November News!
- Theresa Scheets
- 19 hours ago
- 10 min read
A Short Note From the Association President
Bronze Statues & Sculptures
3rd Brigade News
2026 Reunion
Fundraisers
Rakkasan Legacy
Dates in Rakkasan History
Chapter News
Contact Us
Greetings to my fellow Rakkasans.
Veterans Day is just around the corner, and the holiday season is fast approaching. We extend our gratitude to everyone who has answered the call to serve our great nation. Thank you for your service in the U.S. Army and especially for being a Rakkasan.
As we enter the holiday season, let's be thankful for our families, friends, and our numerous blessings. At the same time, let's not forget those facing financial difficulties, those unable to be with loved ones, or those who are simply alone.
We are also one month closer to the 2026 Annual National Rakkasan Association Reunion. The 2026 Reunion (sponsored by the Weldon Honeycutt - Hamburger Hill Chapter) is set for May 2026. The Reunion is scheduled to begin May 13, 2026, and run through May 16, 2026, with an optional extension through May 19, 2026. 2026 marks the 35th Anniversary of Operation Desert Storm (ODS). We will honor and remember ODS throughout the entire reunion, but the extension from the 17th through the 19th is specific to ODS actions. The 2026 National Rakkasan Association Reunion is essentially one reunion with two phases. There will be one reunion registration fee which covers all the reunion activities spanning May 13th to May 19th, 2026. All who register, regardless of the years served, are welcome to attend all or just some of the days/events.
We are still working on plans and finalizing details and will have more information, including a detailed itinerary and registration instructions, in the weeks and months ahead. Stay tuned for more detailed information.
LVNF
Bob
Next time you are in Division Headquarters, pause by each statue and take a moment to reflect on our shared legacy.
"Spirt of the Airborne"
Located in Division Headquarters, right hallway.
"The Forward Observer"
Located in Division Headquarters, north stairwell.
"This sculpture depicts a forward observer team of two WWII paratroopers. They are armed with the M1 Carbine, a lightweight weapon issued to radiomen, artillerymen, other specialist troops instead of the heavier M1 rifle and was often carried by officer’s as a more effective weapon than the .45 pistol. This sculpture could also represent a Company Commander contacting his higher headquarters. The sculpture was made by Bill Porteous and donated by Dr. C.W. Flevares.”
A MESSAGE FROM RAK 6
RAKKASANS!
Thank you for your continued support of the Regiment. Here is how your Brigade is preparing for combat.
In October we executed Operation Viper Hunter at Fort Campbell, integrating unmanned reconnaissance with timely, accurate fires. Our Multi-Functional Reconnaissance Company (Viper) worked with 3-320th Field Artillery (Red Knights) to shorten the sensor-to-shooter timeline, refine target handover, and improve camouflage, dispersion, and communications discipline under field conditions.
Modernization continued across every battalion. We fielded and trained on the Next Generation Squad Weapons—the M7 and M250 in 6.8mm—progressing from preliminary marksmanship to qualification to build small-unit lethality. Leader Battalion’s Multi-Purpose Company (Dragon) completed a Mortar Training and Evaluation Program to tighten gunnery, survivability moves, and fire mission processing.
This week, Brigade and battalion command teams and staffs are at Fort Polk for the Leader Training Program. We’re sharpening mission command, sustainment under contact, electronic warfare/counter‑UAS, and fires integration in preparation for our JRTC rotation in April.
Our Soldiers continue to set the standard. In cold, driving rain, SGT Noah Wright led his mortar section to standard—maintaining pace, safety, and effects while mentoring junior leaders. His example of steady leadership under adverse conditions reflects the grit expected of this Regiment.
Near-term, November will focus on squad and platoon live-fires and command post exercises to harden fundamentals and staff battle rhythm, as well as the annual Turkey Bowl! In December we will conduct the Fire Support Coordination Exercise to train commanders to employ fires in combined arms maneuver; in January we will execute a CALFEX to integrate across warfighting functions; and in April we will bring the fight to the Joint Readiness Training Center in LA. Our priorities are clear: lethal teams, built on a solid foundation in the basics of our profession.
We are mindful of the legacy you built—from Korea and Vietnam to the Middle East and Afghanistan—and we are training to meet that standard in today’s fight. Thank you for your steadfast support.
Let Valor Not Fail!
COL Ryan Bell
RAK6
2026 National Rakkasan Association/Hamburger Hill Chapter
35th Anniversary of Desert Storm
Save the dates! Mark your calendar! The 2026 reunion is scheduled for May 13 to 19, 2026 in Clarksville, TN and Fort Campbell, KY. We are still working on plans and finalizing details. We will have more information, including a detailed itinerary and registration instructions, in the weeks and months ahead. Stay tuned!
If you are interested in donating towards the 2026 and future scholarship funding, please contact Mike Smith at michael_smith@yahoo.com.
2026 Snowbird Reunion
Florida Chapter - 1010st Airborne Division Association Reunion
If you can't wait until May, the Snowbird Reunion will be held February 18 to 21, 2026 in Tampa, Florida.
3/187th Memorial Stone Fundraiser
Vietnam 1968-1971
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!
Wounded Rakkasan
Samuel Taylor - 1/187th
Last month we posted information regarding Samuel Taylor, who was shot in the line of duty on September 21, 2025, while serving with the Evansville Police Department (Indiana). We have received an update that he is currently undergoing rehabilitation and is making a bit of progress. Samuel served with the 1/187th in 2021-2023, followed by time as an Air Assault Instructor. FOP Lodge #73 is accepting donations to support Officer Taylor and his family.
Honoring the 75th Anniversary - 187th Entering the Korean War
Cherry Phillips
I recently had the great honor to speak with Cherry Phillips of the 187th Regimental Combat Team days. Many of you might know him from the Grog Ceremony at the Memorial Dinners. At 95 years old, over the last few years he has been the oldest Rakkasan present at the annual reunion. As a result, he has been called forward, along with the youngest Rakkasan present, to partake of the grog.
Cherry joined the US Army in 1947 at the age of seventeen. He completed Basic Training at Ft. Jackson, South Carolina, and spent time in the Aleutian Islands, followed by Ft. Hamilton in Brooklyn, New York. One day, Cherry noticed a bulletin board announcement. The US Army was looking for paratroopers, offering extra pay each month. He decided to apply and off he went to Ft. Benning, GA, for training. This was just before gliders were removed from US Army training and when paratroopers packed their own parachutes. After training, Cherry was sent to Ft. Campbell, KY, and became part of the 11th Airborne Division. Initially with the 511th, he was transferred to the 187th at the onset of the Korean War.
Cherry remembers being transported by train to the West Coast and then by ship to Japan. Soon after arriving, he and his fellow Rakkasans were flown to Kimpo Airbase to join the fight against the North Korean Army. Cherry took part in the combat jump at Sukchon-Sunchon on October 20, 1950. He recalls having an early breakfast that morning before heading to the airfield for the jump, which was delayed due to weather. After waiting several hours, Cherry finally boarded the plane and jumped near Sukchon, about thirty miles north of Pyongyang. He remembers advancing towards Pyongyang and clearing out remaining pockets of North Korean soldiers as they retreated north. At some point, Cherry heard that the Chinese had joined the fight, prompting the US Army to move south, leaving Pyongyang. Cherry noted that the weather turned extremely cold—bitterly cold. As the paratroopers passed through Seoul, he remembers seeing the city in flames. He also vividly recalls the long lines of Korean refugees fleeing the conflict with their belongings on their backs.
Although Cherry was still in Korea, he did not participate in the 2nd Jump at Munsan-ni. Instead, he replaced the squad jeep driver who had been withdrawn from the lines to escort his brother's body home after the brother was killed in action. Cherry assumed the role of jeep driver, towing a trailer with an 81mm mortar and ammunition. He and others were traveling with a tank unit to join the paratroopers scheduled to jump. Along the way, they encountered a site where US Air Force jeeps had been ambushed and all occupants killed. Cherry's group did not arrive in time for the jump. However, Cherry did participate in several battles in the Munsan-ni Valley and surrounding areas before leaving Korea.
Cherry left the Army sometime after the Korean War. Several decades later, he became involved with the 187th Airborne Regimental Combat Team and the Ohio Buckeye Chapter. He continues to attend reunions and continues to be a proud Rakkasan.
Rakkasan Legacy! Let Valor Not Fail!
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 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 (11th Airborne Division) arrive at Bito Beach, Leyte Island, Philippines. Combat actions would soon follow.
November 21, 1971
Republic of Vietnam - Combat Operations Cease
On November 21, 1971 at 4:24 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.
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."
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.
MaryAnn Forsyth, a Lifetime Ladies Reserve member of the Rakkasan Association, passed away on October 31, 2025. MaryAnn Forsyth was the wife of Fred Forsyth. Fred is a Lifetime member of the Association and has been attending reunions for decades. Fred and his wife have been great assets to the Rakkasan community.
Our deepest condolences.
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 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.
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.
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