Current News, Announcements And Reunions

Posted 5/25/09 - From John Wolf
RE: Kerry Harwick's Death

I am sorry to report that my good friend Kerry Harwick passed away suddenly on April 15, 2009.  He was in Delta Co. 1/20th   He and I arrived the same day and left the same day.  I made a Tribute to him at www.kerryharwick.ning.com and presented the video at his funeral.  Full military honors at Ft. Logan National Cemetery, the biker vet honor guards were there too with a 21 gun salute.  Very impressive way to go and 300 of his family and friends. 

Posted 5/23/09 - From Mike Stinnett
Charlie Company Reunion 2009

The 4th Annual Charlie Company Reunion will be held on 12-13 June at the Hilton Cincinnati Airport in Florence, KY
Click HERE for all the details.

Posted 9/27/08 - From Jesse Lewis
RE: Gene Kotouc's Death

Gene's wife, Joan, contacted me today to say that Gene passed-away this week.  He has been cremated and a memorial service will be held at 1:30 PM on November 1st in Humbolt, Nebraska.

Posted 9/20/08 - From Jesse Lewis
RE: Gene Kotouc Update

Gene has been diagnosed with advanced stages of cancer. It has spread from his lungs to other areas of his body. At this point, Gene has lost the ability to speak. Gene's wife says that the prognosis is grim and the doctors have estimated that he may pass-away within 1 to 3 months.
(Gene was Bravo Company Commander before he went to Brigade and later Task Force Barker)

Posted 8/28/08 - From Kitty Millard
RE: Robert Ned Baker, Jr. (November 15, 1941 - August 18, 2008)

Robert N Baker Jr.  died August 18. 2008 . He was born November 15, 1941, in Ypsilanti, the son of Robert and Winifred Baker. He graduated from Ypsilanti High School and attended George Washington University in Washington DC. Mr. Baker was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army, where he obtained the rank of Sergeant, serving during the Vietnam War.
He was preceded in death by his parents and son, Robert N. Baker III.  A Graveside service will be held Thursday, August 28, 2008 at 11:00 A.M. at Highland Cemetery with Rev. Donald Viers officiating with Military Honors.
 
Robert was in the 1/20 Delta in 1968.

Posted 8/19/08 - From John Bennett
RE: Butch Stickell (Medic with 1-20)

I am deeply saddened to convey that Butch (Bernard) Stickell has passed away at the VA Medical Center in Baltimore, Maryland.
The Obituary will in all likelyhood be carried by the Baltimore Sun if anyone would like to copy it when it becomes available.
 
Butch was with HHQ, in Hawaii and went to Viet Nam on the USS Gordon in December, 1967.  He had had bypass surgery last month (or the month before-I'm not really sure-time passes quickly) and it is my understanding that he had developed pneumonia and died from those complications.
 
Butch was a personal friend of all of those with whom he trained in Hawaii and served in Viet Nam.  War changed all of us and Butch was no exception.  I know he leaves a wife and some children (a daughter for sure) but details of his life after the war he kept locked within himself so I can't give a lot of details other than we met a couple of times and he and I are pictured together at Schofield Barracks before the war, in my book which will soon be available from Dorrance Publishing Company, Inc., Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.


 

Posted 7/9/08 - From Chris Barrows (John's son)
RE: John Barrows

 

John J. Barrows 61, of 10769 Trego Trail, Raleigh NC, died Wednesday, June 11th, after a courageous two year battle with cancer. He fought with characteristic spiritual strength and determination, inspiring those around him.

Following in family tradition, John was a life long Boston Red Sox fan, cheering them on season after heartbreaking season, and then through two World Series Championships. If the phone rang while the Red Sox were on TV, John would answer with "How about that, sport fans?" The night that John passed, the Red Sox were in first place in their division.

John was in the Army, serving as a First Lieutenant in a recon platoon in Vietnam from 1968 to 1969 as part of the Americal Division. He was awarded two Silver Stars and a Bronze Star, all for Gallantry under enemy fire. After Vietnam, John graduated from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. He went on to a distinguished 32 year career with IBM. His career took he and his family all over the world, at one point living in England for several years. He led his family through a tour of Asia in which they circled the globe for the first time, and fell in love with Thailand. John was an amazing cook, and enjoyed entertaining family and friends every chance he had.

The family will receive friends and family the evening of Friday, June 13th from seven to nine at Renaissance Funeral Home, 7615 Six Forks Road, Raleigh NC. A funeral mass will be held at 10 am, Saturday at St. Luke’s the Evangelist Catholic Church, 12333 Bayleaf Church Road, Raleigh. The burial will follow at Pine Forest Memorial Gardens, Wake Forest.

John is survived by his devoted wife of thirty seven years, Cheryl Barrows of Raleigh, his sons Shaun (Miellyn) of Washington DC, Chris (Paula) of Pittsboro NC, Dann (and girlfriend Kathleen) of Washington DC, nephew Scott (April) Pettingill of NH, niece Kimberly (Todd) Barton of MA and seven granddaughters of whom he was immensely proud, Kaylee, Madison, Emma, Grace, Leah, Reagan, and Kaitlyn.

John is also survived by sisters Alyce M. Day, Elizabeth R. Downey, Judith A. Scofield, Donna F. Bowman, all of Cape Cod, MA; and brother James R. Barrows of Lowell MA.

John was preceded in death by his son Timothy York Barrows of Raleigh, parents Marie and John Barrows, sisters Joan M. Leeman and Mary Louise Sheilds all of Cape Cod, MA.

John’s family offers their gratitude to Rex Cancer Center for their incredible level of care and compassion from the entire staff. Dr. Kenneth Zeitler and nurses Susan and Angela were special to John and his wife Cheryl.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Wake County (www.hospiceofwake.org) and The Healing Place of Wake County (www.hpowc.org).

 

Posted 2/8/08 - From Bob Neilson
RE: Jerry Swenson's Services

Yesterday I attended the funeral mass for Jerry Winston Swenson.  It was held at Saint Joseph's Church, Chehalis, Washington.  The service got off to a beautiful start with a piano solo of Schubert's Ave Maria.  Then the Saint Joseph grade school choir filed in wearing their uniforms:  blue sweater, plaid skirts for the girls and white collars.  The children sang beautifully and were very uplifting with their presence.  The priest gave a very good homily in that he knew Jerry.  He did not have to rely on recollections of the family and glimpses of the obituary.  His son Steven and brother Jim remembered him and did a very good job.  Stephen first mentioned his Father's service in the 1/20th Infantry "Division" and expressed his pride in his Father's service.  When they finished I felt I knew him and of course left liking and respecting him. 
 
Following the mass there was a reception in the school hall.  Here I met Mrs. Swenson and expressed myself to her on behalf of the men of the battalion.  She seemed very pleased and introduced me to Mike Lowe.  First time I met him and  he was very nice and appears to be physically fit and in good health.  Also I met Steven Swenson and he was very quick to share that his Father really appreciated all the cards and letters he received from fellow soldiers.  I did not go to the graveside service.  It followed the reception I believe for logistical reasons.  Do regret not being there for the full military honors but it was not practical.
 
Did do something I thought long and hard about and hope it was the right decision.  Never use my military rank other than the rarest of occasions and always it is to gain some leverage.  Yesterday I signed the guest book with my retired rank, proper and legal name, 1st Battalion, 20th Infantry, "Sykes Regulars."  My intent was to represent all of us rather than a friend from Puyallup.
 
Thank you for letting me represent the soldiers of the battalion at Jerry Swenson's  funeral mass.  It was both an honor and privilege. 
 
Sincerely,
 
Bob Neilson (LTC US Army, Retired)


 

Posted 2/5/08 - From Jesse Lewis
RE: Gene Kotouc

Gene began chemotherapy for lung cancer in January and is continuing treatment.
 

 

Posted 2/5/08 - From Steve Swenson
RE:  His Father

Steve informed us that his Father passed-away this morning as a result of his fight with a brain tumor.
Additional information will be posted as it is received.

Posted 1/29/08 - From Bill Davis
RE:  His Father, LTC Dale Davis

 Lieutenant Colonel Dale E. Davis (US Army, Ret.) passed away on Friday, September 28, 2007 at Community Hospice in Jacksonville. LTC. Davis was a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, class of 1953 and was a career Army Officer, serving his country for 27 years including 3 tours of duty in Southeast Asia. He was a Patriot, and an American hero. After retiring from the Army he and his wife moved to Florida where he worked in the Solar Energy industry for many years. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He is survived by his wife of 54 years Barbara Horn Davis; 2 children, Deborah Davis Tobey of Old Hickory, TN and Dale William Davis of Middleburg, FL; 3 grandchildren, Sara E. Davis of Jacksonville, FL, William L. Davis (USN) of Norfolk, VA, and Krystina M. Davis of Middleburg, FL; 3 great-grandchildren, William, Kathryn and Virginia. He will be missed terribly. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in LTC. Davis' name to The USMA 1953 Class Gift Fund, 698 Mills Rd., West Point, NY 10996-1607. A memorial service, with full military honors, will be held at St. Giles Presbyterian Church, 116 Foxridge Road in Orange Park, on Saturday, October 6, 2007 at 11:00am, reception following.

Posted 1/19/08 - From Stephen Swenson
RE: His Father, Cpt Jerry Swenson

My Dad is in grave shape right now.  His tumor has covered part of his brain and has impaired his memory and speech.  At this point it is in best interest that no one should call him because he would not be able to talk to you in the manner he would want.
This is his mailing address:
Jerry Swenson
162 NE Summit RD
Chehalis, WA 98532
Please, until he passes, no grievance cards  - just letters and get well cards and, if anyone needs to tell him what they feel, do it within the week when he can still remember.
My dad loved the men he served with very much.  All you guys were brothers to him and he was proud of you guys.  I am happy that he was able to do the website and reunite with you guys.
I will contact you 1-2 times a week about his condition.  Also, if you or anyone else can send a patch or something that symbolizes his company that he can be buried with, that would be very nice.  I want my dad to have the tribute he deserves.  My Uncle Donald Swenson will take care of the Patriot Riders since he works with them.  I will close that my dad was a great soldier and father and will rest soon and be with his passed family members and all the great men he served with in his time with the army.
Thank you.

Posted 1/19/08 - From Chuck Seketa

On 15 July 2007 Colonel Adrian Fitzpatrick called me to give me the news on Colonel Wilson's passing. I did not serve with Colonel Wilson, but we talked many times and I enjoyed talking with him about SYKES' Regulars and counted him as a good friend. Sorry for my delay in reporting this.
Chuck Seketa 
 
Robert E. Wilson    
October 7, 1930 – June 13, 2007

Col. Robert E. Wilson, 76, of College Station passed away Wednesday. A memorial service will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, June 16 at Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in College Station with Dr. Wilford Gardner officiating.

Robert was born in Columbus, Ohio, to Herbert and Elizabeth Wilson. He was an officer in the U.S. Army. Robert was a member of DAV, Military Order of Purple Heart, VFW, American Legion, Association of U.S. Army, 82nd Airborne Division Association, Masonic Lodge and Sal Ross Lodge and he was a Shriner.

Robert served 30 years as an officer in the army. During this time, he had two tours in Vietnam and his last assignment was Assistant Division Commander of the 25th Infantry Division at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, where he was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal.

In 1982, he and his wife, Joy, retired to College Station. Robert continued to serve his country as a reserve deputy sheriff in Brazos County.

He is survived by his loving wife, Joy Wilson of College Station; sons, Michael E. Wilson of Denver, N.C., Kelly R. Wilson and wife, Heidi, of Orem, Utah; daughters, Patricia Wilson of College Station, Linda Blodgett and husband, Robert, of Jacksonville, Fla., and Jessie Stott and husband, Michael, of Ames, Iowa, and 11 grandchildren. He will be missed by many.
 

Posted 1/3/08 - From Mike Stinnett
    Charlie Company 2008 Reunion
     www.charlie1-20.org/events.htm

Posted 6/22/07 - From Mike Stinnett
   Charlie Company 2007 Reunion
    Florence, KY  ~  8 - 9 June 2007
      Click HERE For The After-Action Report
        (use your "back button" to return to this page)
 

Posted 6/12/07 - From Mike Herber
   BATTALION OFFICERS CALL 2007
   Our 40th Anniversary Of Leadership
   Indianapolis, Indiana   ~   16 - 20 May 2007
     Click HERE For The After-Action Report

Posted 5/15/07 - From John Barrows (LT, 68-69)

     I will have to cancel my participation in the Officer’s Call for the 1-20 Infantry.  My Oncologist was very encouraged about the recent positive test results but clearly conveyed this cancer is not cured. The cancer is still located in my Pelvic bone, causing some pain but shrinking due to the radiation and chemo treatments. Three more Chemo therapy sessions through May 22nd are scheduled. He assured me with 100% certainty the Small Cell Lung Cancer will come back in other locations, most likely in the next 90 days. Wherever it is located, he expects the cancer will spread. Dr. Zeitler once more stated that my case has been incredible considering the median survival rate is 90 days. We'll take each day as it comes and pray, asking God's help.
Regards,
John

Posted 7/4/06 - From Bill Adams' Family

   William J. Adams, American, US Army retired, loving husband, father, and
friend, comfortably passed away this morning, July 4, 2006 at 2:13 am EST.
Funeral announcement to come tomorrow.
We extend our appreciation for your thoughts, emails, prayers and support
during this difficult time.

Posted 6/26/06 - From Chuck Seketa

   Tanya Wilcox e-mailed me that her father, Austin Wilcox, was in the V.A. Hospital in Albany, NY with bone cancer.
   I visited with Austin on June 26th.  They had stopped the cancer and he was getting Physical Therapy to recover some use of his legs from the radiation treatments. 
   Austin Wilcox went over with the Sykes' Regulars Headquarters Company Support Platoon in 1967 and returned with most of the personnel in 1968.  Austin retired from the military in 1992.  He returned to active duty in 2004 and served in Afghanistan and returned at the end of August 2005.
   They found the cancer in January of this year.
   If you have a chance, drop Austin a note.  He could use a little morale boost with the hard fight he has on his hands.

   To:  Austin Wilcox, Albany VA Medical Center, 113 Holland Avenue, Albany, NY 12208

Posted 6/21/06 - From Chuck Seketa 

I received another e-mail from Bill today:
   "Chuck,  I was in the hospital for a week and got out yesterday.  My pancreas is gone and totally will not regulate sugar.  Doctor, insulin and I are the       only thing that is regulating it now."

Posted 2/22/06 - From Chuck Seketa

    I received an e-mail today, February 22, 2006 from Bill Adams, one of the 13 officers that met in Quad D on July 28, 1966 and formed the 1st Battalion, 20th Infantry, "Sykes' Regulars". 
He says:  "The oncologist surgeon called to say that my pancreatic cancer had spread to my liver and it would not be prudent to operate on my pancreas tumor.  Rather, he recommended I should see the oncologist chemotherapist/radiologist on Monday morning.
        Lots of stuff on my mind now.  Not sure I want to be sick from chemo/radiation treatments during the remaining time (?) I got left.  My regular physician said if it will extend my life for three months, I should go for it.
        No one wants to confirm it yet, but think I have about three months to go anyway.  So if he was talking about three months on top of the the three months I THINK I've got, I will go for it.  I'll be better equipped to make an informed decision next week.  So, there you have it."    If you have the time, send a note to Billy to wish him the best and send your prayers or best wishes.  I'm sure Billy continues his drive and strength and will win one more Battle in his life. 

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