Vol. 2 No. 2

August 1976

• Command and Control Squadron in Fulda announced a partnership training program with members of the Bundeswehr Reserve units stationed in Fulda. LTC John F. Votaw and MAJ (P) Nicholas P. Vamvakias, CO and XO of the squadron, noted that the joint training would enhance readiness and camaraderie in their unit which consists of the Anti - Armor Helicopter Troop, the aviation combat Support Troop, HHT Regiment and the 58^th Combat Engineer Company.
   
• An article detailed the many varied duties of the V Corps Staff Judge Advocate office in Fulda. Skilled professional troopers are hard at work insuring fair and impartial treatment of all parties involved with Army judicial proceedings and as well as providing legal support to families.
   
• An article detailed the Army’s acknowledgement of troopers with Hispanic heritage; Hispanic Week is scheduled for early September with events planned for the Dining Facilities, Chapels and Club systems in Fulda.
   
• A proposed major reorganization of the Army’s division structure was detailed. Among the areas being studied, reducing the number of tanks per battalion to 36, increasing the number of artillery tubes in DIVARTY, increasing the number of heavy and medium lift helicopters per division and removing mortars from infantry companies.

• Army chief of Staff General Creighton W. Abrams has announced a major review of the Enlisted Professional Development Program.
   
• RCO Ballantyne presented awards at a ceremony.

• Four images of C and C Squadron troopers conducting joint training with Bundeswehr Reserve unit soldiers.
• Three images of JAG Office personnel at work supporting the Regiment and Fulda community.
• Image of RCO Ballantyne presenting Partnership Scroll to commander of the Bundeswehr 5^th Panzer Grenadier Brigade.
• Image of RCO Ballantyne presenting US Armor Association Mershon Award saber to LT Walter R. Bowers, Troop B.

A nine year old boy, wide eyed with wonderment, visited the headquarters of the 2^nd Squadron on August 16 where he received a special educational gift from the 11^th ACR’s Blackhorse Association.

David Kellar was no stranger to Daley Barracks in Bad Kissingen, however. His father, the late SFC Millard L. Kellar, had served as Troop F’s motor sergeant for over four years before his death in July 1975. The late SFC Kellar, who died after participating in physical training with his troop had also seen combat service with the Blackhorse in Vietnam.

Before the ceremony, which was held in the conference room of 2^nd squadron, Colonel John L. Ballentyne, III, 11^th ACR commander and LTC John C. Gilbreath, 2^nd Squadron commander, greeted David and his mother, Mrs. Sophie Kellar, upon their arrival at Daley Barracks. Colonel Ballantyne, representing Major General John W. McEnery, commander of the US Army Armor Center at Fort Knox, KY, and President of the National Executive Council of the Blackhorse Association, presented David with the special $1, 000 Blackhorse Scholarship as members of the 2^nd Squadron’s Eaglehorse Chapter, both officers and men, viewed the proceedings.

The Regimental Commander had earlier accepted the scholarship award from MG McEnery during the National Association’s 7^th Annual Reunion held at Fort Knox last spring for presentation to David.

Upon presenting the award to the bright eyed fourth grader, COL Ballantyne explained some of the objectives of the Association which was formed in 1968 at Fort Knox. ”The Association’s ongoing objective is to continually strengthen and expand its ability to provide financial assistance to children of deceased members of the Regiment and foster those friendships which have begun through mutual service within the Regiment,“ explained the Regimental Commander.

The colonel added, “this year was the first time that the Association was able to present two $1, 000 scholarships. David Hogan, son of the late SSG Darrel Hogan, was the recipient of the regular $1, 000 Blackhorse scholarship.“

Being the center of attention was nothing new for David Kellar. Last November, as NCOs of the Eaglehorse Squadron conducted a Command Salute in honor of his late father, David accepted the Army’s Meritorious Service Medal bestowed upon his father posthumously. Lieutenant General ( Ret ) Robert W. Fair, former V Corps commander, presented the medal and CSM Clarence McCain, 2^nd Squadron command sergeant major, stood with David as the Eaglehorse NCOs passed - in - review before them.