Psychological Operations Veterans Association

President’s Message
Report on the Reunion in Orlando October 16-19, 2008

Most of the participants arrived on Thursday and we went out to dinner together as a group.  This set the tone for the remainder of the reunion period.  We ate together for breakfast and dinner each day.  During the day we would choose our own activities and eat lunch during those activities.

We developed a great camaraderie during the time we were together and got to know each other better.  During the business meeting on Friday the ladies were invited and participated in the discussions.

New officers were elected on 17 October.  They are:
President:   Mike Stoeckert
Vice President: John Cheney
Secretary; Mike Paschkes
Treasurer: Arlo Despain
Trustee (newly elected): Dick Holzheimer
Paul Wolfgeher and Donald Workman were reelected for two more years as Trustees.

Arlo Despain Immediate Past President

On 12 Aug 2007, SGT Charles "Trey" Kitowski was killed in Afghanistan. He belonged to the 345th PSYOP Co out of Dallas Texas attached to the 13th PSYOP Bn from St Paul, Mn.

He was killed when his M1114 hit with an IED killing all inside. The other 3 were SOF soldiers. SGT Kitowski's head was crushed.

I had the priviledge and honor of attending his funeral as a representative of 13th POB. I was chosen because I served with the 345th in Iraq in 2004.

Psychological Operations Soldier dies in Iraq

U.S. Army Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations Command (Airborne)

   FORT BRAGG, N.C. (USACAPOC News Service, Jan. 04, 2007) — An Army Reserve psychological operations Soldier died Jan. 1, near Babil Province, Iraq, from injuries sustained when his vehicle was struck by an improvised explosive device there.
   Sgt. Thomas E. Vandling, 26, a psychological operations specialist assigned to the 303rd Psychological Operations Company, Oakdale, Pa., a subordinate unit of the U.S. Army Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations Command (Airborne), died while deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
A resident of Pittsburgh, Vandling entered the Army Reserve in the same city, Aug. 10, 2001. He arrived at the 303rd POC July 12, 2002.
   Vandling deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom during the spring of 2007, and was promoted to a non-commissioned officer on Sept. 18, 2006.
   He was also a veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom.
   Vandling's military awards included the Army Commendation Medal, Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal, two National Defense Service Medals, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with “M” Device and numeral “2,” Army Service Ribbon, Iraq Campaign Ribbon, Combat Action Badge, Marksmanship Qualification Badge and the Navy Achievement Medal.
   He is survived by his parents Thomas and Dianne, of Pittsburgh. Vandling is also survived by his brothers and sister, James, Michael and Elizabeth, of Pittsburgh.

PS:Lest we forget, we still have severely wounded recuperating in the US. If you'd care to donate please look at http://www.woundedwarriorproject.org .

As explained elsewhere, CAPOC is no longer in the 4th POG's Chain of Command ---The Reserve POG's will report to  CAPOC and then to a Reserve command and the 4 th POG reports to USASOC.

We have SGT Drake and SSG Neuman on the mend here in the States. Contact them via http://www.woundedwarriorproject.org .

RELEASE NUMBER: 060719-01 DATE POSTED: JULY 19, 2006 PRESS RELEASE: Psychological Operations Soldier killed in Iraq U.S. Army Special Operations Command FORT BRAGG , N.C. (USASOC News Service, July 19, 2006) — A U. S. Army Special Operations Soldier based here died July 17, from wounds sustained while engaging enemies of the United States in Ar Ramadi, Iraq . Staff Sgt. Michael Anthony Dickinson II, 26, was a psychological operations specialist assigned to 9th Psychological Operations Battalion, 4th Psychological Operations Group, here. He deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in December 2005. A native of Michigan , Dickinson graduated from Harper Creek High School , Battle Creek in 1998. Dickinson entered the Army in June of 1998 and completed initial entry training at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo. After completing advanced individual training as a psychological operations specialist, he was assigned to the 9th Bn., 4th PSYOP Group here. During his Army career, he served in various positions with the 6th and 9th PSYOP Battalions. In August 2005, his last assignment took him back to 9th Bn., as a team leader. Dickinson 's military training includes the Advanced Noncommissioned Officer Course, Basic Noncommissioned Officer Course, Warrior Leader Course, Jumpmaster Course, Basic Airborne Course, Combat Lifesavers Course, and the French Language Course. Dickinson 's awards and decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, three Army Commendation Medals, five Army Achievement Medals, two Army Good Conduct Medals, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon and the Parachutist badge. Dickinson is survived by his wife, Glorygrace of Fayetteville, N.C., and children, Genesis, Juan, Jennifer, Angel and Abigail. He is also survived by his mother, Vicki Dickinson, of Battle Creek ,  Mich. -usasoc- Staff Sgt. Michael Anthony Dickinson, 26, was a psychological operations specialist assigned to 9th Psychological Operations Battalion, 4th Psychological Operations Group, here. He deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in December 2005.