Saber Article Index
2017 Sep-Oct
I was notified that Art Martin died. If
anyone who flew with Art can let us know, he will be better
remembered. Art’s tour with 15th MED Bn. was March ‘67-March ‘68.
15th MED Bn member ARTHUR MARTIN, age 81, of Dandridge, TN died 5 Aug
17 after a long battle with cancer. He was born on 10 Apr 36 to James
C. Martin and Margaret Parnell Martin in Cloverdale, IN. Preceded in
death by four brothers, Louis, James, Ralph and Irwin; two sisters,
Effie and Junita. He is survived by his wife, Yolanda Derome Martin,
who he married on the 4 Jul 59 in France; two sons, Patrick and
Michel; daughter, Viviane; daughter-in-law, Melissa; son-in-law,
Gilles; and six grandchildren.
Arthur retired in 1974 from the U.S.
Army after 20 years of service, where he served two tours in Vietnam,
and was a member of the 1st Calvary Division’s 15th Medical Battalion,
flying MEDEVAC helicopters. Arthur was wounded on 11 Oct 67 and was
awarded the Purple Heart medal. In 1998, he retired from civil service
after 24 years with American Battle Monument Commission as the
superintendent. He had the honor of performing as the Purple Heart
Tennessee State Commander, was Worshipful Master of Lafayette Lodge # 51,
past Master of Martha Dandridge Eastern Star Chapter, and was appointed
Grand Officer Grand Chapter of Tennessee.
Other Veterans on the website’s
“FINAL DEROS” page whom I have not previously mentioned are: Bobby Joe
Aldridge, Lawrence E. “Ed” Chance, 1SG (Ret) Wesley Morganfield, Thomas
R. “Tommy” Machande, Sr., and Charles Edward Williams. I did not know any
of them but any of you may have, and served with them. Any mention by
those who knew them would be honorable.
From Terry McCarl terryamccarl@gmail.com :
Another great 15th Medical Battalion Association reunion coming! The 2018
15th Medical Bn. Association Reunion will be held at the Great Wolf Lodge in
Williamsburg, Virginia April 26-28. Registration forms and other information
will soon be available on the Association Web site
www.15thmedbnassociation.org.
The group rate for rooms is $99 per night.
This rate is available for the reunion plus three days before and after the
reunion. You may make reservations online at
www.greatwolf.com/williamsburg ,
or by calling 1-800-551-9653. To get the group rate, specify our group
code, which is 15thMED.
This reunion will celebrate the 20th anniversary
of the founding of the 15th Medical Battalion Association and the first
reunion that was in 1998 in Franklin, VA. For additional information,
contact Reunion Coordinator Dan Toothman at <danmedevac19@outlook.com>,
or call (757)872-8504.
Terry wanted the names of the people in the 2017
reunion photo, which wasn’t printed, included so they are: 1st Row:
Bob McKinley, Roy Rains, Art Martin, Leo Williams, Tom Garnella, Roger
Bodwell, Richard Schroder, Rich Leonard. 2nd Row: Dave Huser, John Crespi,
Ron Ingram, Damien Vierra, Jon Lundquist, Ron Huether, Jim Ferguson.
3rd Row: Dennis Behm, Barry Brown, Henry Land, Mike Ahern, Jack Dahlmann,
Monty Halcomb, Lee Caubarreaux, Clyde Moore; Joe Finder. 4th Row: Dan
Korty, Corky Walsh, Aubrey Hall, Terry McCarl, Dan Toothman, Richard
Medlock, Mike Smith, Fred McKellar, Dave Barnum, John Tabor.
Not
pictured: John Brandrup, Randy Burkhart, Dave Cooper, Ken Flowers,
Bill Haistings, Mark Holiday, Floyd Jackson, Tim Kirwan, James Ong,
Kevin Raftery, Larry Silvey, Greg Simpson., Bill Stovall. Always remembering
our 1st Cav Troops on duty around the world; over and out.
FIRST TEAM! Garryowen, Mike Bodnar C 2\7 Cav 1969, MEDEVAC 1-7\1970
SO THAT OTHERS MAY LIVE
FIRST TEAM!
Garryowen,
Mike
Bodnar C 2\7 '69
MEDEVAC 1-7\70
SO THAT OTHERS MAY LIVE
The
doctors and dentists of the 15th Medical Battalion in 1967-1968 supported the 1st Cav (Airmobile) through some of the worst periods of the
Vietnam War with the highest numbers of casualties including Hill 875,
the Tet offensive, the Battle for Hue, the Ashau Valley and periods at
the DMZ. After coming home to the US in ‘68 they maintained no contact
with each other for 50 years. John Porter DDS of Denison TX (HSC)
initiated the idea of a 50th reunion. After finally tracking down a
few of his colleagues in VN, the reunion took place on May 22-24 in
New Orleans LA. Three of the ‘67-68 group attended: John Porter, John
Caronna MD (HSC) of Needham, MA and Bill Couser MD (HSC, B and A Companies,
Purple Heart) of Woodinville WA. The 50 years vanished immediately and the
three spent a terrific weekend catching up, reminiscing, looking at old
slides and memorabilia of their years together in Vietnam, talking about
reentry experiences, reflecting on lessons learned and enjoying the French
Quarter, New Orleans food and the WWII Museum. The reunion was a meaningful
experience for each of these men. They plan to do it again at another
location in 2 years and invite anyone who served in the 15th Med in ‘67-68
to join in. To get on the list contact John Porter
jport@cableone.net .