VISITOR'S COMMENTS
Guest Book
(Revised 7 Mar 08)
Due to the spammers and hackers who recklessly destroy the property of others, please leave your Visitor/Guest Book comments at the E-Mail address below. Your comments will be posted promptly to the website.
Any photos, war stories, or corrections are
most welcome! Thank you for stopping by.
NEW EMAIL ADDRESS!! |
Effective August 1, 2021 |
mightyninthcableone@gmail.com
{click on link above}
-or-
paste this address: oceansprings1ms@gmail.com into your Mail Server
WELCOME TO "THE MIGHTY NINTH" WEBSITE! |
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31MAY22 |
Dennis,
I
was very lucky to have been assigned to the 2nd of 9th Artillery when
I arrived in January 1969 as a newly promoted Captain. My first Job was
Assistant Battalion S3 working for Maj Jerry P. Orr. My background; I was a 13E assigned to "B" Battery at Fort Sill when I received orders to attend Artillery OCS. My first assignment as an Officer was to Greece and enroute to Vietnam, I was branch transferred to Air Defense Artillery. Later in my Tour, I commanded HHB the 2nd of 9th Artillery. If you want more
details let me know; I was also on LZ Oasis Mothers day 1969. I wish had
the names of everyone.
REPLY: Great to hear from you, Bob! It's been a very long time since we have located a new 2/9th veteran; very glad you found The Mighty Ninth website. Your full Email message can be found under the "Tour Of Duty" link wherein you recount the combat action you saw in Kontum Province. You will be interested to know that the "War Stories" link has an abundance of material on the Mother's Day attack at LZ Oasis. I regret to report that we lost our great friend and supporter, Maj Jerry Orr, in October, 2021. Dennis Dauphin, Webmaster |
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11NOV21 |
Good Evening and Happy Veterans Day,
My dad doesn't know this, but I
found your website and my father served in your unit, although, it
doesn't show it on your web page. My dad was Corporal Lonnie O.
Marshall. He served from November 1965 to January 1967 in Pleiku,
Vietnam. He operated the 105mm Howitzers. I have pictures too. He's
still alive but does not like talking about his time as most Vietnam
Veterans don't. He also admits that he wasn't the friendliest of sorts
and didn't like taking orders. He was told in Nov 1966 he was going home
and then they kept him in a few more months. My dad damn near had a
conniption fit and dug a hole and refused to get out until someone told
him he'd be court martialed and AWOL. He got out and resumed his duties
and left 3 months later. Can you verify? If so, I can provide pictures.
I have honored my father for as long as I have been alive and in my 47
years, I have seen him come unglued sort of speak, and I've heard
of his embarrassment returning home. I would love to leave a legacy and
if my dad served with you guys, and whether he was ornery or not, he did
his due diligence. He raised a daughter who will never forget a great
man who sacrificed and gave his service to his country. I commend you
all and Thank you, from the bottom of America's heart. I leave you with
my Dad's pics but, I have more of him on the howitzer. If you'll confirm
he was part of your unit, I'll be happy to send more pictures.. By the
way, I'm his daughter, and I run a Town in Arizona. He's from Denair,
California and resides in California, today.
All my best to you and your
unit. In the celebration of armistice day, I salute you all for your
sacrifice and as a family member, I got the honor of picking up the
pieces that the army left behind.
Best regards,
Cindy Marshall
cinmodesto@aol.com WEBMASTER REPLIES: In November, our group was canvassed for anyone knowing or meeting Lonnie Marshall. Clearly, if he served with us, he was one of the very early arrivals from the 25th Inf Div in Hawaii. There were no positive responses. But the little bit of info she had was very convincing. She persevered and got a lot of information when her Dad agree to talk to her about Vietnam. Later, we found Cpl Lonnie O. Marshall's name on the 1June66 roster of the 2/9th FA while it was still in Hawaii. Additional correspondence with Cindy has led to getting many details about his service with The Mighty Ninth. Thank you, Cindy, for continuing to pursue your Dad's legacy. You will now find Cpl Lonnie O. Marshall listed as a Cannoneer at the "Command & Staff" link and tidbits of his service at the "Tour Of Duty" link. As his daughter indicated, he is a non-conformist and a real character. Dennis Dauphin, Webmaster (new email: mightyninthcableoneone@gmail.com.) Cell: 228-219-1976 |
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2Dec21 |
FO
Lt Frank Herbick, 1966-67; deceased 21Nov21 Note of Appreciation Thank you SO MUCH!! Not just for posting his obituary but for all you do in keeping the memories alive and sharing the many stories of your brothers. Dad would tell me stories and had so much admiration for the family he served with. I can only imagine what you all went through. Though many are gone they are not forgotten because of you. Thank you Sir and God Bless. Robert
Herbick (Son) |
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TRIBUTES TO LtCol Jerry Orr
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{Jerry
Orr passed away on October 11, 2021}
Lt Dennis Dauphin, Webmaster When Jerry first learned that the 35th Inf Regt was holding annual reunions and that the 2/9th FA redlegs were given a carte blanche invitation to attend, he was very excited. When he arrived, I recall him meeting with all his friends, the men he knew from his days in the TOC and his job as the Battalion S-3. He was so proud to renew acquaintances, especially with Lt Mike Kurtgis, an FO and a pilot, that he spent many hours in the Hospitality Suite. The image of a Vietnam Veterans reunion was so powerful that Jerry broached the idea of having a reunion at Ft Sill, OK for our brother redlegs with an invitation to the President of the 35th Assn as recognition for their hospitality. It is with great pride that all three Presidents of the 35th attended each reunion: Jim Beddingfield, Bill Henson, and Joe Henderson (deceased). True to is word, Jerry "ran all the traps" to get permission from the CG of Ft Sill, to arrange housing, meals, and Gate Permits along with a myriad of other details that had to be accomplished. John "Moon" Mullins and I did the coordination with those interested in attending. The result was not one, not two, but THREE of the MOST memorable times of our lives: to meet with our "brothers in combat" at the home of the US Army Field Artillery. Lt
Dennis Dauphin |
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TRIBUTES TO LtCol Jerry Orr
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LtCol Jerry Orr - December 27. 1934 - October 11,
2021, my Major in Vietnam. I will miss you dear friend A. John "Moon" Mullins
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TRIBUTES TO LtCol Jerry Orr
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Lt Carlton Epps: I
last spoke with Jerry by phone during the last week of September.
When he learned that John Cashin, John "Moon" Mullins, and I
were going to visit him during the last weekend of this month, he was
thrilled. I could see the smile on his face as he said,
"That would do wonders for me!" Unfortunately it is a trip
that we won't be making. It is testament to how much we loved
and respected Jerry that in spite of the obstacles, we wanted visit
our friend and mentor as his, and our days on this temporary fire base
near an end. Few
persons have had such a memorable and positive impact on my life as Jerry
Orr. A bear of a man with a heart of gold, he was faithful to his
God, his family, and his fellow redlegs, especially those of us who served
with him in the 2nd of the 9th. May
he rest in peace. Lt
Carlton "Cowboy 30" Epps Carlton
G. Epps, Sr.
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TRIBUTES TO LtCol Jerry Orr
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Capt David Scott I was under Jerry's
command for six months in 1969. I learned more from him in those six
months than my previous five years in the military. His passing is a
significant loss to all who knew him.. He was not only a dedicated soldier
but a great humanitarian. I was released from the
hospital yesterday after undergoing back surgery and am not allowed
to do much of anything until I visit my neurosurgeon in a couple of weeks.
I will miss the service but that will not diminish the respect and awe I
have for Jerry. David Scott, LTC,
FA (Ret.)
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TRIBUTES TO LtCol Jerry Orr
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RIP
- Honor to have known you! Deepest Sympathy to your family and friends!
Wayne Rayfield Yes, sorry to hear of him passing, great man! RiP! Mike Alexander He was a great Man and a true Vietnam Brother John Bowden |
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24Apr21 |
Webmaster
Dennis: First of all, thanks for your service to our country and for the work to memorialize your and your buddies’ personal experiences in Vietnam. I am sorry for your losses while in the service, including Captain Mike Casp. I found my way to your website, as my dad has recently begun to explore his brother’s own experience in Vietnam. His brother, Captain Stephen Childers, served with the 1/14th Inf Regt and was killed at the entrance of a cave complex I believe your unit helped level. I saw some of the photos shared by Danny Yates and Robert Wilson when they helped with the caves. I appreciate their captioning the photos with my uncle’s name (though they spelled his first name with a "v" and not a "ph") and found seeing them very sobering. But I really appreciate the views of the 1/14th men in their photos and imagine how proud my uncle must have been to serve alongside them. Keep up the great work and much thanks again for your service and sacrifices. Brian Childers WEBMASTER'S
NOTE: Thanks for your note, Brian. The spelling of your Uncle's name
has been corrected. It is a privilege and a pleasure to hear from
our survivor families. Part of our Mission Statement is to offer
support to the families of the men who served and share the realities of
the Vietnam War instead of the fantasies of the news media. |
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28Feb21 |
Hi Dennis,
My name is Bev Becker and Bob Becker
was my husband. He passed away Dec.13, 2020 from lung cancer with
metastasis. He thought a lot of your work with the Mighty Ninth and what you have
done with the website. Thank you so much for putting his pictures on the Mighty Ninth. He was so excited to see them
there and we are really appreciative of that. I just went there the other day and looked at his pictures and cried. Not only do
I miss him dearly but what he had encountered from that horrible war and the after effects from it upon coming home.
My heart goes out to all the veterans and their families and all the suffering they have endured.
Thank you for all you have done and
for your service to your country.
Sincerely,
Bev Becker
Webmaster Reply: Ms Becker, you wonderful note is the reason I
created The Mighty Ninth website. God Bless you! |
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14Mar20 |
{Found!
FO/XO Lt Mike Strickland} See
picture of LT MIKE STRICKLAND in the PHOTO GALLERY,
courtesy of John Cashin. Message below from John "Moon"
Mullins.
John met Mike at LZ Mary Lou summer ‘68 and told me that Mike was from CLAXTON GA. That set in motion a search, resulting in locating attorney W. Michael Strickland. In his bio in the firm website confirmed Claxton, it listed West Point grad, class of ‘66...commissioned and served four years, Jun 66 to Sep 70, one year of which was in Vietnam.
Mike
very much enjoyed the fact that some of us remember him. |
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28Jan18 |
I'm Walt Shields and I would like to be added to the FO party page. I got to B/2/9 in July 69 and the second day with the unit the CO told me that I was assigned to A/2/35th Inf. in a FO party. I stayed with 2/35 until Feb 70. Thank you Walt
Shields |
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25Jan18 |
Dear Sir: I
visited the "Mighty Ninth" site today and saw what is
part of my name ( Lt ? Ness) listed in the "FO" section. I served with the 2/9Arty from Oct
67 to Aug 68, and for the first six months of my tour was an FO
attached to the 1/14 Infantry; mostly with Alpha Company.
I earned my commission from OCS @ Fort Sill, Oklahoma. The
photo
linked to my name was taken
when I was with B/2/9 as FDO. Thanks to someone for
remembering me; and thanks to you for maintaining the site. Sincerely, (Lt) Robert Ness |
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5Nov17 |
I
just returned from a 3-week vacation and, having retrieved a shopping bag
full of mail, I was delighted to find your letter of inquiry and
introduction to the "Mighty Ninth." Thanks for the "Welcome
Home, Brother" greeting. I am indeed the Lt. Robert M Patalano that
you are searching for. Dennis,
I have looked at some of the website, and will be reading more once I get
settled in after traveling. I do have some military records and photos of
VietNam, and will see what may be of interest to you. Thanks for all that
you have accomplished in this endeavor. Feel free to contact me at
any time.
Best
Wishes, |
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9Jun17 |
My pal, Lt. Edward
Meierotto, a forward observer, was killed in Vietnam March 10,
1969. He was in Vietnam for a year prior to that. I'm writing a short
book about Lt. Meierotto and another pal who served in Vietnam.
Eddie's first return address was: BCO
1/35 Infantry, 4 Div., APO 96355 (SF). Later, his return
address was:
HHB Divarty; 4th Infantry Div; APO 96262. I'm
not a military person, so I can't tell from these what units he belonged
to. But I imagine you can. I'd like to contact the alumni of Ed's units
to see who remembers him. Can you tell from the above what
units Eddie belonged to? How do I contact the alumni? Thanks. Jerry
Crimmins Webmaster's Note: Jerry and I exchanged many emails and phone calls in order to interpret and add the "military" meanings of things that were foreign to him about Lt Meierotto's service. In return, Jerry filled me in on a Forward Observer with the 2/9th that had not been previously identified by anyone as serving with the 2/9th. Lt Meierotto extended his tour and became an ARVN Advisor. He was KIA in the course of those duties. Jerry's book is entitled: "When We Were 19". |
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26Apr17 |
FOUND! Another Redleg! Ambrose Smurra, a Cannoneer and an RTO assigned to "A" Battery, 1967 - 1968. He was on hand for TET. He & Lt Bob Patalano (both "paisanos") used to compare recipes in Nam. Ambrose found The Mighty Ninth website and gave me a call. Would like to talk to his fellow redlegs he served with. You can reach Ambrose at 860-774-4736;
he lives in Dennison, CT |
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13Jun16 |
Notice from John "Moon" Mullins:
We have reconnected with Ed Tucker; he now resides in New York.
Edwin Tucker
7 Rowley Avenue
Norwich NY 13815
Cell: 607-373-4097
Ed was deployed to Nam from Schofield Barracks in
Operation Blue Light in 1965.
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17May16 |
I am the Jim Brother, 05530597, listed on the website. I
arrived in Vietnam with the 3/25 Brigade in Pleiku in January, 1966.
I was assigned to A/2/9 in Hawaii, and attached to B/2/35 for transport
to Vietnam. I served at a forward observer with that company until
the end of May, 1966. I was wounded in an accidental napalm strike
on LZ Ten Alpha and hospitalized at Kishine Barracks in Japan for a
month. I returned to B/2/35 as a forward observer in early July,
1966. I was replaced as a forward observer in the fall and spent
the remainder of my tour assigned to A/2/9. I received a Silver
Star, a Bronze Star, and a Purple Heart.
James L Brother
jlbrother1@sbcglobal.net
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28Mar16 |
Are there any plans for a reunion in the future? I was in the 2nd of the 9th, "C" Battery, 1965-66 in Pleiku. Larry
Keller- Fort Recovery, Ohio 45846. |
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29Feb16 |
I was a member of the 2/9th Bn
from Sep 66 to Aug 67. I began as FO for A Co
2nd Bn 35th Inf . Company commander was Capt Charles
Murray. I moved to FDO B Battery under Lt Chris Herrick for several
months then moved to Asst S-3 and Aerial Observer. I started the
Aerial Observation Course. I have kept most of my records and orders
which I will be happy to provide you with a copy. I also have
several dozens photos of the areas of operation as well as several members
of the unit. Would love to hear from you and relay any
info requested. Douglas
A. Turner, MAJ,
USAR Ret. |
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24Jan16 |
(Anthony Circelli was contacted by mail) I would like to thank you brother for sending me the
letter and information and hopefully look forward to meeting you at the
reunion, and thank you for serving! Anthony Circelli |
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25Dec15 |
Stephen Brown, RA68013084. My first visit to this site. Great work, the thorough rosters especially. Recognized lots of names, but the only photo is of Lt John Cashin, who I recall left for the states because of the death of his father. How time flies. |
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5Nov15 |
ANOTHER REDLEG BROTHER FOUND!
I just returned from a 3 week vacation and, having retrieved a
shopping bag full of mail, I was delighted to find your letter of
inquiry and introduction to the "Mighty Ninth." Thanks for the
"Welcome Home, Brother" greeting. I am indeed the Lt. Robert M
Patalano that you are searching for.
I graduated from Providence College in June
1966 and was commissioned that day through the ROTC program.
I entered the FAOBC course at Ft Sill in late August, and then served in
the 1/6 Arty, 1st Armored Div at Fort Hood, Texas. I went to
Panama in June
1967 for the jungle warfare course, and had assignment to
the 3rd Brigade, 25th Inf Div. I arrived in Pleiku the very day that the
2 divisions exchanged 'colors,' in August
1967. {Webmaster note:
the 3rd Brigades of the 25th Inf Div and the 4th Inf Div were swapped on
1Aug67}. I was the FO replacement for Lt (Malcolm) Spencer, A Battery, 2/9 Arty, 4th Inf Div.
In Dec 67,
I moved to FDO of A Battery, and in the spring of
1968 I moved to Battalion headquarters, where I filled several positions
until departing Nam mid-July.
Upon return to the states, I reported to Ft Lewis, Washington, and
was released from active duty. I returned to Rhode Island and joined the
active reserves, 76th Div, USAR, served as a Captain for several years,
and then reverted to Inactive Status.
Best Wishes,
Bob Patalano
725 Country Club Ln, Ashland, OH 44805
Cell phone: 419-651-3647
email: mrpatalano@frontier.com
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11Oct15 |
It's John Hartley here. I remember (Joe) Henderson (deceased) and (Jim) Connolly very well. And it's great to hear John Pipia is alive. He's on truly one of the finest officers on the planet. He was apolitical, looked out for the men and dutifully executed some horrendous missions during the Tet offensive. He was a " hero" every day While I've never done a Sill OCS reunion, last year I did attend a OCS class 1-67 get together at a classmates ranch in Utah. Enjoyed it thoroughly. Thanks for looking me up. Look forward to more contact and will visit the website. Best
Regards
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9Oct15 |
{Tribute to FO Lt John Hartley: with the help of our fellow redlegs, we located Lt John M. Hartley, Jr} The day was 2Jan68. We were sent well out of artillery support range over my objections because we knew what could happen. It did, big time. We went in with a strength of about 70, I'd guess (approx 2 understrength platoons and company command group). Ultimately, I believe we wound up facing an NBA regiment or, at least a reinforced battalion. They were deeply dug in In trenches and bunkers. The gun ships at one point said "they were coming out of the hills like ants ...." We'd guess now they were, staging for TET. Fortunately, we did have gun ship support and it was really terrific, saved us. Fought our way in and then out to an Old French Fort as our final defensive position since we no longer expected exfiltration. We expected hand to hand and actually fixed bayonets. We fought all day, several hours , and never had relief or reinforcements. Never understood why this battle was never picked up in the Bn logs, it was the largest contact up to the date. Anyway, it doesn't matter now except to those of us who were there and survived. John was a terrific officer and a great FO. I've thought of him many times over the years and always wanted to connect with him. He was so good when my 1st Platoon leader was wounded and had to be med evac'd, I asked John to go down to take the 1st Platoon. I remember recommending him for a CIB because I believed he earned it, that day alone. Didn't happen. Should have. I was really sorry to see him go. John was in place when I joined "B" Company in Duc Pho although we moved north fairly quickly, leaving Duc Pho to relieve the Marines and coordinate with the South Vietnamese Army. (Spring of 1967) John carried a carbine and when he fired, the sound was so different, we all whirled, thinking the NVA were among us. I told him to ditch the carbine, TO&E or not, so someone wouldn't wax him in error. I'd very much appreciate it if you could send me his contact info, address, tel number, email address. Thanks again, everyone, for your help and persistence in filling in some blanks. You made my day ! Best, John Pipia
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4 Sep 15 |
TRIBUTE
FROM SP/4 Tim Duncan, 1/14th
First LZ Brigit, then, Chu Pa, Bunker Hill, and last St. George. Everywhere we went, A/2/9 went. As "grunts" we had security in knowing our big brother would help us out if we got over our heads. I will never forget "The Mighty Ninth". Welcome Home, Brother! Sp4
Tim Duncan |
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22 May 15 |
{PFC Alvin P. Hite's daughter,
Bonnie Dollar, connected the dots between the 35th and the 2/9th.
She contacted 35th President Bill Henson, who in turn contacted me.}
Alvin served from Jan 67 to Jan 68. He was a cook at "A" Battery on LZ OD near Duc Pho and also served as a cannoneer. After Vietnam, Alvin worked in construction and then began a career as a long-haul trucker. He has since retired. Alvin would like to hear from those redlegs he served with. He is working on his "computer literacy"; meanwhile you can email his daughter at "kaybtoyz@yahoo.com". Phone contact: 540-868-8949; cell: 443-903-5620 PFC Alvin P. Hite |
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5 Mar 15 |
Steve Cox "found" me
recently......1st time I've had any contact with any of the troops
since my DEROS date. We had quite a chat and have traded
emails/phone calls a couple of times since. Anyway, he asked me to
let you know that I'm searching through the archives & cobwebs to
try and find any old pictures, etc. to send you for the web site.
Kudos...you've done a great job putting that site together!! When
I find something, I'll be sure to forward to you.
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23 Feb 15 |
I
am reaching out to your organization for information about my
father-in-law, Lt Jeffry Lynn Toperzer.
He died Nov 20th, 2013, without ever telling the family much about his
time in the Army. We sent off for his military records which
indicate he spent time at Ft Hood, graduated from OCS at
Ft Sill, and later served in Vietnam in the 2nd Battalion, 9th
Artillery. His assignments there were FO in
A Btry 3-Jun-68,
FO in
C Btry 24-Jul-68,
and XO in
C Btry 20-Sep-68.
He then went to MACV from
27-Oct-68 to 14-Mar-69. Our family would appreciate hearing from anyone who knew him or could tell us about his experiences in Vietnam Thank you for your time and response,
Scott Berkuta,
son-in-law of Lt Jeffry Toperzer
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18Feb15 |
{Another redleg brother of the 2/9th is found through Facebook by John "Moon" Mullins. Thanks, John!} "In
Nam, I was with 2/9th in one way or another from 67 to 69, from Duc Pho,
LZ Baldy, to LZ Oasis, as BN FDC, then BN LNO Section
working with the 1/35th
Infantry. Spent a total of four years in Vietnam, 4th DivArty, and
a year in 101st ABN DivArty. Post Nam was in Recruitment
Command in Memphis TN. Grew up in North Little Rock, AR. Joined the Army in Jan 63. Retired Feb 85. Taught JROTC until 2005. Retired from Rankin County Schools, Richland High School, Richland MS. Since retirement I enjoy hunting, fishing, golf, and my grandkids."
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17Feb15 |
{Ron Goldmaker, friend of Danny
Fort, was initially found through the 2/9th FB page}
I was in Nam Sept 67-Sept 68. "C" Battery was at LZ Liz when I arrived and for several months afterward. I spent first 4 weeks humping a radio for the FO Team with B-2-35. Do not remember names of FO or Recon Sgt. The "B" Company Commander was a was a tall wiry Texan who carried a carbine. I humped thru paddies and jungle and spent a day on the beach at the South China Sea. It was not fun. I participated in 2 Combat Air Assaults and they were scary too. Then to FDC where I was a newbie. I had been trained in Air Defense Artillery Ops and Intel at Ft Bliss - Juarez (Mexico) was fun.
After 6 months and many
locations and sandbags later I became Chief Computer in the FDC.
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17Feb15 |
I
shared a couple of beers with (Lt) John Cashin, here in Greensboro
yesterday. I found his name on the website months ago and through that we
met yesterday and had a great time sharing stories and some good laughs.
Martin
J. 'Marty' Quinn |
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8Jan15 |
{Fellow redleg John "Moon" Mullins has
located a 2/9th brother and shares this info}
Donald E. Primer, member of A Battery, May 68-69, originally from the
Mohave Desert Region of CA
Donald E. Primer
1332 Elliott Rd
Paradise, CA 95969-4243
530-877-4371
zyzzxdesigns@gmail.com
After Jr college,Don worked at Lockheed building L-1011's, completed a
Sociology/Psychology degree in '76 at Cal State - Chico, later became a
drug/alcohol counselor, retired from that profession in 2007. He
now dabbles in burl oak art; also, as a guitarist/vocalist/songwriter,
he has produced and released CDs which
can be found on cdbaby.com
under Donald Primer. Don would enjoy hearing from "A" Battery
friends, admitting that he may not remember them!
|
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3Nov2014 |
Dennis, Good
morning!
Dutch
Hutsell here. I just found your Mighty Ninth website and wanted to say
hi. Remembering my fallen Brother Mike Casp! Thanks for doing this! All the best! Dutch
Howard H.
(The Dutchman) Hutsell, Jr. |
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18Oct2014 |
I was with "C" Battery, 2/9th from June, 1969 to April, 1970. My Email is William Surratt, but I go by Tom, which is my middle name. THEN.................................................................and Now (2014) William "Tom" Surratt |
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22Jul14 |
Message from "Donut
Dolly" Jennifer Young:
A
Donut Dolly assigned to the 4th Infantry Division from June '69 to
November '69 reporting in here, for a big hello, and Welcome Home.
Through the technology "magic" of Facebook and e-mail and the
"Donut Dolly" grapevine, I recently connected with (Lt) Don
Blankin, formerly an FO & FDO for "B"Battery 2/9th. He
had referenced a Donut Dolly named "Jenny" on a Facebook post
which was picked up by another Donut Dolly, Penni. Penni contacted
me. At first, I didn't think I was the same Jenny due to some
possible date discrepancies, but we clarified that, and a photo Don sent
me confirmed that I was the Jenny of his recollection -- the photo
evidently coming out of a video taken on Oasis or a nearby firebase, I'm
supposing, with a soldier's home movie camera. You can't imagine how
flattering it is to be remembered after all these years. Don
encouraged me to sign into this Guest Book. In case some of you are
unfamiliar with Donut Dollies, you're welcome to go to "www.recallmedia.com" and
click on a 5-minute video called "AKA Donut Dollies."
If you want to see a lovely "coincidence" that occurred in my
life in 1984, related to two Marine veterans whom I did not know in
Vietnam, go to: "YouTube - Donut Dollies Vietnam Nurses Miracle at
the Vietnam Veterans Wall". {The YouTube title has a mistake; I
am erroneously labeled as a nurse.}
I donated all my Vietnam memorabilia to the Vietnam Archives at Texas Tech University.
My donated uniform bears the Ivy patch on its sleeve, and will for
posterity. As we all reach our twilight years, please know
that every single Donut Dolly I know (there is a grapevine in
cyberspace), has never forgotten you beloved guys who served in Vietnam.
You were and are "ours" --- we were with you then, and we're
with you now. You will be in our hearts always. Thanking you
for your service comes from the deepest part of my heart, especially in
those very trying times. Welcome Home, my brothers.
Jennifer (Jenny)
Young |
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27Dec13 |
I was in Vietnam from Nov 1967
to Sept of 1968. While in Vietnam, I was assigned to "B"
Battery, 2nd Battalion 9th Artillery. I was one of -or- the guy who
tossed the smoke canisters and the night flares during the Tet
offensive for the Chinook's delivery of 105mm ammunition. Also, the
first or last person on the hill to hook up the guns or set them back
down on the new hill or LZ. We were moved a lot because of fear of
being overrun I think mostly. (Re: Agent
Orange): I do have a group here helping me some. The group
is great; they are called "Vets Helping Vets". They
have helped me fill out the form. They would like to have
some more proof off the internet (information) so I could send with the
form for good proof. We have a sheet where it shows some areas
where they used Agent Orange, but I can't remember the name of any hills
or LZ names. I found the website where the Photo Gallery is, and
recognize a lot of those guys around those 105mm howitzers, and Top, the
First Sergeant. I have been experiencing
very dry mouth for a few years now, and it isn't due to medication, and
I have had a sore throat for over 15 years now. They can't provide me
with any relief. Thought if I could find some
information on the internet to back my claim up like names of hills, LZs
in regards to the chart which shows where they had spread that Agent
Orange. If there are any other questions
you need to ask, please ask. I thought may be some of those guys
may remember a few of the names of hills "B" battery was set
on. Any information you can provide will be appreciated and
helpful. God Bless. My basic was in Ft Polk
Louisiana, AIT also there, then to Fort Irwin California, then
Edgewood Arsenal, Maryland, then to Vietnam. I was drafted into
the Army.
Don Larson donolarson@gmail.com |
||
4Dec13 |
My name is Mitchell Wisniewski and I served with
"C" Battery, 2d 9th FA, from July 69 till April 70 under Capt.
David Scott. I was just 18 years old when I arrived and he and
members of the FDC took me under their wing and taught me "on the
fly" as the war went on. I read Capt. Scott's post about
helping our sister unit whose FDC had been wiped out during a mortar
attack. I was one of the three men sent to help along with Stan
Hyman and Larry Smith. The truth is a member of that unit is from my
hometown and I see him regularly, but we seldom talk about that
time. When "C" Battery was deactivated, I was sent to
"C" battery, 5/16th where I was promoted to Sp5 and made Section
Chief of the FDC. The guys taught me well and I was proud to serve
with every soldier in the 2/9th. Thank you for the wonderful website
and all the information.
Mitchell Wisniewski |
||
24Nov13 |
My
name is Joseph M. Stefanini.
I served with B Battery
from May 1969
until the unit went home. I
drove ammo convoys most of my time
there. I have the carved 18"
finger as I was the longest
serving at the time the unit
returned home. I was reassigned to
the 4 /42nd ( they were nothing
but screw ups) and beat the shit
out of me the first day there. My
days with the 2/9th were
great and my comrades were top
shelf.
Joseph
M. Stefanini Joes@montroseautogroup.com
|
||
17Nov13 |
My
name is Robert (Bob) McLaughlin,
and I served with the 2/9th on LZ
Oasis in 1969. I was assigned to A
Battery, but I never spent a day
with A Battery. I was attached to
Hqs. and Service to build a mess
hall for Col. Forrester, this was
an unauthorized mess hall, but the
Col. wanted his people on the O,
to have hot food and there I was.
I arrived the morning after the
Mothers Day, attack at about
0800hrs in
the morning not knowing anything
about the attack. Dennis Couch,
and I drove the 16 miles all by
ourselves, lucky we made it. We
turned a old existing building
into a workable mess hall. Trading
for stoves, pots, pans, and the
other necessities, a lot of help
from all the guys and especially
Jerry Orr, we were up and running
in a short period of time, feeding
Red Forrester's people and others
three squares a day. I sent
Jerry Orr, a group of pictures of
the Oasis, and some of the people
I was fortunate enough to be with.
Please
put me on your E-Mail list and
mailing list, Thanks. |
||
11Nov13 |
I
started my tour with A 2/9th in
December 1968 on LZ Bridget. The
BC at the time Capt John S. Williams asked
all the guys with a commo MOS if
they wanted to go out in the
field. I volunteered and I think
Sgt (Thomas A.) Winnow did near the same time.
I spent a lot of time in the FDC
those first few months...It was
such an education for me, and
Bridget was a slow FireBase.
My
first FO was Lt (Gilbert) Atha, and to be
sure, he taught me a lot.
Sgt
Joe Sleevi |
||
16Oct13 |
I
was at Louisville, KY VAMC this
morning and scanned the Vietnam
Veterans Reunion, etc page of July
2013, when I came upon the
announcement of 2nd Bn, 9th FA
reunion of this year.
I had never seen this announcement
previously, but would be
interested in future plans, and
any information about battalion
members from the 25th Division
Artillery. I served with the
battalion from 1964-1966, and left
Hawaii on 7 January 1966 for
Pleiku, RVN, as a newly promoted
SSG Survey Party Chief. SFC
(Jerold O.) Navarud was Chief
Surveyor, and SSG Ron (Ronald L.)
Kehl was other Survey Party Chief.
Joe (Joseph B.) Chandler, who
lived in Lawton for many years,
was a SP5, and Jerry (Jerry D.
Shelley) Shelly was in BN FDC
Section. He lives in Medicine
Park, if I am correct. I am in Lawton at least once a year to visit a stepson, and see friends. My time at Sill was in C Btry, 3rd, 25th TAB in 1967, and while a student of ANCOC in 1974. There was never a slot for me as E8 or E9. My home phone number is: 270-352-2126, and mailing address is: 480 New Street, Radcliff, KY 40160-1319. Thanks for any information, and thanks for the reunion. Edwin. J. Tucker CSM USA RET Email: olddufferz@twc.com |
||
11Oct2013 |
{NOTE:
Fellow redleg John
"Moon" Mullins"
is making a tremendous effort to
locate our brother artillerymen
who served with us in
Vietnam. While he has had
numerous successes, getting
"postings" from them
has been slim. So, with
their permission, John has
submitted some snippets of
information to include contact
information. It is hoped
that this "jump-start"
will further communications
within our group. Time is
so fleeting....please let us
hear from you!}
******************************************************************************************************** Wayne Shea
sheabaja@yahoo.com
Cell: 619-312-5969
From Provo UT, worked in the
S-3 TOC, DEROSed from
Oasis in Nov 1968. Bruce
now lives in Benjamin UT, has
several children. Several
years after Nam Bruce had some
medical issues possibly caused
by Agent Orange, had a
transplant about ten years ago,
and is retired from being the
business manager of their
family-owned residential,
educational and medical care
facility for children and young
adults with multiple
disabilities, in Orem UT.
Rick Breitenbach
bykeryder@sbcglobal.net
Rick
was from the San Diego area and
worked in the S-3 TOC.
He DEROSed Oct
1968. All he told us was
this: "Doing well and
living large in CA. Doing
my best to avoid Sgt
Moats!"
Cpt Earl
W. Finley finleyew@gmail.com
Home: 256-464-0103
Earl
was a Battery Commander during
his days in Nam, Aug 68-69.
Back stateside he worked
with Javelin Missiles ,
became a full Colonel, after the
Army worked as a contractor,
retired in March 2013, has lived
in Madison, AL since 1986.
Lt
Carlton G. Epps cgepps@verizon.net
Cell: 410-746-1391
Carlton was an FO with D Company 1/35th, served as FSC to 2/35 when it was acting as a separate battalion Jan-Mar '69, was AO at Enari (replaced by Steve Huffstutler), had a stint with a PRU, after which he was assigned to 2/9th TOC at Oasis, he was working the night shift when Steve and W/O Casey crashed. Epps was recently named Director of Central Services for Anne Arundel County (MD); he was previously COO for the Howard County Economic Development Authority and held senior level positions with Civic Works Inc, Associated Black Charities, Baltimore City Schools, Matrics, Inc., and the Maryland State Retirement Agency. He and his family live in Bel Air MD.
It's
been learned that in
Philadelphia where they all
grew up, his brother Charles Epps attended
high school with Joe
Henderson. Joe and
Carlton were acquainted in
Nam.
|
||
27Sep2013 |
Dennis,
You do not know me. I
was engaged to Lt. Steve
Huffstutler when he was KIA in
Vietnam, 1969.
Michael Huffstutler, Steve's
brother, gave me your email
address and said you are
responsible for the Mighty Ninth
web site. I was so pleased
to see that someone is keeping
the memories alive. Thank
you for your effort to keep the
memories alive. It means a
lot to me and many others who
lost loved ones.
I hope you do not mind me
contacting you.
Steve will always be my first
love and I will always love him.
Thank you,
|
||
22July13 |
My name is Doug Duden and my
twin brother served with the
25th ID from January of 1965 to
January of 1967. The
2/9th supported them every time
they left Base Camp or OASIS in
1966! I cannot tell you how many
times I have read the phrase
Base Camp, or OASIS since June
3rd of
this year. He enlisted in July of 1964
right out of high school at age
17. I waited until Thanksgiving
of 1964 before I enlisted.
He went Infantry, I went with
the Engineers ! We met up in
Hawaii on 24 May 1965 when the
USS Mitchell docked in Pearl
Harbor for 24 hours en route to
Inchon, South Korea.
He passed away on December
10th of
last year from a massive heart
attack and I finally got hold of
his personal letters and papers
from Vietnam in June of this
year. Before he died my
brother had been in touch with
Tom Jones from the 3rd Brigade
of the 25th ID. Tom
was working on a
new book of their unit history
for 1966. I think its called The
Bastard Brigade. Tom and I
have been emailing back and
forth since he learned of my
brother's death last December.
Tom was XO of my brother's
Company in '66. Bravo
Company 1-14th Inf.
I've been reconstructing my
brother's 12 months in
Vietnam with letters,
information from the Internet,
and pages from the unit history.
It has taken me a while to
figure out the hard way what
units were working in
conjunction with the 3rd Brigade when
they were humping the boonies
during 1966. Yesterday I
found the 2/9th Artillery
Website ! The ever present
Artillery unit that was
either right there with them, or
firing missions for them. According to your website,
two FO's were the primary people
working with B-1-14 when they
went out on any OP's, Lt. William
Diehl and Lt. Dave Whaley. I
just dug up the information
yesterday that HHB 2/9th was
located at OASIS for a number of
years. That name is all
over my brother's letters and
even on his color slides as they
based out of OASIS multiple
times and especially going or
coming from OP's SE or SW to the
Chu Pong Mountain complex and
the Cambodian border. Do
you have any kind of a list of
the various Firebases used by
the 2/9th in supporting the 1-14th,
1-35th or 2/35 Inf. ? Especially
the Chu Pong Mountain area
Firebases?
I'm especially interested in
the 2/9th Artillery's role in the
Cambodian border incident on
April 1-8, 1966 that my brother
participated in, and even
more the Battle of LZ Lane on 19
November 1966 where he was
wounded. According to my
brother's own notes the
supporting artillery units
backing them up on 19 November
1966 fired 1,800 rounds of 105mm
artillery that day. I'd like to hear what you
have in the way of information
about Artillery supporting
fires on April 1-4 1966, and
even more so about the battle on
19 November 1966 @ LZ Lane from
the Artillery side of the
battle.
On 19 November 66 It started
about Noon on that
day and ended between 1930-2000
hrs pm
that night. Who was the
FO working with B-1-14 during
either of those battles, and was
that 1,800 rounds of 105mm fired
on 19 Nov 66 an accurate
statement ? From what I've read
and learned 19 Nov 66 was at
least as tough a
fight as Col. Hal Moore and the
1/7 Cav. fought barely 10
miles away almost one year to
the day earlier on the opposite
end of the Chu Pong Mountain
Complex an LZ X-Ray.
I've tracked down 1:50,000
topographic maps of the Central
Highlands of Vietnam this past
week and have started
figuring out specific locations
of LZ's, Firebases and Battles.
Its a lot of territory to
cover and a lot of Firebases to
locate. My brother never
really got the chance to talk a
lot about Vietnam like he
should have, and now I wish he
had been able to tell more of
the stories from his year
over there so long ago. He
earned his CIB the hard way more
than once.
The 2/9 saved a lot of
people lives with their fire
support missions, my brothers
among them. I thank
you for that!
Doug Duden deduden@yahoo.com
|
||
31 May 13 |
My
name is James (Jim) Risinger and I
served in "Charlie"
battery of the 2/9th in 1969. And a big Thank You from myself and a host of other guys just like me for starting and maintaining this website. There hasn't been a day go by in the past 44 years that I haven't thought about the guys I served with in Vietnam, and to be able to come to your site and recall some of the events we all shared is a true blessing. Again, Thank You so much! I have maintained contact with a very few of the guys I served with in Gun section #5, Lee Frolich from Algona, Iowa, Frank "Butch" Hitchinson from Pensacola, Fla and Roy Green from North Carolina. But reading over the battery rosters on your site, I found so many names of guys I vividly remember and I'm hoping that your site will help me find them too. In fact, last night I found the email address for David Scott who was our battery commander for a great portion of the year I was there and I sent him an email late last night. I can't help remembering arriving at Camp Enari in very early of Jan 1969 and having to pull perimeter guard on like my second night there. Needless to say, I chewed up the seat of my boxers that night squinting at all the shadows that moved out side the wire. That was one long night, LOL. A couple of days later I and Michael Patu who had come to the battery the same day were sent out to the Oasis where we were told we had it made, because Charlie battery was going to come back to the Oasis as a permanent thing and pull hipshoots (whatever that was) out of the Oasis and that meant hot meals, showers and a comfortable bunk each night. You can imagine my shock when about 0500 the next morning someone is kicking my boots and yelling for us to get up, that Charlie battery is on a hot LZ and needs every man it could get! Shortly thereafter, Michael and I are on a chopper headed to the war! I'll never forget my feelings as our chopper came into that LZ, which I can't even recall its name, it was sitting on top of this bald, bare hilltop with all living vegetation gone and one dead tree sticking up and I remember thinking, damn this looks just like all the war movies I had seen as a child. We didn't go back to the Oasis for several more weeks and so much for hot showers and a comfortable bunk. That night I slept on an air mattress next to the gun, and I got my first taste of incoming! Welcome to the Nam. If there is anyone that remembers me from 1969, please drop me an email or a phone call, I'd love to hear from anyone. Jim Risinger, midtnjrr@live.com Home # 931-473-7722 Cell # 931-212-3545 |
||
28 Mar 13 |
To
all of the men that served with
The Mighty Ninth in Vietnam. They
all need to give DENNIS
DAUPHIN a big thank you, for his
love and passion for this great web
site that he has put together.
And to all that have not sent picture
to him or thanks, you
need to do this right away
because we are all getting old,
and the time is not standing
still for us. THANK
YOU DENNIS.
Ronald Watts, Lexington, KY |
||
21 Feb 13 |
{Steve
Cox finds another 2/9th Redleg}
Eugene E. Lea he lives in Steelville, Missouri. His Email is (paula40@misn.com) I have his address and phone number . Lea was in Vietnam in 1968 to 1969 . We worked together at the LZ Oasis, we were assigned to 1/69 Armor unit at their HQ . His MOS was 13B Cannon Crewmember he was assigned to HQ, Svc Btry as an RTO like me . We were at Ben Het with the 1/69th Armor together, too. Eugene E. Lea |
||
16 Dec 12 |
I
have maintained contact with
Charles Skidmore throughout the
last 43 years; after joining the
Internet world in 2010, I found
"The Mighty Ninth"
website, reconnected with Maj
Jerry Orr S3, Lt Mike Kurtgis
Air Observer, Dave Price, Jim
Castelletti, Floyd Mckendree,
Jeff Labreck, Steve Sykora, Lt
Monty Lafitte FO, Lt John Cashin,
Commo Officer, Cpt Cal
Kahara, Mike Hagans, A Btry, Tom
Rager Arty Liason in 3rd Brigade
TOC, and Cpt Dave Horswell,
Btry Commander. Who
is next? I still spend
some idle hours searching but so
far have not had responses from
email, phone and Facebook
attempts to reach those with
names of Rick Breitenbach, Wayne
Shea, Ronnie D Crowe (he may by
deceased), Bruce Topham, Larry
Cannon, Dave Durst, Ray
Plunkett, Richard Mayeda, and
Btry Commanders Maj John
Finlayson, Cpt Bob Richardson,
Cpt John Williams.
Last
year I learned of the 35th
Infantry Regiment Association
Reunions to which 2/9th
Artillery vets are welcomed due
to the support we gave 1st and
2nd/35th in RVN. I
attended along with Orr,
Kurtgis, and a couple dozen
2/9th strangers, now friends.
I was blown away by the
recognition we received and
appreciation we felt by many of
the 450 infantrymen with whom we
met. Steve Sykora can
attest to this as he joined us
this year at the Denver Reunion
and was equally impressed.
Next
fall, the 35th Inf Regt Reunion is in Virginia
Beach, VA. Please consider
joining us. Also, Jerry is
working on a 2/9th Artillery
Reunion at Ft Sill in the spring
'13. Make your contact
information known via the
"Contact Us" link and
include some information about
you for the "Visitors
Comments' link. It is
great to reconnect, tell
stories, laugh, and yes cry, and
experience the same bond and
camaraderie we felt with our
brothers in Vietnam.
Regards,
Welcome Home and feel free to
contact me,
A.
John (Moon) Mullins,
Elgin, IL cell 847-429-1934 HHB, TOC, May '68 - '69 ajohn.mullins@gmail.com |
||
18 Oct 12 |
I was stationed at Schofield from Sep of 63 to Sep 65, at which time I returned stateside and home. I worked in Headquarters Battery in S3. We did several training sessions on the Big Island. After a few months at home, I had learned that the 2nd Bn, 9th Arty left for Vietnam in December of 65. A lot of guys I bunked and trained with were in the group. If anyone knows of guys from Headquarters Battery who served during this time, I would like to be in touch with them.
Lt Col Ingraham (S1); Major Joseph M. Lank, Capt Schneider and Australian Caption Hedges were the heads of S3.
Thanks///Gene Tomkoski (TOM) |
||
12 Oct 12 |
I
served with the Mighty Ninth from
May, 1969 to April, 1970 (unit
goes home). I was Bn
LNO to 1/14 Inf from June to
November, the Asst S3 until
after the first of the year, and
then Bde LNO. Thanks for the website Stu
Royle |
||
27 Oct 12 |
My
name is Walt Shields and I was
with The Mighty Ninth from July of
69 until they went home (April,
1970).
I
would love to be a part of The
Mighty Ninth web site. I was
sent out with A Co. 2/35th Inf in
a FO party. I just got off
the phone with Walt Schneidereit.
I have not talked to more than 3
members of the ninth since Viet
Nam. I did see Cpt R.T.
Owens in St. Louis back in the
early 70's and met one other
member at Ft. Sill and just now
with Walt. Walt told me that
you have reunion's and I would
love to know about the next one.
My email is
"duty2s@hotmail.com".
Thanks for everything. |
||
18 Oct 12 |
I was stationed at Schofield Barracks from Sep of 63 to Sep 65, at which time I returned stateside and home. I worked in Headquarters Battery in S3. We did several training sessions on the Big Island. After a few months at home, I had learned that the 2nd Bn, 9th Arty left for Vietnam in December of 65. A lot of guys I bunked and trained with were in the group. If anyone knows of guys from Headquarters Battery who served during this time, I would like to be in touch with them.
Lt Col Ingraham (S1); Major Joseph M. Lank, Capt Schneider and Australian Caption Hedges were the heads of S3.
Thanks///Gene Tomkoski (TOM) |
||
4 Oct 12 |