I have the honor to report that on or about 13-14 Jun 06 that I the undersigned did in fact do a recon of Ft. Sill, Oklahoma for the purpose of refamiliarization with the Robertson Barracks Area of Operations and the infamous site known as MB4.
Accompanied by my spouse (hereafter referred as Vicki) we arrived at Ft. Sill at approximately 1700 hrs and penetrated the post through the Key Gate (East entrance of I44). We found that a large portion of Sheridan Road was closed due road construction and had to make a detour to get to Geronimo Road. We then obtained lodging at Aultman Hall. The quarters were satisfactory, a single room with a double bed, about on par with a Holiday Inn at a cost of around $40.00 per night. The room did have microwave, mini fridge, and cable TV. For those who take advantage of space A rooms at military installations be advised that Air Force facilities are generally superior, usually two room suites and usually costing a little over $30.00 per night. Over the past year we have stayed at 6 AF bases, 4 Army posts and 1 Marine post.
For those of us who enjoyed eating at the Danta's Italian Restaurant, I'm sorry to report that it is no longer in existence. We did not find any off post dining facilities worth giving a glowing report on, will further investigate during our next reconnaissance.
On the morning of 14 Jun 06, Vicki not being in the least interested in things Army, departed for Oklahoma City to pursue her interests. She took our only means of transportation leaving me to perform my mission as a foot patrol. My first objective was Robinson Barracks located at the junction of Austin and Candidate Roads. See photo below.
Sad to report that our beloved home, D Battery, is no more. As you may recall it was up the street, with both barracks on the right and the Battery Orderly Room on the left. The one remaining building, the old headquarters building were we first reported in still exists.
It is now called Durham Hall, named after our former classmate and Medal of Honor recipient, "Pinky" Durham. The building is currently used to house OCS memorabilia and the OCS Hall of Fame, which honors former candidates that have either been awarded the Distinguished Service Cross or been promoted to Colonel or better. They have books in there that list names of all of the Artillery graduates, they had my name misspelled.
After spending better than an hour I had one of my "senior" moments and decided it would be fun to go visit Medicine Bluff better known to us as MB4. Remember, I'm on foot and this is June at Ft. Sill. I'm not sure what the wet bulb temperature was, but it was more than pleasantly warm by this time. Those of you who knew me 40 years ago remember that I wasn't overly bright back then and sorry to say I haven't improved. You would have thought that having put in slightly over 100 miles going out there would have taught me a lesson. Anyway, I marched (sort of) and definitely did not Jark out to the top of MB4.
When I Jarked up there 40 years ago I didn't stop and take in the sights. The view of the post from up there was spectacular.
Well, I proved once again that God still loves me, because with the heat and my advancing years I should have died out there. On the way back I stopped at the PX and sought fluid replacement. Yep, I wasn't smart enough to take water with me. From there I went over to Snow hall, it was still pretty much the same as when we were there except the book store in the basement had been moved from where it had been, so it took a few minutes to find its new location. I then went to the old historic Ft. Sill and explored the old 1870s buildings and museum. By this time it was approximately 1600 hours, so I limped back toward Aultman Hall. Again, God was looking out for me because a very young looking 2LT (did we look that young) took pity on this old soldier and gave me a ride the last kilometer.
Then early the next morning my aforementioned spouse and I egressed Ft. Sill bound for home.
Respectfully Submitted,
Former Candidate Samuel (Short Round) Dauer
Attachment 1:
If any of you guys would like to have our own special reunion this October to celebrate our graduation let me know and maybe some of us could get together.
samdauer@wmconnect.com
406-665-1027
304 Chouteau Ave
Hardin, MT 59034
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