BETTY B. HERRERA, HONORARY MEMBER OF THE REGIMENT

The 2011 Reunion of the First Infantry Division, was located in Buffalo, New York. This reunion will be memorable for all Bandido Charlies because our beloved Betty Herrera was made an Honorary Member Of the Regiment.

Betty Herrera is a consummate supporter of the military veterans of our country. She is especially supportive of the veterans and soldiers of the First Infantry Division, the 16th lnfantry Regiment, and the Bandido Charlie Association.

As we all know, Betty is the wife of Al Herrera, the Regiment's HSGMOR, but more important and most notably, Betty does not merely serve as an adjunct to Al's activities. She is extremely active in military affairs and veteran's affairs in her own right in providing service to the Veteran Community and active duty soldiers.

·   She is an officer of the Ladies Auxiliary, Military Order of the Purple Heart.

·   For over eight years, she has been president of the Military Order of the Purple Heart Ladies Auxiliary, (Portland, Oregon, Unit72).

·   She has also been an officer of the Department of Oregon Ladies Auxiliary, Military Order of the Purple Heart, for over eight years.

·   She has organized and managed innumerable food and clothing drives for deployed soldiers and their families.

Upon deployment of the 16th Regiment to OIF, she immediately implemented much needed logistical support, organizing food and clothing drives for the soldiers and their families — and continued until the unit's safe return in November 2007. This support did not end with the unit’s return, it merely shifted direction. Betty's grandson, a US Marine, was assigned to duty in Afghanistan. Betty stepped up to insure that not only did this young Marine, but his entire unit, did not lack for anything during their deployment.

In January of 2007, at Al Asad, Iraq, the Bandidos were in dire need of a place from which to plan, brief and conduct their special security missions. The Air Force engineers constructed such a facility and because of Betty's support to make sure that operational control and combat operations were more effectively controlled for C/1/16IN, the new building was name by the company's command team in honor of Betty and Al Herrera. The building was officially named: HERRERA HALL!

In her work with the MOPH, Betty is a prime member for motivating members and spouses to participate in area events. She us constantly present at booths and tables representing the MOPH and other veteran organizations at the Oregon State Fair, Indian Pow-Wows, High School assemblies, Veteran's parades, minor league baseball games and other veteran activities in the Portland area.

Her other activities are so numerous it is impossible to list them all here, but she is:

·   A church leader in Bible studies, Retreats and other church activities.

·   A volunteer at the VA, delivering newspapers, meals, etc.

·   She is a highly respected and treasured asset at l6th INF, and l't Division reunions as she is a prime mover at these functions moving from table to table insuring that the everyone, especially the wives and young soldiers, are comfortable and welcoming new-comers with enthusiasm so that they readily and comfortably join in the activities.

·   She has attended every BRO reunion that I can remember and most of the DMOR inductions.

·   And let's not forget the countless hours she spend supporting Al in his activities — whatever it is he does!

Betty's humble approach to helping others is what makes her contributions so significant. Betty B. Herrera's heart and soul are for the Veterans and active duty soldiers and their families. We are very proud to induct Betty Herrera as an Honorary Member of the l6th Infantry Regiment.

2011 DISTINGUISHED MEMBER OF THE REGIMENT

& HONORARY MEMBER OF THE REGIMENT INVESTITURE PROGRAM

The 2011 DMOR/HMOR Investiture Program was held in conjunction with Victory Week of the 1st Infantry Division. Victory Week, for all regiments in the First Infantry Division, began on 27 June and closed on 30 June.

NEWLY INDUCTED IN 2011:

HONORARY SERGEANT MAJOR OF THE 16TH REGIMENT

SGM Alfredo G Herrera, US Army, Retired, was re-inducted for a second 3-year term as Honorary Sergeant Major of the 16TH Infantry Regiment (HSGMOR).  In addition to knowing COL Cassels for over 40 years, Al Herrera served under Ken’s command of the 1ST BN, 16TH IN as a First Sergeant.  Ken and Al have worked together and enjoyed each other’s company and expertise for years.  SGM Herrera was COL Cassels personal choice for HSGMOR based on prior experience, his previous performance as HSGMOR and to provide continuity in the program.

Al Herrera is well known throughout the Regiment and further introduction would only be redundant.

HONORARY COLONEL OF THE 16TH REGIMENT

It is with great pleasure that we announce COL Kenneth G Cassels, US Army, Retired as the newly inducted Honorary Colonel of the Regiment (HCOR), 16TH Infantry Regiment.  For those of you who have not had a chance to get to know Ken over the last 8+ years at reunions and at many DMOR gatherings, here are some highlights of his contribution to our country.

COL Kenneth G Cassels & wife Peggy

First and foremost, Ken’s association with the Regiment is as the Commander of the 1ST Battalion, 16TH Infantry (MECH) in the Spring and Summer of 1969.  He began his military career in the US Army Air Corp as a cryptologist in the occupation forces stationed in Showa, Japan.  After being discharged as a Corporal in 1946, Ken attended the University of Florida, attained his degree and was selected as a Distinguished Military Graduate being commissioned as a Regular Army Officer, Infantry Branch, in 1951.

As a 2LT, Ken joined up with the 1ST Cavalry Division in Japan as a Platoon Leader as the Division trained for redeployment to the Korean “Conflict”.  Still a 2LT, Ken was promoted to Company Commander for that redeployment to combat just prior to the cease-fire being declared in Korea.  As Ken moved through the ranks, he attended Airborne School, Pathfinder School and Ranger School and was subsequently chosen for and assigned to the Ranger School at Ft Benning to teach offensive and defensive tactics.  He then attended the Army Language School in Monterey in preparation for his assignment as the Airborne Instructor to the Royal Saudi Airborne Battalion.

Upon return to CONUS, Ken was assigned to the 82 Airborne were he, among other duties, he served as the Division’s representative and coordinator during the “Cuban Missile Crisis”.  After attending the Command and General Staff College at Ft Leavenworth, KS, Ken was assigned to the Special Intelligence Collection section of CINCPAC, Hawaii.  This assignment required Ken to travel throughout the Pacific Rim debriefing and interrogating POW’s for strategic and tactical information.  In September 1968, Ken was assigned to 1ST Brigade, Big Red One where he oversaw and managed a multitude of missions for the Brigade Commander, ultimately assuming command of the 1ST BN, 16TH IN from LTC Shuffstall in April 1969.

After Vietnam, LTC Cassels was assigned to the Security Division of the Assistant Chief of Staff for Intelligence at the Pentagon.  His assignment involved work at the Department of Defense level as it involved intelligence from all services and government agencies.  Ken was promoted to Colonel in July 1972, and in his humility, he has always attributed that promotion to the “courageous and brave men of the 1ST Battalion, 16TH Infantry, Iron Rangers”.

Ken then moved on to assignments in Atlanta in the HQ-Army Readiness Regional (ARR-IV) working on the transition to an all-volunteer force as Infantry Coordinator for Army National Gurd and Special Forces units in AL, GA, FL, MS and Puerto Rico.  He was then hand-selected by his CG to take command of the Army Readiness Group in Florida when MG Matheson decided that it needed a “fixer”.

In January 1978, Ken had experienced a full, varied and exciting career which spanned highly classified intelligence work to highly charged combat operations.  He had run the gamut of experiences, and although asked to stay, He decided it was time to retire from active duty.  During his highly distinguished career, COL Cassels received numerous awards and badges.  Among them are:

Warriors in the Excellence in Armor Program

A small ceremonyhonoring some of our Warriors who have been enrolled into the Excellence in Armor Program. The Soldiers received a coin and Certificate of Achievement from Major General Milano, Chief of Armor, and were awarded by LTC Smith, IronRanger 6 and CSM Kuhnert, Iron Ranger 7.

The Soldiers had to score over 260 onAPFT, qualify sharpshooter with their personal weapon, receiver letters of recommendation from the Battalion Commander for excellence, and last but not least receive all first time go’s on their Gunnery Skills Test which test themon many armor crewman tasks.

From left to right the Soldiers are CPT Weeman,LTC Smith, SGT Zuerker, CPL Medina, SPC Brown, PFC Johannsen, PFC Farr, CSM Kuhnert, PFC Scee and 1SG Wilson. CPT Weeman, IR 6, IR 7, and 1SG Wilson were not awardees.

Deceased Bandido Clyde Carrico Bandido Charlie Plaque is Awarded at the Chehalis Veteran's Museum

5th/60th Museum Display, with troop names listed

Del Droddy & Lee Grimes

Al Herrera and Donna Anderson

Al Herrera and Del Droddy

Betty and I travelled to Centralia, WA on Saturday November 21st 2009 to meet with Clyde Carrico's mother, Del Droddy, sister Donna Anderson, and a nephew. Very nice family and still very dedicated to Clyde. We talked about the Bandidos and I helped her access the website. She was very enthused and grateful for the plaque and certificate we presented to her. Both Donna and Del want me to send them Bandido Charlie, 16IN, and BRO patches, which I will. I shot the photos shown above.

Clyde did not receive a Purple Heart, but we know the circumstances of his death. He was emplacing a claymore for defense of the platoon's position against the enemy. Clyde's mother, Del, told me several years ago, a Washington State Senator tried to have a PH awarded to Clyde but the VA denied the Senator's request and dropped the subject.

By the way, Del took Betty and me to a very nice veteran's museum in Chehalis, a few miles from Centralia. Lee Grimes is the Founder/Director of this fine museum. It was one of the best I have ever seen. It's not just a Vietnam museum, as it has other weapons and uniforms dating back to the Civil War. It's too much to see in one visit. If you ever travel through the area, I highly recommend you visit this museum. You won't be disappointed. It is not your usual, run of the mill, veteran's museum.

~Al Herrera

Back row, left to right: JoeCalhoun, Lonnie Moore, Buddy Gault, Doug Ludlow, Al Herrera, Ken Costich, and Ken Cassels.

Front row, Left to right: Ron Mackedanz, GilThompson, Mike Renshaw, and Phil Greenwell.

All the Bandido DMOR's with the exception of Herb McHenry and Woody Goldberg were present and HMOR Janeen Thompson and Cathy Ludlow are not in the photo.

Wes Chaney, Betty Herrera, and Janeen Thompson

CPT Wes Chaney, the previous Company Commander of Bandido Charlie brewed and labeled this great Bandido Stout. A photo of Bandido Charlie at FSB Riley, Vietnam 1969 is the label for the beer.

Four Bandido DMOR recipients.

From left to right are: Gil Thompson, Joe Calhoun, Lonnie Moore, Buddy Gault, and from another unit, Charles Richards.

It was a great week of celebration as the HCOR Skip Baker and the Battalion Commander, LTC James Smith coordinated a week of actitivities for the DMOR and HMOR attendees. Bandidos in attendance were: Doug and Cathy Ludlow, Phil and Linda Greenwell, Ken Costich, Mike Renshaw, Al and Betty Herrera, Ken and Peggy Cassels, Lonnie and Jackie Moore, Buddy Gault, Joe Calhoun, Ron and Janet Mackedanz, and Gil and Janeen Thompson.

CPT J. D. Evans, Commanding Officer of Bandido Charlie and 1SG Jeffrey Carter offered the company area for Bandido festivities, which included presenting CPT Wes Chaney and 1SG Jeff Carter with Bandido plaques and Sgt Jeff Walters receiving a Bandido of the Year plaque. Each member of Bandido Charlie received a new Bandido Challenger coin, a t-shirt, and new Bandido Charlie hats. A very fine and distinct history of Bandido Charlie was placed on the walls of the orderly room. Lt Orges organized the display in large print for easy reading. Several photos of the display were taken and will be included on the website as soon as they are received.

Many thanks to the active duty officers and soldiers of 1/16th Infantry and Bandido Charlie. They made the veterans and their wives welcome and showed what a great unit does for it's veterans.

DAVE STERLING RECEIVES SILVER STAR, JULY 2009

MG Brooks awards Dave Sterling the Silver Star for heroic service in Iraq.  In his keynote address to the attendees of Society of the 1st Infantry Division 91st Annual Reunion, MG Brookes held Dave up as an outstanding example courage, heroism, and dedication the principles of the Division motto.  Gen Brooks commented that Dave gave him the "snappiest" salute he had ever received in his career.  It was obvious that MG Brooks was very proud to have met Dave and to have the honor of pinning the Silver Star upon his chest. 

Bandidos are all very proud of Dave Sterling, not simply because he received a Silver Star, but because he exemplifies what it means to be a Bandido!  Dave Sterling is a true American hero! 

THE 16TH INFANTRY REGIMENT HONORS ONE OF THEIR OWN

(Mouse over the above image for a facsimile of Carl's Certificate)

I will be remembered one day

not for anything I say

nor for anything I do,

but because I was with you

one day when it mattered

and we stood together in the sun.

Steve Mason, Poet Laureate, Vietnam

Heroes are often the quiet ones.  The ones that never mention what they have done, where they have been and what they have seen…in that light, let us take a moment to reflect on SGT Carl B. McClain, Combat Forward Observer with the legendary 16th Infantry Regiment.  This member of “The Greatest Generation” served in Africa and the European Theater for the entirety of WWII.  Strangely, for all his service, SGT McClain was never awarded the Purple Heart, which is an enigma considering his personal bravery in performance of his duty.  Among his dozen plus awards are the Combat Infantryman’s Badge, 2 Silver Stars and 2 Bronze Stars for Valor.  On his European and African Campaign Medals are 8 battle stars with a “V” device for Valor and 3 Oak Leaf Clusters adorn his Presidential Unit Citation.

This man of honor and untold bravery currently lies gravely ill in a hospital in Kansas City.  We take this time to honor him and his service to our Regiment and to our Country, and we ask that you remember he and Margaret, his wife of 63 years, in your heart and in your prayers.

LTC Luke presents 1SG Patro with an AAM

1SG Patro, SSG Carson, SSG Nordyke, and SSG Steele

receive AAMs for duties as SGAs

Left, Outgoing Commander, CPT Paul Thomas;

Center, LTC Luke;

Right, CPT Wes Chaney

Change of command at C Company (Bandido Charlies), 1st BN, 16th IN, was conducted on 05 June 08 at 1000 hrs., between CPT Paul Thomas and CPT Wes Chaney.  CPT Thomas is moving to 4BDE, 1st ID to command another Infantry Rifle Company. 

CPT Chaney recently returned from Afghanistan where he was mentoring the Afghan National Police.  CPT Chaney will be the Commander for awhile (12 to 18 months).  CPT Chaney said, "I would like to continue the "Bandido" spirit that was continued so well in Iraq."

CPT Chaney's branch is Infantry and he has attended IOBC, ICCC, Bradley Leaders Course, Airborne, and Pathfinder Courses. CPT Chaney's awards include; BSM, PHM, ARCOM(3), AAM(4), KCM, ACM, GWOTS&E, OSR(3, CIB, EIB. He has had deployments to Kosovo, Iraq, and Afghanistan.

CPT Chaney has served as; PL in B/1-26 IN BN, XO in C/1-26 IN BN, BN S4 in 1-26 IN BN, and MTT in Afghanistan.

Betty Herrera, Sandy Arnold, and Sarah Orlando holding the new company guide-on.

Lu Ann O'Dell and Don Lane

Ron & Janet Mackedanz; and Ken & Peggy Cassels

Rod Tokubo and his daughter, Kelly Tokubo

Gil (Doc) Thompson, his daughter, Sarah Orlando (Thompson) and Lu Ann O'Dell.

The Bandido women 

The Bandido Men

Ken Cassel and Al Herrara kneeling. standing behind are: Phil Greenwell, Joe Calhoun, Grady Flaggs, Mike Renshaw, Herb McHenry, and Rod Tokubo.

Front Row: Bob Good, Al Herrara, Ken Cassel, Phil Greenwell, Roger Haynie, Phil Arnold, & Ron Macedanz. Back row: Herb McHenry, Doug Ludlow, Mike Renshaw, Bob Schoenwald, Gardy Flaggs, & Joe Calhoun. Missing from picture is: Gilbert (Doc) Thompson

Kneeling: Laura Renshaw, Front row: Janeen Thompson, Peggy Cassel, Cathy Ludlow, Wanda Flaggs, Kathy Greenwell, & Leah Greenwell. Not in photo was Janet Mackedanz

Newest member of Bandido Charlie and a wounded veteran of Freedom Iraq: Lonnie Moore

Ron Mackedanz, Sue Renshaw, and Grady Flaggs

Bob & Debbie Good, Phil and Sandy Arnold

Phil Arnold receiving a Purple Heart and a Combat Infantry Badge. Wife Sany observing and presented by BRO President, LTG Thomas G Rhame, Ret.

Doug Ludlow receiving his Purple Heart. His wife, Cathy Ludlow is observing, and the presenter is BRO President General Rhame.

Debbie Good, Leah Greenwell, Phil Greenwell, PJ Greenwell, and Kathy Greenwell

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