Name:

BILL SCHOTT

Email:

BILL@CENTAX.US

Phone:

727-545-5653

Date:

12-27-04

Comments

ASSIGNED TO HHQ BTY 1966. WAS RTO FOR AN FO TEAM. ATTACHED TO 1/9 RECON, ARVN AIRBORNE BATT AND OTHER UNITS.IM LOOKING FOR A DAVID CLIFTON WHO SERVED WITH ME.

Name:

George Penny Linda

Email:

clumsums@alltel.net

Phone:

2056297654

Date:

12/25/2004

Comments

Hey all, Have a very Happy New Year!!! GO WAR EAGLES, and every one's football teams be a winner.

Name:

Mike Burke

Email:

cbtry17fa1ffv@earthlink.net

Phone:

949 645 9284

Date:

12/24/04

Comments

To All 17th Vets and Families Merry Christmas to all and get ready to have a fantastic New Year. C Btry 2/17th, Vietnam

Name:

Norman Richard Jones

Email:

AnKhe2nd17fa68@aol.com

Phone:

Date:

12/24/2004

Comments

To All: Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Name:

Thomas R. Kurtz

Email:

Kurtz_T@msn.com

Phone:

217-732-4357

Date:

Dec 19, 2004

Comments

Wishing all a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Name:

George & Penny Schaefer and Linda Larned

Email:

clumsums@alltel.net

Phone:

2056297650--8172374566

Date:

dec 18,2004

Comments

I want to say to all my BUDDIES have a happy holiday. It has been 45 years since I arived w/the HHB 1st/17th in Korea 1959. Linda was my letter from John Doe, but we have after 40 years all is forgotten. I was radio operator. The 3 dit 4 dit 2 dit 1 dah Used to send all of the coord for yall to fire on. Hope you gotta'em right. Hell, If we missed we got the___________ See All in Washinton Geo.

Name:

James "Fred" Widener

Email:

flywide@verizon.net

Phone:

802 863-4693

Date:

13 Dec. 2004

Comments

Merry Christmas to all. Especially to Avery Hall, Rod Guerrero and all who were shipped out to Vietnam in 1965.Randolph Hall, we shall meet in heaven.

Name:

Larry (DOC) Miller

Email:

millerle@bellsouth.net

Phone:

(704) 489-2130

Date:

12-8-04

Comments

JUST A LITTLE CURIOUS ,IS THERE ANYONE OUT THERE WHO HAS THE OFFICAL WORD ON WHAT TOOK PLACE WITH C/2/17 ON THE MORNING OF APRIL 3,1968 ? I WAS WONDERING IF THERE WAS ANYBODY WHO MIGHT KNOW WHO AND HOW MANY ENEMY SOLIDERS ATTACKED THE BATTERY POSITION,NUMBER OF ENEMY DEAD AND WOUNDED.DID ANYONE EVER SEE OR TALK TO CAPTAIN GEORGE WILLIAMS AGAIN AFTER HE WAS SENT BACK STATE SIDE TO RECOVER FROM HIS WOUNDS? ANY HELP YOU COULD GIVE ME WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED. I'M IN THE PROCESS OF TELLING MY GRANDSON'S ABOUT MY TIME IN VIET NAM AND I WOULD LIKE TO HEAR FROM SOME OF YOU GUYS WHO WERE THERE AND WENT THROUGH SOME OF THE SAME THINGS I DID ANDD HOW IT AFFECTED YOU. I SEEM TO REMEMBER A PLACE CALLED HOWARD JOHNSONS,IBELIEVE IT WAS ON HWY 19 OR HWY 1 OUT IN THE MIDDLWE OF NOWHERE,WHAT WAS THAT PLACE? JUST SEND ME ANYTHING YOU MIGHT REMEMBER ABOUT ANY MOVES THE BATTERY MADE.IWENT TO SEE BOB HOPE AT PHU CAT AIRBASE,ANYBODY REMEMBER GOING ALONG? JUST SEND ME ANYTHING YOU WANT THAT STANDS OUT IN YOUR MIND YOU MIGHT WANT TO SHARE,SORRY I MISSED THE LATEST REUNION ,BUT TRULY HOPE THAT EVERYONE WHO WAS ABLE TO ATTEND ENJOYED THEMSELVES.GOD BLESS YOU ALL ! DOC MILLER

Name:

Paul Fusco

Email:

pfvet@optonline.net

Phone:

732-886-6344

Date:

12/04/04

Comments

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

Name:

Thomas R. Kurtz

Email:

Kurtz_T@msn.com

Phone:

Date:

24 November 2004

Comments

I just want to wish all veterans and their families a Happy Thangsgiving. And thanks to all veterans, spouses, family and friends, who attended this years reunion. It would not have been a great as it was, without your presence. Hope to see all again next year in Seattle , Washington .

Name:

Bob Lund

Email:

bear6088@direcwway.com

Phone:

218 5259840

Date:

11/23/04

Comments

Just want to say "HI" to you guys of the 17th!! Checked out your web, #1, just GREAT!! I was with the 14th, 63 thru 66, went to VN on the Gordon in 65 so I know a little about the mighty 17th history, proud to be a part, proud to be a BROTHER to each of you!! Bob Lund

Name:

Norman R. Jones

Email:

AnKhe2nd17FA68@aol.com

Phone:

Date:

November 22,2004

Comments

Hello, For those of you who do not know,the 2/17th Artillery has a new web site in Iraq . It is as follows: www.steelfrg.com Lets get behind them and send Christmas Cards etc. Lets not forget that Christmas time in a combat zone is a very lonely time of life. All of us have been there in combat and peace time. Let's all show them that we care about their well being. God bless our troops and their families.

Name:

Thomas R. Kurtz

Email:

Kurtz_T@msn.com

Phone:

Date:

November 29, 2004

Comments

DOD has a new web site on supporting the troops. Go to http://americasupportsyou.mil/ The site gives details on how you or your group can show support for the troops.

Name:

Rich Siebe

Email:

r47s89sp@aol.com

Phone:

Date:

11/19/2004

Comments

Now that I have all the money that we took in at the Reunion on it's way to the bank, I would like to thank all those that attended and made this our best Reunion yet. I would also like to Thank my former Battery mates Wallace Bates and Gil Bernabe for their donations to the Scholarship Fund. At the Reunion we added almost $2500 to the Scholarship Fund. Thanks again to all that attended. See you in Seattle . Rich Siebe Treasurer

Name:

Steve Lowrey

Email:

lowreystephen@sbcglobal.net

Phone:

860 456-1309

Date:

15 Nov 04

Comments

Does anybody have an address for A Btry 2/17? I'd like to send them a Christmas card. Looking at the Memorial list it looks as though they could use some good wishes and Peace on Earth - couldn't we all. My son is with Air Force Security Forces at Baghram. He had a little excitement with an army unexploded ordinance team a few weeks ago; the guy that was supposed to be stopping traffic was gazing off at the scenery and didn't stop my son. A small mine was detonated 10-15 feet away from his Humvee. No injuries but a couple of P.O.'d airmen (maybe some dirty underwear too). Boy that kind of stuff is scary, but accidents happen - how many times did our guns shoot out, from loose sights or bad powder, or forgeting to take out the muzzle plug with an illumination parachute attached to it? (I'll bet that round had a strange trajectory) I'm rambling, the purpose of this messsage is: DOES ANYBODY HAVE THE ADDRESS OF A BTRY 2/17 FA IN IRAQ. Thank you. Steve

Name:

Pete Schwarz

Email:

petermartin3@msn.com

Phone:

410-551-6760

Date:

11/15/04

Comments

I also want to thank Tom Kurtz and the rest of the Association Officers to make this reunion possible. I had to agree that I was the gun chief of gun #1 and not gun #4 at LZ Schueller from June 1967 to July 1968. Rich Siebe clarified this issue with the assistance of aerial photography taken of LZ Schueller. I really appreciated all the photos of Vietnam which were brought to the reunion. I will proudly wear my 17th Artillery Regiment cap and I pray for our brave artillerymen serving in Iraq for a safe return back home. We also want to say "Welcome home" to all the troops returning from this "outhouse" of the world.

Name:

John deTreville

Email:

jdetreville@yahoo.com

Phone:

Date:

November 15, 2004

Comments

Special thanks to Thomas Kurtz, Norm Jones, and Rich Siebe and everyone else who helped organize the 2004 Reunion . It was a great reunion and experience.

Name:

PAUL d. FUSCO

Email:

Pfvet@optonline.net

Phone:

732-886-6344

Date:

11/14/04

Comments

Just a note to thank everyone who attended the REUNION . Had a great time Hope to see you all in Washington State

Name:

Mike Burke

Email:

cbtry17fa1ffv@earthlink.net

Phone:

949-645-9284

Date:

11/7/2004

Comments

To Everyone---I've been all packed now for 3 days and finally the time is here. I'll be leaving tomorrow Evening for the trip to D.C. Looking forward to seeing everyone again and meeting new Vets from the 17th. See you all soon.

Name:

Pete Schwarz

Email:

petermartin3@msn.com

Phone:

410-551-6760

Date:

11/7/04

Comments

I just found the web site of the 17th Artillery Regiment Association. What a surprise! I was in B/2/17 at Camp Radcliff and then LZ Schueller from June 1967 to July 1968. Cpt. Bennet was my Battery Commander at one time. I was the gun chief on gun #4 and acting chief of firing battery for about three months. I remember a SSG Savage and SSG Meredith (base piece) and SSG Tate. I still have a few pictures and I will bring them to the reunion in Rockville , MD , on Saturday, November 13. I do hope to find someone there who served with me in Vietnam . Keep up the good work. I will check this site periodically. Greetings to all the Redlegs!

Name:

Thomas R. Kurtz

Email:

Kurtz_T@msn.com

Phone:

217-732-4357

Date:

3 Nov 04

Comments

The association 2004 reunion starts one week from today, looking forward seeing you all there. It looks like we will have another great attenance this year. Thanks to all who are attending this year. To those veterans that have sent your letters and emails stating that you are unable to attend this year, thanks for letting us know. Hopefully you will be able to attend the reunion in 2005.

Name:

Jack Picciolo

Email:

purrsfive@comcast.net

Phone:

815 838-3418

Date:

Oct. 12, 2004

Comments

Correct email address is purrsfive@comcast.net

Name:

Thomas R. Kurtz

Email:

Kurtz_T@msn.com

Phone:

217-732-4357

Date:

11 Oct 04

Comments

Due to familiy health issues, Daniel Lazenberry has resigned as association secretary. John (Jack) Picciolo has volunteer and has been appointed to fill the remainder of Daniel's term of office. Thanks to Daniel for the job he has done. Best wishes for his wife and his brother- in - law, they will be in our prayers. All correspondence and emails for the association secretary should now be directed to Jack Picciolo. purrsfive@comcast.com , 1122 South Lincoln Street , Lockport , IL 60441 . Thomas R. Kurtz, Association President

Name:

Norman R. Jones

Email:

AnKhe2nd17Fa68@aol.com

Phone:

Date:

Oct 05, 2004

Comments

Carl Trammell, we are in touch with several that were in "D" Battery as well as "C" Battery during time that SP4 Cruz was killed and 3 april 1968 when "C" Battery was over run. Please contact me at the above email. I tried to contact you at the email you provided and cannot make contact. Thanks

Name:

Carl Trammell

Email:

witchdr694u@yahooo.com

Phone:

865/621/6616

Date:

Oct.4,2004

Comments

I am looking for anyone who served with the four (4) gun 155 battery D of the 2nd / 17th from July of 1967 to or past Apr 1968. We had a gun explode, and I'm especially interested in remembering the date that this happened. The man that lost his life was a Phillipino by the name of (Cruz, I think). Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Name:

Dwight Brennfoerder

Email:

Dwight@GoodmanArchitects.com

Phone:

Date:

Comments

I went over as an Artillery Surveyor and was at Ban Me Thout from 12/70 to 5/71 and would be enjoy contacting anyone who was in the group during that time. Email me

Name:

Kenneth McGinity

Email:

mcginityk@rucker.army.mil

Phone:

Date:

21 Sept 04

Comments

I just came upon the 17th Atry web site from Vets.com. I was in the 3rd/17th Arty at Merrell Barracks in Nurnburg , Germany from Aug 75 to Oct 77. I was in HHB the Redeye Section. I didn't find to many of the third herd here. I was there when we started to change over to the long tubes. Would like to talk with anyone from back then. Ken

Name:

Paul Fusco

Email:

pfvet@optonline.net

Phone:

732-886-6344

Date:

09/22/04

Comments

Has anyone found Harold Rines from Chicago or Phil Cordera from California ?

Name:

James P. Hawke

Email:

jhawke@att.net

Phone:

775-857=3477

Date:

Comments

Greeting fellow vets! I served in Vietnam with the 2/17 A Battery in 1967-1968, Central Highlands AO attached to the First Cav. I am proud of my service and the hard figthing guys I served with.

Name:

Ray Comeaux

Email:

raycomeaux@cs.com

Phone:

(337) 6253656

Date:

09/16/04

Comments

I would like say that VietNam brother Ron Skirvin D/C Battery 2/17 VietNam 67/68 is home from the hospital. He had an aorta replacement. He said it was very scary for about 23 days. I thank God that Ron will be with us for more days. He asked how Top Vernor is doing. Knowing Top he doing fine. If anyone would like to talk to Ron his phone number is: (270)351-0102. His address is 645 Southland Dr., Radcliff, Ky. 40160....I will not be able to go to the Reunion this year. I will try to make it next year.

Name:

Mike Burke

Email:

cbtry17fa1ffv@earthlink.net

Phone:

949 645 9284

Date:

9/9/04

Comments

All 17th Vets Our 2004 Reunion in D.C. is almost on us and for all of you who don't have a 17th Artillery Regiment Assoc T Shirt or Cap, not to mention we've got Assoc Windbreakers also, and would like to get your Gear before the Reunion please contact me. I'm the Guy with the Goods. For those of you who would like new stuff replacing the older stuff you know how to get ahold of me. For all you new comers who haven't seen our Gear it can be viewed by clicking on the "Gear" Icon at the top of the main page of the website. Looking forward to seeing everyone again in November. You might say I'm almost packed and ready to go. Mike Burke V.P. & Quartermaster Sgt C Btry 2/17th, RVN

Name:

dave taylor

Email:

odm4u@slingshot.co.nz

Phone:

09

Date:

--

Comments

dear fellow gunners and a big bang from New Zealand "" if any one is keen to chat to a fellow gunner please dont be shy !! dave taylor odm4u@slingshot.co.nz ((keen to traid) kiwi artillary goods

Name:

Jack Picciolo

Email:

purrsfive@comcast.net

Phone:

815 838-3418

Date:

9-2-04

Comments

The reunion is fast approaching and I am looking forward to meeting old and new acquaintances. I had the experience of attending the Ia Drang Valley Survivors Banquet in 2000. This is a fund raisers for their scholarship fund. I will attend it hopefully this year and wondering if there are any other C Battery vets from 65 who might have an interest in attending as we supported the Cav from LZ Columbus and Crook. The dinner is open to anyone not just Ia Drang Vets. Please contact me and I will send details.

Name:

mike pearson

Email:

dinkydow@rraz.net

Phone:

(928)681-3345

Date:

8/18/04

Comments

our bags are packed,we fly out of vegas on the 9th.we`ll check in morning of the 10th.,first one there should meet all others with some drinks...see all there....... mike

Name:

Alan Gray

Email:

pretribber@sbcglobal.net

Phone:

714-628-7000 (Work) & 909-283-4349 (Cell)

Date:

8-17-04

Comments

I was Asst. Intel NCO with HHB 3/17th FA (Merrill Barracks)in Nuernberg, FRG 1978-1979.

Name:

PAUL FUSCO

Email:

PFVET@OPTONLINE.NET

Phone:

732-886-6344

Date:

8/15/04

Comments

THIS IS A REQUEST TO ALL MEMBERS!! PLEASE CONTACT ALL MEMBERS WHO HAVE NOT RENEWED THEIR MEMBERSHIP AND ENCOURAGE THEM TO DO SO.IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO OUR ASSOCIATION.JUST TAKE A PHONE NUMBER AND CALL IT.WE NEED TO INCREASE OUR MEMBERSHIP.SEE ALL OF YOU AT THE REUNION ..

Name:

PAUL FUSCO

Email:

Phone:

Date:

Comments

Name:

Thomas R. Kurtz

Email:

Kurtz_T@msn.com

Phone:

217-732-4357

Date:

August 13, 2004

Comments

This is a reminder to all 17th Artillery Veterans who haven't made their reservations for the 17th Artillery Regiment Association's reunion in November. The time for the reunion is fast approaching. The reunion is less then three months away. (The reunion is 10-13 November 2004.) This is over Veterans Day 11 November 2004 . This is a great opportunity to attend the reunion and go to the Veterans Day Ceremony of your choice in Washington DC . If you are going to stay at the motel in Rockville , Maryland and to recieve the group room rates, your room reservations must be made by October 12, 2004 . After October 12, 2004 normal room rates may apply. For more information just click on the reunion link on the home page or contact me. Also our prayers and the hope for their safety and the return of all the officers and men of the "STEEL" Battalion.

Name:

Norman R. Jones

Email:

AnKne2nd17FA68@aol.com

Phone:

Date:

6 August 2004

Comments

Below you will find an article from the Stars and Stripes http://www.estripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=22588&archive=true Friday, August 6, 2004 'Steel Battalion' readies for Iraq duty By Seth Robson, Stars and Stripes Pacific edition, Thursday, July 29, 2004 RODRIGUEZ RANGE, South Korea — Second Infantry Division gunners are training to become infantrymen for the fight in Iraq. The soldiers preparing for their new jobs are part of 2nd Battalion, 17th Field Artillery Regiment — the Steel Battalion — that has joined the 2nd Brigade Combat Team for deployment to Iraq this summer. Commander of 2-17, Lt. Col. John Fant, a tall former rugby lock forward, said three batteries from the Steel Battalion each would spend four months fighting as infantry in Iraq . “We are still field artillery but now we have been given a change in mission,” he said. Circumstances in Iraq mean the need for traditional field artillery support there has diminished, he said. “They are still shooting illumination and some high explosive munitions to try to kill mortars when they fire on us. But with Iraq becoming a sovereign country again and us receiving the mission to go, we had to look at our capabilities,” he said. The brigade commander, Col. Gary S. Patton, “required a certain level of field artillery capability but also more patrolling capability,” Fant said. So Steel Battalion will have three roles in Iraq , he said: One battery will operate as traditional field artillery; another will provide force protection; a third will patrol as an infantry company. The first to train as an infantry company is Alpha Battery. The three batteries will rotate every four months in Iraq so each takes a turn in each role. Primarily, Fant said, this is to ensure soldiers retain their artillery skills while in Iraq . Converting a battery to an infantry company is the most radical change, he said. Artillerymen learn some infantry skills, such as movement techniques, marksmanship and self-defense, during artillery basic training, Fant said. “But they don’t get the level of (infantry) training we are focusing on right now.” In recent weeks, the artillerymen have learned to patrol in an urban environment, conduct cordon- and-search operations and move into contact, Fant said. “There will be additional training” in the Middle East , he said. “We have been able to take the lessons of other units that have gone before us, and from the unit we are replacing, and incorporate that into our training.” Many units deployed to Iraq take on nontraditional roles, he said. “Everyone is adapting to the situation over there. I’d be surprised if you find a unit that isn’t doing something they didn’t expect to be doing.” Artillerymen will bring some useful skills to their patrol role, he said. “Every platoon and the battery commander knows the employment of fire support, so that is one skill set we don’t have to train as hard on,” he said. Capt. John Marley, Alpha Battery commander, said his soldiers have done five reflexive-fire ranges in the last few weeks. “We used to hit the ranges with our M-16s about once every two months. About 50 percent of the battery were shooting ‘expert’ before and now that is about 70 percent, because of all the additional range training,” he said. Pfc. Jimmy Bechner, from Sacramento , Calif. , normally loads ammunition into Paladin mobile artillery pieces. Last month he got a SAW gun (M249 machine gun) and has been learning how to fire it. “I like this better. It is more interesting” than loading ammunition, he said. “We didn’t get to shoot the Paladin much anyway because of all the restrictions.” South Korea , one of the most heavily populated nations, is the only place in the world where U.S. artillery fires directly over the roofs of private houses during training. For safety reasons, artillery units must take numerous safety precautions during training, officials said. Even though his new job is interesting, Bechner said, he is not looking forward to his year in Iraq . “I requested to go to South Korea so I wouldn’t have to go to Iraq ,” he said. Last week Alpha Battery did live-fire convoy training at Rodriguez Range ’s Warrior Valley . Pvt. Rory Sharony appeared to be enjoying himself as he lay on the ground next to an HMWV (military vehicle), shooting at pop-up targets down-range. The young soldier said he wanted to go to the infantry when he joined the Army but was sent to the artillery after he injured his shoulder. “The whole history of warfare revolves around the infantry,” he said. A few miles down the road, guns from Bravo Battery were firing 155mm shells into the back of Rodriguez Range . Spc. Keith Gimmy was running back and forth between one of the guns and an ammunition transporter with shells and other equipment. Gimmy said he is looking forward to his artillery mission in Iraq . “If there is a job that needs to be done,” he said, “I’ll do it.”

Name:

Michael J. Squadrille

Email:

mjsquad@msn.com

Phone:

714-513-3042

Date:

August 3, 2004

Comments

I served with the 1/17th (Service Battery) from June 65 through July 66. Though a "SPEC"-4, I was assigned as acting Supply Sergeant during the 2nd half of my 13 months tour. We provided support to HQ, Alpha, Bravo & Charlie Batteries of the 1/17th. Our (SVC) Battery shared the same compound ( Camp McIntyre ) as HQ Battery for the 1st of the 17th. Would be great hearing from some of my comrades ! All the best ! Michael

Name:

Norman R. Jones

Email:

AnKhe2nd17FA68@aol.com

Phone:

Date:

03 August 2004

Comments

Hello all, Go to the following web site. This is an outstanding site that was created by Pam Kennett spouse of SSG Shawn R. Kennett. They are going to link our site to theirs. http://www.thekennetts.net/17thmain.html

Name:

Frank M. Oliver SGT(RET)

Email:

sargeollie@yahoo.com

Phone:

508-963-4856

Date:

8/2/2004

Comments

Was with A Btry 2/28th FA Bliedorn Kaserne Ansbach, Germany from Sept 1975 to Dec 1976, the 2/28th Was inactivated in 1980's or 1990's and replaced by 3rd BN 17th Artillery according to a picture of ansbach online.

Name:

Puckett, Bradley

Email:

brad9778@aol.com

Phone:

Date:

29 July 2004

Comments

I am currently a part of 2nd BN 17th FA and about to deploy to Iraq directly from Korea . I am in the S-2 section and this is my first time working with artillery. I just want to say that I am extremely proud to be a part of this unit and a part of its continuing tradition of excellence in combat. The artillerymen I have come to know here and will go to combat with in a few days are some of the greatest I have ever known, and I am honored to serve with them. The traditions of this BN and this RGT are second to none that I have seen and I only hope that our tour in Iraq will help to write the next chapter in this units history of outstanding performances. Thank you.

Name:

Puckett, Bradley

Email:

brad9778@aol.com

Phone:

Date:

29 July 2004

Comments

I am currently a part of 2nd BN 17th FA and about to deploy to Iraq directly from Korea . I am in the S-2 section and this is my first time working with artillery. I just want to say that I am extremely proud to be a part of this unit and a part of its continuing tradition of excellence in combat. The artillerymen I have come to know here and will go to combat with in a few days are some of the greatest I have ever known, and I am honored to serve with them. The traditions of this BN and this RGT are second to none that I have seen and I only hope that our tour in Iraq will help to write the next chapter in this units history of outstanding performances. Thank you.

Name:

Ron Skirvin

Email:

Rabdogske@wmconnect.com

Phone:

270-351-0102

Date:

July 26 2004

Comments

Just to let you guys know that l probably won't be able to make it to the reunion this year. l have had some health problems come up. l have to have open heart surgery (valve replacements) either the middle of August or the first of September so l don't imagine that l will be up and able to travel that distance by the time the reunion rolls around. But l do want to ask for all your prayers. l will be thinking of you all and wishing l could be there with you. l hope that you all have a good time and fellowship. l can receive e-mails and phone calls and letters. My address is : Ron Skirvin, 645 Southland Drive , Radcliff , KY 40160 . E-mail address is: Rabdogske@wmconnect.com. Telephone number: 270-351-0102. l'll be looking forward to hearing from you. Yours Truly, Ron Skirvin D/C Btry 2/17 Arty