Charlie Troop 1/9th Cavalry April 2023 Newsletter

Charlie Troop 1/9^th Cavalry Regiment

Thirsty-six

April 2023 Newsletter

The following is a list of Our Brothers who Gave Their All during the month of April 1966-1972:

John Jelich (Ctrp 68-69); KIA Apr 1, was with D 229th AHB on 4-1-72

Richard Noyola                   KIA Apr 11, 1966

Earl Grove                            KIA Apr 10, 1967

Alton Roberts                      KIA Apr 13, 1971

Always Honored and Never Forgotten

The following Troopers, Troopettes, Gold Star Family members, Little Brothers and Little sisters have birthdays in the month of April:

Brandon Wood                  April 2      Little Brother

Bob Fellin                          April 2

Kurt Schatz                        April 3

Ernie Cairns                       April 10

Marianne Hundley           April 16

Brooks Jelich                     April 18 Little Brother and GSFM

Alice Davidson                  April 19

James “Toby” Tyler          April 19

Jerry Schmotolocha          April 24

John Niamtu                     April 24

Elaine Allcut                    April 24

Jacob Best                        April 24 Little Brother

Bruce Huffman                April 26

The following Troopers, Troopettes and Gold Star Family members have anniversaries in the month of April:

Dave and Ginny Blouin               April 4        53 years

Marvin and Sandy McMichael    April 19    54 years

Greg and Carrie Titchenell         April 24      13 years

Ernie and Rose Cairns                 April 27      45years

Those of you who had elected to pay into the Survivors Benefit Program and found out that your spouse couldn’t draw both the SBP and DIC and received a refund, “Good news”. As of February 1, 2023,  she can now draw both and “No” you do not need to pay back the refund you received. You cannot join now and have her get this benefit.

Okay, I know I said in the last Newsletter we were going to make Branson our Home base. Carol made reservations for 2024, 2025, and 2026 at the Stone Castle Inn. In 2024, we have made reservations for the 16th, 17th, and 18th of August. In 2025, our reservations are for the 15th, 16^th, and 17^th of August, In 2026, we will be there the 14^th, 15^th, and 16^th of August.

It is our hope that by staying in one location and by letting you know in advance; it will be better for you to make plans.

I cannot guarantee that Carol and I will be able to plan any reunions after that. We hope that someone else will take over for a few more years at least.

Talking about reunions. We only have 4 months left until this year’s Reunion starts. Our unused rooms must be turned in by July 22^nd. Let’s start making reservations and let’s start sending in those Reunion forms and checks. You may pre-date your check for July 1^st.

   I am very happy to say that we have finally received the Saddlebags, pistol Belt and Ammunition pouch back from the repair man. Remember that these items were giving to  Billie Williams back in 1964. The saddlebag needed a lot of work. I am very happy with how they all turned out. I think I had mentioned that I would be bringing these items and more to this year’s reunion for all to see. I have found a museum that is willing to put them on permanent display. They currently have “Our” helicopter “The ZIT” on static display as well as several other items. It is Mott’s Museum in Groveport. Ohio. For those who don’t know: Nate Shafer (a  crew chief) named his helicopter “TIZ”. He had TIZ spelled backwards so when he looked out the door towards the back it would say Tiz the name of his beloved. Nate searched long and hard for this helicopter and finally found it on a scrap heap. With the help of his congressman Nate was able to drive with a Trailer and pick the helicopter up and take it to his house. He and a few friends refurbished it and donated it to the Mott’s Museum. Many Charlie Troopers were there that day to have it dedicated.

Tex Helms is trying to set up an afternoon trip over to Fort Benning for anyone who would like to go. It will take you to the Armor and Cavalry school. Here you will see the various vehicles (-helicopters) used by the Army since WWII. Those who are bringing children, grandchildren, and Great grandchildren  may find this very educational and  exciting not just for you but those children as well.

God Bless,