April 2026 News!
- 5 days ago
- 7 min read
Table of Contents |
A Short Note From the Association President
3rd Brigade News
2026 Reunion
Generational Rakkasan Legacy
Dates in Rakkasan History
Fundraiser
Chapter News
Contact Us
President's Note |
My Fellow Rakkasans:
It is spring, a time every year when my mind reflects on events from the spring of 1969. At that time, I was Alpha Company Commander, 3rd Battalion, 187th Infantry. Starting with a sapper attack on Firebase Jack, April and May of 1969 proved to be challenging months for the Rakkasans. Heavy fighting continued into late April with the battle at Dong Ngai followed by eleven days of intense fighting at Dong Ap Bia, not to mention many other hills, streams, and valleys. These battles are a part of Rakkasan history, but for the soldiers, enduring these experiences forged strong bonds, bonds that continue to today. I believe these bonds hold true for every generation of Rakkasans.
Next month, we get an opportunity to fellowship with Rakkasans who served from the 1950's to today - Korea, Vietnam, Panama, Desert Storm, Afghanistan, Iraq and many places in between. The reunion promises to be an event to remember as we have over 200 Veterans, friends and family attending. Hope to see you there.
LVNF
Bob
3rd brigade news |
A MESSAGE FROM RAK 6
RAKKASANS!
The Brigade remains focused on preparation for ground combat to ensure we remain ready to face any adversary. This is how we are executing.
Rakkasans in Action: Focusing on JRTC Readiness and Honoring our Heritage
In March, the Brigade finalized preparations for our training rotation at the Joint Readiness Training Center (JRTC) in Fort Polk, Louisiana. The objective of JRTC is to prepare for ground combat against a peer. The unit's preparation focused on Soldier lethality, deployment readiness, and family support. Squads and platoons trained in battle drills and marksmanship,
companies and battalions loaded out for JRTC, and battalion command teams hosted informational town halls to support our families, who are the bedrock of our resilience. This comprehensive focus on operational and family readiness ensures we are fully prepared for the mission in its entirety.
The Brigade had the privilege of honoring Dave Dillard, a veteran of Delta Company, Iron 3-187. Dillard, who served as a Sergeant and radio operator for Captain Paul Bucha during the Vietnam War, was recognized with a Bronze Star for his meritorious service and bravery. Beyond his decorated military service, Dillard remains a cornerstone of the Rakkasan community. His dedication is evident in his tireless work reuniting unit members to maintain the lifelong bonds forged in combat, and mentor current Soldiers, frequently seeking opportunities to share his experiences and wisdom with the next generation. Dillard sets the standard for commitment, ensuring that the Rakkasan heritage remains vibrant and that our current Soldiers feel the full support of those who served before them.
Looking Ahead: Validating Innovations at JRTC and Celebrating Legacy at RAK Reunion
In April, the Brigade will conduct our training rotation at JRTC. Our primary goals are to certify our readiness and drive modernization by testing new technologies and formations in line with the Army's "Transformation in Contact" initiative. One of our areas of focus is the Multi-Functional Reconnaissance Company, whose integrated capabilities in sensors, unmanned systems, and electronic warfare are designed to ensure battlefield dominance at every echelon.
As the Brigade trains at Fort Polk, the Rear Detachment will oversee preparations for RAK Reunion 2026, scheduled for May 13–18. The week's festivities lead directly into Fort Campbell's Week of the Eagles and the 101st Airborne Division Association Reunion (May 18-23), creating a full two weeks of heritage and camaraderie. We look forward to celebrating with our Veterans and their families!
Let Valor Not Fail!
COL Ryan Bell
RAK6
generational rakkasan legacy |
Legacy is an important factor in America’s military. 80% of Army recruits come from families with a history of military service. Recently our Association President, Col. (Ret) Bob Harkins, had a grandson, Sean Harkins, graduate OSUT at FT Benning, GA and is currently in the 18X pipeline.
Col. Bob Harkins comes from a long line of service, a legacy that reaches back to the Civil War and the Spanish-American War. Bob’s father was killed in action in WWII during the Battle of the Bulge while Bob was just an infant. Both of Bob and Sue Harkins’ sons are retired Colonels and West Point graduates. As many of you know, Bob was Alpha Company Commander for the 3/187 on Hamburger Hill and had the 18th Airborne Corps' Dragon Brigade in Desert Storm. His son Patrick later commanded 3/187, while his son Greg also had multiple commandsas well. Both of Bob's sons have multiple combat deployments.
Pictured here from last month is Patrick, Sean and Bob Harkins. Also pictured is our Board of Director's member Beau Brumfield with his brother Bill and nephew Tyler, all 3 graduates of OSUT at Ft Benning. Tyler is currently serving in the 4th Infantry Division. Beau also has a nephew, David, currently serving in B Company, 1/187.
2026 Reunions |
2026 National Rakkasan Association/Hamburger Hill Chapter Reunion
45th Anniversary & Reunion of the Association - 57th Anniversary of Hamburger Hill - 35th Anniversary of Operation Desert Storm - 20th Anniversary Operation Swarmer.
Time is ticking!!!
The 2026 reunion begins May 13, 2026 and the core dates run through May 17, 2026 with an optional extension for ODS specific events on May 17 and 18, 2026. The reunion will be held at the Country Inn & Suites in Clarksville, TN with some events held at FT Campbell.
NOTE: The Country Inn & Suites is full, but we have arranged a back-up hotel. The reunion is booking up quickly. Some of our events are sold-out and others at capacity or getting very close to capacity. Please keep an eye on the Events Page on our website for the most up-to-date information.
2026 Scholarship |
The Hamburger Hill Chapter will be sponsoring scholarships in 2026. The purpose of the Hamburger Hill Chapter/Rakkasan Scholarship Program is to provide financial assistance to students toward their post-high school education who have demonstrated a potential to become a contributing citizen to our nation and represent the ideals that the military represents.
An applicant is eligible to apply if he/she has a family member who served in the 187th Inf Regiment or has served in the 187th.
The applicant’s sponsor is a Life Member in good standing in the Rakkasan Association.
The applicant may not have received this award previously.
Applications are due by April 15, 2026. When completing the application, please be prepared to submit most recent transcripts and a picture of self. For more information, click on link below.
dates in rakkasan history |
April 14, 1950
Camp Campbell redesignated as Fort Campbell
In 1941, construction of the Kentucky-Tennessee Armor Camp was approved. When construction began in early 1942, the name was changed to Camp Campbell in honor of William Bowen Campbell. On April 14, 1950 the camp became a permanent military facility and was redesignated as Fort Campbell.
April 25, 1969
Battle of Dong Ngai
As a result of 2/17th Cavalry contact, on April 25, 1969 elements of the 3rd Battalion, 187th Infantry were inserted near and around Dong Ngai, a peak in the eastern mountain range lining the A Shau Valley. A fierce, extended firefight ensued resulting in the loss of several helicopters, crew members, as well as two Rakkasans. After several days of area sweeps and additional Rakkasan losses, Fire Support Base Airborne was constructed.
Screaming Eagle Newspaper article
If you have dates in history, events or a person you would like us to highlight, please send us an email at info@rakkasanassociation.org. OEF/OIF Rakkasans, we could use your input.
fundraiser |
3/187th Memorial Stone Fundraiser
Vietnam 1968-1971
We are 73% towards the fundraising goal! Thanks to everyone's generous support, a preliminary draft of the memorial stone is in the works! We will keep everyone posted on progress.
Rakkasan Alumni, the 3-187 Infantry is requesting your support to replace our Vietnam KIA Memorial Stone. The current stone contains the names of all the 1968 KIAs and has broken into several pieces. To honor all the Iron Rakkasan KIA from Vietnam, we are proposing an expanded memorial that includes all 252 KIA from ’68-’71. The stone will be upright and will list the KIA by year. It will sit on a rough-cut piece of quartz. It will be placed behind the Battalion headquarters underneath our Iron Torii. The area is used for Battalion formations, promotions, and award ceremonies. This area is significant as the gathering place for all Soldiers in the Battalion because it contains our parade field, Torii monument, and GWOT KIA memorial. This memorial is part of a broader effort to memorialize the Iron Battalion KIA from all conflicts we have participated in. The estimated cost for this memorial is $14,680. Any amount you are willing to donate will be greatly appreciated by the current and former members of the Iron Rakkasans. Thanks for your support!
chapter news |
Torrii Chapter
Based out of Clarksville, TN but accepts members from other areas.
President: Dave Reilly
Vice President: Louie Lee
Treasurer: CSM (Ret) Chuck Judd
Secretary: Sheila Patton
For information on the Chapter please email toriichapter@outlook.com.
Buckeye Chapter
Based out of Delaware, Ohio
President: Scott Hutmire
Treasurer: Hunter Everett
Next Meeting:
April 18, 2026
12:00 Noon to 2:00 PM
Meets at the VFW Reed Miller Post #3297 located at 481 S. Sandusky Street.
For additional information on the Chapter please email michael_smith672@yahoo.com.
Hamburger Hill Chapter
President: Bob Harkins
Vice President: Charlie Ricord
Secretary: Greg West
Treasurer: Mike Smith
The Hamburger Hill Chapter will be holding board elections during their annual meeting scheduled for May 14, 2026.
contact us/contribute |
Monthly E-Newsletters
If you have news or events that you would like to feature in future e-newsletters, please reach out to us. We welcome submissions of short stories about your experiences with the Rakkasans, information on important dates in Rakkasan history, the significance of staying connected, or other topics pertinent to the Rakkasan legacy, both past and present.
Photos & Memorabilia
If you have photos, memorabilia - either your own or a family member (father, grandfather, uncle, etc.) - that you would like to share with the Rakkasan Association, please reach out to us.
until next time - let valor not fail |
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