Vietnam Vets Return to Unit

FORT IRWIN, Calif. -- The 11th Armored Cavalry's Veterans of Vietnam and Cambodia association reunited with its old unit, here, Sept. 5 as a special destination of this year's get together.

"As we served together in Vietnam, we had great pride in our unit," said Allen Hathaway, the president of the 11th ACVVC association. "We also formed tight bonds during our time with the Regiment, because of the dangers which we faced each day. We wanted to come here and see what the Regiment looks like now, because we feel that we have never really left the Regiment."

The 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment hosted its Vietnam veterans and their family members as a way to honor them for their service.

"Today is all about you, the veterans of this great Regiment," said Col. Kevin Jacobi, the commander of the 11th ACR. "The sacrifices that you made for our Country and this Regiment will always be remembered and we thank you."

The 11th ACR displayed historic vehicles from the Vietnam era alongside the modern tanks that the Army uses today.

"When I got off the bus and saw my old helicopter sitting next to the other vics [vehicles] we used, I got a little choked up," said John Finnerty, a former helicopter pilot with the Air Cavalry Troop.

For Fred Sheetz, a veteran of the 11th ACR, this was not just a time of memories from the artifacts, it was a time of re-acquaintance.

"I haven't seen some of these guys since I left Vietnam, yet it seems just like yesterday," said Sheetz. "But I know that we can have a great bond by staying in touch with each other and I am proud to have this occasion and event to do so because 'Once Blackhorse, Always Blackhorse.'"

To facilitate this re-acquaintance, the 11th ACR provided a tour of the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment and Fort Irwin's Museum, where the veterans could reminisce about their days with the Regiment.

"There are a lot of [times] that you remember one thing and [someone else] remembers a different thing, but it comes together and you remember what you did," said Jim Dittmer, a veteran of the Blackhorse Regiment.

The 11th ARC's Horse Detachment performed a Cavalry demonstration by showcasing how pistols, sabers, and lances were used during the time of mounted Cavalry. Allowing the veterans to kick back and relive another era of the Regiment's history.

Although the event was for the veterans, current Soldiers of the Regiment also gained much from the visit.

"I really enjoyed being able to talk to the vets," said Sgt. Gary Williams, a Soldier with K Troop, 2nd Squadron, 11th ACR. "Listening to the stories they had while they were in the Regiment made me have greater understanding of what they went through. It also gave me a chance to learn from their experiences; enabling me to become a better leader."

The 11th ACR has a rich history dating back to 1901 and will continue as the Regiment trains the Army for future endeavors. The bonds formed in this Regiment continue to thrive as the veterans have proudly proven.

After the former Troopers left Fort Irwin, California they went to Las Vegas for the formal part of their Annual Reunion held at the Rio Hotel and Casino's Grand Ballroom Sept. 6.

Related Links:

Army.mil: U.S. Army Veterans

11th Armored Cavalry Regiment's Facebook Page