Troopers Down

The information below was provided by our brothers in the 11th Armored Cavalry Veterans of Vietnam and Cambodia.

Joseph Delbert Rogers III, of Woodmont, passed away on May 7, 2024. Joe, or Joey to his family and many neighborhood friends, was born on August 21, 1946, the son of Joseph D. and Mary Murphy Rogers of Milford. Joe graduated from Milford High School and Stonehill College.

He proudly served his country in the 919th Engineer Company, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment (the Legendary Blackhorse Regiment) in the Vietnam War in 1970 – 1971.

Joey was predeceased by his parents and his wife Paula Reed Rogers; and he is survived by his son Jesse Rogers, GySgt USMC (Ret.) and daughter-in-law Julie, both of Milford; and two grandchildren, John and Darcy Rogers of Alexandria, VA. The eldest of five siblings, he leaves a brother, James G. Rogers (Joan) of Milford; and three sisters, Judith Evans (James) of Groton, Katherine Krauss Murphy of Milford, and Mary Beth Blacker (David) of Noank; as well as several nephews, nieces, great-nephews and great-nieces.

Joe was employed in the automotive/trucking industry for his entire career, working at Roadway Express, W.I. Clark Co., Flagg Industrial Sales, Mayflower/Kenworth, Atlantic Detroit Diesel, Interstate Ford, and Center Towing and Truck Repair. Evenings and weekends, he worked tirelessly at Rogers Lawn Care, his lawn care and snow-removal business that he operated in Woodmont for 45 years. Known around Woodmont as “lawn mower man,” he was honored by the Woodmont Day Committee as the Woodmont Day parade Grand Marshal in 2006. His many friends and neighbors enjoyed his easygoing ways, his boisterous laugh, his kind heart, and upbeat outlook.

Joseph loved lawn care, helping people in the neighborhood, and working outdoors, at times with his son and two grandchildren. He adored Woodmont, where he and his family resided since the mid-1970s. He was a Boy Scout leader when his son was young, and later worked part-time as the Borough of Woodmont custodian for several years.

The family respectfully requests in lieu of flowers, donations be made at a charity of their choice. They also would like to share their utmost appreciation to the Department of Veterans Affairs, Bella Home Health Care, and Seacrest Retirement Center in West Haven, CT for their excellent care.

Richard Allen Worley, age 79 and a resident of Konawa, Oklahoma, passed away April 30, 2024 at Oklahoma Veterans Center in Norman, Oklahoma.

Richard was born March 12, 1945 in Konawa to JC Worley and Eileen (Bickerstaff) Worley. He graduated from Bristow High School, and he received a Bachelor’s Degree from Oklahoma State University. He was a teacher-coach-mentor and Christian. His greatest attribute was being a really great friend to everyone. Through his sense of calm, ease and helpfulness, he truly cared about everyone around him. Richard would give his time to show up all across the state to his biological family’s events and his ever growing extended family and their kids’ events and special occasions. His prayer list was an actual list on paper that would have your name on it with multiple things to pray about. When he showed up to see you, know that he was at his happiest. When he was able to talk to you, know that he was at his happiest.

Richard proudly served his country from July 1967 until July 1969 as a Field/Combat Medic Staff Sergeant in Vietnam and served in the 11th Armored Cavalry during the Tet Offensive, ultimately earning the Purple Heart Award for his service patching many wounded soldiers.

He married Linda K. Lamb on July 22, 1976 in Davenport, Oklahoma. He loved God first, 8-man football, golfing, and fishing. Most of all, he loved God and his family and friends.

He is survived by his wife, Linda K. Worley of the home; one son, James Worley and wife, Mecynda of Medford, Oklahoma; one daughter, Shelly Heath and husband, John of Norman, Oklahoma; one brother, Jerry Worley and wife, Bonnie of Talihina, Oklahoma; one granddaughter, Ashley Heath; and many other family and friends.

Col. Allen S. Wilder Jr., of Brookfield, Vermont, died of cancer, caused by Agent Orange, on April 25, 2024. He happily celebrated his 90th birthday on April 21, with many family and friends who loved him dearly. Born in Rutland, VT April 21, 1934, son of Allen and Helen Allbee Wilder, Al began a very mobile life as he moved around the country during the WWII era, as his dad was in the military. He attended 18 different schools before graduating from high school in 1952, in San Antonio, TX. Al graduated from Norwich University in 1956. He was called into the Army and sent to South Korea for 16 months, where he served in the 1st Battalion Troop A. Upon his return he got a regular Army commission and that began his twenty-one-year career in the Army. He was one of very few officers to serve in all of the active-duty Armored Cavalry Regiments (ACR). Al was especially proud of his service in the 2nd, 3rd, 6th, 9th, 11th, and 14th ACRs.

He proudly served as a Lieutenant Colonel, Regimental Executive Officer, S5, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment (the Legendary Blackhorse Regiment) in the Vietnam War in 1966 – 1967. He was a Life Member of the 11th ACVVC. He also was on the Second Army Rifle Team.

In December 1956, he married Jacalin Withrow of Concord, NH. They had three children: Jonathon, Christopher, and Allison. Al and his family were stationed in Germany, Japan, and many places in the U.S., which ended in VT. In 1977 he retired from the Army where his last assignment was Active Army Advisor to the 86th Brigade of the VT National Guard.

After he retired from the Army, he worked in development at Norwich University and coached the Norwich Rifle team. He also worked for the VT Emergency Management office and with his family ran and owned the Fork Shop Restaurant in Brookfield, VT. He was the Director of the Central VT Chamber of Commerce as well as the Director of the Norwich Blueline Club (booster club for hockey). In 1980, he started the Brookfield Ice Harvest event, which ran for over 40 years. This event won the “Top 10” Winter Events Award many times in the state of Vermont. He also taught school groups how to harvest ice at programs given by the Lotus Lake Discovery Center, where he served as a board member.

In 1993, he built his dream house on Sunset Lake in Brookfield where he had lived ever since. Al and Jacalin loved to travel and were very community minded and active in the Brookfield Historical Society. In 2017, his wife Jacalin, of 61 years, died suddenly of a heart attack while vacationing in the Bahamas. He later remarried a close family friend, Becky Watson of Lotus Lake in Williamstown, VT. In the summer, he could be found at Lotus Lake Camp directing traffic and helping where he could.

He leaves behind his wife Becky Watson of Brookfield; son Jonathon Wilder and wife Donna; his daughter Allison Wilder and wife Julie; son Christopher Wilder; five grandchildren Erica, Sean, Adam, Aubrey and Christopher Wilder; six great- grandchildren; and two great-great grandchildren. He was also very devoted to Becky’s family, and they loved him dearly.

Loren “Lorney” Marcusen, age 79, of Wausaukee, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on February 12, 2024. He was born in Green Bay on December 27, 1944, son of the late Byron and Marian (Schaf) Marcusen.

Loren graduated from Wausaukee High School and entered the United States Army where he proudly served his country in Air Cavalry Troop, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment (the Legendary Blackhorse Regiment) in the Vietnam War in 1966 – 1967. He was a Life Member of the 11th ACVVC.

Lorney received an Air Medal award for single acts of heroism or meritorious achievements while participating in aerial flight. Upon returning home from service, he worked construction in Milwaukee and in 1970, he purchased and operated a saw shop in the Village of Wausaukee, servicing and selling Husqvarna chain saws until his retirement.

Lorney and his wife attended many Blackhorse reunions all over the country and also enjoyed several trips to Europe. They had an exchange student from Iceland and have visited and kept in contact with him over these many years.

Loren enjoyed hunting, including two trips to Quebec to hunt elk, but his passion was fishing. He had many enjoyable fishing trips to Canada and North Dakota but especially he and his wife loved camping at Witz Marina in Skanee, Michigan. He and his fishing buddies enjoyed many, many days of fishing on Lake Superior and Huron Bay. He had wonderful memories of all the good times with his many friends.

Loren is survived by his wife of 54 years, Mary Ann (Faucette); his brother, Ron (Bonnie) Marcusen of Green Bay; a sister, Bev (Art) Schuenemann of Aiken, South Carolina; brothers Denis (Ann) Marcusen and Bob Marcusen, both of Wausaukee; and many nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, and a great-great niece and nephew. He was preceded in death by his brother, Allen.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Crivitz American Legion Post #413.

Edmond Frank Dickens, age 64, of Metairie, Louisiana passed away peacefully at home from cancer on May 13, 2015.

He was the loving husband and soul mate of 38 years to his wife, Barbara Gaudet Dickens. He was the father of the late Jeffrey A. Galmiche, Jr. and Paw to the light of his life, Reagan Michelle Galmiche. He was the beloved son of the late Edmond Leroy Dickens and Lourie M. Dickens. Brother of Dudley A. Dickens (Jo Ellen), Laura Ramsey (Butch) and the late Theodore J. Dickens (Survived by Nancy) and the late Ronald V. Dickens (Survived by Rose). Grandson of the late Arthur T. and Irma G. Morris, John T. and Alice C. Dickens. Brother-in-law of Elizabeth T. Gaudet, Geralyn Pusateri (Steve), Gail Biondolillo (Vincent), Timothy Gaudet, Sr. (Bonnie) and Guy J. Gaudet, Jr. Uncle of Norman, Sherrie, Preston, Kevin (Annie), Michelle (Hubie), Chris (Casey), Phillip, Jenna, Vincent (Darlene), Timothy Jr. (Jennifer) and the late John E. Leger, Jr. Joseph (Jennifer), Angela (Austin), Elda (Smith), Wendy (Robert), Sandy (Mark), Vance and Theodore Jr. (Jen). Great Uncle of Cameron, Ashley, Brandy, Preston, Claude, Chloe, Dallas, Hayden, Jade, Kevin Jr., Ally, Kendall, Ethan, Julian, Avery, Lily and Vincent, Jr., Great-Great Uncle of Carmine, and Carsyn. Edmond was born in New Orleans and was a resident of Metairie.

He proudly served his country in Air Cavalry Troop, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment (the Legendary Blackhorse Regiment) in the Vietnam War in 1971.

Paul D. Ferguson, 80, of Litchfield, passed away peacefully on January 1, 2023 at Bethany Gardens Skilled Nursing Center in Rome, New York.

He was born on July 6, 1942 in Middleville, NY, a son of Harold and Mary (Geevis) Ferguson and attended West Winfield Central School.

Paul proudly served his country in Headquarters, Headquarters Troop, 3rd Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment (the Legendary Blackhorse Regiment) in the Vietnam War in 1968 – 1969.

On December 20, 1969, he was united in marriage to Catherine A. Ball in Cedarville, NY and shared a blessed union of 53 years. Paul was the owner and operator of a dairy/hobby farm and of Paul’s Tire Service in Litchfield. He also was employed with many other family owned and operated farms in the surrounding area and was a driver for Beacon Feed Company.

Paul was a very dedicated and hard worker and had a true passion for caring for his animals, especially his horses and cows. He enjoyed working on his tractors and spending time with his beloved grandchildren. Paul loved his independence and made farming his life’s work.

Surviving are his wife and “Main Man” Catherine in Litchfield; daughters Beth Schloicka, Johnstown, and Roseann (Michael) Jaquay, Bridgewater; grandchildren Connor, Delaney, Gavin and Colton; sisters Mary Winegard, Fannie Farley and Esther (Jim) Garretson; brothers Harold (Lilian) Ferguson and Fay (Cindy) Ferguson; and his beloved feline bestie, Charlie, whom he considered his son. He was predeceased by his sister, Sally Reed, and brothers Donald Ferguson and Charles Ferguson.

Paul’s family wishes to extend their gratitude to the staff at Bethany Gardens for their wonderful care and compassion. They also extend sincere gratitude to the Boulevard Diner in Whitesboro for their food, service, and friendship!

Donations in Paul’s name may be made to the Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) at https://vvapickupservice.org/.

Dennis Pat Fetters, of Long Beach, California, passed away January 31, 2023 at the age of 75.

He was born June 9, 1947.

Dennis proudly served his country in the Howitzer Battery, 3rd Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment (the Legendary Blackhorse Regiment) in the Vietnam War in 1967 – 1968.

He was laid to rest in Los Angeles National Cemetery, California.

Stanley E. Acklie, age 72, of Norfolk, Nebraska died April 11, 2022, at his home. Stanley was born on August 18, 1949 to parents Elmer and Velma Acklie of Norfolk. He attended high school at Norfolk High School and earned his GED in 1970 while serving in the Armed Forces. On December 29, 1969, Stan married the love of his life, Belva Wade of Winside.

Stan joined the United States Army in December 1969 and bravely served his country in the Vietnam War until September 1971. Upon returning from Vietnam, he worked as a construction worker until he became employed with Nucor. Stan also farmed throughout his life. He retired from Nucor after 26 years of faithful service.

Stan was a member of Westridge United Methodist Church. He was also a member in the VFW, DAV, American Legion, and the 11th Armored Cavalry’s Veterans of Vietnam and Cambodia.

Stan was a loving father to five children: Scotty, Janelle, David, Diane, and Timothy.

Stan’s hobbies included hunting, fishing, and tractor pulling. He was a gun guy and avid outdoorsman; and he loved to ride his Harley and drink a cold Old Milwaukee Light with a friend.

To know Stan was to love him. He was a character. He always had a story to tell…and if you didn’t hear it the first time, you would be sure to hear it the second or third, perhaps even with greater detail. Stan lived life to the fullest and, despite many challenges, would always have a smile and likely even a joke about his battle wounds to lighten the mood. Never one to beat around the bush, you always knew that what you were getting was the real deal with Stan. He was loved and will be missed dearly by his family and friends.

Stan is survived by his spouse, Belva; son, David (Debbie) of Norfolk; daughter, Diane Gobel of Crofton; son, Timothy (Jennifer); five grandchildren, Dalton (Kaylie), Brook, Calissa, Tristan, and Elliana; two great-grandchildren, Karsen and Kayden; three siblings, Allen (Lee) of Florence, SC, Pam of Norfolk, and Gail Johnson of Norfolk; and his dear buddy, his dog, Tinkerbell.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Velma Acklie; his mother and father-in-law, Lyle and Leona Wade; infant son, Scotty; daughter, Janelle; brother, Doug Acklie; son-in-law, Ronald Gobel; brother-in-law, Bill Ziemer; brother-in-law, Terry Thies; and nephew, Jeff Harris.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to those of family choice.

Thomas W. Harris of Amsterdam, Netherlands passed away April 7, 2022.

He proudly served his country in Air Cavalry Troop, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment (the Legendary Blackhorse Regiment) in the Vietnam War in 1966 – 1967. He was a member of the 11th ACVVC.

Donald John Howell, 70, of Keansburg, New Jersey was born May 24, 1944 and passed away January 15, 2015.

Donald proudly served his country in the 919th Engineer Company, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment (the Legendary Blackhorse Regiment) in the Vietnam War in 1968. He was a Life Member of the 11th ACVVC.

A memorial service was held January 22, 2015 at the Laurel Funeral Home in Hazlet, New Jersey.

Cecil “Mutt” E. James, most popularly known as Papa, born on September 11, 1948, passed away peacefully on the morning of March 25, 2020. He is predeceased by his father, William James, Sr.

Cecil was drafted into the Army on May 20, 1968 after graduating from Lower Richland High School. Following his basic training, he was stationed in Germany and eventually transferred to Vietnam.

He proudly served his country in Air Cavalry Troop, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment (the Legendary Blackhorse Regiment) in the Vietnam War in 1968 – 1969. He was a member of the 11th ACVVC.

He received an Honorable discharge April 15, 1970. Cecil was presented the Distinguished Flying Cross by the President of the United States of America for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary action above and beyond the call of duty on September 5, 1969 while serving as an aerial observer with Air Cavalry Troop, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, in the Republic of Vietnam. In addition, Cecil received the following awards: Purple Heart, Air Medal with letter V device with numeral 3, Vietnam Service Medal with 2 bronze service stars, Expert Badge with Rifle Bar, Sharpshooter Badge with Rifle Bar, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross and Palm Unit Citation Badge. Thank You for Your Service.

After his military discharge, Cecil started his career with Square D/Schneider Electric where he was a machinist. He retired after 35 years of service and pursued his career with ECM where he worked for seven years. Then he retired to enjoy traveling, fishing/boating, pleasure golf cart riding (not on golf courses), and life in general with his wife, grandchildren, family, and friends.

He was a great man. He was a very fun, outgoing, and loving husband, son, father, Papa, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend who will be greatly missed.

Jim Daggs, 83, of Waldron, Arkansas went to be with his Lord and Savior, on September 27, 2023 in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Jim was born May 24, 1940 to Rev. Charles Olen and Velma Faye (Townsend) Daggs in Sugar Grove, Arkansas. He was a member of the Waldron First Church of the Nazarene.

Jim was married to the love of his life Loretta Daggs. Together they raised six amazing children and played a huge role in the lives of their grandchildren. Jim enjoyed being on the green, being with his friends and playing the game he loved. When Jim wasn’t on the golf course he was working in his shop, tinkering around and restoring golf clubs. He was an outdoors man and liked to go hunting and fishing. Jim retired from the Arkansas Highway Police Department after serving six years as the Scott County Sheriff.

He was also an Army Veteran and proudly served his country in Headquarters, Headquarters Troop, 2nd Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment (the Legendary Blackhorse Regiment) in the Vietnam War in 1967 – 1968. He was a Life Member of the 11th ACVVC.

Jim was a selfless caring person and a family man. He enjoyed spending time with his family and always wanted to see them happy. The memories made with each loved one and friend will forever be treasured.

Jim leaves behind to cherish his memory his wife Loretta (Wagner) Daggs of the home and their six children: Jason Daggs and wife Wendy of Waldron, Arkansas; Pam Owens and husband Myrtie of Waldron, Arkansas; Terri Benefield and husband Johnny of Wister, Oklahoma; Sherry Hoffman and husband Randy of Sand Springs, Oklahoma; Jimmy Daggs and wife Helen of Stillwater, Oklahoma; and Kenneth Daggs of Stillwater, Oklahoma. PaPa will forever remain in the hearts of his twelve grandchildren: Jacob Daggs, Jaren Daggs, Chad Owens, Shane Owens, John Benefield, Justin Benefield, Bambi Jo Benefield, Robin Cowen, Aaron Daggs, Celeste McClennan, Aimee Steanson, and Logan Daggs as well as fourteen great-grandchildren: Hannah Owens, Drew Owens, Cash Owens, Tate Owens, Lana Thacker, Noah Benefield, Sydney Benefield, Paisley Benefield, Mia Benefield, Jacob Benefield, Lily Cowen, Brooke Cowen, EverRae Daggs, and Nathan Daggs.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents Olen and Velma Daggs and one grandson, Jase Daggs.

Robert J. Dagon, age 73, passed away at his home in Manchester, Connecticut on May 1, 2023. He was the husband of Susan Catherine (Hicks) Dagon.

Bob was born on July 3, 1949, in East Hartford and was the son of the late James and Barbara (Lawliss) Dagon.

Bob grew up in Mayberry Village and attended local schools both public and parochial. He was a 1967 graduate of East Hartford High School.

Bob proudly served his country in Headquarters Troop, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment (the Legendary Blackhorse Regiment) in the Vietnam War in 1969 – 1970.

Following his discharge in 1970, he was employed by the Town of East Hartford in their Public Works Department for many years.

In addition to his wife Cathy, he is survived by his children Robert of Glastonbury, Andrew of Manchester, and Danielle of Manchester; along with nine grandchildren and his step-son James Christopher Hicks of Linden, Virginia. He is also survived by his brother Michael and Maureen Dagon of Hebron; his sister Maureen and Michael Breen of Moultonborough, NH; his sister Patricia and Dwight Colby of Millsboro, Delaware; and sister Dianne of Harwich, MA.

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