Dewey Eugene “Gene” DuBose, 81, of Waynesville, Missouri, passed away in his home surrounded by his family on April 10, 2024. Born on April 5, 1943, in Columbus, Georgia, he was a son to the late Reverend Marion and Mary DuBose. Gene dedicated over three decades to the U.S. Army, enlisting in the Army National Guard in 1961 before transferring to active duty. His illustrious military career included two tours in Vietnam, assignments in Korea and Germany (with Medical Troop, RSS, 11th ACR in Fulda), and a culmination with his retirement as a Sergeant Major in 1992. His commitment to service was deeply respected by all who knew him. Beyond his military service, Gene was a man of many passions. He was an avid fisherman, woodworker, and model builder — skills that he shared with his children and grandchildren, teaching them the intricacies of crafting by hand. His garden was a testament to his patience and attention to detail, providing a tranquil space for his family and friends. Gene’s happiest moments were spent with his family. He is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Rebecca DuBose; his daughters, Sandra (Timothy) Larrington of Waynesville, Missouri, Michelle DuBose of Wasilla, Alaska, and Julie (John) Dougherty of Daytona Beach, Florida; and his son, Gerald (Michelle) DuBose of Madrid, Iowa. He was a proud grandfather to 17 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren. Gene was preceded in death by his infant daughter, Eugenia DuBose; his brother, Larry Joe DuBose; sister, Winona Shereen McDill; and beloved brother-in-law Gregory Lawrence (Vietnam MIA, October 5, 1968) In lieu of flowers, contributions in Gene’s memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America at Alzheimer’s Foundation of America | Homepage (alzfdn.org). Gene’s legacy of love, dedication, and service will be cherished and remembered by all who knew him. |
Master Sergeant (Ret.) Gene Bass. From Michael Reeves*: I served with Gene Bass in HOW Battery, 1/11th ACR during 1989-1991 in Fulda, Germany. Bass’ lifeworks after the military included transforming hundreds of youths’ lives by running JROTC in the Fort Worth area. A mentor and leader to many, Gene was tragically killed by his son on June 28, 2024. The two photos of Gene were when he was stationed with the 11th. His continuous will to serve beyond his Army service is a great reflection on the 11th ACR and the United States Army Visitation was July 10, 2024 at Tree of Life Funeral Directories, LLC; and a wake was held July 10, 2024 at the Greater Friendship Missionary Baptist Church. Funeral Services were held on July 11, 2024 at the Great Commission Baptist Church and interment was at DFW National Cemetery. A newspaper article about the death can be found here:
https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/loved-ones-remember-crowley-isd-rotc-leader-
fatally-shot-in-fort-worth/3580590/?amp=1 *Please see Michael Reeves’ note below about a song. |
Richard Dennis Beecherl, 75, passed away peacefully on June 28, 2024. Richard was born on January 9, 1949, in Detroit, Michigan, to parents Jack Beecherl and Margaret (née Klem) Beecherl. He proudly served his country as a member of the United States Army, embodying the values of duty, honor, and service. He served in H Company, 14th ACR during 1970-72, and then in H Company, 11th ACR when the 14th was reflagged as the 11th in 1972. After his military service, Richard dedicated 35 years to his career at DTE, where he was known for his hard work, integrity, and commitment to excellence. His colleagues and friends at DTE remember him as a reliable and dedicated professional. Richard married the love of his life, Carol. They just celebrated their 53rd wedding anniversary. Richard leaves behind his daughter Audrey, son Joseph, and grandson Lucas. Richard loved his family very much. Richard was buried on July 6, 2024. The burial service was a time for family and friends to gather, honor his memory, and celebrate his life. Richard’s legacy of service and dedication will be remembered by all who knew him. In lieu of flowers the family is requesting donations be made to Compassus Hospice or The Cancer Society. |
Aubrey “AL” Lafferty, 72, of Scottsburg, Indiana, passed away peacefully at his home on July 13, 2024. Born on December 21, 1951, in Lincoln, Illinois, to Alvin Lafferty and Mavis (Fox) Williams, Aubrey lived a life full of dedication, service, and love. AL served his country with distinction in the Vietnam War as a member of the Army’s 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment (Blackhorse). His bravery and commitment were recognized with the awarding of two prestigious honors: the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart. After his military service, AL continued to protect and serve his community as a police officer for the Austin Police Department. Following his career in law enforcement, he worked at Baldwin Recycling Center Inc. in Scottsburg, IN. A man of many interests, AL was a licensed Ham radio operator and was known on the CB radio as “Silver Smith.” He had a deep love for his dogs, enjoyed fishing, and had a keen interest in electronics. AL was an avid collector of various items and was a devoted fan of Star Trek. He is survived by his loving wife, Teresa Lafferty, and children John (Becky Castle) Lafferty of Little York, IN; Jamie (Brian) Richey of Mt. Juliet, TN; Eric Lafferty of Austin, IN; and Lillian (Charles) Deckard of Seymour, IN. Aubrey also leaves behind nine cherished grandchildren and his siblings: Larry (Donna) Lafferty, Paul (Vicki) Lafferty, Cash Lafferty, Ronald Fisher, Marvin Lafferty, and Diane Mullins. AL was preceded in death by his parents, Alvin and Mavis, and his sisters, Ruby Soft and Edith Borders. A military service and the entombment of AL’s ashes will be held at the Indiana Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Madison, IN. Details of the services will be published once they are determined. Aubrey “AL” Lafferty’s life was a testament to his dedication to family, country, and community. His memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Aubrey “AL” Lafferty, please visit our Tree Store. |
The Regiment Pays Tribute to Colonel (Ret.) Glenn Snodgrass |
Text and Photos by Tom Smart |
On June 11, 2024, the Regiment formally dedicated the Regimental conference room in Starry Hall at Fort Irwin to Colonel (Ret.) Glenn Snodgrass. The short but very meaningful event was attended by the entire Regimental leadership, 56th Colonel and Major General (Ret.) Terry L. Tucker (the current Honorary Colonel of the Regiment), and Tom Smart. It was a busy week for the Blackhorse as each Squadron and the Regimental flags all changed hands. Thank you to Colonel Tim Ferguson, 70th Colonel of the Regiment, and Regimental Command Sergeant Major Christopher L. Shaiko, 25th RCSM. |
Blackhorse History Corner |
From the December 1989 Blackhorse Newspaper: |
From the November 1985 Blackhorse Newspaper: |
From the November 1975 Blackhorse Newspaper: |
Between 1894 and 1945, the Army Corps of Engineers was directed to make a Progressive Military Map of the United States. According to the Library of Congress, which has all of the original maps: “A collection of 1344 topographic map sheets created by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers from 1894 to 1945 that covers the continental United States, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and the Panama Canal Area. The maps illustrate tactical and geographic features, such as military bases, landing strips, transportation networks, communication centers, and topography. The maps are labeled in one of three ways: Tactical, Progressive and Strategic. Tactical maps are the most detailed and contain firing grids for artillery.” From April to June 1909, Lieutenant Frederick Dickam, Sergeant Louis Sanger, C Troop, and Corporal Frederick Rudhart, D Troop, 1st Squadron, 11th Cavalry, then stationed at Fort Ethan Allen, Vermont, mapped the area between Burlington, Vermont, and Whitehall, New York. In those days, officers were taught — and judged — on their skill in tactical sketching. The attached is a sample of the Progressive Military Map made for a part of Texas. Allons! |
And you thought that drones were new to the Blackhorse battle rattle. In 1961, the 11th Armored Cavalry Aviation Company, stationed in Straubing, Germany, was one of the first Army units to be issued the SD1 (Surveillance Drone 1) unmanned aircraft (see photo). The SD1 was used to provide aerial surveillance along the West German- Czechoslovakian border. It could be operated by one Trooper. Another Trooper could watch the flight of the SD1 via an on-board camera, either live or on a topographical map image on his screen. |
This is a Blackhorse Aviation Company SD1 drone from 1963 (photo credit Mike Dolan, 609th Engineers, attached to the 11th Armored Cavalry in Bavaria, Germany). |
Blackhorse History Books by Mark Neukom |
From Mark Neukom: I have been working on a little Blackhorse history project, and I now have two books finished. Both books are essentially interviews with Blackhorse veterans BG John Sherman Crow (49th Colonel of the Regiment) and Joe Coopet (A Troop, Vietnam, 1968-1969). |
Please note that all profits from book sales go to the Blackhorse Association. |
Pigapalooza is a gathering of Blackhorse Troopers that began with an idea to have a ‘pig roast’ for a few folks locally, but it has morphed into a bratwurst & beer, pulled-pork & ribs feast held over two days at wherever we decide to go next. Previously held in Arkansas and Kentucky, this year it is hosted by Don & Suzie Robbins in Lakeview OH. Next year we’re looking at gathering in south Texas. It is a free event sponsored by a core group of volunteers that in the past has held auctions to support Blackhorse Scholarships. There is a Facebook page “Pigapalooza 2024” with details. This Year’s Location:
Eagles Annex
11443 Shawnee Path
Lakeview OH 43331 Lodging: (Code Pigapalooza)
Comfort Inn
260 Northview
Bellafontaine, OH 43331
King Room $105/nite; Double $95 Camping:
Indian Lake State Park
13156 St Route 235N
Lakeview, OH 43331 POC: Suzie Robbins
(937) 658-3432 |
Scholarship Funding Update |
The BHA is excited to announce that the annual scholarship awards to our recipients will be increased from $3000 to $4000. This will be effective with the 2024–2025 school year. The Patton Scholarship will remain at $5000 per school year. This information was communicated just recently at the Colorado Reunion, and we are happy to pass along the update to you as well. |
Thank You 2023 Allons Donors |
Shown below are the names of our 2023 Allons Donors. These are Blackhorse Troopers, veterans, family members, and friends who donated $1000 or more during 2023. Also listed are other generous donors to the BHA. Their generosity funds our mission of celebrating the honor, traditions, and service of the 11th ACR and to “take care of our kids” through our college scholarship program. |
The 2024 Blackhorse Marathon in Honor of MG (Ret.) Sunell is quickly approaching. We are looking for sponsors and donations to help cover the cost of trophies, coins, shirts and gel packs. No amount is too small. One mission of the marathon is to raise funds to help support the Regiment and to augment the scholarship program. Please scan the QR code or click the URL below to make donations. |
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