Table of Contents
Note from Association President
2025 Reunion
2025 Election
Chapter News
Until Valhalla/In Memory
A quick note from the Association President
Welcome to 2025!! We have a wonderful year ahead.
In May we have the opportunity to join together in Clarksville, TN and FT. Campbell, KY for our Annual Reunion. As each year passes, we lose some of our Rakkasan brothers and sisters. Our WWII Vets, Korean War Vets, and Vietnam Vets continue to age and our numbers dwindle - our old rosters are thinning out. It is now time for the Desert Shield/Desert Storm Vets, the Afghanistan and Iraq Vets and Vets from all the years in between, to step forward and get involved. Make 2025 the year that you reach out and contact that old buddy from your days in the Rakkasans. Make 2025 the year you attend the May Reunion.
We also pledge to our members to improve our efforts to communicate and be more informative during this upcoming year.
We look forward to seeing you all in May.
Bob
2025 National Rakkasan Reunion
Calling all Rakkasans!
Registration is now open!
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 the link below.
2025 Election Reminder
Positions open in the 2025 election are President, Treasurer, Board Positions 5, 7, and 9. Terms are for two (2) years.
The Nomination & Declaration period closed on January 15, 2025. Voting will begin early February 2025.
For more details click on link below.
Chapter News
Torri Chapter
Clarksville, TN
President: Dave Reiley
Contact: toriichapter@outlook.com
Hello Rakkasan Family from the Torii Chapter in Clarksville, TN.
HAPPY NEW YEAR
On January 16th 2025, the chapter had the pleasure of hosting along with the Military
Affairs Committee from Hopkinsville, KY and the 3rd Battalion 187th (Iron) a small BBQ
to feed the Command teams from every company within the Brigade that conducted
The Rakk Valor Challenge.
The Challenge consisted of several events that each team had to complete. The final
event consisted of an Air Assault to the furthest point on the western portion of Fort
Campbell.
The Teams then foot marched back the cantonment area and ended at Olive Gym. The
route was 31 miles from start to finish. The total mileage was 39 miles in 30 hours.
It was a great event that we were proud to be part of. Any chance we get to be part of
an event at Fort Campbell with Active Duty is a great time.
The Torii Chapter is looking forward to hosting the Annual BBQ during the Hamburger
Hill/ National Rakkasan Reunion in May 2025.
The Torii Chapter would also like to Welcome Miss Theresa Scheets to the fold as the
keeper of Information for the National Association.
As always Let Valor Not Fail
RAKKASAN
v/r
Dave “Ryles” Reiley
President Torii Chapter
Buckeye Chapter
Delaware, Ohio
Meets at the VFW Reed Miller Post #3297
President: Scott Hutmire
Vice President: Gary Mason
Secretary: Hunter Everett
Treasurer: Mike Smith
Contact: michael_smith672@yahoo.com
Hamburger Hill Chapter
Holds a reunion every May.
President: Bob Harkins
Until Valhalla - In Memory
Looking back at the last 30 days we have been notified of the following:
CPT Paul Bucha was laid to rest at West Point on January 16, 2025. CPT Bucha was awarded the Medal of Honor for actions March 16 to 18, 1968 while serving as Delta Company Commander, 3rd Battalion, 187th Infantry.
We recently received notice that James Schmitz passed away on March 28, 2024. James served with Company B in Korea. We are told he wore his jump wings every day.
Robert Harris Cole III passed away on December 30, 2024. Services were held January 10, 2025 at the Community Connections Church, followed by burial at Fort Custer National Cemetery. Robert served with Alpha Company, 1/187th.
Until next time! Stay safe, check on you fellow Rakkasan and always...
Let Valor Not Fail!
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