"...one of the best
battalions in Vietnam"
General Tommy Franks - from his book American
Soldier - ppg. 106
Nobody's shooting at us anymore.
And there's no leeches hanging off our butts.
Life is good!
Lee Alley,
President -
quote from Reunion 2001
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BATTALION NEWS:
The Indianapolis Reunion
was a Great Success !!!
However, the webmaster is now on holiday.
Reunion information, changes and pictures will not appear on this web site until after the second week of July.
Happy 4th of July to all.
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BATTALION NEWS:
BRAVO CO. HISTORY BOOK IS AT THE PRINTER:
The Bravo Co. History booklet produced by Jerry " Doc " Leppert and Brian McCormick, is finally at the printer. At the first Bi-annual Bravo Co reunion in Denver last year we decided to make the history book and have worked hard to get it to the guys before the Indianapolis reunion. (We still think that will happen even though the printer is giving us the run-around about Proof changes). We received over 1400 pictures from Bravo Vets, from which we selected over 300 to portray a pictorial history of the company in Vietnam. The booklet is 40 pages long and is jammed with photos from Ft Riley, to Dong Tam, to Binh Phuoc, to Rach Kien, (including Search & Destroy missions and Air Mobile Assaults) etc. You can purchase the book for $40.00 dollars a copy (you should give one to each of your children) and all the proceeds go into the Bravo Co treasury. Send check or Money Order (made out to Bravo Co) To:
Jerry Leppert
10469 Christopher Dr.
Conifer CO 80433
or for details call Doc at 303-838-3016. Doc will also have copies at the 5th/60th Indianapolis reunion in June. There are a limited number of copies so if you are interested contact Doc right away.
Brian McCormick.
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This link shows an interview featuring Association President, Lee Alley, produced by the State of Wyoming. It runs for 15 minutes.
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We have come to find out that our Australian FO friend, Garry Cooper, a special honoree at our 2006 St Louis Reunion, is currently battling prostate cancer. Garry would be heartened to hear any encouraging words from his 5th/60th buddies.
E-Mail:
tamale35@bigpond.net.au
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This link concerns the 1st/16th Bandidos in Iraq. The film shows a flag donated to the unit by 5th/60th Association member, Buddy Gault, who is mentioned in the clip.
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This link shows Association Secretary, William Metzler, and Association President, Lee Alley, participating in the "Reading of the Names" at the Vietnam Veteran's Memorial on Veteran's Day weekend 2007.
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The 1st /16th Association came up with the idea of erecting a flagpole in Oklahoma in honor of our 5th/60th Association founded, Curtis Hatterman.
We contributed to this worthy cause.
President Lee Alley recently received this note from Debbie Hatterman:
Lee,
Thanks to you and all the guys in the Association for “everything” you have done.
Thank you for the donation towards the flagpole in Curt’s memory.
God Bless,
Debbie Hatterman
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This is a link to an article on the Bandido Charlie
mission in Al Asad, Iraq.
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The following was received from Al Herrera.
Al is the Secretary of the Bandido Charlie Association,
1st/16th 1st ID.The letter was writted by Jon Garner, brother of Larry Garner, concerning the Bandido Charlie tribute to Larry(8/17/07)
Dear Ken & Al,
Wow! What a roller coaster ride.
It’s hard to capture the range of emotions we all experienced at the BRO/Bandido
Reunion last week in St. Louis. We laughed and we cried; we felt joy and sorrow
and anger and a huge sense of loss, but we always felt welcome and loved and
understood.
I don’t know where to begin to thank all of the members of the Regiment,
Battalion and Company who made us feel so much at home. From the moment the two
of you made contact with me, I felt something special was happening. I didn’t
know what to expect of the actual reunion experience, but I was overwhelmed.
Everyone we met was so gracious, so generous and so sincere. All of us
appreciate the respect you have for Larry and his memory, and the work you have
done to perpetuate his legacy. We learned so much about him and his
accomplishments and we’re eternally grateful for that. Many of our questions
were answered and you helped to bring a measure of closure to all of us. We
loved Larry and it was incredible to be with a group of others who shared this
love.
We’re especially grateful for the opportunity to meet so many wonderful people
who made the experience so special:
- Both of you for all your hard
work coordinating the event. I’ve learned over the years that dealing with
the Garner Clan can be challenging. You handled our many concerns and
requests with genuine caring and tact. The plaques and letters were
wonderful and will be cherished by all of us. You showed great skill in
navigating the politics of including the Original Bandidos in the heritage
of a Division rightly proud of its many accomplishments.
- Ken for your friendship, your
stories, your words on Thursday evening and for your love of Bandido
Charlie.
- Al for your masterful handling of
everything. Tactful, respectful, attentive to detail, forceful when called
for and always on top of things. You exemplify the qualities of an
outstanding 1st Sgt.
- Phil Greenwell for all of his
work, especially his work with the Thursday evening memorial. His words
were heartfelt and made us even prouder of Larry and the men he led. His
music selection for Saturday’s Division memorial was haunting and beautiful
and captured the emotions of our loss in a very special way. Larry was a
friend as well as a brother, father and husband.
- Betty Herrera and Linda Greenwell
for being so caring, generous and supportive.
- Charlie Taylor for his photos,
his stories and especially the presentation of his Bandido scarf to Chris.
I know it was a cherished memento of his and will be equally cherished by
Chris. It was also a pleasure to meet Sam and hear from him how Larry’s
legacy affected both him and his dad.
- Gary Bobbett for sharing memories
of Larry and his accomplishments and also the great photos that caught the
joy Larry felt with his Bandidos. To us Gary exemplified the positive
impact that Larry had on so many individuals.
- Larry Tirreno for his
extraordinary photos, complete with stories for each one that captured Larry
in ways that we never were able to experience. We were so happy that he
included his daughter Carolyn. What a charming, poised young lady!
- Martel Firing for sharing his
memories of Larry and for his willingness to connect with each of us.
- Tony Haug for keeping Larry’s
personal effects for all these years and passing them on to us. Also for
the regimental insignia he found for Mike and the WWII 9th Infantry
“sweetheart pin” for Harriet. I really appreciate his thoughtfulness for
securing an old “Eagle, Globe and Anchor” for this former Marine.
- Lucian Hinkle for seeking us out
and sharing his remembrances.
- LTC Ken Cassels and his wife
Peggy for welcoming all of us into the 16th Infantry “family”. I know Larry
would have been proud to serve in his command.
- “Sit Rep” Mike and his wife Sue
for all their work with the Bandido material and for their willingness to
simply listen and be there for us when we needed it.
- Mack Mackendanz for his poetry,
which captures the emotions all us have felt at various times since our
service.
- All the 5th/60th Bandidos who
reached deep into their memories to help us learn more about Larry and his
Bandidos. I know it can be a painful experience to relive the past and
we’re touched by their willingness to deal with that pain and share with us.
All of you who were involved in the reunion deserve to be acknowledged, and I
know there are many I’ve not mentioned. I apologize for any lapses of memory on
my part and hope you’ll understand.
You probably didn’t expect the entire clan when you invited Mike to the reunion.
As a group we can be a bit overwhelming. Thanks for welcoming us as family and
for sharing your memories with us. The reunion was an incredible experience for
all of us and we’ll never forget it or your generosity.
With gratitude, appreciation and heartfelt thanks.
Sincerely,
Jon & Nancy Garner
Bandidos Forever!!
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The following article appeared in the
Lockport NY
Lockport Union-Sun and Journal April 11, 2007
VETERANS: Locals
remember fallen brother in ceremony marking his death
By Joyce Miles/milesj@gnnewspaper.com
Standing at the
foot of Veterans Monument, he pulled the news clipping out of his jacket pocket
and unfolded it with care.
The news of Robert W. Raetz’s swift death by sniper fire in a Vietnamese jungle
has never left Ed Miller. He was in fact there, only a few feet away, when Raetz
took the hit.
Miller has kept his friend’s obituary, front-page news in the Union-Sun &
Journal, tucked away in his wallet ever since. He brought it out of safekeeping
Tuesday for a special occasion.
April 10, 2007, was the 40th anniversary of Raetz’s death, and Miller decided to
mark it with a memorial service in Veterans Park.
“I thought it was high time after 40 years,” he said. “I was with Bob when it
happened and I’ve never forgotten.”
Miller, of Lockport, worked with Robert’s only surviving relative, younger
brother Ron Raetz of Newfane, to put on the service. It was a low-key affair
attended by a handful of veterans, friends of the Raetz brothers, and a couple
of elected officials invited to help honor a fallen local hero.
“Twists of fate” put Miller and Bob Raetz on the path to friendship, Miller
recalled. Born a week apart, they both graduated from high school in 1964,
Miller from Lockport High and Raetz from Newfane High; they both landed jobs at
Harrison Radiator after turning 18; and they both were drafted into military
service on the same day in the same place, Selective Service at the Bewley
Building, yet they didn’t know each other at all — until they got to Vietnam.
At the camp they occupied as fellow members of the same Army unit, B Company 5th
Battalion, Miller was reading one of the hometown newspapers his mom had mailed
to him when Bob approached, demanding to know, “what are you doing with ‘my’
newspaper?”
Thus began a friendship that gelled quickly and ended too soon.
Miller remembered he and Bob were taking part in “Operation Junction City” in
spring 1967. On the afternoon of April 10, the men were heading back to their
vehicle when Miller heard gunfire. As quickly as the sound dissipated,
20-year-old Bob was dead. The gunner had been struck first and Bob had moved to
take over his position.
“That’s how I remember him then, and every day after that,” Miller said.
Miller presented a floral wreath marked “Remembered” to Ron Raetz, who laid it
at the foot of Veterans Monument and shared a few memories of his own. Ron was
14 when Bob died.
“It doesn’t seem like 40 years has gone by. Robert was my hero. He was my big
brother,” Ron said.
In one of his last letters to their parents, Ron recalled, and in the midst of a
war growing increasingly unpopular at home, Bob wrote that he was fighting for
his country so Ron wouldn’t have to.
“It was his way of saying they’d win the war and there would be peace,” Ron
said. “Of course we know we’ll always have war, because people just can’t get
along. If there were only two people in the world there would still be war.”
Miller and Ron Raetz kept the memorial service largely unpublicized, to the
extent that even many American Legion officers in Lockport and Newfane were
unaware of it, out of respect for Bob Raetz’s memory. The war in Iraq invites
parallels to Vietnam, and increasingly is just as unpopular with the public, and
Raetz said he didn’t want to risk the service being targeted by protesters.
Raetz rejects the implications of words like “quagmire” and “no-win situation”
and suggests the United States is obliged to finish what it started in Iraq, not
“sneak out the back door” as it did in Vietnam.
Miller has a different view — Iraq looks like a case of “same stuff, different
day,” he said — but he appreciates one of the things that clearly separates the
two conflicts.
“When we came home there weren’t groups of people waiting at the airport with
bouquets. We got jeered and spit on,” Miller said. “I’m not taking anything away
from the Iraq veterans, but the gratitude wasn’t there 40 years ago. ... I’m
grateful to see it is now.”
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Jason Slama, son of Rita and Mark Slama (HHC Recon 10/67 – 11/67),
has been
diagnosed with stage IV cancer and is currently undergoing treatment at the Mayo Clinic.
Rita and Mark ask us all to join them in praying for a miracle.
A CaringBridge website has been established for Jason in order to
keep everyone updated with his progress. The website is a GREAT opportunity for
you to share your positive thoughts with Jason as well as to receive periodic
updates related to his progress.
Here
is where you can visit Jason's website:
www.caringbridge.org/visit/jasonslama
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On a recent trip to Washington DC, 5th/60th Association President Lee Alley had a private meeting with follow Wyomingite Vice-President Dick Cheney.
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Jim Logsdon, Charlie Company 5/70 - 8/70, received the
"Patriot of the Year Award"
from the Military Order Of the Purple Heart at their recent convention.
This is the highest honor that the MOPH bestows.
Congratulations to Jim.
Jim Logsdon with Mrs. Heather French Henry, Miss America 2000.
Jim is on the left (g)
photo from Purple Heart Magazine (9/27/06)
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Information needed:
Our 5th/60th Historian, Alan Kisling, is
seeking any information
on company movements,
in the time frame of 6/69 to 10/70.
He needs:
Dates
F.S.B info
Area of operations ie. Hobo Woods, Bo Loi Woods , Cu Chi, Parrots Beak etc.
Contact Alan at:
Alan Kisling
akisling@sbcglobal.net
2901 Gail Avenue
Turlock, CA 95382
209-632-0835
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St Louis Reunion DVDs:
If you signed up to purchase a reunion DVD in St Louis,
It is time to send your money in. If you did not sign up you can do so by contacting Jim Miller.
Jim Miller
2642 Camino Drive
St Louis MO 63125-3810
314-267-0744
chipmillerpn@sbcglobal.net
Those who did sign up can send their checks to Jim's address.
The DVDs will be $25.00.
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BATTALION NEWS:
Members and Friends of the 5th of the 60th
It is with great sadness I must report the death of one our Founding
Fathers and devoted Web Master, Curtis Hatterman. Curtis died
Wednesday evening, the 14th of December, 2005. I have no
great words of wisdom. I only wish to share my admiration for this
great soldier. Unlike many of us whose duty ended when we left the
military, Curtis' had just begun.
His love and devotion to those with whom he served spawned the award
winning web site of the 5th of the 60th Infantry, as well as the
Bandido Charlie Site and several others. The officers of the 5th
/60th have no intention of trying to replace Curtis, as that would
be impossible. At the same time, a search must begin for someone to
carry on his work as the Web Master.
Continuation of the web site is essential to the life of the
Association.
Curtis founded it, it is his legacy.
We Love You Curtis,
Rest in Peace, Bandido
Lee Alley
Cards and Letters may be sent to Curtis's loving wife Debbie, at:
PO Box 683
Shattuck, OK 73858
Curtis Hatterman
1946 - 2005
Charlie Company 5th/60th 6/68 - 10/68
Charlie Company 1st/16th 10/68 - 6/69
5th Battalion, 6oth Infantry Association Founder
5th Battalion, 6oth Infantry Association Web Master
Friend, Brother, Bandido Forever
Photo by Sarah Orlando, daughter of Doc Gil Thompson C/1/16
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Announcement
Several attendees at our reunions have mentioned friends of theirs
who were unable to attend the reunion because of financial
circumstances.
To help with this situation, the Association has created a "Travel
Fund".
1) If any member could use some monetary assistance to attend a
reunion please contact the Association President, Lee Alley at:
lee@leealley.us or phone at: 307-331-8902.
Any information given or actions taken will be kept in the
strictest confidence.
2) If any members wish to contribute to this fund, please make
checks payable to:
5th Battalion, 60th Infantry Association
377 Pebble Beach Drive
Rio Vista CA 94571-2140
3) Any questions about this fund, please contact Metz at:
Metz560@frontiernet.net or: 707-374-1377 (CA)
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Remember to always check the
NEW ITEMS page
for updates to this web site.
