Date: 09 August 8, 2007

 After Action Report, Operation RENO 07 – 3-506TH 40TH ANNIVERSARY REUNION

Revised 8/11/07

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*Author’s Note:  For those of you who are not familiar with an After Action Report (AAR), it is a United States Military document, composed of after actions reports, lessons learned, and sometimes other reports dealing with the assessment of combat activity during a particular battle or operation.   I routinely prepare a ‘bastardized’ version of those AARs prepared for our 3-506th in Vietnam to give details of our past reunions.  It is all in fun and meant to entertain. Keep checking back to see new photos added to this AAR as attendees send them to me.  Other photos taken during the reunion will be uploaded to the 2007 Reno Reunion Photo Album.

 Addendum

April of this year marked the 40th Anniversary of the 3-506th.  It was on April 1, 1967 that the battalion was activated at Fort Campbell, Kentucky for service in the Vietnam War.  The 3-506th Vietnam Odyssey has been documented in '"The Stand Alone Battalion - A Pictorial Chronology of the 3-506 Vietnam Odyssey (1967-1971)", and "My Gift To You".  

A lot of coordination took place over the days, weeks and months following our 10th Anniversary Reunion in Reno, Nevada in 2006, in preparation for our 11th Annual 3-506th/TF 3-506th Reunion.  Up until January 2006, we were pretty close in agreeing on a contract with the Radisson Hotel in Kansas City , but some of the Hotel's required guarantees--a minimum food and beverage guarantee requirement--prevented us from accepting their package. 

As time ran out for locating a suitable LZ, Sgt. Currahee contacted the known indiginous team--a strong supporter of the 3-506th, Helen Reddin, Regional Sales Manager at the Sands Regency Hotel—and inquired if there were ‘friendlies’ still in the area who could provide the necessary logistics--same free facilities (large hospitality room, two catered dinners (memorial and banquet nights), $30/night rooms for weekdays, $60/night weekends.   The Sands reported “affirmative”…always!  Therefore, it was the decision of the Reunion ‘07 Team to reject the Radisson's contract and return to Reno, Nevada for our 2007 Reunion .  Some of our members planning to attend the 2007 rendezvous were disappointed in this decision, while some were very pleased.  In our voting, KC received the most votes, followed by  Gatlinburg, Tennessee , and Omaha, Nebraska .  Reno was not even listed until late in the polling, but received a good showing.  Some effort was made to look into going to Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge, but early indications did not look favorable for the month of July and the size of our anticipated gathering.  Most feedback was not in favor of Omaha .  However, Omaha with the 101st Abn. Assoc./TF 3-506th Assoc. remained an option for those wishing not to attend Reno .   

At Reno, a large block of rooms was set aside for our group; and we were given until early July to make reservations to attend, unlike the KC Hotel, where I was required to sign their contract, put up my personal credit card before the end of December 2006, and be required to meet certain guarantees mounting to many thousands of dollars if a certain number of attendees did not show.  The Sands does not have these strict requirements for our veterans group.  

Reno 2006, our 10th Anniversary Reunion, was a huge success.  We had so many in attendance that it was impossible to have our group picture taken on the large stairway where we have previously had reunion photos taken.  We moved into the large banquet rooms in an attempt to get everyone together for a photo take.  The group was still too large, so our photographer had to take a panoramic photograph of our reunion group. We had some 250 attendees--nearly 50 family members of our KIAs--in attendance at our 2006 Reno Reunion.  Some are now regular attendees, while some of the newcomers promised not to miss future reunions if conditions permited.  There were many heart-warming stories told by family members about their fallen loved ones.  Some families were reunited for the first time since attending the funeral of their family member.  One in particular was the family and relatives of SP4 Guy Brooks.  Guy was a rifleman and RTO in Lt. James Schlax's 1st Platoon, Co. A (1967/68).  He was killed in action during the Battle at Xuan Phong Hamlet during the Tet Offensive on February 2, 1968.  Guy's sister, Marlane and aunt, Lucy Kane, attended the reunion, along with their husbands.  The two families had not seen one another since Guy's funeral back in February 1968.       

Each annual rendezvous reminds us of our short time left on this good earth.  For the past three or four reunions, we learned afterward that another member had died.  We were notified after our 2006 Reno Reunion that Jesse Tracy (Co. B 1968/69) passed away on November 1, 2006 from a heart attack.   So, with all this said and done, sit back and enjoy this year’s AAR .  I hope it is informative and entertaining.  – Jerry in Montana

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SUBJECT:   After Action Report, Operation RENO 07 – 3-506TH 40TH ANNIVERSARY REUNION  

TO:     ALL CURRAHEES, 3-506TH TASK FORCE MEMBERS & SPECIAL GUESTS  

1.         Name of Operation: RENO 2007 – 3-506TH 40TH ANNIVERSARY RENDEZVOUS –             (11TH Annual 3-506th/TF 3-506TH)  

2.         Dates of Operation:   31 July – 5 August 2007  

3.         Location:   Sands Regency Hotel & Casino ( Reno, Nevada ).  

4.         Command and Control Headquarters:   The “Stand Alone Battalion” aka “Bastard Battalion” —3rd Battalion (Airborne), 506th Infantry (Currahees), 1st Brigade, 101st Airborne Division.  

5.         Reporting Individual:  Unit Historian, Former Battalion PIO (1967/68), Jerry Berry aka   Sgt. Currahee.  

6.         Task Force and Supporting Forces:  

a.       3rd Battalion (Airborne & Airmobile), 506th Infantry (Currahees)

b.      Delta Battery , 2nd Battalion (Airborne), 506th Infantry (Balls of the Eagle)

c.       Co. E/LRRP, 2nd Battalion (Airborne), 506th Infantry (Currahees) OPCON

d.      42nd Scout Dog Platoon, 1st Brigade (Airborne), 101st Airborne Division (Screaming Eagles) OPCON

e.       Families of Fallen Currahees (KIAs)

f.       Other Special Guests

g.      Sands Regency Hotel & Casino Detachment

h.      Local Liquor Store Detachment  

7.      Intelligence:  In preparation for the operation, all reconnaissance media was employed.  A virtual reconnaissance team led by Jerry Berry (call sign Sgt. Currahee) cybered into Reno, NV, in early January  2007 to make contact with the known indigenous team operating in the RENO AO.  Sgt. Currahee made contact with the indigenous team--Linda Hope (Regional Sales Manager), Lisa Miolini, (Marketing Manger), and Johana Osuna (Sales Coordinator) for the Sands Regency Hotel & Casino, who provided important tactical information—Forward Tactical Operations Center (FTOC – Hospitality Room), Supply Facility (PX),  and mess hall (banquet rooms) were assigned.  Information gathering and negotiations continued on a daily/weekly/monthly timetable through 28 July, 2007 to complete logistics, and at which time the point team (Jerry and Donna Berry) departed Libby, Montana by ground for the FTOC, arriving LZ SANDS (Coord. 345 N. Arlington Ave.) 29 July 2007.  

      Concept of Operation:  

a.       Multiple Reunions [Reno/Kansas City] Situation:  Operation “RENO 07…” was a previously scheduled 2007 operation intended for Kansas City, Missouri (See Addendum) that resulted from voting members.  However, when word reached members of the “Stand Alone” Battalion concerning the date, location, cost, and failed negotiations in KC, the “Stand Alone” Battalion went on red alert and the consensus of the seven-member reunion team voted to return to Reno, Nevada .  Some members planning to attend the KC rendezvous were disappointed in this decision, while some were very pleased.  Most all of the 2/B members chose not to attend the Reno rendezvous, but have a mini-reunion in KC.  Known for its ability to react and adjust operational maneuvers in record time, orders were quickly issued to acting 3-506th Annual Reunion Organizer, “Sgt. Currahee” (Jerry Berry), to FIND, FIX, AND FINALIZE a new 3-506 LZ at Reno, where logistics, supply trains, and troopers could rendezvous with minimum impact to all concerned (battalion, Task Force Units, KIA families, and special guests).  Orders stated that Sgt. Currahee was to acquire the accommodations and logistics as in the previous year’s rendezvous in Operation Reno ‘06.  

b.      Operational Area TAOR:  

Sgt. Currahee along with the Reunion 07 Team Members (list of names classified at this time, will be declassified in 11 years) prepared the preliminary plan of attack, utilizing S1, S2, S3, S4, and S5 services.  Warning orders went out to our Reconnaissance element (S2 action), which began collecting intelligence on the target area.  In the meantime, Sgt. Currahee began contacting LZ Watchers (event manager Doug “Cooler Man” Mullens) within the Reno AO (S3 & S5 action).  Intelligence indicated that the Sands Regency Hotel and Casino would in fact be the targeted LZ (once again) to set up our Tactical Area of Operational Responsibility (TAOR).   An agreement was made with the friendly element, and word went out that the 11th annual, battalion reunion and 40th Anniversary 3-506th celebration was a go.  

  1. MISSION :  To provide a rendezvous for all Currahees of “The Stand Alone Battalion”, support members of Task Force 3-506th, and the families of our fallen Currahees, and guests.
  1. CONCEPT OF OPERATION:  Task Force 3-506th Veterans and families deployed by air and motor march from AZ, AR, SC, TX, IN, IL, IA, KY, CA, OH, OR, FL, MI, MA, NV, PA, MO, MT, MD, WI and as far away as Marshall Islands.  Task Force 3-506th utilized the Sands Regency Hotel & Casino in the downtown Reno, NV as a staging area      for entry into the area of operations. 
  1. EXECUTION:
    1. By D-Day + 6 months, the reunion SOP (Banquet, Reception, Hospitality, PX, Awards & Recognition, and Special Activities) were identified and requests went out for recommendations/suggestions and volunteers (S1 & S2 Action).  Many members changed their e-mail address, cancelled their IP service, or denied receiving the message….just kidding!!
    1. By D-Day + 4 months, the various committees were coming together nicely.  Our banquet committee volunteers were identified to be (originally) Rachel Clinkscale (AL) and Donna Berry (MT)--S4 Activity, who would make sure that our mess facilities and C-rations were accounted for.  Our reception committee would be Donna Berry (MT)--S1 Action, who would man the reception desk, give out name tags, banquet tickets and accept late registration.  In charge of our hospitality room would be none other than Valerie Cauley (IN)--S4 & S5 Action, who would make sure there were plenty of snacks and refreshments available in the hospitality room.  Operating the Currahee PX would fall again to Donna Berry (S4 Activities). The MC for the Memorial section of the Banquet Program would once again be Richard “Bandolier” Pittman; Banquet Night Program MC would be Paul “Pony Tail” Cauley (IN) and Lt. Dave “Map Reader” Bentley; Awards & Recognition Committee would be Sgt. Currahee and others; Auction Committee would be the responsibility of Paul “Pony Tail” Cauley and Sgt. Currahee; and Special Activities Committee would once again be Doug “Cooler Man” Mullens (NV).
    1. By D-Day + 1 month, things were shaping up.  Tactical Operational Center (TOC – Hospitality Room) was identified as the Legacy Rooms E & F, since our old Hospitality Room—the Palm Court Room , 2nd floor of the Sands has been converted into a fine Mexican Restaurant.  The S4 (3-506 PX) was setup in the Atrium Room again and across the hall to our hospitality room.   The mess hall (banquet) was located again near our TOC and across the hall in the Regency A, B, and C Ball Rooms (three large connecting rooms).  
    1. On D-3 (Saturday) July 28, 2007, the advance team of Sgt. Currahee and Donna Berry departed the ‘Stand Alone Battalion’ basecamp/TOC in Libby, Montana by motor march for Reno to prepare LZ SANDS for the operation. 
    1. On D-2 (Sunday) July 29, 2007, the advance team arrived LZ SANDS and made initial reconnaissance of facilities.  
    1. On D-1 (Monday) July 30, 2007, the advance team conducted SUPPLYCAP to local commissaries for rations, mess supplies and alcohol for medicinal purposes.  A two-lady elite special ops team lead by Connie Gatton (MD) and Lisa Terrill (FL) haloed into the LZ, followed close behind by Dean “Antelope Hunter” Morrison, Jim “Trail Runner” Martin, who immediately made contact at the watering hole (casino bar) in advance of the first wave of troops.  It would be six days before Dean “Antelope Hunter” Morrison’s luggage reached him at the LZ.   Rumors would eventually circulate that every stray dog in Reno hung out in front of the Sands.
    1. On D-Day (Tuesday) 31 July 2007, Operation RENO 07 commenced.  The “Stand Alone Battalion aka “Bastard Battalion” launched its 11TH Annual 3-506th/TF 3-506th Reunion .  The main assault into LZ SANDS was led by Jim “Bitch” Atwood’s Team (KY), wife, Barbara and sister-in-law, Carolyn Bryant, followed close behind by Lee “Moonshine” Bradford, Dan “Many Watches” and Incha Braxton, Paul “Pony Tail” and Valerie Cauley (IN), Lt. Larry “Harley” and Karen Collins (PA), Jarrett “Dog Kicker” and Ginny Goodman (WI), Mike “Lawman” and Sandy Herrington (Marshall Islands), Tommy “Lima Beans & Ham” Kirk (CA), Antonio “Boonie Rat” and Concha Martinez (TX), Dave “Black Label” and Dolly McFarland (IA), Rick “Thumper” Nielsen, Richard “Bandolier” Pittman, Norm “Dogman” Ream, Jerry “Farmer Boy” Reiss, and Frank “Star Man” Vinales.

The day’s activity began at 10:00 A.M. with registration and sign-in.  The morning and afternoon were open for tours, sightseeing, shopping, etc.  Lunch   and dinner was Dutch.  Hospitality Room was open each day (10:00 A.M.          Onward)—Rendezvous for Social Time—Photo and Slide Viewing, Albums,     Memorabilia Display, "Gig Awards", and Silent Auction.  

The incoming group was met by a well-entrenched element and contact quickly became “whiney” with a few “whining and sniveling” after learning that the Currahee bar was not fully operational and no one had been nominated to serve as the bartender.  Talk of “fragging” quickly circulated throughout the basecamp.  Intelligence indicated that this threat came from Tommy “Monsoon” Kirk (CA), who had not drank a warm Black Label since resupply near FSB BRICK.  Sgt. Currahee used his Montana Humvee (Dodge Caravan Slick) to make a mid-day assault on the local liquor store.  Experts in clandestine tactics—using a used tablecloth to cover a full bell cart load of booze and transport it through the casino and up to the hospitality room.  This mission would be conducted several times during the operation.  The Currahee bar was stocked with the best available “Thunderbird” wine and “Black Label” beer!  The “Bastard Battalion” will go to no expense to have the best!  Lee “Moonshine” Bradford , with the help of Henry “Habanera” Salas, manned the bar.

On D+1 (Wednesday) 1 August 2007, a second lift of Currahees and their support team assaulted into LZ SANDS to reinforce those already in action.  The insertions included Tim “Bootlace” and Judi Beets, Lt. Ron “4-Duce” Belanger, Steve “Rucksack” and Linda Katzer, Larry “Scrapper” and Marilyn Rambo, Charles “Redleg” and Cindy Krogsrud, Sal “Tortilla” Morales, and Alex “Pric-25” Simich.  The day’s activity began at 10:00 A.M. with registration and sign-in.  The morning and afternoon were open for tours, sightseeing, shopping, etc.  Lunch and dinner was Dutch.  Hospitality Room was open to all from 1000 Hours onward)—Rendezvous for Social Time--Photo and Slide Viewing, Albums, Memorabilia Display, "Gig Awards", and Silent Auction.  As the day progressed, some members conducted routine Search and Give operations in the surrounding casinos, while most returned to the hospitality room.  Several significant contacts were made with “one arm bandits”.  Caches found included a number of small stashes ranging from $25 - $500.  Most Currahees and special guests remained in the hospitality room or NDP (Night Defensive Position) where they performed social debriefing, reviewed declassified material (photo albums, newspaper articles, and other misc. articles).  Special thanks go out to Linda and Steve “Rucksack” Katzer (CA) for their contribution of special snacks to the hospitality room cuisine (HRC); as well as to PSG Dan “Many Watches” and Incha Braxton (CA) for their contributions to the HRC.    Oh, yes, the Currahee bar was well utilized!  It is worth mentioning that Sgt. Currahee made casino history on the one-deck blackjack table by hitting natural blackjack on nine of twelve hands dealt to him; and out of the three which did not draw a natural blackjack, drew a 21 count without busting.  The Casino floor manager stated that he had never heard of this occurrence “on a one deck card table”.  Sgt. Currahee was betting only the minimum ($5.00) on each game!  

    1. On D+2 (Thursday) 2 August 2007, the ‘Stand Alone Battalion’ continued Operation RENO ‘07 in its assigned AO.  During the morning hours, groups conducted Search and Play operations throughout Sands Province and beyond its borders, which included Virginia City, Lake Tahoe, and into the little “banana republic” California .  The third assault into LZ SANDS was led by Henry “Habanera” and Lori Salas (TX), Maria Gold (CA), Alice Korba (CA), and Estele Johnson (CA), Lt. Gary “Howitzer” Hough (MA), Lt. John “Ridge Runner” Greene (TX), Cpt. Richard “Black Scarf” Lane (CA), and Doug “Penny Poker” Gandel (CA).   The day’s activity began at 10:00 A.M. with registration and sign-in.  The morning and afternoon were open for tours, sightseeing, shopping, etc.  Lunch and dinner was Dutch.  Hospitality Room was open each day  (10:00 A.M. onward) - Rendezvous for Social Time--Photo and Slide Viewing, Albums, Memorabilia Display, "Gig Awards", and Silent Auction.

Reno07.Lt. Greene.jpg (29301 bytes)The afternoon and evening hours were again spent socializing in the Currahee Hospitality room, viewing photo albums and memorabilia.  During the early evening, a special Recognition Tribute was held in the hospitality room to honor Lt. John Greene, who was attending his first 3-506th reunion and unfortunately could not stay for the banquet dinner and program scheduled for Friday night.  Our battalion group takes pride in paying special tribute to our battalion and Task Force unit officers, senior NCOs, medics and family members of our KIAs who are attending a Currahee reunion for the first time.   Each are presented the traditional ‘Screaming Eagle’ statue with an engraved plate mounted on an oak base.  Lt. Ron Belanger presented the award to the LT. 

    1. On D+3 (Friday) 3 August 2007, Operation RENO ‘07 continued to build momentum in its assigned AO.  During the morning hours, groups once again conducted Search and Play operations throughout Sands Province and beyond its borders, which now included The Silver Legacy, The El Dorado, Circus Circus, Fitzgerald’s, and Harrah’s, etc.  The fourth and final assault into LZ SANDS was led by Steve “Band-Aid” Barnhart (OR), Lee “Easy Rider” and Robin Paterson (OR), Bob Staerkel (IL), and Manuel “Evil Eyes” and Yolanda Martinez.

The Currahees had chosen this day to conduct its Memorial and Banquet Programs.

Three significant events and a live auction took place during Stand Down—the group photo session, the banquet dinner, Memorial      Program, Banquet Program with special tribute and recognition ceremony, and live auction.  Beginning at 1700 hours, the Currahees   gathered on the stairway outside the hospitality room for group pictures.  Immediately following the group photo session, everyone gathered in the Regency Ball Rooms for a fine sit down dinner and a full night of speeches, stories, and special tributes. 

(1). Group Photo – Professional photographers, Tim & Debbie Pinnell of “Remember When Photography” in Reno , once again came to the gathering just prior to the banquet dinner and took a group photo.  The 8x10 color prints will be mailed out to those who paid the $12 for the group photo.  If you missed getting yours, contact Jerry Berry or the photographer at: Dpinnellrwphoto@aol.com  

(2). Memorial Night Program –  

Special Tribute and Recognition Ceremony – The members of the ‘Stand Alone Battalion’ take great pride in presenting special tributes to fellow Currahees, families of KIAs, and special guests.  The following recognitions were made at this year’s Memorial Program:  

·         Gatton, Connie, Sister of Pfc.  Edgar A. Campbell – KIA 12/19/67) – Screaming Eagle Statue – Presented by 1Lt. Ron Belanger. 

·         Ballay, Gene, Cousin of Sgt. James V. Ballay – KIA 5/12/70) – Screaming Eagle Statue – Presented by 1Lt. Ron Belanger.   

(3).  Banquet Dinner & Program – Some 66 enjoyed a hearty sit down dinner of fresh salmon with dill hollandaise sauce, grilled top sirloin served with mushroom demi-glace, accompanied with garlic mashed potatoes, seasonal  vegetables, rolls and butter, coffee, tea, or milk, followed by Boston cream pie for dessert. The evening banquet program activities commenced with an invocation by special guest, Connie Gatton, the sister of Pfc. Edgar A. Campbell, who was killed in action on December 19, 1967.   

Following the banquet dinner, the pledge of allegiance was given by Antonio Martinez (4/B 1967/68).   MC Richard Pittman (4/C 1967/1968) opened the Memorial Program.  Among the special guests speaking at the Memorial Program were: Connie Gatton, sister of Pfc. Edgar A. Campbell (2/A - KIA 12/19/1967), Gene Ballay, cousin of Sgt. James Ballay ( Co. A – KIA 4/12/1970), and Lt. Ron Belanger (HHC & Platoon Leader, Co. A 1967/68).  

Another regular part of each “Stand Alone Battalion” banquet night program is its Memorial Service.  Lt. Ron Belanger presented the traditional ‘Screaming Eagle’ statue to each of the KIA family members.  The inscription on the base of the statue read [in part]: “Greater love hath no man than this that a man lay down his life for his friend.” – John 15:13 - From the men of the Battalion.  

Following the Memorial Service and a break, the banquet program commenced with Paul Cauley acting as MC.  Guest speakers included, Norm Ream (42nd Scout Dog Platoon, 1st Brigade, 101st Airborne Division 1969/70), 1Lt. Gary Hough (Forward Observer, Delta Battery, 2nd Battalion (Airborne), 320th Artillery, and Cpt. Richard J. Lane, Battalion S-4 and Bravo Company Commander 1970.   Each guest gave an outstanding presentation.  Norm Ream gave an emotional presentation about the duties of a scout dog handler, his dog, Cherokee, and what happened to the hundreds of scout dogs left behind when the U.S. pulled out of Vietnam.  

Included in Lt. Hough’s presentation, Gary entertained the group with a short story of his involvement with Canines For Combat Veterans.  He reported that his group is active in buying specially trained dogs for disabled people and that their efforts permit them to name newly-acquired dogs for the program.  He informed the group that his group in honor of Lt. Hough’s association with the 3-506th has named a dog “Currahee”.  

Cpt. Lane’s presentation rekindled pride in all the troopers listening to him, and told of his pride and honor to have served as a company commander in the 3-506th.  He displayed a black neck scarf designed for his troopers during his command.    

Immediately following each presentation, Lt. Belanger presented each speaker with the traditional ‘Screaming Eagle’ statue with engraved plate mounted on an oak base.  Each plate was engraved with his name, rank, unit, tour dates and the words: “We Few, We Happy Few, WE Band Of Brothers; For He Today That Sheds His Blood With Me Shall Be My Brother.” – Shakespeare, Henry V, Act IV, Scene 3 – From the Men of the 3-506th  

Special Tribute and Recognition Ceremony – The members of the ‘Stand Alone Battalion’ take great pride in presenting special tributes to fellow Currahees, families of KIAs, and special guests.  The following recognitions were made during the Memorial and Banquet Night Programs:  

·         Norm Ream, Scout Dog Handler, 42nd Scout Dog Platoon, 1st Brigade, 101st Airborne Division 1969/70 – Screaming Eagle Statue – Presented by 1Lt. Ron Belanger.

·         Dan Braxton, Platoon Sergeant, 2nd Platoon, Company B 1968/69 – Screaming Eagle Statue – Presented by 1Lt. Ron Belanger. 

·         Richard J.  Lane, Company B Commander 1970 – Screaming Eagle Statue – Presented by 1Lt. Ron Belanger. 

·         Gary Hough, Forward Observer, Delta Battery , 2nd Battalion, 320th Artillery 1967/68 – Screaming Eagle Statue – Presented by 1Lt. Ron Belanger.  

Reno07.Table.1.jpg (35950 bytes)
Table 1

 Pictured L-R: Jerry & Donna Berry, Valerie & Paul Cauley, Richard Pittman

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Table 2

Pictured L-R (Clockwise): Alice Korba, Eva Gold, Stella Johnson, Alex Simich, Lee & Robin Paterson, Steve Barnhart, Lt. Ron Belanger

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Table 3

 Pictured L-R (Clockwise): Bob Staerkel, Dan & Incha Braxton, Antonio & Concha Martinez, Lori & Henry Salas

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Table 4

 Pictured L-R (Clockwise): Steve Katzer, Marilyn & Larry Rambo, Tommy Kirk, Jarrett & Ginny Goodman, Lisa Terrill, Linda Katzer

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Table 5

 Pictured L-R (Clockwise): Doug Mullens, Doug Gandel, Dave & Dolly McFarland, Jimmy & Gene Ballay, Jerry Reiss, Judi & Tim Beets, Jim Martin

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Table 6

 Pictured L-R (Clockwise): Rick Nielson, Tony Mayberry, Diane Mayberry, Mike & Sandy Herrington, Terry & Nancy Blankenship

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Table 7

 Pictured L-R (Clockwise): Lt. Gary Hough, Cindy Krogsrud, Karen Collins, Lt. Larry Collins, Charles Krogsrud, Sal Morales, Cpt. Richard Lane

*Note: Not pictured, but present at banquet dinner were Lee Bradford, Dean Morrison, Connie Gatton (took above photos), Frank Vinales, Manuel & Yolanda Martinez, Alex & Angela Williams, Norm Ream

Following the banquet dinner and award ceremony, a live auction was conducted.   Following the live auction, the group moved to the hospitality room for social debriefing.  

    1. D+4 (Saturday) 4 August 2007 (2400 Hours) marked the final day of Operation RENO ‘07.   The doors to the hospitality room opened at 1000 Hours.  For some, the early part of the day was spent sightseeing, shopping, and enjoying the casinos, and for a few, it was to say their goodbyes, promises to stay in touch and catch their flights home.  During the evening, after members had eaten, they gathered back in the hospitality room for a last night of comradeship and goodbyes.  The gathering served primarily as a “wind-down” session.  With word that the 101st Airborne Association would be coming to Reno in 2008, the ‘Stand Alone Battalion’ reunion organizers recommended that our group return to Reno , as well.  The newly selected reunion organizers, headed up by Paul “Pony Tail” Cauley will get information out to all our members and KIA families in the next few months.  The 2007 gathering was the last reunion with Jerry and Donna as reunion organizers.  The 2006 Reunion was promised to be their last, but were asked to stay on and organize the 2007 reunion...promise made, promise kept! 
    1. D+5 (Sunday) 5 August 2007 marked the departure day for those still in Reno .  A number of Currahees, wives, and special guests met to say their goodbyes.  A few members planned to remain in Reno for a day or so longer.  
  1.  RESULTS:
    1.  Casualties:

The Task Force suffered 17 casualties (Cancellations)— BENTLEY, Dave & Camille, Margate, FL - Platoon Leader, 2nd Platoon, Co. C 1968/69,  WHEELER, Jim & Cheryl, West Greenwich, RI - 1st Plt./Company D 1968/69, CLARK, Danny, Slate Cr, ID - 2/506th 1967/68, PATTERSON, Dave "'Baby Boy', Clearwater, FL - CSF/LRRP, Company E 1967/68, PAULSON, Tom & Linda, Vermillion, SD - 3/A Company 1967/68, SCOTT, Charles 'Scotty', Tulsa, OK - 3/C Company 1968/69, STUART, Mike & Erin, Redding, CA - 2/C Company 1967/68, CLINKSCALE, Rachel, AL -  Widow of PSG James A. Bunn, 2nd Plt., Company A - KIA  2/3/1968.  

    1. Reunion Attendees:

Officers & Wives  

  1. BELANGER, Ron, Garland, TX - HHC/Plt. Ldr. Co. A 1967/68
  2. COLLINS, Larry & Karen, Valencia, PA - Platoon Leader, Co. 3/D & E 1968/69
  3. GREENE, John, Austin, TX - Platoon Leader, Co. 1/B 1970/71   
  4. HOUGH, Gary, Sterling, MA - FO, D/2/320th Arty. 1968/69
  5. LANE, Rich, Rancho Mirage, CA - S-4 & Company B Cmdr. 1970 

Enlisted Men & Wives 

  1. ATWOOD, Jim & Barbara, Newport, KY - CSF/LRRP, Company E 1967/68
  2. BARNHART, Steve, Roseburg, OR - Medic Company HHC/A/E - 2/506 1968/69
  3. BEETS, Tim & Judi, Northridge, CA - HHC 1967-1968 
  4. BERRY , Jerry & Donna, Libby, MT 59923 - 3/A Company & Bn PIO 1967/68 
  5. BLANKENSHIP, Terry & Nancy, Fairfield Bay, AR - 2/B Company 1968/69 
  6. BRADFORD, Lee, Washington , KY - CSF/LRRP, Company E 1967/68 
  7. BRAXTON, Daniel & Incha, Marina, CA - PSG, 2/B Company 1968
  8. CAULEY, Paul & Valerie, Indianapolis , IN - Medic, Company C 1970/71
  9. GANDEL, Doug, Chico, CA - 4/C & E Company 1967/68  
  10. GOODMAN, Jarrett & Ginny, Milton, WI - 1st Plt., 1/A Company 1970/71  
  11. HERRINGTON, Mike & Sandy , , 4/C 1967/68 
  12. KATZER, Steve & Linda, Redding, CA - Company D 1968/69 
  13. KIRK, Thomas "Tommy", Newhall, CA - HHC 1970/71
  14. KROGSRUD, Charles & Cindy, Casa Grande, AZ - Delta Battery/2/320th Arty 1967/68 
  15. MAYBERRY, Tony & Diane, Wayne, MI - Company B & LRRPs 1967/68 
  16. MARTIN, Jim, Arroyo Grande, CA - Company C 1969/70 
  17. MARTINEZ , Antonio & Concha, Lockhart, TX   - 4/B Company 1967-69
  18. MARTINEZ , Manuel & Yolanda, Sacramento, CA - CSF/LRRP, Company E 1967/68     
  19. MCFARLAND, David & Dolly, Ames, IA - Company C 1968/69
  20. MEZZETTA, Jim, Vallejo, CA – HHC & 2/A 1968/69
  21. MORALES, Salvador 'Sal', Chino, CA - 3/D Company 1968/69  
  22. MORRISON, Dean, Pickens, SC - 4/C Company 1967/68 
  23. MULLENS, Doug, Reno, NV - Company C 1969/70 - Confirmed 
  24. NIELSEN, Rick, Sho Low, AZ - 4/C Company 1967/68 
  25. PATERSON , Lee & Robin, Roseburg, OR - Company B 1970/71 
  26. PITTMAN, Richard, Las Vegas, NV - 4/C Company 1967/68
  27. PEREZ, Victor & Linda, East Palo Alto, CA – 2/B 1969/70
  28. RAMBO, Larry & Marilyn, Vienna, OH - 1/D 1968/69 
  29. REISS, Jerry, Charles City, IA - 3/C Company 1968/69 
  30. SALAS, Henry & Lori, Natala, TX - CSF & LRRP 1967/68 
  31. SIMICH, Alex, Escondido, CA - Company B 1968/69 
  32. STAERKEL, Robert, Elmhurst, IL - C/HHC 1967/68 
  33. STRINGER, Steve, Riverside, CA - 1/D 1968/69   
  34. VINALES, Frank, Chandler, AZ - 3/Company C 1967/68 
  35.  WILLIAMS, Alex & Angela, Charleston, SC - Medic, 3/Company C 1969/70 

Special Guests & Families of KIA 

  1. BALLAY, Robert Eugene (Gene) Ballay, Aurora, MO - Cousin of James V. Ballay, 1st Platoon, Company A - KIA May 12, 1970
  2. BALLAY, James (Jimmy) Ballay - Son of Gene Ballay
  3. BRYANT, Carol, Ludlow, KY – Sister-in-law of Jim Atwood
  4. CORTEZ, Ronald, guest of Sal Morales (3/D 68/69), Chino, CA
  5. FEAR, Peter, Reno, NV – 1/27th 1967/68)
  6. GATTON, Connie, Forest Hill, MD - Sister of Pfc. Edgar Allen Campbell, 2nd Plt., Company A - KIA 12/19/1967
  7. TERRILL, Lisa, Forest Hill, MD - Niece of Pfc. Edgar Allen Campbell, 2nd Plt., Company A - KIA 12/19/1967
  8. GOLD, Eva (Maria), Tahoe, CA - Sister of 1Lt. Arthur Quezada, Company A - KIA 6/18/1968
  9. KORBA, Alice, Tahoe, CA - Sister of 1Lt. Arthur Quezada, Company A - KIA 6/18/1968
  10. JOHNSON, Estele ‘Stella’,  Ridgecrest, CA - Sister of 1Lt. Arthur Quezada, Company A - KIA 6/18/1968
  11. REAM, Norm, Encinitas, CA - 42nd Scout Dog Platoon 1969/70
  12. 1SGT (NAME NOT RECORDED), Reno, NV – 2-327TH 1966-68
  13. SFC (NAME NOT RECORDED), Reno, NV – Korean War Vet
Total Attendees – 73  

 Tab A -