Ken Smith was a commissioned as a Lieutenant of Infantry in 1963. Following Basic, Ranger, and Airborne Training at Fort Benning, GA, he served 3 years in the 3rd Armored Division (then in Germany). Ken was assigned to the 173d Airborne Brigade in Vietnam in March 1967. During his tour with that elite unit, […]
Member Catagories: Former Board Member
Karen Kay Riester
Karen Riester An Army brat, wife, and mother, Karen was dedicated to supporting the troops. Although never serving on active duty herself, Karen was recommended for appointment as an honorary member of the 503d Infantry Regiment for actively supporting the 503d Infantry Regiment Heritage, the 173 Airborne Brigade Association, and active and reserve components of […]
Raymond C. Ramirez
Ray was born in, December of 1945, in Montebello, California. He attended local schools and graduated from Montebello High School in 1963. He attended East Los Angeles Junior College for 1 year and then volunteered for the United States Army in September of 1964. He received his Basic Training and Advanced Individual Training at Fort […]
Craig Ford
Craig was born in Canaan, CT on 9 April 1945. Shortly after graduating from high school, he joined the Army completing his basic at Fort Dix, NJ. He graduated from Airborne School at Fort Benning, GA in 1964 and was sent to serve fourteen months in Okinawa in the 173d Airborne Brigade (Sep). On 5 […]
Don Dali
Don was born in San Jose, CA on April 14, 1941, to Domenico and Giovannina Dali. He graduated from San Jose High School and studied at San Jose State University. He proudly served his country in Vietnam as a combat medic with the 173d Airborne Brigade. Don had a very successful career as a consultant/civil […]