President's Report
Seasons Greetings GarryOwen Veterans and families,
I want to take this opportunity to wish each and every one of you a Merry Christmas and a very Happy 2026. My prayers for peaceful and pleasant Holidays with your friends, family, and loved ones.
Veterans Day
We had a really enjoyable gathering in DC for Veterans Day. Although the government shutdown caused transportation nightmares, we only had a few folks have to cancel their travel and reservations. We ended up with 45 members and their families for the banquet on November 10th. I was very happy to have Mary McVeigh attend with a family friend. Additionally, we had two members attend their first ever event - Darryl Andrews (B/1967) and Devin Gullo (A/2020-2024). I thought it only appropriate to have them serve as wreath presenters, along with Bob Baldwin, and the VVMF ceremony at the Wall. I want to recognize Ian McAllister and Jack Thomas for pitching in and helping manage this event this year. Could not have done it without them. We missed a lot of you, so hope you can join our event in 2027.
5th Squadron
Two big items to report here. First, the Squadron has a new Commander and Command Sergeant Major. LTC Jon Roland and CSM Shane Goldberg took over as command team while the Squadron was deployed to Europe. They will introduce themselves later in this newsletter. Second big thing, the Squadron has recently returned back to Ft. Stewart. A special thanks to those of you who made contributions to the fund raiser to buy welcome home items for the Soldiers. It was greatly appreciated.
I would like to recognize the incredible leadership of LTC Mike Hefti and CSM Luis Padilla. The relationship between the Squadron and this Association grew stronger than it has been in years, thanks largely to their support. We look forward to them joining us at an Association function soon. I also want to recognize Captain Peter (Pete) Rose. Pete has served as the Squadron’s Association liaison officer for the past couple of years. He has been exceptional in keeping me (and us) up to speed of all happenings with Warpaint, as you will note in the Squadron Update below. We wish Pete the best as he leaves the Army for graduate school and the next chapter of his life.
Reunion XVII
Our team has identified a great locale for our reunion in Jacksonville in late May 2026. Registration form and hotel information have been put out via email and the Association website, and is addressed later on in this newsletter, so get yourself registered ASAP! I personally want to challenge the OIF Veterans (or “new 5-7 CAV” as some of you older vets call us). Not only do I expect you to come, but I charge you to bring at least two buddies with you. Now is the time for us to step up and take this Association into the future….we owe it to those who came before us and those who will join us in the future.
GarryOwen!
Cliff Wheeler
President, 5/7 Cavalry Association