IRAQ CASUALTIES

We have Iraq casualties at Walter Reed in Washington DC. Please remember them with Christmas cards and letters during the holiday season. Some have families who are moving to DC for the duration of hospitalization. .

Soldier's name, with rank (see above)

% Patient locator

6900 Georgia Ave NW

Washington DC 20307

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 have the most there again this year.

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

World War I Soldier Repatriated after 88 Years

written by Andrew E. Woods, Research Historian, Cantigny First Division Foundation.

Private Francis Z. Lupo was reported Missing in Action on 21 July 1918 by Company E, 2nd Battalion, 18th Infantry. Private Lupo joined the 18th Infantry in France on 2 June 1918. His body was discovered by a French archaeologist in 2003. He had been buried with another soldier in a shell hole near Ploisy. The US Joint Prisoner of War/Missing in Action Accounting Command [JPAC] identified the body by his wallet found at the site. The First Division Museum's McCormick Research Center provided JPAC with Muster Rolls and Rosters of Company E, 18th Infantry, with information on Private Lupo and other casualties. Of the 10 Company E soldiers reported missing on 24 July 1918, seven were new soldiers fighting in their first battle, including Private Lupo, and six are still unaccounted for.

Private Lupo was killed during the Battle of Soissons, or the Aisne-Marne campaign, which occurred 18 -23 July 1918. It is the American contention that this was the major turning point of WWI. Private Lupo's 2nd Battalion of 925 men had 382 casualties in this battle. The 18th Infantry Regiment lost 53 Officers and 1556 men, and the 1st Division reported 8365 casualties for the 4 day battle, including every infantry battalion commander except 2nd Battalion's Major Charles Hunt.

On the third day of the attack southwest of Soissons, July 20, the 2nd Bn 18th Inf was acting as division reserve and was ordered to support the attack of the 2nd Brigade. Twice an attack toward Berzy-le-Sec by that Brigade had failed. Things were a mess. The 1st Brigade to the right had reached its objective a mile and a half beyond. Unless the 2nd Brigade took Berzy-le-Sec the left flank of the Corps might be turned. Captain Stuart D. Campbell commanded Company E, which was then located on a partly sunken road northwest of Chaudun Farm in the Crise valley and attacking to the top of Hill 81 on the west side of the railroad in the area between the 1st and 2nd Brigades. Opposite the left side of the hill was Berzy-le-Sec. .

The following report is taken mostly from Lt Jeremiah Evarts book Cantigny, A Corner of the War written in 1938 about his part in World War I. Lt Evarts was the 4th Platoon Leader and assumed command of Company E when Captain Campbell was wounded in the attack. Lt Evarts, though wounded himself, called the role on 24 July, after the battle was ended.

There was a large disabled tank in the middle of Company E's line, broadside to the front. The last of the supporting French tanks had been disabled in the Ploisy ravine. Company E's platoons were commanded by two lieutenants and two sergeants. Lt Evarts ordered his 4th Platoon to form for attack in artillery formation at ten paces between men and columns. Having formed, the platoon marched across the front of the company. As each platoon was passed, that platoon executed the same maneuver and followed, thus presenting a smaller target as they approached the objective. As he counted the paces he noticed German shellfire moving toward him into the company's line of march. Soon Company E was walking in, not through, a barrage. They continued in this barrage for at least 250 yards. The air was full of iron. As Lt Evarts walked along, he saw PFC John Geroux take the direct hit of a dud. PFC Geroux is listed as Missing 21 July 1918 at Aisne-Marne Cemetery, as was Private Lupo. Lt Evarts, now commanding the company, verified that all his platoons were in formation. As Lt Evarts ran back to the front, he noticed that his Platoon Sergeant, Sgt Frank James, had been wounded and Sgt Lawrence Foley was now leading the 4th Platoon. The intense German artillery fire halted the company about 100 yards from the summit of the knoll, Hill 81. At this point, Company E dug in. It had taken about sixty casualties, about half its strength.

On the fourth morning of the Battle of Soissons, July 21, what was left of Company E was in a defiladed position a little in front and to the right of the 2nd Brigade. Lt Evarts' company was ordered to move on across the top of Hill 81. A Major was sent to lead the column. At the top of the hill there was the droning roar of a very large shell falling from a great height. The shell hit and the blast hurled Lt Evarts and the Major forward over the crest, but the Adjutant and two runners with them were killed. The attack continued and a new position was established in some woods at the base of another steep hillside facing the Germans. The Major told Lt Evarts, "Go to sleep, I'll wake you." Lt Evarts slept, only to be awakened by a nearby shell burst that demolished his eardrum. At first he thought he was dead, but then he realized he couldn't feel pain if he were dead. The left side of his face was wet with blood. The Major was knocked into a tree forty feet up the hill. As he looked about, a long file of German prisoners appeared. The 2nd Brigade's attack had been successful. Berzy-le-Sec had been taken. The loss of the railroad and the highway south of Soissons meant the Marne salient had to be abandoned and a German retreat began that continued until the war ended in American victory. During this battle, Private Lupo made the ultimate sacrifice, and lay buried unknown in a shell hole in France for 88 years. Private Lupo was finally laid to rest, with full military honors, in Arlington National Cemetery on 27 September 2006. Vice President Bob Callahan represented the 18th Infantry Regiment Association at the funeral. Welcome home Pvt Lupo!

18th INFANTRY ANNUAL MEETING - AUGUST 9, 2007 -- ST LOUIS, MO

18th Infantry News from Germany and Iraq

VANGUARD SIX'S FOXHOLE (JUNE 2006) -

DELAY! That's the word. But you know the Vanguards aren't sitting on their hands - we continue to train and hone our skills. With all our containers packed and vehicles prepared, the Vanguards await a decision to deploy in the next few months. The past few months have been great with our recovery from the Mission Readiness Exercise and the culminating Week of the Vanguards.

Regimental Sergeant Major Binkley was present and represented the Regiment very well. After picking him up at Frankfurt, jet lag and all, CSM Binkley walked the 18 Miler with Charlie Rock thru the Germany countryside in the middle of the night. The next day, he assisted me in laying a wreath at the new Memorial outside the Vanguard Headquarters. And to complete the Week of the Vanguards, he provided sage words of reflection and presented the Wheaton City Proclamation of Adoption at the Vanguard Spring Ball. Was just awesome. The continuance of tying the Regiment together - both past and present - will keep us all straight in the future. For you know we will be The First to Battle! VANGUARDS!

VANGUARD SIX'S FOXHOLE (OCTOBER 2006) -

Dear Regiment. The country called and the Vanguards responded. Training in Kuwait completed our preparations and your Vanguards have forward deployed into Iraq. We have our B/1-18IN with the Steel Tigers(1-77AR) in Ramadi and the rest of the Vanguards are in and around Baghdad. You'll notice that both locations are the garden spots - but would you expect anything different from this regiment? The Vanguards of Bravo Company are contributing to the tough fight in Ramadi as the Steel Tigers' main effort. The fight in Baghdad has our full focus and the Vanguards are already making a difference. This fight is different than OIF2, with more sectarian violence and the lethality of the cowardly attacks. But know this - your Vanguards have the absolute best of tools to win the tactical fight - from the training on new techniques and tactics to the use of the latest technologies to defeat the enemy and his devices. The placement of a Navy Electronics Warfare Officer in our Vanguard TOC is a demonstatration of our commitment to use every available asset to win this fight. With your continued prayers and support, the Vanguards will maintain the edge and fight for the Iraqi people to have a choice for their future. When you see the Iraqi children waving and smiling at our Soldiers as they drive by - you are reminded of what is at stake. I close with those final thoughts, a lethal cowardly enemy and innocent Iraqi kids. Your Vanguards are complete packages. American citizens that treat all with dignity and respect as the norm, but can rise to eliminate the threat when the rattlesnake is poised to strike. It is truly humbling to be part of such an organization that demonstrates the best of what our country can offer.

VANGUARD SIX'S FOXHOLE (NOVEMBER 2006) -

The Dagger Brigade has been spread all over - the Steel Tigers in Ramadi, the Spaders in East Baghdad and the Vanguards in SW Baghdad. It looks like a 'Dog's Breakfast' is the phrase we use on how our Brigade was task organized away. The theater has a similiar cross-attached effect, so it's just not us.

Rest assured, the Vanguards are getting after it in sector, conducting offensive reconnaissance patrols to gather intel to then conduct deliberate operations. The average Iraqi is still receptive to us and is just trying to make a living. We have linked into the National Police in our sector and patrol with them as well. The Soldiers have the best of equipment and are confident in themselves and their brothers.

We appreciate the support from the homefront! Duty First! Vanguard Six

VANGUARD SIX'S FOXHOLE (DECEMBER 2006) -

Hey Warriors. Things here are going well. The new Bde and Div is establishing itself and the sector on our side of the river is maintaining. The curfew has everyone limited to their neighborhoods and the National Police are doing well keeping the sector under control. Your Vanguards are continuing to get after it, working with the National Police and the civic projects to allow time for the Iraqi Government to get stuff straight. Thanksgiving was awesome with plenty of food and the Soldiers having every want met. Maybe not. I'm sure most would like a good German Pils right now. Keep the Vanguard Soldiers in your prayers and know that you remain in our thoughts.

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!

HONORARY COLONEL'S COMMENTS (NOVEMBER 2006)

What a year this has been! The Battalion was formally adopted by the City of Wheaton in May through the great efforts and support of Michelle Senatore and Sgt (Ret) Joel Gomez. This is a tremendous opportunity for both Wheaton and the Battalion, as it brings America's Soldiers closer to America's People; something that the All Volunteer Army really isn't very good at doing since we are from all over the country and have no real roots back into the civilian community. This adoption is on a trial basis, but I am convinced it will be an extremely rewarding experience for both the great citizens of Wheaton and the great soldiers of our Battalion.

This spring the Battalion had their annual All Ranks Ball, which I was scheduled to attend but had to cancel out due to a family emergency at the last minute. The Ball was preceded by an 18 mile road march which was physically and mentally challenging to say the least. I'm proud to report that your Honorary Regimental Sergeant Major Mike Binkley walked the whole 18 miles! The RSM also more than ably filled in for me at the dedication of the monument for the fallen soldiers from the Battalion in Desert Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom, and at the Ball. It's not possible in my 30 plus years of service to have a good unit unless you also have a good Sergeant Major. That said, the 18th Infantry is a great unit indeed. Thanks, Mike!

In July the Regiment smoked all the others for best attendance at the Reunion in Phoenix! We had the biggest turn out at the hottest reunion on record. We will have an even bigger turn out in St Louis in August 2007. Some of my Desert Storm comrades promise to turn up and join our ranks. I want to thank everybody for coming to Phoenix in July. You are all troopers of the first order. Particularly the ladies who put up with the hot air, both inside and out, as we all told our stories again!

On a serious note, the Battalion has deployed back to Iraq for another tour of duty. They have been assigned to the Baghdad area with Bravo Company being attached to Task Force 1-77 in Ramadi. They continue to do all things well and are committed to help make a difference for the Iraqi people. The battalion is doing everything humanly possible to provide security and protection to the people of Baghdad. The battalion has unfortunately had one young soldier killed in Bravo Company and several others wounded to date. I would ask you all to pray for their safekeeping, and to pray for the families waiting at home.

As we approach the holiday season, we need to remember the families in the Regiment who could use our help. Valerie Glaze is taking the lead to help provide for the families over in Germany. I know Jim Stone would appreciate any donations you can make to assist that effort for both Thanksgiving and for Christmas. We will continue to assist Valerie with the families and do whatever we can for the soldiers over in Iraq. The City of Wheaton is also sending things to the soldiers.

On a final note before I end, I'm pleased to announce that Michelle Senatore who has helped us so much in Wheaton has been awarded the Order of St Maurice by the National Infantry Association. Lieutenant Colonel George Glaze and the soldiers of the battalion nominated Michelle for this prestigious award as their way of thanking her and the City of Wheaton for all their support. We will have Michelle's investiture ceremony at the Regimental Meeting in St Louis in August, all the more reason for everybody to come to the reunion. Get your comrades to come next year. We'll start the Regimental Meeting with the roll call like we did this year.

In closing, it is time to give thanks. I thank all of you for your service and dedication to our nation. You are our National Treasure! As I said in Phoenix, all of you chose to serve. You are my heroes, and may God bless each and every one of you!

In Omnia Paratus! 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

18th INFANTRY ANNUAL MEETING - AUGUST 9, 2007 -- ST LOUIS, MO

After Action Report - Battalion May Ball

Schweinfurt, Germany

by Honorary Sergeant Major Michael Binkley, SGM/USA (Retired)

On May 22nd I traveled to Germany to visit our soldiers of the 1st Battalion. I arrived on Tuesday afternoon just in time to join the soldiers on an 18 mile cross country night march. We departed at 2000 hrs. and returned back at Conn Barracks at 0300 hrs. (That is 3AM for the civilians reading this). I can say that I may have had about another mile left in me when we finished. Our young soldiers seemed to really enjoy this sort of thing and I could not let myself be the only one to not make the entire march, so I did the entire march for all of us "old" veterans. I can tell you that my feet were feeling the toll the next day, but our young soldiers have a new respect for us old warriors. On Wednesday evening we enjoyed a wonderful dinner in downtown Schweinfurt with most of the Officers and senior NCO's present. As usual, it was a great time, with a spirit of camaraderie that our civilian counterparts will never know or understand. On Thursday we attended an early morning prayer breakfast and then joined the Dagger Brigade for the OIF II Fallen Soldier Memorial Dedication Ceremony at Conn Barracks. We left there to then do the Memorial Dedication for the new 1-18 Infantry Fallen Soldier Memorial Monument and to honor all the fallen soldiers from the regiment during Desert Storm and Iraqi Freedom II. It was a wonderful dedication with the unveiling of the new monument and the tolling of the bell atop the monument for each name that was engraved on the marble monument. After leaving here we traveled to Wuerzburg to attend the 1st Division Memorial Day Ceremony. Friday was the 18th Infantry Regimental Ball. What a wonderful night it was! I had the chance to meet and talk to so many of our young soldiers and their wives. It was a fun night. We all joined in the Punch Bowl ceremony. I was asked to present the Fallen Comrade Table Description and to be the quest speaker. It was an honor for me to do this on behalf of all the soldiers I am representing, past and present. The "Order of St Maurice" Presentation was awarded to Three soldiers of the regiment and myself. What an honor to have received this award. We were always busy and I enjoyed the trip and the time I spent with the regiment. I can say for certain that we in American are in good hands. LTC Glaze and CSM Choudri, along with all the Vanguards, the very best soldiers you will find anywhere. I would be honored to serve along side of these great men. I want to thank them all for the great hospitality shown to me during my visit. It was genuine and first class, and it is the way they treat any one of us who visit with them. They are generous and great Americans. Duty First, Mike Binkley, SGM/Ret.

18th Infantry Print by Jim Dietz

1st Battalion 18th Infantry is commissioning a print of Medal of Honor Recipient Walter Ehlers, 18th Regiment, 1st Division, by the famous artist Jim Dietz. The original will hang at the Cantigny 1st Division museum in Wheaton, IL. A print will cost $75.00 each. It is a limited edition and only a certain number of copies will be available for purchase. The 1-18 Infantry soldiers are the first priority in participating in this exclusive offer. This offer is extended to third parties based on availability. 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 deadline to pay for the print is 1 January 2007. For more info please email: rickey.torres1@graf.eur.army.mil

[editor's note: If you do not have access to email, please phone George Gentry, 562-596-8097, and I will forward your order to CPT Torres. I apologize for such short notice.]

18th Infantry Memorabilia is available. 18th Infantry ball-caps, Golf Shirts, unit crests, lapel pins, belt buckles, and more! We have a limited supply available, but more can be ordered if the demand is great enough. 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

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.

NO MISSION TOO DIFFICULT, NO SACRIFICE TOO GREAT, DUTY FIRST!

2006 Annual Meeting Report

The 2006 Annual Meeting was held on July 14 at the Arizona Biltmore Hotel in Phoenix, Arizona. The meeting was called to order by President George Gentry, with welcoming comments by Executive Director Larry Paul. The Honorary Colonel and Honorary Sergeant Major gave their reports and introduced our two active duty soldiers present, CPT Rickey Torres and 1SGT Kurt Hopson, who gave us an update on the activities and morale of our active duty 1st Battalion, which was then in Germany preparing to deploy to Iraq. Distinguished Members of the Regiment, Roger Lyons and Brian "Smitty" Smith were induced, as was Honorary Member of the Regiment, COL (Retired) and Director of the Cantigny Museum, Paul Herbert. Citizen of Wheaton, Illinois, Michelle Senatore was also designated as an Honorary Member of the Regiment, with presentation of her certificate at a later date. DMORs CSM Israr Choudri and SGM Lorenzo Farrow were induced in Germany.

Membership and Financial reports were given, indicating that both membership and financial resources were down this year. Paid up veteran membership was less than 250 and our reserves were just over $2500. Our 2007 budget of $9000 was approved, but remember that we cannot spend money we do not have. Donations of memorabilia were made to the 1st Battalion trophy room and the Cantigny museum, including a jungle fatigue jacket with an original Swamp Rat patch..

The Phoenix reunion was the hottest in recorded history - 115 degrees in the shade. The 18th Infantry had over 150 in attendance, the most ever and more than any other unit - we finally beat out those rascals in the 16th Infantry for attendance honors. The A-2-18 group hosted a luncheon at a nearby casino on Friday, and the C-2-18 group also had a mini-reunion. Some of the 1st Battalion groups should take notice. The Memorial service, a report by the 1st Division CG, and the banquet were held as usual on Saturday. It was a good reunion, and we had an amply supplied and well stocked CP (Thanks Bob!).

Next year: 18th Infantry Regiment Association Annual Meeting, 9 August 2007, St Louis, Missouri

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REUNION COMMAND POST THANKS

I would like to give a BIG THANKS to ALL the LADIES for your help in setting-up the CP and to everyone who contributed. Without you our CP wouldn't have been so successful. KEEP-UP THE GOOD WORK!!! Looking ahead to '07 reunion, NO theme for St Louis yet. Any ideas??? We will still have our Red, White and Blue in the CP area. I'll be looking for any ideas, contributions and Volunteers regarding the CP. Of course we'll keep the 50/50 as a fund raiser. Any other ideas for fund raiser is welcome, Please NO Cake Sales or Food Drives. Again, Thank You to Everyone. And remember to find any old buddy and bring him next year. See everyone in St Louie. Bob Callahan (email: Cal4416@aol.com)

IMPORTANT MEMBERSHIP NOTICE !!!

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. Delinquent notices are usually sent in January or February, but not always (mea culpa!). 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.

Dues increase notice - After the 2006 Annual Meeting in Phoenix, the Association Council decided to change our dues structure, effective January 2007. Dues are now $30 for two-years. This is the first increase in 15 years and18th 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 is at an all time low for operating reserves. The Council also decided to reduce expenses by publishing only 3 newsletters per year until our financial situation improves. Next year we will investigate incorporation, IRS non-profit status, and Life memberships. Any comments should be directed to the President, the Honorary Colonel, or any Association officer (see web page for address, phone, and email contact info).

Battalion Web Page - http://www.1-18in.2bct.1id.army.mil/. - for recent pictures and commander's messages.

"To Our Fallen Brothers in Iraq"

The memorial monument to "Our Fallen Brothers in Iraq "was dedicated on 25 May 2006 (Memorial Day Weekend). HSMOR Mike Binkley participated in the dedication, representing the veterans of our great Regiment. The cost of the memorial was born completely by donated funds (mostly from our active duty soldiers). During the 2004 - 2005 deployment in Iraq, the idea was proposed to erect a suitable memorial for our fallen soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 18th Infantry. Some funds were raised at the time, but development of plans was postponed until 1-18 INF returned to Germany. Once in Schweinfurt, soldiers were asked to submit ideas for a monument, which needed to be portable in order for it to accompany the unit back to the United States when that time comes. In addition, the memorial concept was expanded to cover soldiers killed in Iraq during Desert Storm, and to include any soldiers killed in future deployments to Iraq. The design chosen was a combination of those submitted by the soldiers. The design is simple. It is a polished granite stone, with a bell affixed on top (engraved with the unit crest) and a large brass plaque inscribed with the names of the fallen and a map of Iraq to show where they fell (see www.18inf.org for picture). The bell is intended to become a part of battalion tradition, rung in honor of fallen brothers during a roll call at ceremonies commemorating the honored dead of the 18th Infantry. The plaque can be altered as needed. Additional funds will be needed when the names of those soldiers fallen during this rotation in Baghdad are added. If you wish to participate, please make your donation checks payable to: The 18th Inf Regt Assn. Note in the memo line: fallen soldiers, and send to: Jim Stone, 18th Inf Regt Assn, 258 Pells Rd, Rhinebeck, NY 12572. This is a worthy project, and you will be able to see this monument at Fort Riley when the Battalion returns next year. Thank you for your generous support of our soldiers!

Honorary Sergeant Major Report (June 2006)

"It's been a very good and busy year for all of us. We have been busy traveling around the country supporting several events involving the members of the active 18th Infantry Battalion and the 18th Infantry Regiment Association.

Last October a very special event was held in Wheaton, Illinois," the home of Retired Sgt. Joel Gomez" to dedicate the new wheelchair accessible house that was build for him and his family by the citizens of Wheaton Illinois. Joel was severely injured in Iraq in 2004 while serving with our 1st Battalion. An Honor Guard of our active duty soldiers, led by LTC George Glaze and 1SG Matthew Cloyd came over from Germany for this special event and also presented Sgt. Gomez with all his awards and decorations he had earned (picture and story were in the January 2006 Newsletter). It was a wonderful event and from that event came the idea for the city of Wheaton to "adopt" the 1 - 18 Infantry.

On May 15th I traveled again to Wheaton and read a resolution requesting the City of Wheaton to officially adopt the 1st Battalion, 18th Infantry Regiment as honorary Citizens of Wheaton. Mayor Carr followed by presenting the city's official proclamation adopting 1-18 Infantry. Community Relations Chair Michelle Senatore is the liaison between the regiment and the City during the two-year adoption period. The goal is to encourage communication efforts between residents and the regiment and to collect donations for gift certificates and calling cards for our soldiers. There is a special connection now between our soldiers and the city of Wheaton." Duty First. Mike Binkley, SGM. (Retired)

Wheaton Adopts 18th Infantry

In ceremonies at City Hall on 15 May 2006, the city of Wheaton adopted the 1st Battalion, 18th Infantry. Honorary Sergeant Major of the Regiment, SGM Mike Binkley (USA/Ret), represented us at the ceremony (see his report above). Please visit Wheaton's web site for information and pictures. http://www.wheaton.il.us/Government/Boards---C/Community-1/

Infantry Order of St Maurice

Michelle Senatore 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. 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!

MESSAGE FROM PRESIDENT GEORGE GENTRY

Our biannual election of 18th Infantry Regiment Association officers is scheduled for our August 2007 Annual Meeting in St Louis. It is my sad duty to announce that I will not be a candidate for President this year. This is sad to report because I have enjoyed immensely the honor of being your President for the past decade. Unfortunately, health issues have significantly restricted my mobility and limit my activities. Therefore, it has become necessary for me to relinquish the duties and responsibilities of leadership in the Association.

The announcement is made now so that preparations may be made for a smooth transition in leadership. Anyone desiring information on duties, responsibilities, and time commitment for the office of 18th Infantry Regiment Association President should contact me (at the address below) or the Honorary Colonel, Bill Chamberlain at 813-949-9130.

We are entering a time of change and challenges -- an exciting time, with much to do: Welcome home activities at Ft Riley, establishing liaison with the new 1-18 IN and 1st Division leadership, revision of our Constitution and Bylaws, incorporation and IRS non-profit status, and a possible Ft Riley Organization Day/reunion in late Spring/early summer 2008. There are many willing hands to help, but coordinating leadership is essential.

I will miss the excitement of being your President, but I will still be around, helping out and attending events as I am able. However, at least for the next year or so, I must concentrate on restoring an active physical constitution. My situation is not life threatening, but it does demand that my primary effort be directed toward health issues and my other activity curtailed or subjugated to that effort. Thank you for the support you have given to me, and to our soldiers, both past and present.

NO MISSION TOO DIFFICULT. NO SACRIFICE TOO GREAT. DUTY FIRST!