SF Vets that served with F.A.N.K 1972

[Reynaldo Castro]

My name is Reynaldo Castro graduated SGT from USAIMA NCO Candidate Course at Ft. Bragg on 27 May 1971. Was sent to Vietnam in Jan 1972, primarily as an instructor to Forces Army National Khmer (F.A.N.K). That was my only crowning achievement in SF. Would like to make contact with SGT Benjamin Morales, Capt. Michael D. Munroe, or anyone that served at Long Hai Training Battalion.
If anyone would like to learn more about F.A.N.K. Here is a link to a Historical Study of our mission. Written by then LTC Kenneth R. Bowra. I understand he retired Major General in '05 . Here is that link to that study:
http://www.dtic.mil/cgi-bin/GetTRDoc?AD=ADA233669

[Trapper John]

My name is Reynaldo Castro graduated SGT from USAIMA NCO Candidate Course at Ft. Bragg on 27 May 1971. Was sent to Vietnam in Jan 1972, primarily as an instructor to Forces Army National Khmer (F.A.N.K). That was my only crowning achievement in SF. Would like to make contact with SGT Benjamin Morales, Capt. Michael D. Munroe, or anyone that served at Long Hai Training Battalion.
If anyone would like to learn more about F.A.N.K. Here is a link to a Historical Study of our mission. Written by then LTC Kenneth R. Bowra. I understand he retired Major General in '05 . Here is that link to that study:
http://www.dtic.mil/cgi-bin/GetTRDoc?AD=ADA233669

Reynaldo- My screen name is the same as my call sign when I was at B36/USARVITG in '71 (A362). I was a medic at the camp. Tom Rowe was also there and later so was George Miller Knew Ken Bowra when he was the Phouc Tuy camp commander. I posted Bowra's discussion of the FID mission we had in another thread. Great read.

Been looking for SGM Johnny Miller too. Heard he was a preacher in TN.:D Connected with another Brother there at the same time. He was SGM Hillmann's right hand guy. Were you there when Hillmann shot himself in the foot? I think I remember you, but not sure.

I have been corresponding with some of the higher command for the USARVITG and FANK support programs. Very interesting shit!

Send me a PM with your email address and I can send you some pics and we can discuss all of this.

Great to hear from you. Welcome!

[SF_BHT]

My name is Reynaldo Castro graduated SGT from USAIMA NCO Candidate Course at Ft. Bragg on 27 May 1971. Was sent to Vietnam in Jan 1972, primarily as an instructor to Forces Army National Khmer (F.A.N.K). That was my only crowning achievement in SF. Would like to make contact with SGT Benjamin Morales, Capt. Michael D. Munroe, or anyone that served at Long Hai Training Battalion.
If anyone would like to learn more about F.A.N.K. Here is a link to a Historical Study of our mission. Written by then LTC Kenneth R. Bowra. I understand he retired Major General in '05 . Here is that link to that study:
http://www.dtic.mil/cgi-bin/GetTRDoc?AD=ADA233669

Welcome to the Site.

Please Re Read your e-mail you recieved and Post an Intro as ALL are required before posting in threads....... Looking forward to future interaction and debate...... :D

[Fat Albert]

Hey Castro,

I trained with you at Ft Bragg and Ft Huachuca. I remember Ben Morales as a real good guy but I haven't had any contact with him since Ft Bragg...if memory serves.

Hope you are doin' well and mother nature has treated you gently over the last 40 somethin' years.:) Some of us have grown bald and fat due to all the soft living, lol.

Most of my days, of late, are spent in my basement workshop making furniture for my kids and toys for the grandkids. It keeps me out of the bars so the MMFIC (wife) stays happy and off my back, lol.

[Trapper John]

Youse guys will enjoy these.

[Fat Albert]

Trapper John,

My first job with B 36 was at a place called Xyuen Moc until we were thrown out of there. When we arrived at Long Hai I was assigned to A362 commanded by Cpt Tedrick. Later, I went to a mobile training team just before Long Hai was closed.

One of your pictures looks like it was taken at Vung Tau.

[Fat Albert]

This has been an interesting week! I heard from 2 of my A362 team mates and was given an update on a couple of others. First the bad news, the team sgt "Sweetback" was killed in an car accident after attending O&I school at FT. Huachuca but I wasn't given a time frame or location of the accident. The team CO "Flintstone", had passed away a few years ago from cancer. The good news is that I spoke to "Spitfire", the other team 11B, on the phone for 40 or so minutes last Tuesday. He has certainly had a very exciting life and he is planning a trip back to Long Hai in the spring. On Thursday, I received an e-mail from "Trashcan" our team medic. He only sent a few lines but at least I know he's still sucking air.

I had never realized how mundane my military career turn out until talking to these guys.:boohoo

[Trapper John]

This has been an interesting week! I heard from 2 of my A362 team mates and was given an update on a couple of others. First the bad news, the team sgt "Sweetback" was killed in an car accident after attending O&I school at FT. Huachuca but I wasn't given a time frame or location of the accident. The team CO "Flintstone", had passed away a few years ago from cancer. The good news is that I spoke to "Spitfire", the other team 11B, on the phone for 40 or so minutes last Tuesday. He has certainly had a very exciting life and he is planning a trip back to Long Hai in the spring. On Thursday, I received an e-mail from "Trashcan" our team medic. He only sent a few lines but at least I know he's still sucking air.

I had never realized how mundane my military career turn out until talking to these guys.:boohoo

Albert, I was the A362 medic '71. SGM Johnny Miller and Frank Hillman were there when I was. Volunteered for FANK support inside Cambodia '72. Logistical support was through MEDTC commanded by BG Mataxis. His son was my team CO in 5th Group at Bragg in '73 (A535). Anyway that op inside Cambodia turned into a real CF. I knew several former SOG guys, 1st Group guys, and 46th Co guys that were TDY on that too - most notably Charlie Beckwith (RIP Brother).

I seem to recall CPT Tedrick before I left. The pic on the tarmac was either just outside our camp at Long Hai but I don't recall the buildings in the background so maybe it was at Vung Tau . The other I think was taken at either Phuoc Tuy or Long Hai. Gorman was the 11B on A362. I have another pic of Dolby at Long Hai holding the skull.

[Dusty]

:cool:

[Trapper John]

Albert - one more thing. Did you know SFC Charlie Collins? He is pictured (I think) standing far left back row with his boonie cap over his eyes in the pic of the transport team. I owe him big time and if he is still kickin' I would love to connect with him. He saved my ass when my 'bodes and I were moving to an ambush site hoping to catch a VC Company moving through the AO and came a little to close to an RF/PF outpost. They (the RF/PF) thought we were the VC and called in artillery fire on our position. Artillery had us bracketed and fortunately Collins was on duty at the TOC back in Long Hai. He was able to get the fire lifted before that third round came in on our asses.

Gorman, pictured in the other pic was in the 'bode battalion RON position. When we got back he couldn't help himself and was rolling on the ground laughing. I really didn't see the humor in it :mad:. Well, at least not until I could look back on it a few years later - it was kinda funny in a sick SF sorta way. :D

Any way if you know anything about Charlie Collins let me know.

[Fat Albert]

Trapper,

I didn't know any of the guys you asked about but I will certainly ask the others. However, I did know an E6 at Bragg named Johnny Miller. We had belonged to the Green Beret Skydiving Club together in '71 before my deployment to RVN. Since I was initially posted at Xuyen Moc I probably missed Collins before coming to A362. IF I remember correctly, I arrived on A362 in the April-May '72 time frame.

The sad news is that Cpt Tedrick passed ,a while back, according to Spitfire at his home in WV. He didn't have much information but I was glad to hear even a small tidbit about anyone. I'll keep you up on any intel that I come across.

[Trapper John]

Albert,

Man I am sorry to hear about CPT Tedrick (RIP Brother). He and I were from the same AO back in WV as was SGM Johnny Miller. I got a letter from him sometime in '73-'74 when I was back at Bragg. IIRC he said that there had been a series of rocket attacks on the camp in the summer of '72 and that he was wounded (leg I think). I don't recall the details, but I am left with the impression that this was a fairly serious attack and his wounds were career ending.

We used to run security patrols in the Long Hai mountains and the mountains north of Phuoc Tuy. IIRC there was evidence early in '72 of increased enemy activity in those mountains. On one of those ops we found a large cache of ammunition and rockets in a cave in the mountains north of Phuoc Tuy. This was about a month before I left. It was looking like there was going to be some shit coming down in the near future. I guess it did?

[Fat Albert]

Trapper,

I went on R&R in September '72 and Tedrick was OK then. All the team members had a plaque made for him and I was to send it to Parkersburg when I got home. This was in anticipation of his return to the "world." If he was wounded it must have been in September time frame because when I returned from R&R I never returned to Long Hai.

The only op that I was on around the mountains was between Nui Ba Dien and the small mountain just south of the camp (don't remember it's name). We ran into a large area of pottery mines so Sweetback and I set time pencils and backed out of the area because the brass didn't want any wounded cambods. We continued south for a few days just southwest of Van Keip. WE did run into about 17 VC/NVA coming north. Being the recon element we just called in the mortars and exited the area without contact. No BDA was done.

April and May were active months due to the Easter Offensive. My camp at Xuyen Moc was hit twice, once by 82mm mortars (about a half dozen rounds) and finally by mortar and infantry but we thought that the attack was very light for a coordinated assault. When the sun came up we saw that they had mortared their assault team on their approach to the front gate. The CO at the C det. ordered us out of Xuyen Moc after that contact. Long Hai had taken a mortar attack around the same time and to my understanding the round all landed in the northern part of the camp around the barracks and Co Lac Bo next to the Vietnamese flagpole. I don't know the number of rounds received or the type but they had determined that the rounds were fired between B-36 and B-43 at the base of Nui Ba Dien. Between May and the end of August the camp was not hit but several firefights were handled by the camp security teams mostly south and west of B-36. I never heard of any action to the north of B-43.

This was the total of my experience with A 362 because when I returned from R&R I was assigned to mobile training team 2 that operated in the Song Bei and Can Tho AO. I never had the opportunity to get back to B-36.

[Trapper John]

Trapper,

I went on R&R in September '72 and Tedrick was OK then. All the team members had a plaque made for him and I was to send it to Parkersburg when I got home. This was in anticipation of his return to the "world." If he was wounded it must have been in September time frame because when I returned from R&R I never returned to Long Hai.

The only op that I was on around the mountains was between Nui Ba Dien and the small mountain just south of the camp (don't remember it's name). We ran into a large area of pottery mines so Sweetback and I set time pencils and backed out of the AO because the brass didn't want any wounded cambods. We continued south for a few days just west of Van Keip. WE did run into about 17 VC/NVA coming north. Being the recon element we just called in the mortars and exited the AO. No BDA was done.

Gotta run so I'll be back later!

Albert-

The only op that I was on around the mountains was between Nui Ba Dien and the small mountain just south of the camp (don't remember it's name). We ran into a large area of pottery mines so Sweetback and I set time pencils and backed out of the AO because the brass didn't want any wounded cambods.

Very interesting, I was up on that same small mountain with a recon element and ran into a shit pile of those f'kers. They were everywhere. Our AAR pointed that out and concluded that no enemy could set up to use that mountain as an attack point without alerting us to their presence. :D I think we concluded that this area was secure. I guess that little tid-bit of information never was read or believed after the change of command. ;)

As to Tedrick, I am pretty sure he was wounded in September/October. BTW I was from Parkersburg too and that is how we connected in camp before I left a month or so later.

Do you recall a large area devoid of vegetation on the mountain looking West and slightly North from the 50-cal tower? Interesting story how it got that way. :D

[Fat Albert]

I might have a picture of that area around here somewhere. I'll have to dig through some boxes of junk to find it.

If think the communication was bad...We reported that one of the VC we saw by Van Kiep had a very unique set of pajamas which we later saw at the RF/PF outpost southeast of the front gate at Long Hai. Nothing was done! A few months later one of our convoys were ambushed by the same group.

[Trapper John]

That sounds about par for the course. Did you guys ever have a BN of 'bodes that had been infiltrated by Khmere Rouge? The other team (A363 I think) had a new BN of 'bodes come in that had a about 50-100 Khemer Rouge. There was an incident (not sure what started it) that escalated to us in defensive positions and mortars up. Tense moments! :D

[Fat Albert]

I'm sure the KR infiltrated all bode units just as the VC was a part of the RF/PF. The marine bn. was all straight shooters but an airborne unit was infiltrated. We had to watch our backs constantly. Their favorite game was to sneak up form behind and hit you with a T&E mechanism. This happened to me once but I was warned by Spitfire before they got close enough to carry it out. Luckily, I left for R&R the next day. I heard of no situations like you described though we did talk about it in the team house on a few occasions. This makes me believe that the brass knew more than they were saying.

[Trapper John]

Albert-

This makes me believe that the brass knew more than they were saying.

If you guys weren't briefed on that incident I would call that a major Command failure. I was already a bit miffed that you guys didn't know about the mines - now this! Once could be an oversight (:rolleyes:) but something as serious as KR infiltrations - that is inexcusable.:mad:

BTW did you know a SGT Wambaugh on A362? He came into camp just prior to Tedrick.

[Fat Albert]

Trapper,

The name is very familiar but I can't put a face to it. It's been 42 years and I'm getting old...lol. He wasn't on my team but he was at Long Hai IIRC but I don't know what team. I think he was an E-6 and worked in the south part of the camp.

[Dean Jarvis]

Trapper, this is Short Round. I was on team A-363 between Aug. 71 to April 72. We shared the south compound with your team. Not sure if you remember me. I recall your team came back from the bush once with a baby deer. I don't think it lived long.

I had my company out on our training range one night for a practice RON prior to going to the bush. We saw some gooks coming down the mountian with flashlights (if you can belive that!). We fired off the few 60mm mortar rounds we had then I called in the 4 duece mortar from camp. I had just bracketed these bad boys when all hell broke loose on the outpost. So they shifted fire to support the outpost and my gooks got away. I was under the understanding that my team seargant Pappy Webb had shot up the outpost all by himself. He hated ARVN'S. Was this the same outpost attack you're referring to?

Do you remember Kim? She was a Cambodian that I believe helped you with sick call. She married a Marine and is living in Illinois. She called me many many moons ago to let me know where she landed and told me that your old team leader had killed himself. Can't remember his name.

Anyway, I just hooked up on this website this week after I came across it and saw you were still alive and kicking.

[Trapper John]

Trapper, this is Short Round. I was on team A-363 between Aug. 71 to April 72. We shared the south compound with your team. Not sure if you remember me. I recall your team came back from the bush once with a baby deer. I don't think it lived long.

I had my company out on our training range one night for a practice RON prior to going to the bush. We saw some gooks coming down the mountian with flashlights (if you can belive that!). We fired off the few 60mm mortar rounds we had then I called in the 4 duece mortar from camp. I had just bracketed these bad boys when all hell broke loose on the outpost. So they shiffed fire to support the outpost and my gooks got away. I was under the understanding that my team seargant Pappy Webb had shot up the outpost all by himself. He hated ARVIN'S. Was this the same outpost attack you're referring to?

Do you remember Kim? She was a Cambodian that I believe helped you with sick call. She married a Marine and is living in Illinois. She called me many many moons ago to let me know where she landed and told me that your old team leader had killed himself. Can't remember his name.

Anyway, I just hooked up on this website this week after I came across it and saw you were still alive and kicking.

Short Round- I do remember you! Damn, this is getting to be old home week around here. :lifter

Before I go on in reply, I suggest you post your bio in the Introduction thread before one of the Moderators or Admins catch up to you, and they will. :eek: You don't want the FTFSI moniker. Also, get your DD214 etc together and send it to one of the Admins and request vetting as a QP (you too Fat Albert). I'll vouch for you guys. I bet Fat Albert remembers you too.

Now to your post. Of course I remember Kim Simon. I have a pic somewhere with her and our team in front of the team house. If you can find an address or email or phone number I'd love to get in touch with her again. Send that to me in a PM if you have the info.

I am shocked and saddened with news about CPT Larry Cano (RIP Brother).

The picture I posted in post #5 you will recognize some of those mugs. Pappy Webb is on the back row, right. Mike Chappel sent me that pic, you may remember him too (pic attached).

I recall the incident with you outside the wire. I just remember another long night on the perimeter wall. Not sure what the kerfuffle was with the RF/PF outpost, but I think Pappy was involved. Enemy activity in area was on the uptick about that time and the incident I described was a few weeks or maybe a month or two later. I think that was the same one that Fat Albert was referencing where they got ambushed. The one I was referring was about 5K from Phuc Tuoy.

Did you meet Maggie and George Peppard when they came to camp? I think it was around Thanksgiving. I was taking my 'bodes out that night for extra security. She came by especially to see us and thank me with a big hug. I'll never forget that - one helluva a great lady (RIP Maggie)!

Welcome aboard Brother!

And don't forget that Introduction post!!

[Trapper John]

Trapper, this is Short Round. I was on team A-363 between Aug. 71 to April 72. We shared the south compound with your team. Not sure if you remember me. I recall your team came back from the bush once with a baby deer. I don't think it lived long.

I had my company out on our training range one night for a practice RON prior to going to the bush. We saw some gooks coming down the mountian with flashlights (if you can belive that!). We fired off the few 60mm mortar rounds we had then I called in the 4 duece mortar from camp. I had just bracketed these bad boys when all hell broke loose on the outpost. So they shiffed fire to support the outpost and my gooks got away. I was under the understanding that my team seargant Pappy Webb had shot up the outpost all by himself. He hated ARVIN'S. Was this the same outpost attack you're referring to?

Do you remember Kim? She was a Cambodian that I believe helped you with sick call. She married a Marine and is living in Illinois. She called me many many moons ago to let me know where she landed and told me that your old team leader had killed himself. Can't remember his name.

Anyway, I just hooked up on this website this week after I came across it and saw you were still alive and kicking.

Oh, and as to that dear. Well, the 'bodes ate it!. :D

[Dean Jarvis]

I'm a newbe at this, so be patient with me as I go through my learning curve to navigate this web site. I'll take your advice and send in the DD214 and I'll post some pics I have.

Where do I go to find the pictures of Pappy Web?

Maggie flew out to visit us in the filed on Christmas day '71. We were in a real hot area (got my CIB on that trip) and we had captured a VC and had him tied up. As I was walking Maggie to my hooch to talk she asked me about him. I told her intelligence said he had been capture 2 other times. So Maggie said that's two to many. I took that as a suggestion to execute him. An Air America chopper came in and picked him up. She broght us a fruit cake. I understood she was drinking everyone back at Long Hai under the table. She was a great American.

[Fat Albert]

Dean,

Glad to see that you found us! I was at Xuyen Moc from January 72 to April 72 so I'm not sure our paths crossed. With that said, I can't keep my grandkids' names straight either...lol.

Trapper, who and where do I send my 214 and I've already been vetted more than the POTUS.:)

[Dean Jarvis]

Albert,

Xuyen Moc was our radio relay site we went past every time we went to the filed. Do you remember a guy by the name of Jutras? We had intelligence that Xuyen Moc was gonig to be hit and they asked for volunteers to go out there as added security. Jutras would go out there for about a week and nothing would happen. As soon as he returned to B-36 you guys would get attacked. He did this 2 or 3 times. The gooks must have known when bad boy Jutras was out there because he never saw any action and was pretty pissed off about it.

[Fat Albert]

Dean,

I remember him very well. The VC hit us a few times but stopped after they mortared their assault team...lol. Now that's the way to fight a war.;)

I have some 8mm film with Jutras in it. I'm going to have it changed to CD and I'll send you a copy when it happens.

[Dean Jarvis]

I've attached a pictures of me during a Bode graduation ceremony taken by a UPI reporter. He gave it to our camp commander, McClain? who wrote on it with a grease pencil "get a haircut" then gave it to my team CO.

[Ambush Master]

Short Round- I do remember you! Damn, this is getting to be old home week around here. :lifter

Before I go on in reply, I suggest you post your bio in the Introduction thread before one of the Moderators or Admins catch up to you, and they will. :eek: You don't want the FTFSI moniker. Also, get your DD214 etc together and send it to one of the Admins and request vetting as a QP (you too Fat Albert). I'll vouch for you guys. I bet Fat Albert remembers you too.

Now to your post. Of course I remember Kim Simon. I have a pic somewhere with her and our team in front of the team house. If you can find an address or email or phone number I'd love to get in touch with her again. Send that to me in a PM if you have the info.

I am shocked and saddened with news about CPT Larry Cano (RIP Brother).

The picture I posted in post #5 you will recognize some of those mugs. Pappy Webb is on the back row, right. Mike Chappel sent me that pic, you may remember him too (pic attached).

I recall the incident with you outside the wire. I just remember another long night on the perimeter wall. Not sure what the kerfuffle was with the RF/PF outpost, but I think Pappy was involved. Enemy activity in area was on the uptick about that time and the incident I described was a few weeks or maybe a month or two later. I think that was the same one that Fat Albert was referencing where they got ambushed. The one I was referring was about 5K from Phuc Tuoy.

Did you meet Maggie and George Peppard when they came to camp? I think it was around Thanksgiving. I was taking my 'bodes out that night for extra security. She came by especially to see us and thank me with a big hug. I'll never forget that - one helluva a great lady (RIP Maggie)!

Welcome aboard Brother!

And don't forget that Introduction post!!

TJ,
Please make commo, preferably voice or Face to Face, with these 2 Folks and Verify that they are who they claim!!

Dean,
I moved your 214 to an area that can only be observed by QPs, PerSec!!

Later
Martin

[Trapper John]

I've attached some pictures of Maggie when she came out to the filed on Christmas day '71 and Jutras. The other picture is the Air America chopper that picked up our POW and a pic of me during a Bode graduation ceremony taken by a UPI reporter. He gave it to our camp commander, McClain? who wrote on it with a grease pencil "get a haircut" then gave it to my team CO.

Yep, that's right it was Christmas when Maggie visited.....and yes she did drink MAJ Lane under the table. I think he was still camp commander and the story I heard was that he made a complete ass of himself that night. You must have been outside the camp too with your 'bodes. I vaguely remember the new camp commander coming in about that time (might have been McClain). Lane was still there for a week or two after the change of command. Lane and Arlinsky (XO) were in the pic I posted with post #5 in this thread. They are squatting front row and Lane is petting JJ. The pic I have with our team (A362) and Kim Simon has JJ in it too. I'll find that pic and post it.

[Dean Jarvis]

TJ

Here's a few more pics. You may recognize some of the people. The Tank hit a mine on one of our training ranges. I'm thinking I should have gotten the Darwin award for walking around it taking pictures. Who know's there might have been some AP mines around. :D

[Fat Albert]

Hey Dean,
Where did the tank get knocked out? I remember those M41's being around to time to time but I knew where they were from.

[Trapper John]

Dean-

I remember the gal in the 3rd B-36 pic (2nd row left). Also , the hotel in Long Hai (hard times there ;) ). I can still taste Water Buffalo steak and fried rice - good eats. Most of the faces are too grainy and the FOG memory is too foggy for much else. Funny, I can recall the smells and the feel of air almost as clearly as if I were there though.

I'll dig out some of my pics and post here later. I think I know where the pic of Kim Simon is too. I'll dig it out tonight.

"Thanks, for the memories" [Bob Hope]

DOL Brother

[Dean Jarvis]

Albert,

They were an ARVN armored tank company. I believe they were only on our range for one day. I think the mine scared them off.

If you look you can see a string of fish Lt Cole (in the middle) is holding. We caught them with a hand grenade. While the bodes were collecting the fish they saw a boa constrictor in a cave just above the water line. They put their bayonets on their M16's and stabbed it to death. It took 5 bodes to hold the snake. I took a picture of it but apparently too dark in the triple canopy and didn't turn out. That night we ate snake, turtle and fish. Doesn't get any better than that!:)

I got my orders to return back to the world. An Air America chopper picked me up (you can see the 2 guys behind talking him in). We flew over to our sister battalion who had been fighting the previous day and they threw in 3 dead bodes. 4 days later I stepped off the pane in Oakland, CA. I thought then that the war was over for me. Only to find out that it's never over.

[Trapper John]

Dean & Fat Albert-

Here are few pics for you guys. Dean the pic with Kim Simon wasn't where I thought it was. We are moving offices and labs and it may be in a file in storage. Once we are completely settled in I will check. Maybe next month though.

[Fat Albert]

Those tanks came through once or twice while I was at B36 but I never knew where they came from.

You're right about snake being tasty. The Bodes would chase small lizards around for a quick snack and we had to share it with them. They'd eat almost anything. They made a soup with tiny squid and octopus in it which was pretty good. Their PIRs were good too. Damn, It must be time for lunch.

Trapper,
Did you get my snail mail yet.

[Trapper John]

FA- Trapper,
Did you get my snail mail yet.

Not as of yesterday. I will send you a PM when I do.

[Doc Russell]

Fat Albert,

It has been a long time ago. I was the Jr. Medic on A-362. If you have the team photo, (posted in the link below) I'm the one wearing the sunglasses behind your right shoulder. We also flew home on the same plane.

I've also been in touch with Spitfire, I talked to him the other day to thank him for the gifts he brought back from his travels to Long Hai and Cambodia. He hasn't changed a bit in all these years. I also spent a couple of days with Trashcan seven or eight years ago.

Because of the shortage of medics, I was also the Jr. Medic on A-364. Lt. Bowra was the team XO. Reunited with him out at Ft Lewis when he was head of JFK Center.

Castro, I remember you as well. I seem to recall you drove the APC on one of our operations on the other side of Ba Ria by Nui Ba Den ( I think) and a rubber tree plantation.
You were a cool guy, but that big fuckin' machine made so much noise, I was afraid we were gonna get hit. I just wanted you to leave and take it back to camp.

I don't check this site very often, in fact this is my very first post. Last time I was on and checked the was nothing about FANK and I haven't been back until now. I hope the link to below works. If not contact me back channel and I'll send you the link. I would like to hear from any FANK guys.

Jeff Russell
jeffandbethrussell@comcast.net
www.sflistteamhouse.com/scrapbook/jeff-russell/jeffpix071404.htm

[Fat Albert]

Jeff,

It's so good to hear from you! I talked to both Spitfire and Trashcan by phone last month and you're correct in that John is the same ole John. He has certainly had an exciting life since Long Hai. He said that he is going back to Vietnam and Cambodia for the second time since our tour there this month.

Trashcan just went through a knee replacement recently and was suffering with that. I guess we're just getting old...lol! BTW, how and where are you?

I haven't heard from Castro since his last post here. Both Rey and Ben Morales went through training group with me at Bragg back 1971. Both were great guys.

Jeff, I've tried your email and it comes back as undeliverable.

[Trapper John]

Damn this is gettin' to be FANK old home week around here!:D

Welcome- Doc!

[Doc Russell]

Joe ,

Good to hear from you. I surprised that email came back. The other time was when Rick Howson and I reconnected with Danny Tizen, and my emails to Danny would always bounce.

I am fine and except for minor aches and pains, my health is great. I live in Olympia, WA.

I retired from the VA as a pipefitter. Married with 3 daughters and 7 grandchildren. Life is good.

I just got off the phone with John. He is at the airport heading back to Long Hai and will be there on the 22nd of May. He told me to say hi for him.

Jeff

[Doc Russell]

Trapper,

Thank you.

Jeff

[Fat Albert]

Jeff,

I received an Email from John just after he arrived in Vietnam. He was telling me he has learned not to eat Mexican before a long flight...lol. It only leaves you to wonder how that worked out! He went on to say he was having a breakfast fit for a king in Long Hai and was going to stay there for a while to suck up the beach. He joked about being drafted in to the Vietnamese army, but only as a general, to fight with China. A SF sergeant to Vietnamese general...that sounds about right!:)

[Dean Jarvis]

I don't think I could go back. What would you do apologize to everyone you meet:(

Have you done a Google Earth search on Long Hai. Hell they have homes built right up the valley that use to be no-mans-land (except for the VC).

I was communicating with an agent of mine in HCMC and told her about my visit to her country. She said she got married and had her honeymoon in Long Hai.

I deal with agents in HCMC and Hanoi. That's some crazy shit.

[mark46th]

Reynaldo- I was lookinig through this thread and realized we graduated from Phase III together. PM me if you get a chance. Mark

[Reynaldo Castro]

Reynaldo- My screen name is the same as my call sign when I was at B36/USARVITG in '71 (A362). I was a medic at the camp. Tom Rowe was also there and later so was George Miller Knew Ken Bowra when he was the Phouc Tuy camp commander. I posted Bowra's discussion of the FID mission we had in another thread. Great read.

Been looking for SGM Johnny Miller too. Heard he was a preacher in TN.:D Connected with another Brother there at the same time. He was SGM Hillmann's right hand guy. Were you there when Hillmann shot himself in the foot? I think I remember you, but not sure.

I have been corresponding with some of the higher command for the USARVITG and FANK support programs. Very interesting shit!

Send me a PM with your email address and I can send you some pics and we can discuss all of this.

Great to hear from you. Welcome!

May contact with SGT Benjamin Morales yesterday (Tuesday, August 12, 2014). He retired MSG from the 7th SFG. Also made contact with Vila Chau, he was a Cambodian Interpreter from Camp Phouc Tuy. Vila is now an American Citizen. Yesterday was a long and wild roller coaster ride.

[Reynaldo Castro]

Reynaldo- I was looking through this thread and realized we graduated from Phase III together. PM me if you get a chance. Mark

Mark, I'm really sorry that I never replied to this message. I was new to PS back then and had trouble navigating this site. Hope all is well with you and your family? I've been married 37 years, have two children, they are grown men now and one granddaughter (3yrs old). Here is my Facebook name: Rey Castro.
And his is my email: reycastro@windstream.net

God Bless, and take care.
Rey

[Fat Albert]

I just received some bad news from Trashcan today. Art Petersen the senior team medic of A362 passed away this week. I didn't know him but according to Trashcan he was an excellent medic and went on to the physician assistants program. The few getting fewer. GOD bless!

[Dean Jarvis]

I just received some bad news from Trashcan today. Art Petersen the senior team medic of A362 passed away this week. I didn't know him but according to Trashcan he was an excellent medic and went on to the physician assistants program. The few getting fewer. GOD bless!

Fat Albert,

Was Art the medic that replaced TJ on the team? There was a new medic on A362 that had been in country only about 2 weeks, went to the filed with A362 and was wounded. That would have been around April 9th '71.

[Trapper John]

I am sorry to hear this news. IIRC, Tedrick mentioned his name once or twice to me. RIP Brother.

Dean, I think that must have been Apr '72 not '71?

On another note, from what Tedrick told me and what you guys have posted here, it seems that there was a lot more enemy activity in the AO around the time of the Easter Offensive.

In November - December prior, we were operating north of Phuoc Tuy and there were some mountains near the coast. I had taken my Company to the south end of a valley for our RON. The recon platoon and I set up an OP that had a clear view of the coast line. We observed activity from fishing boats that night and guys unloading and moving material towards the mountains. The battalion base camp was set up on the north end of the valley. I took the recon platoon into the eastern most mountain and was followed by the remainder of the company. We were in mortar range of the BN for fire support if needed. Never made contact, but we did find a network of caves heavy tracks and hemp fibers left behind from a rope tied around a tree. This was reported in an AAR back to MAJ Lane.

So here's my question. Do any of you know if that was a supply depot used during the Easter Offensive? That's what I thought we found and was reported as such in the AAR. I just wonder if that boob Lane ever acted on the intel or just ignored it and went to the bar for a drink?

[Fat Albert]

Dean, The team medics were Trashcan and Jeff Brown when I was there. I didn't know Art.

TJ, We never went to the north of Nui Ba Din, that was the AO of B-43 (Phouc Tuy). When I was there, we operated to the south and west of Long Hai. I know that some of our intel about pottery mine fell on deaf ears. I don't remember who was the S-2 at the time...I'm just getting old.

[MichaelDMunro]

My name is Reynaldo Castro graduated SGT from USAIMA NCO Candidate Course at Ft. Bragg on 27 May 1971. Was sent to Vietnam in Jan 1972, primarily as an instructor to Forces Army National Khmer (F.A.N.K). That was my only crowning achievement in SF. Would like to make contact with SGT Benjamin Morales, Capt. Michael D. Munroe, or anyone that served at Long Hai Training Battalion.
If anyone would like to learn more about F.A.N.K. Here is a link to a Historical Study of our mission. Written by then LTC Kenneth R. Bowra. I understand he retired Major General in '05 . Here is that link to that study:
http://www.dtic.mil/cgi-bin/GetTRDoc?AD=ADA233669

Michael D Munro here email house606@gmail.com

[jackiehlu]

My name is Jackie Hong Lu With B-36 " 362 , 361 " during 1971 - 1973 Feb. would like to make contact with MTT - ST1 . 13 members while we was in Hue - Phu Bai - La Son, From Mar 23rd 1972 to Aug. 18th 1972 . and Jonny K. Berry, SFG, E7 with MACSOG 36A, or anyone that served at Long Hai Training Battation .......

[Trapper John]

Can anyone put a name to the guy in this pic. He was a medic in camp about the same time I was. CRS is acting up and I can't put a name to him.

[Fat Albert]

I can't be sure but it looks like R. Howson.

[Dean Jarvis]

Short Round- I do remember you! Damn, this is getting to be old home week around here.

The picture I posted in post #5 you will recognize some of those mugs. Pappy Webb is on the back row, right. Mike Chappel sent me that pic, you may remember him too (pic attached).

TJ, I came across a picture of Pappy Webb. Found it in this link:
http://www.modernforces.com/veteran_joe_parnar.htm

I'll share a little story about Webb. Pappy was my TS and was on his 5th tour, most of the time serving with SOG. One day we brought in a new Battalion of Cambodians and this one bode come running out of the formation into Webb's arms. They were hugging each other and the bode was weeping. Later that night I was having a beer with Pappy in our team house and asked him what that was all about. He said that bode was on his RT and three of them had been captured. The bode was tied up to a tree. One American was staked to the ground and they had a charcoal fire burning on his chest. They had been beating Pappy and he acted like he was too injured to get away, so they turned their attention back to the other American. He got up and ran into the elephant grass and hit the ground.
The gooks fired over his head and ran in after him. Pappy went back and untied this bode and they both escaped. He said the American was too far gone to save.

It was quite an emotional reunion for the both of them.

[Trapper John]

Dean, thanks for the back story on Pappy. I wished I had served on his team, I always thought he was a true Warrior and had immense respect for him.

I see where he was on RT Ohio. Franz Shoaf (also on this Board) was at CCC about that time frame (RT Nebraska I believe). He probably knew him.

I have been in contact with CMDR (USN Ret) Joe Procopio. He has been working with a sizable contingent of our Khmer brothers to get them recognition for the service they provided during the war. There is going to be a ceremony at Arlington to recognize them along with the Hmong and Montagnyards. I also have been in contact with GEN Tan Thach and will be seeing him at Arlington.

If you are interested, I will send you the particulars about this event. I am hoping to see Kim Simone there. Don't know if she will make it, but I'd love to see her and learn how she is doing. Who knows maybe some of the Khmer I knew will be there too.

I really understand how Pappy must have felt at that reunion. They really are lovely people and not a day goes by that I don't miss them or think about them.

[Doc Russell]

When I got to Long Hai on June 28, 1972, Art Peters was in charge of the dispensary. Before that Art was the Senior medic A-362, Rick Howson was the Junior medic.

Art assigned me as the Junior medic to two teams, A-362 with Rick now the Senior medic and A-364 with Steve Wilson as the Senior Medic.

When I first met Rick, he still had a cast on his arm, having been wounded along with Danny Fitzpatrick before I arrived at Long Hai.

Joe on your earlier post on remembering medics on A-362. There were no medics named Jeff Brown at Long Hai or served with FANK at anytime. There was a medic named Kent Brown who was at Dong Ba Thin when we were there.

Holzer is back in Vietnam as you probably already know. He spent a couple of days in Long Hai and is now in Cambodia.

[Doc Russell]

.

[Doc Russell]

Can anyone put a name to the guy in this pic. He was a medic in camp about the same time I was. CRS is acting up and I can't put a name to him.

The medic looks like a second tour medic SSG Robert Ryan. His first tour was with the 101st. Ryan was a leg and worked in the dispensary. As far as Joe Nelson's guess that it being Rick Howson; Rick hair was alot lighter and thinner on top.

The Vietnamese in the photo looks like the guy who worked in the lab in the dispensary.

[Trapper John]

Thanks for the clarification Doc. Obviously he is not who I was thinking. I do not recall any non-SF medics in '71. In fact other than Tom Rowe and George Miller I don't think there were any other medics early on. A362 was a split team then too and we all had double responsibilities. Beside being the medic with responsibility for a BN of 'bodes I was acting as the light weapons Sergeant and CO adviser for a 'bode company. Busy times! By the time I left (Feb '72) new faces were pouring into camp as the program was growing rapidly.

[Trapper John]

My name is Jackie Hong Lu With B-36 " 362 , 361 " during 1971 - 1973 Feb. would like to make contact with MTT - ST1 . 13 members while we was in Hue - Phu Bai - La Son, From Mar 23rd 1972 to Aug. 18th 1972 . and Jonny K. Berry, SFG, E7 with MACSOG 36A, or anyone that served at Long Hai Training Battation .......

Jackie, send me a PM with a pic. I was A362 medic in '71. Do you recall a Cambodian nurse (Kim Simone). She worked the hospital (North Compound). What about Kim Kin ("dirty old man") he was my interpreter and radio operator when we went on field ops?

[Trapper John]

https://plus.google.com/109238361998267663820/stories/107ca365-5028-31c7-8a65-862e0df81f8114d1b8ed49d?authkey=CI_7rMeuoIqoSA

Just returned from spending the weekend at the ANC dedication ceremony for our Khmer, Hmong, Montagnard, & Cham counterparts in VN.

I learned a lot about the suffering the indig have endured since '75. Some of you may know Tommy Daniels. He founded a non-profit (Cambodia Corps, Inc.) that is doing some very good work to help. You can learn more at www.cambodiacorps.org

This dedication ceremony was sponsored by Counterparts, a non-profit organization that is working with our repatriated counterparts here in the U.S.

If you want more information send me a PM.

[jackiehlu]

Jackie, send me a PM with a pic. I was A362 medic in '71. Do you recall a Cambodian nurse (Kim Simone). She worked the hospital (North Compound). What about Kim Kin ("dirty old man") he was my interpreter and radio operator when we went on field ops?

Hi ! John, how are you ? yes I remember her and your interpreter Kim Kin too,
also I am looking for 3 S.F. member with me rescue my 362 Chine Nung Recon team, we lost 3, one serious injury.also when we move in the area I lost My 361 Co. Thong A Duong. and two more wounded Nung, after we pull all the dead body out to the helicopter p/u zone. we went back for other search destroy mission.... we found N.V.A underground bunker " field hospital "
This is one of my painful memories.
How to send you a PM with my picture

[Trapper John]

Hi ! John, how are you ? yes I remember her and your interpreter Kim Kin too,
also I am looking for 3 S.F. member with me rescue my 362 Chine Nung Recon team, we lost 3, one serious injury.also when we move in the area I lost My 361 Co. Thong A Duong. and two more wounded Nung, after we pull all the dead body out to the helicopter p/u zone. we went back for other search destroy mission.... we found N.V.A underground bunker " field hospital "
This is one of my painful memories.
How to send you a PM with my picture

Jackie- It is really good to hear from you!

The underground bunker you mentioned, was that north of Phuoc Tuy in a couple of hills off the coast? If so, I have a story about that. I think A362 and my Recon platoon (with Kim Kin) discovered that when we were watching sampans being unloaded one night.

I have pics of Kim Kin and Nungs to send you too. Also some pics from the Counterpart Veterans reunion the first of May too.

I hear Kim Simone married a Marine and is living in Illinois. I would love to find her and reconnect.

Best way to communicate and send pics (pdf files) is by email.

Much to catch up on so send me an email.

Damn it is good to hear from you. :D

Be well and be safe!

[Trapper John]

Jackie -

Your story about the NVA bunker has got to be the same ones we found. I reported this and my suspicions late in '71 or very early '72. I later learned that this was a staging area, supply depot, and apparently a hospital used during the Easter offensive in '72.

It just pisses me off that good intel was not acted upon and many lost their lives as a result.

Nos Defions
Trapper John

[jackiehlu]

Jackie, send me a PM with a pic. I was A362 medic in '71. Do you recall a Cambodian nurse (Kim Simone). She worked the hospital (North Compound). What about Kim Kin ("dirty old man") he was my interpreter and radio operator when we went on field ops?

Jackie- It is really good to hear from you!

The underground bunker you mentioned, was that north of Phuoc Tuy in a couple of hills off the coast? If so, I have a story about that. I think A362 and my Recon platoon (with Kim Kin) discovered that when we were watching sampans being unloaded one night.

I have pics of Kim Kin and Nungs to send you too. Also some pics from the Counterpart Veterans reunion the first of May too.

I hear Kim Simone married a Marine and is living in Illinois. I would love to find her and reconnect.

Best way to communicate and send pics (pdf files) is by email. My email address is jim_thacker@therimunex.com

Much to catch up on so send me an email.

Damn it is good to hear from you. :D

Be well and be safe!

Thanks John ,

You too..... would like to hear more from you Take care

[jackiehlu]

Thanks John ,

You too..... would like to hear more from you Take care

to jim_thacker
Hi! John, I should call you Jim or John? Thx for the pictures, We all getting old .....Lol. I know Colonel. Francis John Kelly, Sgt.Major, Larry Freeman S sgt. Davia Aleo they are R.I.P .... God Bless them all.
Sgt. Major, Hillmann, Johny K Berry " MACGOG 36A ", Newman c. Ruff, Master chief. Howard Francis Bryan,......and more.... Early 1965 trainning at Da Nang, 09 Jun 1965 Special Force Camp at Dong Xoai with CB Team 1104 after nearly 30 hours of individual evasive action in an active area. Body of SWF2 William C. Hoover team 1104, recovered from Dong Xoai. After action casualty reports showed 3 USASF, 2 Seabees and 43 CIDG " Chinese Nung " killed in action, 8 USASF, 7 Seabees and 22 CIDG wounded in action, 124 Civilian Irregular Defense Group soldiers missing. It was estimated that over 700 Viet Cong were killed by ground and air strikes. 126 V.C. bodies were found inside the compounds After all, I got promoted to Sgt. and transfer to CBPACDET/RVN/GUAM/THAI incharge Nung Security Force at Tan Son Nhut DET/HQ until late November 1970. MAGSOG 36A and B-36 end 02/18/1973.
3/23/1972 to 8/17/1972. with MTT/ST1 " 13 USASF in the team, at Hue/Phu Bai Comman by Major " PINO " C3-Bien Hoa
just some of my story to share with you.

Have a good day

Hong

[Trapper John]

Thank you Jackie. I got your email and will respond this weekend. Sorry for the delay. Be well and be safe.

DOL

[jackiehlu]

Hi ! James,
Good morning, Thanks for the pictures, and I found out 362 Nung security company Co. Liet , 71-73 at Long Hai live very close to you,
La N. Liet : home add.also he was with me at CBPACDET/RVN/GUAM/THAI 68-70 @ Tan Son Nhut

Have a good day

jackiehlu, please send the personal information in a private message! Thanks, Team Sergeant

[jackiehlu]

Thank you Jackie. I got your email and will respond this weekend. Sorry for the delay. Be well and be safe.

DOL:confused:

Hi ! John how are you, do you get my last message. I don't see the replay from email.
Jackiehlu

[Trapper John]

:confused:

Hi ! John how are you, do you get my last message. I don't see the replay from email.
Jackiehlu

I thought I did. I will check my archives. Give me a couple of days, I am traveling on business. Be well Jackie.

[PSM]

Anybody have comms with Joe Nelson (Fat Albert) lately? He and I were also members of an aviation forum and the last time I heard from him he'd had several strokes and lost short (or medium) term memory. He hasn't gotten back to me since then. It's been several months.

Pat

[Trapper John]

Anybody have comms with Joe Nelson (Fat Albert) lately? He and I were also members of an aviation forum and the last time I heard from him he'd had several strokes and lost short (or medium) term memory. He hasn't gotten back to me since then. It's been several months.

Pat

I am really sorry to hear that, Pat. Send Dean Jarvis a PM, he may know something. Let us know if you learn anything please.

[PSM]

I am really sorry to hear that, Pat. Send Dean Jarvis a PM, he may know something. Let us know if you learn anything please.

Will do!

Pat

[jackiehlu]

I thought I did. I will check my archives. Give me a couple of days, I am traveling on business. Be well Jackie.

Thanks ! John . Have a safe trip ........

[Fat Albert]

Anybody have comms with Joe Nelson (Fat Albert) lately? He and I were also members of an aviation forum and the last time I heard from him he'd had several strokes and lost short (or medium) term memory. He hasn't gotten back to me since then. It's been several months.

Pat
Sorry guys, I'm still here, just running slow. Things are going OK if I remember to plug in my hoveround...lol. Thanks for the concern that means alot to me.

[PSM]

Things are going OK if I remember to plug in my hoveround...lol.

Is that a new type of gyro? :D

Keep in touch, Joe.

Pat

[Fat Albert]

Is that a new type of gyro? :D

Keep in touch, Joe.

PatPat, Just an update. My wife and son took me down to my shop yesterday and was great! It gave me a big lift to work on my project. The best thing was I didn't cut off any fingers.

I heard from Spitfire today. He's still in Cambodia and talking about a reunion for A-362 next year.

[PSM]

Pat, Just an update. My wife and son took me down to my shop yesterday and was great! It gave me a big lift to work on my project. The best thing was I didn't cut off any fingers.

I heard from Spitfire today. He's still in Cambodia and talking about a reunion for A-362 next year.

Great to hear, Joe! Keep us informed my friend. :lifter

Pat

[virgo1zero]

Never searched this site much. Just sent you an e-mail today. Thought I would post to see if anyone is still active on this thread.

Was on MTT-1 Major Cummings and several others. If you get this or anybody recognizes, please response. Nice to see you are still kickin'.

SGT Jeff Cole (call sign VIRGO1ZERO)

[Trapper John]

Pat, Just an update. My wife and son took me down to my shop yesterday and was great! It gave me a big lift to work on my project. The best thing was I didn't cut off any fingers.

I heard from Spitfire today. He's still in Cambodia and talking about a reunion for A-362 next year.

Is Spitifire in contact with Tommy Daniels? Tommy is also working in Cambodia. I ran into Tommy a couple years ago at the Arlington dedication to our Khmer, Hmong, Montagnard Counterparts.

Keep me posted on the "reunion" please.

[PSM]

Is Spitifire in contact with Tommy Daniels? Tommy is also working in Cambodia. Keep me posted on the "reunion" please.

TJ, that post is 2 years old. I haven't heard a peep from Joe since then. Or DJ for that matter.

Pat

[Trapper John]

TJ, that post is 2 years old. I haven't heard a peep from Joe since then. Or DJ for that matter.

Pat

Shit!! :(

[SF_BHT]

Never searched this site much. Just sent you an e-mail today. Thought I would post to see if anyone is still active on this thread.

Was on MTT-1 Major Cummings and several others. If you get this or anybody recognizes, please response. Nice to see you are still kickin'.

SGT Jeff Cole (call sign VIRGO1ZERO)

Comply with our rules before you post again. Fill out your profile and post an intro in the correct place as directed when you signed up for the site.

No need to respond to this post just comply please.:munchin

[PSM]

Shit!! :(

Dean was on PS.com in June of this year. Joe last posted on an aviation forum that we are both on a year ago.

Pat

[Fat Albert]

I speak to Spitfire frequently on Facebook. I also spoke with him last month while he was in conus for medical care but seems to be well. He lives in Long Hai with his female posse at the local coffee house. PSM wanted to know about my gyro project. I am having gearbox issues at present so I have new ones on order. I used Honda motorcycle gearboxes but they are hard to turn freely which require higher speeds to turn the rotor system.

[PSM]

I speak to Spitfire frequently on Facebook. I also spoke with him last month while he was in conus for medical care but seems to be well. He lives in Long Hai with his female posse at the local coffee house. PSM wanted to know about my gyro project. I am having gearbox issues at present so I have new ones on order. I used Honda motorcycle gearboxes but they are hard to turn freely which require higher speeds to turn the rotor system.

Good to hear from you, Joe!

Pat

[BACSI72]

Graduated SF training (91b4s, medic) April 1971, and then assigned to the 7th until I went to Vietnam December 1971.

I was the last SF medic at a CCS launch site (TF3AE) which closed in March 1972.

Then FANK, I was a SF medic at Long Hai from April to November 1972. I was assigned to Cambodian battalions and also went to Phu Bai on a mobile training team to retrain the 3rd ARVN division.

Names of some medics I remember are Scotty, Wind, Yanowski, Chamizo, Dixon, ???

Left the military after my 3 year enlistment. College, married, divorced, etc., Living in Thailand for 1/2 of the year, over the winter months. Have a house there and a steady girl. Then I travel in the USA for 1/2 of the year. I attend the Special Forces conventions and the Special Operations Association Reunions.

Be glad to get in touch with my comrades.

[BACSI72]

Graduated SF training (91b4s, medic) April 1971, and then assigned to the 7th until I went to Vietnam December 1971.

I was the last SF medic at a CCS launch site (TF3AE) which closed in March 1972.

Then FANK, I was a SF medic at Long Hai from April to November 1972. I was assigned to Cambodian battalions and also went to Phu Bai on a mobile training team to retrain the 3rd ARVN division.

Names of some medics I remember are Scotty, Wind, Yanowski, Chamizo, Dixon. Captain Wilbur Stokes was one of my commanders of a training battalion. Major Reed was the doctor at Long Hai and Ban Me Thout (CCS)

Left the military after my 3 year enlistment. College, married, divorced, etc., Living in Thailand for 1/2 of the year, over the winter months. Have a house there and a steady girl. Then I travel in the USA for 1/2 of the year. I attend the Special Forces conventions and the Special Operations Association Reunions.

Be glad to get in touch with my comrades.

[BACSI72]

see my post

[SF_BHT]

see my post

Now if you would put it in the right place you would then be a step forward.

[Dean Jarvis]

Graduated SF training (91b4s, medic) April 1971, and then assigned to the 7th until I went to Vietnam December 1971.

I was the last SF medic at a CCS launch site (TF3AE) which closed in March 1972.

Then FANK, I was a SF medic at Long Hai from April to November 1972. I was assigned to Cambodian battalions and also went to Phu Bai on a mobile training team to retrain the 3rd ARVN division.

Names of some medics I remember are Scotty, Wind, Yanowski, Chamizo, Dixon. Captain Wilbur Stokes was one of my commanders of a training battalion. Major Reed was the doctor at Long Hai and Ban Me Thout (CCS)

Left the military after my 3 year enlistment. College, married, divorced, etc., Living in Thailand for 1/2 of the year, over the winter months. Have a house there and a steady girl. Then I travel in the USA for 1/2 of the year. I attend the Special Forces conventions and the Special Operations Association Reunions.Be glad to get in touch with my comrades.

I was there at that time. Do you remember a medic that stuttered really bad. I think his name was Spears. Just before I returned back to the world in April 72 he was in the bush with a Captain that had served his time working in supplies and wanted to go to the bush. He got his wish. He was walking behind a bode that tripped an AP mine that killed the bode and blew the Captains legs off. Spears was working on him and the dustoff pilot wouldn't land because the LZ was unsecured. Spears with his stuttering told the pilot to land or he was going to hunt him down and kill him.

[Wade K]

Hello Gentlemen,
my name is Wade Krawczyk and I am in Brisbane Australia.

I am a military historian, and have just added to my collection a very large lot to a Green beret, who's second tour had him at the Long Hai school USARV training FANK from Dec 1971 to Dec 1972. I wondered if by chance anyone knew him?

His name is SFC Larry G. Mills, and his specialty was weapons loader. His items included FANK insignia, an AATTV patch, and various papers. Still on the way are a bunch of his uniforms (ERDLs and Jungle greens, including the 'Republique Khmer' arcs) and equipment. It was great to see he had an AATTV patch, as well as a very used pair of Ausssie GP boots and a boonie.

I am just contacting people who were at Long Hai at that time to see if they knew him, so I can build a record of his time there. I have not even seen a photograph of him as someone bought those at a yard sale previously. I also missed his FANK beret which was a drag and the current owner of the rest of his gear has a couple of terrific long Hai plaques to him. Of course the training of FANK is fascinating, and the Australian connection very strong.

Prior to this Mills was first tour 1967-68 serving as Demo in A-241 Polei Kleng and then as Lt Weapons A-244 Dak To/Ben Het

Many thanks for your time. If anyone has photos of Mills, or any details about him I would like to add them to his archive.

Wade: truppe@live.com.au
(I'm a 60 year old ex military accredited cameraman(civilian with some basic), just so you know it's not just a kid calling)

[JJ_BPK]

Hello Gentlemen,
my name is Wade Krawczyk and I am in Brisbane Australia.




Mr Krawczyk

I believe you received an email requesting that your FIRST post be an introduction and that you also fill in your profile.

Please comply before you post again.

:munchin

[Wade K]

Roger, my apologies (how many times have you had to request THAT?) it's all done.
Best, WK

[The Reaper]

Roger, my apologies (how many times have you had to request THAT?) it's all done.
Best, WK

Welcome.

TR

[Wade K]

Thank you Sir!

[PRB]

Wade....his MOS....military occupational skill, would have been light / heavy weapons Sergeant. This was basically an 11B skill set (Infantry) where many coming from an Infantry background ended up in SF, myself included.

[Wade K]

Yes indeed that's about right. I'm waiting for the rest of his papers to arrive in the next load of gear, but what I have so far is this:

SFC. Mills served with the 5th & 7th SFG, along with 325th Infantry (82nd Airborne). SFC. Mills completed pre-deployment RVN training with 7th SFG at Ft. Bragg in May, 1966 & deployed to Vietnam shortly after that. From 1968-1971 he was stationed at Ft. Bragg (JFK Special Warfare) then after the 2nd tour (Long Hai) he returned Dec. 1972 to Ft. Bragg & was transferred to 325th Infantry, before being transferred back to 5th SFG in 1974.

I'm looking forward to his uniforms and equipment arriving along with more paperwork. I just wish I could find a picture of the guy.

[Wade K]

To update in case anyone is interested or photos jog memories, I have found more on SFC Mills.

I found his grave, and he is buried in the Pleasant Hill cemetery, outside Gilmer Texas. I have lost of his uniforms here now including JFK special Warfare School and his ERDL cams from the Long Hai UITG/FANK school.

I'm still trying to obtain his photo and award documents below (owned by a dealer), and some plaques etc. I would like to honour the man by keeping his estate as intact as possible.

If the photo below jogs anyone's memory and you knew him, please let me know.
All the best. Wade K. Australia