August News!
- Theresa Scheets
- Aug 6
- 8 min read
Table of Contents: |
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A Short Note From the Association President
Bronze Statues & Sculptures
3rd Brigade News
2025 Reunions
In Memory
Dates in Rakkasan History
Chapter News
Contact Us
a short note from the association president |
Hello fellow Rakkasans,Â
The month of August is upon us, which means another assembly in Orlando, Florida. The 101st Airborne Division Association Reunion will be held August 20th to 24th and several of us Rakkasans will be in attendance. There will be a special Regimental Dinner on Friday evening with COL Ryan Bell, RAK 6, presenting remarks. Come join us.
Are you currently a member of the Rakkasan Association? If not, I encourage you to join and get involved. If an annual member, I encourage you to become a Life member and remain a part of our shared legacy for years to come. Help us carry the torch forward. The 2026 Board elections are coming up soon. The nomination period for several positions will be opening in the Fall, with elections in early 2026. Reach out to us if you are interested - get involved - carry the legacy forward.
Starting with this month's e-newsletter, we will be adding a new series entitled "Bronze Statues and Sculptures". In the 1980's, the Rakkasans, 187th Airborne RCT Association was founded by WWII and Korean War Veterans, who took immense pride in the Regiment and its accomplishments. They contributed $250,000 towards the construction of the new "Wings of Liberty Musuem", as discussed in last month's e-newsletter. They also memorialized scenes from WWII, Korea, and Vietnam through a series of bronze statues and sculptures. You can still view many of these statues and sculptures located in Division Headquarters, Regimental Headquarters and the Regimental Dinning Facility. Most were sculpted by William Porteous and generously donated by Dr. C.W. Flevares. These works of art depict individuals and events specific to the 187th Rakkasan history. In years past, some had their identifying and descriptive plaques removed, but we are working to ensure all descriptive plaques indicate that these sculptures and statues were donated by the RAKKASAN ASSOCIATION. These statutes represent our legacy as well as the fierce dedication of the Association founders and early members. This month we highlight two of these statues in the section below.
LVNFÂ Â
See you in Orlando,
Bob
Bronze Statues & Sculptures |
Next time you are in Division Headquarters or the Brigade DFAC, take a moment to reflect on our shared legacy.
"Rakkasans in Action"
Currently located in Division Headquarters in the Main Hall, "Rakkasans in Action" depicts soldiers from the 674 Airborne Field Artillery Battalion, 187th RCT manning a 105 Howitzer during the Korean War.
Statue was sculpted by William F. Porteus and donated by Dr. C.W. Flevares.
"Airborne History"
Next time you are at the 3rd Brigade Dining Facility, take a moment to reflect on the bronze statue behind the Headcount Station.
This statue depicts Rakkasans carrying the Regimental and Association Flags.
3rd brigade news |
A MESSAGE FROM RAK 6
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The Brigade is hard at work, carrying forward the same spirit of disciplined aggression and readiness that has defined our regiment for generations. The legacy you forged is our benchmark, and we are working to ensure the current generation of soldiers meets it.
Our immediate priority is a critical FTX at Fort Knox, August 5-20. This is a decisive step in our preparation, transitioning us from individual skills to focused collective training. We are hardening our regiment as we prepare for ground combat, training comms, fires, and logistics—while our companies and platoons hone the fundamentals of our profession: patrolling, night operations, and communications.
Our soldiers are driven by the same disciplined aggression that has been the hallmark of this regiment. We train our battle drills not until we get them right, but until we can't get them wrong. We are learning to fight uncomfortably light, sustaining ourselves for days to gain an advantage in the most restrictive terrain. We are mastering the fundamentals of patrolling and the split-second coordination needed to bring massive amounts of targeted violence to bear. Â Â We will continue to prepare for the next fight, and we will be ready when called.
For all that came before, thank you.Â
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Let Valor Not Fail!
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COL Ryan Bell
RAK6
2025 reunions |
101t Airborne Division Association Reunion
The 2025 101st Airborne Division Reunion is fast approaching! The Reunion is scheduled for August 20th to August 24th, 2025 in Orlando, FL. For more details click on link below.
2025 National Rakkasan Association/Hamburger Hill Chapter Reunion
Yes, the 2025 Rakkasan Association/Hamburger Hill Chapter Reunion has passed and we highlighted the event in the June E-Newsletter. But...plans are already in the works for the 2026 National Rakkasan Association/Hamburger Hill Chapter Reunion which will also be held in conjunction with the 35th Anniversary for Desert Storm.
Stayed tuned for more information.
If you are interested in donating towards the 2026 and future scholarship funding, please contact Mike Smith at michael_smith@yahoo.com.
In memory |
John Robert Crowe
July 2, 1931 - July 15, 2025
SGT MAJ. (R) John Robert Crowe, age 94, of Clarksville, TN, passed away on July 15, 2025.
SGM Crowe was born on July 2, 1931, in Texas. He served in the Army for more than 30 years, spending 18 and a half years overseas in locations including Korea, Japan, Germany, Moscow USSR, Rangoon Burma, Laos, Vietnam, and Thailand. His major assignments included serving as Sergeant Major for SEATO Headquarters and as Sergeant Major for the Assistant Chief of Staff, G1, 101st Airborne Division.
SGM Crowe and his wife, Buariem C Crowe, were involved in the National Rakkasan Association, having served on the Board of Directors for several years, as well as the Torii Chapter.
David Hanner
September 4, 1946 - February 28, 2025
David Hanner served with Alpha Company, 3/187th in 1970-1971 during the Vietnam War.
David was born on September 4, 1946, in Charlotte, North Carolina. He graduated from Myers Park High School and East Carolina University. Upon graduation, David enlisted in the United States Army in 1964, where he served one year in Heidelberg, Germany and completed a ten-month tour in Vietnam, serving with Alpha Company, 3/187th. He passed away on February 28, 2025.
Keep the Memory Alive...In Honor of Corp. Trenton Kyle Tucker
May 2, 1968 - Aug 9, 2021
Desert Shield/Desert Storm Veteran
"This is a picture of Trent Tucker and Chauncey Combs foxhole in DS. Trent didn't tell me very much about his time in DS. I know that they shared a great friendship and kept each other safe and alive. Much Respect for the Rakkasan Bat. With special thanks to 3rd Bat for all their love and support given to me after Trent passed. I am here because of their support. I met Trent in Panama in 1988. Married in 1989 and spent 32 years married and raised 1 son who was born 11 days after 3/187 left for DS. He is forever missed. Kenda Tucker"
dates in rakkasan history |
August 1, 1950
Seventy-five years ago, 187th Airborne Infantry Regiment was Alerted for Overseas Movement.
On June 25, 1950, the North Korean People's Army (NKPA) attacked across the 38th parallel and into South Korea. Within days, the NKPA was in Seoul. In July of 1950, US Troop presence in Korea began to increase, but US Forces were pushed back into 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.
Article was originally published in the July 26, 1950 edition of the Pacific Stars and Stripes.
September 2, 1967
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.
August 2, 1990
Thirty-five years ago, on August 2, 1990, Iraq crossed the border into Kuwait and headed to it's 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. On August 15, 1990, convoys of heavy equipment and vehicles left FT Campbell, Kentucky and headed to Jacksonville, Florida in preparation for shipment to Saudi Arabia. In early September of 1990, 3rd Brigade began heading to Saudi Aribia, landing first at Dhahran Airport then to Camp Eagle II.
Article was originally published in the August 4, 1990 edition of the Pacific Stars and Stripes.
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, and took over defensive positions in the vicinity of the Hanton-Chon-Namdee River Valley. The 187th was taken 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 Chinese soldiers. Lester Hammond was one of the members of the 187th patrol, who continued to call in and adjust artillery fire...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."
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
Meets at the VFW Reed Miller Post #3297
Attention Buckeyes - Join the Chapter August 16, 2025 at 1:00 PM for their Annual Picnic. Location - VFW Reed Miller Post #3297.
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
Meets annually during the Hamburger Hill Chapter Reunion.
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 |
