199th Light Infantry Bde 50th Anniversary Reunion

Between the 6th and 9th of June, we were privileged to be in attendance of the 199th Light Infantry Brigade's 50th Anniversary Reunion.  Through the kindness of Jim Brinker and Johnny Valesquez, we were given a prime location within the reunion area to launch our newest book "Camp Frenzell-Jones: Home of the Redcatchers in Vietnam".   We met many new friends, many of whom were original members of the unit, who by virtue of the fact that they travelled on the troop ship  USS Daniel I. Sultan called themselves the "boat people".  First Sergeant Jim Diamond, Frenzell's and Jones' first sergeant, who himself received the Distinguished Service Cross in Vietnam attended the reunion.   We presented a copy of "IN HONOR AND MEMORY" to him, which includes Patrol Base Diamond named in his honor.

Ray Bows displays his Vietnam unit crests and patches, as well as his newest book "Camp Frenzell-Jones" at the 199th's reunion, Columbus, GA

Ray Bows presents a copy of IN HONOR AND MEMORY to First Sergeant Jim Diamond, A Company, 4th Battalion, 12th Infantry

The highlight of our time was meeting Billy Jones' wife, Theada, and his oldest daughter, Connie, who both flew long distances to be there with us.  We had a delightful lunch with them and, afterwards we introduced them to members of A Company, 4th Battalion, 12th infantry, who knew their loved one Billy C. Jones, posthumous recipient of the Silver Star. 

Several original members of the 199th complimented us on the book within a day or so after they had purchased it, including members of B/2/3d Infantry, who were stationed with Gene L. Bettger, KIA 22 December 1966. 

Original members of A/4/12th Infantry meet Billy C. Jones' wife, Theada, and his daughter, Connie, for the first time, who had just arrived at the reunion. Pia takes photographs for everyone. From left to right: Dan Less, Pia, Dennis Juliana, 'Buddy', Theada, Connie, Bob Martin, and Sam Toven.