The 10th Annual Pigapalooza gathering returns to Arkansas on October 2–3, 2026. Spawned by “beer talk” at the 2017 Blackhorse Reunion in Marietta Georgia, this gathering has improved with age and is a strong supporter of the Blackhorse. Follow this link for background info: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1N2T2DF8Ce/ The event is free as usual with Bratwurst, Bier and the works on Friday night (October 2), followed by smoked pork and brisket with all the fixings on Saturday. Early arrivals (Thursday) will be treated to world famous Camp David Chili, developed originally at the site of the first Pigapalooza. There will be an auction Saturday night with proceeds going to the Blackhorse Scholarship fund. Attendees wishing to donate memorabilia or other treasures for the auction can do so Friday or Saturday on site. |
Fort Irwin Memorial Campaign Update |
BHA’s Financial Statements Are Online |
Blackhorse History Corner |
Courtesy of Don Snedeker Just found this in an online newspaper from 1969. |
Robert “Bobby” Thompson reported in to the 919th Engineers in mid-January 1970. His natural leadership talents were quickly recognized, and he came straight out of NCO training as a Staff Sergeant; he was immediately selected as a squad leader. On April 8, the Red Devils were clearing an old South Vietnamese airfield about to be occupied by First Squadron when a mine went off, killing Bobby, Staff Sergeant David Dash, and Specialist 5 Craig Van Akin. Bobby was so well liked by his fellow Red Devil engineers, as well as his family and friends at home, that the Blackhorse was able to donate almost $1,300 to two South Vietnamese orphanages in Bobby’s name after his death. |
From the Beaver Dam Messenger (KY), November 21, 1969 |
In 1976, the City of Fulda celebrated its 1,232nd birthday, having been founded by Saint Sturmius on the instructions of Saint Boniface on March 12, 744. Despite the considerable difference in age, the citizens of Fulda enthusiastically helped the Blackhorse Troopers celebrate the Bicentennial of the United States on July 4, 1976 with many festivities, including a torch-light parade through the narrow downtown streets of Fulda. Below is a local article on the 4th of July event. |
In the 1970s and 80s, Blackhorse Troopers participated in the 4-day Nijmegen marches. After some serious months of training, units walked 30, 40, or 50 kilometers a day for four consecutive days to earn a medal. These reports are from 1973. |
In late May 1969, the First of the Blackhorse was conducting tactical sweep operations northeast of Blackhorse Base Camp. On May 29, Alpha Troop ran into elements of the 33rd North Vietnamese Army (NVA) Regiment. The M48A3 tanks of D Company reinforced. Part of that contact is described in the accompanying article published in the Pacific Stars & Stripes on June 1, 1969. Mentioned in that article are SP4 Dale French and SP5 Jerry Williamson. Not noted in the piece, however, is Delta Company’s Sergeant Robert Dinsmore. His Silver Star citation for that day reads, in part: “On this date while elements of the company were assaulting an enemy bunker complex, his tank was hit by a rocket-propelled grenade. The explosion wounded the three other crew members, started a small fire in the vehicle and detonated a grenade that filled the tank with irritating gas. Although suffering from the effects of the gas, Sergeant Dinsmore moved his wounded comrades to safety. After observing the loss of his tank had caused the attack to falter, he returned through the hostile fusillade to his vehicle and began firing on the enemy positions with the main gun and a mounted heavy machine gun. Although some of the gas lingered in the vehicle and he was forced to load and fire unaided, Sergeant Dinsmore continued to cover the hostile emplacements with accurate fire until two replacement crew members arrived. He then maneuvered his tank into the assault formation and pressed the attack until the enemy positions had been overrun and destroyed.” Allons, Blackhorse Trooper. Allons! |
LT Robert Montgomery H Company 68 69 |
Allen R. Nash (February 29, 1960 – November 10, 2025). Allen Nash passed away on November 10, 2025 in Bakersfield with his family by his side. Allen was a longtime resident of Kern County and worked in the petroleum industry. Allen served in the United States Army as a tracked vehicle mechanic. He was posted to E Troop, 2nd Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, in the Federal Republic of Germany, from February 1979 to August 1981. |
Dr. Barry J. “ Doc” Beaven. Dr. Barry J. Beaven, beloved husband, father, grandfather, physician, veteran, and friend, passed away peacefully on February 21, 2026, in Los Lunas, New Mexico, at the age of 79. Barry was born on October 27, 1946, in Lincoln, Nebraska, to Winton and Barba Beaven. During his high school years, he lived in Mexico City with his mother during which time she pursued studies toward her psychiatry degree. There, Barry attended and graduated from the American School Foundation before returning to the United States, where he spent many of his formative years in Takoma Park, Maryland. He proudly served his country as a combat medic with the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment during the Vietnam War in 1968. For his extraordinary courage and selfless service under fire, Barry was awarded the Purple Heart and two Bronze Stars with “V” Device for Valor, honors that reflected his unwavering dedication to both his fellow soldiers and his nation. Following his military service, Barry first worked as a dialysis therapist before serving as Purchasing Director at a pediatric hospital in Washington, D.C. His passion for medicine ultimately led him to pursue his dream of becoming a physician. He completed three years of medical school at the Autonomous University of Guadalajara in Mexico, followed by his fourth year at Saint Agnes Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland. He then completed the Fifth Pathway Program in York, Pennsylvania, earning his medical qualifications. Barry began his medical career in family practice, first opening a solo practice in Ludlow, Vermont, before joining Family and Community Health Associates in York, Pennsylvania. In 1987, he established his own family practice in York, where he faithfully cared for patients for eighteen years. Later in his career, Barry answered another calling by transitioning into correctional medicine. He served as a physician at Camp Hill State Correctional Institution in Pennsylvania and the Mississippi State Penitentiary in Parchman, Mississippi, before relocating to New Mexico. There, he served as both physician and Medical Director at Central New Mexico Correctional Facility (CNMCF) in Los Lunas, where he continued to make a lasting impact through his compassionate care and leadership. Barry possessed a remarkable intellect and an endless curiosity about the world around him. He was an avid reader who often had several books open at once and especially loved history, with a particular fascination for the Civil War. Many weekends were happily spent walking the Gettysburg Battlefield, where he immersed himself in the stories and sacrifices of those who came before him. He found joy in life’s simple adventures. Whether biking along the York County Rail Trail, exploring beneath the ocean while scuba diving, or traveling throughout the United States and around the world, Barry embraced every opportunity to learn, experience, and discover. One of the traditions he treasured most was attending the annual 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment reunion. Nearly every year, he and Susan traveled to whichever state hosted the gathering, allowing him to reunite with the men who had served beside him in Vietnam. His military service was one of the defining experiences of his life. Like so many veterans, Vietnam forever changed him, and the bond he shared with his fellow soldiers became one of lifelong brotherhood. Their shared sacrifices created friendships that were stronger than words and remained among the most cherished relationships of his life. Above all, Barry cherished his family. He is survived by his loving wife, Susan, with whom he shared nearly twenty wonderful years of marriage. He is also survived by his children, Colonel Jeremy Beaven (Torry), Joel Beaven (Karen), Jay Beaven (Heyni), and Carey Johnson (Steve). Barry was a proud grandfather to Dr. Abigail Ware (Carter), Marshall Beaven, Amelia Beaven, Zachary Johnson, Lauren Johnson, and Petra Healer Beaven. He is also survived by his siblings, Eric Beaven (Donna), twin sister Barbara Abrahamian (Henry), and Lara Beaven (Ron), as well as his stepmother, Lorraine Beaven. He was preceded in death by his parents, Winton and Barba Beaven; his brother, Marc Beaven; and his sisters, Cherie Beaven and Constance Petrie (Dan Jr.). Barry will be remembered for his remarkable intellect, quiet strength, compassionate heart, unwavering faith, and lifelong commitment to serving others — whether on the battlefield, in his medical practice, or within the correctional healthcare system. His legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched through healing, service, kindness, and love. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial through its website in Barry’s honor. Dr. Barry J. Beaven lived a life defined by courage, compassion, service, and an unwavering commitment to those around him. He leaves behind a legacy of honor, healing, and love that will continue to inspire all who were blessed to know him. His memory will forever remain in the hearts of his family, friends, patients, and fellow veterans. |
Colonel Robert Davis Hurley, U.S. Army (Ret.), age 84, of Oviedo, Florida, passed away peacefully on June 29, 2026 at his home. Born on August 28, 1941 in Spartanburg, South Carolina, Colonel Hurley was the son of the late James Austin Hurley Sr. & Martha Davis Hurley. He graduated from Fairforest High School in 1959 before earning a Bachelor’s degree from Clemson University in 1964. He later advanced his military education by graduating from the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, Armed Forces Staff College, U.S. Army War College and earning a Master’s degree from Shippensburg University. Colonel Hurley dedicated 30 years of honorable service to the United States Army, commissioning on May 30, 1964 as a Second Lieutenant in the Armor Aviation Branch. Over a distinguished career, he commanded at every level from platoon to brigade. His assignments took him across the globe, including notable tours with the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment both in Vietnam & Fulda, Germany as well as commanding the Apache Training Brigade in Fort Hood, Texas. A veteran of the Vietnam War as a combat helicopter pilot, he was recognized for outstanding leadership, valor, and strategic vision. For his meritorious service, Colonel Hurley was awarded numerous decorations, including the Silver Star, Legion of Merit with 1 OLC, Distinguished Flying Cross with 1 OLC, Bronze Star with 2 OLC & “V” device, Purple Heart, and many more. He retired from active duty in 1994 at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. Beyond the uniform, Robert was a devoted husband, loving parent, and loyal friend, known for his sense of humor, unwavering integrity, patriotism, love for history, and mentorship and advocacy for soldiers. Following his retirement from the Army, he became a PGA professional and managed golf courses at several well-known locations. He also remained involved with the military as a private contractor. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends, golfing, travel, and the outdoors. His leadership and deeply ingrained sense of duty left an indelible mark on everyone who knew him. Hurley was preceded in death by his loving wife of 50 years, Patricia Lee Steele Hurley; and brother James Austin Hurley Jr. He is survived by his children, Michael John Hurley & Ryan Davis Hurley; and his sister Sula Jane Hurley and brother Paul Wayne Hurley. Interment with full military honors will take place at Greenlawn Memorial Gardens, 2075 E Main St, Spartanburg, SC 29307 at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family re uests that donations be made in Colonel Hurley’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. |
Eddie Bailey, 1st Platoon, K Troop, 3/11 ACR, 1977 – 1980 |
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