Draft Newsletter Daily Worksheet for July 2025Draft
Latest Update of Draft - 30 Jun 2025
Board Use Only. Not for publication
This is my worksheet during the month for the next Newsletter
Centaur Website Newsletter - July 2025
INDEX: News, Checking In, Corections , MyPages, War Stories & Photos , Deceased, Reunions/Events, Centaur Shirts
--- News ---
News Video: 
In April 1972, British Journalist Richard Lindley and crew did a great video of F Troop in action around Hue City, Vietnam. It was discovered by several Centaurs on YouTube and has been reedited for our website.
Please review and see if you can identify some of the men in the video. If you remember the missions, please tell us what you know. powellcentaur@gmail.com
Video is linked to from our War Stories Video page and from Dan Lott, Mike "BG" Woods, and Chuck O'Connell MyPages. Kenneth A. Vickers identified but no MyPage yet.
Copyright: It was surprising that one of the big film/photos/video companies like Getty Images didn't gobble this great video up, slap their logo in the middle of everything, then charge people to use it. Fortunately none of those companys have came after us when we find and publish the origiinals on our website. It may not be well known, but when YouTube is given a video then they own it. They edit it to their format, add ad's and other crap to it, before publishing. So far they have not bothered us with claims of infringement. We do give them credit when we use any of their stuff.
Smoking Cigarettes on the Flightline? It has been noticed in several photos and videos that apparently smoking has been allowed, or put up with, on the Flightline and possibly in the Refuel and Rearm Points by the men of F Troop. Did it happen during the D Troop era? Does anyone remember how/when that got started?
Some Centaurs noticed that and remembered that it was never done, to their knowledge, during their tours. Any comments?
Patrick Hamilton (Major General Retired- Armored Cavalry Officer) sends a note with photo of his Centaur dad Thomas R. Hamilton receiving the Order of St. Michael from the Army Aviation Association of America (AAAA) for his pioneering work in developing combat aviation in the Army from 1961 to 1984. This included three tours in Vietnam, his time with the Centaurs being his last tour. This award happened at Patricks retirement ceremony in Oct 2021.
Located: Perry A. Thomas CW2 1967-68. 1967-68 Initially assigned to Gun Platoon with Mike Galloway then to Scouts a few months later. He is reviewing website and will send info.
--- Checking In---
If you would ike to contact any one send the webmaster a note
Pat Hamilton (Tom's son).....Ron Cooper....Bob Taylor......Frank Dillon....Chuck Sullivan (Marty's son)....
.KC Allcock....Marvin Morrison (Marty's nephew)......Mark Donahue (ref B/2/17 101st)....Darrow Gervais(Pullen note)..
Mike Peake.......James E. Whitman.....Bob Jones......John Moore......Bob Tegelman......Carl Betsill,,,,,,
Gary Jones.....Tom Fleming......Danna Lott Gesellchen......Ann Meeks.....Frank Hock....Perry A. Thomas....
Cassie Stone (Grand daughter Haskel Stone)....Bob Brady......Jim Walt......Matt Jackson.......Sandy McLeod......
Gail Locke (wife Mel Locke)......Bert Redmon (Greg's son).....
--- Website Corrections/Updates---
Stephen J. Snoddy SP5 LOH Crew Chief. Can this be his Obituary? We know he was originally from Indiana and the age dates seem right. Any help?
Photo of Rocky Rhodes as Crew Chief (1969-1970) and an LOH with a side door mounted Minigun has been added to the War Story "LOH Minigun DoorGun" Discussion page.
Steve Snoddy and Rocky Rhodes, Crew Chief and Door Gunner earned the Distinguished Flying Cross. That award ribbon is added to their respective MyPages.
Corrected: John McGee Intro Video (2024) was not properly linked to from his MyPage
Corrected: Jerry Brownfield's MyPage adding his wife Carla and their move to Grove, Oklahoma.
Updated and colorized Dan Lott's deceased MyPage Linked the great April 1972 Video by Independent Television News (British), to his MyPage.
Dan's daughter Danna Gesellchen and husband Kalon are planning to attend the Branson Reunion in November. We hope that those of you who may have known Dan will be able to attend and meet her.
Reminder of the great comments made on his Obit page
Listing on Roster "THA" was corrected to Perry A. Thomas, CW2 LOH Scout Pilot 1967-68.
Gail Locke, CPT Melvin W. Locke's wife has contacted us and provided us with information for his Deceased MyPage. He was Flight class 69-34, Born May 29 1945. Lived in Pasadena CA. Let us know if you have any info on Mel. powellcentaur@gmail.com
John Moore finds ROTC 1968 pic of Stan Miller and Mel Locke and adds it to their MyPages
Emails:
--- MyPages ---
--- War Stories & Photos---
Video: Battle at the Straight Edge Woods (Loss of the Iron Butterfly) (LOH Mark Jackson KIA) by CW2 Tom Dooling.
This was a recon Mission at the Straight Edge Woods 28 October 1969 where Mark Jackson was KIA. Tom and his copilot Jack Craig's quick thinking and actions saved Mark's LOH crewmen.
This action earned Tom his first of two Silver Stars.
This video has been linked to from the War Stories Video Page and his MyPage.
Can you help us identify the Crew Chief and Observer/Door Gunner that were both wounded on this mission. Is there any chance that someone kept a roster of crew members for that period of time (November 1970)?
powellcentaur@gmail.co
Photo: to Identify Aerorifle Platoon Members 1966.
John Alto photo of Aerorifle Platoon 1966 was used to add MyPages for Solomon and Bell and added to their pages plus Frith, Tyre and Weaver. (Thanks Bob Tegelman)
---Deceased ---
Melvin W. "Mel" Locke CPT Cobra pilot 1972 Centaur 43 has died. His wife Gail contacted us recently and let us know he died 24 December 2018.
His MyPage has been upgraded to a Deceased MyPage and his name added to the Deceased Roster
Be sure to watch Ron Harrison's video telling of a mission where Mel saved the day. We are seeking more photos and information.
Greg Alan Redmon SP4 LOH Scout Oberver/Gunner 1968 to Mar 1969 died peacefully with his family on 28 October 2024 in Delphos, Ohio. His son Bert Redmon, has provided the photos and information to update his MyPage to Deceased, add an Obituary & a Photo Album. Please review see if you can provide captions.
Greg served initially in A Troop as an MOS 11E4Q Armor. We thought he was pictured in the Fair Haired Scout photo on the right side. However, it doesn't look like him. Maybe you might know who that is in the photo.
Lewis L. "Lew" Barger CPT Gun Platoon 1966 to 1967 died peacefully sourounded by his family on 20 June 2025. Besides being remembered as a talented and well respected Combat Gun Pilot, Lew is also remembered for his really well done slideshow about his tour in Vietnam. Gary Hatfield's video tells of Lew covering a very hot LZ recovery of our LRRP forces. His son "Lew" shared our Centaur farewell note to him two days before he died. He smiled and nodded.
Charles "Marty" Sullivan CW2 Cobra Pilot Centaur 52 July 1970 to August 1971 died peacefully sourounded by his family on 3 June 2025.
See the 5 photos in his Photo Album
In recent years Marty had opened up about his service in Vietnam and memories of his combat brothers. Chuck, his son, and Marvin Morrison, his nephew, Have stayed in touch with us.
Charles E. Solomon SP4 Aerorifleman 1965 to 1966 died on 16 February 1971 at the age of 27.
His photo came from an Aerorifle group pic from John Alto. That pic is added to his deceased MyPage as an MP1. IDed by Bob Tegelman
Death Certificate & HS photo provided by John Moore.
George R. Bell PFC Aerorifleman 1965 to March 1966 died 5 August 2014. His Obituary is linked to his Deceased page.
His photo came from an Aerorifle group pic from John Alto. That pic is added to his deceased MyPage as an MP1. IDed by Bob Tegelman
There is a possibility that we have the wrong obit. If you have any info, please help us.
Haskel P Stone Jr. CPT Aerorifle Platoon Commander 1967-1968, died on 18 October 2014 in Lakewood Ranch, Florida.
He was the Aeroscout Flight Leader (275 Combat Hours & a DFC) and changed to the Platoon Leader of the Aerorifle ground unit in February 1968 during the TET Offensive when Bill Mosenthal was seriously wounded at the Battle of the Hobo Woods.
Reunion/Events/Promotions ---
Centaur Vets Reunion November 2025 - Branson, MO Update: 20Jun2025
KC Allcock will host the Centaur reunion in Branson, Missouri.
Please take another look at KC's Vets Reunion introduction movie.- - This years Attendee List!!
Click on the Centaur Reunion red button on the upper left of our Home Page (Reunion Page) for continous updates from KC.
Or click on the Reunions Navigation button, then click on Branson, MO
We hope you will get your Banquet Registration Form in to KC as soon as possible for his Reunion Planning.
3/4 Cav Squadron Reunion September 2025
The next 3/4 Cav Squadron Reunion will be 14 to 18 September 2025 in Nashville, TN.
Click here for detailed information.
Below are the Dale Dow designed T Shirts that are now available from Christine (Dow) Smith:
D Troop:
Small Medium Large XLarge XXLarge XXXLarge 4X Large
F Troop: Med Large XLarge XXLarge XXXLarge 4X Large
Shirts are $25.00 each including shipping costs.
Christine (Dow) Smith email at jaychris0126@live.com
For the CIVO Board of Directors,
Bruce
Bruce Powell, Newsletter Editor and Webmaster of centaursinvietnam.org
email: powellcentaur@gmail.com
1031 E Highline Drive, Payson, AZ 85541 (Summer)
11875 S Ironwood Drive, Yuma, AZ 85367 (Winter)
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx END DRAFT xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
..................PENDING - "My Swamp"...........................................
Review Pending "My Swamp" below & see what can be done, or has been already done, or given up on.
Huckaby: Resembles the guy I knew, but we all changed in the first few months. Charles Loher HS pic
Input from John Miller, Steve Lane, Dehart, Brothers????
Who the hell is James Moody? - possible SP4 that became CSM?
Update add links to Petty story KIA and Bob Bobo's OH6 rescue
Ad Carl Burns Rutgers Interview: https://oralhistory.rutgers.edu/explore/alphabetical-index/interviewees/30-interview-html-text/671-burns-carl
Dec2024
draft InfoSheet for Russ Mattison
Try to contact Jose M. Casanova lft msg 30Dec
Gordon Eatley stuff?
Upgrade History Section Links
Publish mov of 2014 San Antonio Reunion Cav. Movies and images!
2014 San Antonio Reunion Cav. Videos of Jenkins, Walt, Reese, Neymeyer!!
Added Mortar attack 15Mar67 to Clinton Lounsbury Deceased MyPage Also Powell, Asha, Arthur, Buxton, Lacy, Baum, add more photos from Lacy
Ronald T. "Ron" Hucksoll LOH Scout Door Gunner 1969: Jim Kreil has added a photo as MP2 to Ron's MyPage. ??
We need a chronological Discussion page that covers the Blues and Browns thru the war. Ask for volunteer to take that on.
Start a monthly War Story second look article. Maybe the Bu Dop Mission of Nov 1967. Or do them by "50 Years ago this month" 57 years ago for Bu Dop
Maybe later when they link to us: Lost Link: Somewhere along the line we lost our link to the Friends Of Army Aviation website. It has been revised and placed on our "Links" page.
Mike Law friends mypage? He does not want one 17Oct2024
WO Larry J. Kastanek Feb 70-71 Gunpilot D/F left phone message. 18Apr (785) 770-7565 lft msg
Add Index of Articles for MyPages: , Beasley, Meeks, Wayne Moose, Peake, Radcliffe, Mike Vaughn
No response Russell James Mattison Oct2024
Await Anthony Holm info & Photo Oct2024
An attempt to help is a new Centaur discussion page Understanding the Modern 25th Inf Div.
Also there is a link to the AAAA video of the event that was provided by <a href="Roster/MyPageFriendsDuals/GoochRexDual.jpg">Rex Gooch</a>
MSR Discussion
Do more movies for Karn/Borey? and Parrish SA7
Alison Litton: Await pics/info from her for her dad Joe Add Franks input article
Working on getting couples photos taken at the 2023 Centaur Reunion placed on respective InfoSheets
Couples photo listings (to infosheets) Richardson,
Gene Peters - send infosheet and pic with Ginny
Tegelman sends pics of James Spencer Gravesite
Work Harlan Coopers pics from Tegelman into Reunion section. Same with those from Linda Richardson
Donald Borey CPT Cobra Aircraft Commander Centaur 43 March 1971 to January 1972 tells some War Stories.
Do more Borey and Karn Movies
These videos are linked to from Don's Article page, the War Stories Video page and added to MyPages of Bob Jones and Skip Petrie.
3/4 Cav 2010 Reunion page - fix links
2019 Centaur Reunion Bowling green create index page of photos for all the movies! ????
Dows pics of old reunions
Minor upgrades to these other MyPages ..........
Old Reunion Photos found and posted to the Reunion section. Those from Janis Cooper 2016 Cav Reunion (Harrisburg,PA or Centaur Reunion (Omaha)?
Big time 2012 - 48 videos at Nashville
More Reunion After Action Notes from the Centaur Vets Day Reunion Last Month:
Reunion photos and videos of long past have been repaired and relinked Cav 2008 and 2010
2006 Cav Reunion video and Photo Album
Add Reunion photos and videos to PhoAudVideo page at bottom
Do a page for the Cat House? Cat house vs EM club?
Phoncon with CW2 Bob Long A trp 1/9th then D troop Will send pics Calld again 26Aug2023
Upgrade Ed Risner Memoriam page and links
Is Harold B. Swiencki still alive?
Note that 14 2022 reunion videos are posted in the WS Video section.
Located photo of LOH 15338 in Jim Messina old website file. Bigger pic on LOH Photos pg
Consider creating a special YOUTUBE presentation to advertize our Centaur Website.
Need to go thru all of this someday
Ken Rucki? Get photos and info for Dennis Piper (phone call) and current of Rucki. Maybe a current of Bill Byers
Follow up on Leo C. Rice contact from Larry Richardson
Upgrade of Richard "Frenchie" Bernier MyPage - photo album? No word back from him yet 28Oct2022
Discussion page for 20 minute fuel warning light. Mattison
Use photo of Suoi Da Assault 1966 to talk about Suoi Da and Suoi Da Airstrip now under water. Find Airstrip pic with weapons cache from LZ Gold. Early 67 with OH-23
Gordon Eatley will work on his 8mm movie for captions. Tower is Water tower being built.
Cobra down war story by Russ Mattison Meeks/Moose - the real story. Wolfe, Gabrielson
This is not T Berry: Karn note 29 JUN: YES there was a second black enlisted man that joined the scouts before I left. I don't recall his name. I remember flying with him once and he didn't like the CS gas that we threw and then flew through. And yes, he wasn't any "T -berry".
Tyrone T. Thornsberry "T Berry" SP4 LOH Door Gunner/Observer 1969 now has a draft MyPage and an MP1 using a John Evans photo of Evans, Kreil and Tyrone, with their LOH "SNAFU"
Bruce Karn remembers Thornsberry as his LOH Observer. He could fly quite well from the left seat. see story
Email to Gaylen Randell 66-67 for photos. we have infosheet.
Edmond Manville aol.com not found??
1May2022 NOTES Phoncon Reggie Slater:
Fix your email. Have him talk to friends Richard Dennison and Jim Wells. Send pics and info to me. Come to Nov reunion and do videos. Wells was in auto accident and not doing well. Is in photo with Col Pete in the book. He talked to Beasley (throat cancer) who is doing better. Reggie was looking for someone from his 66 tour year going to the DC Reunion. No one was and he has had some health problems. He said the videos I did for him helped him tremendously in his life. I told him to tell that to his buddies and get them to me at the Nov reunion. We will see if that works. Told him about Carl and Ruth Ann Burns health problems
Bob Acker Photos to website - update An Duc War Story - pics to Aircraft Tail number sections (links) and Helicopter photos section
661 494 and 659 pics and info
Info Sheet for Mike Reed
Get current pic from Randy Love
14Apr2022: Bill Boyd called me: His son building a small house behind his for him to live. Moving right now, but will get me some info notes and check out the photos on website. He remembers Ponzillo’s note recruiting new guys. Bill was in Field Artillery. Was not ranger or airbore qualified.Gave new Gmail.
Frank Walker video - edit and post - no longer on YouTube
CW2 Larry M. Dau LOH Pilot 1970-71 Awaiting info for MyPage. sent him email 11Jan22 --Followed up Fri night - left phone msg at (702) 498-7849 28Jan. Tried again 9Apr.
Find: Terry R. Bleed (sent email), Marty Sullivan, Melvin Locke, mentioned in McLeod audio
Find Melvin W. Locke Jr. 1LT 1970 Pasadina - mentioned in McLeod audio - call
Find Silver Star citation for Joe Don Ramey
...Nicholas, Sellers and Laird SS or Albums - check for possible MP's or myPages
...Review slides and photo albums for guys we have photos on but no links. Create rough draft MyPages.
...Found email Jun 2003 to Dow from CW2 William R. Cooper. Sparrow's hootchmate. 1971-72 Slicks. Been getting News ltr. Send contact email
...Add link to Creeping Jesus in aircraft photos section
Brian Bledsoe- can you add comments to Byrd's slideshow photos?
Possible project: Have some time? Want to help with the Centaur Website? Don't know crap about computers?
Then try this: Centaur Website Projects for Dummies - Lesson 1 - Identifying photos: Lesson 2 ?, 3? etc. Publish to Help Section
Awaiting picture captions from Eric Brethen
Do a redsign of website: Call Signs, Discussions, Glossary and other hard things to find: create buttons at top of Help page and maybe on homepage.
Awaiting stuff from Jim McPeak?
Add discussion page for 1967 Bob Hope show. Find Star Stripes article. Add comments from Fleming
Need to add History page for 2.75 rocket pods (M200) etc
Doug Olsen talked to Dennis Pfoor who said he would be contacting me soon. Nov
Nebraska Vietnam Memorial - Moore, Brosh
Jack Kenneth Swinehart 1947-2015. Find a grave. Is this our guy?
Add Discussion Page Volunteers - A Troop to D Troop (Air) as Door Gunners- 1967 find Fleming note
Consider publishing the 3/17 web page describing who was assigned to whom. Try to get answers for the Centaurs. http:/bluetigersite.com/vietnam/iiffv.html Otherwise comparable to "Who's on First" by Abbott and Costello. Get input from past commanders and Bob Graham. The main website with index is http:/bluetigersite.com/vietnam/chronology.html dead email address?
Awaiting email from Harry Swiencki about his awards. Assemble his DFC
Consider a piece about Do No Harm doctrine. Encourage all the gory details, particularily to get it off your chest, knowing that the CIVO Board reviews all input to the website to insure that our doctrine of "do no harm to our fellow Centaurs". Yes, we know we had a few genuinely bad people and some good people who made bad decisions. We will tell the stories for history, but not judge or brand those individuals.
We are providing a place where you can vent the frustrations, guilt, anger and remorse you have been carrying for 40 or 50 years, to a group of dedicated Centaurs who have walked in your shoes. We will listen, we will talk, we will edit for the web as necessary.
Acts of Cowardice, Criminal, Inexperience, Arrogance or Stupidity should be discussed to help us all finally get it out. Do it for your mental well being, not for vengence or revenge. Get some closure. It was war. We can forgive most anything, but only you can forgive yourself. Do it and know some peace for whatever time you have left.
more photos due in from David Whitley
Ronald Dean Hoagland tina cook Feb Newsletter .....rejected at this email posted in last newsletter
2LT VHPA F Trp 1971
Gerald L. "Jerry" Wright 1LT pilot Centaur 24 Jan to Jun 1967 sent him welcome email
Reference our War Story Hunter Crew and Rescue Crew KIA: ??
will send pics
Update Odom and Rogers rescue movies to include marty lalli. add links.
Pending:Jeff Lemr His daughter "Jill" contacted us. Add to Newsletter list. Get her in contact with Bill Witt. Frm Witt (10Sep): ">Bruce, Thanks for the reply. I pray Jeff will contact his Daughter however, he has a hard time getting in touch with his feelings. The only time he seems free is playing his guitar. There is a Vet Center here that has a "Combat Stress Management Guitar Group" hopefully, I can get him to go with me. Might need to say something about Jeff Lemr and daughter getting together after 12yrs if that happens.
Jan 3, 12:59 PM from Hamilton.
to Frank, Carl, Carl, Thomas, Bain, Pat, Tom, Brian, Jim, Gary, Nick, Mike, Charlie, John, Jerry, me
Yes, the Designation was D 3/4 Cav until the 2nd Bde 25th was ordered to stand down and return to Hawaii. We thought we would go with them until I received orders that we would not redeploy and would be designated an independent air cav troop, F Troop, 4th U. S. Cavalry. My kids back home really got a kick out of that. Daddy commanded F Troop like on TV.
Awaiting: Rich Williams checks in. need MyPage. Has "Fall in well" comments Altenhofen emailed him 28Dec called him 22 feb 2020 left msg
Awaiting: CW2 Richard "Rocky" Reed input 15 Sep 2019 He has never answered. Maybe Eric Brethen can get ahold of him. email 5 Dec 2021
Awaiting:James "Mike" Richey info. Photos and text. Added "Mike" to MyPage
ACTION Needed:Pat Lacy? Gilley - Not listed on the Centaur Roster (Spelling maybe?) Photo 50 Can you name the guys in photo 52 with the dog Gunner? Jerry Caldwell, SSG Photos 57
Roosevelt Martin, SSG Photo 57
25th Div Flash publcation? Should we link to it? Can we?
