SOCIETY
of the FIRST INFANTRY DIVISION
2007 BRO Reunion
The
2007 BRO Reunion is scheduled at St
Louis for August 8 -12. As usual, the 18th Infantry Annual Meeting
will be held on Friday morning and the grand banquet on Saturday night.. Don’t miss it. Let’s fill the CP and again have the most and
the best there..
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 – AUGUST 8-12, 2007 — ST LOUIS, MO
HONORARY COLONEL’S
COMMENTS
It
is amazing how quickly time passes. I
know for the soldiers in the battalion that it does not pass quickly enough.
We’ve all been there, “wishing our lives away” as one of my old airborne
sergeants put it. As you can see from Vanguard 6's comments elsewhere in this
letter, the 18th Infantry continues its great, if sometimes burdensome
tradition, of always being in the thick of things. That we are infinitely proud
of George Glaze and his soldiers goes without question as they uphold the
honors and traditions of this great Regiment. The battalion is tentatively
scheduled to return to Germany
in September. The exact date will depend I’m sure on many factors, not the
least of which will be the availability of replacement units and the progress
of the war in general.
Sadly
the battalion will come home to Germany
and re-flag to become another unit. At the same time, another battalion at Fort
Riley
will re-flag and become the 1st Battalion 18th Infantry. Some nug sitting in Washington
thinks this is a good idea and has no concept of how important regimental pride
is to soldiers even in this modern era we find ourselves in. Our Association is
a case in point. We join to be with our brothers from our Regiment; those we
served proudly with in both peace and war. We do not join to be with just anybody
from just any unit. Our challenge in September will be to be cognizant of the
fact that our “new” 1st Battalion will have been as proud of their old
regimental designation as we are of ours as members of the 18th Infantry
Regiment. I know that George Glaze and his soldiers do not welcome the change
either, but such are the times.
We
will have the opportunity to meet and get to know the new battalion commander
from Fort
Riley
at the reunion in August. Major General Carter Ham, the Division Commander (and
my old S-3 from 1-18, so he’s one of us!) has told me that he will bring the
battalion commander to the reunion for that purpose. It would be a good thing
for us to show that new commander that he is joining one hell of a good
regiment by having the largest attendance and best Regimental Room again!
That’s my challenge to all of you. Bring a friend this year and let’s enjoy
each other. We’ll do the Regimental Roll Call like we started last year when we
have out meeting. We’re also looking to have a barbeque and be generally
disgusting and tell each other outrageous stories of our younger days. Some of
them might even be true. See you there.
Bill
Chamberlain, Striker 6, HCOR,
18th US Infantry Regiment
Operation Desert Vengeance –
A novel written by Edwin W. Chamberlain III
This
is a novel about American soldiers in combat. It is also a story about power,
corruption, greed, honor and love. When Army Colonel Sam Sampson is recalled
back from retirement to execute one last mission for his country, he doesn’t
know he will have to fight enemies inside the halls of power in Washington,
enemies within himself, and finally with the enemies of his country.
A
fast paced novel, the realism of the combat sequences in the story are
gripping, and written as only a combat veteran could write them. The equipment
and weapons in the story were state of the art at the time this novel was
written in 1999. Some of them have subsequently come to pass and are in use in
the Army today. Others, sadly, have been scrapped.. This is a book about war as
it really is. There is no "shock and awe." There is only hard tank
and infantry fighting done by memorable characters. Visit the following web
page to purchase: "http://www.iuniverse.com/bookstore/book_detail.asp?”
isbn
=0-595-41246-7
A
portion of book sale profits go to the 18th Infantry Regiment Association
American Iliad – The 18th
Infantry Regiment in World War II
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 directly with the publisher by telephone at 866-265-9063. A portion of the proceeds 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.
18th INFANTRY
ANNUAL MEETING – AUGUST 9,
2007 — ST LOUIS, MO
18th Infantry News from Iraq
[Editor’s note: The 1st
Battalion, 18th Infantry deployed to OIF 4 in August 2006, arriving in sector
in Baghdad in September. In October, ceremonies were held awarding the
Big Red One combat patch and the coveted Combat Infantryman’s Badge (CIB) to
soldiers of the Battalion. TF 1 - 18 IN is approaching the halfway point of their
tour of duty. We have sustained 3 KIA
losses and a number of wounded, many of whom recover and return to duty. As you read LTC Glaze’s report, you will note
that the soldiers of the 18th Infantry believe in what they are doing and they
are doing it well – contrary to what many .politicians and journalists would
have you believe. Anyone desiring to
support our soldiers through donations of $20 PX Gift Certificates, please mail
your donation check, made out to 18th Inf Regt Assn, to: Jim Stone, Treasurer, 259 Pells Rd, Rhinebeck, NY 12572.
Note on the memo line: PX. We
will order the PX Gifts Certificates in batches and send them to the Chaplain
for distribution. Also write and send
letters of support to the Chaplain for distribution to the troops. The address in Iraq is: CH Seth George, TF 1-18 IN,
FOB Falcon, APO, AE 09361 Thank you for your generosity!]
VANGUARD
SIX’S FOXHOLE (JANUARY 2007) –
To
the Regiment: your Vanguards continue to
conduct intelligence-driven, offensive operations against those that would rob
the Iraqi people of their chance for a new beginning. Our Bravo Company is doing extremely well out
in Ramadi, attached to the Steel Tigers of 1-77AR. As the Tiger Main Effort, the Predators of B
Company are hunting down those that would do harm and allowing the economy a
chance to begin again. Working jointly
with the Local Police and the Iraqi Army, CPT Rudy and 1SG Almario are subduing
the toughest sector in Ramadi and representing the Regiment very well. In Baghdad,
the rest of the Vanguards are also working with the Iraqi Security Forces to
provide the Rule of Law in the West Rasheed District. The credibility of the American Soldier and
specifically the Vanguards is what is needed to get the Iraqi people to trust
their Iraqi Security Forces. And your
Vanguards are doing that each and every day.
And
back in Schweinfurt, CPT Ricky Torres and 1SG Hopson are maintaining the
homefront, keeping the ladies informed, and solving daily challenges that free
those forward deployed up to continue pressing the fight to the enemy.
Together,
the Vanguards know No Sacrifice Too Great.
VANGUARD
SIX’S FOXHOLE (FEBRUARY 2007)
To
the Regiment: Continuing Mission! The Vanguards are getting another higher headquarters
-- the fourth in as many months. The 4th
Brigade of the 1st Infantry Division out of Fort
Riley
is moving into our area and will be our higher headquarters very soon. COL Ricky Gibbs is bringing with him the 1st
Battalion of the 28th Infantry to work along side the Vanguards. As you know, the Black Lions have a rich
history with the Big Red One and their Unit Symbol, along with the 26th
Infantry Blue Spaders, make up our Dagger Brigade Crest. Enough history for now. Just know this --
your Vanguards are continuing to set the standard in all they do -- Knowing No
Mission Too Difficult.
VANGUARD
SIX’S FOXHOLE (MARCH 2007)
To
the Regiment: The Operation Baghdad Security Plan is in full swing with your
Vanguards out in sector, forward deployed, making a significant impact in
establishing the Rule of Law. Out on
Combat Out Posts or COPs, the Vanguards are living with the Iraqi Security
Forces and conducting Joint Security Patrols and training alongside the
National and Local Police. Leaving behind
the Forward Operating Bases with Baskin and Robbins Ice Cream and Internet,
your Soldiers are pulling out their TA1 Radio Telephones and using vintage M14s
to secure themselves with the focus and discipline expected of Vanguards. Couple those tried and true systems with a
few night cameras, computers and Bradleys and you can see that today's
Vanguard is using all the tools. Just knowing that all the Vanguards here in Baghdad
and Schweinfurt
have either enlisted or re-enlisted while this country has been at war is
absolutely humbling. Just know this -
Your Vanguards are continuing to put their Duty First!
LTC
George A. Glaze, Vanguard 6, commanding 1st Battalion, 18th Infantry (TF 1-18IN, Baghdad)
NO MISSION TOO DIFFICULT, NO SACRIFICE TOO GREAT, DUTY FIRST!
18th Infantry News from Germany
The
Vanguard family had a great holiday season, whether it was enjoyed here in Germany
or with family from home. Although they were not able to be with their fathers
and husbands for the holiday season, their soldiers shared the holiday spirit
with a DVD containing videos of loved ones that missed them here in Schweinfurt. The Vanguard FRG had a great turn-out for
their AFN spot to cheer on their loved
ones in Iraq
on February 4th. The clip will be used as part of a TV spot that will be aired
on AFN, affording the Vanguard Family the opportunity to send a message to
their deployed husbands and fathers.
Kelly
Hartman and Alpha Company are preparing a “Halfway Hooah” Party at the Bowling
Alley in March for all of the families in the Battalion to celebrate making it
half way through the deployment. Alpha
Company also has several fundraisers planned including T-shirts and a
build-a-stuffed animal theme
Carol
Gowin, Bravo Company’s FRG Leader, has planned a seminar during their February
meeting to focus on health, wellness, and relaxation to help families deal with
the many stresses of the deployment. With Valentine’s Day just around the
corner, Bravo Company wanted to send their “Hearts & Kisses” to the Bravo Predators
in Iraq,
and they did just that. The only difficulty they encountered with making this
one-of-a-kind valentine was deciding on which size envelope to mail it in. They
decided to go with the big one.
Sarah
Johnson organizes a dinner out each month for the spouses of Charlie Company,
in addition to their monthly meetings.
Nancy
Gaskins and the families of HHC are keeping busy. Each month they have several
social events to include a coffee social, a wine and cheese tasting social,
recipe dish social, girls’ night out, and family night out events. HHC also has
several helpful sessions each month. “Show Me the Money” is an opportunity for
Highlander families to bring their financial questions and topics, offering
helpful tips and counseling to each other.
“Family Matters” incorporates the Chaplains office for workshops, books,
and materials. If the families of Highlander FRG still have enough energy after
all of the fun and helpful events they are encouraged to come out every Monday
to the Finney Gym for a motivational fitness session called “Fit &
Fabulous.”
The
“TF 1-18 IN Cookbook” is well underway. It will contain tasty recipes from the
wives, Soldiers, and their families. The cookbook will contain several
categories to include; appetizers/drinks, soup/salad, main dishes, side
dishes/vegetables, breads, German specialties, and Desserts. There will even be
a special section for “Soldiers’ specials” that will feature barracks room
dinners, MRE upgrades, and downrange delights. Valarie Glaze, Tanja Almario,
Charlene Ennis, and Mandy Mitchell are hard at work on this unique cookbook.
Look for it this June. [editor’s note:
Mrs Glaze has invited the 18th Infantry Regiment Association to submit recipes
for the cookbook – send them to: Mrs. Valerie Glaze, 1-18 IN CMR 464, APO AE 09226.]
18th
Infantry Print by Jim Dietz
1st
Battalion,18th Infantry has commissioning a print by the famous artist Jim
Dietz to honor the valor of 18th Infantry soldiers. The original will hang at the Cantigny
1st Division
Museum
in Wheaton,
IL. A
print will cost $75.00 each. A
limited number are being reserved for purchase by members of the 18th Infantry
Regiment Association.. If you are interested in purchasing one of these fine
works of art, contact CPT Rickey J. Torres or SFC Kurt D. Hopson at DSN:
09721-96-8364, or 011-49-9721-96-8364 if you are calling from the U.S.
You can make an immediate purchase by sending a check to CPT Torres payable to
the “1-18 IN Officer's Fund” with the following address: CMR 464 BOX 1299 APO
AE 09226. The prints will be
individually numbered and available upon the return of the Battalion from its
deployment to Iraq.
The print will portray the heroic actions of Medal of Honor recipient Walter
Ehlers, 18th Infantry, 1st Infantry Division, WWII. Walter Ehlers, along with
other members of the 18th Infantry Regiment, have agreed to participate in the
presentation of the prints. Walt will
personally autograph your print at this ceremony. [Editor’s note: Information on “Vanguard Week” in Germany will be furnished in the next
addition of the Association Newsletter.
Best guess is some time around the last week in September or the 1st
week of October. Begin planning now. If you are interested in seeing a sketch of
the forthcoming print, please email HQ18INF@aol.com]
The
Rear Detachment, led by CPT Rickey Torres and 1SG Kurt Hopson, and the FRG, led
by Mrs. Valerie Glaze, are doing a tremendous job in looking out for the
families, following and caring for the wounded who are sent to Landstuhl, and
supporting the forward deployed soldiers.
Expression of thanks and support many be mailed to: CPT Rickey Torres,
CMR 464 Box 1299,
APO AE 09226. For those of you who do
not know, CPT Torres was a Platoon Leader in C-1-18 during OIF 2. He was severely wounded, recovered and
returned to duty. !SG Hopson is also a 1-18 combat vet from OIF 2.
18th INFANTRY
ANNUAL MEETING – AUGUST 9,
2007 — ST LOUIS, MO
IMPORTANT
MEMBERSHIP NOTICES !!!
Membership renewal – Please review the mailing label on your
newsletter. The date after your name is
the year in which your membership expires.
If the year after your name is 2006 (or before), then your dues are due. If you believe that the date is not correct,
please notify Larry Van Kuran, 6378 Jamieson Ave, Encino, CA 91316. Phone: 818-427-1577. Email:
vankuran@ix.netcom.com
Association membership is based on a calendar year, and is paid every
two years. Larry just mailed 163 notices
last week. We need more members to
remain financially viable. We have a
list of over 700 contacts, but less than 300 paid members. Encourage your buddies to join, if they
haven’t already, and find more names to add to our list and become new members.
Dues increase notice – Effective January 2007, dues are now $30 for two-years. This is the first increase in 15 years. 18th Infantry Regiment Association dues are
still lower than most other similar organizations. However, the cost of business, especially
printing and mailing rates, has risen significantly in 15 years and our
Treasury has reached an all time low. .
Volunteers needed:
This year we will investigate incorporation, IRS non-profit
status, and Life memberships. If you have any experience or expertise that
could help accomplish these goals, please contact the President, the Honorary
Colonel, or any Association officer (see web page for address, phone, and email
contact info). We are looking for a
volunteer to manage our memorabilia sales – i.e., supply sarg or S-4-- could
you do the job?. Also, our Membership
Secretary can always use volunteers to help locate and contact old warriors who
served in the 18th Infantry. There is
plenty to do as we adapt to the changing situation of our active duty unit
returning to Ft Riley.– make yourself known – help us out.
18th Infantry
Memorabilia is available. 18th Infantry ball-caps, Golf Shirts, unit
crests, lapel pins, belt buckles, and more!
Profit from the sale of these items provide a substantial addition to
our treasury. These items are usually
for sale at our reunion CP, but they can be ordered by phone, mail, or email.
Contact Larry Van Kuran, 6378 Jamieson Ave, Encino, CA 91316. Email: vankuran@ix.netcom.com
Battalion Web Page – http://www.1-18in.2bct.1id.army.mil/. – for recent pictures and commander’s
messages. Also the 2nd Brigade web page has lots of good information: It is --
http://www.2bct.1id.army.mil/ – which
publishes monthly “The Dagger’s Edge” with information about each of the units
in the Brigade, including 1-18 IN..
Larry Paul’s
Photo Album Lost!
Did someone inadvertently pick up Larry’s photo album from Vietnam at
the 2005 BRO Reunion in Washington DC (Crystal City Marriott Hotel). It has
gone missing. He no longer has the
negatives and it contains irreplaceable memories. Please look for it. Reward
for its return. Larry Paul, 419-332-5782, email: LFP18inf@aol.com
Infantry Order of St Maurice
The
Infantry Order of St Maurice was bestowed upon Michelle Senatore by the 1st
Battalion. Michelle led the effort to raise funds to build Sergeant Gomez’s
wheelchair accessible house and to have our battalion adopted by Wheaton. Her energy and enthusiasm raised the
awareness of her fellow Americans to the service and sacrifice given by soldiers of the 18th Infantry and
the 1st Infantry Division. Because of
their outstanding contributions to benefit our infantry soldiers, LTC Glaze
nominated Michelle Senatore & Mike Binkley for the Order of St Maurice, an
award of the National Infantry Association (NIA). These awards were granted. Honorary Sergeant Major Binkley received his
award in Germany directly from our active duty soldiers. Michelle Senatore will be invested at our
reunion in St Louis. For information on
the NIA and the Order of St Maurice, please visit the web site: http://www.infantryassn.com/awards.html
NO MISSION TOO DIFFICULT, NO SACRIFICE TOO GREAT, DUTY FIRST!
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