October News!
- Theresa Scheets
- Oct 5
- 10 min read
A Short Note From the Association President
Bronze Statues & Sculptures
3rd Brigade News
2026 Reunion
Fundraisers
Dates in Rakkasan History
Chapter News
Miscellaneous News
Contact Us
Hello fellow Rakkasans,
It is already October, and the year 2025 is flying by at a rapid pace. This year has been filled with events and busy schedules, leaving little room for pause. We now find ourselves entering a holiday season that stretches across four months, from October through January. This period is traditionally associated with gatherings, celebrations, and being surrounded by family and friends. It is a time when many reflect on their blessings and share moments of happiness with loved ones. However, it is essential to recognize that for many Rakkasans, this season can also be a time of solitude and loneliness. Our Korean War and Vietnam Vets are passing away at a rapid rate, and our ranks are thinning. If you happen to know one of these Veterans, consider reaching out and making contact with them. If you are a Desert Shield/Storm Veteran, take the initiative to reconnect with one of your buddies. Take time to reminisce about times past, but also check in to ensure that they are doing well in their current lives. For veterans of the Afghanistan and Iraq conflicts, as well as our current Rakkasan soldiers, the call for connection is equally vital. The suicide rate among veterans is a stark reminder of the struggles many face long after their service has ended. The bonds forged in service can often be the lifeline that helps someone navigate the challenges they may be facing. Take some time to reach out and connect.
We are working on finalizing the 2026 Reunion and will provide more details in the months ahead. Reunions are great ways to keep the Rakkasan bonds strong.
In the August and September e-newsletters, we began highlighting the Bronze Statues that were donated to the Division and the Pratt Museum. This month we highlight "Cold Steel" and "Follow-Me".
LVNF
Bob
Next time you are in Division Headquarters, pause by each statue and take a moment to reflect on our shared legacy.
"Cold Steel"
Located in the basement at Division Headquarters.
"In combat for the American paratrooper there is a time when he faces his enemy 'eyeball to eyeball’. This sculpture captures that moment when only cold steel, iron nerve, raw courage and the will to prevail stands between him and his enemy using the bayonet as the weapon of last resort, when the fighting is ‘hand to hand’. This sculpture depicts a soldier of the 187th Infantry Regiment in the Pacific. The sculpture was made by Bill Porteous and donated by Dr. C.W. Flevares".
"Follow-Me"
Located in Divion Headquarters, right hallway.
"This sculpture depicts a 101st Airborne Division non-commissioned officer beckoning his infantry squad forward in the assault during the Vietnam War. He carries the famous M16 rifle adopted in 1965, that with modifications, has served the American soldier all over the world for over forty years. The special tropical uniform seen here, and worn in Vietnam was patterned after the original WWII Airborne uniform with its many pockets. This sculpture was made by Bill Porteous and donated by Dr. C.W. Flevares.”
A MESSAGE FROM RAK 6
Rakkasans!
The beginning of the fall season has been marked by intense, realistic training. The Brigade's readiness is high and will only increase from here. In September, we ran Operation Tagaytay Ridge at Fort Campbell. Our guys proved they can seize key ground whenever they need to. Leader Battalion went first, pulling off 4 Company Air Assaults at night, moving an entire battalion to set up a defense in the dark. Samurai Company (HHC) ran a tough staff exercise, showing they can keep control of the fight even when the formation is spread out. At the same time, Iron Battalion was conducting situational training exercises to ensure all their Platoons were proficient and lethal. They also focused hard on medical training, ensuring we can take care of our teammates.
Iron Battalion’s MASCAL (Mass Casualty) drill was more than just practice; it was a test of saving lives as a team. SSG Snidow, a medic from Iron, took charge of the triage, calmly sorting the wounded for the Role 1 team as simulated casualties came in. Doctors and surgical teams from the 531st Hospital Center’s FRSDs (Forward Surgical Detachments) trained with us. The providers were fully integrated, treating the worst "patients" and teaching our medics advanced life-saving skills in real time. The link between the battlefield medic and the surgical table is critical. It shows that the entire medical system must work together for our Rakkasans to make it home.
With White Currahee back from West Point, the entire Brigade is at Fort Campbell for the first time since May. Now, the mission is simple: recover and modernize. Every truck, radio, and weapon are receiving the maintenance needed to be ready for the next fight. Our leaders are making sure we put the same effort into taking care of our Soldiers and their families. We're fielding new equipment: Infantry Squad Vehicles (ISVs), M7 and M250 Next Gen Weapons, and new drones for reconnaissance. These new tools mean everyone must learn new skills. We finish up this month at the JRTC Leader Training Program (LTP) at Fort Polk, which gets our staff ready before we go into the box.
By the end of October, we'll be ready to roll into November with live fire certifications. Every training event is a chance to gain an edge, ensuring we win by making the fight unfair for the enemy. We stay ready every day because the Nation relies on us—just like they relied on you. We live in the legacy you built, and we thank you for your support of the Regiment.
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 17, 2026 in Clarksville, TN and FT Campbell, KY. More details to come in the months ahead.
If you are interested in donating towards the 2026 and future scholarship funding, please contact Mike Smith at michael_smith@yahoo.com.
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
On September 21, 2025, Samuel Taylor of the Evansville Police Department (Indiana) was shot in the line of duty. He remains in the hospital and the family faces a long road ahead. 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.
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.
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
Attention Buckeyes - The next Chapter Meeting is scheduled for October 11, 2025. Meeting starts at 12:00 Noon. Lunch will be pulled pork.
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.
Veterans Day Parade
Springfield, Missouri
The Springfield Veterans Day Parade is taking place in downtown Springfield, Missouri on November 8th, 2025. The Ozarks Elders are looking for participants. If you are in the area and would like to participate, please contact us or contact Joel Trautmann.
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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