TAPS Discrepancy at 2022 Reunion
2917, 03 Nov 2022In the TAPS memorial event at the Indianapolis Reunion, not all of the deceased members' names were read out. This was entirely due to a programming error on my part, ultimately caused by (but in no way excused by) confusion over the reunion year for the TAPS entries since the last regular scheduled reunion in 2018.
I hope those affected by this error will accept my sincerest apologies.
The seven affected TAPS notices which should have been but were not properly memorialized in Indianapolis were as follows:
| Name | Died | Rank/Relationshup |
| BATEMAN, WILLIAM M., Jr | 2019-02-26 | SGM |
| BUTLER, JEROME J., Jr | 2020-10-24 | COL |
| LAVIGNE, NORMAN A. | 2021-06-27 | COL |
| LEE, NANCY | 2022-01-15 | (Wife of COL CURTIS) |
| LUX, MILDRED S. | 2021-12-09 | (Widow of THOMAS F., 5/12/2014) |
| POTEAT, DUNA E. | 2022-03-31 | (Widow of CW4 WARREN E.) |
| SHAFFER, KAY | 2022-03-27 | (Wife of LTC RICHARD) |
These members will be properly memorialized during the 2024 Reunion in Charleston.
Robby Robson
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Member Comments on This Bulletin
11/14/2022 7:09:52 PM CSM Richard S Rosen
I am so sorry for this late post. SGM Bateman was a key leader in my early development back in 1980, he was my first SGM with the 501st in Furth, Germany. A true leader as he provided guidance to our section leaders and was truly involved in the development and training to ensure they were ready to assume their next position. What many of may not know, he was a former officer during Vietnam and was only a few in the Army that held a duel commission. Thank You for Your Leadership Sergeant Major!
11/11/2022 11:14:19 AM COL Kevin G. Troller
Robby -- thank you for the info; and your accountability. I only wish our membership knew all you've done over the years for everyone in RAFINO. There is so much you get RIGHT; I'm thankful for all you do. As one of the readers of TAPS, let me also apologize to all those overlooked, their family and friends. We all want to get it right for everyone. Hopefully everyone will extend forgiveness and grace in those times of err. VR, Kevin Troller