Before I continue about the reunions, I want to pass along some sad news. Sally Lyon Smith, Prescott's mother, died the other day and our sincere condolences go out to Smitty and his family. Sally did the pencil drawing that graces the cover of "Last Light with the Boys," Prescott's excellent account of his tour in Vietnam with the 9th Division Pathfinders and E Company, LRRP. It is obvious when reading "Last Light" that his mother's love and support meant a great deal when he was overseas. Puck, you are in our thoughts and prayers.

   I'm not going to say much about New Mexico because an account of that reunion will be found in the next issue of "Patrolling," to include photos taken by Copeland, Mac and Rip. But there is no need to wait for the magazine to see some of the photos as Jonesy already has them posted on our web site. Be sure to check out the outfit on Rip's dog that made him a "Ranger Dog" that allowed him to enter some of the New Mexico state buildings. Mac deserves thanks for his usual excellent "recon work" in scouting out interesting places to visit, along with Poncho who used his connections so that E Company received VIP treatment during the visit to the Vietnam Memorial State Park at Angel Fire. Our reunion attendees took up a contribution and made a donation of $180 to the park which was greatly appreciated by the park administration. Poncho then followed up with beautifully written letters of appreciation to Tom Turnbull, the park manager, David Simon, the director of New Mexico state parks and to Governor Bill Richardson. E Company, first class all the way. 

 I was moved to see that among the mementos left at the park memorial in New Mexico, were a business card from Clancy Matsuda along with a new Tess-designed E Company challenge coin. My first close look at the coin was in Georgia and it is a thing of beauty that will be treasured by every member of E Company. Bob Hernandez wrote up an excellent explanation of how the symbols on the coin relate to our unit history. For example, the stars on the coin represent the 27 KIA and 1 MIA that E Company lost in Vietnam. The coins are limited in supply so as of now, we are asking one per member. If you would like to order a coin, they are $15 (includes postage.) Contact either Bob Hernandez, 4424 Rock Island Drive, Antioch, CA  94509 (925-757-8729) or Ron Tessensohn, 1324 W. 218th Street, Torrance, CA  90501 (310-710-4201.)   

 And now on to the Fallen Ranger ceremony at the Mountain Ranger Camp in Dahlonega, Georgia. Thanks to Bob Copeland who did his usual superior job of research and writing the narratives, E Company was the only unit to have two Rangers (Joe Castanga and Emory Parrish) out of the seven who were honored with a sign that will be viewed by soldiers going through the Army Ranger School. Castagna was the first Ranger to be recognized and Copeland read the citation that related Joe's brave actions in combat on December 21, 1968 that took his life. Then Joe's brother, Phil Castagna, spoke about how his family was moved by the support shown to them by E Company and fellow Rangers. Phil was followed by Roy Barley who told of what Joe meant to E Company. The Castagna family was grateful to meet Ted Speroff who presented them with a couple of photos that Ted had taken of Joe while with E Company in Vietnam. In fact we, all were delighted to meet Ted who was attending his first E Company event. Ted, we hope you come back for many more.      

   After several Rangers from other units were honored, it was time to recognize Emory Parrish. Copeland again read the citation that mentioned Emory was an honor graduate from the MACV Recondo School and how he excelled as a team leader in Vietnam. Then Ken Franks, with Shirley Parrish at his side, thanked everyone on behalf of the Parrish family. I followed Ken and attempted to let the audience know how much Emory meant to the unit and that he is missed greatly. I also mentioned that thanks to Shirley and her daughters faithful attendance at our reunions where they are in charge of the raffles, Emory's presence is still felt in E Company. Following the ceremony, the Parrish and Castagna families gathered by the signpost for photos at which time Hernandez and Tess presented each family with a beautiful wood case made by Ron's daughter, Tami. Inside the case was a new E Company challenge coin along with the narrative explaining the symbolism on the coins. Later, back at the motel, Mac presented Shirely with a framed photo taken of the group in New Mexico rendering a hand salute in honor of Emory that was taken in front of a Huey at the veterans state park.

  We couldn't hold an E Company gathering without seeing the local sights recommended by Mac, and Georgia was no exception. Activities included visiting Amicalola Falls State Park where some brave individuals climbed or descended the 604 stairs that are next to the falls. It was a beautiful location just 8 miles from the beginning of the 2,160-mile Appalachian Trial that winds its way from Georgia to Maine. Other activities included visiting a gold mine, panning for gold in a river (some actually found a few flakes...of gold that is) and of course, gathering for meals in the local eating establishments.

Roy Barley has already started lining up activities for us to take part in when we meet in Buffalo in September, 2011. There is much to do and see in the city by the lake and we will have a lot more info about that reunion in the months to come. I'm trying to convince Poncho, Smitty and Sal, all who have returned recently from touring Vietnam, to give us a presentation as to what that country is like today. Sal is planning to return and says that "Da Lat is the foyer to Heaven, Tan An is beautiful and Vung Tau is great." Sal went on to say that Saigon had "too much bustle and aggressive vendors." Guess some things don't change, but a lot of that country has changed since we were there and I hope to hear more about the travels of our Vietnam visitors, all who were treated like royalty by Nhan, his family and friends.

That's it for now. Till next time, remember that

Rangers Lead the Way