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RENO, NV
- 1998 |
CURRAHEES COMPLETE OPERATION RENO, NEVADA I
AFTER ACTION REPORT
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Reno - Head count for Operation Reno reached 56 on July 18 as the
Currahees of the 506th (Airborne) Infantry Regiment, 101"Airbome
Division completed another successful reunion. The third reunion-in-
force took place in Nevadan-held territory in downtown Reno at
coordinates Virginia and 4th Street.
The three-day operation included many enjoyable hours of fun,
recreation, sightseeing, and fellowship among old comrades. Not only did
the paratroopers inflict heavy losses on the beer supply in the
Hospitality Rooms, but also consumed vast stores of food at the Victoria
Buffet and Sweetwater Cafe. |
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Operation Reno was marked with several noteworthy events:
- A "Chieu Hoi" (welcome reception) for all Currahees, family
members, and guests was held at the Silver Legacy Hotel on Friday
evening, July 17. Currahees from the 1st Bn 506th, 2nd Bn 506th, 3rd
Bn 506th, as well as B Co., 1st Bn, PIR were represented.
- A general membership's meeting for all '506' Currahees was held
Saturday morning, July 18, at the Silver Legacy Hotel. Association
business was addressed and future plans for an informal reunion in
1999 at Hampton, VA were discussed.
- The Currahee Memorial Dinner was held at the Silver Legacy Hotel
on Saturday evening, July 18. Special guests and speakers included
Loren and Marge Herrick of Kansas City, Missouri, proud parents of
two only sons-Bennett J. and Dennis-lost to the Vietnam War.
- Currahees of the 3/506 enjoyed the many photos and memorabilia
on display in Joe Alexander's Suite, as well as the slide
presentation presented by Jerry Berry, PIO, 3-506 - 67/68.
- Special Commemorative hats were presented to the 3/506
Currahees, their wives and Loren and Marge Herrick, complements of
Joe R. Alexander, Platoon Leader, 4/A/3-506 - 67/68.
- The Currahees gathered for a final farewell breakfast at the
Victoria Buffet, Silver Legacy Hotel on Sunday morning, July 19,
prior to checkout.
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(L to R): Loren and Marge Herrick, Cpt. (CSF Cmdr)
David M. Pearson (LTC Ret.). The Herricks are
parents of SP4 James Bennett Herrick (B Co. KIA
3/25/68) |
(L to R): SP4 (A Co. Medic) James W. Mezzetta, Cpt. (Bn. Surgeon)
Andrew Lovy, SP4 (A Co. Medic)
Robert M. Jones. |
Operation Reno, the third largest offensive reunion conducted by the
Currahees, terminated on July 18 with the Currahees and their wonderful
wives accounting for a total attendance of over 70 with wives. The
reunion was considered by all to be an overwhelming success, and plans
are underway for an even bigger reunion to coincide with the annual 101"
Airborne Reunion to be held in Hampton, VA in 1999.
The Screaming Eagles had now completed three successful
reunions-in-force. Campaign Participation Credits are:
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- Central Massachusetts - TF Marlborough (mini-reunion), August
1996
- Eastern Tennessee - Operation Knoxville, 29-31 July 1997
- Northern Nevada - Operation Reno, 16-18 July 1998
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A successful reunion at Reno can he attributed to the tireless
efforts of our past Association President, the late Bob Acklen. Our
elite Currahee group includes many battlefield heroes with outstanding
military records. The Association recognized Bob Acklen for his
impressive military record as both a helicopter pilot and a company
infantry commander during his extensive service in Vietnam spanning the
years 1968-71. Bob served 14 months (1968-69) as a helicopter pilot
before extending his Vietnam tour and transferring to the 101st Airborne
Division. Upon arrival in the Division, he requested an infantry
assignment. Bob was assigned to the 3rd Battalion during 1969 and 1970
and served as the Company Commander (Captain) of both Bravo and Charlie
Companies.
He extended his first tour three more times and flew Cobras with B
Troop, 2nd Squadron, 17th Cavalry at Camp Eagle in I Corps before
returning to the States in 1971 by Medevac. Thanks you, Bob. We all miss
you. |
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