Site hosted by Angelfire.com: Build your free website today!

River Raiders Of The Past



HOT HOT HOT 1097th Reunion 10-12 October 2009, Columbus Day Weekend in Newport News Park. I am planning on attending and would like to make a humble request, if anyone has any scanned copies of their pics from any era of the 1097th and would like to share them please give them to me and I will add them on the page. The longer I keep this page going them more I want it to be OUR page and not MY page. I will update with more details as I get them.

If your name is on this list than more than likely you know where you have been and what you did in Panama and what you are doing now. I am finally finished with all of the Bios. If you want to add anything to your Bio e-mail E-mail Sean or E-mail Tom! If your name should be on this list, or know of others that should be on this list send me an mail! Please include the name, nickname and the approximate or exact dates. Also if I forgot your name on this list don’t take any offense by this, almost all of the names of the 1990s were taken from memory. Please remember that after over six years and about 500 different faces it is sometimes difficult to remember.

*** = Made the move to Panama in 1976.

BLUE = Quoted

 

 


A***********
Russ Abbott, 1975 - 1977
I got an e-mail from Russ this morning so I am adding him to the list. I have no further information as of 17 July 2005.


Carroll Abbott, Sept 1976 - Oct 1977 ***
My name is Carroll Abbott and I was one of the original "River Raiders" who deployed from Ft. Eustis, VA to Ft. Davis in 1976. Please add my name to the Rive Raiders of the Past list. I was in Panama with the 1097th from Sep 76 to Oct 77. Waterborne.

I have no further information as of 4 December 2003


Rodolfo Acosta, 1969
I have no further information is as of 19 April 2000


Peter Adeleke late 1980s - early 1990s
I have no further information is as of 19 April 2000


Carl Agard, early 1990s
Worked in Maintenance Platoon. I have no further information, but I believe he is assigned to 24th Trans BN at Fort Eustis. Updated 20 Oct 2006


Jose Aguilar, 1997 - 1999
Jose Aguilar joined the 1097th in 1997. He was assigned as the Chief Engineer aboard the LCM 8519 in Medium Boat Platoon which was more or less assigned to Fort Sherman. He left in mid 1999 and was assigned to the 97th Transportation Company, Fort Eustis, Virginia. Information is as of 13 October 2000.


James Allen, 1969
I have no further information is as of 19 April 2000


Rick Allen, ???
I have no further information as of 8 June 2000.

 

Clayton Roger Allen, early 1990s
Best bud in Panama and FEVA of mine. Last I knew he was assigned to Ft. Story (96). Unknown since. Updated 20 Oct 2006


Allison (first name unknown, male) late 1980s - early 1990s
I have seen him a few times on post. Last time I saw him he was assigned the CASCOM. I have no further information is as of 24 May 2002


James Alphin, about 1967
I have no further information is as of 19 April 2000


David Alzen, late 1980s - early 1990s
David Alzen joined the 1097th in late 1989. He was assigned as an engineer aboard one of the LCMs. He got married and requested an In Place Continuous Overseas Tour which was granted so that he was able to stay in Panama for an additional 2 years. I don't think that he spent any time in the Heavy Boat Platoon after it was formed in 1991 and his final assignment was as the Chief Engineer aboard the LCM 8519. He left Panama in late 1993 and was assigned to Fort Eustis, Virginia. He is assigned to one of the Heavy Boat Companies at Fort Eustis and works on an LCU 2000. Information is as of 19 April 2000.


"Chewy" Anaya (first name unknown, male), mid 1980s
I have no further information is as of 19 April 2000


Willfred Andaluz, 1970s ***

Made the move to Panama in 1976. I have no further information as of 24 July 2009

 

 

Joseph Annis, early 1990s
Joe Annis was assigned to Maintenance Platoon's A Shop for the only time that I can remember him in the 1097th. I think he left the company prior to the move to the Pacific Side in 1995. I have no further information as of 19 April 2000


Steven Ansotegui, 1969
I have no further information is as of 19 April 2000.


Ryan "Gee Golly" Applegate, 1996 - late 1990s
Ryan Applegate joined the 1097th in early 1996. He was assigned as a Seaman aboard the LCM 8519. I think that he later was assigned as a Seaman aboard the LCM 8504. He sailed as a "rent a seaman" several times aboard the LCU 2000s. He left Panama in the late 1990s and was assigned to Fort Eustis Virginia. He has gotten married and I believe that he is still in the Army. He has gotten divorced and has gotten out of the Army in late 01 or early 02. I have no further information as of 24 May 2002.


Arzadon (first name unknown, male), early - mid 1990s
Arzadon was assigned to the Heavy Boat Platoon. I can't remember his first name but he drove a Jeep Comanche pick-up truck. H left Panama in the mid 1990s and was assigned to Fort Eustis, Virginia, I think to one of the Tug Boat Units. Sometime while he was working on the tugs back in the states he was caught between two barges and was severely crushed. He was lucky to live to tell about it but he is now as good as new. I saw him in passing on 17 April 2000. He is assigned to the 97th Transportation Company at Eustis. He is now assigned to T-School as an Instructor. I have no further information as of 24 May 2002.


Asaro (first name unknown, male), late 1980s - early 1990s
I have no further information is as of 19 April 2000


Rulon Ashcroft, early 1990s
Rulon Ashcroft joined the 1097th in the early 1990s. He was assigned as a Seaman in one of the Platoons. He had some time in Heavy Boat Platoon but for the entire time that I knew him he was in the Medium Boat Platoon. He married a woman from Panama. His final assignment was as a Coxswain aboard one of the LCMs. Rulon Ashcroft left Panama in the mid 1990s and was assigned to Fort Eustis Virginia. I saw his wife working in one of the stores on post in early 1996, but I do not know if they are still here. I have no further information as of 19 April 2000.


Kenton Ashworth, mid 1980s
Was a Commander of the 1097th in the 80s. I have no further information is as of 29 July 2009.

 

John Atencio, 1970s ***
Made the move to Panama in 1976. I have no further information as of 24 July 2009

 

 

Don Ray (Pooh Bear) Atkins, early 1990s
I have no further information is as of 19 April 2000


Ausman (first name unknown, male), early 1990s
I have no further information is as of 19 April 2000


Steve Austin, early 1990s - mid 1990s
I have no further information is as of 19 April 2000



B***********
Michael "Professor Gadget" Back, mid 1990s - 1999
Michael Back joined the 1097th in the mid 1990s. I can't remember where he was assigned but during his tour he was assigned as a the Chief Engineer aboard several of the LCMs. He was also assigned as an Engineer aboard the LCU 2000s. The reason that he is called "Inspector Gadget" is because whenever he gets underway on a boat he arrives at least an hour before the crew to unload every gadget that you could imagine. Nothing was too much for him. On the LCMs especially. He would bring his own generator, TV, VCR, AC unit for the Wheelhouse, and a whole lot more. Michael Back left Panama in mid 1999 and was assigned to Fort Eustis Virginia. I saw his van parked in the port the other day so he is probably underway on one of the vessels. He got out of the Army in 2000 or 2001. He is working for a private contractor company in support of the Army. Information is as of 24 May 2002


James Bailey, late 1980s - early 1990s
I have no further information is as of 19 April 2000


Jerry Bailey, 1995 - 1996
Jerry Bailey joined the 1097th in 1995. He was assigned to the Heavy Boat Platoon, I think on the LCU 1600s. The one thing that I will never forget about him is that I was assigned as his sponsor and I kept procrastinating to send his welcome letter. One day while we were kicking back some cold ones in my room there was a knock at my barracks room door and in he walked asking for me saying that I was supposed to be his sponsor. I replied that I figured that I had waited too long to write that letter. He left Panama in 1996 and was assigned to Fort Eustis Virginia. I saw him a few nights ago in the shoppette on post and we talked for a few minutes. Information is as of 19 April 2000


Thomas Baker, 1977 - 1979
Thomas Baker’s was a Lieutenant in the Company.

From another Website:

Colonel Baker’s First assignment was in Panama where he was a 1097th “Waterborne” Company Platoon Leader, Company Executive Officer and Chief of the Pacific Transportation Motor Pool.

From Tom’s own hand:

Jan 82- Mar 84 1st platoon leader of the 01,03,04,07,08,10,13 (I think those were the boats in 1st platoon. Later XO and then moved to the Pacific side to be the OIC of the TMP. Left Dec 84....later commander 1098th and was XO of 10th Bn and commander 7th......never left the boats. Now in Hawaii and temporarily lived at Hickam BOQ right next to the boats.

Contact is ok, and please just the short bio thanks thomas.baker2@us.army.mil

I have no further information as of 5 Aug 2009.

 

George Baker, 1981 - 1983
I have no further information as of 8 June 2000.

 

William "Bam Bam" Bamman, late 1980s - early 1990s
I have no further information is as of 19 April 2000


Dave & Lesa Barbor, early 1990s
The Barbors joined the 1097th in the early 1990s. While I don't know all of their activities in Panama, when I arrived in Panama in 1993 Dave was assigned as Medium Boat Platoon Sergeant and Lesa was assigned in the Maintenance Platoon. I believe that both served in Medium and Heavy Boat platoons, but I can't be sure. Dave & Lesa Barbor left Panama in late 1993 to be reassigned at Fort Eustis Virginia. Lesa went to Warrant Officer school sometime thereafter and Dave stayed enlisted. Dave is an E-7 now and Lesa is a CW2. I believe both are still assigned at Fort Eustis. Dave just retired this year and Lesa is still in as far as I can tell. Information is as of 24 May 2002


David Barclay, 1970s ***

Made the move to Panama in 1976. I have no further information as of 24 July 2009

 

 

Brent Barnes, 1996 - 1997
Brent Barnes joined the 1097th in 1996. Captain Barnes replaced the outgoing Commander, Fredrick Stroker. Captain Barnes won the National Defense Transportation Association (NDTA) Unit of the Year and also won NDTA Officer of the year for his accomplishments as commander. Captain Barnes was replaced by Robert Hathaway as commander in 1998. He was reassigned as Battalion S-4 until he left Panama in the late 1990s. He was reassigned to Fort Carson Colorado, I think and I also think that he is a Major now.
That it was the NCOs that made that SHIT HAPPEN! They included the USARSO PT Streamer, Department of the Army Maintenance Excellence Award and the Department of the Army Safety Excellence Award. There were others, but those were the BIGDOGS.

Information is as of 19 April 2000.


Barnett (first name unknown, male), early 1990s
I have no further information is as of 19 April 2000

 

James Barr, 1970s ***
Made the move to Panama in 1976. I have no further information as of 24 July 2009

 

 

Bear Barrera mid - late 1980s
I have no further information is as of 19 April 2000.


Anthony Barzola, late 1996 - 1998 +/-
Anthony joined the River Raiders in late 1996. He is Ecuadorian born but raised in Miami. He was prior service, ex squid, and didn't have to go through 88K T-school but was automatically given his Certificate since he was a USCG licensed Master for 100 tons or less. He was originally assigned to Medium Boat Platoon. I remember shortly after he arrived spending some of the X-mas holiday working him like a slave painting the M-19, his wife Lotte also joined in the fun. Lotte, f'ing hi. Tony was reassigned to HQ Platoon working in Operations. He left the Army from Panamá and rejoined the civilian side of the house. He and Lotte are currently living in Miami and Tony is the master of his own boat, at least as soon as it arrives from the Far East. I have no further information as of 30 June 2002.


Bassett, UNK, SFC, late 1980s or early 1990s
He was the op NCOIC during JC, he also worked with SSG Allen, Roger. Real quiet and a computer geek. SFC Walters should have more info on him. Updated 20 Oct 2006

 

Bates (first name unknown, male) early 1990s

From Matt Hughes:

There was a Bates that arrived the same day as Steve Gates. He too was an engineer, I don't remember what or where he was assigned to though. I'm thinking he was in Heavy Boat though....

I have no further information as of 13 Aug 2009.

 

 

Bates (first name unknown, male) mid 1990s

This is a different Bates than the one above. This Bates was in Heavy Boat and wore glasses. I think he was an engineer, and lived near Mike Wichterman on Cocoli. I have no further information as of 13 Aug 2009.

 

 

Rick Bauld, early 1990s

From Matt Hughes:
I noticed that Rick Bauld was not listed in the "B's".  Rick was an 88k, he came from Nebraska and was there roughly the same time I was. I don't remember when he left, but it had to have been about the same time I did. I remember he used to talk about his dad having health issues from exposure to Agent Orange in 'Nam and heard that his health issues required Rick to get out and take care of the family. Don't know what ever happened to him, but he was a good friend when we were there together.
I have no further information as of 5 Aug 2009.

 

 

Baygents (first name unknown, gender unknown), 1980s

He was a CW2 in the 1097th in the 1980s. I have no further information as of 29 July 2009.

 

 

Andrew Bedell late 1990s

Andrew joined the 1097th in the late 1990s. He was assigned as a coxswain of either the 8501 or the 8504. After he left Panama he became a Drill Sergeant and later was assigned back to Fort Eustis. Updated 20 July 2009

 

 

Myron Bell, late 1990s

Myron was one of the LT’s in the closing days of the 1097th. I have contacted him and am waiting for an updated bio on him. Information is as of 24 Aug 2009.

 

 

Andy Benka, 1977 – 1979

I have no further information as of 29 July 2009.

 

 

Jerry Benn, Late 90s

Jerry came into the Company in the late 90s. He was a reclass from finance. He was stationed at Ft Sherman and left Panama in 1999. He went to Eustis and is still there now. Information as of 20 July 2009

 


Dan Bergel, 1987-1990
I served in the 1097th in 1987 to 1990 with a few people on your list such as Don Walters Jeff Brondyke Mike Byers and more.
I would like to be on your list also and be able to get in touch with some of the people such as Don Walters and Jeff Brondyke.
I currently live in Florida...West Palm Beach . I am a ROV pilot and travel a lot around the world for work.
Here is my email deltabravo39@yahoo.com.
Dan Bergel

I have no further information as of 23 Aug 2009.


Bishop (first name unknown, female), early 90s
Bishop was seen in some pics I saw at Bee Bop's house in early 99. She was later assigned as one of the Mate's on a tug and is now serving as the 1SG of HHD 6th Trans BN. I have no further information. Information is as of 24 May 2002.


David Boley SR, 1989 - 1993
Assigned to the 1097th 1989-1993. My vessel was the LCM 8509, Please see your copies of Don Walters Log Doc #05. I am listed as SPC Boley in the entry. I made SGT then came back to Ft. Eustis and was assigned to 1098th 24th Bn. after sustaining spinal damage (Blowing out two disks) I was assigned to HHC 24th Bn and worked in the S-3 operations. Then on 17 March 1997 I was put out to pasture on a Medical Discharge. I now live in Bedford, Ohio about 40 minutes from Atwater were SFC Don Walters lives now. I am very active in the Northfield VFW Post 6768 as I am the news Letter Editor there now. Please see our post web page: www.vfwpost6768.com
Thanks
Dave

I have no further information as of 23 Aug 2009.


Ricky “Chilly Willie” Booker, 1980s

I have no further information as of 5 Aug 2009.

 

 

Bottomly (first name unknown, male) early 90s
I remember Bottomly generally went out on the boats when they would go out on "Maintenance Runs". He left Panama prior to the move to the Pacific Side, but where he went. I have no information is as of 20 April 2000.


Bowen (first name unknown, male), early 1990s
I have no further information is as of 20 April 2000.


Al Bowman, early - mid 1990s
Al Bowman joined the 1097th in the early 1990s. Al Bowman was assigned to the Heavy Boat Platoon and left the Company Shortly before Fort Davis was closed. I believe he returned to Fort Eustis Virginia, but I am not sure. Information is as of 20April 2000


Brad Bowman, 1986 - 1987
I have no further information is as of 20 April 2000.


Boyd (first name unknown, male), late 1980s - early 1990s
I have no further information is as of 20 April 2000.


Raymond Boyle, 1969
I have no further information is as of 20 April 2000.


Scott Brammell, early 1990s
I have no further information is as of 29 July 2009.


Eric Brandberry, 1969
I have no further information is as of 20 April 2000.


Ian Brathwaite, mid 1990s
Ian Brathwaite joined the 1097th in late 1993 or early 1994. He was assigned to the Heavy Boat Platoon, I think he was the Boswain on one of the LCU 2000s, but I can't remember. He left Panama before the move to the Pacific Side and was assigned to the Non Commissioned Officers (NCO) Academy at Fort Eustis, Virginia. In mid 1999 he left the NCO Academy and was assigned on an LCU 2000 in the 97th Transportation Company, also at Fort Eustis. Now he is serving on the ST-901 as the Mate. Information is as of 24 May 2002.


Paul Brauer, 1969
I have no further information is as of 20 April 2000.


Brave, Leendert Den (Lenny or Mother Hen), 1968 – 1969

I received an e-mail the other day from him that said he had been stationed in the 1097th during Vietnam. He gave me a few names and promised some pics. I have no further information. Information as of 14 Apr 01.

 

 

Mike Brazeel, 1993 - 1995
Mike Brazeel, what can I say about him? He joined the 1097th in late 1993 and was assigned as the Assistant Chief Engineer aboard the LCM 8503 in Medium Boat Platoon. He was later reassigned to the J-3795 and reassigned back to the LCM 8503 a few months down the road. He attended the Primary Leadership Development Course (PLDC) at Fort Sherman in May 1994. He also won all of Soldier of the Month/Quarter boards all the way up to USARSO where he unfortunately lost. What else? C'mon this was one of my best friends in Panama, why can't I remember more? He was also one of the designers of the New Year's Eve 1994's Toga Party. His wife returned to the states in late 1994 and he returned to the states in early 1995. I have not heard hide nor hair of him since. He's good people. 2009 Update. I received an e-mail from his ex wife and was able to call Mike in 2008. He’s doing good now and unfortunately I have not talked to him since. Information is as of 20 July 2009.


Edward Bresh, 1976 – 1979 ***
Made the move to Panama in 1976. I have no further information as of 24 July 2009

 

Dan "Dano" Bressette, about 1997 - 1999
Aug94 - Mar95 BCT/AIT

Mar95-Mar98 558TC 88L20 - assigned to the dive boat/ FMS

Mar98-June99 1097TH TC 88L20- assigned to Ft Sherman LCM - Chief Engineer

June 99-Feb01 8Th Trans Co - assigned to LT 100' and VSO NCOIC

Feb01 -Sep 01 - ARCENT KU FWD - assigned to the COIC, Rear Detachment NCOIC

Sep 01 - Mar 02 - Maintenance NCOIC of 8th Trans CO

Mar 02 - Jul 03 - 97th Trans Co, HQ Platoon Sergeant

Jul 03 - May 06 - Recruiter/Station Commander of Aurora Recruiting

Station/Denver RCTBN

May 06 - Jul 08 - Station Commander of Riverton Recruiting Station/Salt Lake

CITY RCTBN

Jul 08 - current - Station Commander of Boulder Recruiting station/ Denver RCTBN

 

There you go

SFC DANIEL BRESETTE

STATION COMMANDER

Information is as of 29 July 2009.

 

Charlie Brewster, early 1990s
After Charlie Brewster left Panama he was assigned as the Harbormaster at Fort Eustis, Virginia. He has retired and works on Fort Eustis as a civilian. I have no further information is as of 20 April 2000.


Joseph Brietspreker, 1987 - 1989
I have no further information is as of 16 Aug 2009.


Peter Bristol, 1969
I have no further information is as of 20 April 2000.


Jerry Briston, mid 1970s ***
Made the move to Panama in 1976. I have no further information as of 24 July 2009


William "Bill" Britt, early 1980s
I have no further information is as of 20 April 2000.


Jeff Brondyke, 1992 - 1999
Jeff Brondyke joined the 1097th in 1992. He was assigned to the Heavy Boat Platoon as an Engineer. He assisted in the moves from Fort Davis to Fort Clayton, Fort Clayton to Rodman Naval Station and the last move from Rodman Naval Station to Fort Kobbe. He was briefly assigned to the Orderly Room and then went back to the Heavy Boat Platoon. To the best of my knowledge, he has the most consecutive time in the Company, 7 years. He left the 1097th in mid 1999. He was assigned to the 558th Marine Maintenance Company Fort Eustis Virginia. He is now serving at Fort Lee as an 88L advisor to CASCOM. Jeff was reassigned to Ecuador as some sort of advisor a year or three ago. I saw him at breakfast about 6 months ago at IHOP but we did not have a chance to catch up any. Information is as of 20 July 2009.

 

James Brong, 1970s ***
Made the move to Panama in 1976. I have no further information as of 24 July 2009

 

 

Alphonse Brooks, 1968
I have no further information is as of 20 April 2000.


Don Brooks, 1969
I have no further information as of 20 April 2000.


Robert Brooks, 1970s ***

Made the move to Panama in 1976. I have no further information as of 24 July 2009

 

 

Brown (first name unknown, male), early 1990s
From Matt Hughes:

Top Brown was by far the best 1sg I had the pleasure of knowing. When he ran the show, no one messed with his Raiders...period. I once got accused of speeding through a housing area in Ft. Espinar on my way to guard duty. I was driving a TMP vehicle that had been governed down so far that its top speed was 25mph, but you had to literally stand up on the gas pedal to achieve it. Anyway, I drove past the NCOIC of the Motor Pools' house and he said I was speeding and that I had to come in the next day to turn in my license. Was I speeding? No, I wasn't but I was a lowly E4 and he was a SFC. I went to see Top Brown after duty that day and all he said was "well Raider, were you speeding?" I said "no Top I wasn't" to which he replied "that’s good enough for me....f@%k him son you just keep your license where it is". It was during his reign that when we sounded off with "River-Raiders" we meant it. He was a good Joe, unfortunately, family matters forced his early return. As far as I'm concerned, the unit was never as good as it was when he was there.....
I have no further information is as of 13 Aug 2009.


Delores Brown, 1970s ***

Made the move to Panama in 1976. I have no further information as of 24 July 2009

 

 

Donald Brown, 1970s ***

Made the move to Panama in 1976. I have no further information as of 24 July 2009

 

 

Doug Brown, 1968 - 1969
Doug Brown was assigned to the company during Vietnam. He was assigned as the Coxswain of the Damage Control Vessel. We crossed paths and he is now the primary source of information from the Vietnam Era. He has given well over 100 names to this list. I think he is living somewhere on the East Coast of the US. He owns his own printing business. Information as of 20 April 2000.


Doug Brown, mid 1990s
Doug Brown joined the 1097th in the mid 1990s. He was assigned as an Engineer aboard the LCU 2017. He was failing, but still trying to learn on how to be a "Downranger" from El Pirata. He was taken down to Colon several times kicking and screaming because he didn't want to go by El Pirata. He left the 1097th in the mid 1990s. Where he went or where he is now is unknown. Information is as of 20 April 2000.


Ed Brown, early - mid 1990s
Ed Brown joined the 1097th in the early 1990s. He was assigned as a Mate in the Heavy Boat Platoon. He left the 1097th in the mid 1990s. He was assigned to Fort Eustis Virginia. The latest information puts him as the First Sergeant of the LSV-4. Information as of 20 April 2000.


Gary Brown, early - mid 1990s
Gary Brown joined the 1097th in the early 1990s. I don't know about where he was before I got there, but while I was there he was assigned as a Seaman aboard the LCM 8582. He left the 1097th in the mid 1990s, but I can't remember if it was before or after the move to the Pacific Side, and he was reassigned to the JOTB Boathouse. Later he was reassigned to the 331st Causeway Company at Fort Eustis, Virginia. Information as of 20 April 2000.


Jack Brown, 1970s ***
Made the move to Panama in 1976. I have no further information as of 24 July 2009


Randy Brown, 1993 - mid 1990s
Randy Brown worked at T-School before he went to Panama. He was my Class Liaison Officer when I went through AIT. He joined the 1097th in late 1993. He was assigned as a Mate in the Heavy Boat Platoon and later he was assigned as the Medium Boat Platoon Sergeant. He left Panama in the mid 1990s but I don't know where he went after that. I have no further information as of 20 April 2000.


Ray Brown, mid 1990s
Ray Brown joined the 1097th in the mid 1990s, but it was before the move. He was assigned as a Boswain in the Heavy Boat Platoon. He left Panama just after the move. I have no further information as of 20 April 2000.


Timothy Brown, early 1990s
I have no further information as of 20 April 2000.


Levir Browning, 1970s ***

Made the move to Panama in 1976. I have no further information as of 24 July 2009

 

 

Carlton Bruce, 1970s ***

Made the move to Panama in 1976. I have no further information as of 24 July 2009

 

 

Chance Bryan, mid 1990s
Chance Bryan was assigned to the 309th Transportation Company at Fort Story, Virginia before he came to Panama. He joined the 1097th just after the move to the Pacific Side and he was assigned as a Coxswain on the LCM 8504. He left Panama in 1996. He was assigned to a Unit on Fort Eustis, but I can't remember which. He is still in the Army and still at Fort Eustis. I have no further information as of 20 April 2000.


Reggie Bryant, early - mid 1990s
Reggie Bryant joined the 1097th right out of AIT and he was assigned as a Seaman aboard the LCM 8502. He later was assigned as a Seaman aboard the J-3795. He attended PLDC in Aug/Sept 1994, the last class before the NCO Academy closed. He reenlisted for an assignment in Hawaii and he left Panama before the move to the Pacific Side. After he left Hawaii he was assigned to the 331st Causeway Company at Fort Eustis. He is now assigned as a Boswain on the LCU 2017, originally from the 1097th, in the 558th Maintenance Company. I have no further information as of 24 May 2002.


Buck Buchannan, 1984 - 1986
I have no further information as of 20 April 2000.


Neil Buck, late 1990s
Neil Buck Joined the 1097th in the late 1990s and was assigned as an Engineer aboard one of the LCU 2000s. He was later reassigned as the Chief Engineer aboard the LCM 8519. He left Panama in mid 1999. He was assigned somewhere on Fort Eustis. I have seen him a time or two, but I can't remember which unit he is assigned to. I have no further information as of 20 April 2000.


Budde (first name unknown, male), early - mid 1990s
Budde was assigned to the JOTB Boathouse directly from AIT. He joined the 1097th in the early 1990s. He was an Engineer, I think, but I can't remember where he was assigned. The only other memory I have of him was that he had a primer colored Honda POJ that was always parked out behind the Company. I think he got out of the Army before the move, but I can't remember. I have no further information as of 20 April 2000.


Burgos (first name unknown, male), late 1980s - early 1990s
I have no further information as of 20 April 2000.


William Burke, 1995 - 1996
William Burke joined the 1097th in 1995. He was assigned as the Platoon Leader of Medium Boat. For a Lieutenant he had cajones bigger than most Generals. He generally was able to get what he wanted for his platoon. He was involved in the Bocas Del Toro Incident was discharged from the Army as a result. From his own words a few years later the charges were dropped and he’s doing well now. I have no further information as of 20 July 2009.


Burkhardt, 1976 - 1978
I have no further information of 8 June 2000.


James Burkhart, mid 1980s
James Burkhart was the Coxswain of the LCM 8504 during the Soviet Vessel Incident. I have no further information as of 20 April 2000.


Gordon Burleson, 1969
I have no further information as of 20 April 2000.


Shannon Burley, late 1990s
Shannon Burley was assigned to the Heavy Boat Platoon. She was later reassigned to the Orderly Room then later Back to the Heavy Boat Platoon. She got her tour shortened so that she could attend a school at Fort Eustis, but after she reported to the school she could not attend for some reason. She is assigned at Fort Eustis. I have no further information as of 20 April 2000.


Bruce Burnett, early - mid 1990s
Bruce Burnett was assigned as the Vessel Master of one of the LCU 1600s. He left Panama before the move to the Pacific Side, but I have no further information as of 20 April 2000.


James Bush, 1968
I have no further information as of 20 April 2000.


Mike Bushemi, mid 1970s
I have no further information as of 20 April 2000.


Robert Buswell, 1969
I have no further information as of 20 April 2000.


Butterball, late 1960s
Butterball was the Company Mascot during the Vietnam War. From what the news clippings say about him he was a genuine River Rat Pirate. I have no further information as of 20 April 2000.


Peter Butts, early 1990s
From Matt Hughes:

Lt. Butts was the Med. Boat. Plt. Ldr. when I first got there in 1990. He was the most disrespected Lt. in the Army. I remember 1st. Sgt. Farley instructing us in Formation that we had to salute him. Later, when one of our C.O.'s (I think it was Capt. Mattox but cant remember for sure), called an unexpected mid-afternoon formation. He walked out said the Army wasn't for him and that he'd just resigned his commission and "effectively immediately Lt. Butts, you are the Company Commander". He used to come around to every boat every day and ask the engineer, "What’s your status?" This meant are you mission ready or dead-lined. Due to the fact that he didn't know up from down, I decided to have some fun with him one day and answered his daily question with "well sir, the feldercarp sheared off at the framis causing the sphincter valve to blow and ass gasket and we've got shit all over the place". He gave me a confused dog look and asked if I could fix it. I told him "no problem", we'll be up by C.O.B.  Sgt Persinger my coxswain asked me what I had just done to which I replied "I just got us no less than 4hrs of free time to play cribbage, shut up and deal"!!   Another memory of him was when ever he got on the radio, all he could say was "um" here's an example "Um ah um...waterborne uh ops, this um is uhh uhh,.....break......um uh this is..break (whispering "what boat is this?"..."Mike 01 sir")....um Mike zero one. Over" It was as painful to watch then as it is to read now.
I have no further information as of 5 Aug 2009.


Mike Byers, late 1980s - early 1990s
Mike is nearing, or has already, retiring. Last time I saw him, about a year ago, he was serving as a Mate on one of the LCU 2000s on Eustis. I have no further information as of 24 May 2002.



C***********
Dennis Call, mid 1990s
Dennis Call replaced First Sergeant Copeland as the First Sergeant. He was later assigned to the 245th Support Battalion and later as the Acting Battalion Sergeant Major and later still back to the 1097th as the First Sergeant. He retired from the Army and left Panama. I have no further information as of 20 April 2000.


Lloyd Callendar, early 1980s
I have no further information of 20 April 2000.


Greg Cambell, 1980s

I have no further information as of 29 July 2009.

 

 

Ernest Canady, 1969
I have no further information as of 20 April 2000.


Joseph Capinski, 1969
I have no further information as of 20 April 2000.


Pedro Carmaega, mid 1970s
I have no further information as of 20 April 2000.


Bruce Carlton, 1974 – 1978

I have no further information as of 29 July 2009.

 

 

Herbert Carol, late 1980s - early 1990s

I have no further information as of 29 July 2009.

 

 

Karsten Carosella, early - 1996
Karsten Carosella was assigned as a Section Sergeant in the Medium Boat Platoon and was later reassigned as the Boswain on the LCU 2017. He left the 1097th in 1996, but I don't know where he went. I have no further information as of 20 April 2000.


Tim Carpenter, 1980s

I have no further information as of 29 July 2009.

 

 

Scott Carr, early 1990s - mid 1990s
Scott Carr joined the 1097th in the early 1990s. He was a Seaman in the Medium Boat Platoon and he may have had some time on the Heavy Boats, but I can't remember. He married a Woman from Colon. He also bought a "Duty Paid" ancient "3 in the tree" truck from Jack Hargis. He left Panama before the move and was assigned to Fort Eustis. He is now assigned to one of the Tug Boats in 3rd Port. He is now serving as a Boswain on the LSV 4, I think. I have no further information. Scott is still assigned at Fort Eustis. Prior to me retiring he was assigned to 331st Trans Co but I do not know if he is still there now. Information as of 20 July 2009.


Matt Carrier, 1992 - 1995
Matt Carrier joined the 1097th in 1992. I only know of him being an Engineer aboard the Heavy Boats, but he may have spent some time in Medium Boat Platoon. He was an avid diver. He spent hundreds of hours diving in Panama and the surrounding areas. Where he went from Panama I don't know. I have no further information as of 20 April 2000.


Dennis Carroll, early 1990s
Dennis Carroll joined the 1097th in the early 1990s. I know he was assigned as a Seaman on the LCM 8519 when I got there and up to the time he left. I have no further information as of 20 April 2000.


James Carroll, 1969
I have no further information as of 20 April 2000.


Edward Carpenter, mid 1980s - early 1990s
I have no further information as of 20 April 2000.


Floyd Carpenter, 1969
I have no further information as of 20 April 2000.


Jimmy Carter, early 1990s
From Matt Hughes:

When I got there he was in Med Boat. He was the original engineer on the SLEP Boat. I was assigned as his assistant and told that I'd get the chief position once he and I got her up and running. We did that, he then went to Heavy Boat, (I think on a 1600) and I got taken off and assigned to the 8501. As far as I know, he went back to Philly from there.

I have no further information as of 13 Aug 2009.


John Cartwright, 1976 – 1977 ***
John Cartwright joined the 1097th when the unit was still assigned to Fort Eustis. He laid out the plans for the move and implemented them. He was relieved shortly after the move to Panama due to a bad rating during an IG Inspection. He Commanded the 1097th for the move to Panama in 1976. I have no further information as of 24 July 2009


Thomas Causby, 1969
I have no further information as of 20 April 2000.


Jayme Cavanol, late 1990s
Jayme Cavanol joined the 1097th in the late 1990s. She was assigned to the Heavy Boat Platoon. She was reassigned to Fort Eustis. She got married after returning to the US and changed her last name to Sweten. She is currently assigned to 558th (as of the time I retired) I have no further information as of 20 July 2009.


Cedebaca (first name unknown, male), early 1990s
Cedebaca joined the 1097th in the early 1990s. He was assigned to the Heavy Boat Platoon. He left Panama and was assigned to Fort Eustis. He went through Warrant Officer School and is now a CW2 stationed somewhere at Fort Eustis. I have no further information as of 20 April 2000.


Chaffin (first name unknown, gender unknown), late 1980s - early 1990s
I have no further information as of 20 April 2000.


John "The Ogre" Chaplin, early - mid 1990s
The Ogre joined the 1097th in the early 1990s. He was assigned to the Welding Shop. The Ogre assisted in the Move to the Pacific Side in 1995 and left the 1097th later that year or the following year. He bought a Brand New Ford Explorer shortly after the move. I have no further information as of 20 April 2000.


Angelica Charleston, early - mid 1990s
Angelica Charleston joined the 1097th in the early 1990s. She was assigned to the Orderly Room. She did not have enough time left in Panama for her to move with the Unit to the Pacific Side, but until there was a replacement for her in the Orderly Room she used to have to take the shuttle bus each day from Fort Davis to Rodman to get to work and take it home each afternoon. All in all she only had the opportunity to work about 3 hours per day with the rest of the time being spent on or waiting for buses. After she left Panama I don't know where she went or anything else. I have no further information as of 20 April 2000.


Cheromiah (first name unknown, male), late 1980s - early 1990s
He was Navajo I believe from AZ. Worked as 88L Med Boat. If this is the same Cheromiah I am thinking about he was in 309th at FSVA either before or after his tour in Panama. Updated 20 Oct 2006


Fred Christ, Late 70s ***
Made the move to Panama in 1976. I have no further information as of 24 July 2009.


Jeffery L. Christian, 1969
I have no further information as of 20 April 2000.


Nels Christopher, 1969
I have no further information as of 20 April 2000.


Eric "Chris" Christopherson, 1976 - 1982
I have no further information as of 8 June 2000.

 


Chumack (first name unknown, male), early 1990s
I have no further information as of 20 April 2000.


Ruben Cimberon, late 1980s - early 1990s
I have no further information as of 20 April 2000.


Clark (first name unknown, male), mid 1990s
Clark joined the 1097th just after the move to the Pacific Side. He was assigned to the Supply Section. He was a country boy. He was one of my roommates until he left Panama in 1996 or 1997. He showed me a few downrange places on the Pacific Side, because I had no clue of anywhere to go on the Pacific Side. I have no further information as of 20 April 2000.


Dale Clark, 1969
I have no further information as of 20 April 2000.


John Clark, late 1980s - early 1990s
I have no further information as of 20 April 2000.


Paul Clary, mid 1990s
Paul Clary joined the 1097th in the mid 1990s, just before the move to the Pacific Side. He was assigned as an Assistant Coxswain in the Medium Boat Platoon. He was a certified Lifeguard and was part of the 1097th Team that taught drownproofing and swimming each and every Thursday during PT time. My fondest memory of him was that he could duplicate the voices and personalities of Beevis and Butthead perfectly. There was nothing better than hearing him get on the radio in the wee hours of the morning when you were about to fall asleep from the rocking of the ocean while you were sailing on a mission and he would start doing a Beevis and Butthead impression for about 10 or 20 minutes. Presto you were awake. I think he was assigned to Fort Eustis when he left Panama, but I don't know. I do know now! He is married and assigned to the 331st Trans Co (CAUSEWAY OR NO WAY) and is in my Platoon. He's a Squad Leader and a Pilot in training, as I am. Paul Went to Warrant Officer’s School around 2002 or 2003. Last time I saw him was about a year or so ago and he was a CW2. I have no further information as of 20 July 2009.


Kenneth Clayton, 1970s ***
Made the move to Panama in 1976. I have no further information as of 24 July 2009


Richard Cleaves, 1969
I have no further information as of 20 April 2000.


Clemons (first name unknown, gender unknown), mid 1970s
I have no further information as of 20 April 2000.


Larry Close, 1969
I have no further information as of 20 April 2000.


John Coburn, 1991 - 1993
John Coburn joined the 1097th in the 1991. He was assigned as the Coxswain aboard the LCM 8503. He did a 2 year tour was returned to Fort Eustis in late 1993. He is now serving as the Maintenance Platoon Sergeant in 331st Trans Co (Causeway Or No Way). John left the Army abruptly at 17 years in service around 2002 or 2003. I have no further information as of 20 July 2009.


Robert Coburn, 1970s ***

Made the move to Panama in 1976. I have no further information as of 24 July 2009

 

 

Jerry Cochran, 1980s
I have no further information as of 29 July 2009.


William Coffey, 1969
I have no further information as of 20 April 2000.


Coleman (first name unknown, male), early 1990s
I have no further information as of 20 April 2000.


John Coleman, 1983 – 1985, 1994 - 1996
John Coleman joined the 1097th in early 1990s. He was assigned as a Mate aboard one of the Heavy Boats. He made the move to the Pacific Side. He returned to the states in the mid 1990s and was assigned to Fort Eustis. At one point in time he was the First Sergeant of the LSV-6 but where he now I don't know. He has retired from the Army as of 00 or 01. John is retired now and working at the Fort Eustis Harbormaster’s Office.

1983-1985 as a Sp5 and SSG. Was the Coxn on LCM 8510, Was section sgt in 2nd Plt. Last 6 months in the unit I was the OPNS NCOIC. Returned in 1994 to 1996. I was the Mate on LCU 1667 and later as a mate on the LCU 2018. During the 2 years I was there we were underway over 280 days all year. My family lived at Ft davis for 1 year then moved with the unit to Rodman Naval Station, my family lived at Ft Kobbe.

I have no further information as of 5 Aug 2009.


Carrol Coley, early - mid 1990s
Carrol Coley joined the 1097th in the early 1990s. She was assigned to the Supply Section. She attended PLDC at Fort Sherman in 1994. She was promoted to Sergeant. She was later reassigned to another unit in Panama but I don't know where she went from there nor where she is now. I have no further information as of 20 April 2000.


Joseph L. Colvin, 1969
I have no further information as of 20 April 2000.


Paul Combs, 1969
I have no further information as of 20 April 2000.


Barb & Rick Conklin, early 1990s- 1995
Barb & Rick Conklin joined the 1097th in the early 1990s. The both spent time in Heavy Boat Platoon and Medium Boat Platoon. While in the Heavy Boat Platoon Barb was the Boswain aboard the LCU 2000s and Rick was the Leading Seaman and Boswain aboard the LCU 1600s. While in the Medium Boat Platoon Barb served as Platoon Sergeant while Rick was the Coxswain. After leaving Panama Barb was assigned to Fort Eustis while Rick decided he wanted to get out of the Army. Barb is currently working in Building 705 and Rick drives trucks for a living. I have no further information as of 20 April 2000.


Mark Conn, 1978 – 1979

I have no further information as of 29 July 2009.

 

 

Dante Conner, late 1980s - early 1990s
I have no further information as of 20 April 2000.


Elijiah Conway, 1970s ***
Made the move to Panama in 1976. I have no further information as of 24 July 2009


Henry Cook, early - mid 1990s
Henry Cook joined the 1097th in the early 1990s as a wet behind the ears Lieutenant. He was assigned as Platoon Leader of one of the platoons. Later he was assigned as the XO. He left Panama just before the move.
I just got an e-mail from him out of the blue. He is Major now as I think working as a Army in Industry position. He told me about a few awards the 1097th was authorized to wear and I will post these as I confirm them with PAC. I have no further information as of 24 May 2002.


Shawn Cook, early - mid 1990s
Shawn Cook joined the 1097th in the early 1990s. It was his first duty station. He was a generator mechanic and assigned to the Motor Pool working on wheeled vehicles, go figure? Shawn was my first roommate when I got to the 1097th. I think he was just playing a trick on me but I had learned a little Survival Spanish before I got to Panama and I was ready to say "No Comprendo" when talking to Spanish speaking people. Shawn said that "No Comprendo" was disrespectful and to use "No Aqui". Hey I was wet behind the ears at this point so I believed it. It took me several months before I finally figured out why everyone was hanging up when I said "No Aqui". Shawn was Lifeguard and Water Safety Instructor certified which gave him the additional duty of being on the Lifeguard Team. Shawn left Panama before the move, I think. I have no further information as of 20 April 2000.


Charles Copeland, mid 1990s
Charles Copeland took over as First Sergeant from Rusty Phelps just as the dust was starting to settle after the move the Pacific Side. He left Panama in 1996 or 1997. I have no further information as of 20 April 2000.


Cordin (first name unknown, male), early 1990s
I have no further information as of 20 April 2000.


Lenny Costa, 1994 - 1995
Lenny Costa joined the 1097th in early 1994 just when USARSO was giving out 1 year tours. He was assigned to Medium Boat Platoon but as we went to Fort Sherman one night he refused to follow his Medium Boat initiation of licking the wall of the Locks. I mean the slimy green part, been there done that got the T-shirt. Anyway he was reassigned to Operations where he worked the night shift until he DEROS'd back to the states. He wore the same rank on his collar each and every night without ever painting it black again as the paint was worn off. By the time he left that rank could have been worn on his formal uniform. He returned to Fort Eustis in early 1995. About 1 year after he returned he got out of the Army. I have no further information as of 20 April 2000.


William Cousins, 1969
I have no further information as of 20 April 2000.


Edward Cowardin, 1982 - 1984
I have no further information as of 8 June 2000.

 


Tony "CPT Caveman" Crawford, 1982 - 1983
CPT Caveman was killed in a motorcycle accident on his way back from Colon. He apparently hit a tree. The rider on the back survived with a broken arm. I have no further information. Information as of 8 June 2000.

 

John Crenshaw, mid - late 1970s ***
John Crenshaw joined the 1097th in 1976 right before the move to Panama as a Second Lieutenant. He was sent on a 10 day recon of Panama prior to the move and was part of the advance party sent to Panama. He was the last of the old leadership to be removed after the bad rating during the IG Inspection in 1977. I have spoke with John several times since this page was started. The first time was in late 2000 or early 2001. He sent some pics and docs from his era in the 1097th. He also included a copy of the 1097th History that was already posted on the site. I spoke with him earlier in 2009 about the reunion planned for Oct 2009 and he mentioned a “list” which he mailed me a copy which is the original list of the Raiders who made the transfer from Ft Eustis to Panama. He lives in Virginia and works for the school district. I have no further information as of 20 July 2009.


Mark Cresse, 1970s ***
Made the move to Panama in 1976. I have no further information as of 24 July 2009


Crist (first name unknown, may be John, male), late 1980s
I have no further information as of 20 April 2000.


Crothers (first name unknown, gender unknown) 1980s

Was a Commander of the 1097th in the 1980s. I have no further information as of 29 July 2009.

 

 

Ralph Crysel, 1882 - 1984
I have no further information as of 8 June 2000.

 

 

Morris Cuffee, 1970s ***
Made the move to Panama in 1976. I have no further information as of 24 July 2009


Michael Cummings, 1967
I have no further information as of 20 April 2000.


Steve Curda, early 1990s
I have no further information as of 20 April 2000.


Curry (first name unknown, male), late 1980s - early 1990s
I have no further information as of 20 April 2000.



D***********
Darryl Daniels, 1991 - 1993
Darryl Daniels was assigned to the 309th Transportation Company prior to joining the 1097th in 1991. He was originally scheduled to leave for Panama in late 1990 but due Sudam Insane Darryl's Orders were deleted. After he finally got to Panama he was assigned as the Assistant Coxswain on the LCM 8503. He returned to the States in late 1993. He was assigned somewhere on Fort Eustis. I have seen him once or twice since I returned from Panama but I forget where he is assigned. Darryl has retired from the Army, in 2006 I think, but I have not seen him since he retired. I have no further information as of 20 July 2009.


William E. Daniels, 1969
I have no further information as of 20 April 2000.


Matthew Dansbury, mid 1980s
He was one of the LT's in the company. From Scott Gross:

Lt Dansbury was an MP/Ranger before attending OCS, after graduation he was assigned to 1097th as PLT Leader, later to become CPT Timberlake's XO. I spoke at length one day with Lt Dan, he expressed his dislike for the Trans side of the house and wanted to go Special Forces. I wrote a letter to my Dad, Ret CSM Special Forces, who called SF Branch. Lt Dansbury was select for SF and completed training. In late 1999 my father past, Col Dansbury Flew from his Command of 3rd GRP SF for my father's funeral, I was touched and honored that he came with any notice, it was something he did on his own. I again ran into him shortly after 9/11, he was retiring and would be assigned to Special Operation in a civilian position.

I have no further information as of 13 Aug 2009.


Steve Dardin, late 1980s - early 1990s
Steve Dardin was present for the Invasion in 1989. He left Panama in the early 1990s and was assigned to the 309th Transportation Company at Fort Story, Virginia. I think he got out of the Army but I can't remember. I have no further information as of 20 April 2000.


Davis (first name unknown, female), early - mid 1990s
Davis joined the 1097th in the early 1990s. She was assigned to the Orderly Room. She did not have enough time left in Panama for her to move with the Unit to the Pacific Side, but until there was a replacement for her in the Orderly Room she used to need to leave her house on Fort Sherman at 0500 so that she could catch the shuttle to Clayton at 0555 and once she got to Clayton she had to wait for the Rodman shuttle by the time she ended up getting to work it was 1000 or 1100 and she had to leave Rodman by 1400 in order to catch the last Pacific to Atlantic Shuttle. She had to do this each and every work day. As she was trying to get her house on Fort Sherman ready to turn in her son got creative with some paint and put an extra special coat on the floor of the house. She apparently spent several days cleaning all of the paint off the floor. After she left Panama I don't know where she went or anything else. I have no further information as of 20 April 2000.


Joe Day, mid 1980s
I have no further information as of 20 April 2000.


Wayne Deal, 1969
I have no further information as of 20 April 2000.


Bill "Snapper" Deck, 1993 - 1996
Bill Deck Joined the Army in 1988 and attended AIT in early 1989. He was assigned to the 331st Transportation Company (ACV) at Fort Story, Virginia. He spent several summers as a Lifeguard at Fort Story's beaches. He joined the 1097th in Late 1993. He was assigned as the Coxswain of the LCM 8503. Later, in late 1994 he was assigned to the J-3795. Then later in later 1994 or early 1995 he was assigned as the Boswain of the LCU 2018. He left Panama in late 1996. He was assigned somewhere at Fort Eustis. In 1998 he attended the Basic Warrant Officer Course and in early 1999 he attended the Marine portion of the Warrant Officer school. After he graduated he has been assigned to one of the LCU companies at Fort Eustis. Bill is now a CW4. I have no further information as of 21 July 2009.


Willie Delaney, late 1980s - early 1990s
I have no further information as of 5 Aug 2009.


Timothy Demasion, mid 1980s
I have no further information as of 20 April 2000.


Joseph Demyon, early 1990s
Joe Demyon was assigned to the 309th Transportation Company prior to joining the 1097th in the early 1990s. I don't know what all he did here, but when I arrived he was working in the "A" Shop. He left Panama in 1993 or 1994. I think he was assigned to Fort Eustis. I also think that he is still in the Army. I have no further information as of 20 April 2000.


Shawn "Roach" Derosiers, mid 1990s
Roach joined the 1097th as his first duty station prior to the move to the Pacific Side. He was assigned to the Welding Shop and assisted in the move of the shop to the Pacific Side. After the Welding Shop was phased out of the Company in 1996 he was reassigned to Operation where he spent his remaining time in Panama. He begged and pleaded to get to go on a mission aboard one of the LCU 2000s. Finally he got his wish and sailed aboard the LCU 2017 to Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico. Upon coming aboard the Boswain, Pirata, told him a few of the rules that all Mariners, and supercargo, must follow. One extremely important rule was not to put, or leave you hat on the Galley table. Well low and behold he forgets the most important. No one in the galley who sees this says anything to him. Three days later Roach starts looking for his hat. It is finally found in the freezer in a solid block of frozen creamed corn. He never forgot the hat rule again. He left Panama and was assigned to the 558th Maintenance Company at Fort Eustis, Virginia. When one thinks of the chances of a Non Mariner MOS being assigned twice to boat units, it is extremely rare. The last I heard he is still in 558th. I have no further information as of 20 April 2000.


Raymond Desalvo, early 1990s
I have no further information as of 20 April 2000.


Jeremy "Big Country" Dey, 1996 - 1999
I met Big Country while I was at Fort Eustis for 20 School from Panama while Big Country was attending AIT. Don "Bee Bop" Walters introduced us and told me to tell Big Country about Panama because he was going there as soon as he graduated from AIT. Big country joined the unit in early 1996. He was assigned as a Seaman on the LCU 2017 in Heavy Boat Platoon. While he was on the 2017 I was assigned briefly to the vessel as the Boswain which is when he got his name of Big Country. I was also given another nickname of Big City. Between the two of us everything on that boat was accomplished, as long as it involved brute force. Whenever we were tying down cargo the binders we used had washers to take up the slack in the cable and tighten the cargo down. Each and every time we were tying cargo down we would try to, generally we would, get one more washer into the binder to get the cargo tighter and tighter. One particular day we were tying down some mid- sized trucks that were on their way to Gitmo. When the trucks were unloaded they had about nine inches of ground clearance but by the time we finished they had less than three inches of clearance. He was assigned to that vessel until late 1998 when he was assigned to Medium Boat Platoon. He got married to a woman from Vera Cruz and they had their first baby in mid 1999. Big country got out of the Army from Panama and moved to Oregon. I have no further information as of 20 April 2000.


Diaz (first name unknown, male), late 1980s - early 1990s
I have no further information as of 20 April 2000.


Mike Diaz, 1995 - 1996
Mike Diaz joined the 1097th in mid 1995. He was assigned as the Assistant Platoon Sergeant of Medium Platoon. He was involved in the incident in Bocas Del Toro and got out of the Army in late 1996 or early 1997. I have no further information as of 20 April 2000.


Russell Dice, 1969
I have no further information as of 20 April 2000.


Percy Dickerson, 1970s ***

Made the move to Panama in 1976. I have no further information as of 24 July 2009

 

 

Jess Dietner, 1980s

I have no further information as of 29 July 2009.

 

 

Rolon "Hard Body" Dioselina, late 1980s - early 1990s
I have no further information as of 20 April 2000.


Edward Dohring, 1969
I have no further information as of 20 April 2000.


Jeanne Donaghty, late 1970s
I have no further information as of 20 April 2000.


Donaldson (first name unknown, gender unknown), early 1990s
I have no further information as of 20 April 2000.


Eliut Donis, 1992 - 1998
Eliut Donis joined the 1097th in 1992. He was assigned as an Engineer in the Heavy Boat Platoon. Later he took on the additional duty as the Reenlistment NCO. In late 1996 or early 1997 he was assigned as the Chief Engineer aboard the LCM 8519. He later went back to Heavy Boat Platoon. Most of his time was spent in the Heavy Boat Platoon. He left Panama in April or May after the denial of his 2 month tour extension. His son was graduating from Balboa High School in the end of May and he wanted to wait until after his son finished school to move. He returned to the states and got his assignment in one of the LCU companies then immediately took leave back to Panama so he could be there for his son's graduation. The funny part about the whole thing was that his family was able to stay in his house on Fort Clayton while he was not assigned to Panama until after his son graduated and then everyone moved to the States. The last I heard he is assigned to the LCU 2013. I have no further information as of 20 April 2000.


Mike Donnelly, early 1990s

From Matt Hughes’ hand:
He was a nice guy who taught a whole bunch of us how to play Cribbage. He went back to Eustis in the early '90s and later became a recruiter.

I have no further information as of 13 Aug 2009.


Patrick Doran, early 1990s
Patrick Doran joined the 1097th in the early 1990s. He was assigned as a mate aboard one of the LCUs. I have no further information as of 20 April 2000.


Steven Doughten, 1969
I have no further information as of 20 April 2000.


Doug Downing, early 1990s
From Matt Hughes:

Doug Downing was from Hell Michigan. He loved to wear a hat that said, "Go to Hell, I've been there and its Cold." .

I have no further information as of 13 Aug 2009.


Michael Drake, late 1980s - early 1990s
I have no further information as of 20 April 2000.


Ken Draskovic, 1984 - 1986,

I was in 1097th from 84-86. LCM-18 1st platoon. I am retired and married to my wife of 22 years Pam who also is retired from the Army. My son Zach is in his final year of college. I fish bass tournaments here in Alabama where I retired and coach wrestling. The team I coach is four time consecutive state champions. Go Wildcats! I love living on Lake Guntersville the best bass lake in the country.

I have no further information as of 23 Aug 2009.

 

 

Dudley (first name unknown, male), early 1990s
Dudley joined the 1097th in the early 1990s. He was assigned to the Supply Section and he also had the additional duty of being the R&U person for the company. Where he went from the 1097th I have no idea. I have no further information as of 20 April 2000.


Samuel Duling, 1968 – 1968

I have no further information as of 29 July 2009.

 

 

Durso (first name unknown, gender unknown), late 1980s - early 1990s
I have no further information as of 20 April 2000.


Dennis Dyer, 1968
I have no further information as of 20 April 2000.


Jerry Dyson, 1969
I have no further information as of 20 April 2000.



E***********
Larry Easter, mid - late 1980s
Larry Easter joined the 1097th in the mid 1980s. He was assigned as the Maintenance Officer for the company. He left Panama in the late 1980s and retired from the Army sometime later. He has contributed several pictures and several names to the page. I have no further information as of 20 April 2000.


Curtis Eddy, 1985 – 1987

I have no further information as of 29 July 2009.

 

 

Charles & S. Edmundson, late 1980s - early 1990s
The Edmundsons joined the 1097th in the late 1980s. I don't know if they were married before they got to Panama but they were when they left. The both were assigned to Fort Story, Virginia after they left Panama. I have no further information as of 20 April 2000.


Charles Egger, 1969
I have no further information as of 20 April 2000.


Eric Eggers, early - mid 1990s
Eric Eggers joined the 1097th in the early 1990s. He was assigned to the Heavy Boat Platoon. He got one of the one year short tours and left Panama shortly before the move to the Pacific Side. He was assigned to Fort Eustis, Virginia. He is still in the Army as of the last time I saw him a year or so ago. He is now a CW2 assigned as one of the Engineers on a Tugboat. He was pursuing getting the 1097th coins remade but I have not heard from him since I sent him a scanned copy of my coin in 2007. I have no further information of 20 July 2009.


Earl Ehrson, early 1990s
I have no further information as of 20 April 2000.


Carol Ekern, 1970s ***
1SG during the move to Panama in 1976.
I have no further information as of 24 July 2009

 


Larry Eldridge, early - mid 1990s
Larry Eldridge joined the 1097th in the early 1990s. He was assigned to the Commo Shop. He helped move the company to the Pacific Side. Where he went after Panama I do not know. I have no further information as of 20 April 2000.


Donnie Elkins, early 1990s
I have no further information as of 20 April 2000.


John Ellis, mid 1990s - 1999
John Ellis joined the 1097th in the mid 1990s. He was assigned to Heavy Boat Platoon. He left the unit in 1999 and was assigned to Fort Eustis. He is assigned as an Engineer on one of the boats in Causeway. I have no further information as of 24 May 2002.


Greg Ellison, 1986 – 1989

I was stationed with the River Raiders from 1986-1989. I was a SPC (61C/88L) then. My wife (Nora) and I lived on Espinar. The first Mike I was assigned to was the dime boat (8510) and the engineer was SGT Robert Peet and the coxswain was SGT Ron Mize. I was later given the 8518, SSG Doug White was the coxswain and after I came back from 20 school I was given the 8519 (Maintenance boat). My coxswain then was SGT Matt Geskings (he reclassed to Patriot Missiles). When I was in second platoon 1LT Susan Rife and SSG/SFC Patriquin ran the platoon. When I moved to the maintenance platoon our platoon SGT was SFC Larry Urban (later became SGM). I'm currently sill in the Army and assigned to TRADOC Capabilities Management - Transportation (TCM-T) Current Fleet on Fort Eustis. Nora and I have

2 kids, Robert (15) and Kaila (14). Please add me to your roster.

V/r

Greg

 

CW4 Greg Ellison

TCM-T Current Fleet Manager

I have no further information as of 22 July 2009

 

 

E. Joseph Elzey, 1993 - 1996
Joseph Elzey joined the 1097th in early 1993. He was assigned as the Chief Engineer of the LCM 8582. He owned an 87 Jeep Wrangler and he would occasionally go out 4X4ing with me. Where he went after he left Panama I do not know nor do I know whether he is still in the Army. I have no further information as of 20 April 2000.


William Emde, 1969
I have no further information as of 20 April 2000.


Hillary Emrick, early - mid 1990s
Hilary Emrick joined the 1097th in the early 1990s. She was assigned to the Supply Section. She had a child and got out of the Army when she left Panama. I have no further information as of 20 April 2000.


James Erickson, 1969
I have no further information as of 20 April 2000.

 

Ray Ersham, early 1990s
From Matt Hughes:

88k, early '90s, from Oklahoma, no further info

I have no further information as of 5 Aug 2009.

 

 

Joe Espinosa, 1969
I have no further information as of 20 April 2000.


Kelly & Nelson Etrata, 1994 - 1996
Nelson joined the 1097th in July 1993. He came from the 309th Transportation Company where he had been since he finished AIT. He got married to Kelly right before he went to Panama and she did not come to Panama until mid 1994. Nelson was assigned as the Coxswain of the LCM 8582. Kelly was assigned to the Supply Section. Nelson and I used to go surfing just about each and every weekend. They both assisted in the move to the Pacific Side. They both left panama in late 1996. I think that Kelly got out of the Army but Nelson is assigned to the 309th Transportation Company at Fort Story. I saw Nelson in 2007 or 2008 in 3rd Port. He was assigned as the 1SG aboard one of the LSV’s. I have no further information as of 20 July 2009.



F***********
James Fairbanks, early 1990s
I have no further information as of 7 May 2000.


Guy Fairweather, 1994 - 1995
Guy Fairweather joined the 1097th shortly before the move to the Pacific side. He was assigned to the Medium Boat platoon as the Coxswain of one of the LCMs, the 04 I think. I remember he shared a family house, that was an extension of the barracks for some NCOs, with Eric Eggers and Lovo Frio. If my memory serves, he was one of the first to move to the Pacific in early 1995. He left Panama sometime after the move to the Pacific side. He was assigned to one of the unit at Eustis. He is presently assigned as a Small Group Leader (SGL) at the NCO Academy at Eustis. As of the 2008, he is assigned as the 1SG of a Stevedore Company at Ft Eustis.

Good to hear from you and glad to see your web page is still going strong. I can still remember those days in Panama especially you and your Jeep....lol. I am currently serving as the 1SG for the 155th Inland Cargo Transfer Company (ICTC) for short. We are currently deployed to Iraq with about 40 days left on ground and looking forward to returning to the Newport News area.

 

After I left Panama I was reassigned to the 1098th Sea Dawgs, didn't stay there long as they moved me over to 97th Trans Company (Heavy Boat) where I made SSG and became the Boatswain on board the LCU 2011. A short while later I volunteered to work and teach at the NCO Academy for about a year. After about a year at the Academy I was selected to be a Basic Training Drill Sergeant at FT Jackson SC from 2001 - 2003. While assigned on the trail I made SFC and was completing my third year when I received my orders returning me back to FT. Eustis where I was reassigned once again to 97th Trans Company as First Mate. I sailed one six month rotation to United States Army South (USARSO) and upon returning was told I was selected to be the Detachment Sergeant of the 393d Transportation Harbormaster Operation Detachment known as THOD. I spent about one year there before being selected as the 1SG for 97th Trans Company from 2005 - 2007 as a SFC. After serving as the 1SG for two years as a SFC, I was selected to be a MSG and in Nov of 2007 I actually pinned it on. The 155th ICTC just returned from a deployment and 1SG Cottrell at the time was about to retire. Then LTC Ling the 10th BN Commander selected to move me from 97h to the 155th to prepare the unit to deploy, so in the same month I pinned (Nov) I was also moved to a new company. The unit deployed in Sept of 2008 and this brings us to where we are today, I have been holding the responsibilities as the 1SG for about five years in total between all the units. Too close, I have been serving as the 155th 1SG now for a little over two years 2007- 2009. I hope this small overview of my Bio helps you out and I look forward to seeing you at the reunion.

 

Guy

guy.fairweather@us.army.mil

I have no further information as of 20 July 2009.


Mark A. Farley, 1976, Dec 1989 - Feb 92 ***
Mark A. Farley, MSG Ret.
I was with the unit when it moved to Panama in 1976 my last name was Wilson then I left 78. I returned in 1989 my last name was Farley I assumed duties as 1SG from Dec 89 until Feb 92. I retired from the army in Aug 98. Take care past river raiders your always in my heart waterborne.

Made the move to Panama in 1976. I have no further information as of 24 July 2009

 


Raymond Fehrenbach, 1977 - 1978
Raymond Fehrenbach was an Infantry Officer that replaced Captain Cartwright as the Commanding Officer after the failed IG Inspection in mid 1977. He used Infantry Tactics and Infantry Discipline while in command.

A graduate of Indiana University, Raymond Fehrenbach was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in May 1973 through the Army ROTC program. Originally a Military Police Officer, he branch transferred to the Infantry in February 1977. In June of 1977, then Captain Fehrenbach took command of the 1097th Transportation Company (Med Boat) and commanded the Company until his PCS in June 1978.

 

After commanding the 1097th, Captain Fehrenbach continued his career as an Infantry Officer with assignments to Fort Bragg, North Carolina, Fort Benjamin Harrison, Indiana, Fort Drum, New York, the Republic of Korea, and MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Florida. While assigned to Fort Bragg, he participated in Operation JUST CAUSE in Panama and during the Gulf War, he participated in Operations DESERT SHIELD and DESERT STORM. His final assignment before retiring in 1996 was with Special Operations Command, Central at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Florida.

 

Military awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, and Meritorious Service Medal with 4OLC, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal with 3OLC, U.S. Army Ranger Tab and Master Parachutist Badge.

 

I think it was June (?) 1977 I took command of the 1097th. I know I left in June 1978.

Updated 22 July 2009.


John Fell, 1969
I have no further information as of 7 May 2000.


Dexter Fells, mid 1980s
After leaving Panama Dexter Fells was assigned to Eustis. During the 1990s he was working as an Instructor at T- School. UPDATE: He is now assigned as the First Sergeant of 73rd (I think either that or 97th). He is still on active duty and he recently cornered the baldheaded webmaster here and set him straight.
I am Dexter's wife. I was surfing along and found your site. We are currently assigned to V Corps, Heidelberg, Germany. Dexter is the G4 Transportation NCOIC. He is currently in Bagdad from January 2006 Jan 2007. He is assigned to Multi National Coalition, Iraq, CJ4. I am planning a speedy retirement for him after this deployment.

I hope that is enough updates for now. If you need any more, give me a holla.

In His Service,

Lisa G. Fells
Updated 10 March 2006


Paul Ferreira, mid 1990s until 1998 or 1999
Paul Ferreira joined the 1097th in the mid 1990s.
He was assigned to Medium Boat Platoon as the Coxswain of the LCM 8504. Later he was reassigned to the Heavy Boat Platoon where he stayed until he was reassigned back to Eustis. He is currently serving as a Causeway Pilot in the 331st Transportation Company. In mid to late 1999 he got married to former River Raider, Von Wuori. I have no further information as of 7 May 2000.


Miguel Figarella-Pico, 1969
I have no further information as of 7 May 2000.


Hector Figueroa, late 1980s - early 1990s
I have no further information as of 7 May 2000.


Margaret Finney, 1970s ***

Made the move to Panama in 1976. I have no further information as of 24 July 2009

 

 

Theodore Finney, 1970s ***

Made the move to Panama in 1976. I have no further information as of 24 July 2009

 

 

William Fish, 1980s

Served in the 1097th during the 80s and was the resident artist for the unit during that time. I have no further information as of 29 July 2009.

 

 

Brendan Fisher, late 1980s - early 1990s
I have no further information as of 7 May 2000.


Charles Fitch, 1968
I have no further information as of 7 May 2000.


Pete "Pedro" Fleming, 1993 - 1995
Pete Joined the 1097th in late 1993. He was assigned to Heavy Boat Platoon as an Engineer. Pete spent most of his time underway but when he was off he would travel over to Jim's Tattoo Studio in Panama City with El Pirata to get some new tattoos. Several of them were recorded on a camcorder. One in particular was surprisingly funny because an Infantry dude from the 5/87th Infantry decided he wanted to get a small devil on his backside. This guy was actually crying while he had that tattoo done. Pete and I just laughed and kept recording. Pete got out of the Army in 1995, but I can't remember if it was before or after the move to the Pacific Side. I have no further information as of 7 May 2000.


Vicki Fleming, 1986 - 1989
Being a Raider was one of the shining moments of my life and something I will never forget. The one thing I remember above all else is this: you could be the lowliest sailor on deck, but by God, when we on water we were Lords of all that be. Gawd, how I miss the canal. Maybe I wasn't the best sailor down there, but I always tried my best. That website of yours has brought back so many memories. Now I do historical research, genealogy, and documentation of graveyards. I give special attention to every veteran's grave. I was a rowdy little devil and I haven't changed much. I miss combat soccer and combat water polo with SF. Out of all the times I had to be overseas, it was during Iran-Contra and Noriega burning his candles at both ends. Recently found out I am cousin to Joseph "Ike" Clanton of the OK Corral fame. Today I received my certificate for a Diamond Leadership Award in the Commanders Club of local veterans' group.
Tah-Tah,
V. Fleming
River Raider (YES!!!!)

Updated 21 January 2005


Kevin Floehr, 1990 - 1992
I have no further information as of 29 July 2009.


Gordon "Lovo Frio" Folk, 1981 - 1983, 1986 - 1990, 1994 - 1996
What can be said about Lovo Frio? Lovo graduated from High School in 1981. He enlisted in the Army to be an Aviation Electronics Something but washed out of AIT and was either given the Mariner MOS or he chose it. Whatever the reason, Lovo took to boats like a fish to water. After graduating from AIT he joined the 1097th as his first duty assignment. During his first tour he was assigned to one of the LCMs. Lovo was one of the original "Downrangers."

Around 1983 he returned to the States and was assigned to Fort Story, I think. After he spent a few years either the powers that be decided that he would be better off being assigned back in the 1097th or they were just tired of him sending requests to be reassigned to 1097th. During this tour he re-established himself as a Downranger. I think it was on this tour that he met his future wife, Matilda who was from Cartagena, Colombia. Lovo participated in just about every mission and operation that the company was involved in during this time frame. He participated in Operation Just Cause and spent some of that time hauling POWs in the well-deck of his LCM. It was on this tour that he established himself as a Mike Boat God.

In November 1990 he was reassigned to the 309th Transportation Detachment, Fort Story. He was assigned as a Crew Chief of one of the LARCs. At this time he was still an E-4P that was trying to get promoted to SGT before he hit his Retention Control Point (RCP), which was the point where the Army can discharge people for failing to get promoted. Lovo tried to reclassify first as Special Forces, which he failed the grueling 10 Special Forces Assessment Selection (SFAS). Later he tried to reclass to be EOD but was unable to accomplish this for some reason. The one unfortunate thing that had happened was that he was given a Top Secret security clearance and was unable to return to South of the Border to get Matilda so they could get married. Lovo finally decided that it was time to get out of the Army because he was not going to be able to get promoted before his RCP date. He was planning on getting out in late September 1992.

On 1 August 1992 he was promoted to Sergeant while he was on a mission in Florida. Over the next nearly 60 days he and the entire command did everything within their power to keep him in the Army. Finally 1 October it was decided that he could stay in the Army and he continued his duty as a Crew Chief, but there was one catch, Finance had not gotten this information. He was forced to live off of no pay for the next few months, and a few loans from his close friends. Now that he was promoted he could resume his next goal of being reassigned to the 1097th. He must have filled out one paper each week until the powers that be decided that over 100 requests and two years was long enough for him to wait.

Lovo returned to his home in mid to late 1994. In the city of Colon, he was now a legend. He walked through the door of one of his favorite bars in Colon right after arriving in country. Everyone within the bar howled. Lovo had returned to his den. Next Lovo got in touch with Matilda in Colombia and had her fly to Panama and the two were married in mid 1995. Lovo was assigned to the Medium Boat Platoon as the Coxswain of the LCM 8502. In early 1996 Lovo sailed on the LCU 2017 on a mission to the States. It was his first time sailing on a real mission aboard a Class A Vessel as part of the crew. He returned to the Medium Boat Platoon as Coxswain of the LCM 8501 upon his return from the States. In the last days of July 1996 Lovo and El Pirata broached their boats on Pina Beach at the mouth of the Rio Chagres. The Chain of Command freaked, to say the least. As far as they were concerned, this was the first time that an LCM had ever been broached. After 4 days the 01 was finally pulled off by a commercial tugboat. Lovo was again getting close to his RCP date. Unfortunately the powers that be did not promote him and he got out of the Army after 15 years of service in late 1996.

To the best of my knowledge, Lovo holds the record for the most total time spent in the 1097th, 9 +/- years. Lovo and Matilda returned to his home of Michigan where they currently live. Lovo works part time for the local police department and goes to night school to be a RN. I have no further information as of 7 May 2000.


Dave Fonseca, early 1990s
From Matt Hughes:

Fonseca (first name unknown) His first name is Dave. He and his tiny wife had two huge Rottweiler’s that she used to walk. More times than not, they walked her and it was not unusual for her to have broken arms and other injuries as they drug her around Ft. Espinar.  One time in formation SSG Fonseca told "whoever keeps calling my house...let the phone ring longer, we only have one phone, its down stairs and my wife can't get down the stairs with her broken leg very easily".

I have no further information as of 13 Aug 2009.


Thomas Formby, 1993 - 1996
Prior to shipping to Panama, Tom was in the 309th Trans Det. as on a LARC LX. Tom served in Medium Boat on the LCM 8519 and took over as Chief Engineer before attending PLDC at Ft. Sherman. I remember Tom and Dave Alzen used to play "paper, rock, scissors" to see who would take the next batch of readings on the boat every hour. He was transferred to Heavy Boat upon his return from PLDC and served as Senior Engineman aboard the LCU 1669 USAV Marseilles until leaving Panama in June of 1996. All in all he spent half his time on LCM's and half his time on LCU's. After returning to the states, Tom was assigned as the ACE on a 65 foot Tug, ST 2199 USAV Valcour Island with 73rd Trans Co. and transferred with the tug when 8th Trans Co. was reactivated.

 

Tom left the Army as an E-5 in early 1998, went to college and he's been in human resources since 2000. He lives in Pittsburgh, PA with his wife and two children. As of April 2009, he was laid-off and looking for work. Tom helps Sean Kelly with the River Raiders website and he can be reached at tom@colonialpanama.com

I have no further information as of 30 July 2009.


Isiah Forward, early 1990s
Isiah Forward joined the 1097th in the early 1990s. During his time in the 1097th he was the Maintenance NCO and later he was the Acting First Sergeant. He left Panama long before the move to the Pacific side, but I have no further information as of 7 May 2000.


John Foster, 1969
I have no further information as of 7 May 2000.


Carroll Fowlkes, 1970s ***
Made the move to Panama in 1976. I have no further information as of 24 July 2009


Fox (first name unknown, male), mid 1990s
Fox was assigned to the 309th Trans Det, Ft Story, VA as his first duty assignment. He was assigned as an engineer aboard one of the LARCs. He joined the 1097th either shortly before or shortly after the move to the Pacific Side. He was assigned as an Engineer aboard one of the Heavy Boats. I have no further information as of 7 May 2000.


Wayne Fox, 1969
I have no further information as of 7 May 2000.


Frake (first name unknown, male), early - mid 1990s
Frake was joined the 1097th in the early 1990s. He was assigned as an Engineer in the Heavy Boat Platoon. He left Panama shortly after the move and got out of the Army. I have no further information as of 7 May 2000.


Michael Francis, mid 1990s
Michael Francis joined the 1097th shortly after the move to the Pacific Side. He was a Welder or Machinist by MOS but I can't remember if there was still a Welding Section of the company while he was assigned. I tend to believe that there was not a Welding Section because he was assigned as Night Shift of the Operation Section for nearly all of his time in the 1097th. I have no further information as of 7 May 2000.


Mickey Franklin, late 1980s - early 1990s
I have no further information as of 7 May 2000.


Fransella (first name unknown, gender unknown), late 1980s - early 1990s
Built like a tank Sp4 armor as I remember him. I still have one of the ammo cans he gave me. Updated 20 Oct 2006


Frazier (first name unknown, male), early 1990s
From Matt Hughes:

88L, mostly in maintenance plt.

I have no further information as of 5 Aug 2009.


Stephen "Fred" Frederick, mid - late 1990s
Fred was assigned to Panama first as the Operations NCO for the 245th Support Battalion then later he joined the 1097th as a Mate aboard one of the LCU 2000s. Fred left the 1097th in the late 90s and was assigned somewhere on Eustis. I have no further information as of 7 May 2000.

 

 

Frey (first name unknown, gender unknown), early 1990s

I have no further information as of 7 May 2000.


Scott Fulton, early 1990s
I have no further information as of 7 May 2000.


Troy Funk, early - mid 1990s
Troy Funk joined the 1097th in the early 1990s. I think he had some time in Medium Boat, but for the time that I knew him he was in Heavy Boat. He left Panama either right before the move or right after to be assigned as Eustis. Troy passed away in 2002 or 2003. He was picking up an LCU at the shipyard at the time and drowned in a hot tub. I had more details when the accident happened but I can’t find this info right now. I have no further information as of 20 July 2009.


Adam Wade Ethan Allen Earl American Telephone and Telegraph Fry, early 1990s
From Matt Hughes:

This really is his full name, I shit you not  "Adam Wade Ethan Allen Earl American Telephone and Telegraph (A.T.T.) Fry"..(read and memorized from the duty roster one night on CQ)..he just went by Adam though.  He reclassed from combat arms to 88K, ended up somewhere in Heavy. Boat, don't remember where.
I have no further information as of 5 Aug 2009.

 


G***********
Paula Gadrim, mid 1980s
Paula Gadrim was in the 1097th in the mid 1980s. I have no knowledge of what she did while she was there, but I have seen a video or two of some of the missions that she sailed on while she was there. She was reassigned to the 309th Tans Co, Ft Story, VA and stayed there until the mid 1990s when she joined the Reserves somewhere in the Hampton Roads Area. I have no further information as of 7 May 2000.


Galmore (first name unknown, male), early1990s
I have no further information as of 7 May 2000.


Fernando Garcia, 1970s ***

Made the move to Panama in 1976. I have no further information as of 24 July 2009

 

 

Hector Garcia, mid 1970s
I have no further information as of 7 May 2000.


John Garcia, 1970s ***

Made the move to Panama in 1976. I have no further information as of 24 July 2009

 

 

Yamir Garcia, late 1990s
Yamir joined the 1097th right out of AIT. He was assigned to both of the boat platoons at one point in time or the other. This man could sleep anywhere, all it took was for him to sit in a vehicle as a passenger and he was sleeping, but he never admitted that he was asleep, not even when he was snoring. Yamir was reassigned to Eustis in the late 90s to one of the boat units.

I was just curious and googled myself and found this page wow talk about flash back so I thought it would probably be a good idea to update you on what I’ve been doing.

First can you please take the sleepy out I don’t do that anymore haha second here's the update for you.

After panama went to the 558th trans CO in Ft Eustis got off active duty entered the reserves reclassed to a 91S Preventive Medicine deployed to Bosnia with the 5502 field hospital in 2004 returned to Ft Story to be deployed again to Iraq and currently on deployment as of April 06.

And made SGT Nov 04 that’s about it.

SGT Garcia, Yamir A.
310th MP BN HHC
Camp Bucca, Iraq

Updated 20 Oct 2006.


Gardner (first name unknown, male), early - mid 1990s
Gardner joined the 1097th in the early 90s he was assigned as a Boswain on one of the Heavy Boats. He got out of the Army from Panama in the mid 90s shortly before the move to the Pacific Side. I have no further information as of 7 May 2000.


Anthony Garner, 1969
I have no further information as of 7 May 2000.


Richard Garner, late 1980s - early 1990s
I have no further information as of 7 May 2000.


Alvin Garrett, early 1990s
He told the Bn Cmdr that he did not have to shave everyday because he had a baby face and his beard did not grow. This was in a Company Inspection by the BN Cmd. Updated 20 Oct 2006


Shawn Garrido, 1980 - 1982
I have no further information as of 8 June 2000.



Terry Gaskins, early 1990s
I have no further information as of 7 May 2000.


Steve Gates, early 1009s - mid 1990s
Steve Gates was assigned as an Engineer aboard the LCU 2018. He changed the entire maintenance and parts request system and made it into a smooth running machine. I think he got out of the Army from Panama shortly before the move to the Pacific Side. I have no further information as of 7 May 2000.


Thomas Gates, 1970s ***

Made the move to Panama in 1976. I have no further information as of 24 July 2009

 

 

Christopher, Gauthreaux, early - mid 1990s
Christopher Gauthreaux was assigned to the Heavy Boat Platoon. He left Panama in the mid 1990s shortly before the move to the Pacific Side. Chris Gauthreaux became a Warrant Officer and is currently a CW4 in my current command, 331st Causeway.

I currently reside in Newport News VA.

I am still on active duty, CW4 however I just submitted my retirement and should be wearing civilian fatigues in JAN 2010.

AGE: 46

Slightly rounder than I was back than...but still just as handsome.

 

I have divorced Cyntia but have remarried a wonderful lady. I have (3) kids from my previuos marrage, Pattie 22, Wendy 19 and Joseph 16. They all reside in LA but occasionally visit me in VA.

 

Well I have to run but let me know if you have any specific questions.

 

Cheers

I have no further information as of 5 Aug 2009.


Georgory (first name unknown, gender unknown), late 1980s - early 1990s
I have no further information as of 7 May 2000.


Matt Geskings, 1980s - early 1990s
I have no further information as of 22 July 2009.


Mike "Chino" Giachino, 1970s ***
Made the move to Panama in 1976. I have no further information as of 24 July 2009


Emmitt Gilbert, 1969
I have no further information as of 7 May 2000.


Barry "Sergeant Barry" Giles, mid 1990s until 1998 or 1999
Sergeant Barry joined the 1097th shortly after the move to the Pacific Side. He was assigned as an Engineer aboard one of the LCU 1600s. After the 1600s were removed from the inventory, he was assigned as an Engineer on one of the LCU 2000s. He left the 1097th in 98 or 99 to be assigned to one of the boat units at Eustis. I have no further information as of 7 May 2000.


Tony Gill, early 1990s
From Matt Hughes:

Tony was a real Down Ranger when I first met him. He and I spent almost a year on the Commanders cup together. I know he was from Texas but don't know what ever happened to him.

I have no further information as of 13 Aug 2009.


Paul Gillaspie, 1969
I have no further information as of 7 May 2000.


Jeff Glem, 1995 - mid 1990s
Jeff Glem was assigned to the 309th Trans Co Ft Story, right out of AIT. He was assigned as Chief Engineer aboard one of the LARCs. Before he got married his fiancée more or less lived in his barracks room and she continued to live there for several months after they were married. Jeff Glem joined the 1097th in 1995. He was assigned as the Chief Engineer aboard one of the LCM in the Medium Boat Platoon. Shortly after his arrival he was given the traditional "WATERBORNE" welcome by being tossed into the water, unwillingly. Unfortunately he lost his wedding ring somewhere in Sherman Lagoon and I caught hell from his wife for throwing him in. He left Panama and was reassigned to Eustis. Currently he is assigned to the 331st Trans Co. Jeff was reassigned to Fort Lee in 2006 or 2007. I have no further information as of 7 May 2000.


Sault Glover, 1970s ***

Made the move to Panama in 1976. I have no further information as of 24 July 2009

 

 

Jose Gomez, early - mid 1990s
Jose Gomez joined the 1097th in the early 1990s. He was assigned to the Motor Pool. I think he stayed in the Company until just after the move to the Pacific Side where he was reassigned to the CID. I have no further information as of 7 May 2000.


Carlos Gonzales, 1969
I have no further information as of 7 May 2000.


Jed Gonzales, mid 1990s
Jed Gonzales joined the 1097th in the mid 1990s. He was a reclass from some Combat Arms MOS. He was the poster Boy for the AER annual campaign while he was in Combat Arms. He had an "I love me" wall in his barracks room. He was assigned to the LCU 2017 and an Engineer. He left the 1097th in the mid 1990s. Jed went to Warrant Officer school after he left Panama. Last time I saw him was in 200 or 2001 when he was a WO1 aboard one of the LSVs. I have no further information as of 7 May 2000.


Jesus "Gonzo" Gonzales, mid - late 1990s
Gonzo joined the 1097th in the mid 1990s. He was assigned as the Chief Engineer on one of the LCMs in the Medium Boat Platoon. Jesus' wife Anna was in charge of the 1097th Family Support Group for about a year. Jesus was reassigned to Eustis in the late 1990s. Jesus went to Warrant Officer School after he returned from Panama. Last time I saw him was in 2008 and he was a CW3.

Gonzo is in Japan as MMO for the Army Prepo Stocks APS4. Been here for six months and loving it, unfortunately there are 35 vessels with no crews that we tend to with contractors, no troops. But then again that has its benefits. A lot of the contractor supervisors are retired boaties which is pretty cool.

 

Just got here so I won't be making the reunion, bummer. The earliest I can get state side is Feb, 2010. I'm happy things have come together for you and your new family. I still have my better half and three kids 14, 11, and 9. We love Japan and it fits our life perfectly at this point in our lives, a much needed change, I have to say.

 

SFC Bedell is in Germany, everyone else you seem to know more about them. You ever find Koch and Applegate let me know and give them my numbers.

 

Take care, I'll stay in touch.

 

Gonzo

CW3 Gonzalez-Borjas, Jesus E.

I have no further information as of 22 July 2009.


Robert Gonzalez, 1968 – 1969

I have no further information as of 29 July 2009.

 

 

Tony Goss, early - mid 1990s
Tony Goss joined the 1097th in the early 1990s. He was assigned as a Seaman on one of the Heavy Boats. He was later assigned as a Seaman on one of the LCMs. Tony got out of the Army from Panama.

I got an E-mail from Tony a few weeks ago. He knows were a few of the former Raiders are located and we are talking about the upgrade for this site. Updated 7 May 2000.


Darin Gouldrup, late 1980s - early 1990s
I have no further information as of 7 May 2000.


Jason Grable, mid 1990s
Jason Grable joined the 1097th in the mid 90s. He came over from another unit in Panama that had deactivated. He was assigned kind of as a "hey you" type that really had no official job, but just had to do anything that he was asked. He owned a pet coatamundi that he kept at his house in Vera Cruz. One day River Raider Paul Tuttle came by the house when Jason was not home and got bit in the hand by Jason's pet. I have no further information as of 7 May 2000.


Ken "Reverend" Graham, early - mid 1990s
Ken Graham joined the 1097th in the early 1990s. He was assigned to the Welding shop as a welder. He would generally sail on the LCMs every chance he could and was always willing to do some off duty welding if you needed something. I think he left before the move but I can't remember. I have no further information as of 7 May 2000.


Tom "Yogi" Graham, late 1970s
I have no further information as of 7 May 2000.


Randy Grant, 1995 – 1996

Yes this is the correct Randy Grant

I had retired from the Army from Panama and have since been working for the Federal Aviation Administration as a Tech. at Detroit Metro Airport. Residing in Waterford, Mi.

Randy Grant

randygrant2001@ameritech.net
I have no further information as of 5 Aug 2009.


Greg Graveline, late 1980s - early 1990s
I have no further information as of 7 May 2000.


Wayne Green, 1993 - 1999
Wayne Green joined the 1097th in late 1993. He was assigned to the Medium Boat Platoon. He attended PLDC at Fort Sherman in early 1994 and was promoted thereafter to Sergeant. He was then reassigned as the Coxswain of one of the LCMs. He stayed in Medium Boat until the time frame of the move to the Pacific Side where he was reassigned as the Lead Seaman aboard one of the LCU 2000s. He attended BNCOC in 1996 at Fort Eustis. In late 1997 he was sent as part of a 4 person Mobile Training Team to teach the US Border Patrol small boat handling. He was also sent again in June 1998 and February 1999. He married a woman from Panama in 1998 and returned to the states in 1999. He is assigned to the 1098th Trans Company at Eustis. Wayne was assigned to 331st Trans Co in 2002 or 2003. I have no further information as of 20 July 2009.


Ken Gregory, early 1990s - mid 1990s
Ken Gregory joined the 1097th in the early 1990s. I think he only was assigned to the Medium Boat Platoon but I don't know for sure. One of his jobs while in the Medium Boat Platoon was serving as the Platoon Maintenance Rep. When the vessels would have a problem he would go down to the boat and troubleshoot the problem so that when the Maintenance Platoon received the Work Request the preliminary work had been done and all that was left would be to solve the problem. Ken Gregory left the 1097th in the mid 1990s, but well before the move. He was assigned to Fort Eustis where I am told he is to this day. UPDATE: Ken has been a Warrant Officer for a few years and is a CW3 now. One of the jobs he had was to rewire the SLWT 28 which sank in between the Carriers Enterprise and Washington at Norfolk Naval Base in 2006. Ken is retired or getting ready to retire. I have no further information as of 20 July 2009.


Grizelles (first name unknown, gender unknown), late 1980s - early 1990s
I have no further information as of 12 May 2000.


Grogon (first name unknown, male), early 1990s
I have no further information as of 12 May 2000.


Gross (first name unknown, male), early 1990s
I have no further information as of 12 May 2000.


Scott Gross, May 86 - Dec 89
From the guestbook:
Greetings all, well I submitted my Bio several times for update, so here it is, I am working for the Veterans Admin in the Fayetteville Medical Center! Departed the Army 10/10/1992 from Ft. Bragg, NC 18th Airborne Corps. I served with the 1097th from 05/86 to 12/89, left Panama the afternoon before the big bang! Went 558th Dive Boat and then engine rebuild shop, and last FT. Bragg. Looking for anyone who served with me. Lud answer your emails!!!!!!!!!
From Scott’s own hand:

Scott R. Gross,SGT

Served 7/86-12/89 1097th TC MB

 

Vessels LCM 03 "the Mule" LCM 05 & LCM 10 The Dime

Training NCOIC Asst

Returned to Ft. Eustis, served with the 558th Dive Boat, Engineer

Left Ft Eustis in 1991, to Ft Bragg, NC 18th Airborne HHC HQ G/J 2 section

Reclassed to 97B Counter Intel

Currently working for the Fayetteville Dept of Veterans' Affairs Medical Center, TeleRetinal Imaging Clinic.

 

email srgross9653@yahoo.com

I forgot about this: 11/86 3/7th Special Forces, SBU 22 Assignment to Hondorus, training Hondorus MIlitary on the .50 cal and riverine operations.

Scott R.Goss

I have no further information as of 5 Aug 2009.


Growden, 1985 - 1987.
I have no further information as of 20 Oct 2006


Ruben Guadiana, 1970s ***

Made the move to Panama in 1976. I have no further information as of 24 July 2009

 

 

David "Guch" Guccione, 1989 - 1991, 1995 - 1999
David Guccione was drafted into the Army during the Vietnam War. After he returned from Vietnam he got out of the Army where he stayed in the civilian sector until he returned to Active Duty in the mid 1980s. Upon he return to the Army he was assigned to the 309th Tran Detachment at Story. He served as a Crew Chief aboard the LARCs and also as a Platoon Sergeant.

In Autumn 1989 Guch was promoted to the rank of Sergeant First Class while he was on vacation pending his assignment to the 1097th. On Guch's first tour in the 1097th I don't know very much, but he participated in Operation Just Cause and met the love of his life, but was unable to get married prior to leaving Panama. He returned to the States in 1991 where he was reassigned to the 309th Transportation Company at Story. While in the 309th he served as a Platoon Sergeant, Operations Sergeant and also as First Sergeant. He frequently returned south of the border to take care of the marriage paperwork that he needed in order to get married to, now his wife, Teresa. Sometime between 1993 and 1995 he was reassigned to a unit at Eustis where he served until he returned to Panama in 1995.

He was assigned as the Mate aboard the LCU 2017 in the Heavy Boat Platoon. While on the 2017 he was kept pretty busy. Generally the Vessel Master and Guch would work 6 hours on and 6 hours off which gave them very little time to sleep. in the calendar year of 1996 the 2017 had over 338 days underway out of 365. This meant that Guch did not get very much time with his family. After serving on the 2017 Guch was reassigned as the Operations NCO and more or less spent the remainder of his tour bouncing between Operations and as the First Sergeant. Guch left Panama in July 1999. He was the absolute last person left in the 1097th.

Guch was assigned to HHC Post at Eustis and was going to take over the Post Equal Opportunity Advisor as soon as he finished a 3 month school that started in September 1999. Guch went to school and graduated in December 1999 where he started his new job. He just recently bought a house and plans to retire from the Army in 3 years.

Guch has retired from the Army and is working at Lowes as a Manager. He still lives in the house he bought in 2000. I have no further information as of 13 November 2005.


David Guichard, 1969
I have no further information as of 12 May 2000.


Marshall Guiterrez, 1993 - 1995
Marshall Guiterrez replaced Keith Bax as the Commanding Officer in mid 1993. He kept the vessels running at all costs. It was similar to the days of Gus Pagonis where the motto was "Never deadline a vessel." The troops finally began to figure his motives out in the early months of 1994 where they began not deadlining vessels for faults but limiting the type of operations that the vessels could perform. The crews were tired of the policy of "all crew members of deadlined vessels would work 0600 - 2400 until the vessel was back up and running." The crews and maintenance personnel worked remarkably well at making the vessels work. For the efforts of the entire company during this time the unit was awarded the National Defense Transportation of the Year award in 1995 for the accomplishments during 1994. Marshall Guiterrez's last action as Commander was to ready the unit for the move to the Pacific Side, but not actually move, instead returning to the States instead. He is still in the army and is a Major now.

An unfortunate update for your River Raiders page:
Army Lt. Col. Marshall A. Gutierrez, 41, of New Mexico; assigned to the Area Support Group, Arijan, Kuwait; died Sep. 4 from non-combat related injuries in Camp Virginia, Kuwait. The incident is under investigation. Updated 15 Sept 2006.


Ramiro Guiterrez, late 1980s - early 1990s
I have no further information as of 12 May 2000.


Martin Gulbis, 1978 - 1980, 1982 - 1984
Martin Gulbis was assigned to the 1097th right after the move to Panama and in early 1980s. He dropped me an e-mail a few days ago and I will more info on his as soon as I get it. I have no further information as of 8 June 2000.


Gunderson, 1976 -1979
Gunderson was a Cook who reclassed to be a Deckie. He received his training and certification through OJT. I have no further information as of 8 June 2000.



H***********
Doug Hadden, Sept 1988 - 1991
Hey, how's it going, well to begin with I got to Ft Eustis in Apr. of 1982. My first unit was the 469th or the infamous Motor Vessel Sutton. I was on the Sutton until Sept of 86, when I transferred to the 1098th MB spent a couple of years with that unit and in Aug of while I was on a trip to Greenland with the 1098th I found out I was going to Panama, Got back from Greenland and immediately got ready to leave for Panama.

 

Got there in Sept of 88. I had made quite a few trips down there on the Sutton, Staying at Mindi Pier and Rodman so I knew my way around and new I was going to love my new duty station. Of course I started hanging out with the Folkster, he stayed in the room next to me in the Barracks. I don't remember every boat I was on but I do remember being on the 09 during Just Cause with Don Walters, Rick Oxley and a few others that I will probably remember later. I remember another mission I went on during Xmas of 88 babysitting a howitzer that got dropped in the canal, first time I had operated a Mike Boat in the dark with those old NVG's we used then with no depth perception, and pissing everybody off cause I thought we were farther from shore than we were and hit the beach a little harder than I planned on LOL. One memorable moment was a canoe trip down the Chagres River starting at Madden Dam with Mike Barron Scott Serich Larry Hebert, what a trip that was. Anyway after Just Cause was just kind of doing whatever missions we could on my boat and Dec of 90 rolled around and I still had about 9 months left on my tour and the powers that be decided some of were going to DEROS early I fought it but lost.

 

After that I got shipped to Ft Story and spent about 4 years on Hovercraft and then 1995 rolled around and the big drawdown hit and I took an early out (took the money and ran). Went back home to Michigan, stayed there until May of 2002 and went to work for the reserves as a civilian but I had to join the reserves to have the job, so I joined a reserve boat unit over there. Stayed there a year took a civilian position in El Paso Texas and got activated in May of 2005 went over to the desert with a reserve boat unit from California on an LCU 2000 got back in Sept of 06 and have been on active status ever since so now my plan is to retire and go back to Virginia.

 

That about covers it. Yes you can give out my Email. douglhdd@aol.com

I have no further information as of 5 Aug 2009.


Haefka, John, March 1990 - April 1993
Ok, I'm at my wits end trying to figure out who you are? Perhaps I just over looked it while scanning your site? I'm John Haefka. I was there from March 90 to April 93. Anyway, I like the page. You seem to have put a tremendous amount of time into it. Good job.

As for me, here is a brief bio since I left. I left there as an E-6 in 93 and went straight to Warrant school from Panama. Then went to 10th Bn at Eustis. I was in the 97th HB and then 73rd during the next several years. I went to the 824th Heavy Boat in Morehead City in June 99. Made CW3 in 2000, and am on my way back to Eustis to take over the 10th Bn Marine Maint Officer job. Coincidently, the movers will be here in three days, and we will be back at Ft. Eustis in 5 days.

Anyway, this address I am writing from will be disconnected tomorrow, so I will get in touch with you again once we get set-up in Va. Have a good weekend and a wonderful and safe 4th of July.

Hef
I have no further information. Updated 2005.


Mack Hagewood, 1970s ***
LT of the 1097th during the move to Panama in 1976.
I have no further information as of 24 July 2009.


Todd Hall, early - mid 1990s
Todd Hall was assigned to the 331st Transportation Company (ACV) at Story right out of AIT. He spent 3 or 4 years at Story before joining the 1097th in late 1993. He was assigned as a Coxswain in the Medium Boat Platoon. He was later assigned to an LCU in the Heavy Boat Platoon. H returned to the States right before the move to the Pacific Side. I have seen him a few times in passing here at Eustis. I have no further information as of 12 May 2000.


Peter Hamann, late 1980s - mid 1990s
I have no further information as of 12 May 2000.


Allen Hamilton, 1970s ***

Made the move to Panama in 1976. I have no further information as of 24 July 2009.

 

 

Daniel Hammond, 1970 ***

Made the move to Panama in 1976. I have no further information as of 24 July 2009.

 

 

Jeanne Hammond, 1998 - 1999
Jeanne Hammond replaced Guch as the First Sergeant in mid 1998. She was originally a trucker and when she was told of her assignment into the 1097th she asked, "What kind of trucks do they have?" She found out immediately that there were no trucks in the 1097th and that it was a boat unit. She stayed until the end of the unit and was somewhere around the last 10 people left in the unit in mid 1999. She was reassigned to the 558th Marine Maintenance Company at Eustis as the First Sergeant. When you think of the possibilities of a Transportation First Sergeant and all of the places that they can go it is pretty amazing to think that she got assigned to 2 boat units in a row. I guess she has the Marine Identifier now. I have no further information as of 12 May 2000.


Scott Haney, April 1984 - April 1986

Arrived E-1, PCS’d E-4, Assigned LCM 8514 Engineer, 2nd Platoon, 1SG Marrs, CPT Speight  

 

8th Trans LACV-30 April 1986 -Nov. 1987 Rank of Sergeant.  (Believe it or not to some of you).

 

Home town Va. Beach

 

Left Army went to work for Norfolk Dredging Company, 3rd Engineer Dredge Pullen for 2 years, Heavy Diesel Engine Shop.

 

Moved on to Perkins Diesel for 2 years as Detroit 53, 71, and 92 Series engine builder for commercial marine and motor yachts.

 

Moved on to marine gasoline engine servicing with various Tidewater Virginia marinas. Became Certified Master Tech, in All Mercury Marine products. Certified Yamaha, and Volvo Penta Gas and Diesel Technician.

 

Moved on to position as Lead Engine Builder and Machinist at Denis Performance, Ayden North Carolina. Earned Three World Records and Two World Championship titles, as Engine Builder for various Fountain Powerboat Offshore Race Teams, under the direction and mentoring of the great Troy Denis. Still in and out of Offshore Racing as “Ad-hoc” team member to world champion Instigator Motorsports, and reigning world champ Hard Rock Café Racing whenever time permits.

 

Decided to try a second career, obtained Degree and International Certification as Biomedical Electronics Technician. 10 years in Biomed, advanced to position of Senior Tech at Children’s Hospital of The Kings Daughters, Norfolk Va.  Specialist in fields of Ventilation, Anesthesia, X-ray, Ultrasound and Cardiac Monitoring Networks routine maintenance and emergent repair.

Mentor entry level technicians.

 

Hobbies:  “Flipping homes”, purchase home in need of TLC every 2 – 3 years, remodel then find another and sell. Always looking for derelict Jeeps that are “dead”, having them towed home and “Breathing Life back into them”, as soon as they are dependable daily drivers, selling them and replacing with another dead one to resurrect.

 

Married three times, third wife Tina is the Charm. Tina is working on “Doctorate of Nursing” at ODU, and Director of an RN Program at local School Of Nursing. My son Joe jokes that we will have to refer to her as “Doctor, Nurse Tina”.  

 

2 Son’s.  Scott Jr. 19years and Joe 12 years. My boys joke that every sentence that starts with “One time in Panama”, they finish for me with “We were partying and……..”

 

Working toward an advanced degree, in order to move to third career by age 50. Desire is to teach Biomedical Technology into retirement. 

 

For a “Trouble young Down Ranger” who was at one time grouped in with a cast of “Sub-Humanoid Worms” as per 1ST  Sergeant Marrs,  that most thought would never make it to an Honorable Discharge, I am happy with all I have experienced and accomplished. I feel my past has made me analytical, somewhat wise, and very Worldly. My wife said writing a quick Bio was good for me, it really gives me prospective on where I am and what I have offer.

 

I speak fondly on my time in the Army, especially Panama, encourage young people to join, and sometimes wish I had been a “Lifer”.  One day I would like to see Panama again, go as a tourist and see the improvements to the country I have read about. 

 

I reside in downtown Norfolk.

HaneySM@CHKD.COM

I have no further information as of 30 July 2009.

 


Kane Hannam, 1994 - 1996
Kane Hannam joined the 1097th in 1994. He was a plumber by MOS but was assigned to Operations because there was no position for a plumber in the company. He assisted in the move to the Pacific Side. He left the 1097th in 1996 to be reassigned to West Point as a plumber. I have no further information as of 12 May 2000.


Katie Hanson, early 1990s

From someone else in Oct 2006:
You have her listed as "Katie". If this is the same person I knew she left Panama and was stationed back to FEVA. Her Dalmatian dog bit my daughter once. Nice family.

From Matt Hughes:

Katie Hanson...she had a GT score that was off the books but was too smart for her own good. When she worked in Ops, about half the time she would answer the radio with "1097th trans co, Sgt Hanson speaking, can I help you sir or ma’am" sometimes we told her she was on the radio not the phone, but usually we just got a good laugh out of her. Probably one of the nicest people you'll ever meet too.

I have no further information as of 13 Aug 2009.


Norman Hard, 1970s ***

Made the move to Panama in 1976. I have no further information as of 24 July 2009.

 


Susanne Harden, early 1990s
I have no further information as of 12 May 2000.


Hardesty, 1978 - 1980
I have no further information as of 8 June 2000.

 

Carl Hardy, 1970s ***

Made the move to Panama in 1976. I have no further information as of 24 July 2009.

 

 

Kenneth Hardy, 1974 - 1977 ***

LT of the 1097th during the move to Panama in 1976.

THANK YOU PATRIC FOR YOUR SPECIAL LOVE OF OUR PEOPLE. I VIEWED YOUR SITE AND KNOW THAT YOU SAW THAT MY 1097th comrades were of those very unique Americans. I am very guarded of our story; we lost a third of ours already to the Dragon.  Of our officers; half were cashered in their prime and none were harvested above the pay grade of major. After 30 years our contribution last year was finally acknowledged by a Transportation General (each of our attendees received the letter TO THAT EFFECT). Of the great tragedies inflicted on Patriots of the Cold WAR no story  is more repugnate of the self centered  of GLOBALISM than ours. We get it in the tight spot but in the long haul evil will be destroyed.

As to the two specific points you write

1) The man who gave you my e- mail address is hosting a bivoic and dinner . He;will provide you his information.

2) I will not be there, As I told my dear ones last year I have returned to work and will not be available to travel back and forth  from Fort Eustis till October 2010. MY COMRADES ARE ALAWYS WELCOMED AT MY HOME AND I AM IN THE PHONE BOOK.

AS to your bio interest; when my wife died in 1991, I was an OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY CHIEF OF STAFF FOR PLANS AND OPERATIONS SPECIAL FIELD AGENT NAVAL ACTIVITIES with a TOP SECRECT CLEARANCE.

I  RETIRED from active service in 1994.. My very dear friend, JOHN CRENSHAW, is our historian and when he desires to release my biography it will be available to you and others.

May our Lord Grant that their are those who serve FREEDOM till HE RETURNS.

I have no further information as of 5 Aug 2009.

 


Jack Hargas, early - mid 1990s
Jack Hargas was assigned to the 1097th in the early 1990s. He was the Coxswain on the LCM 8504. He bought an old truck that had a column shift that he ended up selling to Scott Carr. He left Panama before the move. I think he stayed in the Army and was assigned to Eustis. I have no further information as of 12 May 2000.


Anthony Harris, 1970s ***

Made the move to Panama in 1976. I have no further information as of 26 July 2009.

 


Harris (first name unknown, gender unknown), early 1990s
I have no further information as of 12 May 2000.


Harris (first name unknown, male), early 1990s
I have no further information as of 12 May 2000.


Duanne Harris, 1969
I have no further information as of 12 May 2000.


Rodrick Harrison, Late 1970s
I have no further information as of 4 March 2007


Brian Harshman, late 1980s - early 1990s
Brian Harshman was assigned to the 1097th during Just Cause and after he left Panama he was assigned to the 331st Transportation Company at Story. I have no further information as of 12 May 2000.


Brent Harvieux, 1983 – 1985

Stationted at Davis from '83-'85. Crazy Days, crazier nights. We would start the night at tha El'moro and progress to the Claridge, and all the others. My roommates at the time were Chis Kessler, Archie? I used to hang with Chris, Sgt Saltis(gumby) Greg Lester, Steve Studer, George Bell, George Boyd, Paul Brumble, Russ Trogdon, Rick Williams, Eddie Murphy(RIP) and many more.

I left Panama in late '85, failed two piss tests and settled in Nashville TN.

Things couldn't have turned out better for me. I'm on my second marriage (this ones gonna stick), and have 3 grown children. That are all doing well. I own my own business and life is good.

A day doesn't go by that I don't think about all the shenanegans we did. I have tons of pics that I will upload and share with you guys.

Remember 1st Sgt Mars, probably the biggest prick in the army, but one of the best soldiers I ever served under.

Drop a line if you remember me, Water "fuckin" borne bitches.
brok65@bellsouth.net

I have no further information as of 22 Aug 2009.

 

 

Tamara Hastings, late 1980s - early 1990s
I have no further information as of 12 May 2000.


Marvin Hatcher, early - mid 1990s
Marvin was assigned as a mate to one of the LCUs in the Company. He left Panama before the move and was reassigned to Eustis. He is currently assigned as a First Sergeant in one of the units at Eustis. Updated 20 Oct 2006.


James Hatcher, 1970s ***

Made the move to Panama in 1976. I have no further information as of 26 July 2009.

 


Robert Hathaway, 1998 - 1999
CPT Robert Hathaway joined the River Raiders as Commander, taking the helm form CPT Brent Barnes in May of 1998 and served until the unit deactivated. While serving as "The Last Commander", he had the dubious honor of deactivating the 1097th Transportation Company (Composite Boat). Transferring the two LCU 2000's to the Reserves was accomplishment enough, as was casing the colors of the finest unit in the US Army's history in Panama. There's no way any of that could have happened without the solid core of NCO's in the company, as well as some of the finest Warrant Officers in the watercraft field. CPT Hathaway is now assigned to an AC/RC position at Fort McCoy, WI, where it is much colder than Panama will ever be. I have no further information as of 17 July 2000.


Jennifer Havelin, early - mid 1990s
Jennifer Havelin joined the 1097th right out of AIT and assigned to one of the LCU 2000s. She got married to one of the people in the 5/87th and got out of the Army. I have no further information as of 12 May 2000.


Hayes (first name unknown, gender unknown), early 1990s
I have no further information as of 12 May 2000.

 

Thomas Hayes, 1969
I have no further information as of 12 May 2000.


David Hays, mid 1980s
I have no further information as of 12 May 2000.


Doug Heavel, early 1990s
Doug Heavel joined the 1097th in the early 1990s. He was assigned as an Engineer on one of the LCUs. He got married to a Panamanian and left the 1097th in the mid 1990s where he stayed until he got out of the Army and returned to Panama to live. As of last year he was working as a Mechanic for a private company that fixes vessels with mechanical problems that are in the Panama area. I have no further information as of 12 May 2000.


Hebert (first name unknown, female), late 1980s - early 1990s
I have no further information as of 12 May 2000.


Randall Heikens, mid 1990s
Randall Heikens was assigned to the 1097th in the mid 90s. he was assigned as a Section Sergeant in the Medium Boat Platoon. I don't remember if he moved with the unit to the Pacific Side or not but I do remember him at Davis. After he left Panama he was assigned to Eustis. He went to Warrant Officer School and is now a CW2 assigned to one of the Large Tugs at Eustis. I have no further information as of 12 May 2000.


William Heinrick, 1970s, SP5

Made the move to Panama in 1976. I have no further information as of 26 July 2009.

 


Arthur Helfgott, 1969
I have no further information. Updated 12 May 2000.


Henderson (first name unknown, male), mid 1990s
Henderson was assigned to the Heavy Boat Platoon. After he left Panama he was assigned at Eustis. I think he is still here. I have no further information as of 12 May 2000.


Johnny Henderson, early - mid 1990s
Johnny Henderson joined the 1097th in the early 1990s. He was assigned as a mechanic in the Motor Pool. He left the 1097th in the mid 1990s, but I don't know if it was before or after the move. I have no further information as of 12 May 2000.


John Henry, 1968 timeframe
John served as one of the CO’s during Vietnam. I have no further Information as of 5 May 2001

 

 

John Henry, 1969
I have no further information as of 12 May 2000.


Larry Hensley, 1969
I have no further information as of 12 May 2000.


Herrera (first name unknown, male), early 1990s
I have no further information as of 12 May 2000.


Mark Herring, 1970s ***

Made the move to Panama in 1976. I have no further information as of 26 July 2009.

 

 

Ray Herron, 1990 – 1992
I have no further information as of 29 July 2009.


Hester (first name unknown, gender unknown), early 1990s
From Matt Hughes:

He was the 1097th’s answer to that black guy from the Police Academy movies who did all the sound effects. Once on a trip back from Panama City, he fooled our driver twice that we were getting a flat tire. He was a funny M.F.  He and I hung out a lot, did a lot of fishing, swimming and drinking together and for the life of me I can’t remember his first name.

I have no further information as of 13 Aug 2009.


Rob Hester, mid - late 1990s
Rob Hester joined the 1097th in the Mid 90s. I think it was shortly after the move. He was assigned to the Heavy Boat Platoon as an Engineer. He was assigned to Eustis in the late 1990s. I have no further information as of 12 May 2000.


Righard Higgins, late 1970s
I have no further information as of 4 March 2007.


Bleu Hilburn, early 1990s - about 1996
Bleu Hilburn joined the 1097th in the early 90s. He was assigned as a Platoon Leader of one of the Platoons. Later he served as the Platoon Leader of the Heavy Boat Platoon and still later as the XO, I think. He left the Company after the move and was assigned somewhere in the world. According to the Red Book he is still in the Army.

Hey Sean,

 

Congratulations on your River Raider's sight! It's awesome! I've had some great assignments but have yet to top the 1097th.

After Europe I went to CGSC and then the School of Advance Military Studies.

From Leavenworth I did a utilization tour on the planning staff of the 10th MTN DIV and deployed to Afghanistan. After 6 months in A-Stan I took over as the Division Transportation officer and redeployed the div 6 months later.

From Drum I made it back to SOUTHCOM taking a transportation position in the J4.

In April of '07 I was tasked to deploy to Colombia in support of Special Operations Command South's efforts to rescue US Hostages held by the FARC.

SOCSOUTH hired me to be their J4 in January of this year.

I'll be with the SOC until next spring when I take command of the 832nd Transportation BN up in Jacksonville FL.

Hope this helps with your update. Thanks again for keeping up the web site.

What's been going on with you?

 

Bleu

I have no further information as of 24 Aug 2009.


Roger Hill, 1969
I have no further information as of 12 May 2000.


Rudy Hill, 1976 - 1979
I have no further information as of 8 June 2000.


Tanya Hill, late 1980s - early 1990s
I have no further information as of 12 May 2000.


Geoffrey Hilton, 1970s ***

Made the move to Panama in 1976. I have no further information as of 26 July 2009.

 

 

Johnie Hines Jr, 1969
I have no further information as of 12 May 2000.


Mike Hladkg, early 1990s
I have no further information as of 12 May 2000.


Hoff (first name unknown, male), early 1990s
I have no further information as of 12 May 2000.


Patrick Hoffman, 1970s ***

Made the move to Panama in 1976. I have no further information as of 26 July 2009.

 

 

Ronald Hogan, 1970s ***

Made the move to Panama in 1976. I have no further information as of 26 July 2009.

 

 

Rusty Hogan, mid 1970s
I have no further information as of 12 May 2000.


David Hogate, 1968
I have no further information as of 12 May 2000.


Bobby Holmes, late 1990s
Bobby Holmes joined the 1097th in the late 90s. He was assigned as the Boswain on one of the LCU 2000s. Later he was assigned as the Training NCO and still later he went back to the LCU 2000s. He left Panama in the late 90s and was assigned to Eustis. I have no further information as of 12 May 2000.


John Holmes, early 1990s
John Holmes joined the 1097th in the early 90s. He was assigned to the Commo Shop. John always carried a 2 liter of Pepsi and ended up drinking 2 each day while he was at work. I honestly can't remember when he left but it was long before the move. I have no further information as of 12 May 2000.


Phillip Holmes, 1970s ***

Made the move to Panama in 1976. I have no further information as of 26 July 2009.

 

 

Anabel Hooker, late 1990s
Anabel Hooker joined the 1097th in the late 90s. She was assigned to the Supply Section. After she had left the company and while I was on PCS leave I think I saw her driving in the Newport News area. I was unable to confirm that it was her or not, but I think it was. I have no further information as of 12 May 2000.


Bill Horvath, late 1970s
I have no further information as of 12 May 2000.


Danny Horvath, 1970s ***

Made the move to Panama in 1976. I have no further information as of 26 July 2009.

 

 

Richard Houff, late 1980s - early 1990s
I have no further information as of 12 May 2000.


Ashley H. Houser, 1969
I have no further information as of 12 May 2000.


James Hoyer, 1969
I have no further information as of 12 May 2000.


Matt Hughes, 1990 – 30 June 1994
Matt Hughes joined the 1097th in the early 1990s. He was assigned to the Medium Boat Platoon as an Engineer. He attended PLDC at Sherman and was Promoted to Sergeant. He reenlisted with the option of the next duty station being Hawaii and he left in the mid 90s prior to the move.

I re-enlisted for Hawaii and left Panama on 30 Jun 94. I spent almost three years in the 5th Trans. Co. 163rd Trans Det. on board the LSV-5 (M.G. Charles P. Gross). In Feb 97 I took my leave of the Army and moved back to Illinois. From there, I took a job in Amelia La. for about 3yrs with Tidewater Marine. After a particularly bad hitch, I decided that I would cash in on my G.I. Bill and go back to college. In Dec 04 I graduated from Southern Illinois Univeristy with a degree in Forestry (my plan was to keep my marine licenses, get a degree in forestry then anywhere there was woods or water I could work). I got a job with the U.S. Forest Service that required me to spend two years in Ga. as a "trainee" kind of an internship. To get that job I had to sign a "statement of mobility" saying I'd go where ever they sent me. Thats how I ended up back in La. I've been living in Natchitoches (pronounced "Nacadish")for about two years now and work on the Kisatchie Ranger District of the Kisatchie National Forest. I get to do alot of cool stuff with this job, the best being a wildland firefighter but I gotta tell you, there hasn't been a day since I left Panama that I haven't talked about it or at the very least thought about it. While my new wife is dead set against it, I hope to someday retire and move to the interior of Panama and buy a coffee plantation. Any of you Raiders that want to can contact me at either smokey_t_bear85@yahoo.com or mhughes@fs.us.fed. Always remember, WATERBORNE EAT THEIR DEAD HUAH!!!

 

Bruce Welch, I was just remembering how accident prone you were... How many times in the last decade have you blown your eye-brows off, chopped off a finger or tried to walk down a ladder only to find you'll only make the first and last step?

 

Random thoughts about my time as a Raider.
-"I'd trade all of my tomorrows for one single yesterday".....Janis Joplin
-Where did my tan go????
-Peacock bass fishing in Gatun Lake and a case of beer...good times, good times.
-Sgt. Zastrow on fishing "If it'll fit on a biscuit...its a keeper"
-Parties at the Aquativity Center every Friday night.
-Olympia or Casanova..which was better?
-The barking dog from the kitchen of the Chinese resturant.. WTF???
-.30 cent Atlas Grande's
-Fresh roasted cashews
-Andy Lim's beach house..(R.I.P. Andy)
-Capt. Jim (P.C.C.)
-Friday afternoon "Underwater Police Calls"
-Devils Beach
-Watching Barb Conklin on the stern of the 2000 in the early morning sun wearing her skin tight T-shirt raising the flag...beautiful!!!

 

I re-enlisted for Hawaii and left Panama on 30Jun94. I spent almost three years in the 5th Trans. Co. 163Rd Trans Det. on board the LSV-5 (M.G. Charles P. Gross). In Feb97 I took my leave of the Army and moved back to Illinois. From there, I took a job in Amelia La. for about 3yrs with Tidewater Marine. After a particularly bad hitch, I decided that I would cash in on my G.I. Bill and go back to college. In Dec04 I graduated from Southern Illinois University with a degree in Forestry (my plan was to keep my marine licenses, get a degree in forestry then anywhere there was woods or water I could work). I got a job with the U.S. Forest Service that required me to spend two years in Ga. as a "trainee"..kind of an internship. To get that job I had to sign a "statement of mobility" saying I'd go where ever they sent me. That’s how I ended up back in La. I've been living in Natchitoches (pronounced "Nacadish")for about two years now and work on the Kisatchie Ranger District of the Kisatchie National Forest. I get to do a lot of cool stuff with this job, the best being a wildland firefighter but I gotta tell you, there hasn't been a day since I left Panama that I haven't talked about it or at the very least thought about it. While my new wife is dead set against it, I hope to someday retire and move to the interior of Panama and buy a coffee plantation. Any of you Raiders that want to can contact me at either smokey_t_bear85@yahoo.com or mhughes@fs.us.fed. Always remember, WATERBORNE EAT THEIR DEAD HUAH!!!

I have no further information as of 22 Aug 2009.


Trudy Husband, late 1980s - early 1990s
I have no further information as of 12 May 2000.


Robert Hutchins, 1969
I have no further information as of 12 May 2000.


Hutchkins (first name unknown, male), late 1980s - early 1990s
I have no further information as of 12 May 2000.



Donald Hunter, 1970s ***

Made the move to Panama in 1976. I have no further information as of 26 July 2009.

 

 

Matt Hunter, early 1990s

Curtis Persinger, Matt Hunter, and Craig Lester all reclassed to 88K from the same tank crew at Ft. Carson together and all were assigned to Panama after. He got out in 1994 and moved back to Charlotte Michigan. I have no further information as of 30 July 2009.


William Hunter, 1970s ***

Made the move to Panama in 1976. I have no further information as of 26 July 2009.

 

 

Brett Hurt, 1970s ***

Made the move to Panama in 1976. I have no further information as of 26 July 2009.

 

 

Lee Hyman, 1969
I have no further information as of 12 May 2000



I***********
Eli Ivory, 1969
I have no further information as of 12 May 2000.



J***********
Janie Jackson, late 1980s - early 1990s
I have no further information as of 12 May 2000.


George Jacobs, 1970s ***

Made the move to Panama in 1976. I have no further information as of 26 July 2009.

 

 

James Jacobs, early 1990s
I have no further information as of 12 May 2000.


Tony Jaggers, 1976 - 1978
Made the move to Panama in 1976. I have no further information as of 26 July 2009.

 


Thomas Jakositz, 1970s ***

Made the move to Panama in 1976. I have no further information as of 26 July 2009.

 

 

James (first name unknown, male), mid 1990s
I have no further information as of 12 May 2000.


James January, about 1967
I have no further information as of 12 May 2000.


John Jenson, 1969
I have no further information as of 12 May 2000.


Jergens (first name unknown, male), late 1980s - early 1990s
I have no further information as of 12 May 2000.


Jester (first name unknown, male), early 1990s
From Matt Hughes:

His first name is Larry and he called himself "the lizard king"

I have no further information as of 13 Aug 2009.


Victor Jimenez, 1987 - 1991
I have no further information as of 29 July 2009.


Jean Joel, 1980s

Jean was assigned to the 1097th in the 1980s. After Panama he was assigned to 309th Trans at Ft Story. I have no further information as of 5 Aug 2009.

 

 

Bobby Jack Johnson, Feb 1966 – Jan 1967

I have no further information as of 29 July 2009.

 

 

B. Johnson (first name unknown, gender unknown), late 1980s
I have no further information as of 12 May 2000.


Darren Johnson, 1993 - 1999
Darren Johnson was assigned to the 1097th in early 1993. He was assigned as a Chief Engineer on one of the LCU 1600s. Later after the move to the Pacific Side and the phase out of the 1600s he was assigned as the Chief Engineer on one of the LCU 2000s. He retired from the Army in Panama. He was a CW2 Chief assigned to the LCU 67. My last boat in 94. SSG Zens was assigned as ACE. He was married to a Tica and wanted to retired and move to Costa Rica to be near her folks. No idea if that ever happened. Updated 20 Oct 2006


Carola & Mike Johnson, 1996 - 1999
The Johnsons joined the 1097th in 1996. Carola was assigned as the Platoon Sergeant of Medium Boat Platoon and Mike was assigned as the Assistant Chief Engineer aboard one of the LCU 2000s. Later Carola was reassigned as the Maintenance NCO and Mike was reassigned as the Medium Boat Platoon Sergeant. Carola got out of the Army and Mike was reassigned to T-School at Eustis. Mike Retired and is now an instructor for the 88L Committee in 3rd port.

Short Bio: Served in the 73rd Transportation Co. Ft Eustis from 1986-1992, 1098th MB Co. Ft Eustis from 1992-1993, USATSCH Ft Eustis from 1993-1995, 1097th Transportation Co. Panama form 1996-1999. USATSCH Ft Eustis from 1999-2005. Still married to my lovely wife Carola we have a daughter Sarah. I Retired from the military in 2005 with 21.5 yrs service. Currently working as an Instructor at the United States Army Transportation School. A good e-mail is johnsonm12@verizon.net

 

Michael Johnson

USATSCH Instructor

I have no further information as of 22 July 2009.


Mitchum Johnson, 1970s ***

Made the move to Panama in 1976. I have no further information as of 26 July 2009.

 

 

Shery Johnson, late 1980s - early 1990s
I have no further information 12 May 2000.


William Johnson, 1970s ***

Made the move to Panama in 1976. I have no further information as of 26 July 2009.

 

 

Jones (first name unknown, male), early 1990s
I have no further information as of 12 May 2000.


Alfred Jones, 1970s ***

Made the move to Panama in 1976. I have no further information as of 26 July 2009.

 

 

Benjamin Jones, 1970s ***

Made the move to Panama in 1976. I have no further information as of 26 July 2009.

 

 

Larry Jones, mid 1970s
I have no further information as of 12 May 2000.


Mark Jones, 1981 - 1982
I have no further information as of 8 June 2000.

Francis Jordan, 1969
I have no further information as of 12 May 2000.


William Jorgenson, late 1980s - early 1990s
I have no further information as of 12 May 2000.


James Judy, mid 1980s
I have no further information as of 12 May 2000.


Kevin Jump, 1980s

I have no further information as of 29 July 2009.

 

 

Roger Justice, 1970s ***

Made the move to Panama in 1976. I have no further information as of 26 July 2009.

 

 


K***********
Johnny Khan, late 1980s

I have no further information as of 4 March 2007


Ed Karinen, mid 1990s
Ed Karinen joined the 1097th in the mid 90s shortly before the move to the Pacific Side. He was assigned as to the Heavy Boat Platoon. Later he was assigned as the NBC NCO and later he went back to the LCUs. I have no further information as of 12 May 2000.


Tyrone Keen, mid -late 1980s
Tyrone Keen was in the 1097th in the mid to late 80s. After he left Panama he was assigned to the 309th Trans Co at Story. I have no further information as of 8 June 2000.


James Keep, early 1990s
I have no further information as of 8 June 2000.


Alfredo Keeter, late 1990s
Alfredo Keeter was assigned to the 1097th in the late 90s. He was assigned as a Mate aboard one of the LCU 2000s. H left Panama in mid 1999 and was reassigned as the 10th Battalion Harbormaster NCOIC at Eustis. I have no further information as of 8 June 2000.


Ray Keeter, mid 1980s
I have no further information as of 8 June 2000.

 

Royce Keithley, 1976 – 1979 and 1981 – 1984 ***

Made the move to Panama in 1976. I have no further information as of 30 July 2009.

 

 

Sean "Pirata" Kelly, 1993 – 1999
Ok, I made a completely new bio on me. It is extremely long and it made stories of the time I was there and some of the feelings I had over the years. Click here to see my Bio


George Kennedy, 1968

George was the company 1SG during Vietnam. I have no further information is as of 5 May 2001.

 

 

Jeffery Kenny, 1968
I have no further information as of 8 June 2000.


Daniel Keplinger, late 1980s - early 1990s
I have no further information as of 8 June 2000.


Frederick Kerksiak, Aug 1967 - Aug 1968
Spent an evening reading about the 1097th. Brought back many memories. I was with them from Aug 1967-Aug 1968 in Viet Nam. Served with Capt. Pagonis and later Capt. Wilde, was there when Lt Bill Young dove under a boat to free a line and we lost him that day. As the dates show I was there during the TET offensive of Feb 1968. Very interesting time in the lives of many young Americans. I have many pictures of my time there and enjoy going back and pondering the past.

I have no further information as of 8 June 2000.

 

 

John "Omaha" Kernell, 1970s ***

Made the move to Panama in 1976. I have no further information as of 26 July 2009.

 


John "John Boy" Kerr, early - mid 1990
John Boy joined the 1097th in the early 90s. I think he some time on the LCMs but the entire time I knew him he was an Engineer on the LCU 1600s. He left Panama in the mid 1990s to be reassigned to Eustis. When he got back from Panama he worked in the Harbormaster Office. In the summer of 99 he was reassigned to the 329th Trans Co also at Eustis. I have no further information as of 8 June 2000.


William Key, 1969
I have no further information as of 8 June 2000.

Il Kim, late 1980s - early 1990s
Wasn’t he the Plt Ldr who went Delta force. He was/spoke Korean or something like that. Updated 20 Oct 2006


Lashonda Kincaid, mid 1990s
I have no further information of 8 June 2000.


Douglas King, 1970s ***

Made the move to Panama in 1976. I have no further information as of 26 July 2009.

 

 

Fletcher King, mid 1990s
Fletcher King joined the 1097th in the mid 90s. I think he came over from another unit in Panama. He was assigned to either HQ or Maintenance Platoon. He was not a boat MOS, I think he was a Cargo Specialist, "Stevedore." He left 1097th in the mid 90s to be assigned to another Unit in Panama where he stayed until mid 99 when he was assigned to Eustis. Presently he is an SGL at the NCO Academy. I have no further information as of 8 June 2000.


Thom Kirkpatrick, 1970s ***

Made the move to Panama in 1976. Thom was the one who made me aware of the 2009 Reunion in our e-mail correspondence. I have no further information as of 26 July 2009.

 


Willie Kirkpatrick, mid 1970s
I have no further information as of 8 June 2000.


Mark Knight, late 1980s - early 1990s
I have no further information as of 8 June 2000.


Daniel Knowlton, 1994 - 1995
Daniel Knowlton joined the 1097th in mid 1994. He was assigned as an Engineer in the Medium Boat Platoon. He left the 1097th, and the Army, in early 1995. Prior to leaving he borrowed $10 from me and after he left, but a few months after he left I got a check for $15 in the mail. I have no further information as of 8 June 2000.


Aaron "Canoe" Koch, mid 1990s
Canoe joined the 1097th shortly after the move to the Pacific Side. He was assigned to the Heavy Boat Platoon as an Engineer aboard one of the LCU 1600s. He was later reassigned to the LCM 8504 in the Medium Boat Platoon. After a short time in Medium Boat Platoon he was moved over to the LCM 8519 to be assigned as the Chief Engineer. Canoe and Gee Golly spent most of their off time together. One morning after a long weekend they came back with their new nicknames. Canoe tried to put together a packet for a try out for the All Army Volleyball team. The entire command had approved it but DA was not accepting any applications from anyone that was stationed Overseas, guess it was not All Army. Canoe was an avid diver. He got his Basic Open Water Certification and in less than 6 months he had over 200 hours diving. He later got his Advanced Open Water Certification. He was planning on getting out of the Army and opening a company that gave diving tours. The problem that he encountered was that the GI Bill would not cover the School where he wanted to attend so he did not know what he wanted to do next. The Platoon tried to persuade him to stay in the Army until he figured out what he was going to do but to no avail. Canoe gout out of the army in late 97 or early 99. He got a job working out at Kwajalein. I have no further information as of 8 June 2000.


Richard Koch, 1980s

I have no further information as of 29 July 2009.

 

 

William “Killer” Kowalski, 1967 – 1968

I have no further information as of 29 July 2009.

 

 

Zoltan Kozinc, mid 1990s

Zoltan joined the 1097th in the mid 1990s. He was reassigned to Ft Eustis where I think he is still currently at. Updated 21 July 2009

 

 

Robert Kres, 1969
I have no further information as of 8 June 2000.


Mike Krutiac, 1994 - 1996
Mike Krutiac joined the 1097th in late 93 or early 94. For some reason I think he was assigned to Operations his entire time in Panama on the night shift. I remember he had this tiny room in the barracks all to himself. I can't remember if he made the move to the Pac Side, but if he did he was not in the Company very long after that. I have no further information as of 8 June 2000.


Charles Kuahine, 1970s ***

Made the move to Panama in 1976. Chuck Kuahine was later assigned to the T-School in the late 1980s. Chuck was one of my (Pirata’s) instructors when I went through AIT in 1989. I will always remember Chuck leading us across the “swamp” behind 3rd port in order to avoid an ambush during our end of training FTX. Chuck moved rapidly without getting stuck but all 15 of us kept getting stuck. By the time we got to the other side Chuck had been waiting for about 15 minutes. He was clean and we were covered in mud from head to toe. I always wondered how he made it across the swamp so much faster than we did. I have no further information as of 26 July 2009.

 

 

Anthony Kudlicki, 1987 – 1989

I have no further information as of 29 July 2009.

 

 

Dennis Kuznicke, 1969
I have no further information as of 8 June 2000.

 


L***********
Guy La Brecht, early 1990s
Guy La Brecht joined the 1097th in the early 90s. He was assigned as the Vessel Master aboard the LCU 1668. He got out of the Army in late 93 or early 94. After he left Panama I kept in touch with him for awhile, last I knew he was living in OK and sailing resupply ship in the Gulf to the oil rigs. Updated 20 Oct 2006


Bruce Ladd, 1990 – 1995
Bruce Ladd joined the 1097th in 1990. In the time I knew him he was a Boswain on one of the Heavy Boats. He left Panama prior to the move. I have no further information as of 29 July 2009.


Bruce Ladwig, 1969
I have no further information as of 8 June 2000.


Chuck Lafollette, early 1990s
Chuck Lafollette joined the 1097th in the early 90s. He was assigned as an Engineer on one of the Heavy Boats. He left Panama prior to the move and was assigned to Eustis. I think he became a Warrant Officer and is still at Eustis in the 329th Trans Co. I have no further information as of 8 June 2000.


Daniel La Force, 1982 - 1984
He was stationed in Panama from 1982 – 1984.. About the same time frame as Robert May and Russell Trogden. He was originally from NY. He was my first Chief on the M-87, long may she float, in the 1098th Med Boat in 1985. He was married to a Panamanian lady. He got out and went back to NY. Nothing since then. Updated 20 Oct 2006


Gary Larry, early 1990s
I have no further information as of 8 June 2000.


Charles Lathrop, 1969
I have no further information as of 8 June 2000.


William Laughman, late 1980s - early 1990s
I have no further information as of 8 June 2000.


William Lawman, 1970s ***

Made the move to Panama in 1976. I have no further information as of 26 July 2009.

 

 

Terry Laws, 1970s ***

Made the move to Panama in 1976. I have no further information as of 26 July 2009.

 

 

Earl Lawson, mid 1990s

Earl was assigned as an engineer aboard the Heavy Boats. After Panama he returned to Ft Eustis where is currently assigned to HHC 7th Brigade. I have no further information as of 21 July 2009

 

 

Dan Leach, 1980 – 1982

I have no further information as of 29 July 2009.

 

 

Joseph Lebel, 1976 – 1978 ***

Made the move to Panama in 1976. I have no further information as of 29 July 2009.

 

 

Michael Leclair, 1970s ***

Made the move to Panama in 1976. I have no further information as of 26 July 2009.

 

 

Michael Ledford, mid 1990s
Michael Ledford joined the 1097th in the mid 90s. He was assigned as a Welder. He later took over as NCOIC of the Welding Shop. He left Panama right before or right after the move. I have no further information as of 8 June 2000.


Denise Leindecker, 1970s ***

Made the move to Panama in 1976. I have no further information as of 26 July 2009.

 

 

Tracy Lemme, 1969
I have no further information as of 8 June 2000.


Juan Leon-Guerrero, 1970s ***

Made the move to Panama in 1976. I have no further information as of 26 July 2009.

 

 

Michael Leonard, 1969
I have no further information as of 8 June 2000.


Alexander Lesio, 1969
I have no further information as of 8 June 2000.


Greg Leslie, 1980s

I have no further information as of 29 July 2009.

 

 

Craig Lester, 1990 - 1993
Curtis Persinger, Matt Hunter, and Craig Lester all reclassed to 88K from the same tank crew at Ft. Carson together and all were assigned to Panama after. He joined the 1097th in the early 90s. He was assigned as the Coxswain aboard the LCM 8582, the only SLEP (Service Life Extension Program) boat that the Platoon or the company had. The SLEP boat was faster under certain conditions that the older Non SLEP boats, but taking 6' swells head on in a SLEP boat sucked. Lester left the 1097th on late 93 or early 94. From Matt Hughes’ hand:

Craig Lester went back to Eustis and ran Range Control for a few years then became a recruiter in Denver Co. He is now managing a bar or a restaurant in Denver.

I have no further information as of 29 July 2009.


Tomaakiuno Leota, late 1980s - early 1990s
I have no further information as of 8 June 2000.

 

Marina Libro, 1991 - 1993
She was from Boston or some NE state. Had an accent. She was room dogs with SSG Long, Dawn for awhile.

I was in Panama on AD 91-93 and then for two more tours with the Reserves in 96 and again in 97 when we finally closed shop...I think it was 97! I brought my LARC crew from Story to run the Mike boats that were still there but had no crews cause they were already PCS'd...smart planning. Anyway, my civilian email is pir8grl@aol.com. Glad you got in touch with me and I look forward to looking at the web site!

Marina

Updated 29 July 2009


Liggon (first name unknown, male), early - mid 1990s
Liggon joined the 1097th in the early 90s. He was assigned to the Welding Shop. He made the move and after the Welding Shop was removed from the Company he worked in Operations for a year or so before he left the 1097th. I have no further information as of 8 June 2000.


Bobby Liles, 1969
I have no further information as of 8 June 2000.


Raymond Lilly, 1969
I have no further information as of 8 June 2000.


Dusty Lister, 1970s ***

Made the move to Panama in 1976. I have no further information as of 26 July 2009.

 

 

Alan Lithwin, 1968 - 1969
I have no further information as of 8 June 2000.


Lisa Livengood, 1994 - 1997
Lisa Livengood joined the 1097th in 94. She was assigned as an Engineer aboard the LCM 8503. She later was assigned to the J-3795. She learned to surf in Panama and I took her on several surfing trips until she got the hang of it. She made the move and was later assigned to the Orderly Room where she stayed until she got out of the Army in 1997. Zoltan Kozinc stated she lives in NC or SC now and comes up here in the Ft Eustis area from time to time. I have no further information as of 20 July 2009.


Terry Llewellyn, about 1967
I have no further information as of 8 June 2000.


Ronald Locherby, late 1990s
Ronald Locherby joined the 1097th in the late 90s. He was assigned as the Vessel Master of the LCU 2018. He left the 1097th in the late 90s. I have no further information as of 8 June 2000.


Dennis Lofton, late 1980s - early 1990s
I have no further information as of 8 June 2000.


Linda Long, early 1990s
I have no further information as of 8 June 2000.


Hector Lopez, 1969
I have no further information as of 8 June 2000.


Michael Lord, late 1980s - early 1990s, mid - late 1990s
Michael Lord joined the 1097th right out of AIT, I think. He served with the unit during Just Cause. After this he returned to the States. He returned to Panama in the Mid 90s. He was assigned as a Coxswain on the LCM 8504, I think. He was moved to the LCU 2000s later. He got out of the Army in the late 90s. I have no further information as of 8 June 2000.


Neil S. "Catfish" Lotridge, 1976 – 1978 ***
One of the Raiders I remember on the first message board but for some reason I guess I forgot about adding him to the list. I am so sorry, it only takes about 38 seconds to add someone to the list but I forgot.
my name is Neil S. Lotridge they called me "Catfish” I am an "original river raider" I came over with the mike boats from ft.useless in ' 76 along with cpt. cartwright and "crusher" crenshaw. I was the skipper of the 8596 after "chino" got tired of doing it. We had a hell of a good time, I left in ' 78.

Made the move to Panama in 1976. I have no further information as of 26 July 2009.




Willem Loupatty, 1993 - 1997
Willem Loupatty joined the 1097th in late 93. He was assigned as the Vessel Master on the LCU 1669. I remember one time when we were trying to tie off the LCM 8503 to the 69 in a 5 knot current down in La Palma we put a major ding in the 69 and he was PO'd. He liked it even less when I produced a black magic marker and wrote, "LCM 8503 was here. SPK." He gave me a thorough butt chewing that I can still feel. Later he was reassigned to the LCU 2018 as the Vessel Master. He was set to retire when he was involuntarily extended so that he could sail the 2018 to the Shipyard in California because there was no one else that could do it in the time frame it needed to be done. He reluctantly did this then retired.

Who could ever forget him. I think he was the skipper of the 68. He took the place of CW3 Burnett. I was on his maiden voyage locking down, at night. He tore off at least 3 fenders that night and almost but us under the water vent, the arched area by the drive across bridge where the water was released from the lock as it was lowering ships, on the way out. Then we almost collided with a PCC tug before we cleared the channel. He is the one who would catch live fish, rap them in a plastic trash bag, and put them in the freezer to flop around. He would say that he "would eat that later". Don’t know if he ever did or not. Updated 20 Oct 2006


William Loucks, 1970s ***

Made the move to Panama in 1976. I have no further information as of 26 July 2009.

 

 

Love (first name unknown, male), 1993 - 1994
Love joined the 1097th in early 1994. He came down on a 1 year tour. He was assigned as a Boswain aboard one of the LCU 2000s. He left Panama as quietly as he entered. He was assigned to Eustis. While at Eustis he was assigned to the NCO Academy. I think he has since been reassigned to Eustis but I don't know. I have no further information as of 8 June 2000.


Lewis Loveless, 1970s ***

Made the move to Panama in 1976. I have no further information as of 26 July 2009.

 

 

Don Loving, late 1980s - mid 1990s
Don Loving joined the 1097th in the late 80s. He was a cook assigned to the mess hall. He was in the company for Just Cause and also the company changing into the Composite Boat unit by adding the LCUs. Even though he officially worked in the Mess Hall he also sailed aboard the LCUs whenever they got underway as a cook. He made the Move to the Pacific Side and was assigned to the Mess Hall on Clayton. As the unit was downsized he was assigned to the 245th Support Battalion, but I think I remember him still sailing on the LCUs when they got underway. I don't know when he left Panama nor where he went to. I have no further information as of 12 June 2000.


Todd Lowman, 1993 - mid 1990s
Todd Lowman joined the 1097th in late 1993. He was previously assigned to one of the Hovercraft Companies at Story. He was assigned as a Seaman in the Medium Boat Platoon. He sailed on the LCUs several times but most of his boat time was on the LCMs. I think he made the move to the Pacific Side but I can't remember when he left Panama, but I think he got out of the Army. I have no further information as of 12 June 2000.


Lucic (first name unknown, male), early - mid 1990s
Lucic joined the 1097th in the early 90s. He was assigned as the Chief Engineer aboard the LCU 1668. I can't remember when he left Panama, but I think it was after the move. believe he was the CW2 Chief on the 68. He slipped and fell of the O1 deck and landed on the H bit back by the anchor on one of the ammo retrogrades we did to Cherry Point, NC in 93-94. John Boy should have more info on this. Updated 20 Oct 2006.


Steve Ludley, mid - late 1980s
I have no further information as of 12 June 2000.


Kenneth Lunardi, 1970s ***

Made the move to Panama in 1976. I have no further information as of 26 July 2009.

 

 

Timmy Luster, early 1990s
Timmy Luster is an Honorary River Raider after being attached to the Company for 6 months TDY. Timmy returned to the States in the early 90s. He has been assigned all over Eustis. He is presently the 4th Shift NCOIC at the Harbormaster Tower. I have no further information as of 12 June 2000.


Tim Lynes, mid 1970s
I have no further information as of 12 June 2000.

 

 


M***********
Larry Mabe, 1970s ***

Made the move to Panama in 1976. I have no further information as of 26 July 2009.

 

 

MacNaeme (first name unknown), early 1980s
I have no further Information as of 12 June 2000


Tom Madigan, 1991 - 1993
I have no further Information as of 16 May 2006


Johnie Madison, 1970s ***

Made the move to Panama in 1976. I have no further information as of 26 July 2009.

 

 

Douglas Magee, mid - late 1990s
Doug Magee joined the 1097th in the mid 90s. He was assigned as the Platoon Leader of Medium Boat. Later he was assigned as the XO. He got out of the Army in the late 90s and is now working for the DOD in Bosnia. I have no further Information as of 12 June 2000


John Mahaddy, late 1970s
I have no further Information as of 12 June 2000


Carston "Field Mule" Maifeld, 1993 - 1996
Carston Maifeld joined the Army in 1988. He was assigned to the 309th Trans Co at Story after he completed AIT. He spent most of his summers there on Grass Cutting Detail. He joined the 1097th in July 93. He was assigned as a Seaman on the LCMs briefly then as a Seaman on one of the LCUs. He left the 1097th and got out of the Army in Sept 1996. I have no further Information as of 12 June 2000


Dave Mandigo, mid 1990s
Dave Mandigo joined the 1097th in the mid 90s. He was assigned as the Assistant Chief Engineer aboard one of the Heavy Boats. He helped the unit move to the Pacific side and left the company some time thereafter. He was assigned to one of the units at Eustis and got out of the Army in late 98 or early 99. I have no further Information as of 12 June 2000.


Salvat Mangiafico, 1970s ***

Made the move to Panama in 1976. I have no further information as of 26 July 2009.

 

 

Charlie March, early - mid 1990s
Charlie March joined the 1097th in the early 90s. He was assigned as the Vessel Master of the LCU 2018. He retired from the Army sometime before the move and went back to the states. He later returned to Panama and lives in Portobello. The thing that I remember most about him was the write up in the Tropic Times stating that he liked to drink hot Pepsi. Information as of 20 Oct 2006


Markwell, 1976 - 1978
I have no further Information as of 12 June 2000


Marrero (first name unknown, male), early 1990s
I have no further Information as of 12 June 2000


Martin (first name unknown, gender unknown), early 1990s
I have no further Information as of 12 June 2000


Michael Martin, early - mid 1990s
Michael Martin joined the 1097th in the early 90s. He was assigned as the Boswain aboard one of the Heavy Boats. He left the 1097th either shortly before or shortly after the move to the Pacific Side. He was assigned to Eustis. I don't know which company he was assigned to at Eustis, but when I returned from Panama he was assigned to the Harbormaster Tower, and had been for a few years. He left the Harbormaster Tower in early 2000 and was assigned at T-School as an Instructor. I have no further Information as of 12 June 2000


Michaelle Martinez, early - mid 1990s
Michaelle Martinez Joined the 1097th in late 92 or early 93. She was assigned to Heavy Boat Platoon. She got pregnant and was reassigned to the HQ Platoon until shortly after she had her daughter Halley. After she returned to work she was assigned to the Medium Boat Platoon. She was later the Coxswain of the LCM 8503. She left the 1097th in late 95 or early 96. She was assigned to the 1098th Trans Co at Eustis. She attended BNCOC in late 98 and early 99. She returned to the 1098th but was later reassigned to one of the LCU Companies.

UPDATE: Michaelle Martinez was assigned to T-School from around 2004 - 2005. She is currently assigned to the 331st Trans Company as the Floating Causeway Platoon Sergeant. I have no further information is as of 16 May 2006.


Raymond Martinez, mid 1970s
I have no further Information as of 12 June 2000


Raymond Martinez, 1996 - 1998
Ray Martinez joined the 1097th in 96. He was assigned as the Mate of one of the LCU 1600s. He was just returned from a tour as a Basic Training Drill Sergeant. In mid 96 he was assigned as the Medium Boat Platoon Sergeant. He was sent as Damage Control to fix the problems that had occurred in the past. He was a great Platoon Sergeant. Several of the members of the Platoon did not want to conform to his way of doing business but in the end it was to either shape up or ship out. In early 97 he had things in order and was assigned as the Mate of one of the LCU 2000s. He was assigned to Eustis in late 98 and was assigned to one of the Heavy Boat Companies. Ray retired in about 2002 or 2003 and moved to Texas. I have no further Information as of 20 July 2009.


Douglas Mars, 1980s
Douglas Mars was the 1SG in the 1980s. I have no further information as of 29 July 2009.

 

Stephen Mask, 1990 – 1992

I was assigned to the 1097th from early 1990 to 1992. I was on the LCM's 8513, 18, 19,LCU 1667, and 2017. When I was there we were the Kings of the water, and the softball field! It does my heart good to see this and see so many of the waterborne still around. Drop me a line, I have some updates on some of the formers.

WATERBORNE!

I have no further information as of 29 July 2009.

 

 

Matkin (first name unknown, gender unknown), early 1990s
I have no further Information as of 12 June 2000.


Brian Mattox, Feb 1991 – Feb 1993
I was assigned to the 1097th From February 1991 to February 1993. After Panama I went to Ft Hood, TX till 1994 and got out. I then headed back to Idaho were I've been a Deputy Sheriff in Boise, Id for the last fourteen years. You can share my info with the good people of the river raider community. Thanks.

I have no further Information as of 5 Aug 2009.


Robert May, 1985 - 1989
Please add me to your Listing. I was assigned to the 1097th Trans Co. from 1985 to late 1989 as an 88L20 and served onboard the LCM8503/8507. I am a PanaJungla Graduate, May 5 1987. I was second Highest Graduate of the class and Received the Espirt Award. My Nickname was Pana May. I am an AGR assigned the 203rd Trans Det and currently fielding the newest Logistic Support Vessel 'MG Robert Smalls' LSV-8. we hope the Commissioning go's well this summer. Please add this.

Information as of 16 May 2006


Michael Mayer, mid 1980s
I have no further Information as of 12 June 2000


Marc Mayo, 1969
I have no further Information as of 12 June 2000


Anthony Mayoshiro, 1980 - 1982
I have no further Information as of 12 June 2000


Peter Mazuc, 1969
I have no further Information as of 12 June 2000


William "Wild Bill" McAllister, 1970s ***
Made the move to Panama in 1976. I have no further information as of 26 July 2009.

 


McCaan (first name unknown, gender unknown), mid - late 1980s
I have no further Information as of 12 June 2000


McCamish (first name unknown, gender unknown), late 1980s - early 1990s
I have no further Information as of 12 June 2000


Edward McCarter, 1970s ***

Made the move to Panama in 1976. I have no further information as of 26 July 2009.

 

 

Mike McCarthy, Jan 1992 – Jan 1994
McCarthy joined the 1097th in the early 90s. He was assigned as a Seaman aboard one of the LCMs. He got out of the Army when he left Panama.

This is Michael McCarthy.  On your wall it said first name unknown.  I was a River Raider Jan 1992 till Jan of 94.  I had gotten married to a local and have since divorced her and have remarried.  I went back to Ft Eustis until Dec of 96 when I ETS'd.  I served on the 04, the 10 and the LSV while I was down there.  I spent quite a bit of time detailed out to Ft Sherman for support of JOTC.  I got back to Eustis I was on one of the 65ft tugs and then the BD crane for the remainder of my time.  I got out, moved to AZ and then in 98 moved back home to good old NH where I have been ever since.  I reflect and tell people of the incredible times I had while in Panama, it was to this day one of the best experiences of my life.  I was very young when I arrived, I was fresh out of AIT when I got there and had a hard time adjusting to the whole authority thing, and hot weather crap, and a few other things, but I survived.  To anyone who was down there while I was, thanks for helping me grow up and learn about the world.  I you would like to get in contact with me I am on facebook or just e-mail me big_mike1@comcast.net.  Keep this site up.  P.S. I have the original framed picture of the River Raider logo painted on glass with the map of panama behind it!!  It was given to me by SFC. Don "Bee Bop: Walters as a going away present when I got out.  Thanks Don, hopefully you will see this and write.

I have no further Information as of 13 Aug 2009.


Ed McCarthy, late 1970s
I have no further information as of 4 March 2007.


Timothy McCarthy, 1996 - 1999
Timothy McCarthy joined the 1097th in mid 96. He was assigned as the Vessel Master of the LCU 2017. He left the 1097th in mid 99. He was assigned as the 10th Battalion Harbormaster at Eustis. I have no further Information as of 12 June 2000


Kayri McCartin, Jan 1994 – Dec 1995

I grew up in Montana, then went to high school in NYC. I joined the Army to get out of NY. I was stationed in 331st TC at Fort Story after T-school, then sent to Panama in Jan '94. I got out of the Army when I left Panama in Dec '95. After working here and there I finally decided to go to college in 2000. I got my BS in math, then my advisor talked me into staying to get my master's in teaching. I've been teaching math at Menchville High School since I graduated in '06, but I've jumped ship and will be teaching at Grafton High School this year.

 

Memories of Panama? Well, I sure remember my first mission after I got there. It was Jan or Feb '94, a mission to La Palma. We'd just built a new hooch on the LCM-8504. John McCollum was the coxswain and Andrew Pecherski was the engineer. Anyway, after we got to La Palma, I laid down on a cot to take a nap. When I woke up a short while later, my bright white legs had gotten their introduction to the strong Panama sun & were positively crispy!

 

I think my favorite memories of Panama were all of the times we spent supporting the JOTB on Fort Sherman and up the Chag. I distinctly recall one of my Mike-boat colleauges, ahem, filling his mouth with MRE beef stew and "hurling" it onto the deck and another coming along and eating some of the chunks to make the poor, seasick grunts in the well deck throw up. You guys were so cruel. Hysterical, but cruel!

 

I also remember Rick Conklin always putting me on the last watch every night so I could fill everyone's thermoses with boiling water for their morning coffee. Me and my little one-burner Coleman stove - which I still have, by the way. Ha! And Rick used to bitch all the time about my "ice cream coffee," but he sure would drink it, huh?

 

We sure did have some fun times, didn't we? I'm looking forward to seeing who is able to make it to the reunion in October. I sure plan on being there! Are you going to start a 1097th group on FB now that you're on here? Let me know if you do. = )

I have no further information as of 24 Aug 2009.

 

 

John McCartin, 1992 - 1995
The McCartins joined the 1097th in 1992. Kayri was assigned to Medium Boat Platoon as a Seaman and John was assigned to Heavy Boat Platoon as an Engineer. John attended PLDC at Sherman in 1994. The McCartins left Panama right before the move. I think Kayri got out of the Army but John is assigned somewhere at Eustis.

How goes things? Not to bad on this end. Yeah I am still in the Army CW3 now. I am the 10th BN Marine Maintenance officer. Kayri and I are now divorced. She still lives in NN and is a high school teacher in Yorktown. Things are going pretty well. SO is the reunion still a go for October? It would be cool to see some of the old faces from back in the day. If you need anything let me know, I am in the area and not hard to find.

 

Take Care,

John

v/r

CW3 John J. McCartin

10th Trans BN MMO

Updated 21 July 2009


McClain (first name unknown, male), mid 1990s
McClain joined the 1097th in the mid 90s. He was assigned as the Assistant Chief Engineer of the LCU 2017. He returned to the states a year after arriving, he had a one year short tour. He is presently assigned to one of the LCU Companies at Eustis. I have no further Information as of 12 June 2000


Freddie McClain, 1969
I have no further Information as of 12 June 2000


Phillip McClary, 1968
I have no further Information as of 12 June 2000


Don McClellan, 1966 – 1967

Thanks for the email, I am new to the computer and trying to navigate. I was with the 1097th 6-66 to 6-67 I've had a tough time trying to contact anyone from that time frame, did you get my name from the guest book or better company records? I will be happy to share my story, any tips on how to do that on the site easily.

Will be in touch, thanks again, Don

I have no further information as of 29 July 2009.

 

 

George McClendon, 1969
I have no further Information as of 12 June 2000


Jeanette McClendon, 1997 - 1999
Jeanette McClendon joined the 1097th in 97. She was assigned as the Supply NCO. She was either the second or third to last to leave the Company in 99. I have no further Information as of 12 June 2000


John McCollum, 1993 - 1995
John McCollum joined the 1097th in late 93. He was assigned as the Coxswain of the LCM 8519. He left the 1097th in early 95. He was assigned to Eustis. Later he got out of the Regular Army and joined the Army Reserve. I saw him in either 98 or 99 while he was sailing on a Reserve LCU 2000 to Panama.

When I returned from Panama in 1995, I was assigned as a Causeway Pilot in the 331st Trans Co. at Ft. Eustis. I got out in 1996 and went to work for the North Carolina Department of Corrections. I remained in the reserves at Morehead NC until around 2000. I left the NCDOC in 2000, and went to work for the Department of the Navy. I work here at Cherry Point NC at the Navair Depot. I work with fuel controls and turbine engine assemblies for primarily the H60 and Ch53 helicopters. Still married to the same girl, have 2 boys, 1 is 16, and the other is 11. All is good.

I have no further Information as of 13 Aug 2009.


Larry McCloud, 1987 – 1989

I have no further information as of 16 Aug 2009

 

 

James McCoy, 1994 - 1995
James McCoy joined the 1097th in early 1994. He was assigned as a Seaman on one of the LCMs. He was given an additional duty of being part of the Lifeguard team in the company that drownproofed the new personnel in the Company each week. He left the 1097th before the move, I think in 95. I think he was assigned to Eustis. I think he got out of the Army since he got back. I have no further Information as of 12 June 2000


McDaniel (first name unknown, male), 1995 - 1996
McDaniel joined the 1097th in late 95. He was assigned as a Seaman aboard the LCU 2017. He put in his Green to Gold packet which was approved. He left the 1097th mid 96. I have no further Information as of 12 June 2000


Brad McDaniel, Aug 86 - Sept 88
Walton Bradley McDaniel 'Mac or Brad will do. Born June 16,1966 in Atlanta, Georgia. I have a twin brother, 4 minutes older, and one sister, 5 years older. I went to High School at Heritage High in Conyers GA. Graduated in 1984. The notorious school for the recent shooting. Joined the Army on the Delayed Entry Program and started Basic Training, Oct 24, 1984, at Ft Jackson, SC. Went to Eustis for AIT. Assigned to the 331st Trans Co, Hovercraft.

Got orders for Ft Davis Panama and arrived in 1986. Not sure what month but it was rainy season. Had a great tour of duty. Many nights Downrange. I would have to write a book to cover the 2 years there. ETS'd from Panama in Sept 88 from Ft Jackson. Took three months off then started to work for Delta Airlines in Atlanta. Have been there going on 12 years. I work in the Materials Management. I got married to my wife who I met through Delta. She is an Operations Coordinator. She also has her own Interior design, which she plans to start full time this fall. No children yet but could be possible in the near future. We have been married 8 years now. I still do PT, 3 miles three times a week and two sets of 80 Pushups and sit-ups, then numerous 12oz curls of my favorite hops to reward myself as I sit in our hot tub on the deck. Also in the summer after a hot run I enjoy a cold beverage in the pool. I also mountain bike every chance I get. My twin brother works as the superintendant at the local Golf Course so I can play there when I can. I have been able to utilize the Olympic Mountain Bike Course where I live also. They kept it open after the Olympics. It is only a 5 mile drive from my house. My wife and I travel as much as possible since we work for the airline.

I had a chance to fly back up to Virginia Beach and hook up with SGT Sean "Pirata" Kelly and SFC Don "Bee Bop" Walters at Ft Eustis. We may start a yearly reunion with all the former 1097th River Raiders. Hope to see all you Down Rangers there.

I have no further information is as of 23 June 2000


James McDaniel, early 1990s - mid 1990s
James McDaniel joined the 1097th in late 92 or early 93. He was assigned as a Chief Engineer in the Medium Boat Platoon. He was later assigned as an Engineer on one of the Heavy Boats. He left Panama in late 95 or early 96. He was assigned to Eustis. I think he got out of the Army in 99 or 2000. I have no further information is as of 23 June 2000.


McDaniels (first name unknown, gender unknown), late 1980s - early 1990s
I have no further Information as of 12 June 2000


Michael McDonald, 1969
I have no further Information as of 12 June 2000


Garland McGinnis, 1985 - 1986, also in JOTB from 1998 - 1999
Garland McGinnis joined the 1097th in 1985. He was assigned to one of the LCMs. He left the 1097th to be reassigned to either Eustis or Story. He returned to Panama in 1998 but he was assigned as the NCOIC of the JOTB Boathouse instead to being back in the 1097th. He returned to Eustis when Sherman closed in mid 1999. He is assigned to one of the LCU Companies, I think. Last assignment for Mac was at 331st Causeway before he retired in 2004 or 2005. Currently he is working at the Ft Eustis Harbormaster’s office. I have no further information is as of 20 July 2009.


Theodore McGuire, 1995 - 1997
Ted McGuire joined teat deal of work improving the parts ordering system on the vessel. He left Panama in late 96 or early 97 and returned to Eustis. I ran into him after I returned to the US in 1999 and was still assigned to Eustis as of 2001 or 2002 but I don’t know where he went from there. I have no further information is as of 23 June 2000.


Lewis McNeil, 1970s ***

Made the move to Panama in 1976. I have no further information as of 26 July 2009.

 

 

Claude McRae, Late 90s
Claude McRae served as the 1SG coming over from a Truck Company in Panamá. He was the replacement for 1SG Call and was replaced when his tour ended by SFC Guccione. He is currently assigned as the Garrison CSM for Fort Eustis. He retired in 2005 or 2006. I have no further information is as of 20 July 2009.


James Melvin, 1970s ***

Made the move to Panama in 1976. I have no further information as of 26 July 2009.

 

 

Don Messner, Dec 1966 – June 1967

I have no further information as of 29 July 2009.

 

 

James Miller, 1995 – 1997

Jim served as an engineer on the 2017 while I was the Boswain. I have no further information as of 29 July 2009.

 

 

Raymond Miller, 1968
I have no further information is as of 23 June 2000.


Johnny Million, 1993 - 1996
Johnny Million was assigned to the 309th Trans Co at Story right out of AIT. He joined the 1097th in early 1993. He was assigned as an Engineer on the LCM 8504. He made the move to Pac Side. He left the 1097th in early 1996. I have no further information is as of 23 June 2000.


Emmett Mims, 1970s ***

Made the move to Panama in 1976. I have no further information as of 26 July 2009.

 

 

Mitchell (first name unknown, male), early 1990s
I have no further information is as of 23 June 2000.

 

SGT Ron Mize, mid to late 1980s

I have no further information as of 22 July 2009.

 


Gerold Monceaux, 1969
I have no further information is as of 23 June 2000.


Sean Moffet, early 90s
Sean Moffet joined the 1097th in the early 90s. He was assigned to Medium Boat Platoon. I can't remember much about him, but I remember he was a health food nut.

This is Sean Moffett. The red head guy from 1097th. I found your page by chance and was pissed off that all you remembered about me was that I was a "Health Food Nut". You probably don't remember too much about me because I was always out trekken by myself. I just didn't like those MREs when we went sailing and was always bitchin about the food. I remember you had that snake that you eventually skinned and stuck in your freezer. It eventually ended up under the barracks near the picnic bench behind the barracks. It stunk for weeks.. I also remember that jeep with the oil pan full of sand. Remember I fixed your TV? The picture was 180 degrees out of sync ;-).

I hung around Panama for almost 1 month after my 7 months deployment to Haiti after my ETS data. I left that psycho girl from Darien. I lived in Guatemala for 6 months and had several run-ins with the Guatemalan Defense Force in the Petén Area. I lived with some German Minorities for a few days in Belize. Remember, I always took those week long treks on leave by myself near the border of Colombia? I always came back with food poising and dysentery. Matt (The Diver Guy) went with me once and he got sick too :-). I had like two months leave saved up when I went to Panama.

I After I left Panama, I missed those Latin women so I ended up married to a girl from Mexico named Elsa. She helps me keep up with the Spanish :-).. She fattened me up to about 175 pounds and got me off that health food diet ;-). I own a small software development business in Virginia and finally settled down to the married life.
Sean
Information is as of 17 July 2000


Wayne Monroe, 1969
I have no further information is as of 23 June 2000.


Montegut (first name unknown, male), early 1990s
Montegut joined the 1097th in the early 90s. He was assigned to the Heavy Boat Platoon. He left the 1097th in the early 90s. He was reassigned to Eustis. I saw him shortly after I returned from Panama, but I have not seen him since. I have no further information is as of 23 June 2000.


Eric Montgomery, early - mid 1990s
Eric Montgomery enlisted in the Army as a Cook, of all thing. He later regained his senses and reclassed to 88K. He was assigned to the 1097th as his first duty station after he became a Mariner. He was assigned to the LCM 8501 as a Seaman. He was later promoted to Sergeant. He returned to the States to attend 88K20 School.. He was made the Coxswain of the LCM 8501. He returned to the States in 1996. He was assigned to the 1098th Trans Co at Eustis. He attended BNCOC in late 1998 and early 1999. He was assigned to the 329th Trans Co in late 99. I have no further information is as of 23 June 2000.


Jeff Moody, 1969
I have no further information is as of 23 June 2000.


Lee Moore, 1970s ***

Made the move to Panama in 1976. I have no further information as of 26 July 2009.

 

 

Chris Moos, mid 1990s
Chris Moos was previously assigned to some unit at Eustis. He joined the 1097th in the mid 90s. He was assigned as the Boswain on the LCU 2018. He left the 1097th in the mid 90s. I have no further information is as of 23 June 2000.


Morales (first name unknown, male), early - mid 1990s
Morales was assigned to Eustis before he went to Panama. He joined the 1097th in the early 90s. He was assigned to one of the LCUs. He left Panama right before the move. He was assigned to Eustis. I saw him a few months ago, I think he is assigned to the 73rd Tran Co. I have no further information is as of 23 June 2000.


Morgan (first name unknown, gender unknown), early 1990s
I have no further information is as of 23 June 2000.


Raul "Ralph" Morin, mid 1980s
I have no further information is as of 23 June 2000.


Michael Morra ***

XO of the 1097th during the move to Panama in 1976. I have no further information as of 26 July 2009.

 

 

Galen Morris, 1978 - 1980
Galen Morris was the CO. I have no further information as of 8 June 2000.

 

 

Justin Morris, early 1990s
I have no further information is as of 23 June 2000.


Keith Morrison, 1974 – 1979 ***
E-mail # 1, "I was one of the Original River Raiders 74-79. I went from Ft. Eustis to Ft. Davis and beyond, I was on the 8594. I had a lot of good times and am still in contact with several Raiders but somewhere along the way, I lost my black hat. Has anyone seen it? Nice web site. Keep it going"

E-mail #2, "I returned to Panama in 80-83. I was assigned to DIO or D company. I had a better time the first tour but the grunts were not as friendly the first time either. I had my share of time going down ranger on the bluebird or other means. Keep in touch. Keith Morrison."


E-mail #3, "My name is Keith Morrison and I was assigned to the 1097th in 1974. I was assigned to the old 8507 and we were told that the older boats were not going to be sent. We had a list of other boats from other unit, 1098th, 1099th to select from. I chose the 8594. When we got it officially, the ramp hinges would not operate, so we tied the ramp to some pilings and kept backing down and pouring oil on them. That was before hazmat concerns. When the unit arrived in country, we were assigned on the boats (4) that were there. They were real old and didn't have hydraulics. We worked on them until ours arrived from the states. We had a lot more landing sites back then. We also lost a ramp or two. I served on the 8594 and then I was a section sgt I got married to another unit member and I we were sent to Eustis. I was in the 97th on the LCU 1671 with Raymond Swartz as the skipper. WE were in Mobile Ala. doing ferry service in 79 after hurricane Fred hit when I got orders to return to Panama. I was there when the treaty was signed and upon my return to country, it was totally different. The Canal Zone was a lot different. Most of the married members that got married in while in country lived in a place called Rainbow City. It was operated by the Canal Zone housing . The second tour I was assigned to D company. I was glad to see some of the old civilians in DIO, like Graham, Smith, Luna and others. I got a three month drop so I could go to Ft. Eustis to attend HCEOC. Some of the younger members might not know what it stood for, it was Harbor Craft Engineer Officer Course. I obtained my A1 license and was assigned to the 73rd. I was the Chief Engineer on a number of 65ft tugs. The hardest part of the old tugs I had was training new skippers. They would always run out of air when they came into dock and they would hit the pier at a speed to high. They always counted on having a lot of air to back down with but they kept forgetting that every time they shift ahead and astern that they were using air. I was then assigned to the 73rd on a rehab transfer. It was due to a dui. I was assigned to the LCU 1583. It was sent to Panama on a trip and upon the return, the skipper and the chief engineer were relieved due to a number of reasons. Misappropriation of funds and other things .I was still a chief engineer E-6. Then I was considered for E-7 and that was when the DA started the QMP. I was one of the first to get QMPed. It wasn't because of the dui 5 years before but it was a catch 22. I got divorced after I go out and started the civilian life. Then stupid cupid struck and I got married again. Now I have 6 girls and three are in college, they range from 8-20. I work for a Naval contractor working on all of the Navy's pollution and salvage equipment. It is an interesting job. I like to work on cars and go camping in what little free time I have. I look forward to hearing from some of the old guys and gals. Has anyone seen my black hat?"
Made the move to Panama in 1976. I have no further information as of 26 July 2009.

 


Lonnie Morrow, mid 1990s
Lonnie Morrow was assigned to the 309th Trans Co right out of AIT. He joined the 1097th in the mid 90s. He was assigned as a Seaman on one of the LCMs. He got out of the Army in the mid 90s. I have no further information as of 23 June 2000.


James Morton, 1969
I have no further information is as of 23 June 2000.


Mosier (first name unknown, male), early 1990s
I have no further information is as of 23 June 2000.


Mouton (first name unknown, gender unknown), late 1980s - early 1990s
I have no further information is as of 23 June 2000.


Bill Muller - early 1960s
My name is Bill Muller. I served at Ft. Eustis from 1961-1964.I started with the 1099th.and did the Cuban Missile Crisis as a coxswain on the mike boats. Had a MOS for diesel mechanic but did not like doing that and at that time they were short of coxswains so I could do both jobs. Went into the 1097th for Sunec training and then to Greenland where we used the old 6 boats back in 1963.After Greenland tour ended stayed in the 1097th. but was assigned to Headquarters Co. aboard the Q boats which were 65 footers like the Navy's old PT boats. One was used to take the VIP's from DC or wherever fishing. Did that for a while and then got onto the Generals Q boat. Took him and his family out on the James river for dinner cruises or out into the Atlantic for fishing trips. Volunteered to go to Viet-Nam mid 1964 but they would not let me go. I got out toward the end of the year and in 1965 they all left for Nam.

I have no further information as of 5 May 2005


David Munday, 1969
I have no further information as of 23 June 2000.


Juan Munos, 1992 - 1997
Juan Munos joined the 1097th in 1992. He was assigned as the Maintenance Officer. He later became the Chief Engineer on the LCU 2017. He retired from the Army in 1997. I have no further information as of 23 June 2000.


Jason "Munchie" Munstock, 1992 - 1996
Munchie was a very good friend of mine. We spent more than our share of time hanging out on missions and downrange too. I think he got out of the Army and returned to California but I am not sure. I have no further information as of 5 May 2005


John Murphy, 1980s

Killed by a train near the Gatun Yacht Club. I have no further information as of 29 July 2009.

 

 

Murray (first name unknown, male), early 1990s
I have no further information as of 23 June 2000.


Myrick (first name unknown, male), mid 1990s
Myrick joined the 1097th in the mid 90s. He was assigned to the Commo Shop. He assisted in the move and shortly thereafter he was assigned to the Night Shift in Operations. He left the 1097th in the mid 90s. I have no further information as of 23 June 2000.



N***********
Nash (first name unknown, male), early - mid 1990s
Nash joined the 1097th in the early 90s. He was assigned to the Heavy Boat Platoon.. He left the 1097th shortly before the move. I have no further information as of 23 June 2000.


Bobby Nash, early - mid 1990s
Bobby Nash joined the 1097th in the early 90s. He was assigned as the Vessel Master of the LCU 2017. He left the 1097th shortly before the move. He was assigned to one of the LSVs in Hawaii. He is presently assigned to Ft Lewis. I have no further information as of 23 June 2000.


Steven Nathan, early 1990s
I have no further information as of 23 June 2000.


Edward Nazelrod, 1969
I have no further information as of 23 June 2000.


Herbert Neal, 1969
I have no further information as of 23 June 2000.


Jorge Negritos, mid 1990s
Jorge Negritos joined the 1097th in the mod 90s. He was assigned to the Welding Shop and left the Company when the Welding Shop was phased out of the Company. I have no further information as of 23 June 2000.


Curt "Cowboy" Nelson, late 1970s
I have no further information as of 23 June 2000.


Eugene Nelson, 1969
I have no further information as of 23 June 2000.


Jaydell Nelson, mid 1980s
I have no further information as of 23 June 2000.


Thomas "Opie" Nelson III, mid 1990s
Opie joined the 1097th in the mid 90s. He was assigned as the Heavy Boat Platoon Leader. Later he was assigned as the XO. He left the 1097th in the mid 90s. He is presently assigned the 2nd Trans Co at Ft Carson Colorado. On a different note, I found out at the Yorktown Battlefield that he is related to the Thomas Nelson of the Colonial times and attends the annual Yorktown Parade at the National Park. I have no further information as of 23 June 2009.


Robert Newberry, 1969
I have no further information is as of 23 June 2000.


Sumaster Newell, mid 1990s
Sumaster Newell joined the 1097t in the mid 90s. He was assigned as an Engineer in the Heavy Boat Platoon. He later was assigned to Medium Boat Platoon. He left the 1097th in the mid 90s. Sumaster was later assigned to TACOM in Michigan. He returned to Ft Eustis in 2006 and was assigned to 331st Causeway. I have no further information as of 2o July 2009.


Troy Newton, early 1990s
From Matt Hughes:

88L in Med. Boat. He was a serious Down Ranger. He finally married a girl from there and took her back to Eustis. I saw him when I was in 20 school back in '95. No further info

I have no further information as of 13 Aug 2009.


Tom "Shorty" Nichols, late 1970s
I have no further information as of 23 June 2000.

 

Thomas Nichols, 1970s ***

Made the move to Panama in 1976. I have no further information as of 26 July 2009.

 

 

Americo Nieves, 1970s ***

Americo Nieves was my (Pirata) very first Platoon Sergeant in 1989 when I arrived to the 309th Transportation Detachment at Fort Story. For the life of me I do not remember how long he was the Platoon Sergeant for me but I believe before the end of 1989 he had either retired or been transferred to another unit. Made the move to Panama in 1976. I have no further information as of 26 July 2009.

 

 

Noel (first name unknown, male), mid 1990s
Noel joined the 1097th in the mid 90s. He was assigned to the Motor Pool. He assisted in the move to the Pac side. He left the Company shortly after the move and became a recruiter, I think. I have no further information as of 23 June 2000.


James Noles, 1969
I have no further information as of 23 June 2000.


Ronald "Pops" Noles, late 1980s - early, mid 1990s
Pops joined the 1097th in the late 80s right out of AIT. He was present for Just Cause. He got married to a Panamanian but she refused to leave Panama when it was his turn to return to the states in the early 90s. Pops was assigned to the 309th Trans Co at Story. He got promoted to Sergeant and then later to Staff Sergeant. Pops returned to the 1097th in late 94 of early 95. He was assigned as the Boswain on one of the LCU 1600s. Later he was assigned to Medium Boat Platoon as a Section Sergeant. He left Panama in late 96 or early 97.

 

I have the burden of informing everyone that Pops was murdered last week, Aug 14th 2009. He was 2 months shy of retiring from the Army. Here is a copy of the obituary:

Ronald Charles Noles NORFOLK - Sgt. First Class Ronald Charles Noles, born Aug. 8, 1957, passed away suddenly Aug. 14, 2009. He was the son of Julian and Mildred Noles of Winter Haven, Fla. He is survived by his son, Joel Noles of Winter Haven; sister, Alene Ogle and brother- in-law Jay Ogle of Santa Rosa Beach, Fla., and Lorene May of Winter Haven; aunts, Peggy Noles, Betty Hoover, Linda Noles and Fayleen Noles; uncle, Hoffman Noles; a long line of Noles cousins; his beloved Brenda Barton; friend and mentor, Judy Boone; and a countless host of friends and fellow soldiers. Ron was a quiet and humble man with many accomplishments. An Army career solider for 20 years and two months. He was scheduled for retirement January 2010. Awards and decorations included: Arcom with one oak leaf cluster, AAM with three oak leaf clusters, JMUA, AGCM with five knots, NDSM with one oak leaf cluster, GWTSM, HSM, NOPDR with two oak leaf clusters, ASR, OSR with numeral two. Ron was owner of the Bay Inn Hotel in Norfolk with plans to be an inn keeper in his next career. He loved Norfolk and the many friends he has made. He left us all much too soon. A funeral will be at 10 a.m. today in Altmeyer Funeral Home, 5792 Greenwich Road, Virginia Beach, with a visitation one hour prior to the service.

A copy of the story resides here: http://hamptonroads.com/2009/08/man-shot-death-lobby-east-ocean-view-hotel

I have no further information is as of 24 Aug 2009.


Robert Nonemaker, 1969
I have no further information is as of 23 June 2000.


Paul Nordstrom, 1977 – 1980

I have no further information as of 29 July 1009.

 

 

Belinda Norris-Thomas, mid 1990s
Belinda Norris-Thomas joined the 1097th in the mid 90s. She was assigned as a Seaman on one of the LCUs. She was later assigned to Training. She attended 88K20 School in 1995. She left the 1097th in the mid 90s. I have no further information. I came across her in 20007 or 2008 she was still at Eustis but I can’t remember which unit she was assigned to. Information is as of 20 July 2009.


Robert Northway, 1981 – 1984

I have no further information as of 29 July 2009.

 

 

Carroll Null, mid 1970s
Carroll Null was assigned to the 1097th before the move to Panama. He assisted in the move and helped establish the unit once it was settled. I have no further information as of 23 June 2000.



O***********
Och (first name unknown, male) mid 1980s

From Scott Gross:

Was last seen in 1992 in a run in at the local Mall, He was a Cpt in Special Forces and was very happy, I lost contact with him.

I have no further information as of 13 Aug 2009.

 

 

Nester Olivera, 1970s ***

Made the move to Panama in 1976. I have no further information as of 26 July 2009.

 

 

O’Neil (first name unknown, gender unknown), late 1980s - early 1990s
I am not sure of a first name, but we did have an "Irish" O'Neal who was killed on a motor cycle accident from Colon. SSG Walters should have more info on that. Information as of 20 Oct 2006.


James O’ Neil, early - mid 1990s
O'Neil joined the 1097th in the early 90s. He was assigned as an Engineer on one of the LCU 2000s. He was one of the first to volunteer to move out of the barracks and onto the boat whenever the barracks was over strength. He left the 1097th shortly before the move. From Matt Hughes’ hand:

We all called him Jaime (Spanish pronunciation "Himey"). He was an engineer in Med. Boat when I got there and then went to Heavy Boat as soon as the 2000s got there. He got out and moved back to Chicago I think.

I have no further information is as of 30 July 2009.


Timmy Olsen, mid 1990s
Timmy Olsen joined the 1097th in the mid 90s. He was assigned as the Chief Engineer on one of the LCU 1600s. He left Panama in the mid 90s. From Matt Hughes:

Mr Olsen came to Hawaii and was the 1st Engineering Officer on board the LSV5. He got promoted to CW3 in a big dog and pony show. He had some high ranking officer (like a Major or LTC) come down and pin his rank on him. He got out of the Army about the same time I did. I heard he was working down around St. Louis somewhere on the Mississippi for a hazmat/oil spill response/clean-up company back in the '90's. No further info

I have no further information as of 13 Aug 2009.


Ortiz (first name unknown, male), early 1990s
From Matt Hughes:

He was an E7, he worked in Ops I think and if I remember right he was an 88k

I have no further information as of 13 Aug 2009.


Walter Ortiz, mid - late 1980s

Walter Ortiz assigned to the 1097th 1983-1986. I arrived Fort Davis as a PFC in 83 and was assigned to the LCM 8509 (Magic Bus later Death Merchant) as coxswain with "Lobo" Folk and Ed Murphy. In 1986 I returned to Ft Eustis and served aboard LCUs 1600 and 2000 as well as LSV, Causeway and LCMs. In 1993 I was accepted to become a Warrant Officer and served onboard LCUs 2000, Tugs and LSVs from 3rd Mate to Skipper. I am still in but driving a desk here at Ft Eustis working Watercraft Modernization.

 

Walter Ortiz

CW4, TC

I have no further information is as of 21 July 2009.


Vladimir Osipov, mid 1990s
Vladimir Osipov joined the 1097th in the mid 90s. He was assigned to the Welding Shop. He left the company when the Welding Shop was Phased out of the unit. I have no further information as of 23 June 2000.


Pete Ostroski, 1978 - 1981
I have no further information as of 23 June 2000.


Rhonda Oxley, late 1980s - early 1990s
I have no further information as of 23 June 2000.


Richard Oxley, late 1980s - early 1990s
I have no further information as of 23 June 2000.



P***********
William "Gus" Pagonis, 1967
Gus Pagonis joined the 1097th during Vietnam. He was the Commander. He masterminded the Company becoming completely water mobile then sold it to the higher-ups. After Vietnam he stayed in the Army. He made most of the Logistical Plans for all of the Army equipment going to Saudi Arabia for Operation Desert Shield. He attained the rank of Lieutenant General. He retired sometimes in the mid 90s. I have no further information as of 23 June 2000.


Leighton Pahukula, 1969
I have no further information as of 23 June 2000.


Pappas (first name unknown, male), early 1990s
Don’t remember to much about him other than he worked in the motor pool with SSG Grogan and he would run his PT bare foot. He was from WV or something like that. Drove a mean Duce. From Matt Hughes:

He was either a welder or in the Motor Pool, he loved playing spades and used to run his PT test Barefoot. He married a Panamanian girl and took her home with him. I think he was from West Va.

I have no further information as of 13 Aug 2009.


Parker (first name unknown), mid 1970s.

Information is as of 20 October 2006.


Carl Parker, 1970s ***

Made the move to Panama in 1976. I have no further information as of 26 July 2009.

 

 

Monroe Parker, 1970s ***

Made the move to Panama in 1976. I have no further information as of 26 July 2009.

 

 

John "Raw Dawg," 1997 - 1998 and Catina Parks, 1997
Raw Dawg joined the 1097th in the late 90s. He was assigned as the Platoon Leader of Medium Boat. He was a non-swimmer, but he was Waterborned like anyone else. He left the 1097th for a staff job at Battalion. Catina Joined the 1097th in 1997, but was only in the unit for a few days when her upcoming marriage to Raw Dawg was known. She was reassigned to Battalion. The Parks' left Panama and were assigned to Ft Jackson, SC. I have no further information as of 3 July 2000.


James "Rick" Pass, late 1970s or early 1980s, mid 1990s
Rick Pass joined the 1097th in the late 70s or early 80s. I have no further information about his first tour. He returned to the states and went to Warrant Officer School during the 80s. He returned to the 1097th in the mid 90s. He was assigned as the Maintenance Officer. He left Panama in the mid 90s. He is presently assigned to the 558th Marine Maintenance Company at Eustis. I have no further information as of 23 June 2000.

 

 

Carlos "Meat Skinner" Patino, 1976 - 1979.
I have no further information as of 8 June 2000.

 


Calvin Patterson, mid 1970s
I have no further information as of 23 June 2000.


Greg Patriquin, late 1980s
I have no further information as of 4 March 2007.


Paule (first name unknown, gender unknown), late 1980s - early 1990s
I have no further information as of 23 June 2000.


John Payne, 1990 - 1993
I have no further information as of 29 July 2009.


Kevin Payne, 1980s
Here is some trivia for some old River Raiders: 1980 - 1988
Who spent the most time in office as Mayor of Colon (Folks or Gulbas)?
Who holds the record for the fastest RR (Delaney, Reid, Wren)?
Who remembers North Base Camp and Coco Del Norte?
Who held the record for broach master?
Who partied the hardest Prez or T Keen?
Kevin Payne
Waterborne

Updated 20 Oct 2006


Heather Pearson, late 1990s
Heather Pearson joined the 1097th in the late 90s. She wanted Medium Boat, but was assigned as the Platoon Leader of Heavy Boat. She left Panama shortly before the unit was deactivated. She is presently assigned to the Presidio in CA. I have no further information as of 3 July 2000.


Wendell Pease, 1970s ***

Made the move to Panama in 1976. I have no further information as of 26 July 2009.

 

 

Jan "Ski" Pecherski, 1993 - 1996
Ski joined the 1097th in late 1993. He was assigned as an Engineer in Medium Boat Platoon. I sailed hundreds of hours with him and he's good people. Ski learned to surf while he was in Panama and we spent thousands of hours on the beautiful beaches surfing. He was later assigned as the Chief Engineer on the LCM 8519. He was present when I broached the 19 on Pina beach in mid 1996. His efforts kept the boat running enough to get the 19 off after only a few hours of being broached. H left Panama in December 1996 and was assigned to the 309th at Story. He got out of the Army in late 1998.

I got an E-mail from Ski a few weeks ago. I called him on the phone and we talked about old times. Still the surfer he is about to leave for Hawaii to visit Rafiki (Nelson Etrata) who is stationed there. I have no further information as of 30 June 2002.


SGT Robert Peet, mid - late 1980s

I have no further information as of 22 July 2009

 

 

Fredrick Peck, 1998 - 1999
One really quick thing, Peck was not eligible for an Overseas Service Ribbon because he had not completed enough time to receive one. I thought it was messed up because he did not volunteer to return early, the unit was deactivated. He was assigned to the Harbormaster Tower at Eustis. He is currently a Shift Supervisor at the Tower.
Jenny and I were in Panama from June 98 - Apr 99. I sailed on the El Caney, and we did missions in support of Ecuador flood relief. The rest of the time was spent in our unit's supply. While in Panama we enjoyed sightseeing, the beach, the people and diving. It was tough leaving such a beautiful place!! Thanks for the memories!
I have no further information is as of 3 July 2000.

 

 

Joseph Pelle, early 1990s
I have no further information is as of 3 July 2000.


Gerald Penn, late 1990s
Gerald Penn joined the Army in the early 90s. He was assigned to the 331st Trans Co (ACV) at Story right out of AIT. He was later assigned to the 1098th Trans Co at Eustis. He joined the 1097th in the late 90s. He was assigned to the Medium Boat Platoon as the Coxswain of the LCM 8501, at that time, Building 01. The 01 at that time was in desperate need of some TLC. He worked really hard but this task seemed nearly impossible because everything he tried to fix ended up breaking while he was trying to fix it making more things to fix. He got out of the Army in 98 or 99. I have no further information as of 3 July 2000.


Pennfield (first name unknown, male), mid 1990s
Pennfield joined the Army in the early 90s. He was assigned to the 558th Marine Maintenance Company at Eustis. He joined the 1097th in the Mid 90s. He was assigned to the Welding Shop before it closed. After it closed he was assigned to another unit in Battalion and stayed there until 99, I think. I have no further information as of 3 July 2000.


Perales (first name unknown, male), late 1980s - early 1990s
I have no further information as of 3 July 2000.


Rich Perchez, Dec 1976 - Dec 1978
I was in Panama from December 76 to December 78. I was one of the original Black Hats, Waterborne, Reefer Cool. I was a welder in the maintenance platoon. I am looking for Rodrick Harrison. Here's a few more names that might strike a bell: Kirk Willard, Fred Christ, Richard Zamm, Lee Shock, Willie Prince, Ed McCarty, Jim Walters, Richard Higgins, Skaggs, Tomazewski. I got out of the service, went back to Illinois, got married and had a couple of sons. I partied my ass off and will never forget the time I spent in Panama with all you crazy bastards.

Great website, thanks!
I have no further information as of 4 March 2007.


Julio Perez, mid 1990s
Julio Perez joined the Army in the 80s. He went to Warrant Officer School. He was assigned as the Vessel Master of the LCU 1675. He joined the 1097th in the mid 90s. He was assigned as the Vessel Master of one of the LCU 1600s. He left the 1097th in the mid 90s. I have no further information as of 3 July 2000.


Samuel Perez, Oct 1989 - Oct 1990
Stationed in Ft Eustis 73rd Trans Co after completing A.I.T (Sept 1987). Assigned to the Frank S Besson (LSV-1) before it got its 1st Sea Trial in Gulfport Mississippi. Stationed in Panama Oct 15,1989, assigned to 1097th trans. After serving 1 year in Panama stationed in Ft Story VA Oct 17,1990 309th Trans. Currently living in St Petersburg, FL owns & operates Sams Mobil Car Care a onsite car repair service. Married my Panamanian girlfriend in July of 1991. We have 3 kids. Sam 15, Harold 13 & Benjamin 3 and is planning on having twins someday.
I have no further information as of 4 March 2007


Jimmie Perkins, 1970s ***

Made the move to Panama in 1976. I have no further information as of 26 July 2009.

 

 

Leo Perreault, mid 1980
I have no further information as of 3 July 2000.


Sam Perry, early 1990s
Sam Perry joined the Army in the late 80s or early 90s. He was assigned to the 331st Trans Co at Story out of AIT. He joined the 1097th in the early 90s. He was assigned as a Coxswain in Medium Boat, the LCM 8501, I think. He left the 1097th in the early 90s. He turned in his soft cap for a brown round and became a Drill Sergeant in Echo Company at Eustis. He got off the trail and is still assigned somewhere at Eustis. Scott Perry, mid 1990s
Scott Perry joined the 1097th in the mid 90s. He was assigned to the Motor Pool. He was also assigned as a Lifeguard for the weekly drownproofing. Persinger (first name unknown, male), early 1990s
This Persinger was assigned as the Coxswain of the LCM 8582. He had previously been an 11b and reclassed with Lester and Hunter. He left Panama in the early 90s. I have no further information as of 3 July 2000.


Persinger (first name unknown, male), early 1990s
This Persinger was assigned to either the Welding Shop or to one of the Heavy Boats, I can't remember which, but there were two separate Persinger's in the unit in the early 90s. From Matt Hughes:

I think you are right about him being a welder, (he and Norman Smith were my roomates for like a month when I first got in country), but he may have been an engineer too. All I remember for sure was that he was the C.O.'s driver, (I don't remember her name though).  He had gotten an injury or something and for some reason or another, he couldn't perform his job and got moved over to the orderly room as her driver.
I have no further information as of 13 Aug 2009.


Curtis Persinger, early 1990s

Curtis Persinger, Matt Hunter, and Craig Lester all reclassed to 88K from the same tank crew at Ft. Carson together and all were assigned to Panama after. He joined the 1097th in the early 90s. From Matt Hughes hand:

Curt ETS'd while I was in PLDC and moved back to Ashland Ky. to become a cop. Last time he and I spoke (back in like '99) he was in college but I don't remember what he was studying.

I have no further information as of 30 July 2009.

 

 

Peterson (first name unknown, male) early 1990s

From Matt Hughes:

There was another Peterson too, an E4, decky, don't remember his first name or what happened to him....

I have no further information as of 5 Aug 2009.

 

 

Kevin Peterson, early 1990s
Peterson, Kevin CW4.
He was a reservist who brought the 2000s down. He was in the unit for awhile. I sailed with him there and back at FEVA. He is a wonderful person to know. I talk with him regularly. From his own hand:
Just thought I would let you know that Loupatty is working as a VM for the Corps of Engineers in St. Louis.

This is Kevin Peterson - friendly reservist who was down your way and was attached at Ft. Davis (took Juan Munoz job on 2018 when he went to the beach) and came back with the 2025 from California for Fuertes Caminos 86 - when the Lt discharged his weapon among other incidents. Got "blackballed" by a deck officer from CA who will remain nameless - but he did take out a few other Warrants as well.

Hope life is going well for you young pirate. I am doing OK in western VA working for GE. Retired as CW4.

Updated 20 October 2006.


Rusty Phelps, 1978 - 1980, early - mid 1990s
Rusty joined the 1097th in the 1978. I don't know what he did during this tour. He left Panama in 1980. He was assigned to Eustis where he stayed until he returned to Panama in the early 90s. He was assigned as the First Sergeant, one of the best I ever had. Rusty, Buzz and I were party animals when we got together. I am not going to tell any details to protect the innocent, and the guilty. Rusty Left Panama in the mid 90s shortly after the Move. He was assigned to Eustis where he stayed until he retired sometime before late 98. I have no further information as of 3 July 2000.


Philon (first name unknown, male), early 1990s
Philon joined the 1097th in the early 90s. He worked in the Motor Pool or the Welding Shop. I think he left prior to the move, but I can't remember. He was promoted to Sergeant while he was in Panama. I have no further information as of 3 July 2000.


Sean Picciano, 1995 - 1996
Sean Picciano joined the 1097th as a wet behind the ears Second Lieutenant in 1995. He was assigned as the Platoon Leader of Heavy Boat. He was reassigned to another unit in Battalion, but I can't remember which. He is currently assigned to the 11th Trans Bn at Story.

MAJ Sean Picciano graduated, cum laude, from the Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 1994 with a BS in Criminology. He was then commissioned into the Transportation Corps on 12 Aug 94 and entered in to the active duty Army. He then graduated from the Transportation Officer Basic Course, Fort Eustis, VA and Airborne School, Fort Benning, GA, with a follow-on assignment to the Republic of Panama. There he served as the Heavy Boat Platoon Leader for the 1097th Transportation Company (Composite Boat) from 15 Apr 1995 to 15 Apr 1996. His other assignments in the Republic of Panama included S2, 245th Support Battalion; S1, 245th Support Battalion; XO, 110th Light Medium Truck Company; XO, 490th Transportation Company (Movement Control); XO, HHC, Theater Support Brigade. In July 1998, MAJ Picciano PCS'd to Fort Lee, VA and graduated from the Combined Logistics Officer Advanced Course. Upon graduation, he was assigned to the 11th Transportation Battalion, Fort Story, VA. While at Fort Story from 19 Feb 1999 to 28 Mar 2001, he served as the Assistance S3, 11th Transportation Battalion; S1, 11th Transportation Battalion and as Company Commander for the 368th Cargo Transfer Company. During his 19 months of Company Command, he deployed his unit to Operation Bright Star in Egypt and an NTC rotation at Fort Irwin, CA. MAJ Picciano then PCS'd to Germany and was assigned at the Brigade S3 for the 98th Area Support Group and United States Army Garrison Franconia in Wuerzburg until 26 October 2005. He then attended and graduated from the Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, KS. MAJ Picciano then was assigned as the S4, 8th Military Police Brigade at Schofield Barracks Hawaii. He has served in this position for three years and is currently deployed with this unit to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom 09-11.

 

MAJ Picciano is married to Yajaira Picciano and has two children; Anthony, 7 years old, and Ana Lena, 5 years old. His family is currently at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii. Upon MAJ Picciano's return from Iraq, he and his family will be PCS'ing early next year to Fort Knox, KY to serve in the 3rd Sustainment Command (Expeditionary).

 

VR,

SEAN M. PICCIANO

MAJ, LG

S4, 8th MP BDE

I have no further information as of 3 July 2000.


Adam Pierce, early 1990s
Adam Pierce joined the 1097th in the early 90s. He was assigned as a Machinist in the Welding Shop, he had his own Bat mobile. Adam enjoyed playing game called Axis and Allies and also a game called PTO. Both were WW2 war simulations, one was for Super Nintendo and the other was a board game. Whenever he had CQ he would always have a game going until the wee hours of the morning. He left Panama before the move. I have no further information as of 3 July 2000.


Howard Pine, 1982 - 1984
I have no further information as of 3 July 2000.


Pinero (first name unknown, male), early 1990s
I have no further information as of 3 July 2000.


Raymond Pitre, 1967
I have no further information as of 3 July 2000.


Elliot Polston, 1980s

I have no further information as of 29 July 2009.

 

 

Kevin Poole, 1994 - 1995
Kevin Poole joined the 1097th in 1994. He was assigned as the Assistant Coxswain of the LCM 8519. I remember he reenlisted out at Taboga while bobbing in the water with Johnny Million and was reenlisted by Lt Burke. He left Panama in 1996.

(Seaman o/b LCM-19 then Coxswain; Sailed LCU-1600 to Honduras, then later to Charleston, S.C.; sailed LCU-17 from Charleston back to Panama, participated in the move from FT Davis to Clayton, and stayed on FT Sherman. At Ft Davis I was roommates with SGT Johnny Million, at FT Clayton I was roommates with SPC Kozinc, & PVT Spicer)

Live in Williamsburg, Married for 17 years to Marie Poole, have 16 year daughter Cassandra Poole.

I have no further information as of 22 July 2009.


Portwood (first name unknown, gender unknown), late 1980s - early 1990s
I have no further information is as of 3 July 2000.


Potter (first name unknown, gender unknown), late 1980s - early 1990s
I have no further information as of 3 July 2000.


Powe (first name unknown, male), mid 1990s
Powe joined the Army in the 80s. He became a Drill Sergeant. He joined the 1097th in the mid 90. He was assigned to Heavy Boat Platoon. Later he was assigned to Training. He left Panama in the mid 90s. I have no further information as of 3 July 2000.


Robin Powell, 1980 – 1981,

I came across her name from a Google search of 1097th Transportation Company and it stated she served at the age of 18 but it did not say what year that was however it was in Panama.

Are you currently living in Panama?  I was in the 1097th Trans. 1980-Aug. 1981 when I ETS'd and am in contact with several others who I served with in the 1097th.  Would have liked to see the website!  How did you come to see my Bio?  I know people living in Panama who also were with the 1097th and I recently settled a case from 1981 that happened in the 1097th due to Incompetent officers.  I suffered my whole life and got the disability finally a couple years ago.  It is truly unbelievable but I found other officers and personnel from 1097th also as a result of that case.  Please give me any info you can and let me know how I could possibly get a list of other personnel I wish to locate.  Thanks, Robin

 

Robin Powell

Executive Producer

I have no further information as of 5 Aug 2009.

 

 

Larry "Prez" President, mid 1980s
Prez joined the Army in the 70s. He was assigned to the 1097th in the mid 80s. After he left Panama he was assigned to the 309th at Story. He retired from the Army in the early 90s. I have no further information as of 3 July 2000.


Rich "Prevo" Prevosnic, 1997 - 1998
Prevo was assigned to Eustis for several years. One of his jobs was a Causeway Pilot, which was a fancy name for the person who got blamed for everything associated with causeway. He joined the 1097th in 1997. He was assigned as the Coxswain of the Lcm 8501. When he was going for his LCM License he told me that he knew nothing about LCMs so I would need to teach him everything I knew. I really respected him for his honesty. He was given everything in the dark cavity some people call my brain. He came through with flying colors. He went to Aguadilla, Puerto Rico in mid 98 to teach the US Border Patrol Small Boat Handling Skills. He left Panama in late 98. He was assigned to one of the Battalion Harbormaster Offices. He went to Warrant Officer School in 1999. He is currently at Eustis going through the Deck Side Warrant School. Rick is now a CW3 and his last assignment that I know of was as the HHC 11th Bn Commander while also being the Ft Story Harbormaster. Information is as of 20 July 2009.


William Prince, 1970s ***

Made the move to Panama in 1976. I have no further information as of 26 July 2009.

 

 

Rodney Proctor, mid 1980s
I have no further information as of 3 July 2000.


Patrick Provost, 1975 – 1978 ***

Made the move to Panama in 1976. I have no further information as of 26 July 2009.

 

 

Bob Purce, 1993 - 1994
Bob Purce joined the 1097th in late 1993. He was assigned as an Engineer on the LCU 2017. He was my roommate while he was in Panama. He left Panama in late 1994. He was assigned to Eustis. He got out of the Army in late 1995. I have no further information as of 3 July 2000.



Q***********



R***********
Alfredo Rabanal, mid 1990s
Alfredo Rabanal joined the 1097th in the mid 90s. He was assigned as the Mate on one of the LCU 1600s. He was also moonlighting as the Heavy Boat Platoon Sergeant. He left Panama in the mid 90s. I have no further information as of 3 July 2000.


Roger "River Raber" Raber, early - mid 1990s
River Raber joined the 1097th in the early 90s as his first duty station. He was assigned to the PLL office. He went through every Soldier of the Month, Quarter and Year Board while he was in the 1097th and won them all. He was an E-1 when he arrived in Panama and was an E-5 when he left. I have no further information as of 3 July 2000.


Racey (first name unknown, male), late 1980s - early 1990s
I have no further information as of 3 July 2000.


John Radamacher, mid 1990s
John Radamacher joined the Army in the early 90s. He was assigned to the 309th Trans Com at Story. He joined the 1097th in the mid 90s. He was assigned to Medium Boat. He left the 1097th in the mid 90s. I have no further information as of 3 July 2000.


Eduardo Ramirez, mid 1990s
I have no further information is as of 3 July 2000.


James Ramirez , mid 1990s
James Ramirez joined the 1097th in the mid 90s. He was assigned to the Supply Room. He left the 1097th in the mid 90s. I have no further information as of 3 July 2000.


Juan "Ram" Ramirez, late 1980s, 1994 - 1999
Ram joined the 1097th sometime during the 80s and went to Eustis after that. He returned to the 1097th in 1994. He was assigned as the Maintenance NCOIC. Later he served as the Medium Boat Platoon Sergeant. He left Panama in mid 99 to be reassigned to Fort Carson. He returned to Ft Eustis in 2000 or 2001 and was assigned to 7th Group Operations. He retired around 2004 or 2005 and as of last I remember he was working as a gate guard on Ft Eustis. I have no further information. Information is as of 20 July 2009.


Wayne Rasmussen, 1969
I have no further information as of 3 July 2000.


Tommy Ray, 1967
I have no further information as of 3 July 2000.


Valentino Ray, 1970s ***

Made the move to Panama in 1976. I have no further information as of 26 July 2009.

 

 

Allen Raynor, 1969

Enter US Army Aug 68 In Raleigh, North Carolina (my home), Basic Training at Fort Bragg, then to Ft. Eustis. Vietnam Feb 69 assigned to 1097th, 9th infantry division and assigned to battery "B" towing artillery barges all around the delta. I was a coxswain.

 

Part of Nixon's first troop pullout in July 69, I opted to remain in Vietnam to finish tour. Re assigned to Military Police duties at Camp Davies on the outskirts of Saigon by the port. Returned to US to Fort Riley Kansas in early 1970. Assigned to the Big Red One, 1st Infantry Divison. ETS July 1970. Worked as deputy sheriff in Manhattan Kansas. Retired in December 1998 as Captain of the Riley County Police Department after 28 years service. Since then I have managed the local Mall (Manhattan Town Center) in Manhattan Kansas.

 

I have attached photos from my time on the boats:

Some additional names:

David C. Munday (now deceased)

Paul T. Gillaspie (now deceased),

 

Allen Raynor

General Manager

Manhattan Town Center

allen.raynor@urbanretail.com

I have no further information as of 1 Sept 2009.

 

 

James Redd, 1969
I have no further information as of 3 July 2000.


Lawrence Redmond, 1969
I have no further information as of 3 July 2000.


Charles Reed, 1969
I have no further information as of 3 July 00.


Jack Reed, 1970s ***

Made the move to Panama in 1976. I have no further information as of 26 July 2009.

 

 

Reid (first name unknown male), early 1990s

Reid was assigned to heavy boat. He was a SGT and I am fairly certain he was deck side. He owned a Jeep Wrangler that he did not bring to Panama but we were always talking about modifying Jeeps and off roading. I have no further information as of 23 Aug 2009.

 

 

Jose Reina, 1970s ***

Made the move to Panama in 1976. I have no further information as of 26 July 2009.

 

 

Jackie Rice, December 1978 – Jan 1981

Jackie retired from the Army in 1991 as an SFC. I have no further information as of 27 July 2009.

 

 

Rob Richter, early - mid 1990s
I can't remember too much about Rob. I remember he was assigned on one of the LCU's and also was one of the Drownproofing crew. I can't remember whether he left before or after the move. I have no further information as of 21 June 2005


Matt Riddle, early 1990s

I served with Matt at 309th before both of us were assigned to Panama. He was assigned to the LCM 8501. I have no further information as of 13 Aug 2009.

 

 

Sidney Riddle, 1990 - 1992
I sent you an e-mail a while back asking to be added to the Raiders of the past index. Just a reminder, served from 1990-1992 44-E was a machinist worked for SSG Grogan, Then one of the boaties took over the shop and I can't remember his name I know his first name was Kim. Anyway, I really enjoy your page and I plan to return to Panama one day.
Thanks,
Sid Riddle"

On a side note, not for certain here but the "Kim" he was talking about could have been Kim Zens but this is pure speculation. Information is as of 19 May 2006


Susan Rife, late 80s
She was assigned as one of the LT's in the late 80s. From Scott Gross:

I caught up to her in 1992 at 1st COSCOM, where she was working in CPT role as a Unit commander if I recall right, she was to be married and assigned to West Point in a training position at the US Army MA.

I have no further information as of 13 Aug 2009.


James Roberts, 1970s ***

Made the move to Panama in 1976. I have no further information as of 26 July 2009.

 

 

Jerry Robinson, 1970s ***

Made the move to Panama in 1976. I have no further information as of 26 July 2009.

 

 

Michael Robinson, 1981 – 1984

I have no further information as of 29 July 2009.

 

 

Doug Roggenbuch, early - mid 90s
Doug came to Panama after being assigned at Eustis for a few years. He was assigned as an engineer on one of the LCU's. He was part of the Drownproofing crew that taught water survival every Thursday morning. After leaving Panama he went to Warrant Officer School. He was assigned to one of the U-Boat Companies then later in the 331st Causeway Company. He has moved on and is still assigned somewhere else at Eustis. Last time I saw Doug he was a CW4 but I am not for sure when this was. I have no further information as of 21 June 2005.


Michael Ross, 1970s ***

Made the move to Panama in 1976. I have no further information as of 26 July 2009.

 

 

David B. Rugg, 1991 - 1993
David was a mechanic from 91-93. Information is as of 20 Oct 2006.

 

Edward Ryan, 1970s ***

Made the move to Panama in 1976. I have no further information as of 26 July 2009.

 

 

 

S***********
Scott S (last name unknown, male), mid 1990s

Scott came down to panama after 1993 but left before the move. I am about 98% certain he was a boatie and assigned to Heavy Boat. The only memory I have of his was a pic I came across of our New Year’s Eve Toga Party wo welcome 1995 into Panama. He was the only one who actually wore anything like an authentic toga, white, the rest of us just used whatever color bed sheets we had, green, blue/white striped, red, etc… I have no further information as of 23 Aug 2009.

 

 

Arthur Salinero, 1970s ***

Made the move to Panama in 1976. I have no further information as of 26 July 2009.

 

 

Salyer (first name unknown) CW4, early 1990s
He was an old salty dog reservist who I think brought the 2000 down with CW4 Peterson. I sailed with him at FEVA on a 100' tug for awhile. Information is as of 20 Oct 2006.


Wade Sapp, late 1982 - early 1986
From his own hand, "My name is Wade Sapp I was a member of the company from late 82 to early 86 a 61 Bravo who landed in the arms room till I PCS from 78 to 82 I was with 231st Med Boat 86 to 89 was with 3rd Cav then the 2/20 would be great if you could find more old timers was that pirate was drawn by William fish?" Updated 20 Oct 2006.


Jeffrey Saracco, 1970s ***

Made the move to Panama in 1976. I have no further information as of 26 July 2009.

 

 

Edward "Woody" Sanders, 1993 - 1996
Woody joined the 1097th in early 93. He was assigned as the Mate on one of the LCU 1600s. He got married to a woman from Chitre, Dalia. Dalia was the former wife of one of Noriega's advisors. When Just Cause happened she never saw her husband again. Woody retired from the Army in late 96. He returned to the States. I have no further information as of 5 July 2000.

 


Sawyer (first name unknown, male), early 1990s

From Matt Hughes:

88K. He used to hang out with us at Andy Limms beach house occasionally. He was in Medium. Boat, but he went to Heavy. Boat when they got there.

I have no further information as of 13 Aug 2009.

 

 

James "Buzz" Sawyers, 1994 - 1995
Buzz reclassed from 88M, Truck Driver, to 88K, Watercraft Operator, in early 89. He was my class leader while I was going through AIT. After AIT he was assigned to the 309th Trans Co, with me, until late 94 when he joined the 1097th. He was assigned to the Medium Boat Platoon as the Platoon Sergeant. I think he also did a stint in HQ Platoon, but I can’t remember. Buzz assisted in the move to the Pac Side. He left Panama in late 95. He was assigned somewhere at Eustis. He got out of the Army in the Late 90s. His son joined the Army and is assigned to the 1098th Trans Co at Eustis. He has quite a bit to live up to because he is Buzz's son. Buzz is living in West Virginia now and driving Trucks for a living. I have no further information as of 5 July 2000.


Patrick Scaggs Provost. 1976 - 1977
I was part Cpt John Cartwrights company at Fort useless. We moved to Panama around 1976? I think we started the whole river raiders thing. We got our own black caps and patches. We were one wild bunch. I joined the army to get away from my wicked ways. WRONG! I then decided to go with the flow. And flow it did. My memory is pretty much shot but after checking out this web site the old memory banks kicked in a little. There are so many names in here of people I had totally forgotten. Great people, awesome people, people who loved to have a good time no matter who we worked for. I hung out mostly with Mike (Chino) Giachino, meleeto, Omaha? Then my brain goes fuzzy. I did notice a few missing names like Keith Morrison, Denise Ryan, Finney(Guam). Away for all those who might have said I wonder what ever happened to Scaggs, he did finally get his life in some sort of order. I am Married (2nd) and we have 4 kids. Unfortunately father time keeps rollin along and we are now empty nesters. I never did climb that corporate ladder, I work off it. I'm a carpenter. My wife (Jan) is an RN so together we do alright. Lots of bills but who doesn’t. I would love to hear from anyone that was in my company down there (1976-77). You can post this for all to see I guess. Thanx for sharrin
SCAGGS

Updated 20 Oct 2006


Kenneth Scales, mid 1980s
I have no further information as of 5 July 2000.


Martin H. T. Schadeburg, Feb 1968 – Feb 1969, Nov 1978 – Nov 1981

Martin sent me an e-mail with a few names on it a few months ago and I am finally getting down to adding them to the list. I have no further information as of 5 May 2001.

 

 

Charles Schellenger, 1969
I have no further information as of 5 July 2000.


Dan Schepers, late 70s – early 80s, early 1990s
Dan went to Panama as an enlisted man on the first tour and returned for the second tour as a CW2. Schepers, Dan CW2. Chief of one of the 1600, maybe 68 before Mr. Lucic. Information is as of 20 October 2006.


Todd Schepis, early 1990s, mid - late 1990s
Todd Schepis joined the 1097th in the early 90s right out of AIT. He was assigned to the LCU 1600s as a Seaman. He left Panama in late 93 or early 94 to be assigned to Eustis. He returned to the 1097th in the mid 90s. He was assigned to Maintenance Platoon. He left Panama in late 98 or early 99. I think he was assigned to Eustis, but I don't actually remember seeing him in the past year. PV2/PFC married one of the new cooks from the mess hall. I think they had one baby while in Panama. Information is as of 20 October 2006.


John Schmitt, 1969
I have no further information as of 5 July 2000.


Schmitz (first name unknown, male), mid 1990s
Schmitz joined the 1097th in the mid 90s. He was assigned as the Chief Engineer of the LCM 8501. He was Lovo Frio's Engineer the day we got our LCM's broached on Pina Beach. Since we had left at 4:45am on a Saturday morning and we were planning on being back by 8:00am at the latest, he did not lock his door to his room in the Bldg 30 barracks. After being out at Pina all day and the entire night, when the CO finally decided to grace us with his presence he did an inspection of the barracks. He found Schmitz's stun gun and freaked out. He gave Schmitz a thorough butt chewing. Everyone got one also because we had left the barracks at 4:45am on a Saturday morning without cleaning them first, go figure. Schmitz left Panama in the mid 90s. He is currently assigned to the 8th Trans Co at Eustis. I have no further information as of 5 July 2000.


Schoenhols (first name unknown, male), early 1990s
Schoenhols joined the 1097th in the early 90s. He was assigned as the Chief Engineer of the LCU 2017. He left Panama in the early 90s. I have no further information as of 5 July 2000.


Larry Schrage, 1969
I have no further information as of 5 July 2000.


Jeanie Schroder, late 1990s
Jeanie Schroder joined the 1097th in the late 90s. She was assigned to one of the LCU 2000s. She left Panama in late 98 or early 99. She is currently assigned somewhere at Eustis. I have no further information as of 5 July 2000.


Jim "Jaime" Schuler, early - mid 1990s
Jaime joined the 1097th in the early 90s. He was assigned as the Mate on one of the Heavy Boats. Later he was assigned at the Ops NCOIC. He retired from the Army in the mid 90s. I can't remember if he returned to the States, but he is currently living in Panama. I have no further information as of 5 July 2000.


Ed Schwaigert, 1994 - 1996
Ed Schwaigert joined the 1097th in late 94. He was assigned to Medium Boat Platoon. He had previously been in the Infantry until he came to his senses and became a Mariner. He left Panama in late 96. I have no further information as of 5 July 2000.


Schwartz (first name unknown, male), mid 1990s
Schwartz joined the 1097th in the mid 90s. He was assigned to the Commo Shop. He left the Company when the Commo Shop was closed. I have no further information as of 5 July 2000.


Noah "The Schwartz" (from Spaceballs) Schwartz, 1997 - 1998
The Schwartz joined the 1097th in 1997. He was assigned as the Seaman on the LCM 8519. He went surfing nearly every afternoon while he was living at Sherman in Medium Boat. He left Panama in late 98. He is assigned somewhere at Eustis. I have no further information as of 5 July 2000.


Gary Scoggins, 1968
I have no further information as of 5 July 2000.


Paul Score, 1993 - 1995
Paul Score joined the 1097th in 1993. He was assigned as the Mess Sergeant, politically correct, the Dining Facility Manager. He was never unwilling to get some food for the LCM crews to take on long mission regardless of the time of day. He left Panama in 1995. I have no further information as of 5 July 2000.


Ronald Scott, 1976 – 1978 ***

From his own hand:

My name is Ronald Scott. I was on 8581 from Eustis to Panama from 76-78 as an engineman. I actually went in the service with Jerry Sevigny under the buddy system email address is Sronscott@aol.com I will be attending the reunion in Oct.  WATERBORNE RIVER RAIDERS

From His Guest Book Entry:

Give me that warm weather of Panama. Sunshine and hot all year long except rainy season then I got mad. But welcome all river raiders and let me tell you I've been getting old with kids and all. Check this out drove 65 ford fairlane red (couple hookers as you would say) then spider bigger than you sold it and bought green charger 383 mag loved it but remember when tiny hitler took over (I know was his job the little tiny grunk I wanted to woop on him last name started with fre) Well he went crazy with us and guess what we went crazy to. We were use to doing our job and getting it done right no mater what. Go sit in ocean outside of chagres river and with divers and bring out bodies and m16 for over a week and that is the first and last time i got sea sick (They fell from ft san lorenzo) scaling rocks (playing which we all did). And so you all know maneuvers with like 30 ft swells we were doing beach assault and 8584 broke ramp cable we threw them a line and guess what it snapped and ended up around our props so guess what we spent 1 week on reef waiting with 8581 had torn hull about 7 ft bilge pumps going crazy going though locks motor runs but you can't go anywhere stalled engines etc. Well enough of my stories. OH YA did I tell you I went into navy and got stationed on uss forestfire I did as mechanic. Out of mayport,fl. WELL YOU NEVER WANA BE THERE.!!!!!I WAS A HAND FULL THEN SOME!!!!!!

Made the move to Panama in 1976. I have no further information as of 22 Aug 2009.

 

 

David Scott, 1970s ***

Made the move to Panama in 1976. I have no further information as of 26 July 2009.

 

 

William "Schrooge" Screws, mid 1990s
Schrooge joined the 1097th in the mid 90s. He was assigned as the Chief Engineer of the LCM 8519. Later he was assigned to the night shift in Ops. He got out of the Army in the mid 90s. I have no further information as of 5 July 2000.


Duane Seals, early 1990s
I have no further information as of 5 July 2000.


Seay (first name unknown, male), early 1990s
Seay joined the 1097th in the early 90s. He was assigned as the Training NCOIC and also as the NBC NCOIC. He left Panama in the early 90s. I think he got stationed at Eustis for a few years. I have no further information as of 5 July 2000.


Jacob Seel, early 1990s
I have no further information as of 5 July 2000.


Howard Seibel, 1969
I have no further information as of 5 July 2000.


Scott Selmeki, mid - late 1990s
Scott Selmeki joined the 1097th in the mid 90s. He was assigned as the Platoon Leader of Medium Boat. Right after he took over as the PL the LCM 8501 lost the ramp off of Shelter Point. He almost had a cow. I reassured him by saying that it was Medium Boat tradition for things to go wrong at first and that if he didn't get relieved for this he never would get relieved. After about a week of problems trying to locate the ramp the ramp was finally recovered. He actually said, "I'm not going to get relieved." He was later reassigned as the XO. He got out of the Army after he left the 1097th. I have no further information as of 5 July 2000.


Phillip Senechal, late 1980s - early 1990s
Phillip Senechal joined the 1097th in the late 80s. He was assigned as the OC and was in this position during Just Cause. He left the 1097th in the early 90s. I have no further information as of 5 July 2000.


Scott Serich, 1988 – 1990

I have no further information as of 29 July 2009.

 

 

Sessions (first name unknown, gender unknown), early 1990s
I have no further information as of 5 July 2000.


Gerald Sevigny, 1970s ***

Made the move to Panama in 1976. I have no further information as of 26 July 2009.

 

 

John Shaddock, mid 1990s
John Shaddock joined the 1097th in the mid 90s. He was assigned as the Coxswain of the J-3795. While in this position he did most of the woodwork for the teak decks and the interior of the boat. Later he served as the Medium Boat Platoon Sergeant. Still later he worked in Ops and also as the Mate of one of the LCU 2000s. He left Panama in the mid 90s to be assigned at Eustis. I saw him about 6 months ago but did not find out where he was assigned. I have no further information as of 5 July 2000.


Kennith Shafer, 1969
I have no further information. Information is as of 5 July 2000.


John Shaffer, 1970s ***

Made the move to Panama in 1976. I have no further information as of 26 July 2009.



Leon Shaut, 1970s ***

Made the move to Panama in 1976. I have no further information as of 26 July 2009.

 

 

Brian Shay, mid - late 1990s
Brian Shay joined the 1097th in the mid 90s. He was assigned as the Assistant Coxswain of the LCM 8504. He left the 1097th in the late 90s to be reassigned to Eustis. The last time I saw Brian he was an SFC and a Platoon Sergeant. I have no further information as of 5 July 2000.


Jason Shea, early - mid 1990s
Jason Shea joined the 1097th in the early 90s. He was assigned as an Engineer on one of the LCU 1600s. He got out of the Army right before the move to the Pac Side. From Matt Hughes:

Jason Shea moved back to the Oakland Ca. area. I saw him while I was in 88L20 school and got to go get drunk with him one night. He and I were good friends and I've thought a lot about him over the years. He was getting ready to get out when I saw him, and was planning on returning to California (Oakland area if I remember right) and become an electrician. He used to stutter kinda bad until he got a few beers in him then he spoke perfectly. I went through scuba school with him, and Bruce Welch. We made a few dives together, but if he got below 20 or 30ft, his nose would bleed profusely. He finally had to give up diving.

I have no further information as of 13 Aug 2009.


Arthur Sherette, 1969
I have no further information as of 5 July 2000.


Robert Sheridan, 1967
I have no further information is as of 5 July 2000.


Sherman (first name unknown, male), late 1980s - early 1990s
I have no further information as of 5 July 2000.


Carlton Shillingburg, 1969
I have no further information as of 5 July 2000.


Lee Shock, Late 1970s
I have no further information as of 4 March 2007.


Debra Shreve, late 1980s - early 1990s
I have no further information as of 5 July 2000.


James Sigmon, 1970s ***

Made the move to Panama in 1976. I have no further information as of 26 July 2009.

 

 

Richard Simmons, early 1990s
I have no further information is as of 5 July 2000.


Harry Simpson, 1969
I have no further information as of 5 July 2000.


Kevin Simpson, early 1990s
I have no further information is as of 5 July 2000.


Skaggs, Gender unknown, Late 1970s
I have no further information as of 4 March 2007.


Harry Slater, 1969
I have no further information as of 5 July 2000.


Jim "Jack" Slayter, early 1993 – 1996
Jack Slayter joined the 1097th in the early 90s. He was assigned to the A Shop. He assisted in the move to the Pac Side but got a compassionate reassignment shortly after. He returned to the States in late 95, but the powers that be decided that he was not eligible for a compassionate and returned him to Panama about 6 months after he left Panama to serve the remaining 3 months of his tour left in Panama. He got out of the Army from Panama in mid 96. I have no further information as of 5 July 2000.


Leon Slayton, 1970s ***

Made the move to Panama in 1976. I have no further information as of 26 July 2009.

 

 

Frank Slomianowski, 1970s ***

Made the move to Panama in 1976. I have no further information as of 26 July 2009.

 

 

Smikal (first name unknown, male), late 1980s - early 1990s
I have no further information is as of 5 July 2000.

 

Clement Smith, early 1990s
Clement retired from the Army about 2006 or 2007 from 331st Causeway. I have no further information as of 20 July 2009.


Dave Smith, mid 1980s
I have no further information as of 5 July 2000.


Gary Smith, 1969
I have no further information is as of 5 July 2000.


Norman "Smitty" Smith, late 1980s - early 1990s
Smitty joined the 1097th in the late 80s. He was present during Just Cause. He left the 1097th in the early 90s. He was assigned to the 309th Trans Co at Story. I think I remember him leaving 309th for Panama as well when he returned from Panama to 309th. I remember Marc Las standing out in front of the Company formation giving him a Plaque in 309th at the Motor Pool with the inscription “Where’s the MOGAS” which was part of a slogan he always used to say, the other part not being polite to say. I have no further information as of 5 July 2000.


Roy Smith, 1969
I have no further information as of 5 July 2000.


S. Smith (first name unknown, gender unknown), late 1980s - early 1990s
I have no further information as of 5 July 2000.


Terlazzo Smith, 1969
I have no further information as of 5 July 2000.


Brad Sneddon, 1980 - 1984

Sorry I don’t think I’ll make the reunion this year.  Please keep me posted in future years. I have some photos to share but I need to get them on an email to you.  I served in the 1097th in Panama from 1980 thru 1984. I was the chief on the 8506 with Peter Mac Namee as assistant engineman. Smitty was our coxswain  I engineered several of the boats back then, with missions to Colombia, and local service JOTC etc.  I also served with the 1098th TC MB at Ft. Eustis before shipping off to Panama. I was hurt pretty bad on the way to the Pacific side in a bus accident and spent two months in Gorgas hospital. When I returned to the states I went into the bus business, now working in Denver for the Regional Transportation District. Married a super Colombian gal. Medical problems were picked up by the VA and retired in 2004 finally!  I miss the water, parties, BBQ’s and all the great times I had in Panama, Colombia, Costa Rica.

Hey guys if you see this get a hold of me. Sneddon2@yahoo.com

Hope this letter finds you  well,

 

Bradley W. Sneddon

“RIVER RAIDER”  ALWAYS

I have no further information as of 5 Aug 2009.

 

 

David Solgan, early 1990s
Plt. Sgt of Maint Plt.
He PCS'd back to FEVA. Haven’t heard of him since 96. Information is as of 20 October 2006.


Mark Sollenberger, 1976 – 1978 ***

Made the move to Panama in 1976. I have no further information as of 26 July 2009.

 

 

Eric Sorenson, 1989 - 1992
I have no further information as of 29 July 2009.


Joseph Spelichal, 1969
I have no further information as of 5 July 2000.


Tom Spicer, Early 1990s

Tom was assigned to 1097th in the early 90s. I am pretty certain that he left before the move to the Pacific Side. He returned to the US and was assigned to 331st Causeway Company. Tom went to WOBC in 2003 or 2004 and as of the last time I have seen him a CW2. Updated 21 July 2009

 

 

Tom Sprague, early 1990s
From Matt Hughes:

He was the chief on one of the 1600's (1669 I think). The thing I remember most about him was him chasing and shooting at a Panamanian robbing his car at Devils Beach. Somebody sent Mr. LeBrechts' daughter to get the MP's. Kids being kids, she was all excited and told them "hurry, Mr. Spragues shooting at them". They took him into "custody" at the front gate guard shack, but let him keep his cooler of beer. By the time MPs and Panamanian Police arrived (about two hrs later) he'd drunk about a 12pk at the guard shack. They tried charging him with something like drunk and disorderly or something to that effect and he was like..."dudes, I've been standing here drinking in front of these MPs for a couple of hours now waiting for you, of course I'm drunk" as such they had to let him go. He got some kind of slap over the shooting but not too much. He got out and if I remember right he took over his Father in law's Salmon Fishing Fleet up in Washington State.

I have no further information as of 13 Aug 2009.


Spranger (first name unknown, male), early 1990s
From Matt Hughes:

He was an engineer on board Mr. Spagues boat.

I have no further information as of 13 Aug 2009.


Edwin Springsteen, 1969
I have no further information as of 5 July 2000.


Herbert Sprouse, 1969
I have no further information as of 5 July 2000.


Jerry Stagner, 1980s

I have no further information as of 29 July 2009.

 

 

Vernon Stallings, 1994 - 1995
Vernon Stallings joined the 1097th in late 94. He was a Crane Operator and was assigned to the Motor Pool. He assisted in the Move to the Pacific Side in 95. Shortly after the move he began to have some medical problems. He was admitted to the hospital and died a few days later of “Double Pneumonia.” I have no further information as of 5 July 2000.


Wanda Standlee, 1970s ***

Made the move to Panama in 1976. I have no further information as of 26 July 2009.

 

 

Geoffrey Staples, early - mid 1990s
Geoffrey Staples joined the 1097th in the early 90s. He was assigned as the Chief Engineer of the LCM 8502. Later he was assigned and the Platoon Maintenance Rep. He left Panama right before the move. I have no further information as of 5 July 2000.


Lester Stasi, 1969
I have no further information as of 5 July 2000.


James Stenski, early 1990s
James Stenski joined the 1097th in the early 90s. He was assigned as the Ace on one of the LCU 1600s. He left Panama in the mid 90s shortly before the move. He returned to Eustis and went to Warrant Officer School. He is now a CW2 in the 73rd Trans Co at Eustis. I think he was a Navy nuc sub engineer before joining the army. Information as of 20 October 2006.


Roger Stephens, 1969
I have no further information as of 5 July 2000.


Jerry Stephenson, 1970s ***

Made the move to Panama in 1976. I have no further information as of 26 July 2009.

 

 

Jerome Stimley, 1969
I have no further information as of 5 July 2000.


Boyd Stout, 1969
I have no further information as of 5 July 2000.


Alvin Stovern, 1969
I have no further information as of 5 July 2000.


Straw (first name unknown, gender unknown), mid 1970s
I have no further information as of 5 July 2000.


Fred Stroker, 1995 - 1996
Fred Stroker joined the 1097th in mid 95. He took over the Company from Marshall Guiterrez as the CO. He left Panama in late 96. He is currently assigned to a reserve unit in Alabama. He was promoted to Major and the last time I saw him was in 2001 or 2002 in a LOTS at Ft Story where he was the 11th Bn Ops Officer. I have no further information as of 20 July 2009.


Alonzo Strong, 1969
I have no further information is as of 3 July 2000.

 

Stroop, ???
Stroop was the 1SG in either the late 70s or the early 80s. I have no further information as of 8 June 2000.

 

William Stuart, 1969
I have no further information as of 5 July 2000.

 


Brent Stubbs, early 1990s
Brent Stubbs joined the 1097th in the early 90s. He was assigned as a Vessel Master on one of the LCUs. He left Panama in the early 90s. He was assigned at Eustis. He worked at T-School until late 99 or early 2000 when he became the Vessel Master of the LSV-6. I have no further information as of 5 July 2000.


Stephen Studer, mid 1980s
Stephen Studer joined the 1097th in the mid 80s. He was one of the people on the LCM 8504 who was involved in the Soviet Vessel Incident. He left the 1097th in the mid 80s. He is assigned somewhere at Eustis.
Retired 2005 with 23 years. He is working at FEVA at Harbormaster as a civilian now. Information is as of 20 October 2006.


Sullivan (first name unknown, male), early 1990s
SFC Plt Sgt of first platoon if I remember correctly.
He drove a old maroon Ford something or another. From Matt Hughes:

SFC Sullivan started off as Plt Sgt of Med Boat. He was the NCOIC who tried taking my TMP license for speeding through a housing area when Top Brown stood up for me. He came back and either went to Ops or Heavy Boat. That was about the time I was getting ready to PCS

Information is as of 13 Aug 2009.


Bob Sullivan, late 1970s
I have no further information as of 5 July 2000.


Tim Sullivan, late 1980s - early 1990s
Tim Sullivan joined the 1097th in the late 80s. He was assigned to an LCM, but I don't know which one. He fell overboard while the LCM was underway and he ended up turning his BDU bottoms into a life preserver that kept him afloat until he was rescued. I don't know how long he was actually in the water, but if I was in that situation making my BDU bottoms into a life preserver would not be the first thing that I would do unless I believed that I would not be rescued immediately. Tim left the 1097th in the early 90s to be assigned to the 331st Trans Co (ACV) at Story. He got out of the Army in 91 or 92. Tim E-mailed me a few months ago. He is out of the Army and he lost his wife. I have no further information as of 5 July 2000.


Charles Sumfleet, 1969
I have no further information as of 5 July 2000.


Samuel Sunderland, 1969
I have no further information as of 5 July 2000.


Shirley Surface, 1969
I have no further information as of 5 July 2000.


Elmer Swarr, early 1990s
From Matt Hughes:

Dale Swarr (May be Elmer Swarr), Early 90s, 88k, was coxswain of one of the LCMs (8582 I think), he went to heavy boat and I think SGT Lester got the 82 boat after that.

I have no further information as of 13 Aug 2009.


Brian Sweeney, early 1990s
Was a cook in the mess hall on Davis and occasionally a cook on the boats. I have no further information as of 13 Aug 2009.

 

 

Sweet, ????

One of the company 1SG’s shortly after the move, was a leg. I have no further information as of 5 May 2001.



T***********
Michael Tank, 1969
I have no further information as of 5 July 2000.


Billy "Chino" Tao, early 1990s
Chino joined the 1097th right out of AIT. Her was assigned to one of the LCMs. He left Panama in the early 90s and was assigned to the 309th Trans Co at Story. He got out of the Army in 93 or 94. I have no further information as of 5 July 2000.


Tayloe (first name unknown, male) mid 1990s
Tayloe joined the 1097th in the mid 90s. He was assigned as the Vessel Master of the LCU 1668. He left Panama in the mid 90s. I have no further information as of 5 July 2000.


Herb Taylor, early 1990s
I have no further information is as of 5 July 2000.


Taylor (first name unknown, male), mid 1990s
Taylor joined the 1097th in the mid 90s. He was assigned as the R & U person. He had been stationed in the Engineer Company in the 1/508th but came to the 1097th when the 1/508th was deactivated. He left the 1097th for another unit in Panama. I have no further information as of 5 July 2000.


Jeffery Taylor, mid 1980s
This might be "Wind Blow" Taylor from the early 80s. Tall skinny black 88K. The same time as SGT La Force. Information is as of 20 October 2006.


W G Taylor, Sept 1979 – Feb 1980

Served as 1SG. I have no further information as of 29 July 2009.

 

 

Charles "Chucky" Tait, early 1990s, 1995 - 1999
Chucky joined the 1097th right out of AIT in the early 90s. He was assigned to one of the LCMs. He left Panama in the early 90s and was assigned to Eustis. He returned to Panama in late 95. He was assigned as the Coxswain of the LCM 8519. Later he was moved to Operations and still later he became to Boswain of one of the LCU 2000s. He left Panama in mid 99 and was reassigned to 331st Causeway Company until around 2004. He was reassigned to another unit on Eustis. Currently he is getting ready to have another child. I have no further information as of 20 July 2009.


Jeffery Terrien, 1969
I have no further information as of 5 July 2000.


Tetterton (first name unknown, male), early - mid 1990s
Tetterton joined the 1097th in the early 90s. He was assigned to the Motor Pool. I have no further information as of 5 July 2000.


Thomas Tharp, 1969
I have no further information as of 5 July 2000.


Johnny Thomas, early - mid 1990s
Johnny Thomas joined the 1097th in the early 90s. He was assigned as the Chief Engineer of the LCM 8502. He got out of the Army in the mid 90s. I have no further information as of 5 July 2000.


Richard Thomas, mid 1990s
I have no further information as of 5 July 2000.


William Thomas, early 1990s
I have no further information is as of 5 July 2000.


Thompson (first name unknown, gender unknown), late 1970s
I have no further information as of 5 July 2000.


Donald Thompson, mid 1990s
Donald Thompson joined the 1097th in the mid 90s. He was assigned to one of the LCUs. I have no further information as of 5 July 2000.


Jerry Thompson, 1969
I have no further information as of 5 July 2000.


John Thompson, 1970s ***

Made the move to Panama in 1976. I have no further information as of 26 July 2009.

 

 

Jay Thrower, 1969
I have no further information as of 5 July 2000.


Darrel Tibbits, 1969
I have no further information as of 5 July 2000.


Beau Timberlakes, mid 1980s
He was the CO of 1097th during the mid 80s. I have no further information as of 5 July 2000.


Anita Tipgar, late 1970s
I have no further information as of 5 July 2000.


Tomazewski, Gender Unknown, Late 1970s
I have no further information as of 4 March 2007.


Daniel Tompkins, early - mid 1990s
Daniel joined the 1097th in the early 90s. He was assigned first as the Assistant Coxswain of the LCM 8502 then later as the Coxswain of the 02. He left Panama in the mid 90s. He was reassigned to Eustis and later became a recruiter where he is now. I have no further information as of 5 July 2000.


Peter Toomey, 1970s ***

Made the move to Panama in 1976. I have no further information as of 26 July 2009.

 

 

Don Topping, early - mid 1990s
Don Topping joined the 1097th in the early 90s. He was assigned as the Vessel Master of one of the LCU 1600s. Later he was assigned as the Vessel Master of the LCU 2018. He left Panama in the mid 90s. He was assigned to Eustis. He is currently assigned to the 8th Trans Brigade. Don retired and is working at the Bridge Simulator on Ft Eustis. I have no further information as of 5 July 2000.


Torres (first name unknown, male), early 1990s
I have no further information as of 5 July 2000.


"Eddie, the Vato Loco" Torres, (first name unknown, male), mid 1990s
Eddie, the Vato Loco joined the 1097th right out of AIT in the mid 90s. He was assigned as an Engineer in the Medium Boat Platoon. On his first ever real mission he got seasick and really found out that not everyone is a Salty Sailor. The only thing that was good about this was that he didn't feel as bad the Rangers who were riding in the LCM that day. He left Panama in the mid 90s. He was assigned to Eustis. I have no further information as of 5 July 2000.


Russell Trogden, 1981 - 1983, early 1990s
Russell Trogden joined the 1097th in 1981. He left Panama in 1983. He went to Warrant Officer School in the mid 80s and was assigned to the 309th Trans Co right out of School. He returned to Panama in the early 90s. He was assigned as the Chief Engineer of one of the LCUs then later as the Maintenance Officer. He left Panama in the early 90s. He was assigned to Eustis. He is currently assigned to the 8th Trans Brigade at Eustis. I have no further information as of 5 July 2000.


Jennifer Trosboch, 1996 - 1999
Jennifer Trosboch joined the 1097th in 1996. She was assigned as the Maintenance Officer. She left Panama in mid 99. She is currently assigned to the 7th Trans Group. Last time I saw she was a CW5 assigned to 2nd Staff at Eustis. I have no further information as of 20 July 2009.


Tucker (first name unknown, male), mid 1990s
Tucker joined the 1097th in the mid 90s. He was assigned as a Seaman on one of the LCMs. He got out of the Army in the mid 90s. I have no further information as of 5 July 2000.


Anita Tuepker, 1970s ***

Made the move to Panama in 1976. I have no further information as of 26 July 2009.

 

 

Judy Turnbull, 1982 - 1984
I have no further information as of 5 July 2000.


Tanya Turner, early 1990s
Tanya Turner joined the 1097th in the early 90s. I think that she was a Mariner, but during the time I knew her she was assigned to the Training Office. She left Panama in the early 90s. I have no further information as of 5 July 2000.


Paul Tuttle, 1996 - 1997
Paul Tuttle joined the 1097th in 1996. He was assigned as the R & U person. He was later reassigned to another unit in Panama. I have no further information as of 5 July 2000.


Tyson (first name unknown, gender unknown), mid 1970s
I have no further information as of 5 July 2000.


Tyson (first name unknown, gender unknown), early 1990s
From Matt Hughes:

He was a welder I think and pretty nice guy.

I have no further information as of 13 Aug 2009.



U***********
Charles Umfleet, 1969
I have no further information as of 5 July 2000.


Raymond Unangst, early 1990s
I have no further information as of 5 July 2000.


Larry Urban, mid 1980s
Larry was a Platoon Sergeant in the 1097th and later became a CSM. I have no further information as of 22 July 2009.




V***********
Ruth Vansteenwyck, mid 1990s
Ruth Vansteenwyck joined the 1097th in the mid 90s. She was assigned as the Chief Engineer on one of the LCUs. She left Panama in the mid 90s. She is currently assigned to the 24th Trans Battalion at Eustis. I have no further information as of 5 July 2000.


Charles Vargas, mid 1993
Charles Vargas joined the 1097th in mid 93. He was assigned as one of the Platoon Leaders. He left the 1097th later that same year. I have no further information as of 5 July 2000.


Andrea Varsi, 1970s ***

Made the move to Panama in 1976. I have no further information as of 26 July 2009.

 

 

Ruben Vasquez, mid 1990s
Ruben Vasquez joined the 1097th in the mid 90s. He was assigned as an Engineer on one of the Heavy Boats. He got out of the Army in the mid 90s. I have no further information as of 5 July 2000.


Vaughter (first name unknown, gender unknown), late 1980s
I have no further information is as of 5 July 2000.


Robert Villa Lobos, early - 1995
Robert Villa Lobos joined the 1097th in the early 90s. He was assigned as the Medium Boat Platoon Leader. He is the one who masterminded the acquisition of the J-3795 from Stockton, Ca. Later he was assigned as the XO. He left the 1097th in mid 1995. He was the Commanding Officer of the 329th Trans Co until a few months ago. He is currently assigned to the 7th Trans Group at Eustis. Currently he is assigned to Ft Hood Texas and is a LTC.

Good to hear from you and I'm glad you are keeping the River Raider spirit alive. I am commanding the 180th Trans BN (FT Hood) deployed to Camp Arifjan, Kuwait. We are running CPPs, HETs, LSVs and LCU-2000's. It is a great mission. Since I am deployed, I will miss the reunion. I will definitely try to make the next one.

 

Take Care,

Bob

Robert M. Villalobos

LTC, LG

CDR 180th Transportation Battalion

Updated 21 July 2009.



W***********
Thomas Wade, 1969
I have no further information as of 5 July 2000.


Douglas Walker, mid 1980s
I have no further information as of 5 July 2000.


Greg Walker, late 1980s - early 1990s
I have no further information as of 5 July 2000.


Jade Walker, late 1980s - early 1990s
I have no further information as of 5 July 2000.


Wade Walker, late 1980s - early 1990s
I have no further information as of 5 July 2000.


Dave Wall, early 1990s
Dave Wall joined the 1097th in the early 90s. He was assigned as the Coxswain of the LCM 8502. Later he was assigned as the very first Coxswain of the J-3795. He left Panama in the early 90s to be assigned to Eustis. He is currently in one of the Tug Boat Companies. I have no further information as of 5 July 2000.


Don "Bee Bop" Walters, 1988 - 1993
Bee Bop joined the Army in 1978. He spent the first few years in the Combat Arms field until he realized his true calling, Mariner. He reclassed and was assigned to Story until he came on order to Panama.

He joined the 1097th in 1988. He was assigned as Coxswain on the LCM 8509. He was present during Just Cause and there are some of his clippings on this time frame in the unit elsewhere on the site. After the unit became Composite Boat he was assigned as a Mate on one of the LCU 2000s. Later he became the Heavy Boat Platoon Sergeant. Every morning when he was walking out to PT Formation he would always address his Platoon as, "Heavy Cream."

Bee Bop was forced out of Panama in late 93. He was assigned to T-School at Eustis. In early 96 he was assigned to the NCO Academy where he stayed until this day. As of today he has retired from the Army. He should be on the road to Ohio right now or he is already there. He is going to get his Coast Guard Mate License in the next few weeks and has a Job working on a commercial vessel out of Miami that starts in October and ends in April. Happy Trails Bee Bop. You're good people. I have no further information.

I stopped by Guch's house this evening to see Bee Bop. He's making his trip to Florida for his winter job. He spends his summers in Ohio and his winters in Florida. Not a bad racket if you ask me. Never really experiences the cold anymore. He'll be back in April timeframe on his way back to Ohio and more than likely will stop for a weekend at Guch's house. Information is as of 13 November 2005.


Jim Walters, Late 1970s
I have no further information as of 4 March 2007.


Brian Walton, early - 1996
Brian Walton joined the 1097th in the early 90s. He was assigned as an Engineer on one of the LCU 1600s. Later he was assigned to the Orderly Room. He got out of the Army in late 96. I have no further information as of 5 July 2000.


Gregory Walts, 1969
I have no further information as of 5 July 2000.


Thomas Walts, 1969
I have no further information as of 5 July 2000.


John Warnik, 1968
I have no further information as of 5 July 2000.


Johnny Warren, early 1990s, mid 1990s
Johnny Warren joined the 1097th right after Just Cause. He left Panama in the early 90s to be assigned to Eustis. He returned to Panama in the mid 90s. He was assigned as a Seaman on one of the LCU 1600s. He got out of the Army in the mid 90s. I have no further information as of 5 July 2000.


Chris Watkins, early - mid 1990s
Chris Watkins joined the 1097th in the early 90s. He was a Welder but he was assigned to Training. He got out of the Army right after the Move to the Pac Side. I have no further information as of 5 July 2000.


Ronald Watkins, mid 1990s
Ronald Watkins joined the 1097th in the mid 90s. He was assigned as the Operations NCOIC. Later he was assigned as the Medium Boat Platoon Sergeant. He left Panama in the mid 90s to be assigned at Eustis. He just graduated from ANCOC this past Spring. I have no further information as of 5 July 2000.


Mark Watts, 1980 – 1986

I have no further information as of 29 July 2009.

 

 

Frank Weaver, late 1980s, mid 1990s
Frank Weaver joined the 1097th in the late 80s. I don't know anything about this tour except that he was in the Company. He returned to the States and was assigned to Eustis. He rejoined the 1097th in the mid 90s. He was assigned as the Boswain on the LCU 2017. He returned to the states in the mid 90s. He is currently working at the NCO Academy. I have no further information as of 5 July 2000.


Webb (first name unknown, male), early 1990s
From Matt Hughes:

Worked in the Commo shop. I saw him in Hawaii but don't know anything else about.

I have no further information as of 13 Aug 2009.


Timothy Weeks, mid 1990s
Timothy Weeks joined the Army in the early 90s. He was assigned to the 309th Trans Co at Story right out of AIT. He joined the 1097th in the mid 90s. He was assigned as a Seaman on one of the LCUs. He got married and returned to the States in the mid 90s. He is assigned to Eustis now. I have no further information as of 5 July 2000.


Jerome "Jerry" Weigal, early 1990s
Jerry joined the Army in the mid 80s. He was assigned to the 309th Trans Co out of AIT. He joined the 1097th in the early 90s. He was assigned to the A-Shop. He left Panama in the early 90s. He was assigned to Eustis. Currently he is assigned to T-School. I have no further information as of 5 July 2000.


Gregory Welborn, 1970s ***

Made the move to Panama in 1976. I have no further information as of 26 July 2009.

 

 

Bruce Welch, 1993 - 1996
Bruce Welch joined the Army in the early 90s. He was assigned to the 309th Trans Co out of AIT. He joined the 1097th in early 93. He was assigned as the Chief Engineer of the LCM 8503 then later as the Medium Boat Platoon Maintenance Rep. He returned to the States in early 96 to be assigned to Eustis. He was working as the 10th Battalion Training NCO until he got out of the Army in 98. I have no further information as of 5 July 2000.


Jeff Weseman, 1986 - 1989
I was in Panama 1986-1989 I was a engineer on 8508 with Doug White as my coxswain (?) I also worked under Johnny Khan - chief engineer

Lt. Susan Rife & Lt Matt Dansbury were the minor players of the company and I believe Beau Timberlake was the commander.

I had SSG Greg Patriquinn as Platoon Leader., I was the engineer on 8504 on the fateful day on the Chagres river when the engineer room caught fire & we had to wait 3 hours for additional support to lock down and get us. I unfortunately hurt myself at Ft Sheridan & spent 4months at Walter Reed and after returning it was decided that I had to stay off the boats

So as I awaited my medical discharge I became the company photographer and I wrote a article in the army paper for medready IX (maybe off)

The 1097th to me was a amazing adventure & I loved and treasured everything that had happened & all the great soldiers I met

Best regards, Jeff Weseman

well, before 1097th  i was a chemist at benjamin moore paint in Illinois.  after 1097th I moved back to Illinois and managed a benjamin moore paint store for 16 years & then in august 2005 I moved here to Trenton, NJ. Bought a home & now work in Medical Research.

and loving it.

Jeff Weseman

 

i worked with Johnny khan, Mike noli, sgt patriquin, lt suzie rife.vicky hall,  kevin payne..... been awhile. I was the company photographer...........I got out in Oct 89. i was the engineer on I believe 8503 which we had for JOTC training in the Chagres river. in which engineroom caught on fire and eventually we were towed back to base........F-U-N !!!!

 

thanks Sean

I have no further information as of 5 Aug 2009.


Mike West, mid - late 1980s
I have no further information as of 5 July 2000.


Charles “Chuck” West, Mar 86 to Mar 89
Went down as SGT and made SSG a couple of months later. Worked a couple of LCMs in 1st PLT, hung out in Colon (when we weren’t at LZ Slide, Sherman, or “Hole in the Wall”, 2nd Platoon Sergeant for about a year, and of course OPNs when I got six months short, went to “PanaJungla” and met Noriega at the graduation. He’s even shorter than I am!
Chuck
I have no further information as of 21 June 2005


White (first name unknown, male), early 1990s
I have no further information as of 5 July 2000.


Dawone White, mid 1990s
I have no further information as of 5 July 2000.


Douglas White, mid 1980s
I have no further information as of 7 July 2000.


James White, 1969
I have no further information as of 7 July 2000.


Richard White, 1969
I have no further information as of 7 July 2000.


Sydney White, early - mid 1990s
Sydney White joined the 1097th in the early 90s. He was assigned as the Assistant Coxswain of the LCM 8582. He was later assigned to the night shift in Ops. He got out of the Army in the mid 90s. I have no further information as of 7 July 2000.


Jane Whiteneck,, 1970s ***

Made the move to Panama in 1976. I have no further information as of 26 July 2009.

 

 

Lucia Whitfield, early 1990s
I have no further information as of 13 Aug 2009.


Whitley (first name unknown, male), late 1980s early 1990s

From Matt Hughes:

Whitley cant remember 1st name (early '90s) served in Just Cause. He stuttered like three M.Fs but could operate a Mike boat better than anyone down there, just hope he didn't want to tell you to do something cause you couldn't understand him...I think he went back to Montana?

I have no further information as of 5 Aug 2009.

 

Carlos Whitley, 1969
I have no further information as of 7 July 2000.


Richard Whitman, early 1990s
I have no further information as of 7 July 2000.


Whitmill (first name unknown, male), early 1990s
Whitmill joined the 1097th in the early 90s. He was assigned to the Motor Pool. He left the 1097th in the early 90s. I have no further information as of 7 July 2000.


Whitmore (first name unknown, male), early 1990s
I have no further information as of 7 July 2000.


Bill Whitmore, 1970s ***

Made the move to Panama in 1976. I have no further information as of 26 July 2009.

 

 

James Wiant, early 1990s
I have no further information as of 7 July 2000.


Mike Wichterman, 1995 - 1996
Mike Wichterman joined the 1097th in 1995. He was assigned as the Vessel Master of the LCU 2017. He lived out in the Substandard housing on Cocoli. That place was a dump, not due to anything that he had done. I sailed tens of thousands of miles with him and learned a lot. He left Panama in 1996. He was originally going to be taking a Staff Job at some landlocked post but got his orders changed to become the Vessel Master of the LSV-6. He is currently assigned as the Harbormaster of Story, I think. I have no further information as of 7 July 2000.


Gloria "Giggles" Wiekers, mid 1990s
Giggles went through K20 school in late 1995 with me. She got her nickname because she was always giggling at everything good and bad. She joined the 1097th in the mid 90s. She was assigned to one of the LCUs. She left Panama in the mid 90s to be reassigned to one of the Tug Boat Companies at Eustis. I have no further information as of 7 July 2000.


Jared Wieman, late 1980s - early 1990s
Jared Wieman joined the 1097th in the late 809s right out of AIT. He was present during Just Cause. He left Panama in the early 90s. He was assigned to the 309th Trans Co. He got out of the Army in the early 90s. I have no further information as of 7 July 2000.


Gary Wilde, about 1968
Gary Wilde was one of the COs in the Company during the Vietnam War. I have no further information is as of 7 July 2000.


James Wiley, late 1990s - 1999
James Wiley joined the 1097th in the late 90s. He was assigned as the Platoon Leader of Medium Boat. He left the 1097th in 1999 to be assigned to Ft Lewis, WA.

You found me again Sean! I go to the site every couple of months to reminisce and see if you have any updates. I even found my old books that Doug Magee put together in 1998 and my old LCM0* handbook that you gave me. I won't be able to attend the reunion since I am in CGSC until DEC 09. take care and keep me informed.

 

Jimmy

james.wiley@us.army.mil
I have no further information as of 5 Aug 2009.

 

Eric Willard, early 1990s
From Matt Hughes:

His first name was Eric, from Michigan, but everyone knew him as "Wolfy"...Ft. Sherman might still have "wolfy was here" painted at dock in the lagoon...he probably got out (wasn't what you called Army material).

I have no further information as of 5 Aug 2009.


Kirk Willard, 1970s ***

Made the move to Panama in 1976. I have no further information as of 26 July 2009.

 

 

Calvin Williams, late 1980s early 1990s
I have no further information as of 7 July 2000.


Charles Williams, 1970s ***

Made the move to Panama in 1976. I have no further information as of 26 July 2009.

 


Nathan Williams, 1968
I have no further information as of 7 July 2000.


Jerome Williamson, early 1990s
Jerome Williamson joined the Army in the early 90s. He was originally in the Reserves but went Active in 91 or 92. He joined the 1097th in the early 90s. He was assigned as a Seaman on one of the LCUs. He left Panama in the early 90s. The last time I saw him was around 200 or 2001 and I think he was a WO1 that had just finished WOBC. I have no further information as of 20 July 2009.


John Willson, 1969
I have no further information as of 7 July 2000.


A. Wilson (first name unknown, gender unknown), early 1990s
I have no further information is as of 7 July 2000.


Kenneth Wilson, mid 1990s
Kenneth Wilson joined the 1097th in the mid 90s. He was assigned as a Seaman on one of the LCMs. He left Panama in the mid 90s. He is currently assigned to Eustis. I have no further information as of 7 July 2000.


Mark Wilson, 1970s ***

Made the move to Panama in 1976. I have no further information as of 26 July 2009.

 

 

Matt Wilson, 1994 - 1996
Matt Wilson joined the 1097th in 1994 right out of AIT. He was assigned as an Engineer on the LCM 8502. He left Panama in 1996. I don't remember if he got out or was assigned to Eustis. I have no further information as of 7 July 2000.


Tom Wilson, early 1990s
There was a Tom Wilson in the unit. Early 90s. 88k. He married a tiny little Spanish girl from the Maint Plt. We called him "Big Wil" and her "Little Wil". They had a baby there or shortly after. SSG Walters should have more info on this. Information is as of 20 October 2006.


David Wingo, 1970s ***

Made the move to Panama in 1976. I have no further information as of 26 July 2009.

 

 

Winn, early 90s
Winn joined the 1097th in the early 90s. He was assigned as the ACE on one of the LCUs. He left Panama in the early 90s. I have no further information as of 7 July 2000.


Robin Wintermeyer, early 1990s
Robin Wintermeyer joined the 1097th in the early 90s. He was assigned as the ACE on one of the LCUs. He left the 1097th in the early 90s. He got out of the Army and is living in Arizona or New Mexico.

I just finished reading all of the role that is listed on your way cool site. I have a few thoughts and names that you might be able to use. These are from the bilge of my brain so no guarantees on them. But I am better than 85% sure on them.

That’s all I have from the murky bilge of my brain for now. This is a way cool web site.

In case you are having a hard time placing me, my (former) wife Lori Wintermeyer taught aerobics for PT. Also at Gulick gym for the PCC people.
Keep up the great work,
SSGW4069
Wintermeyer, Robin
PS. On my Bio you have me as being from AZ or NM. NM is correct. In Aug 06 I moved to Portland, OR for work. I just graduated, Jul 06, with my BS in Radiographic Technologies. Took me 20 years, put my GI benefits paid off."

I have no further information is as of 20 October 2006.


Willie Wise, 1969
I have no further information as of 7 July 2000.


Henry “WondoWondolowski, 1970s ***

Made the move to Panama in 1976. I have no further information as of 26 July 2009.

 

 

Woodcock (first name unknown, male), late 1980s - early 1990s
I have no further information as of 7 July 2000.


William Wood, 1969
I have no further information as of 7 July 2000.


Woods (first name unknown, gender unknown) 1980s

Was a CW4 in the 1097th in the 1980s. I have no further information as of 29 July 2009.

 

 

Lakecia Woods, 1996 - 1999
Lakecia Woods joined the 1097th in 1996. She was assigned to Maintenance Platoon working in PLL. She left the 1097th in mid 1999. I have no further information as of 7 July 2000.


Thomas Woods, 1969
I have no further information as of 7 July 2000.


Wilbur "Woody" Woods, early - mid 1990s
I have no further information as of 7 July 2000.


Robert Woolems, 1969
I have no further information as of 7 July 2000.


Ernest Worm, 1969
I have no further information is as of 7 July 2000.


Wren, late 1980s
Wren joined the 1097th in the late 80s. He was assigned as the First Sergeant. He left the 1097th in the late 80s. He was assigned as the 11th Battalion Sergeant Major in the early 90s. He retired from the Army and is living in one of the Carolinas. I have no further information as of 7 July 2000.


Charles Wright, 1968
I have no further information as of 7 July 2000.


Craig Wright, 1994 - 1996
Craig Wright joined the 1097th right out of AIT. He was assigned as an Engineer on one of the LCMs. He left Panama in 1996. I have no further information as of 7 July 2000.


Jay Wright, early - mid 1990s
Jay Wright joined the 1097th in the early 90s. He was assigned as the CO's Driver. I never figured out how the CO could handle riding with Jay behind the wheel, even the Panamanian buses would get out of his way. Jay was also assigned as a Lifeguard for the weekly Drownproofing classes. He left Panama in the mid 90s. I have no further information as of 7 July 2000.


Von Wuori, 1995 - 1999
Von Wuori joined the 1097th in 1995. She was assigned to the Orderly Room. Later she was assigned to the LCU 2017 and later she returned to the Orderly Room. She left Panama in 1999. She was assigned to the Harbormaster Tower at Eustis. She just recently got married to former Raider Paul Ferreira. I have no further information as of 7 July 2000.


Wyrick (first name unknown, male), late 1980s - early 1990s
I have no further information as of 7 July 2000.


Peter Wyskoczka, 1969
I have no further information as of 7 July 2000.



X***********



Y***********
Jackie Yates, 1970s ***

Made the move to Panama in 1976. I have no further information as of 26 July 2009.

 

 

William Yongue, 1967
William Yongue joined the 1097th in 1967 in Vietnam. He was a Platoon Leader of one of the Platoons. He was killed while attempting to free some line that had fouled the screws on one of the LCMs. I have no further information as of 7 July 2000.


Young (first name unknown, gender unknown), early 1990s
I have no further information as of 7 July 2000.


Robert Young, 1970s ***

Made the move to Panama in 1976. I have no further information as of 26 July 2009.

 

 

Stephanie Young, mid 1990s - 1999
Stephanie Young joined the 1097th in the mid 90s. She was assigned to Heavy Boat Platoon. She was later transferred to be the Coxswain of the LCM 8504. Again Later she also took on the additional duty of being the Platoon Sergeant as well. She left Panama in May of 99. She is currently assigned to T-School at Eustis. I have no further information as of 7 July 2000.

 

Tony Yrizarry, 1985 – 1987

He was assigned as an engineer on the LCM 8502. I have no further information as of 29 July 2009.




Z***********
Chuck Zabonik, late 1980s - early 1990s
I have no further information as of 7 July 2000.


Richard Zahm, 1970s ***

Made the move to Panama in 1976. I have no further information as of 26 July 2009.

 


Chuck Zastrow, early 1990s
Chuck joined the 1097th in the early 90s. He was assigned to one of the LCUs. He left Panama in the early 90s to be assigned to Eustis where he is to this day. I have no further information as of 7 July 2000.


Kim Zens, early 1990s
Kim Zens joined the 1097th in the early 90s. He was assigned as the Ace on one of the LCU 1600s. He left Panama in the early 90s to be assigned at Eustis. He is currently assigned to the Harbormaster Tower at Eustis. I have no further information as of 7 July 2000.


Richard Zimmerman, early 1990s
Richard Zimmerman joined the 1097th in the early 90s. He was assigned as the First Sergeant. He retired from the Army in the early 90s. I have no further information as of 7 July 2000.

 

 

*** = Made the move to Panama in 1976.

BLUE = Quoted

 



***********
HOT HOT HOT 1097th Reunion 10-12 October 2009, Columbus Day Weekend in Newport News Park. I am planning on attending and would like to make a humble request, if anyone has any scanned copies of their pics from any era of the 1097th and would like to share them please give them to me and I will add them on the page. The longer I keep this page going them more I want it to be OUR page and not MY page. I will update with more details as I get them.

If your name is on this list than more than likely you know where you have been and what you did in Panama and what you are doing now. I am finally finished with all of the Bios. If you want to add anything to your Bio e-mail E-mail Sean or E-mail Tom! If your name should be on this list, or know of others that should be on this list send me an mail! Please include the name, nickname and the approximate or exact dates. Also if I forgot your name on this list don’t take any offense by this, almost all of the names of the 1990s were taken from memory. Please remember that after over six years and about 500 different faces it is sometimes difficult to remember.



Back To The River Raider’s Page