‘Triple Deuce’ veterans gather to reminisce about their service in 2-222 Field Artillery

Veterans of the U.S. Army's 2nd Battalion, 222nd Field Artillery, known at the "Triple Deuce," gather at the National Guard Armory for a reunion, St. George, Utah, March 19, 2022 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News

ST. GEORGE — Approximately 75 military veterans gathered at the Army National Guard Armory in St. George on Saturday for a “Triple Deuce” reunion – those who served in the 2nd Battalion, 222nd Field Artillery.

Organizers sell souvenir hats, T-shirts and raffle tickets at “Triple Deuce” reunion, St. George, Utah, March 19, 2022 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News

Retired Staff Sgt. Kelly Kleinman, who organized the event, said it marked the fifth time the group has officially gotten together. After a 2019 gathering in Cedar City, there was no reunion held in 2020, although there was one in Beaver in 2021, he said.

This year, Kleinman said, there are two reunions planned, with the other one scheduled for Richfield in early May.

“We cover from Richfield to St. George and everywhere in between,” Kleinman said.

At Saturday’s event, a lunch consisting of hamburgers and Dutch oven potatoes was served, courtesy of Bryce Christensen Excavating, with Kanab Custom Meats donating the meat and the Pendleton crew cooking the potatoes. Attendees also bought potluck side dishes and desserts to share.

As they ate, the veterans visited with each other, reminiscing and sharing stories about their time together in the service as members of “Southern Utah’s Golden Boys.”

A slideshow that played on a loop showed various vintage photographs taken by Donald Ira Pendleton over many years, starting in the early 1970s.

Veterans of the 2nd Battalion, 222nd Field Artillery visit with one another during “Triple Deuce” reunion, St. George, Utah, March 19, 2022 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News

The group also heard from a few speakers who briefly talked about benefits available to veterans and their families. They included Court Pendleton of the Utah Dept. of Veterans and Military Affairs; Misty Peterson with Veterans’ Outreach; and Thomas Lamb, outreach coordinator for The Vet Center in St. George.

A raffle was also held, featuring a variety of donated prizes, including commemorative wooden mortar shells crafted by Scott Shirk of Redleg Custom Woodworks.

Toward the end of the three-hour event, just about everyone present gathered to pose for a group photo outside the building.

“It really does my heart good to see those who I have served with gather together and renew old friendships and make new ones,” Kleinman said afterward. “I was able to see veterans that I hadn’t seen in 30 years.”

The next reunion is scheduled for May 7 starting at 10 a.m. at the Richfield National Guard Armory, 620 W. 200 South, Richfield. 

“We would like to encourage all former members of the Triple Deuce to attend,” Kleinman added. 

For more information about the group and its activities, visit its Facebook group page.

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