Khe Sanh Veterans Association Inc. History

Home of the Veterans who served at Khe Sanh Combat Base, Hill 950, Hill 881, Hill 861, Hill 861-A, Hill 558 Khe Sanh Village, Lang-Vei and Surrounding Area

By Ray W. Stubbe
Chaplain USN Ret.
James “Jimbo” Wodecki
FLC Ammo

While on active duty as a Navy Chaplain, watching TV coverage of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial dedication in Washington DC, plunged me into a deep P.T.S.D. reaction which doctors at the VA, during a 6 month hospitalization, stated to be “impact grief” over the loss of so many Americas at Khe Sanh.

As part of my own personal recovery, I resolved to do two things upon retirement, which was then imminent.

To write a book on the history of the battlefield so that what was done there would be preserved, especially the many who gave so much of who they were, how life was, what was faced, what they did etc.
And secondly, to prepare a network of veterans of Khe Sanh to connect with each other. It is out of the latter that the Khe Sanh Newsletter and organization was born.

1985

James Hebron, Bravo 1/26, organized a Welcome Home "ticker tape" parade in New York for all Vietnam Veterans and on 7 May 1985, more than 50 Khe Sanh Veterans marched as a group behind a specially prepared banner through the streets of New York City. The first time they marched together since Khe Sanh.

By the end of the year the list had grown to 136 Khe Sanh Veterans.

These men reached out to other veterans known to them and the list rapidly grew to 277 by September, 1985.

There are 10 newsletters printed by Ray Stubbe. Newsletters mostly contain names and addresses of Khe Sanh Veterans being compiled.

1986 The Khe Sanh Vet. Newsletter Issue #1 (#11) February 1986 The Khe Sanh Vet. Newsletter Issue #2 (#12) July 1986 Ernie Husted 3rd Recon (13 Pages) Editor The Khe Sanh Vet. Newsletter Issue #3 (#13) November 1986 Ernie Husted Jr. Editor (12 Pages) The first, sent in February, 1986, was mailed to the 350 Khe Sanh Vets who were now on the list.
Click to view large image Ray Stubbe right of banner with floppy jungle hat	On 13 June 1986, Chicago hosted its own Welcome Home parade for Vietnam Vets and Khe Sanh Veterans again marched together behind their special banner. There are no records of those who participated in the Chicago Parade (13 June 1986) in which Khe Sanh veterans marched as a group under a Khe Sanh banner. If anyone knows names of those who attended, perhaps we can assemble a list.

1986

The Khe Sanh Vet. Newsletter Issue #1 (#11) February 1986

The Khe Sanh Vet. Newsletter Issue #2 (#12) July 1986
Ernie Husted 3rd Recon (13 Pages) Editor

The Khe Sanh Vet. Newsletter Issue #3 (#13) November 1986
Ernie Husted Jr. Editor (12 Pages)

The first, sent in February, 1986, was mailed to the 350 Khe Sanh Vets who were now on the list.

1988

The Khe Sanh Vet. Newsletter Issue #6 (#16)
Ray Stubbe Founder
Ernie Husted editor
Printing by Jim Davis Feb, July, Nov.

Dennis Mannion writes article “A vision in the Khe Sanh Dust”

The Khe Sanh Vet. Newsletter Issue #7 (#17)
Ray Stubbe Founder
Ernie Husted Editor

The Khe Sanh Veterans Association is Born

The 3rd Marine Division Association reunion held in Tampa Bay, FL. 23 July, 1988.
The theme commemorating the 20th Anniversary of Tet '68 and Khe Sanh,
General William Westmorland, Guest speaker.

A group of 69 Khe Sanh Vets held a meeting and resolved to organize. A hat was passed to collect funds for incorporation.
On September 1, 1988 Khe Sanh Veterans, Inc. 501-C, was legally incorporated in the State of Wisconsin as a not-for-profit, tax-exempt organization. Wisconsin was chosen as it is Ray Stubbe's home state.

By Oct. of 1988, the Khe Sanh Vets' Newsletter mailing list had grown to 820 and the first Khe Sanh Vets' Reunion as an independent organization was held.

1989

The Khe Sanh Vet. Newsletter Issue #8 June (#18)
Ray Stubbe Founder
Ernie Husted Editor

The Khe Sanh Vet. Newsletter Issue #9 Summer (#19) Yellow cover
Ray Stubbe Founder
Ernie Husted Editor

The Khe Sanh Vet. Newsletter Issue #10 Dec. '89 (#20) Red Cover

The first elected officers.

President
Ray W Stubbe Chaplain 1/26

Vice President
John Kaheny A 1/126

Treasurer
Earle G. Breeding E/2/26

Secretary
John Kaheny A 1/26

Sgt. at Arms
Jack Kilbright I 3/26

BOD
Calvin Bright B 1/26
Bob Hanna B 1/26

Editor
Ernie Husted 3rd Recon

The first official Khe Sanh Veterans Association Inc. reunion was held July 13th 1989 Chicago, IL. in conjunction with the 3rd Marine Division Association Reunion, 46 members were in attendance.

By laws were presented for the first time to the BOD and accepted this very short version.

Magazine has problems getting funding with donations paying for them. A gift from Mr. John Wright of $500.00 to the Khe Sanh Veterans was just what the magazine needed to be published.

Tom Eichler E/2/26 sets up our first Khe Sanh Veterans hospitality room and stocked with refreshments "donated from local establishments".

There are no dues at this time. Special thanks to Mr. James Davis for donating our early years of the Khe Sanh Veterans newsletter.

Khe Sanh Veterans Treasury has $611.00 on hand.

1991

RED CLAY Issue #1 (Spring, 1991) (#22)
Ray Stubbe Editor

RED CLAY Issue #2 (Fall, 1991) (#23)

Khe Sanh Veterans Association Inc. reunion was held July 20th 1991 in Denver, CO. in conjunction with the 3rd Marine Division Association Reunion.

President
Earl Breeding CO E 2/26

President
Gary Parker Vice

Secretary
Ray Stubbe USN

Treasurer
Bill Maves

Chaplain
Ron Exum B 1/26

Sgt. At Arms
Ed Diaz F/2/26.

BOD
James Wilkinson CO 1/26
Calvin Bright B 1/26
D. J. Bland F 2/26
Ray Stubbe USN Editor

First time our newsletter is called the Red Clay, formally know as the Khe Sanh Veteran Newsletter.
Earl Breeding CO E 2/26 takes over newsletter

Ernie Husted activated for duty in the first Gulf War on 4 hrs. Notice.

Khe Sanh Veterans and Sons of Khe Sanh vets also going.

William Amunson USAF, Maj.-Gen
Harry W. Jenkins Jr. USMC
Steven Johnson USMC
William Ross Brown Col. USMC
John Kaheny Col. USMC
Joseph J. Kundrat, Jr. USMC
Richard Rosser Col USMC
James Savage (D 1/26) Army Nat Guards
Glenn Waller 16th support group (Ray Stubbe’s clerk at Khe Sanh)

Michael Kilbride
Brian Lacey
Mike Richards

1992

The Khe Sanh Vet Newsletter Labeled #14 but is (# 24) wreath on cover special addition.
The newsletter reverts back to old name.
Ernie Husted Editor back from Desert Storm
Marine Corps Association, handled the mailing

The Khe Sanh Veteran Newsletter Volume 1.1 Fall 1992 Issue #25
Ernie Spencer D 1/26 Editor
Marine Corps Association, handled the mailing.

Khe Sanh Veterans Association Inc. reunion was held July 11th 1992 in San Diego, CA. in conjunction with the 3rd Marine Division Association Reunion.

President
Earl Breeding CO E 2/26

President
Gary Parker Vice

Secretary
Ray Stubbe USN

Treasurer
Bill Maves

Chaplain
Ron Exum

Sgt. At Arms
Ed Diaz

BOD
James Wilkinson CO 2/26
Calvin Bright B 1/26
John Kaheny A 1/26
D. J. Bland F 2/26
Ernie Spencer D 1/26 Editor
Design and Layout Leo Wong

Our newsletter had no name, so Ray Stubbe adopted the name Red Clay as a reminder of the red laterite soil on the Khe Sanh Combat Base. This soil is weathered volcanic rock since Khe Sanh sits atop one of 5 extinct volcanoes forming and arc in Quang Tri Province around Tiger Tooth Mountain. Khe Sanh was born in heat, violence, eruption; a kind of legacy remained there.

In late 1992, Ernie Spencer D 1/26 volunteered to be editor of our Newsletter, still being printed by the Marine Corps Association, Quantico, VA.

Ernie transformed the newsletter into a first class magazine by adding photos, very high quality art-work, and made it into a forum for men to share their opinions, stories, sagas, concerns, poems and other art work.

Magazines produced by Ernie were called The Khe Sanh Veteran. Ernie wrote the book Welcome Home, Macho Man. Ernie will produce issues #25 through#36

1993

The Khe Sanh Veteran Volume 1.2 Spring 1993 Issue #26 (color photo on cover)
Spencer D 1/26 Editor Ernie
Marine Corps Association, handled the mailing.

The Khe Sanh Veteran Volume 1.3 Spring 1993 Issue #27 (John Bersano M-60 gummer)
Spencer D 1/26 Editor Ernie
Marine Corps Association, handled the mailing.

The Khe Sanh Veteran Volume 1.4 Winter 1993 Issue #28 (Washington reunion on cover)
Ernie Spencer D 1/26 Editor
Marine Corps Association, handled the mailing.

President
Earl Breeding E 2/26

Vice President
Gary Parker

Secretary
Ray Stubbe USN

Treasurer
Bill Maves

Chaplain
Ron Exum

Sgt. At Arms
Ed Diaz F 2/26

BOD
James Wilkinson,
Calvin Bright,
John Kaheny,
D. J. Bland
Editor Ernie Spencer,
Design and Layout Leo Wong

On July 4th 1993 A special 25th Anniversary Reunion of the Siege of Khe Sanh, was held in Washington D.C., attended by more than 200 Khe Sanh Veterans!

A Memorial bronze plaque to Remember all who served at Khe Sanh was dedicated at Arlington National Cemetery.
The concept of a Memorial was the brainchild of Ken Penn (W 1/13). A Ginkgo tree - symbol of remembrance, tenacity, & survival despite adversity - was suggested by Ray Stubbe, and was planted with a handful of Khe Sanh Red Clay soil as part of the Memorial site.
General Carl E. Mundy Jr., then Commandant of the Marine Corps and Khe Sanh Veteran, S-3, 3rd Battalion, 26th Marine Regiment, officiated at the dedication.

1994

The Khe Sanh Veteran Spring 1994 Issue #29
Editor Ernie Spencer D 1/26
Marine Corps Association, handled the mailing.

The Khe Sanh Veteran Special Bulletin 25th Anniversary Reunion 1994 Issue #30
Editor Ernie Spencer D 1/26
Marine Corps Association, handled the mailing.

On July 7th 1994
Annual reunion is held in Covington, KY

Membership Directory is printed special book size red cover.(#31)
Editor
Ed Evans H&S/26 G-3
Marine Corps Association, handled the mailing.
Ernie Spencer CO D 1/26 retires from being Editor, to write another book.

Khe Sanh Veterans Issue 1:6 November 1994 (#32) (collage)
Editor
Ed Evans H&S/26 G-3
Marine Corps Association, handled the mailing.

1995

Interim Edition for Las Vegas Reunion (#33)
Editor
Ed Evans H&S 26-Mar G-3
Marine Corps Association, handled the mailing.

Khe Sanh Veteran Issue 2.1 Fall 1995 (#34) (Collage of Sgt. Major)
Ernie Spencer CO D 1/26 returns to be our editor
Marine Corps Association, handled the mailing.

President
Kenneth Penn W 1/13

Vice President
Michael O’Hara B 1/26

Secretary
Ray Stubbe USN

Treasurer
Bill Maves

Chaplain
Ron Exum

Sgt. at Arms
Ed Diaz F 2/26

BOD
John Blanco CAC Oscar
Earl Breeding E 2/26
D. J. Bland,
Jim Dawd
John Kaheny
Carl Oksnee
Gary Parker
Jim Wilkinson
Newsletter Editor
Ernie Spencer

Khe Sanh Veterans Association Inc. reunion was held July 20th 1995 Las Vegas, Nevada in conjunction with the 3rd Marine Division Association

Artist Dennis Smith B 1/26 brings his famous larger than life sculptures to the reunion.
The Living Memorial Sculpture Garden

1996

The Khe Sanh Veterans Issue# 2.2 Spring,1996 (#35) (FOB-3)
Editor Ernie Spencer CO D 1/26
Marine Corps Association, handled the mailing.

1996 Membership Directory (#36) (red cover)

The Khe Sanh Veteran Issue (#37) Fall 1996 (Philadelphia reunion)
Editor Ray Stubbe USN
Marine Corps Association, handled the mailing.

Khe Sanh Veterans Association Inc. reunion was held July 24th 1996 in Philadelphia, PA. In conjunction with the 3rd Marine Division Association. Honoring the Hill Fights of 1967 and those who died then.

The president of the Third Marine Division asked our board to recommend that we become a chapter of the 3rd Marine Division Association. Many felt we would loose our special identity. We decided to do it our way alone from outside influences.

Carl Oksnee D 1/9 is Reunion Chairman provides the Khe Sanh Veterans with a quality PX.

1997

Khe Sanh Veteran Issue #38 Spring 1997 (#38) (Marines in tall grass)
Editor Ray Stubbe
Marine Corps Association, handled the mailing.

Khe Sanh Veteran Issue #39 May, 1997 (#39) (30th anniversary of Hill Battles])
Editor Ray Stubbe
Marine Corps Association, handled the mailing.

Red Clay Issue # 40 Fall 1997 (#38) (Ken Pipes and Mike O’Hara)
Editor Ray Stubbe
Marine Corps Association, handled the mailing.

First Sergeant Dick Peloquin I 3/26 elected new President.
David Smith USA, Vice President
Dave Doherman 3rd Recon, Secretary
Vince Griffith E 2/26, Treasurer
Jim Epps C 1/26 (Passed away 2000), Chaplain
Tom Eichler E 2/26. Sgt. At Arms

BOD
Larry McCartney E 2/26
Mike Worth E 2/26 and
Russell Turner A 1/26

Annual reunion is held 10 July, 1997 in St. Louis MO. 161 attend the reunion at the Best Western Maryland Heights MO.
Col. Lownds attend reunion and is guest speaker. He said “I speak for no individual, as Commanding Officer; I speak for those who have no one to speak for them today”. I want you to know-that although I don’t know any of them personally I may have patted them on the back, I may have shouted at them but they were all my brothers, and they will always live within my heart, regardless of their name. And if you don’t think a commander suffers when he looses people, your sadly mistaken, because it goes deeply into your heart, It never leaves.

A Khe Sanh Veterans Memorial plaque with a planted Ginkgo tree, identical to the one in Arlington National Cemetery, was dedicated at Jefferson Barracks. A wreath was placed by Kenneth Pipes B 1/26 CO and Mike O’Hara at a mass grave of the remains from the patrol from B 1/26 on Feb.1968.

At another mass grave of the C-123 Provider that crashed at Khe Sanh March 6th 1968 with 44 passengers killing everyone aboard. It is a very moving and memorial place to visit. Many Wounded in Action were taken to the Jefferson Barracks Hospital during the Vietnam War. It is also their resting place forever for many are buried in this National Cemetery in Louis, MO.

Our Hospitality room was covered with historic flags and pendants, the last flag that flew at Khe Sanh, Flag will be exhibit in new museum along with Doc Steinberg’s Chicago flag that flew on 881 South 1968 Siege. Thanks to Tommy Eichler E 2/26 for getting this done in 2005. Tables in the hospitality room were full of scrap books and Khe Sanh memorabilia.

Carl Oksnee B 1/9 Reunion Chairman and also provides the Khe Sanh Veterans with a quality PX.
Thanks Carl.

1998

Red Clay Issue #41 Spring, 1998 (#41) (Army during siege)
Editor
Ray Stubbe
Marine Corps Association, handled the mailing.

Red Clay Issue #42 Summer, 1998 (#42) (Raising Flag and bugler)
Editor
Ray Truelove
Marine Corps Association, handled the mailing.

Our annual reunion is held July 1st 1998, in Washington D.C. the 30th anniversary of the Siege. We bunked at the Holiday Inn Crown Plaza 3 block from the White House.

Our guest speaker was General Al Gray the 29th Commandant of the United States Marine Corps.

We visited the Vietnam Memorial Wall and the National Cemetery in Arlington placing a wreath by the Khe Sanh Veterans Memorial

At the tomb of the unknown soldier. A Posthumous combat valor award was presented to the family of Khe Sanh Vet Joseph Robles from E 2/26 with Earl Breeding CO E 2/26 presenting the Medal to Joseph’s Mother Anna.

We stopped at the Marine Iwo Jima Memorial for a group picture. With invitations we were to be the guest of Honor at the Sunset Parade at 8th and I Barracks.

1999

Red Clay Issue # 43 Spring 1999 (#43) (30th Anniversary Siege issue)
Editor
Ray Truelove (fire at home quits as editor)
Marine Corps Association, handled the mailing.

Red Clay Issue # 44 Summer 1999 (#44) (Aerial photos of Khe Sanh)
Editor
Ray Stubbe
Marine Corps Association, handled the mailing.

The Khe Sanh Veterans Red Clay Autumn #45 1999 (Name Change) [PFC Curtis Bugger]
Editors
Ernie Spencer D 1/26
Paul Knight K 3/26
Printing and distribution
Tom Eichler E 2/26

Our annual reunion is held 10 July 1999 in St. Louis at the Best Western in Maryland Heights MO. with a second visit to the Khe Sanh Veterans Memorial plaque with a planted Ginkgo tree, identical to the one in Arlington National Cemetery, was dedicated at Jefferson Barracks in St. Louis, MO 1998, in conjunction with the annual Khe Sanh Veterans Reunion. It was unveiled by Gold Star Mothers attending the reunion of Khe Sanh Veterans; dedicated by representatives from all Service branches and Civilians and Children of Khe Sanh Veterans participated perpetuating the legacy.

An added trip on the way back to the Hotel we went to the residence of Glenn Rappold to view his personal back yard memorial-to the Khe Sanh Vets who died.
Jack Smith USA is our guest speaker besides serving in Vietnam and surviving the La Drang Battle. He was a reporter for the ABC network.

New elected Khe Sanh Veterans Association Officers

President
David Smith USA

Vice President
Tom Eichler E 2/26

Treasurer
Vince Griffith

Secretary
Cal Bright B 1/26

Chaplain
Bill Jayne

Sgt. At Arms
Russ Turner A 1/26

BOD
Dick Peloquin I 3/26
Larry McCartney E 2/26
Bruce Geiger USA
Charles Berg USA
Mike Worth E 2/26
Ernie Spencer D 1/26 Editor.
Leo Wong Design and Layout

2000

The Khe Sanh Veterans Red Clay Issue # 46 Spring 2000 (Wilkinson and Gunn)
Editors
Ernie Spencer D 1/26
Tom Eichler E 2/26

The Khe Sanh Veterans Red Clay Issue # 47 Fall, 2000 (NVA soldier)
Editors
Ernie Spencer D 1/26
Tom Eichler E 2/26

Our annual reunion is held at Hanalei Hotel, Mission Valley San Diego, CA. John Kaheny A 1/26 is the reunion Chairman. We toured the MCRD starting early with the complete colors ceremony, Graduation Parade, Museum tour.

It was fun to see everyone getting off the buss and the DI’s were acting like we were all fresh recruits and gave us a fast tour of indoctrination to boot camp, we ate lunch in the mess and visited the PX on base and got stocked up on our Marine Stuff.

2001

The Khe Sanh Veterans Red Clay Issue # 48 Winter, 2001 (#48) (Pettit collage)
Editor
Ernie Spencer D 1/26
Tom Eichler E 2/26

The Khe Sanh Veterans Red Clay Issue # 49 Spring, 2001 (KIA and Moms, plaque)
Editor
Ernie Spencer D 1/26
Tom Eichler E 2/26

The Khe Sanh Veterans Red Clay Issue # 50 Summer 2001 (Rodney Alfano USA)
Editor
Ernie Spencer D 1/26
Tom Eichler E 2/26

The Khe Sanh Veterans Red Clay Issue # 51 Fall, 2001 (Iwo Jima & Hill 881)
Editor
Ernie Spencer D 1/26
Tom Eichler E 2/26

2001 annual reunion “The Odyssey” held July 5th -8th in Chicago IL At the Radisson Hotel O’Hara honoring Chaplain Ray Stubbe.
A PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) session is held by Robert Shippin with help from the VA representatives present, 50 members and wives took part. 485 attended reunion.

Newly Elected officers
President
Dave Smith USA

Vice President
Tom Eichler E 2/26

Secretary
James Wodecki FLC FLSG-A

BOD
Bruce Geiger,
Dick Peloquin I 3/26
Frank Taggart M 3/26
Robert Moxley D 1/9
Tom Ford F 2/26
Frank Ceniseros H&S 2/26 (Frank passed 4 April 2003)

Several Khe Sanh Veterans and Jim Wodecki FLC worked with Lou Reda Productions and the History Channel this year, for an episode of Unsung Heroes. Cliff Treese B 1/13, Dennis Mannion FO E 2/26, Larry McCartney E 2/26 and others told their stories with pictures from Dave Powell UPS.

2002

The Khe Sanh Veterans Red Clay Issue # 52 Spring 2002 (DR. Edward M. Feldman USN)
Editor
Ernie Spencer D 1/26
Tom Eichler E 2/26

The Khe Sanh Veterans Red Clay Issue # 53 Fall.2002 (Corpsmen and Citation)
Editor
Ernie Spencer D 1/26
Tom Eichler E 2/26

The Khe Sanh Veterans Red Clay Issue # 46 Winter 2002 (Col. John Kaheny A 1/26)
Editor
Ernie Spencer D 1/26
Tom Eichler E 2/26

2002 annual reunion is held Dallas TX. (Irving) at the Marriott hotel on July 3rd-7th. Honoring our NAVY Corpsman with a special “DOC” Medal, presented by Medal of Honor recipient “Doc” Ballard and Major General Mulberry.

Citation Reads:
The Members of the KHE SANH VETERANS Association takes pleasure in Presenting the “DOC” Medal to the
CORPSMAN, MEDICS, DOCTORS AND AIR EVACUATION TECHNICIANS For service set forth in the following

For extraordinary heroism and outstanding performance of medical and fighting duties in action against the North Vietnamese Army and Viet Cong forces in the Republic of Vietnam from January 1962 to December 1970. In all the Operations in the Quang Tri Province, Khe Sanh, Combat Base Area, the surrounding Hills, 881S, 881N, 861-A, 861, 558, 950, 1050, Khe Sanh Village, Lang Vie, Rock Quarry, Rock Pile artillery support units, Camp Carroll 175 Support Artillery and Evacuation Aircraft. If you served in the Medical Corps, for the Marines, Seabees, Army, Navy, and Air Force units, while in the TOA at Khe Sanh. This Medal is in cast Honor, for you.

Through out this period, Imbued with an unrelenting combat spirit and initiative and undeterred by heavy hostile artillery, mortar and small arms fire, under extremely difficult terrain, incessant heat and monsoon rains, the docs were there, saving our lives. Thank You “Doc” from all the members and associates of the
KHE SANH VETERANS

Presented at the Khe Sanh Vets Reunion 2002 Irving, Texas. Presenting the “Doc Medal”, Major General Mulberry, July 6th at 6 PM. The First “DOC” Medal was awarded to Colonel Dave “DOC” Ballard.
A Medal of Honor Recipient, Vietnam. Doc said, “this MOH I wear around my neck is for all of you, this ‘DOC” Medal presented here today is for me. And I thank all of the Khe Sanh warriors gathered here today for recognizing these special ‘Docs”, these ‘Men of Honor.”
Bob Shaffer 1st Recon Presented the Golf Company Flag found after 33 years, from Khe Sanh. Presented to Eric Smith G/2/26. This Flag will be framed and displayed at Marine Corps Museum in DC when finished. Golf 2/26 Flag was given to Doc Healey in 1968 for safekeeping and was recently found in a closet.

A trip to Circle R Ranch for dinner on Friday Night, hay rides, horse roping and a BBQ dinner Texas style with a Country and Western Band to dance to.

Jim Wodecki starts the Khe Sanh Veterans web site established as www.khesanh.org a place for our memories, history and current reunion events schedule. The site is paid for by the Khe Sanh Veterans members and they own the domain name and site.

The Khe Sanh Veterans coin is struck this year with map of TOA on one side and Khe Sanh Veteran South Vietnam on the back. Jim “Jimbo” Wodecki FLC starts the Khe Sanh Veterans PX to sell items as fund a raiser, to help find other Khe Sanh Veterans, a new patch, window decal and hats are sold.

Ray Addington I 3/26 becomes our new Treasurer. Five Hundred Dollars was given to the Young Marines of Dallas who attended our reunion. One Thousand Dollars was given to David Bulldog Smith for the Cedar point Foundation to help the Bru. Twenty Five Hundred dollars was given to Bruce Geiger for the Gold Star Mothers Operation, returning mothers of KIA’s to Vietnam, 425 attend reunion.

2003

The Khe Sanh Veterans Red Clay Issue # 55 Spring 2003 (A 3rd Engineers John Pessoni on cover)
Editor
Ernie Spencer D 1/26
Tom Eichler E 2/26

The Khe Sanh Veterans Red Clay Issue # 56 Fall 2003 (Frank Ceniseros H&S/26)
Editor
Ernie Spencer D 1/26
Tom Eichler E 2/26

On July 2nd 2003 The Khe Sanh Veterans Annual reunion is held at Charleston SC. Honoring our “Bird Dog” Pilots and evacuation Personnel. With trip to Parris Island and the Battleship “Lexington” by the attendees.

Jim Wodecki FLC and Russ Turner A 1/26 are elected by the BOD for permanent Reunion Chairmen BOD decides both should share chair as co-chairman. Jim Wodecki is Chairman and Russ Turner as Vice Chairman.
Bill Jayne steps down as Chaplain and takes over Frank Ceniseros Member At Large space. New Chaplain is Owen Matthews I 3/26, accepted by BOD because it is not a voting board member.

Our New By-Laws passed out to membership for reviewing. A Vote to accept new Khe Sanh Veterans Inc. By-laws unanimous by paid up members attending the reunion at the General Meeting.

Jim Wodecki informs members about Bob Mills's Will leaving the Khe Sanh Veterans $7,000. Semper Fi Bob Mills RSVP.

Reunion guest of Honor, MOH recipient Staff Sergeant John Caviani Special Forces. Speech is recorded and archived by Texas Tech at their Vietnam War archives.
Texas Tech representative attending meeting give presentation about their project including The Vietnam Center, Vietnam Archive, Oral History Project and Virtual Vietnam Archive asking those attending to help with their project. Charles Deibert was our Guest speaker this year.

Brian Mahoney reunion chairman is recognized for his reunion efforts and is awarded a Plaque from members.
John “Jack” Corbett writes new book West Dickins Ave.

350 attended this year’s reunion.
Khe Sanh Veterans Inc. Officers and BOD

President
Russ Turner A 1/26

Vice President
Tom Eichler E 2/26

Secretary
Jim Wodecki FLC

Treasurer
Ray Addington I 3/26

BOD
Frank Taggart M 3/26
Robert Moxley D 1/9
Dale Pack H&S 2/26
Tom Ford F 2/26
Bruce Geiger USA
Chaplain
Owen Matthews I 3/26
Sgt. At Arms
Robert Shippin USA
Immediate Past President
David Smith USA

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