2nd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment 1967-68



 

Reunion 2015
 


Bravo Company held their annual reunion at Courtyard by Marriott, Killeen, Texas, June10-14, 2015. This was our seventh get-together and held it in conjunction with the 1st Cavalry Division Association (1CDA) reunion.

Unfortunately, the 1CDA planning and conduct of the reunion left a lot to be desired. The bus transportation was a letdown and this created major problems for those participating in the scheduled events at Shilo Hotel and Fort Hood. In addition, the Courtyard Hotel seemed to be understaffed and somewhat disorganized.

However, Bravo folks worked together as a team to find solutions; for instance, those with rental cars did a great job assisting those without transportation. The Thursday dinner at Olive Garden was a success and many enjoyed the time spent later in the evening at our hospitality suite with plenty of time for mixing, war stories and a drink or two.

 

The horse detachment show was very impressive and also the 1st Cav Div museum.






The absolute highlight of our reunion took place on Friday afternoon with the presentation of the guidon used by Bravo Company from April to August 1968, to the active duty unit of Bravo Company (aka Bandog Company), 2nd Bn, 8th Cav Regt, Fort Hood, Texas.

Our objective with presenting the guidon is to honor the sacrifice and memory of the 123 Bravo Company troopers who were killed in action in Vietnam during the period 1965 to1971. Although Bandog Company was out on a training exercise, a large group returned to the company area for the guidon presentation ceremony on Friday,
including Captain Joseph Dywan, the Company Commander.




The ceremony started with a brief overview by Jim Smith and Pete Genecki on the history of the guidon and the service of Bravo Company troopers during the Vietnam War. This was followed by Steve Bird reading the names of the 123 Fallen Heroes, and the playing of taps while veterans and military personnel saluted.

 

Veterans mixed with Bandog personnel after the ceremony and everyone was very impressed with their dedication, professionalism and enthusiastic interest in our Vietnam experiences.







The framed guidon is now proudly displayed on a prominent wall in Bandog Company, together with several other photos of Bravo Company 1967-68. 
 

We had a well-stocked bar at our Hospitality Suite and everyone enjoyed the evenings spent mixing and the retelling of war stories over a drink or two.

Our farewell banquet dinner was a great success and afterwards we conducted our traditional memorials to our Fallen Heroes and to those who have passed since 1968.

 

READING THE NAMES OF OUR FALLEN HEROES AND THOSE WHO PASSED AWAY SINCE 1968

RETREAT AND SALUTE TO OUR FALLEN HEROES AND THOSE WHO PASSED AWAY SINCE 1968

The final activity was the group photos of the ladies and troopers
Rear: Gen Bono, Barb Stine, Carol Genecki, Ruth Ford
Front: Holly Hall, Barb Hedberg, JoAnn Smith

 
Rear L to R: Ray Bono, Bob Hall, Al Hecker, Steve Bird, Michael Brinchek, Gary Stine, Jerry Larson, Jim Ford
Front L to R: Jim Beck, Pete Genecki, Council Robinson, Fred Fish, Jim Smith, Gene Hedberg
 

and then it was the sad time for the goodbyes and see y’all next year. 

 

 


 








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