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PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE-Summer 2011
What a fun time at the Las Vegas Reunion. Over 350 members gathered at Treasure Island Resort and Casino on the strip to enjoy the exciting activities arranged by our organizers, Gus and Tammy Flangas. They almost single handedly organized and orchestrated the entire event. We are forever grateful to them for being such wonderful hosts. The TI staff treated us like family for the whole event. A special thanks to Monica Habart, Jason Gross, Hesham Mabrouk and Olivia Arellano and the entire TI team for their wonderful treatment.
Thursday evening we were given a surprise party by Gus and Tammy with loads of delicious Greek cuisine and drink to include spit-roasted lamb. And the Ouzo was tasty and smooth.
Friday morning came early for the Blackhorse Regiment Cavalry Motorcycles. Gus Flangas treated the chapter to an early breakfast in preparation for their 250 mile rally. CSM James Richardson of our third squadron, 1-221 Cav.(Wildhorse), planned and hosted the day long sojourn. Over twenty-five bikes participated. The 64th Colonel, Tony Aguto, joined his fellow BHRCM riders mid way along the route.
We recaptured a little tradition Friday evening in the reestablishment of the Blackhorse Stable where we could comfortably mix, mingle and visit old friends. From the Stable, we had access to the Blackhorse Store and Silent Auction Tables. Chuck and Kay Hensley started the Stable Your Mount Party back in 1971 in Radcliff, Kentucky. In future, we will call our Friday night event The Stable Your Mount Party to the memory of Chuck and honoring Kay for their many years hosting the event.
We began the evening activities with a warm welcome from Las Vegas Councilman Starvos Anthony. We recognized our oldest trooper, Andy Andreasen. Andy served the Regiment from 1934 to 1937 first as a horse cavalryman and later crewing the first armored car test vehicle, 11th CAV HQ1. We recognized the trooper travelling farthest----Gunner Wagner traveled from the Philippines to be with his friends. Don Wicks conducted the 1901 Club drawings and our five winners were Thomas Yochum, Scott Leverance, Ronald Brundage, John Hill and Don Hellowell. Each will have their choice of a 1901 Cavalry Hat, Saber or Spurs.
The 64th Colonel, Tony Aguto conducted the Regiment's Honorary Scrolls Inductions. Fifteen of our outstanding soldiers were inducted. Watch for the Regiment's write up of this impressive ceremony.
Finally, Honorable Tom White, BG (RET), 52nd Colonel and 18th Secretary of the Army inducted Ken Preston, Sergeant Major of the Army, USA, (RET) as the 2nd Honorary Regimental Command Sergeant Major replacing Don Horn, CSM, USA (RET), 1st Honorary Regimental Command Sergeant Major.
Saturday morning was spent with conducting the business of the association. We were again able to provide a positive report to the general membership in all five of our mission areas. The business model that has steered us for the last three years is proving to be more than adequate to our needs. We are able to report the condition of The Blackhorse Association, Inc. is Good. The only change of significance to our previous operating procedures was recommended by the membership during the business meeting---the motion was made, seconded and unanimously approved to change the mailing schedule for the 1901 Club Operating Fund annual fundraiser. The mail outs will now be made in September each year.
In the afternoon we attended a moving and impressive Blackhorse Association Memorial Service conducted by Saint 6, Colonel (CH) Larry Haworth and the Regimental Chaplain team.
The highlight of the reunion remains the Saturday night banquet. Gus Flangas superbly guided us as master of ceremonies. We were honored to have our Regimental colors posted by five outstanding Blackhorse troopers. Bagpipers livened the early evening. After a wonderful dinner, Ernie Ford announced winners of fourteen Blackhorse Scholarships for 2011.
Our keynote speaker was Sergeant Major of the Army (Retired) Ken Preston. If you have not been fortunate to hear him speak, you have missed an extraordinary treat. This is the third time since 2007 that we were able to listen to this outstanding soldier reminisce about his extraordinary Army career. All I can say is he makes us "Blackhorse Proud".
Just before retiring the colors, BG(RET) Tom White, 52nd Colonel and 18th Army Secretary presented the United States Armor Association's Honorable Order of St. George Award to Gene Johnson and the Nobel Patron of Cavalry and Armor to Neil Morrison for their many years of service and contributions to the Regiment and the Blackhorse Association.
The outstanding and well turned out Blackhorse Color Guard retired the colors at 2210 hours but many remained to fellowship, dance and enjoy the spirit of the Blackhorse.
We hope to see many more of you in Williamsburg, VA during the period June 7 to June 10, 2012. Register and reserve your room early. Glenn Snodgrass and his team from the area are planning an excellent reunion schedule. Registration information may be found at www.blackhorse.com or by visiting the program/reunion link on our website at www.blackhorse.org.
Watch the website for interesting articles and pictures from the reunion
Thanks for your support and we hope to see you in Williamsburg!
Allons! and Blackhorse Forever!
John Sherman Crow
49th Colonel
President, BHA
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