Recent News
from the 101st Airborne Division Association Website
January 19, 2010
From Joe
Bossi -
This obit appeared
in the Washington Post.
Donald A.
Seibert
Retired Col.
Donald A. Seibert, a 32 year veteran of the Army, died on January 15, 2010
at Inova Fairfax Hospital. A native of Long Island, NY, Col. Seibert
graduated from the New York University and from George Washington
University, where he earned a Master's Degree in International Affairs. He
served as an Infantry Platoon Leader in the Pacific during WWII, and was
awarded the Combat Infantryman Badge on Okinawa. After tours with the 82nd
Airborne Division and the 508th Airborne Infantry Regimental Combat Team, he
earned the second award of the Combat Infantryman Badge as a Rifle Company
Commander with the 9th Infantry Regiment in Korea. An assignment as an ROTC
instructor was followed by duty on the Army General Staff in the Pentagon.
After a tour of duty in Germany, Col. Seibert commanded the Fifth Battalion,
6th Infantry at Ft. Hood, TX, followed by service on the Joint Staff in the
Pentagon. He had two extended tours of duty in Vietnam, as advisor to
Vietnamese Army units, commander of the First Brigade of the Ninth Infantry
Division, G-3 of First Field Forces, Vietnam and Chief of Staff of
the 101st Airborne Division. During the four years he served in
Vietnam, Col. Seibert earned the Third Award of the Combat Infantryman
Badge, one of less than 300 Infantryman who achieved this distinction. Col.
Seibert attended The Infantry School at Fort Benning, The Command and
General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, and the Army War College at
Carlisle Barracks. He was qualified as a Master Parachutist and a Ranger.
During his career Col. Seibert was awarded the Silver Star on two occasions,
the Legion of Merit with Five Oak Leaf Clusters, other US awards for valor
and merit and numerous foreign decorations. He retired from the Army in 1974
at Ft. Bragg, while serving as the President of the Airborne, Communications
and Electronics Board. After retirement, Col. Seibert established the Ft
Bragg Residence Center of Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, and
administered it for some time. For many years he was active in volunteer
efforts. He moved to The Fairfax Lifecare Community in 1989. Col. Seibert is
survived by his two sisters, Margaret Facella and Arlene Grau of Long
Island, NY and numerous nieces and nephews. After a private cremation,
Col. Seibert's ashes will be placed in the Columbarium at Arlington
National Cemetery at a date to be determined. The family suggests
that in lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy be in the form of
contributions to the Lorton Volunteer Fire Dept., Inc. 7701 Armistead Rd.,
Lorton, VA 22079.
January 16, 2010
CSM (R) Joe Bossi has
informed us that Brise Bickerton has had health issues recently and forwarded an
e-mail he received from Dick Winters. Brise is the past president of the
506th Assn. For additional information, please contact Dick Winters at
r173winters@aol.com
or Joe Bossi at
jmbossi@peoplepc.com
January 13th, 2010
News from Joe Bossi and
several others (Frank E. Wisniewski) -
Al Knox Passes Away
I recruited Al from the 2nd Bn. 327th, he was a member of B
Company. Please post this on to 2nd Bn. he was a super Soldier and will be
missed - my prayer's to his family. Bastogne! Joe
----------------
All,
It's with deep regret that we inform you of Al Knox passing
away. He just returned from his latest deployment on Sunday,
and passed in his sleep Monday night. We don't know all the
details yet, but will let everyone know when we learn the
facts. We'll also make sure everyone knows when and where his
memorial service will be held.
Al served his country honorably with a
career in Special Forces, and continued to serve his
country after retirement like the rest of us, always
dependable and reflecting positively on those around
him. He will be deeply missed.
It's unfortunate that he didn't get to live out the rest
of his life and enjoy his much earned retirement. Maybe
some day we'll understand why a man who's made a career
sacrificing for others, has to make the ultimate
sacrifice before his time. We have not just lost a
co-worker, we've lost a Brother in Arms. In all we do
we need to honor his memory like we do other fellow
Veterans that have gone before us.
Some of you are close to his family and are already
trying to figure out how to help, thank you in advance.
There's nothing we can do to fill the void being
experienced by the Knox family right now, but if the
family needs something please share their needs so that
we can all help ease their burdens.
On a personal note I've prayed for Al and his family and
I humbly ask that you do the same.
January 13, 2010
From: matt.anderson
Subject: FW: NUTS CAVE SAVED
Good news
from
Bastogne! Did not know if you have seen this. There was also over 1500
people that showed up for the 65th Anniversary events in December
that helped encourage saving the historical site.
ATW
Matt Anderson
From:
Reg Jans [mailto:reg.jans@telenet.be]
Sent: Wednesday,
January 13, 2010 5:24 PM
To:
Subject:
NUTS CAVE SAVED
NEWSFLASH !!!!! BARRACKS WILL BE SAVED !!!!!!
Because of lots of internal
and external political pressure and negotiations Belgian Minister of
Defense Pieter De Crem made some significant changes in his plan to close
down the HEINTZ BARRACKS in BASTOGNE .
The Artillery Unit 1A will
no longer exist and 200 people have to go and work in other camps BUT 100
soldiers will remain at the caserne to maintain the ‘new’ Historical Depot
of the Belgian Military Museum .
Reasons are : “Deployment “
and “Historical Reasons “ as he referred to the Von Runstedt Offensive and
Bastogne being a historical city AND the
BARRACKS , the 101ST Div HQ, as
a Historical Marker !!!!!!!
GREAT JOB EVERYBODY !
YOUR
SUPPORT AND LETTERS REALLY HELPED A LOT !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
THANK YOU !!!
Best regards
Reg
January 8, 2010
Enjoy the attached newsletter
from Screaming Eagles WWII Foundation by Petra Wenstedt-Pulles by way of Joe
Bossi -
screamingeagle.org/20094ENG.pdf
website -
http://www.screamingeagles.nl/latestnews1.htm
January 5, 2010
Read notes from Tom Sewell
(Assn. President) and Dee Dallas (Interim Exec. Secretary Treasurer) that will
appear in the Winter Issue of the Screaming Eagle Magazine -
President and Exec Article for Winter Issue
December 28, 2009
From Tom Sewell -
Larry, please post this link to the MSNBC piece on Colonel Bob
Howard who is a True American Hero who also served with the 101st Airborne
Division.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/34579550#34579550
December 21, 2009
Saw this
article about our active duty soldiers in Iraq and thought I'd share it.
I'm assuming it's true, and I did briefly check Snopes.com for it's
authenticity...LF
WHEN THE MUSIC STOPPED
For those who are unaware: At all military base theaters, the National Anthem
is played before the movie begins.
This is written from a Chaplain in Iraq :
I recently attended a showing of 'Superman 3' here at LSA
Anaconda. We have a large auditorium we use for movies, as well
as memorial services and other large gatherings. As is the
custom at all military bases, we stood to attention when the National
Anthem began before the main feature.
All was going well until three-quarters of the way through The National
Anthem, the music stopped.
Now, what would happen if this occurred with 1,000 18-22 year-olds
back in the States? I Imagine there would be hoots, catcalls, laughter,
a few rude comments, and everyone would sit down and yell for the
movie to begin. Of course, that is, if they had stood for the National
Anthem in the first place.
Here in Iraq , 1,000 Soldiers continued to stand at attention, eyes fixed
forward. The music started again and the Soldiers continued to quietly
stand at attention. But again, at the same point, the music stopped.
What would you expect 1000 Soldiers standing at attention to do??
Frankly, I expected some laughter, and every one would
eventually sit down and wait for the movie to start. But
No!!... You could have heard a pin drop, while every Soldier
continued to stand at attention.
Suddenly, there was a lone voice from the front of the auditorium,
then a dozen voices, and soon the room was filled with the voices of
a thousand soldiers, finishing where the recording left off: "And the
rockets red glare, the bombs bursting in air, gave proof through the
night that our flag was still there. Oh, say does that Star Spangled Banner
yet wave, o'er the land of the free, and the home of the brave."
It was the most inspiring moment I have had in Iraq and I wanted you to
know what kind of Soldiers are serving you.
Remember them as they fight for us!
----------------------
Pass this along as a reminder to others to be ever in prayer for all
our soldiers serving us here at home and abroad. Many have
already paid the ultimate price..
Written by Chaplain Jim Higgins LSA.
Anaconda is at the Ballad Airport in Iraq ,
north of Baghdad .
|
|
December 18, 2009
The following article was passed to us from Tom
Sewell -
All,
Saw this Battle of the Bulge presidential proclamation the show up today
on the White House's web site. Sharing in case it is of interest to
current and past division members:
--------------------------------------------------------------
Presidential Proclamation -- 65th
Anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge
A PROCLAMATION
In December 1944, in a
dense forest in Belgium, a brave band of American soldiers, who were
surrounded, poorly supplied and surviving in brutally cold conditions,
took the brunt of a furious German assault. Their valor defined not just
the beginning of the end of a World War, but also one of the greatest
generations of Americans. Like patriots before them, they stood
resolute, confident in their training, and determined to preserve those
enduring American ideals of freedom and justice. On the 65th Anniversary
of the Battle of the Bulge, a grateful Nation remembers the fallen who
gave their lives in that critical battle, and we pay tribute to the
heroes whose indomitable strength led to victory in World War II.
When asked about the
Battle of the Bulge, British Prime Minister Sir Winston Churchill
remarked, "This is undoubtedly the greatest American battle of the war
and will, I believe, be regarded as an ever-famous American victory."
Confronting not just the advancing German Army, but the elements,
American service members withstood the assault and eventually repelled
the Nazi forces, but at tremendous cost in lives and wounded soldiers.
On this anniversary, we
reflect on the enduring commitment of our Armed Forces in defending our
liberty, as inspiring today as it was in 1944. The discipline and
courage displayed in the Battle of the Bulge continues in Iraq,
Afghanistan, and wherever our men and women in uniform are serving. They
represent the best of our Nation and we are eternally grateful for their
service and sacrifice.
NOW, THEREFORE, I,
BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of
the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the
United States, do hereby proclaim Wednesday, December 16, 2009, as the
65th Anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge. I encourage all Americans
to observe this solemn day of remembrance with appropriate ceremonies
and activities.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I
have hereunto set my hand this fifteenth day of December, in the year of
our Lord two thousand nine, and of the Independence of the United States
of America the two hundred and thirty-fourth.
BARACK OBAMA
December 15, 2009
The following
information was sent to Tom Sewell by 101st Division Historian, Jim Page -
Gentlemen,
Lewis L. "Bayonet" Millett passed away on 14 NOV 09 in Loma Linda, CA. He
earned the Medal of Honor with the 27th Infantry Regiment in Korea.
http://www.cmohs.org/recipient-detail/3158/millett-lewis-l.php
Millett was stationed at Fort Campbell in the late-1950s and was responsible for
developing the POI for the 101st Airborne Division's RECONDO School.
Millett's son was killed in the Gander Tragedy.
November 11, 2009
Forwarded from
Tom Sewell:
As I told you
the other day Home Depot offers a 10% discount to Veterans and Active Duty
every day of the year.
I just left
Lowe's and I inquired as to their discount which like Home Depot's was
previously offered only on Memorial Day and Veteran's Day.
Lowe's told me
that recently they too have changed and are now giving the 10% discount every
day.
Both stores
told me you have to have I.D. to prove your service. If you don't have an
I.D., I used my 101st Division Association ID in the past but I'll bet a DD
214 will do.
Both stores
told me that a new guy or gal might not know about the store's discount policy
so if refused ask for a manager.
November 2, 2009
Larry,
Please post on the website
that an article was recently published on the 101st Airborne Division
and its most historic battles in the Armchair General Magazine,
January 2010 issue. www.armchairgeneral.com
Thanks.
Catie Rodriquez
Graphic
Designer / Assistant Editor
SCREAMING EAGLE MAGAZINE
101st
Airborne Division Association
(931)
431-0199 x32 | semag101st@comcast.net
|
FAX (931)
431-0195
www.screamingeagle.org
October
26, 2009
This note
was forwarded by Catie Rodriquez for publication on the website. Mark
your calendar if you plan on being in Alabama or can support this effort -
From:
Donald Mather [mailto:whisky3336@yahoo.com]
Sent: Sunday, October 25, 2009 12:36 PM
To: Catie Rodriquez
Subject: Memorial dedication help
Catie: I'm not sure
if you are the correct person to send this info and request to.
On Dec 12 there will
be a memorial/monument dedication in Daleville Al for the 284 members of
the 3rd Batt 502 inf 101Abn div who were killed in a plane crash on Dec
12 1985 in Gander Newfoundland. The blue star foundation has gotten
ahold of the Al Dixie Eagles chapter of the 101abn div assoc and I'm
requesting that the assoc donate either a 101 flag or a 502ed flag that
i can present to be flown over the monument..Gov Bob Riley's office is
sending an u.s flag and an Al flag that has flown over the state Capital
along with arranging a missing man formation from Ft Rucker to fly over
during the ceremony. Also the gov office will present a gov cert of
memory/Recognition at the ceremony to jimmy bundy who initiated this
memorial
President Dixie Eagles Chapter 101 Abn Div Assoc
R.Glen
Nivins Secretary/Agent Blue Star Foundation
A.L.Hinson Dir Operation Grateful Heart Gov Bob Riley's Office
|
November 7, 2009
Update -
From:
Reg Jans [mailto:reg.jans@telenet.be]
Sent: Thursday, November 05, 2009 4:54 PM
To: Reg Jans
Subject: Preserve the 101st Div HQ in Bastogne !
Dear Friends ,
We are all still doing our best to “SAVE the NUTS! CAVE”
, to preserve the 101st Div HQ in Bastogne ! So far the road is still
open to negotiate . Fingers crossed !!!
A petition is organized to gather as much as signatures as
possible . These signatures will go with your letters to the office of the
Belgian Minister of Defense .
If you support our cause to save this historical marker
from destruction , please sign it ….
Here’s the link to the petition :
http://lapetition.be/en-ligne/petition-5318.html
After you signed it you’ll receive a mail where you have to
validate your signature !
You can also follow the updates on :
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=176886300241&ref=ts
Please forward this link to your inbox or put it on your
websites .
Best regards as always
Yours sincerely and thank you so much for your support .
Reg Jans
October
25, 2009
More
information on the possible closing of the "Nuts Cellar". Visitors might
have to browse/read the next few messages several times to get the full picture
-
Catie, this article is for the next issue (Winter Issue) of the Screaming
Eagle Magazine.
Larry/Yankee Jim, please post on your web sites to provide information to our
members for their letter writing campaign.
Thanks, Tom
-----Original Message-----
From: matt.anderson@509thgeronimo.org
To: SEWELLTK@aol.com; reg.jans@telenet.be
Sent: Sun, Oct 25, 2009 6:12 pm
Subject: RE: FW: Bastogne , 101st Div HQ in Danger !
Mr Tom Sewell,
Attached is the article for the 101st Airborne association
newsletter. If anything else changes before the publish date I will send
you an update. Thank you for your time and have a great day!
AATW
Matt Anderson
Matt/Reg, thanks for your information on plans for Heinz
Barracks. We are very concerned about the possible loss of this
historic location and important part of World War II and 101st Airborne
Division History along with the memories of the sacrifices made by the
Greatest Generation in the name of Freedom around the world.
Request that you provide us with a article to be
published in our Winter Edition of the Screaming Eagle Magazine
which we need by the publication deadline of November 6, 2009. Also
request the names, addresses of key decision makers that we need to
consider sending letters as we try to get this historic location
preserved for future generations
Again thanks for the information.
“The NUTS
Cellar” in Danger of Destruction
“NUTS” This
was Brigadier General Anthony McAuliffes’ written response to the German written
demands for surrender of the American Forces surrounded at Bastogne. This now
famous response not only told the Germans that the 101st Airborne
Division was here to stay but also brought humor and a determined resolve to the
troops on the line during these desperate days. Brig. Gen. McAuliffe who was in
temporary command of the 101st Airborne Division wrote this response
from his headquarters in Heinz Barracks, Bastogne on 22 December 1944. The
Belgians have called the room where Brig. Gen. McAuliffe wrote this famous
message “The NUTS Cellar”. Today, the NUTS Cellar is in danger of being leveled
and the area being turned into a prison.
Heinz
Barracks was built in 1935 for units of the Belgian Army. The Germans occupied
the barracks after they invaded. When the Americans liberated Bastogne in
September 1944 the barracks became the headquarters for Lt. Gen Middleton,
Commanding General, XIII Corps just before the German counter attack in
December. The 101st Airborne Division arrived on 18 December 1944,
the Heinz Barracks was the logical place to set up their headquarters as much of
the office equipment was left behind by the hasty withdraw of the XIII Corps
Staff. Brig. Gen. McAuliffe temporarily commanded the 101st Airborne
Division from this location during 19 to 27 December 1944. When General Maxwell
Taylor arrived in Bastogne on 27 December 1944 he took back command and
on 7 Jan 1945 he moved the headquarters to castle
of Isle-La-Hesse , outside of Bastogne. Since the war, the Belgian 1st
Field Artillery Regiment, which is currently
deployed to Afghanistan, has been based there. In recent years, Belgian
Soldiers such as Eric Lemoine and Michel Marecaux have volunteered countless
hours to restore the historic site and have opened the location on special days
and provided tours for Veterans who have returned to walk the battlefields they
fought on 65 years ago.
I had the
pleasure to visit the historic site this year along with Veterans Bobby Hunter,
D Co 501st PIR and John Primerano, HQ 501st PIR. This
visit was arranged by Reg Jans, a Belgian who has spent many years studying the
history of the Battle of the Bulge and given countless tours to Veterans and
family. After having walked the battlegrounds surrounding Bastogne for several
days I found that this was a great location to finish the visit. It tied
together what the Soldier was facing in the foxhole with what Brig. Gen.
McAuliffe and his staff were facing on the operational level. To see photos of
“The NUTS Cellar” go to
http://www.509thgeronimo.org/heinzbarracks.htm
A few days
ago it was announced that the Belgian Ministry of Defense, Pieter De Crem was
planning to close 32 military installations by 2011. Heinz Barracks “The NUTS
Cellar” was on the list and possibly would be leveled to have a prison built in
its place. Reg Jans along with many other Belgians and officials from the town
of Bastogne are pulling together to bring attention to the importance of this
historic site and to do what can be done to preserve it from destruction. This
December will be the 65th Anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge.
You can
help by writing to Reg Jans with your thanks to the Belgian people for working
to preserve this site as well as your concern for what it means if this site is
destroyed. Reg Jans e-mail is
reg.jans@telenet.be
This first
step is a letter writing campaign to show how much interest there is among the
Belgian and American people. Reg Jans will be passing your letters on. The
second step is “The NUTS Cellar will also be open to the general public the
weekend of 11 – 13 December 2009 so that people can be present to show interest
in preserving the site. Thank you for helping to save “The NUTS Cellar”
AATW
Matthew W.
Anderson
October 24, 2009
Website Visitors - Please read the
following couple of notes written in an attempt to protect a very important
landmark from the WWII 101st Airborne Division's history and help if you can.
LF
Dear
Larry,
Below
the latest message requested help in the fight to preserve the NUTS cellar in
Bastogne. We all now how democracy works. Please post our friends' Reg's
message on the website of the association so people can send Reg a
message this weekend.
Airborne regards,
Petra Wenstedt-Pulles
Screaming Eagles of WWII Foundation
Honorary Life Member 101st Airborne Division Assn
============================================================================
Dear
friends ,
The city
of Bastogne asked us to collect as many supportive letters as possible
and hand them over on
monday
October 26th !!!!
So to everyone of you : "Please send me your
letters of support to preserve the NUTS Cellar !" ASAP ! Veterans
: "Your input is also very important here " .
Letters
should be sent to :
reg.jans@telenet.be
All
letters in English , French and Dutch are welcome !!!!
We NEED your support !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!To
keep history alive !!!!!!!
Many thanks
Reg Jans
October
21, 2009
Larry, please put this email on the 101st Airborne Division Headquarters at
Bastogne on the Association Web Site for member information. We hope that we
can preserve this Historic Site where BG McAuliffe wrote the now world famous
response to the Germans of "NUTS".
Thanks, Tom Sewell.
---------------------------------
To President, 101st
Airborne Division Association,
I am with the 509th
Parachute Infantry Association. I was recently in Bastogne, Belgium where I
met Reg Jans. Reg has sent me the e-mail message below concerning an
important part of the 101st Airborne history. He has worked for
many years giving tours to WWII Veterans and family. Because of his close
connections in Bastogne he has been able to arrange visits to several areas
normally closed to the public. The Heinz Barracks is one of these places that
has limited access and I was fortunate to visit it with several 501st
Veterans. This is the place where Brig. Gen McAuliffe commanded the stubborn
defense of Bastogne and made his defiant, but typically GI response ‘NUTS’
that told the Germans as well as his own Soldiers that the 101st
wasn’t going anywhere.
In recent years Belgian
Soldiers have volunteered to restore this historic site but now it is
threatened to be leveled and made into a prison.
Time is short, but the 65th
Anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge is this December. It is possible that
if the 101st Airborne Association in conjunction with the 101st
Airborne Division and US Embassy through formal channels specifically
requested and emphasized the importance of having a part of the official 65th
Anniversary celebrations on this historic site, it could highlight the
significance of this site and indirectly influence the Belgian Ministry of
Defense to reconsider. Further, a plaque from the Association to permanently
affix to side of the building and formal recognition of thanks to the Belgian
Soldiers who volunteered to restore the building could help further secure the
future preservation of the site. Finally, invitation of Belgian Minister of
Defense or other key Belgian and US Military Leaders to the dedication would
also aid in this cause. General Petraeus attended the official 65th
Anniversary events in Eindhoven, Netherlands in September 2009, if he is
available at all, I am sure he would be interested in attending the official
65th Anniversary events in Bastogne, Belgium.
I hope that your association
will consider exploring this or other options that could aid in securing the
preservation of this site for many generations to come. I have created a page
on the website I manage so that you can see photos of the building and area
that we are referring to.
http://www.509thgeronimo.org/heinzbarracks.htm
Have a great Airborne Day!
ATW
Matt Anderson
Webmaster
509th Parachute
Infantry Association
www.509thgeronimo.org
501-517-7279
From:
Reg Jans [mailto:reg.jans@telenet.be]
Sent: Thursday, October 15, 2009 5:33 PM
To: Reg Jans
Subject: Bastogne , 101st Div HQ in Danger !
The Belgian Minister of Defense , Pieter De Crem , decided to close down 32
military camps by 2011. One of the camps is the 'Heinz Barracks ' in Bastogne
, home of the 1st Field Artillery Regiment , deployed in Afghanistan .
It was in these barracks where Brig Gen Anthony
McAuliffe has set up his HQ for the 101st Airborne Division during the Battle
for Bastogne . Here is where McAuliffe wrote his world famous reply 'NUTS'
to the German demand to surrender on 22 december 1944. This place , the
NUTS-Cellar is a historical marker maintained by good people from the Belgium
army , like Eric Lemoine and Michel Marecaux , who spent a countless amount of
free hours to preserve this place . The Heintz Barracks has been visited by
many WWII veterans over the past years ... Medals from city council were
presented here and still many heroes come back to visit the barracks on their
pilgrimage ...
The minister thinks of taking the place down
and build a State Prison there .
I hope we can start to
fight back to preserve this historical marker. I do believe we owe it to the
brave men of the greatest generation to preserve their legacy and do whatever
we can to "SAVE " the "NUTS "- cellar ....
I
need all the help I can get to fight back
Please give me your thoughts .
Reg
October 7, 2009
Myra Moore reports the passing of
William A. "Buck, Sir" France, Sr. -
Hello Larry,
Bill's wife said you can put in
magazine. if you have trouble viewing, click" view memorial web site", then
"read more". Myra Moore
I'd like to invite you to view the Memorial Website created for William A.
France, Sr. . It's a place to share thoughts, photos and memories of William A.
France, Sr. .
Please visit the site by clicking the link below:
http://memorialwebsites.legacy.com/to-sir-with-love/homepage.aspx
Buck was a Past 501st
Governor of the 101st Airborne Division Assn. - He'll be missed!
| Full Name: |
William A. "Buck, Sir" France, Sr. |
| Date of Birth: |
October 29, 1923 |
| Date of Death: |
August 18, 2009 |
| Country of Birth: |
United States |
| Place of Birth: |
Philadelphia, PA |
| Place of Death: |
Homestead |
| Memberships: |
Veteran, 501 regiment of the 101 Airborne in WWII,
medic, jumped into Normandy on D-Day, fought in the Battle of the Bulge,
jumped into Holland, Bastogne; Science teacher, George Washington High
School, Philadelphia; faithful disciple of Jesus, passionate advocate for
the unborn, life-long learner, loving husband to Marianne for 58 years, 9
months and 14 days; beloved father to Michelle, Mimi, Andy, Nanette and
Billy, an honorable man... |
September 30, 2009
From Tom
Sewell, President of the 101st Airborne Division Assn. -
Fellow Screaming Eagles,
The 64th Annual
Reunion of the 101st Airborne Division Association was a truly
outstanding event. Thanks to Jim and Becky Shamblen, Fred Behrens and other
volunteers who assisted the General William C. Lee Chapter in planning and
flawlessly executing our 64th Annual Reunion. Approximately 350
members and guests attended our Reunion in Hampton, Virginia.
Thanks also to Major General
Campbell, Commanding General, 101st Airborne Division, Command
Sergeant Major Camacho, and Command Sergeant Major Benson who represented our
active duty soldiers during the Reunion. Command Sergeant Major Camacho gave a
truly outstanding and moving presentation on our noncommissioned officers during
our Memorial Dinner. Thanks Command Sergeant Major! The Screaming Eagle
Parachute Demonstration Team performed at the Woodlands Golf Course and at Eaton
Middle School and are great “Ambassadors” for our Screaming Eagle Division. The
Division Color Guard posted and retired the colors at the Memorial Dinner and
looked great. During the Reunion the Division had a historical display manned
by active duty soldiers who interacted with our veterans and other guests. On
Saturday evening the Division’s Noncommissioned Officer, Sergeant Shayse Stokes
and Soldier of the Year, Specialist Terrance Smith were recognized for their
selection to these truly prestigious positions
During the Reunion we enjoyed
exchanging war stories in the hospitality room.
Thanks again to our sponsors
such as Outback Steakhouse, Jim Beam, Moet Hennessy, USA, Jostens,
Anheuser-Busch, as well as numerous local sponsors in the Hampton, Virginia
area.
In closing it is my honor to
serve as the President, 101st Airborne Division Association for the
next two (2) years. I am committed to continue to support our active duty
soldiers, veterans and their families. As you work and live in your local
communities please be an active recruiter and let’s increase our active duty and
veteran membership.
Airborne/Air Assault!
Tom Sewell
September 20, 2009
I am writing to you as a former Associate Member
to ask if you might be able to include the passing of my Grandfather John
Harms, B Battery 377th PFA in your next publication. John Harms passed away
September 17th, 2009 in Raleigh, NC. and was also a past member of the
organization as well. John made the Normandy jump as lead gunner on the 75
pack howitzer and served through until VE Day. John served until his
honorable discharge in late 1945.
Chris Gaub
John W. Harms (B Btry 377th PFA
WWII) Passes
An extraordinarily well lived life ended on September 17, 2009 at 11:09 pm.
Devoted husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend, John Warren Harms passed
on at his home in Raleigh surrounded by his loving family. Born in Annawan,
Illinois on August 14, 1920, John was orphaned at an early age. He was raised by
his beloved sisters, Edythe and Helen. Despite the hardships of the Great
Depression, they managed to stay together as a family with their two brothers
Don and Bob. On June 2, 1941 John enlisted in the U.S. Army. After basic
training, he joined the 101st Airborne Division, 377th Battalion. The “Screamin’
Eagles” were the first wave of the D-Day Invasion. John parachuted into
Normandy, landing at St. Mere-Eglise. Many of the men he served with did not
make it home and he never forgot them. By the end of the war John had earned two
Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star. John married Marie George in November, 1945.
They made their home in Annawan, Illinois where they had two daughters. On
September 27, 1958 John married Elizabeth “Bette” Koegel in Syracuse, NY where
they shared two sons and two more daughters. John and Bette made their home in
Baldwinsville, NY until August 1997 when they moved to Raleigh, NC. As a young
man John was a butcher and then went on to become a State Trooper in Illinois,
followed by starting a trucking company, Betcher & Harms Trucking which was in
Illinois. When John moved to Syracuse, New York he was then employed by General
Electric for 25 years where he held the position of Transportation Director.
John was passionate about fishing. Whether trout fishing on the Big Horn in
Montana or ice fishing on Lake Ontario he was at home on the water. He was an
avid outdoors man. No one needed to ask him for help. Dad always anticipated our
needs and the needs of friends and neighbors. John’s love, compassion and
optimistic spirit live on in the lives of his wife of over 50 years, Bette; two
sons, Bob (Linda) Smart of Mattydale, NY, David (Kate) Smart of Jordan, NY; four
daughters, Carolyn (David) Huddleston of Missoula, MT, Jane (Don) Bos of
Glendive, MT, Deb (Jerry) Duger of Raleigh, NC and Pam (Dennis-his earth angle)
Redmond of Raleigh, NC; his nephew, Dick (Jillene) Little of Indianapolis, IN;
19 grandchildren; and 18 great grandchildren. Services will be held on Tuesday,
September 22, 2009, 6:30pm at Saint Francis of Assisi Catholic Church 11401
Leesville Road, Raleigh, NC 27613. In lieu of flowers, the family requests
donations to Hospice of Wake County , 1300 St. Mary’s Street, Suite 400,
Raleigh, NC 27605. Our heart-felt thank you to all of you. “Another Eagle has
Soared”
September 18, 2009
Here's
a note from Tom Rogers from the Northern California Chapter about a veteran's
memorial in the desert and the ACLUs efforts to remove it.. He forwarded
the message to Johnny Velasquez, and Johnny asked me to put it on our website.
I located a video on YouTube that explains what's going on -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NeuBB_mOFIA
--------------------------
Here's the
notes -
Info for the No. Cal Chapter from Tom Rogers. Also please note his new email
address. If anyone was left out is because I don't have their email at the
moment, so please forward.. Thanks
I will let Larry Frazier know and see if we can put it on our website.
Thanks
Johnny V
----- Forwarded Message -----
From: eagl4evr@comcast.net
To: "TOM ROGERS" <TROGERS4@C0X.NET>
Sent: Friday, September 18, 2009 6:39:40 PM GMT -08:00 US/Canada Pacific
Subject: Re: Mojave Vet Memorial
Tom,
My address is still the same. You got it.
My feelings are the same as yours, and I'll send it to as many as I can.
Keep me posted.
Johnny V
----- Original Message -----
From: "TOM ROGERS" <TROGERS4@C0X.NET>
To: eagl4evr@comcast.net
Sent: Friday, September 18, 2009 11:47:06 AM GMT -08:00 US/Canada Pacific
Subject: Mojave Vet Memorial
Johnny, I hope this is still a valid "E" address.
I would like to
have this issue covered and or sent to as many vets as possible.
I went out to the
desert in Kelso, CA for the rally to show support for the effort to save
the Veteran's Memorial out there. It was quite moving and well worth the
trip. Wanted to let you and the Chapter know that the Nor-Cal Chapter
was represented.
Some 'cow patty'
in Oregon is offended that there is a cross on federal land ( errected
75 years ago as a memorial to the troops that gave their all in WW1 and
has served as a memorial for all troops since.) The ACLU wants it
removed. For now it has been covered with a plywood box.
What's next?
The photos are of
the cross and the troopers from Ft. Polk, LA. that are using their own
leave time to help get the message to the public. A couple of them have
been back from Iraq only about a week.
It just makes a
guy want to cry.
AMERICAN SOLDIERS SAY “DON’T TEAR ME
DOWN”:
Caravan Across Country to Help Save Mojave Desert War Memorial
Liberty Legal Institute-News Release
WASHINGTON, D.C.September 8, 2009 – A group of American soldiers
returning from Iraq are taking a road trip across the country to bring
awareness to the plight of the Mojave Desert War Memorial and gather
signatures of support for the 75-year old monument. The memorial is
the subject of an intense decade-long legal battle brought by the ACLU
because it sits on public property and is in the shape of a cross.
Today, it is boarded from view by a federal judge and could be torn
down if the ACLU wins their legal case at the U.S. Supreme Court on
Oct. 7.
The men begin their cross-country trek Sept. 14, in Fort Polk,
Louisiana, and arrive at the memorial in the Mojave Desert on
September 17. They will visit war memorials and gather signatures
along the way. Veterans from the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and
American Legion posts join them at different stops and all will
caravan to the monument together where the soldiers will lay a wreath,
observe a moment of silence for America’s war dead, and read the names
of fallen comrades.
“I think I speak for a lot of folks in uniform when I say we are
disappointed this is happening in America,” says Zachary Thomson, one
of the main organizers for the trip. Friend and co-organizer Weldon
Kelly agrees. ““The Mojave Desert War Memorial honors all war dead,
and it saddens me that there are those who want to tear down a
memorial to those who gave their lives for this nation.”
The soldiers learned about the case surrounding the Mojave Desert War
Memorial from a video released by Liberty Legal Institute, a
non-profit legal group which represents the more than four million
veterans in the VFW, The American Legion, Military Order of the Purple
Heart, VFW of California, and American Ex-Prisoners of War in the
legal battle to save the memorial. Liberty Legal is helping publicize
their ride, but is not organizing it.
The video is part of a larger public campaign launched shortly before
Memorial Day called Don’t Tear Me Down. To date, there have been more
than 1.7 million views on YouTube and over 135,000 signatures on a
petition of support to be distributed to the veterans groups.
Liberty Legal Institute is a legal organization committed to the
defense of religious freedoms and First Amendment rights and practices
before the U.S. Supreme Court.
OUT HERE . . . TOM
September 17, 2009
A note from Sam
Bass today -
I received this from one of the Army Division Association about a scam.
Can we get this out on the web?
From:
Secor, Kevin [mailto:Kevin.Secor@va.gov]
Sent: Tuesday, September 08, 2009 1:50 PM
Subject: Patient Care Group Scam
I have received many reports that Veterans
are being contacted by "Patient Care Group" representing that they are
helping administer VA prescriptions and stating that the pharmacy
billing procedures have changed and they are therefore requesting
Veteran credit card numbers for prescription payments in advance of
filling their prescriptions. This is false. VA does not call Veterans
asking to disclose personal financial information over the phone. VA
has not changed its processes for dispensing
prescription medicines.
Kevin
Kevin Secor
Veterans Service Organizations Liaison
Office of the
Secretary of Veterans Affairs
Washington, DC
202-273-4836
|
September 5, 2009
WWII Rocky Mountain Eagle Passes..
John O.
Thach, B Btry 377th PFA recently passed away at his home in Las Vegas.
John was a charter member of the Rocky Mountain Eagle Chapter in Colorado, and
served as our Reunion Financial Comptroller during the 1992 Colorado Springs
Reunion. John moved to Las Vegas about five years ago, he'll be missed by
his family, friends, and fellow screaming eagles.
August
31, 2009
B Co
2/501st Inf VN recently (July) had a reunion in Kalamazoo, MI. To read
more about this reunion, visit -
http://b2501airborne.com/reunion2009.htm
Thanks
to Dave Reinheimer
for sharing this link with us....
August
6, 2009
101st soldier dies after PT test
Army Times Staff report
Posted : Thursday Aug 6, 2009 16:19:31 EDT
A Fort Campbell, Ky., soldier died Monday after
completing an Army Physical Fitness Test with his unit, officials announced
Wednesday. Pfc. Marshall G. Montelus, 24, of Rochester, N.Y., was an automated
logistical specialist assigned to B Company, 801st Brigade Support Battalion,
4th Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division.
Montelus joined the Army in March 2004 and had
been at Fort Campbell since November 2004.
His awards and decorations include the Army
Commendation Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on
Terrorism Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal
and Overseas Service Ribbon.
The incident remains under investigation,
officials said Wednesday.
August 2, 2009
From the Army
Times -
New commander takes over 101st Airborne
By Kristin M. Hall - The Associated Press
Posted : Friday Jul 31, 2009 18:53:17 EDT
FORT CAMPBELL, Ky. — The new commander of the 101st Airborne Division, Maj.
Gen. John F. Campbell, said Friday he wants to balance combat training demands
at Fort Campbell with the family lives of his soldiers.
The post on the Kentucky-Tennessee state line has become a revolving door for
thousands of troops heading to and returning from Iraq and Afghanistan, and
Campbell said his responsibility is to reduce the heavy burden on soldiers and
their families while keeping up with the fast tempo during war.
“I think what we have to do is maximize the dwell time we have at home and at
the same time balance that with training,” Campbell told reporters before the
ceremony.
The division comprises about 19,000 soldiers in four infantry brigades, two
aviation brigades, a sustainment brigade and a quartermaster group. Many
soldiers assigned there have completed three or four deployments since 2001.
“They are all volunteers and they know they are going to deploy,” he said.
Many of the brigades have returned from recent tours in Iraq and Afghanistan,
some of them 15 months long. One brigade, the 159th Combat Aviation Brigade, is
still serving in Afghanistan.
“We’ve got great resilience in our soldiers and our civilians,” Campbell
said. “The American public should not take that for granted.”
Campbell, who formerly served as the deputy director for regional operations
for the Joint Chiefs of Staff at the Pentagon, said being appointed to lead the
division was a gift.
“Command is always a privilege. Command in war is a distinct honor,” he said.
“Being afforded the awesome responsibility of the command of this division is
truly a humbling experience.”
About 13,000 soldiers gathered on a parade field and community leaders from
Tennessee and Kentucky were on hand to welcome the new commander. Four members
of the division’s parachute demonstration team jumped out of a plane and gently
glided onto the field, trailing red smoke behind them.
Outgoing commander Maj. Gen. Jeffrey J. Schloesser, who has led the division
since 2006, oversaw simultaneous deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan starting in
2007. As the division commander, he was the commander of U.S. forces in eastern
Afghanistan between April 2008 and June 2009.
Schloesser grew up at Fort Knox, Ky., just a couple hours northeast of Fort
Campbell, and was previously assigned to the installation several times before
becoming commander.
Both his son and daughter grew up at Fort Campbell and he said leaving is
incredibly tough for him.
“This is our home,” he said after the ceremony.
Schloesser said that after several years of war, the Army has learned it has
to focus on the effects on the military family.
“At Fort Campbell, what I am most proud of was what was accomplished to
support the families while the soldiers went to war,” he said.
August 2, 2009
From the Army
Times -
Col. is 1st Vietnamese-American BCT commander
By Kristin M. Hall - The Associated Press
Posted : Thursday Jul 23, 2009 16:53:09 EDT
FORT CAMPBELL, Ky. — Fresh off a 14-month deployment to Iraq, the 3rd Brigade
Combat Team of the 101st Airborne Division is preparing for a new Afghanistan
mission with a new commander who brings a unique perspective to the ongoing
wars.
Col. Viet Luong came to America in 1975 with his family as refugees from
Vietnam. He said he is considered the first Vietnamese-American to command an
Army combat brigade, having taken up his post in February.
From growing up amid a war to preparing a battle-hardened brigade for its
fifth deployment, he describes his rise to the post as a deeply satisfying
journey.
“To me it’s very profound and it’s everything this country stands for: the
opportunities, liberty, equality and fraternity,” he said.
The brigade he is leading has its own history with Vietnam. It deployed to
Vietnam in 1967 and fought extensively throughout the country.
“It’s a great honor to be in this brigade,” he added. “It’s a great unit with
a gallant tradition and every day we try to live up to those standards. We’re
very well connected to the veterans of this brigade and for me, it’s a privilege
to be here.”
Luong began his military career after graduating from the University of
Southern California and has mostly served with the Army’s airborne units,
including the 82nd Airborne Division in North Carolina and the 173rd Airborne
Brigade in Italy.
The military announced earlier this month that the brigade’s 3,800 soldiers
would be leaving for Afghanistan by year’s end. Most of the unit’s previous
deployments have been to Iraq, although it had a tour of Afghanistan in 2002.
President Barack Obama has ordered 21,000 additional U.S. troops to
Afghanistan to fight a resurgent Taliban, shifting the global war focus away
from Iraq.
Luong, who has served in Iraq, said the brigade has experience that will help
it adjust to the different circumstances of Afghanistan.
“Some of the agricultural and economic initiatives that some of these leaders
have brought with them from Iraq, I think will be monumental in Afghanistan,”
Luong said.
“Many people will tell you that all the stuff that you learned in Iraq you
can go ahead and flush because Afghanistan is different. I don’t completely
agree with that because there are a lot of good things in Iraq that I think will
transfer over.”
The unit is beginning training this month for the deployment, but Luong
stressed that his brigade will remain flexible because of the rapidly changing
situation in Afghanistan.
Training will include cultural and language skills and learning to use new
equipment, such as lightweight mine-resistant vehicles, called MRAPs.
Without specific assignment orders at the moment, Luong said the brigade will
be prepared for a full-spectrum of operations from combat to civil support.
With an Afghan presidential election scheduled in August, the Army’s role in
supporting the government will be an important part of whatever mission they
have, he noted.
“Really our job is to assist the government of Afghanistan connect itself to
the people and be viewed as competent, legitimate government,” he said.
Luong said efforts to improve the Afghan economy have been successful through
collaboration between the military, aid organizations and the State Department.
One challenge he is currently facing is giving his soldiers enough time at
home with family before they have to leave again. With only 12 or 13 months
expected between deployments, the stress can weigh heavily on soldiers and their
families, he said.
“This brigade combat team is the most deployed brigade in the Army,” he said.
“Over time it’s a significant stress on the force and it’s a significant stress
on the family. And I am always concerned about that. To the best of our ability,
we try to mitigate time away from home.”
August
1, 2009
A note from Don Mathews provides
additional information about an recent article in the Summer 2009 Screaming
Eagle Magazine about the funeral held for Tim Jacobsen whose remains were
repatriated in 1995, but not identified until July 28, 2008. -
I'm
writing to provide a bit of information relating to the article
beginning on page 42 of the summer, 2009 issue of The Screaming Eagle.
Tim Jacobsen and his crew from A/101 Aviation were shot down while inserting
Vietnamese Marines on Dong A Tay, YC 499 987, (this area was the location of the
battle known as "Bloody Ridge" involving 1-502 in March of 1969) on 16 or 17
May, 1971. This mission was a part of Lam Son 720, a little known operation
from April to August 1971 beginning immediately after the conclusion of Lam Son
719. The operation included the last division battalion sized activity in and
around the A Shau Valley.
Don Matthews
Voice Intercept Operator
265th RRC/101st Abn Div-1971
July
20, 2009
D-Day Ceremonies at the Pratt Monument and other
Locations
It was truly my honor to have represented the 101st
Airborne Division Association at activities surrounding the 65th Anniversary
of D-Day during the period June 4 to June 8, 2009. The monument and grounds
are maintained in outstanding condition. During this period I was able to
represent our Association at the following events:
--Ceremony at the Brigadier General Don Pratt
Memorial on June 5, 2009 which was attended by over 150 individuals and
presided over by the Mayor of Hiesville, France. Flowers were laid by the
Mayor of Heisville and Colonel (Retired) Tom Sewell representing the 101st
Airborne Division Association.
Mayor of Hiesville, Colonel (Retired) Tom Sewell
and the Color Guard provided by the 101st Airborne Division Belgian Friendly
at the BG Pratt ceremony on June 5, 2009.
--Immediately after the ceremonies at the Brigadier
General Pratt Memorial a ceremony was conducted at the location of the first
Field Surgical Hospital established in Normandy which saved countless lives
during the invasion. The Mayor of Hiesville presided over this ceremony also
with over 150 individuals attending. Flowers where laid by the Mayor and
Colonel (Retired) Tom Sewell representing the 101st Airborne Division
Association. This ceremony was followed by a reception in the Hiesville Town
Hall.
Mayor of Hiesville, Colonel (Retired) Tom Sewell,
and WWII re-enactors from the 101st Airborne Division Belgian Friendly
Colonel (Retired) Tom Sewell and WWII re-enactors
from the 101st Airborne Division Belgian Friendly
--On June 6, 2009 a ceremony was held at Angoville
au Plain at the Church and Monument dedicated to Robert E. Wright and Kenneth
Moore, Medics 2nd Battalion, 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne
Division "For Humane Life Saving Care Rendered to 80 Combatants and a Child in
the Church June, 1944". This ceremony was presided over by the Mayor of
Angoville du Plain to include flowers being laid by the Mayor and Colonel
(Retired) Tom Sewell representing the 101st Airborne Division Association.
Over 200 individuals attended this ceremony to include active duty soldiers
from the Liberty Jump Team 507th, Infantry Regiment. This ceremony was
presided over by the Mayor of Angoville du Plain followed by a reception in
the Town Hall.
501st Parachute Infantry Regiment Re-enactors from
the United Kingdom and Colonel (Retired) Tom Sewell, 101st Airborne Division
Association
Liberty Jump Team 507th Infantry Regiment at the
Angoville du Plain Ceremony
--The
final event was conducted on June 6, 2009 at 1400 Hours with a Ceremony and
Plaque Dedication to Lieutenant George E. Schmidt, E Company 501st Parachute
Infantry Regiment who led an attack on a farm building. Lieutenant Schmidt
was killed during the attack and was awarded posthumously the Distinguished
Service Cross for "Displaying Outstanding Courage, Devotion to Duty, and
Complete Disregard for His Own Personal Safety". Lieutenant Schmidt was from
Columbus, Ohio and is buried in the Normandy American Ceremony which David
Ashe, who planned this ceremony and did the research on Lieutenant
Schmidt, and Tom Sewell visited on June 7, 2009. Events at the farm building
were presided over by the Mayor of Haute Addeville and attended by over 200
individuals. Remarks were made and flowers were laid to honor Lieutenant
George E. Schmidt.
Plaque dedicated to Lieutenant George E. Schmidt,
June 6, 2009
A French WWII veteran, David Ashe, coordinator of
the ceremony and individual responsible for researching the history of
Lieutenant Schmidt and making this dedication possible, along with Colonel
(Retired) Tom Sewell, 101st Airborne Division Association
July
13, 2009
Subject: Memorial Service for Shifty Powers
The following note was forwarded to me by Larry Redmond, Past President
of the 101st Assn. It's not clear who originally prepared this
because it was forwarded several times. If the real author wants
credit, please contact me..
Larry Frazier
We're hearing a lot today about big splashy memorial services.
I want a nationwide memorial service for Darrell "Shifty" Powers.
Shifty volunteered for the airborne in WWII and served with Easy
Company of the 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, part of the 101st
Airborne Infantry. If you've seen Band of Brothers on HBO or the
History Channel, you know Shifty. His character appears in all 10
episodes, and Shifty himself is interviewed in several of them.
I met Shifty in the Philadelphia airport several years ago. I didn't
know who he was at the time. I just saw an elderly gentleman having
trouble reading his ticket. I offered to help, assured him that he
was at the right gate, and noticed the "Screaming Eagle", the symbol
of the 101st Airborne, on his hat.
Making conversation, I asked him if he'd been in the 101st Airborne
or if his son was serving. He said quietly that he had been in the
101st. I thanked him for his service, then asked him when he served,
and how many jumps he made.
Quietly and humbly, he said "Well, I guess I signed up in 1941 or
so, and was in until sometime in 1945 . . . " at which point my
heart skipped.
At that point, again, very humbly, he said "I made the 5 training
jumps at Toccoa, and then jumped into Normandy . . . . do you know
where Normandy is?" At this point my heart stopped.
I told him yes, I know exactly where Normandy was, and I know what D-
Day was. At that point he said "I also made a second jump into
Holland, into Arnhem." I was standing with a genuine war
hero . . . . and then I realized that it was June, just after the
anniversary of D-Day.
I asked Shifty if he was on his way back from France, and he said
"Yes. And it's real sad because these days so few of the guys are
left, and those that are, lots of them can't make the trip." My
heart was in my throat and I didn't know what to say.
I helped Shifty get onto the plane and then realized he was back in
Coach, while I was in First Class. I sent the flight attendant back
to get him and said that I wanted to switch seats. When Shifty came
forward, I got up out of the seat and told him I wanted him to have
it, that I'd take his in coach.
He said "No, son, you enjoy that seat. Just knowing that there are
still some who remember what we did and still care is enough to make
an old man very happy." His eyes were filling up as he said it. And
mine are brimming up now as I write this.
Shifty died on June 17 after fighting cancer.
There was no parade.
No big event in Staples Center.
No wall-to-wall, back-to-back ,24/7 news coverage.
No weeping fans on television.
And that's not right.
Let's give Shifty his own Memorial Service, online, in our own quiet
way. Please forward this email to everyone you know. Especially to
the veterans.
Rest in peace, Shifty.
July 8,
2009
News from Randy Gilliam about the
passing of one of our members, Michael Rocklen.
ROCKLEN R. MICHAEL R. Michael Rocklen of Milford Connecticut passed away on
July 3 2009 at the age of 64. He was preceded in death by his parents Sherman
and Lillian Rocklen. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife Amy
Bringardner brother Howard (Margot) Rocklen nieces Carly and Melissa Rocklen.
Michael was a vital and cherished member of a large extended family. He
graduated from Hofstra University and received a Master of Science Degree in
Psychology from the University of Bridgeport. Michael enlisted in the Army and
served in Vietnam with the 3rd Brigade 101st Airborne Division. His Unit was
awarded the Presidential Unit Citation for extraordinary heroism during the
period of May 10-21 1969 in the A Shau Valley in the battle of Hamburger Hill.
Michael was highly decorated and a DISTINGUISHED MEMBER of the 187th Parachute
Infantry Regiment. A memorial service will be held at 1:00 pm on July 8 2009
at the Robert E. Shure Funeral Home 543 George Street New Haven CT. Michael
understood the sacrifice of servicemen and women and their families and
personally supported them through the 101st Airborne Division Family Fund. In
lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made in Michael's name
to the 101st Airborne Division Family Fund c/o Ester Colwell 634 Pollard Rd.
Clarksville TN 37042.
July 8,
2009
From Filip Willems -
Dear friends,
I am Filip Willems, the webmaster of the official site of the 101st
Airborne, 463rd PFA Website (
www.ww2airborne.net/463pfa)
. I'm in the process of making a major update on the site, the official
unit history will be extended with numerous details and interviews soon. At
this time I have contact with 7 members of the 463rd, but unfortunately it
seems rather difficult to find other 'lost' members (if they are still
living). I think it's important to trace the heroes of the 463rd, that way
they could contribute their heroic story to the world and to the next
generations. What they did must never be forgotten. If you are, or if you
know, a former member of the 463rd Parachute Field Artillery, please contact
me by sending e-mail using this address :
fiwi@ww2airborne.net .
Thank you,
Phil
Friendly regards,
vriendelijke groeten, salutations amicales,
Filip
Willems
Webmaster of the Official Site of the
101st Airborne Division - 463rd Parachute Field Artillery
|
|
e-mail : |
fiwi@ww2airborne.net
|
|
web : |
http://www.ww2airborne.net/ |
|
skype : |
airborne463pfa-fiwi |
|
- - - P E R A R D U A A
D A S T R A - - -
|
|
It's nice to be important,
but it's more important to be nice! |
|
Historia est Magistra Vitae
(Cicero) |
June
23, 2009
Please review the following link
and help if you can....LF
Joe, we’re trying to help the
active duty contingent of the 506th raise money to complete the memorial to the
KIA of the Currahees in the various wars since Toccoa. We would appreciate it
if you could include the attached media piece in your news section of the
website.
Thanks very much,
John Lally
506th Board of Director
Newsletter Editor
506th Media Advisory
June
18, 2009
Joe Alexander and Johnny Velasquez
asked to have this information on Sam Bass put on the website for our membership
-
To All:
Yesterday, 16 Jun 2009, Sam Bass had an adverse reaction after his chemo
treatment in Nashville. Last night Llewanne took him to the Emergency Room
in Clarksville and during the night, he was transferred to a hospital in
Nashville.
Part of his emergency treatment was a brain scan. It revealed two growths
on his brain and a third nearby. It is unknown at this time if the growths are
cancer. Further tests are being conducted.
I have talked to Sam and Llewanne and their spirits are very high.
We will keep you posted.
Please continue with your prayers for Sam and his very devoted wife, Llewanne.
Joe R Alexander
June 15, 2009
Photo for the SE Mag and the website,
D-Day Anniversary event -. Photos taken at Druid Ridge Cemetery, Baltimore, MD
on 6 Jun 2009 ceremonies.
February 4, 2009
DD-214’s are now
online at
http://vetrecs.archives.gov. The National Personnel Records Center is making
it easier for veterans with computers to obtain copies of their military files.
Vets and next of kin of deceased former military members may now use this
service to request documents.
Sam Bass
Executive Secretary and
Treasurer
101st Airborne Division
Association
931-431-0199, ex 33
I was a Soldier - I am a
Soldier - I will always be a Soldier
December 31, 2008
Visit a
new page created that lists Links for Veterans
Benefits you might need in your quest for your benefits.
August 1, 2008
Army changes criteria for three
war-zone combat badges
By
Jeff Schogol, Stars and
Stripes
Mideast edition, Saturday, July 26, 2008
ARLINGTON, Va. — Soldiers who face roadside
bomb and car-bomb attacks could now qualify for the Army’s Combat Infantryman
Badge, which is for infantry and Special Forces soldiers, according to the Army.
While such attacks do not automatically merit
the badge, they should be considered as part of recommendations for the award,
the message said.
The move is one of several changes to awards
criteria announced in a July 22 servicewide message. The changes are effective
immediately and retroactive to Sept. 18, 2001.
The wording of the change to the Combat
Infantryman Badge’s criteria is as follows: "Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs),
vehicle-borne IEDs (VBIEDs) and the like are direct fire weapons. While no fixed
qualifying distance from an explosion of these devices can be established,
commanders should consider the entirety of the combat situation when considering
award of the CIB."
Marines who respond to roadside bomb attacks
have been eligible for the Marine Corps’ Combat Action Ribbon since March 2006.
"I consider exposure to a detonated IED as
being enemy fire, therefore, Marines who take appropriate actions during such an
engagement meet both CAR (Combat Action Ribbon) requirements," then-Commandant
Gen. Michael Hagee said.
Another change deals with the Combat Action
Badge, established in 2005 for soldiers not directly assigned to an infantry
unit.
Right now, a select number of general officers,
such as the commander of U.S. troops in Iraq, can authorize the award, said
officials at Army Human Resources Command. Now they can delegate that authority
to subordinate general officers and colonel-level commanders, officials said.
In a separate change, regional medical center
commanders now also have the authority to issue the Combat Action Badge,
officials said.
The Army also announced that the badge will not
be awarded automatically to soldiers awarded the Purple Heart, the Army message
said.
The Army also has broadened the eligibility
criteria for the Combat Medical Badge.
The words "not to include aviation" have been
deleted from the criteria, to allow medical personnel attached to combat
aviation units, the message said. Retroactive awards will not be given for
service prior to Sept. 18, 2001.
For more information, go to MilPer Message
08-190 at:
https://perscomnd04.army.mil/milpermsgs.nsf.
December 8, 2007
Many of our members want to
see and hear news from the active division units that are deployed. Many
of the units serving with the 101st (327, 502, 506, etc.) publish newsletters
and videos that you can read from the following site -
Dvids
- Digital Video and Imagery Distribution System (main site)
Rakkasan Report (3rd Brigade Combat Team) -
http://www.dvidshub.net/?script=pubs/pubs_show.php&id=33
Wings of Destiny Magazine (101st Aviation Brigade) -
http://www.dvidshub.net/?script=pubs/pubs_show.php&id=44
Thunder Eagle Magazine (159th Combat Aviation Brigade) -
http://www.dvidshub.net/?script=pubs/pubs_show.php&id=38
The Heart Beat (2nd Brigade Combat Team) -
http://www.dvidshub.net/?script=pubs/pubs_show.php&id=42
Currahee Press (506th Regimental Combat Team) -
http://www.dvidshub.net/?script=pubs/pubs_show.php&id=71
The Bastogne Magazine (1st Brigade Combat Team) -
http://www.dvidshub.net/?script=pubs/pubs_show.php&id=110
Band of Brothers (101st Airborne, but nothing current) -
http://www.dvidshub.net/?script=pubs/pubs_show.php&id=40
I'm sure they will add more units as time goes on.
Browse from the 1st link supplied above. They also have tons of videos,
etc. I thought the Holiday Greetings Section was great. You can
enter this area, select a state, and hear 6020 greetings (video or just audio)
from soldiers serving away from home.
Read about three Rakkasans who have earned their 5th combat
patch at
http://www.dvidshub.net/?script=news/news_show.php&id=14509
There are 47 pages of 101st stories you can read by simply
entering a 101
in the search field.
Watch a video like
http://www.dvidshub.net/?script=video/video_show.php&id=30878# which
features the 3rd Brigade Combat Team (Rakkasans) assuming command from the 10th
Mountain Division in Southern Badgdad
Spend some time there for
interesting news, great photos, and videos.....Have fun!
Larry Frazier
