October 2026 News!
Table of Contents |
|---|
A Short Note from the Association President
2027 Reunions
2027 Elections
Dates in Rakkasan History
In Memory
Chapter News & Events
Fundraisers
Contact Us
A Short Note from the Association President |
My fellow Rakkasans:
Fall has officially arrived, bringing with it an important opportunity to shape the future of the Rakkasan Association. The nomination and declaration phase for the 2027 Board election begins November 1, 2026, and I encourage every member to consider how they can help carry our proud legacy forward.
Over the past several months, I have reflected on where our Association has been and looked ahead to where it is going. Since becoming president of the National Rakkasan Association in 2019, I have had the privilege of facilitating and witnessing the torch of leadership continue its journey—from our founders and Korean War veterans, to the Rakkasans of the Vietnam War, and now to the Desert Shield and Desert Storm veterans serving on our Board of Directors and throughout our membership. Each generation has strengthened the legacy entrusted to it and prepared the way for the next.
In September 2026, we commemorated the 25th anniversary of September 11, 2001. We are also approaching the 25th anniversary of the Rakkasans' first deployment in the Global War on Terror—Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan—followed shortly afterward by the Rakkasans’ first deployment to Iraq in 2003. These milestones remind us that the story of Rakkasan service continues to be written by every generation that answers the call. It has been a priority to welcome these Rakkasan veterans into our ranks. The Association will continue to embrace our GWOT veterans, whose service, leadership, and commitment will carry the Rakkasan legacy into the future.
Together, we have strengthened the foundation of our Association. Membership has stabilized and is beginning to grow. Membership processing has improved, we are working on strengthening our internal procedures, and our bond with active-duty soldiers is strong and growing stronger. We are also working to revitalize the Rakkasan Store. These accomplishments reflect what Rakkasans have always known: when we move forward together, we leave the organization stronger for those who follow.
I am proud of what we have accomplished together, and I am deeply grateful to everyone who helped move these efforts forward. Now, the time has come to pass the torch. I will not seek reelection as president of the National Rakkasan Association in the upcomign election cycle, but I will remai president through the end of my current term and continue serving as president of the Hamburger Hill Chapter. I will also remain active in planning our annual reunion. My commitment to this Association and to the Rakkasan family remains steadfast, even as new leaders will step forward to guide us into the future.
Thank you very much for your support over the years. It has been an honor to serve with you.
LVNF
Bob
2027 Reunions |
The 2027 National Rakkasan Association Reunion is in the works!
The dates have been set! Mark your calendars. The 2027 reunion is scheduled for June 9th to 13th of 2027.
The exact itinerary and details are being finalized. 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.
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 begins November 2026!
Nomination & Declaration Phase – November 1, 2026 to November 30, 2026.
Election Phase – January 1, 2027 to January 31, 2027.
Positions open in the 2027 election process are:
President
Treasurer
Board Position 5
Board Position 6
Board Position 7
Printable and online Nomination and Declaration forms will be made available on our website in October of 2026. Please keep an eye on the Elections Page on our website.
Dates in Rakkasan History |
October 20, 1950
Korean War – Combat Jump
A few days prior, the 187th RCT was alerted for an airborne operation north of Pyongyang. “The 187th would make a parachute assault at the twin road-rail junctions at Sukchon and Sunchon, 10 miles apart, 25 miles north of Pyongyang and only 100 miles south of the Manchurian border” (page 50 of “The Rakkasans, 187th The Steel Berets” by Waterhouse). The goal was for 1st and 3rd Battalion to capture Sukchon and 2nd Battalion capture Sunchon. After a few delays on the morning of October 20, 1950, the paratroopers loaded the planes and proceeded to their jump zones. At around 1400 Hours the paratroopers were ordered to “Stand Up and Hook Up” and after a few minutes, the men and equipment were out the door.
October 21, 1950
Korean War - Oparai
After completion of the combat jump into Sukchon-Sunchon on October 20, 1950, Company I and K of 1st Battalion began moving south from Sukchon to Pyongyang on October 21, 1950. In the early afternoon, Company I got caught in a firefight and two platoons were overrun.
"At 0900 hours, two company combat teams moved south along the railroad and road to Pyongyang. Company I was assigned the mission of making a reconnaissance in force to clear the railroad. Company K was given the mission of making reconnaissance in force to clear the main road. Company I proceeded without opposition to Oparai, where it was attacked at 1300 hours by an enemy force of two battalions. MSGT Melvin Stawser (CSM USA Ret.), was a platoon sergeant in I Company. He recalls his platoon moved into the outskirts of the small town. His Rakkasans came to a railroad yard with a number of tracks and sidings...at about 1300 hours, Mel remembers heavy enemy fire began hitting all around. He managed to pull his platoon back by squads. The North Koreans caught I Company in an ambush...After a two and one half hour fire fight, two platoons of I Company were overrun by the enemy". Excerpt from "The Rakkasans, 187th, The Steel Berets", by Waterhouse, pages 54 and 55.
October 21, 1950
Korean War - Medal of Honor
Richard G Wilson as posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for actions October 21, 1950 while serving as a medical Aidman with Company I, 187th Airborne Infantry Regiment.
Citation: Pfc. Wilson distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty in action. As medical aid man attached to Company I, he accompanied the unit during a reconnaissance in force through the hilly country near Opari. The main body of the company was passing through a narrow valley flanked on 3 sides by high hills when the enemy laid down a barrage of mortar, automatic-weapons and small-arms fire. The company suffered a large number of casualties from the intense hostile fire while fighting its way out of the ambush. Pfc. Wilson proceeded at once to move among the wounded and administered aid to them oblivious of the danger to himself, constantly exposing himself to hostile fire. The company commander ordered a withdrawal as the enemy threatened to encircle and isolate the company. As his unit withdrew Private Wilson assisted wounded men to safety and assured himself that none were left behind. After the company had pulled back he learned that a comrade previously thought dead had been seen to be moving and attempting to crawl to safety. Despite the protests of his comrades, unarmed and facing a merciless enemy, Pfc. Wilson returned to the dangerous position in search of his comrade. Two days later a patrol found him lying beside the man he returned to aid. He had been shot several times while trying to shield and administer aid to the wounded man. Pfc. Wilson's superb personal bravery, consummate courage and willing self-sacrifice for his comrades reflect untold glory upon himself and uphold the esteemed traditions of the military service.
October 18, 1968
Vietnam War
On October 18, 1968 the 3187th officially arrived in the I Corps Tactical Zone and reported to MG Zais as "Ready to Move and Ready to Fight". The 3/1878th had arrived in the Republic of Vietnam with 3rd Brigade in November and December of 1967. Starting in early 1968, 3rd Brigade operated detached from the 101st Airborne Division - OPCON to MACV - II Field Force, serving as a Ready Reaction Force in the III Corps Tactical Zone. The 3/187th earned the first of two Presidential Unit Citations in Vietnam during the months of June to September of 1968.
October 1990
Operation Desert Shield
On October 6, 1990, the Rakkasans received orders for Covering Force Operations. From Camp Eagle II, the Rakkasans headed into AO Normandy, a large desert area through which ran Tapline Road (Main Supply Route Dodge). The Rakkasans also continued to provide security for Camp Eagle II. Operations began on October 13, 1990.
"AO Normandy was a huge desert area centered by the Tapline Road. There were three phases lines running north and south: PL Chisel, Wickham, Tennessee, Indiana, Kansas, Colorado and Hammer. There were also engagement areas: EA Wasp, Snake, Fly, Steel, Vulture, Bronze, Dog, Wolf and Coyote. The Rakkasans had the 3rd Armored Cavalry on their right flank and the 2nd Brigade, 101st Airborne on their left. To the rear of AO Normandy, the brigade established a logistical base named "Sukchon". The Rakkasans created forward operating base (FOB) "Oasis" in the north of AO Normandy". Excerpt from "Rakkasans, 187th The Steel Berets", by Waterhouse, page 151.
October 2010
OEF 10-11
On October 8, 2010, in Khowst Province, Afghanistan, elements of 1st Squadron, 33rd Cavalry Regiment and their Afghan National Army Forces partners carried out a joint air-assault mission, named War Old Coffee, that uncovered and destroyed two insurgent weapons caches. After a pinnacle landing insertion and navigating rugged mountain terrain, the troops seized weapons, ammunition, explosives, and other supplies
Later that same month, elements of the 3rd Battalion, 187th Infantry air assaulted into Shamshay Village in Ghanzi Province, a known staging area for insurgent attacks.
October 6, 2012
Khowst Province, Afghanistan
The Rakkasans deployed to eastern Afghanistan in September and October 2012 for their sixth Global War on Terror deployment and third tour in Afghanistan. After assuming responsibility for Khowst, Paktya, and eastern Paktika provinces, they partnered with Afghan military and police forces to conduct operations against insurgents while helping Afghan forces take greater responsibility for regional security.
On October 6, 2012 the Rakkasans colors were officially uncased during a Transfer of Authority ceremony at Forward Operating Base Salerno in eastern Afghanistan.
October 2023
Operation European Assure Deter and Reinforce
On October 30, 2023, the 3d Brigade Combat Team cased their colors for deployment to Eastern Europe, replacing the 1st Brigade. At the time, 3d BCT was commanded bu COL Ricardo Turner and CSM William Gallant.
In Memory |
COL Eli Berneim Jr.
COL Eli Bernheim's ceremony and internment at Arlington Cemetery is scheduled for December 17, 2026 at 11:00 AM.
There will be Rakkasan Board representatives present. If you are in the area and able to attend, please let us know.
Philip Darren Ramsey
1966 to 2026
Philip Darren Ramsey passed away on September 15, 2026. Darren served with the 3rd Battalion, 187th Infantry.
Richard C Whiting
1940 - 2026
Richard C Whiting passed away on September 23, 2026. Richard was a Lifetime Member of the Association and served with the 2nd Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment.
Chapter News |
Torii Chapter
The Torii Chapter will be supporting the Rakkasans on their "Smoke and Smackdown" night on October 16, 2026. Event will take place in the 3d Brigade area at FT Campbell, Kentucky.
President: Frank Peterson
Vice President: Louie Lee
Treasurer: CSM (Ret) Chuck Judd
Secretary: Sheila Patton
The Chapter is based out of Clarksville, TN but accepts members from other areas. For information on the Chapter please email vp@rakkasanassociation.org.
Buckeye Chapter
Based out of Delaware, Ohio. Meets at the VFW Reed Miller Post #3297, 481 S. Sandusky Street, Delaware, Ohio, 43015
Next Chapter Meeting: October 10, 2026 at 12:00 Noon. There will be a Pulled Pork lunch served.
President: Scott Hutmire
Treasurer: Hunter Everett
For information on the Chapter please email Mike Smith at michael_smith672@yahoo.com or Hunter Everett at hunter_print@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.
FundraiserS |
1/187th Torii Fundraiser
The 1/187th is seeking assistance in funding the rebuilding out its Leader Torii which sits outside the 1/187th Headquarters. The estimated cost to repair the torii is $2,000.
If you would like to contribute towards this fundraiser, please reach out to us at info@rakkasanassociation.org.
3/187th Memorial Stone Fundraiser
Vietnam 1968-1971
We are 100% funded!!
Progress: Thanks to everyone's generous support, the 3/187th's Memorial Stone is fully funded. We are working on proofing the names before engraving begins.
We will keep everyone posted regarding progress. Thank you again!
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 |
Comments