Allen Hathaway

HHT Regt, 08/66-07/67

On November 11, 2007, we learned of the death of our dear friend and president of the 11th ACVVC, Chuck Schmidt. In June 2007, Chuck was diagnosed with cancer. This was his second bout with cancer, having overcome this disease in 1996. The prognosis this time was that the cancer was not curable but controllable through chemotherapy. Chuck received one chemotherapy treatment in mid August, a few weeks prior to the Louisville reunion.

Despite the lingering side effects of the chemotherapy, Chuck attended the Louisville reunion in September. He was determined to perform all duties as president. Many were willing to step in at a moments notice to provide some relief but somehow he found the strength and inspiration to carry on his duties.

During the reunion Chuck gave an update on his health. He felt confident the cancer would be controlled. We were optimistic and encouraged by his decision to run for president and serve another two year term.

Shortly after the reunion Chuck developed a serious infection. He was being treated with antibiotics and his condition was improving when he suddenly took a turn for the worse. A further examination revealed another tumor. On November 11, 2007, he passed away peacefully at his home in Colorado Springs. His wife Bonnie, son Garrett and daughter Jill were at his side.

Chuck had many assignments during the 27 years he and his family served on active duty. As a cavalry officer he proudly served with the 10th Cavalry and 14th Armored Cavalry Regiment. As a captain in 1967-1968 he served as troop commander of I Troop, 3rd Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment in Vietnam. This was perhaps the most difficult and challenging assignment of his military career, yet it was this time that he cherished above all.

Chuck was a proud Blackhorse trooper. He was proud of the men he served with in I Troop and of the many Blackhorse troopers he met during his involvement with the 11th ACVVC. He was a great leader both in the Army and as president of this organization. He was also a great friend and we will miss him.

Chuck served two years as a board member and nearly four years as president. To honor Chucks years of dedication to the 11th ACVVC and in particular his dedication to the constant improvement of the Scholarship Program, the Charles L. Schmidt Memorial Scholarship has been established. The scholarship will be awarded yearly to the top ranked applicant based on combined scores from all judges. The amount of the scholarship will be determined by the Board of Directors.

Chuck was to begin his third two-year term as president of the 11th ACVVC on January 1, 2008. With Chucks passing, a vacancy was left in his position. Article VII, Section 4(a) of the 11th ACVVC by-laws outlines a process for filling such a vacancy:

On November 21, I was elected by the remaining board members to fill the position of president until the next general membership meeting on August 23, 2008, during the next reunion. This action resulted in a vacancy in the vice president position. On November 26, the board members elected Pete Walter to fill the vacant position of vice-president. Pete was elected as vice-president during the general membership meeting in September 2007. His two year term would have started January 1, 2008.

As president pro-tem, I am pleased to report that the overall state of the 11th ACVVC is excellent. We continue to be successful in many areas; scholarships, reunions, treasury, membership, quartermaster, website and newsletter to name a few.

The scholarship program is thriving with record levels of donations. In 2007 the combined fundraising activities from our calendar, raffle and silent auction allowed us to award scholarships of $3,000 each to 32 of our children for a total of $96,000.

The first leg of our 2008 Scholarship fundraising effort was mailed to all members in December. The 2008 11th ACVVC Calendar once again featured 12 new photos submitted by you. The calendar also contains significant historical events of your regiment in Vietnam.

Our Scholarship Fund is self sufficient. That is, all scholarship awards as well as all printing and mailing cost associated with the calendar are paid directly from the scholarship fund. The calendar is not part of membership dues. I once again appeal to your generosity as we ask for donations to support our Scholarship Program. Your continued support has enabled our Scholarship Program to be very successful year after year. While the calendar you received is unsolicited, we ask that you make the most generous tax-deductible donation that you can. An envelope is included for your convenience to mail your donations.

The 2007 reunion in Louisville, KY, was a huge success with over 1,600 attending and over 125 “first timers”. The highlight was the rededication of the 11th Cavalry Memorial at Fort Knox. (See the article “Circle of Honor and Memorial Bricks”)

Planning is well under way for the 2008 reunion in Chicago, IL, on August 21-24. The Hyatt Regency O'Hare is great location for this year’s reunion. Our Reunion Chairman, Steve Page (B Troop, ’66-67) and Jim Kaszubowski (HHT, 3/11, ’66-67) have been working hard to ensure this is another successful and memorable reunion.

The schedule for the reunion will be generally the same as previous reunions. The registration desk will open on Thursday where attendees can pick up their name tags, meal tickets and reunion packets. The golf tournament will be held that morning and the bunker will open in the afternoon. A Veterans Seminar will be held on Friday. A great “bunker party” is planned on Friday evening featuring a “Taste of Chicago” and special live entertainment. Our Annual Business Meeting is schedule for Saturday morning, followed by our Memorial Service after lunch.  We will top off the day’s activities with our Saturday evening banquet and program followed by dancing to a local DJ.  Plan your departure following the Sunday morning Chapel Service.  For those who would like to make this an extended vacation, the special reunion rate is available three days prior and three days after the reunion (September 18-26).

We expect another large turn-out for our reunion this year. As of this writing, nearly 40 percent of our total room block has already been reserved. Also, over 325 Blackhorse troopers live within 40 miles of the hotel. You can help make this another successful reunion by keeping a few things in mind: Mail your registration early and avoid the late registration fee. Reserve your hotel room early. (You may cancel up to 24 hours prior to check-in.) Contact old friends early giving them plenty of time to make their plans to attend. Contact any board member if you need help finding an old friend. Come prepared to enjoy yourself!

We continue to be successful in several other areas. Our treasury is solvent. The investments made over the years guarantee the organization will be in a good financial position for many years to come. Our two main sources for operating income are membership dues and quartermaster sales. New members have continued to increase over the last four years. Our quartermaster store is doing great business in support of our members. Several new products were introduced recently. Photographs of products are now featured in Thunder Run and our website. Our website is one of the best among veterans organizations. The website offers a central place for current information on this organization and its members. Our newsletter Thunder Run is setting new standards with added color pages and expansion to 24 or 32 per issue. Our newsletter has been published and mailed every quarter for the past 22 years. It is our commitment to our members to continue to bring them news of their organization. We have a group of dedicated board members and volunteers who work daily to ensure the continued success of this organization. Finally, we have a membership base that is second to none. Your support throughout the years has helped this organization grow and succeed in every area.

In closing, we have learned that the 58th Engineer Company “Red Devils” deployed for a third combat tour as part of our Global War on Terror. Several of our members have sons and daughters serving in the military. I ask that you keep them in your thoughts and prayers. Reach out to all men and women in uniform who contribute daily to the security of our country, offer your hand, and thank them for their selfless service. ALLONS! – It’s good to be “Together Again”.

ALLONS! 

 Allen Hathaway

President, 11th ACVVC

HHT Regt, 08/66-07/6