The Thoroughbred

November 2025

President’s message:

As our Thoroughbred editor, Adjutant and all-around good guy, John MacEnroe, enumerates in this issue, there will be several events to celebrate being a Dragoon in 2026. Beyond these, I hope that you take every opportunity to meet with fellow Dragoons, whether in person or virtually. Don’t hesitate to connect via DragoonBase on our website: https://dragoonbase.ning.com/.



We reported in a previous Thoroughbred [December 2018] about the work of Jay Hill and his tremendous group of volunteers on the restoration of the Trooper Glass gravesite. To follow-up on this great story, Jay visited the Regiment in Vilseck on October 20.

From Jay: “It was an honor to present Col Neal and his team a metal art picture of Trooper Samual Glass’ grave and an American Flag that had flown over the Glass grave from 2023 through 2025. Col Neal, CSM Clark, and 1Lt. Lusskin were terrific hosts and expressed their sincere appreciation for our effort in returning the Glass’ grave to a state of honor and for the consistent maintenance on the gravesite. Col. Neal presented my wife (Gwenna Hill – Project photographer) and myself with Regiment coins. Both of us are very proud to have received the coins.

To be able to meet Col Neal and his team was an honor, as I view America’s military folks as our true heroes. In regards to creating a true place of honor for Trooper Glass to rest, I view the meeting with the 2nd Cav Regiment in Germany as the final step of the project. RIP Trooper Samual Glass, US 2nd Cav Regiment.”

What a great story—thanks to Jay, Gwenna, and their entire team of volunteers for making a difference! Bravo. Thanks to RCO and RCSM for graciously hosting Jay and Gwenna.

I am privileged to be able to share this story. I know that many of you have tales of similar impact, preserving the lineage of the Regiment or connecting with fellow Dragoons. I hope that you will send them to us so that they can be shared with the broader Dragoon universe.

Led by John Walker, progress continues on placing markers on the ground in Germany to commemorate the Regiment’s Cold War service. The focus right now is securing sites and permission for the markers to be placed. Currently, John is negotiating on at least six locations including Amberg, Bindlach, Bayreuth, Nurnberg, and Camp Reed. Others will follow as we receive local permission and funds are available. You can help in several ways: donate to support the manufacture and installation of the markers; contribute your history of the squadron locations and border camps in which you served via your stories, photographs, SOPs, etc.; encourage your fellow Dragoons to do the same.

A HUGE thank you to Gray Worcester for starting to harness AI to assist our efforts and to Frank Podlaha for his herculean efforts to get us up and running with Salesforce. I am grateful for their selfless dedication to assisting the Association.

As Gray and Frank recently answered our call for volunteers, I hope that you will as well. In addition to the longstanding request for website assistance, we are really in need of people to help us scrub and maintain our membership rolls in Salesforce. There is plenty for people to do, so please don’t hesitate to volunteer your time and skills to us achieve our potential.

I hope that you enjoy Veterans Day and Happy Thanksgiving.

Tim White

President

29Oct2025

27 October 2025



My fellow dragoons:

This has been an extraordinarily busy year for the Board of Directors, our leadership team, and our project managers. Next year proves to be an exciting culmination of much of this work. This is your focusing narrowly on to off cycle reunions.

The first will be in early May in the Brownsville Texas area, celebrating our Regiment’s success in the battles of Palo Alto and Resaca de la Palma during the Mexican war. If you can make the journey to Southwestern Texas, I encourage you to do so. It will also earn you a Stetson pin.

The flagship trip next year is operation REFORGER: Rusty Spur. This trip will be limited to 44 participants, and will serve as a pilot for potential future activities. It should prove to be a phenomenal opportunity for Dragoons and guests to explore Regimental history, participate in a regimental change of command, and enjoy some of what Germany has to offer.

Please note that the blue, italicized, underlined areas below will either download information or take you to a web page.

Look for final email blasts with links to the registration pages on SighUpGenius over the next several weeks.

We’re calling on all who proudly served with the 2nd Cavalry Regiment to help preserve our shared legacy.

We’re installing historic bronze markers at Pond Barracks and Camp May — two places where generations of Dragoons lived, trained, and served with pride.

These permanent markers will stand as a tribute to the Troopers who answered the call of duty — a lasting way to Remember Your Regiment and honor those who stood watch before and beside you.

We aren’t asking for a lot – for example, we have over 1,200 members in our Facebook group. If each of us contributes just $10, we can fully fund both installations and ensure our history is never forgotten.

Your $10 donation goes directly toward the casting and installation of these bronze plaques — preserving the story of our Regiment where it was lived. Our goal is to have both plaques installed by June 2026, in time for the Rusty Spur Reforger gathering — a perfect moment to dedicate these memorials together as a Regiment. Let’s come together, as we always have, to make this happen. It’s not just a plaque — it’s our legacy. 

I encourage you to read the stories below and see if either or both of these opportunities is something that you might like to participate in.

Always ready!

John MacEnroe

Adjutant

REFORGER: Rusty Spur

Travel dates

10 June – 19 June 2025

REVIEW Rules of Engagement prior to booking

The TOUR BUS IS NOT HANDICAP ACCESSABLE

THERE WILL BE A CONSIDERABLE AMOUNT OF WALKING OVER VARIABLE TERRAIN

We will be visiting our old haunts in Bamberg, Nürnberg, Coberg, Hof, Amberg, and Vilseck; and historical sites in Pilzen, Český les, and Rüdesheim am Rhein. 

We will also visit Cold War sites like the Deutche-Deutsches Museum in Mödlareuth, the Czech Border Guard Museum; and WWII Sites like the Nazi Documentation Center, Hostouň (Operation Cowboy) and Františkovy Lázně. 

Lastly, we will enjoy some historic and fun sites like Veste Coburg and Ehrenburg Castle and embark on a Rhine River cruise and winery visit.

Included is land transportation, hotels, breakfast, and an average of one group meal per day. The price also includes admission to the Nazi Documentation Center in Nurnberg, the Museum at Mödlareuth, a wine tasting, Stetson pin, luggage tag, and a cruise on the Rhine.

What is not included is air transportation, travel insurance, one meal per day, souvenirs, food and beverages on the bus, Shirts, etc. 

Sign up via the Association’s platform at:

Travel Insurance

We recommend Travel Insured International due to its connection with USAA and Alliance due to its world0wide reputation. You are free to choose your own policy from any source, but insurance is STRONGLY ENCOURAGED for participation because ALL PAYMENTS ARE NON-REFUNDABLE.

WhatsApp

The need to be able to contact you throughout the trip REQUIRES downloading the WhatsApp messaging program.

ESim –

OPTIONAL We recommend an European based SIM for your phone. Example Verizon charges about 12 bucks per day for its travel service. an Orange E-SIm would be considerably less expensive.

Look for Rusty Spur Merch Soon!

TASK ORGANIZATION: Taskforce Lone Star [2d Cav Association (-)]

Map: Michelin 761 1:3,450,000 2017

1. SITUATION 

a. Weather and light data. 

               Weather forecast for the operation: Hot, sunny weather and long daylight hours. Expect average high temperatures to reach between 90–100°F (35–38°C). Effects of weather and light conditions on the operation: Negligible – conduct operations prior to noon where feasible.

b. Terrain. Varied. Flat, low-lying coastal prairie. It is made up of resacas—ancient river channels from the Rio Grande—mixed with prairie grasslands

(1) Mission of higher headquarters: The Association’s Mission is threefold; Preserve and share our history, support our veterans, and to support our Regiment whenever the need arises.

2.          Mission. Task Force Lone Star members will deploy to AA McAllen, perform precombat checks and services before embarking on a non-tactical movement throughout Nueces County, TX.

3.          Execution. 

Intent. This special off-cycle reunion will take us through the regimental sites associated with the Palo Alto battle. O/O deploy to, and conduct a Staff Ride at Palo Alto Battlefield O/O follow on to the Rasaca de la Palma battlefield.

a. Concept of the operation. Celebrate all things Dragoon. Educate participants on Regimental history.

(1)              Scheme of maneuver.

(a)  Thursday (7 May)

 Embassy Suites McAllen, TX 1930 – 2200   Social 

(b)  Friday (May 8) 180th Anniversary of the Battle of Palo Alto 

a.    0800 – 0900    MVT to Palo Alto 

b.    1000 – 1200  Tour Palo Alto Battlefield 

c.    1200-1300    ChuckWagon Lunch 

d.    1300 – 1630   MVT – McAllen, TX

e.    1800 – 2200   Social & Dinner  – Embassy Suites McAllen, TX 

(c)  Saturday (May 9) 

a.    0700 Breakfast – Embassy Suites McAllen, TX  

b.    1000 Departure 

(d)         Obstacle list. The BUS IS NOT ADA COMPLIANT AND IS NOT HANDICAP ACCESSABLE.

c.           Coordinating instructions. 

(1) The Association is NOT SPONSORING the trip per se, we are providing an opportunity to collaborate on a land-only trip that does not include air transportation, housing or any guarantees. Members are responsible for travel documentation, and transportation to McAllen.

(2) Payment: all payments will be in the form of debit/credit card. Payments will be finalized by 1 December.

(3) Cancellation/refunds: all payments are nonrefundable upon receipt. Once again, we reiterate the travel insurance is mandatory.

(4) Traveler health advisory: participants must be medically and physically fit for travel and to ensure that such traveling will not endanger themselves or others.

4. Service Support. 

(a)         Ration cycle. The group is expected to participate in 2 group meals: Chuck Wagon Lunch; Social & Dinner  – Embassy Suites McAllen, TX 

(b) Prices Per SignUpGenius

(2) Transportation. 

(a)         Transportation will be provided from the Embassy Suites in McAllen to the event site(s) 

5. Command and Signal. 

(a)         Communications/cell phones: we will ask all travelers to be on WhatsApp

Regimental History

Fiddlers Green

Ret. Air Force T SGT Orval “Butch” Page

Orval “Butch” Page – My Story

I was born on Easter Sunday, 1955, in St. Charles, Missouri, to Barbara and Lee Page. I was given my grandfather’s name, Orval, but my grandmother Molly refused to call me that. She planned to call me Peter because of Easter Sunday, but instead she called me Butch — and the name stuck.

In 1959, my family moved to a cattle farm outside Cleveland, Missouri. I grew up there, working hard and learning responsibility. By sixteen, I was running my own hay business, making twelve cents a bale, and saving money. I attended school in Cleveland and lived in the same house for thirteen years until I joined the Army on April 13th, 1973.

During my junior year of high school, I broke my neck in a football game against Drexel, Missouri. But I secretly enlisted in the Army anyway, without my parents knowing. At Fort Leonard Wood, the Army discovered my injury and wanted to discharge me, but I convinced them to let me train harder. I worked before breakfast each day, built up my strength, and passed my PT test. I then went to Fort Knox, Kentucky, to train as a Cavalry Scout.

I was assigned to K Troop, 3rd Squadron, 2nd Armored Cavalry Regiment, on the Czech border in Germany. I spent three years there in some of the coldest weather I’d ever known. When I returned to the States in 1976, I served with the 1139th MPs. That same year, I married Virginia Petkou, and together we welcomed my first amazing daughter, Tabitha.

Later, I transferred into the U.S. Air Force and trained at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, as an air traffic controller. During this time, I met Joyce and my son Joe was born, whom I didn’t know about for years. I was stationed at Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska, where I became a supervisor in both the tower and radar unit. I married Vickie Stowe, and we were blessed with two more amazing daughters, Sara and Nicohle.

In 1985, I was sent to Clark Air Base in the Philippines, where I served as a radar supervisor and later as NCOIC of PACMARF, a special operations center. My work took me to many countries, and while stationed there, I earned my Master Rescue Scuba Diver certification. After five years in the Philippines, I transferred to RAF Lakenheath in England, where I served as a supervisor in the control tower. I was on duty when we launched F-111s during the Gulf War using silent light-gun signals.

I retired from the military in 1994, after 21 years of service. During that time, I was deeply honored to receive numerous medals and awards for my service to my country.

I returned to Missouri, living in Pleasant Hill and working a variety of jobs: substitute teaching, sheriff’s dispatcher, caseworker, truck driver, and more. Eventually, I became a government contractor with Homeland Security, GSA, and ICE, where I served for 18 years. I also helped organize the local security officers’ union and served as Chief Steward of Local 249 for five years.

In 1998, I met my wife and best friend, Susan Foster. With her love and support, I accomplished many of the greatest parts of my life.

Along the way, I earned an associate’s degree in communications and a bachelor’s degree from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. I was honored to serve on Congresswoman Vicki Hartzler’s Military Advisory Committee. I was active in the VFW, American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, Air Force Sergeants Association, Christian Motorcyclist Association, and the Second Cavalry Association. I served as a VFW commander and district chaplain, taught Sunday school at Archie First Baptist Church, sat on the board of Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church, and took mission trips to Ghana and Guatemala. I was proud to the core for the boy scouts of America and present eagle scout awards to many young men. I also had the joy of dressing as Santa Claus and visiting nursing homes to bring smiles to others. I currently attend Hope City Church in Harrisonville and volunteer with the jail ministry.

My faith was always central to my life. With Charlie 22 Outdoors, I led Bible studies for veterans and was inspired to start a PTSD Bible ministry, helping others find healing and strength through Christ. At home, I held Bible studies surrounded by Christ-loving individuals who encouraged me in my walk. God, family, and country were always my priorities.

Life outside of service brought me joy as well. I loved camping in Wyoming’s wilderness, climbing mountains with close friends, fishing, gardening, raising chickens, riding my Harley, carving walking sticks, the veterans community project dubbed me “the walking stick man” for the many sticks I made, and taking long evening drives with Susan to discover new roads. I also enjoyed photography and storm spotting. I even ran for political office a few times, though I never won.

I was blessed with nine grandchildren, and each brought me pride and happiness. Through it all, I tried to live fully, love deeply, and never let any dust settle under my feet.

I loved my family, my comrades, and my country. To my wife, Susan, to my children, and to my grandchildren: keep your heads up and keep smiling. I had a great life.

As we Cavalrymen say, I’ll be waiting at Fiddler’s Green, always ready.

Brick Campaign

HONORING OUR UNSUNG HEROES OF WW II

Dear Friends and Supporters,

Did you know that many of our fathers, grandfathers, and uncles served as tankers during World War II—but not all fought in the spotlight?

While 16 tank divisions were well-known, a remarkable 50 General Headquarters (GHQ) tank battalions were established to support infantry divisions lacking direct firepower. These often-overlooked units played a crucial role in securing Allied victory across diverse battlefields, from North Africa to the South Pacific. Unlike their counterparts in tank divisions, GHQ tank battalions faced significant challenges—poor logistical support, a shortage of trained personnel, and limited understanding from infantry units about how to effectively utilize their capabilities. Yet, they bravely advanced alongside infantry troops, eliminating enemy strongholds and armored threats, often at great personal cost.

Today, we have the opportunity to honor these valiant tankers. The National Armor and Cavalry Heritage Foundation is raising funds to erect a permanent memorial at the Armor and Cavalry Heritage Park at Fort Benning, Georgia. This monument will stand as a lasting tribute to the courage and sacrifice of the GHQ tank battalions. The memorial will feature the following inscription:

“LEST WE FORGET”

Dedicated to the brave men who served in the more than fifty General Headquarters (GHQ) Tank Battalions in World War II. Unlike their more glamorous cousins in tank divisions, they were created to provide direct fire support for the many straight-leg infantry divisions that lacked a permanent armor unit. Usually traveling at the speed of the infantry doughboy, these GHQ tank battalions eliminated enemy bunkers, machine gun nests, and anti-tank emplacements, as well as light armored vehicles and, when necessary, enemy tanks. They were challenged by poor logistical support, a shortage of trained replacements, and a general lack of knowledge by their infantry hosts of proper armor employment. They nevertheless were vital components in the final allied victory and fought on all the major battlefields in North Africa, Sicily, Italy, Western Europe and the South Pacific. From the lessons they learned the hard way came the combined arms teams of today’s modern army.

Now is the time to ensure these unsung heroes receive the recognition they deserve. You can be a part of this tribute by making a donation to support the GHQ Tank Battalion Monument.

To contribute, please or use the link: Monument Honoring the Unsung Heroes of WWII at www.gagives.org/story/Rjy4eg  

You can also donate by sending a check to National Armor and Cavalry Heritage Foundation, P.O. Box 5767, Columbus, GA 31906

Let’s come together to honor the past and celebrate the spirit of these remarkable tankers. Their sacrifices should never be forgotten.

With deepest gratitude,

Ricky Young

Executive Director

National Armor and Cavalry Heritage Foundation

There’s a whole ^%$@#&&load of new stuff in the Dragoon Store, including: North Face, Carhartt, Brooks Brothers, etc, and some fresh designs.

Check it out…

Don’t forget to sign up and use DRAGOON BASE