Agent Orange Awareness Tribute Cross-Country Horseback Ride

By Lois Romberger · Originally published August 2016 · p. 13

Cliff Romberger or Captain Cliff Romberger as the Civil War Reenactment community knew him, spent 20 years in the hobby. Under Commanding General Dana Heim, he started the first mounted cavalry unit in the United States Volunteers (USV) reenactment organization in the early 1990’s, commanding the 17th Pennsylvania Volunteer Cavalry until the mid-2000’s. Many people recognized Cliff for his outstanding horsemanship skills on and off the battlefield. So much so that he was asked to ride as a cavalry corporal in the movie “Gettysburg” and as a militiaman in the movie “The Patriot” alongside his son Colt. What many people did not know is that Cliff was also a Vietnam Veteran who served his country from 1970-1971. During his tour in Vietnam, like many Vietnam Vets, he was exposed to the toxic chemical Agent Orange. Unfortunately for Cliff, this exposure caused a brain disease many years later forcing him to stop riding his horse, retire from reenacting, and subsequently succumbing to the disease on September 24, 2015. Before Cliff passed away, his children, Colt and Honesta asked him what he wanted most. His request was simple: he wanted to ride his horse again. After being confined to a wheelchair for nearly three years, he finally saddled up for the last time a few months before he passed away. Knowing what their father endured and seeing how they were able to help him have a final lasting memory, Colt and Honesta decided they wanted to help other Vietnam Vets affected by Agent Orange have a lasting memory like Cliff. Colt, an Iraq War Veteran himself and a horseman like his father, decided to raise national support and awareness for Vietnam Vets by embarking on a 3,000-mile horseback ride with his horse Teddy. The trip which will begin in Santa Monica, Calif. and end in Washington, D.C. will be called Expedition Orange. During Expedition Orange, Colt will interview Vietnam Vets who have been affected by Agent Orange, with the hope of finally bringing light to this issue. Colt will begin his ride in May 2017 and will hit several major cities along his way. Starting in Santa Monica, Calif. he will travel to Las Vegas, Nev. and then onto Denver, Col. After a short layover in Denver to have Teddy re-shod, he will travel to Kansas City, Kan. and then to the Two T Ranch in Hartville, Mo. After a brief stay at the Two T Ranch, Colt and Teddy will embark on their last leg of the Journey reaching Nashville, Tenn. and then finishing the expedition at the Vietnam War Memorial “The Wall” in Washington D.C. Colt expects his 3,000-mile journey on horseback to take roughly six months to accomplish. As with any great expedition, Colt is seeking a support team to assist him along the way. Donations to his gofundme account are very welcomed. He is also looking to the Civil War reenactor community, of which he and Cliff were apart for many years, to help with supplies and lodging when available. Also, Colt will have a support vehicle and driver nearby during his ride with feed, water and medical supplies for Teddy. To accommodate this, he is seeking a horse trailer donation for the lead up and duration of his expedition. Colt believes in the Cavalry motto “The first duty of every Cavalryman is his horse” and Colt wants to make sure Teddy is safe. If you’re interested in helping to support Colt on his journey across American, please visit www.expeditionorange.org or follow him on Facebook at https://www.facebook. com/expeditionorange To watch a video about his upcoming expedition and/or donate, please visit www.gofundme.com/expeditionorange