Trooper Down
Edward Halvorson. August 28, 1945 – May 31, 2021.
Edward Halvorson, age 75, of Fosston, Minnesota, passed away on May 31 near his home in a four-wheeler accident. Edward Orlen Halvorson was born on August 28, 1945 in Fosston, Minnesota to parents Edwin and Mildred (Reiten) Halvorson. He was confirmed, attended Sunday School, and attended high school in Bagley, Minnesota. He was nicknamed “Smiley.”
Following school, Edward held several jobs prior to entering the United States Army in November of 1967. He fought in the Vietnam War with the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, attaining the rank of Sergeant (E5). He received his honorable discharge in November of 1969 and returned home.
On May 31, 1969, he was united in marriage to Judith Eileen Brinkman at Asphult Lutheran Church, north of Fosston. They had three children: Renee Eileen, Terry Edward, and Kelly Orlen. During his working years, Edward worked cutting wood for Harvey Erie, in the potato fields for Ryan Brothers, on the Iron Range, for Ordean Sundrud skinning, for Black Gold and then for Bachand Brothers for 33 years. He also bladed the roads in Hill River Township, full-time, for 10 years.
Edward enjoyed deer hunting, farming, and doing mechanic work. He also enjoyed riding four-wheelers and snowmobiles. He had a talent for rebuilding tractors and collected old cars and tractors. He truly enjoyed any time he could spend with his grandsons.
In addition to his hobbies, Edward enjoyed socializing. He went to the Gully Café nearly every morning for breakfast and to shake dice. He also enjoyed going to the Itasca Threshing Show and went on various bus trips to Washington, New York, Branson, Missouri, Canada, and South Dakota. He also actively participated in the V.F.W. during his life, marching with the color guard and providing military honors. He was a member of the Spring Lake V.F.W. Post #2759 of Lengby, Minnesota.
He was a member of Zion Lutheran Church of rural Fosston until its closing, and he was most recently a member of Hope Lutheran Church in Fosston.
He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Judy, of Fosston; children Renee of Lester Prairie, MN, Terry (Alisa) of Fosston, and Kelly of Fosston; and grandsons Nathan (girlfriend, Amber Messer) and Adam. He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings Curtis, Marylin, Robert, and Elton; and several nephews, uncles, and cousins.
Request for Feedback Blackhorse Family Reunion 2021
In an effort to improve our reunions, we would like your feedback on the 2021 San Antonio reunion. And please include any recommendations for improvement in the comments section of Question 9.
The survey can be found at the following link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/77KMXYQ
Your comments, suggestions, and feedback are greatly appreciated. Allons!
Mini-Reunion in Colorado Springs, Colorado
What: Colorado region mini-reunion
When: August 5-8, 2021
Where: Hotel Elegante (Call the hotel directly at 719-576-5900 and refer to group reservation number 2887767; cut-off is August 4.)
Who: Blackhorse troopers, veterans, friends, and family
Plans: Thursday/Friday check-in Friday – visit cockpit distillery (owned and operated by retired USAF) Friday evening – Flying W Ranch dinner (Cost is $55 plus drinks. Scott is picking up $55 per person for first 30 people.) Saturday – Royal Gorge bridge Saturday evening – dinner on the patio at Elegante Sunday – departure
Northeast Mini-Reunion
When: August 14, 2021
Where: Lakeside Park – 78 Water Street Route 394 Mayville, NY 14757. 716-753-2125.
Who: Former and current Blackhorse troopers, friends, and family
Contact: Please contact Wally Mazuchowski, Jr. on Facebook (bufmaz1) or phone 716- 392-7916 to RSVP with # of attendees.
Coordinating instructions: We suggest bringing food or beverages. Wally is compiling a list to post.
5th Blackhorse Northeast Region Area Mini-Reunion
When: September 17-19, 2021
Where: Danville, VA at the State Line Baptist Church – 651 Holland Rd, Danville, VA 24541. 434-792-4215.
Agenda: – Friday the 17th. Dinner scheduled for 6 pm. BBQ at the Hall at the State Line Baptist Church. th
– Saturday the 18 . Visit to the AAF Tank Museum at 10 am. Lunch will be a cookout on Museum grounds.
– Banquet will be at the State Line Baptist Church, 6 pm. Dinner provided by the ladies of the church.
– Silent auction, raffle and 50/50 to be held 7:30 pm.
– Sunday – there is a choice for those that don’t have to leave early: attend mass or visit one or two small military type museums. Then lunch at 1 pm at local pizzeria.
Lodging: Hotel is Holiday Inn Express 2121 Riverside Drive, Danville, VA 24540. 434- 793-4000 (code 11th ACR NORTHEAST REGION BLACKHORSE REUNION); Rate is $109 per night. Also tents, trailers, and RVs are permitted on Church property. Self- contained camping. Bathrooms available. Will be 1 or 2 electric cords available, first come, first served. Contact Bob Thurman (he is hosting) on Facebook, or the church, or Wally Mazuchowski, Jr on Facebook (bufmaz1). Phone 716-392-7916 to RSVP with # of attendees.
1901 Campaign Winners
At the Blackhorse Family Reunion in San Antonio, we held drawings to select winners for the 1901 Campaigns. Because our 2020 reunion in Colorado Springs was cancelled due to covid restrictions, we selected winners for both the 2019 and 2020 campaigns.
Our 2019 winner is Roger Hershberger of Waynesboro Virginia. Our 2020 winner is John Crouthamel of Chatum, New Jersey.
Each winner will have his choice of a Stetson, a saber, or spurs. Congratulations gentlemen!
A Tip of our Cavalry Stetson to an Eagle Scout Who is Supporting our Regiment’s Heritage
Andrew Furtick, the son of current 1/11 ACR Commander LTC Robert Furtick, earned his Eagle Scout Rank on June 6, 2021. Andrew has been very active in his troop, currently serving as the Senior Patrol Leader and Den Chief for the Lions Den and Arrow of Light Den. Andrew is an honor student at Fort Irwin Middle school and is also involved in the National Junior Honor Society and as an altar server for Fort Irwin Holy Family Catholic Church. For his Eagle Scout Project, Andrew constructed a revitalization project of Wickham Memorial Park at Fort Irwin. Andrew and his team of scouts re-rocked all of the trees that were planted previously and then filled them in with red and white rocks to match the great Cavalry traditions of the Regiment. Andrew and his team also built four wagon wheel benches, which were placed around the 11th ACR Memorial, as well as solar lights around the walkway.
Andrew then researched each of the vehicles that are located in the park. He had metal signs made for the helicopters, tanks, and recovery vehicles so that others could read about the rich history of the Regiment and the vehicles that supported them.
This is Andrew’s second time being a family member in the Regiment and he wanted to improve upon the park so that the Soldiers and Veterans would have a place to visit and remember their time as a Blackhorse Trooper. Andrew is 13, and he is entering the 8th grade at Fort Irwin Middle School.
On behalf of the Blackhorse Association, Well Done Andrew! Allons!
Another Example of Blackhorse Pride From William Brush
Eaglehorse Mini-Reunion Report From Andy Mahoney
Over Memorial Day 2020 we decided to meet to celebrate the commissioning ceremony of Rick Martin’s youngest son, Ryan, at Melbourne Beach Florida. We rented a beach house where all seven of us and our wives could be together in a mini-Eaglehorse Reunion. The University had a zoom Commissioning Ceremony because of Covid.
A pandemic did not stop the Eaglehorse Border Cavalry LTs from Bad Kissingen from celebrating this wonderful day. The ceremony concluded with a Shrimp Fry and Steak on the beach. Scotch, Cigars, Beer and plenty of war stories filled the night. We spent three days just catching up and enjoying each other’s company reminiscing on the good old days, rekindling friendships, and promising to meet again.
Front Row: Rick Martin, Andy Mahoney, Dan Gall. Back Row: Thad Hill, Mike Simms, Steve Mies, Ken McKenna.
Commissioning: Steve, Mike, Dan, Ken, Newly-Commissioned 2LT Ryan Martin, Rick, Andy, Thad.
Andy Mahoney Enrollment and Scholarship Officer Bison Battalion Army ROTC Check out “Bison Battalion Army ROTC” on Facebook 570-577-1013 or 570-299-9700 (cell) andy.mahoney@nullbucknell.educreate new email
A Thank You Note from Scholarship Awardee Kylee Ann Barnes
Dear Blackhorse Scholarship Committee,
I read my Blackhorse congratulatory letter today, selecting me as the Workhorse scholarship winner — highlight of my summer! I am so thankful for the Blackhorse Association!! This will certainly help me in paying off some big college cost(s). Heading back to Liberty in mid-August to start my sophomore year in nursing, and I will be doing so with a big-smile thanks to the Blackhorse Association.
Thank-You & Very Respectfully, Kylee Barnes P.S. ALLONS!
The Latest Newsletter from Point Alpha
Note that this is in German, but it has some interesting notices on events related to Point Alpha.
SP4 Joe Thomas, Distinguished Service Cross awardee while serving with 2/11 ACR in Vietnam is Honored
Nominee for Oklahoma Military Hall of Fame JOE MINOR THOMAS Specialist Fourth Class, Combat Medic, United States Army 
EXTRAORDINARY HEROISM Distinguished Service Cross and Purple Heart Combat Medic, 2nd Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment Vietnam Wall at Panel 27E, Line 7
Friends of Joe Thomas: The Board of the Oklahoma Military Hall of Fame announced there will be six inductees for the Class of 2021 in the prestigious Oklahoma Military Hall of Fame. The highest-rated selection was SP4 Joe Thomas (Booker T. Washington HS Class of 1965).
The Induction Banquet will be held on Saturday evening October 23 in Norman. The Classes of 2020 and 2021 will be inducted together. Since 1998, just over 200 Oklahoma veterans have been selected from thousands of nominations.
The Hall of Fame made this announcement via a Facebook post and internal email. A formal press release to the media will be in September. See https://okmhf.org for more information about the Hall of Fame.
Annette (Thomas) Thompson is representing the family, and she is being assisted by DeLores Thomas and Mary Thomas.
If you know of anyone who should be invited to the event or who should receive an announcement by postal mail, please contact Annette directly or through me. She is compiling a master family-and-friends invitation and notification list.
Mike Lapolla Ambassador, Oklahoma Military Hall of Fame 2819 South Cincinnati Avenue Tulsa, OK 74114 918-693-8608 (cell) opens in a new windowlapolla@nullswbell.netcreate new email
11th ACR Horse Detachment Scheduled Events
July 14-18 – Orange County Fairgrounds
Sep 2-5 – Bishop, CA County Fair
Sep 22-25 – National Cavalry Competition – Fort Reno, OK
Oct 30-31 – Kernville, CA Rodeo
See the 11th ACR Horse Detachment Facebook page for more information and additional upcoming events.
Ride with the Blackhorse!
The 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment recently hosted six Blackhorse veterans and family members on a memorable “box ride-along” experience to witness the Blackhorse in action!
The veterans had an early morning departure into the box to witness the Ironhorse annihilate the rotational unit in an armor engagement. The group ate breakfast in the box with elements of the Command team and toured parts of the training area. The Horse Detachment put on a remarkable Cavalry display and the group toured the Ft. Irwin Heritage Center and the Regimental headquarters.
During their visit, the veterans had dinner with the Command and took advantage of the opportunity to swap stories with the active-duty troopers. Additional opportunities to participate in box ride-alongs will be coming throughout the year!
Below are a few photos of the event. More can be found at the following URL: https://www.blackhorse.org/ride-with-the-blackhorse/
Front row L to R: COL Todd Hook, RCO Frank Shray, (1974-1977) G Trp, 2/11 Asst S-1, F Trp XO, S-3 Air Howell (Mason) Epperly, (1967-1968) Howe Battery David Paluso, (1975-1978) B Trp, 1/11 LTC John Williams, DCO
Back row L to R: Steven Schlosser, Son Steven Schlosser, (1988-1991) H Co 1/11, H
Send us your Blackhorse related news.
Do you have items of interest that are related to The Blackhorse? Please send them to Clint Ancker, Director of Communications, at opens in a new windowbanditsix@nullaol.com.
