For Retirees By Retirees Re i ed Mili a ˘ P lice Office A ...downrange tour as XO of an Apache battalion. We will return to the states and plan to continue our re - tirement journey

For Retirees By Retirees

Retired Military Police

Officers Association

DIGESTVOLUME XVI, ISSUE II www.rmpo.org SUMMER 2012

OK! OK! We’re going toWe’re going to

Oklahoma CityOklahoma City

for thefor the

37th Reunion!37th Reunion!

Page 2 - RMPOA DIGEST - Summer 2012

The DIGEST Staff

EditorsCOL John E. Davies, USA Ret.Jane E. Davies

SecretaryLTC Loren Bush, USA Ret.

TreasurerCOL John Fitzsimons, USA

Ret.

TapsCOL George Abraham, USA

Ret.

ProductionLTC Alfred Grande, USA Ret.

MembershipLTC Jack Kochenour, USA Ret.

Web MasterLTC Merv McConnel, USA Ret.

PhotographerLTC James Y. Anderson, Jr.,

USA Ret.

Reunion CoordinatorCOL Don Greenwald, USA

Ret.COL John Mumma, USA Ret

andCeci Mumma

Retired Military Police Officers DigestP.O. Box 5477

Springfield, VA 22150www.rmpo.org

FeaturesFeature Story

37th Retired Military Police Officers Reunion...........17

Registration Form for Reunion...........................21

RMPOA has a New Logo..............................................8

Sharing Memories: 50th Anniversary of the

Vietnam War by LTC (Ret) Brian Sullivan..........14

RMPOA member Named “Living Legend” ................16

Commemoration of the 50th Anniversary

of the Vietnam War.........................................25

Departments

Editorially Speaking.....................................................3

From our Readers .......................................................4

Marie’s Medley ...........................................................9

DIGEST Honor Roll of Donors ....................................23

Welcome to RMPO....................................................24

Bulletin Board: Items of Interest ..............................27

Memorials.................................................................28

Taps ...........................................................................31

Retired Military Police Officers

RMPOA DIGEST - Summer 2012 - Page 3

Dear Members,

As the Retired Military Police Officers Associa-

tion, chartered under the laws of the Common-

wealth of Virginia, we can now rightfully call

ourselves members. The next step, drafting bylaws

for submission to the IRS with our application for

tax exempt status is underway. Our intent is to com-

plete this first draft and have it to you before our

meeting in Oklahoma for discussion and completion.

As part of this process we solicited input for a logo

and appreciate very much the work of Oskar J. Jack-

lin, Sam Whitson and Jane. See the logo on page 8.

Our research into logo’s revealed that no DoD dis-

tinctive unit insignia can be used by non-federal en-

tities so we were limited in Military Police Corps

Regiment insignia or logos.

Recently the House and Senate Defense Author-

ization legislation allow TRICARE fee increases only

at the rate of inflation – not at the inflated rates that

the Department of Defense proposed in its 2013

budget. Further, no new TRICARE fees were author-

ized.

While this is good news for current and future

retirees, there is still much to be done. Pharmacy

copay increases that would double are still in the

Senate version of the Defense Authorization legisla-

tion. Further, the Senate version authorizes a special

commission that would recommend changes in the

military retirement system for future military per-

sonnel with expedited consideration to limit debate

time and without congressional amendment author-

ity. GEN Gordon Sullivan, President of AUSA, has ex-

pressed his concern for “a system with such an

enormous impact on long-term military retention

and readiness, circumventing the congressional vet-

ting process is a troublesome prospect.”

In 2015 and beyond, annual pay raises would be

below the private sector pay growth rate. After

years of sub-in-

flation pay in-

creases in the 80s

and 90s, recruit-

ment and reten-

tion suffered

enormously and

today’s retirees

receive far less in

retired pay than they should because of those de-

pressed pay scales.

As GEN Sullivan has said, “military personnel

are not a faceless group, and they are not civilians –

they are the one percent of this nation’s population

that are willing to carry our colors into battle and to

offer up their life in the process. When they retire

from the front line, they should be given the respect

and dignity of a reliable benefits package.”

We urge you to stay informed of the issues and

continue to engage your representatives.

We also urge you to join us in Oklahoma for the

37th Reunion. COL (Ret) Garold Holcombe and the

OKC Reunion Committee have put together a great

program. See you there.

Finally, a very sincere appreciation to all who

have written with their complements on the DIGEST

and have contributed toward its future. If kind

words and donations were sufficient we’d be set for

a good long time. However, publications need arti-

cles so if you have interesting stories like Brian

(page 14) and Mike (page 26) or if you’d like to sug-

gest articles please let us know.

Your Editors -

COL (Ret) John Davies and Jane Davies

Editorially Speaking


From our Readers

Just finished reading the Spring edition of the Digest and

wanted to tell you how much Pat and I enjoyed it. It is, as it al-

ways has been, a labor of love by all the dedicated and talented

folks who do (and have done) the hard work. As always, your

efforts produced yet another wonderful magazine.

Congratulations to you all, and thanks for all you do. Keep up

the great work on our behalf.

COL (Ret) Mike Sudnik and Pat

Owens Cross Roads, AL

What a difference retired Military Police officers make!

Each edition of the RMPO DIGEST becomes more interesting,

delightful, and provides wonderful insights into how “retired”

Military Police officers are not retiring but doing great things

for others, providing insights into the world around them, and

continue to enjoy meeting new people as well as those from the

past.

My wife, Dr. Pam Goslar, often works 10-12 hours a day 5-6 days

a week in a Phoenix AZ research hospital & medical center, but

takes time out to read the RMPO Digest for a change of pace and

relief from her professional requirements. Hopefully RMPO

might consider Phoenix AZ as a possible reunion location in the

future. Best wishes and THANKS for all your “retiree” service!

Martin Goslar

LTC (Ret)

Phoenix, AZ

I am absolutely grateful for all that you do! Keep up the good

work.

COL (Ret) Walter Mills

Alexandria, VA

Thanks for the great work! Enjoy the RMPO DIGEST from cover

to cover.

Submission to the DIGEST

We welcome your stories.News items, personal info, ordonations can be sent toRMPOA, Attn: DIGEST, P.O.Box 5477, Springfield, VA22150 or by email to: [email protected] Deadlinefor submisions for the Fall/Win-ter 2012 issue is 1 November2012.

ROSTERS

To purchase a roster, send a$10.00 check, made payable to“Jack Kochenour - RMPO” andmail to: 201 Canyon ViewDrive, Lansing, KS 66043.Changes or additions to the ros-ter may be mailed or emailedto: [email protected]

DONATIONS and MEMORIALS

The DIGEST is printed throughthe generous contributionsmade by our readers. Keep theDIGEST free by sending a do-nation and/or memorial to theRMPOA.

Scan with

your

smart

phone to

go to the

RMPOA

website


COL (Ret) Joseph Hebert

Dumfries, VA

Congratulations on the important work you are

doing for the Military Police Corps. It suits you both.

Thank you again.

MG (Ret) Charles Hines

Cypress, TX

Best wishes to all RMPOA members.

CWO William Ivory

Sierra Vista, AZ

Thank you for the DIGEST.

COL (RET) Ray W. Berry

El Cajon, CA

You are doing a fantastic job with the DIGEST. Keep

up the good work.

COL (Ret) Scott Tippin

Alamogardo, NM

Spring 2012 issue was outstanding. Thanks.

COL (Ret) Camie Jarvis

La Verne, CA

Connie and I are enjoying a 14th floor look over Fort

Sam where I served as an assistant to the Post

Provost Marshal – proving what goes around, comes

around. That was 60 years ago!

LTC (Ret) Robert Kruger

San Antonio, TX

A great publication!

LTC (Ret) Edward Glod

Cumberland, RI

Thanks to all the folks who make the RMPO DIGEST

a great success. I thoroughly enjoy reading about

past and present MP Corps activities. Keep up the

great work!

COL (Ret) Ken Ellis

Hampton Cove, VA

Great job. You are keeping up the quality set up by

your predessor.

COL (Ret) Sully de Fontaine

Las Vegas, NV

Thanks for all you do to keep us connected with old

friends and MP Corps!

COL (Ret) Joel Himsl

Moline, IL

Thanks for all your hard work!

COL (Ret) Paul Corriere

Williamsburg, VA

Keep up the great work!

COL (Ret) David Hulme

Hidden Valley Lake, CA

Looking forward to our first RMPO Reunion! Thanks

for the great work with the DIGEST.

COL (Ret) Charles Tennison

Ochelata, OK

I enjoy reading the DIGEST though I recognize fewer

members since my MP service began in 1943 at the

Fort Custer, MI, MP Training Center.

LTC (Ret) Edwin Kulo

Tipp City, OH

Appreciate your great work!

COL (Ret) James Smith

San Antonio, TX


Thanks for a truly outstanding digest. You all are

doing a great job and certainly have a way of pulling

things together. It is always great to hear from ole

friends and to know what is going on in their lives.

Wanted to let all know that Peggy and I have down-

sized and moved into an Adult Community just re-

cently. Just prior to all of this happening I was

diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease which has re-

quired some adjustments. Our new mailing address

is 3307 Village Lane, Roswell, Georgia 30075; home

phone is 678-404-8102.

Best Wishes to all and God Bless,

COL (Ret) Tom Elliott and Peggy

Roswell, GA

Keep up the good work.

LTC (Ret) Laske

Winder, GA

Excellent job with the DIGEST.

LTC (Ret) Craig Saunders

Grass Valley, CA

I am back on active duty under the retiree recall pro-

gram. At Fort Leavenworth since November 2008.

MAJ Don Hatcher

Milan, MO

Bev and I love your great work on the Digest. We are

about to finish an eight-month stay in Germany. We

moved here in September 2011 at the invitation our

oldest son, Mike, stationed in Illesheim. We have

been living in an apartment in nearby Bad Wind-

sheim. His wife presented us with beautiful twin

granddaughters in November.

It has been our joy to be here to help. Well, ok,

mostly Bev helped. Mike deploys soon for his third

downrange tour as XO of an Apache battalion. We

will return to the states and plan to continue our re-

tirement journey moving from city to city. Then it

will be back to Europe in August to meet our daugh-

ter, travel with friends, and visit daughter-in-law and

granddaughters.

Retirement is great. Keep up the good work.

LTC (Ret) Bob Johnson

Lake Worth, FL

Thanks for the great job you do!

COL (Ret) Doug Ingros

Burke, VA

Thank you for your hard work for the DIGEST!

Mrs. Lu Nix

San Antonio, TX

Best wishes as you take the RMPO forward to new

dimensions.

MAJ (Ret) Russ Cancilla

Houston, TX

Spring edition of DIGEST was exceptionally well

done. We’re looking forward to Oklahoma City Re-

union.

CPT (Ret) Joe Fernard

Huntsville, TX

The RMPO digest has continually improved and your

hard work is appreciated.

Last year, Barbara and I took a wonderful trip to

Greece, Crete and up the Dalmatia Coast to

Dubrovnik, Hvar and Split. Then we travelled over-

land to Zagreb. The ship was small, only 50 passen-

gers, and most comfortable. Never saw so many tall

men and women as I did in Montenegro and Croa-

tia. The scenery was beautiful and


comfortable. This year I travelled to India and

Nepal. It was a long flight, but worth it. Made the

Holi (color) and Elephant festivals; marveled at the

Taj Mahal; and was overwhelmed by the Amber

Fort. I walked where Buddha first preached. I trav-

elled through the Ranthambore National Park, a

home for tigers. Then on to Nepal and a flight

around Mt. Everest and a round of golf at the

Gokanna Forest Lodge. Just working on my bucket

list.

Picture is of a Nepal (Gurka) Military Policeman and

some old guy.

My blood cancer is still behaving itself and counts

continue to stay level. Some day they will raise and

then another chapter begins. Until then I am enjoy-

ing life.

LTC (Ret) Tom Sanford

Boulder, CO

In honor of the former MP officers who became

close personal friends and had a positive influence

on my career and beyond.

COL Jim Halihan

COL Al Ackerman

LTC Tom Briggs

LTC Al Grande

LTC Bill Smith

COL Vince Appruzee

COL Norm Kinder

COL Pat Lowrey (founding RMPO DIGEST editor)

COL Dave Poule

COL Jon McFarland

COL Curtis E. Earp

COL Walt Shumway

LTC (Ret) Courtney (Pete) Fritts

Peachtree City, GA

Great work ya’ll are doing

COL (Ret) W.D. “Chine” Ray

Temple, TX

Hi all! I looked at the latest RMPO DIGEST and just

reminisced on all the names of folks that I have

worked and served with over the years. It brought

back great memories. I hope that all of my MP

brethren are doing well.

I just gave up a job working with the African Contin-

gency Operations Training Assistance Program

(ACOTA) to move from Leavenworth, Kansas to RAF

Molesworth, UK to be an African Studies Instructor.

The ACOTA program was an adventure, training

African soldiers for UN and African Union peace-

keeping missions. I made over 90 trips to the conti-

nent and it was a good feeling that the skills the

Army and the Military Police Corps taught me were

being put to use to bring about peace in some of this

world’s most god forsaken places. The Africans

were good troops, easy to work with and anxious to

learn. They are doing what they can, within their

means, to bring African solutions to African prob-

lems, and this is a good thing.

As for Molesworth, I have been here for six months

and I am enjoying the fact that I am having as more

stable life. The British lager is as good as it ever was


and the pub grub has improved tremendously since

my days here back in 1979. The weather is typical

though. Amazingly, we are under drought condi-

tions and we are not allowed to water our lawns. I

guess it is because it only rains two or three times a

day.

Well, all is well. I wan to thank the RMPOA staff for

the work they do. It is appreciated.

LTC (Ret) Dan Karis

RAF Molesworth

Enjoy the magazine.

LTC (Ret) George Baldwin

Winchester, VA

Thanks for keeping me informed. The magazine en-

courages staying in touch and the DIGEST is a good

product and tool in support of the MP Family. The

new format is great!

I have had a great and eventful year and have been

blessed by having two grandchildren from my oldest

son, Graigory Boerste, stationed in KS with his wife

Jessica and their new born daughter, Emily, who was

born on Easter and son Eric. My youngest daughter

Kellie was married on 2 June 12; where I was able

to spend time with my whole family with Melissa

and friends in celebration to include my oldest

daughter, Amanda, and youngest son, Justin.

LTC (Ret) Gerry Boerste

Bristow, VA

Thank you for all your hard work on the DIGEST and

the Association.

CW3 (Ret) Rex Schulz

Big Pine Key, FL

We have finally made our final move to Bluffton, SC

(outside of Hilton Head). Also, a small contribution

to continue the great work of the RMPO DIGEST.

MG (Ret) Don Ryder

Bluffton, SC

Sorry I can’t attend the Reunion this year, due to the

Jewish holiday of Yom Kippur being observed at the

same time. Keep up the good work.

LTC (Ret) Stefan Pollack

Marietta, GA

RMPOA has a NewLogo!

In the spring issue of The DIGEST, we asked the members to

submit their designs for a new logo for RMPOA. As part of the tax-

exempt process, we needed an identifying logo or seal.

CWO (Ret) Oskar J. Jacklin took up the challenge and submitted

three designs for RMPOA. There were DoD guidelines that governed

the use of unit emblems/crests, and we had to take that into con-

sideration. One of the designs was on the right track.

Taking that inspiration, COL (Ret) Sam Whitson and Jane Davies, finalized a design that was approved

by the DIGEST staff. The design is simple and to the point; giving RMPOA a new look for our group. The

37th Reunion will be the first formal use of the logo outside of the DIGEST.

Our appreciation to everyone who participated.


We are ap-

p r o a c h i n g

Father’s Day as the

RMPO Digest goes

to press this time. It is also the season of High School

Proms, Graduations, Changes of Command and PCS

moves. So I have decided to dedicate my column to “Dads

and Grads” this time. I would like to start with a special

Dad and his daughter.

BG Mark Inch, current Commandant of the MP Corps, re-

cently commissioned his daughter, Kaitlin Inch, as a 2nd

LT in the Kansas Army National Guard. Katie is a member

of the Class of 2012 from Mid-America Nazarene Univer-

sity, and she was a ROTC Cadet at the University of

Kansas. Con-

gratulations to

Katie, upon her

g r a d u a t i o n

from college

and much suc-

cess to her in

her military ca-

reer and all fu-

ture endeavors.

Katie’s two brothers are currently serving in the Army,

and one of them, Matthew, will be deploying very soon

to Afghanistan. Please add him and the entire Inch family

to your prayer lists this upcoming year.

The 701st MP Battalion at Fort Leonard Wood, MO has a

new Battalion Commander. In a ceremony on 10 April

2012, LTC Thomas P. Lombardo relinquished command

of the 701st to incoming commander, LTC Curtis M.

Schroeder. Pictured are both commanders and their

Brigade Commander, COL Kevin Vereen. LTC Lombardo

will be stay-

ing on at Fort

L e o n a r d

Wood and

will be serv-

ing as the In-

s p e c t o r

General for

the Maneuver

Support Center of Excellence. LTC Schroeder’s family will

be joining him shortly from Fort Leavenworth, KS.

COL Jeff and Beth Davies are doing great down in south-

ern Virginia. They are enjoying their home by the water

very much. Their oldest son, Jared, graduated from Vir-

ginia Tech on May 12th, 2012. The Davies’ younger son,

Ian, is also a student at Virginia Tech. We wish Jared all

the best in every future endeavor.

COL Jim Brown retired from active duty this spring. He

and his wife, Cindy, have returned from Berlin, Germany,

where Jim had been serving as the American Attaché for

the past 3 years. The Brown’s have been doing a lot of

traveling since

they got back

to the USA, vis-

iting family

members and

friends, and

they also at-

tended their

son, James, Jr.’s

g r a d u a t i o n

from American University in mid-May. Not surprisingly,

young James graduated with a degree in French and Ger-

man, with Honors. In the accompanying photo, Jim and

Marie’s Medleyby Marie Curry

Marie Curry is a long-time contributor to the DIGEST, offering in-

sights of our active-duty and retired Military Police Officer Family.


his wife, Cindy, were celebrating their 30th Wedding An-

niversary at a lovely dinner at the Broadmoor, in Col-

orado Springs. The Browns are settling in Colorado

temporarily. Congratulations and welcome home to Jim

and Cindy!

COL (Ret) Rick Swengros was sworn in as an SES at his

work place in Wash, DC on Wednesday, the 30th of May.

Rick is working for the Department of Homeland Secu-

rity. His wife, Kathy, and

their oldest daughter,

Lynn Harner, were able

to be present at Rick’s

ceremony. Congratula-

tions to Rick and much

success in his new posi-

tion. The Swengros’

son, Rick, Jr. has re-

cently returned from an

assignment in the Far East, and his wife, Jenna, has safely

returned from a deployment to Afghanistan. The Swen-

gros’ youngest daughter, Catherine, and her husband, LT

Buck France, recently celebrated their first wedding an-

niversary and they are preparing for a move this summer

to their next duty station in Alaska.

COL Bryan Patridge is finishing up his year at the Army

War College

in Carlisle,

Pennsylva-

nia. Bryan

was pro-

moted to full

Colonel in

April by BG

(Ret) Dave

P h i l l i p s .

Bryan will be

deploying shortly to Afghanistan. Pictured here are

Bryan and his wife, Vicki, and their four children, includ-

ing son PV2 Joe F. Patridge, who helped out in his Dad’s

promotion ceremony. Congratulations to Bryan on his

recent promotion and his graduation from the War Col-

lege. You and your family will be in our thoughts and

prayers throughout your upcoming deployment.

COL Chuck

Williams has

been serving as

the Garrison

Commander at

Fort Leonard

Wood, MO for

several years.

He will be retir-

ing from active

duty at the end

of this year. Chuck recently had the joy of commissioning

the son of some close retired MP friends of his. New 2nd

LT Jake Morris is the son of CSM (Ret) Rick and Aj Morris

of Missouri. Jake graduated this spring from the Missouri

Science and Technology Institute with a degree in Busi-

ness and Information Technology. Congrats to the new

2nd LT and all the best to Chuck and his wife, Sue, as they

prepare for a new life post active duty!

COL Ed Lowe has completed his tour in Kabul,

Afghanistan and is headed home to join his wife,

Suzanne, and their two daughters, Sarah and Robyn, in

Carlisle, PA. Ed will be working at the Peace Keeping In-

stitute right in

Carlisle for the

next year or so.

Ed is coming

home a little ear-

lier than his fam-

ily thought he

would be, so he is

planning to sur-

prise his daughter

at her High School graduation! By the time we go to print,

this event will have already happened, so we are not ru-

ining his surprise! Ed has a real heart for young people

and he comes home sharing that the children of

Afghanistan really inspired him in their appreciation for

education and their desire to make things better for the

future of their country. Ed, have you thought about be-

coming an educator when you retire from active duty?

What a gift you would be to your students! Welcome

home, Ed. May you and Suzanne and your daughters have

a wonderful reunion.


COL Gregg Thomp-

son has returned

home from his year-

long tour in

Afghanistan. He

served as the Senior

Advisor to the

Afghan Uniformed

Police at the NTM-A

Headquarters in Kabul this past year. He and his family

will soon be heading to a new assignment at Fort

Leonard Wood, MO. Welcome home, and Gregg! We hope

you were able to get home in time to see your oldest son

graduate from High School and to spend some time with

other family members before your move to Missouri. In

the accompanying photo, Gregg is giving farewell re-

marks to his teammates in Afghanistan just prior to his

departure for home.

COL Jesse Galvan is finishing up his year at the Army War

College. After his graduation on June 9th, he and his wife,

Sheila, are headed

to Wash, DC where

Jesse will be serv-

ing as the next

Provost Marshal of

the Military Dis-

trict of Washing-

ton. The Galvan’s

are looking forward to their move and have already found

a nice townhouse to live in near Old Town Alexandria.

This photo of Jesse and his family was taken on Memorial

Day at the Town Square in Carlisle, PA. We wish the Gal-

van’s all the best in their next duty assignment. Congrat-

ulations, Jesse, on your graduation from the War College.

COL John Bogdan and his family are

moving to GITMO where John will

be serving as the new BDE Level

Commander for the Detainment Fa-

cility there. John is already in Cuba,

and his family will join him there

shortly. John and his wife, Chris-

tine, have an older son, named Jake,

who completed Ranger School re-

cently and is currently serving over in Afghanistan. The

photo of John and his son, PFC Jake Bogdan, was taken in

April, shortly before Jake deployed. I am sure this family

wouldn’t mind if you add them to your prayer list.

COL (Ret) Herb Tillery’s son, Michale, was recently pro-

moted to CW2 at a ceremony in Eschenbach, Germany.

Michale is

s t a n d i n g

proudly on

the right side

in this photo.

His wife,

Michelle, and

his BN CDR and CSM look on. Congrats to the new Chief.

We share your Dad’s pride in all that you have accom-

plished.

COL (Ret) Ed Sannwaldt & his wife, LTC (Ret) Debra San-

nwaldt, are doing amazing things in Texas. They and their

family have always been into physical fitness. They and

their son and daughter run on a competitive basis regu-

larly. On the 31st of May Debbie and Ed used a Christmas

gift that Ed had given to them both this year. They at-

tended a 3 hour class at Austin Trapeze School! Yes, Ed

and Debbie learned how to fly on a trapeze! Their video

on Facebook is

amazing! You

must catch it if

you can! Ed’s

background as

a gymnast in

his earlier life

did him well.

He looked completely “at home” on a flying trapeze! Deb-

bie was a bit more tentative, but my goodness, what an

inspiration to watch these two retired MP officers try this

at this time in their lives!

MG David Quantock promoted MAJ Christopher Glover to

Lieutenant Colonel on the 1st of May, 2012. Chris’s wife,

Yvonne, their children, High School Sophomore - Chris-

tian, and 7th Grader - Briah , Chris’s parents, Doretha M.

Smith and CSM (Ret) Frankie L. Glover, of Louisiana; his


sister, Dr. Crystal

M. Glover, of

Chicago, IL; and

several of

Chris’s cousins

from Houston,

TX were all in at-

tendance. His

parents proudly

pinned on his

new rank. Chris will be leaving soon for Korea to serve

as the 2ID Provost Marshal. His family will remain in the

Wash, DC area while he is away this coming year. Con-

grats to LTC Glover, and all the best in your new duty as-

signment.

BG (Ret) Dave and Dawn Phillips will be spending the

summer months at their cabin in Canada this year. Before

they left to drive

from Alabama to

Canada, they took a

trip to visit some

MP friends in the

southern US. They

are pictured here

at the home of

their good friends,

COL (Ret) John and Pam Garrity in Knoxville, TN. So glad

you had a chance to get together. Have a wonderful sum-

mer, Dave and Dawn!

MG Dave Quantock made a trip over to Afghanistan to

visit the troops in April. While there he presented a

Marechausee Award to LTG Fazluddin of the 202nd Re-

gional Afghan Uni-

formed Police in

Kabul for his sup-

port of our Ameri-

can MPs in

Afghanistan. MG

Quantock was also

able to see his

brother, BG Mark

Quantock, and his

son, CPT Chris Quantock, who are both currently serving

in Afghanistan. Thanks for all you do to encourage our

soldiers here in the US and overseas, Dave! I know they

were all delighted to see you downrange!

COL Dan McElroy will soon be wrapping up his year in

Kabul serving as the Senior Advisor to the Minister of the

Interior in Afghanistan. He and his family will be moving

to the Wash, DC

area for his next

duty assign-

ment. Dan has

been named to

be the next

Deputy PMG of

the Army, under

MG Quantock. In

this photo, Dan,

and a young MP LT, are taking a short breather while on

a recent 4 Province Visit with the Minister of the Interior.

Dan, thanks for all that you have done over there in

Afghanistan this past year. We wish you safe travel home

and a wonderful reunion with your family when you get

back. Dan’s successor has been named. He is MP COL

Steve Donaldson, coming out of Carlisle, PA.

COL Patrick & Laurie Williams’ middle daughter, Haley,

graduated from Killeen High School on June 3rd, 2012. She

will be joining her older sister, Emily, at UT Austin in the

fall. Congratulations to Haley on her graduation and all

the best as she con-

tinues her educa-

tion at UT. Hook

‘em horns! Haley’s

Dad, Pat, is finish-

ing up his com-

mand of the 89th

MP Brigade at Fort

Hood, TX this sum-

mer. He will be moving on to Fort Leonard Wood to be-

come the next Assistant Commandant of the MP Corps.

The Williams’ family will be bringing lots of great expe-

rience with them back to Missouri and will surely be a

wonderful asset to the community out there. Congratu-


lations to Pat on his highly successful command and

thanks to Laurie, for all that she has done to take care of

soldiers and families. This photo of Haley and her parents

was taken the day of her High School Prom this spring.

COL Steven Donaldson has just completed a year working

at the Peace-Keeping Institute

at Carlisle Barracks, PA. His

wife, Aristea, and their daugh-

ters, Alexis and Alana, have

been living in the family’s home

in Easton, PA for the past 2

years. Steve commuted back

and forth on the weekends dur-

ing that whole time. Steve has

rejoined his family in Easton

just in time to attend his daugh-

ter, Alexis’s, High School gradu-

ation, which was held on the 14th of June. Alexis had a

very successful High School career, receiving quite a few

academic and athletic awards. She will be heading off to

college in the fall. Steve will also be leaving soon, as he is

going to Afghanistan to become the next Senior Advisor

to the Afghan Minister of the Interior. The family is mak-

ing the most of the quality time they have together before

Steve has to deploy. Please add this family to your prayer

list also! The photo of Steve and Aristea and their oldest

daughter, Alexis, was taken the day of her High School

Prom. Congratulations to Alexis on her graduation and

Godspeed to Steve this next year.

My husband, Steve, and I recently had the joy of recon-

n e c t i n g

with two

r e t i r e d

MP cou-

ples with

whom we

have been

c l o s e

f r i e n d s

for many

years. The

first couple was with us when Steve was in the Officers

Advanced Course (now called the Captain’s Career

Course) at Fort McClellan, Alabama many, many years

ago. MAJ (Ret) Carl and Elaine Reichmuth spent a week

vacationing in the White Mountains of New Hampshire

in April. We all met one evening here at our home and

then went out to supper at a local restaurant and had a

lovely time catching up on each other’s news. This photo

was taken of all of us in front of The Common Man

Restaurant in Concord, NH by a very kind passerby.

Last and very specially, we had a chance to meet up with

our close friends, LTC (Ret) Russ and Mary Jo Youngs and

their entire family here in New Hampshire this May. Their

son, Raymond, and our son, John, have been life-long

buddies, as our families were stationed together a num-

ber of times during our many years on active duty and

we experi-

enced many

joys and

sorrows to-

gether, as

m i l i t a r y

f a m i l i e s

have a way

of doing.

Russ and

Mary Jo now

live in upstate New York. Their son, Raymond, a former

MP Officer in the New Hampshire National Guard, is cur-

rently working for the State Department in Iraq. His fam-

ily resides in North Carolina. We all met at the vacation

home that Raymond and his family have recently pur-

chased in the White Mountains of New Hampshire and

had an absolutely marvelous time together. Hope you

enjoy this photo of Russ and Mary Jo, and their grandchil-

dren, Makayla and Conner Salas, and Patrick and Sammy

Youngs taken on the deck of their son’s home in the

shadow of Mount Moosilauke, NH!

Happy Father’s Day to all the Dads in our MP family and

congratulations again to all the Grads from the Class of

2012. Have a wonderful summer everyone!


1stLt Brian Sullivan at the Qui

Nhon Provost Marshal’s office,1971

Memorial Day 2012 has seen

the Department of Defense (DOD)

commemorate the 50th anniver-

sary of our country’s entry into

the Vietnam War, with cere-

monies in Washington, D.C. The

department has created a web

site at www.vietnamwar50th.com

that includes information on com-

memoration plans and links to

veterans’ service organizations

which are supporting the anniver-

sary.

The major focus is to thank

and honor Vietnam veterans and

their families for their sacrifice on

behalf of our nation. The com-

memoration period will run until

2023, during which the service of

Vietnam veterans and their con-

tributions will be highlighted.

The pending anniversary

causes me to pause and reflect

back upon my own tour of duty

from October 1970 to July 1971 in

Qui Nhon, Republic of South Viet-

nam. I was assigned to the 127th

Military Police Company/93rd MP

Battalion. Our mission was to

maintain law and order in that

coastal city in the Central High-

lands of South Vietnam. It was a

key supply point for U.S. forces,

who would transport ammunition

and the other necessities of war

throughout the central provinces.

The 93rd MP Battalion had an

exciting mission. In addition to

discipline, law and order (DL&O),

we also provided Patrol Boat

River (PBR) security of Qui Nhon

harbor and road clearance/con-

voy escort with V-100 armored

cars and gun jeeps along Highway

1 from Tuy Hoa in the south to

Landing Zone English in the north

and along Highway 19 from Bon

Son west to Pleiku and An Khe.

By 1970/1971 Qui Nhon was

a powder keg, ready to explode.

The Vietnamization program had

begun whereby missions were

being transferred to the Army Re-

public of South Vietnam (ARVN).

U.S. troop withdrawal was on the

fast track and the fewer American

units, the more dangerous the city

became.

It wasn’t just the Viet Cong or

the cowboys (Vietnamese street

thugs) that our military police

had to worry about. In more in-

stances than not, it was our own

soldiers. Racial discord, combat

refusals, drug use, fraggings

(killing unpopular officers

/sergeants with a fragmentation

grenade), AWOLS (Absent With-

out Leave) and desertions were

all on the rise. Morale was low

50th Anniversary ofthe Vietnam Warby LTC (Ret) Brian F. Sullivan

Sharing Memories


(left) Men of the 127th Military Police Company, Qui

Nhon, RVN, 1970

(right) Harbor patrol checks papers.

(lower left) 127th Military Police Company V-

100 (Peanuts)

(lower right) Bar check Votanh Street, Qui

Nhon


and the war was increasingly seen as unwinnable.

Despite all of this, the military policemen of the

127th MP Company/93rd MP Battalion did a truly

outstanding job of maintaining order and discipline.

The story of returning Vietnam veterans not

being given the “welcome home” they deserved is all

too familiar. In my case, I was the officer in charge

of a prisoner shipment from Long Binh Jail to the

Presidio in San Francisco and from there to The Cas-

tle at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. In July 1971, when

I landed in California, my MPs and I met with jeers

and derision, while our prisoners were greeted with

empathy by the airport’s “flower children.”

My hope today is that the 50th anniversary will

give Americans an opportunity to make amends and

pay Vietnam veterans the respect they earned.

Lieutenant Colonel Sullivan is a retired Federal Aviation

Administration Special Agent who served 23 years as a Mil-

itary Police officer in the US Army. He is a proud Vietnam

veteran and a recipient of the Bronze Star, Meritorious Serv-

ice Medal and Massachusetts Medal of Valor. Last year he

was presented with a platinum REMI at the Houston Inter-

national Film Festival for his narration of the aviation security

documentary Please Remove Your Shoes. He and his wife

Betsy reside in Plymouth, Massachusetts. He’s currently

working on his Vietnam memoir, The Streets of Qui Nhon.

In the evening of March 22,

2012, the City of Alexandria

honored LTC (Ret) Al Grande for

his outstanding and dedicated cit-

izenship, namely, for enhancing

the quality of life within the City

of Alexandria, and selected him as

a ‘Living Legend of Alexandria’.

The cheering section at his ap-

pointment ceremony consisted of

his wife Claire, his son Dean, his

daughter Donna, as well as Chase

and Alma Maglin, Frank and Paula

Cohn, and many friends and for-

mer neighbors and business asso-

ciates. The local Mayor and the

elected Congressman and other

dignitaries from the city, all had

high praise for Al’s former busi-

ness named ‘ASAP Printing and

Graphics’, which was located in

the Del Ray section of Alexandria.

Presently, Al and Claire live in

the Greenspring Retirement Resi-

dence, in Springfield, VA. He no

longer owns his printing business,

but no one has forgotten ASAP’s

former owner. Al’s work with

youth, the mentoring of aspiring

printers, the organizing of a an as-

sociation for local small business

owners, as well as an organization

in support of the local Police De-

partment, all earned him the nick

name of ‘Del Ray Ambassador’. His

many years of voluntary work are

engraved in the memory of those

who lived nearby, worked with or

were supported by Al’s ASAP

printing operation. They came to

the ceremony, they all remem-

bered.

In ASAP’s early days, Al spon-

sored the meetings of our aspiring

Digest Team in his shop, to help

the former editor, Pat Lowrey,

produce the Digest. At ASAP, lunch

was served and the ongoing dis-

cussions assured that every suc-

cessive issue was enhanced. The

members of the old Digest Team

will never forget Al’s all encom-

passing, supporting role. We

know that Al’s honor, of being ap-

pointed a ‘Living Legend of

Alexandria’, is very well deserved.

We wish him and Claire a con-

tinued comfortable and enjoyable

retirement!

RMPOA Member Named“A Living Legend”Story by COL (Ret) Frank Cohn

Claire and Al Grande

(photo courtesy of Greenspring)


Plans have been finalized for the 37th Annual

RMPO Reunion at the Hampton Inn and Suites

in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Complete and

mail in your registration TODAY! This fun packed

four-day event from Wednesday, September 26 to

Sunday, September 30 reunites fellow retirees,

friends and family members and commemorates the

71th Anniversary of our MP Corps.

Registration

Please complete the enclosed registration from and

mail it in the self-addressed envelope. The OKC Re-

union Committee should receive it no later than 15

August 2012. A copy of this form is also available on

the RMPO website at www.rmpo.org

Hotel Accommodations

The Hampton Inn and Suites is located at 300 East

Sheridan, Oklahoma City. Phone in your reserva-

tions at 405 246 2709 or 405 232 3600 and use our

reservation code of RMPO. Room rate is $116 for

OK!We’re going to the

37th Annual Retired MilitaryPolice Officers Association Reunionin

Oklahoma City, OK

26-30 September 2012


king rooms or $120 for double queen rooms. The

hotel provides a complementary hot breakfast every

morning. Parking in the secure garage is $8.00 per

day, with un-

l i m i t e d

in/out ac-

cess. Free

parking is

a v a i l a b l e

s e v e r a l

blocks away

from the

hotel and is

not a secure area. The hotel provides an indoor

swimming pool, spa and fitness room. You may visit

their web site at www.oklahomacitybricktown-

suites.hamptoninn.com

Reunion Activities and Events

Available in the downtown OKC area is a banjo

museum, the old theater row, the old automobile

row, an arts district and numerous other attractions.

A short distance away (5-10 minutes) is the historic

stockyards district that has the famous “Cattleman’s

Restaurant”, and a shopping district of western wear

and equipment. There is the Oklahoma River with

t h r e e

b o a t -

h o u s e s ;

the “Ok-

l a h o m a

City”, the

“Devon”

and the

“ C h e s a -

p e a k e ”.

This area

now houses the US Olympic Rowing teams training

facility.

The OKC Zoo is about 10 minutes away from the

hotel, is one of the most popular zoos in the US hav-

ing just been nationally ranked as the 4th most pop-

ular zoo. There is also the national softball museum,

train museum, and a firefighters museum all within

a couple minutes of the zoo.

In Norman about 20-25 minutes south on I-35

is Oklahoma University and its natural history mu-

seum.

Fort Sill is about 1½ hours southwest of OKC on

I-44. Just on the north side of Fort Sill is the Wichita

Mountains Wildlife reserve. Located on Fort Sill is

an artillery museum and historic sites to include the

graves of

such no-

table In-

dian chiefs

as the

Apache’s

Geronimo

and Co-

manche’s

Q u a n a

P a r k e r .

Fort Sill also houses a national military cemetery.

Located to the east of OKC is the Oklahoma lake

country boasting many large lakes and several small

mountain ranges and forests. This is a favorite drive

for those wishing to take in the fall colors. The route

parallels the OK and AR boarder.

Activities for the 37th Annual Retired Military

Police Reunion were selected based on the Reunion

Questionnaire responses we received. Please review

the description of activities and indicate on the en-

closed registration form the number of persons par-

ticipating in each activity.

Hospitality Room

The well-stocked hospitality room will operate

throughout the reunion. We have a room that is

nearly 1,200 square feet with tables and chairs. The

room will be open until 11pm each night.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26

InfORmal WelCOme ReCeptIOn - 1830 tO 2200

This traditional event will be held across the street

from the hotel in the Pearls Crabtown Restaurant.


We have the entire second floor reserved with a cash

bar and finger food buffet, pool tables and lots of

room to “meet and greet”. There is an elevator for

those who desire not to or cannot negotiate the

stairs. There are a number of restaurants adjacent

to or within a couple of blocks of the hotel for those

who want to venture out for a full meal after the

meet and greet. A list of restaurants will be added

with the welcome packet.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 27

OKlahOma CIty memORIal - 0900 tO 1200

This is a three-hour activity. The Oklahoma CityNationalMemorialand Mu-seum hon-ors thosewho werekilled andsurvivedthe April19, 1995bombing

of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building. It is lo-cated at the site of the bombing. In addition to thememorial, there is an extensive museum coveringthe events of the bombing.

natIOnal COWbOy and WesteRn heRItage museum –

1400 tO 1700

Located about a mile north of Remington Park, the

facility provides a look back into our western history

and heritage and the development of the west. In-

c l u d e d

in the

museum

is nu-

merous

works of

art and

s c u l p -

tures by

n o t o r i -

eties such as Frederick Remington. There is also a

section that honors the “cowboys” to include nota-

bles such as Will Rogers and others, many with Okla-

homa roots. There is a café in the facility.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28

gOlf OutIng - 0700 tO 1300

The annual golf outing will be held at the TinkerAFB Golf Course with a shotgun start. Registrationfee includes green fees, golf cart, lunch and prizes.Please provide your golf handicap or average scoreon the second page of the registration form. Trans-portation will be provided. Rental clubs are avail-able at the Golf Club.

natIOnal WeatheR CenteR – 0830 tO 1100

This tour will last approximately two-hours. Bus

transportation will be provided. The National

Weather Service Weather Forecast Office in Norman,

Ok has the latest and most updated weather and

s t o r m

p r e d i c -

tion tech-

nology in

the na-

tion. It’s

located a

short 20-

2 5

m i n u t e

bus ride

from the hotel. This is the facility that tracks and

predicts all the severe storm events/warnings in the

US. See how they track and predict the tornados. If

we exceed 35 people on this primary tour, another

tour will be set up to depart the hotel at 1000 hrs.

RemIngtOn paRK CasInO / lIve hORse RaCIng – 1700

The first bus will depart the hotel at 1700 hrs. The

track offers live horse racing and slot machines.

There are several excellent restaurants and bars lo-

cated at the track and casino. The paddock is set up

where you can go down and get up close and per-

sonal with the horses and riders. There are also


s e a t i n g

areas (in-

doors and

o u t s i d e )

a n d

l o u n g e s

where you

may just

set and

visit if you

wish. The track is located about 10-15 minutes from

the hotel. The horse track starts races about 6 PM

and finishes around 10 PM. The track is a first class

facility; expect this to be a four to five hour event (or

less).

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 29

memORIal bReaKfast – 0800 tO 1000

The traditional Memorial Breakfast honoring the MP

Corps members we have lost this last year will be

held on Saturday morning at 8AM at Rocky’s. The

breakfast will be a buffet with enough choices that

everyone should be satisfied including those with

special dietary needs. Rocky’s is located directly

across the street from the hotel. A benediction and

roll call will be read to honor our fallen comrades.

dIllaRd’s COsmetIC maKeOveR - afteRnOOn

Dillard’s will provide free makeovers on Saturday af-

ternoon for all the ladies who wish to participate.

busIness meetIng – 1300 tO 1400

annual banquet– 1800 tO 2300

The official coat and tie dinner will highlight the re-

union. The banquet will be held at Rocky’s. Rocky’s

will provide us with a private facility that is catering

to our needs and requirements. Visit their web site

at www.rockysbricktown.com. The evening will

begin with a cash bar, posting of the colors, toasts,

guest speaker and a buffet meal, retiring of the col-

ors and some music that most of us probably grew

up with. Our guest speaker will be the Oklahoma

Adjutant General MG Myles L. Deering. The 45th CBT

has deployed to Iraq several times and recently re-

turned from Afghanistan.

TRAVEL REMINDERS

OKC is located at the crossroads of America. It

is located at the intersections of I-40, I-35 and I-44.

Check the hotel web page listed below for easy to

follow instruction to locate the hotel.

For those traveling by air, Will Rogers World Air-

port is your final destination. Rental car, shuttle

service or cabs are available at the airport. It is

about a 10-15 minute trip to the hotel.

For those traveling by RV, Tinker AFB is your

best bet for secure RV parking. It is best to get to the

RV camp off of I-240 at the Air Depot Street exit/gate

on the south side of the base. Most of the other

gates/entrances have barriers which will not allow

passage of RVs/trailers. The camp grounds are lo-

cated about 3/8 mile from the south gate, just east

of the new base hospital.

We will provide bus transportation with our

planned activities. There is a free downtown trolley

pick up next to the hotel. Across the street to the

west is the Bricktown Water Taxi pick up point that

can take you on the Bricktown Canal that winds

through the Bricktown entertainment district.

See You in Oklahoma City!

Scan with your smartphone to go

to the website for all this infor-

mation and the registration

form


Retired military police Officers association

37th annual ReunionOklahoma City, Oklahoma

september 26 to september 30, 2012

Registration FormPLEASE TYPE or PRINT LEGIBLY You can download this form at www.RMPO.org

Name & Rank:last first rank

Address:street city state zip code

Tel No.: E-Mail:

There will be a total of _______ people in my party. Please list guests (use reserve side if necessary):

ACTIVITY / EVENT Cost per Person # of Persons Total $

WEDNESDAY, September 26

Registration (1) $150.00 x ________ = ____________

Welcome Reception (1830-2200) * x ________ = Included

THURSDAY, September 27

Oklahoma City Memorial (0900-1200) $15.00 x ________ = ____________

National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum $15.00 x ________ = ____________(1400-1700)

FRIDAY, September 28

Golf Tournament (0700) (2) $50.00 x ________ = ____________

National Weather Center (0830-1100) $10.00 x ________ = ____________

National Weather Center (1000-1230) (3) $10.00 x ________ = ____________

Remington Park Casino/live horse racing (4) * x ________ = Included

SATURDAY, September 29

Memorial Breakfast (0800 – 1000) (5) * x ________ = Included

Business Meeting (1300) * x ________ = Included

Dillard’s Cosmetic Makeover (after business mtg) * x ________ = no charge

Annual Banquet (1800-2300) (6) * x ________ = Included

* Cost included in Registration Fee TOTAL AMOUNT ENCLOSED: $ _____________

1, 2.last name first name last name first name


NOTES:

(1) Registration also includes full access to the hospitality room , welcome packet, informal welcome reception,

memorial breakfast, business meeting and banquet.

(2) Golf participant handicap or average score: __________for _________________________________________________________and

_________ for ___________________________________________________________

Golf tournament fees include lunch. Teams and breakouts will be announced at the reunion. Bus transportation

will be provided to Tinker AFB golf course. Rental clubs will be available.

(3) This second tour will be set up only if the primary tour, 0830-1100, is full. There is no choice of times.

(4) The first bus is at 1700hrs. The bus will make a round-robin trip once per hour to and from the track. Dinner,

on-your-own, is available at the track.

(5) Memorial Breakfast buffet menu includes: scrambled eggs; sausage; biscuits; danish; fruit; coffee; tea; soft

drinks; milk and orange juice.

(6) Banquet Buffet Menu includes: mesquite-grilled chicken breast; smoked beef brisket; roasted red potato

wedges seasoned with garlic & herbs; seasoned green beans; dinner rolls and butter; wine for toasting; and coffee

and tea.

There are numerous venues offered in the area and we will include information in your welcome packet, or you maycheck out additional attractions on the Oklahoma City, Oklahoma home page, http://www.visitokc.com.

Mail the completed registration form with a check made payable to "RMPO Reunion Fund" no later than 15 August

2012 to:

COL (Ret) Garold Holcombe

PO Box 755

Maud, OK 74854

Hotel registration: Guests are staying at the Hampton Inn and Suites (Bricktown), located at 300 East Sheridan Ave,

Oklahoma City, Ok 73104. Hotel reservations can be made by calling 405-232-3600 using the "Retired Military Police

Officers" name to obtain our package rates of $116 for a king room or $120 for double queen room. On line booking

is www.oklahomacitybricktownsuites.hamptoninn.com. Included with the room is a full hot breakfast, high speed

internet, indoor pool/spa and exercise room. A secure, enclosed parking garage is available adjacent to the hotel,

with direct hotel access. Use of the parking garage is strongly recommended. Please use the appropriate phone

number or web site and group code of "RMPO" to obtain our negotiated room rate room no later than 30 August

2012.

Comments section: Please LIST any additional guests or special needs:

See you in Oklahoma City!


MAJ David Amick

Mrs. Doris Anderson

LTC George Baldwin

Mr. J. Cary Barton

CPT Roger Beaumont

MAJ Horace Berry

COL Ray Berry

LTC Jerry Boerste

MAJ Russell Cancilla

COL David Clark

COL Paul Corriere, Jr.

COL Sully de Fontaine

CWO Peter Dedijer

COL Kenneth Ellis

CPT Joseph Fernand

LTC Pete Fritts

LTC William Geenty

COL Paul Gerard

LTC Charles Glick

LTC Edward Glod

LTC Allen Grammer

COL Don Greenwald

LTC Ercell Grimes, Jr.

Ms. Joan Hall

Dr. Willard Hardman

COL William Hart

MAJ Daniel Hatcher

COL Joseph Hebert

MAJ Charles Heck

COL Michael Herman

LTC Jeffrey Hill

COL Joel Himsl

MG Charles Hines

COL David Hulme

COL Guy Huskerson, Jr

COL Douglas Ingros

CWO William Ivey

LTC Jerry Jackson

COL Camie Jarvis

LTC Robert Johnson

MAJ John Jolley

BG Theodore Kanamine

LTC Dan Karis

COL Robert Kruger

LTC Edwin Kulo

LTC Lawrence Laske

MAJ Kevin Logan

MAJ Hector Lopez

LTC Timothy McCombs

COL John Mentor

COL Walter Mills

COL Richard Mosco

LTC Art Mosley

Mrs. Lu Nix

COL Kenneth Pierce

COL Verner Pike

LTC Stefan Pollack

LTC Ronald Rada

COL Paul Raggio

COL Joseph Rapone

COL W. D. "Chine" Ray

COL Donald Russell

MG Don Ryder

LTC Tom Sanford

LTC Craig Saunders

MAJ Paul Scheid

CW3 Rex Schulz

CW4 Larry Shanks

CWO David Sigety

COL James Smith

COL Ted Spain

COL Michael Sudnick

COL Charles Tennison

COL Scott Tippin

LTC George Wallace

MAJ Peter Wolffe

COL Thomas Zane

DIGEST Honor Roll of DonorsSpecial thanks to the following individuals who have contributed since the last issue ofthe DIGEST. Your generousity enables the DIGEST to reach the many members of ourRetired Military Police Officer family and to reach out to future members.

In recognition of their contributions, here are are the current Honor Roll of Donors:


RMPOA MEMBER INFORMATION AND UPDATE

USE THIS FORM TO JOIN OR UPDATE YOUR INFORMATION

NEW MEMBER UPDATE

Date:

Name:

Address:

City / State / Zip

Email1: Email2:

Home Ph: Cell Ph: Other Ph:

Date Entered Service: Date Retired:

Grade: Spouse:

Is spouse joining

as member: No Yes if yes, then list email:

Please mail to: RMPOA, Attn: Membership, PO Box 5477, Springfield, VA 22150 or

email information to LTC (Ret) Jack Kochenour, e. [email protected]

Welcome to RMPOThe following retiree(s) have joined the ranks of our group since the last issue of the DIGEST

MAJ Timothy (Nick) Yde, Wichita, KS

Commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War

Memorial Day 2012 saw the first observances of the commemoration of one of the longest wars in

United States history - the Vietnam War. As noted in the proclamation, the American people are about to

begin a 13-year observance of recognizing the efforts of American soldiers/citizens of that war.

Unlike the returning soldiers of the Iraqi wars, these warriors did not receive the thanks or apprecia-

tion of our nation. As noted by LTC Brian Sullivan in an article in this DIGEST, the soldiers were usually

subjected to insults.

Although events are already in

progress, the majority of the events are

scheduled to be held during 2015 -17.

For this major phase of the anniver-

sary, the program is asking for partners

to provide at least two events per year.

Although the partnership application

process is not active yet, the group’s

website will have the application forms

and information.

The website is:

http://www.vietnamwar50th.com/



Day One,

April 30,

2012 –

Campo to

Lake

Morena

The ad-

venture has

begun!!

After a

very pleas-

ant evening in San Diego, Joyce

drove me and Detlief “Hamburger”

Korner to the trailhead this morn-

ing. Detlief is from Hamburg, Ger-

many. Detlief commented on line

in one of the PCT forums that he

needed a ride to the trailhead and

I told him we could help out.

One of the Company Com-

manders from my Battalion Com-

mander days made the 2-hour

drive from Pasadena to be there to

send me off with our Battalion col-

ors. I had not seen him since 1988.

It was really special. Thanks, Jeff.

The weather was cold, windy

and rainy. We quickly signed the

trail register, took the ceremonial

photos and headed north at 8:04

AM. Because of the weather

Joyce’s and my goodbye was way

too short. It was hard watching

her drive by a few minutes later.

Day 15, May 10 – Snow Creek Vil-

lage to Whitewater Preserve

Today’s Miles: 11, Total PCT

Miles: 218.6

Every day there seems to be a

different challenge. Today it was

the wind.

Actually, the challenge of the

wind started last night. I had

pitched my tent and put rocks on

the tent pegs. Around midnight

the wind really began to blow and

I learned, if you are going to use

rocks, use big rocks. I had to get up

and restake my tent twice.

I was up at 5:15 and started

hiking at 6:00. I-10 was only 2

miles but a strong crosswind com-

bined with a very sandy footing

made for slow progress. Upon ar-

rival at the interstate, I was re-

warded with Trail Magic – coolers

of cold drinks.

After going under I-10, the

trail began a gradual ascent and

soon entered the Mesa Wind

Farm. As I neared their adminis-

trative area, there was a sign say-

ing, “Water and Shade. Stop by and

say Hi.” I did and was rewarded

with a cold bottle of water. The hill

passed the administrative area

was tough. It didn’t help that it

was getting hot.

I continued to struggle with

the wind stopped for lunch under

a lone tree at a trail junction for

the Whitewater Preserve. It of-

fered free camping, running water,

flush toilets, and picnic tables. I

said why not?

There were several other hik-

ers here when I arrived. Most

planned on hiking out late after-

noon when the heat breaks. I set

up my tent and spent a pleasant

afternoon setting up my tent next

to one of the picnic tables and re-

laxing. The wind continues to

blow but I have used big rocks.

Day 30, May 25 – Zero Day at

Saufley’s Hiker Heaven

Today’s Miles: 0, Total PCT

Miles: 454.4

Today was a zero day in Agua

Dulce. After a nice night sleeping

on a cot, I woke at 6:00 to a cool,

cloudy morning. We even had a

brief shower.

Several of us rode bikes the

one mile into town for breakfast at

the Sweetwater Cafe. The front

tire on my bike went flat on the

way to town and I thought I would

have to walk it back. But, as luck

would have it, the lady at the hard-

ware store next door said she

could repair it and she did for no

charge because it was a “Saufley”

bike. Then it was to the store to re-

supply.

Back at the Saufley’s, I put my

name on the shower list. By the

time my name came up, it was

lunch time. So, after a quick

shower, Bronco and I rode bikes

back into town for lunch at the Big

Mouth Pizza.

Back at the Saufley’s, we sat

around relaxing until dinner time.

Several of us walked to town for

dinner at Maria Bonita’s Mexican

restaurant. 12 of us had a great

meal followed by ice cream.

So, we ate at every restaurant

in Agua Dulce today.

Enjoyed the zero. Will be back

on the trail early in the morning.

(Ed. - we monitor the progress of

Mike Tarman as he hikes the PCT)

Giving Back: On the Trail withMike Tarman


To Members of RMPOA:

I am the Chairman of the CIDAA Hall of Fame

Committee, and also contributor to the RMPOA Di-

gest. I would like to enlist the Digest in the search

for information on LTC Rex Andrew Smith MPC

(Ret) for inclusion in a Hall of Fame Packet for Rex.

I would like to include a quick history of Rex to let

you know why we are attempting to round out a

packet on him. Rex has filled positions of great re-

sponsibility throughout the entire spectrum of the

rank structures of the US Army. He started his career

as an enlisted soldier in Panama in 1938, and during

his term of service, served as a CW4 and retired as

an LTC in 1962. he was in the 3d wave on D-Day . He

was a Military Policeman, rising to serve as Provost

Marshal of Carlysle Barracks, PA, and chief of the 6th

CID in Europe.

We have little to show for all of his service, and

as stated by the individual who originally nominated

him to me, "testimonials are almost impossible to

come by since most all who knew him have since

passed away".

It would be greatly appreciated if you would in-

clude something in your next Digest issue on Rex,

along with a call for specific information on notable

investigations he was involved with. If anything can

be found I would be grateful if it could be sent to me

at [email protected]

Sincerly, and Respectfully Yours,

William (Bill) Ivory

CWO (Ret)

Chairman, CID Hall of Fame Committee

Members:

CWO Gary L.Price and CWO David C Allen

Thank a Hero *

Thanks-A-Bunch™ and Military.com have come

together to offer you a unique opportunity to say

"thanks" to our troops, our veterans and their fami-

iles (American Heroes) by providing them with a

$50 Thanks-A-Bunch gift card that you can purchase

for just $10 (tax deductible) to help pay for a nice

meal out with family and friends. We've all experi-

enced a time when we thought about buying a meal

for an America's Hero or just walking up to a Soldier

or veteran and saying thanks. Thanks-A-Bunch™ cre-

ated a program that makes saying "thanks" to our

America's Heroes easy to do and helps make the

lives of our military familes just a bit easier. For de-

tails about thanking our Soldiers, please see:

http://www.thanksabunch.org/milcom/?oid=1010

_6

CBO PREDICTS COLA *

The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) has pre-

dicted that the cost-of-living adjustment in military

retirement and veterans’ disability benefits for 2013

will be 1.3 percent.

The CBO’s prediction was included in a report

that estimated the cost of H.R. 4114, the Veterans’

Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of

2012. This bill, which passed the House Veterans’

Affairs Committee on April 27, would ensure that

veteran disability and survivors benefits increase by

the same percentage.

If passed, the increase will take effect on Decem-

ber 1, 2012, and will appear in the January 2012

checks.

* Information courtesy of AUSA

New Bill is Introduced on Tricare Services

Sen. Frank Lautenberg [D-NJ] and Sen. Marco

Rubio [R-FL] have introduced a bill, S. 3203: Military

Health Care Protection Act of 2012. A bill to amend

title 10, United States Code, to limit increases in the

certain costs of health care services under the health

care programs of the Department of Defense, and for

other purposes. For more information, go to:

http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/112/s3203

Bulletin Board: Items of Interest


COL Glen HillCOL “Shocky” Van Horn

LTC (Ret) Jeffrey HillCape Carteret, NC

CW4 Ruben YoungCW3 Joe Greenwell

CWO (Ret) William IvorySierra Vista, AZ

Mrs. Mary Beth OurslerSpouse of LTC (Ret) Robert Oursler; rememberinga friend from the Advanced Course in 1971-72.

LTC (Ret) William GoentyPuyallop, WA

MAJ Fouad AideCOL David Bertocci

COL (Ret) Scott TippinAlamogardo, NM

MG Paul TimmerbergBG Wally WittwerMrs. Ginger Wittwer

COL (Ret) Guy Huskerson, Jr.San Antonio, TX

1LT Malcom Miller (d. January 7, 2012)CPT (Ret) Roger BeaumontBryan, TX

BG David StemHe inspired me to branch transfer to the MP Corps.Who knows what he may have been able to accom-plish.

LTC (Ret) Ron RadaManchester, WA

LTC Alan ThompsonCOL (Ret) Joseph Rapone IIWaynesville, MO

COL David AndersonCOL Robert AndersonMrs. Bernice Anderson

Mrs. David (Doris) AndersonShalimar, FL

Millie GereckeDana Kierstad

LTC (Ret) Lawrence LaskeWinder, GA

CWO Andre (Flip) FeherCOL Edwin Vail

BG (Ret) Theodore KanaminePort St Lucie, FL

LTC (Ret) Walter McMinnLTC (Ret) Glen SaveranceMAJ (Ret) Walter Clark Stone

MAJ (Ret) Charles HeckLargo, FL

BG David StemCOL John BlewettCOL Jack HackettCOL Bob Walters

COL (Ret) Walter MillsAlexandria, VA

COL Walt FergusonLTC Kim Orlando

In Memory of Our Retired Military PoliceOfficers Family


Barbara InchCOL (Ret) Joseph HebertDumfries, VA

COL Ben BonnerCOL Roger Hoff

COL (Ret) Sully de FontaineLas Vegas, NV

BG David StemCOL and Mrs. MichauCOL Ed LockwoodAnd all those who have gone ahead.

COL (Ret) Don GreenwaldKingman, AZ

Ginger WittwerWilda BrakenridgeMAJ Fouad AideThe above names bring to mind many fond memo-ries of Fort Gordon.

Mrs. Lu NixSan Antonio, TX

COL James HarrisonMSG Will Sabulu, KIA, 6 May 2007, Pol-e-charki,Afghanistan

COL (Ret) Bill HartSpring, TX

COL Eddie NixCOL William WardCOL Ivan NelsonCOL George ProudfootGEN Fred Weyand (Honorary 25th MP Companymember)

LTC (Ret) Pete FrittsPeachtree City, GA

COL Warren Reese

COL Tom O’MalleyCOL (Ret) W. D. “Chine” RayTemple, TX

COL Keith F. DuBoisKeith passed away on 28 April 2012 here in SanAntonio. Was a wonderful, caring man.

Ms. Joan HallSan Antonio, TX

In the name of Allan K . DuBois, son of COL DuBois.Mr. J. Cary BartonSan Antonio, TX

Special Agent Marvin ParkerHe was my agent-in-charge, my mentor, my friend.

LTC (Ret) Dan KarisRAF Molesworth

LTC Jim Van ZeeCOL David AndersonMPOC #4 (1963-64) – all who have gone before

LTC (Ret) Tom SanfordBoulder, CO

CWO Floyd NicholsonCWO Jim ButcherCWO Jim SquiresCWO Bill CorneliusCWO Ben Grotts

CW3 (Ret) Rex SchulzBig Pine Key, FL

COL Walter FergusonCWO Ron Decker

COL (Ret) Verner PikePinehurst, NC

I’ve mailed a donation in honor of the 13 sol-

diers I lost in Iraq. It’s hard to believe next year will


be 10 years since the invasion. So many great Amer-

icans have died in this war on terrorism. I’ve at-

tached my thoughts on command in combat, that I

wrote just as I was leaving Baghdad in February,

2004. We must all keep the memory of the fallen

alive. Thank you for your great work on the Digest. COL (Ret) Ted SpainAiken, SC

thOughts On COmmand In COmbatA commander is responsible for everything his unit

does or fails to do. The Army gave me the honor and

the privilege of being a commander; then they asked

me to lead thousands of soldiers in combat. As the

Commander of the 18th Military Police Brigade for

the first year of Operation Iraqi Freedom, I only

wanted two things; accomplish all missions and

send every soldier back home alive. From the initial

invasion of Iraq in late March, until our one-year de-

ployment was over, we accomplished all missions.

However, I failed to bring every soldier back home

alive. I accept full responsibility for that and will

have to live with this fact the rest of my life. The fol-

lowing are the names of the great Americans I failed

to bring back home:

SPC Narson Sullivan 411th MP Co.

SGT Travis Burkhardt 170th MP Co.

SPC Eric Hull 307th MP Co.

SSG Bobby Franklin 210th MP Co.

PFC Charles Sims 549th MP Co

LTC Kim Orlando HHD, 716th MP Bn.

SSG Joseph Bellavia 194th MP Co.

CPL Sean Grilley 194th MP Co.

PFC Rachel Bosveld 527th MP Co.

SGT Aubrey Bell 214th MP Co.

SGT Nicholas Tomko 307th MP Co.

SSG Aaron Reese 135th MP Co.

SPC Todd Bates 135th MP Co.

The heroes above are not just names but

human beings that gave their lives because they be-

lieved in something greater than themselves. How

many Americans can say that about what they do

everyday? They gave their lives to accomplish the

mission we were given, which was to liberate the

Iraqi people and help create a safe and secure envi-

ronment in a country that had been oppressed by a

brutal regime for 30 years. Regardless of what their

duty position was, everyday they went about accom-

plishing whatever mission they were given, regard-

less of the danger they faced. Today they are looking

down on us, knowing they gave everything they had

so people they didn’t even know would have an op-

portunity for a better life; a quality of life that is just

a small percentage of what most Americans enjoy

everyday. We must continue the fight so the heroes

listed above will not have died in vain.

We gave each of our fallen comrades a fitting

memorial and mourned their loss. Each time, I knew

these heroes left wives, husbands, children and

other loved ones behind. They were all volunteers

and each had their reasons for joining the Army and

defending their country. They all had great plans for

the future, but none of them had planned on dying

in combat. These soldiers will never see their chil-

dren graduate from high school, will never attend

their weddings, will never coach their little league

baseball teams.

During our one-year we had contact with the

enemy 395 times and we awarded 180 purple

hearts as a result of wounds received during these

attacks. Some of the surviving soldiers will never be

physically the same and none of us will ever be emo-

tionally the same. Things that were real important

before the war just don’t seem important any more.

In the movies, combat sometimes seems glamorous.

But in the movies, after the cameras are turned off,

the actors get up, wipe away the fake blood and go

home. In real combat, slain soldiers do not get up

and do not go home. I will never forget the soldiers

that perished while under my command and our na-

tion will never be able to pay them or their families

the debt they are owed. May they rest in peace.

Freedom is not free!

Colonel Ted SpainFebruary, 2004


CWO (Ret) Sylvan Samuel “Bud” Ash

MAJ (Ret) Gassiway Horace Berry

LTC (Ret) Stephen W. “Steve” Burres, Jr.

LTC (Ret) Martin M. Coff

COL (Ret) Keith F. DuBois

LTC (Ret) Leroy F. “Scotty” Fargason

LTC (Ret) David N. Poinier

COL (Ret) Siegfried Spillner

COL (Ret) Robert L. “Bob” Toye

CWO (Ret) Boyd W. “Woody” Wooten

CW4 (Ret) Ruben C. Young, Jr.

TAPS

since the spring 2012 issue of the digest, we have been notified of the passing of the

following spouses of the Retired military police Officer community:

since the spring 2012 issue of the digest, we have been notified of the

passing of the following members of the Retired military police Officer

community:

RMPO members and friends are requested to submit their notices to COL (Ret) George Abraham at [email protected]

Mrs. Tiziana KirbyWife of CWO (Ret) Fate John Kirby

Mrs. Kathryn ShumakerWife of COL (Ret) Clarke L. Shumaker (deceased)

Mrs. June E. WootenWife of CWO (Ret) Boyd W. “Woody” Wooten (deceased)

RETIRED MILITARY POLICE OFFICERS

Post Office Box 5477

Springfield, VA 22150

PRESORTED

FIRST-CLASS

U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

MERRIFIELD, VA

PERMIT # 2333

37th RMPO Reunion

26-30 September 2012

Hampton Inn & SuitesBricktown

See You

There!

Documents

For Retirees By Retirees Re i ed Mili a ˘ P lice Office A ...downrange tour as XO of an Apache battalion. We will return to the states and plan to continue our re - tirement journey