Volume 16 Issue 3 Special Convention Issue Sept-Oct-Nov ... · Volume 16 Issue 3 Special Convention Issue Sept-Oct-Nov-Dec 2012 Nashville Convention Was Great The 2012 annual Combat

What’s Hot This Issue?? National Convention Wrap-Up is the Cover Story Annual Business Meeting minutes are on page 4 Commander’s Comments are on page 6 The Editor Speaks his mind on page 7 What is going on in the Association? See page 8 for Divisions’ Doings Ohio Charters a new CIA unit on page 9 Convention Photos are on page 12 Poet’s Corner is on page 16 Court Case update on page 19 Taps and Welcome Mat begin on page 20

Volume 16 Issue 3 Special Convention Issue Sept-Oct-Nov-Dec 2012

Nashville Convention Was Great The 2012 annual Combat Infantrymen’s Association Convention was held in Nashville, TN October 17-21. The Holiday Inn Opryland/Airport was host hotel for the event. Attendance was somewhat less than anticipated with only 29 members and 12 spouses or other guests attending. This convention was one day longer and formatted somewhat differently than past events. Wednesday the 17th was purely a registration day for the members who made the trip to Fort Campbell. There was no hospitality room and meals were on our own. At 0730 hrs on Thursday the 18th, the Combat Infantrymen and their guests boarded a luxury motor coach and left the Holiday Inn for their visit to Ft Campbell, KY. After about an hour’s comfortable bus ride the group ar-rived at Gate 7 where they were met by Staff Sergeant Chad Howard and Cpl Lindell Pleasant, representing the 101st Abn Div’s Commanding General. These two NCO’s accompanied the group the remainder of the day. First stop was at the Don F. Pratt Museum for a film highlighting the 101st Airborne Division’s history – in peace time and war time – and how the division made the transition from “airborne” to “air assault”. Although the 101st is no longer considered a “jump” unit, the traditional “airborne” name is retained. Also, before the self-guided tour of the museum there was a briefing on the different type weapons that had been used by the division – as well as some of those used by enemy soldiers against the 101st. Then the next hour or so was spent in the museum looking at the displays and exhibits. Outside the building, on the museum grounds were monuments from various units and aircraft from WW II through the Viet Nam era. Lunch was at the 4th Brigade Combat Team (BCT) “Currahee Café”. This establishment, formerly known as a mess hall, is supervised by a Dining Fa-cility Manager, not a Mess Sergeant. There was a variety of foods and drinks

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Page 2 Blue Badge/The Rules/The Raffle Sept-Oct-Nov-Dec 2012

STATEMENT OF PUBLICATION

The Blue Badge is the official publication of the Combat Infantrymen’s Association. It is published three times a year in March, July, and November. All official information pertaining to the Association will be found here. The Blue Badge is intended is to keep you informed about the activities of the Association, not necessarily the entire veterans’ community. So, even though such items may be of interest to some members, you will not normally find articles pertaining to veterans’ benefits or other veterans’ issues in the Blue Badge. Each member is encouraged to communicate with the Blue Badge. Give us your ideas, comments, and complaints. Give us your human interest stories, share personal memories from your days in combat and the aftermath. Tell us what your unit is doing. Be-cause of the volume of mail received, sometimes we cannot print all of the letters. But be assured that every letter is read and considered. Space is also a consideration. The Blue Badge must be printed in multiples of four pages, i. e. 8 pages, 12 pages, 16 pages, etc. Sometimes we have too much for, let’s say 20 pages, but not enough for 24 pages, some things may have to wait. The Blue Badge is not a political tool. Articles por-traying a political position or negative or demeaning to another member will not be printed. We do not accept any type of advertising (except for Gold Support Members), and we will not promote commercial prod-ucts. Finally, articles, poems, etc which are not the original work of the sender, must be accompanied by the author’s permission before it can be published in the Blue Badge. Remember there is a cutoff date for items to be published.

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One of the delays that causes some confusion and ag-gravation among members is sometimes perceived as a lack of response to the member needs. The staff works hard to answer your questions, act on your requests, and in general be responsive to your needs. One of the problems encountered is requests being sent to the wrong place. In order to simplify the process, the following GUIDELINES have been established. Please use them: Articles to be printed in the Blue Badge including letters

to the editor; poems, personal stories, etc, Items pertaining to the annual convention Taps notices Address changes Failure to receive a Blue Badge Requests for additional Blue Badges Send to: Larry Eckard Editor, Blue Badge PO Box 11438 Hickory, NC 28603 FAX: 828 -256-6559 E-mail: [email protected] When corresponding, please give your name, CIA #, ad-dress, phone number, and e-mail address. This type of information should only be sent via e-mail, fax,

or thru US Postal Service, not via telephone <DO NOT SEND THE BLUE BADGE MATERIALS YOU WANT RETURNED>

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ADMINISTRATIVE GUIDELINES

RAFFLE WINNERS Each year raffle tickets are mailed to each association member. This is the association’s major fund raiser for the year, so each member is urged to sell (or purchase the tick-ets.) This year the proceeds approached $14,000.00. This year’s winners are:

1st prize” $500.00—August Michaels, Staten Island, NY

2nd place: $250.00—Charles C. Forgy, Vandalia, MO 3rd place: $150.00— Jay Goodman. Ft Myers, FL 4th place: $100.00—E. J. Delaloye, La Gramge, IL

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All items for publication in the Blue Badge must be received on or before the 15th of the month before the publication month. The Blue Badge is published three times a year in March, July, and November This means your items must arrive at the Blue Badge on or before the 15th of February, June, and October. Items received after those dates will be held until the next issue is published. ALL ITEMS INTENDED FOR PUBLICATON IN BB SHOULD BE SENT DIRECTLY TO THE EDITOR—NOT TO YOUR LOCAL OR DIVI-SION COMMANDER. DO NOT SEND ITEMS YOU WISH TO HAVE RETURNED!!

Blue Badge Deadline

National CIA Command Structure

CORRECT AS OF 15 November

National Headquarters is histori-cally located in Asheville, North Carolina. Administrative HQ is lo-cated at the National Commander’s residence. Members should take note of the states within each divi-sion.

National Commander ZALPH T. (BILL) CROSS

14571 Grande Cay Cir, Unit 3204 Fort Myers, FL 33908

708-209-6193 [email protected]

DEP CO-JAMES BOURGEOIS 253-224-0817 [email protected] FINANCE OFFICER Position Vacant CHIEF OF STAFF Position Vacant LARRY ECKARD-BLUE BADGE EDITOR-DATA BASE MANAGER-828-256-6008 [email protected] VINCENT ARFUSO MEMBERSHIP OFFICER [email protected] PHILIP BRADLEY-JUDGE ADVOCATE-614-239-1389 [email protected] Steve Huff—SUPERVISOR Of QM VENDOR 239-398-7855 [email protected] DAVE ULMER-5 YEAR TRUSTEE-336-357-2158 [email protected] COL RALPH L. SMITH-CHAPLAIN 972-255-4537 [email protected]

Page 3 Blue Badge/Command Structure Sept-Oct-Nov-Dec 2012

EARL KENNEDY— IMMEDIATE PAST COMMANDER/NATIONAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT 239-292-6854 (NOTE-ALL ELEVEN ABOVE COM-PRISE THE VOTING EXECUTIVE BOARD) NEW POSITION (non-voting): SUPPORT GROUP CDR O. H. “SGT” HUBBARD 903-815-3890 (no e-mail)

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Division Cdrs Division 1

(AK, ID, MT, ND, SD, OR, WA, WY) Bud Gonzales 253-582-9443 [email protected]

Division 2 (CA)

Lorenzo Ortega 562-943-9941 [email protected]

Division 3 (AZ, NV, UT)

Commander’s Position Vacant

Div 4 (NM, TX, LA)

Tony Martinez 512-228-7045 [email protected]

Div 5 (AR, CO, IA, KS, MO, MN, NE, OK, WI J.L. Rhodes 580-332-8811 [email protected]

Div 6 (AL, GA, FL, MS, PR)

Jack Wagner 239-826-6062 [email protected]

Division 7

(DE, KY, IL, IN, MD, MI, NC, NJ, OH, PA, SC, TN, VA, WV)

Robert E Stewart 419-260-1722

[email protected]

Division 8 (New York)

Perry Marchigiani 914-457-4440 [email protected]

Division 9 (CT, MA, ME, NH, RI, VT)

Michael Prestianni 508-879-5209 [email protected]

Division 10 (Hawaii)

Henry Pascua 808-668-1972 [email protected]

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National Monu-ment Review

All of us are proud of our Na-tional Monument, but do you know that we are still in need of more per-sonalized pavers to fill the walking space around it? The location in Asheville, NC. was chosen because it is where we were founded. All of us that do not belong to a local company have been assigned to our National Hq Co Asheville. The exact location chosen was the Charles George Veterans Hos-pital, named after a Korean War Congressional Medal of Honor re-cipient. Mr. George was a Cherokee Indian off their reservation nearby in the southern Appalachian Mountain c h a i n o f N o r t h C a r o l i na . PFC George, only 20 years old ,was fatally wounded when he threw him-self on a grenade to save the lives of his buddies, showing outstanding courage. He was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for which the Cherokee Nation remains very proud. His picture, along with a narrative of his life, hangs in the main lobby of the hospital. Now it is time for you to assist in


Page 4 Blue Badge/ Commentary/Minutes Sept-Oct-Nov-Dec 2012

– a choice of several entrees, short order foods from the grill, salads, desserts, soft drinks, and milk all of it good. The atmosphere was more like a civilian cafete-ria. Food was served on plates instead of metal trays. To anyone who had not been in a mess hall (whoops, dining facility) since their active duty days, what they saw came as a complete surprise. Following lunch was a visit to the Sabalauski Air Assault School. Here our former infantrymen saw first hand trainees in the air assault school being put through their paces. The phase that the CIAers were able to watch was the rappelling phase - air assault trainees rappelling from the 34 foot tower, in prepara-tion for rappelling from a helicopter. Push-ups are still part of the “this will help you remember” training - as evidenced by the number of trainees put in the “front leaning rest” position. The NCO’s who run the school are both air assault and airborne qualified – filling some of the practically non-existent division jump slots. The group left the training area satisfied that the Army is in pretty good hands. Last stop of the day was the clothing sales store where a couple of members made a few purchases. Time ran out and our own Combat Infantrymen said goodbye to our hosts for the day and Ft Campbell and made the trip back to the Holiday Inn in time for the welcome reception. Generally speaking, Friday was a leisure day, some folks exploring Nashville on their own, some remaining in the hospitality room swapping stories. At about 6:00 PM members began gathering for the social hour while Commander Bill Cross kept close watch on the front door to greet our guest speaker LTC Townley Hedrick. After the proper introductions LTC Hedrick met and chatted with individual members of the association and posed for numerous photographs. At 7:30 PM the formal activities began with Com-mander Bill Cross getting the crowd’s attention by playing the “Army song.” As the last notes faded away Bill had everyone rise for the posting of the Colors, followed by the National Anthem, Pledge of Allegiance and Invocation. The members of the Color Guard were seated at tables with our members. Following dinner Commander Cross made a few remarks and introduced the guest speaker LTC Townley Hedrick, Deputy Commander 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division. LTC Hedrick is an infantry officer, earning his CIB in the current War on Terror. He spoke on kinship within the Army and how infantrymen whose lives depend on each other feel this kinship more than anyone else in the world. Amen Sir! Airborne! Following LTC Hedrick’s comments a special two bell memorial service honoring all deceased combat infantrymen was held—emphasizing those members who died or whose death was learned of since the last

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Nashville convention in Myrtle Beach. National Chaplain Col Ralph Smith (ret) gave the memorial address. This solemn tribute ended with the playing of “TAPS”. After a few concluding remarks the Color Guard retired the Colors and the formalities ended. Saturday morning the annual business meeting was held. For a recap of the meeting see the minutes elsewhere in this issue. The remainder of Saturday—until the Soup and Sand-wich Supper—was a leisure day with a lot of folks gathering in the hospitality room and exchanging combat tales. At 4:30 the chow line opened for a build-your-own deli sand-wich and bowl of rich delicious beef soup. Then the biggie! At 6:00 the bus left taking thirty plus members and guest to the famous Grand Ole Opry. The two hour show featured traditional country stars Jeanie Seely, Jean Shepard, Jimmie C. Newman, Connie Smith as well as The Whites, The Opry Square Dancers, the Queble Sisters, and more. All in all it was a great show. Back at the hotel the evening ended with a dessert and coffee and some good conversation. Sunday morning at breakfast the final good-byes were said and everyone headed for the check-out counter. See you next year in Columbia!

Business Meeting Minutes THE EXECUTIVE BOARD MET AT 8:00 AM ON SATURDAY 20 OCTOBER 2012 IN NASH-VILLE TENNESSEE. THE BOARD CONSID-ERED AND MOVED FORWARD FOR A MEM-BERSHIP VOTE THREE AMENDMENTS TO THE 2010 APPROVED NEW EDITION BY-LAWS. THE EXECUTIVE BOARD THEN AD-JOURNED AND AT 9:00 AM A FULL MEMBER-SHIP MEETING WAS CALLED TO ORDER BY NATIONAL COMMANDER BILL CROSS. COMMANDER CROSS REQUESTED NOMI-NATIONS FOR THE NATIONAL DEPUTY COM-MANDER’S POSITION. JAMES BOURGEOIS AND MICHAEL PRESTIANNI WERE BOTH NOMINATED AND FOUND TO BE PRESENT AND IN GOOD STANDING. THE BALLOT COUNTING COMMITTEE WAS RECOGNIZED BY COMMANDER CROSS AND THE RESULTS OF THE ELECTION WERE ANNOUNCED. JAMES BOURGEOIS WAS ELECTED TO THE POSITION OF NATIONAL DEPUTY COM-MANDER AND IMMEDIATELY SWORN IN BY COMMANDER CROSS. MOTION # 1 WAS PRESENTED TO THE MEMBERSHIP AND READ AS FOLLOWS: DIVI-


Page 5 Blue Badge/ Minutes Sept-Oct-Nov-Dec 2012

Minutes CONVENING. MOTION DIED FOR A LACK OF EXECUTIVE BOARD QUORUM. GENERAL DISCUSSIONS TOOK PLACE ON SUCH SUBJECTS AS FINANCIAL REPORT-ING AND COMMANDER CROSS EXPLAINED THE SYSTEM OF REPORTING AND INFORMA-TION ABOUT A VENDOR THAT HE HAS HIRED TO HELP TRACK AND MANAGE ALL FINAN-CIAL RECEIPTS AND EXPENDITURES. COM-MANDER CROSS GAVE THE ANNUAL FINAN-CIAL STATEMENT WHICH WILL BE PUB-LISHED IN THE BLUE BADGE AND HE THEN RECOGNIZED ANY QUESTIONS CONCERN-ING THE NATIONAL ACCOUNTS. THE FI-NANCE REPORT WAS APPROVED AND THE RAFFLE DRAWING WAS HELD. THE MEETING PROMPTLY CLOSED AT 12:20 PM. (NO PRIOR AMENDMENTS REQUIRED RE-VOKING IN ORDER TO PASS AND INCLUDE THE ABOVE AMENDMENTS) ELECTRONICALLY SIGNED- BILL CROSS COMMANDER DATED 10-22-2012

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SION COMMANDERS MAY SUGGEST TO THE NATIONAL COMMANDER THAT ANY MEMBER 80 YEARS OLD OR OLDER BE GIVEN A FREE LIFE MEMBERSHIP. THE NATIONAL COMMANDER WILL MAKE THE FINAL DECISION.-MOTION # 1 PASSED UNANIMOUSLY MOTION # 2 WAS PRESENTED TO THE MEMBERSHIP AND READ AS FOL-LOWS: IT SHALL BE A REQUIREMENT THAT DIVISIONS ARE NOT TO “SOLICIT” MEMBERS FROM THE STATES AND/OR BOUNDARY LINES OF OTHER DIVISIONS AS PER THE UPDATED NATIONAL MAP. MEMBERS DO HAVE THE RIGHT TO “VOLUNTARILY” TRANSFER FROM DIVI-SION TO DIVISION OR FROM NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS TO THE DIVISION LEVEL OR FROM THE DIVISION LEVEL TO NA-TIONAL HEADQUARTERS ON A VOLUN-TARY BASIS EITHER IN WRITING OR BY ELECTRONIC MESSAGING TO THE NA-TIONAL COMMANDER AND THEIR RE-SPECTIVE DIVISION COMMANDERS. THE NATIONAL COMMANDER WILL THEN AP-PROVE OR DISAPPROVE SUCH TRANS-FERS AND NOTIFY ALL COMMANDERS IN-VOLVED AND THE DATA BASE MANAGER.-MOTION # 2 PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. MOTION # 3 WAS PRESENTED TO THE MEMBERSHIP AND READ AS FOL-LOWS: ALL DIVISIONS AND/OR UNITS MAY CONDUCT THEIR OWN FUND RAISING EVENTS OR ACTIVITIES AS THEY DETER-MINE HOWEVER THEY SHALL COMPLY WITH THE LAWS, REGULATIONS AND /OR GUIDELINES OF THEIR RESPECTIVE STATES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS AND 501-C GUIDELINES.-MOTION # 3 PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. ONE MOTION WAS MADE FROM THE FLOOR AND THE EXECUTIVE BOARD RE-CONVENED TO CONSIDER THE MOTION BUT DID NOT HAVE A QUORUM ON RE-


National Monument

completing our paver project. If you have already pur-chased a paver, THANK YOU. Please consider buying one for a friend or relative. The cost is still $25 and the order forms are in the Blue Badge.

Ray T. Dunn National Monument Commander

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A woman placed a ad in her local newspaper offer-ing a brand new Porsche for only $10.00. A man answered the ad but was very skeptical. “What’s the gimmick” he asked? “There is no gimmick” she replied. “My husband died and his will stated that he wanted his Porsche sold and the money given to his secretary.”

Revenge is Sweet

Page 6 Blue Badge/ Commander’s Page Sept-Oct-Nov-Dec 2012

Commander’s Column

I would like to begin by wishing all members, and their families, a safe, healthy, happy Holiday season and successful end to 2012. The year has been a challenge for all of us. The na-tional economy, presidential election, and the continuing Middle East con-flicts are concerns for all Americans. 2013 will also be a year of challenges but hopefully there will be opportuni-ties for improvement in our lives. We recently completed our annual reunion meeting in Nashville, Tennes-see. the four days included a tour of Fort Campbell and a visit to the Grand Ole Opry that proved to be a great experience. At our banquet on Friday night Chaplain Ralph Smith conducted a moving memorial service, followed by a guest speaker from the 2nd Bri-gade Combat Team, of the 101 st Air-borne Division. Brigade Executive Offi-cer, LTC Townley Hedrick spoke to us about his Army infantry experiences and give his views on how he finds and enjoys today's modern Army. It was a very interesting talk. This was the year for the election of the Deputy National Commander and we congratulate current Deputy Com-mander, James Bourgeois on his re-election for a second two year term as National Deputy. The votes were tal-lied and authenticated by the following members working several arduous

hours tabulating the results. On hand to help was Wayne Watts, Chaplain Ralph Smith, Division 8 Commander, Perry Marchigiani, Dan Marthers, Ted Jackson, and Na-tional Adjutant Earl Kennedy. We appreciate all who were able to attend including the wives and companions of members. Next year's reunion will be held in mid October in Columbia, South Caro-lina. Special thanks to Larry and Brenda Eckard of Premier Reunion Services, for their hard work, thoughtfulness and attention to de-tails, making the reunion a very good time. Division 7 Commander Jim Kyzer has announced his retirement as of Commander Division 7. Jim has served in excess of seven years bringing Division 7 to excel-lence with his leadership, wisdom, and skills. He retired from the Army after 27 years of success in high level key positions as a Command Sergeant Major, followed by an out-standing career in the insurance business, all the while attending to duties in the Combat Infantrymen's Association and the Purple Heart organization. Jim has been sup-ported by his wonderful wife, Inge, always by his side. They will now spend time with leisure activities and travel. Jim and I recently had the honor of participating in a "Wreath Laying" ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, in Arlington, Virginia just a day before the Vet-eran's Day celebration. It was a high honor to work with the fine young soldiers who attend to guarding the Tomb. In full support was the pet of the Kyzers, a wonderful dog named Corky, who travels with them. We spent some time at supper and breakfast before the event and I had the chance to get to know both Jim and Inge better. Jim led by example during our tour of Fort Campbell, grabbing every CIB clad Infantryman in sight and giving them all new member applications. Please join us in wishing Jim and Inge a great re-tirement going forward. They have earned some rest after years of con-tinued success in our Association.

Jim is being replaced by Robert E Stewart, who has years of experi-ence and devotion as a Veterans advocate and participant with many other associations. We plan a follow up on Bob's accomplish-ments in a future Blue Badge is-sue. Please welcome Bob as Com-mander of Division 7. We will again conduct the Ven-dor Expired/Renewals program in the first quarter of 2013. We learned a great deal from last year's initial effort and will simplify this next effort at bringing back expired members and getting most members on track for renewals in January, February and March of each year going forward. Our last Data Base update shows approxi-mately 5,000 members, 2,330 of whom are Annual members. The number of Life members continues to grow, as does overall member-ship. The current Blue Badge mail-ing list totals approximately 1,750 members with a printing, and bulk mailing cost of about $5,400. With printed Blue Badge costs rising every year we are encouraging members to view the Blue Badge editions on line in the Web Site. While all members do not have internet capability, those that do can simply go onto the Web Site, www.cibassoc.com, and on the home page go to the far right and settle on "Media". A drop down menu will show "Links", click on that, and then scroll down to the 4th line "Blue Badge" and open that. then scroll down to seven years of Blue Badge issues. It is very easy and the Electronic issue is available about three weeks be-fore the printed issue can be printed and mailed. Please take time to browse thru the web site. Our home page now has about 8 or 10 rotating pictures for viewing and we encourage all members to send in photos of events they par-ticipate in for inclusion in the home page and the photo section. This is your magazine so please partici-pate. The year 2013 will call for the


Page 7 Blue Badge/ Our View Sept-Oct-Nov-Dec 2012

Our View By

Larry Eckard, Editor Blue Badge

Well, the annual Combat Infantrymen’s Association 2012 convention is history. As usual, if you were not there, you missed a great event. We won’t bore you here by repeating the details that can be found elsewhere, except to say it rates right there among the best. The hotel did a wonderful job and helped the flow of the reunion to go smoothly. The turnout was a little less than expected, but these are bad economic times and we appreciate those who were able to attend. Thank you, and we hope to see you in Columbia, SC next October. Firm dates are not available, but we try to keep it the same weekend each year—if that holds true it will be October 17-20, 2013. But it is not too early to make your plans—you know the location—Columbia, SC and the approximate dates so mark your calendars. We really would like to have every member be there. Columbia, SC is adjacent to Ft Jack-son, one of the Army’s prime Basic Combat Training Centers. We hope to be able to visit Ft Jackson, see some of the actual training and per usual eat in one of the on-post facilities, either a mess hall (whoops, sorry, dining facility) or one of the clubs. More about Ft Jack-son in a future issue. Also at the next convention we will elect a new Na-tional Commander. If you are qualified and feel moti-vated, please give the current Commander, Bill Cross, your name to be placed in nomination. It takes a strong leader to carry on our business, one who is not afraid to get his hands dirty at the working level. This is not an “executive” position where you have a title and give or-ders—you get your hands in the pot and work hard also. The rewards far out weigh the burdens. Please carefully consider offering your talents. Speaking of talents, there are many other vacant positions, so if you would like to become part of the leadership group, submit your name. Most of the posi-tions are “appointed” positions instead of elected posi-tions, so you can volunteer and step right in. Speaking of volunteers, on behalf of National Com-mander Bill Cross and the entire membership we say thanks to our current hard working volunteers and Divi-sion Commanders. These volunteers burn a lot of mid-night oil making the association work as well as it does. Yes, we make mistakes and trust me when we do, we get called to task. If you would like to volunteer for any-thing, please contact Bill Cross and he will fix you right up. We need all the help we can get. We are looking for some answers on how to attract more members to our conventions. The average con-vention attendance is 35-40 members and about 10-20 spouses or other guests. With the number of members we have our attendance should be much higher, so we are searching for the solution. Your help would really be appreciated. If you haven’t attended a recent conven-

tion, please take a minute and share with us why. What can we do to encourage you to come? We know all of the standard reasons, “it costs too much”, “I won’t know anyone”, “It’s too far”, “My vote doesn’t matter” , “I go to my own regiment/division reunion and can’t afford both events”. While there is some merit in those arguments, all of them can easily be overcome—we want your real reason. Every year since Ft Bragg in 2007 the tours—except to the military bases have had to be cancelled due to lack of participation. Several members and ladies mentioned one of the reasons they came to Nashville was the Gen-eral Jackson and city tour—both of which were can-celled—same deal in Seattle (none were scheduled in Myrtle Beach). The cancelled tours were really good ac-tivities and those few who signed up for them were disap-pointed. We are looking for answers here too. We’ve tried ladies tours during the business meeting—that didn’t work either. What will it take to encourage participation? You are strongly encouraged to give your input/suggestions. Please speak freely and send your com-ments to the Editor who will get them to the reunion man-ager for consideration. Or if, it is simpler for you, just tell us what it would take to get you to attend a convention. We hope to have enough meaningful comments to implement in time for the Columbia reunion. Many members have asked for information regarding the charges levied against a former CIA Finance Officer. Please refer to pages 17, 18, 19 as well as the Com-mander’s Comments for the latest available answers to your questions. Further information will be published when available. We welcomed new National Chaplain Col (ret) Ralph Smith who delivered the business meeting prayer as well as the invocation before meals, and the memorial ad-dress during the memorial service. Welcome aboard Chaplain Smith and we look forward to your columns in the Blue Badge. The same hearts that welcomed Chaplain Smith also miss former Chaplain Fr Leo Hetzler who has served as National Chaplain since the position was created some 15 years ago. Fr Hetzler was not able to attend this con-vention, so from all of us in the CIA, “Fr Hetzler, many thanks and best wishes to you. Hope you can make it to a future convention.” We received a couple of letters from members urging other members to vote for certain political candidates. They were not published. The BB is not a political tool, please refer to the “Statement of Publication” found on page two. We are hoping that more members will take advan-tage of the “on line” Blue Badge. When you receive your renewal notice in a few months, one of the questions asked will be, “Are you willing to view the BB on line and print your own copy”? If you have a computer and printer, it is so easy plus you see it in color (and of course if you have a color printer you can print it in color); and you’ll have access to it at least two weeks before receiv-ing a mailed copy. Please consider it.

Page 8 Blue Badge/Divisions’ Doings Sept-Oct-Nov-Dec 2012

Division 4, Texas

On Wed, Aug 22, 2012 at 5:33 AM, Caldwell, William B IV LTG USARMY (US) wrote: Classification: UNCLASSIFIED Caveats: NONE Tony, Fred -- Sincere thanks for the honor you bestowed on me yesterday...and thanks for everything you are doing to help our current CIB recipients. Our modern-day vet-erans look up to men like you (and DG) as role models and inspiration! I want to tell you both about a great event we have coming up in November just before Veterans Day Weekend...a salute to our Vietnam Veterans. We're still working on the details, and would like to have you involved, will ask MAJ Burke to keep you informed as we meet again and move closer to execution. We'd love to have you and your fellow vets come out. MAJ Burke will also be contacting you to set up a 91st birthday celebration for DG Harris, as well as your upcoming event in April -- do absolutely want to be there. We'll make sure we're not too busy to come out and visit! Please let me know if there is anything we can do for you. Please pass my regards to DG as well. ATW!! Bill WILLIAM B. CALDWELL, IV Lieutenant General, US Army Commanding General US Army North and Fort Sam Houston, Texas

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Presenting the Combat Infantrymen’s Association lifetime membership award to LTG William B. Caldwell, IV are Tony Martinez, CDR CIA Div 4; D.G, Harris (holding plaque), among the first CIB recipients in WW II (1943); LTG Caldwell, and Fred Castaneda, DIV 4 PAO.

Thanks to the great efforts of Division 4 Commander, Tony Martinez, and Division 4 Public Affairs Officer, Fred Castaneda, The Combat Infantrymen's Association is hon-ored to now have as our senior active duty member, Lieu-tenant General William B. Caldwell IV, Commanding Gen-eral of US ARMY NORTH, headquartered in San Antonio Texas at Fort Sam Houston. Tony and Fred presented LTG. Caldwell with the above CIA plaque granting him "LIFETIME MEMBERSHIP" status in our organization. We are extremely proud to have him as a member. LTG Caldwell is a third generation West Point graduate, as well as a third generation U. S. ARMY General Officer. He is known to all those he works with as a "soldier's Gen-eral". _________

For Airborne Paratrooper Combat Infantrymen in all cam-paigns, there are those who “set the standard” of service, dedication, contribution and heroism. These platitudes de-scribe Darrell G. Harris (see him in above left photo) – a WWII veteran who was a combat infantryman and a para-trooper for almost 3 years in Europe with the 82nd Abn Div’s 504th PIR (known as “the Devils in Baggy Pants”). He made three combat jumps, Sicily, Salerno, & Operation-Market-Garden. To honor him, Maj Roger Wang, 504th PIR, 82nd Abn Div at Fort Bragg, NC delivered in person and pre-sented “a lifetime achievement” plaque to Mr Harris. (no photo)

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Div 4 Hero Honored


Div 7 Cdr Resigns The Combat Infantrymen’s Association, Division 7, State of Ohio Head-

quarters, H 1 1 OH held a ceremony celebrating its Charter for the Ohio State Headquarters July 7, 2012, 1000 hrs. The ceremony which also in-cluded swearing in of the officers was held in Sunbury, Ohio. Chris Callen is Commander of the Ohio unit.

Hello to all of Region 7. I have resigned my position as Div Cdr of Region 7 after 3 years of ser-vice. Your Division is in great shape and properly accounted for. We are the very best, largest Div in country and have the most members. I thank each and every one of you tremendous Infantrymen for your ser-vice to our country. I especially thank those of you who responded to at-tempted contact that was the key in the successful re-organization of our Association and Region 7. To the commanders, staff, and Public Relations Patriots who volun-teered your talent and time in serving the infantrymen in your state or com-pany, I am indeed most appreciative to you. I sincerely hope you continue those same efforts with your present Cdr. The new Commander, Robert E. Lee Stewart is most capable of con-tinuing to surge our region 7 forward, maybe even better than I, as he is a very dedicated, knowledgeable, and totally involved person who im-pressed me tremendously when meeting him in Ohio this past July 7 for the certifying of H-1-1-OH as the State Hq and swearing in of the new officers, of which he is a Trustee. He gave a speech that puts tears in the eyes of a many. Lastly, many thanks go out to the Assoc Hq for the help extended and putting up with me and my emotions. Many, many thanks to Past Cdr Earl Kennedy who took a lot of verbage from me, sometimes severely. We had rough times back then, but we worked them out Past Cdr Earl, didn’t we. I know he will be have great suc-cesses because of him and the sup-port of the Infantrymen of Div 7. Jim Kyzer Past Div Cdr Region 7

Ohio Charters CIA Unit

CIA Ohio State Cdr. Chris Callen opens the ceremony for swearing-in Div 7 OH H 1 1 Officers and chartering of the CIA Region 7 Ohio State Headquarters. z.

The above photo (left) shows The Com-bat Infantrymen’s Association plaque “Award of Recognition”. The plaque was presented to the state of Ohio for their participation in the in the activation of the Ohio Combat Infantrymen’s Association unit. National Commander Bill Cross made the presentation to Mr. Lucas P. Crumley Constituent Services representa-tive. In the right photo Cdr Callen read the Governor’s Proclamation to the State of Ohio Headquarters H-1-1-OH. Cdr. Kyzer presented the proclamation to Cdr Callen. Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient Ronald Rosser (not pictured) received a CIA life membership from Cdr. Cross, a Car decal, and CIA cap from Cdr.


Ohio Unit Starts Big The Callen Foundation was honored as being the first recognized member of the Community Covenant program, developed by the Ohio National Guard Fam-ily Readiness and Warrior Support Program at the Regional Inter Service Family Assistance Committee (RISFAC) meeting in Columbus. Captain Doug Franz, State Family Program Director, made the recognition to Chris Callen, founder of the Callen Foundation for his continued support and generosity that has helped Ohio National Guard Soldiers over the past year. See photo at the right. The Callen Foundation was es-tablished in Westerville, Ohio by Chris and Lynn Callen for the purpose of raising funds to help Ohio military families in need. Chris, a Mansfield, Ohio native, is a US Army and Vietnam veteran, where he served as an Infantryman. He is also the State Com-mander of the Ohio Combat Infantrymen's Associa-tion and an Honor Guard member and bugler of VFW Post 8736 in Sunbury, Ohio.

Division 8 NY Division 8 NY CIA Commander Perry Marchigiani was recently elected as Commander of the 82nd Air-borne Division New York Chapter. Congratulations Perry!

Division 9 NE It's been a busy summer and fall here in New England with vacations, monthly meetings, guest speakers, and events taking up most of our time. The weather has been typical of New England with hot summers, and beautiful foliage in the fall. Fortu-nately we missed most of the damage caused by hur-ricane Sandy; our hearts go out to those less fortu-nate, further south on the eastern seaboard. We were very fortunate to have Dr. Lisa Fisher, director of the PTSD clinic at the Boston VA, speak to us in detail about the causes of, and the treatment for PTSD. As we all know many of the symptoms of PTSD surface as we grow older. Dr. Fisher spoke to this phenomenon and explained the treatments that are available to alleviate these symptoms. At another monthly meeting Sheri Dunn, who works as a dental assistant at the Boston VA, spoke about her experiences while helping her veteran pa-tients at her office. In her many years of meeting vet-erans she is in the process of publishing a book that will be titled “Matters of the Heart”. This book will contain interviews and stories of the veteran’s experi-ences while serving our Country. Any and all profits from this book will be donated to veteran’s causes. Since our monthly meetings take place on Satur-day we really appreciated the fact that they took time

out of their free day to support our organization. It was in deed comforting to realize the concern and caring of these two professionals working in the VA system. Commander Prestianni continues to ferret out new mem-bers, as well as staying in touch with members we haven't seen for a while. We hope that our Christmas Party will bring us all together again as we make plans for events in the spring.

Pictured above is Dr Lisa Fisher and Div 9 NE Commander Mi-chael Prestianni. Dr Fisher spoke at a Div 9 meeting on the causes and treatment of PTSD.

Division 5 OK AS MOST OF OUR BLUE BADGE READERS PROBA-BLY KNOW OKLAHOMA IS DIVIDED INTO FOUR (4) QUADRANTS BY THE FEDERAL HIGHWAY SYSTEM. IN-TERSTATE 40 DIVIDES THE STATE EAST TO WEST AND INTERSTATE 35 DIVIDES THE STATE NORTH TO SOUTH. WITHOUT EXCEPTION THERE ARE OKLAHOMA ARMY



Division 6 Division 6 Commander Jack Wagner recently pre-sented a Community Support plaque to Mark Bergens manager of the Ale House. The Ale House is a strong support of veterans and veterans groups like the Combat Infantrymen’s Association. Also shown in the photo is Dan Sankoff. Also attending he presentation (but not pictured) were Immediate Past National Commander Early Ken-nedy and present Commander Bill Cross. Immediately after the photo session the CIA support plaque was placed at the main entrance of the restaurant. Thank you, Mark! __________

Nat Hq

National Commander Bill Cross and Immediate Past Com-mander Earl Kennedy presented a CIA Support Plaque to the Marinette WI Police Dept for their work assisting charitable organizations. Above right a similar plaque is presented to Assistant Prosecutor Kent Huffman.

A couple of years ago the CIA donated 500.00 to Kingwood WV fire dept. They used the money to place flags on small metal poles so they can find their fire hydrants in the heavy snows. We have members in Kingwood. Above is a photo of a street corner with the flags. See the results!

What is your unit doing? Almost every unit within the CIA is active in community sup-port and/or veterans activities. Tell us about it, get your unit some publicity—help other units with your ideas—share what has worked well for you. Division Commanders and staff officers are encouraged to provide a column for each issue of BB. We are not at 100% participa-tion yet, but we’re working on it.

Page 12 Blue Badge/ Reunion Photos Sept-Oct-Nov-Dec 2012

Holiday Inn Opryland/Airport, host hotel for the 2012 CIA

Ted Jackson, Tacoma, WA standing beside the 11th Abn Div monument. The 11th was Ted’s first Airborne assignment.

Larry Eckard standing beside a C-119 “Flying Boxcar”. This was the first aircraft he and Ted Jackson jumped from in jump school. These old-timers went through para-troop training Ft Bragg and Ft Campbell respectively when the 82nd and 101st ran their own jump schools—before Ft Benning reopened as the only jump school.

National Commander, Bill Cross (center) is flanked by Ft Campbell representative SSG Chad Howard and former Div & Commander James Kyzer. Photo is taken just outside of the Donald Pratt Museum, just prior to going for lunch.

Having lunch in the mess hall “now known as a Dining Facility” In addition to a new name, the variety of food seems to have increased—certainly not to suggest the old Mess hall food wasn’t good!


The 101st Airborne Division’s Air Assault School, a three week—almost as tough as jump school—course preparing soldiers to descend from a helicopter on a rope.

Getting Ready to rappel.

Half Way Down!!!

The Color Guard posted and retired the National Colors at our banquet. These soldiers assigned to the 101st Abn Div all wear the CIB for servicer in Iraq or/or Afghanistan.

Guest Speaker LTC Townley Hedrick, Deputy Commander of the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Abn Div. Col Hedrick is an infantry officer, earning his CIB in the current War on Terror. He spoke on kinship within the Army and how infan-trymen whose lives depend on each other feel this kinship more than anyone else in the world. Amen Sir! Airborne!

The Remembrance Table

Page 14 Blue Badge/Reunion Photos Sept-Oct-Nov-Dec 2012

The two bell ceremony table used as part of the memorial Service. (Above)

National Chaplain Col (ret) Ralph and Alice Smith having des-sert at the banquet.

Div 9 Commander Mike Prestianni (forefront) is caught sampling the hors d’oeuvres at the welcome reception.

Ted Jackson (l) Tacoma, WA and Paul Gill , Bronx, NY share a laugh at the Friday night banquet.

Vance and Virginia (the pretty one on the left) Marsh fin-ishing their Prime Rib at Friday night’s banquet.

Stan Thronburg and Malcom Smith—both from the Palmetto State, SC appear to be listening intently to an after dinner story.


Country star Connie Smith sings one of her many Coun-try hits.

The fiddle playing Queble Sisters, relatively new to the Opry do one of their fiddle tunes. The white hat in the rear playing the bass fiddle looks suspiciously like a man.

CIA member Robert and Lana Conlee enjoying the Grand Ole Opry.

The Remembrance Table on display prior to the banquet. The table is full of symbolism and is an important part of the memorial service.

Since the 101st was our host at Ft Campbell, we’ll give them the courtesy of a little propaganda, however a similar sign at Ft Bragg could read, “When it gets too tough for 101 to do, then turn it over to eighty two.

Page 16 Blue Badge/Poetry/Finance Sept-Oct-Nov-Dec 2012

Poet’s Corner

“Korea, The Forgotten War By SFC Lawrence Hayes

We ask for so little and we ask for no more But please remember Korea. Some men are members of the Chosin Few A place in Korea we never knew. We got there on the 27th of Novem-ber At the Chosin Reservoir I'll always remember. So many died, too many in vain Some died quickly, but many died in vain. When I go to Heaven, As all God's children do, I'm sure I'll meet the men of the Chosin Few. This is the end of my story But, I'll ask once more Please remember Korea, "THE FORGOTTEN WAR" The hills around us were bombed and bare, And "YES" --- HELL did freeze over I KNOW because I was there. I survived through misery and pain. And after 60 years , I know that there is still a North and South. This is truly the end of my story and I will say no more, But when I left Korea, we had won this WAR.

__________

I conceived this song on Memorial Day Weekend in the back of an am-bulance racing to the VA Hospital in Nashville with my wife, Lynette in hot pursuit. Evidently, I did survive the emergency surgery, but it was touch & go for awhile. (I'll had another sur-gery on 8-10-12, on the Hemorrhoids from Hell, that will, hopefully put me on my long awaited road to recov-ery.) The song is about willing one-self to survive, whether it be in an ambulance or a helicopter. It has been inspiring to me and many of you have asked for the lyric. The music is old style gospel. I hope to get well enough to record soon, but I need to sell a lot more of my newest

CDs (UNSUNG HEROES & BON-FIDE CHARACTERS) to afford it. For info visit me at www.michaeljmartinmusic.com . Feel free to pass it around. Michael J.

"I Will Survive" B y M i c h a e l J . M a r t i n I am a badly... wounded warrior... I'm only barely... still alive... But somethin' tells me... just to hold on harder Just make it thru the night... and I will survive.. I have my fam'ly... and those who love me... And those who need me... Lord, in this life… I love them dearly... so I'll hold on fiercely… I've just begun to fight... I will sur-vive… Angels of Mercy... they are my bless-ing… They're here to help me... thru this long night… And on this journey... my faith will save me.. I will go bravely... to The Light if it's my time… I know my Granny... will greet me sweetly… Oh, when I fin'ly... have arrived... But, I'm not yet ready... So, Lord, p l e a s e h e l p m e . . . Grant me... the grace and grit and wi t . . . and I w i l l surv ive . . . I will survive... I will survive!

National Checking Account

$13,145.22

Blue Badge Account $2,504.85

Pay Pal Account

$2,400 (APPROX)

Monument Account $4,214.90

Support Group Account

$3,255.00

Money Market Account $18,381.37 Marketing Account

$6,000.00 Divisions report early January each year. This is a requirement. This report total is used thru out the current year 2012 until next report received. $56,127.97 New York account remains frozen due to lack of previous Com-mander/Unit reporting. Com-mander Perry Marchigiani is the current New York Trustee until a finance officer is appointed. New York funds remain separate from National funds. $5,072.16 Grand total: $ 108.701.47 Anticipated expenses Postage and mailings Year end Blue Badge issue Vendor expired/renewal program Florida Incorporation fee Respectfully Bill Cross Associate Finance Officer

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Finance Report

Page 17 Blue Badge/Warning to all who handle CIA money Sept-Oct-Nov-Dec 2012

Page 18 Blue Badge/The Message is loud and clear Sept-Oct-Nov-Dec 2012

Page 19 Blue Badge/The Message is loud and clear/Commanders Sept-Oct-Nov-Dec 2012

Summary of Court Case; State of WI vs

Robert Duane Saxton A letter to former National Commander Earl Ken-nedy dated 13 November 2012, from the Wisconsin Court System, Victim/Witness Coordinator outlined the terms of the sentence to former CIA Finance Officer Robert D. Saxton. (Commander Kennedy was National Commander at the time of the suit, therefore he remained as the principal CIA repre-sentative). Terms of the sentence is excerpted be-low. On November 6, 2012, the defendant, Robert Duane Saxton was sentenced for his conviction of Theft from a Business Setting. Sentence was with held and he was placed on probation for three years with conditions. He must pay full restitution and court costs over the next three years. Condi-tions imposed on Mr Saxton for his probation period include; no longer owning or possessing any fire-arms; providing a DNA sample and paying the ac-companying surcharge; he cannot vote or serve on a jury until his sentence is complete. Mr Saxton is to have no contact with any members or Officers of the Combat Infantrymen’s Association; Mrs Saxton is allowed contact if necessary. Robert cannot hold a volunteer or paid position in any organization with fiduciary responsibilities, other than his own busi-ness. Mr Saxton may no longer drive any vehicle. He must enter into and successfully complete any assessments, evaluations, and/or treatment pro-grams as directed by his Probation Agent. The notification went on to say, “It was a pleas-ure to meet you and Commander Cross in person. I am so I pressed with the efforts you spend to take care of our military families. The scholarships, etc. send a positive message of encouragement to the recipients.” Sincerely, Victim/Witness Coordinator

Commanders’

election of a National Commander. I would encour-age all who might be interested in running to please get your names in during the first quarter of 2013. This is needed in order to publish a ballot with names of candidates in time for the ballots to be returned and votes counted prior to the next reunion in Colum-bia S.C. in Mid October. Late entries may not be


placed on the Ballot and will need to be considered write in candidates. We will have ballots available on the web site as well as in a printed issue of the Blue Badge. The ballot will need to be in the first issue of the Blue Badge out in April or May to insure returns on time. Please contact National for more details and I encourage as many members to run as possible. It is a great honor to work for our members. . Volunteers are still needed at all levels of our organiza-tion. Please contact your unit or Division or National office and offer a couple hours a week. It will make a huge differ-ence to those who now volunteer and more can be accom-plished for members with more help. This issue of the Blue Badge contains a brief summary of the Saxton Trial. The details will be forthcoming in the official court order issued by the presiding judge. Past Commander, Earl Kennedy and I were asked to attend the sentencing hearing in Marinette, Wisconsin in Early November at the request of the Judge and to represent and speak for the As-sociation as what the Judge called the "victim" of the inci-dent. The attorneys are working on a form of restitution that will allow Mr Saxton an opportunity to avoid prison time if he can pay the Association back in three years or less. If not done, he will have to serve "hard" time. Mr Saxton lost his Driver's license, lost ownership of fire arms, lost his voting rights while under sentence and cannot contact any member of the Association in the future. Nor can he occupy a fudici-ary position with any organization in the future. Please share this information with all members. It is important all members know the results of misappropriation of funds when handling the finances of a Charitable organization. I wish all members and their families a healthy, prosper-ous and safe 2013. This will be an important year for our As-sociation. Please assist as much as possible with our mem-bership growth. I challenge each member to bring in a new member each month at a minimum. Please let me know your thoughts on the possibility of a contest for membership growth with cash awards or other prizes open to all members for a specific period of time, per-haps two or three months in the spring or summer. we will again conduct the annual lottery this net year. Fund are badly needed, and donations are always welcome. I wel-come your calls and emails with ideas and thoughts for our success. Thank you for being members and thank you for your service to our wonderful country.

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Page 20 Blue Badge/Taps Sept-Oct-Nov-Dec 2012

Taps

Welcome Mat

Aaron Chase Fort Mohave, AZ Div 3 Died 02/07/12 Clyde Dutrell Newport, IN Div 7 Died 11/23/11 Loral A. Gibson Mansfield, OH Div 7 Died 04/15/11 John Nangle Bethany Beach, DE Div 7 Date not listed Robert L Horton Topeka, KS CDR Div 5 KS A 1 1 Died 07/03/12 Guillermo Pajo Fair Oaks, CA Div 2 Died 02/11 Wilbert Aflerback Philadelphia, PA Div 7 Died 08/17/11 Lloyd Wooley Salinas, CA Div 2 Died 09/12/02

Louis Glasser Amboy, IL Div 7 Date not reported J. R. Dean Little Rock AR Div 5 Date not reported Melvin Greenwald Prudenville, MI Div 5 Date not reported Edward Perry Rhode Island Div 9 Date not reported Loral A. Gibson Ohio Div 7 Date not reported Leon H. Hurd Nebraska Div 5 Date not reported Ralph Perroncello Cohasset, MA Div 9 Died 08/01/12 Robert S. McClenaghan Naples, FL Div 6 FL Died 01/30/12 Richard H. List Pound, WI Div 5 OK Died 08/25/11 SGM James W. Lewis Falmouth, MA Div 9 NE Died 10/02/12 Alfred M. Bergman Div 6 FL A 1 1 Died 09/24/12 Charles Hunt Div 7 SC Div Hq Died 09/12/12 Edward W. Perry Div 8 NY Died 10/24/11 Norvel McDonald Div 5 OK Date not reported Abelardo Guzman Brownsville, TX Died 1/15/06

The Blue Badge was noti-fied of the death of the following Combat Infantry-men’s Association mem-bers. The Association thanks them for their ser-vice and members in good standing (paid up dues) are honored in TAPS and their name placed on the Honor Roll for recognition at the Memorial Service. Names received after No-vember 15th will be listed in the next issue of Blue Badge. The entire associa-tion sends our deep sym-pathy to the family and friends of the deceased member. Names are shown in order received.

Gareth “Gary” Reed Ft Scott, KS Div 5 Date not reported

__________

A warm welcome is extended to all new Combat Infantrymen’s Association members who joined the Associa-tion between J u n e 16, 2012 and October 30, 2011. Members who joined after Octo-ber 30 will appear in the next issue of Blue Badge. Names are not listed in any particular order. Charles T. Porter, Jr Co A, 1/8th Inf, 4th ID Viet Nam NC Nat Hq James J McDevitt, Jr MACV Adv Tm # 98 Viet Nam NC Nat Hq Lanie B Wickman Co C, 1/5th Inf, 25th ID Viet Nam NC Nat Hq Ron D Williamson Co C, 1/327th Inf, 101st Viet Nam NC Nat Hq Donald L Adams, Jr Co A, 1/5th Cav, 1st Cav Viet Nam NC Nat Hq Thomas R Starks 38th Inf, 2nd ID Korea NC Nat Hq Robert E Duffney Co A, 2/327th Inf, 101st Viet Nam Div 6 FL Jerry T. Jodrey 4/9th Inf, 25th ID Viet Nam Div 7 SC

Patrick J Campbell MACV Adv Tm 60 Viet Nam NC Nat Hq Joseph V Peters Co e, 2/1st Inf, 196th LIB Viet Nam NC Nat Hq Larry A. McDevitt HHC 2/28th Inf, 1st ID Viet Nam NC Nat Hq Daryl L Nichols HHC 2/16th Inf, 1st ID Desert Storm Div 1 WA James A Woods Co B, 2/502nd Inf, 101st Viet Nam Div 1 WA Harry A Wilson Support Group Terry L. Davis Co A, 2/503rd Inf, 173rd Abn Bde Viet Nam NC Nat Hq Mark J Trusty B Trp, 3/5th Cav, 9th ID Viet Nam Div 5 OK Nicholas Coviello, Jr Combat unit not listed Viet Nam Div 8 NY Daniel R. Jewell A 5/87th Inf, 193rd Inf Bde Panama Div 5 OK Lee E Sanks Combat unit not listed WW II Div 5 OK Timothy Bower Co D, 5/7th Cav, 1st Cav Div Viet Nam Div 5 OK Eric McElwain 1st ETT, 45th IBCT Afghanistan Div 5 OK Everal Tomblin Sunbury, OH Support Member


Page 21 Blue Badge/ Welcome Mat Sept-Oct-Nov-Dec 2012

Welcome Mat

Tony L. Sanders Mt Gilead, OH Support Member Gary Tucker Sunbury, OH Support Member Gary R. Feicke Co B, 3/39th Inf, 9th ID Viet Nam Div 6 FL Lonnie R. Stalcup Co A, 1/6th Inf, 23rd ID Viet Nam Div 7 SC Paul W Mullins Co A, 1/35th Inf Afghanistan Div 7 SC James Higgins, Jr Co B, 3/39th Inf, 9th ID Viet Nam Div 7 SC Jerry B. Ford Bonham, TX Support Member Jeremy B. Ford Denison, TX Support Member Arthur A. Couch Nashville, TN Support Member Robert E. Cooksey Kasciusko, MS Support Member Johnny E. Morey Co B, 1/293rd Inf Iraq NC Nat Hq Richard E. Drury Co C, 1/506th Inf, 101st Abn Div Viet Nam Div 5 OK Michael Christy Combat unit not listed Viet Nam Div 2 CA


Edmund S. Dobbs 7th Inf Korea Div 7 SC Lyman S. Faulkner Recon 1/506th Inf, 101st Abn Div Viet Nam Div 2 CA Rodger E. McDonald 5th ID Viet Nam Div 7 SC Andrew T. Sanchez 2/7th Inf, 3td ID WW II Div 2 CA John D. Pousson Austin, TX Support Member Edward A. Bicknell South Portland, ME Support Member Bernard Farnan Glen Cove, NY Support Member Ricardo Rivera 1/2nd Inf, 1st ID Viet Nam Div 1 WA Michael A. Scanlon Co B Div 5 OK Iraq Gary L. McElroy Co C, 3/503rd Inf, 173rd Abn Bde Viet Nam NC Nat Hq Norvell Henderson Co A, 2/12th Cav, 1st Cav Div Viet Nam Div 7 SC Donald Hallings Co C, 1/12th Cav 1st Cav Div Viet Nam Div 7 SC Paul E. Hoban Co C, 1/12th Cav, 1st Cav Div Viet Nam Div 9 NE

Joshua A. Droddy Co A, 3/156th Inf Iraq Div 4 TX Neil T. Doyle Co A, 2/136th Inf Iraq Div 5 Gerald E. Palesh Woodbuy, MN Support Group Lorraine Flemming Delaware, OH Support Group Johnny R Downs Akron, OH Support Group George DelCarlo Incurse Village, NV Support Group John s. Cooper Columbus, OH Support Group Roy A. Cochran Winchester Hampshire, England Support Group Bob L. Boucart Brussels, Belgium Support Group Margherita Bargy In honor of deceased Member Richard G. Bargy Brentwood, CA Support Group Joe T. Mason Co C, 1/24th Inf, 8th ID Korea Div 2 CA Troy D. Davis 2nd Bde 9th ID Korea & Viet Nam Div 7 SC Glenn Wyatt Co B, 3/39th Inf, 9th ID Viet Nam Div 7 SC

Karl L. Pauzar Co A, 62nd AIB, 14th AD WW II Div 7 SC George L. Huhner Hq Co, 15th Inf, 3rd ID Korea Div 4 TX Alvin J. Delisle D Trp, 1st Inf, 1st Cav Div Viet Nam Div 7 SC Rosario C. Balliro 23rd Inf, 2nd ID Korea Div 9 NE Ronald E. Brown Co C, 504th PIR Iraq NC Nat Hq Derriek Gunio Combat unit not listed Iraq Div 8 NY Joshua A. Hartson Co A, 1/181st Inf Iraq NC Nat Hq Jon R. Ker 5th SFG Iraq Div 5 OK Armando Lopez, Jr 1/22nd Inf, 10th Mtn Div Somalia Div 8 NY Thomas L. Vanno Co E, 2/39th Inf, 9th ID Viet Nam NC Nat Hq Rollie D. Delong Co B, 1/46th Inf, 196th LIB Viet Nam Div 7 SC Donald E Stump Co B, 2/12th Cav Viet Nam NC Nat Hq Ernest H Page Combat unit not listed Korea NC Nat Hq Fred Adolf Co E, 23rd Inf, 2nd ID Korea NC Nat Hq


Welcome Mat

Thomas A. Phelps Co C, 17th Inf, 7th ID Korea NC Nat Hq Michael E Tostenson Co D, 1/12th Cav Viet Nam Div 5 OK William J. Schuster Co B, 2/12th Cav Viet Nam Div 2 CA Elvis L Poe, Jr Combat unit not listed Viet Nam Div 5 OK Ronald C Acosta Larose, LA Support Group Carolyn S Morgan Florence, AZ Support Group John Leverenz Florence, AZ Support Group Luther Johnson Bonham, TX Support Group Dave A Hines Sunbury, OH Support Group Marty Dicken Bells, TX Support Group Michael Wheeler Co C, 1/18th Inf, 1st ID Viet Nam NC Nat Hq Samuel Garcia Co B, 2/5th Cav Iraq Div 2 CA Patrick M Traver 1/23rd Inf Iraq Div 8 NY


Page 22 Blue Badge /Welcome Mat Sept-Oct-Nov-Dec 2012

Tommie P Alatorre, Jr Co A, 4/9th Inf, 25th ID Viet Nam Div 4 TX John T McGee 173rd Abn Bde Viet Nam NC Nat Hq Ola Mize Co K, 15th Inf, 3rd ID Korea NC Nat Hq (MOH Recipient) Tony J Chase Combat unit not listed Iraq Div 8 NY Donnie Downing Co A, 1/27th Inf, 25th ID Viet Nam NC Nat Hq Craig J Griffith Co B, 1/8th Inf, 4th ID Viet Nam NC Nat Hq Dennis R Hummel Co B, 1/12th CAV Viet Nam NC Nat Hq Robert L. Orndorf Co A, 1/27th Inf, 25th ID Viet Nam NC Nat Hq Todd Overfield Combat unit not listed Div 8 NY John J. Brummer 9th ID Div 8 NY Javier Caban Co A, 2/108th Inf Div 8 NY John Collura Combat unit not listed Korea Div 8 NY Gerald W. Dolloff Co B, 1.12th CAV, 1st CD Viet Nam NC Nat Hq Gerardo Franco Combat unit not listed Iraq NC Nat Hq

Richard W Wood Hq 2/8th Cav Div 7 SC Korea/Viet Nam Div 5 OK

James Bourgeois of Lakewood, WA was re-elected Deputy Commander of the Combat Infan-trymen’s Association. Ballots were printed in the Blue Badge and mailed to members. Over 700 verified ballots were received and counted in the vote. His term of office is for two years. Next busi-ness meeting a new National Commander will be elected.

__________

BOURGEOIS ELECTED DEPUTY

COMMANDER

Div 5

NATIONAL GUARD UNITS LOCATED IN EACH OF THE FOUR QUADRANTS. THE PRIMARY REASON FOR THIS IS TO ENSURE THERE ARE ARMY GUARD UNITS ASSIGNED TO THESE QUADRANTS FOR THE OKLAHOMA GOVERNOR TO DEPLOY IN THE EVENT THERE ARE DISASTERS, EITHER THROUGH THE ACT OF "GOD" OR MAN MADE. CENTRALLY LOCATED IN THE SOUTHEAST QUADRANT THERE IS AN ARMORED CAV-ALRY SQUADRON WITH UNIT DESIGNATION OF 1ST SQUADRON, 180TH, ARMORED CAV-ALRY. THERE ARE FOUR (5) TROOPS AS-SIGNED TO THIS SQUADRON AND MEMBERS OF FOUR TROOPS HAVE BEEN DE-PLOYED TO SERVE IN IRAQ, AFGHANISTAN



Page 23 Blue Badge/ Monument Paver Brick Sept-Oct-Nov-Dec 2012

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Page 24 Blue Badge/Brothers-in-Arms/Website Sept-Oct-Nov-Dec 2012

It’s Our Website, Use It Our webmaster, Gary Ramsey, tells the Blue Badge that he no longer swears BY technology; he swears AT it. If you have visited the CIA website recently, you’ll understand just how easy that would be. He has developed and maintains this first class website as a courtesy to the association. His hard work, dedica-tion, and loyalty, is a real credit to The Combat Infantrymen’s Asso-ciation. If you have not visited the site recently now is the time. Check it out at www.cibassoc.com. You will find all sorts of interesting infor-mation about the association, photos, rosters, constitution and by-laws, convention information—just about anything you are looking for relating the association. Some of you that are familiar with “old-time” country music stations will remember a common phrase from the “radio announcer” (they we not DJ’s back then), “Keep them cards and letters coming”. Well, that is what Gary says too. He is especially interested in photos of your units participating in community activities, fund raisers, or patriotic events, and the like. We know you take photos of them—if the pho-tos are printed, get an extra copy and send one to Gary along with a description of the event. (Don’t forget to send them to the Blue Badge as well). If you are using film, the photos reproduce best if the film is at least 400 ASA speed. If you are using digital pictures they need to be printed with at least 600 dpi. The preferred way to get your sto-ries/photos to Gary is e-mail [email protected] , but you can mail the photos and stories to Gary at 303 Ashwood Rd, Myrtle Beach, SC 29588. If you think we are looking for publicity, you are right. There are literally hundreds of visitors to the site that are not CIA members. Seeing photos of and stories about the various activities our mem-bers participate in helps maintain the good name of the association—and perhaps will encourage other eligible CIB holders to join. One more time, visit the website at www.cibassoc.com. Mailing Address: Gary Ramsey~ 303 Ashwood Rd Myrtle Beach, SC 29588 E-Mail: [email protected]

__________

Div 5 AND KUWAIT. TWO (2) ARMORED CAVALRY TROOPS (ALPHA AND CHAR-LIE TROOPS) WERE DEPLOYED IN SEPTEMBER 2011. ONE (1) WAS DEPLOYED TO AFGHANISTAN AND ONE (1) TO KUWAIT. BOTH TROOPS WERE RETURNED TO OKLAHOMA CONTROL IN JUNE 2012. THERE ARE CIA MEMBERS OF H I I OK (ADA) AS-SIGNED IN EACH TROOP. J. L. RHODES, 5TH DIVISION COMMANDER, AND LOUIS DUNLAP, COMMANDER OF H 1 1 OK (ADA) DECIDED TO GET INVOLVED IN A WELCOMING HOME ACTIVITY FOR THESE SOL-DIERS. WE CONTACTED THE CITY MANAGER OF ADA, OK. THE COMMANDERS OF THE VFW, AL, DAV, GOVERNOR OF THE CHICKASAW NATION AND THE DIRECTOR OF THE EAST



Page 25 Blue Badge/Brothers In Arms Sept-Oct-Nov-Dec 2012

The ads for sister organizations that appear on this and other pages of the Blue Badge are scanned exactly as re-ceived. Members of these organizations should periodically review them for time sensitive matters, address or e-mail changes. The Blue Badge takes no responsibility for the ac-curacy of the information. If you find an error or wish to change your ad, contact the Editor, Blue Badge @ PO Drawer 11399, Hickory, NC 28603, or by e-mail [email protected]

Page 26 Blue Badge/ Brothers In Arms/Support Group Ad Sept-Oct-Nov-Dec 2012

Div 5

CENTRAL UNIVERSITY VETERANS UP-WARD BOUNDS PROGRAM PLUS OTHER MAJOR SUPPORTERS AND SO-LICIT THERE HELP IN RAISING FUNDS TO SUPPORT THIS ACTIVITY. SEVERAL THOUSAND DOLLARS WAS RAISED TO PROVIDE AN EXCELLENT BAR-B-Q DINNER AND ENTERTAINMENT AT THIS WELCOMING HOME ACTIVITY WHICH WAS HELD AT 6:00 PM (1800 HOURS) SATURDAY, 10 NOVEMBER 2012. ALL THE SOLDIERS, WIVES, CHIL-DREN, GIRLFRIENDS WERE INVITED ALONG WITH COUNTY AND STATE DIG-NITARIES. THE PONOTOC COUNTRY COMMIS-SIONERS DONATED A COUNTY FACIL-ITY, AT NO CHARGE, THAT CAN AC-COMMODATE SEVERAL HUNDRED PEO-PLE. I BELIEVE THAT ALL ATTENDEES APPRECIATED THIS WELCOMING HOME ACTIVITY AND ENJOYED A GOOD MEAL, FELLOWSHIP AND ENTERTAINMENT. AT THE CONCLUSION OF THIS AC-TIVITY COMMANDER DUNLAP AND MY SELF HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO TALK


TO ALL OF THE CIB HOLDERS AND ENCOURAGED THEM TO JOIN THE COMBAT INFANTRY ASSOCIA-TION. THE HOLDERS OF THE CIB WERE AT ONE TIME ASSIGNED TO AN INFANTRY BATTALION WHICH WAS DEPLOYED TO COMBAT DUTY IN AFGHANISTAN PRIOR TO THEIR BEING ASSIGNED TO THE AR-MORED CAVALRY SQUADRON. J. L. RHODES COMMANDER DIV 5

Page 27 Blue Badge/ Business Support Group Application Sept-Oct-Nov-Dec 2012

Support Group Membership ~ Business

Date: _______________ Business Name: ____________________________________________________________ Address: __________________________ City: _____________________ State: _____ Zip: _____________ Phone: ( _____) _______ -_____________ e-mail: _______________________________________ We men of the Combat Infantrymen’s Association are extremely honored for your enrollment into our Support Group Membership. It was because of the support of businesses such as yours that we were successful in fighting for our Nation. The excellent business support and donations we received, both on and off the battlefield, made the differ-ence between victory and defeat. We are now extremely honored for your contribution toward our mission to provide charitable activities throughout our Nation. We are a 501-c tax deductible organization. Some of our causes are: Pride and Patriotism activities in schools, JROTC scholarships and award activities, donations to charities who directly support active armed forces men and women, donations for youth centered training facilities which encourage and help young men and women whom are in need of guidance. Use a separate sheet of paper and tell us something about your business.

Please mail your contribution to one of the following: National Deputy Commander National Commander PO Box 97033 14571 Grande Cay Cir, Unit # 3204 Tacoma, WA 98497-0033 Ft Myers, FL 33908 [email protected] [email protected]

You may e-mail either of the above two officers with questions PLEASE CHECK THE APPROPRIATE SPACES BELOW _____ I prefer to receive the Blue Badge by mail _____ I will read the Blue Badge on line and help save the postage and printing costs _____ I am already a Business member _____ I am a new business member.

(NO LIFE MEMBERSHIPS AVAILABLE)

EXCELLENT ANNUAL REUNION Bronze Member $100.00 - receives a Combat Infantry Certificate suitable for framing and hanging on the wall of your business Silver Member $200.00 - receives a beautiful plaque for your business. You will also have the name of your business placed in each issue of our BLUE BADGE MAGAZINE annually. Gold Member $300.00 - receives a beautiful plaque and one year of advertising with a link on our website for your business.

(ALL DONATIONS ARE TAX DEDUCTIBLE)

Page 28 Blue Badge/ Individual Support Membership Application Sept-Oct-Nov-Dec 2012

Support Group Membership ~ Individual Date: _______________ Last Name: ____________________ First Name: _________________________ MI: ______ Address: __________________________ City: _____________________ State: _____ Zip: ____________ Phone: ( _____) _______ -_____________ e-mail: _______________________________________

We men of the Combat Infantrymen’s Association are extremely honored for your enrollment into our Support Group Membership. It was because of the support of men women and families like you that we were successful in fighting for our Nation. The excellent business support and donations we received, both on and off the battlefield, made the difference between victory and defeat. We are now extremely honored for your contribution toward our mission to provide charitable activities throughout our nation. We are a 501-c tax deductible organization. Some of our causes are: Pride and Patriotism activities in schools, JROTC scholarships and award activities, donations to charities who directly support active armed forces men and women, donations for youth centered training facilities which encourage and help young men and women who are in need of guidance. Use a separate tell us something about yourself, use additional pages if necessary. Veteran Supporter: _______________________________________________ Family of Veteran Supporter: _______________________________________ Please mail your $20.00 contribution to one of the following: National Deputy Commander National Commander PO Box 97033 14571 Grande Cay Cir, Unit # 3204 Tacoma, WA 98497-0033 Ft Myers, FL 33908 [email protected] [email protected] You may e-mail either of the above two officers with questions PLEASE CHECK THE APPROPRIATE SPACES BELOW _____ I prefer to receive the Blue Badge by mail _____ I will read the Blue Badge on line and help save the postage and printing costs _____ I am already an individual support member and renewing _____ I am a new individual member.

(NO LIFE MEMBERSHIPS AVAILABLE)

EXCELLENT ANNUAL REUNION Phone: 253-224-0817 or 708-209-6193

Visit our website at: www.cibassoc.com

Page 29 Blue Badge/Enlistment Form (Membership Application) Sept-Oct-Nov-Dec 2012

Form CIA 1-NC Revised 12 January 2012

Page 30 Blue Badge/Re-Enlistment (Renewal) Sept-Oct-Nov-Dec 2012

Please Print legibly CIA # if known ______________________ Please renew Jan-Feb-Mar to help our volunteers Present CIA Unit ____________________ Request transfer to CIA Unit ________________ Last Name: __________________ First Name: __________________ MI: _______ Address: ___________________________________________ City: ______________________ State: __________ Zip Code: ___________ - _________ Phone: (________) _____________________ E-Mail ______________________________

There is discipline in a Soldier You can see it when he walks There is honor in a Soldier You can see it when he talks There is courage in a Soldier You can see it in his eyes There is loyalty in a Soldier That he will not compromise ____ Angela Goodwin

Check the box below if you wish to receive the Blue Badge by mail

Check the box below if you need a new card

Annual dues are $30.00 effective Jan 2011 Gulf War, Afghanistan, Iraq warriors FREE FIRST YEAR

LIFE MEMBERSHIPS

Life membership dues, effective July 2011 75 years and older $150.00 (or three $50.00 payments) Under age 75 $400.00 (or four payments of $100.00)

Enclosed is my dues/payment of $ __________ for (check one) annual: ______ life: ______

Please fill out your renewal form completely. Make check or money order payable to: COMBAT INFANTRYMEN’S ASSOCIATION and mail it with your dues in the enclosed envelope to one of the addresses below. Commander Deputy Commander Combat Infantrymen’s Association Deputy Commander, Combat Infantrymen’s Association 14571 Grande Cay Cir, Unit # 3204 PO Box 97033 Ft Myers, FL 33908 Tacoma, WA 98497-0033

ADDRESS BECOMES OBSOLETE FOR NATIONAL OFFICERS WHEN COMMAND CHANGES; SEE OUR WEBSITE

(WWW.CIBASSOC.COM) AND BLUE BADGE FOR UPDATES CIA QM VENDOR—HATS, SHIRTS, ETC CALL 1-800-456-8288 OR VISIT OUR WEBSITE

This is to remind you your membership dues are payable. We want you to reenlist today!!!!

Check the box be-low if you are will-ing to help save on printing and post-age by receiving your Blue Badge on line

Page 31 Blue Badge/Brothers In Arms Sept-Oct-Nov-Dec 2012

The ads for sister organizations that appear on this and other pages of the Blue Badge are scanned exactly as re-ceived. Members of these organizations should periodically review them for time sensitive matters, address or e-mail changes. The Blue Badge takes no responsibility for the accu-racy of the information. If you find an error or wish to change your ad, contact the Editor, Blue Badge @ PO Box 11438, Hickory, NC 28603, or by e-mail [email protected]

Did You ever wear

this Patch?

Here is your chance to find some old friends and make some new ones through the 2nd (Indianhead) Division Association. For an appli-cation, visit us on the web at www.2ida.org. You can also e-mail to [email protected] or write to our National HQ at PO Box 218, Fox Lake, IL 60020-0218. (updated 08/05/11)

1775 Legacy Way Columbus, GA 31903

706-323-2650 Fax 706-323-0967 E-mail: [email protected]

Web site: www.infantryassn.com

(updated 08/11)

Have you ever worn this patch?

Join the 1st Cavalry Division Association, life memberships are only $10. Visit our

website at www.1cda.org email [email protected] or

call (254)547-6537 for information and

an application.

POPO Box

THE BLUE BADGE The Combat Infantrymen’s Assn, Inc PO Drawer 11438 Hickory, NC 28603

Page 32 Blue Badge /Back Cover Sept-Oct-Nov-Dec 2012

Nonprofit Org

US Postage Paid Hickory, NC 28603

Permit # 54

Mail address changes to:

Combat Infantrymen’s Association Database Manager

PO Box 11438 Hickory, NC 28603

National Deputy Commander PO Box 97033

Tacoma, WA 98497-0033

Distribution 1 copy to gaining unit 1 copy to losing unit 1 copy to database manager @ PO Box 11438 ~ Hickory, NC 28603 1 copy to Membership Officer @ 1639 John St ~ Ft Lee, NJ 07024

Documents

Volume 16 Issue 3 Special Convention Issue Sept-Oct-Nov ... · Volume 16 Issue 3 Special Convention Issue Sept-Oct-Nov-Dec 2012 Nashville Convention Was Great The 2012 annual Combat