The Venue and Dates have been chosen for our next Battalion 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: Eugene D Atkinson 1966-68 A & D

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

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

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.

 

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

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

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.

In Memory: Darryl Wertheim, HHC 1968-69

Darryl Wertheim, age 76, passed away on July 27, 2023. Survived by his wife Lillian Wertheim (nee Semeniuk), daughters Dana Dolan (Christopher) and Tricia Van Horn (Nathan), four grandchildren Declan, Noelle, Ian, and Ashley, sister Christine Laspesa and brother Scott Wertheim, several cousins, nieces and nephews, and numerous good friends.

Born on July 31, 1946 in Evergreen Park, IL. Darryl was raised on the south side of Chicago and was a star basketball player at Harper High School. He attended Chicago State University. Darryl was married in 1967 to the love of his life Lillian for 56 years. He served in Vietnam as a Combat Medic in the U.S. Army from 1968-1969. Darryl raised two incredible daughters that he was so proud of. He retired from Wells Fargo Bank in 2014. Since 2018, Darryl served as the Veterans Program Coordinator for the Village of Orland Park Mayor’s Office. He organized events, services and fundraising to support veterans. He was also a founder of Veterans Voices Military Group.

In retirement, Darryl devoted his life to his family, God and serving others by coaching boys basketball, leading children’s athletic programs and senior exercise classes.

Darryl’s hobbies and passions in his leisure time included sailboat racing (Chicago to Mackinac race), golf, being an avid car enthusiast, traveling the world with his wife, and attending all of his grandchildren’s sporting events and concerts.

Darryl was a God-loving, humble man who lived life to the fullest and loved all people.

In Memory: Francis “Frank” Zaniboni

Francis “Frank” Zaniboni passed away surrounded by his family on July 2, 2022. Beloved husband of Janice (Sheehan) Zaniboni. Loving father of Leticia Latorelli and her husband Thomas and Josh and his wife Amy. Cherished Papa of Vanessa and Amelia Latorelli and Andrew and Olivia Zaniboni. Brother of Maureen, Brian, Dorothy, William, and Pamela. Pre-deceased by his parents Peter and Dorothy as well as siblings Peter, Barbara, and John. Veteran of the US Army and will be laid to rest at Bourne National Cemetery.

1968-69 D-Company

In Memory: Lewis J Wolfs

Lewis Joseph Wolfs, 72, of Elgin, Iowa died Tuesday, November 5, 2019 at Maple Crest Manor, Fayette, Iowa. Lewis Joseph Wolfs was born on February 6, 1947 to Leo Joseph and Irene (Nelson) Wolfs. He grew up on the family farm north of West Union, Iowa. He attended country school through 7th grade. At the closure of country school, Lewis attended and graduated from North Fayette High School in 1965. Lewis was a member of the wrestling team while in high school.

Lewis enlisted in the Army Engineers on February 13, 1966 for a three year tour of duty. He was stationed in Vietnam, Thailand, and Fort Benning, Georgia. Lewis’ rank at the time of discharge was Specialist 5. Following his discharge he attended and graduated from the welding tech program at Northeast Iowa Technical School in Calmar, Iowa.

Lewis worked as a carpenter for several years. He then worked in several manufacturing plants as a welder until his retirement.

Lewis married Karla Olson on March 25, 1972. They bought and moved to an acreage southeast of Elgin, Iowa in November 1972. Lewis and Karla have one son, Luke Joseph Wolfs born on March 20, 1978. The family moved to Illinois in 1986 for three years. They then moved to Monona Iowa for four years. Lewis drew up plans for and built their current home on their acreage in 1995.

Lewis was an avid outdoorsman throughout his life. He enjoyed hunting, trapping, and fishing in his younger years. In later years he enjoyed horseback riding with his wife and son.

Lewis is survived by his wife, Karla Wolfs of Elgin; son, Luke Wolfs of Elgin; two grandchildren, Alex Joseph and Taylor Rae Wolfs of Elgin; two sisters, Frances (Leslie) Lauer of West Union, Iowa and Helen (John) Wingler of Abbotsford, Wisconsin, numerous nephews and niece, and grand nieces and nephews.

In Memory: Ronald R Wiltrout

Ronald R. Wiltrout Sr., 76, of Dickerson Run, passed away Wednesday, June 10, 2020 peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family.  He was born April 25, 1944 in Connellsville, a son of the late Harold Ray and Anna Mae (Ulery) Wiltrout.  Ron was a US Army Veteran, having served his country during Vietnam War. Ron retired from Shane Felter Industries, Uniontown as a Welder. Ron enjoyed the outdoors, especially when riding his Harley Davidson and fishing.  He also spent time relaxing while watching war movies.

Ron is survived by his wife Debbie (May) Wiltrout, four sons; Ronald Wiltrout Jr. and wife Marci, of Connellsville, Kevin Claycomb and fiancé Karen Hiles of Dickerson Run, Brandon Wiltrout and wife Kira of Brownsville, and Rob Wiltrout of Scottdale, 13 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.  In addition to his parents, Ron was predeceased by a grandson Trevor Chase Wiltrout, a sister Phyllis Stafford, and a brother Gerald Wiltrout.  Friends will be received in the VITO C. MARTUCCI FUNERAL HOME 123 S. 1st St. West Side, Connellsville (724) 628-9033 on Friday from 11AM-3PM the hour of service with Pastor Lee Maley officiating.  Interment will be private.  Full Military Rites will be conducted by members of Connellsville Veterans Commission following the service.