HUNTSVILLE, Alabama -- The Rocket City gave a warm welcome to heroes who defended America and its allies during the Cold War.
Lt. Gen. David L. Mann, commanding general, U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command/Army Forces Strategic Command, spoke to nearly 200 veterans who served with the 3rd Battalion, 71st Air Defense Artillery Regiment, as they reunited to rekindle old friendships and celebrate the unit's legacy during a dinner Oct. 12 at the Von Braun Center in Huntsville.
"This is such a great event and I am truly honored to speak to you tonight," Mann said. "It is wonderful to see all of the veterans here. I want to take this opportunity to extend my gratitude and admiration for all of you. I want to personally thank all of you for your service and your many sacrifices and for providing me and my family with our many freedoms and way of life.
"All of you served during a critical time of uncertainty," he added. "You were the first high-altitude air defenders. You were entrusted with providing a strategic air defense capability to address multiple surface and air threats. You truly are trailblazers."
The 3rd-71st consisted of four anti-aircraft guided missile batteries that used the Nike Ajax and the Nike Hercules guided missiles. They were geographically located around cities and villages located in Germany.
The Nike Ajax was the world's first operational surface-to-air missile, or SAM, and was designed to attack conventional bomber aircraft flying at high subsonic speeds and altitudes above 50,000 feet. The system was operational from 1954 to 1970.
The Nike Hercules was the successor to Nike Ajax and was used by U.S. and NATO armed forces for medium- and long-range air defense. Deployment began in 1958 and the last Nike Hercules missiles in Europe were deactivated in 1988.
At the reunion, a former leader explained why these reunions are so important for the unit and for the veterans who served.
"This is a time to get together and reminisce with Soldier who we served with 30, 40 and 50 years ago," said retired Col. Bill Winzurk, former commander of the battalion's parent organization, the 94th Air Defense Artillery Group. "I have seen people that I have not seen in years. My Soldiers here today held the line through the Cold War. It wasn't fun, but they did the job superbly, and I am so proud of all of them."
One of those present echoed the sentiment, and explained how the reunion is a chance to renew old relationships and keep connected with those with whom they have served.
"No doubt about it, this is a time for us to revisit memories and friendships," said Don Yarbrough, 3rd-71st veteran and reunion's honorary command sergeant major. "Our battalion is over the top with excitement. There are people we haven't seen since 1959 and it is unbelievable. We are taking advantage of the moment and not forgetting it."
SMDC, Space and Missile Defense Command, Cold War, David Mann
SMDC leader addresses Cold War heroes
Photo by Jason B. Cutshaw
Lt. Gen. David L. Mann, commanding general, U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command/Army Forces Strategic Command, speaks with a member of the 3rd Battalion, 71st Air Defense Artillery Regiment during their reunion dinner Oct. 12 at the Von Braun Center in Huntsville, Alabama.
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