By Misty Cryer
A famous songster with ties to the area has been honored by the CHS Class of ‘62. Few knew that Barry A. Sadler, best known for writing and recording the hit song, The Ballad of the Green Berets, was actually born in Carlsbad.
Once discovered, donations were made in his memory to the Class of ‘62 Scholarship Fund.
“We made donations in his honor to the Carlsbad Community Foundation,” said Curtis Mize. “The Class of ‘62, all of us, we support the Class of ‘62 scholarship. George Hurd gave me that information, and we put the word out to all of our Class of ‘62 members. I was shocked he was born in Carlsbad, and no one really knew about it,” he said.
Nobody has a “squeaky clean” record, Hurd said, adding, “Give honor where honor is due. I want to recognize and honor Barry Sadler. He wrote the song, Ballad of the Green Berets, was born in Carlsbad, served in the military, got wounded—look at the way he stands. Barry would give his life for this country.”
Hurd said, “I’m a retired Master Sergeant from the United States Air Force. I am 100% disabled.” He said he and several fellow classmates served in the Vietnam War.
Both Mize and Hurd suggested that Carlsbad—as his birthplace—honor Sadler in some way.
“We have to get money to put a plaque up or a sign that says birthplace when they drive into Carlsbad,” Mize said.
Hurd suggested putting something like the Birthplace of Barry Sadler on a water tower. If it is decided to put up some type of memorial, Mize said, “We’re glad to jump on the bandwagon.”
The August 2024 issue of The Catalyst, a newsletter published by the Carlsbad Community Foundation, lists the donors to the Class of ‘62 Scholarship Fund in memory of Barry A. Sadler. They include George Hurd, Mark Miller, Curtis Mize, Toni Murdock, and Dwight and Sabette Pitcaithley. “Most of those are vets,” Mize said.
Mike Antiporda, Executive Director of Carlsbad Community Foundation, provided The Catalyst newsletter, published in May 2016, that featured an article about the Class of ‘62 Scholarship. The article was titled “The Class of ‘62—Giving back to the place they call home.”
The article states, “The Class of ‘62 Scholarship is not the only scholarship fund that honors a graduating class, but the members’ organized approach to supporting and growing the fund ensures its ability to support education for many years to come.”
About the organized approach, the 2016 article states, “Dwight Pitcaithley, who lives in Las Cruces, NM, diligently serves a critical communication role. He maintains a database of contact information for the Class of ‘62 and frequently sends e-mail messages, not only about the scholarship fund but also about the health and well-being of their classmates. When a member of the Class of ‘62 or spouse passes away, classmates frequently make contributions to the scholarship fund in their memory. Gifts to the fund are also made to honor members of the class for birthdays, anniversaries, or other events being celebrated.”
A write-up about Barry Sadler will appear in a future edition of the Carlsbad Local.
Veterans from the Class of ‘62 attended the Red River Fighter Pilots (Night Owls) of the Vietnam War Reunion in Tucson, AZ, October 16-19.
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