Video Interview: Peter Ondersma

VickieRock 70th Engineers, Commentary

I came across this video interview of Peter Ondersma (C Co, 1967) by GVSU Veterans History Project.

“Peter Ondersma was born in Orlando, Florida and moved to Michigan in 1955 when he was 8 years old. Peter went to school in Grand Rapids, Michigan and graduated in 1966 and was drafted into the Army shortly after graduation. He began basic training in Fort Knox, Kentucky and then moved on to combat engineer training in Missouri. While in Vietnam Peter worked on maintaining the security of bases, sweeping and laying mines, and destroying underground tunnels. He was injured by mortar fire during the Tet Offensive and kept on limited duty for the rest of his service. At the time of the interview in 2008, he was serving as the chairman of the Kent County Soldiers Relief Commission, where he worked to help veterans with financial problems.”

In Memory: Sandy T Villella, 1968, B Co.

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Sandy was born February 02, 1947 in Minneapolis, MN. He was the second oldest of sixteen children who grew up in Lauderdale, MN. Sandy graduated from Alexander Ramsey High School in 1966. 

The year after graduating he was drafted into the Vietnam War, serving as a Combat Engineer with the US Army 1967-1969. He returned home a proud Veteran, and reminisced occasionally about the war, sharing that he had spent his 21st birthday in a foxhole, and had experienced some triumphs amongst the difficult losses during his service in Vietnam. 

Sandy married his first wife, Sharon, in December 1966. They had three children together, a son and two daughters, and lived in Blaine. Sandy later married Barb in October 1993. They had one daughter and along with Barb’s son lived in Oakdale.

Sandy worked as a Master Craftsman in furniture repair. He was an all-around handyman. He loved to garden, cook, hunt, fish, and spend time at his property in Crosslake. He enjoyed building furniture, spoiling his animals, and keeping his family updated on the latest weather changes. He was a generous and caring man. He would always tell you to “drive safe” and “take care of yourself” and make sure you had everything you needed when you visited him. 

Sandy passed away peacefully at home on February 07, 2024. 

In Memory: Raymond Brychik, 1969, C-Co.

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Raymond Brychik, 76 of Baden, died Monday January 20, 2025, at Allegheny General Hospital. Born on September 19, 1948, in Sewickley, he was the son of the late Adam and Margie Brychik. He was retired from RB&W, Coraopolis, a member of Baden American Legion and was a US Army Vietnam veteran. Surviving is his wife, Charlene Sutton Brychik, two sons and daughter-in-law, Daniel and Linda Brychik, New Jersey, John Brychik, Baden, one daughter and son-in-law, Lori and Jarret Lively, Conway, ten grandchildren, Karyn, Bethanie, Jared, Laramie, Micah, Lora, Jack, Levi, Parker and Emery, one brother and sister-in-law, Tom and Janie Brychik, Myrtle Beach. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one son James Brychik.
The letter Roger got from his wife indicated that his death was the result of blunt force trauma resulting from a hit & run accident. https://www.bohn-matich.com/obituary/Raymond-Brychik

Rest in Peace: Dennis Jude Killday | D Company, 1968-69

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Dennis KilldayDennis Jude Killday, 75, of Eldon, Missouri passed away Saturday, December 14, 2024 at Truman Memorial Veteran’s Hospital in Columbia, MO. He was born November 6, 1949 in Quincy, Illinois the son of the late Robert and Esther (Witherow) Killday. On November 7, 1992 in Eureka Spring, Arkansas he was united in marriage to Linda Joyce (Gier) Maher Killday who survives the home.

He was previously married to Pamella (York) Killday Schmutzler in 1970.

Dennis grew up in Edina, Missouri, and attended St. Joseph Catholic School and Knox County High School. He proudly served in the United States Army with active duty in Vietnam from 1968-1970, and the Reserves from 1970-1974. Upon returning home, Dennis began working alongside his brothers and family members in utility line work. He later joined Southwestern Bell, where he dedicated 30 years of service before retiring. Even in retirement, Dennis stayed active, continuing utility contract work with his brothers. His work ethic and commitment to his family and community were evident throughout his life. He was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church.

Dennis was a beloved husband, father, brother, uncle, papa, and friend and will be missed by many.

Read his full obituary here, where, if you wish, you can make a donation in Dennis’ memory.

 

 

 

In Memory: Eugene D Atkinson 1966-68 A & D

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EUGENE ATKINSON obituaryEugene “Gene” Dale Atkinson, age 79, passed away on September 4, 2024, in Vero Beach, FL. Gene was born on October 2, 1944, in Birmingham, AL. Gene was admitted to the United States Military Academy, Class of 1966. Gene excelled academically and starred on the West Point baseball team. With Gene’s leadership as captain, the team won two Eastern Conference championships. In 1966 he graduated with a Bachelor of Science with grades in the top ten percent of his class. Gene enlisted for immediate duty at the height of the Vietnam War and was awarded a Bronze Star for Outstanding Meritorious Service, as well as the Army Commendation Medal for Heroism for exceptionally courageous actions in the Vietnam Theatre. In 1970 Gene began his post-graduate education at Harvard Business School in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and two years later he was a Distinguished Graduate receiving his Master of Business Administration degree. He then began his 27-year career at Goldman Sachs & Company in New York City and was promoted to Vice President of its Tokyo office in 1976. Gene fully embraced the role of global investment banker, relocating his family to Tokyo and becoming fluent in Japanese. By 1979 Gene had become the first Goldman Sachs partner in Asia and head of the Asia/Pacific region, and then served as the President of Goldman Sachs Japan from 1986 to 1988. In 1988 Gene and his family returned to New York City where he served as Chairman of Goldman Sachs International from 1988 until 1990.
Following his retirement in 1999, Gene showed no signs of slowing down. He served as the Managing General Partner of Ripplewood Holdings, a private equity firm in New York City from 1999 to 2006; from 1995 to 2011 he served as a board member of Foster Wheeler; in 2005 Gene founded the New York-based Atkinson Capital LLC. Gene was an avid golfer and was a member of the John’s Island Club, Quail, and Redstick in Vero Beach, Florida, Baltusrol Golf Club in Springfield, New Jersey, and The Union Club of “The City Of New York.” Gene was predeceased by his parents, Thomas Eugene and Jewel Inez (Griffin) Atkinson. Surviving him is his wife, Susan Wylie Lovett of Vero Beach, Florida, and her three sons. Gene is also survived by Carol D. Atkinson, the mother of his two sons, ‘Trevor G. Atkinson of Santa Monica, California, and Shawn E. Atkinson, (Amy) and (Siena, Cameron, and Dixon) of Glen Ridge, New Jersey. Gene will be remembered for living his life by the code instilled in him at West Point: Duty, Honor, Country. These were the pillars of his life and were reflected in his life of leadership, purpose and charity. He was known for his kind and generous heart, his deep affection for his family and friends, and was admired by many. A memorial service and inturnment will be in October, at the Old Cadet Chapel, United States Military Academy at West Point, New York. Arrangements are under the direction of Cox-Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home.
An online guestbook is available at CoxGiffordSeawinds.com.    To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

In Memory: Keith A Roeder, B Co 1969

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Keith A. RoederKeith Alan Roeder, 76, passed away peacefully on February 3, 2024 in the home that he built. Keith was born November 9, 1947 to Eldon Eugene Roeder and Wanda Joy (Snyder) Roeder of Bremen, IN. Keith graduated from Bremen High School in 1965. He was drafted and honorably served in the United States Army from 1968 to 1970, including a tour of duty with the 70th Engineering Battalion in Vietnam. On August 15, 1969, he was married to Marcia Lee Clauss in Honolulu, Hawaii while on military leave for rest and recuperation. Keith completed a Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering technology from Purdue University in 1972. Keith operated a family farm in Bremen, IN for most of his life. He served on the Marshall County Planning Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals. He was a life member of the American Legion and Purdue Alumni Association. Keith enjoyed sports (basketball, football, and auto racing), fishing, and woodworking. Many benefited from his craftsmanship and generosity. Keith placed great value in his family, country, working hard, and most of all his Christian faith. He attended Community Gospel Church of Bremen, IN and Nappanee Missionary Church of Nappanee, IN. Keith was preceded in death by his parents and sister Kathy (Richard) Miller. He is survived by his wife Marcia Roeder and their three sons, Ryan (Lisa) Roeder of Granger, IN, Blayne (Becky) Roeder of Bloomington, IN, and Darryl Roeder of Bremen, IN, and four grandchildren, Zachary and Eliana Roeder of Granger, IN, and David and Gwendolyn Roeder of Bloomington, IN. He is also survived by two sisters, Kris (Bill) Cannon and Kay (Devon) Smith, both of Bremen, IN. 

In Memory: Henry J Pieper, D Co 1968

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Henry John Pieper   May 1, 1947 — October 12, 2023 Henry John Pieper Profile Photo

Henry John “HJ” Pieper, age 76, died at home with his family on October 12, 2023. He was born in Idaho Falls, Idaho to Emil John and Zina Madaline Pieper.

Henry graduated from Ronan High School in 1966, joining the US Army and serving in Vietnam the years of 1966-1969. He was employed at Plum Creek for 33 years, then went on to Jore Corporation, Flathead Lock and Safe, and lastly Sod Buster Sales.

Henry was preceded in death by his parents Emil and Zina Pieper, and his sisters Zina Lue McArthur, Irene McArthur, and Judy Matt.

He is survived by his wife Nancy Pieper, and their children and grandchildren; Brenda (Jamie), Dusty and Harley Shepard; Sarah (Nathan), Malysa, Ryan (Alexa), Hillary, Kaitlynn, Davyn, and Allyson Lamphere; Scott (Brooke), Colton, William, Jayden, and Shaylee Pieper; Adam (Michelle) Pieper. He also has many nieces and nephews.

 

The Venue and Dates have been chosen for our next Battalion Reunion

VickieRock 70th Engineers, Announcement, Reunion

TUCSON, ARIZONA

TUES, SEPT 9 – THURS, SEPT 11, 2025

We braved the June heat last week and headed down to 107°F Tucson to check out a hotel on our list of potentials. You’re definitely going to love it. The contract we plan to sign should be arriving in the mail by Monday, if not today.  We’ve settled on the Double Tree Suites by Hilton nearby the Tucson AZ airport. For those who don’t plan on renting a car, they have shuttle service … or you can literally “walk” over to the hotel from the airport.

It’s absolutely lovely and you’ll be staying in a “suite” (bedrooms and separate living rooms).  All the rooms are equipped with refrigerators and microwaves, so those of you who need to refrigerate medications won’t need to beg for, or pay extra for refrigerators.

Now, I know some of you are probably thinking, “Suites? That’s gonna cost a pretty penny!” But actually, it’s going to cost us less per night than what we’ve previously paid in Reno or Branson!  With taxes included, we’re hoping to lock in your suites for just under $140/night (for the stay + for 3 days before and 3 days after). All rooms are accessed off of one of their lovely courtyards where you can enjoy some wonderful fall weather while spending some time swapping stories with friends. (If you are assigned a room on an upper floor, there are elevators.) You might even want to bring along a swimsuit and enjoy some time in the pool.

And for those of you who were hoping we’d choose Reno (and the opportunity for a bit of gambling) … there are TWO nearby casinos where you can try out your luck. For those not interested in a game or two of chance, there are other venues around Tucson that are worthy of your time. If you’ll be renting a car, Tucson has a lovely outdoor “Desert Museum” that Roger and I have visited on two different occasions.  The “Biosphere” is up the road about an hour north of town. We’ve visited that as well and it too is quite interesting.  And, if you’re interested in a bit of a “western lore,” Tombstone Historic District is located about an hour and 15 minutes east on I-10 and  then south on Rt80. You can experience some re-enactments and peruse some of the curio and crafts shops.  Last time we were there, I was amazed by some of the quilts in some of those shops. If you’re interested in visiting Nogales, Mexico, don’t forget your passports.  It’s just a short drive to the border down I-19.

We’re looking at planning a Buffet Group Dinner on Thursday night (with a missing man table) and H’orderves on Tuesday evening.  Registration for those will cost $75/person (which is the loaded cost with fees and taxes included).  Breakfasts are included as part of your room rates, and there is a wonderful restaurant on site.  That means lunches are on-your-own, as is dinner on Wednesday evening.  You can choose to eat at the onsite restaurant, or if you rent a car, you can choose any restaurant around Tucson. Then again, since you have a refrigerator/microwave in your rooms, you can shop Costco (if you have a membership) or any nearby grocery and bring it back appropriate foods to your room.

As has been true in the past, we need to make all of these arrangements at least one year in advance, so expect to see a REGISTRATION form from us

in an email or postcard about May/June next year asking to collect in advance for the food and fees.  We’ll also provide a phone number/website at that time for you to individually make your own room reservations.

In Memory: Leroy A Charping | D Co 1967-68

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Leroy A CharpingLeroy A. Charping, age 81, passed away on Sunday, October 30, 2016 at his home.

Born in Due West, SC on April 15, 1935, he was the son of the late T. J. Charping and the late Eva Arnold Charping. He proudly served his country in the United States Army, retiring after 21 years of service. He later retired from Orr Mill. He was a member of the Divver Masonic Lodge and a Hejaz Shriner. Leroy was a faithful member of Grace Memorial Baptist Church.

He is survived by his son, Larry D. Charping of Anderson; a daughter, Marie Burdette and her husband Jody of Anderson; a step-daughter, Sharon King; a brother, Robert Neil Charping; three sisters-in-law, Judy Benson, Alice Charping, and Joann Charping; seven grandchildren, Tyler Bearden, Randall and Kim Floyd, Ann and David Charping and Jessica and Allan Burdette; and six great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Frances Roberta Charping; six brothers, Alvin H., David, Francis, Joe Edward, James Edgar, and Gerald D. Charping; and two sisters, Janie Estelle Chrisley, and Thelma A. Mitchell.

The Funeral Service will be held in the Chapel of The McDougald Funeral Home on Wednesday, November 2, 2016, at 11:00 a.m. with Reverend Mark Dickson officiating. Entombment will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park Mausoleum with Military Honors.

In Memory: Herbert Alex Henderson, HHC

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Herbert Alex Henderson: 79 years old of Ingleside, IL passed away peacefully Sunday July 23, 2023, surrounded by his family. He was born July 20, 1944, in Evanston, IL the son of the late Herbert and Veronica (neé Remppis) Henderson, living in Round Lake, IL and Lake Villa, IL before settling in Ingleside in 1980. Herb proudly served in the US Army, HQ Company, 70th Combat Engineer Battalion, during the Vietnam War. Before his retirement in 2001, Herb had worked for over 34 years at NICOR Gas, retiring as Crew Leader. He was a member of the Waukegan Bowmen, the Professional Bowhunters Society, United Bowhunters of IL, Compton Traditional Bowhunters, National Field Archery Association for over 50 years, and a Senior Member of Pope and Young Club. Herb enjoyed: bowhunting, fishing, camping, gardening, being outdoors, and especially being with his children and grandchildren. On March 15, 1980, he married Linda Harder at St. Mark Lutheran Church, Lindenhurst, IL.