GUESTBOOK ENTRIES FOR
F-TROOP, 17TH CAV

I SERVED IN F TROOP 17TH CAV 196TH. FEB 1968 TO FEB 1969. DRIVER,GUNNER,THEN T.C. HAD TWO DUST OFF`S. WAS SENT TO FITZSIMMONS ARMY HOSP. IN AURORA COLORADO, FOR BLOOD POISION. FINISHED MY TOUR (i was r.a) ON CAV. HILL AT FT. RILEY LOADING 112,113 APC,S AND M-60,S AT THE RAIL HEAD DOWN BY THE MOTOR POOL. ps: when i was at FITZ. i saw solders in halls, in tents on the grass ,on top of the hospital. there was not room or doctors. to today i hope and pray that well never happen to our boys comming back wounded.
SGT. MIKE MORAIGN <MSatSKYVIEWMAIL.COM>
ST. GEORGE, UT USA - Thursday, September 02, 2004 at 19:48:38 (EDT)

Hi and first let me say, thank you to all for everything you have done to preserve the American way of life. My husband is retired, disabled military but from another generation. He is 40 years old and lives with pain everyday and says it simply reminds him daily that he is alive, which so many of his fellow soldiers cannot say. I am visiting this site on behalf of my dad, actually. He is looking for an image or an actual patch from the 17th Cav. I found one image of the patch online but it was not clear enough to be used by the graphic artist to create a flag for him. If anyone knows how to locate one of the patches or an image that could be used, I would love to give this to him as a gift from me and my family. If anyone can help me feel free to contact me at the email address listed. My dad's name is Lacy Johnson, he served in F troop from Nov 68 to late 69 when he was severely injured and sent back to the States. If anyone is interested in contacting him, his email address is naandla@hotmail.com Thanks again to everyone of you!
Melanie Turner <keithnmel@comcast.net>
Tacoma, WA USA - Friday, August 20, 2004 at 00:30:04 (EDT)

Was with "F" troop from Dec. 1966-Dec.1967/MOS-11Delta40. Recall one of our first early assignments at the base of Nui Ba Dinh, the Black Virgin Mountain......remember the (--u) bird calls? I have some old 8mm film (mostly poor quality-includes prisoners, action footage jets bombs and choppers) of various locations during my year of duty if anyone interested. Would like to hear from others during the period. best regards jim
Jim Hamlyn <rustic4(at)fastermac.net>
Denver, Ia USA - Wednesday, August 18, 2004 at 20:56:59 (EDT)

Trying to locate information on Robert David, KIA 5/21/68. I found a list, showing him as being with F/17 Cav when he died, but I don't see his name listed on their site. I think he had been in country for about 4 months. He was from New Mexico. His brother Sammy David would like to hear from anyone who knew him then. Email me and I will pass the info along. Thanks, Linda
Linda Robinson <lcdgr at comcast.net>
olympia, WA USA - Monday, May 31, 2004 at 23:32:26 (EDT)

I was in F Troop From Feb 69 to Sept 69. I was in the 3rd plotoon. I would like to hear from anyone fron that time. Great web site. Glad I found it.
Harold (Tennessee) Stinnett <hstinnett@charter.net>
Sevierville, Tn USA - Sunday, April 11, 2004 at 14:34:47 (EDT)

Maps of the 196th Light Infantry Brigade area of operation (AO) during the first eight months in Vietnam are now on the website of Troop "F" 17th Cavalry (Recon). They cover not only the local Tay Ninh area, but the area from War Zone C down to south and east of Cu Chi, encompassing all or most of the locations in which we operated during Oper- ations Attleboro, Gadsden, Cedar Falls, Junction City I and II and smaller operations in between the major efforts. The maps may be found at www.ftrp17cav196.com....just click on the link.
Dave Morris <dmorrisatftrp17cav196.com>
Essex, CT USA - Thursday, March 18, 2004 at 20:19:06 (EST)

I have just submitted an entry and I want to give further details to assist in getting my father information. He served with F-Troop 17th Armor Cav, 1st Platoon, LZ Baldi, Firebase Karen, served on 18 Track A.P.C. Thank you for any information!
Michael Swartchick <swarty20@hotmail.com>
PA USA - Monday, February 09, 2004 at 12:25:45 (EST)

I am seeking information for my father (Michael Swartchick Sr) His call name was MANIAC. He served his second tour in 1968-1969. He is looking for contact information of his boys who served with him. They are as follows: Harvey Sexton, Hippy, Virgil, Tex, Frenchy, Hill-Billy, Chief. It would mean so much to my father if anyone can help. Please e-mail me with any information so I can give it to my father. God Bless you all!!!!
Michael Swartchick Jr <swarty20athotmail.com>
PA USA - Monday, February 09, 2004 at 12:17:47 (EST)

I was a member of F/17/196 from Oct'68 to Oct'69. Third Platoon mostly. Was wounded twice, first during a mortar attack on Baldt, then an RPG round into the back of the track on a hill west of Baldy. I have been to one reunion so far in DC about 14 years ago. On Oct 2003, I and my wife went to Glen Cove LI, NY for a dedication of a park to Dennis Murray, who was killed when the captain's track hit a mine in June 1969. We were warmly welcomed by Dennis's Mom (his ex-wife had just died of cancer) his brother, sister, inlaws and the whole clan. I was interviewed for the paper and the local TV station. We had a very memorable day with all the honor guards etc. I will post as many fotos of the event and some of my old Nam fotos as soon as I get a chance on the F Troop web page. I would love to get in touch with anyone of the same era. Berj
Berj Manoushagian <berjm@aol.com>
Waltham, MA USA - Monday, December 01, 2003 at 09:43:26 (EST)

I am looking for info on Joseph Cloud (Lightning 33)Sgt "F" Troop 17th Cav. KIA 11/23/67. I am interested in when he med-evac on the 23 of November 1967.
Bob "DOC"Kelly <LIb196bob@aol.com>
Reading , Pa USA - Saturday, October 11, 2003 at 19:07:59 (EDT)

F Troop 17th Cav warriors. I think I was the first of the replacements after the original crew. I arrived in Tay Ninh on Dec 31, 1966 and left on Dec 31, 1967. I originally spent time with Capt Roan and eventually ended up in the 1st Platoon. Spent four days in the Thanksgiving day mess in 1967 with enough memories to last a life time. Was wounded and medivaced to Da Nang on the fourth day. Spent the last two weeks in December assigned to the Brigade TOC. Two years ago I applied for a disability and am currently at 50%. Look forward to hearing from any of you out there.
Ron Walquist <ronw@fidalgo.net>
Mt Vernon, WA USA - Friday, September 19, 2003 at 17:54:47 (EDT)

i was in f troop 17th cav during 67-68 in the 3rd platoon
edward barnett <gmptg59@aol.com>
ypsilanti, mi USA - Monday, September 08, 2003 at 19:54:33 (EDT)

I WAS A MEMBER OF F TROOP 17TH CAV. FROM 1970 TO 1971 I WAS ON HAWKHILL, AND THE UNIT MOVED TO CAMP FLAKNER JUST SOUTH OF DA NANG ON THE COAST ROAD, I WAS A T.C. OF A M155 SHEARDERIAN TANK, AO WAS WEST OF HAWKHILL AND DUD DUC VALLEY ALSO WORKED WITH THE ROCK ARMY ABOVE HUE, AND WEST OF HUE.THANK YOU FOR LETTING ME SHARE.
LARRY D LYONS <LARRY@VAMC.GOV>
MUSKOGEE, OK USA - Saturday, September 06, 2003 at 02:05:25 (EDT)

I WAS WITH F TROOP 17/CAV (RECON) I JOINED IN FT DEVENS BEFORE WE DEPART TO NAM. WE WERE THE FIRST UNIT TOSECURE THE AREA FOR THE NEW AIRPORT IN TAI NINH I WAS SGT THEN AND SCUADLEADER WE DID LOTS OF RECON. WOULD LIKE TO HEAR FROM ANY ONE WHO WAS THERE WITH ME REMEMBER THE BLACK VIRGING MOUNTAIN AND SUROUNDINGS AREA THAT WE SPEND TOGETHER
ISAIAS CASTRO-DIAZ <ICDUSARMYRET@AOL.COM>
PALM BAY , FL USA - Friday, August 29, 2003 at 00:17:59 (EDT)

Thanks to all who made the 2003 Reunion possible with their hard work and dedication. And thanks for all those who attended. The 196th is alive and well, both in Hawaii and in the hearts and minds of thousands of veterans. It was great. Looking forward to 2005. Glad to get together with some 1967-68 F Troopers again and trade war stories. We even agreed on some of them !!
Bob Garst <bobg@rkeng.com>
Roanoke, VA USA - Monday, August 11, 2003 at 16:06:08 (EDT)

i was with F troop 17th cav 196th inf bde in chu lai 1967-1968
tomas b baca <tbbaca@hotmail.com>
las vegas, mn USA - Thursday, May 08, 2003 at 00:47:16 (EDT)

I was in the AT Platoon HHC 4Bn 31th Inf. from 1967-1968. I also was attached to F Troop 17th Cav. We had a 106 recoiless rifle mounted on our Personal Carrier. I was the Gunner my call sign was 38 alpha. Our track was nicknamed TARGET. I would like to hear from anyone who remembered me. Thanks Jo-Jo.
Joseph S. Corona "Jo-Jo <TJPLUMB@comcast.net>
Quakertown, Pa. USA - Tuesday, April 08, 2003 at 19:12:58 (EDT)

Served with Ftroop 17cav from Aug.70-june71 like to hear from guys in frist paltoon
LaVern Ferguson [fergie] <fergioe574@prodigy.net>
Moline, Ill USA - Monday, March 31, 2003 at 16:14:11 (EST)

For any interested parties: The web site for Troop "F" 17th Cavalry (Reconnaissance)has just been updated with many new photos from 1966-1967...go to ftrp17cav196.com
Dave Morris <dmorris@ftrp17cav196.com>
Essex, CT USA - Friday, March 28, 2003 at 21:32:54 (EST)

WAS SPOON [COOK] F TROOP 1970 FORT COURAGE. THE MESS BURNED DOWN. JAR HEADS GOT EVEN FOR PRANK-THEY ATE THE MONKEY. WHAT HAPPENED TO "BIG BROTHER"[SSG. LANE?] & "BIRDY"? I WAS FROM FORT LAUDERDALE, FLRIDIA. WANT TO TALK TO ANYONE WHO MIGHT REMEMBER ME OR THE EVENTS MENTIONED.
MELINICH, ANTHONY <ALFISAGOD1@AOL>
DAYTON, OH. USA - Wednesday, March 12, 2003 at 10:30:47 (EST)

Does anyone know where Clyde Roan hangs out? (First CO of F/17 Cav). Last known location was Tampa-St.Pete or Largo, Florida area. Later went to Brigade S3 and then to Special Ops from which he retired as light colonel.
Dave Morris <dmorris@ftrp17cav196.com>
Essex, CT USA - Saturday, February 08, 2003 at 11:28:08 (EST)

Clyde Roan was CO of F Troop 17th Cav while in Tay Ninh...
Faulk <PersimmonXing@aol.com>
Smarr, GA USA - Saturday, February 08, 2003 at 00:03:00 (EST)

Hi,I was with F Troop, 17th cav, 196 Lt Infintry Brigade From Sept. 67 to Sept 68, Was there during the TET Offensive. I worked in the mess tent and drove the mess truck. My nick name was : hippie" I can'tremember my buddies names just some of their nick names. I am trying to get in touch with any buddies in this troop. Chuck Hanus " hippie"
Chuck Hanus( Charles) <Jimbob@oregoncoast.com>
Beaver, Or USA - Friday, December 20, 2002 at 16:23:49 (EST)

Was Platoon Leader and XO of F troop, 17th Cav, June '66 - Jan 67. Would like to come in contact with anyone F troop members during that time.
Gerald A. Reason <Pappy_Reason@yahoo.com>
Harvey, LA USA - Saturday, November 16, 2002 at 23:21:35 (EST)

Merlyn{minnesota} I should have left a little more info. I was with F trp 17 cav.The incident I was referring to happened July 2 1970. First platoon command track was destroyed. Three KIA, three wounded.
Larry Koester <larryvnv@bis.midco.net>
mandan, nd USA - Tuesday, October 22, 2002 at 11:07:39 (EDT)

I served with f trp from oct69 to oct70 (11D40) I was leading the day 16 hit the 250lb land mine. Can't forget....
larry c. koester <larryvnv@bis.midco.net>
mandan, nd USA - Wednesday, October 16, 2002 at 16:45:55 (EDT)

Am looking for a dear old freind. I was assigned to "F" troop 17th Cav. and he was assigned to 196th Inf Brgd. He was a mechanic, his name was Clifford Brown. He was from Tennessee. We went through AIT together, served in Germany together, and went to Nam together, we also came home together. Have not been able to locate him since 1968 when, I took him home to Greeneville,Tenn. Would appreciate any info as to his whereabouts. Thanks, Live long Brothers/Sisters of our time.
Warren Barnett <barnokie@att.net>
Shawnee, OK USA - Wednesday, July 31, 2002 at 03:19:56 (EDT)

For all you old "F Troopers" out there: don't forget our website at www.ftrp17cav196.com - for those who missed the great brigade reunion in Gettysburg last summer, there are many good photos of your old recon buddies. Keep five yards...
Dave Morris <dmorris@ftrp17cav196.com>
Trumbull, CT USA - Saturday, June 15, 2002 at 19:14:10 (EDT)

Just found this really great site while fumbleing with this computer. As the years have passed I have grown to realize what we did and how good it makes me feel to have been a part of it. I was one of the original I guess...Basic at Devens and the cruise ship PATCH to Voung Tou (?) 1966. Earl Toomey, Doc, Mark Brennan (General now) and a bunch of other great guys who's names escape me at the moment. I worked with the commo section in HHC and with the help of 'Lurch' I managed to get in to the fray with the Recon outfit F troop 17th. We were the original LRRPs there. I have some great stories. If you were there give me a call. Photos too. Snail mail = 308 S. Union Av. Roswell, NM 88203. Keep your heads down.
Robert (Bob) Clarke <rclarke@fletc.treas.gov>
Roswell, NM USA - Friday, May 17, 2002 at 17:33:24 (EDT)

Hi I served with Troop F 17TH Cav from Sept 1965 to Jan 1967 when I was wounded by a mine on Operation Cedar Falls losing my left leg at the hip. I have been totally disabled since but I have led a full life and I will always cherish my time that I spent in the Army with my brothers. As we all know you had to be there to know how we feel.We are proud and always will be.Would love to hear from other F-TROOPERS. God Bless!
Raymond Schwedhelm <royalcat62@hotmail.com>
Little Ferry, NJ USA - Monday, March 25, 2002 at 17:27:23 (EST)

I was a team leader with the LRRP detachment attached to F Troop 17th Cav. Was in Tay Ninh and Chu Lai. Rotated November 1967. Was with the 2d Ranger Battallion until 1976
Gerardo Leyton <g.leyton@attbi.com>
Tumwater , WA USA - Sunday, March 24, 2002 at 23:29:38 (EST)

HI, glad to find this site. I was in Vietnam from June 67 at Chu Lai to Jul 68 where we finally worked out of Da Nang in the valleys. I was with the 17th Armor Recon Cav. 196th Light Infantry Brigade.During Tet of 68 we were sent to camp evans in the DMZ and afcter Tet of 68 we were relocated back to Da Nang. All we did was search and destroy missions. Would like to hear from anyone who was with my unit that I may still know. We worked mainly by squads in our recon unit and I basically only knew the 32 people within my own squad. We used apc's for our recon missions. I have many medical problems due to Agent Orange and other defoliants used then and am 100 pct service connected disabled due to Vietnam. Anyone with the 196th during Jun 67 -Jul 68, please let me know if any of you are having problems due to Agent Orange and other defoliants. Hope to hear from someone soon, Bill
William Michael Rucker <wr2960@bellsouth.net>
Milton, FL USA - Saturday, March 16, 2002 at 23:24:39 (EST)

I was in F trp 17th Cav 196th from jan 69 to jul 69 was maniac for third pltoon. now retired Army.
Pete A. Frank <Petefrank2@aol.com>
Crawfordville, FL USA - Saturday, February 09, 2002 at 13:37:45 (EST)

Served as NCO with Troop "F" 17th Cav, 2nd Platoon scouts. Trying to locate our platoon medic, Louis Masic. Period of service was Aug 66 through July 67, Tay Ninh and Chu Lai. My e-mail address:dmorris@ftrp17cav196.com.
Dave Morris
USA - Friday, February 08, 2002 at 20:11:20 (EST)

Great site thank you for all your hard work. If you were in F troop 17th Cav 196 We have a web site. http://www.ftrp17cav.com
Bob Decker <rdecker@sc.rr.com>
Columbia, SC USA - Saturday, February 02, 2002 at 20:41:38 (EST)