Happy Birthday LTC (r) Roy Lombardo, Jr.

It's no secret to LTC Lombardo, his lovely wife Carol or anyone else who knows me that I absolutely adore this man.  Please join with me today to send mountains of birthday wishes to Roy as he celebrates another milestone birthday.

LTC Lombard mixing the punch for the punch bowl ceremony in memory of all of the fallen 173rd, 2-503d Bravo (now Battle) Co from Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan

I met Roy in Vicenza, Italy in September of 2008 at the Welcome Home party that was held for the 2-503d.  Roy had traveled to Vicenza at the request of Major General Ellis Williamson's daughter Nan to present the "Butch" bowl to the 2-503d.  Little did I know when I met Roy what an American treasure he was.  I am beyond honored and blessed to have him in my life and to call he and Carol my friends.

LTC Lombardo at the 2-503d Welcome Home party in Vicenza, Italy after OEF VIII

On May 5, 1965 then CPT Lombardo lead the 2-503d Bravo Bulls as they jumped from C-130s into the jungles of Vietnam.  It was the first (and as I understand) the only combat jump into Vietnam.  From the stories I have been privileged to hear at various Bravo Bulls reunions, the Bulls definitely took it to the enemy once they hit the ground.

In 1967 LTC Lombardo returned to Vietnam.  This time he was a senior advisor for the 41st Ranger Battalion and then for the 4th Ranger Group.  Under his advisorship the Rangers were responsible for destroying at least four VC battalions during the TET offensive which helped to regain government control in the south at that time.

After his tours in Vietnam Roy continued his Army career in command of various units until his retirement.  His gracious and lovely wife, Carol, always by his side.

Carol and Roy near the Airborne Memorial at Fort Benning, GA

In 1996 LTC Lombardo was inducted into the Ranger Hall of Fame.  The web page says, "Lieutenant Colonel Roy Lombardo is inducted into the Ranger Hall of Fame for his outstanding service as a Ranger throughout his career in airborne and infantry assignments. His service includes Vietnam as one of the first Rifle Company Commanders in the 173d Airborne Brigade (1965), the Senior Advisor to the 41st Ranger Battalion (1967), and, subsequently, the 4th Ranger Group (1968). His tactical advice, fire support coordination, and courageous presence is responsible for the 41st Ranger Battalion defeating a multi-battalion Viet Cong force and earning the U.S. Valorous Unit Citation. During the Viet Cong Tet Lunar Offensive, his tactical advice and personal efforts to rescue threatened personnel contributed to the defeat of the attacking enemy forces in Can Tho and Kien Giang Province, a key infiltration route from Cambodia. He was selected to command the model for the Light Infantry Battalion, to develop organization and tactics, and to deploy that unit for evaluation to the swamps of Florida, the jungles of Panama, and the mountains of Alaska. Throughout his entire career this Ranger has always "Led the Way"

Over the past few years I've had the privilege of spending time with Roy, Carol and many other Vietnam Bravo Bulls and their wives at various events.  There are MANY attributes of Roy that endear me to him.  One is that he will NEVER allow our fallen to be forgotten.  Each time the Bravo Bulls are together he hosts the punch bowl ceremony.  The name of every Bravo Bull (now Battle Co) hero who has given his life in service to our nation is engraved on a silver cup.  Each paratrooper's name is read as his cup is turned over in memory.  After all of the names have been read the surviving Bulls fill their cups with the specially made punch and toast to the memory of the fallen from Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan.

Roy also spends endless hours via phone, email or hand written note, ensuring that each surviving Bull and/or their wife is doing OK. 

He also works tirelessly to make sure the legacy of the Bravo Bulls/Battle Company stays intact.  He does so by organizing regular trips to Vicenza, Italy where he and any other Bravo Bull who can attend hosts a dinner for the current Battle Company paratroopers.  At that dinner the Bravo Bulls award Soldier of the Year and NCO of the year to current 2-503d Battle Company Soldiers.  The Bravo Bulls make these trips and provide the awards at their own expense.  I've often told Roy how grateful I am that he and the Bulls keep in touch with and support our current day Warriors and how I wish that the other Companies within the 2-503d had the same relationship with their Vietnam counter parts.  It is beyond moving to see the bond between these Warriors.

In May 2010 LTC Lombardo and the Bravo Bulls descended on Fort Benning, GA en mass to 1) attend the dedication of the 173d Memorial, 2) honor and remember the fallen Rangers from their unit and 3) honor and remember the fallen Paratroopers from their unit.  You can read about those events here, here, here and here.  None of those events are unique to LTC Lombardo and the Bravo Bulls.  They gather once or twice each year (usually Memorial Day and Veterans Day) at Arlington National Cemetery to lay wreaths and read the names of the fallen Bravo Bulls/Battle Company men and to pay their respects to MG Williamson and his wife.  It is beyond moving to witness these moments.  I was privileged to be there with them in November 2008.

In November of 2011 LTC LombardoLas Vegas, NV Veteran's Day parade.

Bravo Bulls in Las Vegas Veteran's Day parade 2011 lead by LTC Lombardo

After the parade the Bravo Bulls had a special visitor stop by to share a few beers and talk about Army life.  I cannot tell you how special it was for me to watch as Sal (2-503d Battle CO) entered the room and the Bulls all stood up to salute him.  This was followed by many hand shakes, hugs, beers and sharing of war stories that occured decades apart.  It's that bond I referred to earlier in this post. 

SSG Sal Giunta receiving his own Bravo Bulls jacket presented on behalf of the Bulls by LTC Lombardo

Recently Roy was selected by the Bravo Bulls as their Sky Soldier of the Year for 2011 (scroll down to page 10).  A more than fitting tribute.

So on this special day - Roy's birthday - I ask you to join with me in wishing him the best birthday ever along with many years of continued good health, more happiness than he can stand and the knowledge that he is loved, admired and respected by anyone who knows him.  He absolutely is a national treasure and I love him dearly.

♫ Happy Birthday Roy! ♫

National Geographic "Fans React To Restrepo"

This must have been shot the night of the "Restrepo" screening at the National Geographic building in Washington, DC.  Listen to what the public has to say about this film the GO SEE IT!

LTC Roy Lombardo (Ret), who was the 173rd, 2-503 Battle Company Commander in Vietnam (and I'm THRILLED to say very dear friend of mine) looks quite dashing at 19 seconds in and 57 seconds in. He's an incredible man who works tirelessly to keep the "older" HERD in touch and to support and encourage the HERD from the GWOT.

173rd, 2-503 Bravo Bulls (Vietnam 1965-66) Memorial Punch Bowl Ceremony

The Memorial Punch Bowl and Cups.  One cup for each "B" Company (Bravo = Vietnam, Battle = Iraq and Afghanistan) Hero who was Killed in Action and one for each surviving member of the Bravo Bulls.

As if the day hadn't been special enough I was invited to attend a dinner and Memorial Punch Bowl Ceremony with the Bravo Bulls.  Earlier in the day I had attended their Memorial wreath laying ceremonies at the Ranger Memorial and Airborne Walk.  After the first two events I dashed back to my hotel room to freshen up.  The wreath laying ceremonies were held in the morning but the hot Georgia sun coupled with the humidity were already pretty fierce.  I swung by to pick up COL Ostlund and off to the National Infantry Museum we went.

The National Infantry Museum

The National Infantry Museum, Patriot Park and the 173rd Memorial are a must see!

Bravo Bulls and wives

Bravo Bulls and wives

Bravo Bulls and wives

Bravo Bulls and wives

Bravo Bulls and wives

Cheryl, Terry, Daniela, Stan and Becky Blaskowski - Gold Star parents, widow, brother and sister in law of SFC Matthew Blaskowski, KIA Afghanistan 23 Sept 2007

Carol and LTC Roy Lombardo (Vietnam) and COL Bill Ostlund (2-503 Commander OEF VIII)

BG James Yarbrough, Former Commander of 173rd Airborne Brigade (2000-2002) and COL Bill Ostlund Deputy Commander 75th Ranger Regiment

As we were eating dinner COL Ostlund, who had been with us earlier but had to leave for the 173rd Memorial dinner, came into the room with a gentlemen.  LTC Lombardo went forward to greet them then introduced to us Brigadier General James Yarbrough.  BG Yarbrough was the Commander of the 173rd ABCT when it was reactivated in Vicenza, Italy in 2000.  He commented that it was almost 10 years to the day that the Brigade was reactivated in Italy.  He shared several stories with us about the events surrounding the day of the official ceremonies.

One story he shared was that on the day they uncased the colors and attached all of the ribbons there was a point when Major General Ellis Williamson (you really should go to that link and read about MG Williamson) was to pass the colors to BG Yarbrough but didn't seem to want to let go of them.  BG Yarbrough said he told MG Williamson that he would make sure that the history and the traditions of the Sky Soldiers were maintained.  It was only then that MG Ellis relinquished his grip on the colors.  (You can read a prior post of mine regarding MG Williamson here.

Another story BG Yarbrough told was about the day they were to jump the colors into Italy at Aviano airfield about an hour or so from Vicenza.  It was a stormy day.  Windy.  Rainy.  Low ceiling.  Everyone was geared up and ready to board the Air Force jets for the jump.  The Air Force personnel kept checking the weather data and it remained sketchy at best.  BG Yarbrough and his Paratroopers were determined to jump those colors in.  They loaded up and took off with the intent of flying out some distance in hopes the storm would pass the field and allow them acceptable weather for the jump.  (I apologize for my lack of specific details.  BG Yarbrough certainly told the story much better than I am).  Anyway, not long after they took off the ground personnel reported and opening in the weather and almost calm winds.  Apparently the Air Force personnel were skeptical that they could turn all of the jets around in such close proximity to the jump zone.  But they did.  The paratroopers jumped the colors in and all hell broke loose with the weather again.

It was quite a treat to have BG Yarbrough stop by to say hello and relate his stories to those of us at the dinner.

BG Yarbrough, COL Ostlund, LTC Lombardo (Former 173rd Brigade Commander, Battalion Commander and "B" Company Commander)

As a "sidebar" the following photo was taken in Vicenza, Italy in September 2008 at a Welcome Home party for the 2-503 after their deployment in OEF VIII.  LTC Lombardo flew to Italy to present the punch bowl shown below to then LTC Ostlund.  The punch bowl was owned by MG Ellis "Butch" Williamson and his wife.  Their daughter Nan asked LTC Lombardo to take it to Italy and present it to the ROCK.  Quite by coincidence the welcome home party and LTC Lombardo's trip were in the same window of time.  Definitely a "meant to be" moment.

After dinner LTC Lombardo approached the Bravo Bull's Memorial punch bowl.  With the assistance of one of the Bravo bulls he began to make the punch:

From each of three vials he added to the punch bowl soil from Landing zone Zulu, Zulu in Vietnam, soil from Iraq (location unknown) and soil from Afghanistan

He then added one bottle of cold beer - the designated beverage of the Paratrooper he said

Next he added a bottle of vodka.   This, he said, was the designated beverage of the NCOs

A bottle of Brandy was added to symbolize the affiliation between our Army and other affiliated Armies such as the Australians, New Zealanders, the Iraqi forces that have been stood up and the ongoing work to stand up the Afghan Army.

Three bottles of champagne were added.  One to symbolize WWII, one for Vietnam and one for the service of the 173rd Paratroopers in Iraq, Afghanistan and Kuwait.

Finally he added a bottle of red wine to symbolize the blood shed by the Sky Soldiers.

The turning over of the cups of those who were KIA and whose cups will never be used in honor of their memory

After the punch was made LTC Lombardo begain to read the list of names of all "B" Company (Bravo and Battle) who have been Killed in Action.  As each name was read one of the Bravo Bulls would come forward and turn that cup over symbolizing that no one would ever drink from it since the man (whose name is engraved on the cup) will never be there to use the cup.

Incredibly moving.

LTC Lombardo pouring the punch for each Bravo Bull in attendance.

After all of the names were read for those KIA in Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistand LTC Lombardo then read the names of all of the Bravo Bulls in attendance and announced that it is the largest group of Bravo Bulls to be together in many years.

LTC Lombardo giving a cup of punch to the Bravo Bull we had accidentally "found" just after the Memorial ceremony at the Airborne Walk earlier today

The toast by the Bravo Bulls to the fallen "B" Company Paratroopers

Once each of the man had their cup of punch they toasted the fallen "B" Company brothers and drank to their memory.

The Blaskowskis

After the formal toasting was complete they graciously (and I think for the first time) invited the wives and the rest of us to join them by bringing our glasses forward for punch.  They proposed a toast to their wives and family members.  The Blaskowskis and I had our own toast for Matt.

Here's to you Matt.  We miss you like hell!

Cheryl Blaskowski and me toasting the fallen including SFC Matthew Blaskowski and SGT Joshua Brennan and well as all Sky Soldiers from Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan

I have said it before and I will say it over and over again, I have been blessed and am incredibly fortunate for the opportunities I have had to participate in remembering, honoring and supporting the Sky Soldiers.  I am forever grateful to LTC Lombardo for including me in the events this Memorial Day weekend and on Veterans Day at Arlington in years passed.  I am also indebted to COL Bill Ostlund for allowing me to support his Paratroopers forward as well as the wounded.  Above all I am thankful, grateful and honored beyone words for the Gold Star families such as the Blaskowskis and Brennans for allowing me to be a part of their lives.  I love you all.

In the next few days I will write my final post about the weekend at Fort Benning.  On Tuesday 1 June I was present for the dedication of the 173rd Memorial.  Another exceptional day and memory.

On Memorial Day the Vietnam Era 173rd, 2-503 Bravo Bulls Remember The Fallen at the Airborne Walk at Fort Benning, GA

After the wreath laying at the Ranger Memorial at Fort Benning, GA that I wrote about here we made our way to the Airborne Walk at Fort Benning to remember countless fallen brothers in arms.

LTC Lombardo calls for the 173rd, 2-503 Bravo Bulls to form up.

As the men stand in parade rest LTC Lombardo asks that we remember all of those who have gone before us - not only in combat but in their later years in life.  He mentions those who have passed away in the last few weeks and tells us about their many accomplishments in civilan life.  At times he would pause to collect himself and his thoughts.  Another poignant moment.

As I stood there listening to LTC Lombardo I remembered a phone call I made to his home during this past winter.  His lovely wife, Carol, answered the phone.  We exchanged greetings and I asked if I might speak to Roy.  I commented that I knew he had been a little under the weather lately and if he wasn't up to taking a phone call I understood - I was just calling to check on him.  Carol replied, "Oh he's just fine.  As a matter of fact he just climbed through an upstairs window and out onto the roof to clean the snow out of the satellite dish so we can get better reception."  I didn't know whether to laugh or admonish him.  I laughed.  What a man!  God Bless him.

LTC Roy Lombardo reminding us to keep those who have gone before us in our hearts, thoughts and prayers.

LTC Roy Lombardo making remarks as the men from Bravo Company, 2-503 (Vietnam 65-66) listen

LTC Roy Lombardo

When LTC Lombardo called for the playing of TAPS after his remarks one of the men stepped forward and played it from his phone as the others stood in salute to the fallen Airborne Heroes.

The 173rd Memorial marker at the Airborne Walk, Fort Benning, GA and the Memorial wreath laid by the Bravo Bulls.  Maybe other groups came later in the day but when we were there around 10:30 this was the only wreath.

Carol and Roy Lombardo

After the wreath laying ceremony concluded a number of the men and their wives posed for a group photo and individual photos in front of the airplane.  I missed the opportunity to take the group photo and regret that.

I had to run to my car to retrieve an item after the ceremony.  As I was walking back from the parking lot a van stopped and the gentleman driving rolled down his window to ask where the Officer's Club was.  I had no idea BUT....he was wearing a 173rd cap.  I motioned for LTC Lombardo to come over not knowing if he could assist the gentleman with directions (duh! of course he could) but figuring that they may know each other.  As it turned out the gentleman in the van (whose name I forgot to write down) was one of the Paratroopers that the Bravo Bulls had lost touch with over the years.  Talk about timing, coincidence and being in the right place at the right time!  Such a bonus.  LTC Lombardo invited him to the dinner later that afternoon at the Infantry Museum.

Two great Americans, Paratroopers, Commanders and Army Rangers for whom I have the utmost respect - LTC Roy Lombardo (Ret) and COL Bill Ostlund. There is no question my life is better for knowing these men, not only because of what they and so many others who have served have done to keep our nation safe, but also because of their dignity and honor.  And their great senses of humor! 

I reminded myself that I was fortunate for the opportunity to be with these men, their wives and family members to share this special moment.  I am so grateful.

On Memorial Day the Vietnam Era 173rd, 2-503 Bravo Bulls Remember The Fallen at the Ranger Memorial at Fort Benning, GA

Several weeks ago I was contacted by LTC Roy Lombardo (Ret) who graciously invited me to join the Vietnam era 173rd, 2-503 Bravo Bulls for their Memorial services at Fort Benning this Memorial Day weekend.  LTC Lombardo is member of the U S Army Ranger Hall of Fame.  He, along with thousands of our great Soldiers were sent to Okinawa, Japan to bring up the 173rd IN (ABN) and were the first to jump into Vietnam.  I have written about LTC Lombardo here (scroll down).  In the weeks leading up to Memorial Day I received 4 emails from LTC Lombardo telling of the deaths of four of the Bravo Bulls.  It was heartbreaking.

On Monday morning 31 May 2010, COL Bill Ostlund (former 173rd, 2-503 Battalion Commander and current Deputy Commander, 75th Ranger Regiment) and I met the Bravo Bulls at the Ranger Memorial on Fort Benning to remember two of their fallen comrades who were Army Rangers, SSG David Howard and SSG John Lopez.

The Ranger Memorial at Fort Benning

LTC Lombardo (Ret) invited COL Ostlund to say a few words as the Bravo Bulls prepared to form up and march to the Memorial.

It was heart warming to watch as COL Ostlund spoke to the Vietnam Veterans.  As I stood back I couldn't help but think about the day that the "torch" will be passed to men like COL Ostlund and many other "youngsters" to continue on the traditions of the Sky Soldiers from all eras and wars.  While it won't be for some time there is no doubt that the Sky Soldier traditions are very sacred, important and WILL be kept alive.

The Bravo Bulls, lead by LTC Lombardo, march to the site where they will lay the wreath in memory of SSG Howard and SSG Lopez

LTC Roy Lombardo remembering SSG Howard and SSG Lopez by telling stories he remembered about each of them.  Parts of the stories were about what each man was doing in battle when he died.  Other parts were entertaining remembrances of each man.

The 2-503 Bravo Bulls at parade rest as LTC Lombardo unveils the Memorial wreath while continuing to remember SSG Howard and SSG Lopez

2-503 Bravo Bulls

2-503 Bravo Bulls

LTC Lombardo after unveiling the Memorial Wreath at the Ranger Memorial, Fort Benning, GA

As LTC Lombardo continues to talk about SSG Howard and SSG Lopez one of them Bravo Bulls falls out of formation to place a flag in the wreath in memory of his battle buddy.  A very touching moment.

Bravo Bulls during TAPS

After LTC Lombardo concluded his remarks he commented that, "normally at this time a bugler would play TAPS.  But since we don't have a bugler we'll just say it."  LTC Lombardo began to say the words to TAPS.  He began, "Day is done. Gone the sun."  As his voice began to crack a couple of the men chimed in in song ♫ From the hills ♫ and at that point their voices broke with emotion but 2 or 3 more men picked up with ♫ from the lake, from the skies.  ♫  And more voices broke as others came in.  ♫ All is well.  Safely rest.  God is nigh. ♫  I had tears streaming down my face.  It was an incredibly poignant and honorable moment.  You could hear the wind blowing through the trees and the sound of the water running in the brook beneath the bridge we were standing on.  After about a minute LTC Lombardo dismissed the men.  They continued their silence briefly as they put an arm around one another, shook hands or just nodded their heads.  I cannot even begin to tell you how special the moment was.  I felt a bit like an interloper then realized that it was just as important for me to honor and remember these men even if I didn't know them.  They are American heroes and it is my duty (one I am HAPPY to participate in) to remember and thank them for their ultimate sacrifice.

The 173rd, 2-503 Vietnam Era Bravo Bulls who were in attendance. What a great photo!

I am grateful to these amazing men for allowing me to share this moment and these memories with them.