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Ben, I’ll be happy to join you in Mt. Morris. Give me a call and we can coordinate 815-823-2900.
Noticed Russ’s post from April 18 about Lt mortality. I am compiling a list of 3rd Platoon Leaders. I have 11 consecutive starting with Steve Homoki (March 69), last 2 on the list are Rod Shortell and ? Ward I have no contact info for these last 2 who probably served into 1971. Can anyone help? Most were WIA, 3 KIA (2 during my time with the Company) and then there is my friend Mitch Kotula who died on the operating table but was revived. Do the math – doesn’t look encouraging. At least 4 of them went on to be Company Commanders.
Jim,
Oops, I just clicked on the link from your post and saw the photos and article you must have been referring to. Those are different pictures than the one I saw but that’s still our old unit but with better gear and an incredibly higher pay scale. Not enough to tempt me to lie about my age and go see the recruiter though.
Stephen Emery was my replacement, Armando Luna was Paul Rosteck’s replacement. For 40 years I have wondered what might have been. I am going to Mt Morris, Illinois on May 18 to represent Charlie Company for the presentation of 2 scholarships in honor of Doc Rimmer. Anyone want to join me? I was the reason he came to 3rd Platoon. He was a very good medic. Once again I am seeking donations to the Memorial Fund. I want to see that he is never forgotten. Checks can be sent to me or Larry Harper. Make sure they are made out to ‘James “Ed” Rimmer Memorial Scholarship.
Jim,
I think I saw the same photo–it was of a lightning strike silouhetting a Stryker with a grunt or two on top. Taken in Afghanistan. That was C 2/1 today.
In my morning paper was an AP photo with a caption describing the soldiers as members of Charlie Company, 2nd Battalion, 1st Infantry Regiment.
I am not completely sure that is us. Anyone else?
More here:
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=94657615
SALUTE TO THE OUR FALLEN BRETHEREN MAY THEY NEVER BE FORGOTTEN i also invited my cousin-who served ’66-68 to visit site–robert [bob] way
40 years ago today, we were finally rid of Jim Gardner. Emery, Luna and Doc Rimmer were another tragic loss in a long line of Gardner’s inability to lead in combat. Let’s remember them today as they made the ultimate sacrifice while serving their fellow Charlie Grunts. Salute!
Our brother grunts resting in peace are Steve Emery, Armanda Luna, and Doc James Rimmer. RIP brothers.
here it is, another 4 may. 3 of our fellow grunts from 3rd platoon are not here to see it. that sure was a bummer nite in 1970. hope our brother grunts are resting in peace.
Guys!
My oldest daughter Cindy who is the Curriculum Director for a local school district has another shot at getting a project paid for by Pepsi for one of her schools. Please take a look at the website and if you find it in your heart please vote for her project everyday until the end of May.
Thanks for your help!
LT
http://www.refresheverything.com/boardsforwestoak
dAN,
I plan on being in Wabasha Thursday, Friday and Saturday night. Tai’s attendance is iffy as our oldest daughter is carrying twins to be born sometime in September.
LT, I’ll ck it out Brother, shout out to Russ Wright for calling me today. I feel like I never went through what ya’ll did, although we had some sits. Thanks to all for making us later guys feel welcome.
LT,
Lori and I plan on being at Wabasha in September. I made reservations at Americinn for Friday and Saturday night. Dan
Jim,
It is a western suburb of Chicago. Look at the Americal Division website at americal.org and see whats going on with the reunion.
LT, Yeah I am just down here in Decatur, don’t know where Lombardi is? Would like to try if some of you would be there. By the way made he jump, loved it, have to go again!
Dan,
I was planning to go down for probably Friday and Saturday night. A guy I met in Buffalo by the name of Hal Kuehl may meet me there. Are you going to make it to Wabasha??
Had a mini mini reunion with Tiny, Del Jensen and Tom Scanlon in St. Paul. A good time was had by all. We are all attending the reunion in Wabasha.
Doc
how is Tiny? glad to know all are going to wabasha reunion. we are hoping to be there.
We got back last night from San Antonio-Nationals-Trap & Skeet. Doss Kornegay (Recon PL) came up from Harlingen. Of course we had to discuss how he survived the artillery I called on him. Toured the city for a couple days including the missions where we met Tatum Weeks (when I dream of Texas women, it’s her). Sure appreciated her interest in the VN war, she will be monitoring this site. We went to see Bill Bacon (S-5, picked up the rice we found in the Fall of 69, and later A Company Commander).
Daughter Erin flew in on Monday. First time in about 15 years the four of us have vacationed together.
Got back to the NDP one night and there was Larry and Judy Harper set up next to us. Next day we went over to see Chuck Missar (2nd Platoon Sergeant). At his door was a trip wire hooked to a grenade. Brought back fond memories.
Wednesday the rest of the ISU team flew in, competition started Thursday. Sorry, no National Champions. One of our boys took 2nd in 5 Stand. Brett did make the top 10 so made All-American and won the Sportsmanship award.
Ken,
I canceled my hotel reservations for the Americal reunion in Lombard. Are you planning on attending that reunion?
happy birthday to you MR SILVA. may u n-joy many more
Dennis,
Happy Birthday!
I think a Happy Birthday is in order for Dennis Silva, if my memory is working ok.
Hey Chuck,
That My Hang Lo sounds like a Chinese gentleman I once met. How are you and the wild boars getting along??
Russ
You are right about the R&R to Bang Cock….. It was Roger and myself. My hang low was sore for weeks. What a great trip.
Steve Homoki, since i am approaching the end of a long (36years) career in Law Enforcement i can sympathize. Can’t help much from oregon but if you collect patches i can get some for you. I work fo a sherifs office as patrol first sgt. and past rangemester
Thanks Art for the offer, but I don’t really collect patches. I too have been at it awhile (since 5 Sept. 73 to be exact). Glad to see you’ve survived twice. I should be able to slow down some starting next month, so I’ll be back to my normal (?) self soon. But thanks again for the offer.
HOMOKI
good to see you sr–ty—– am still curious as to the others who were involved on 3-28-’70. is there an incident report? who would have the info ? my last memory is me and shortround being on what i thought was the last chopper.
Shortround…..say hello to Rocky for me. Try to get him to come to MN in September. Gotta have a 40th squad reunion. Ask Rocky if he remembers our R&R in Bangkok…….I certainly do. I think Chuck Missar and was it Roger Sample (?) went with us…? I know there was 4 of us, and some of us met the doc when we got back……….
larry fry–good to hear the ticker is ticking better.
fast eddie–a year older huh–getting more grey hairs ?
we mention LT`s but with 10 months in 1st platoon, all i remember is 1 -1st plt LT.
wifey and i will be at the melbourne, FL vet event this weekend. will see rocky j-and ron hurst while there. it`s usually a busy weekend there–decent event.
for the record–i got a phone call from bill–i never write or call—young. yes, he is still on the loose out in ohio. why –is beyond me.
I just wanted to hello! I met Ben Beuhler today at the San Antonio Missions National Historical park! It was such an honor to meet both Ben and Doss! This is a great website! Thank you all for sharing your private wars with the public!