May 2026 News!
- 5 days ago
- 10 min read
Table of Contents |
Note from the Association President
3rd Brigade News
Note from LTG Robert Clark
2026 Reunion
Dates in Rakkasan History
In Memory
Fundraiser
Chapter News
Contact Us
President's Note |
My Fellow Rakkasans:
May has arrived, bringing the anticipated time for Rakkasans to unite in Clarksville, Tennessee, and Fort Campbell, Kentucky. This annual gathering is a heartfelt reunion celebrating camaraderie, shared experiences, and the enduring Rakkasan Legacy.
This year, over 240 individuals have registered, reflecting our strong community and loyalty. Each registration represents a story and a commitment to honoring the past while looking forward to the future. As we gather, we will share laughter, reminisce, and forge lasting connections.
We have a variety of exciting activities lined up, and numerous individuals have been diligently working to guarantee the success of the 2026 Reunion. Special appreciation goes to Mike Smith for his dedicated efforts and countless hours that have contributed to the success of this and previous events. I would also like to express gratitude to LTG Robert Clark for being our distinguished guest speaker at the Memorial Dinner. LTG Clark assumed command of the 3rd Brigade in 1990 during Operation Desert Shield and led the Brigade through Desert Storm.
For reunion registrants, we have pertinent information posted on our website and a link in the 2026 Reunion section below. Just a reminder to bring a Silent Auction item and get your Rakkasan Raffle tickets submitted. Our Vice President Frank Peterson mailed out the raffle tickets and will have more tickets for sale at the reunion. For those attending the Ladies Reserve lunch, please consider bringing a small gift for the gift exchange.
Looking forward to seeing you in Clarksville!
LVNF
Bob
3rd brigade news |
A MESSAGE FROM RAK 6
RAKKASANS!
The Brigade remains focused on preparation for ground combat to ensure we remain ready to face any adversary. This is how we are executing.
Rakkasans in Action: JRTC and Infantry Week
In April, the Brigade conducted our training rotation at JRTC. We achieved our primary goals: certifying our readiness and advancing the Army's "Transformation in Contact" initiative. Highlighted by a complex, synchronized night assault during Military Operations in Urban Terrain (MOUT), our Soldiers demonstrated the precise coordination required across all echelons to seize and hold the objective.
Simultaneously, the Multi-Functional Reconnaissance Company (MFRC) pushed the envelope on battlefield dominance. For the first time, they integrated and tactically employed the Tactical Electronic Warfare System–Infantry (TEWS-I) on an Infantry Squad Vehicle (ISV), bringing enhanced sensor, unmanned system, and electronic warfare capabilities to the tactical edge.
During Infantry Week at Fort Benning, Rakkasans proved their physical and tactical dominance in both the Best Ranger Competition and the Lacerda Cup Army Combatives Championship. The 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) seized the Lacerda Cup on April 10, driven by the grit and tenacity of our own Soldiers: Pfc. Jefferson Da Silva Rodrigues (Leader 1-187), Sgt. Montgomery Hix (Leader 1-187), and Spc. Gustavo Solis (Iron 3-187). They, alongside the rest of the Division team (1st Lt. Allen, Spc. Alatorre, Spc. Bostert, Pfc. Cody, 1st Lt. Hill, and Spc. Williams), are a clear testament to the warrior ethos and excellent representatives of this Brigade.
Looking Ahead: Celebrating Legacy at RAK Reunion
In a couple of weeks, we gather for RAK Reunion 2026 on May 14–18. While the reunion will honor the 57th Anniversary of Hamburger Hill and the 35th Anniversary of Operation Desert Storm, we’re excited for all Veterans to join us for a week packed with action and excitement – from intense combatives tournaments and sizzling brisket competitions to powerful ceremonies and leader development sessions.
The week's festivities lead directly into Fort Campbell's Week of the Eagles and the 101st Airborne Division Association Reunion (May 18-23), creating a full two weeks of heritage and camaraderie. We look forward to celebrating with our Veterans and their families!
Let Valor Not Fail!
COL Ryan Bell
RAK6
Â
A Note from LTG Clark |
Fellow Rakkasans,
We are fast approaching our reunion at Ft Campbell. This one will be extra-special as we will celebrate the opening of The Tennessee Wings of Liberty Museum where the incredible history of the 101st and the 5th Special Forces Group and the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment will be on display in perpetuity. This project has been a long time coming. We broke ground 27 years ago, and it has taken this long to raise enough money to build a fitting memorial to all the accomplishments of our fabled units. We have many to thank for the success of this campaign, to include two great Rakkasans, LTG Mike Oates and LTC Pete Kinney, both Desert Storm veterans.
Our Rakkasan Association has developed a super itinerary for us! This year marks the 35th anniversary of Desert Storm, so there will be several spotlight events that review the story of the Rakkasans in our deep air assault into the Euphrates River Valley on 25 February 1991. That date, coincidentally and fittingly, is the anniversary of the activation of our regiment!
Most importantly, this gathering will provide another opportunity for us to continue to enjoy the bonds of The Rakkasan Brotherhood to which we all belong. This is a powerful emotion that we all share. And we will get to interact with our active duty Rakkasans who carry in their rucksacks the responsibilities we carried in our day.
This is going to be a fabulous reunion! I'll see you there!
Rakkasan!
Bob Clark
Rak 6, 1990-1992
Eagle 6, 1998-2000
2026 Reunions |
2026 National Rakkasan Association/Hamburger Hill Chapter Reunion
45th Anniversary & Reunion of the Association - 57th Anniversary of Hamburger Hill - 35th Anniversary of Operation Desert Storm - 20th Anniversary Operation Swarmer.
Â
Registration for the reunion has closed!
The 2026 reunion begins May 13, 2026 and the core dates run through May 17, 2026 with an optional extension for ODS specific events on May 17 and 18, 2026. The reunion will be held at the Country Inn & Suites in Clarksville, TN with some events held at FT Campbell.
If you have registered for the reunion, check-in dates and times at the Country Inn & Suites are as follows:​​
Tuesday May 12, 2026 - 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Wednesday May 13, 2026 - 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Thursday May 14, 2026 - 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM
Range Day Waiver forms as well as a daily schedule of events will be available in your packet during check-in.
TRANSPORTATION​
 Reunion events will be held at the Country Inn & Suites and on FT Campbell. Bus transport to on-base events will be provided from the Country Inn & Suites. The bus transport schedule will be posted at the Country Inn and Suites. Please check the schedule daily as transport times are subject to change.
​
PERSONAL VEHICLES
Vehicles entering Fort Campbell are required to have either an adult authorized ID cardholder in the vehicle or an authorized visitor pass. Everyone entering the installation must have a REAL ID or another approved Federally issued ID.
Gate 7 is the entry point to obtain a pass using your POV.
​
To obtain a visitor's pass, the vehicle operator must process at a visitor control center and present the following:
Valid vehicle registration​
Proof of current vehicle insurance
Valid driver's license
​Each individual age 18 and over in the vehicle must also obtain a visitor's pass.Â
​​​​
Gate 7 Visitor's Center - (270) 956-4488
Visitor Center Website: https://home.army.mil/campbell/visitor-check-in ​​​
For more info, click on link below.
2026 Scholarship |
The deadline to submit the 2026 Hamburger Hill Chapter Scholarship applications has passed. The Scholarship Committee is in the process of reviewing all submissions.
Awardees will be announced during the 2026 National Rakkasan Association/Hamburger Hill Chapter Reunion. We will also announce winners on our website and in the June newsletter.
Thank you to all who submitted the applications, and best of luck to each of you!
dates in rakkasan history |
May 6, 1944
World War II
187th GIR heads to New Guinea
Â
On May 6, 1944, the 187th Glider Infantry Regiment, along with the 188th and 511th (11th Airborne Division) sailed out of San Francisco Bay and headed to Oro Bay, New Guinea. The journey took 23 days, arriving May 29, 1944. After unloading at Oro Bay, the Regiment was moved inland to Dobodura, an abandoned U.S. Army Air Corp Airfield. After months of training and acclimation, in November of 1944, the Regiment headed to the Philippines.Â
May 31, 1951
Korean War
Congressional Medal of Honor - Rodolfo Perez Hernandez
Â
 Citation:
"Cpl. Hernandez, a member of Company G, distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty in action against the enemy. His platoon, in defensive positions on Hill 420, came under ruthless attack by a numerically superior and fanatical hostile force, accompanied by heavy artillery, mortar, and machine-gun fire which inflicted numerous casualties on the platoon. His comrades were forced to withdraw due to lack of ammunition, but Cpl. Hernandez, although wounded in an exchange of grenades, continued to deliver deadly fire into the ranks of the onrushing assailants until a ruptured cartridge rendered his rifle inoperative. Immediately leaving his position, Cpl. Hernandez rushed the enemy armed only with rifle and bayonet. Fearlessly engaging the foe, he killed six of the enemy before falling unconscious from grenade, bayonet, and bullet wounds, but his heroic action momentarily halted the enemy advance and enabled his unit to counterattack and retake the lost ground. The indomitable fighting spirit, outstanding courage, and tenacious devotion to duty clearly demonstrated by Cpl. Hernandez reflect the highest credit upon himself, the infantry, and the U.S. Army."
Â
May 10, 1969
Vietnam War
Operation Apache Snow
On May 10, 1969, Operation Apache Snow kicked off. After elements of 3rd Brigade had gathered at Fire Base Blaze, the Rakkasans were inserted near the base of Dong Ap Bia. The Crouching Beast, also known as Hill 937. An eleven-day battle ensued before the hilltop was taken by 3/187th soldiers. A quote from the Hamburger Hill site follows:
"For four days the enemy harassed the men of the Brigade with mortar, rocket-propelled grenades, and small arms fire. Undaunted by this enemy action, the units of 3rd Brigade continued to uncover huge amounts of enemy stores and equipment and to destroy his forces. After pinpointing a stronghold on Dong Ap Bia Mountain, the Brigade launched a series of determined attacks during the ensuing eight days to drive the well trained and equipped enemy from his entrenched positions. Each day the enemy continued to infiltrate reinforcements to help repel the determined American and Vietnamese forces. After eight days of intense combat, units of the Brigade broke through the enemy defenses and overran his bunker complexes. The battle continued for another 36 hours while the men of the Brigade searched for and destroyed all remaining pockets of enemy resistance. During the 10 days of battle the 3rd Brigade and attached units eliminated more than 500 enemy troops, seized large quantities of weapons, explosives, and other military equipment, and captured tons of rice."Â
Â
If you have dates in history, events or a person you would like us to highlight, please send us an email at info@rakkasanassociation.org. OEF/OIF Rakkasans, we could use your input.
in memory |
COL (Ret) Gordon "Gordy" Francis Atcheson
March 15, 1947 — April 18, 2026
COL Atcheson served twenty-seven years in the US Army to include the 3/187th in Vietnam. A LT at the time, COL Atcheson served as a Platoon Leader for Alpha Company during the battle of Hamburger Hill in May of 1969. Our deepest condolences to the family, friends and battle brothers.
Rest in Peace Rakkasan.
Sean O'Brian
1965-2023
Although Sean passed away in 2023 his memory lives on. During his military career, Sean served with the 1/187th and 2/187th.
"A proud Ranger with over 40 years of combined service with the U.S. Army as an active-duty soldier and Department of the Army Civilian. Retired honorably after 20 years of service. Service included time spent in various locations during the Persian Gulf War, active in Operation Desert Storm as an infantry man. Also served as a Drill Sergeant at Fort Jackson, an ROTC instructor at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and then as a Risk Management Integration Instructor at the Unites States Army Safety Center. Recipient of five Army Commendation Medals, one bronze star, one bronze star with V device, four Meritorious Service Medals, and several other commendations. A beloved husband, father, and grandfather. A beacon of Excellence."
fundraiser |
3/187th Memorial Stone Fundraiser
Vietnam 1968-1971
We are 74% towards the fundraising goal! Thanks to everyone's generous support, a preliminary draft of the memorial stone is in the works! We will keep everyone posted on progress.
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!
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 located at 481 S. Sandusky Street.
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
The Hamburger Hill Chapter will be holding board elections during their annual meeting scheduled for May 14, 2026.
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 |
