21 Jul 2010
US hunts wanted Taliban and al Qaeda commander in Kunar
30 Jun 2010
Agency to launch online voter registration assistant to ease registration process - U.S. Army - Posted 30 Jun 10
Afghan, Coalition Forces Repel Airport Attack - DoD - 30 Jun 10
U.S. flies Afghan troops to retake district - ArmyTimes - 1 Jun 10 - [According to sources, the 3-17th was involved with the insertion]
26 Apr 2010
We Will Never Leave A Fallen Comrade - The February 8th Lighthorse MEDEVAC Mission [2003 Microsoft Office document file] courtesy of LTC Tom von Eschenbach, Lighthorse 6.
CSM flying 3-17th battle flag in the back of a Chinook
courtesy of LTC Tom von Eschenbach, Lighthorse 6
19 Apr 2010
Flying in the shadow of the ‘valley of death’: Task Force Falcon airlift U.S. Soldiers from Korengal Valley - Courtesy of Lighthorse 6
Tip of the Spear - MSNBC Special Report
14 Apr 2010
Thanks to Sharon H. I learned today that the 3-17th is on Facebook. See: Lighthorse Inn
Roger "Bear" Young, Spur Trooper & webmaster
10 Mar 2010
LTC Tom von Eschenbach & CW2 Vanduynhoven
5 Mar 2010
This February edition of the Falcon Flyer and three pictures just in from LTC Tom von Eschenbach, Lighhorse 6.
PDF: Falcon Flyer - Feb 2010 edition - Requires 
Afghan helicopters coming in for fuel at our FARP
Snap from the countryside as the SS flew a mission in the Konar Valley
Kunar Valley
26 Feb 2010
This Lighthorse newsletter just in from LTC Tom von Eschenbach, Lighthorse 6.
PDF: Lighthorse FRG Newsletter #3 - Requires
10 Feb 2010
Wanted to pass on a story to you and the guys about Lighthorse in
Afghanistan.
Without getting into too much details in a story that would take an hour
to tell, on Monday February 8th we sent aircraft in terrible weather
into one of the highest threat areas in Afghanistan and picked up a
wounded Soldier and flew him to Bagram Airfield. My most memorable
moment of event was standing in the TOC looking at the faces of the
aircrews and leaders as they were looking at me for a decision to go.
We had already launched and turned around once but they wanted to try
again. This time we were going to try with only an Apache and one
MEDEVAC. I called the ground force to see how long a ground evac would
take and was told 2 hours to get it going. The roads were bad and the
Soldier was on a breathing apparatus and the bumping ride would make it
very difficult to keep him stable. One of the pilots says to me, "Sir,
we can do it. Let us try". The look of confidence on this face said it
all. I still had to call the Brigade Commander for permission but told
them. "OK, get to your aircraft, I'll tell COL Galli we are going." I
called Falcon 6, who was aware of the previous attempt, and instead of
asking told him that we were trying again. He approved and the rest is
history. The Soldier is awake and responsive in the CSH at Bagram.
Fate had it hands in many things that day. Below is the email my
Command Sergeant Major sent out to the leaders that night. Pretty
awesome stuff that will bring tears to your eyes.
"Today was one of the most humbling days of my 21 year adventure with
the Army. Today we saved a life. The family of the Soldier that was
snatched from the hands of death in the Pech Valley will never know.
Rightfully so, it is not within our character to boast. They will never
know that, we too, value their Son as if we were Family and so much
more. We are him. We will never leave a fallen comrade. Thanking the
enormous team involved in saving this Soldier would take a novel, so I
will attempt to do it with brevity.
From Colonel to Private.......
The amount of blood, sweat, tears, and energy put into today's extremely
high risk MEDEVAC mission would not fit into any earthly container. The
heart of an American Soldier is the only thing big enough. I am honored
to be part of the whole, for the whole will risk all for the part. We
have come a long way from beginning of the formation of Task Force
Lighthorse at Fort Bliss, TX.
From the Commanders who deliberately agreed to trust their Troopers to
the aircrews that wouldn't quit. From the NCO that busts his knuckles
daily making sure our horses are fixed, fueled, and armed to the
countless others that make sure the mission comes first, all the way
down to the private on the radio.
7 for 1. Seven went into harm's way for one.
Nerve, guts, bravery, courage, gallantry, valor. Parts of the whole."
LTC Tom von Eschenbach
Commander, TF Lighthorse
FOB Fenty
9 Feb 2010
Thought you might enjoy
LTC Tom von Eschenbach
Commander, TF Lighthorse
3-17th, Afghanistan, Feb 2010
"Blood Before Dishonor"
Lighthorse 6 pinning on combat patches
22 Jan 2010
Fellow Spurs,
I've posted a page on Pam's and my newsletter blog where you can view and post messages for the 3-17th Cav in the comment section. I had some problems with the password protection so have opened it up for all as of today so you can post your messages.
Please feel free to use it and show your support for the 3-17th Cav serving in Afghanistan today. You can leave your messages here.
Roger "Bear" Young
19 Jan 2010
As you know, this is Lighthorse's third deployment since
the beginning of the "War on Terror". I don't know if you have kept up
with the other Squadrons histories but three years ago, as the fight
against the Taliban was expanded, an Aviation Task Force was formed in
Jalalabad. It was no coincidence that a Cavalry Squadron was selected
to perform full spectrum aviation operations in support of coalition
forces in the toughest and most demanding region of Afghanistan. As the
third unit in a line of 17th Cavalry Regiment units, (2-17 CAV was
2008-08, 7-17 CAV was 2008-08, and 3-17 will be 2009-10), I promised the
ground force commander that we will bring every capability Army Aviation
has to bear against a persistent and highly dedicated enemy force. Much
like our Cavalry brothers in Vietnam, we are called again to perform our
duty during a crucial period of time, the outcomes of our efforts will
influence and shape not only the future of Afghanistan but possibly the
future of the world. I say with a little bit of pride and prejudice
that there is no better team than us to accomplish that task. Our
Troopers take great pride in carrying on the legacy and reputation of
those that served in the 17th Cavalry before us. It is what makes us so
great. Thank you for forging the path for the present day Troopers.
I am attaching a picture of CSM Lemke and I uncasing the colors on 8 Dec
in Afghanistan.
LTC Tom von Eschenbach
Commander, TF Lighthorse
Uncasing the Colors
Courtesy of LTC Tom von Eschenbach, Lighthorse 6
3-17th Squadron Colors
Courtesy of LTC Tom von Eschenbach, Lighthorse 6
Kiowa Warrior flying up the Konar Valley
Courtesy of LTC Tom von Eschenbach, Lighthorse 6
PDF: Falcon Flyer January 2010 Newsletter [Similar to our old "Hawk" newsletters]
PDF: Lighthorse FRG Newsletter #1
PDF: Lighthorse FRG Newsletter #2
18 Jan 2010
It is clear from the 3-17th site and their FRG page that the squadron is now in Afghanistan.
You can read a few updates from their FRG page [above].
Roger "Bear" Young, Spur trooper & webmaster
9 Nov 2009
I'm LTC Jim Ward - the former XO/S-3 for 3-17 Cav during our 2007-08 Iraq deployment. Thought you might be interested to know that 3-17 Cav was again awarded the Valorous Unit Award for OIF 07-09 (our rotation - May 07-Aug 08).
Best to Trapper and the others you are in contact with.
Hope all is well with you and all!
V/r,
James E. Ward
LTC, USA
VUA - 5 May 07 to 5 Aug 08
17th Cavalry Regiment, 3d Squadron, Headquarters and Headquarters Troop (to include subordinate units: Troop A, 3d Squadron, 17th Cavalry Regiment; Troop B, 3d Squadron, 17th Cavalry Regiment; Troop C, 3d Squadron, 17th Cavalry Regiment; Troop D, 3d Squadron, 17th Cavalry Regiment; Troop E, 3d Squadron, 17th Cavalry Regiment; Detachment, Company B, 277th Support Battalion)
19 Mar 2009
I'm glad to report that Chuck Oualline has heard directly from CPT Schildman, the A Troop Commander. Here's hoping this will lead to improved communications with the 3-17th.
Roger "Bear" Young - Spur webmaster
5 Nov 2008
With the move of the 3-17th from Ft. Drum, Chuck Oualline, LTC (Ret.) & Spur 3, will be our interim POC with the 3-17th. We thank Trapper and Sue for the years of being our POC with the 3-17th while they were stationed at Ft. Drum!
21 Oct 2008
Trapper,
On behalf of LTC Fowler and CSM Whitney, I would like to invite you and all the 17th Cavalry brothers and alumni to the casing of the
Squadron Colors, our last formal military ceremony at Fort Drum.
Ceremony will be simple and short, and will be held at 1330 on 31 October 2008 in the Squadron Hangar at Fort Drum. The reviewer will be
COL(P) Mangum, the Division-Rear Commander.
Please let me know if you will be able to make it, and how many people you think might be interested in coming up via your extensive
Veteran network.
Thanks,
James E. Ward
MAJ, CAV
S3, 3-17 Cavalry
Casing of the Colors Ceremony at Ft. Drum on 31 Oct 08.
Photos courtesy of Al "Trapper" Kemes
Attending left to right, Col. Kevin Mangum, David Russell Spur 6 70-71, Maj. David Essels 3/17th 70-71,
Al "Trapper" Kemes A Trp 3/17th Scouts 68-69, Sue Kemes, LTC Fowler, CSM Whitney
[Webmaster's note: The 3-17th is in the process of moving to be part of the 3rd Infantry Division in Georgia. Please see our 14 Jul 2008 update below. Roger "Bear" Young]
25 July 2008
According to information posted by the Ft. Drum PAO, HHT, 3-17th is scheduled to return on 31 Jul 08 (subject to change).
A warm "Welcome Home" to all the 3-17th Troopers and job well done !
21 July 2008
3-17th Main Body II was rescheduled to arrive home on 20 Jul 08 according to the Ft. Drum PAO. More news if/when posted by Ft. Drum.
14 July 2008
3-17th Main Body I Returns home:
Ft. Drum PAO - NEWS RELEASE: 3-17 Cav returns Sunday dtd 11 Jul 08
Video: 200 Fort Drum soldiers return home - News10Now - 14 Jul 08
Aviation brigade squadron to be welcomed home Sunday - Watertown Daily Times - 12 Jul 08
"...The soldiers from the 3-17 will be part of the switch that Col. Kevin W. Mangum announced at the Fort Drum Regional Liaison Organization annual meeting. The unit will consolidate and then move to Hunter Army Airfield at Fort Stewart, Ga. to become part of the 3rd Infantry Division. In return, an AH-64A Apache battalion will be reassigned to Wheeler-Sack and the 10th Mountain Division..."
9 July 2008
Greetings all,
[Some of] the Troops are back. Sue and I made it a point to go to Ft. Drum to see the advanced team home, they arrived at 03:00 3 July and even though most did not have much sleep it was a great feeling to see old friends back and out of harms way. We also plan to be there when the main force arrives.
Trapper
====================
3-17th Pilots Shot Down in Iraq Tell of Dramatic Escape
The Washington Post - 4 Jul 07
Related: General Recognizes Pilots for Daring Rescue Mission
DefenseLink - 30 Jul 07
====================
Silver Spurs Ride Again!
17 Nov 2004
Gentlemen:
I'm CPT Craig McNamara and until recently I have been the commander of C Company 1-10 AVN. For the past 15 months we have been attached to Task Force Light Horse here in Northern Iraq. The Squadron has reorganized under the new 10th Mountain Division Task Organization. Our company’s attachment has now been made permanent and we have been redesignated as A Troop 3-17th Cavalry. So once again in its history A Troop is an Air Cavalry Troop. It is with great pride and through the understanding of the experiences over the last year that I and all the troopers have chosen to adopt the Silver Spur call sign. We are returning to Fort Drum in the near future and would very much like to maintain our roots and remember those who have fought and served under our guidon. I hope this finds you and all our Silver Spur brothers in good health. We will be in touch. Cavalry!
CPT Craig McNamara
Silver Spur 6
New Silver Spur patch courtesy of Trapper
19 Jul 2005
Dear sirs,
My name is SSG Patrick Allen, we had this picture taking just before our trip to Mosul, Iraq about an hour drive. Just wanted to let you see what the new Silver Spurs looked like a year ago. We are all crew chiefs and proud of what we are doing and always think of our comrads before us. We have decades between us but war will never change. Hope to see you brothers soon down the road. "Silver Spurs ride again"
P.S. "Welcome Home"
SSG Patrick Allen
A Troop 3-17th Cavalry "Silver Spurs"
(L to R)
Spc Baker, Sgt Guarino, Spc Testruth, SSG Allen, Spc Cole,
Sgt Wells, Spc Lambert, Spc Cortes, SFC Williams, Sgt Quimby
(Photo courtesy of SSG Allen)
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