A HEROES WELCOME
 LT Tonya Gillard

When soldiers of the 1st Battalion, 61st Infantry Regiment returned from Vietnam there was no 
fanfare, no cheerful crowd welcoming them home.  They wanted to make sure no other soldiers 
shared that experience.  
To show their support for the soldiers of the 1st Battalion, 61st Infantry Regiment who 
returned from Hungary on 11 April 2003 they sponsored an all expense paid picnic for the 
soldiers and their family members.  The picnic took place at Twin Lakes on 27 May 2003.
It was an opportunity for the soldiers to enjoy great food, fun and games, and fellowship 
with family and friends.  
SFC Edward Dossett a Drill Sergeant in B Co 1-61 stated "It was great that the veterans of 
1-61 pitched in to sponsor the picnic. It is a great way for them to say welcome home 
and it is an outstanding time for drill sergeants, cadre, and family members to get together 
and enjoy the day.  It is great to be home and great to be at such a wonderful get together 
with friends and family." 
LTC Yackley, Battalion Commander for 1-61 stated  " When we were in Hungary we were 
contacted by the 61st Regimental Veterans who served in Vietnam and they wanted to do 
something for us when we returned because when they returned from Vietnam no one 
recognized them in any way.  I said we did a picnic in October that went over pretty well 
and we would like to try something like that. They got together and paid for this (picnic) ... 
this is paid for by our veterans because they felt there is no way soldiers of 1-61 would come 
back and not be recognized at all ... so we thank our veterans for the food, drinks, and fun. 
We will get a chance to reunite with our veterans in late June when we host a veterans open 
house. This was done on behalf of all our predecessors."
Major Melton Battalion Executive Officer of 1-61 Infantry stated "... We are with our families.  
This is our last big break before we pick up soldiers again and get back into the basic combat 
training (mode)..." 
CSM George Duncan CSM of 1-61 Infantry stated  "(This is a) good opportunity for all the 
soldiers and the families in the Battalion to come together. It is a way for our veterans to 
thank us for our deployment and welcome us home. At the same time we are thanking them 
for their donations...Our appreciations go out to all the veterans in the regiment..."         
 
						 As of 1 June 03