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 January 31, 2021.
Men’s Lunch: $20/person & Ladies Luncheon: $25/person (optional events).
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:
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.
Veterans who are planning to attend are listed below by their HERD unit:
John Ackelson
Pilot
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
Hal Hickey
Crew Chief / Gunner
Robert Horowitz
Pilot
Bob Jameson
Tech Inspector
Jim Jeffryes
Pilot
Neil Kimerer
Crew Chief / Gunner
Tex Ladnier
Crew Chief / Gunner
Robert McDonald
Crew Chief / Gunner
Bruce Neva
Crew Chief / Gunner
Bill Nottingham
Crew Chief / Gunner
Terry Lee Parker
Crew Chief / Gunner
Ray Phelps
Pilot
Randy Plese
Pilot
Randy Schweitzer
Crew Chief / Gunner
Don Sholett
Crew Chief / Gunner
Bruce Silvey
Pilot
Rick Smith
Door Gunner
Sal Sosa
Crew Chief / Gunner
Walter Tanaka
Crew Chief / Gunner
Bob Thackston
Crew Chief / Gunner
Cliff White
Pilot
Dave Woodard
Door Gunner
31
Wambi Cook
A/2/503d Infantry
Guest Speaker
Jim Grimshaw
5th SFG & D/2/503d Inf.
Guest Speaker
James Chin
A/319th Field Artillery
David Dever
A/1/503d Infantry
Mike Gregersen
C/2/503d Infantry
Steward Kulp
C/1/503d Infantry
Roscoe Heyman
A/3/503d Infantry
Jim Jenkins
A/3/503d Infantry
Rene Macare
A/4/503d 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
Tim Shook
A/1/503d Infantry
Jim Stacey
A/2/503d Infantry
Alvin Ward
C/2/503d Infantry
David Watson
C/1/503d Infantry
David Wilbur
C/4/503d Infantry
James Wilson Sr.
A/1/503d Infantry
Ignacio Zarate
A/319th Field Artillery
20
Donny & Leslie
Kidd, Jr.
KIA: Donny Kidd, Sr.
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
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: 2/15/21. For information contact:
Ned Costa
YES - Polo Shirt
Don Snyder
Cowboys / Door Gunner
Martha Beasley
Wife
DAT: Rod Beasley
Shirley Durham
Wife
DAT: Kenneth Durham
Marilyn Jones
Wife
DAT: Joe Jones
Len & Heather McBride
Son & Daughter-in-Law
DAT: Art McBride
Reed Cundiff
173d LRRP
Guest Speaker
Herbie Baugh
N/75th ABN RGR
Pat Beltz
N/75th ABN RGR
Larry Cole
N/75th ABN RGR
Steve Corey
N/75th ABN RGR
Brian Danker
N/75th ABN RGR
Robert Henriksen
N/75th ABN RGR
Ray Hill
173d LRRP
Jeff Horne
N/75th ABN RGR
Allen Lohmann
N/75th ABN RGR
Carl Millinder
N/75th ABN RGR
Mike Swisley
N/75th ABN RGR
Ron Thomas
E/17 CAV LRRP Scout
Joe Tompkins
N/75th ABN RGR
14
173d Airborne Brigade:
HHC/Casper Platoon
173d Airborne Brigade:
Infantry
173d Airborne Brigade:
LRRP/LRP/RANGER
335th Assault Helicopter Company
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.
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 2021 Reunion
19th Annual Casper Aviation Platoon Reunion Agenda
Monday, March 29
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12 Noon - 4:00 pm
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Casper Check-In / Welcome Desk / Hospitality Room: Partagas 3 & 4 Room
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12 Noon - 10:00 pm
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Hospitality Room / The Partagas 3 & 4 Room
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5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
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Ice Breaker Party / Cocktail Reception / The Cliffs (Poolside) / Cash Bar
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Tuesday, March 30
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9:00 am - 10:00 pm
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Hospitality Room & Welcome Desk / The Partagas 3 & 4 Room
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11:30 am - 3:00 pm
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Men's Lunch & Guest Speaker / VFW Post 10047 Las Vegas
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11:30 am - 3:00 pm
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Ladies Luncheon / Optional Event / TREVI Italian Restaurant
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Wednesday, March 31
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9:00 am - 10:00 pm
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Hospitality Room & Welcome Desk / The Partagas 3 & 4 Room
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9:00 am - 10:00 pm
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Free Day / Mini-Reunions / Explore Las Vegas / Shows & Attractions
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Thursday, April 1
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9:00 am - 3:00 pm
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Hospitality Room & Welcome Desk / The Partagas 3 & 4 Room
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6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
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Casper Banquet Reception / Cohiba 6 & 7 / Cash Bar
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7:00 pm - 10:00 pm
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Casper Banquet Dinner / Cohiba 6 & 7 / Cash Bar
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Friday, April 2
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11:00 AM
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Hotel Check-Out
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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: March 29 thru April 1 Check-out is: April 2. However, our special Casper Platoon Room Rate can also be used to check-in early on March 28. 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 Deluxe” Guest 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/gt/218003779?gtid=6e66abf4c67c1af2cf13a2f767cb8819
Again you should book the minimum of 4 reunion nights: 3/29, 3/30, 3/31 & 4/1 (Checkout is 4/2). FYI, several of the Caspers are planning to make their reservations to arrive a day early on: Sunday, 3/28.
►►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.
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
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.
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.
- Why Las Vegas? Why not, it’s a great place to meet and relax!
- Costs? The hotel room rates overall are very reasonable in Las Vegas, along with dining, entertainment and transportation
So why should you attend… To enjoy a few days with your best friends!