This story is from Jim Rose who was Staff Sargent with the 172nd Transportation Company from 1961 – 1969. The 172nd Transportation Company was U.S. Army Reserve Unit from Omaha, Nebraska. They were called to active duty in 1968 and trained at Ft. Lewis, WA prior to their deployment to Viet Nam.

While at Ft. Lewis, they “recruited” a mascot that they simply call “The Crow”. He accompanied them overseas and sat proudly in front of their unit headquarters. They painted an iconic image of him on all of their vehicles as they performed their mission in Viet Nam

When they returned home, The Crow took his place in their Armory and to their amazement remained with the unit for nearly 40 years until the units official deactivation in 2007. Over the years, the unit was deployed again for Operation Desert Storm and then for Operation Iraqi Freedom. Each time The Crow was shipped along with all of the other gear and served as a mascot and iconic image.

"The Crow" is now on display at the US Army Transportation Museum at Fort Eustis, VA, for visitors to enjoy.