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18th Infantry Regiment Association Newsletter October 1999
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18th Infantry Regiment Association Newsletter October 1999
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Published by the 18th Infantry
Regiment Association,
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THANKSGIVING/CHRISTMAS PROJECT
| Your response last year to the Thanksgiving/Christmas Project was outstanding
and the project was a great success. The 18th Infantry Regiment Association
was able to send $1000 to assist our soldiers at this time of year. The
money we sent was well received, put to good use in purchasing needed food
baskets, and much appreciated by our soldiers, many of whom were deployed
to Macedonia. 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 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. Therefore, we have cheerfully committed to do it again this year, trusting in your generous support. There is a system in place to identify individuals at the Company level and discreetly provide assistance. CSM Forest, Chaplain Nay, and Mrs. Jane Murray, leader of the Family Support Group (FSG), have agreed to coordinate the project in Germany. 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 to our
Treasurer,
or include it with your membership renewal to our Secretary (addresses
below). Please mark the memo line on your check: XMAS PROJECT.
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ASSOCIATION ANNUAL MEETING REPORT
| The 18th Infantry Regiment Association held it's Annual Meeting
in Louisville, KY on August 6, 1999. The meeting was called to order
and all stood as the Regimental Colors were posted by representatives from
our First Battalion.
Welcome and introductions followed. We were honored to introduce three representatives from 1-18 in Germany: SSGT Glenn Beem (B-1-18)
The Honorary Colonel reported on his visit to our active-duty battalion
for the Change of Command ceremonies held in June. He also gave an excellent
briefing on the subject of "percentage fill" and the effect of that practice
on battalion and division readiness. The Honorary Sergeant Major also gave
a report on his experiences in Schweinfurt during the Change of Command
ceremonies.
In 98-99 we met our goal of $2500 in donations for soldier projects. Thank you for your generous support of our soldiers. We retain that goal again this year in order to provide for the following projects -- $500 each for the Thanksgiving and Christmas projects, a "Single Soldiers" initiative, and bringing a soldier to the 2000 reunion in Philadelphia. Projected expenses for projects will not be made unless the projected revenue is received. Officers were elected (see above) and other subjects were briefly discussed: selection of Distinguished Members of the Regiment; better communications of 18th Infantry activities at the reunion (there is still a lot of confusion about the difference between the Society and the Association); and Association recognition and awards for an 18th Infantry soldier/NCO of the year. Then the meeting adjourned. See you next year in Philadelphia! [Comments and suggestions by our members are listened to and improvements
are being made. We have unit crests, and we are working on obtaining 18th
Infantry Polo shirts and baseball hats. If interested in purchase of these
items, please contact me or Larry Van Kuran. More
in the December newsletter.]
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18th Infantry Regiment Association Elects Officers
| At the 1999 Annual Meeting, the following officers were elected for two year terms (1999-2001): |
| President:
George Gentry 1331 Hackett Ave Long Beach CA 90815 Ph: 562-596-8097 |
Vice-President:
Naman Carter 8502 Quail Tree Rd San Antonio TX 78250 Ph: 210-680-0264 |
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Secretary: Larry Van Kuran 6378 Jamieson Ave Encino CA 91316 Ph: 818-881-8524 |
Treasurer: Jim Stone 35 Pells Rd Rhinebeck NY 12572 Ph: 914-876-7676 |
| Previously appointed under authority of AR 600-82 for three year terms (1997-2000): |
| Honorary Colonel:
Philip A. Pryor 210 Waterton Williamsburg VA 23188 |
Honorary Sergeant Major:
Louis H. Johnson 3664 Walifield Rd Houlka, MS 38850 |
18th INFANTRY NEWS
| LTC Murray reports that all is well with the Battalion. We have not
yet received orders for Kosovo duty. However, intensive training continues.
He reports that the Battalion is on track for an early December deployment
to GRAF (7th Army Training Center), where gunnery and dismount tables will
be run. In addition, he reports that the Battalion just completed a very
successful EIB train-up and test period. Out of 188 candidates, we awarded
86 ElBs (45%). That is an outstanding result, indicating motivated soldiers,
excellent leadership, and some extremely hard work. Congratulations to
all our soldiers who proudly wear the Expert lnfantryman's Badge!
NEW CSM: In ceremonies on September 24, the transition of authority between CSM Kolhof and CSM Forest occurred. CSM Kolhof leaves the Battalion for Kosovo to assume new duties in the Brigade S-3 shop. Command Sergeant Major James H. Forest Jr. is a native of Rock Island, Illinois. He entered the United States Army in August 1976 and has served in every leadership position in the Light Infantry to include, Fire Team Leader, Squad Leader, Platoon Sergeant, First Sergeant, and Interim Command Sergeant Major. In addition, he wears the Drill Sergeant Badge and the EIB, and is a graduate of the Sergeants Major Academy. CSM Forest is married to the former Beverly Ann Snow. They have three
children: Angel, James III, and Audrey. The 18th Infantry Regiment Association
welcomes CSM Forest, his wife and children, to the 18th Infantry family.
FAMILY NEWS: BG Eric T. Olson (2-18, Gulf War) completed his
tour of duty in Schweinfurt as Assistant Division Commander (Support),
lst Infantry Division, and has returned to the United States Military Academy
to become West Point's 67th Commandant of Cadets, replacing MG John P.
Abizaid (CG, 1ID).
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MEMBERSHIP REPORT
| At present, we have about 200 paid members and over 200 delinquent
members. It seems that there is still a lot of confusion about the Association
and it's relationship to the Society and other groups. When talking to
friends, ask them if they get the newsletter. If not, they aren't paid
up members, so encourage them to join up, and send their names and addresses
to Larry Van Kuran, Membership Secretary, 6378 Jamieson Ave, Encino, CA
91316. Phone: 818-881-8524. Email: vankuran@ix.netcom.com
Membership in the 18th Infantry Regiment Association is open to ALL who have served with the 18th Infantry or any of its battalions, in peace or in war, their spouses or those who were married to a Regiment member now deceased. We need volunteers to: 1) find Army orders and other documents that
identify former members of the 18th Infantry by name and service number,
2) search the Internet for addresses and phone numbers, 3) send letters
and do follow-up phone calls to delinquent members and prospective members,
and 4) answer inquiries from people seeking information about the 18th
Infantry and it's former members. In addition to building our member data
base, we would like to build a data base of all former 18th Infantry members.
The information is available, but the process is time consuming and labor
intensive (i.e., obtain a company roster from Cantigny Museum, search the
Social Security death records to see if they are deceased, search the Internet
to see if their address and phone is listed, make contact, follow-up).
If you are willing to take on any of these tasks, please contact George
Gentry, address & phone on page 1, e-mail: Ggentry@aol.com
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1ST INFANTRY DIVISION
Change of Command
| On August 3, 1999, ceremonies were held at Division Headquarters in
Wuerzburg, where MG David L. Grange relinquished command of the Big Red
One to MG John P. Abizaid. MG Abizaid's last assignment was Commandant
of Cadets at West Point. It has been announced that MG Grange is retiring
to accept a position with the McCormick Foundation.
The 18th Infantry Regiment Association wishes MG Grange well in
his retirement and welcomes MG Abizaid to the First Infantry Division family.
No Mission too Difficult, No Sacrifice too Great, Duty First!
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SOCIETY of the FIRST DIVISION
ANNUAL REUNION REPORT
The 81st annual Big Red One Reunion was held in Louisville,
KY from August 4-8. In all, there were over 1000 in attendance. About 80
former members of the 18th Infantry signed in at the 18th Infantry CP,
and there were several others in attendance who didn't sign in. This year
we had a large room for our CP, and it was very active. Our thanks to Andy
A good time was had by all. Next year the reunion is scheduled for September
1-5 at the Adams Mark Hotel, Philadelphia, PA. Plan now to attend! (Note:
This is the Labor Day Week-end). For information on the reunion, contact
Rosemary Wirs at the Society Office: 1933 Morris Rd, Blue Bell, PA 19422:.
Ph: 1-888-324-4733 or
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DISTINGUISHED MEMBER OF THE REGIMENT
| Army Regulation 600-82 makes provision for the appointment of an Honorary
Colonel (HCOR), Honorary Sergeant Major (HSMOR), and Distinguished Members
of the Regiment (DMOR). 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 Phil Pryor or George
Gentry.
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We now have A thru E, G and H Companies. These add significantly to
the atmosphere of the CP. A guidon set, including stand, pole, Army spear
tip, and guidon (to Army specifications) costs $150. If you would like
to sponsor a guidon set for your company, or contribute toward a complete
display of 18th Infantry guidons, or a set of Regimental Colors, please
contact Larry Van Kuran, 818-881-8524.
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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 let
Jim know. Address above. E-mail:
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for... Annette Shutters is looking for anyone who knew her brother of circumstances of his service in Vietnam. 1LT Patrick A. Shutters, B-1-18, (12-29-67 to 3-15-68). 1LT Shutters was KIA on 3-15-68. Please write her at: 6530 Calamar Dr,
Cumming, GA 30040 or e-mail me at: Ggentry@aolcom.
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1999 MECHANIZED BATTALION - AUTHORIZED STRENGTH
| The 1st Battalion, 18th Infantry, is authorized 36 Officers, 1 Warrant
Officer and 666 Enlisted. Total = 703. It is composed of HHC and 3 maneuver
Companies (A, B, & C), utilizing 44 Bradley Fighting Vehicles and a
number of Humvees and other vehicles. A Company consists of 5 Officers
and 130 Enlisted, with 3 Platoons utilizing 14 Bradleys. Each Platoon has
4 Bradley crews and 3 nine-man Infantry Squads. HHC contains the command
group and staff, the Scout Platoon, Mortar Platoon (120 mm), Medical Platoon,
Sniper Section, and other support personnel.
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1899 - PHILIPPINE ISLANDS - 1999
First Tour of Duty - Battle Streamer inscribed "ILOHO"
| The Peace Treaty signed in Paris on December 10, 1898 officially ended
the War with Spain. One of it's provisions ceded the Philippine Islands
to the United States. Spain was anxious to surrender it's Philippine garrisons
to the US, as most of them were besieged by the ragtag army of the Philippine
Independence Movement led by Emilio Aguinaldo. Therefore, the 8th Army
Corps ordered formation of the First Separate Brigade, including the 18th
Infantry Regiment, to occupy the Visayas Island group. On Christmas Day
1898, the 18th Infantry embarked on the USAT Arizona to relieve the Spanish
garrison at Iloilo, on the Island of Panay, the principal city of the Visayas.
Unfortunately, the Philippine people felt that they had earned independence
and were not inclined to exchange Spanish domination for American imperialism.
During tense negotiations, the 18th Infantry was confined on board ship
at anchor in the Iloilo harbor for over a month. On February 4, 1899, negotiations
ended and the Philippine Insurrection began when fighting broke out at
Manila. On February 11, the 18th Infantry disembarked into battle at Iloilo,
driving the Insurgents from the city, and earning for the Colors a battle
streamer inscribed "ILOILO".
The year 1899 found the 18th Infantry engaged in a number of nasty guerilla
actions in the jungles of Panay. The ragtag army of "Insurectos", armed
mostly with muskets, shotguns, machetes, and Bolo knives, were no match
for the well armed and disciplined soldiers of the 18th Infantry. However,
hit-and-run jungle ambushes resulted in many casualties, and the Bolo Knife
was so feared and effective that it came to symbolize the Philippine Insurrection
on the distinctive unit insignia of many of the Army units that fought
there, including the unit crest of the 18th Infantry. In June, COL Van
Valzah retired and COL Gilbert S. Carpenter assumed command. COL Carpenter
enlisted as a Private in Company F, 2nd Battalion, 18th Infantry, in September
1861, receiving a field promotion to Lieutenant in June 1862. During the
Philippine campaign he had risen in rank to Brigadier General, USV, but
resigned to accept command of his old regiment. In October, COL Carpenter
created a "mounted" detachment of the 18th Infantry. Known as "Gordon's
Scouts" for it's commander, Captain Walter H. Gordon, it ranged freely
and effectively through the jungle in pursuit of lnsurectos. In December
1899, the 18th Infantry changed station from Iloilo to Capiz, still on
the Island of Panay, where COL Carpenter was promoted Brigadier General
and retired with 40 years of honorable service. The 18th Infantry would
endure two more years of guerilla combat on Panay before the end of the
Philippine Insurrection (if it can be said that it ever really ended),
and two more tours of duty in the Philippine Islands.
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UNIT INSIGNIA
Explanation of Heraldry
| AZURE (BLUE) BACKGROUND: In the US Army, blue is the color of
the Infantry -- Queen of Battle.
CROSSED BARS: The saltire cross represents the 18th Infantry campaigns of the Civil War, the struggle that gave birth to our great Regiment.
NOTCHED BORDER: Symbolizes the trench type fortifications the 18th Infantry surmounted in fighting its way across France in 1918. FLEURS-DE-LIS AND RED BAND: The chief bears the red band of the arms of Lorraine between the fleurs-de-lis of the arms of Soissons to represent the 18th Infantry campaigns in World War I (and 2 awards of the French Croix de Guerre for our Colors). (Note: the unit insignia was adopted in 1923.) |
CSM Louis H. Johnson, USA/Ret
Honorary Sergeant Major of the Regiment
| The Louisville reunion was good. As always it was good to see old friends
and meet new ones. The highlight for me was when LTC Norman spoke to us
in the CP. His talk was informal and he took any and all questions from
those of us present. He is indeed a dedicated and professional soldier,
who spoke to us openly and from his heart about the soldiers who served
under his command, the missions being assigned, and conditions in the Army
today. You just don't get that opportunity that often. I wish all of you
could have been there. Don't miss Philadelphia! Duty First!
Louis Johnson, HSMOR, Ph: 601-568-7726
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Message from the Honorary Colonel
COL. Philip A. Pryor, USA/Ret.
| As has been reported elsewhere in the Newsletter, we had an excellent
turnout for our reunion in early August. The location, in Louisville, KY,
was a good choice - excellent hotel, ideally situated in relation to the
Ohio River, lots to see and do, and we had plenty of room in our CP. The
Division had an excellent turnout for the reunion, as did the 18th Infantry.
George Gentry, your President, did another magnificent job in organizing
the activities during the reunion. We were pleased to have LTC Bryan Norman,
our most recent Battalion Commander, attend the festivities. He drove all
Friday night, arriving at 0400 hrs Saturday from Carlisle Barracks where
he is attending the Army War College. He gave an excellent update to our
18th Infantry group on the battalion activities in Germany, Kosovo and
Macedonia. LTC Norman visited with all of our veterans during the day,
attended the dinner on Saturday night and then spent most of the evening
in the CP talking to those gathered. We appreciated his efforts even though
he had little sleep.
During the reunion, we were happy to have 3 soldiers from the battalion come from Germany. Each of them were extremely pleasant to meet, easy to talk to, full of stories of life today in the battalion and presented, at all times, a truly professional bearing. The Honorary CSM and his wife, George Gentry and his wife and I took them out for dinner one evening. They were the only ones in the restaurant in blue blazers, 1st Infantry Division crests on their pockets and ties. You knew who the Big Red One folks were. These young soldiers were truly an inspiration to all of us. We were so impressed that we hope to begin a new tradition this year - the presentation of a replica Iron Mike statue to the Battalion Officer, NCO and Soldier of the Year. We will work out the details with LTC Murray. Please put the next reunion on your calendars. I know you will be glad
you did. All the best. Vanguard! Phil
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