The photos and descriptions below include people that have served on the Vietnam Triple Deuce Board, not just the current officers

Mike Groves

Mike Groves joined Southwestern Bell Telephone Co. after completing High School in 1966.  In 1967 he volunteered for the draft, figuring if he finished his two year obligation, came home, and still felt the same way about his fiancé, Cathy,  they would get married.

He completed his basic training at Ft. Leonard  Wood, Missouri.  AIT at Ft. Polk, Louisiana and APC Driver training at Ft. Knox, Kentucky.

He served with Alpha Company, 3rd squad, as a .50 gunner and driver of "33" track from April 1968 until January 1969.  After being wounded he finished up his tour in Dau Tieng Base camp during the months of February and March 1969.  Upon returning home in April 1969, he married his fiancé and finished the remaining 6 months of his obligation with the 3rd Armored Regimental Cavalry at Ft. Lewis, Washington.

Member - 22nd Infantry Regiment Society
Member/President Vietnam Triple Deuce, Inc.
Life Member - 25th Infantry Division Association
Member - Vietnam Veterans of America
Life Member - VFW Post 2593
Life Member - NRA

Norman T. Nishikubo

AKA “Magnet”

Born on August 4, 1942 at the Santa Anita California Relocation Center.

Grew up and attended Grade School, High School and Community College in the Los Angeles California Area.

Graduated from Los Angeles Trade Technical J.C. in 1964 with an Associates in Science Degree in Automotive Technology.

Upon graduation from L.A.T.T.C. joined the then Chrysler Corporation's Engineering Staff and worked in the area of Motor Vehicle Exhaust Emissions Control Development & Testing. During the time frame encompassed by February 1964 to January 1967 his Selective Service Classification was: Exempt because of Critical Occupation.

Inducted into the U.S. Army in February 1967. Basic Training was taken at Ft. Ord and AIT was taken at Ft. Polk. After completion of AIT was assigned to his Training Company as Cadre for a little over 3 months.

Arrived in RVN in September 1967 then was assigned to C/2-22. While with C/2-22 was awarded the CIB, Purple Heart w/3 Clusters, Bronze Star w/V and attained the rank of Sgt. The reason he became known as Magnet is: The first 3 Purple Hearts he was awarded came in 7 weeks and were all from shrapnel.

• Departed RVN on August 22, 1967
• Separated from Active Duty from the Medical Holding Company at Ft. Ord on December 6, 1968
• Rejoined the Engineering Staff of the then Chrysler Corporation on January 2, 1969.
• Married first wife Caren on December 11, 1970. Was married to Caren until her death in late December 1995. During this marriage raised two children who now have families of their own
• In 1977 awarded a Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering
• In 1985 awarded a Master's Degree in Mechanical Engineering
• In November 1996 married Linda who is the current Editor of the VN/2-22 Newsletter
• Has 37+ years of credited service with Damler Chrysler Corporation
• Currently is a Vehicle Emissions Regulatory Planning & Compliance Senior Specialist with responsibility for assuring Damler Chrysler Corporation compliance with all aspects of California Vehicle Emissions Control Requirements

E. Q. “Skip” Fahel

Elpidio “Skip” Fahel was drafted in October 1965 from Los Angeles, CA.  Basic training was taken at Ft Polk, LA and AIT training at Ft. Jackson, S.C.   Attended Infantry O.C.S. at Ft. Benning, GA and received commission in Sep 1966.  Stationed at Ft. Rucker, Al and Ft. Benning before leaving for Vietnam in April 1967.

Served with Company B, 2/22 as a platoon leader of the 3rd platoon from April to December 67, and then back in the rear as the Company XO, and took over the command of the company with CPT Mitchell was wounded.

Spent 16 months in Omaha NB as the Senior Army Advisor to the Army Reserve in Nebraska and South Dakota.

Returned to Vietnam in Sept 1969 and served with the 3rd Battalion, 1st Infantry, 11th Brigade, Americal Division.   I had command of B Company for 6 months, and then returned to the battalion rear and served as the battalion S4 and Headquarters Company Commander.

Returned to the states and attended the Infantry Officers Advance Course at Ft Benning, and then two years at Park College in Kansas City Mo. to complete my BA in History, Economics and Business Administration at the Army’s expense.

After that, was assigned to Germany, where I spent 39 months with V Corps Artillery as the Comptroller and Financial Management Officer of the Military Community of Darmstadt.  Was passed over for Major (no time with an infantry unit for over 5 years).  Got out of the Army in 1977 at Ft Riley, KS.

Settled in Kansas City, MO and started my career in Health Care Administration working with Nursing homes, and then into management consulting of medical practices.  In 1978, became an administrator of an ophthalmology practice in Kansas City, and have been an administrator for practices in Kansas City, Houston, Baltimore, San Antonio, Austin, Sarasota, and Port Charlotte, FL.

I am a founding member of the American Society of Ophthalmic Administrators, Past President (First President), and on the Board of Directors.  A member of the National Committee for the Certification of Ophthalmic Executives, which developed the certification, programs for Ophthalmic administrators, and on the National Board for the Certification of Ophthalmic Executives which now oversees the certification program.

In 2007, Karen, my wife of over 35 years relocated back to Humble, TX.  I have one daughter Candy (who was born while I was serving with the 2/22.  I was on an ambush patrol south of Soui Da when I was notified at 0215hrs.  Candy was 7 months old when I first saw her), Candy passed away in July 2004 after a yearlong battle with cancer.  She had one son, Derek.  I have two stepdaughters, Missy, who graduated from Kansas University, and lives in Lenexa, and Heather, who graduated from the University of North Texas and lives in Kingwood, TX.

In 2009, I retired and now spend most of my time playing with the grandkids.

David Edward Milewski

David was born September 26, 1946 in Long Beach, California.  He lived with his Grandparents in a small home in Westminster, California until his mother remarried when he was five years old.  He graduated from High School at age seventeen and went to work for McDonald Douglas a year later as a Reprographic Technician.  He married his high school sweetheart, Judy, when he was nineteen and they are still married to this day.  And “they” said it would never last!  Judy is the power behind the throne and actively participates with him in all endeavors except one, fishing. She gets seasick!

Six months after his marriage he was drafted into the Army on April 3, 1967.  He attended Basic Training at Fort Ord, California.  He had a four-hour leave and was placed on a jet en route to Fort Polk, Louisiana for Advanced Infantry Training.  He became an Expert in 81mm mortar.  The cadre in Basic and Advanced training continually attempted to get David to attend OCS but David was interested in getting out of the Army as quickly as possible.  Attending OCS would have caused him to spend thirty-four months in the service.  Being newly married, the simple two-year program had more appeal.

After graduating from Tiger Land in Fort Polk, David had a three-week leave and then reported for a tour of duty in Vietnam arriving the first week in September 1967.  David was assigned to C company, 2nd Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division.  He spent one year assigned to both the third and fourth platoons.  Managing to stay alive, he arose to the rank of Sergeant E5 and performed the duties of a squad leader.  David left Vietnam in September 1968, returned home for a leave then reported to an armor unit in Fort Knox, Kentucky.  On January 3, 1969, David received an early out from the military to attend college.  His military service time was a total of twenty-one months.  His goal to get out of the service in the least amount of time possible had been achieved.

David joined the Orange County Sheriff’s Department in 1969 where he remained for thirty-two years.  He retired in 2001 at the rank of Captain having the responsibility of over five hundred employees and an annual $45,000,000 budget.   His assignments included Jail, Patrol, Investigation, Personnel, Harbor (boats), Training, and Academy Commander.

He attended College while working full time attaining an A.A. degree in Administration of Justice, B.A. degree in Management, and a M.A. degree in Behavioral Science, Negotiation and Conflict Management.

David has two adult daughters, Kim and Deni who both enjoy Mexico deep sea fishing with their father as well as volunteering to drive Dad’s antique cars, a 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air and a 1953 Chevrolet 3100 pick up truck.

David is presently a Life Member of the 22nd Infantry Regiment Society and he is the Secretary for the Vietnam Triple Deuce, Incorporated.

Jim May

I was born and raised in Providence, RI.  I attended Parochial Grade School and Christian Brother’s High School. I was drafted in February 1966 from Providence, RI.  Basic Training was taken at Ft. Dix, NJ.  My Advanced Individual Training was taken at Ft. Knox, KY.  My MOS is 11 D, Reconnaissance Scout.   In August of 1966 I entered OCS at Ft. Eustis, VA.  I received my Commission on February 9, 1967.  I was 20 years old.  

My first duty assignment was with the 197 Inf Bde, (The School Brigade) at Ft. Benning, GA.  I was assigned to the 2nd BN, 10th Arty (Comp) as the Bn Motor Officer.  I later served as CO, HQ&HQB and then as Brigade Assistant S-4.

I arrived in Cu Chi in late February 1968. After my in country training had been completed I was sent to Dau Tieng to be the DTO FWD and the Platoon Leader of the Provisional Co. Motor Platoon.  I spent the next six months running convoys through the Ben Cui Rubber with the Recon Platoon, 2/22.  In September I was ordered to Cu Chi where I served as the Division Convoy Control Officer.  I returned to the States in late January 1969.

I entered Bryant College in Providence, RI in September of 1969 and graduated with honors in 1972.   I hold a BS Degree with two major areas of concentration, Economics and Business Management.

I worked in the wholesale lumber industry after graduation and during that time I first moved to Maine.  I relocated in Las Vegas, Nevada and worked as the comptroller for a group of transportation related businesses.  I missed New England and returned to Rhode Island where I began my career in the Financial Services Industry.

My work activity was divided between Maine and Rhode Island.  In 1990 I took time away from work and built the home I now live in.

In 1992 I joined Dworkin Associates Inc. as the Marketing Director for the State of Maine.  Dworkin Associates Inc. is a Brokerage General Agency and represents twenty of the largest Financial Service Companies in the country.  I completed the CFP Professional Education Program in February of 1996.  I am a Member and an Officer of the local chapter of the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors.  I am also a Registered Representative of LifeMark Securities Corp., a National Association of Securities Dealers Member Firm. I am a past member of The Million-Dollar Round Table.

Gail and I were married on October 3, 1986.  We live in Norridgewock, Maine, a small town on the Kennebec River about 60 miles from the Quebec border.  My mother, Rita, lives with us.  Gail and I have no children.

I am an avid outdoorsman.  My interests are fishing, hunting, boating, snowmobiling and motorcycling.  I am a Life Member of the North American Fishing & Hunting Clubs and The American Rifle Association.  I am a member of the American Motorcyclist Association and the International Norton Owners Association.

Lynn Dalpez

Lynn William Dalpez was born in Portland Oregon on Nov. 15, 1946.  He was raised in the rural towns of Dallas and Roseburg Oregon.   In 1965 after his family returned to Portland he received the famous “Greetings” letter from his draft board ordering him to report for active duty in the US Army, Dec. 10, 1965.  After processing in at Fort Ord, CA. he was assigned to 1st Squad, 3rd Platoon, Charlie Co. of the Triple Deuce, where he spent his entire Triple Deuce service.  He is a veteran of the: Walker Boat Ride, operations; Attleboro, Cedar Falls, Junction City, and The Battle of Soui Tre.  He rotated home in Sept. 1967. He is proud to be a Charlie Boat Original.

Lynn married Linda Ann, Feb. 1972, and they have a son, Justin.  They agreed that they would try Army life together.  So Lynn enlisted in the US Army for a 2nd tour, but this time as a Security Sergeant at a missile site in Germany where they had some Fun, Travel, and Adventure.  Lynn’s civilian career was spent in sales organizations, with the last 19 years as a Customer Service Manager for Graphic Products, Inc.  Lynn and Linda reside in Beaverton, Ore., near Portland.  Lynn retired in 2013.

Military Career & Awards

• Combat Infantryman’s Badge
• Army Commendation Medal
• Army Good Conduct Medal
• National Defense Medal
• Vietnam Service Medal w/3 battle stars
• Vietnam Service Medal w/60 device
• Vietnam Cross of Gallantry w/palm leaf
• Presidential Unit Citation (Participant)
• Vietnam Unit Cross of Gallantry/w palm branch (Participant)
• Vietnam Unit Civic Action Medal (Participant)
• Expert Rifle, Machine Gun, & Pistol Badge
• The Honor Graduate, Military Police Academy
• An Honor Graduate, Non-Commissioned Officers Academy
• Highest rank: Sergeant E-5
• Honorable Discharge 1972

Veteran Career & Awards

• Distinguished Member of The 22nd Infantry Regiment, Secretary of The Army
• Coin of Excellence, 22nd Infantry Regiment Society
• Life Member of the 22nd Infantry Regiment Society
• Chair of the 2009 Seattle 22nd Infantry Regiment Society Reunion
• President of the Vietnam Triple Deuce, Inc. 2011-
• Vice President of the Vietnam Triple Deuce, Inc. 2003-2011
• Director of the Vietnam Triple Deuce, Inc. 2003-
• Warriors Medal of Valor, Native American Nations of the USA
• Honorable Service Medal, State of Oregon
• The Order of the Red Ant, which Lynn designed, co-developed, and awarded to himself, and many others, Vietnam Triple Deuce, Inc.

Doc Matz

Bill was always ready to help you along with a well placed injection, and just in case, his jeep was always nearby.

Bill's current photo shows the effect of extensive plastic surgery.

I trained with the 2/22nd, at Ft. Lewis, starting in December, 1965.  I took my 91A10 training at Ft. Sam Houston, Tx.  I had OJT at Ft. Irwin, Ca.  During this whole time, I was officially assigned to 2/22.  I “crossed the pond,” on the “Nelson M. Walker,” and served as a combat medic until May, 1967.  I was then transferred to the 9th Med. Bn. A “cushy” REMF job.

I worked for Chicago & NorthWestern Railroad for thirty years.  I am currently retired.  (Plastic surgery hell! - I live well.)

William A. Matz

5242 Edmondson Pike, Apt. 1020

Nashville, Tn. 37211-5834

(615) 837-9854

DocMatz222@comcast.net

Dan Streit

Born and raised in Tipton, Kansas a small (population app. 400) German Catholic farming community in North Central Kansas.  I enjoyed the benefits of rural living: hard work, close family ties, hunting and fishing.  My dad was a World War II fighter pilot.  We had a small two seater private plane that we used for spotting coyotes and other pleasurable activities.

In 1966 I graduated from high school and studied welding at the area vocational technical school.  On December 6, 1966, I joined the National Guard.  After school I went to work for a local farm machinery manufacturer as a welder.  My high school sweetheart and I were married.   Basic training was in Ft. Bragg, North Carolina and AIT with an MOS of 6320 in Aberdeen, Maryland.  I came home on leave for the birth of our first child in August of 1967.   In a return to civilian life, I worked for the same manufacturer.  Sometime in April 1968 .while welding with the radio going in the background, I heard a news flash regarding outfits being called up for active duty. Surprise. Surprise.  Our unit was activated on May 13, 1968.  We went to Ft. Hood, Texas.  Shortly after, individuals were selected to be sent to Vietnam.

February of 1969 I went to Vietnam and settled into Company D 2/22 at Dau Tieng.  We did maintenance on the APCs.  During the first hour being there, I saw they had a portable welder and asked if they needed a welder.  They said yes so that is what I did while in country.  March 1969 our second child was born.  Later on I was on the advance party to move to Tay Ninh to set up the base camp.  I returned to the US in August of 1969.

We had two more children and later the marriage ended.   In January of 1973, I took a job with Mitchell County as the County Weed Director.  After 34 years I am still there.  Around 17 years ago I moved to Beloit, which is the county seat. Vera and I were married in 1991. Between us we have 5 kids and 7 grandkids.  I have enjoyed being a pilot, scuba diving, flying radio controlled airplanes and ham radios.  Recently I have begun machine quilting commercially.

In addition to being on the 2/22 Board and editing the newsletter, I am quartermaster of the local VFW post.  It is a small but active post.

Jim Nelson

• Jim was born December 21, 1943 in Beloit, Kansas
• 1965-1967 found him as a Western Mural painter for Raymond Lowey Inc New York City
• Drafted in February of 1967, Jim soon joined Charlie Company, 2nd of the 22nd in Sept 1967
• In December 1967, he moved to HQ and became a BDG Draftsman, and command track driver until Sept 1968.
• In September of 1968 he extended to become a Combat Artist with 18th Military Historical Detachment.
• Next he worked as a Tractor Mechanic in Glen Elder Kansas from 1969 to 1970
• From 1970 to the present Jim creates Military and Western Historical Paintings with works in 11 museums and creates Western bookcovers for Caxton Press.
• Jim still farms wheat and soybeans to this day!
• Jim's Website: http://www.jdnelsonportraits.com

Dean Springer

• Born June 4, 1946 in Bigfork, Minnesota
• Earned his BA in Accounting
• From December 7, 1965 to February 10, 1969 was in the US Army as:
  • A Signal School Instructor at Ft. Gordon, Georgia
  • Graduated from Infantry Officers Candidate School at Ft. Benning, Georgia.
  • Become the 1st Platoon Leader of B Co. 2nd of the 22nd, Vietnam and then Brigade S-5 also in Vietnam.
• 1969 to 1973 Saw Dean at Citizens & Southern Nat'l Bank, Savannah, Georgia.
• Next he was the Controller for Southern Marine Supply, Savannah, Georgia from 1973 to 1981.
• In 1981 he become the owner of Pro Bass Outfitters, Savannah, Ga.thru 2001.
• 2003-2009 had Dean driving for CTL Chemical Transport, Savannah, Georgia.
• Finally he retired in 2009 to Bigfork Minnesota, where he lives today.
• Dean is married to his beautiful wife Karen
• Tel #218-743-3199 Cell#218-244-2326

Dick Nash