April News!
- Theresa Scheets
- Apr 13
- 4 min read
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A Quick Note from the Association President |
 Fellow Rakkasans, welcome to April.
Preparations for the May Reunion at FT Campbell are in high gear. Registrations to date include Rakkasans from the Korean War era, Vietnam, Desert Storm to OEF/OIF and eras in between. I am honored to announce that the guest speaker for Thursday night's Memorial Dinner will be MG (Ret) Viet Luong. MG Luong commanded 3rd Brigade in 2009-2011. If you haven't yet registered for the reunion or made hotel reservations, do so soon and join us in May. I would also like to report to you that the Rakkasan Brigade Change of Command held March 28, 2025 went very well. Several of us from the Board were in attendance. We bid farewell to Colonel Turner and we welcome Colonel Bell. If you are an Annual Member of the National Rakkasan Association, it may be time to make your membership a Life Membership. Check out the Membership Page on our website. Being a Life Member of the Rakkasan Association entitles you to apply for the Hamburger Hill Chapter Scholarships being offered this year. The deadline for applications is fast approaching. You can find more information in the content below or check out the Events Page on our website.See you in May!! LVNF Bob Harkins President |
3rd Brigade News |
COL Richard Bell took command of the 3rd Mobile Brigade from COL Ricardo Turner on March 28, 2025. We welcome COL Bell! |
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2025 Reunions |
National Rakkasan Association Reunion Calling all Rakkasans! |
 The 2025 National Rakkasan Association Reunion, sponsored by the Weldon F. Honeycutt/Hamburger Hill Chapter will be held May 12 to 16, 2025. Location will be Clarksville, TN.
It is time to 1) register for the reunion and 2) make your hotel reservations.
No better salve for the soul than to spend a few days with Rakkasans, past and present!! Everyone is welcome regardless of when you served.
For more details, click on one of the links below. |
Dates in Rakkasan History |
 April 7 to 9, 1991 Operation Desert Storm - 3rd Brigade redeployed to FT Campbell
A message from LTG (Ret) Robert Clark, 3rd Brigade Commander during Operation Desert Storm:
"This time of year reminds me of our return to Fort Campbell after an incredible combat experience in Desert Storm. 1-187 Infantry captured an entire Iraqi infantry battalion on 20 and 21 February 1991. Four days later, the Rakkasan Brigade air assaulted 150 miles deep into Iraq, a mere 100 miles from Baghdad, cut Highway 8 by dropping two bridges and destroying Iraqi military units and convoys. Our actions and presence in the Euphrates River Valley helped provide leverage that quickly led to a ceasefire and ultimate surrender of the Iraqi Army.
In early April the Rakkasans redeployed to Fort Campbell. Each plane load of Rakkasans was greeted by loved ones, fellow Screaming Eagles and the wonderful friends of Fort Campbell who were so supportive of our effort while we were in the desert. We received the welcome home reception our Vietnam veterans deserved but never got. Those memories are everlasting for all of us, and a lesson for our country in the importance of supporting our military men and women.
Rakkasan/Air Assault!
LTG (Ret) Robert T. Clark" |
 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 |
 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. |
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Chapter News |
 Torri Chapter Based out of Clarksville, TN (accepts members from other areas)
President: Dave Reiley Vice President: Louie Lee Treasurer: CSM Chuck Judd (Retired) Secretary: Sheila Patton
For more information on the Chapter and/or RAKK Riders email toriichapter@outlook.com. Next Meeting: April 17, 2025 at 6:00 PM  Buckeye Chapter Delaware, Ohio President: Scott Hutmire Treasurer: Mike Smith Secretary: Hunter Everett Meets at the VFW Reed Miller Post #3297 Contact: michael_smith672@yahoo.com Next Meeting: April 26, 2025 at 1:00 PM Bring a couple scratch-off tickets for the raffle to help raise money for our monument repair.  Hamburger Hill Chapter President: Bob Harkins Holds a reunion every May in Clarksville. |
Association Board Meeting |
The National Rakkasan Association held a recent board meeting during the February Snowbird Reunion in Florida. The next board meeting will be held in May at the National Rakkasan Association/Hamburger Hill Chapter Reunion. If you are planning on attending the May 2025 Reunion please get in touch with a board member if you would like to sit in on the meeting. We would like to hear from you. |
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Until next time! Stay safe, check on you fellow Rakkasan and always... Let Valor Not Fail! |
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