July 2026 News!
- Jul 4
- 6 min read
Table of Contents |
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A Short Note from the Association President
2027 Reunion
Scholarships
Dates in Rakkasan History
In Memory
Chapter News
Fundraiser
Contact Us
a short note from the association president |
My fellow Rakkasans:
Happy 250th Birthday to our great nation that we swore to defend. As we commemorate this significant milestone, it is essential to reflect on the profound sacrifices and unwavering dedication that have shaped our country over the centuries. This day is not just a celebration of our independence and freedom, but also a tribute to the countless individuals who have bravely stood in defense of our values and way of life.
Since its establishment in 1942, our beloved Regiment has consistently played a pivotal role in the defense and advancement of our nation. At each critical time in our history, the Rakkasans have stood proud, embodying the spirit of determination and courage that defines our military. Rakkasans have answered the call and have kept the flag flying. I am proud to be an American, proud to have served my country, and most proud to have served with you, my fellow Rakkasans.
In the coming months, the Rakkasan Association Board will be engaged in several behind-the-scenes projects. First of all, there will be a membership push starting later this month and into August. We plan to update the Membership Page on our website to more clearly define the membership types and classes and to feature the new and improved "swag" for each class. Secondly, we are in the process of establishing an online store for basic Rakkasan gear, aiming for a launch within the next few months, though a specific date hasn't been set yet. Additionally, we are enhancing the Dates in Rakkasan History section of our newsletter and history-related social media posts to better encompass the post-Vietnam era and the multiple deployments during GWOT. We invite you to contribute articles, short stories, memories, pictures, etc. And of course, planning for the 2027 Reunion is already in the works. I take great pride in the behind-the-scenes efforts that the Rakkasan Association Board is currently undertaking to advance the Association.
I hope everyone has a great 4th of July weekend as we celebrate the 250 Anniversary of our Nation's Declaration of Independence!
LVNF
Bob
2027 reunion |
The 2027 National Rakkasan Association Reunion is in the works!
We are working on pinpointing the exact dates and finalizing a few preliminary details. 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.
Scholarships |
The 2026 Hamburger Hill Chapter Scholarship awardees were announced during the Memorial Dinner at the 2026 National Rakkasan Association Reunion. The awardees are as follows:
Sammy Hoskins Memorial Scholarship - Cora Franczyk
Marguerite Honeycutt Memorial Scholarship - Emma Cogbill
Sean Creed
Clare Creed
Kate Federovich
For more information, check out the Scholarship Page on our website.
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 few of months the Division reverted back to the 101st Airborne Division.
Also in July of 1968, MG Melvin Zais took command of the Division from MG Olinto M. Barsanti.
July 1, 1970
Operation Texas Star: The siege of FSB Ripcord commenced on July 1, 1970, when NVA forces launched mortar attacks on the firebase, which was occupied by soldiers from the 2/506th. Intense combat persisted until July 23rd, leading to the deaths of 75 U.S. soldiers, marking it as one of the Vietnam War's most lethal battles for the U.S. This siege was a segment of a more extensive battle for FSB Ripcord that started in March 1970.
July 2010
In January 2010, the 3rd BCT deployed to Afghanistan for OEF 10-11 as part of Regional Command-East near the Afghan-Pakistan border. During the deployment, the Rakkasans completed nearly 600 major operations, while battalion task forces conducted over 12,000 patrols across Paktika, Paktia, Khost, Ghazni, and Panjwa’i, along with more than 2,000 key leader engagements or shuras with local leaders.
In early July of 2010, elements of the 3/187th along with ANSF engaged insurgents near the village of Yahya Khel, Paktika Province, captured numerous weapons and IEDs along with two insurgent fighters and motorcycles. In Khost Province, members of the 3rd Brigade Combat Team's Focused Tactical Force air assaulted into Bak. Additionally, in July of 2010, the 1/187th lost one soldier killed while out on patrol when a levee broke (James J. Oquin, Jr).
July 2017
Operation Freedom’s Sentinel:
In October 2016, Soldiers from 2nd Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment “White Currahee” and 3rd Brigade Headquarters deployed to take part in ongoing advisory missions in Afghanistan, while parts of the 1st Squadron, 33rd Cavalry Regiment were to conduct NATO joint security operations in Kosovo.
In July of 2017, the Rakkasan began returning home after nine months deployed.
In Memory |
Mike Cochran
1946 - 2026
Mike Cochran passed away on June 17, 2026. Mike served with Alpha Company 3/187th in 1967-1968 during the Vietnam War. He deployed with the Battalion in late 1967 during Operation Eagle Thrust. In September of 1968, he was one of CPT Jenkins (Alpha Company CO) RTO's. Mike
was present at the Company CP when Alpha Company was overrun in the early morning hours of September 6, 1968.
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 78% towards the fundraising goal!
Progress: Thanks to everyone's generous support, a preliminary proof of the memorial stone has been approved! The next step is for the vendor to add the names of the KIA's to the proof.
Fundraiser Request: 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!
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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