Trooper Down

James Brian Schaffer went to be with the Lord on March 21, 2022. He died of natural causes and resided in Apopka, Florida. Jim was born in Brooklyn NY on May 8, 1944. While growing up in New York, Jim attended Rye High School where he ran track and wrestled. In his senior year, he was undefeated and named to the all-county wrestling team. After high school he attended Alfred University in Upstate New York where he earned his BA degree in Economics and English Literature in 1966. He received his draft notice late in 1966 and reported for active duty in February 1967. While in the military, he was promoted rapidly through the ranks. He completed helicopter training in April 1969 and reported May of 1969 to duty with the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment

(Air Cav Troop) known as the “Blackhorse.” He was shot down several times while serving in Vietnam earning him the nickname “magnet ass.” On January 17, 1970, he was shot down and injured by enemy fire. Crawling out of his burning helicopter and not sure what was next, he grabbed his service pistol and was ready to fight to the death. Fortunately, the God-sent ARPS (Aero Rifle Platoon) scrambled and came to Jim’s rescue. He returned to duty in May 1970 in a walking cast. He was honorably discharged in September 1973 and received a purple heart for his battle wounds.

In his spare time Jim loved to collect antiques including war memorabilia, records, jukeboxes, and anything collectable. He also loved going to Sanibel Island with his
family. He also loved spending time at the VFW with his brothers and sisters of the military.

Jim accepted Jesus Christ as his personal savior and knew he would be in heaven waiting on the rest of his family to come home. Jim was a wonderful husband to his surviving wife Margaret Schaffer and a great father to his two daughters, Lisa Smith and Elizabeth Zdrodowski. He was also a wonderful grandfather to his two grandchildren Kelly Ivey and Drew Smith. He also left behind two great brothers John and Tom Schaffer.

Jim was a patriot who served his country proudly. He has had a big impact in many people’s lives and will be greatly missed by many. Jim was a member of the Blackhorse Association, and if someone would like to give to an organization on his behalf, then this would be one of them: www.blackhorse.org/donate. Captain James Brian Schaffer was laid to rest at Glen Haven Memorial Park at 2300 Temple Drive, Winter Park, FL 32789, on May 7, 2022.

Memorial Service for Former Blackhorse Trooper

Services for Chic (Charles) Myers are set for Thursday, June 9, 2022 at 11 a.m. at the Pikes Peak National Cemetery in Colorado Springs, Colorado. We would appreciate any Blackhorse Troopers who would like to attend his service to come to the service. We have several Blackhorse Troopers in the Colorado Springs area, and we would like to have as many as possible attend to show our support to the family and our Vietnam Comrade. (Information provided by Charley Watkins.)

Chic’s obituary was previously published in the April 2022 E-News, and an abbreviated version is included below.

Charles Myers

Charles Myers. On February 21, 2022, LTC (Ret.) Charles (Chic) Myers, loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, friend and soldier went to his Savior at the age of 77. Born in Greensboro, NC, December 18, 1945, he was the youngest of three children. After high school and earning his Eagle Scout Award, he entered the military.

Chic was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army on November 7, 1967 and retired from the Army February 2, 1992. He completed two combat tours in Vietnam and commanded a battalion in the First Infantry Division in Desert Storm. He truly loved serving with the countless soldiers and civilians here and abroad and continued with the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) in his very active retirement.

Chic proudly served his country as a 1st Lt., Forward Observer (attached to C Troop) in the Howitzer Battery, 1st Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment (the Legendary Blackhorse Regiment) in the Vietnam War in 1968-69. He was a Life Member of the 11th ACVVC.

He received his bachelor’s degree in Business from the University of Nebraska and Masters in Business Administration from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University. He delivered the commencement address at Embry Riddle in 2016.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Gary Sinise Foundation (garysinisefoundation.org), which offers support and services to active military, veterans, first responders, and their families.

Rest in peace Chic.

Correction

In the April E-News article about the Regiment in the 1960s, I mistakenly noted in the photo’s caption that M Company was part of 2nd Squadron. Clearly, that was in error as they have always been part of 3rd Squadron. I should have known that as I commanded 3/11, but I overlooked an egregious error.

Clint Ancker

Lucky 16 – A Meeting of the 2nd, 3rd, and 11th Cavalries

FORT IRWIN, Calif. — The dust settled around the National Training Center as Training Rotation 20-02 comes to a close on Nov. 12. Troopers from the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Cavalry Regiment, and 2nd Cavalry Regiment gathered for the 11th Lucky 16 event at Fort Irwin, California. The Lucky 16 is an event where Troopers from the 2nd CR, 3rd CR, and 11th ACR gather to commemorate the history of U.S. Army Cavalry and demonstrate our defining factors that distinguish Cavalry as an elite combat force of the US Army. The first gathering was more of a Lucky 13 with Troopers of 2nd CR and 11th ACR present, and it took place in 1979. The first Lucky 16 occurred three years later and has been practiced, from then on, when Troopers are available to gather. It is a time for Troopers from fellow Regiments to gather and share their experiences and continue to build comradery within the Cavalry branch.

The evening began with the Cavalry Charge bugle call echoing across the tent, then proceeded with the presentation of the Colors, and an invocation by 11th ACR Chaplain, Lt. Col. James Key. The Master of Ceremonies then welcomed Col. Ralph Overland, 78th Colonel of the 3rd Cavalry Regiment to the podium to make welcoming remarks. Upon completion, Col. Scott Woodward, 68th Colonel of the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, took the podium and stated “It’s more than a branch. It’s an attitude, a way of life, grounded in exemplary service to this great nation.”

Woodward continued, discussing the long lineage the Cavalry has and the pivotal role it has played in every conflict since the regiment of light dragoons was authorized by Congress on Dec. 12, 1776. The 2nd, 3rd, and 11th Cavalry Regiments have served together in the Philippines, World War II, the Cold War, and the Persian Gulf; and they have been awarded 42 Medals of Honor and are the only three Cavalry Regiments remaining on Active Duty. Once Woodward completed his welcoming remarks, command teams from the Regiments proceeded with the toast of the evening, which included toasts to each Regiment, the United States Army, the Troopers of the Lucky 16, and to the fallen Troopers.

The evening continued with the playing of the Regiments’ songs from the units and a recognition of Troopers that have served in more than one of the Regiments. To mark the significance of the event, Regimental Command teams or representatives participated in the traditional signing of the 2019 Lucky 16 Charter, which was witnessed by Col. Carl Michaud, Chief of Staff of NTC/Fort Irwin. In an exchange of gifts, the 11th ACR presented a photo collage including a Stetson, a Campaign cover, spurs, a sabre and horseshoe, and the sand from the training area that united us one
the day. 3rd CR presented a wooden display with a set of spurs and a canvas print of the individual unit’s crest. After the presentation of gifts, the event continued with the retiring of the Colors and the remainder of the time for socializing. This event marks only the 11th time that the Regiments have been able to join in celebration of their history and branch. Troopers who were able to attend will remember the event for years to come and possibly be able to attend another Lucky 16 within their Army career.

As a side note, the first Lucky 16 took place in 1987 at Fulda, Germany, Headquarters of the 11th ACR. The genesis was an attempt to standardize SOPs for the three ACRs and to discuss items of mutual interest.

The next opportunity for the three ACRs to gather was after the 1988 REFRGER. The Third ACR had flown over to participate in that year’s REFORGER and the rare opportunity to gather the three active armored cavalry regiments was too good to pass up. In addition to the three ACRs, we invited the divisional cavalry squadrons from the four USAREUR divisions to take part in the event. The event was held at the Geiselwind Truck Stop, a favorite stop of U.S. Army convoys headed to the major training areas of Grafenwoehr and Hohenfels at the intersection of major autobahns. It was also chosen because they had a very large room that could accommodate almost 1000 officers, and it was centrally located in the REFORGER maneuver area.

And, of course, no major event in Germany was complete without a challenge coin.

A Request for Assistance in a Worthy Project

Members of the Blackhorse Association,

I’m reaching out to my fellow Troopers to share about a project I’m a part of called Anonymous Man. If you will indulge me, I’d like to share a little about the project and then ask you to consider submitting some feedback at my email address.

Anonymous Man is an original song and devotional book designed to help veterans struggling with Post Traumatic Stress and suicidal ideation. The song was written by me, a Blackhorse Veteran, and Steve Siler, the director of the award-winning organization Music for the Soul. The words come from real-life experiences of myself and other veterans who struggle. The vocalist for the Anonymous Man song is Sgt. Ian Wagner. Ian who is a two-tour combat veteran and Purple Heart recipient.

The Anonymous Man book will include devotions written by me, and I’d also like to present a variety of experiences from other veterans by including some personal stories their military-related experiences. Also, I’m seeking submissions of original veteran artwork or poems that are reflective of military service or their healing journey. This variety of perspectives will ensure that the devotional will resonate with every veteran. Currently, the devotional book is about two-thirds complete.

Music for the Soul believes that people will not trust you with their hope unless you demonstrate that you understand their pain. The Anonymous Man song functions as that bridge to trust, validating the feelings of isolation and trauma experienced by veterans. The devotional will encourage them in their faith and offer hope for relief from their pain and healing for their wounded spirits.

As Veterans, we have made a tremendous sacrifice for our country. Those who come back suffering from debilitating PTSD and suicidal ideation deserve a second chance at reclaiming a normal life. I personally believe that with God’s help, the combination of this powerful book and these recordings will be a lifeline for veterans who have felt alone and misunderstood – not only helping them on the pathway to mental and emotional healing but also finding a renewed sense of purpose.

Music for the Soul intends for this song and devotional to be used by Chaplains and counselors, both within the military community and in the private sector, to help validate the lived experience of soldiers and help relieve pain caused by PTSD.

Here’s what I’d like to ask of my fellow Troopers. Would you take a few moments and listen to the song and reply to my email with any feedback? Good or bad, I’d like to know your reaction to the song. I’m also attaching the lyrics if you’d like to read them as you listen.

You can listen to the song on most online streaming services. To make it easy, you can listen for free by clicking on one of the following links:

Anonymous Man Song on MFTS Website:

https://www.musicforthesoul.org/resources/anonymous-man/

YouTube:

https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=kysLN4j6_A0&list=RDAMVMkysLN4j6_A0

Thanks for your time, and I look forward to hearing from some of you. If you would like to consider contributing a personal story, artwork, or poem for the book, let me know and I’ll reach out personally with details on how to submit.

Allons,
Eric Myers
2/11 ACR Veteran
jamesericmyers@nullmac.comcreate new email
817-905-5289

ANONYMOUS MAN
Words & Music by Eric Myers & Steve Siler

You might think you know me
But I won’t let you in
to keep you from the sting of
what I’ve seen and where I’ve been
The battlefields are haunting me
behind these vacant eyes
I’m a ghost of who I once was
like countless other guys

My wounds are invisible
There are scars you cannot see
When you ask me how I’m doing
I push down the memories
A faint hope still lingers
Deep inside this hardened heart
I’m in here but you don’t know who I am
I’m the anonymous man

My nightmares are a prison
with pictures far too real
If I’m gonna keep my sanity
I can’t afford to feel
Underneath the silence
I’m crying out in pain
and trying to find a reason
just to live another day

Don’t give up on me
‘cause I’m in here somewhere
Fighting for the life that I once knew

My wounds are invisible
There are scars you cannot see
When you ask me how I’m doing
I push down the memories
A faint hope still lingers
Deep inside this hardened heart
I’m in here, please keep searchin’ if you can
for the anonymous man
The anonymous Man

E-News – May 2022

Trooper Down

Memorial Service for Former Blackhorse Trooper

Correction

Lucky 16 – A Meeting of the 2nd, 3rd, and 11th Cavalries

A Request for Assistance in a Worthy Project

Accessibility (CTRL+M)