August 2026 News!
- Aug 7
- 11 min read
Updated: Aug 8
Table of Contents |
|---|
A Short Note from the Association President
3rd Brigade News
Rakkasan Fight Night & Torii Chapter Picnic
2027 Reunions
2027 Elections
Dates in Rakkasan History
In Memory
Chapter News
Fundraiser Update
Contact Us
A Short Note from the Association President |
My fellow Rakkasans:
As we move into August, summer is swiftly drawing to an end. For many, this month signifies a return to school or college for children, grandchildren, and sometimes even for ourselves. It also heralds the approaching football season—Go Army—soon followed by the Holiday Season.
The Rakkasan Association concluded July 2026 with participation in a well-attended event at the 3rd MBCT Headquarters on FT Campbell - Rakkasan Fight Night! The Torii Chapter organized a Gulf War Picnic, providing over 600 meals to active-duty personnel, their families, and event participants. Furthermore, CSM Counts, the Association's Honorary CSM of the Regiment, distributed gift bags to the fight winners. Congratulations to all the victors. Special thanks to Torii Chapter President, Frank Peterson, and all the Torii Chapter members for their dedication and support in helping to make this event a success.
As the Association progresses into Fall 2026, our Board Members are diligently focused on several key priorities. Firstly, we are discussing restructuring board responsibilities and organizing tasks along Lines of Effort to streamline, balance, and better focus our initiatives to serve our members and active-duty Rakassans. Our Mission, Vision, and Core Values will remain central to these discussions, guiding us towards future transitions and growth. Secondly, before the end of 2026, we aim to launch a Rakkasan Store. We have chosen a new vendor and are currently finalizing details and identifying initial items for sale. Thirdly, we are working on clarifying our membership levels and enhancing our membership packet offerings. Our website will be updated within the week to reflect these improvements. Finally, the Board is gearing up for the 2027 Board elections, which will kick off on November 1, 2026, when we open the nomination and declaration phase for open board positions.
In addition to the above, the Board is working on finalizing the dates and preliminary details of the 2027 National Rakkasan Association Reunion. We do know that the 2027 Reunion will be held in June, we just haven't yet confirmed the exact dates. More details will be provided in the months ahead.
Thank you for being a member of the National Rakkasan Association. We have many great things ahead.
LVNF
Bob
3rd Brigade News |
RAKKASANS,
The Rakkasans have returned from summer block leave recharged and reset – ready to
get back to work.
Looking Back: Summer Block-Leave, Marksmanship, and Squad/Platoon-Level Training
After an eventful, 8-month intensive training cycle, our Soldiers earned their well-deserved summer block leave. Following our 19 days of rest spent with friends and family, the Rakkasans immediately got back to work. Executing qualification ranges, drivers training, and Squad and Platoon-level training, our Soldiers spent the rest of July reinforcing their infantry skills.
Looking Ahead: Company-level Training, Earning the Expert Badge, and Preparing for IRF
In August, we will begin executing Company-level training. Our primary goals are to continue to increase combat readiness and reinforce our proficiency in basic infantry tasks. We will continue to focus on marksmanship, maneuver, drivers training, and incorporating newer technologies to better enable our fight.
Additionally, in the latter half of August, we will begin preparations for Expert Infantryman Badge testing. NCOs from across our formation will begin setting up testing lanes and validating their knowledge of weapons, medical, and patrolling tasks. As we enter September, our Soldiers will begin testing on these lanes to earn their coveted EIB.
These tasks will be complete while continuing to prepare for our assumption of the Immediate Response Force (IRF). Later this fall, the Rakkasans will assume IRF and be prepared to deploy anywhere in the world at a moment’s notice. This means our Soldiers must be prepared to fight at any time, in any place. Your Rakkasans are ready.They proved it over the last year during our intensive training cycle; they proved it at JRTC; and they continue to prove it every day through their actions.
Let Valor Not Fail!
COL Ryan Bell
RAK6
RAK Fight Night & Torii Chapter Picnic |
On July 31, 2026, 3rd MBCT held their first Rakkasan Fight Night will fighters from multiple weight classes. The Torii Chapter of the National Rakkasan Association also sponsored a Gulf War Picnic at the same time. By all accounts, it was a great event.
For more pictures, please go to the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) PAO Flickr Gallery.
While the fighting was going on, the Torii Chapter sponsored a Gulf War Picnic. Maning the grills and serving up the eats were former Rakkasan CSM's Judd, Stoker, Bergmann and Crabtree. CSM Counts (Rakkasan Association's Honorary CSM of the Regiment) was also working the event, to include handing out Rakkasan Association prize bags to fight winners.
The CSM's grilled and served up over 600 meals to active-duty troops, their families and event attendees.
2027 Reunions |
The 2027 National Rakkasan Association Reunion is in the works!
The 2027 reunion will be held in June of 2027. The exact dates and preliminary details are being finalized. Once we have these items worked out, we will let you know.
In the meantime, check out the photo galleries from the 2026 National Rakkasan Association Reunion held this past May.
A bit of reunion history - the first 187th Regimental Combat Team Association Reunion was held at the Maxwell House in Nashville, TN in July of 1982. There were several hundred Rakkasans, family members and friends in attendance.
101st Airborne Division Association
Florida Gulf Coast Chapter
Snowbird Reunion
If you can't wait until June of 2027, the Florida Gulf Coast Chapter of the 101st Airborne Division Association will be holding their Annual Snowbird Reunion from January 13th to 16th, 2027, in Tampa, Florida. There is a good chance that a few Rakkasans will be in attendance.
Keep an eye on the Snowbird plans through the 101st Airborne Division Association website.
2027 Board Elections |
The 2027 Rakkasan Association Board elections process beins November 2026!
Nomination & Declaration Phase – November 1, 2026 to November 30, 2026.
Election Phase – January 1, 2027 to January 31, 2027.
Positions open in the 2027 election process are:
President
Treasurer
Board Position 5
Board Position 6
Board Position 7
Printable and online Nomination and Declaration forms will be made available in October of 2026. For more details, please check out the Elections Page on our website.
Dates in Rakkasan History |
August 13, 1945
On August 6, 1945 the atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima, followed by Nagasaki on August 9, 1945. On August 11, 1945, the 187th received verbal orders to prepare for deployment to Okinawa. At the time, the 187th was in the Philippines. A few days later, on the 13th of August, the 187th began movement:
"At 0630 hours on the 13th, the 187th began a motor convoy back to Nichols and Nelison Field at Manila for air-movement to Okinawa. There they would encamp and prepare to spearhead the 11th Airborne Division into Japan. The first plane was airborne at 1053 hours and landed at Okinawa at 1645. For the next five days, C-46s, B-24s, and B-29s ferried the Rakkasans into Naha, Kadina and Yotan fields." page 33, "The Rakkasans: 187th The Steel Berets" by Fred Waterhouse.
August 30, 1945
On August 30, 1945, the Rakkasans and other elements of the 11th Airborne Division left Okinawa and headed to Japan, landing at Atsugi Airfield to begin the occupation of Japan. It was during the occupation of Japan that the 187th became known as the Rakkasans! The 187th remained in Japan until 1949 when they returned stateside to FT Campbell.
August 1, 1950
On June 25, 1950, the North Korean People's Army (NKPA) attacked across the 38th parallel into South Korea. Within days, the NKPA was in Seoul. The South Korean government requested assistance from the United States and President Turman responded.
In July of 1950, US forces began mobilizing and troop presence in Korea increased, but US Forces were pushed back into a defensive position in the Pusan Perimeter.
On August 1, 1950, the 187th Airborne Infantry Regiment was alerted for overseas movement. Later in August of 1950, the 187th was designated as the 187th Regimental Combat Team.
In early September 1950, the 187th RCT headed to San Francisco in preparation for movement by sea to Japan.
August 14, 1952
Kumwha Valley, Korean
Lester Hammond Jr.
On August 8, 1952, the 187th Regimental Combat Team was deployed into the Kumwha Valley, above the 38th parallel, taking over defensive positions in the vicinity of the Hanton-Chon-Namdee River Valley. The 187th was taking over from the 7th Infantry Division. In the early morning hours of August 14, 1952, a small 187th patrol was cut off by a large number of Chinese soldiers. Friendly artillery fire was called in on the swarming enemy soldiers. Lester Hammond, one of the members of the 187th patrol, continued to call in and adjust artillery fire despite the overwhelming odds... even upon himself... "For God's sake, lieutenant, keep firing."
Citation:
"Cpl. Hammond, a radio operator with Company A, distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and outstanding courage above and beyond the call of duty in action against the enemy. Cpl. Hammond was a member of a six man reconnaissance patrol which had penetrated approximately 3,500 yards into enemy-held territory. Ambushed and partially surrounded by a large hostile force, the small group opened fire, then quickly withdrew up a narrow ravine in search of protective cover. Despite a wound sustained in the initial exchange of fire and imminent danger of being overrun by the numerically superior foe, he refused to seek shelter and, remaining in an exposed place, called for artillery fire to support a defensive action. Constantly vulnerable to enemy observation and action, he coordinated and directed crippling fire on the assailants, inflicting heavy casualties and repulsing several attempts to overrun friendly positions. Although wounded a second time, he remained steadfast and maintained his stand until mortally wounded. His indomitable fighting spirit set an inspiring example of valor to his comrades and, through his actions, the onslaught was stemmed, enabling a friendly platoon to reach the beleaguered patrol, evacuate the wounded, and effect a safe withdrawal to friendly lines. Cpl. Hammond's unflinching courage and consummate devotion to duty reflect lasting glory on himself and uphold the finest traditions of the military service."
August 2, 1967
Alert for Overseas Movement
On August 2, 1967, the 101st Airborne Division was alerted for overseas movement to Southeast Asia. 1st Brigade of the 101st Airborne Division had previously deployed to the Republic of Vietnam in 1965, while 2nd and 3rd Brigades remained at FT Campbell, Kentucky. The time had come for 2nd and 3rd Brigades to begin preparation for deployment.
The original plan called for deployment of the main body in late January and early February of 1968, following a nine-week training phase. However, the deployment dates were accelerated twice. In September of 1967, the Division was notified that deployment would be moved to January. Then again in October of 1967, deployment was accelerated to December 1967 with the main body deploying between December 1 and December 20, 1967.
The alert for overseas movement set off a series of planning actions, movement of troops and training. For more information and pictures, please check out The Steel Thread Project's 1967 photo galleries.
August 1984
Multinational Force Observers
On August 3, 1981, Egypt and Israel signed a Protocol to the Treaty of Peace, creating the Multinational Force Observers (MFO) which would replace the United States Sinai Field Mission and monitor compliance of the treaty by both states. On April 25, 1982, the MFO began its mission, and Israel withdrew the last of its troops from the Sinai.
In August of 1984, 4th Battalion, 187th Infantry - Task Force 4/187th - deployed to Egypt as part of the MFO Peacekeeping Force where it remained until February of 1985. The 4/187th had been activated in October of 1983 as part of 3rd Brigade. In later years, additional elements of the 187th participated in MFO missions.
August 1990
Iraq invades Kuwait
Thirty-six years ago, on August 2, 1990, Iraq crossed the border into Kuwait and headed to its capital. Within days, Iraq had established a provisional government and declared Kuwait the 19th Governorate of Iraq.
A few days later, the 101st Airborne Division was alerted for movement to the Persian Gulf - Operation Desert Shield. At the time, COL McDonald was the 3rd Brigade Commanding Officer. The 2/187th was in Panama undergoing training and returned to Ft. Campbell, joining the 1/187th and 3/187th in intensive training in preparation for deployment.
Although the soldiers of the 3rd Brigade would be traveling by air, the heavy equipment and helicopters would travel by sea. After a flurry of logistical moves, on August 15, 1990, convoys of heavy equipment and vehicles left Fort Campbell, Kentucky, and headed to Jacksonville, Florida, in preparation for shipment to Saudi Arabia. There were over 650 vehicles in the convoy that traveled the 787 miles.
In early September of 1990 the soldiers of 3rd Brigade began heading to Saudi Arabia, landing first at Dhahran Airport then to Camp Eagle II.
August 2010
Afghanistan OEF 10-11
Having deployed in early 2010 in support of OEF 10-11 as part of Regional Command East, in August of 2010 the Rakkasans continued joint operations with Afghan National Security Forces in eastern Afghanistan. Operation Shamshir in early August focused on disrupting and clearing insurgent activity in Paktika and eastern Ghanzi Provinces as well as engaging with local elders. Operation Lashkar VII focused on known weapons cache-sites, suspected insurgent safe houses and staging areas in Mata Khan District in Paktika Province.
In Memory |
Fred Forsyth
1933-2026
Fred was born in 1933. He joined the US Army in 1953 and was a Korean War era veteran. After basic training and jump school, Fred was assigned to the 187th Regimental Combat Team, joining the Rakkasans in Japan.
Fred and his wife were longtime members of the Rakkasan Association and Fred was a mainstay at our annual reunions. Fred, we thank you for your service to our Country, our Regiment and our Association. You will be dearly missed.
A link to Fred's obituary is below:
Luke Joseph Kliegl
1995-2026
Born in 1995, Luke served with Delta Company, 21st Brigade Engineer Battalion from 2022 to 2024. He passed away on June 13, 2026.
"SSG Kliegl was an amazing soldier, friend, leader, athlete and member of a team. Anyone that had the opportunity was lucky to meet him. He would light up any room he walked into."
James Pike
1932-2026
Born in 1932, James served with Company A, 1st Battalion, 187th Airborne Regimental Combat Team during the Korean War (1951 to 1954). He was a Charter Founding Life Member of the National Rakkasan Association.
James passed away on May 12, 2026.
Rest in Peace Rakkasan.
Chapter News |
Torrii Chapter
Based out of Clarksville, TN but accepts members from other areas.
President: Frank Peterson
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. Meets at the VFW Reed Miller Post #3297.
President: Scott Hutmire
Treasurer: Hunter Everett
For 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
Meets annually during the Hamburger Hill Chapter Reunion.
Fundraiser |
3/187th Memorial Stone Fundraiser
Vietnam 1968-1971
We are 100% funded!!
Progress: Thanks to everyone's generous support, the 3/187th's Memorial Stone is fully funded. Latest news is that the stone is being cut and prepared. Next step will be the proof with the names of the KIAs listed.
We will keep everyone posted regarding progress. Thank you again!
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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