Blackhorse E-News – May, 2012

I am saddened to report that one of our finest officers, Neil Keltner, First Platoon leader in Charlie Troop, who deployed with the 11th ACR in September 1966 by boat to Vietnam, has passed away.

Neil, who was born in Michigan, worked in the automotive industry for a couple of years after high school and then decided to go on to college, entering Texans A&M, and graduating in 1965. He was honored nationally as the No. 1 ROTC graduate of that year.

Joining the 11th ARC following his completion of the Armored Officer Basic Course at Ft. Knox, KY, Neil received orders to Ft. Meade, MD to join the 11th ACR and was selected to command the First Platoon of Charlie Troop, then commanded by Capt. Bob Garrott. After arriving in Vietnam by ship, Neil’s platoon worked with other units and then was tasked to provide security for a convoy traveling along Route 1 between Long Binh and the Regiment’s new basecamp which became known as "Blackhorse." The convoy included ACAV’s from First Platoon, Second Platoon and one from B Troop as well. It ran head on into an ambush prepared by the VC’s 274th Regiment (Dong Nai) at Ap Hung Nghia on November 21, 1966. Neil lead the convoy through the "kill zone", becoming wounded in the process, and then returned to fight off the enemy and to provide security for "Dustoff" medevac helicopters to evacuate the wounded. For this action Neil became the first member of the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment to receive the Distinguished Service Cross.

He was later wounded a second time at almost point blank range by a Viet Cong who suddenly rose up out of the grass while the First Squadron was operating on Operation Port Sea with the Australians. Although the enemy round passed through his lung and liver, Neil survived to return home. Capt. Larry Gunderman commanded Charlie Troop by this time.

He separated from the Army after returning stateside and attended Harvard Business School. He then worked in the oil and barge industry before moving to California where his wife Vicki and daughter Brice helped him operate a business that sold hardware to utility companies.

Always a humble and patriotic citizen, Neil would not want any flowers or expensive efforts made by friends to attend his memorial service, which will be held on May 10th at 1 PM at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, St. Andrew’s Road, Newport Beach, CA 92663. Vicki would prefer that those who knew Neil would write a personal letter to their daughter, Brice, telling her about their personal thoughts regarding her Dad. Her address is: Brice Keltner, 1432 Lexington Street, Tustin, CA 92782. A reception will follow the memorial service.

Neil will be cremated and his urn interned at Arliington National Cemetary at a pre-determined date, approximately a year from this date, and Texas A&M will also have a memorial service at some time in the future.

We will all miss Neil, a true silent and humble warrior, who almost gave all he had on two occasions, only to finally succum to cancer on April 24th, 2012

May we and his family members who knew Neil all feel better for having done so.

Gil Ferrey
9G 1/11th ACR

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1000, 8 June, 2012
Start point – Williamsburg Hospitality House
(as part of the Blackhorse Association Reunion),
Williamsburg, Virginia

4-5 hour ride through historic surroundings

Call John Baer for details (757-753-2588)

2012 BLACKHORSE REUNION

Our annual family reunion is taking shape. Come prepared to enjoy the many tourist spots in and near Williamsburg – the colonial town itself, Jamestown, Yorktown, Busch Gardens, and the Williamsburg Winery – we will assist you in finding all those places. Please go to opens in a new windowwww.blackhorse.com or opens in a new windowwww.blackhorse.org for info describing all our events and our registration form and register as soon as possible.

We recommend that you reserve your room at the Williamsburg Hospitality House as soon as possible – call them directly at 800-932-9192 (tell them you are with "the Blackhorse reunion") or go online at opens in a new windowwww.williamsburghosphouse.com (use lodging code 20060702553) to get the negotiated rate of $119 per night and ensure that you count in our totals.

We will have a great golf tournament at the Green Course of the famous Golden Horseshoe Golf Club. Our banquet keynote speaker will be GEN Bob Cone, Blackhorse alum and current TRADOC commander. COL Tony Aguto, the regiment’s 64th commander will be there to give his annual report, and, along with the brand new RCSM Travers, will also induct nine great Blackhorse veterans into the Blackhorse Honor Rolls. You will have the opportunity to attend a ceremony at Fort Eustis to dedicate a new TRADOC building in honor of General Donn Starry. Phil Keith, author of "Blackhorse Riders" will make a presentation and conduct a book-signing. The Blackhorse Store will be there each day selling their wonderful memorabilila and clothing. All that and lots more – with plenty of time to spend with old Blackhorse friends and to get to know new ones.

If any questions, please don’t hesitate to call Glenn Snodgrass at 703-250-3064 or 703-407-4038.

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ADDRESS CHANGE FOR THE BLACKHORSE ASSOCIATION, INC