Jan-Feb Saber

Terry A. McCarl 1122 Main St, Plattsmouth, NE 68048 402-296-315
E-mail: TerryAMcCarl@gmail.com
https://15thMedBnAssociation.org

Happy 2026 to all 15th Medical Battalion Veterans and others reading this column. My name is Terry McCarl and I am the 15th Med BN Association Historian (since 2016). I will be serving as the Interim 15th Med BN/15th FSB/15th BSB Saber Scribe until a replacement for Mike Bodnar can be found.

MIKE BODNAR RETIRES AS SABER SCRIBE AFTER RECORD OF 26 YEARS OF SERVICE

Mike Bodnar retired in August 2025 from the position of Scribe for the 15th Med/15th FSB/15th BSB Column in Saber, the bi-monthly newspaper of the 1st Cavalry Division Association (1CDA). Mike faithfully held that position from January 1999 to August 2025, 26 1/2 years and 160 Saber columns! According to 1CDA records, Mike is the longest serving 1CDA Scribe for Saber, the first issue of which was published in October 1951.

Mike served with HSC, 15th Medical Battalion as a Medevac Medic from Jan 70- July 70. Prior to Jan 70, he served with C Company, 2nd of the 7th Cavalry as a ground medic. The 15th Medical Battalion Association extends congratulations and sincere appreciation to Mike Bodnar for his outstanding long-time service!

Anyone interested in filling the position should contact me at the email or phone number above. The basic Scribe’s duties are the submittal of a Saber column at the 1st of every odd-numbered month, not to exceed 2000 words and 3 -5 photos. Detailed requirements may be requested by email or phone.

2026 is the year to celebrate the 100-Year Anniversary of the 15th Medical Battalion!

The 15th Medical Battalion, as it is known today, was organized at Fort Bliss, Texas, on 1 June 1926, as part of the 1st Cavalry Division, in accordance with General Orders Number 5, War Department, 23 March 1925. It was designated as the 1st Medical Squadron.

For all the details, go to our Web site ; click on the “Informational” Heading; then click on “Unit History.”

The 100-year anniversary will be celebrated at our 2026 Reunion! 15th Med Bn 43rd Organization Day Celebration on 1 June 1969. L to R: Mess Steward, SFC William H, Barnville; BN CO and Division Surgeon, LTC Guthrie L. Turner; and HSC CO, CPT Aubrey C. Hall.

2026 Reunion Information

The 2026 15th Med Bn Assn Reunion will be at the Hyatt Place Oklahoma City, OK. Wed, 22 April -Sunday, 26 April. Room rates are $119/night, and if you have a car to park, there’s an additional $16/ night. The direct URL for hotel reservations is . Our group reservation code is G-MBAS.

This year, the reunion will be a bit different from previous years, as there is too much to see when you’re tied down to a tour. First, both Thursday and Friday afternoons will be open for you to explore Bricktown. Your registration packet will include information on all the places of interest, so you may choose what you’d like to see.

Located in Bricktown, our host hotel provides easy access to the city’s top attractions in Oklahoma City. . Enjoy spacious rooms, valet parking, on-site dining, an indoor pool, and more. Bricktown is the city’s original warehouse and distribution center, turned into an entertainment district. Founded just days after the Land Run of 1889, Bricktown was, and still is, a central hub connecting not only railroads and highways, but local citizens and visitors. This thriving urban district is now home to more than 45 restaurants, bars, and retail shops, along with family-friendly attractions, a diverse array of public art, museums, galleries, and the renowned Bricktown Canal.

Bring your furry friend along to enjoy the exciting sights and sounds of Oklahoma City /Bricktown at our pet-friendly hotel. Please call 405-702-4028 to let us know you’ll be bringing your canine companion. Fees are: 1–6 nights: $100/stay.

Second, on Saturday, a film crew will be present to record oral histories from members who have received the Purple Heart. We will provide a quiet room for interviews and invite all eligible attendees to share their stories to help the American Military Heritage Museum expand its collection of personal accounts and histories of Purple Heart recipients. Your participation will preserve these important memories for future generations.

Just a few of the things to do nearby: • The streetcar, loops through Bricktown, Automobile Alley and Midtown! There is a stop right outside the hotel door, on the street corner. • Bricktown Entertainment District, located just one block (an easy walk) there is a ton of stuff to do. • Oklahoma City Memorial and Museum is within walking distance, it’s a memorable experience, unlike any other. • Boathouse District, which is just a mile away. Surfing, ziplining, whitewater rafting and more, at your fingertips!

The banquet on Saturday evening will be beef short ribs, roasted carrots, redskinned mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, garden salad, and dinner rolls.

In addition to our regular festivities, the 100-year anniversary of the organization of the 15th Medical Battalion (1 June 1926 at Fort Bliss, TX) will be celebrated at the 2026 Reunion!

Transportation from Will Rogers World Airport (OKC) to Hyatt Place Oklahoma City / Bricktown is approximately 10–15 minutes from the airport, and several convenient transportation options are available. Rideshare Services: Uber and Lyft operate regularly from the airport. Pickup zones are clearly marked outside baggage claim. Taxi Services: Airport Express – (405) 681-3311 Checker Cab – (405) 236-5551 Yellow Cab – (405) 232-6161

Reunion registration forms are available on our website, under “Reunion Information.” Please check our website regularly for the detailed schedule of events and further updates.

15th Medical Battalion Association 2026 Reunion /100-year Anniversary of the 15th Medical Battalion Celebration, 22-26 April 2026.

Hyatt Place Oklahoma City/ Bricktown, 20 Russell M. Perry Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73104. Reservations: Group code: G-MBAS. POC: Huey Huether, 830-456-5580 or email Baby Huey.

Membership in the 15th Medical Battalion Association

Eligible for membership are all personnel formally assigned or attached on orders for at least thirty days to the 15th Medical Battalion, 1st Cavalry Division and/or successor units which served in Vietnam after Stand Down of the 1st and 2nd Brigades of the 1st Cavalry Division in 1971 (Medical Company, 1st Composite Service Support Battalion and Medical Company, 215th Composite Service Battalion (Support)).

You do not have to be a member of the 15th Medical Battalion Association to attend the reunion, but membership is encouraged, and it is free and easy! Just go to , Under the “Association” heading, click on “Application to Join Us,” fill in the blanks and click “Send Application” and you are done! There are no joining fees or annual dues! Also, if you have access to Facebook, please consider joining our Facebook Group. Just search for “15th Medical Battalion Association” and click on “Join Group! Please consider attending this reunion!

The 2026 Reunion will be the 28th 15th Med Battalion Association reunion and will be the first held in Oklahoma. If you have never at

FIRST TEAM!
Garryowen,
Terry A. McCarl