RAFFLE PRIZE


"Gift Certificate"

Aviation Artwork

By: Joe Kline

The Joe Kline Aviation Artwork has been a long-time favorite raffle prize won at our past reunions. We will have a drawing to win three customized helicopter prints at our Thursday night banquet dinner.

Each Gift Certificate is valued at $125 and is good for a customized print of your choice.

Please visit Joe’s web site & view his Vietnam Series Custom Artwork.

 www.joeklineart.com


Footnote:

Don’t Be Left Out!!  If you are still on the  fence, please consider attending!  A lot of your friends will be in attendance  and this would be a great time to see them again!

RAFFLE PRIZE


Hand-Carved Mahogany Helicopter Models By: Joe Webb

Three UH-1H Huey and three OH-6A Cayuse aircraft models will also be raffled at our banquet dinner. These wooden helicopter models are all hand carved and each one varies ever so slightly in dimension while maintaining the detailed shape of the helicopter, that each of the models are made to represent.

Each  wooden  model is valued at 125 - $150.

Please visit Joe’s web site & view his collection of hand-carved wooden helicopter models.

www.mahogonymodels.com/helicopters.htm






















The helicopter image used at the top of this reunion web page was painted by Joe Kline and is featured in his: “Good Vibrations” artwork.


YES -  Attend 2020 Reunion

Veterans who are planning to attend are listed below by their HERD unit:

Gordy Anderson

Pilot


Don Bachali

Pilot


Curt Blundell

Crew Chief  / Gunner


Tony Bolivar

Pilot


Ned Costa

Crew Chief  / Gunner


Michael Dow

Door Gunner


Bob Durand

Pilot


Mike Gauntt

Pilot


Steve Greene

Pilot


Mark Hanlon

Crew Chief  / Gunner


Hal Hickey

Crew Chief  / Gunner


Bob Jameson

Tech Inspector


Jim Jeffryes

Pilot


Neil Kimerer

Crew Chief  / Gunner


Tex Ladnier

Crew Chief  / Gunner


Ed Liptrap

Crew Chief  / Gunner


Robert McDonald

Crew Chief  / Gunner


Bruce Neva

Crew Chief  / Gunner


Bill Nottingham

Crew Chief  / Gunner


Terry Lee Parker

Crew Chief  / Gunner


Walter Perron

Crew Chief  / Gunner


Ray Phelps

Pilot


Randy Plese

Pilot


Randy Schweitzer

Crew Chief  / Gunner


Don Sholett

Crew Chief  / Gunner


Rick Smith

Door Gunner


Sal Sosa

Crew Chief  / Gunner


Walter Tanaka

Crew Chief  / Gunner


Mike Wallace

Flight Operations


Cliff White

Pilot


Dave Woodard

Door Gunner

____

31













Wambi Cook

A/2/503d Infantry

Guest Speaker


Reed Cundiff

173d LRRP

Guest Speaker


Jim Grimshaw

5th SFG & D/2/503d Inf.

Guest Speaker


Herbie Baugh

N/75th ABN RGR


Pat Beltz

N/75th ABN RGR


Steve Corey

N/75th ABN RGR


David Dever

A/1/503d Infantry


Mike Gregersen

C/2/503d Infantry


Robert Henriksen

N/75th ABN RGR


Ray Hill

173d LRRP


Jeff Horne

N/75th ABN RGR


Steward Kulp

C/1/503d Infantry


Jim Jenkins

A/3/503d Infantry


Allen Lohmann

N/75th ABN RGR

Rene Macare

A/3/503d Infantry


Carl Millinder

N/75th ABN RGR



Luigi Muzzin

A/1/503d Infantry


Fred Ortiz

A/4/503d Infantry


Gerald Quinn

A/1/503d Infantry



Tom Riley

A/1/503d Infantry


Dan Sampson

C/2/503d Infantry


Wendell Schautz

A/1/503d Infantry


John Schulte

HHC/1/503d Infantry


Tim Shook

A/1/503d Infantry


Jim Stacey

A/2/503d Infantry



Mike Swisley

N/75th ABN RGR


Ron Thomas

E/17 CAV LRRP Scout


Joe Tompkins

N/75th ABN RGR


Alvin Ward

C/2/503d Infantry


David Wilbur

C/4/503d Infantry


James Wilson Sr.

A/1/503d Infantry

Ignacio Zarate

A/319th Field Artillery

__

32

Donny & Leslie

Kidd, Jr.

KIA: Donny Kidd, Sr.

Marilyn Jones

Wife

DAT: Joe Jones


Casper Platoon Challenge Coin

$10/per coin

Our latest coin design challenge coin is being reproduced for the 2020 reunion.

(No Mail Orders)

You can purchase your coins in advance now and pick them up ONLY at the reunion.  For information contact:

Steve Greene

YES - Casper Coin


In Stock

173d Airborne Brigade:

HHC/Casper Platoon

Casper Platoon Polo Shirt  

$40/each

Special Order


Custom “Text” Polo Shirt

$40/each

Special Order

You can change the second line of text only.


Some examples:

173d Airborne Brigade

A/2/503d Infantry



POLO SHIRTS:

GILDAN 6.5-oz. 100% pre-shrunk double pique cotton, red polo shirt with embroidered 173d Airborne Brigade (SEP) emblem displayed with your unit name on the front left chest.


Available in sizes S-3XL


(No Mail Orders)

You can purchase your shirt in advance now and can pick them up ONLY at the reunion. Deadline: 6/8/20. For information contact:

Ned Costa

YES - Polo Shirt






Shirley Durham

Wife

DAT: Kenneth Durham


Len & Heather McBride

Son & Daughter-in-Law

DAT: Art McBride

Don Snyder

Cowboy Door Gunner

Sue Spencer

Wife

DAT: Steve Spencer


Flat Rate Cost

The Veteran Fees below include a name badge, access to our Hospitality Room, Poolside Ice Breaker Party, Men’s Lunch, 10 Raffle Tickets, Banquet Reception and one (1) Banquet Dinner Ticket (beef, chicken or fish entree). The Guest Fees includes everything above except for the Optional Men’s Lunch and Ladies Luncheon. These costs are listed below.


Casper Veteran: $215/each.  HERD Vietnam Veteran: $150/each.

Others: $125/each. Includes: Spouse/Family, Friends or KIA & DAT Families.


Payment Deadline:

No refunds after June 1, 2020.


Men’s Lunch: $20/person & Ladies Luncheon: $25/person (optional events).

REUNION EVENTS

ICE BREAKER

PARTY

Taking advantage of the cooler weather in March, this event will be held outside at the Sky Beach Club where we can enjoy a good time poolside with friends while relaxing by a nearby tropical waterfall.


There will be appetizers and a cash bar.

CASPER HOSPITALITY ROOM

LZ: LAS VEGAS STRIP

  Just like at our 2019 reunion, we will once again have our own Hospitality Room that will be located on the ground floor of the Convention area.

Our Landing Zone (Partagas 3 Room) is a great meeting place to sit down and hangout with your buddies, swap photos, stories, watch videos, along with posted daily reunion information & schedules.

Our LZ will be open on Monday at 12 noon thru Thursday at 3:00 pm and configured with round tables & chairs. Stop by, pull up a chair and relax!

LADIES’

LUNCHEON

TREVI is located in the Forum Shops at Caesars and is Las Vegas’ favorite restaurant for Italian fare. Private dining room with choice of 4 entrees.

Round-trip chartered bus transportation is provided.

This is an optional Ladies event. $25/person.

BANQUET DINNER

A great close to our reunion and time to enjoy our cocktail reception and dinner with our family and friends.  We always begin this event by honoring our fellow veterans who are no longer with us.  



There will be a cash bar, guest speakers & videos.

Thursday, July 30 Wednesday, July 29 Wednesday, July 30 Tuesday, July 28

THINGS TO DO AND SEE

In addition to the many other Las Vegas shows and attractions on or near The Strip, here are a few that are popular to visit:

.The Las Vegas Sign

.Las Vegas Monorail

.The Fountains/ Bellago

.The Eiffel Tower/ Paris

.Gondola Rides/ Venetian

.Outdoor Shooting Range

RAFFLE DRAWINGS

SCHEDULE

GREAT NEWS! We have over 40 awesome Raffle Prizes to be given away… So we will have more than one raffle drawing during the reunion.

Monday (6 pm) Ice Breaker Party = $100 CASH +

Tuesday (2 pm) Men’s Lunch = $100 CASH +

Thursday (10 pm) Banquet Dinner = Cash & Prizes


* Must be present to WIN *

Monday

MEN’S LUNCH &

GUEST SPEAKER

At The VFW Post 10047. This is a great place for us to hangout, buffet lunch, drink, shoot pool, & slots. We will also have a special Guest Speaker.  

Round-trip chartered bus transportation is provided.

This is an optional Men’s event.  $20/person.

Our Mission

Casper Aviation Platoon (CAPO) sponsored reunions are designed to provide a good time for ALL of the Caspers, affiliate Veterans, their family and friends. Click below & let us know if you will be joining us in Las Vegas: YES -  Attend 2020 Reunion

19th Annual Casper Aviation Platoon Reunion Agenda

Monday, July 27


12 Noon - 4:00 pm

Casper Check-In / Welcome Desk / Hospitality Room: Partagas 3  & 4 Room

12 Noon - 10:00 pm

Hospitality Room / The Partagas 3 & 4 Room

5:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Ice Breaker Party / Cocktail Reception / The Cliffs (Poolside) / Cash Bar

Tuesday, July 28


9:00 am - 10:00 pm

Hospitality Room & Welcome Desk / The Partagas 3 & 4 Room

11:30 am - 3:00 pm

Men's Lunch & Guest Speaker / VFW Post 10047 Las Vegas

11:30 am - 3:00 pm

Ladies Luncheon / Optional Event / TREVI Italian Restaurant

Wednesday, July 29


9:00 am - 10:00 pm

Hospitality Room & Welcome Desk / The Partagas 3 & 4 Room

9:00 am - 10:00 pm

Free Day / Mini-Reunions / Explore Las Vegas / Shows & Attractions

Thursday, July 30


9:00 am - 3:00 pm

Hospitality Room & Welcome Desk / The Partagas 3 & 4 Room

6:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Casper Banquet Reception / Cohiba 6 & 7 / Cash Bar

7:00 pm - 10:00 pm

Casper Banquet Dinner / Cohiba 6 & 7 / Cash Bar

Friday, July 31


11:00 AM

Hotel Check-Out  

There will be two (2) Special Cash Raffle Prize Give-A-Way’s (maybe more?), at our reunion!  

The first drawing will be held poolside at our Monday Night “Ice Breaker Party” and the second drawing during our Tuesday “Men’s Lunch.”

These are “Free Drawings” for our Vietnam Veterans for a chance to WIN $100 CASH.   A special raffle ticket with your name printed on it will already be in the ticket tumbler before each of the drawings. You must be present to win!

Other prizes that will be raffled at our “Banquet Dinner” will include:

(3) Hand-Carved Mahogany UH-1 Huey Models and (3) Mahogany OH-6 Cayuse Models, $125 value/each.

(1) Joe Kline Aviation 28” x 20” Customized Art Print and (2) Custom Art Gift Certificates, $125 value/each.

(4) Francis Coppola Director’s 2015 Red Blend Wine, Apocalypse Now, $30 value/each.  

(1) Elk Ridge Wooden Handle Survival Knife with 173d Airborne Brigade design on the handle, $30 value.

(1) Mahogany Keepsake Box with Soft Felt inside with 173d Airborne Brigade design, $30 value.

(1) Casper Platoon Commemorative Brick Replica form The National Museum of the U.S. Army, $125 value.

(2) 173d Airborne Brigade & Casper Platoon 6 x 6 inch Tile & Display Easel, $35 value/each.

(3) 173d Airborne Brigade & Casper Platoon 4 x 4 inch Coaster Set of 4 Coasters, $20 value/each set.

(3) 173d Airborne Brigade 6.5” x 9.5” Carved Wooden Plaques with Challenge Coin, $30 value/each.

(1) 173d Airborne Brigade embroidered Cap and long sleeve Denim Shirt, $50 value.

(1) 173d Airborne Brigade 50th Anniversary Challenge Coin, #651 w/Certificate of Authenticity, Priceless value.

(1) Toy Sampans by Ray Hill a 173D LRRP team member’s book of photos & recollections in Vietnam, $90 value.

(1) Custom made folding knife engraved with 173D Airborne Brigade. Red birch handle & 3.5” blade, $110 value.

(3) Vintage Candelabra Casper the Friendly Ghost Light Up Lamps, $60 value/each lamp.

(5) 173d Airborne Brigade & Casper Platoon Laser Engraved Tumblers, $25 value/each.

(1) 173d Airborne Brigade 6 piece Laser Engraved Bamboo Coaster Set, $30 value.

(4) America First Vodka, $20 value/each.

►► BUY YOUR RAFFLE TICKETS NOW IN ADVANCE: 10 for $20

►► TICKETS SOLD AT THE REUNION: 4 for $20

It is better for you (and us) if you would buy your raffle tickets now in advance. Please click the link below and list your name and indicate how many raffle tickets you would like to purchase: ORDER RAFFLE TICKETS

SPECIAL RAFFLE DRAWING

for a chance to WIN CASH!

(4) Bottles of Francis Coppola Director’s 2015 Red Blend Wine, Apocalypse Now.

Elk Ridge Knife with Sheath and 173d Airborne Brigade design on handle.

Hand-Carved Mahogany Helicopter models by Joe Webb Wooden Aircraft Models. (3) OH-6 & (3) UH-1 choppers.

173d Mahogany Keepsake Box w/soft felt inside is perfect for hat pins, ribbons or other mementos.  Measures 5.125” sq.

Commemorative Brick Replica & Display Case form The National Museum of the U.S. Army.  Brick measures 8” square.




TOY SAMPANS by Ray Hill. These are the recollections of one young man's experience in Vietnam while serving as a 173D LRRP.

(2) 173d Airborne Brigade & Casper Aviation Platoon Ceramic Tiles & Display Easel.  The tiles measure 6” square.

 


(3 Sets) 173d Airborne Brigade & Casper Aviation Platoon Set of 4 Coasters. Each set has a different design.  These coasters measures 4” square.

 


(3) 173d Airborne Brigade Carved Wooden Plaques & Challenge Coin. Three designs & measures 6.5 “x 9.5” .


173d Airborne Brigade Cap and Longsleeve Denim Shirt embroidered with a 173rd Airborne Brigade design.





Custom made folding knife imported from France engraved with 173rd Airborne Brigade. Red birch wood handle & 3.5” blade.





Stairway to Heaven is a 28 x 20 Vietnam War print by Joe Kline depicting a Casper Platoon UH-1 Huey making a ladder extraction of a Special Forces team. Includes hand-painted Casper nose art and the 173d Airborne emblem on aircraft door (frame not incl’d).

(2) Joe Kline Aviation Art Gift Certificates will also be raffled for your choice of “Customized” Vietnam Series Art.

(3) Vintage Candelabra Casper the Friendly Ghost Light Up Lamps



50th Anniversary 173d Airborne Brigade

Challenge Coin.  Number: 651 of 1000



(5) 173d Airborne Brigade & Casper Platoon Reunion 2020 Laser Engraved Tumblers



173d Airborne Brigade 6 piece Laser Engraved Bamboo Coaster Set.

(4) Bottles of America First Vodka.

AT A GLANCE

Experience the excitement of Las Vegas at the casually elegant Tropicana Las Vegas - a DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel. With acclaimed restaurants, premier entertainment options and unsurpassed service, this unique Las Vegas Strip hotel has a South Beach rhythm and vibe.

Enjoy dining in the Tropicana at the Oakville Steakhouse, one of the resort's 6 restaurants, or stay in and take advantage of the 24-hour room service.

BOOK NOW!

Special Room Rate Only: $79 / night!

(Limited to room availability)


HOTEL RESERVATIONS

Our 4-day Reunion Dates are: July 27 thru July 30. Check-out is: July 31.   However, our special Casper Platoon Room Rate can also be used to check-in early on July 26.  Remember, The Tropicana is a Resort. Come enjoy yourself, relax and have fun!  

The Tropicana has two Towers:  The Paradise Tower is in the front of the hotel closest to the casino.  Our reunion is being held in the CLUB TOWER.  This is located by the north entrance of the hotel next to the swimming pools, health spa and conference center. This is where our guest rooms, hospitality suite, our ice breaker party and banquet dinner are also located.  Our $79 per night guest room rate is for the “Club DeluxeGuest Rooms.

The “absolute” BEST way to book your room is by using our “Online Reservation Link”… It Is Fast & Easy!

►►Special Online Reservation Link: https://book.passkey.com/go/casperaviationplatoon2020

Again you should book the minimum of 4 reunion nights: 7/27, 7/28, 7/29 & 7/30 (Checkout is 7/31).  FYI, several of the Caspers are planning to make their reservations to arrive a day early on: Sunday, 7/26.

►►Telephone Reservation:1-800-634-4000 · You must identify yourself with "Casper Aviation Platoon" to get our special guest room rate: $79 + tax (based on room availability). Our group code is: SCAS20.





Hotel Parking & Airport Transportation

Casper Platoon guests who drive will receive ”FREE Self-Parking” at the Tropicana Hotel.

A variety of shuttle/limousine services are available at McCarran International Airport (LAS). There are also Taxi and UBER rides everywhere, along with the Las Vegas Monorail.


Street Address: 3801 Las Vegas Boulevard South, Las Vegas Strip, Las Vegas, NV 89109, USA.

►► When you make your hotel reservation, your credit card will be charged for your first night = $79 + tax.  However, the Tropicana does has a 48 hour cancellation policy.

You will receive a warm welcome with a freshly baked chocolate chip cookie before settling into a stylish, residential-style guest room with a breezy beach atmosphere. Decorated in a sunset palette of warm shades, your room features custom-designed furnishings, a 42-inch HDTV and Serta Perfect Sleeper beds™ with 300 thread count linens.

Jim Grimshaw was the XO of Special Forces Operational Detachment, A-341, Bu Dop, Co C, 5th Special Forces Group, Vietnam, 1966/67.  On his second tour, he became Commander, Co D, 2/503d Parachute Infantry Regiment, Vietnam, 1968/69.  His experience while serving with the Special Forces/Special Operations assignments and with the HERD was most impressive.  Following his retirement from the Army, Major Grimshaw became an actor in TV and movies.  Jim played General Kinnard in "We Were Soldiers" and has appeared in over 100 video, TV and movie productions starting with "Magnum, P.I.", where he also was their Military Technical Advisor.  We are honored to have Jim Grimshaw as a Guest Speaker.  Jim will share his remembrances of two tours of duty in Vietnam, especially his time in the HERD… AATW!


Anne Mixon - To Be Reunion Speaker


Anne Mixon is a volunteer for the QUILTS OF VALOR.  She joined the service organization in 2010 and has a great appreciation for the military community. The mission of the QOV Foundation is to cover service members and veterans touched by war with comforting and healing Quilts of Valor.  Anne will share with us the QOVF expressions of gratitude.




             

MEET OUR GUEST SPEAKERS

Wambi Cook is the Southern California Chapter President of the 173d Airborne Brigade Association. He was also a proud member of Rifle Company A 2/503d Infantry and fought in The Battle of the Slopes Hill 1338 and The Battle of Hill 875 in 1967. These were the two biggest battles that the 173d Airborne Brigade fought during the entire Vietnam War.  His first-hand knowledge and expertise with the HERD are most impressive. We are honored to have Wambi Cook as our Key-Note Speaker at our Reunion.  He will address our group at the banquet and share his remembrances of Vietnam during his 1967/68 tour, more recent visits to Hill 875 and his love for the Caspers and Cowboys… AATW!

 


Wambi Cook - Will Be The Key- Note Speaker At Our Banquet

Jim Grimshaw - Will Be Guest Speaker At Our Banquet

Reed Cundiff - Will Be Guest Speaker At Our Men’s Lunch

Commanding General Ellis W. Williamson realized that small units in the field had a better chance of getting information much better than larger search and destroy type missions in Vietnam. By April 1966, all of the Battalions of the 173rd Airborne Brigade formed Long-Range Reconnaissance Patrol (LRRP) units. Sergeant Reed Cundiff was a Team Leader in 1966/67 of a five-man LRRP team stationed in II Corps in Bien Hoa near the airfield.  His heavily armed team was called “Craggy Strider”. The team was responsible for performing recon, surveillance and target acquisition patrols deep in enemy-held territory. As one of our guest speakers, Reed will share stories while in-country and discuss the importance of the chopper support they received from the Casper Platoon and the 335th AHC Cowboys.



HOME PAGE

Last updated: 6/6/2020

Who Can Attend Our Reunion

Besides the Casper Aviation Platoon Veterans, all other affiliated Vietnam Veterans that were members of the: 173d Airborne Brigade (1/503, 2/503, 3/503, 4/503) and various HHC and support Battalions, N/75th RANGER/LRRP, 335th AHC “Cowboys” and the 61st AHC “Lucky Star” are also invited.


Casper Aviation Platoon Reunion 2020

LZ: LAS VEGAS STRIP

July 27 thru July 30

REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD ATTEND OUR REUNION…

If you are like most of us, your best friends are probably the guys you served with in Vietnam.  Our reunions create a great place to hang out with them at least one-time a year.  You have probably also heard over the years that “we aren’t getting any younger”.  This statement is very true.

Our annual Casper Aviation Platoon Reunions are also open to Vietnam Veterans who were affiliated with the 173d Airborne Brigade, LRRP, N/75 RANGERS, 335th AHC and 61th AHC veterans who would like to attend.

So why should you attend… To enjoy a few days with your best friends!