July News!
- Theresa Scheets
- Jul 2
- 6 min read
Updated: Jul 3
Table of Contents: |
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A Short Note From the Association President
3rd Brigade News
2025 Reunions
Dates in Rakkasan History
Chapter News
Contact Us
a short note from the association president |
Greetings to all Rakkasans!
June has passed, July has arrived, and I trust that your summer is going well. I hope everyone has a safe and wonderful Fourth of July!
At the recent Rakkasan reunion in May, I, along with three members of the Association Board, met with officials from the Wings of Liberty Museum, which is currently being built at FT. Campbell, KY. The meeting aimed to discuss a 1998 agreement involving the Rakkasan Association, the Don F. Pratt Memorial Museum, and the FT. Campbell Historical Foundation. According to the agreement, the Rakkasan Association would contribute $250,000 to the construction of a new museum, which would include "...a special section/wing dedicated to the history and tradition of the 187th Airborne Regimental Combat Team." Additionally, the agreement stated that the Rakkasan Association would be allowed to display a plaque "...recognizing their major contribution in this section or wing." (The quotes are from the November 17, 1998 agreement between COL (Ret) Robert E. Jones, Chairman of the FT. Campbell Historical Foundation, and MG (Ret) G.H. Bethke.)
Time has moved on, and there have been multiple unsuccessful attempts to launch the new museum. Costs have risen, and the museum's physical dimensions have been scaled down. Consequently, we will not have a complete wing or section, but the 187th will be featured in all wars, including a significant section on the Korean War. The 187th Regimental Combat Team was the sole regimental unit at FT. Campbell that took part in the Korean War. We also have assurances that the Rakkasan Association will be recognized as a major donor. Moving forward, the Association Board will maintain watch over the Regiment's displays during the final construction stretch. The Wings of Liberty Museum is scheduled to open in Spring of 2026.
Next up is the 101st Airborne Division Association's Annual Reunion in Orlando, FL. Reunion dates are August 20th to the 24th. On Friday, August 22nd, there is a 3rd Mobile Brigade Combat Team Dinner. If you plan to attend the reunion, registration for this dinner is separate from the reunion registration. I hope to see many of you there!
LVNF
Bob Harkins
A Special Thank You
Recently, I had the privilege of visiting MG (Ret) Weldon Honeycutt at his residence. MG Honeycutt served with the 187th during the Korean War and was the Commander of the 3rd Battalion, 187th Infantry in Vietnam in 1969. Despite his advancing age and some health challenges, his mind remains sharp. MG Honeycutt has been a steadfast supporter of the Rakkasan Reunions and the scholarships, and he has committed to maintaining this support through legacy donations. We appreciate his leadership and his ongoing support.
3rd brigade news |
Distinguished Member of the Regiment
In June, COL Bell, CSM Acton, and other members of their staff traveled to Washington, DC, to meet with Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Senior Advisor CSM (Ret) Eric Geressy. Both were welcomed and honored as Distinguished Members of the 187th Infantry Regiment. Congratulations and thank you for your continued leadership.
250th - Army Birthday Parade
Members of the 1st Battalion, 187th Infantry honored the 250th Birthday of the US Army by marching in the Army Birthday Parade in Washington DC. Of course, there was also time for PT.
Rakkasan!
2025 reunions |
101t Airborne Division Association Reunion
The 2025 101st Airborne Division Reunion is scheduled for August 20th to August 24th, 2025 in Orlando, FL. For more details and registration information, please click on link below. Deadline for online registration is July 18, 2025. Just a reminder that registration for the 3MBCT Dinner is separate from the reunion registration.
2025 National Rakkasan Association/Hamburger Hill Chapter Reunion
Yes, the reunion has passed and we highlighted the event in the June E-Newsletter. This month we wanted to showcase our 2025 Hamburger Hill Chapter Scholarship Recipients!
Ryan Brewer
Ryan plans on majoring in Psychology with a minor in Military Science at Austin Peay State University. He has excelled in academics and has played four sports in high school - football, soccer, baseball, and archery. Ryan has also been involved in high school JROTC and plans to continue with ROTC in college. Ryan is the son of SM Greg Brewer, HHC, C & D Companies, 3rd Battalion, 187th Infantry.
Alexander Rieper
Alexander plans to study Sports Medicine at Kansas State University. He has excelled in academics, been involved with JROTC, was a state qualifier for the Varsity Scholar's Bowl, and is a member of the Chess Club, Powerlifting Team, Tennis Team, and Politics Club. Alexander also enjoys hiking, kayaking, photography, and archery, and has traveled to 17 countries. His father is William Rieper, HHC, 3rd Battalion, 320th Field Artillery (2006-2008). He is the first recipient of the Sammy Hoskins Memorial Scholarship.
Cesar Rodriguez
Cesar plans to study Communications at Buffalo State University. He was president of his senior class, has played several high school sports including football and track, and has been a member of the Weight Room Club. He hopes to continue playing football while in college and will continue to develop his leadership skills. He is the son of Edward Rodriguez, A Company, 3rd Battalion, 187th Infantry (2006-2011).
Ava Snyder
Ava plans to study Accounting at York College of Pennsylvania with the goal of obtaining her CPA. She has been a member of the National Honor Society, completed AP Statistics, and has served on the Yearbook Staff. Ava has also played high school sports, including basketball, volleyball, and track & field. She also enjoys golfing, hiking, fishing, painting, and swimming. Her grandfather is John Snyder, B Company, 3rd Battalion, 187th Infantry - Vietnam Veteran and Veteran of Hamburger Hill.
Addison Strausser
Addison plans to obtain her BSN in Nursing. She has excelled in academics, loves the outdoors, and placed 2nd in the women under 18 category at the Olympic Trap Shooting Trials. She has set the goal of making the 2032 USA Team in Australia. Her grandfather is John Snyder, B Company, 3rd Battalion, 187th Infantry - Vietnam Veteran and Veteran of Hamburger Hill. She is the first recipient of the Marguerite Honeycutt Memorial Scholarship.
If you are interested in donating towards the 2026 and future scholarship funding, please contact Mike Smith at michael_smith@yahoo.com.
dates in rakkasan history |
July 1, 1968
On June 28, 1968 the 101st Airborne Division was redesignated as the 101st Air Calvary Division. The change became effective July 1, 1968. The change, however, was not well received and within a couple of months the division reverted to the 101st Airborne Division but as Air Mobile.
July 1, 1970
The siege of FSB Ripcord began on July 1, 1970, when the NVA began firing mortars at the firebase, manned by soldiers of the 2/506th. Heavy fighting continued through July 23rd, resulting in 75 U.S. soldiers killed in action, making it one of the Vietnam War's deadliest battles for the U.S.
(NARA Photo).
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
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.
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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