Cambodia 1970 - Reno, NV 2010

*Author’s Note:  For those of you who are not familiar with an After Action Report (AAR), it is a US Military document that reports the activities of a specific mission, lessons learned, and sometimes other significant information dealing with the assessment of a combat activity during a particular battle or operation.   I routinely prepare a ‘bastardized’ version of those AARs for our 3-506^th and TF 3-506^th members to give details of a past or recent reunion.  It is all in fun and meant to entertain with some special "call-signs" added to attendees.  This particular one is for our recent reunion in Reno, NV to honor those from our battalion, as well as, from the 4^th Infantry Division units, who participated in the May 1970 Cambodia Incursion.

 Addendum

May of this year marked the 40th Anniversary of the 1970 Cambodia Operation that involved the 4^th Infantry Division--the 3-506^th was OPCON to the “Ivy” Division at the time.  It was on May 5 that two brigades of the 4^th Infantry and support elements/units began what was to be the third major thrust (the northern thrust) into Cambodia.  This northern thrust was named Binh Tay I.  I just released my fourth book--Twelve Days In May--which tells the true story of the northern thrust and the encounters with the enemy that each of the six infantry battalions and their support elements (aviation, artillery, engineers, medical, etc.) experienced during those twelve days in May 1970.

A lot of coordination took place over the days, weeks and months following our 14th Anniversary Reunion in Nashville, TN in 2009, in preparation for the release of "Twelve Days In May" to coincide with our 15th Annual 3-506th/TF 3-506th Reunion--three years in fact when all details are counted and considereded.  The theme for the 2010 annual reunion was Cambodia 1970.  Its primary goal was to honor those veterans of Binh Tay I with the 3-506th as host.  Although turnout was disappointing, particularly by Currahees of the 3-506th, the reunion turned out to be, in my opinion, one of the best ever--among the top three for sure.

During the planning phase, all the major hotels in Reno were contacted to get the best deal for the rendezvous.  Several of the larger hotels offered great packages, and the Circus Circus Hotel & Casino offered the best package.   A contract was negotiated with the Circus Circus, and a large block of rooms were set aside for our group.  We were given until early June to make reservations to book a certain number of nights in order to get the special room rates, free hospitality room, and banquet dinner prices.  I was required to sign a contract and pay the required deposit with my personal credit card before the end of December 2009, as well as meet the required guarantees stated in the contract, which amounted to thousands of dollars if a certain number of attendees did not show.  Reno Reunions continue to be our largest gatherings site with few exceptions.  Many factors determine the turnout for a reunion, i.e. economic situations, the variety of entertainment available, timing, and the specific environmental setting being the primary factors.  Reno seems to offer the most attractive combination of these factors and no place treats the Vietnam Veterans better. 

We had approximately 75 attendees at this year's gathering.  Among these were four family members (brothers) of 1Lt. Robert Phillips, Commander of Charlie Company, 3-8th Infantry, who was killed in action on LZ Fox (renamed LZ Phillips) on May 6, 1970.  The story of how he died and the heroic actions of his men begins on page 111--"Hell on a Small LZ" in Twelve Days In May.  Lieutenant Phillips' four brothers--Charles, Jon, David and Andy--had the opportunity to meet and visit with ten members of Charlie Company, 3-8th Infantry, along with the artillery battery commander and medevac pilot who were at LZ Fox during the time of their brother's death. 

 Each annual rendezvous reminds us of our limited time on this good earth.  For the past eight or ten reunions, we have learned afterward that another member had died since the reunion.  So, with all this in mind, sit back and enjoy this year’s AAR.  I hope it is informative and entertaining. Be sure to click on each thumbnail photo to enlarge for better viewing. – Jerry in Montana

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SUBJECT:   After Action Report, Operation CAMBODIA 1970 –40^TH ANNIVERSARY REUNION OF THE NORTHERN THRUST (BINH TAY I) OF MAY 5-16, 1970

TO:     ALL CURRAHEES, CAMBODIA 1970 VETERANS & SPECIAL GUESTS

1.         Name of Operation: CAMBODIA 1970 – 40^TH ANNIVERSARY RENDEZVOUS &  15^TH Annual 3-506^th/TF 3-506^TH REUNION

2.         Dates of Operation:   15–19 JUNE, 2010

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

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

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

6.         Task Force and Supporting Forces:

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

            b.   1^st Battalion, 12^th Infantry (Red Warriors)

            c.   3^rd Battalion, 8^th Infantry (Dragoons)

            d.   6^th Battalion, 29^th Field Artillery (Faithful and True)

            e.   498^th Medical Company (Dust-Off 28)

            f.   Family of KIA (1Lt. Robert Phillips, C/3-8th)

            g.   Other Special Guests

            h.    Naval Intelligence Liaison

            i.    Circus Circus Hotel & Casino 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  2010 to make contact with the known indigenous team operating in the RENO AO.  Sgt. Currahee made contact with the indigenous team—Catherine Bliss (Convention Sales Manager), Eva Lonska-Diaz (Director of Catering & Convention Services), and Myrra Estrellado (Convention Sales Coordinator) for the Circus Circus Hotel & Casino, who provided important tactical and support information—Forward Tactical Operations Center (FTOC – Hospitality Room)  and mess hall (banquet rooms) were assigned.  Information gathering and negotiations continued on a daily/weekly/monthly timetable through 13 June 2010 to complete logistics, and at which time the point team (Jerry and Donna Berry) departed Libby, Montana by ground for the FTOC, arriving LZ CIRCUS CIRCUS  (Coord. 500 N. Sierra Street) on the afternoon of 14 June 2010.

8.  Concept of Operation:

a.       Situation:  Operation “CAMBODIA 1970…” was a scheduled 2010 operation intended for Reno, Nevada (See Addendum) that resulted from voting members and the choice location for release of Jerry's fourth book--Twelve Days In May.  However, with several other reunions planned--101st Association/John P. Geraci Chapter Reunion in Indy, the Rick Clanton 2/B Mini Reunion in TN, and a couple others--members made their choice of which to attend.  Known for its ability to react and adjust operational maneuvers in record time, orders were quickly issued to acting 3-506^th Annual Reunion Organizer, “Sgt. Currahee” (Jerry Berry), to FIND, FIX, AND FINALIZE LZ CIRCUS CIRCUS 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 NASHVILLE ‘09.

b.      Operational Area TAOR:

Sgt. Currahee, along with the Reunion 2010 Team Members (list of names classified at this time, will be declassified in 11 years—actually only Donna Berry), 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 CIRCUS CIRCUS Watchers (Doug “Cooler Man” Mullens) within the Reno AO (S3 & S5 action).  Intelligence indicated that the Circus Circus Hotel and Casino would in fact be the targeted LZ CIRCUS CIRCUS to set up our Tactical Area of Operational Responsibility (TAOR).   An agreement was made with the friendly element, and word went out that the 15^th annual battalion reunion and 40^th Anniversary of the Cambodia 1970 Operation (Binh Tay I) rendezvous was a go.

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).  

By D-Day + 4 months, the various event details were coming together nicely.  Our mess sergeant, Donna Berry (MT), and “flunky” Jerry Berry (MT)--S4 Activity, 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 Donna Berry (MT) and volunteers--Dan and Incha Braxton (CA), Linda Katzer (CA), and Marilyn Rambo (OH)--S4 & S5 Action, who would make sure there were plenty of snacks and refreshments available in the hospitality room.  Operating the Currahee PX (limited supply this year) would fall again to Donna Berry (S4 Activities).

The MC for the Memorial Banquet Program would be the world famous attorney and former Platoon Leader, 2-8^th Mech. Infantry, 4^th Infantry Division and Currahee Officer (Platoon Leader/Company Commander, 3-506^th Infantry), 1Lt. Robert B. Clemens (SC); Awards & Recognition Committee would be 1Lt. Robert Clemens (SC), Sgt. Currahee (MT), Chaplain William Webb (FL), and Donna Berry (MT); Auction Committee would be the responsibility of MC 1Lt. Robert Clemens (SC) and Sgt. Currahee.

By D-Day + 1 month, things were shaping up.  Tactical Operational Center (TOC – Hospitality Room) was identified as the Tahoe and Truckee Rooms—3^rd floor of the Sky Tower Meeting Rooms.  The S4 (3-506 PX) would be located in the Tahoe Room immediately behind the reception desk.   The mess hall (banquet) was located in the Convention Center, Rooms 4 & 5 downstairs from the main Casino Area. 

On D-2 (Sunday) June 13, 2010, 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 CIRCUS CIRCUS for the operation. 

On D-1 (Monday) June 14, 2010, the advance team arrives by late afternoon at the designated LZ Circus Circus Hotel & Casino and begins recon on the established facilities.m arrived LZ CIRCUS CIRCUS and made initial reconnaissance of facilities. 

On D-Day (Tuesday) June 15, 2010, the advance team conducted SUPPLYCAP to local commissaries for rations, mess supplies and alcohol for medicinal purposes only.  Contact was made with Circus Circus indigenous forces.  Operation CAMBODIA 1970 officially commenced at 1000 hours.  The “Stand Alone Battalion aka “Bastard Battalion” launched its 15^th Annual 3-506^th/4^th Infantry Division Task Force Binh Tay I (Cambodia 1970) Reunion.  A large memorabilia display--items we carried and used in Vietnam--was set up throughout the hospitality room.

The main assault into LZ CIRCUS CIRCUS was led by Jerry and Donna Berry (3-506th, MT).  Followed close behind by SSG Onorio Romo (3-506th, AZ) and Benjamin Hauck (3-8th, WA).  After checking in and spending several hours with Jerry and Donna Berry, SSG Onorio Romo informed Jerry that due to a prior engagement, he could only spend one day and had to leave the following morning.  Jerry convinced SSG Romo to come by the hospitality room the following morning, which he agreed to do so.  The first day of the rendezvous 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.  

The insertions for D-day included Randall Born (3-8th), Bill and Judy Babcock (3-8th), Dan and Incha Braxton (3-506th, CA), Dan Braxton's sister, Ruth Mathis, Bill Brunde (3-8th, IA) and cousin Lloyd Schmitt, Doug Foster (3-8th, KY), Steve and Linda Katzer (3-506th, CA), Hector and Carmen Sanchez (3-8th, CA), David and Kathy Wayne (3-506th, KY), Chaplain William and Linda Webb (3-506th, FL), Larry and Marilyn Rambo (3-506th, OH) and Steve and Rosie Williams (3-506th, KS).

On D+1 (Wednesday) 16 June 2010, SSG Romo met Donna and Jerry at the hospitality room to say goodbye.  As he was about to depart, Chaplain William Webb (3-506th Chaplain, 1968/69) presented SSG Romo the traditional Screaming Eagle, along with the Cambodian Incursion Certificate, which he would have received during the Banquet Night Program.  It was a pleasure to visit with SSG Onorio, who the two of us had served together in Operation KLAMATH FALLS back in 1967/68--I with the 3-506th, he with the 327th.

The insertions for D-day +1 included Juan and Toni Anzaldua (3-8th, IL, Pete Delonga (3-506th, MD), Mike Dingman (3-506th, VA), Tony and Elaine Foster (TX), Richard Greig (3-506th, MN), Darrell and Mary Holbrook (3-8th, OH), Allen, Carol and Joshua Keppner (3-506th, CA), Antonio and Concha Martinez (3-506th, TX), Robert and Sharon Meade (3-506th, KS), William Ohl (3-506th, AZ), Gerald and Linda Pearson (3-8th, OH), Sal Morales (3-506th, CA), Ron Cortez (CA).

The incoming group on the second day of the rendezvous was met by a well-entrenched element and contact quickly became “whiney”, especially once the troops learned that the Currahee bar was not fully operational.  Talk of “fragging” quickly circulated throughout the basecamp.    Sgt. Currahee used his Montana Humvee (Dodge Caravan Slick) to make a mid-day assault on the local liquor/food store.  Experts in clandestine tactics—using a tablecloth to cover a full bell cart load of medicinal purpose liquids--transported it through the casino and up to the hospitality room.  The Currahee bar was eventually stocked with the best available “Thunderbird” wine and “Black Label” beer!  The “Bastard Battalion” spared no expense to have the best!  In absence of a volunteer bartender, everyone just helped themselves to a variety of booze, wine, beer, and cold pop.

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 Viewing, Albums, Memorabilia Display.  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.  A number of attendees 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 our "Donut Dollies", Linda Katzer (CA) and Marilyn Rambo (OH) for their contribution of special snacks to the hospitality room cuisine (HRC).    

D+2 (Thursday) 17 June 2010, the ‘Stand Alone Battalion’ continued Operation CAMBODIA 1970 in its assigned AO.  During the morning hours, groups conducted Search and Play operations throughout the Circus Circus AO, as well as beyond its borders, which again included Virginia City, Lake Tahoe, and into the little “banana republic” of California.  The third assault into LZ CIRCUS CIRCUS was led by Glen "Rusty" and Ann Armstrong (1-12th, WI), Julius "Bud" and Mary Bartley (3-8th, OK), John and Sherrel Cavedo (6-29th FA, SC), Bob Clemens (3-506th, SC), John Greene (3-506th, TX), Marvin Dunn (3-506th, CA, John Neeley (3-8th, OH), Londell and Jean Thompson (1-12th, CA, James Tobias (1-12th, CA), Bart VanValkenburg (3-8th, PA), and Lawrence "Larry" Serra (Naval Intel, 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 and scheduled slide presentation by Larry Serra began at 8:00 p.m.  His talk on intelligence inside Cambodia during the Cambodian Incursion was very informative, with focus on intelligence operations in and around the vicinity of Sihanoukville, the southern coastal port of Cambodia that was heavily used during the time for receiving and transporting supplies by the North Vietnamese. 

D+3 (Friday) 18 June 2010, Operation CAMBODIA 1970 continued to build momentum in its assigned AO.  During the morning hours, groups once again conducted Search and Play operations throughout the immediate AO and beyond its borders, which now included the adjoining Silver Legacy Casino and El Dorado Casino, as well as other popular Reno casinos.  The fourth and final assault into LZ CIRCUS CIRCUS was led by Don Meyer (3-506th, CA), and his daughter, Carrol Maynard, and Gary Tuttle (438th Medical, FL)  

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 banquet dinner, the Memorial Program, the Banquet Program (with special tribute and recognition ceremony), ending with the live auction and special drawing for door prizes.  Beginning at 1700 hours, everyone began to gather outside the Convention Center Ballroom for "meet and greet", as well as some group pictures.  Everyone eventually was seated at elegantly set tables in the Ballroom for a fine buffet dinner and a full night of speeches, stories, and special tributes. 

(1).  Welcome and Roll Call - Banquet Night festivities began with MC 1Lt. Robert Clemens calling the program to order, welcoming everyone to the 15th Annual Currahee Reunion, and conducting the usual roll call of units represented.  The evening program agenda was as follows:

(2).  Banquet Dinner & Program - The evening banquet program activities commenced with an invocation by battalion chaplain, Cpt. William Webb.  Some 69 individuals took part in and enjoyed the hearty Vista Buffet dinner of fresh salmon with shitake mushrooms and rotisserie chicken as dual entrees, served with mixed greens salad and condiments--ranch and Italian dressing; roasted garlic red potatoes, fresh vegetables medley, freshly baked rolls and butter, and seasonal fruit compote. Choice of beverage included coffee, iced tea, or milk.  Dessert choices offered by the catering staff included a variety of yummy, decadent chocolate cakes. 

	Table 1 (L-R Clockwise): Donna Berry, 1Lt. Bob Clemens (B/C/D/3-506th), Cpt. John Cavedo (A/6-29th FA), Sherrel Cavedo, 1Lt. Frank Brokaw (1/C/3-8th), Medic Julius "Bud" Bartley (DSC,1/C/3-8th), Mary Bartley, PSG Doug Foster (1/C/3-8th)
	Table 2 (L-R Clockwise): Chaplain (Cpt.) William Webb (3-506th), Linda Webb, Mary Holbrook, PSG  Darrell Holbrook (1/C/3-8th), Jon Phillips, Charles Phillips, David Phillips, Andy Phillips (Brothers of 1Lt. Robert Phillips (C/3-8th, KIA 5/6/1970), Warrant Officer Gary Tuttle (486th Medical Co. "Dust-Off 28"
	Table 3 (L-R Clockwise): Cpt. William Ohl II (D/3-506th), Burl Summers (3/D/3-506th), Pete Delonga (3/D/3-506th), Sal Morales (3/D/3-506th), Allen Keppner (3/D/3-506th), Carol Keppner, and Joshua Keppner (Son of Allen and Carol Keppner)
	Table 4 (L-R Back Row): 1Lt. Richard Greig (1/D/3-506th), Carroll Maynard (daughter of Don Meyer (1/D/3-506th), Don Meyer, Marvin Dunn (3/C/3-506th).  (L-R Front Row): Medic Mike Dingman (1/D/3-506th), Larry Rambo (1/D/3-506th), Marilyn Rambo, Linda Katzer, Steve Katzer (1/D/3-506th),
	Table 5 (L-R Clockwise): Lloyd Schmitt (ex-Marine, friend of Bill Brune), Bill Brune (3/C/3-8th), Hector Sanchez (B/3-8th), Carmen Sanchez, Connie Martinez, Tony Martinez (4/B/3-506th), Juan Anzaldua (3/C/3-8th), Toni Anzaldua.
	Table 6 (L-R Clockwise): Medic Randall Born (2/A/3-8th), Bart VanValkenburgh (2/A/3-8th), 1Lt. William Babcock (2/A/3-8th), Judy Babcock, PSG Dan Braxton (2/B/3-506th), Incha Braxton, Ruth Mathis (Sister of PSG Braxton), 1Lt. John Greene (1/B/3-506th).
	Table 7 (L-R Clockwise): Jean Thompson, Londell "Duke" Thompson (2/A/1-12th), Ann Armstrong, 1Lt. Glen Armstrong (Delta Co. Cmdr., 1-12th), Benjamin Hauck (1/A/1-12th), James Tobias (1/A/1-12th), Gerald Pearson (3/A/1-12th), Linda Pearson.
	Table 8 (L-R Clockwise): Rosie Williams (blue dress), Steve Williams (2/D/3-506th), David Wayne--taking photo--(D/3-506th), Kathy Wayne, Medic Tony Foster (3/D/3-506th), Elaine Foster, John Neeley--not shown--(Sqd. Ldr. 2/A/3-8th), Robert Meade (1/D/3-506th), Sharon Meade.

 (2).  Special Tribute and Recognition Ceremony – The members of the ‘Stand Alone Battalion’ took great pride in presenting special tributes to fellow Currahees, the 4th Infantry Units members, the 486th Medical Unit member, the family of KIA, 1Lt. Robert Phillips, and special guests.  The following speakers presented riveting presentations about their service, the men they served with and the Cambodia Operation and what it meant to each of them.  Each speaker's presentation rekindled pride and patriotism in all the troopers, spouses, and special guests in the room, and each told of their pride and honor to have served with their unit and them men under their command.  

An asterisk below each speaker's name references the significant chapter(s) or section(s) which mentions his part in the book, Twelve Days In May. 

Cpt. John Cavedo, Battery Commander, Alpha Battery, 6-29th Field Artillery 1969/70 - LZ Phillips

*"Hell on a Small LZ" and "Dust-off 28"

	Cpt. William C. Ohl II, Delta Company Commander, 3-506th (Abn) Inf. 1969/70 *"The Big Rice Cache" and "The Ambush"
	1Lt. Richard Greig, Platoon Leader, 1st Platoon, Delta Company, 3-506th Inf. (Abn) - 1969/70 *"The Brief Firefight", "The Big Rice Cache", "The Ambush", and "Friendly Fire"
	1Lt. Frank Brokaw, Platoon Leader, 1st Platoon, Charlie Company, 3-8th Inf. 1970/71.   - LZ Phillips *"Hell on a Small LZ" and "Dust-off 28"
	PSG Darrell Holbrook, Platoon Sergeant, 1st Platoon, Charlie Company, 3-8th Inf. 69/70 - LZ Phillips  *"Hell on a Small LZ" and "Dust-off 28"
	1Lt. William Babcock, Platoon Leader, 2nd Platoon, Alpha Company, 3-8th Inf. 1970/71 *"A Fatal Decision"
	Cpt. Glen A. Armstrong, Delta Company Commander, 1-12th Infantry 1969/70   *Loss of the Luck Star - Twelve Days In May

   Immediately following each presentation, MC 1Lt. Robert Clemens 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 Operation Binh Tay I.

	L-R: Cpt. John Cavedo (A/6-29th FA), Cpt. William Ohl (D/3-506th), 1Lt. Glen Armstrong (D/1-12th)
	L-R: Warrant Officer Gary Tuttle (Dust-Off Pilot, 486th Medical Co.), 1Lt. Frank Brokaw (1/C/3-8th), 1Lt. William Babcock (2/A/3-8th)
	L-R: PSG Doug Foster (1/C/3-8th), PSG Darrell Holbrook (1/C/3-8th)
	L-R: Medic Michael Dingman (1/D/3-506th), Medic Julius Bartley (1/C/3-8th), Medic Randall Born (2/A/3-8th)
	Members of 4th Infantry Division Units who received special certificate
	3-506th Infantry (Airborne) Cambodia Veteran Members who received special certificate.   **PSG Onorio Romo (1/B/3-506th) who had to leave early is not pictured, but was also given  a certificate.
	The Cambodian Incursion Certificate of Recognition was presented to each veteran of Operation Binh Tay I who attended the Reno Rendezvous. Certificates were created specifically for each veteran with his name, rank, position, unit crest and MOS/badge (CIB, CMB, CAB, or Wings {Aviation}). The certificate has the Cambodia and South Vietnam Flags, as well as the crests for each of the six infantry battalions, two artillery battalions, and the 4th Infantry Division across the bottom.  Click on the thumbnail to read the text.

Another regular part of each “Stand Alone Battalion” banquet night program is its Memorial Service.  The members of the ‘Stand Alone Battalion’ take great pride in presenting special tributes to fellow Currahees, families of KIAs, and special guests.  Prior to the recognition of KIA family members, Donna Berry read the list of troopers who lost their lives during the Cambodian Incursion of 1970, as well as her poem that was included in the third printing of "My Gift to You".  The following recognitions were made at this year’s Memorial Segment of the Banquet Night Program.

The four brothers of 1Lt. Robert Phillips (C Company, 3-8th Infantry - KIA 5/6/70)  Charlie, Jon, David, and Andy Phillips were honored by presenting them with the traditional Screaming Eagle Statue with engraved plate mounted on oak base, along with a signed hardcover copy of "Twelve Days in May".   

MC Robert Clemens presented the traditional ‘Screaming Eagle’ statue to the KIA family members.  The inscription on the engraved plate affixed to the oak base 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 banquet dinner and award ceremony, a live auction was conducted.   Following the live auction, a drawing was conducted for some special door prizes.  The group then moved to the hospitality room for social debriefing and popping the cork on a fine bottle of Jerry's elderberry wine, which was won at auction by PSG Holbrook.  Unfortunately, a single group photo was not taken. 

D+4 (Saturday) 19 June 2010 (2400 Hours) marked the final day of Operation CAMBODIA 1970.   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. For a few, it was time 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.

D+5 (Sunday) 20 June 2010 marked the departure day for those still in Reno.  A number of Currahees and 4th Infantry Unit Members, 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 some 30 casualties (Cancellations - members and guests) for various reasons.

2. Reunion Attendees:

 OFFICERS & WIVES