Sua Sponte Guest Book Message Board 2004

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On a rock rural in Iowa.

Name: Ballerina
Date: 10/14/2004
Message:

John Shenkaruk is retiring from Detroit PD after 34 years on the job. Any LRRP/Rangers who may be in the Detroit area on Veteran's Day are invited to attend John's retirement party.

Gaelic League Irish American Club (313.964.7474)
2062 Michigan Ave.
Detroit, MI

Date: 11NOV04

Time: 1800 until ?

Lance Thomas Chandler

We have been notified that Lance T. Chandler (Recondo School # 0914), who was with our unit in 1968/69, passed away on Thursday, September 23.  Services were held this past weekend and were closed to all but family.  Rather than flowers or other remembrances, the family asks that donations be made to any Veteran’s Association or to the San Xavier Mission in Tuscan.  Lance’s daughter Melanie would like to hear from those in the unit who knew her father – send them to me (Tom Nash) and I will see that she gets them.  She will provide further information at a later date as to where or how other  personal remembrances and condolences may be sent to the family.

Name: Michael O'Harra
Date: 09/20/2004
Found By:  internet search
Message:

Several of us from the company had a mini informal reunion at Tom Hardy's house near San Diego last weekend.  About fifteen of us attended.  Most of us came to see George Beach, since I think this is one of the few times George has been back in the states in the past fifteen years.  Three of us discovered we were in the same ranger school class in 1968-69.  We plan to stay in touch so we can get together again and "continue the mission" together.  I was delighted to see the photo on your website of our entire company in DaNang.  The photo was taken in May or June 1971.

Name: William Robert ( Bill ) Anderson, AKA: TWIG
Date: 10/18/03
Found By: been here before
Message:

I'll be on the Northeast side of the hurricane about 2PM TOMORROW, so keep "Bree" & I & the 4 legged furry children & winged children (animals) in your PRAYERS old buddy! 2 hurricanes in 3 weeks time hasn't hit Central Florida since 1950's. Hope this finds you all well!!!  Bill Anderson  / TWIG ( 863 ) 701-0438 in Lakeland, Polk County, Florida [minstrels] First Fig -- Edna St. Vincent Millay , Philippians, from The holy Bible, Revised Standard version , Psalms, from The holy Bible, Revised Standard version , RA#12883540

Name: Ranger John Starnes "Gunner"
Date: 4 September, 2004
Found By: I wasn't lost, I just followed boots cigarette to get home.
Message:

Attention Sapper course is approved as an Army service course and the Sapper tab is officially awarded.  Ain't that what we called Charles the Viet Cong? ref: US Army times.

Gathering at Illinois Stated.  It is estimated that over 150,000 Vietnam War Veterans are being officially welcomed home on 8 September, 2004.  Info came by way of Ranger "Shades" E51-G75 can I get a confirmation?

Gunner

Name: John Starnes
Date: 28 Aug 04
Found By: member
Message:

"THE REUNION ECONOMY METHOD"  Tom, it is good to hear from you.  Seattle was good, I was surprised that the other members and non-members in that area did not show.  Something we may want to look at next reunion in notifying our other friends.  I think "the buddy system contact" maybe the way to go.  I got together with my Ranger Buddy Steve Franklin and we talked it out 7 months in advance from reunion TOT (time on target)  then confirmed by a airplane launch date or drop time.  We all have the telephone numbers of our buddies and five minutes of telephonic contact will confirm YES/NO.  Command influence; to award one or several past company members with say- one year free membership.  Earl, did the 196 LRRP Det by such an act of finding and confirming show-no show members and you guys came.  In my case, I was being held up with room accommodations and basic money stretching.  Steve said I'm staying in Motel 6, you are welcome to bunk up with me.  We just made it look like it  was just him there by mixing up our bags so it looked like he was the only one there.  It worked out pretty good.  We spit the meals and transportation.  With Rick Lett having a car, we just put gas in it and paid for some of his chow.  So we saved by no renting a car.

When Steve and Rick go to the next one, I will do the same for him and say two more guys.  It will save on transport and hotel bills we may not be able to stay in a 80 dollar hotel but we can swing a 30 dollar a day motel.  The idea is to get to the reunion and see each other. Another way to save is purchase your food to eat say, once daily and save your money for company t-shirts and auction purchases.  Start saving to go to the reunion a year out to make sure you have it to go.  call each other and talk out your situation and contribute to the team guys going there, "A team effort".  
 
Guys that have family going, think hotel cost, shop around for best value.  Clothes to wear at reunion;  Generally three levis, 2 shorts and reunion polo shirt-t shirts a blue sports blazer and comfortable shoes, backpack your beret and scrapbook, towel and shaving kit, you only wear the beret at these functions, so wear it and bring the scrapbook.   Pictures may be valuable to another team guy so bring it.  Example: Rick Lett, lost every picture he had. But between the other members we can get him a starter kit to rebuild his new scrapbook.  So you see there are other team guys out there that may have the only picture of that individual or orders that could be duplicated and given to this guy trying to hold on to a valuable piece of his life as a young man. Look if you want to go to the reunion then start today by making it happen, contact a team mate and see if you can bunk up and pal around together, 30 dollars a month saved x 12 months, you do the math.  Try and find a buddy  close to the reunion site, maybe he would gladly show up to the reunion with you, maybe he wouldn't mind putting you up three days to talk war stories and remember our glory days with a couple beers.  Maybe the next reunion you could do the same for him.
   
John Starnes "GUNNER"  SALSA-RLTW

Name: John Starnes
Date: 28 Aug 04
Found By: member
Message:

Seattle Reunion:  Good seeing George Beach, Top Williams, Tom Nash, Oney, Rick Lett, Steve Lemire, Steve Johnson, Roddy, Boot Cockran, Svensson, Vic Valerano, and my Ranger Buddy Steve Franklin.  As well as the others that came and of course the wives and girlfriends and children.  There was plenty beers and good war stories.  Then them RICA Rangers and WWII Rangers that showed up like (Ranger CWO Bob Villant "Villian") of the 5TH Ranger Battalion, sure was good see you mature guys there.  The Ranger Soldiers of the 2ND Ranger Battalion, thank for the open house and the MREs the static display was top notch fellows.  It was very good, but you know-when Ft Benning comes up you got to go it is a real treat.  We have the Company Reunion coming up next, I believe Fort Meyers,Florida.  If all goes well I will see you there.  By the way SSG David Swires, I knew you uncle damn good commo Sgt.  But his wiring skills for lights almost burn down the commo shack.  It did catch on fire and caused Freeland and me to renovate it into the Ranger Club, isn't that the way things go? Bobby Swires was a good soldier.

I don't think we are going to get a jump in Fla " Bubbles".  Haveta wait till Benning.  150.00 for the Class again static-line OK.  Hey guys "Crazy Willie," Retired SGM Williams and " Cop" too lives in Columbus, GA. Stop over and drag his ass to the reunion.  

ID our KIAs and deceased:  We need pictures of them, so if you got one or two, make a copy and send it to our Unit President Tom Nash, if you want he can have a copy made and send it back to you.  We need to ID or guys for history by face.  It is an on-going project to make sure our unit history is correct. It is Tom's intent to have EVERYONE accounted for by name and time frame in the unit.  It may not matter to you, but as a specialized unit we are still trying to complete the report for Carlyle Barrarks and the Special Operations/Ranger Community.  So come on fellows check out your scrapbooks and give us a hand.

Gunner.

Name: Ricardo Castillo
Date: 17 Aug. 04
Found By: Americal Newsletter
Message:

Pruden & Chief Moncada were my close friends.

Name: Ron Griffin
Found By: From ADVA sight
Message:

Looking for any info from those that were involved with an Op to SF Camp at Kham Duc in 1970.  I am trying to write an article on an attack against A Btry 1-82FA during this Op and would like background info from those who were involved.  Please email me at this address or go to the 1-82FA homepage at http://www22.brinkster.com/vets182fa/

Name: Robert E Locklear
Date: July 14, 2004
Found By: looking for 75th G company info
Message:

I served in Chu Li during 1968 and 1969.  I was on team Hawaii G Company 75th Airborne Rangers.  My code name was "Telescope." I would enjoy hearing from others that were there during that time.

Name: Mark Swires
Date: 19 June 2004
Found By: word of mouth
Message:

I was wanting to find some information on my uncle who served in Vietnam as a ranger. I believe he was with G/51 between 67-70 or G-75 maybe even with E-51. Not sure on the year. His Name is David Swires his rank at the time of the photo was spec 5. I am doing a family history of my family who have served our country. I am currently serving in OIF. I wish I was home I could get some old photos and find out exactly. I am his nephew currently deployed in Iraq/Kuwait theater as a crew chief providing "Dustoff" for our troops.

Thanks for your service
Mark Swires, SSG
Crewchief
1022nd Med CO (AA)
Dustoff

Name: Ranger John Starnes (Gunner)
Date: 29 May 04
Found By: I'm a member
Message:

I'm looking at going to the 75TH Ranger Regiment Reunion at Fort Lewis, Washington.  I will be bunking with Ranger Steve (Bubbles) Franklin.  So, now I have to get my boss to authorized the leave 31 July to 4 August.  We plan to see Ranger Rick (Toylett) Lett there. Get you Ranger Buddy to hook up and go brothers.  I guarantee it will be good when the 2ND Battalion sponsors it.  You want to see Rangers in action?  Then go!  Hell show up we will make room.  Right Ranger AJ Pack?  Gunner out!

Name: Jack (Sully) Sullivan
Date: 05/26/04
Found By: ADVA
Message:

Served with Eco Recon 1/52 198th and 11th 71-72  LZ Stinson, Trabong river, Happy Valley. Proud to have served with a few Rangers from the 75th.    Welcome Home !

Sully

Name: Michael (Poet) Monfrooe
Date: 21 May  2004
Found By: A proud "G" Rngr
Message:

Served with "L" 75th in 71, Retired in "89". Never knew real friendships prior or since. This is a great site and the music rocks, I may be 54 but in most ways I'm still that young kid in the Nam.

My oldest daughter gifted me with a site for my combat poetry and pictures which you may have read in "PATROLLING". Any grunt or LRRP, Recon will relate. Please recon the site at: www.geocities.com/michaeldmonfrooe

I'm glad you guys made it home.

 Take care,

Michael (Poet) Monfrooe

Call to Action from Emmett W. Hiltibrand of the 75th Ranger Regiment Association.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I've begun one of the most useful sections of our web site to date.  It's titled "HEALTH".  It can currently be found under the Interesting Links tab, at left menu 'Health'.  http://www.75thrra.com/links/health_general.htm  In the near future it will be moved more to the front so it can be more easily found.  I am unable to research and post all of the data I wish that could be up there for our members.  I have asked and received help on a number of topic's but not any where near listed here.  My approach was narrow and
naturally the response, though supportive, was equally narrow.  Now I need to broaden my request for help.  I'm approaching you the leadership of this Association to send this message out to your members asking them for help. This is a worthy cause and may just help save the life of a member.  Please ask your members if they have any interest in the topic's listed below and for them to contact me personally.  I have found from the most unsuspecting people a passion on several topic's.  I will provide the volunteer with complete instructions on what and method to submit the information to me for posting.  The individual submitting the data will gets credits as the coordinator for that topic.

In the MAJOR LIFE THREATENING PROBLEMS CATEGORY, I need help in the subject's of: Agent Orange, Heart Attack and Stroke.

In the INDIVIDUAL PHYSIOLOGICAL PROBLEMS CATEGORY, I need help in the subject's of: Colon, Vision, Hearing, keeping a healthy Heart, Immune System, Liver, Prostate, Skeletal Structure, Skin Care, Digestive System, Weight Control, Respiratory System, Blood Pressure, Circulation, Aging, Infections, Urinary Tract and Allergies.

In the SEPARATE PSYCHOLOGICAL PROBLEMS CATEGORY, I need help in the subject's of: Anger Management, Anxiety Control, Depression, Fear, Guilt, Insomnia, Nightmares, Relations, Abusiveness and Destructiveness.

In the ALTERNATIVE REMEDIES CATEGORY, I need help in the subject's of: Acupuncture, Dietary, Medical Check-up's, Energy, Exercise, Herbs, Life Saving Measure's, Physicals, Supplements, Vitamins.

In the PREEMPTIVE OPTIONS CATEGORY, I need help in the subject's of: Arrangements, Codicil to Will's, Critical Data sheets, Health News, Final Instructions, Last Will, Living Will, Notification in the event of.

In the SUPPORTIVE AGENCIES CATEGORY, I need help in the subject's of: Veterans Administration Claims and Appeals, Department of Defense, Social Security, Med Alert, Web MD, Center for Disease Control, American Medical Association, Other Organizations, Hot Lines and Life and Health Insurance.

Your advice and input as to additional topic's or modification of existing topic's would be appreciated.

RLTW - Strength & Honor

Emmett W. Hiltibrand

Date: Fri, 2 Apr 2004 10:12:37 -0500
From: Lois Caruthers
Reply-To: Lois Caruthers
Subject: thanks
 

To: tnash@lrrpranger.org

Tom just wanted to thank you for help in finding information about my brother
Alex James Hernandez. If you should receive any other info please e-mail it to
my self or my son in law Gary Fontana.                                
 
Lois J. Caruthers/Hernandez

 Tom,

I am looking for information on Alex James Hernandez better know at least to
family as Jim.  We would like some closure and just any information or
contacts who might have know him during his short time in Vietnam.  I don't know if
you can help or point us in the right direction but we would appreciate any
help anyone can offer.  Thanks for your help.  You are doing a great thing with
this web site.  

Gary

 Gary:

I'd be glad to circulate your note amongst the members of our Association in
order to provide information about Alex James Hernandez.  In fact, we would
very much like to be in contact with his family and friends.  But first, to
protect him and his memory, it would be helpful were you to identify who you
are.  We try to be very protective of the memories of our heroes and their
families, and would not like to mistakenly release information
inappropriately.  Hope you understand.

Regards,

Tom Nash

 Tom,

I definitely understand and would expect that.  My mother in law is James'
sister.  Her name was Lois J. Hernandez-now Lois J. Caruthers of Ravenna Ohio.  
My wife and I were given one of James' pictures from Vietnam by his mother
before she passed away.  I have been helping Lois because of my military
background.  She wasn't sure where to start.  Let me know what else you would need so
that we can progress.  Thanks

Gary Fontana

 Tom,  

Thank you sooo much for all your help.  We have had 3 responses already.  We
actually have emailed with a medic friend of Alex's who tried to help Alex
when he was wounded and whose arms he later died.  Of all the ways to die in
combat--I couldn't think of any way better to die than in the arms of a buddy.  I
know that sounds ridiculous but I know that Alex had to feel the same way.   I
have such a huge appreciation for all Veterans especially the Vietnam Vets.  
This story has touched me so deeply inside.  I talked with Lois tonight and
emailed all the messages to her so that she can do with them as she sees fit.  I
think that she will contact you.  I really appreciate your website.  I was in Desert Storm
and wish that I had a website to visit to contact my old buddies.  I think it is
a very important healing process.   I have a lot less healing to do than you
guys---Desert Storm was a lot easier for us and a lot less devastating on us
individually.  My heart really reaches out to each one of you and to all the
great buddies that were lost.  Keep up the good work and please keep in touch.  
Please let me know if I can help in anyway.

Thank you

Proud Son in Law to Lois Caruthers (Hernandez)

 Gary:

Glad that we're having results for you.  If I don't hear from Mrs. Caruthers,
I will email her.  Can I post our past exchanges of email, with your email
address, on our website Message Board?

Regards,

Tom N

 Tom,

You sure can post my emails.  Thank you so much for your help and your web site.

Gary

Name: John W. Downs
Date: 3-11-2004
Found By: CSM Williams addressed me to the web site
Message:

Hello,
   I am a 16yr old kid, I am currently attending Missouri Military Academy. I would really like to learn more about SUA SPONTE and other things the 75th airborne rangers did during Vietnam.


               John Downs

Name: Duncan Raeside (101st Airborne Div)
Date: 3/10/04
Found By: Tom Nash
Message:

Talk about a small world.  A few months ago my wife and I were having dinner with Tom Nash, Mark Brennan and Vic Valeriano at our home in Maine.  It was the first time we had met Vic. He thought at first that I was one of his old jump school instructors, I wasn't. During dinner Vic mentioned that my wife Suzanne looked familiar, and asked where she had gone to high school. Come to discover they were class mates and Vic had dated one of her friends. It is a small world in which we live.

My name is Brett Funck, I left as the commander of E/51 in August of 2003 year.  I had the distinct privilege and honor to led these fine men for 2 years.  I left Iraq in August, not very happily, but the Army had a different  plan for me (now I work with the Joint POW/MIA Command).  I just wanted to  touch base with you and first say thanks for the page on SPC Karol.  I could  not be at the ceremony, but I talked with Kevin Kelly for quite some time on  the entire event.  I visited SGT Robinson at Walter Reed on 23 December, he was involved in one of the ambushes.  He still remains in Walter Reed at the outpatient clinic, but if anyone was in the DC area, a friendly visitor could always help out.  SGT Robinson is the individual that lost his leg, and he was also shot in the chest.  When I spoke with him, he was recovering well, but just wanted to get out of the hospital.  If anyone has an interest to either write or just drop by, pass them my email, and I will be more then happy to pass it on.

Thanks Again
Rangers Lead the Way

Brett Funck

Name: Ralph "Koolaid" Stevenson
Date: February 9, 2004
Found By: Sua Sponte
Message:

I was assigned to and served with Team Tennessee from Aug '70 to Mar '71 and remember Sgt Parker.  Parker, call me at 757.258.1951 Also, has anyone heard from "Go-Go" Gomez of Team Tennessee or Aaron Duplesis of Team Alaska  or Gerald "Jeronimo" Johnson or Gerald "Chico" Ciccanti?

Name: John Starnes (Gunner)
Date: 31 Jan 04
Found By: member
Message:

I just answered an angry Ranger that e-mailed his frustrations for all to see about the 75TH Ranger Regiment DSSI not being granted to LRRP, LRP and Ranger Units who were in the Vietnam War.  The problem isn't the RTB or the 75TH RGR RGT or even the Infantry Branch.  It is the Office of U.S. Heraldry and the Secretary of the Army.  They simply didn't transfer C.A.R.S. assets into the 75TH Ranger Regiment.  The other is LRRP Dets were made reference to but were disbanded to make way for DA LRP Units and of course DA LRP was deactivated after becoming Ranger Units from 1 January 69-1 February 69. Then the assets of the LRP-Ranger units were transferred and reorganized as (Separate) Alphabetical Ranger- LRP Co's of the 75TH Infantry CARS.  Without the HQS, the "Separate" Rgr Co's are subordinate units to the Division's, FF, Corps, Army.  The CO's were deactivated separately and the deactivated units sent to the Ranger Comedy (RTB) to store lineage and honors, then transferred to the inactive file of the 75TH RR.  In 1985 the LRP & RGR lineage was transferred to the DA and redistributed for active service as LRS Co/Dets in the regular army.  That is why we are having this flux to get our 75TH RR scroll.  The question isn't can we get our scroll or our Ranger tab.  It is spelled out in writing that the Ranger tab board has approved the action once there is a clear linkage/lineage of RVN Ranger-like assets to today's 75TH Ranger Regiment.  Your job, is to act by getting your Congressman involved today, well after the game that is. GO Panthers!!!  

Name: Ted "Whatever" Simmerman
Date: 1/14/04
Found By: know it
Message: Concerning the picture of team Oklahoma:

I went back through the only picture I have of me when I was at Chu Lai. Both my daughter and wife say it's me. I also remember your dad. I remember having that picture taken that day. I TOO am very proud of what I did as a LRRP. I was there. God bless ALL LRRPS and their families.  

Even though my 57y/o memory may be dimming by the drugs they give me to hold down the night mares and pain, I believe (in a fuzzy way) I was that person. There have been so many times I wish I could have traded with those who didn't come back.

With HONOR to your dad, I am sorry for your grief.

If I have offended you in any other way I apologize.

Ted

Name: John Starnes
Date: 7 Jan 04
Found By: a member
Message:

Today, as a DA Civilian working Technical Services Branch, working at the Ft Bragg, NCO Club, I saw a Command Sergeant Major Parker eating breakfast.  I stopped as I always do when I see a Ranger and spent time with him.  He is activated and is posted to U.S. Army Garrison (Airborne), here to help with reserve units activation and movement.  CSM Parker was with G Co 75TH in 1971 with Lemkie and Sevensson and a few others like Beach.  He referred to me as one of legendary guys of the past.  We talked of things Ranger and reunions and team mates.  So I told him I would post this on the website guestbook.  Fort Bragg brings in many of our guys, reserve, active or retired or working and living around the area.  So, if you guys want him to show for a reunion he needs to know who from team Paris is going and he needs to share a room just to go to one.  So drop him a line.  

Gunner

Name: Jo Lynn Kuykendall
Date: 1/3/04
Found By: looked in my parents favorites
Message:

I tried to email some corrections in for the team photos, but the email address wouldn't go through. My dad is Howard Martin (Pervert) Kuykendall, Jr.  I saw his picture in the team Oklahoma pic and his name was spelled incorrectly...later he saw the pic and said the guy to his right was Magee, not Maggie, and the guy to his left was Alvin Rooks, not a Ted whatever. The unidentified man on the far right is, per my dad, Willie Wilson.  I just wanted the right names to get out....thank you...I am very proud of my dad and am thankful everyday he made it home b/c I would not be here.. and I know many of you had something to do with him getting home safe.

Thank you,

Jo Lynn