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A Quick Note from the Association President |
 Fellow Rakkasans, we are into the month of March 2025 already!
Only 70+ days until our next formation to be held in Clarksville, TN / FT Campbell, KY, May 12 to 16, 2025. This is a great opportunity to linkup with old friends and comrades. Also, a chance to fire some weapons, listen to country music in Nashville, TN and interact with current Rakkasan soldiers. To join us in May at our annual reunion, go to Events | Rakkasan Association and meet us in Clarksville.
On March 28, 2025, we will change Brigade Commanders. Colonel Rick Turner will relinquish command of the Rakkasan Regiment to Colonel Ryan Bell. COL Turner is going to a joint assignment. COL Bell (RAK 6) is coming from his War College assignment at Duke University.
From all Rakasans, we wish the best to COL Turner. Thanks for all you have done over the last two years for the Regiment.
We extend our warmest welcome to COL Bell. We stand ready to support you and your Rakkasan soldiers. We look forward to meeting you and your family in the near future.
We are working on building an event calendar for the 187th Regiment - for both historical events and current events. If you have an important event for the Regiment or would like to contribute a short write-up/article for our Shimbun News updates, please reach out to through email - info@rakkasanassociation.org.
LVNF Bob Bob Harkins President |
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2025 Reunions |
National Rakkasan Association Reunion Calling all Rakkasans! Deadline: For those interested in attending the Grand Ole Opry on Tuesday, May 13th please register ASAP. We need a headcount my March 28, 2025. |
 The 2025 National Rakkasan Association Reunion, sponsored by the Weldon F. Honeycutt/Hamburger Hill Chapter will be held May 12 to 16, 2025. Location will be Clarksville, TN.
It is time to 1) register for the reunion and 2) make your hotel reservations.
No better salve for the soul than to spend a few days with Rakkasans, past and present!! Everyone is welcome regardless of when you served.
For more details, click on one of the links below. |
Dates in Rakkasan History |
 March 2, 2002 Operation Anaconda
3rd Brigade - Task Force Rakkasan - begins assault into the Shah-i-Khot Valley in pursuit of al-Qaeda and Taliban fighters.
Photo from Timothy Aponte. |
 March 17, 1971 Operation Dewey Canyon II/Lam Son 719
The 3rd Battalion, 187th Infantry Commander, LTC Bryan J Sutton, his S-3, MAJ Ronald O Scharnberg and the pilot were killed in a helicopter crash northwest of Khe Sanh Combat Base.
Photo from Theresa Scheets, The Steel Thread Project. |
 March 18th/19th, 1968 Operation Box Springs/OPORD Rakkasan Chapparal
3/187th Delta Company Commander, CPT Paul Bucha was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for actions on March 18 and 19, 1968. During the same engagement, two Rakkasans were awarded the Distinguished Service Cross - LT Jeffrey Wishik (LTC retired) and Medic Dennis Moore (posthumous award). |
 March 20, 2003 Invasion of Iraq
After staging in Kuwait, the Rakkasans lead the Division attack into Iraq.
Photo from Ernesto Tamarra. |
 March 23, 1951 Operation Tomahawk
The 187th Airborne Regimental Combat Team conducts an airborne attack of Communist forces near Munsan-ni, Korea. This is the Rakkasans' second combat parachute jump of the Korean War. |
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Association Board Meeting |
The National Rakkasan Association held a recent board meeting during the February Snowbird Reunion in Florida. The next board meeting will be held in May at the National Rakkasan Association/Hamburger Hill Chapter Reunion. If you are planning on attending the May 2025 Reunion please get in touch with a board member if you would like to sit in on the meeting. We would like to hear from you. |
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Until next time! Stay safe, check on you fellow Rakkasan and always... Let Valor Not Fail! |
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