Guestbook

Donald Burge from Orient, Ohio wrote on July 29, 2022 at 7:07 pm

Company D. 1st Engineer Battalion. 1st Infantry Division
Lai Khe, Viet Nam. 1966

Admin Reply by: F.C. "Chuck" Humphrey

Dear Donald Burge,
Thanks for your recent entry on the Guest Book section of our website (Veterans of the First Engineer Battalion). I noticed you served in D Co. at Lai Khe, Vietnam in 1966. I was with C Co in Lai Khe from Oct 1965 to early March 1966. As I recall the Battalion CO (LTC Howard Sargent) decided to rotate C and D Company's locations in early 1966. As part of C Co, my platoon built office buildings at DiAn (the division HQ) until early June of 1966. If you are not a member of our organization, I encourage you to join Membership information can be found elsewhere on this website.
F C "Chuck" Humphrey
Website Coordinator

Gerald (Jerry) Gibson from Ransomville NY wrote on July 5, 2022 at 3:33 pm

This note is for Vincent DeMiceli this is my e-mail address if you would like to contact me...Packrats92@verizon.net

Admin Reply by: F.C. "Chuck" Humphrey

Dear Gerald (Jerry Gibson)
I am making sure that your July 5 entry at the Guest Book section of our website (Veterans of the First Engineer Battalion) got posted as a Guest Book entry. Would love to hear more from you about your time in the First Engr Bn.
F C "Chuck" Humphrey
Website Coordinator

Jerry Gibson from Ransonville NY wrote on July 5, 2022 at 12:48 pm

Hi Vincent DeMiceli, I served with Company B 1st Eng.1st Inf. from 3-1968 till 2-25 1969 Like to know if we remember each other...Welcome Home Vince

Jerry Gibson from Ransomville NY wrote on June 22, 2022 at 8:15 am

Hi to everyone..I served with 1st Eng. 1st Inf Div. I was at Camp DIAN Company B served there from March 3,1968 to February 25,1969 I like to hear from anyone that served with me at that time

Admin Reply by: Paul Humphrey

Dear Jerry Gibson, Thanks for your recent message left in the Guestbook section of the Veterans of the First Engineer Bn website. Feel free to contact me via email, also.
FC “Chuck” Humphrey
Website Coordinator

Ian Dixon from Ripley WV wrote on April 6, 2022 at 10:05 am

Served with 1st Engineers in Ramadi Iraq as a crane operator. 2003-2004

Admin Reply by: Paul Humphrey

Dear Ian Dixon, Thanks for your recent message left in the Guestbook section of the Veterans of the First Engineer Bn website. Feel free to contact me via email, also.
FC “Chuck” Humphrey
Website Coordinator

Richard Carr from fredrick wrote on March 29, 2022 at 9:25 am

Hiiii! Who's joe?

Admin Reply by: F.C. "Chuck" Humphrey

Dear Richard,
Thanks for your March 29 Guestbook entry, saying that you served in our beloved First Engineer Battalion. I served in C Company during the Vietnam War (Aug 1965-Sept '66). Would you like to join our association: Veterans of the First Engineer Battalion? Our dues are only $10 a year, and that gets you three newsletters (emailed if possible). Details about our Sept 22 reunion are at the website. You can email me at: humpflow@isu.edu for more information.
F C "Chuck" Humphrey, Webmaster

Scott Floughton wrote on February 22, 2022 at 8:31 am

Served with 1st Engineer Battalion Echo Company in Gulf War 1990 to 1992.

Admin Reply by: F.C. "Chuck" Humphrey

Dear Scott,
Thanks (again?) for your Feb. 22 message left on our guestbook! Glad to know that you served in our beloved First Engineer Battalion. I served in C Co. during the Vietnam War (Aug '65 - Sept '66). Would you like to join our association: Veterans of the First Engineer Battalion? Dues are only $10 a year, which gets you access to the website and three emailed newsletters. Contact me at: humpflow@isu.edu if you have any questions about this message.
F C "Chuck" Humphrey, Webmaster

Dave Berry wrote on December 25, 2021 at 12:54 pm

I served as a combat medic with the 2/2nd Inf. (Mech) from April '67 to Sept. '67 and with the 2/28th Inf. Black Lions from Sept. '67-April '68. While I was with 2/2nd we worked with the engineers frequently doing jungle clearing. Operation Paul Bunyan was a lengthy operation in '67. I have some photos from that and other operations that I participated in on my photo gallery. The combat engineers that we worked with were brave and hard-working. They deserved a lot of respect.

Merry Christmas to you all.
Dave Berry

Admin Reply by: F.C. "Chuck" Humphrey

Dear Dave Berry,
I apologize for not replying to your Guestbook entry at our website sooner (It's Feb 11 and you posted a Guestbook entry last December). I had my computer-savy son help me relearn how to do it. I hope this reply finds you Covid-free and otherwise OK. Your message said that you worked closedly with First Engineer Bn soldiers while you were a combat medic in the 2/2 Infantry Bn in 1967'68. My combat Engineer Platoon (part of C Company, First Engr Bn) provided the engineer support for the 2/2nd in the summer of 1966 when that battalion was heading up a pacification task force called "Lam Son II" in Bing Juong province (near Phu Loi). I received a nice thankyou letter from LTC Jack Conn, the 2/2nd C.O. when I left 'Nam in late Sept 1966.
Thanks, again, for your Guestbook posting. I'll try to answer your future postings more promptly.
F C "Chuck" Humphrey
Webmaster for "Veterans of the First Engr Bn (firstengineerbattalionveterans.org)

Shannon Diddle from Crystal River, Fl wrote on September 11, 2021 at 9:43 pm

Hi, my husband John F Diddle served with the 1st Engineer Battalion Co B back in 1988-90. Our son was born at Irwin Army Hospital and I worked at the main PX. John was sent to Korea for a yr and then to Ft Polk where he finished his 4yrs but tragically died in a car accident on base before ever making it back home . We met a lot of great people at Ft Riley that I w o love to talk to. If anyone remembers PFC Diddle would love to hear from ya!…shaleebro@gmail.com

Admin Reply by: F.C. "Chuck" Humphrey

Dear Shannon,
This message is a followup to the e-mail I sent you earlier today acknowledging your message to the Guestbook section of our website.
I hope you will hear from another First Engineer Battalion soldier who served with your husband at Ft. Riley from 1988-90. Contact me by e-mail at
humpflow@isu.edu or by phone at (208)-241-7499 if you have any further questions about our website.
F C "Chuck" Humphrey
Website Coordinator

John mohr from Honolulu HI wrote on August 22, 2021 at 9:27 pm

I was with Bridge Company from 1965 to 1966.
I shipped over from Fort Riley to DiAn Viet Nam on the still unknown boat.
So far I believe I’ve touched base with the person who was my XO in 1966 and I’m still looking for others who I might remember or might remember me!

Admin Reply by: F.C. "Chuck" Humphrey

John,
Thanks for posting a message to the Guestbook page. Keep in touch.
F C "Chuck" Humphrey

greg kneedler from Westmoreland wrote on July 9, 2021 at 9:52 am

I served with the 1st engineers from 1982-1984 ,we first were at neu ulm germany,then we moved to panzer kasern.it was a great time.

Admin Reply by: F.C. "Chuck" Humphrey

Thanks for using our guestbook!

Joe Chitwood from Beaumont, Tx wrote on June 1, 2021 at 2:59 pm

Good Aftenoon Diehards! SGT Chitwood here served with C co 72nd MAC in Iraq 2008 and then Afghanistan in 2013. Team leader and Buffalo MRAP operator. Take care everyone. DIEHARD!

Admin Reply by: F.C. "Chuck" Humphrey

Dear SGT Joe,
I apologize for not acknowledging your Guestbook posting sooner.
Contact me by phone at; 208-241-7499 or by e-mail at:
humpflow@isu.edu if you have any questions about our organization.
Our 2021 reunion (in the Washington, DC area) has been cancelled due to the Covid-19 Delta Variant problem. Check the website in a few weeks for details about the 2022 reunion, which will probably be in September somewhere in the Washington, DC area.
F C "Chuck" Humphrey
Website Coordinator (Webmaster)

Larry Peters from WARSAW wrote on May 19, 2021 at 6:01 pm

Served with E Company from Oct 68 to Oct 69. Was wounded in an ambush Feb 69 while on river patrol.

Admin Reply by: F.C. "Chuck" Humphrey

Dear Larry,
I apologize for not replying to your Guestbook entry, posted earlier this summer. Contact me at: 208-241-7499 or by e-mail at:
humpflow@isu.edu if you have any questions about joining our organization.
Our 2021 reunion has been cancelled due to Covid-19 Delta Variant concerns.
Check the website in a few weeks for info about the 2022 reunion.
F C "Chuck" Humphrey
Website Coordinator (Webmaster)

robert p eckstein from LUSBY MD wrote on April 28, 2021 at 2:43 am

WAS WITH A CO 1ST ENGINEER AT FT. RILEY FROM 87 TO 89

Admin Reply by: F.C. "Chuck" Humphrey

Nice to hear from you. Hope you can attend our next reunion.

F C "Chuck" Humphrey
Webmaster

Justin Graham wrote on February 24, 2021 at 6:53 pm

Looking for anyone that served with my dad
Robert N. Graham
1969-1970
Spec 4
C Company
1st Engineer Battalion of the 1st Infantry Division

Thank you and welcome home

Admin Reply by: F.C. "Chuck" Humphrey

Dear fellow C Company First Engr Bn veteran Justin:
I apologize for not replying to your February 2021 Guestbook posting sooner. Contact me at 208-241-7499 or by e-mail at humpflow@isu.edu if you have any questions about our organization. When did your dad serve in the First Engineer Battalion?
I was the 3rd Platoon Leader in C Company from Aug 1965-Sept '66.
F C "Chuck" Humphrey
Website Coordinator (Webmaster)

Neal Teschendorf from Fond Du Lac wrote on October 18, 2020 at 12:41 pm

Served with D Co., 1st Eng. Bn., 1st IDF at Panzer Kaserne in Böblingen, Germany from May '88 to May '91. I participated in two major operations; Reforger '88 and Operation Desert Storm. On May 1st '91, it was the sadist day to watch, as their colors were encased. It was the last time D Co. was a combat arms unit.

Admin Reply by: F.C. "Chuck" Humphrey

Thanks for leaving a message on our Guest Book about your time in the First Engr Bn while in Germany ‘88-‘91 in D Co.
F C Chuck Humphrey
Website Coordinator

Alan Simmons from Leland, North Carolina wrote on July 24, 2020 at 12:07 pm

Great job revamping our website Chuck. Hope your leg is healing. ADE NCO, HHC 70’ - 71’.

Admin Reply by: F.C. "Chuck" Humphrey

Thanks for your Guestbook posting, Alan. I didn’t know That you were the ADE NCO for the battalion in 1970. I have fond memories of a major Gerald P Kelly who was the a ADE for the battalion in 1965-‘66.
Chuck, Webmaster

Richard(Dick) Hillman, 1st Lt.(retired) from Los Angeles wrote on July 12, 2020 at 3:20 pm

I served as Assistant S3 under Major Treadwell, Di An, then XO, C Co under Captain Blair at Lai Khe, Vietnam, 1966-1967. As Asst. S3 helped develop and execute battalion operation plans in support of infantry ops...did much helicopter flying to field ops in support of their ops...As XO of C Co., spent much time keeping Highway 13 and 1 open through mine sweeping and demolition, road and bridge repairs from VC IED damages, tunnel destruction, iron triangle ops, conducted convoy ops, deep jungle work cutting landing zones dropping in from CH 47s, clearing out trees with explosives and chain saws, clearing massive jungle areas with bulldozers, explosives, reverting to infantry during the height of combat operations.
I am proud of my time "in country"...the scariest, most exciting and adrenaline-pumping time of my life...almost re-upped for a 2nd Nam tour...but hey! decided to go back to the world...

Admin Reply by: F.C. "Chuck" Humphrey

Dear Richard (Dick)
Thanks for leaving a message at the Guest Book of our website. I remember you as one of the lieutenants who came to Dian as a replacement for us “first year folks”. (I went home on 28 September 1966). I also recognized your name as being on the members roster of Veterans of the First Engineer Battalion. I hope you can attend the 2021 reunion in the Washington DC area.
Chuck/Webmaster

Bob Roby from Manhattan wrote on July 11, 2020 at 3:01 pm

Drafted in 1962 with five years of the Army Reserves & National Guard. Into active duty Army as an E-2, 12B. Because of being absent from meetings. Had two-week refresher training in Fort Carson, CO. Then began my 25 years of military service.
Served with Alpha Company 1st Engineer Battalion as a SSGT squad leader, third platoon. 1966 to 1967. Was wounded in June 67 on a road grader by an IED. Was flown to Tokyo Japan Military hospital for treatment, 4 months then to Irwin Army Hospital, Fort Riley KS for 3 months. Then was released back to active duty in Germany.
I was again assigned to 1st Engineer Battalion, Fort Riley in 1971 to 75.
Then again in 1978 & retirement in 1981 HHC 1st Engineer Battalion.
Robert ( Bob ) Roby 1SGT retired
Manhattan KS 66502.

Admin Reply by: F.C. "Chuck" Humphrey

Dear B companies most famous alum (aka Bob Roby):
Thanks for leaving a message at the website Guest Book. You have much to be proud of in your army career. FYI I’m grilling pork ribs tonight.
Chuck

John W. Nelson III from Middletown wrote on July 10, 2020 at 11:24 am

I was the S-1 (Adjutant) from May 1968 to December for HQ & HQ Co. I was activated by the RI Army National Guard, sent to West Point as a unit with the 115th MP Co. After a year, was sent to the 1st Infantry Div. and assigned to the 1st Cbt. Engr. Bn. The guard was recalled and I went back to West Point, took command of the 115th MP Co. They used to kid me all the time as I was an MP in the Combat Engineers, a National Guardsman with all the West Point graduates there and from New England and my accent. Later I commanded the RI Military Academy RIANG and the 1021st Civil Affairs Group US Army Reserve. Retired at a Lt. Col. after 35 1/2 years of service. I was awarded 2 Bronze Stars while at the 1st Engr. Bn. I was diagnosed with cancer from agent orange and had a prostatectomy in 2000. The cancer came back in 2014 and I'm still dealing with it.

Admin Reply by: F.C. "Chuck" Humphrey

Dear John III,
Thanks for all the information about your army career. Sorry to hear that you’re still battling agent orange caused cancer. I’ve been lucky so far. I recognize your name from my 11 years as a organization secretary there aren’t too many John Nelsons III on the Members roster. Another member from the Vietnam war era, John Cookinham III also was from R Island & Brown University.
Hope to see you at our 2021 reunion in the Washington , DC area.
F C “Chuck” Humphrey, Webmaster

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