Annual Mess Dinner Saturday, 16 January 2010 at 1830 HRS India House 1 Hanover Square, City

Mess Call

Pipes and Drum Procession Led By Pipe Sergeant Paul Rutgersen New York Scottish Pipes and Drums

Entrance of the Commandant COL Charles C. Lucas and Rear Admiral Joseph L. Nimmich

VCA SNY Field Music Procession

Posting of the Colors WO1 James H. Waddington, Chief of Color Guard

National Anthem Mrs. Deborah Shull

Invocation Chaplain (COL) Thomas F. Pike

Welcome COL Charles C. Lucas

Introduction of Special Guests MAJ J. Raymond Mechmann, Jr., Chief of Staff

DINNER Pipes and Drums New York Scottish Pipes and Drums

The Field Music This page dedicated to the memory of LTC Daniel G. King By MAJ James B. Roberts, VCASNY Toasts The following toasts will be offered prior to Dessert The United States BG John Beglan The President of the United States CPT Richard Gregory General John Mauk Hilliard President, The First New York Continental Chapter Sons of the The Governor of the State of New York CSM Gary C. Hess The Armed Forces of the United States LTC David Menegon USAR 353rd Civil Affairs Command Special Toast The United States Coast Guard WO1 James Waddington The Ladies LTC Paul R. Conte Executive Officer 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team New York Army St. Barbara CPT James F. Whalen Greetings and Comments BG Patrick Murphy, Director Joint Staff, Office of The Adjutant General New York State Department of Military and Naval Affairs Introduction of Guest of Honor COL Charles C. Lucas Guest of Honor Rear Admiral Joseph L. Nimmich Commander First Coast Guard District United States Coast Guard New Business and Presentation of Awards Final Toast (with aged Port) The Veteran Corps of Artillery, State of New York MG David J. Ramsay Past Commandant Toast To Be Followed Immediately By THE CAISSONS Benediction PV1, Rev. Robert Zito Retirement of the Colors Artillery Brandy History of the Veteran Corps of Artillery, State of New York and the Military Society War of 1812

The Veteran Corps of Artillery of the State of New York was organized on November 25, 1790, exclusively by officers and soldiers of the War of the Revolution. The Military Society of the War of 1812 was instituted in the city of New York on January 3, 1826, as a Military Society exclusively by commissioned officers of that War, regular and volunteer. The Corps was approved as a separate and distinct organization in the ac- tive Militia of the State of New York by the Governor of the State on March 8, 1791 The Corps was confirmed in statutory and prescriptive rights and privileges as a separate Corps in the Active Militia, by Act of Congress on May 8 1792 (Sec. 1641, U.S. Revised Statutes), also January 21, 1903 (Sec. 3). The Corps volunteered and entered military service of the United States during the War of 1812. The Society of the War of 1812 and the Veteran Corps of Artillery were consolidated on January 8, 1848. The Society of the War of 1812 was incorporated as a Military Society un- der the laws of the State of New York on January 8, 1892, in conformity with the Joint Resolution of the Congress of the U.S. as to military socie- ties, approved September 25, 1890. It has been held that such societies are entitled under Section 14 of the General Corporation Law to acquire prop- erty by grant, devise, bequest, etc. Since that time the Military Society of the War of 1812 has provided, exclu- sively, the elected members of the Council of Administration, who act as the governing body of the combined Organization. Membership is applied for, and held separately, in the Military Society and the Veteran Corps of Artillery (VCA). In practice, the VCA functions as the operating arm of the combined organization; with many volunteer mili- tary and ceremonial events on the annual schedule. The VCA drill season begins the first week in October, and ends with the traditional Salute to the Nation at in on the 4th of July.

MSG Ken Cullen, VCASNY, dedicates this page to the memory of LTC Daniel G. King who added greatly to the recent history of the Corps Officers Veteran Corps of Artillery, State of New York

Commandant COL Charles C. Lucas MD Vice Commandant LTC Stephen J. Ryan Brigade Major (Chief of Staff) MAJ J. Raymond Mechmann, Jr. Adjutant COL Matthew G. Cusack Quartermaster CPT Richard A. Gregory Paymaster LTC Ernest F. Grunebaum Commissary MSG Ken Cullen Surgeon COL Ernesto Ego-Aguirre, MD Chaplain COL Thomas F. Pike

Additional Senior Staff Positions Intelligence G-2 LTC Donald L. Twiss Plans and Training G-3 MAJ J. Raymond Mechmann, Jr. Communications G-6 SFC Justin Gorkic Battery and Ordnance Commander CPT James F. Whalen Field Music CW2 Edward A. Stone Color Guard WO1 James Waddington Public Affairs Officer LTC Allen I. Milman Command Sergeant Major Gary C. Hess First Sergeant Gerard V. Gioia

This page is dedicated in loving memory of ENS Herbert Stein and SGT David Stein By SFC Jonathan Epstein, VCASNY Recent Past Speakers and Honorary Members

1998 CDR Chris Melhuish Captain of the USS Constitution 1999 Togo West, Secretary of the Army 2001 LTG Kevin F. Byrnes, Asst. Vice Chief of Staff 2002 Charles F. Gunther, Deputy Chief NYC Police Dept. 2003 MG Robert A. Rose – Former CDR USARNG 2004 LTG John A. Dubia, CMDT, USA Field Artillery School 2005 MAJ Jason Amerine, USMA 2006 MG Richard S. Colt, 77th RRC 2007 MG Joseph J. Taluto, TAG NY 2008 COL Ray B. Shepherd, USAF (Ret)

2009 LTG Colby M. Broadwater III, USA (Ret) UNITED STATES COAST GUARD HISTORY The United States Coast Guard is one of the oldest organizations of the federal government and, until the Navy Department was established in 1798, served as the nation's only armed force afloat. The modern Coast Guard is an amalgamation of five formerly federal services. It is the only military organization within the Department of Homeland Security. On 4 August 1790 the first Congress authorized the construction of ten vessels requested by Alexander , Washington‘s Secretary of the Treasury, to enforce tariff and trade laws and to prevent smuggling. Due to his foresight, Hamilton is considered the ―Father of the Coast Guard‖. Known variously through the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries as the Revenue Marine and the Revenue Cutter Service, it expanded in size and responsibilities as the nation grew. The service received its present name in 1915 under an act of Congress when the Revenue Cutter Service merged with the Life- Saving Service. The nation then had a single maritime service dedicated to saving life at sea and enforcing the nation's maritime laws. The Coast Guard began to maintain the country's aids to maritime navigation, including operating the nation's lighthouses, when President Franklin Roosevelt ordered the transfer of the Light- house Service to the Coast Guard in 1939. In 1946 Congress permanently transferred the Bureau of Marine Inspection and Navigation to the Coast Guard, thereby placing merchant marine licensing and merchant vessel safety under our purview. National defense responsibilities remain one of the Coast Guard‘s most important functions. In times of peace it operates as part of the Department of Homeland Security, serving as the nation's front-line agency for enforcing our laws at sea, protecting the marine environ- ment and our vast coastline and ports, and saving life. In times of war, or at the direction of the President, the Coast Guard serves under the Department of the Navy.

REAR ADMINAL JOSEPH L. NIMMICH COMMANDER, FIRST COAST GUARD DISTRICT Rear Admiral Nimmich assumed the duties of Commander, First Coast Guard District in July 2009. He oversees all Coast Guard mis- sions across eight states in the Northeast and 2,000 miles of coastline from the U.S.-Canadian border to northern New Jersey. In fulfilling these responsibilities, Rear Admiral Nimmich commands more than 12,000 active duty, reserve, civilian and Auxiliary personnel, and em- ploys 30 cutters, 200 boats and 8 aircraft. Rear Admiral Nimmich graduated from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in 1977, receiving a Bachelor of Science Degree in History and Government and a commission as Ensign in the Coast Guard. He has his Masters Degree in Business Administration from the Stern School of Business and attended Army War College in Carlisle, PA where he earned a Masters Degree in Strategic Studies. Rear Admiral Nimmich‘s previous flag assignments include Director, Joint Interagency Task Force South, Assistant Commandant for Poli- cy and Planning, United States Coast Guard Headquarters, and Director of the Maritime Domain Awareness Program Integration Office. Rear Admiral Nimmich was promoted to flag rank in July 2005. Rear Admiral Nimmich has served aboard the USCGC's WOOD- RUSH and MESQUITE and has commanded the Cutters POINT ESTERO, RED BEECH, and SORREL. Rear Admiral Nimmich has also served as Commander, Coast Guard Group Key West and has held various staff assignments in both Districts and Headquarters including the Office of Operational Law Enforcement, the Office of Budget and Planning and Policy, and Deputy Chief of Staff of the Coast Guard. Rear Admiral Nimmich‘s personal awards include a Defense Superior Service Medal, the Legion of Merit (with 3 Gold Stars), Meritorious Service Medal, the Coast Guard Commendation Medal (with three stars and operational ‗O‘ device), the Coast Guard Achievement Medal (with two stars and operational ‗O‘ device), the Commandant‘s Letter of Commendation (with star and operational ‗O‘ device) and the Department of Transportation 9-11 Medal.

Cannon

COL Charles C. Lucas salutes: CPT John Williams, NC, 2nd Continental Line, Revolutionary War And

John Lucas, settled in NC in 1750, received Letters Patent and Coat of Arms from the Lord Lyon 2009

1SG Gerard V. Gioia in memory of BG Malcolm Smith whose kindness and generosity of spirit are missed

CPL Robert C Grant honors the dedication of his sponsors, LTC Dan King and Mr. Michael Handy

MSG John Mauk Hilliard honors the memory of COL Jeffrey Fulton and COL Harding Isaccson

Salutes

SGT Ron Peters in loving memory of his parents - Louis and Ruth Peters

LTC Allen I. Milman salutes COL Raymond B. Shepherd (USAF-Ret)

MAJ Jim Roberts to my dearest and most missed friend, Rest in Peace , Brother Dan .

WO1 James Waddington honors the memory of Fred T. Fay, June Waddington‘s father, who died in December at the age of 101

Journal Committee

The Veteran Corps of Artillery of the State of New York thanks the members of the Journal Committee whose tireless efforts made the Annual Mess Dinner and the journal possi- ble:

Ken Cullen Justin Gorkic Richard A. Gregory Stephen Hefler Khris Karastathis Charles C. Lucas David J. Ramsay Robert Zito

The Honorable Order of Molly Pitcher

is bestowed by the U.S. Field Artillery Association (USFAA) and the Air Defense Artillery Association (ADAA) to recognize women who have voluntarily contributed in a significant way to the improvement of the U.S. Field Artillery or Air Defense Artillery Communities..

Ms. Mathilda Klinke Mrs. Diana Farkas Ms. Linda MacGregor Mrs. Louise Gandert Ms. Priscilla McOstrich Mrs. Lynn Jenkins Ms. Sandra Packard Mrs. Sherry Laue Ms. Carla Schauffler Mrs. Nancy Lercara Ms. Virginia Smith Mrs. Carolyn Ramsay Ms. Patricia Yasek Ms. Trudy Schroeder Ms. Nancy French Ms. Marilyn Castaldi Ms. Anita Ropitsky Mrs. Anna VanSyckle Mrs. Joan Bedlivy Mrs. June Waddington Mrs. Paquita Beglan Ms. Edith Kuzenko Mrs. Lisa Clarkson Ms. Yolande Laue Mrs. Judith Connelly Mrs. Anne Ryan Mrs. Naomi Cusack

This page is dedicated to our Molly Pitchers by Myron C. Smith, M.D. of the Military Society of the War of 1812 Photograph taken by the BBC on November 2nd, 2009 The Veteran Corps of Artillery in the official welcome of the newly constructed USS New York as it sails into New York Harbor for its’ commissioning ceremonies The ship paused off Battery Park City to fire a 21 gun salute in memory of those lost during the 9/11 attack on the World Trade Tower Photograph taken by the BBC on November 2nd, 2009 The Veteran Corps of Artillery in the official welcome of the newly constructed USS New York as it sails into New York Harbor for its’ commissioning ceremonies The ship paused off Battery Park City to fire a 21 gun salute in memory of those lost during the 9/11 attack on the World Trade Tower

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DEVELOPMENT CORP.

Pantelis K. Fakiris

Congratulates the Veteran Corps of Artillery of the State of New York on their 220th Annual Mess Dinner

13-15 37TH AVENUE, LONG ISLAND CITY, NY 11101 Tel: (718) 392-6858, Fax: (718) 729-4160, www.summitwaterproofing.com

The Veterans of the Seventh Regiment congratulate the Veteran Corps of Artillery on their 220 years of service to the State and Nation

Congratulations to the Corps on their 220th Mess Dinner!

Commercial & Residential Construction—Licensed & Fully Insured

23-56 Steinway Street, Astoria, NY 11105 (C): 917-335-7623 (T): 718-777-1040 (F): 718-777-1041 [email protected] Bill Panousopoulos

The Commandant and the Board of Directors of The Knickerbocker Greys Congratulate the Veteran Corps of Artillery on its 220th Mess Dinner

LTC David Menegon Commandant

Congratulations to the Veterans Corps of Artillery and to the enlightened leadership of its Commandant, Colonel Charles C. Lucas, Jr., M.D., on the dual occasion of their220th Annual Mess Dinner and the issuance of their premiere Journal

ARNOLD ALBERT, B G, N Y G,-Ret, COL, VCA SNY, Ret,-LTC, U S A, Ret The Military Society of the War of 1812 Expresses its deepest gratitude to Rear Admiral Joseph L. Nimmich And the United States Coast Guard For their dedicated service to our nation.

www.MilitarySocietyOfTheWarOf1812.org

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Congratulate the Veteran Corps of Artillery on its legacy of 220 years of outstanding service to the nation The Veteran Corps of Artillery Salutes Rear Admiral Joseph L. Nimmich And the United States Coast Guard COL Charles C. Lucas, Commandant

Gallatin & Company, LLC wishes to recognize the members of the Veteran Corps of Artillery who have served their nation and state in every military conflict over the course of the past two hundred and twenty years.

GALLATIN & COMPANY, LLC REGISTERED INVESTMENT ADVISER TARRYTOWN, NEW YORK 10591 (914) 909-3951 Khris Karastathis Architects & A Design Built Group ARCHITECTS—CONTRACTORS Salutes the Corps on its 220th Mess

410 E. 51 STREET, NEW YORK, NY 10022 T:212 355-8787, C:917 519-8787, F:212 355-1955 [email protected], [email protected] www.karastathis.com

COL Charles C. Lucas Commandant, VCASNY

Salutes the Veteran Corps of Artillery of the State of New York on its 220th Annual Mess Dinner

The Military Order of the World Wars is proud to be a part of the celebration of Veteran Corps of Artillery’s 220th Annual Mess Dinner

435 North Lee Street, Alexandria, VA 22314 877-320-3774 (toll free) Email: [email protected] HUZZAH! TO THE CORPS ON ITS 220TH MESS DINNER

37-51 76th Street,2nd Floor Jackson Heights, NY 11372 Tel: 347-4CAPEMS www.CAPEMS.com

THE ORDER OF LAFAYETTE

Salutes the United States Coast Guard

And Congratulates the Veteran Corps of Artillery on 220 Years of service A proud supporter, a grateful Nation LTC Bruce A. Laue PRESIDENT GENERAL [email protected]

Congratulations to the VCA on its 220th anniversary of distinguished service to our State and Nation.

Best regards, Robert N. McKay, Esq. (Past President, Sons of the Revolution in the State of New York, Inc.) Old Guard of the City of New York Salutes The Veteran Corps of Artillery in the State of New York Colonel Arthur Gallagher Commandant

The Old Guard Ball is scheduled for January 29, 2010 For details please contact the Old Guard 207 West 91st Street, New York, NY 10024 [email protected]

Accolades & Blessings to the V.C.A. on your 220th Annual Mess Dinner

CWO2 CHARLES JOSEPH LERCARA CHAPLAIN ASSISTANT VCASNY (LTC. N.Y.G. RET.) AND MRS. NANCY N. LERCARA, MOLLY PITCHER

Congratulations to the Veteran Corps of Artillery on their Gelati—Paste—Pizze—Caffe— 220th Annual Mess Corporate Party Room— Specialties to Order Dinner! 46-31 /46-33 / 46-35 Vernon Blvd, LIC, NY 11101 t: 718.937.1312 fax: 718.937.1322 Major General David J. Ramsay wishes in particular to thank BG John L. Beglan Jr. COL Kenneth B. Zorn CSM Gary C. Hess for their support while Commanding the Corps.

The Centennial Legion of Historic Military Commands Congratulates the Veteran Corps of Artillery on their 220th Mess Dinner

WARMEST REGARDS, LTC ROGER LEVY DIRECTOR, NEW YORK STATE AND MRS. ROGER LEVY

Our warmest wishes to the Veteran Corps !

MAJ Jim Roberts, VCASNY & Ms. Trudy Schroeder LTC Stephen J. Ryan, MAJ David Ryan, MAJ Andrew Ryan, VCASNY, is on active USAR, (PVT) USAR (PVT duty with the 82nd VCASNY), is on active VCASNY) just re- Airborne Division in duty in Iraq as XO of turned from Afghani- Afghanistan (2nd the 395th CSSB (3rd stan with the 101st Tour). tour). Airborne Division.

A Proud Father: COL Herbert F. Ryan, VCASNY , MG NYG (RET) Congratulations from

I wish the Veteran Corps of Artillery many more years of service to the United States and the State of New York.

LTC Howard A. Singer, VCASNY

Best wishes to the Corps for continued success on the occasion of your 220th Mess Dinner.

TAK TAK TAILOR by Michael Zee Tailor to the Corps L093, New World Center TST Kowloon, Hong Kong www.taktaktailor.com

"WASHINGTON REBUKES LEE AT THE ," THIS FAMOUS PAINTING OF MOLLY PITCHER BY JOHN WARD DUNSMORE (1856-1945), A LIFE LONG MEMBER OF THE CORPS, WAS BEAUTIFULLY RESTORED THANKS TO FUNDING BY THE VCA. IT NOW IS PROMINENTLY DISPLAYED ON THE THIRD FLOOR OF THE MUSEUM AT 54 . IT IS BUT ONE OF A SERIES OF DRAMATIC PAINTINGS BY DUNSMORE THAT ILLUSTRATE EVENTS FROM THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. MOLLY PITCHER: THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR HEROINE IN THE BATTLE OF MONMOUTH Molly Pitcher was born Mary Ludwig on October 13, 1754 near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She eventually married William Hays, and when her husband enlist- ed in the First Pennsylvania Artillery of the Continental Army, Molly traveled with him to battle. Mary Ludwig Hays earned her nickname of "Molly Pitcher" during the Battle of Monmouth, because she delivered pitcher after pitcher of water to the parched and overheated Continental soldiers. In addition, she also cared for the wounded and is said to have carried one Continental soldier to safety. During the battle her husband fell wounded, and Molly immediately took his place at the cannon, enabling his unit to go on. This was only the second time a woman had manned a gun on an American battlefield, the first being Margaret Corbin at Fort Washington in 1776. It is said that after the Battle of Monmouth, General George Washington praised Molly Pitcher's courage, making her a noncommis- sioned officer. After this, she became known as "Sergeant Molly". Molly and her husband returned to Carlisle, Pennsylvania after the Battle of Mon- mouth. William Hays died in 1789 and Molly subsequently married George McCauley. In 1822 the Pennsylvania legislature passed an act "for the relief of Molly McKolly, for her services during the Revolutionary War." She was awarded $40, which was to be paid to her annually for the rest of her life. For decades after the war, American artillerymen continued to raise this tribute to Molly Pitcher: "Drunk in a beverage richer and stronger than was poured that day from Molly Pitcher's pitcher." Molly Pitcher died in Carlisle on January 22, 1832. She is buried in Carlisle with a flagstaff, cannon, and monument at her graveside.