Moatengators; remember Venado DZ?
I know there are some old Moatengators out there from A Co. (ABN) 3/5th Infantry and later from the 508th PIR who were stationed at Fort Kobbe in Panama and became intimate with navigating through Venado DZ’s twelve foot elephant grass at the end of the Howard AFB air strip.
Some pictures I lifted of Venado from someone’s webpage;
Well, I went out there yesterday to reminisce about the old days. Here’s what the leading edge of the DZ looks like now;
It’s kind of a strip mall of tourist stores with a few bars (yeah!) mixed in. The place we went to eat had great chuletta (pork chops) .
For those of you that don’t know the stories about Venado DZ, I’ll fill you in. The aircraft would approach from the south (over the Pacific) and the light would go green as the plane crossed over the beach. Inevitably, the first jumper would end up in the ocean. Since the Bay of Panama is reputed to have about 1000 sharks per square mile, there’d be a rescue team in the ocean in a row boat (usually dirty, nasty legs from one of the other companies) who would take their sweet time rowing the boat over to the panicky jumper. If a shark did show up, they could use the oars to drive him away. You think I’m joking, right? It was so common for us to land in the ocean, we practiced Huey jumps into Gatun Lake (super-Hollywood; PT shorts and T-shirts and jungle boots and no equipment). That way we’d be able to practice not drowning without the added feature of shark attacks.
We’re talking about an airborne company that used to jump with their mascot – a live Panamanian crocodile (cayman) wrapped in a mattress cover and strapped in under the reserve parachute of a volunteer NCO. We had a gator pit (built with “volunteer labor” from the extra duty personnel) alongside the company’s barracks that was home three caymans when I was there.
The patch in the picture at the top of this post was worn on the left pocket of our jungle OD’s.
February 2nd, 2009 at 2:19 pm
Sounds like a croc to me…
February 2nd, 2009 at 9:56 pm
Hey! That patch is BETTER than the Banana Boat (Jungle Expert Badge) patch! I’m envious!
February 2nd, 2009 at 11:51 pm
They renamed Dublois-Coates DZ after the 89 invasion. I flew Hueys there 93-94. What a blast.
February 3rd, 2009 at 7:57 am
Jonn,
Airborne, huh? You guys might’ve been some of the ones that my Navy guys got into a couple fights with at the enlisted club back at Howard back in ’79…
Small world, eh?
WE flew into Howard within hours of the Sandanistas rising up and stayed there for a few weeks. Good times. Interesting missions.
Respects,
Jonn wrote: They were probably tired of getting into fights with the airmenand decided some seafarers might be a change. I didn’t hang out much at the on-base clubs, my distractions were in downtown PC.
March 14th, 2009 at 12:54 am
Hey fellow bar jumpers I was in Panama from 1983 through 1986 and would like to set up a moetengator weekend with some old troopers where ever just get in touch with me and we will set it up…. if needed contact me at 409 550-2510
David Crawford
March 19th, 2009 at 2:30 pm
I was a Moatengator from 86-89. Lots of landings on Venado. Retired after 20yrs Infantry in 06. Lots of fond memories from Panama.
March 27th, 2009 at 11:25 am
Got my moatengator patch in 74. On arrival at Co A my First Sgt asked if I was married. I said no. He said you will be before you leave Panama. To my amazment I never had to have a penicillan shot!
April 17th, 2009 at 6:22 pm
Motengator from ’71- ’72 time frame. Assigned to A Co and attached to 4.2″ Mtr Plt in CSC. Loved Venado DZ. Cut trails through the elephant grass for ATT’s. Inspected the “shark nets” at Kobbe Beach while scuba diving. Thanks for the memories…
Jonn wrote: Kobbe Beach is an exclusive resort hotel now. They wouldn’t let me through the gate – like I was hooch or something.
April 18th, 2009 at 1:26 pm
I was a moatengator from 78-80. Had a lot of jumps and fond memories of that place. Great times! Crash Craddock.
April 23rd, 2009 at 2:18 pm
Bandido here. 1985/86 2/187th Airborne Rakkasans – Nice to see a page about Kobbe – even if it was from the “original” Aiborne.
May 8th, 2009 at 12:47 pm
12/68- 7/69
Night jumps Rio Hato DZ how about the wiseguy Platoon second Co. A Airborne 3/5 airborne infantry.39jumps including 5 from C-47.Vargus. Esparza, Casanova Richard M, Seigal Sgt Peron, Sgt Williams
May 12th, 2009 at 6:59 am
Where are all the Gators from June 1977-June 1979? I have only found Vincent Ochoa. He was an E-5. 2nd plt, 2nd sqd leader. Capt Kenneally was the CO & 1st sgt Turner was top. I was in 2nd plt, 2nd sqd. I ran with Mike Cloutier, Santana, Brace, Springman, Lane, West, Roybal, Jancowski, Nichols. I have not been able to find anybody else from that time period. Is there anyone out there from that time period? If so, please get in touch with me.
Jonn wrote: I was in 1st Platoon with SFC Martin during part of that period. But you got there after we finally moved in to the air conditioned barracks – you’re a newbie who didn’t get to enjoy the screened-in splendor of the old barracks.
June 1st, 2009 at 4:34 pm
Moatengator from November 1974 to September 1976. Have many great memories from that DZ and the water jumps over at Gatun Lake. I also have many pictures from those two years. Would like to hear from people there at the same time. Airborne!!
August 11th, 2009 at 5:16 pm
Great memories of my time as a “Moatengator” thanks for bringing them back!!
August 15th, 2009 at 12:59 am
Good memories… Ft Kobbe, Town, The Golden Key, The Silver House, The Ovalo, Hotel Ideal, The Ancon Inn… and all the places that shall not be mentioned. Best diving, fishing, and (on ocassion) surfing with best bunch of guys I ever met.
My time at A 3/5 as a Moatengator is still the best memory of my life.
August 17th, 2009 at 6:37 pm
I’d be afraid to jump a cayman in that configuration-what if he gets loose and starts chewing on your nuts in midair?
August 20th, 2009 at 1:44 pm
I was a moatengator from Nov ’76 thru Nov ’78, CPT Kennealy was the CO, 1st SGT Turner, I was in the mortar platoon with 1st LT Mercer and SFC Dudley. Other mortar platoon members were Mike Kenney, Eddy Byrd, and John Corson. Brings back some memories I would like to catch up on what is happening with my fellow soldiers from my platoon.
August 21st, 2009 at 8:31 am
Arrived Ft Kobbe december 1968 left fort Kobbe July 1970. We were privileged to jump the C-47. Liked Rio Hato. Today its Resort sorry to say. My opinion and observation from my recent trip to Panama is US Invasion screwed them up. No more PDF. Panama is run by business men. Panama city Luxury apartments galore with no 0ne living in them. No one can afford to. fronts for the drug cartels. Plastic Garbage is all over the Panamian Landscape. It was so beautiful 41 years ago. Now they have good ole American litter.
Remember the Soccer war of 1969? well A co. Airborne was ready to Jump in and stop it got as far as the C-130s on Howard AFB. That was the last straw for El Salvador and Hondorous we would of messed them up.
Omar Torrijos please return save Panama from exploitation.
Venado Drop Zone 10 men in 10 seconds out the Door.
August 27th, 2009 at 8:15 am
Wow …84 ~ 86 Nex Superne !! what memories !! went through 7th SFgroup airborne school on Sherman while there (got the iron mike), Air Asault, Pana-Ungla (misspelled Im sure)of course Jungle expert (several times .. Green Hell !!), did the march from coast to coast (think I still have blisters) !! Was with both Bravo Co and Charlie Co, but remember the caman jumping with A-Co 1st Sgt Rock.
Bar jumping, Ancon down range (keep under beret !) some of the best times, and best buddy’s ! Still do some sport jumping but nothing compares !!
Marshall Hoskins
September 4th, 2009 at 2:05 pm
Hey Moatengators!!
was at Ft. Kobbe from 76 to 78 – great times! remember Venado well – couldn’t see anything in rainy season and hard as hell in dry season.
September 15th, 2009 at 11:38 pm
i was one of those dirty legs from c co that was tasked to pick up guys from the water remeber that p.rican guy that hanged himself in that tree i never forget that funeral and the boots in the church had a wild time in panama loved that jungle
September 16th, 2009 at 11:31 am
Hey, Golon, I served with ya’ 78-82 Gatorade Platoon. Sfc Dudley, old goat Corson, sick-pup Berry, Bryd,etc. Best mortar plt. shoot-off champs, grenade incident dayroom A co. Nicarqua Alert ’79, Jonestown Guyana,(drew up the Gatorade t-shirt) Jumpmaster schol at Ft.Sherman CZ by ODA 7th SFG. Remember posters “re-elect Carter Best Pres. Panama ever had” ha, wild,wild west times. Beautiful jungles,Venado DZ, SSG R. got arm cut-off during jump, that young FNG LDS got hung up in the trees, was Assist. Jumpmaster on that one too. Lots of great memories, some sad of course, went to 82nd 2/504 PIR comm sgt,airmovement ops, 81mm squad ldr.in C co.,selected by 82nd CSM for Blackhat duty at “cook and bakers school” ha 4STB,Tower branch,then 1/507PIR, sore feet and shoulders attempt but completed the mission,ha. (heat cas.)sand babies,ammo-boxes haul. then off to 75th Lewis 2d Batt.,2ACR,blew my hamstring out, wnt back to the Medicine manonthe Navajo-Hopi Indian Reservation,got healed,blew the pre-surgery staff away. Clean bill of health okayed to re-up. Down to 4RTB desert phase McGregorer Range Ft. Bliss,Tx. Retired Mar.94 Currently here at Tacoma Wa. Laters Gators!
September 29th, 2009 at 9:06 pm
I’d like to get in contact with bruce blaydes. He posted a response on September 15. Email me at daniel.loomis @ gmail.com . I was deployed, from Planet Ord, in ’89 and lived in the building next door to the Moatengators. Back then I think they had two gators and a couple of turtles in the cage. Later on, ’91-’93 I got stationed across the field/corral with the 228th Avn. Prior to my time at Planet Ord, I was in Bavaria with a SP4 Blaydes. He always steered me right.
October 1st, 2009 at 10:22 am
Was there 81-82, Capt Teston then Capt Tokarz, Lt Mohulland was XO (subsequently head of 5th SF in Afganistan). 1st Platoon Medic, loved Venado hated the swamp. Hoping to catch up with anyone from the 81-82 days
October 20th, 2009 at 3:18 am
I was a Rigger for the Moatengators from November of ’77 until November ’79. First jump at Venado was a night jump. Couldn’t believe how much further I dropped after hitting the top on the elephant grass.. Collection point is on the beach? Which way was that? 17 years old when I got to Panama and fell in love at the Ancon Inn several times. Never married one, thank goodness. We always wondered if the Airborne grunts ever realized how freaking high we were while packing parachutes. Never a malfunction, tho… One nice thing about being a rigger is you can’t pack chutes in the field, and when the 3/5th went camping in the jungle for weeks on end, the riggers only job was to raise the flag at HQ in the morning and take it down at night… Love the water jumps into Lake Gatun. Just about a week before I left a duece and a half full of troop went of the Bridge of the Americas. I’ll make it back down there someday.
October 20th, 2009 at 9:55 am
Not a Moatengator, but knew one of your alumnus from my 82nd days. Anyone recall a British-Chinese fellow last named Chung? I think he’s a cop in Texas, now.
Did the Jungle Warfare school before it closed. Freaky how the monkeys would howl at the start of a rain storm.
October 27th, 2009 at 9:31 pm
I was a Moatengator from 79-82. Reading these posts brings back some good memories. I see a few names I recognize. How’s it going Les, Crash and Matt. Anyone know anything about Gary Doody or George Metzler?
November 6th, 2009 at 4:17 am
81-83, 87-89. Not as good the second time around but was a blast with the single Airborne Company. RLTW! Harold
November 7th, 2009 at 12:24 am
I was there from 84-86. Watched Lt. Pham waterland right there.
Looking for a medic named Chris Black. Anybody seen him?
November 16th, 2009 at 4:30 am
Its good to see CPT Keneally remembered here.
If you’re ever around Salt Lake City, recommend you stop by the Antelope Island memorial which includes John T Keneally. He took command of A(ABN) 3/5 INF around Oct 1977 and was killed while commanding the 3d Ranger BN.
http://www.ranger.org/html/antelope_island.html
There is a neat picture online someplace of him leading A Company on the last 4th of July parade thru the Canal Zone in 1978…probably one of the Panama Canal Reviews…
November 20th, 2009 at 6:58 am
Looking for Richard M Cassanova of San Antonio Texas PFC Co. A Airborne December 1968-1970′s left for homebase before me. Great Guy lots of good times. Even though I’m a gringo always enjoyed the Mexican Guys.. We were the 2nd Platton of A Co. The Wise Guy Platoon. Remember the time you Maywested and got knocked out? Howling in the barracks to your music and crying for your family and man could you sleep..we were on the machine gun together for awhile and sleep close in the fort me you and Seigal.
November 20th, 2009 at 12:11 pm
I was with Aco 3/5 Airborne 83-86 with 1SG Rock CPT Morehouse.
I remember pan-jungla like it was yesterday, Panamanian jump school, two trips humping from Jotc to Kobbie, and all the jungle time. Best tour I had in 20 years of service.
November 28th, 2009 at 5:59 pm
A Co (Motengator) then C Co (Charlie Rock) 90-94
We did jump the gator, but we didn’t have her strapped to anyone. She was rigged with her own reserve chute and kicked out the door just like the cherries.
The best times that I had in the military was with the 508th and the best friends that I ever made was with them.
November 28th, 2009 at 6:00 pm
I forgot to say that I loved Panama so much that I married a Zonie.
December 27th, 2009 at 12:00 am
First of all, I want to thank all the old and new Motengators that have taken the time to write something on this site. I found this site by accident and let me tell you all that I remember the lot of you. My name is Johnny Tate- (the hootch) was my nickname while I was a Motengator from 1977 to 1982. I was the Zonian that was in 2nd PLt. SSG Butcher was my squad leader. I sure miss the water jumps at Gatun Lake (ski docks)on the Atlantic side and the Istmus crossing to Gatun train station that 2nd plt. won, and what about the pt runs to Veracrus Beach led by Cpt Keneally (RIP)leading the way singing the Gators Want Some Meat song. I’m a 1st grade teacher down here in Panama. I retired a SFC in 1997. Please call (507) 264-8889 any Motengator welcome !!!
January 1st, 2010 at 11:02 pm
hey guys nice to see soom motengaters out there remember you well i was with 3/5csc motorSGT and then headquaters 2/187th motorSGT 82-86 i remember 1sg rock ,jungle school,venado drop zone OVALO,met a lot of good people seen them come and go we had boston whaler’s then not row boat’s looking forward to hearing from some of you bill,les,bobby,jim antion
January 8th, 2010 at 3:54 pm
Moatengator from March ’85 thru ETS Nov ’86. GREAT times. Worked hard & played harder. 3 trips to Honduras – Tiger Island. Remember Taboga Island & the ferry? GREAT times. Ovalo & Ancon Inn – need I say more?
January 8th, 2010 at 3:56 pm
I am #37 above……………….
January 12th, 2010 at 8:08 pm
Gator from 82-84…..Best assignment ever. Some of the best soldiers in the world served in A co.
Site owner would you mind sending me a jpg of the gator patch at the top? Thanks.
January 16th, 2010 at 12:59 am
Great times for me also. Only bad thing was my first wife left me. HHC 2/187th to C Co. 1/508th. My last great commander was Capt Anderson. I believe he is a B.G. now. Closest friends Sgt Blodget, Sgt Summers, SSg Sherman. Went thru 3/7th SF Jump Master School Ft Sherman. SSG Holt and Sgt Hodges were in C Co. with me. Does anyone have pictures of 84-87?
January 18th, 2010 at 9:51 am
Gator 76-79. I was an FO in the WPNS PLT and had a blast. Was actually talking with a “baby gator” (that’s a post 90s gator) a few weeks back, and he was telling me that they were told that jumping the gators was a legend only. Let me tell you – we JUMPED our gators. Had three of them, CSM Gator, SGT Gator, and CPL Gator. All three had personnel files maintained by the Orderly Room, complete with DA-1307 Jump Records. We had to stop after being caught by the CG of MAC, but before that those gators jumped darn near every month.
I’m a bit of Challenge Coin collector. Any idea where I can get hold of one of the Moatengator Coins? We did not have them while I was there.
January 22nd, 2010 at 12:01 pm
I WAS A MOATENGATOR IN 86. GREAT MEMORIES. JUMPED IN OPERATION RIO HATO 86.WHO REMEMBERS EATING AT CASCADAS? THE GIRLS AT COSTA BRAVA? LA GRUTA AZUL?
January 28th, 2010 at 11:44 pm
A gator from Feb ’83 to Jun ’86. Worked the Arms Room ’84 to PCS in ’86. Anyone still have their coin, keep in next to my Ranger coin. Coin check!
Still remember 1SG Rock vividly especially when he personified the comic book image on Bn field day – stogie and all. Roomed with Ed “the sponge” Dunn and Jimmy Costa – Mr. P-town himself – trying to catch up with them. Did a 30 day stint on the Radio relay station in Honduras (it wasn’t as nice a place as Tiger Island)… I do tell folks that it was the place I was professionally trained to “stir it up” if you know what I mean! I was part of the contingent (58 of us) that cross-trained with the Equadorian Special Forces (my favorite jump wings still) although their jumping (maybe I should say Rigging) techniques scared the bejesus out of me! I didn’t know how good I had it on Kobbe – until the sent me to Ft. Bragg.
Have a good one gents!
Eric Melillo
February 12th, 2010 at 8:52 pm
Was a Moatengator from Dec 1983-Aug 1985. 3rd Platoon with SFC Oliver (Swally Hugnuts) Good old days with Villafonia, Helmic,(Dry Cod) Pickens, Wild Bill Cardenas, Skelton, Shipley, Cofresi, Herman, McCallum, Dell, Gound, McGee, Warren (War Dog), Bobby Pass, Sparks, Gilreath, McCurdy, and so many others. Yea, that was my CS Grenade that went off in the barracks, oops. Escuala De Paracadismo and Pana Jungla at Ft Cimmaron. Down Range at the Ovalo, remember Oscar the bouncer? 1SG Jerry Larue Rock leading Company PT, running radar hill. Good old days.
February 14th, 2010 at 2:45 pm
WHILE Seems like forever ago. I was the BN Supply Sgt and the the Charlie Company Supply Sgt. Also Charlie Co. Hq’s Plt Sgt. Panama from 84 -87 Great times. Seen a lot of good people come and go with the Regimental system being put into affect. Any of my old friends out there????
March 1st, 2010 at 7:10 pm
1981-84 2nd plt Good times, everyday was an adventure. loved the jumps and kicking the shit out of the jarhead’s when they attempted to party in our bar. laughed my ass off when Cherry’s hooked up with “quakos” on 4th of July av by accident and hated the insects. Still remember the nasty taste of Cervesa Panama and Seco Rum. How about working charge of quarters on pay day and fireman carrying your drunk ass airborne brothers up 4 flights of steps. Anyone up for a game of Warball?
March 3rd, 2010 at 10:38 pm
Ft Kobbe was the best duty in the military still remember JOTC and green hell . served in 1983-85 but wasnt airborne was with B brty 22nd fa. Artillery baby REDLEGS
March 5th, 2010 at 2:03 pm
Ft. Kobbe 536th Eng ’85-’88, greatest times of my life with the best people ever. “PANA JUNGLA” !!!!!!!
March 9th, 2010 at 5:51 am
Harold Massengale, 81-83 3rd PLT; 87-89 2d PLT. MATT MYERS,
What’s up Doc? We served at the Ovalo and A Company (ABN)3/5. That’s me #28 below you, Sgt Harold Massengale.You were going for your MBA at Michigan State last we spoke. I think I was the PSG of the Ft Rucker,Pathfinders at the time. Give me a call my Quako brother @765.524.8960.I’m retired, living in Indy.#2-91 Ranger school.Made it, retired 2001.Sad News,The Legend CSM Rock passed from cancer last Tue Mar 2d. I’m in contact with the family so if anybody wants something passed on,e-mail me @hmass@comcast.net, this is therapy to the family;I was in touch towards the end-greatest man I ever met!
March 9th, 2010 at 6:00 am
Harold Massengale 81-83;87-89 Legend CSM Rock passed last Tue,MAR 2d,2010 from cancer. DOC MYERS get in touch. Anyone who has a 1SG Rock anecdote for the family contact me at hmass@comcast.net as I’m in touch with the family; it’s therapy to them;I was in contact towards the end; Greatest Gator Ever;Even if you dont and from that era, e-mail me. DOC, don’t make me come looking for you, either.
March 11th, 2010 at 1:28 pm
Moatengator from 1970-1971 “Old Moat Johnson” was our first Sgt. and Harley Treat “Trick or Treat” was our C.O.
March 11th, 2010 at 11:55 pm
Hey Doc Meyers. I have some incriminating pics of you drinking at the Ovalo with Ssgt Hlinak and me. Very few people know it was your infamous moccassin that I was the first to drink from on a dare. Email me at mj.stein@yahoo.com and I’ll send you the pics. I even have a couple of you bandaging Hlinak’s hand in the field. We were dressed as aggressors with the Gator patch on our shoulders.
March 12th, 2010 at 1:23 am
A Co. 1/508th private Steinhauer permission to enter SIR HUA?! I have a picture I took of another soldier jumping into Gatun Lake in my living room here in Wyoming! One thing for sure, the best Duty Station even better than Ft. Lewis Washington! And yes you guys were the adventerous type! I was there from Jan 91- Jan 93. I remember vividly doing a night jump with the grass burned the day before and as my parachute deployed and I slowly dropped below the mountain as the Panama City lights dissapeard, what a great memory!
And no, I would not do it again!!!!
March 14th, 2010 at 12:34 am
I was a Moatengator from the summer ’86 to ’88, and am in contact with the websites owner and several other moatengators. I remember Czarske,he was short when i arrived in panama, some of the other names on this page are also familiar, always loved going down range, bar jumps, monkey meat, the pier, check me out on facebook i am in contact with several former members of A CO. good times campers
March 14th, 2010 at 1:01 am
I’m a proud Gator and I would like to send an open invite for all former Moatengators to get together this year at my house for a weekend cookout and reunion on June 11th to 13th. I live in Baltimore (30 minutes from DC) and 5 minutes from the airport. Send me a friend invite on facebook and I will send you the details. We have recently recovered the secret recipe for the “Airborne Punch” and will once again recreate this concoction in memory of our glory days at Ft. Kobbe.
March 19th, 2010 at 8:31 am
I’m sorry to hear CSM Rock passed away. I was with him in Panama when he was a 1SG and again when he was CSM at the Academy at 101st. He ran into me and got me the job as a BNCOC instructor. I e-mailed him through face book and was not aware he was sick. What a loss, I looked up to him and tried to emulate him when I became a 1SG.
What a true loss.
March 19th, 2010 at 7:47 pm
SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT CSM ROCK MY HEART GOES OUT TO HIS FAMILY AND ALL THE MOATENGATORS WHO SERVED UNDER HIM.I SERVED IN PANAMA 83-87 AND REMEMBER HIM WELL A TRUE SOLDIER.J BRADSHAW
March 23rd, 2010 at 9:10 pm
I admired CSM Rock, loved hitting him low in Combat Soccer games, and cracking a smile when ever he was trying to be serious in front of the rest of the company (I became much better at push-ups). I respected his leadership and I’m sorry that I will never get to pay him back for all the $2.50 haircuts he paid for because I said I was to broke to get one. We were all better soldiers under his command. 2 platoon 2nd squad Aco 81-84
March 29th, 2010 at 10:48 pm
Seco; Coke and legal prostitution God I miss that place. The greatest soldiers in the world were at A company
March 29th, 2010 at 10:51 pm
Seco Coke and legal prostitution;The greatest soldiers in the world were at A company. Still remember the boys sweaten rum runnen up radar hill. 80 to 82
April 12th, 2010 at 1:54 am
I was a Moatengator from March 84 through September 86. God Bless CSM Rock; aka 1st Sgt Rock when I served under him. I still remember when I first arrived to building 805 along with some other new arrivals from the replacement center in Clayton. I remember 1st Sgt Rock asking Eric Melillo to repeat his name. 1st Sgt Rock’s response, “Humm,Melillo,,,Sounds like a studder” (in his classic, stern, professional,matter of fact voice & demeanor. Hope you’re doing well Eric! Mike Sherbyn, its been a few years since I last corresponded with you. Hope you’re also doing well. Any other Moatengators from my era that remembers me, please feel free to contact me. I have a Facebook page my wife set up for me, which she checks for me (I rarely look in it). Moatengator Rahh!!!
April 12th, 2010 at 1:56 am
That my previous comment. I am Jess Ojeda from California.
Moatengator Rahh! and Airborne All the Way!!
April 25th, 2010 at 6:03 pm
C Co 2nd 187th from 1/86 to 8/87. I remember Sgt Creekbaum (he posted earlier) as our supply guy. Cpt Anderson was our CO. 2 tours on Tiger Island. I loved running radar hill. Ft. Kobbe was my only duty post other than training as Benning, as I just had a 2-year enlistment. I would love to go back and see how Kobbe and Tiger Island look now.
April 28th, 2010 at 8:20 pm
A-Co. 1/508th HHC Platoon Mortars here. 1990-92. I have alot of memories of Venado/Dublois-Coates DZ. La Gruta Azul? anyone…anyone….La Cascada, guard duty on Ancon Hill, “Fun” runs to Kobbe Beach, Carlos the boot guy, the Blue Babalu, “empanadas….beef, cheese, chicken (Coatamundi?)”, Our Place, Bacchus night club, Jimmy the Hooch, trading MRE’s for GIANT plates of rice and iguana on Davis side during OPFOR for JOTC, That GIANT a$$ Croc in the Zoo, catching the cayman after they broke out of the ammo crates we jumped them in. Sgt. Brosowski almost got a chunk taken out of his leg trying to tape up the Cayman’s mouth. Good times…..
May 19th, 2010 at 4:16 pm
any one heard from abraham tabar a four star general by now have him e-mail me at ritablaydes@yahoo.com that guy loved the miltary more than my little brother who was a marine and army
June 22nd, 2010 at 1:34 pm
Well just to add a little more hell to the situation. It seems that the DZ and runway area and the beaches were sprayed with agent orange
July 25th, 2010 at 8:37 pm
Beautiful site-taught Jungle School 8th SFG 1965-1966. Need to know where your riggers were and size Platoon, Det, Section? Doing an OrBat for Rigger Units of all branches of the services no matter how small. Were your riggers in the Airborne Units 508th. 187th, A/3/5th or in the Service & Support Battalion of the 193d Infantry Brigade? Historians dropped the ball in Panama and the 172d in Alaska. Very poor records but a lot of unit changes. Let me hear from yoiu.
My POC Email is williamramsdell@q.com
Wild Bill USSF Retired
July 28th, 2010 at 8:16 am
I was a moatengator 76-78, 2nd plt loved jumping, remember a lot of the soldiers from then, got in touch with sgt. ochoa years back. i married the bn. chaplain’s daughter before leaving panama, still marriedover 31 years. my son is a 1st lt. in irag in the army. remember a lot of good times in panama.
July 30th, 2010 at 3:11 pm
I was a squad leader in Charlie company from 85 – 87. J-street, Anconn Inn, Ovalo, monkey meat, radar hill, kobbe beach, hondo, tiger island. Best damned unit I ever served in!
August 11th, 2010 at 10:41 am
2/187 from 5/85-12/86 hhc Motor pool, anyone seen les frey, jackie elkins. great times (what I remember).. drop me a line mur325(at)yahoo(dot)com
August 17th, 2010 at 9:16 pm
I was a gator from july ’83 till june ’85 in 2nd plt, wpns sqd. ssg skjefte was sqd ldr, sfc sanchez was psg, then sfc paulino took over. hey kernan, u remember dropping me for being disrespectful to a “senior” sp4??? lol. gotta love the night jumps on venado. all u gators ck out the “moatengators” site on fb. lots of photos. my fb site is “ed dennis” if anyone wants to hit me up-anyone remember the night jump on gatun dz when paulino was jm and he fell out of the c-130 and landed in gatun lake???
September 3rd, 2010 at 6:36 pm
I was with A Co 3/5 Inf from 76 to 78 and also with CSC 3/5 Inf Recons. Best part of my life is being stationed there at FT Kobbe.
September 3rd, 2010 at 6:39 pm
Moatengator from 76 to 78 and CSC Recon 79
September 12th, 2010 at 10:22 am
HOLA ! COMO ESTAS ? Moatengators, Glad to find the site and know the legend lives on! Condolence to CSM Rock, Glad to see Cash Craddock, Matt & Harold are still on the manifest. I Broke Bush with you guys back in the good old Days, late 70′s and return in 1985. Panama and the Montegator experience was the highlight of all my assignments. Missing all the good friends made in gator land.
September 15th, 2010 at 12:20 am
Just found out that Joe Lamb (81 to 84 2ND Plt. Moatengator)passed last year. One of the Good ole Boys from Odessa Texas. Good Dude
September 17th, 2010 at 2:47 pm
Sorry to hear about Joe Lamb, I remember him when I got to A co 3/5, he was one of the old timers when I arrived. I’m sure he is taking a knee right now along side of 1SG Rock facing out with all the other true American Airborne soldiers still protecting this county.
October 13th, 2010 at 9:35 pm
This is for SGT.Creekbaum, I served with you in Charlie Company. I actually stayed at your place for a while. Didnt know if you would remember me or not. I dated a beautiful Panamanian girl that I think was a relative of your wife. I left Panama in 88 physically but it never got out of my system. I hope to retire there or near by soon. Just 10 more years to go. As many have stated it was the greatest part of my life.
October 22nd, 2010 at 6:19 pm
I served during the years of 77-79. Sorry, to here that CPT J.T. Keneally, was killed. He was a cool company commander. And 1SGT. Turner. I was with 1st Platoon. I Had posted photos on MSN’s website. But they, took it down. I hate to hear all this right-wing talk. LIBERAL and PROUD. They serve their country to. Live long, live strong, Moatengators.
October 22nd, 2010 at 6:28 pm
I’M “C”…………Aco.3/5th (Abn)Inf. Moatengators..77-79.
November 6th, 2010 at 10:35 pm
met up with doc harris (moatengator medic) in los angeles. hasnt changed much in 25 yrs. MOATENGATOR RAH!!!
November 7th, 2010 at 12:43 am
Hello John Tate and Doc Myers ,How are you guys doing ? I was in Hq plt worked in commo with Robert Young and was Tokars rto . Drop me aline would like to hear from you guys ! Tony Dean
November 7th, 2010 at 1:39 am
Motengator Medic (83-86)
2nd Platoon and Weapons Platoon
Moatengators Raah!!!
November 10th, 2010 at 11:33 am
I was a Motengator from 1978-80 and 82-85. Masterblaster retired in 1999. I now live in Panama and have property on Lake Gatun. Fishing for Peacock bass is still great like it used to be. Check out my land in some pics. Motengators and legs too (LOL) are welcome! http://dansplacecampoalegre.sports.officelive.com
November 10th, 2010 at 11:58 am
I was there from 78-80 and 82-85 3 platoon and the Armour for a while. Yes we jumped the Gators. Still remember when someone was following the lowering line through the elephant grass when one grabed his pant leg and ripped it to shreds. Lucky it missed the meat LOL. Tape came off it’s mouth. The Gators didn’t really like to be jumped. Retired and living in Panama now. Got some land on lake Gatun. Johnny Tate I saw your message and will call you. my e-mail is Daniel_Herman@Live.com Hoooah
November 10th, 2010 at 12:30 pm
Any one know where Terry Akuna, Pete Miller, Dean Kock, Ed Beardon or any of the 3 PLT guys from 78-80 Motengators are at? My e-mail is above in 83.
November 11th, 2010 at 11:41 am
I was in A.Co mortars ( ssgt Kruegers boys) from 89-91. Being a moatengator and being out there in Panama was the best memory of my time in the army. I have never had friends like I had when I was down there, unfortunately I lost one of them on a jump, Timothy uderitz was my my roommate and probably the only one that Realy understood. Me because we Were both from
m “Cali”.I Really miss him. And who could forget my other partner in crime, Peter Ungarino! When I first meet him he Really was loud and a real trip but I’m proud to call him my friend. The shit I seen and did out there will be with me till the day I die! I just wish I was contact with the others in my platoon. TAFOYA, CREASY, STIENHAUR,GUY,CLARK,SAMENIEGO,DELGADO,SADANG,VAUGHN,HUMPHRIES,PERRY AND GOOD SSGT KRIUGER. Why can’t they have good fun places to go to out here in SO.CAL LIKE……CENTRAL SPA, THE ANCON INN, THE PHOENIX CLUB, THE BLUE GOOSE, THE OVOLO
November 20th, 2010 at 8:03 pm
I was there in the early 80′s with Eric Melillo and Ed Dunn. I served under 1st Sgt Rock. A true soldier and leader.
November 22nd, 2010 at 12:28 am
Dan Herman – my first Squad Leader in Panama, 3rd Plt, A/2-187th… later in 3/504 together at Bragg… Eric Melillo, I filled in for you as company clerk when you were on leave after your arm got ripped up in the static line… Shmegal! Mike Sherbyn – Hey buddy! You still got my pellet rifle from when you ETS’d from Bragg outa the trailer park over near Bragg Blvd??? LOL And Jess Ojeda, see ya on facebook. Ed Dennis, we gotta get hooked up on FB too… Dave McKee (Squirrel) and Scott Gilreath (Junior) are on FB, too, as is another old roomate, Mark Schwartz, and many others from that time… Costa, howdy!
My prayers go out to the late 1SG (CSM) Rock… what a great man he was.
Airborne all the way! Moatengator Raahh!
November 22nd, 2010 at 3:06 pm
hey shout out to all gators 81 83 Taddeo 3rd plt /hqs tony dean h massengale whitfeid stein doc myersdoc womack johhny tategive a shout out 603 817-5175 gator out
December 1st, 2010 at 8:04 pm
We Have a Moatengator Page on FB:
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=139555732747221&ref=ts
and a Petition to Get Central American Vets some Recognition:
http://www.petitiononline.com/CAVETS/petition.html
Also check out my book. I write about my Moatengator years in it!
http://www.mivida2010.com
I can be reached at neuro25@msn.com or at 714-472-8365
Maotengators Raah!!
A Co Medic 83-86
December 9th, 2010 at 12:02 pm
Howdy Guys, Its Rob Nye ,Im still above ground in So Cal.I was A co 81-82.I took Russ Hanneys body home after he passed away on Venado.Sorry to hear about Rock and Lamb.I no longer door exit off the top of bars,LOL! If any one remembers me get in touch.
December 9th, 2010 at 1:37 pm
I found this website looking for something else, I was a Moatengator from May 1979 to May 1980, left as a SGT and was in the first platoon the whole time. I retired from the Army as a CW4 aviator in 2000 and am in Huntsville, AL. If you remember our medic, Doc Ambro, he also went to flight school and is a retired warrant officer. Look me up on facebook t.schaefer@mchsi.com
December 9th, 2010 at 1:42 pm
Bill Atkinson, how are you doing? Been a long time since we hung out together in Panama. Tom Schaefer
December 9th, 2010 at 1:44 pm
Craddock!!! Write me, t.schaefer@mchsi.com
December 10th, 2010 at 11:12 am
I posted a bunch of pictures in Facebook from 78-80 and 82-85. I have more but it takes time to scan them in. Do a search in Facebook for Motengators I think you can see them.
December 13th, 2010 at 8:00 pm
tburger@austin.rr.com
Motengator from 1972-75 and back to the Jungle School 80-83 and again 85-88. Loved the old Motengator days, worked for the Mad Mex (Roberto Hernandez) I have a home on Taboga now if anyone wants to stop by let me know, you can see Taboga from Kobbe Beach…..Moving back in 3 years.
January 2nd, 2011 at 4:55 pm
Motengator nov 79 to nov 80 then i got pushed to C/Company Commandos with ranger mompalar after a little incident at the golden key involving the marines and 13 tables and 29chairs, to the best of times!
January 29th, 2011 at 1:42 pm
HHC 2/187th Medical Platoon (85-87′) I recall all the good times I spent in Panama. Was a medic for Charlie Co. – Ovalo, Ancon, going surfing with Doc Alderson early on a Saturday morning up the coast. Heard Doc Pearson got hitched there to a Panamanian – Hope he’s doing well. HAven’t heard from Doc “Mad Dog” Martin yet but am still looking. Rob Passons I ran across a few years back but lost track of – I’ll have to see if I can locate his sorry ass again. (LOL) Good to read all of the memories on here. Thanks for a wonderful trip back in time with this!
February 1st, 2011 at 1:59 am
I was with A Co. 3/508th. in 1968 when it became A Co. (ABN) 3/5th. Infantry, 193rd Inf. Bde. (We were the only Airborne Infantry company south of the Rio Grande)
I started in weapons plt. under SFC “Pappy” Sendaldecker, and SSG. JW Clemmons…Company 1st.Sgt.Royce D. Burkett.
I left in Feb. 1971…
To NickHomyak above…Are you the guy who always answered “Nick “R”…when 1st. Sgt. Donald Johnson would call your name in formation?…
Best times I ever had in the Army were in the Panama Canal Zone…
February 3rd, 2011 at 9:28 pm
A 17 year old private in A 3/5. Jumping then Venado DZ. Running PT from Kobbe to Venado Beach and running the platoon into the ocean.
Blew paycheck after paycheck downtown in the pusuit of happiness. Ancon, Ovalo and such. Pizza and Lasagna at Napolies. Wore slant pocket jungle fatigues with a Moatengator patch. Carried an M16A1 back then. Spitting death through 30 round mags on full auto.
Now 52, what a memory!
February 13th, 2011 at 9:33 am
Moatengator from ’73 thru ’77. Actually started out as a Bandidto (there were no slots in A Co). Arrived as a SGT and left as an E6, then on to flight school. I was mainly the Training NCO in HQ Platoon for our CO CPT Harris. Who remembers 1SG IJ Elder? Or when LTC Tuhoy got relieved in the field by BG Richardson? Many great memories. I have many pictures, old jump manifests with names, ranks and SSNs, used Moatengator patches. Would love to get in touch woth old Moatengators from the same time frame.
April 22nd, 2011 at 2:42 pm
Oh crap I just read that 1st Sgt Rock passed away sad news indeed he was a hell of a leader!! I was a Moatengator 83-83 2nd Platoon then HQ running the NBC room.
May 11th, 2011 at 3:57 am
Moatengator from ’89 to’90 A-Co. Best times while in the Army, best jumps, best (most loyal)friends, and best place on earth to be single! Reading all of these stories brought back all the good memories. Jumpin’ the gators, drinking hard, living good. Were else could a could a big ol’ ugly mo-fo (like me)do so well with the ladies… well at a small cost… sometimes a chicken dinner & a beer at the club could do the trick !! Would be good to have a reunion with all of the fine troopers that ever served with the 508th. If any of my airborne brothers in arms would like to communicate, my e-mail address is: wechtenhisersc@owensboro.org
Remember: feet-n-knees together, live hard, play hard, always do your best.
May 15th, 2011 at 6:23 pm
A Co. ABN 76-78 and w/my Dad (Navy) 60-64 (WWII, Korean, Vietnam)Bronze w/Valor.
Best guys ever. I was shocked to hear about Cpt. Keneally, Hell of a leader, wouldn’t let MP’s do any searches.Always trusted his men, wrote a letter for me to bypass 101st and go to 1st Rngr Bn.
Yes the Cayman’s were jumped w/trooper and there were 3. There is a picture of Aco. running in a parade with the gators, I’m in the middle. Anyone got that photo? Mine was stolen long ago.If you look close you will see a big bandage around the finger of the guy to my right….always paid to be alert when you went into the pit.
Great guys like SSG Highsmith, Loren Ramos, Sgt Haws, Sgt. Mcdonald, Sgt Ochoa guys who did make a difference in my life.
AND the guy who sold the Harley I paid for (to someone else) and went back to the world while we were in the field…you out there Drew?
LONG LIVE THE MOATENGATORS! AND THEN SOME.
May 19th, 2011 at 2:33 am
Co. A, 3/5, arrived June 1982
Things I remember
- Monday morning “death runs” in our jungle boots (along the beach, up and down radar hill)
- Combat soccer
- Marathon guard duty – 4h on 8h off for a week. Gouda cheese and crackers!!
- The “Twins” spit shining our jungle boots
- Tossing our stinky ass gear (after a week in the jungle) out the windows to be cleaned
- Formation at the Ancon after duty, Seco Rum, leaving the bar and it was already light outside
- Naked dancers at the Ovalo
- BBQ meat on the street (so f***ing good after a night of drinking beer/rum!!) lol
- Land crabs near the river, Holler monkeys
- Aggressor duty on the Ft. Sherman side, setting up camp inside the “no go” zones and trading rations with the local
- Cleaning the gator pit (extra duty)
- I remember the following names: Sgt Tamm, Sgt “A” Alexander, SFC Blake (a bodybuilder, Mr. Panama I think), Schramm, Lamb (RIP), “Rhino” (can’t recall his real name), Sgt Herman (we were on the competition team, I ran the M60), 1SG Rock (RIP) [FOrgive me if I spelled anyones name incorrectly, it was a long time ago]
- Getting Boston Whaler certified so we could support the jumps at Venado DZ (I have some great pics, will try to get them scanned and posted)
May 19th, 2011 at 3:08 am
I still have the coin, patch, and I think I may still have the t-shirt “Gators want some meat”
Have to say Co. A 3/5are my fondest and strongest memories of my service of and for Uncle Sam.
Has it “really” been almost 30 years??
My God, time does fly.
May 25th, 2011 at 8:37 pm
Jim Costa says…
check it out guys……
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JUTQExmJ2qw
June 1st, 2011 at 7:33 pm
What a time we all had, 82-83 I was sad when i heard about 1SG Rock passing he was a damn fine man one of the best NCO’s I ever served under in uncle sams army. I hope all you brother paratroopers are fairing well. One thing we will always have are the great memories of serving in one of the finest units in the united states army.
June 3rd, 2011 at 8:03 am
Lot of old names – Johnny Tate, Brian Gibbons, Nye, Harry Massengale, Taddeo. Great to hear from all.
June 8th, 2011 at 8:42 pm
Was an A 3/5 1 plt.SFC Weston and Wpns Plt.SSG Green.Co .Cpt Treat(KKK) 1 SGT Johnson and short timer SFC Colon.A great Co.with lots of work ,that helped Me thru my military career.Remember Lt.Ivey (KIA NAM),LT Ingrahm and many more .After 18 months went to C co.due to Me bringing the EOP on Cpt.treat for “False “information.All the SSG came from Bragg and they all had something in common ,Training to be the best.They didnt want my Pltsgt ,Quinones to be top soldier ,but he later became Bde CSM at Div.I retired ,but I will never forget A3/5 .Thats were I became an NCO.Any one from my time???.
June 17th, 2011 at 2:43 pm
Hey fellow Moatengators, it’s been a long time since I made a Bar Jump at the Ovalo but, remeber it well! Just had to shead a tear for 1SG Rock and Ol Joe Lamb, Lamp was my roommate and took me under his wing. I humped the 90mm RR and the M60. I grew a lot in Panama and Party’d hard too! Almost didn’t leave the county an E-5. remember that nut Cpt. Morehouse? He really went on to be fully certifiable!That Hondo mission was pretty cool and the Pana-Jungla/Jump courses back to back was worse than Ranger Sch. All the best times of my life! Retired 1SG (Aco 2/325th) now living down in Key West, FL.
June 22nd, 2011 at 8:04 pm
Sea, sky or muff..no muff to tough..we dive at 5. Calling all Moatengators. Just talked with Wild Bill Cardenas and he gave me the heads up about this site. Found out through Bill about 1SG Rock’s passing over the phone. Only the good die young. Joe Lamb will be missed. Miss the jungla and the fellowship of all. Initially with second platoon, then to third (1982-84). Living in Hawaii.
June 28th, 2011 at 8:09 pm
Does anyone remember the skull head we found? We called him Fred and when we were thowing C-rats to the kids we would stick the head out and light WD40 and the kids would all freak.
Fred went missing one day…..we think 3rd Plt. kidnapped him but never received a ransom letter.
June 28th, 2011 at 8:11 pm
The twins would never give their “secret” out about how to get jungle boots to look so damn good! I tried the day I rotated back and it was a no go.
June 28th, 2011 at 8:19 pm
last thing…does anyone remember the Puerto Rico jump in I think 77. All of the bases we were thrown off of, the Merchant Marines also threw us out.
Had to hang for a week extra…Almost everyone got scabies because the matresses were from the 50′s and the semi truck we “liberated” and all had 1/2 gallon Don Q Rum.
Noone had any money so the officers got together and obtained a loan from the Credit Union and loaned us a few bucks until we got back.
They just don’t make guys and times like that anymore!
July 2nd, 2011 at 5:00 pm
Heh All I was at Fort Kobbe Canal Zone, Motengators from December 1971 to 1974, Looking to hear from anyone station with the 3of the 5th in that time frame, does not matter what company, had a great time there with all, really like down town, I think I was one of the few that did not marry a local, I’m retired now and live in Arizona, looking forward to hearing from one and all
July 2nd, 2011 at 5:02 pm
I forgot my e-mail address is onetap2000@yahoo.com
July 2nd, 2011 at 5:45 pm
Not a Motengater but do have a few jumps on Venado (now Dubois-Coats)DZ. Isla Bona was the 30 second and the beach was the greenlight. Anyone jump Shark or Blue DZ?
July 10th, 2011 at 1:52 am
Oh yeah Venada DZ!I remember once 2nd platoon my platoon did paddle out with the Zodiacs for training in between “sand flea”missions.I fricken hating to land right past Old Baldy because thats where the Black Palm were.SHIT!Those things go right through you.Kobbe Beach on sundays were always crowded and I hated to put bug juice all over me so I dont become lunch for the sand fleas there.Oh yes brings back some cool memories indeed.I will never forget you guys.
July 25th, 2011 at 6:01 pm
Was in panama, Kobe 83-84-85
518th engineer company that transitioned to 536 Engineer Battalion
Venado
Jungle School as OPFOR
Mahinga swamp, hell I had names for some of the rats out there…
K10D demo range in empire range complex…
mooning soviet “fishing” trawlers in the canal off of Miraflores locks (with 200 antennas) from Huey’s and Blackhawks…
LOL
Raced MX right there by the Swing Bridge to clayton (on the Kobe/Howard side)
Good times
July 27th, 2011 at 10:23 am
Did they still have “Major Obo” as the OPFOR leader in the 80′s?
Played him a couple of times. We always had to take 3 days to find everyone lost, especially the 82nd.
They came with an ego and left snake bit!
July 28th, 2011 at 10:30 pm
Hello Moatengators. I have seen the name “Captain Kennealy” in several of the comments above. As a member of “The Florida Swamp Ranger Association”, supporting the Ranger Instructors of the Florida Portion at Camp Rudder, I have noticed that the chapel at Rudderville is named “Kennealy Chapel”. Would this be the same person?
July 30th, 2011 at 8:43 pm
Any of you latter day Moatengators know Sgt Larry Elders? He is alive and well. Serving as CSM of the 6th RTB at Camp Rudder, Florida. Not sure if he was a “Moatengator”, but he has done a tour down there.
August 3rd, 2011 at 11:49 pm
Frankly Opionated,
Yes, the Chapel at Camp Rudder is named after my father, Col. John T. Keneally who is also the Capt. John Keneally from the Moatengators. He was the commander out at the Ranger Camp from 1988-1990. During that time he had the chapel built so the Ranger students could go to church. He loved his country, his family and God too! He was killed in October of 1992 while in command of 3/75th. Thanks to all who have remembered him on this site. RTLW!
Kate Keneally Manley
August 4th, 2011 at 7:58 am
Thank you Kate. I am so proud to be a member of “The Florida Swamp Ranger Camp”, able to be among America’s heroes, supporting them and their families. I have enjoyed many quiet moments in that chapel, and will continue to do so.
August 15th, 2011 at 8:54 am
Kate,
Your father will always be the best leader I could have hoped for in Aco. 3/5.
HE DEEPLY CARED FOR EVERY SINGLE MAN.
He would borrow money from the Credit Union if we were stranded somewhere, he always made sure we had “walking around money”.
RLTW!
August 15th, 2011 at 4:17 pm
is anyone out there that was at fort kobbe c z from 1966 to 1968 ?
September 4th, 2011 at 11:48 pm
Thanks to Lynn and Frankly Opinionated! There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t miss him. Thanks so much for remembering my Dad, Col. John T. Keneally. You couldn’t possibly know how much it means to me.
September 6th, 2011 at 7:27 pm
Does anyone know Gregory Roy CArter? He passed away in 1997 in NC. Married a black woman and had 2 kids? Thanks
September 8th, 2011 at 9:26 pm
Gators,
Terry Cole here,
I see some of the criminals I use to run with, (81-83)
I do remember Doc Meyers and the drink from the MOC
SSG Hlinck, Pops Vorpahl, Schram, Gallagher, June, Hernandez, Massengale, Ford, Eversol, Cardenas, Tadeo,Blake, Daniels (Funny Cat)Teston/Tokarz LOL, Morehouse was 3rd PLT LDR, Mulholland was XO (USASOC CDR) All the stomping grounds
More than enough time in Group but A 3/5 will be the one.
God Bless Joe Lamb and CSM Rock. I got that one cats lowering line and harness after he hung himself on that jump.
September 24th, 2011 at 8:12 pm
I was at Kobbe from June ’81 to June ’83. I remember everyone. 1st Sgt. Rock. Platoon Sgt. Fulton, (the prick.) Sgt. Cantu. Rangers Elden and West. Mark Hull, Bobby Nye,Eversole. All you crazy bastards. I was on CQ one night and wrote on the chalk board: MONGOLIAN RITEX BARBQUE AT THE AMADOR OFFICERS CLUB FRIDAY NIGHT. And 8 dumb ass brown bars showed up with their wives and dates. Nothin but a San Blas bartender watching Hee Haw in Spanish.
November 12th, 2011 at 7:12 pm
Anyone out there from the Motengators 1972-75, drop me an email at
tburger@austin.rr.com. Worked at the Jungle School 80-82 & 85-88.
Have a place on Taboga Island. If anyone wants to call (512) 784-7133.
Stay in 20 years and always had the best memories of the Motengators.
November 23rd, 2011 at 9:42 pm
Was in 2nd Platoon 81-83 used to run the gauntlet with Brian Gibbons and Joe Lamb RIP my old friend. My e-mail is futbolcoastie@yahoo.com if anyone like to get in touch. Best time I ever had in over 30 years of service was my time as a Motengator. I retired as a Coast Guard Master Chief in 2011.
December 8th, 2011 at 11:33 pm
Served in A company back in 81 to 82 and it sure is good to hear some of the names of my old Airborne brothers. Who could forget that place i sure can’t. Christ I had alot of fun down there
December 14th, 2011 at 6:44 pm
MOATENGATOR FROM ’70-’71 – HARLE TREAT CO AND DONALD “DUKE”
JOHNSON 1ST SGT – WASN’T A BETTER TIME TO BE HAD IN MILITARY!
WOULD LOVE TO HEAR FROM STEVE BENTON, DAVE ROBERTS, AND STEVE
BACH (BATCH) OR ANY OTHER MOATENGATORS FROM THAT TIME PERIOD.
December 14th, 2011 at 8:43 pm
80-82 Hi guys good to hear from everyone, I was recently back in panama, Koby beach is now a 5 star hotel, Panama city is still the same as it was. 508-287-4570 still in was in Ramadi, Iraq 05-06, love to hear from anyone….Hopefully headed to Afghan soon!!!!
December 17th, 2011 at 10:58 pm
May ’68 – June ’70. 1st plt. SFC Robert Dunlap, SSgs Epps, ‘Ranger’Johnson. Others served with: Sgts Sylvester Robinson, Clarence Humphrey, Ronald Carter, Timmons, Alfonso Smith, Steinberg, Ochoa and Eddie Lee Hamilton; John Calloway, Sp4 Goins, Edward Lewis, James Coe. 1sgt Donald “Moat” Johnson, CSM Sousie. Medal of Honor winner Joe Ronald Hooper. Cpt. Phillips (kia- 1969. Loved wake up those “dirty, nasty legs” during PT runs. Would love to here from anyone served during that time. Does any one know where I can get Motengator and Jungle expert patches?
bcncees66@comcast.net
December 17th, 2011 at 10:59 pm
Thought name would have been included. Sgt William Coachman 68-70.
December 18th, 2011 at 9:37 am
A MOTENGATOR STORY FROM LONG AGO IN DAYS OF OLD
IT STARTED AS A USUAL NIGHT WITH THE PARATROOPERS OF A CO. 3/5TH AIRBORNE. THE SECOND PLATOON FROM THAT COMPANY HAD PLANNED A JUMP AND A PARTY AT THE POPULAR WATERINING HOLE, THE OVALO. THE PERSONNEL CONSISTED OF REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE WHOLE COMPANY TO INCLUDE LT DENNIS AND SFC BLAKE; PLATOON LEADER AND PLATOON SEARGENT RESPECTIVELY.
IN A SLIGHT DRIZZLE A FORMATION WAS HELD ACROSS THE STREET FROM THE OVALO. THE TROOPS WERE IN CIVILIAN CLOTHES, BUT NOT EVEN THE AMOUNT OF DRINKS COMSUMED TOOK AWAY THE MILTARY BEARING AND PRIDE THEY EXIBITED. AS SFC BLAKE CALLED OFF THE NAMES THE INDIVIDUALS SOUNDED OFF WITH A LOUD AND THUNDEROUS “AIRBORNE”, OR VARIATIONS THEFROF, OR ANYTHING THAT HAPPEND TO COME TO MIND AT THE TIME. THEY THEN PROCEEDED INSIDE THE BAR FOR THE JUMP.
ANTICIPATION, EXCITMENT, JOY. THESE WERE THE FEELINGS RUNNING THROUGH THE MINDS OF THE THIRTY ODD JUMPERS AS THEY ASCENDED TO THE TOP OF THE BAR AWAITING THEIR TIME HONORED JUMP COMMANDS. MANY HAD DRINKS IN THEIR HANDS, ALL HAD SMILES. THEN THE VOICES OF THE JUMPERS ROSE IN A SIMULTANEOUS ROAR AS THEY CAST THEIR GLANCES TO THE RIGHT. CPL ELDON WAS AT THE TIME MARKING THE DROP ZONE WITH VS 17 PANELS AND A STROBE LIGHT.
THE JUMP COMANDS WERE GIVEN, KNOWN BY ALL MEN AND NEVER TRULY UNDERSTOOD BY THOOSE OF A LESSER BREED. BY THIS TIME OTHER PATRONS OF THE BAR HAD GATHERED AROUND TO GAZE AT THIS AMAZING SPECTACLE; ALTHOUGH AT A RESPECTABLE DISTANCE. THEN CAM THE SOUND OF SFC BLAKE’S VOICE: GO!
PANDEMONIUM ERUPTED, JUMPERS WERE GOING OFF THE BAR AT ONE SECOND INTERVALS. ONLOOKERS GAVE AN OVATION SELDOM HEARD IN THE CIVILIIZED WORLD. THE ALMOST SUBLIMINAL SOUND OF A GLASS BREAKING AS ONE OF THE JUMPERS LET FLY A RUM AND COKE, MISTAKING IT FOR A RUCKSACK IN ALL THE EXCITEMENT. THE LAST JUMPER EXITS AND SFC BLAKE SIGNALS “CLEAR’ HE AND HIS JUMPING SAFETY TAKE THEIR OWN BRIEF PERIOD OF HEAVEN BEFORE THEY HIT THE GROUND.
January 10th, 2012 at 12:08 am
Hey Gators, Como estas?
1/89-5/90
AO J street ( Ancon Inn and Ovalo BarJumps), don’t tell Cpt.Zebrowski >.>’
Venado DZ and Jungla Expert School( ” Hey where’s my Banana Boat you Pogue!!??”)
And all our “Real World” midnight Ops that WE didn’t even know we were going on, but the Hooches did..WTF? So much for OPSEC
Peace Gators and Be Safe!!
January 12th, 2012 at 4:58 pm
Any Charlie Company Commandos from 85 – 87 out there?
January 17th, 2012 at 6:13 pm
I am trying to locate a friend of mine name David Howard or David Kenneth was stationed in Fort Kobbe Canal Zone from 1982 thru 1985 please contact me at tutor43@yahoo.com yacky02_6@hotmail.com
January 18th, 2012 at 8:56 am
There from 78-80, FIST C-Co, HHC, Then CSC, FIST for A 3/5, CPT Teston was my last Co.Commander there at A Co. 3/5. Cpt. Bookout was the HHC CMDR at that time. Remember Cpt. Pelosi have the dogs go through B Co. seems like every Monday morning.
I was you FO for those that remember me. Had a little apt. in Vera Cruz, paid $50 a month for it. Yes I remember many a good days, and the twins that shined our boots. Good Times and yes we were JUNGLE EXPERTS !!! Reverse Cycle Training, heck seems like we never got that one week off, it was always Guard Duty. I have the year book from there.
January 18th, 2012 at 2:29 pm
sgt butcher gator from 75-80
living in panama retire
daniel hoooh give me a call
64083626
February 14th, 2012 at 9:25 pm
Rock on moatengators 90-92 2nd platoon.
Mcartle crew.
February 14th, 2012 at 9:27 pm
Rock on moatengators 90-92 2nd platoon.
Mcartle crew.832 754-6823 Houston
February 14th, 2012 at 9:30 pm
Rock on moatengators! 90-92 2nd platoon.
Mcartle crew.call if you got time
832 754-6823 Houston.GREAT DAYs
February 18th, 2012 at 9:24 pm
What a trip this is. A real blast from the past. There were three of us that graduated from Balboa H.S. that were Moatengators during the late 70′s. Jonny Tate, Mark Pocock, and myself. Talk about having your cake and eating it too. Herman, I was also in the third herd. Greek, Custy, Carrol, Baringer and Gonzo, Sgt. Rodrigez and Sgt.Parker, I’m sure you remember.Also, I’m pretty sure that A.K. is the King of some mountain in Hawaii. Later Gators.
February 23rd, 2012 at 4:22 pm
I was there from 76-78 in the 3rd plt sgt Roberts.Best time long live the moatengators
February 29th, 2012 at 2:16 am
83-85 man those where great times. Pops and Lamb where my roommates when I fist got there. I remember Sgt Fulton. Cole whats up? Have seen you since Bragg. Nye how can I forget you, wild Bill Cardenas, Eversole, Schram,and Gibbons. Was sad to hear the loss of 1sgt Rock and Lamb. I tore his shirt when we where playing combat football. Nephew he said, you owe me a shirt. I was his RTO for a time. Had to clean the gator pit it sucked. Drank from Doc’s Moc.
February 29th, 2012 at 10:33 am
sorry, it was around 2:00 a.m when I posted. I was there from 81-83. Came on the same as Col. Taylor Mr. Tie down. Anyone have Cardenas number? I remember Hull and when he got his arm cut down range. ? How many gators can you get in a Pam. taxi 13, and then the tires blow. Happened to us when we trying to leave post to go downtown.
March 5th, 2012 at 2:03 pm
I was station in the Panama Canal Zone from 1974 to 1977.
First assigned to HHC HQ CMD at Fot Clayton and then to
Company C 4/20 Inf at Fort Clayton.
My buddy(who was like a brother to me was in CSC 4/20).
Who died later.
Too bad that we ran thru the jungle that was sprayed
with Agent Orange.
To bad that Pres. Cater gave the CZ away.
I would loved to live there for the rest of my life.
Write to me if you want to chat.
March 15th, 2012 at 2:28 pm
C Co. 3/5 Inf Commandos lead the way…..hooah, we ate gator meat at the raid and ambush sites. Bn altercation Sunday Engr’s against the Battalion, what a mess!
March 17th, 2012 at 11:32 pm
And Carl I Still have that Moc!!! You bastards!!! where have you been!!!??? Ian, Harry, great to know you’re still alive. VERY sorry to hear about Lamb. What a loss. I have a bunch of fotos and will download asap. I thought you all were all gone. Great to ‘see’ you all again. i checked the facebook page and didnt see many of the 80-83 crowd but will post there too. If anyone knows where SSG Hlinak is or Bozo please pass that on. Matt myers
March 17th, 2012 at 11:37 pm
Terry Cole just saw you here too. i have a photo of you, me, and joe dudas on my office wall and damn if my wife doesnt think you are handsome. i told her you never smelled good after a few days out. hope you are well let me know where you are. Matt
March 17th, 2012 at 11:37 pm
oh yes. moccasin drink from the Ovalo photo coming up…………
March 20th, 2012 at 5:27 am
no way doc!! I can’t believe you still have that moccasin. I’m not far from Bragg and doing well, still above ground. I have not seen Cole since my short time at Bragg 84-85. Do you know how to get up with him? I was sent to Benning by DA in 85. Sgt. Styron took me out after I grad. Ranger school. Bad idea. He was a black hat at Benning during that time. I was in contact with Schramm. Found Nix. Looking for Nye,Joe Dudas,Capps and the others. Can’t wait to see the photos. I remember you helping me with my feet after my first boot run. Man, I still have the scares. Remember Sgt. Carl, SSG Hinak roommate, get some clothes on.
March 21st, 2012 at 12:47 pm
Doc Myers, you would not believe who I have made contact with just yesterday. Cole, Nix and Pops. I can’t believe those guys have been less than 30 miles away from my house. I spoke to a former gator who owns a printing shop in Fla. and he has the old gator tee shirts for sale. I have asked him to send me one XL of course I told Nix I would send him one too. He was exploring getting the gator done. Will keep you posted. Cardenas and Warren where are you guys!!
March 21st, 2012 at 9:45 pm
Talked to war dog and cole today. Both are doing well. Cole and I are planning a get together at my house. Plus I’m ordering some Moatengator tee shirts that I found on net. It’s called 11Bravo Promotinal Imprinting. They are out of Fla. Will post pics. Doc Myers I told Cole that you posted a message.
March 24th, 2012 at 2:53 pm
Carl great timing. I just recd an email from Terry. If i can figure out the technology i will post on the facebook page. Nix prominent in white overalls. Have not talked with SSG Hlinak in years. Nor Joe D. I am in Knoxville, not too far away. Let me see if i can post these things…..
March 24th, 2012 at 8:28 pm
Doc, cole and his family will be coming to house in two week when he has a break between class. You are going to have to give me your email address so I can send you some pictures. Do you have the old gator tee shirt? If not you can go to 11bravo promotional imprinting the owner is a fellow gator.
Me and family long 3 other family’s are head up your way in April, easter break.
I’ll talk with later Doc.
carl
April 4th, 2012 at 11:48 pm
Doc got my tee a week ago. It’s sweet my kids love it. Have you spoken to anyone eles lately.
April 16th, 2012 at 12:50 pm
doc, cole and family came over two weeks ago. We had a great time. I told him that I emailed you. My family is just coming back from Spring vacation. We went to a cave that was 20 miles away from Knoxsville, Tenn. We rented a cabin in Peigon Forge Tenn for a week. All us had a great time. Spoke to Nix yesterday mailed off his shirt today. I understand that you a prof. at UT.
Talk to later
nephew
April 21st, 2012 at 10:14 pm
I was there form 73 -74 then transfered to B co bandidos in 75 why?? married a as we called them a hooch and moved back to lewis 9th inf the next year Vanado dz was a bitch if you got stuck on boat detail but I loved every minute of the 3/5 and that short ass DZ beat the hell outa gatune dz and nothing but h2o
April 26th, 2012 at 5:00 pm
Hey! whats up Bob????Jesus It’s been ages man…I’m #35 above.Wow! I can’t believe it. The Panamanians erased Gatun from the map. The whole town is gone…our houses gone,the clubhouse,pool, elementary school, every fucking thing is GONE!!!!!
A sad site for the eyes brother…They are expanding the third locks right through our town. I retired down here in 1997. I’m a 1st grade teacher… been teaching for the past 12 years. I’ve seen Sgt. Brown, Sgt. Butcher, spoke to Herman, and SgtHuckins. Hey! my phone number is (507) 264-8889 or 215-3342.
May 18th, 2012 at 8:49 pm
HEY WAS A LEAPNLIZARD (THATS WHAT THE LEGS CALLED US)BACK IN 73-74. WAS A MOATENGATOR IN IST PLT, IST SQUAD N WAS THE PLT RTO. SFC BARRIOS WAS PLT SGT AND MY SQUAD LEADER WAS SSGT SWEAT. PANAMA RULED AND GREAT MEMORIES AND THE BEST DAM PARATROOPERS IN THE ARMY BACK THEN. SO MANY MEMORIES OF OF SOLDIERING AND PARTYING. LOOKIN FOR ANY GATORS THAT WANTA BS ABOUT THE OLD TIMES. OD JUNGLE FATIUGES AND WAS THERE WHEN WE SWITCHED FROM THE AIRBORNE CUNT CAP WITH THE PARATROOPER PATCH ON OUR HEADGEAR AND GOT THE MAROON BERETS, THE LEGS HATED US!!!!!! FREAKIN LEGS. SPIT SHINED BOOTS THANKS TO CARLOS THE SPIT SHINE PANAMANIAN DUDE. HE COULD CLEAN UP A PAIR OF JUNGLE BOOTS IN A HEARTBEAT AFTER A LONG HALL IN THE JUNGLE. HOLLAR AT ME
STILL AIRBORNE ALL THE WAY
DANNY KNAUSS
May 19th, 2012 at 10:16 pm
Evening Gators,
found this on Youtube, I don’t know if you’ve all seen it, but here you go guys. And where ever you are please be safe, happy and keep the faith. HOOAH!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JUTQExmJ2qw&feature=related
June 6th, 2012 at 2:14 pm
Moatengator from 72-75….there was no better Unit in the Army then. we worked hard, and played hard. Trips to David and Anton to the orphanages there were inspiring and the people for the most part loved us for that. Bass fishing at buoy #41 outside the Miraflores locks, Arrijaan clubs, the Fiesta del Orro in Puenta Chame, jumps at the French Cut, Venado and Rio Hato. Leap Fests with the Columbians, Bolivians, Panamanians and others….Jumping C118s and C47s with the Panamanians. The sugar cane, mangoes and papaya in Rio Hato…life could not have been better for a 19 year old soldier far from home.
June 20th, 2012 at 12:35 am
A special shout out to Bob Austin and Johnny Tate, two high school buddies whom I was proud to serve with as a Moatengator. I was in 1st PLT. with SGT Foster, Sgt Johnson, Sgt Watson, also Bozo, Cowboy and T-Bone, along with the other toughest(names will come to me later) men to walk the face of the earth at the time. Damn, we stayed in the jungle all the time, with visits to the barracks for rehab. Standing in the door going over Venado beach waiting for a green lights was, well it was pretty fucking awesome. I salute all of you Moatengators.
June 20th, 2012 at 12:41 am
Johnny Tate I’ll be calling you soon. I was just in Panama a couple of weeks ago. Things have changed as you mentioned above. Maybe Bob will see these posts and we can hook up sometime. Take care brothers.
June 30th, 2012 at 11:00 pm
1979-1982 HHC 3/5 assigned to A company i was the only crypto/rat-rig operator and worked my ass off as we all did i learned what it is to work as unit i would go to hell and back with my fellow gators i know they would die for me as i would die for them there will never be a unit as close as we were in A Company .i am looking for what is left of our company several have chosen to take there own lives .nobody could understand what we were all about unless you were there.my cousin and i were the only family members in the same unit by chance E-4 carmelo Borges killed him self in chicago sp-4 alverez died of an overdose sgt gonzalez shoot as a ny police officer the list goes on .only you proud few live to say i can was there and am here to talk about it .please post my e-mail address i would like to document a history of all the heroes who are gone my fellow gator RIP (ABN) god bless all our fallen gators
June 30th, 2012 at 11:05 pm
sp-4 angel rodriguez E-Mail angelcholor@gmail.com
561 255-2832 please call i need as much input as posable
July 6th, 2012 at 7:13 am
If I remember right I was there 79-81, I’ve seem a few names on here I remember. A couple things I remember- swimming at the french cut,Napoles restaurant,Capt Teston was company CO then,the CO changed just before I left.
July 6th, 2012 at 7:57 pm
I was in bravo co. with 1stsgt. lamica , he pulled me out scouts. Off the top of my head- vargas , lynn, medic. suillivan,woods, gagliano,crawford.I could on and on. The time frame was 84-86. anybody remember me give me a call would be great to talk. 602*-488-5734
July 6th, 2012 at 7:58 pm
sorry I did it wrong 174 anonymous is Steve Verdugo
July 14th, 2012 at 5:55 pm
Danny Knauss, you were there when I was there. I was in 3rd plt with the Mad Mex (Roberto Hernandez), I remember SSG Sweat & SFC Barrios very well. Do you remember SSG Thomas O’dougherty? He got busted and I ran into him in Korea in 76. Drop me a line.
August 3rd, 2012 at 7:19 pm
Tom Harrington here. I was there 78-80, with my first six months in country as a Bandito and then leading a wave of transfers to A co. My first weekend there I cleaned the gator pit. It was too bad that I wasn’t as mature as my aspirations, so after after I left there an E-1 from multiple pot busts, even taking one for my roommate, I passed the E-5 board 10 months later. Some of you know I had to leave the 101st Pathfinder Platoon after beating up the three Scouts at a bar. Upon my return to my old unit Aco 1/503rd they immediately sent me to the promotion board. It’s hard to keep a determined Moatengator down.
If you guys remember Col Le Hardy jumping with us, he ended up leading the 3rd Brigade, 101st Abn for a few years, he remembered those times with us in the breeze fondly. He gave me a break over which wings were on my hat, since I just couldn’t find an Air Assault badge, that would stay on my gear like Jump Wings.
I broke my back in a training accident at Craig Village July 12, 1982. The condition has become worse over the past thirty years and now I am 100% with the VA (70% w/ unemployability) If anybody has an injury they are dealing with, I am willing to share what I have learned, so your journey thru the process doesn’t last as long or be as trying as mine.
Please feel free to contact me at thomasmharrington@gmail.com
August 6th, 2012 at 3:43 pm
Ok, I tried Johnny R Tate’s number, but it doesn’t work, so I tried a few more from down there and they don’t work. What am I doing wrong, is there a code for Panama calls? I appreciate any help on this, because I’ve been to his home while I was there and an old friend like that deserves a call.
My number is 928-642-2807
August 9th, 2012 at 2:14 am
Mark??? Go to the Facebook Moatengators Group and look at my picture. Bozo was put in my room when he first got there. When I went to Johnny’s house, T- Bone was there too. I think he might have drove us there…. Anyway, my phone and email is in my last two posts and my name link goes to my FB page.
August 9th, 2012 at 3:13 am
It’s been a while since I’ve posted so wanted to chime back in. I’m happy to see more Gators finding this place, my era 81-83 seems to represent well. I’m on Facebook so pretty easy to find, both Docs Meyers and Womack. Thanks for all the mentions, guys so please forgive me should I omit anyone. Still in touch with Tim Rock (the Legend’s younger brother) so again, any anecdotes you want 1SG rock remembered by, please send them; the family rightfully eats them up. Periodically stay up with Mike Stein and all his great pics from the time. Hollywood Ingo Neuhaus (check the filmography) killer movies, never the lead, then tv, now commercials.Went back to Kobbe 87-89 where Jeff Eversole was C co and I in Lamica’s B Company-damn is it ever true you can never go home again. Talked to Professor Jay Nix the Scientist on the horn once or twice. Ditto Doc Myers (get off your ass with the pics already Professor Hillbilly) hmass@comcast.net, also Facebook, so no excuses. Doc Womack tracked me down several years ago. Eversole was an RI in the Mountains when I went to Ranger school on my 33rd birthday and routinely yelled, “do push-ups Ranger Massengale” without breaking stride. That’s my buddy. Johnny Tate, your name sometimes coes up on the C Co (ABN/PFDR) 509th INF site and I gave out your grid but not your phone number, better for you to do that. We were there, only at different times, so please check in, Pfdr. You, too, Tony Dean. Terrence Cole visited me in my 82nd barracks awaiting the Q course-I knew that stud would smoke it. Anyone read the Morehouse book? He sure has milked that headshot into a career, I e-mailed him and he admitted to certain liberties for a future movie that I doubt will ever happen. One of the smartest guys I know, Malcolm Huckins has e-mailed me a few times, long-retired SF. Have spoken with XO Prker many times-cool as ever, commutes back and forth from New England to his wife’s homeland of Panama, of course. My old roomie, Taddeo and I have talked a couple of times, still crazy and funny as ever having moved up to Maine from BAWSTON. Just friended Dave Pickett who according to his FB page lives here in Indy, like me-no word just yet. Whatever happened to our favorite Ovalo barmaid, China (chee-na) last I heard married a zoomie and went stateside. Dan Herman has an awesome fishing resort on Lake Gatun, still a great guy. Hollinrake, I watched you ETS when I was a cherry in PSG Jaime’s platoon, your old roomie O’Donnel was seen by Neuhaus out in Hollywood trying to make a go at acting. Euell, good to see you here, bro; Pops, thanks for the mention, wish I’d gotten to know you sooner before you left. Big Ranger Brumfield, loved your attitude, never thought you were a GOD like some Rangers do. Loved West and Eldon, tho. Stayed up with Larry West for years while he was boucing from California to the great Northwest teaching Scuba ,then we lost contact. So many great Paratroopers and even better men that I know I’m omitting someone special. Hit me up on Fb, anytime, boys. It was an absolute pleasure, gents. h-mass out
September 13th, 2012 at 10:55 am
For all the former Charlie Company ‘Commandos’; we just brought up a facebook page for our unit at the following URL:
http://www.facebook.com/groups/475340272490346/
Current members include:
Anthony Cortazzo
Added by Neil T Freeman last Saturday
Blair Heath
NP at Palm Beach Pediatrics
Added by Greg Griffin about a week ago
Donald Kernan
Director – Operations / Special Investigator at Access Investigations Inc.
Added by Greg Griffin on Monday
Greg Griffin
Works at Raytheon
Joined about a week ago
Greg Sturm
Works at Texas Star Express
Added by Greg Griffin about a week ago
Ira Fisk
Arsenal Technical High School
Added by Neil T Freeman last Saturday
Joe Amerling
Added by Greg Griffin on Tuesday
Neil T Freeman
Southern New Hampshire University
Added by Greg Griffin about a week ago
Rich Glasgow
Wildlife Control Specialist – Archery Division at Department of Woodland Security
Added by Greg Griffin about a week ago
Rick Lombardi
Thomas Edison State College
Added by Neil T Freeman last Saturday
Robert Zayas
Owner at RZ Investigations, INC.
Added by Greg Griffin about a week ago
Todd Hogan
Locksmith at Locksmith Phoenix – Alcatraz Locksmith
Added by Anthony Cortazzo 11 hours ago
October 6th, 2012 at 10:50 pm
Anyone remember Estes Airborne 1981-1983 Fort Kobbe? Remember Hubbard, Johnson, Serge, Scuba, Gator to mention a few.
October 7th, 2012 at 2:06 pm
Sorry I was there 1983-1985, in Panama at Fort Kobbe.
October 11th, 2012 at 12:27 pm
I was stationed in Panama with the 3Bn/5Inf from July 77 to January 81. The first year as a RIMP at PAC, the best job in he world. The other 2 and a half in A co ABN. 1st platoon. George Metzler, Craig Roberts, William C Wilson 3rd, Tim Tom, Tate, and Doc Ortiz to name but a few. Was on the Pistol team 79 & 80. showed up to a formation on a Saturday in scuba gear ( was getting short). Some great times!!!
October 16th, 2012 at 6:09 pm
I WAS STATION AT FT. KOBBE FROM NOVEMBER 76 TO AUGUST 26 77
I WAS ASSIGNED TO 3RD PLATOON SEARGENT WASHINGTON. I LEFT AS CAPT PAUL HERVEY WAS LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEERS TO MOVE ACROSS
THE STREET TO HHC,Bco, Cco, COMBAT SUPPORT BUT THERE WERE NO VOLUNTEERS SO HE PROCLAIMED THAT ANYONE WHO EITHER MISSES
PT OR DROPS OUT OF A FIVE MILE RUN WOULD BE SENT ACROSS THE
STREET. SO I LATER ASKED WHY THIS ORDER WAS GIVEN HE SAID WE WERE OVER STAFFED. AND BRIGADE SAID THERE MUST BE CUTS. SO I WAS TOLD I WAS A CANDIDATE TO MOVE I SAID NO JUST SEND ME BACK HOME SO HE DID. HOME IS IN DALLAS TEX.
October 20th, 2012 at 6:42 pm
I was a Moatengator(SP4)70-71, went to 82nd and returned as SGT to B Co until slots opened up. I remember you Loth in 71 w/1SG Johnson (Big Moat) and Cpt Treat. Hey Terry Burger-I remember a few things!?!, John Ochranek-I was the unit clerk in B Co while you were Tng NCO. Remember Mad Mex, Made E6 there 3rd Plt 3rd Sqd. (Vangrinsven, Washington, Tisch, Cooley,SFC Lewis) memory is fading. Pachulio (ranger.right?) Became a chopper pilot after OCS. Great memories of Ancon, NCO Club, jungle ops, jumpmastering etc etc.
October 27th, 2012 at 7:25 pm
@129 Mike
Gregory Roy Carter was a fellow Moatengator medic and good friend of mine. I last saw him in ’87. Knew he was planning on marrying that woman in the Air Force. Didn’t know he passed away. Bummer.
November 2nd, 2012 at 1:52 pm
tucker 1975-77 a company airborne really crazy time hung out with friends at ft clayton and gulik skydiving I started out at ft davis then to kobbe. remember super sarg. that jungle was f up. sniper school was really cool.
November 26th, 2012 at 8:53 pm
hey estes do you remember me an Gator ;
Brands and all the guys from mortar Plt well brands was supply I just found this site Pret fucking cool its a blast from the past. (83 85)
December 6th, 2012 at 10:10 pm
Put in 2 years 77-79 at Co.B 3/5 “Bandido’s” at Kobbe. I ended up going Airborne a couple of years later. Stationed at Bragg with A Bty 2/321 Fa. Bn. 82nd Abn. 80-83 13F3P
Was a mortar maggot in Panama 11C it was cool as most of the time we rolled around in Gamma Goats while the grunts walked. We did get out and hump the hills too. Pulled aggresser duties when 101st came down, we smoked them. Did PNCOC over on the atlantic side, remember crossing the Chagris river with poncho rafts and guys in boats with live ammo patrolling they said to keep the Barracuds / sharks away. We all pushed the rafts a little faster as we swam.
Remember A Co. had the mess hall in their barracks. The damn thing had to have the Red, Black, Green Afro color pattern painted in a strip around the place. All the bro’s sat together and would always “Dap” handshake and what not. And the whites sat together and every now and again we would beat our glasses with our forks. Racism was very much alive in that army. Cpt. Pelosi came in one morning when I was C.Q. and had me go wake up all the NCO’s as he was going to do a Health and Welfare. I went and beat on my guys doors first and told them to ditch their crap into the centrally located latrine as it was a common area and they could not bust anyone for that. The mortar platoon Sgt. was SFC. Johnson. A Vietnam vet, big black man, and he was totally cool about everything. I heard rumors that the A Co. guys would always try to find stray cats to toss into the kayman pit. Was there when A Co. had to deploy to the Jonestown Massacre in Guayana to help clean up the site. President Carter came to Panama City to sign over the Canal Zone to Gen. Omar Torrios, I was like the only white guy in the crowd as a couple of Hueys circled over head with a long 50cal. barrel sticking out. I miss those days, run acroos 4th of July Avenue to the Panamaian side and the MP’s could not touch you, and run back and the Panamanians could not touch you. Hell yes, White Buffalo, Blue goose and Rum and coke. was there when a deuce and a half went off the bridge and crashed 165ft. below onto a road bt Rodman naval staion. There were like 20 soldiers in it. No survivors Shot on the pistol team, flew back to the states 2 times for competition as I won a slot each time as a high firer. And speaking of high… Wow ol Panama Red!!! Get a brown papere bag with about a qp for $25……. Those were the days. Ended up putting in 09 years and pulled the plug… Airborne!! All the way!!
December 8th, 2012 at 11:06 am
Hey Florio would love to talk. Do you know where Gator is?
December 8th, 2012 at 8:03 pm
Hey Flo, send email to cestes03@bellsouth.net with contact info.
December 12th, 2012 at 1:38 pm
Found this site by accident. Lots of old memories. Good to see posts from Tate, Doc Womac, Pops, Taddeo, Bumstead and Hollinrake. Any of you come near New Hampshire drop me a line. David_C_Johnson@Raytheon.com
December 21st, 2012 at 8:52 pm
Merry Christmas to all the Gators out there. Still keeping in touch with some of the guys. Was there from Dec. 81 to 83.
Life was simple then. A young mans dream. You can’t make up some of things that happened there.
Gators eat their young.
January 25th, 2013 at 10:50 am
Doc Black. I was with you on that surfing trip. Actually, it was my Town & Country board we took… If Memory serves me… we drove up in a black jeep. I have pictures of that day… send me an email and I can send some of them. william.c.mccauley@us.army.mil
January 31st, 2013 at 9:44 pm
DJ give me a call I’m in fairhaven mass
February 19th, 2013 at 11:07 am
Was there, 1981-1983 got drunk got in the gator pit and got busted LOL lot of good time there would love to get in touch with any old Moatengators that remember that party man did we drink that night also remember the bar jumping at the Ancon in and the Overlo with rot gut Seco rum and hookers great time and great guys a lot older now and wiser have to anyone who remembers me am now working PSD in Iraq just getting ready to deploy and found this site. Thanks for the memories.
Chung.
February 19th, 2013 at 11:13 am
by the way still have a bunch of old photos showing prepping for missions and jumps some in the jungle and some water jumps and some of the Co with some of the guys. by the way doee anybody remembers Sherman and Moralles
February 19th, 2013 at 11:16 am
Hey Massengale what’s up just saw your name
February 27th, 2013 at 6:29 pm
Wow lookin at this shit just blows me away Was a moatengator mortar maggott 76-78 remember when we lost a 81mm tube on the jump and it took hours to find it because it looked like a stump sticking out the ground. I remember getting drunk on night train in the barracks and called on alert jumping drunk as hell.
March 2nd, 2013 at 4:37 pm
Williams, Nephew here would love to get a copy of those photos. contact me at shepneph04@aol.com Hey! how many guys here plan on going to the reunion Aug 1 in Colo. its posted on Facebook. I plan on going. Hope to see you guys there.
March 7th, 2013 at 4:48 pm
Moatengator from ’73 thru ’77. Actually started out as a Bandidto (there were no slots in A Co). Arrived as a SGT and left as an E6, then on to flight school. I was mainly the Training NCO in HQ Platoon for our CO CPT Harris. Who remembers 1SG IJ Elder? Or when LTC Tuhoy got relieved in the field by BG Richardson? Many great memories. I have many pictures, old jump manifests with names, ranks and SSNs, used Moatengator patches. Would love to get in touch with old Moatengators from the same time frame.
Tony Alger. I remembr you. Many of the names you mention. Cooley, Tischman, Vangrinsven, Highsmith, Pachulio, Honaker, etc. I could go thru all the copies of the Jump manifests I have and name drop everyone. Wonder where everyone is now? I completed 37 years and retired as a CW5 in ’07.
Not too many replys in my time frame. Some great guys and great memories.
March 26th, 2013 at 1:56 am
LOL! LOL!. RB here just want to give a shout out to all my fellow Montengators Warriors!To all who came before me,and to all who came after, AIRBORNE MONTENGATORS AATTEEEENTION PREESENT! ARRMS! SSAAALLUUTE!. To my old Platoon,Sgt.Henderson,Sgt Kelcey, Dunkley,Bennet,Nechols,West,Vialobos,Felix,Owens,Tate,Sgt Buchter,Longmire,Debrey,Newborne,Sgt Revira(RIP),Blizzard,Thomson,SKI,to my other fellow 2nd platoon I do remember in memory I see your faces.Best platoon that why we went to Uss Siapan.LOL,Our Company was the BEST!
April 3rd, 2013 at 10:58 pm
I was in Ft Kobbe in 1968 when they took all airborne qualified
and moved them to HHC for an all airborne company. Too long ago to remember names but I remember going to jump school located at Ft Sherman that was run by the 7 or 8 Special forces
team but I can’t find out anything more about the school. In addition, I also did a couple of the drawing in the barracks in
HHC while I was there. Anyone know anything at all about the jump school let me know.
April 4th, 2013 at 1:32 pm
To correct previous statement. I was in HHC when they moved everyone on jump status to A co to form an all airborne infantry unit to train to be a ready action strike force. Most of the troops were Viet Nam vets including NCO’s and Officers.
We did some jumps, practice some riot control for our panama friends and lots of jungle training and did a couple of aggressor duties at the Jungle School. And in Dec 68 I got orders for Nam and ended up with the 3/506th Airborne/ Air Assault 101st Division.
April 30th, 2013 at 2:32 pm
Anybody that was there about 79-80-81 Shoot me an email——lonefxd@aol.com
May 3rd, 2013 at 12:00 pm
Is this paradise or what!!!!
May 6th, 2013 at 4:55 am
I was with C 3/5 81-83. Here are a few other links to check out if anyone is interested. They’re on Facebook also. I couldn’t get the other Facebook link to work that Greg Griffin posted. Terry Cole, I believe we went to PNCOC together at Fort Sherman. I have a few pictures of you in the field.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/75491837480/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/51986364285/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/59900947553/ I posted a bunch of pic’s here while I was an instructor 87-89.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/114589775292757/ This page was merged with another back when Facebook went through some changes. Quite a few pictures here also.
May 9th, 2013 at 6:31 am
Hey Eddie Paredez,
I remember most of it. Was the best tour in my career. Missed you guys and all the crazy shit you all pulled. If you get this contact me. Who am I kidding I was a bit crazy myself back then.