October 2001

The meeting began with welcome and introductions. We were honored to introduce SGT Gora Faal, 18th  Infantry Soldier of the Year; SGT Jason Trombley, 18th Infantry NCO of the Year; 1LT Morris Beard, 18th Infantry Officer of the Year; 

SGT Trombley, 1LT Beard, Walter Ehlers, SGT Faal

and Walter D. Ehlers, who received the Medal of Honor for actions in Normandy in June 1944. Next the Honorary Colonel and the Honorary Sergeant Major reported on their visit to our active-duty battalion for the Change of Command ceremonies in May. Then our soldiers gave a brief report on the battalion's current activities and confirmed the excellent esprit de corps of our unit. At this point, Colonel Tronsrue and Sergeant Major Carter presented recognition certificates to Distinguished Members of the Regiment (DMOR) andHonorary Members of the Regiment

(HMOR).  In April, HMOR recognition was given to Tess MacGregor, widow of Edward "Mac" MacGregor, at the annual Officer's Dinner in Washington DC. In May, DMOR recognition was given in Germany to COL (R) Tronsrue, LTC Murray, CSM Forest,SFC Sandberg, with HMOR recognition to Jane Murray, wife of LTC Murray. Those honored in Nashville as DMOR were: Jack Streeter, Ed Gillespie, Russ Oberley, Ed Fedrick, and Jim Stone. Those honored as HMOR were: Mary Weyrauch, Dottie Anderson, Dot Bennett, Carlotta Gillespie, and Vicki Olson. This was the first year that recognition was given to Honorary Members of the Regiment (HMOR).

Discussion of Association business followed. Minutes of the August 2000 annual meeting were accepted by acclamation. The Secretary, Larry Van Kuran, gave the membership report - 207 paid veteran members and 201 delinquent veteran 

members, for a total of 408 veteran members, with 107 veteran members needing to renew by December 31. We also need to encourage our delinquent members to renew and increase efforts to make new contacts via the Internet. Our goal remains 500 paid veteran members. With change of command and annual PCS movements, we are considering a renewed campaign to "re-up" our active duty soldiers. Jim Stone, Treasurer, presented our financial report and requested approval of the proposed 2001-2002 Budget categories. The Budget was approved by acclamation. Our basic budget includes \$1800 for newsletter printing and postage, \$1000 for our Holiday projects and $500 for the Iron Mike awards and other soldier projects. An additional \$2000 was allocated to bring our soldiers from Germany to the reunion. Remember that all Association Officers are unpaid volunteers. The Shirt Project was successful, but the stock is depleted. Shirtsare still available by special order, and continuation of the Shirt Project is under consideration.

DMOR Certificates Awarded: Stone, Fedrick, Gillespie, Oberley, Streeter, Tronsrue, Carter, Gentry

Donations for our soldier projects have covered the costs. Thank you for your generous support. We retain those goals again this year in order to provide for the following projects -- \$500 each for the Thanksgiving and Christmas projects, and bringing our soldiers to the 2002 reunion in New Orleans. Projected expenses for projects will not be made unless the projected revenue is received.

Election of Officers for 2001-2003 were held. The current slate of officers were re-elected to another two year term. The By-laws were amended to permit Associate Members and Friends of the Regiment.

During the open forum, Bob Boyd and CP Pedersen were introduced and said a few words about the A-1-18 Vietnam Veterans reunion, which was being held concurrently in Lebanon, TN. Our Stateside Family Support Group/Mentor program was discussed. CSM Carter volunteered to coordinate this program.

Everyone was reminded to visit our web page and sign in. Our web page is <www.18inf.org> Jim Stone is our webmaster. The need for a committee to help select Distinguished Members of the Regiment was again announced. The meeting adjourned. See you next year in New Orleans!
 
 
 

Relaxing in the CP - join us next year in New Orleans!

Friday was registration and CP set-up, with a tour to the Grand Ole Opry in the evening. There were also tours of historic Nashville, the Country Music Hall of Fame, and the Black Label Distillery available during the reunion.

Saturday began with group breakfasts, held according to one's era - WWII, Vietnam, Cold War/Desert Storm. Breakfast was followed by Regimental meetings (see report). Then the 18th Infantry hosted the Stones River battlefield tour and Memorial Service in Murfreesboro.

At 1100 Hours, the buses departed the hotel for the Tennessee National Guard Armory in Smyrna, TN. There we had a picnic style lunch inside. In addition, we were treated to a museum class static display of Civil War weapons and equipment by reenactor Joe Spangler, an interesting display of Civil War Signal Corps equipment, and a 

MAJ Johnson conducting  our Stones River battlefield tour

display of modern light infantry equipment. Concluding our lunch was a half hour audio-visual historical briefing on the Battle of Stones River conducted by our historian, MAJ Mark Johnson. We reboarded the buses for the short trip down the road to the Stones River National Battlefield Park. The Battle of Stones River was the first major engagement fought by the 18th Infantry Regiment almost 140 years ago. Upon arrival we divided into two groups. Group 1 went to the Cedar thicket where the 18th Infantry, as part of the Regular Brigade, made it's courageous stand and helped win the day for the Federal cause. Group 2 remained at the Visitor's Center, where the 19th US Infantry Civil War reenactors demonstrated

the equipment and firing tactics of Civil War units (the 19th Infantry was also part of the Regular Brigade - the 19th US reenactors come from Indianapolis, where the 19th Infantry was organized in 1861 - the 18th Infantry originated in Columbus, OH.)

At 1600 Hours, the bugler sounded Assembly and we formed up behind the Civil War Color Guard for a short march across the road to the Stones River National Cemetery. This cemetery contains the graves of many brave 

18th Infantry soldiers who fell at Stones River - the first of a long line of 18th Infantry soldiers who would make the ultimate sacrifice in service to the United States of America. We assembled at the Regular Brigade monument for our Memorial Service. A bagpiper could be heard playing and a Civil War soldier with the 18th Infantry National Colors could be seen standing at the grave of CPL Thomas Long, the first 18th Infantry soldier to die on the battlefield. The Colors were posted and Chaplain Wes Geary gave the invocation. Readings from scripture were given by SGT Faal and SGT Trombley, 18th Infantry Soldier and NCO of the Year. MAJ Mark Johnson gave a brief account of the legacy of the Regular Brigade, and Walt Ehlers, MOH, gave brief, but inspiring, remarks about

19th US Infy Civil War Color Guard

duty, courage, and sacrifice. A wreath was lain at the monument in honor of men who sacrificed so much and set the standard we all have followed. TAPS was played, and Chaplain Geary gave the benediction.

Retreat was sounded, and all turned to face the flag pole opposite the Regular Brigade monument. Everyone stood to attention as the Civil War Color Guard lowered and folded the flag when To the Colors was played.
 

SGT Trombley reading scripture at Memorial Service

COL (R) George Tronsrue, Honorary Colonel of the 18th Infantry, thanked and dismissed the assembly. Thus ending the Memorial Service and our day at Stones River. It was a very special day of history and remembrance, and a moving experience for all who attended. Sunday morning the Society of the l8th Infantry Division held it's memorial service at the hotel. Sergeant Major of the Army Jack L. Tilley gave the keynote address. SMA Tilley served with Troop A, 1st Squadron, 4th Cavalry, from May 67 to April 68. The memorial service is always one of the highlights of the reunion, as we remember our fallen comrades. This was followed by the Society's annual meeting and the brief appearance of the Division's Commanding General, MG Bantz John Craddock. Sunday evening was the Reunion Banquet and Dance. Monday featured repeats of the Nashville tours, with the rest of the day for good-bye and farewells. A good time was had by all. Next year the reunion is

scheduled for August 14-17 at the Intercontinental Hotel, New Orleans, LA. For information on the reunion, contact the Society Office: 1933 Morris Rd, Blue Bell, PA 19422. Ph: 1-888-324-4733 or E-mail: soc1ID@aol.com
 
 

Ed Fedrick, Association Vice President, writes this about the reunion Command Post/Hospitality Suite: "Our 'CP' was the best one at the reunion. All the credit goes to my wife Louise, Jan Carter, Dot Bennett, Dottie Anderson and all the other ladies who so faithfully chipped in to keep the refrigerator full and the goodie dishes filled. We had the largest crowd and more going on than the other "CP's'. I know because I scouted out the others.

We were only able to have the great 'CP' that we did because of the donations from our members and the assistance from so many of them. 'Thank you' to all who contributed, and a special thanks to Naman Carter and his Sergeant Major voice when passing the hat.

I look forward to New Orleans next year. I hope for an even better 'CP' and even greater comradeship between veterans of the 18th Infantry Regiment. If any of our members have any ideas to make our 'CP' even greater they are welcome to jump in with ideas and hands on help. Contact me at: 318-938-0546."
 
 

Dear Ma: I have passed through so many wild and horrid scenes, have seen and learned so much since I last wrote you anything like a letter that I scarcely know when nor where to begin. I wrote a hurried note to Mr. Allen to telegraph to Pa that I was safe. I also wrote a few lines yesterday to him to the same effect, but owing to the confusion attending the mail department I fear you have received neither, and are doubtless much alarmed as to my safety. On the evening of Dec. 30th we encamped about three miles from Murfreesboro on the Nashville Road. Heavy Skirmishing had taken place during the day on the right and center. Everyone knew that in all likelihood an engagement would take place the next day. Officers collected in groups and chatted silently over the events of the morrow, and gave each other the addresses of their friends and how to dispose of their effects in case they would be killed. The next morning an order was read to the troops from Genl. Rosecrans announcing that the attack would take place that day. Rousseau's Division being in the reserve was moved forward to the edge of a large open field encircled with cedar forrest _ stacked arms and broke ranks _ about 7 o'clock the battle was opened by the enemy attacking the Corps of Genl' McCook on the right of the army ... it was very evident that the right was giving away _ our brigade was sent to McCook's support. We circled the large field and entered a heavy cedar wood. The musketry firing was this time very heavy. Our battery could not progress through the thick wood. It was accordingly ordered back and took up a position on a slight eminence near the rail road, commanding the cedar woods ... our Regt. was ordered immediately about face to support our battery. We got out of the timber and formed on the left of the battery as soon as we could. In a few moments the enemy had cleared our troops out of the extreme right of the cedar woods, and now by a flank movement attempted to capture all those to our left. This could only be done by capturing our battery. They knew it was a fearful thing to attack a battery in an open field but nevertheless they attempted it. They advanced boldly with columns doubled upon the center, their long grey lines stretching from one side of the field to the other _ when within fair range the six heavy guns of Guenther's Battery each loaded with 96 cannister shot thundered over the plain _ I could distinctly see wide deep gaps out in their ranks, but still they advanced. They were playing a deep game but if successful the day was theirs. Two or three more times the battery hurled death into their ranks. No troops in the world could stand such slaughter. They broke and ran in confusion _ I saw their Battle Flag (white ground with a red crop)shot down twice but still some bold spirit bore it aloft. A third time it fell and was not raised again but left upon the field. Foiled in his attempt to take our battery, the enemy turned his attention to the troops upon our left, and in a few moments the face of the country was filled with fugitives from our overpowered army. The fate of the day being upon the balance. The regular brigade as a last resort was then ordered forward to check the enemy's advance until the army could be reorganized. We entered the cedar woods in the line of battle just as the last of McCook's Corps was driven out of it. The enemy bore down upon us in three or four lines, their front rank would fire and fall down and load, the rear rank firing over their heads, by this means they poured an incessant fire into us. The 18th met them gallantly, and now commenced one of the most terrific musketry firings that has occurred during the war. They had the advantage of position, and in standing beneath the shadow of the pines enveloped in smoke, while we stood at the edge of the timber in bold relief against the light. They fired very low, and their shot told fearfully upon us. I was kept busy in urging my men to load rapidly and fire low, when suddenly I felt a sharp quick pain in my right knee and a momentary fainting came over me. I knew that I was hit, and immediately sat down to examine my wound. I soon found that I was not seriously hurt and at once got up and took my position. The shot of the enemy was fast thinning out my little company and the dead and wounded of other companies lay thick around me. The order to retreat was given, I did not hear it, but happening to look around I saw that the left and center had started out of the wood. I gave the order to fall back. The movement was executed with some little confusion. The enemy rushed to the edge of the timber, and poured showers of musketry into us, while their artillery tore through our ranks with fearful effect. One of my men was tore to pieces by a shell while crossing the field. The Regt. was reformed at the rail road on the left of the battery. Owing to our batteries the enemy did not advance further than the edge of the woods. We lost out of 575 _ 257 killed and wounded and 18 missing during the short time we were in the cedars. It was necessary for a sacrifice to be made to save the army, and we made it ....
 
 

This was followed by 15 days of intensive force on force exercises with the CMTC Opposing Forces. The weather included everything but snow, and allowed our soldiers and young leaders to demonstrate they are fully prepared for combat operations. Our battalion staff demonstrated it is prepared for any challenge as well.

The battalion had a significant transition during this period as we said farewell to a great friend, Command Sergeant Major Forest. We are honored to welcome our new Command Sergeant Major, John Calpena, and his bride of just over a year, Mrs Bertha Calpena, to the Vanguard Battalion. The Calpena's come to us after one year at Hohenfels, but the CSM's Army experience is the Ranger Regiment.

After concluding training at CMTC, the Vanguards deployed by Autobahn and Rail to Grafenwoehr, Germany to conduct small arms and Bradley Gunnery before concluding with a Company Team Combined Arms Live Fire Exercise. We did have a brief opportunity to return to Conn Barracks before executing our Gunnery training, and on 8 July, we were able to execute a Family Day picnic with 233 family members attending. Our soldiers did extremely well at "Graf". All are qualified on their individual weapons, with most qualified on multiple weapons systems. Our Bradley Gunnery was well planned and executed by our company and battalion Master Gunners. I am proud to report these great Staff Sergeants executed a solid, gunnery-training program that resulted in producing the most efficient crew and company in the Division. Our Top Gun Crew is in Charlie Company, and the Top Gun Company, is Bravo Company.

The Battalion redeployed to Conn Barracks on 24 July and began our recovery operations before departing on a Block Leave period. This recovery period went very well as most soldiers and their families enjoyed this time together before returning for the first day of school. SGT Faal, SGT Trombley and 1LT Beard have continued to share their Reunion Experiences and Photos with the soldiers of the Battalion. They had a great time.

After Block Leave our training focus changed from Company and Battalion Collective training to individual training culminating in the Expert Infantryman's Badge test the last week of September. Our 1st Quarter Training is focused on Junior Leader Training. We initiate the quarter with our Team Leader Development Course, taught by CSM Calpena and the Company First Sergeants, while Squad Leaders will attend the Division Combat Leaders Course on 01 October 2001.

During the first week of September, the Battalion was proud to host the Secretary of the Army, The Honorable Tom White. He participated in EIB training ongoing in the Battalion area, while our officers were at the Division River Crossing Exercise. 3d platoon A-1-18 represented the battalion at the river crossing, while the Non Commissioned Officers of the battalion hosted the Secretary of the Army. SSG Long, C-1-18 Infantry, presented a Vanguard Battalion Coin to the Secretary from the soldiers of the battalion. His visit culminated with a MRE luncheon with Company Commanders and First Sergeants.

The tragic events of 11 September 2001 raised our Force Protection Condition to a level that necessitated our commitment to the security of our Kaserne, Conn Barracks; and to reinforce Katterbach Kaserne, which is the 1st Infantry Division Army Airfield in Ansbach, Germany. This has required us to postpone our EIB testing, but we are still committed to the junior leader training.

CSM Calpena and I are proud to report to our Association that the soldiers of the Vanguard battalion remain prepared to deploy, fight, and win anywhere -- with great young leaders who have the technical and tactical expertise to lead soldiers to combat in any environment. We look forward to our next opportunity to meet. In Omnia Paratus!

Very Respectfully, LTC Butch Botters

Note: [No movement orders yet received - 10/12/01]
 
 

After successful completion of RIP, CSM Calpena was assigned to the 1st Ranger Battalion at Hunter AAF, Savannah, GA. until July 1985. He then joined HHC, Victory Brigade as the Brigade Training NCO. After graduating from Drill Sergeant School in Nov 1986, he served as an Infantry Drill Sergeant on

Harmony Church at Fort Benning, GA. In Feb 1988, he served as a Ranger instructor and Platoon Sergeant at the 4th Ranger Training Battalion.  In Oct 1991, after successfully completing the Ranger Orientation Program (ROP), he served until June 1994 as a Rifle Platoon Sergeant in Company A, 2d Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, Fort Lewis, Washington. After making the Master Sergeants list, he went to HHC, where he served as the Assistant Operations Sergeant and then as the Intelligence Sergeant. In June 1996, CSM Calpena, joined C-3-75, where he served as a

Rifle Company First Sergeant. In May 1998, CSM Calpena went to serve as the Sergeant Major and Senior Military Science Instructor of Seattle, University and Pacific Lutheran University (Chieftain Battalion) 4th region ROTC. In May 2000, CSM Calpena graduated from the Sergeants Major Academy, and was assigned as Sergeant Major and Training  Task Force Integrator O/C for the Warhog Team, CMTC, Hohenfels.

During his career, CSM Calpena has accumulated 3 1/2 years of college credit toward a Bachelors Degree. Other schools he has completed: Primary Leadership Development Course, Basic and Advanced NCO Course, Drill Sergeant Course, Battle Staff NCO Course, First Sergeants Course, Instructor Training Course, Airborne, Jumpmaster, Pathfinder, Military Freefall, Ranger, Jungle Warfare, Demolition Training Course, Heavy Equipment Operator Course, Combat Life Savor, Equal Opportunity Representative Course, Combined Service Support Program, and Advanced Land Navigation Course.

His awards include the: Meritorious Service Medal, with two oak leaf clusters, the Army Commendation Medal, with three oak leaf clusters, the Army Achievement Medal, with an oak leaf cluster, the Armed Forced Expedition Medal, the Humanitarian Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Good Conduct Medal i6th award), NCO Professional Development Ribbon (with no. 4), Army Service Ribbon, Ranger Tab, Expert Infantryman's Badge, Master Parachutist Badge, Military freefall Badge, Pathfinder Badge, Drill Sergeants Identification Badge, French Jump Wings, Canadian Jump Wings, and German Jump Wings.

CSM Calpena is married to the former Bertha Eliza Carrillo of San Antonio, Texas.
  

Relying on your generous support, the 18th Infantry Regiment Association has again made the commitment to provide \$1000 to assist our soldiers during this time of year. This is the sixth year for our Thanksgiving/Christmas Project. As you know, the living situation for our soldiers in Germany is quite different from soldiers in the United States, and some of our soldiers (usually because of circumstances beyond their control) find themselves needing a little assistance during the holiday season in order to have a traditional holiday meal for their families (On average, a couple of families per Company). The money we provide is used to purchase items (Turkeys, Hams, etc.) to make up food baskets for these families. This is a cooperative effort with the battalion.

The current members of the Battalion do what they can to take care of their own, but they appreciate the participation of veteran members of the Regiment. There is a system in place to identify individuals at the Company level and discreetly provide assistance. Mrs. Cindy Botters, leader of the Family Readiness Group (FRG), has agreed to coordinate the project in Germany, along with the Chaplain and the Command Sergeant Major. We appreciate their efforts on our behalf, and especially on behalf of our soldier families who would otherwise not have such a nice holiday season.

Again this year, we need your help to cover the expenditure, and we ask you to please contribute generously toward our Thanksgiving/Christmas project. You may send your donation directly to our Treasurer: Jim Stone, 258 Pells Rd, Rhinebeck, NY 12572. Please make your check out to "18th Inf Regt Assoc" and mark the memo line on your check: XMAS PROJECT. Thank you.
 
 

Army Regulation 600-82 makes provision for the appointment of an Honorary Colonel (HCOR), Honorary Sergeant Major (HSMOR), Distinguished Members of the Regiment (DMOR) and Honorary Members of the Regiment IHMOR). The appointment is an honor that is conferred in Army Orders issued by the Chief of Infantry, upon approval of recommendations submitted by the Commander of the Regiment's Color Battalion. The Battalion Commander generally relies upon advice received from the HCOR, HSMOR, and the Regimental Association in making his recommendations.

Guidelines for selection have been proposed. They include such things as: honorable period of service with the 18th Infantry; some outstanding accomplishment during or since that tour of duty; demonstrated interest in promoting the history and traditions of the 18th Infantry; and be of a general personal character that reflects credit on the 18th Infantry. An unstated criteria would be, of course, to willingly accept the responsibilities of a DMOR.

A DMOR of the 18th Infantry is expected to be an example, both for our active duty soldiers and for our veterans. Therefore, DMORs will be asked to participate in activities that perpetuate the history and traditions of the Regiment, to contribute funding for annual awards and/or recognition of outstanding 18th Infantry active duty soldiers, and to support the goals of the 18th Infantry Regiment Association. Nominations should be submitted in writing to either George Tronsrue or George Gentry.
 
 

Veteran's Day ceremonies are held each year in Washington DC. Always moving events and well worth attending. Jim Stone (C-2-18, RVN) is coordinating 18th Infantry activities there. Volunteers are needed. If you plan to be in Washington DC on November 11, please call Jim at 914-876-7676.
 
 

Our Bagpiper, with Joe Spangler at CPL Long's grave.

Each of us is reacting in our own ways to the stunning atrocities of September 11, and to the fact that a new kind of war has now been brought to our Homeland by ruthless murderers who are cold blooded experts at what they do. But, as we meet that threat at Home, we must also keep our active Battalion at the top of our prayers. Our soldiers, their wives and children in Germany are closer than most of us to "harm's way." Consequently, our new Family Support Program being organized by CSM Naman Carter has taken on an added dimension and a new sense of urgency. Please respond generously to that call.

Those of you who attended our Annual Reunion in Nashville agree, I know, that our 18th Infantry Memorial Day was a one-of-a-kind experience. Elsewhere in this Newsletter, those of you who couldn't attend will read more of the detail & I must add something here about our three outstanding soldiers who joined us from Schweinfurt, thanks to funds made available by your Association. Each man was a superb example of the best of today's Army. You, too, would have been deeply proud of them. Knowledgeable and articulate with a multitude of strangers, confident and trim in bearing, ready to go out of their way to be helpful to all, these three Vanguards left an indelible impression on all who met them. They "did us proud!"

As the days pass and we support our President wholeheartedly in dealing with this vicious threat to our Freedom, let us also keep recalling the faces of those Vanguard leaders who joined us in Nashville. These capable men are the face of our Army! And,let none of us forget that, here at Home. The support of our entire Battalion Family, in whatever form that may take, is now our Association's immediate Mission. That Family, our Family, is relying on us to act on our common belief that No Mission [is] Too Difficult, No Sacrifice Too Great. Duty First!

May God bless America!

George Tronsrue, Honorary Colonel 18th Infantry Regiment
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