Troopers Down
James Dale Hershey II, Vietnam War Veteran and a kind man, died unexpectedly of natural causes on January 24, 2019, in Azusa, CA.
James was born February 8, 1951 in Litchfield, MN to Lois Helen Lindeen-Hershey and James Dale Hershey I.
Jim embraced life to the fullest. Jim earned good grades throughout school. He was always reading; he especially enjoyed world and U.S. history, biographies of war/journalistic photographers, and heroic Americans such as Theodore Roosevelt and George Custer. Jim spoke three languages. He enjoyed film noir, science fiction, and the Paladin television series, especially after having met the actor Richard Boone during the Rose Bowl Parade. At the early age of 16, James rode his bike across America. He started in June in Riverside, Conn. and rode through New York, into Ontario, Canada, then swung southwest through Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, South Dakota, Wyoming, Montana, Idaho, and Oregon, and finally south through Northern California in August of 1967. James also rode BMW motorcycles, and he drove across America, visiting National Parks and National Military Parks.
Jim had many aspirations; in his youth he aspired to become an airplane pilot. However, after high school he enlisted in the US Army and graduated from NCO school to serve the 11th Armored Cavalry’s counter-offensive in Vietnam and Cambodia as an Army Ranger and Sergeant from 1969-1972. Jim earned numerous medals and was also awarded two Purple Hearts for his service to his country. James was honorably discharged and made a good life for himself and his family despite suffering from PTSD.
He became a hair stylist, a photographer of movie stars and weddings, and an interior and exterior home designer; he was accomplished in French cuisine. His greatest joy was having folks over for dinner. He prepared days ahead by selecting the freshest ingredients from the Marquette Farmer’s Market, listening to classical music by Kathleen Battle, or NPR, while the Le Creuset pots simmered. James was a dog handler sharing life with Newfoundland dogs and for twenty years a rare Volpino named Rico Suave. Piccolino completed the twosome. Jim also kept a Hyacinth macaw and a cockatoo. Writing poetry, telling true stories, kayaking, fishing, fine art, and style are some of James’ many and varied interests.
Jim is survived by his loving wife Brenda Lee Striler-Hershey; and his daughters Allison Elizabeth Hershey and Erin Louise Hershey (Al Gwalz).
He was preceded in death by his parents and his dear uncle, Roy Lindeen.
James’ grandfather, Judge Herman Hershey, donated the land for the Grand Army of the Republic Museum in Litchfield, MN where it stands today. James’ Army uniform will be part of its holdings.
In California following Jim’s untimely passing, a celebration of life was held with full military honors. James’ final resting place will be with his brothers in Arlington Cemetery.
Jim made Marquette his home where he made many friends and acquaintances. In remembrance of James’ life, a church service for family and friends was held on November 14, 2019 at Marquette Hope Church.
“When I honestly ask myself which persons in my life mean the most to me, I often find that those who, instead of giving advice, solutions or cures, have chosen rather to share my pain and touch my wounds with a warm and tender hand. Another person’s friendship is a precious thing.” – James Dale Hershey II
Donations may be made to the Start the Cycle account at Incredible Bank Marquette, in Jim’s memory. Start the Cycle is a sponsored bicyclist’s non-profit organization for area youth.
On May 29, 2020 at 3 p.m., James Dale Hershey, Vietnam 1969-1972, will be interred at Arlington National Cemetery in Section 51. His widow, Brenda Hershey, would like any available Blackhorse Troopers to attend.
Mark William Maiers, 64, of Sherrill, Iowa, died Saturday, February 8, 2020, at his home in Stuttgart, Germany.
Mark was born November 9, 1955, in Dubuque, the son of Joseph G. “Joe” and Shirley A. Hefel Maiers. On November 21, 2018, he married Bora Sayginer in Charlottesville, VA.
Mark joined the United States Army on February 13, 1975. He served for 28 years and completed multiple tours overseas including distinguished service during Operation Desert Storm. He served as the Regimental HHT commander (1988-1991) and later as the Regimental S-4 for the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment in Fulda, Germany. Mark retired from the Army on December 31, 2002 as a Colonel. His military career took him all over the world, but he spent many years living and working in Germany.
Although he retired from the military, he continued to work for the military as a civilian contractor. Mark had an avid passion for history and preservation. In 2000, he purchased the Sherrill, Iowa Mount House and completed a full restoration of the property. The Mount House now operates as the Black Horse Inn in Sherrill, Iowa; this is a source of great pride for Mark and his family. He enjoyed cooking, traveling, entertaining friends and family, and, above all, he cherished time spent with family.
Survivors include his spouse, Bora; one daughter, Claire (Peter D’Elia) Maiers of Charlottesville, VA; one son, Zac (Danielle) Maiers of Denver, CO; one brother, Tom (Deb) Maiers of Farley; four sisters, June (Jay Towe) Maiers of Solon, Ruth (Dick Griffin) Hinzmann of Platteville, Beth (Nick) Kaufmann of Sherrill, and Bonnie Maiers of Dubuque; two grandchildren, Genevieve and Gregory Mark D’Elia; his former wife, Shari Maiers of Colorado Springs, CO; and several nieces and nephews all of whom he loved dearly.
He is preceded in death by his parents, and grandparents.
The note below was provided by Bill Roncali
Capt. Mark Maiers retired as Colonel Mark Maiers. After commanding HHT, he was promoted to Major and moved to S4. He was very dedicated to the Blackhorse. He retired a Colonel but continued working with the military as a civilian contractor in Africom. He lived in Germany where he met his wife Nora. They married in November of 2019. Col. Maiers was packing up his home in Germany to return to the US to be near his children in Colorado Springs when they believe he had a heart attack. His wife was at work, and she came home to find him on the floor. He was flown back to Iowa where his mother is buried and put to rest next to her.
I served under his command. He was a great commander. We found each other last year and often chatted throughout the year.
Ali Musa Mohammad, also known as MoMo, was called home on Friday, January 31, 2020. Ali loved people and had a smile that lit up a room.
Ali Mohammad was Chris Emond’s delta while we were on the first deployment of an 11th ACR unit since Vietnam in 2004; he then went on to complete two more deployments. When I called Chris he told me about a raid they were on that became kinetic quickly. Chris was on the ground while Mo and the gunner maneuvered to lay down fire. Mo communicated with the movement element through iCom and also relayed on company and battalion nets. Mo was so effective on the net and with positioning the truck to lay suppressing fire that the CO for 2/15 told Chris that Mo stood in for the CO better than any delta in the battalion.
From Sean B. Donnellan, friend of Ali Mohammad
Ali was born on June 19, 1984 to Jabir Mohammad and Yevonne Fresquez. He was a very intelligent and outspoken person. He had a love for basketball and people. Ali served in the US Army for 12 years, until he medically retired in April 2015. Ali will be remembered as a man that knew how to lift up the spirits of those around him during tough times, and also who knew how to have fun and make people laugh during fun times.
Ali leaves to cherish his memories to his wife, Shardae Mohammad; his five children, Jeremiah, Alyaah, Isaiah, Amina and Brielle; his mother Yevonne Fresquez; and his five brothers, Asinyanbi Omotoso, Baqi Martin and his wife Erin, Hussein Martin and his wife Dalia, Dauod Armstrong, and Hassan Gund. He also leaves a host of nieces and nephews, in-laws, family, and friends.
Neil Morrison. Hello everyone. This is Neil’s daughter typing. It is with a very heavy and broken heart that I have to tell you all this news. Neil passed away at 3:30 in the morning, February 16, 2020 in a Tucson, AZ hospital. He had been in the hospital since January 10. The simplest way I can say cause of death is a long list of complications that started with bladder cancer. After his month-long fight of trying to get better, he just didn’t have the strength anymore. Sharon (his wife, my mother) and I had to make the gut-wrenching choice to end further surgeries and struggle and to leave him in God’s hands. While asleep he took his last breath with us by his side holding his hands. I ask you all to please share this news with everyone you had in common with my dad because I don’t have a lot of his contacts and we are depending on word of mouth. There will be future memorials held for him in both AZ and CA at some point. I will be checking on his Facebook account now and try to keep up with everyone and keep you informed.
Neil was a long-time curator of the Blackhorse Museum
Blackhorse Calendars by John Pretti
John has produced calendars with drawings about the Regiment, which are on sale at the Blackhorse Store. Below are some biographical notes and some sketches he has made. He has generously donated to the Association’s Scholarship fund as well as other organizations noted below.
I graduated from OCS in 1956 and was assigned to the 11th Cavalry, then at Fort Knox, preparing to replace the 2nd Cavalry in West Germany. I was assigned as a tank platoon leader to train a tank platoon as part of Operation Gyroscope with two other platoons. We left Ft Knox by train and flew to Rhein Main, but never made it to Regensberg and ended up with the 14th Cavalry in Fulda. I spent 6 years in Fulda 56- 60 and 64-65 in various assignments including D Troop Commander. I took a branch transfer to MPs (my enlisted MOS) and served 2 tours in Vietnam. Later I served with CID and retired in Stuttgart and worked for Central Texas College-Overseas out of Wildflecken and taught classes in Fulda, Bad Hersfeld, and Bad Kissingen for 11th Cavalry troopers and family members. I then accepted a civilian DOD position as DPTMS (S3) of Wildflecken Post. I was instrumental in moving 2nd Squadron from Bad Kissingen to Wildflecken and involved in their training, ran the UCOFTs, etc.
I left Germany in 1969 and continued my hobby of drawing. Three years ago I started the calendars and donated nearly $1000 to not only the scholarship fund but to the disabled vets of America. I am 85 years old, married to a Fulda gal, 3 children born in Fulda, and 100% VA rated disability due to Agent Orange exposure. I do not sell my drawings, but I accept donations and do quite well at it. I just recently sent $100 to the Blackhorse Scholarship fund. I drew a sketch of then-LTC Patton, and had the honor of it being placed in the Patton family museum and received a thank you letter from Mrs. Patton. Back to the 2020 calendars and yes – I plan on making the 2021 Blackhorse calendar for the reunion. I think we still have five 2020 calendars left at Blackhorsestore.org for $25.
To find the calendars, go here: www.blackhorsestore.org/gifts.cfm?pid=580
2020 Reunion Update – Colorado Springs, CO
June 4-7, 2020
Call for Donations: As we approach our 2020 Reunion in Colorado Springs, the Blackhorse Association is requesting donations for the Silent Auction. Proceeds from the Silent Auction assist in funding our annual scholarships. We had a great response last year and exceeded our expectations. So, we have set our goal to exceed last year in both participation and funds raised for the scholarship. To that end, we ask that you set aside items you wish to donate to the cause and ensure they travel with you.
Reunion registration information: Registration can be completed by mailing a registration form to AFR. The link for this form is on the Blackhorse site here: https://www.blackhorse.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/11ACR-Blackhorse-Registration-Form-2020.pdf
Or you can register online at www.afr-reg.com/Blackhorse2020. The cut-off for registration is May 1, 2020 but we are hopeful that you will complete your registration earlier because we are expecting a large crowd.
Or you can register online at www.afr-reg.com/Blackhorse2020. The cut-off for registration is May 1, 2020 but we are hopeful that you will complete your registration earlier because we are expecting a large crowd.
Financial Planning presentation:
We are conducting free presentations on retirement planning and charitable giving on Thursday. There are two sessions for this presentation (1500-1600 and 1600-1700). Please mark your calendars for this event and include this free session on your registration form.
Hotel reservations: We have a block of rooms at:
Hotel Elegante
2886 South Circle Drive
Colorado Springs, CO 80906
Reservations must be made by May 1, 2020.
You can book your rooms for our reunion by calling the Elegante at 800-981-4012 and using group code 2262554 or book online here: https://www.reseze.net/servlet/SendPage?hotelid=1410&skipfirstpage=true&page=2262554
All reservations must be guaranteed and accompanied by a first-night room deposit or guaranteed with a major credit card. We have reunion room rates from Sunday, May 31 through Monday, June 8, 2020.
To ensure there is no confusion, check your calendars and make certain to book the night you plan on arriving and the date you plan on leaving. If you fail to show at the hotel, say, because you booked your room for Tuesday, but your plane doesn’t arrive until Wednesday, you risk having your reservation cancelled as a “No show.” Double check your dates and book in advance. First come, first served.
Special Notice – 11th ACR Regimental Ball
The Regiment has extended the date for registration
New Date: March 31, 2020
Date: April 22 at the Rio Hotel in Las Vegas
Tickets: $90 per person
The Regiment has reserved 35 slots for Blackhorse Association members and their spouses.
Those interested are asked to submit their information early as it is first come, first served. All names need to be submitted NLT March 31, 2020, and payment must be made prior to the Ball.
A reduced rate at the Rio Hotel is available for attendees of the Ball.
If interested, or if you have any questions, please contact the Regimental Adjutant via personal email or phone:
CPT Dave McKinney
Office: 760-380-5740
Personal Cell: 757-903-5369
davidlmckinney18@nullgmail.comcreate new email
The Latest Regimental Newsletter
The link below will take you to the February 2020 11th ACR Blackhorse Newsletter – all the latest from our Regiment. It includes updates from each of the squadrons, a historical picture, a good plug for the Blackhorse Association, and other information related to Regimental happenings.
