Veteran's Day 2012 at Arlington National Cemetery

Just as they have on most Memorial Day and Veteran's Day weekends for many years, a group of 173rd, 2-503d Vietnam Bravo Bulls Veterans gathered at Arlington National Cemetery on Saturday November 10, 2012 to honor and remember the fallen from the 2-503d.  They were joined by family and friends as well as other Vietnam Veterans and 2-503d Veterans of OEF VI and OEF VIII (Afghanistan) their families and friends and an OEF VIII Gold Star widow.

Four members of the 173rd, 2-503d Vietnam Bravo Bulls render honors after laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns as the Old Guard bugler plays TAPS at Arlington National Cemetery. 

Back row left to right - Joe Logan and Jim Robinson 

Front row left to right - Dave Glick and LTC Roy Lombardo, Jr.)

The weather in the Washington, DC area could not have been more perfect as the Bravo Bulls, their wives, Veterans of the current day 2-503d, SGT Jeffery Mersman's Gold Star widow, Lynn, parents of a currently deployed 2-503 Battle Co Soldier, family and friends gathered at MG Ellis Williamson's grave at 11:00 to begin the day's remembrance events.

Part of the crowd assembled at MG Williamson's (and his wife's) grave at Arlington National Cemetery.  Sec 60, Site 383

LTC (r) Roy Lombardo, Jr. spoke about MG Williamson including how he brought the 173rd up on Okinawa.  LTC Lombardo related historical information and shared memories of MG Williamson both during the time the Vietnam Bravo Bulls served under him as well as fond memories after MG Williamson retired from the Army. 

MD Williamson was the first commander of the 173d. In 1963 he was given the job to assemble and train a strike force based in Okinawa, that was able to assault anywhere in south east Asia in 24 hours. In May of 1965, it was thought that Saigon was about to be overrun. At first the Brigade was all scheduled to jump into Vietnam. However, the plan was changed to land in Bien Hoa.  There were some elements of the Brigade who did make the only combat jump into Vietnam.  They were the first army unit to enter Vietnam and the last to leave. General Williamson in later years preferred to be called Butch.  MG Williamson started his army carrier as a trombone player in the North Carolina National Guard! After coming ashore at Normandy, he survived the carpet bombing at the "St. Lowe breakout". He started leading troops east, turned north and ended up in Berlin. Along the way he accumulated 4 DSC's, 6 Silver Stars, 4 Purple Hearts as well as many other medals and awards. He was a hell of a trombone player.

I've heard LTC Lombardo relate these stores before and never grow tired of listening.  I was especially grateful that so many of the modern day ROCK Paratroopers were present to learn about this part of their legacy. 

A wreath was unveiled and Honors were rendered.  LTC Lombardo, Jr. then recited the words to TAPS.  It was a very respectful and emotional moment.

Rendering Honors to MG Ellis Williamson

After the ceremony at MG Williamson's grave we all moved to the 173rd Memorial Stone in Sec 33 of the Cemetery where we waited for the 82nd Airborne Color Guard and Bugler to arrive.  Each year on both Memorial Day and Veteran's Day the 82nd Airborne sends the Color Guard and Bugler to Arlington National Cemetery.  They spend the majority of the day moving from Memorial to Memorial presenting the Colors and playing TAPS for any group who requests them to do so.

Members of the 173rd, 2-503d Vietnam Bravo Bulls with the 82nd Airborne Color Guard at the 173rd Memorial in Arlington

After the colors were presented, Bravo Bull Jim Robinson read the very moving poem Bury Me With Soldiers.  If you have never heard or read the poem I encourage you to click the link and read it.

Jim Robinson reading "Bury me with Soldiers"

 

LTC (r) Roy Lombardo, Jr. reminded us all of the ultimate sacrifice that so many have made for our nation throughout wars of all generations.  He then began to read names of the Fallen.

 

LTC (r) Roy Lombardo, Jr. reminding the crowd about the ultimate sacrifice of the Fallen Sky Soldiers from Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan

As LTC Lombardo, Jr. read names of the fallen, members of the crowd placed an American flag around the base of the 173rd Memorial stone.

 

Ed Kearney placed the first flag in memory of Medal of Honor Recipient Milton Olive

 

LTC Lombardo, Jr. continued to read names of the Fallen from Bravo/Battle Company who were killed in action in Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan as members of the crowd placed the flags.

 

 

 

2-503d "C" Company (Chosen Company) Soldiers who served in Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan) during OEF VIII (2007-2008) were there to remember and honor the fallen.

 

The 173rd Memorial Stone at Arlington after the ceremony

 

Gold Star wife, Lynn, her children and friends of SGT Jeffrey Mersman who was Killed in Action on 9 November 2007 during OEF VIII.  SGT Mersman was a member of 2-503d Chosen Company

 

From there we moved to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier where members of the 173rd, 2-503d Bravo Bulls laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns.

 

Tomb Sentinels bringing in the 173rd Wreath for the Bravo Bulls to place at the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery

Photo by Ed Kearney

  

Bravo Bulls being briefed by the Sergeant of the Guard just before placing a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

Photo by Ed Kearney

 

Bravo Bulls with the Sergeant of the Guard just before placing a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

Photo by Karin Evink Markert

 

 

 

 

Placing the wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns

Photo by Karin Evink Markert

 

LTC Lombardo, Jr. left the following comment on one of my pictures on facebook:  "It was a great honor to be able to place a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns. There are no unknowns from the Vietnam War but I used the occasion to remember personally PFC Van Campen (The first KIA in B/2-503) and SFC John Lopez, awarded the DSC. Neither body was ever recovered. For me they reside in the same Limbo as the other Unknowns."

 

Rendering Honors after placing the wreath

Photo by Ed Kearney

 

 

Rendering Honors as the Bugler plays TAPS.  It was one of the most emotional moments of the day.  Photo by Karin Evink Markert

 

 

Photo by Karin Evink Markert

 

 

Photo by Ed Kearney

 

After the wreath had been placed at the Tomb of the Unknowns we went below to the barracks of the Sentinel Guards for a briefing about the Tomb of the Unknowns and the Tomb Guard Platoon.  The Soldier who briefed us was incredibly professional and informative.  I learned several things - one being that the Sentinel Guards do not wear rank while they are guarding the Tomb.  The reason for this is so that they do not out rank the Soldiers interred in the Tomb.  I also learned that the sitting President at the time the remains of any Unknown were interred is the one who is listed as "next of kin."

 

During the briefing the Sentinel who was briefing us excused himself for a minute.  When he came back he brought with him the Sentinel who was preparing to take over the guard duties at the Tomb.  He explained the Sentinel's uniform to us then answered questions regarding the uniform and weapon. 

 

 

Although the Sentinel was about to step out to take over guard duty he and the Commander of the Relief took a quick moment for photos.  We were very grateful to all of them for these very special opportunities.

 

Jim Robinson, Ed Kearney, Joe Logan, Commander of the Relief, Sentinel about to go on duty guarding the Tomb, Dave Glick and Roy Lombardo, Jr.

 

 

I honestly realized then and still do, how fortunate I am

 

Immediately after the above photo was taken the Soldier standing between Joe Logan and me, known as the Commander of the Relief, approached the exit door of the room and began his march out to the Tomb.  Within a short amount of time the Soldier on the far right of this photo approached the exit door to begin his march out to the Tomb where he took his place as the Sentinel guarding the Tomb for the next hour.  The Commander of the Relief is the Soldier who inspects the new guard coming on duty at the Tomb.

 

I was struck by how each Soldier's first step from the room was sharp and with such meaning. 

 

Our next stop was at the Caisson Stables for a tour and a briefing about the Caisson Platoon.  The Soldiers of the Caisson Platoon are those who escort the remains of our Fallen and of retired Veterans to their final resting place in Arlington National Cemetery.  Not only do they participate in numerous burials each day, they also care for the caissons, horses and the stables.  They, just like the Tomb Sentinels were incredibly professional and welcoming to us.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

L to R:  Ed Kearney, Carol Lombardo, Dave Click, Judy, Roy Lombardo, Izzy, Caisson Soldier, Joe Logan and Jim Robinson outside the entrance to the Caisson Stables on Fort Myer

 

COL Jim and Mrs. (Karin) Markert had invited the Bravo Bulls back to their home for an early dinner after the day's events.

 

From lower right: Judy, Joe Logan, Izzy & Dave Glick, COL Jim and Karin Markert, Roy & Carol Lombardo and Ed Kearney at dinner at the Markert's home at Fort Myer

 

 

Kevin, a friend of the Markerts, and Jim Robinson at the dinner at the Markert's home

 

I am thankful to the Bravo Bulls for, once again, allowing me to be a part of such a special and memorable occasion.  I am thankful to Andi Fehl for helping to get the word out and to so many of the "younger" ROCK Paratroopers who attended the events.  I am also thankful to my friends COL Jim and Karin Markert (current Commander of The Old Guard), Arlington National Cemetery (for allowing the Bravo Bulls to lay the wreath), the Old Guard PAO, the Tomb Sentinels and the Caisson Platoon for going out of their way to make this such a special day.

Some Photos from the White House Reception Following SSG Giunta's Medal of Honor Presentation

These photos were taken by Ed Kearney at the reception held at the White House following the Medal of Honor ceremony for SSG Giunta.  Ed is a 173rd, 2-503rd Viet Nam era Bravo Bull (B Company) Veteran. Thank you for taking and sharing the photos Ed.

I've had the privilige of meeting and getting to know many of the Bravo Bulls and their lovely wives over the past couple of years.  I cherish the time I get to spend with them. 

LTC (RET) Roy Lombardo, Jr with Chief of Staff of the Army GEN George Casey

SGM LaMonta Caldwell, former Battle Company 1st SGT, with the Joint Chief of Staff, Admiral Mike Mullen.

SGM Caldwell and former Battle Company Commander, Dan Kearney

Admiral Mullen and LTC Roy Lombardo

Four former commanders of Bravo/Battle Company spanning nearly fifty years.

L-R LTC Roy S. Lombardo, Jr., Bravo Bulls. MAJ Michael Kloepper, MAJ Josh McGary and MAJ Dan Kearney - all from Battle Company

 

MAJ Dan Kearney with Bravo Bulls Jim Robinson, Joe Logan and Mike Broderick

MAJ Kloepper, MAJ McGary and Bravo Bull Ed Kearney

Bravo Bull Mike Broderick shakes hands with Command Chief Master Sergeant of the U.S. Air Force, James S. Roy.







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.