Black Tiger Honor Guard

Black Tiger Honor Guard Black Tiger Honor Guard
Honoring Veterans
Then and Now The Black Tigers were formed in 1992 by SSG R. The "Black" is for the black beret.

Ben Dunham, veteran United States Army and a Veteran of the Vietnam War. SSG Dunham served with the E/51 LRRP and G/75 Rangers from 1968-1979 (RVN). Additionally, SSG Dunham had two tours with the 82nd Airborne Division, a tour with the 101st Airborne Division, and a tour with the 1st Ranger Battalion. He completed his military career as a Drill Sergeant for the 3rd Army. The name Black Tiger came

from the camouflage uniform and black beret the LRRP/Rangers wore in Vietnam. The "Tiger" is for the camouflage uniform called Tigers or Tiger Stripes. Thus, the name Black Tigers. COMMANDERS OF THE BLACK TIGER HONOR GUARD:

First Commander: SSG R. Ben Dunham, Veteran United States Army, Veteran of the Vietnam War, Founder of the Black Tigers, NCOIC of the Guard

Second Commander: SSG William "Bill" Dickey, Veteran United States Army, Veteran of the Vietnam War, Taps 2009

Third Commander: SSG Lee Oakley, Veteran United States Army, Veteran of the Vietnam War, Taps 2011

Fourth Commander: SGT Bob Murphy, Veteran United States Army, Veteran of the Vietnam War

Fifth Commander: Drill SGT John Hensley since 2018 Veteran of the Vietnam War

05/04/2026

"I ask that you remember and sacrifice some suffering endured by their families and loved ones," said a Gold Star family member.

11/18/2025

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) will host the annual Christmas Remembrance Ceremony for Illinois soldiers listed as POW/MIA during the Vietnam War at the Illinois Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Oak Ridge Cemetery, Springfield, at 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6.
Family and friends of soldiers will have the opportunity to hang handmade, heart-shaped ornaments with the names of loved ones on a tree near the memorial. The Black Tiger Honor Guard will serve as the color guard. The names of the POW/MIA soldiers will be read aloud, and the ceremony will also include music courtesy of the Land of Lincoln Chorus.
“The Illinois Vietnam Vigil Committee appreciates IDNR sponsoring the annual POW/MIA Christmas Remembrance Ceremony each year. There are still 63 men unaccounted for,” said Jim Mathes, IVVC spokesperson. “We always need to remember these men. They should never be forgotten.”
“We pause to remember those who bravely served our nation during the Vietnam War,” said acting director of the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs. “It is important for us to support families and friends who have been denied closure and continue to mourn their loved one each day

11/18/2025

Good Day!
Put on your calendar Dec 6. We will be part of the POW/ MIA Christmas ceremony.
Tigers, you need to be there by 1230. We are presenting and retiring the colors!

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1500 Monument Ave
Springfield, IL
62702

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