Forty Vietnam veterans and Family members gathered March 7-9 on Fort Jackson to celebrate the upcoming 1st Battalion, 61st Infantry Regiment's centennial. Veterans of the "Roadrunners"
traveled from near and far to share memories, honor fallen comrades of the unit during a memorial unveiling and witness a vignette unveiling ceremony to recognize one of their own.
Most who visited were members of Alpha Company, 1-61st Inf. Regt. during the Vietnam War and
many attended Basic Combat Training on Fort Jackson as well.
Miller reminisced about entering basic training here at Fort Jackson in 1969.
"I remember those WWII wooden barracks, walking to all the training, and the infamous marches up
Drag-Hill near the water tank," said Miller.
During the visit, veterans witnessed the unveiling of a Memorial to honor fallen Roadrunners of the
Vietnam War.
The battalion commander of 1-61st Inf. Regt., Lt.Col. Michael Whitney, began the Vietnam Memorial unveiling with remarking, "Today is the day we honor your service and sacrifice in Vietnam, one of the hardest conflicts the nation has ever fought. I cannot begin to describe the individual relationships, bravery, and sacrifices made during the conflict.
"1st Battalion, 61st Infantry Regiment was a principal American unit alone the Vietnamese Demilitarized Zone from 1968 -- 1971. During this time is when we got our motto, "The Best Lead the Rest," he added.
After the memorial was unveiled, the veterans slowly surrounded it and began deciphering through 143 names to identify their comrades who were lost to battle.
The veterans participated in two social events with current 1-61st cadre, attended Family Day events to included spiritual singing by Basic Combat Training Soldiers and lunch with graduating Soldiers and their families, rappelled from Victory Tower, observed a BCT graduation, and visited the BCT museum and Fort Jackson National Cemetery during their stay.
"It was a great time. It's about bringing Soldiers together to carry on tradition and legacy," said Battalion Chap. (Capt.) Chris Ball.
The reunion neared its end with the vignette unveiling ceremony to recognize the heroic actions of
Pfc. Stanley W. Coker who served in Vietnam with the unit and was awarded the Silver Star.
While under direct fire, Coker saved the lives of two men by pulling them from a burning armored personnel carrier. He returned to the burning vehicle that had munitions and to prevent further injuries, Coker drove the vehicle to a protected position where the fire could be safely extinguished.
Alpha Co. 1-61st Inf. Regt. 1st Sgt. Brandon Cain, said, "I love the veterans and swapping stories, and I'm awe stricken hearing some of their stories."
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