DATE: 19 August 2001

SUBJECT: Reunion Operation After Action Report, Operation KANSAS CITY

TO: ALL CURRAHEES

1. Name of Operation: KANSAS CITY REUNION 2001

2. Dates of Operation: 31 July 2001 to 5 August 2001

3. Location: Holiday Inn, Olathe, Kansas (Southwest Kansas City).

4. Command and Control Headquarters: Currahees, 3rd Battalion (Airborne), 506th Infantry (Currahees), 101st Airborne Division.

5. Reporting Individual: Battalion PIO, Jerry Berry.

6. Task Force and Supporting Forces:

a. 3rd Battalion 506th Infantry.
b. 272nd Military Police Detachment.
c. Families of Currahees KIA
d. Other Special Guests
e. Olathe Holiday Inn
f. Santa Fe Trails VFW Post 846

7. Intelligence:
a. Anticipated Host Situation: Initial Intelligence gathered for the operation consisted mainly of a known friendly contact. At the 2000 Reunion at Clarksville, Tennessee, members of the 3-506th had engaged in a clandestine meeting to discuss the next reunion in Kansas City in honor of Marge and Loren Herrick, parents of SP4 James Bennett ("Benny") Herrick (HQ Sec., Company B - KIA 3/25/68) and the family of Platoon Sergeant (PSG) John Herbert Gfeller (4th Platoon, Company A - KIA 2/19/68). The results of the secret meeting were to poll the Currahees concerning three choices for the 2001 Reunion site-Kansas City, Reno, or Las Vegas. The overwhelming choice was to CA into Kansas City to honor the Herricks and Gfeller families.

Reconnaissance was carried out to locate a suitable Tactical Operation Center (TOC) site. Acting S-2, Jerry Berry, contacted the Kansas City Convention Center, which was sent out information to all the prominent hotels in the greater Kansas City MO/KS area. Approximately 12 hotels responded with offers of amenities, lodging costs, etc. The collected intelligence was sent out to all on-line Currahees. The polling results were LZ Adams Mark Hotel, downtown Kansas City, MO. A Recon Team lead by "War Dog" Loren Herrick made a surprise visit to the targeted LZ and found the inhabitants friendly and with open arms. The word went out that LZ Adams Mark Hotel would be the 3-506th Reunion 2001 TOC site. As coordination with the Adams Mark commenced, things began to deteriorate. The hotel began to put on restrictions and wanted a signed contact with up front monies. This was unacceptable. Acting S-3 Joe Alexander was called in to prep the LZ and prevent it from becoming a "hot" LZ. After an exhausting attempt to resolve the concerns, Tennessee "Joe Bob" recommended that we change our LZ. As the search continued for a suitable LZ, Ms Karen McKallagat, Sales Manager for the Holiday Inn in nearby Olathe, Kansas, contacted us and asked that we consider holding our reunion at her Holiday Inn. Another reconnaissance team led by "Heavy Hand" George Nunnemacher (272nd Military Police Detachment, LZ Betty - 1967/68) gave the "thumbs up" for the site. A second reconnaissance team, again lead by "War Dog" Loren Herrick ambushed the targeted LZ and also gave a "go" for the location. Ms. McKallagat went above the call to make her hotel and its amenities available to meet all our needs, including lodging cost. The new intelligence was sent out and the decision became final to hold the reunion at the Holiday Inn in Olathe, Kansas.

8. MISSION: To provide a rendezvous for all Currahees of the 3rd Battalion (Airborne, Airmobile, and Air Assault), 506th Infantry, members of Task Force 3-506th, and the families of our fallen Currahees.

9. CONCEPT OF OPERATION: Task Force 3-506th Veterans and families deployed by air and motor march from the VA, OK, PA, AR, NC, SC, IL, AK, KY, MD, CA, OH, FL, MI, MA, KS, NJ, WA, IA, MO, MT, and as far away as England. Task Force 3-506th utilized the Holiday Inn at Olathe, Kansas as a staging area for entry into the area of operations.

10. EXECUTION:

a. On D-3 (Saturday) 28 July 2001, an advance team of out-of-shape paratroopers, Ed "Hard Core" Bassista (NJ) and Dean "Thumper" Morrison (MA) and their "Mama Sons" eased into the rendezvous site to recon the area in advance of the Task Force.

b. On D-2 (Sunday) 29 July 2001, two paratroopers-Gale "Smoked Carp" Shire (Alaska) and Mike "Booze Buyer" Krawczyk (Indiana) inserted themselves into the cold LZ (Holiday Inn). Rumors have it that "Smoked Carp" Shire was assisted by "War Dog" Herrick (KC, MO) to get inserted. The two highly decorated (I meant intoxicated) paratroopers helped prepare for the insertion of the Forward TOC.

c. On D-1 (Monday) 30 July 2001, an eight-man team lead by Alpha-Six Bob Bates (Alaska), included Alpha-One-Six Jim "Fence Jumper" Schlax, PSG Carl "Terrible T" Thanheiser, Medic Roosevelt "Bartender" Mitchell, Squad Leader Gary "Lifer" Alberhasky, Pointman Dean "Thumper" Morrison, Slack Man Bill "Ain't Coming" Brightman, and RTO Sterling "Chap" Chapman conducted combat assaults into the Forward TOC with significant contact. The situation quickly changed from peaceful to rowdy with Bob "Wild Man" Bates conducting the first "Bushmaster" mission on the newly arrived bunch.

On D-Day (Tuesday) 31 July 2001, a fourth lift of Currahees and two VIP groups combat assaulted in to the AO. These included: Bravo-Six Bill Knowlton, Battalion Surgeon Andrew "Shotgun" Doc Lovy, Platoon Leaders Joe "Rocky Top" Alexander, Ron "Mad Man" Newton, medics Mark "Water Truck" Jones, Steve "Elephant Man" Oliphant, and Jose "Jalapeno" Ramos; LRRP Ray "Shampoo" Champoux; troopers Paul Clement, Joe "Old Man" Fisher, Mike "El Can" Mullican, Richard "Pit Man" Pittman, Gary "Flint" Purcell, Jerry "Sod Buster" Rankin, Carl "Ripper" Wilson, Jerry "PIO" Berry, and Phillip "Frog Gigger" Vernon. VIPs arriving included the Muriel Wyman "Clan" and David "Bungee Jumper" Rattee, Esquire. The Task Force suffered one (team) casualty (Cancellation)-the John "Ruck Sack" & Sharon Hass team. The 3-506th PX became operational. The afternoon and evening hours were spent in the two 3-506th Hospitality Rooms for Social Time, Photo and Slide Viewing, Albums and Memorabilia Display and Information Gathering.

On D+1 (Wednesday) 1 August 2001, a fifth lift of Currahees and their support team assaulted in to the AO. These included SIX, Walter "Brown Badger" Price, Charlie-Six Dave "Salmon" Hillard, Alpha-Two-Six Barry "Bushmaster" Meyerson, Loren "War Dog" and Marge "PLF" Herrick; LRRPs Lee "Ambush" Bradford and Henry "Habanera" Salas; Joe "Shutter Bug" Hanks, PSG August "T-Rex" Klamar, Ray "Left Behind" Mayfield, and Mike "ChiCom" Stuart. The day's special event was the invite to the VFW "Santa Fe Trails" Post 846 in Overland Park, KS, where the Currahees, wives, and special guests got to meet other veterans of Kansas and enjoy good food and drinks. The afternoon and evening hours were spent in the two 3-506th Hospitality Rooms for Social Time, Photo and Slide Viewing, Albums and Memorabilia Display and Information Gathering.

On D+2 (Thursday) 2 August 2001, a sixth lift of Currahees and their support team assaulted in to the AO. The arrivals included FAC James "Jack Sprat" Pratz, Alpha-SIX Tom "Blood-on-the Risers" Gaffney, Charlie-SIX Nick Nahas, Don "Top Wrench" Eberle, Alpha-Two-Six John "Charge of the Light Brigade" Harrison, Bill "Boonie Rat" Sorg, John "Toe Tagged" Colone, and Mike "Tunnel Rat" Erwin. VIPs arriving included Marilyn & Jerry Gaudreau, and Pamela Kudriaszow. The Task Force suffered one team casualty-Charlie-Three-Six Wylie "Maverick" Cox (Cancellation). The afternoon and evening hours were spent in the two 3-506th Hospitality Rooms for Social Time, Photo and Slide Viewing, Albums and Memorabilia Display and Information Gathering.

d. On D+3 (Friday) 3 August 2001, the seventh and last lift of Currahees and their support team assaulted in to the AO. This group included SIX Robert "Spider" Elton, SIX Othar "Pulaski" Shalikashvili, and Rick "Tunnel Man" Clanton. VIPs arriving included Tom and Judy Robena (Ohio). Three significant events took place during the day-Trip to Fort Riley, the Banquet and the Award & Recognition Ceremony.

(1). Trip to Fort Riley - The members of Company A attending the reunion along with wives, drove to Fort Riley, Kansas some 135 miles from Olathe to visit the resting place of one of the battalion's most respected and loved platoon sergeants, SFC John Herbert Gfeller, killed during the Battle at Ca Ty River near Phan Thiet, South Vietnam on February 19, 1968. Joining the Currahees at the grave site were Platoon Sergeant Gfeller's two sisters and their husbands-Muriel & Kenny Wyman of Abilene Kansas, Mary & Floyd Widler of Enterprise Kansas, and John's granddaughter, Missy Blacketer of Abilene Kansas.

Those making the trip included: Joe & Rikki Alexander, Tom Gaffney, Bob Bates, Ed & Wilma Bassista, Doc Lovy, Joe Fisher, Mike & Charlotte Mullican, Gale Shire, Gary & Doreen Purcell, Gary and Jackie Alberhasky, Carl Wilson, Phillip Vernon, Jose Ramos, Joe Jerviss, Marshall & Linda Hill, Paul & Patti Clement. The graveside ceremony included spoken words by members of a number of Currahees who survived the battle in which Platoon Sergeant Gfeller was killed.

(2). Group Photo - Professional photographer, Christopher Wilborn of Wilborn & Associates Photographers of Kansas City, MO, came to the gathering just prior to the banquet dinner and took separate group photos of the men and women. The 8x10 color prints will be available for $14.00 each.

(3). Banquet Dinner & Award Ceremony - The day's activities concluded with the eagerly awaited annual Currahee banquet and special award ceremony. One hundred and five enjoyed a hearty buffet dinner of prime rib or broasted chicken and all the trimmings. Award & Special Recognition Ceremony - The members of the 3-506th Battalion take great pride in presenting special awards and tributes to fellow Currahees and families of KIAs. The following recognitions were made at this year's reunion:

• Jose Ramos: Vietnam Statute (for being a good ambassador for the 3-506) - Presented by Joe Alexander.
• John Colone: Franklin Mint "Jungle Patrol" (for his efforts in locating and sending flowers to Currahee gravesites) - Presented by Gary Alberhasky.
• Gale Shire: Franklin Mint "Vietnam Pocket Watch" (For his devotion to The Wall) - Presented by Joe Alexander.
• Gary Purcell: Franklin Mint "Vietnam Pocket Watch" (For his devotion to The Wall) - Presented by Joe Alexander.
• Louie Oswald (absent): Franklin Mint "Vietnam Pocket Watch" (For his devotion to The Wall) - Presented by Joe Alexander.
• Mike & Charlotte Mullican: Franklin Mint "Tribute of The Heart Sculpture"(for opening their home to fellow Currahees visiting the Wall) - Presented by Joe Alexander.
• Jerry Berry: Sony Digital Camera and accessories (for a million things) - Presented by Joe Alexander.
• Donna Berry: Quilt (for being such a sweet lady and for making Jerry do a million things) - Presented by John & Anne Colone.
• KIA Families: American Flag- Presented by Joe Alexander and Currahee Honor Guard.
• Jerry Berry: Handcrafted Antlered Hunting Knife & Sheath (Crafted by Phillip Vernon) from the men of Company A - Presented by Phillip Vernon.
• Platoon Sergeant John H. Gfeller (KIA) Family - Soaring Eagle Statue - Presented by Platoon Leader (4th Plt. Co. A) Joe Alexander.
• Platoon Sergeant James A. Bunn (KIA) Family - Soaring Eagle Statue - Presented by Platoon Leader (2nd Plt. Co. A) John Harrison.
• Sergeant Carl A. Rattee (KIA) Sisters - Soaring Eagle Statues - Presented by Carl's Cousin (England) for the men of Co. A.
• SP4 Charles Robena (KIA) Brother - Soaring Eagle Statue - Presented by Fellow MP George Nunnemacher (272nd MP Detachment, TF 3-506th).
• Battalion Commander Robert Elton - Screaming Eagle Statue - Presented by Company A Cmdr. & S3 Tom Gaffney.
• Battalion Commander Othar Shalikashvili - Screaming Eagle Statue - Presented by Co. A Cmdr. & S3 Tom Gaffney.
• Battalion FAC Pilot James Pratz - Screaming Eagle Statue - Presented by Company A Cmdr. & S3 Tom Gaffney.
• Battalion S2 Officer Robert Robinson III - Screaming Eagle Statue - Presented by Battalion Commander Walter Price.
• Company A Cmdr. Robert "Bob" Bates - Screaming Eagle Statue - Presented by Battalion Commander Walter Price.
• Company B Cmdr. William "Bill" Knowlton - Screaming Eagle Statue - Presented by Battalion Commander Walter Price.
• Company C Cmdr. Nicholas "Nick" Nahas - Screaming Eagle Statue - Presented by Company A Cmdr. & S3 Tom Gaffney.
• Company C Cmdr. Dave Hillard - Screaming Eagle Statue - Presented by Company C Cmdr. & S1 Nicholas "Nick" Nahas.
• Platoon Leader (Co. A) John E. Harrison - Soaring Eagle Statue - Presented by Company A Cmdr. & S3 Tom Gaffney.
• Platoon Leader (Co. C) Ron O. Newton - Soaring Eagle Statue - Presented by Company C Cmdr. & S1 Nicholas "Nick" Nahas.
• Platoon Leader (Co. A) James Schlax - Soaring Eagle Statue - Presented (earlier) by platoon members Phillip Vernon and Carl Wilson.
• Battalion Maintenance Officer Don Eberle - Soaring Eagle Statue - Presented by Battalion Commander Robert Elton.
• Platoon Sergeant Carl Thanheiser (Co. C) - Soaring Eagle Statue - Presented by Company C Cmdr. David Hillard.
• Platoon Sergeant August Klamar (Co. C) - Soaring Eagle Statue - Presented by Company C Cmdr. & S1 Nicholas "Nick" Nahas.
• Squad Leader (Co. A) Ed Bassista - Soaring Eagle Statue - Presented by Company A Cmdr. & S3 Tom Gaffney.
• Reunion Committee Member Mike Krawczyk - Soaring Eagle Statue - Presented by Company C Cmdr. & S1 Nicholas "Nick" Nahas.

Following the banquet dinner and award ceremony, the remainder of the evening hours was spent in the two 3-506th Hospitality Rooms for Social Time.

e. On D+4 (Saturday) 4 August 2001, the Currahees made a visit to the gravesites of Marge and Loren Herrick's only two sons--SP4 Bennett James and Dennis Haldane Herrick, both killed during the Vietnam War. It was in honor of the Herricks that brought the Currahees to Kansas City/Olathe for their 2001 Reunion.

f. D+5 (Sunday) 5 August 2001 marked the close of the 3-506th 2001 Reunion. The Currahees, wives, and special guests met in the hotel restaurant to say their goodbyes and promised to stay in touch. All look forward to attending Reunion 2002.

10. RESULTS:

a. Reunion Attendees:

Officers & Wives

1. Robert & Kally Elton - Bn. Cmdr. "Spider" 1968 - Fair Fax Station, VA [LTG, USA, Retired]
2. Walter & Son Roger Price - Bn. Cmdr. "Brown Badger" 1968 - Stillwater, OK [LTC, USA, Ret.]
3. Othar Shalikashvili - Bn. Cmdr. "Pulaski" 1970/71 - Carlisle, PA [COL, USA, Retired]
4. James & Peggy Pratz - Bn. FAC Pilot "Jack Sprat" 1967/68 - Hot Springs, AR [COL, USAF, Ret]
5. Bill & Terry Knowlton (Co. B (CO), S-2, S-3, 1969/69 - Hendersonville, NC [COL, USA, Retired]
6. Tom & Carolyn Gaffney - Co. A (CO), S-2, S-3, 1967/68 - Aiken, SC [USA, Retired]
7. Nick & Rosalie Nahas - Co. C (CO), S-1, 1967/68 - Vienna, VA [COL, USA, Retired]
8. Andrew (Doc) Lovy - HHC (Battalion Surgeon) 1967/68 - Olympia Fields, IL
9. Dave Hillard - Co. C (CO) 68/69 - Fairbanks, AK [CPT, USA, Retired]
10. Robert Bates - S2, S5, Co. A (CO), 68/69 - Chugiak, AK [LTC, USA, Retired]
11. Jim & Barbara Schlax - 1st Plt., Co. A (Plt. Ldr.) 67/68 - Aurora, IL
12. Barry & Karin Meyerson - 2nd Plt., Co. A (Plt. Ldr., XO, CO) 68/69 - Fayetteville, NC
13. Joe & Rikki Alexander - 4th Plt., Co. A & E (Plt. Ldr.), S-3 67/68 - Knoxville, TN [COL, USA, Retired]
14. John Harrison - 2nd Plt., Co. A (Plt. Ldr., XO) 67/68 - Potomac, MD
15. Ron & Marilyn Newton - 2nd Plt., Co. C (Plt. Ldr.), 67/68 - Los Angeles, CA
16. Don & Dottie Eberle - HHC (S4 Mtce. Officer) 67/68 - Fairfield, OH [WO8, USA, Retired]
17. Robert Robinson III - S2, 1967/68; Co. A (CO) 1970 - Harker Heights, TX [COL, USA, Retired]
Total Officers, Wives & Children = 28

Enlisted Men & Wives

1. Joe Fisher - Co. A, 1967/68 - Bradley, IL
2. Joe Jerviss - PSG (1st Plt.) Co. B 67/68 - Marina, CA [1SGT, USA, Retired]
3. Marshall & Linda Hill - Co. B, 1967/68 - Fairmont, NC
4. August & Carole Klamar - PSG (1st Plt.) Co. C 67/68 - Barnesboro, PA [1SGT, USA, Retired]
5. Carl and Claudia Thanheiser - PSG (4th Plt.) Co. C 67/68 - San Antonio, TX [1SGT,USA, Ret]
6. Mark Jones (Medic) - Co. A (Medic) 67/68) - Daytona Beach, FL
7. Joe Hanks - HHC (Bn PIO), Co. B, 69/70 - Detroit, MI
8. William "Bill" Sorg & Wife - Co. B, 70/71 - Elmore, OH
9. Mike Stuart - Co. C, 1967/68 - Redding, CA
10. Gale Shire - Co. A, 1967/68 - Kasilof, AK
11. Carl Wilson - Co. A, 1967/68 - Cleona, PA
12. Richard Clanton - Co. B 1969/70 - Gastonia, NC
13. John & Ann Colone - Co. A, 67/68 - Pinckney, MI
14. Ed & Wilma Bassista - Co. A, 67/68 - Bridgewater, NJ
15. Mike & Donna Krawczyk - Co. C - 67/68 - Valparaiso, IN
16. Phillip & Diane Vernon - Co. A 67/68) - Junction City, KY
17. Roosevelt Mitchell (Medic) - Co. B/HHC 69/70 - Seattle, WA
18. Jerry, Danise & Anthony Rankin - Co. B 1967/68 - Louisville, KY
19. Gary & Jackie Alberhasky - Co. A, 67/68 - Iowa City, IA [1SGT, USA, Retired]
20. Ray Champoux, Wife & Sons - Co. D/E 68/69 - Glenpool, OK
21. George & Barbara Nunnemacher - 272nd MP Co. 67/68 - Stanley, KS
22. William "Bill" Brightman - Co. B, 67/68 - Levittown, NY
23. William "Bill" Edney & Joann Ford - Co. B, 67/68 - Aiken, SC
24. Richard Pittman - Co. C, HHC 67/68 - Denison, TX
25. Rick Nielsen - Co. C, 1967/68 - Santee, CA
26. Lee & Donna Bradford - CSF/LRRP, 1967/68 - Mt. Washington, KY
27. Henry & Lori Salas - CSF/LRRP, 1967/68 - Natalia, TX
28. Sterling & Donna Chapman - Co. B 67/68 - Burlington, KY
29. Jose Ramos (Medic) - Co. A/HHC (Medic) 67/68 - Whitter, CA
30. Mike, Jeanette & son Kevin Erwin - Co. B 67/68 - Essexville, MI
31. Jerry & Donna Berry - Co. A, HHC, D, 67/68 - Battalion PIO) - Libby, MT
32. Paul & Patty Clement - Co. A, 67/68 - Saute Ste Marie, MI
33. Steve & Sherry Oliphant (Medic) - Co. B, 1968 - Texas
34. Tom Lundgren (Medic) - HHC, E (LRRPs) - Woodbury, MN
35. Dean & Suzanne Morrison - Co. C - 67/68 - Westhampton, MA
36. Mike & Charlotte Mullican - Co. A, 67/68 - Olney, MI
37. Gary & Doreen Purcell - Co. A, E 67/68 - Montrose, MI
38. Ray & Dianne Mayfield - Co. A 67/68 - Lewisville, TX
39. Steve & Rosie Williams - Co. D 69/70 - Berryton, KS
Total Enlisted Men, Wives & Children = 69

Special Guests

40. Muriel Wyman - Sister of PSG John Gfeller (Co. A 67/68, KIA) - Abilene, KS
41. Kenny Wyman - Brother-in-Law of PSG John Gfeller (Co. A 67/68, KIA) - Abilene, KS
42. Missy Blacketer - Granddaughter of PSG John Gfeller (Co. A 67/68, KIA) - Abilene, KS
43. Mary Widler - Sister of PSG John Gfeller (Co. A 67/68, KIA) - Enterprise, KS
44. Loren & Marge Herrick - Parents of Bennett James Herrick (Co. B 67/68, KIA) - KC, MO
45. Rachael Bunn Clinkscale - Widow of PSG James A. Bunn (Co. A 1967/68) - Atlanta, GA
46. Cindajo Bunn Shields - Daughter of PSG James A. Bunn (Co. A 1967/68) - Columbiana, AL
47. Holden Shields - Grand Son of PSG James A. Bunn (Co. A 1967/68) - Columbiana, AL
48. Nadia Wilder - Granddaughter of PSG James A. Bunn (Co. A 1967/68) - Atlanta, GA
49. Desire Bunn Spies - Daughter of PSG James A. Bunn (Co. A 1967/68) - Collierville, TN
50. Samuel Spies - Grand Son of PSG James A. Bunn (Co. A 1967/68) - Collierville, TN
51. Carol Bunn Lincoln - Daughter of PSG James A. Bunn (Co. A 1967/68) - Smyrna, GA
52. Eric Lincoln - Grand Son of PSG James A. Bunn (Co. A 1967/68) - Smyrna, GA
53. David Rattee - Cousin of Carl Rattee (Co. A - 67/68, KIA) - Cheshire, England
54. Pamela Kudriaszow - Sister of Carl Rattee (Co. A - 67/68, KIA) - Venice, FL
55. Marilyn Gaudreau - Sister of Carl Rattee (Co. A - 67/68, KIA) - Ludlow, MA
56. Terry Gurden- Brother-in-Law of Carl Rattee (Co. A - 67/68, KIA) - Ludlow, MA
57. Tom and Judy Robena - Brother of Charles Robena (272nd MP 67/68, KIA) - Rochester, NY
58. Paul Rogers - Co. E, 506th PIR (WWII) "Band of Brothers" - Kansas City, MO
59. Ms Claudia Lyndel Terrell - Kansas
60. Dan McCorgary - Olathe, KS
61. Darrell Ballard - Unknown
62. Steve Cordell - Olathe, KS
Total Special Guests = 25
Total Attendees - 122

3rd Battalion (Airborne), 506th Infantry (Currahees) 2001 Reunion Photos