18th INFANTRY REGIMENT ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER
www.18inf.org JANUARY 2006 www.18inf.org
Soldier Project Report
Valerie Glaze, wife of the battalion commander, sent us a report on our Thanksgiving/Christmas soldier project.. She wrote,
"We truly do appreciate all of your encouragement and support! It is so nice to know that you all are out there thinking of our Vanguard soldiers and families. We are very thankful for your generous donations over the holidays. With the $500 for Thanksgiving we were able to put together holiday baskets for 16 soldier families in the Vanguard Battalion. We purchased the mashed potatoes, gravy, green beans, stuffing, etc. and included a $25.00 gift certificate to the commissary for a turkey and anything else they would like to add to their Thanksgiving meal. We also had several families that asked single soldiers over for Thanksgiving and we were able to give them gift certifcates to help with buying their turkeys."
"For Christmas we had a Battalion Holiday Party. We were able to purchase the meat for our party using the $500 you sent for Christmas. We also had Santa available and took photos of each child with him and gave each family a photo. Each FRG had a craft table set up and the children were able to make crafts throughout the day. Everyone received a ticket at the door and we did drawings throughout the party and gave away a DVD/VCR as a grand prize. It was a great Vanguard party! We thank you for your support!"
On a side note, I was able to give out the Vanguard pins that you had purchased for us back in August. I attached the pins to a card which I had printed a Silent Ranks poem on one side and the FRG leaders name and phone number on the other. These were given to each lady. And they were very much appreciated! I will continue to hand them out at every Battalion get-together. We are so fortunate to be a part of such a great Regiment and appreciate your continued service and support! Thank you so much! Sincerely, Valerie."
The Association wishes to thank Valerie Glaze and the FRGs for assisting us with these projects, giving so much of their time and energy to help make it such a great success. Of course, we do not want to miss thanking Chaplin George, CSM Choudhri and his company 1st Sergeants for their part as well. Everyone in the 18th Infantry Regiment Association can be assured that funds provided were well used, and much appreciated by our soldiers and their families. It is only through donations that we are able to do this. Thank you for your generous support of our soldier projects, especially at Thanksgiving and Christmas!
ANNUAL COMBAT OFFICER'S DINNER
The Annual Dinner of the Combat Officers of the First Division will be held on Saturday, 1 April 2006, at the Hilton Hotel Mark Center on Seminary Road in Alexandria, VA. The dinner will emphasize the 15th anniversary of the Gulf War. Our Honorary Colonel is a Gulf War veteran. Mark your calendars now! Call a foxhole buddy and remind him to meet you at the dinner. Come meet us there and enjoy the special camaraderie!
For information please contact Andy Wilson, 11163 Rich Meadow Rd, Great Falls, VA 22066. Phone: 703-450-5220. E-mail: alw740@yahoo.com or ALWilson@aol.com
SOCIETY of the FIRST INFANTRY DIVISION
2006 BRO Reunion
The 2006 BRO Reunion is scheduled at the Arizona Biltmore in the Phoenix, AZ area for July 12-16. This is a classy location and we expect accommodations even better than those last year in Washington DC, where we had a large turn out and a great time together. As usual, the 18th Infantry Annual Meeting will be held on Friday morning, and the grand banquet on Saturday night.. Don't miss it.
For information, please contact Jennifer Sanford, 1933 Morris Rd, Blue Bell, PA 19422. Ph: 1-888-324-4733.
E-mail: soc1ID@aol.com or www.bigredone.org
18th INFANTRY REGIMENT REUNION - JULY 12-16, 2006 -- PHOENIX, AZ
1906 - 18th Infantry Regimental Dinner -2006
100 Years Ago
In early 1905, the 18th Infantry Regiment returned from its second tour of duty in the Philippine Islands, and, for the first time in many years, the entire 18th Infantry Regiment was stationed together on a single Army Post at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. Since assuming command, Colonel Charles B. Hall had evidenced a particular interest in collecting and promoting the history and traditions of the 18th Infantry as a means of building a strong and binding esprit de corps among his officers and men.
While still in the Philippines, Colonel Hall had appointed a board of officers "to consider and devise a suitable and proper mess jacket, distinctive to the regiment," as many of the regiments were doing to comply with General Order 132, series 1902. In the following months, the board earnestly consulted the regiment's history, diligently sought out firms to submit designs, carefully considered the results, and finally recommended the design submitted by the firm of Bailey, Banks and Biddle of Philadelphia. In the meantime, an effort was made to prepare a complete written record of the 18th Infantry, and a new set of National and Regimental Colors were procured and entered into service.
By the reckoning of the day, the honors of the 18th Infantry Regiment of the War of 1812 were included, even though there was no direct linkage with that unit other than the shared enumeration. The coat of arms consisted of a shield, quartered under a vertical chief. In the upper left quarter was a cannon and an anchor, symbolizing the War of 1812; In the upper right quarter was a Confederate Battle Flag, symbolizing the Civil War; In the lower left quarter was a sword over two crossed arrows, symbolizing the Indian Wars; In the lower right quarter was the coat of arms of Spain, symbolizing the War with Spain; crossed in the chief were a Malay Kris and a Bolo, symbolizing the Philippine Insurrection and occupation. On the crest was an Eagle, wings spread, perched upon a wreath (cord) of blue and white, the infantry colors. On the breast of the Eagle was a hand-grenade and thereon the figure 18. The coat of arms was mounted on two crossed rifles and surrounded by a belt containing the unit motto, In Omnia Paratus, which is Latin for "In all things prepared."
This regimental coat of arms served with distinction until the early 1920s, at which time the Department of the Army caused new distinctive unit insignias to be designed and adopted - the design worn today. The only aspect of this original unit crest to make it into the new design was the revered regimental motto. Even though the new design had arrived at Fort Leavenworth in late November and the board of officers recommended adoption in early December, Colonel Hall desired a proper event to inaugurate the adoption of a distinctive coat of arms and motto for the regiment. Therefore, a regimental dinner was planned to be held at the National Hotel in the city of Leavenworth. The Army Navy Journal announced the dinner:
"Arrangements are almost complete for the 18th Infantry banquet at the new cafe of the National Hotel on the night of Feb 21. One of the principal speakers will be Gen. H. B. Freeman, retired, of Leavenworth, who bears the distinction of being the first man to join the 18th Infantry when it was organized many years ago. Another prominent speaker will be Gen. J. M. J. Sanno, who was colonel of the regiment for some time." (* ANJ, 2-24-1906, p.729)
The first annual regimental dinner was held on 21 February 1906 (100 years ago), and, as reported in the Leavenworth newspapers and the Army Navy Journal, it was an elaborate and gala affair. It did, in fact, inaugurate a series of annual dinners that became a new and honored tradition in the regiment, lasting until the US Army abandoned the infantry regiment force structure in 1957. At the 1906 dinner, a regimental crest and the regiment's motto were formally adopted.
The tradition of this dinner lives on today in the Battalion "Dining In" and is seen in many aspects of banquets and balls hosted by the 18th Infantry, including the banquet/ball held last May. The regiment motto, In Omnia Paratus!, is still alive and well, and proudly still with us The regiment song, "Happy Heine", was also adopted later in 1906 during the annual Army maneuvers at Fort Riley. Unfortunately, few today would recognize the tune of "Happy Heine", and fewer still would know the words or remember it as the official song of the 18th Infantry.. Nevertheless, the long and proud history of the 18th Regiment of United States Infantry continues. 2006 marks the 145th year of continuous service on the rolls of the United States Army. Those who serve now, and those of us who have served in years gone by, serve in the tradition of courage and sacrifice that has marked a tour of duty in the 18th Infantry since its beginning during the Civil War. We continue to be, In Omnia Paratus!
Combat Honors in 145 years continuous service on the rolls of the US Army: Civil War, Indians Wars, Reconstruction II, Spanish-American War, Philippine Insurrection, Mexican Border Service, World War I, World War II, Vietnam, Gulf War, Iraq.
18th INFANTRY ANNUAL MEETING - JULY 14, 2006 -- PHOENIX, AZ
18th Infantry, 22 October 2005, Wheaton, Illinois
18th Infantry at the SGT(R) Joel Gomez awards and retirement ceremony in Wheaton, Illinois
On 22 October 2005, a ceremony was held at the Cantigny First Division Museum for the purpose of honoring a severely injured 1-18 IN soldier from the Iraq War. LTC George Glaze, commanding 1-18 IN, was present, along with a Color Guard of 1-18 IN soldiers (see picture above). The event in Wheaton IL was absolutely awesome. The troops arrived on Thursday. Friday evening's 18th Infantry family dinner at Chef Paul's Bavarian Lodge was a rousing success. We were honored to have the parents of LTC Glaze and 1SGT Cloyd and the grandparents of CPT Hazeley join us. My only regret is that more of our soldiers and veterans could not be there to enjoy it with us.
SGT(R) Joel Gomez was properly honored for his service and sacrifice. He and his family were obviously moved at several points throughout the afternoon. I wish we could do something like this for all of our returning soldiers. The City of Wheaton and several individuals were also recognized for the wonderful support and encouragement that they have provided for one of our soldiers, and for many other service men and women. The 18th Infantry Color Guard was impressive -- they certainly put a large lump of pride in my chest as they presented and retired the Colors. We can all be very proud of our current 18th Infantry soldiers -- our military "grandsons" represent us well.
The welcome by Dr Paul Herbert, Director at Cantigny, was well received. While I missed our own Chaplains (CPT Seth George and Wes Geary), Pastor Al Guerra of the Wheaton Bible Church (Joel's church) succinctly focused the ceremony where it needed to be with his inspiring invocation and benediction. LTC Glaze and CPT Hazeley handled the presentation of awards and decorations in a dignified and military manner, explaining to the civilians what was happening at each step. The ceremony reached a moving climax when the Wheaton High School Choir sang a capella a special song with a powerpoint presentation for returning soldiers -- not a dry eye in the house.
This was truely an event where the military and the community joined together in a unique setting to honor one of our own, and by honoring him to honor all who have served.
NO MISSION TOO DIFFICULT, NO SACRIFICE TOO GREAT, DUTY FIRST!
Correction to 2005 Annual Meeting Report
Omitted from the listing of 2005 Distinguished Members of the Regiment were Norman T. Austin and Charles T. Clark. Both were Company Commanders in the 2/18th in Vietnam in 1968 under LTC Max Waldrop. Both received their DMOR certificates, issued by the Chief of Infantry, during the 18th Infantry Regiment Association annual meeting. We apologize for this omission in our report.
In addition, we were able to present 1st Sergeant Matthew Cloyd with his DMOR certificate during the 18th Infantry dinner at Wheaton in October (originally issued in 2002). 1SGT Cloyd's parents were present for the presentation. 1SGT Cloyd is currently preparing B-1-18 IN for its 2nd tour of duty in Iraq.
4th Brigade Activation
The activation of the 4th Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, is scheduled for 3pm, January 12, at Ft Riley. This is part of the current expansion of the Army to 43 brigades, by adding a 4th Brigade to each active division. The new units of the 4th Brigade are: 2-16 IN, 1-28 IN, 2-4 CAV, 2-32 ART, 610 BSB, and Special Troops Battalion. They are bringing back the Black Lions to the 1st Division, and also the 32nd FA, which was the WWII 18th Infantry artillery support.
American Iliad
The 18th Infantry Regiment in World War II
It is with regret that we announce the sudden passing of Keith (Kit) Bonn. Kit was a graduate of West Point, a publisher of military history under the aegis of Aberjona Press, and a gentleman of the highest order. His passion for military history and the honoring of the noble profession of soldiering will be missed. As the editor and publisher of our WWII history, American Iliad, he contributed greatly to the 18th Infantry and we are forever in his debt. We extend our deepest sympathy and sincere good wishes to his widow, Patti Bonn.
American Iliad - Written by Robert W. Baumer, with Mark J. Reardon. This is an outstanding book about the exploits and achievements of the 18th Infantry Regiment during WWII. Orders may be placed on-line via the link on our web site, or directly with the publisher by telephone at 866-265-9063. A portion of the prceeds go to the 18th Infantry Regiment Association. If you don't have it, get it . If you have it, buy a copy for your local public or high school library. This story should be read by every American.
Distinguished Member of the Regiment
The DMOR/HMOR is a Regular Army program, established by AR 600-82, that allows the active duty component to recognize certain of it's veteran members. 18th Infantry selection criteria was presented and approved at the last annual meeting. The criteria used to select DMORs is:
1. Honorable record of service in the 18th Infantry.
2. Honorable record since tour of duty in 18th Infantry.
3. Demonstrated interest in the 18th Infantry (supports activities of active battalion and Regimental Association).
4. Accomplishments (either military or civilian) that reflect credit upon the 18th Infantry.
5. Willingness to accept the duties and responsibilities of DMOR/HMOR status.
If you would like to recommend someone for recognition as a DMOR/HMOR, please send the following information to Larry Paul, Executive Director, at the address listed below: include the persons name, address and phone number; when they served in the 18th Infantry and in what unit; a summary of what they have done since then; and a brief explanation of why you are recommending them.
Written nominations are submitted to the Executive Director, who obtains necessary information from the nominees and submits the names to the Honorary Colonel for consultation and review. The Honorary Colonel then forwards a list of recommendations to the Color Battalion Commander, who reviews the list and sends it to the Chief of Infantry at Fort Benning for official approval.
The deadline for 2006 recommendations is March 15. Please get any recommendations to Larry Paul before that date.
Send recommendations to:
Larry Paul, Executive Director
18th Infantry Regiment Association
827 Upton Rd, Fremont, OH 43420
Phone: 419-332-5782. LFP18inf@aol.com
NO MISSION TOO DIFFICULT, NO SACRIFICE TOO GREAT, DUTY FIRST!
18th INFANTRY NEWS FROM GERMANY
VANGUARD SIX'S FOXHOLE -
Vanguards! It has been a fruitful first six months. Your Active Duty Vanguards have conducted the most aggressive, most comprehensive reconstitution and retraining efforts ever completed by the battalion here in Germany. To think we could maintain and refurbish the equipment from a major deployment in support of combat operations in Iraq, rebuild the garrison, maintenance and personnel systems, and take the 48% manning to the 97% we are at now, while training each soldier on his individual weapon, is just short of impossible. But today's Vanguard is an amazing soldier. Joining this formation, after 9-11, knowing he will be deployed to support the Global War on Terrorism - today's Vanguard is truly a volunteer soldier.
As the CSM and I brief each group of Newcomers, we tell them of the rich history of our Regiment. From 1861 to present, the Vanguards have continued to lead the way, First to Battle, and the nation is counting on them to continue that tradition. The upcoming training at the Combat Maneuver Training Center in Hohenfelds is going to be a capstone event for this battalion in gaining the confidence needed in ourselves and our equipment in our preparation for the potential deployment in support of the Global War on Terrorism. It is exciting to be a Soldier in today's Army, the best on the planet, and humbling to be serving in a battalion as famous as the Vanguards. The potential for the deployment this summer still stands - we will remain First to Battle! Thanks,
LTC George A. Glaze, CDR, 1-18IN, VANGUARDS!
1-18 IN Current Situation
The 1st Battalion, 18th Infantry, returned from it's first tour of duty in Iraq during Feb/Mar 2005. Many soldiers held by the "stop loss" policy were free to PCS and many did. By the time LTC George Glaze assumed command in June, all of the company commanders had changed out, a new CSM was on board, and the battalion was at about half strength. Replacements began to come in, but not yet in significant numbers. By October 2005, warning orders were received for a potential deployment -- a second tour of duty in Iraq. The 2nd Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, was alerted to deploy in late Spring/early Summer 2006. Training took on a new intensity as new groups of replacements arrived. CSM Choudhri and his capable First Sergeants worked day and night to integrate these new soldiers into the unit, get them acquainted with their new assignments, and qualify each soldier on his personal weapon - and all of this had to be accomplished before Christmas. As LTC Glaze stated in his report, it was an impossible task. However, with the 18th Infantry, we do the hard stuff immediately, the impossible just takes a little longer.
It had to be accomplished before Christmas because the 18th Infantry was scheduled for a rotation at Grafenwoehr Training Center in January, where annual live fire qualifications are conducted. That is where the battalion is now - on the cold, wet, muddy training course at Graf. They will work hard the month of January, have a couple of weeks to clean equipment and get reacquainted with their families, and then deploy to Hohenfels for mission specific training for deployment to Iraq. Duty First!
A Salute to Cantigny First Division Museum
We owe a hugh debt of gratitude to Dr. Paul Herbert (Cantigny Director, and a retired infantry colonel), his dedicated staff, and the Board of Directors of the Cantigny First Division Museum for allowing us to use the Cantigny facility for our October ceremony and for their outstanding assistance in all the details of this event. The setting was perfect. The Museum is located on the beautiful grounds of the Cantigny estate of the late Colonel Robert McCormick in Wheaton, Illinois.
The ceremony was overlooked by a large portrait of WWI generals that is in the exhibit room we used. The exhibit room was filled (close to 100 people, plus reporters and TV cameras), and even though the honored guest was a few minutes late the dignity of the occasion was never lost within this great room surrounded by the history of the 1st Division. Many of the Wheaton community members commented favorably about their first visit to our museum - it is an amazing place.
The Cantigny Museum is a first rate, world class museum that preserves the history of the 1st Infantry Division, from its inception in 1917 to the present. The exhibits are well done and actually take you to the trenches of WWI, Omaha Beach, the Vietnam jungle, and the desert sands of Iraq. The collection of documents, pictures and materials in the Research facility is a wonderful resource for personal research. If you have not been there, it is well worth the effort to go see it.
18th INFANTRY REGIMENT REUNION - JULY 12-16, 2006 -- PHOENIX, AZ
HONORARY COLONEL'S COMMENTS
COL. E. W. "Bill" Chamberlain, III, USA/Retired
Another year is coming to a close and it has been an incredibly busy year for both the 1st Battalion 18th Infantry and the 18th Infantry Regiment. To review briefly, the Battalion returned from their combat mission in Iraq with new honors and pride in a job exceptionally well done, then executed a change of command trading one great command team in Jeff and Rebecca Sinclair for another in George and Valerie Glaze, and then pressed on with training in preparation to return to Iraq in the late spring of 2006. Along with all of that, the battalion hosted a veteran's reunion in May, changed out battalion Command Sergeants Major and hosted the Honorary Colonel and Honorary Sergeant Major changes of responsibility for the Regiment. The battalion also somehow found time to come back to the States to honor Sgt Joel Gomez at his home in Wheaton, Illinois for his retirement.
The good news is that all of this is behind us, the bad news is that the train will not slow down as the Battalion prepares to ship out again. In that light, I sincerely hope everybody in the Battalion and in the Regiment will take some time out during the holidays to enjoy themselves and spend quality time with friends and families. It is also a good time to reflect upon all our many, many blessings and to remember those who are not so blessed. Please pray for our deployed troops all over the world, and may we have peace in the New Year. God bless all of you.
In Omnia Paratus!
Colonel E.W. Chamberlain III, Honorary Colonel, 18th US Infantry
