weekend. Send your registration, $10, to Bill Park, 4 Kutz Ave, New Holland, PA 17557.

            The highlight of the anniversary commemoration will be the Reading of the Names during a ceremony that will run from Nov. 7-10,2007. The names will be read chronologically by casualty date. This will be the fourth time in The Wall’s history that all of the names have been read aloud in Washington, D.C. If you would like to be a reader contact the VVMF at www.vvmf.com.

 

 

 

BUY A BRICK FOR THE 25th INFANTRY DIVISION MEMORIAL

 

   You can still buy a brick for the 25^th IDA  Memorial at Schofield Barracks.

   The completed memorial was dedicated at the 25^th IDA reunion on September 29, 2006. The monument not only honors those who died but also all who have served and are serving in our Tropic Lightning Division.

   Go to the 25^th IDA web site www.25thida.org or to the 3/4 CAV site www.3-4cav.com to get information and the form. Buy a brick paver to honor one of your fallen comrades or to place your own name.

 

 

 

                           DUES

 

3/4 CAV Dues

 

            Send your dues ($10 Annual/$75 Life) payable to 3/4 CAV Chapter to P.O. Box 23678 Lexington, KY 40523-3678.  Your dues pay for the publi­cation and mailing of your MacKENZIE'S RAIDERS newsletter. Attach a copy of your DD-214, if you’ve never sent one.

 

 

25th Infantry Division Dues

 

            Send your 25th Infantry Divi­sion Asso­ciation dues ($20 Annual, $175 Life) to P.O. Box 7, Flourtown, PA  19031-0007. Attach a copy of your DD-214 or other documentation of service.

 

NOTE: The 25^th IDA is considering raising its dues similar to the VFW and American Legion, i.e., a sliding scale based on age. NOW is the time to join as life member and save money!

 

 

 If you want the rainbow, you got to put up with the rain.”

 

Steven Wright

      

QUARTERMASTER STORE

    

 

NOTE: POSTAGE FOR SHIPPING AND HANDLING IS INCLUDED IN YOUR ORDERS. SEND YOUR CHECK OR MONEY ORDER PAYABLE TO 3/4 CAVALRY CHAPTER TO P.O. BOX 23678, LEXINGTON, KY 40523-3678, EXCEPT WHERE NOTED.

 

SPECIAL OFFER. Red T-shirts with design when squadron was in  Afghanistan. Limited supply. Only L, XL left. Cost $15.00

POLO SHIRTS. Navy Blue with embroidered 4^th Cavalry Crest, crossed sabers and Mackenzie’s Raiders on left front. Cost $35.00. $40.00 2X, 3X

SWEATSHIRTS. Navy Blue with embroidered 4^th Cavalry Crest, crossed sabers and Mackenzie’s Raiders on left front.  Cost $35.00. $40.00 2X, 3X.

 T-SHIRT.  Navy Blue T-Shirt with embroidered regimental crest on front. Cost $22.00. $27.00 2X, 3X.

PINS, WINDOW STICKERS.  We have a few cap pins, and window stickers left from the last reunion. Pins are $5 and stickers are $3. Get them while they last.

CAPS. Cost $15.00.  Black with embroidered regimental crest and motto. Better get two!

CAV LICENSE PLATES. Cost is $12.00. First come first served. Order now!

PATCHES. We have two different types that are like our crest. One is ornate and for wear on a blazer or sports jacket. Cost $25. Another is a sew on like you had in Nam. Cost $5.

CROSSED SABERS.  Crossed sabers pin like on our newsletter. Cost $8.00.

MINATURE CREST. Cost $5.00.

PRINT. Commissioned by the squadron while in Afghanistan. Portrays the history of the 3/4 CAV. Each copy is signed by the artist. Cost $30.00

POEM. Cost $10.00. Jim Locklear wrote the poem "Vietnam Vet" and his new one “Welcome Home”. Jim will donate all money made from the sale of these poems to the scholarship fund.  Send your order to Jim Locklear. P.O. Box 824, Pembroke, NC 28372.

MUG. White with crest and scroll. Sold at reunion. $10.00. Order from Quartermaster.

NEW! 3/4 CAV CARDS. Pkg of 25. Color drawing of unit crest, crossed sabers, unit guidons on front cover. Old Bill on top of inside. Description of crest on back. Use for personal notes, thank you, or whatever. Includes envelopes $26.00

Band of Brothers Poster. Bob McCarthy will provide a free poster of the Henry V siloquoy, “We Band of Brothers.” Write to Bob at 9718 Limoges Dr., Fairfax, VA 22032.

 

 

 

 

25^TH INFANTRY DIVISION ASSOCIATION REUNION

 

 

          The 25^th IDA will hold its 58^th reunion in Lexington, KY August 28, September 1, 2007. (My apologies. Must have had a brain cramp and the wrong dates were published in last newsletter). The Griffin Marriott Hotel and Spa is the host hotel. This as a great property and they have given us a special rate of $79 per night. Rooms are going fast. Get yours now.

            There is a private golf course on the grounds and the 2^nd annual 25^th IDA golf tournament will be held there. Our Dave Nelson will be in charge of the tournament and he hopes there will be a large turnout of 3/4 CAV golfers to challenge the other teams, i.e., “Wolfhounds” and “Bobcats” for bragging rights.

            Great tours are being arranged or you can visit nearby sites on your own. The Kentucky Horse Park is a magnificent place to visit and see how the horse impacted Kentucky. Make a trip to nearby Frankfort, the state capitol and see the Vietnam Memorial. Perhaps the most unique memorial dedicated to the Kentuckians killed and missing in Vietnam.

 

 

 

RETURNED MAIL

 

 

            Some of you must now “snowbird” during March because we had a significant number of returned newsletters stamped “temporarily away”.

            When your newsletters are returned we have to pay postage. If we re-mail your newsletter, then we have to send it first class. While this may not seem like a significant amount to you, it amounts to a large sum over time.

            If you know you are going to be away and you want your newsletter, you must inform the postmaster that you want all of your mail forwarded or held.

            Try to remember to notify the association when you’ll be away and provide a forwarding address. We’ll do our best to make sure you get the newsletter.

 

           

 

HOST NEEDED FOR 2010 REUNION

 

 

            A host is needed for our 2010 reunion. No, it is not too early to start planning. Some members have suggested that we hold a reunion in Nashville, TN or Chicago, IL or return to Chattanooga, TN. If you’d like to host a reunion, contact Carl Quickmire at dewb4ubs@earthlink.net or Jerry Headley, jaheadley@comcast.net and we will provide you with the information to conduct a reunion.

 

 

CHECKLIST: HAVE YOU

 

X Paid your dues?

X Joined the 25^th Infantry Division Association?

X Made a donation to the scholarship fund, general fund, or division memorial?

X Found a new member?