November 2026 News!
Table of Contents |
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Note from the Association President
2027 Reunions
2027 Elections
3rd Brigade Events & Updates
Chapter News
COL Eli Bernheim Jr
Dates in Rakkasan History
Contact Us
Note from the Association President |
My fellow Rakkasans:
As autumn gives way to winter, November invites us to reflect on the year drawing to a close and look ahead to a new year. With its dedication to honoring our nation's veterans and celebrating Thanksgiving, this month also offers a meaningful opportunity for remembrance and gratitude.
On behalf of the National Rakkasan Association Board of Directors, I extend my sincere gratitude to every veteran who answered the call to serve our Nation. There are approximately 17 million veterans living in the United States today. Thousands of those veterans proudly served with the Rakkasans at some point during their military careers. Your commitment, sacrifice, and dedication have helped preserve the freedoms we enjoy today. Our Nation owes each of you a tremendous debt of gratitude.
As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday, many of us look forward to gathering with family and friends and spending time with those who are most important in our lives. However, not everyone enjoys that same network of support and connection. If you know a fellow Rakkasan or veteran who may be spending the holiday alone, I encourage you to take a moment to reach out. A simple phone call, message, or visit can make a meaningful difference and remind them that they remain part of our enduring Rakkasan family.
In that same spirit of connection and continued service, I would like to share a few updates regarding the Association. The 2027 election cycle is now underway, with the nomination and declaration period open from November 1 through November 30, 2026. Five positions are up for election/re-election: President, Treasurer, and Directors for Positions 5, 6, and 7. As I have previously announced, I will not be seeking reelection as President. The time has come to pass the baton and allow new leadership to carry the Association forward while continuing to preserve and strengthen the proud legacy of the Rakkasans. I will remain actively involved with the Hamburger Hill Chapter where I currently serve as President.
Planning for the 2027 National Rakkasan Association Reunion is also well underway. The reunion is scheduled for June 9-13, 2027, and we look forward to gathering once again in fellowship to celebrate our shared history, renew old bonds, and forge new friendships.
Finally, we are getting closer to launching a Rakkasan Association Store. We are finalizing some details but are hopeful to have the store live very soon.
In closing, as we celebrate Veterans Day and Thanksgiving this month, let us remember those who served before us and honor those who continue to serve today. Above all, let us remain committed to supporting one another—not only during the holidays, but throughout the year—as members of the Rakkasans family.
LVNF,
Bob
2027 Reunions |
The 2027 National Rakkasan Association is scheduled for June 9 to 13, 2027!
The details are being finalized. Once we have these items worked out, we will let you know. Our goals is to have the preliminary itinerary available and registration open by end of 2026, or beginning of 2027.
In the meantime, save the dates and check out the photo galleries from the 2026 National Rakkasan Association Reunion held this past May.
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 has begun! The Nomination and Declaration Phase is open!
Nomination & Declaration Phase – November 1, 2026 to November 30, 2026.
Election Phase – January 1, 2027 to January 31, 2027.
Positions open for election or reelection in 2027 are:
President
Treasurer
Board Position 5
Board Position 6
Board Position 7
Printable and online Nomination and Declaration forms along with more details are available on the Elections Page on our website.
3rd Brigade Events |
Upcoming Event Dates! 3rd MBCT has several events scheduled in the month of November. Our Torii Chapter will be supporting some of these events and we will provide more details as they become available. If you have questions, please contact us at info@rakkasanassociation.org.
November 17 & 18, the Division will hold the 2027 Old Abe Competition.
November 21 from 0900 to 1200, the RAK Serve Squad will be visiting Veterans at the TN State Veterans Home in Clarksville, TN.
November 24 from 0800 to 1200, the Rakk Turkey Bowl will be held, followed by a Thanksgiving Meal at the RAK DFAC.
3/187th Memorial Stone Update!
Vietnam 1968-1971
Progress: The stone has been cut, the proof of names approved and the project has moved into the engraving phase. We will continue to keep everyone posted regarding progress.
1/187th Leader Battalion Torii Update!
Repairs to the 1-187th Leader Torii will begin in the near future.
Chapter News |
Torrii Chapter
Based out of Clarksville, TN, this chapter is very active and supports the 3rd MBCT events at FT Campbell.
President: Frank Peterson
Vice President: Louie Lee
Treasurer: CSM (Ret) Chuck Judd
Secretary: Sheila Patton
For information on the Chapter, joining or getting involved please email Frank at
Buckeye Chapter
Based out of Delaware, Ohio, this Chapter meets at the VFW Reed Miller Post #3297, getting together for lunch meetings several times each year.
The Buckeye Chapter recently held elections with the following results:
President: Hunter Everett
Vice President: Gary Davis
Secretary: Roberta Von Gundy
Treasurer: Mike Smith
For information on the Chapter, joining or getting involved, please email Hunter at Hunter_print@yahoo.com.
Hamburger Hill Chapter
This chapter meets annually during their chapter reunion and has been the primary organizer for the National Rakkasan Association reunions when held at FT Campbell. Although largely made up of Vietnam Veterans who fought on Hill 937, this chapter welcomes members from other conflicts and generations. Since the National Rakkasan Association has made a decision to keep their reunions near FT Campbell (previously rotated between the HH Chapter reunions at FT Campbell and the 101st Airborne Division Association reunions), this chapter could use assistance and support during the annual reunions.
President: Bob Harkins
Vice President: Charlie Ricord
Secretary: Greg West
Treasurer: Mike Smith
A Note from the HH Chapter Vice President - Charlie Ricord.
The 187th has a history and reputation few regiments can match. Generations of Rakkasans have carried that legacy from World War II to today. But it’s not just history—it’s the people. Whatever your unit or MOS, if you wore the patch, you’re family. Staying connected is how we keep that family together.
That’s where the Rakkasan Association and it's Chapters come in. The Rakkasan Association has elections underway and we are all in the middle of reunion planning, where there’s room for everybody to lend a hand. Get involved with the Association, join one of the few chapters, or consider starting a Chapter in your area.
One of the best ways to get connected is to come to a reunion. I’ve been back nearly every year since my first one in 2019. Catching up with old friends is part of it, but so is meeting Rakkasans who served before or after you. The equipment and the Army may have changed, but once the stories start, you find out pretty quick how much we’ve still got in common. If you haven’t been, come on out—and bring a battle buddy or somebody you served with. You’ll swap stories, have a few laughs, and probably head home with some new friends.
And while you’re there, pitch in if you can. As VP of the Hamburger Hill Chapter, I’d be glad to have your help keeping things stocked, making sure events run smoothly, and cleaning up afterward. There’s always something to do, and you can pitch in with your crew. Consider it teambuilding!
Speaking of getting the crew together, we’re looking at kicking off the 2027 reunion with our golf tournament. It’s become a highlight of reunion week—a chance for veterans and active-duty Soldiers to spend time together and enjoy a little friendly competition. We’re planning a four-person scramble with two veterans and two active-duty Soldiers on each team. We’re also talking about longest-drive and closest-to-the-pin contests, prizes for the top teams, and a little something for the team that brings up the rear. We’re still working out the details, so if you’ve got an idea for the tournament, let us hear it.
Until we get together again, let’s keep looking out for each other—especially with the holidays coming up. The holidays aren’t easy for everybody. Give a buddy a call, send a text, or drop them a message. You don’t need a big reason to check in. Just let them know you’re thinking about them. Whether we’re at a reunion or checking in from home, that’s what being a Rakkasan is about: taking care of our own.
Have a great Thanksgiving. Enjoy the time with your family and friends, and don’t forget the buddies who are part of that family, too.
Rakkasan Reserve |
We frequently discuss Rakkasan Veterans and active-duty soldiers joining and participating in the Association. However, there's also a Reserve component consisting of spouses. The Reserve organizes a luncheon annually during the reunions and is currently headed up by Kelley Peterson.
If you interested in learning more, please email us at info@rakkasanassociation.org
Legacy - COL Eli Bernheim Jr |
COL Eli Bernheim Jr services will be held December 17, 2026 at 11:00 AM at Arlington National Cemetery.
Several Rakkasan Association Board Members and Regular Members will be in attendance. If you are in the DC area and wish to attend the ceremony, please reach out to us at info@rakkasanassociation.org.
The Colonel was with 2/187 in the Philippines, serving as a LT at the time, and was awarded the Silver Star for valor as the BN S-4. He was resupplying the foxholes during a Japanese attack in a jeep under fire. At one point, the jeep was actually on fire! Col. Bernheim went on to serve in Korea and Vietnam.
Dates in Rakkasan History |
November 18, 1944
Bito Beach Landing - Leyte, Philippines
On November 11, 1944, the 187th Glider Infantry Regiment along with the 511th and 188th (11th Airborne Division) left New Guinea and headed to Leyte in the Philippines. On November 18, 1944, the 187th Glider Infantry Regiment along with the 511th and 188th arrived at Bito Beach, on the eastside of Leyte Island, Philippines.
The day was filled with rapid unloading of troops and supplies from the ships. "The APAs (troop ships) unloaded personnel rapidly. As quickly as possible, troops, duffel bags, weapons and equipment were unceremoniously dumped at the water's edge. Once empty, the troop ships departed fast. The threat of Japanese air attack was continual. The AKAs (cargo ships) remained and would unload throughout the day and night. The beach rapidly became jammed with men, material and supplies."
One of those men moving supplies to the beach was LT Eli Bernheim Jr. "As units of the 187th moved inland, LT Bernheim was hard pressed to move supplies. He managed to buy a number of water buffalo (carabao), and he recruited a couple of Filipino herders. Then he had a number of heavy bamboo sleds constucted and dragged supplies to the battalion area. LT Bernheim quikly became notorious as "Chief of the Carabao Pack Train.""
On November 22, 1944, the 11th Airborne Division was ordered to move west - northwest to relieve the 7th Infantry. The 511th Infantry was the first to move inland while the 187th guarded the Bitmo Beach area. Combat actions would soon follow.
Quotes, photos and all information obatined from "The Rakkasans: 187th The Steel Berets" by Fred J. Waterhouse, Tuner Publishing Company, page 20-21.
November 25, 1950
Joe Baldonado - MOH
Joe R Baldonado was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for actions on November 25, 1950 while serving as a machine gunner with Company B, 187th Airborne Infantry Regiment. The citation reads as follows:
"Corporal Joe R. Baldonado distinguished himself by acts of gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty while serving as an acting machine gunner in 3d Squad, 2d Platoon, Company B, 187th Airborne Infantry Regiment during combat operations against an armed enemy in Kangdong, Korea on November 25, 1950. On that morning, the enemy launched a strong attack in an effort to seize the hill occupied by Corporal Baldonado and his company. The platoon had expended most of its ammunition in repelling the enemy attack and the platoon leader decided to commit his 3d Squad, with its supply of ammunition, in the defensive action. Since there was no time to dig in because of the proximity of the enemy, who had advanced to within twenty-five yards of the platoon position, Corporal Baldonado emplaced his weapon in an exposed position and delivered a withering stream of fire on the advancing enemy, causing them to fall back in disorder. The enemy then concentrated all their fire on Corporal Baldonado’s gun and attempted to knock it out by rushing the position in small groups and hurling hand grenades. Several times, grenades exploded extremely close to Corporal Baldonado but failed to interrupt his continuous firing. The hostile troops made repeated attempts to storm his position and were driven back each time with appalling casualties. The enemy finally withdrew after making a final assault on Corporal Baldonado’s position during which a grenade landed near his gun, killing him instantly. Corporal Baldonado’s extraordinary heroism and selflessness at the cost of his own life, above and beyond the call of duty, are in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army."
November 1953
On November 6, 1953, two Rakkasans were awarded Silver Stars for their actions during the final days of the Korean War - 1LT Francis P. Patrenos and MSG Charles E. Smith.
Although many Rakkasans have received Silver Stars over the generations, it's nice to run across an old article where Rakkasans were mentioned by name.
This article was originally printed in the November 6, 1953 edition of the Pacific Stars and Stripes.
November 21, 1971
Republic of Vietnam - Combat Operations Cease
On November 21, 1971 at 4:21 PM, the 3/187th stood-down and ceased all combat operations in the Republic of Vietnam. After four years of combat, two Presidential Unit Citations and numerous other unit awards, the 3/187th started to pack up and head home. The final Daily Staff Journal entry reads "The Rakkasanshave left the A.O. to 1/506th Inf to begin redeployment. Logs Closed."
November 1990
Operation Desert Shield
On November 14, 1990, after weeks of training and operating in the desert environment of AO Normandy, the Rakkasans left FOB Oasis and returned to Camp Eagle II. Shortly thereafter, the 3rd Brigade was given a concept brief and the battalions were tasked with developing their own concepts for offensive operations. This "staff planning exercise was designed to develop concepts and highlight issues for cross-FLOT (front line of troops) air assaults", page 153 of "The Rakkasans: 187th The Steel Berets" by Waterhouse.
November 2001
Following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, the United States launched Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) against al-Qaeda and the Taliban in Afghanistan. US military operations commenced on October 7, 2001. The 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division was called upon to support the opening phase of the campaign and the expanding operations.
On November 13, 2001, lead elements of the 1st Battalion, 187th Infantry departed Fort Campbell, Kentucky, beginning the Rakkasans' overseas deployment. Initial elements moved into Pakistan, supporting the establishment of American military operations in the region. The deployment continued as additional brigade personnel and supporting elements prepared to join the mission. The brigade's logistics organization, the 626th Forward Support Battalion, began moving personnel and equipment to provide the essential supplies, maintenance, transportation, and sustainment required for extended operations.
In December of 2001, additional personnel accompanied the Task Force Rakkasan advance party with the main body of the brigade continuing to arrive in Afghanistan through early 2002. By March of 2002, all elements of the brigade had deployed. Additionally, 1st Battalion, 87th Infantry, 10th Mountain Division, which had arrived in early 2002, was attached to Task Force Rakkasan.
Also in early 2002, the Task Force expanded with the arrival of Canada's 3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry. The Canadian advance party arrived at Kandahar Airfield on January 14, 2002, followed by the main battle group in early February. The Canadian battle group included infantry, reconnaissance, and support elements. Their initial mission focused on securing Kandahar Airfield, a strategically important coalition base.
The Rakkasans would soon take on a significant operational role in Afghanistan, including responsibility for Kandahar Airfield and participation in Operation Anaconda in March 2002, fighting al-Qaeda forces in the Shah-i-Kot Valley.
The November 2001 deployment was more than a movement of troops overseas. It represented the beginning of the Rakkasans' commitment to the Global War on Terror—a mission that would take our soldiers into some of the most challenging combat environments over the next two decades.
3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry
On October 17, 2026, the PPCLI suffered casualities during a training incident at the Wainwright Training Area in Alberta, Canada. Four soldiers were killed and an additional thirty-nine seriously injured. The soldiers were conducting a live-fire training when very high, shifting winds stirred a grassfire which then moved quickly into the area of training.
Our sincere condolences to the soldiers, family and friends of the 3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry.
Thanksgiving 2026 |
We wish everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving!
A look back at menus from years gone by!
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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