Trooper Down

Dennis Eugene Firestone died June 5, 2022, in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Dennis was born June 14, 1941, in Springfield, Missouri to Glenn and Neta Firestone. He attended Parkview High School and received his undergraduate degree from Southwest Missouri State College (now Missouri State). He received a Master’s in Education from Augustana College (SD) and a Specialist’s Degree in Education from the University of Louisville.

Dennis served over 25 years as an armor officer in the United States Army and rose to the rank of Colonel before retiring in 1989. He was stationed twice in Germany and was an exchange officer with the 9/12 Royal Lancers British Regiment. His tour in Vietnam was with M Company, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment. He received a Silver Star and 3 Bronze Stars with “V” for Valor for his heroic actions in battle. He served as Battalion Commander for the 1st Battalion, 72nd Armor, 2nd Infantry Division, Korea. His last assignment was as the Inspector General for the Kentucky National Guard. Whileserving in this role, he was awarded the prestigious honorary title of Kentucky Colonel by the Governor of Kentucky.

After retirement, Dennis focused on education and for the next 20 years served the youth of Kentucky and Alabama as an educator. He was a special education teacher in several middle schools and the principal of Pitt Academy, a school for special needs students in Louisville, Kentucky.

Dennis was devoted to his family. He freely gave of his time as a volunteer for his church, his children’s sports and scouting programs, and anywhere else in the community where there was a need. Dennis was an avid golfer and sports fan. He traveled extensively with his wife, Paula, and enjoyed many adventures with her around the world before he passed. He was an Eagle Scout and this program instilled in him a sense of duty and obligation to always “Do Your Best” and help others. He was honored to see his son and grandson follow in his footsteps as Eagle Scouts.

He is survived by Paula, his wife of 58 years; son Stephen of Virginia Beach; son Douglas of Greenwood, South Carolina; Roma Firestone of Virginia Beach; grandchildren Cade, Caroline, and Elle Firestone, of Virginia Beach; and his brother Ron (wife Martha) of Springfield.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the National Museum – United States Army at https://armyhistory.org/donate/ or via mail to P. O. Box 96281, Washington, D.C. 20090-6281.

Letter From Our RCO

Timothy J. Ferguson
70th Colonel of the Regiment

ALLONS! Greetings to the Veterans of the Best Damn Regiment in the U.S. Army!

I am extremely honored for the privilege to be a part of the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment team. We are known throughout the Army as competent combined arms experts who hone the warfighting skills of our nation’s Brigade Combat Teams so they will win the “first” fight. It is humbling to serve alongside such a diverse group of professional warriors who are writing new chapters in our history every single day. We owe our winning tradition and legacy to you, our Veterans.

In my short time in the Regiment, it is evident that the intensity, expertise, and resiliency of the Blackhorse Trooper remains steadfast as the mission we fulfil enables us to truly master our craft. Our commitment to training Brigade Combat Teams for large scale combat operations against current and emerging threats ensures our force is prepared to operate and win in the uncertain and dangerous world.

We continue to be masters of combined arms maneuver, maintaining that we always give our adversaries their toughest day in the desert. As disciplined members of a profession of arms, our job is incredibly important and we take it very seriously. The Blackhorse Regiment stands ready to respond to any mission to which we may be called.

Our obligation is unchanged – to provide the best training to Brigade Combat Teams as well as maintaining our own readiness: tactically, technically, spiritually, physically, and mentally. I assure you that we will continue to carry on the legacy, traditions, and service to our nation that this historic Regiment has demonstrated for the last 121 years and will continue to demonstrate in the years to come.

This is Blackhorse 6, honored to serve with these Troopers and excited to be connected to all of you that proudly and honorably wore this patch before us.

ALLONS!