featured in this issuefall - winter 2015 1 prime beef/red horse 50th anniversary celebration this...

Fall - Winter 2015

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PRIME BEEF/RED HORSE 50TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

THIS NEWSLETTER IS DEDICATED TO AIR FORCE COMBAT CIVIL ENGINEERS (RED HORSE AND Prime BEEF) PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE.

FEATURED IN THIS ISSUE:

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2 Mark Your Calendar: Next convention will be in Lexington, KY in September 2017.

PRESIDENT’S STABLE December 1, 2015

First I want to wish all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from the Officers and the entire Board of Directors of the REDHORSE Association.

Most of this newsletter is about the great 50th Anniversary Convention and Reunion we just had. It would not have been possible without the hard work of our Board of Directors and the convention committee itself, along with the outstanding support provided by the Active Duty Air Force personnel from Major General Timothy S. Green, Air Force Director of Civil Engineers at the Pentagon and his staff, the Air Force Civil Engineering Center, and to the local 823rd and 556th RED HORSE Squadrons at Hurlburt Field, Fort Walton Beach, FL. THANK YOU ALL. Personally I thought this was our best convention ever. It will definitely be hard to top in 2017 in Lexington KY.

This past year we advertised in every form of media we could think of, wanting to let everyone know of this special event. The event was not limited to just our members, but we hoped everyone who was not a member would join before the event was over. Administratively, we did get a little overwhelmed with the explosion of new members. It took a little bit, but we got caught up. If we lost anyone in the shuffle please let me know and we’ll get it corrected. Even our last order of special Anniversary coins took the scenic route via ground freight rather than air freight and did not make the convention as we were promised. My apology on that, as it was my project. We filled all the preorders we could at the convention and we have since mailed out all the remaining orders. Additional 50th Anniversary coins can now be purchased on line at our website store www.rhassn.us.

Welcome to all the NEW members that have recently joined the Association, especially those who joined because of this special event. If you made the convention, I hope we met all of your expectations. Why not get involved? We want to create a committee from the Las Vegas area to do the leg work for our 2019 convention. Help out your association. If you are interested send me a letter or email.

Another special project for me is The REDHORSE Association’s Brigadier General William “Tom” Meredith Honor Scholarship Program. Read over the article in this newsletter. This program is funded by the proceeds of our annual golf tournament and with generous donations from our members.

At the last board of Directors meeting no one stood up to the position of President of the Association. As the Vice President I accepted the position of Interim Presidency until we find someone who is interested in the position. Personally I have several severe health issues related to Agent Orange and I do not know how long I will be able to fulfill these duties. Again anyone interested in this position let me know.

One last item, I have discussed the Association and my personal interests. Now it is your turn to provide feedback to me. What would you like to see at the 2017 Convention in Lexington Kentucky? My ear is always available, please contact me with your suggestions. 701 Center Drive, Palmyra, PA 17078 or via email at [email protected]

TO THE HORSE Randy Eckert Interim President

http://www.rhassn.us/

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FIFTY YEARS OF CAN DO WILL DO 2015 Red Horse Reunion and Convention

Over 150 Vietnam vets gathered for the RED HORSE's 50th anniversary held in Fort Walton Beach, FL Oct 12th – 16th

2015. By Kelly Humphery, Daily News, 14 Oct 2015.

Special to the Daily News - Retired Chief Master Sgt. Wayland Davis (back row, second from left) is shown with his combat civil engineering comrades in Vietnam in 1966.

With their signature red hats and colorful patches on their shirts, there's no mistaking the group of Vietnam veterans who have invaded the Ramada Inn on Okaloosa Island.

Fifty years after their unit was chartered, more than 150 veterans of RED HORSE and Prime BEEF (Base Engineer Emergency Force) have returned to Northwest Florida to renew friendships, share memories, and revel in the many accomplishments of the Air Force's combat civil engineering and construction force.

The vets traveled from as far away as Hawaii to take part in the event, which concludes on Thursday. The group meets every two years at locations across the country.

"The folks always enjoy coming back here, because there are lots of memories," said retired Chief Master Sgt. Wayland Davis, a Choctaw Beach resident and one of the organizers of the event. "Those of us who are ‘originals’ (members of the first group) got our combat training in Eglin before we headed off to Vietnam."

During their stay on the Emerald Coast, the RED HORSE and Prime BEEF veterans have mingled with active duty RED HORSE crews at Hurlburt Field, and heard from speakers ranging from a major general to local commanders. Mainly, however, the veterans have focused on commemorating their celebrated history.

From the jungles of Southeast Asia to other hotspots around the world, the members of the legendary construction force have built runways

and barracks and everything in between, often in hostile environments.

Unfortunately, when the airmen came home from the Vietnam War, they didn't exactly receive a warm welcome. On Wednesday morning, State Rep. Matt Gaetz tried to rectify that oversight.

“Here in Florida, we pride ourselves on being the ‘Welcome Home State’ for veterans," he told the group. "I'm so happy that you are all here today, so I can officially welcome you home on behalf of all Floridians.”

Gaetz presented the group with a commendation from the Florida House and Senate, recognizing their accomplishments both at home and abroad.

“We are so blessed in this corner of the world to have our own RED HORSE presence,” Gaetz added. “The work that they and you have done have helped to make America stronger, and the world a better place.”

Florida District 4 State Representative Matt Gaetz presenting a commendation from the Florida House and Senate in honor of our Vietnam War Veterans to pay tribute to their contributions to our country.

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NOTES AND MEMORIES A great reunion paying tribute to the accomplishments of the RED HORSE and Prime BEEF civil engineers; by Dick Aldinger, Newsletter Editor

Here are a few memories that I have from The REDHORSE Association (RHA) Convention/ Reunion. They are in no particular order.

▪ Listening to members of the original RED HORSE and Prime BEEF units tell their stories about building bases in Vietnam and Thailand.

▪ Hearing Bruce Swafford tell his story about visiting Vietnam in the early years of the 60s and later on constructing revetments and facilities as a member of Prime BEEF Team #1.

▪ Watching so many Horsemen, Prime BEEFers and their wives reconnect with old friends from their AF Civil Engineering days as well as making new friends.

Opening Ceremony and Presidents Welcome

▪ Meeting Horsemen and Prime BEEFers from almost every state in the union.

▪ Spending an enjoyable afternoon with the 823rd RHS at Hurlburt Field. The relaxed informal atmosphere provided by Col Mike Griffin and his entire squadron gave the reunion attendees a chance to mingle and see the outstanding quality of today’s airmen. We also were updated on squadron deployments, new equipment and visited the House of Legends Museum.

▪ The intense interest of the wives in attending many of the sessions throughout the entire reunion.

▪ Meeting Anthony Salazar and his “Band of Brothers” from the original 555th RED HORSE Squadron (RHS).

▪ Meeting Col Orson “Al” Israelsen, a WWll Bomber pilot and 2nd commander of the 555th RHS.

▪ Chatting with Herschel Harris, former member of the 557th RHS who has serious vision problems. He found out about the Reunion only a week before it started but hopped on a plane and was at almost every session.

▪ Hearing the inspirational words of Florida State Legislator Matt Gaetz who read a citation given by the Florida Legislature to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of Prime BEEF and RED HORSE.

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▪ Sitting with 297 other attendees as Major General Tim Green, “The Air Force Civil Engineer”, delivered the Keynote address at the Banquet on Thursday night.

▪ Marveling at the way “our” Charlie Hogan (819th RHS, Prime BEEFer and AF recruiter) sold the audience on why they should come to Lexington, KY in September 2017 for the next reunion.

▪ Enjoying, on Friday, a round of golf with reunion attendees and members of the 823rd RHS on Hurlburt Field. Kudos to all the members of the 823rd Booster Club and others for making the event such a success.

▪ Honoring our outgoing officer Greg MacDougal, President for the past 10 years and recognizing Paul Sattler’s 14 years of service as Secretary and Treasurer of RHA.

▪ Thanking the good Lord for making this all possible including having an internet system that allowed us to find Horsemen and Prime BEEFers no matter where they were located.

CONVENTION BANQUET, Speaker Maj/Gen Tim Green Special thanks for Major General Tim Green, “The Air Force Civil Engineer”, for his outstanding support for our 50th Anniversary Reunion. As our Banquet speaker, he gave an inspiring talk reviewing the historical events that resulted in the founding of both Prime BEEF and RED HORSE. He mentioned many of the original Air Force Civil Engineers who created these units. He compared the past Prime BEEF and RED HORSE units, how they have evolved to the present and what the future holds. Overall, he sees Prime BEEF and RED HORSE supporting future conflicts in much the same way we do today. He also noted the importance of family and the sacrifices they make. He said that we are all part of the larger Civil Engineer, Air Force and Armed Services Families. In the future, Civil Engineers will continue to lead the way.

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HISTORY OF EARLY RED HORSE SQUADRONS

History of “Charging Charlie presented by Bill Ackley

Air Staff approved the concept of RED HORSE Squadrons and commanders were named September 30, 1965 making 2015 the 50th Anniversary of RED HORSE and thus our tribute to the following squadrons.

554th Squadron (Penny Short) deployed concurrent with the 555th and were stationed at Phan Rang. Their current location is Guam. Original members are shown below.

555th Squadron (Triple Nickel) deployed concurrent with the 554th and were stationed at Cam Ranh Bay. They currently are reserved unit stationed at Nellis AFB. Original members are shown below.

556th Squadron was deployed in July 1966 to U-Tapoa Air Base, Thailand and portions of the squadron deployed to five other bases. They currently are a reserve unit located the 823rd at Hurlburt Field. Original members and Vietnam members shown below.

819th Squadron was deployed in September 1966 to Phu Cat AB with detachment units deployed to an undeveloped area classified as unsecure without any base support. They are currently located at Maelstrom AFB. Original and Vietnam members shown below.

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820th Squadron was deployed to Tuy Hoa in Oct 1966 where they completed nearly 50% of base construction needed for facilities, revetments, roads, and ammunition storage area. They are an Active Unit currently located at Nellis AFB. Original and Vietnam members below.

823rd Squadron was deployed to Bien Hoa in Oct 1966 with detachment units sent to Tan Son Nhut, Vung Tau, and Pleiku. They are currently located at Hurlburt Field.

Original members of the 823rd

823rd Vietnam Veterans

307th Squadron has been deactivated so it was especially nice that the reunion gave them a chance to get together and gave us a chance to pay tribute to their many accomplishments and wish them well.

Prime BEEF Teams were first used for a deployment to the Dominican Republic in 1965 but bases in South Vietnam were dramatically over crowded at this time. On May 16, 1965, munitions on a B-57 exploded killing 34 and injuring 100. Forty aircraft were damaged. Between August 1965 and July 1966, 25 Prime BEEF teams were then deployed to Vietnam to build revetments and support new construction as their mission expanded. The following are the members of those early teams and were awarded a special commendation at this reunion and recognized for their contributions (page 3).

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Original Prime BEEF members.

A special presentation “Remembering Vietnam” was made by Rick Lettau.

TIME TO SOCIALIZE

A fun event held on Tuesday was the Burger Burn at the 823rd RHS at Hurlburt Field which gave everyone time to socialize.

Another favorite was the House of Legends, the RED HORSE Museum located at the 823rd RHS

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at Hurlburt Field. See story below about the 823rd.

MORE REUNION STORIES

By Charles “Chuck” Evans, Col USAF (ret)

I recently had the honor of attending the 50th Anniversary Convention of RED HORSE/Prime BEEF held at Fort Walton Beach, FL from October 12-16. By way of background I retired from the USAF with 26+ years and most of that was in Civil Engineering but I was never in "the Horse". The meeting provided an excellent opportunity to meet members of all of the original RED HORSE teams as well as some members of the original Prime BEEF teams that went to Vietnam in late 1965 to provide the required facilities to support the USAF's mission there. Not only did we get to meet the previous members of the various squadrons but we also were lucky enough to attend an afternoon at the 823rd RED HORSE Squadrons facilities at Hurlburt AFB. We were shown some of the new equipment that the squadron has and the

highlight was meeting the men and women who are the team.

They are bright, friendly, and highly motivated individuals who certainly represent the very best of the Air Force. The last night of the Convention was a banquet with Maj. General Timothy S. Green as the guest speaker. He provided a

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short overview of where Air Force Civil Engineering is at and where he believes we are headed. The meeting was the result of a LARGE amount of work by the committee to locate the previous members, set up the schedule, organize all of the details, and ensure that it was enjoyed by all. A big thank you and well done to all of them.

Stories Continued

By Cliff Schneider: Comments from the 823rd RED HORSE Squadron

Good Morning My name is Cliff Schneider and I served with the 823rd RED HORSE Squadron from October 1969 to October 1970.

I served two months at our HQ at Bien Hoa and eight months at Binh Thuy. My final two months were spent at the 1st CEG at Tan Son Nhut.

At Binh Thuy, the 823rd constructed a 40 acre helicopter base for the VNAF. We started with bare sand and constructed the following:

Wing Headquarters building Squadron Operations building Central latrine Food kitchen Airmen barracks / Officer barracks Helicopter parking aprons Revetments, Bunkers, Hangars Water distribution system Wastewater collection system Power distribution Wastewater treatment ponds Roadways and more

We completed the project in eight months, slightly ahead of schedule. All construction was to Vietnamese Military Specifications.

With the exception of the hangars, all of the facilities were concrete block structures. We manufactured our own block using a mini-plant that could produce 2 blocks every 1.5 minutes.

I was most interested in quality control and wanted a testing program for the blocks. We had insufficient water for curing the blocks. A Papa Son would water the blocks from a garden hose that produced only a slight drip.

Our Major said we could not spare blocks for destructive testing. One never argues with a superior and this turned out to be a good decision.

One day a block mason was topping out a building. He dropped a block and hit a Papa San directly in the head at ground level. Papa San

should have been dead but the block crumbled to sand as it hit his head.

Major Potter grinned at me and said, 'Lt., we did not need a quality control program after all'.

I replied, 'Yes Sir'. (Lesson Learned)

One day we were laying out footings for a Butler Building. I was trying to perfectly align the anchor bolts and was having difficulties. Major Potter arrived and said.... 'G'Dammit Lt., quit it. What do you think we have sledge hammers for; AND if need be, we can cut the base plate holes bigger with a torch'.


One day I was traveling by Jeep from Bien Hoa to our Detachment at Tan Son Nhut on Highway QL-1. You all know the traffic chaos on that route. Major Grizzard was driving the Jeep (the Majors always drove the Jeeps). Major Grizzard drove very close to the centerline; very close. I said, 'Major, do you think you should move away from the center line, the other vehicles are quite close to us'. The Major said, 'No Lt., we are just fine!'

Shortly thereafter we heard a loud BOOM. Two side mirrors came off two vehicles, ours included. I looked over at the Major who said to me, 'Lt., did you see that guy with the baseball bat? He just knocked off our Jeep side mirror'.


My Air Force career included four years active duty and one year with the Tennessee Air National Guard as a PRIME BEEF Team Captain.

I went on to enjoy a civilian career in Civil Engineering and attribute my success to the time spent with RED HORSE and PRIME BEEF.

Colonel Potter could not be here today and sends his best to you all. On behalf of Colonel Potter, “To the Horse!” THANK YOU!

Much of the success for the 50th Reunion and Convention is due to the support received from the Active Duty Air Force personnel under Major General Timothy S. Green, Air Force Director of Civil Engineers at the Pentagon and his staff, the Air Force Civil Engineering Center, and to the local 823rd and 556th RED HORSE Squadrons at Hurlburt Field, FL. Many thanks from all attendees for a wonderful celebration.

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STABLE NOTES:

1. New Articles are always needed: Please send articles concerning Prime BEEF and RED HORSE including photos to Dick Aldinger at [email protected] or mail to Dick Aldinger, 4088 Floralwood Ct., Orlando, FL 32812.

2. RED HORSE Website: www.rhassn.us

3. Special Note: Please add this newsletter to your Squadron Facebook page or distribute through other social media.

4. RHA MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION You can join the REDHORSE Association for a mere $10 for the first year. Life memberships are also available. This is one way that you can keep in touch with what is going on with USAF Civil Engineering Combat Engineers today whether it be RED HORSE or Prime BEEF; see detailed information below and Application Form on page 14.

5. OUR NEXT RHA NEWSLETTER Our next newsletter will be published in the April – May timeframe. If you have a reunion picture that you would like to see in the newsletter, please e-mail to [email protected] or mail to Dick Aldinger, 4088 Floralwood Ct., Orlando, FL 32812. Add any appropriate comments. We will include if at all possible

6. RHA COMMEMORATIVE COINS were

finalized to honor the 50th Anniversary Celebration of Prime BEEF and RED HORSE and can be ordered on line through the REDHORSE Association website

www.rhassn.us, RHA Store, Coins/Pins. Examples are shown below.

Coin Set #1

Coin Set #2

mailto:[email protected]




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RHA BOARD MEMBERS

Ronald (Ron) Adams 319 Sundown Rd Knoxville TN 37934 E-mail: [email protected] Home: 865-567-1660

Dick Aldinger Newsletter/ Publicity 4088 Floralwood Court Orlando FL 32812 E-mail: [email protected] Home: 407-859-7436

John Burkett 6 Mechanic St Allentown, NJ 08501 E-mail: [email protected] Home: 863-946-3424 Mobile: 609-647-8421

Anthony Davit 2803 Redtail Street Panama City FL 32405 E-mail: [email protected] Home: 623-326-8519

Randy Eckert Interim President 701 Center Drive Palmyra PA 17078-9117 E-mail: [email protected] Home: 717-838-8659 Mobile: 717-269-3914

Tom Gallagher Vice President 10610 E. Gobbler Drive Floral City FL 34436 E-mail: [email protected] Home: 352-860-1629 Mobile: 352-464-4989

Charlie Hogan Convention Chairman 2017 1838 Brown Road Park City, KY 42160-7804 [email protected] Home: 270-749-5461

Greg MacDougal Past President 236 Winoca Dr Midway, GA 31320-4327 E-mail: [email protected] Home: 912-884-7273 Mobile: 912-321-8430

Daniel Raske 3 Mildred Road Burlington MA 01803-4110 E-mail: [email protected] Home: 781-272-4840

Terry Robinson 13 Wintermere Road Lebanon PA 17042-8016 E-mail: [email protected] Home: 717-273-0996

Paul Sattler Secretary/ Treasurer 7739 Raleigh St Westminster, CO 80030-4587 E-mail: [email protected] Home: 303-650-1215 Mobile: 303-596-9714

William (Bill) Verkest 2402 N. Hunter Place Lane Arlington TX 76006 E-mail: [email protected] Home: 817-781-8251 If interested in supporting the RHA as an officer and/or board member please submit your personal biography to Randy Eckert, 701 Center Drive, Palmyra, PA 17078 or via email at [email protected]

RED HORSE Today

200th RHS, ANG, Ohio 201st RHS, ANG, Penna 202nd RHS, ANG, Florida 203rd RHS, ANG, Virginia

210th RHS, ANG, New Mexico 219th RHS, ANG, Montana

254th RHS, ANG, Anderson, Guam 554th RHS, Active, Guam

555th RHS, Res, Nellis, Nevada 556th RHS, Res, Hurlburt, Florida

560th RHS, Res, JB Charleston, SC 567th RHS, Res, Seamore Johnson, NC

580th RHS, Res, Beal, CA 819th RHS, Active, Montana

820th RHS, Active, Nellis, Nevada 823rd RHS, Active, Hurlburt, Florida

ANG- Air National Guard Res- Air Force Reserve



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REDHORSE Association PO Box 8 Westminster, CO 80036-0008

303-650-1215 [email protected] / www.rhassn.us

Regular Membership: Active Duty personnel (to include AFRC and ANG) and Veterans, who are or were assigned to, are or were in support of RED HORSE or Prime Beef units. Spouses, children, parents or guardians of those persons, living or deceased, who are or were members or eligible for membership, shall be eligible. Affiliate Membership: Widows or Widowers of Regular or Life Members. Associate Membership: Those persons, who do not qualify for regular membership, but have an interest in RED HORSE or Prime BEEF, may be considered for Associate Membership.

Please provide the following contact information: Name: Title:

Street address:

Address (cont):

City: State: Zip:

Country:

Home Phone: Cell Phone:

e-mail:

Referred by:

Please indicate your Unit(s) assigned. Include month and year.

Unit _______ From ____/____ To ____/____ Base _______________ Combat tour __







Please indicate your war era service. (For IRS tax exemption purposes)

___I was not active military during any war era listed below

___Apr 06, 1917 to Nov 11, 1918 (World War I)

___Dec 07, 1941 to Dec 31, 1946 (World War II)

___Jun 25, 1950 to Jan 31, 1955 (Korean War)

___Feb 28, 1961 to May 7, 1975 (Vietnam War)

___Aug 24, 1982 to July 31, 1984 (Lebanon/Grenada)

___Dec 20, 1989 to Jan 31, 1990 (Panama)

___Aug 02, 1990 to today (Gulf War/War on Terrorism)

Please indicate the membership or renewal level

___Regular Membership, Initiation Year $10

___Regular Membership Renewal $20

___Affiliate Membership (Affiliate Members do not pay dues)

___Current Active Duty, Initiation Year $10

___Current Active Duty, Renewal $10

___Life Membership (please use the schedule at the right) $________

___Renewal to life membership, (please use the schedule at the right) $________

I would like to be considered for Associate Membership in the REDHORSE Association

___Associate Membership, Initiation Year $20

I would like to renew my Associate Membership in the REDHORSE Association

___Associate Membership, Renewal $20

Dues Dues are $20 per year, except that the initiation year is set at $10 Associate Memberships are $20 per year. Active military member dues are $10 per year as long as they remain active in the military. Life Memberships Age 45 and under- $250 Age 46 to 55- $215 Age 56 to 65 - $180 Age 66 and above - $125 Affiliate Memberships: Widows or Widowers of Regular or Life Members. Applications received on or after August1st will be credited to the next full year. Please include your check or money order and mail to the address above.

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The REDHORSE Association’s

Brigadier General William “Tom” Meredith Honor Scholarship Program

The purpose for this scholarship is to provide financial assistance to REDHORSE Association dues-current members and their immediate families who wish to further their education by attending an institution of higher learning. This scholarship program is supported entirely by funds set aside for the sole purpose of this program. Funds are acquired from donations, contributions and fund raisers. A candidate is eligible to apply for this scholarship program if: 1. The applicant is an immediate family member of a member in good standing (annual dues

are current) of the REDHORSE Association. (Immediate family member is defined as a son, a daughter, step son, step daughter, adopted son, adopted daughter, grandson, granddaughter, spouse and self).

2. Applicant is at least a high school graduate, has his or her GED or is a home-schooled

student who has successfully completed an equivalent program of study. 3. Applicant has maintained at least a C average or has a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher. Applicants must submit all required application information by the due date of JUNE 30th. Qualifying applicants may reapply; however, prior recipients may not reapply. Applicant MUST SUBMIT the following: 1. Application form (parts 1 & 2)

2. Two letters of reference.

3. A personal essay of 250 words or less, which should address the following areas:

(Typed, double-spaced, on a single sheet of plain paper and attached to the application).

Demonstrated timeliness and completion of assignments

Creativity in solving problems

Demonstrated responsibility on own initiative

Ability to work well with others

Organizational skills (ability to handle multiple tasks, time management)

Career Objectives 4. Transcript(s) and educational record, including activities and honors. 5. Verification of enrollment in an accredited institution of higher learning. 6. Recent (within past 90 days), color, full body (head to toe) photo, not less than 3” x 5”. 7. Recipient’s signed release of his/her name and photo to the REDHORSE Association for

publicity purposes and affirmation that all information provided is complete and accurate. For more information or an application contact [email protected] or REDHORSE Association, Scholarship Selection Committee, P O Box 8, Westminster, CO. 80036-0008.


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Palmyra, PA 17078

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