Volume 18 Issue 1 Dedicated to all Combat Infantrymen January 2014
In This Issue You’ll Find: Jodrey To Lead CIA A Short Bio of new National Cdr as the Cover Story The annual listing of CIA Offi- cers and CIA unit locations. A preview of the 2014 convention site and member survey Convention photos and highlights Commander’s Column and Our View How to recommend a future con- vention site Blue Badge’s newest feature Looking Back Division’s Doings, activities that member divisions are engaged in Taps Welcome Mat The readers write, letters to the editor Association information Brother’s –in-arms New membership applications
Jerry Jodrey of Sunbury, OH will lead the Combat Infantrymen’s Association
for the next two years. He is a retired US Army Master Sergeant earning his
CIB in Vietnam. In addition to his CIB other personal and campaign medals
(Continued on page 2)
Page 2 Blue Badge/Admin “Stuff” January 2014 STATEMENT OF ADMINISTRATIVE PUBLICATION GUIDELINES
The Blue Badge is the official publication of the One of the delays that causes some confusion and ag- Combat Infantrymen’s Association. It is published two gravation among members is sometimes perceived as a times a year. Issue 1 covers Jan-June and will be lack of response to the member needs. The staff works published in July; issue 2 covers July-Dec and will be hard to answer your questions, act on your requests, and in published in January. All official information pertaining general be responsive to your needs. One of the problems to the Association will be found here. The Blue Badge encountered is requests being sent to the wrong place. In is intended to keep you informed about the activities order to simplify the process, the following GUIDELINES of the Association, not necessarily the entire veterans’ have been established. Please use them: community. So, even though such items may be of interest to some members, you will not normally find Articles to be printed in the Blue Badge including letters articles pertaining to veterans’ benefits or other veter- to the editor; poems, personal stories, etc, ans’ issues in the Blue Badge. Items pertaining to the annual convention Each member is encouraged to communicate with Taps notices the Blue Badge. Give us your ideas, comments, and Address changes complaints. Give us your human interest stories, Failure to receive a Blue Badge share personal memories from your days in combat Requests for additional Blue Badges and the aftermath. Tell us what your unit is doing. Be- cause of the volume of mail received, sometimes we Send to: cannot print all of the letters. But be assured that Larry Eckard every letter is read and considered. Space is also a Editor, Blue Badge consideration. The Blue Badge must be printed in PO Box 11438 multiples of four pages, i. e. 8 pages, 12 pages, 16 Hickory, NC 28603 pages, etc. Sometimes we have too much for, let’s FAX: 828 -256-6559 E-mail: [email protected] say 20 pages, but not enough for 24 pages, some When corresponding, please give your name, CIA #, ad- things may have to wait. dress, phone number, and e-mail address. The Blue Badge is not a political tool. Articles por- This type of information should only be sent via e-mail, fax, traying a political position or negative or demeaning to or thru US Postal Service, not via telephone . another member will not be printed. We do not accept Items sent by e-mail will be given preference. any type of advertising (except for Gold Support
Charleston, SC 570-784-1653 CIA Units 843-763-3316 [email protected] (Continued from page 3) [email protected] 580-332-8811 South Carolina CDR: Open [email protected] SC C 1 1: CDR: William Huffaker Tennessee CDR: Frank Fox (membership expired 03/12) Hendersonville, TN Div 5 OK HQ 1 1 Myrtle Beach, SC 615-822-5656 CDR: William Cox 843-655-5862 [email protected] Konowa, OK [email protected] 580-235-6279 Virginia CDR: Melvin Littig [email protected] SC HQ 1 1: CDR Aaron Rochester Woodbridge, VA West Union, SC 703-494-4878 Div 5 KS HQ 1 1 (Ft Scott) 864-638-6805 [email protected] CDR: Ross Bryant [email protected] ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 620-223-4733 Division 8 [email protected] WV Hq 1 1 CDR: John Bartlett (0 sub units) Kingwood, WV (New York) Div 5 KS A 1 1 (Topeka) 270-564-6610 CDR: John w. Halladay [email protected] DIV CDR: Perry Marchigiani 785-766-19141 914-457-4440 [email protected] NC Hq 1 1 CDR: Ray Dunn [email protected] Whittier, NC ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Div 5 CO HQ 1 1 (Evergreen) 828-497-6374 Division 9 (Inactive) [email protected] (3 sub units) ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ (CT, MA, ME, NH, RI, VT) Div 6 FL OH Hq 1 1 CDR: Chris Callen (3 sub units) Westerville, OH DIV CDR: Michael Prestianni (AL, GA, FL, MS, PR) 614-899-2541 Framingham, MA DIV CDR: Jack Wagner [email protected] 508-879-5209 239-826-6062 [email protected] [email protected] Div 7 State Commanders NE Hq 1 1CDR: Michael Prestianni FL (SW) A 1 1: CDR: Jack Wagner Indiana CDR: Randall Lusk Framingham, MA 239-826-6062 Henryville, IL 508-879-5209 [email protected] 502-553-7036 [email protected] [email protected] Div 6 GA A 1 1 A 1 1 NE (RI) CDR: Albert Guarniri Jr Illinois CDR: Robert Fitts N. Providence, RI Div 6 AL A 1 1 Rock Island, IL 401-231-9258 ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 309-793-1292 [email protected] Division 7 [email protected] (7 sub units) B 1 1 NE (CT) CDR: David Harris (DE, KY, IL, IN, MD, MI, NC, NJ, New Jersey CDR: James Jenkins Hamden, CT OH, PA, SC, TN, VA, WV) Roselle, NJ 475-238-6444 908-245-0421 ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ DIV CDR: Henry Baker [email protected] Division 10 171 Throne Cir SE (Hawaii) Cleveland, TN 37323-0957 North Carolina CDR: Jonathan Morris DIV CDR: Henry Pascua Salisbury, NC 423-339-0957 808-668-1972 218-220-1150 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]
SC A 1 1: CDR: James Brigman III HQ 1 1 CDR: Henry Pascua Ohio CDR: Chris Callen Lexington, SC 808-668-1972 Westerville, OH 803-394-7637 [email protected] 614-946-2238 [email protected]
A 1 1 CDR: Pennsylvania CDR: John Bauer SC B 1 1: CDR: Michael Manigault Dale E Wilson Bloomsburg, PS (Continued on page 5) Page 5 Blue Badge/ 2014 Convention Site Preview January 2014
ing yourself to the membership. All ride, explore the amazing wildlife CIA Units members in good standing are eligi- park full of zebras, watusi, deer, wa- ble and encouraged to submit their ter buffalo, emu, wild boar and mon- (Continued from page 4) name. ster alligators. Visit the tropical bird Mountain View, HI In addition to the Disney attrac- aviary, hands-on alligator demonstra- 808-756-0935 tions (which everyone knows about tions, gift shop, 500 ft. sightseeing [email protected] and won’t be described herein), Kis- dock and nature trails. For lunch on Ed Note: This list of National CIA units simmee offers a host of off site ac- your own try the delicious barbeque is as up-to-date as possible—based on tivities for members and guests. If with smoked ribs, chicken, pulled the input received. It is the responsibil- you are a golfer, there are many pork, fried alligator and even frog ity of each DIVISION COMMANDER quality courses available. If there is legs. to review these listings and make the enough interest a CIA golf tourna- GatorLand: “Alligator Capitol of the database manager aware of any ment can be arranged one day. You world.” Gatorland is just the place to changes or corrections. We highly rec- may indicate your interest in the find a whole bunch of these native ommend you keep this issue of Blue survey found in the next column. critters. After more than 50 years, Badge because this entire list will not Following is a brief description of Gatorland remains one of Central be printed again until Jan 2015. just a few of Kissimmee’s sights and Florida's most popular theme parks, attractions . offering an action-packed visit filled Museum of Military History: with alligators, man-eating croco- Kissimmee, FL diles, colorful birds and slithery rep- tiles. A 2,000-foot boardwalk winds Will Host 2014 through a natural cypress swamp allowing an up close look at a wildlife preserve, breeding marshes, alligator Convention nurseries and rearing ponds. Catch the shows with humans interacting The 2014 Combat Infantrymen’s Association annual convention will with these living dinosaurs, including the classic Gator Jumparoo, where be held in Kissimmee, FL October 2- huge American alligators leap from 5 at the Ramada Gateway Hotel. A the water to chomp chickens dan- gling from lines. Alligator wrestling “Educating the world abut the cost and creepy critter shows educate of freedom.” The mission of the their audiences with reptile trivia museum is to increase awareness, while performing amazing stunts. build knowledge and understanding Fantasy of Flight: of the American military experience through interactive and interpretive exhibits designed for visitors of all ages. The wide range of exhibits will interest and impress you. complete itinerary and registration Wildlife Park & Air Boat Rides: details will be published in the next Blue Badge and posted on the web- site. Make you plans now to attend. The Ramada Gateway is extend- ing the best rates we have experi- enced in years—maybe ever. We are Features the greatest private collec- confident that cost will not prevent tion of aircraft in the world with inter- you from attending. One order of business will be active exhibits, flight simulators and Travel deep into the protected daily flight demonstrations. Exhibits electing a new Deputy Commander. swamps, marshes and rivers that include a simulated WW II Officer’s If you are interested in serving the make up the Central Florida Ever- Club somewhere in the Pacific, and Association in this capacity please glades. Get an in depth look at the dozens and dozens of aircraft from contact the National Commander gators, birds, eagles, trees and the earliest days of aviation until to and give him your name and qualifi- plants that can be found in these day. From the lobby, guests walk cations. Also, please send your bi- beautiful wetlands. This is Natural into the interior of a World War II-era ography to the Blue Badge introduc- Florida at its best! After the airboat (Continued on page 6) Page 6 Blue Badge/ Convention Survey January 2014
of space science and discovery. Convention Survey Kissimmee Millions each year make their way Please help select the convention agenda to the heart of America’s space pro- by completing the below survey. Return (Continued from page 5) gram for NASA’s inspiring stores. your survey to: Douglas C-47 Skytrain complete Walk the grounds and experience Convention Survey with lighting and sound effects as if the journey of the pioneers of space c/o CIA Reunion Manager the aircraft were conducting para- exploration—the men and women of PO Box 11438 trooper operations. Guests pass a heroic endeavors. Come see the Hickory, NC 28603 seated paratrooper in full kit and technology that took us to the moon move forward toward the Jumpmas- – and will take us there again. This Please indicate your choices below: ter figure standing at the open side is home to America’s Space Shuttle, hatch. Over the hatch blinks a red the last place on earth for Interna- Would you rather : "Ready" light which switches to a tional Space Station hardware, and Have a welcome reception as an “ice green "Jump" light as the guest ap- where probes are sent deep into breaker” the first evening ______proaches the hatch. Other immer- space. There is much more, includ- OR sion environments include a ing the Astronauts Hall of Fame. Just register and be on your own for "sensation of flight" simulator. Then, Golf: We don’t have a good feel for the evening ______a passage covered by heavy shrap- the number of golfers so before nel-resistant curtains leads you into making any arrangements there is a Have breakfast included in the a full-scale representation of the need to have some idea of the inter- room rate/convention cost ____ trench warfare of World War I, com- est. There are numerous high qual- OR plete with aircraft overhead. The ity golf courses that you can play as Have breakfast on your own ______final immersion display includes the individuals (make you own tee collection's Boeing B-17 Flying For- times) of if there is enough interest Have dinner Friday night in the tress housed in a large darkened a CIA golf tournament can be estab- room staged to appear as a winter hotel as a group ______lished. If you have any interest in OR evening at RAF Horham, home of playing golf, please so indicate on the 95th Bombardment Group Have dinner on your own ______the survey sheet and return it to the OR (Heavy) during World War II. The Reunion Manager. Go out for dinner to one of the din- full-scale diorama, complete with Theme Parks: Sea World Orlando, ner theaters ______ground vehicles, outbuildings and Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, landscaping, represents a mainte- Epcot Center to name a few. These Attractions I’d like to visit: nance area. theme parks are all in/near Kissim-
Capone’s Dinner and Show: Jour- mee. They are great places for Museum of Military History ______ney back in time to Gangland Chi- families with kids or grandkids—not Wild Florida Airboat Rides ______cago with a delightful and colorful too great for aging infantrymen. Gatorland ______cast of characters. Miss Jewel is They are best visited on your own at Fantasy of Flight ______Al’s gal and Bunny-June is the ditzy your own pace. However, we have Kennedy space Center ______blonde. Bugsy Moran is trying to enough interest to quality for group Capone’s Dinner & Show ______take over the speakeasy and fire- rates every effort will be made to Medieval Times ______works are sure to follow. The all you acquire tickets and transportation. It can eat buffet is an epicurean de- is fair to point out there is a steep If you are not interested in golf, leave light. You’ll have a blast. admission fee. The good side of this the below section blank. Medieval Times: The pageantry is we are going to Kissimmee the and thrills of an authentic medieval very slowest time of the year (by I’d like to play in a foursome but not in tournament come to life inside the design) therefore hotel rates are a tournament ______wall’s of the King’s 11th century- half or less than peak summer sea- style castle. Six armor-clad Knights son. Without having the entire itiner- I am interested in playing in a golf tour- on valiant horses seek the title of ary developed we can tell you this nament with other CIA members _____ Champion amidst the clashing of will be the least expensive conven- lance and shield and heart pound- tion in recent memory—or perhaps Please leave your name below so we can ing combat. The food is equally fan- forever. contact you if there is enough interest in tastic. In order to give everyone a voice golf Kennedy Space Center: A short in selecting the convention agenda, Name: ______bus ride from Kissimmee will take please complete and return the at- you to the Kennedy Space Center, tached survey The agenda will be E-mail address: ______gateway to space exploration for the developed based on the responses. past 50 years. It is the launch site Page 7 Blue Badge/Convention Highlights January 2014 The Convention
Thursday was the big day, the reason for coming to Co- lumbia and Fort Jackson. The government shutdown had an impact on our visit but it was still a great day. We started with breakfast in the hotel restaurant. Today breakfast was from a “limited order” menu and was OK. After eating and Night view of the Holiday Inn Airport, host hotel for the brushing our teeth everyone boarded the motor coach (we 2013 Combat Infantrymen’s Association 2013 annual no longer have busses, they are motor coaches) and convention. headed for Gate 4, Fort Jackson and the recruit graduation Wednesday October 16 was the first day of the ceremony. 1lt Macioce from the Ft Jackson Public Affairs 2013 annual convention. Registration began and the Office met us at the gate and escorted the group to the hospitality room opened shortly before noon. In the graduation. Upon arrival at Hilton Field Ltc James Allen, below photo Jim Kyzer is the first pre-registered mem- Commander (see photo below) of the 1st Bn, 61st Inf Regt, ber to sign in at the registration desk. Jim is receiving (the graduating battalion) boarded the coach and personally his registration packet from Brenda Eckard who han- welcomed the Combat Infantrymen’s Association to the dled the registrations and fielded forty hundred ques- ceremony. Members of the staff escorted us to our reserved tions from members and guests. Our thanks to her for seats directly in front of the reviewing stand—best seats in being there to assist the membership. the house.
Seventeen CIA members arrived throughout the day on Wednesday, most coming a day early to make the trip to Ft Jackson for Thursday’s recruit graduation Prior to graduation ceremony the 282nd Army band (below) ceremony. Except for the hospitality room, there were entertained the audience. no planned activities for the day, so the “room” got a lot of action. Most members had dinner in the hotel restaurant and called it a night. The photo at the top of the next column shows Inge Kyzer (left) and Judy Thornburg (right). They are the two ladies responsible for maintaining our hospitality room throughout the four day event. They insured the room was well supplied with snacks, coffee and soft drinks. Their good looks, wit, charm, and feminine wiles didn’t hurt either! Their hard work is appreciated very much by the association members. Page 8 Blue Badge/Ft Jackson Highlights January 2014
The Colors are advanced signifying the opening of the ceremony.
Anyone who was ever stationed at or took basic training at Ft Jackson is familiar with this landmark, the water tank on “Tank Hill’. No, the tank is not leaning, the cam- era was tilted. Many of us remember the old PX annex that sat there and the wooden WW II type barracks that lined the streets nearby. What a contrast to the modern troop barracks pictured above!
“Sir”, Company B is formed. Following the graduation and the long wait to get out of Ltc James C. Allen, Commanding Officer 1/61st Inf, was the parking lot we had a riding tour of Fort Jackson nar- the featured speaker at the ceremony. He congratulated rated by Stan Thornburg who pointed out the some of the 1,002 graduates and wished them a successful Army training areas, troop barracks, recreation facilities, clubs, career. He then gave the command, “Pass in review”. exchange, commissary etc. At the conclusion of the rid-
ing tour we went to the NCO club for lunch.
Above is the welcome sign that was posted in the NCO Club lobby. The buffet lunch was good also and pre- sented the opportunity to meet some of the active duty soldiers. Page 9 Blue Badge/Convention Highlights January 2014
Once back at the hotel the group found that Judy and Inge had the hospitality ready with much ap- preciated coffee, soft drinks and snacks. First busi- ness of the afternoon was to see who had arrived during the visit to Ft Jackson. At 1700 hrs the evening’s activities began with a social hour and hors d’oeuvres. National Com- mander Bill Cross (below) welcomed everyone to the convention and introduced members attending for the first time and cordially invited them to con- tinue their support of the association.
Above is Stan Thornburg and 1lt Macioce relaxing after lunch. Note the CIB the Lt is wearing. Did anyone recruit him into membership? His name is not on the master roster. Be- low Lorenzo Ortega and another member are relaxing after lunch. Below that Nick Hubbell (chief of staff) facing the cam- era, and other members wait to board the bus outside the
It was a long day so no further activities were planned for the evening. Most had dinner in the hotel restaurant and made an early exit to their rooms. Friday dawned crisp, cool, and moist but it did not dampen anyone’s spirit After breakfast in the hotel restaurant the CIA tourists boarded the mo- tor coach for a tour of our host city, Columbia, SC. As we traveled along the guide pointed out some of Columbia’s history, culture and heritage. Some of the educational and interesting stops made included the South Carolina State Museum , The Military Museum, State House, National Guard Museum. Between the museum visits and the riding tour of Columbia, a stop for lunch—on our own—was made at the Lizzard Thicket restaurant. the club. From there we were off to the Ft Jackson museum Meanwhile back at the ranch, all was not play. where we were met by our guide (and heaven help me I for- Bill Cross, Earl Kennedy and their team of vote got her name) for a tour of the museum which was laid out counters counted almost 900 ballots to elect a following the sequence of training that the recruits follow. new National Commander. The result was kept First week, the shots, haircuts, clothing issue, right through secret until the announcement was made at the the 10th week and graduation. To say the least it was an general membership meeting. Thanks to the interesting tour and we all left with a better sense of under- members of the team who gave up their day to standing of today’s recruit training. Outside the museum was count votes. a display of vehicles that most were familiar with. Of particu- When the tour group returned, again Inge and lar interest was the “jeep” that was used from WWII on Judy had the hospitality room ready for business through the Viet Nam years. We understand jeeps are a now After a few refreshments in the hospitality room considered a “relic”. everyone moved on and got ready for the eve- (Continued on page 10) Page 10 Blue Badge/Convention Highlights January 2014
The evening began with Mess Call signifying that eve- Convention Recap ryone should take their seats. After the playing of the National Anthem, outgoing National Commander Bill (Continued from page 9) Cross opened the festivities by welcoming everyone and ning’s activities. At 1800 hrs the social hour began fol- proposing a toast to the United States of America. Other lowed by a leisurely three entrée dinner buffet—which by members proposed additional toasts. Then dinner was the way was outstanding—equal to any mess hall. After served. dinner the remainder of the evening was spent enjoying Thanks again to the efforts of Stan Thornburg and Jim the comradeship of other combat infantrymen. Kyzer the members of the 282nd Army band played Following Saturday morning’s breakfast the general membership meeting was held, National Commander Bill Cross presiding. Jerry Jodrey of Sunbury, OH was elected as the new Commander. See the cover story and his Commander’s Column for more details on Jerry. James Bourgeois has a year to go on his term as Deputy Commander. A new deputy will be elected at the next convention in Kissimmee, FL. Below Jerry is shown being sworn into office. Immediately below Jerry is Henry Baker being sworn in as Commander of Division 7.
some pre and after-dinner music. They were invited to have dinner with us and band members sat at different tables with our members and seemed to thoroughly enjoy the evening with us. The very special guest speaker for the evening was Command Sergeant Major Kevin Benson.
Kissimmee, FL was reaffirmed as the 2014 convention site. This year we will return to the regular four day– three (Thursday—Sunday) night convention. Dates are set for October 02-05 at the Ramada Gateway hotel. Please do not try and make reservations until the reunion details are published. More information will be in the July issue of CSM Benson was accompanied by his lovely wife, Mary. BB. Then it was banquet time. Ladies spent the after- He spoke to us on the state of today’s Army, the training, noon primping and the gentlemen did the famed 5 s’ - the strain of multiple deployments and family welfare. As (blank), shine, shave, shower, shampoo and the end re- you can see the CSM is a proud CIB holder. He and sult was pretty good. A number of members are still able Mary were warmly received by the membership and we to get into their uniforms and proudly wore them to the hope to see him at a future CIA reunion (especially since banquet. (Continued on page 11) Page 11 Blue Badge/Convention Highlights January 2014 Convention Highlights commander.
(Continued from page 10) he planning to retire in February 2014. CSM Benson serves as the Command Sergeant Major of Fort Jackson. The memorial service paying tribute to deceased mem- bers was conducted by National Chaplain Col (Ret) Ralph Smith assisted by Bill Cross.
After accepting the flag, signifying his assumption of command, new National Commander Jerry Jodrey spoke to the membership. He thanked them for the honor of being elected to the pinnacle of leadership within the CIA and promised his best efforts. He asked for everyone’s support and promised his best efforts to lead the asso- ciation in achieving the future goals that he briefly out- lined. Good Luck Jerry, we are all with you.
Here we have a not-so- common occurrence, a father and son, Charles T. Gary, Sr and Charles T. Gary, Jr. attending the Saturday night banquet together. Charles, Sr is a CIA member. We’ll let you figure out which is which. One is wearing a CIB, does that help? We wonder how many other sons or daughters could join us. They’d be wel- come. If you have a son or daughter who served The Remembrance Table above was one of the key- they are a prime Support stones of the service. Group candidate. Following the memorial service Commander Bill Cross awarded several plaques and other awards to members At the left is one of the for their contributions to the Association. “unsung heroes” Brenda The final event of the evening was the formal change Eckard who manned the of command ceremony. Just prior to the passing of the registration desk and flag, outgoing Commander Bill Cross made his final re- fielded dozens of ques- marks by saying it had been a challenge and an honor to tions from members. serve the association. He thanked the membership for their support and especially the volunteers who helped carry the load. He urged the officers and members to fully support the incoming commander and help him adjust and carry out his own ideas and agenda. With those words. the flag was passed and we had a new Page 12 Blue Badge/Convention Photos January 2014 Random Photos from the 2013 Banquet
Jim Kyzer (left) and Stan Thornburg (right) received a framed poem about the Vietnam wall for their services to the Associa- tion. Both were instrumental in getting us on and arranging the tour of Ft Jackson. In addition Jim is a past commander of Div 7 and leaves big shoes to follow. For the record, their wives, Judy and Inge “manned” the hospitality room
Above, banquet Guest Speaker CSM Kevin Benson is delivering his message to CIA members. Below, first time attendees Ronald and Irene Walker enjoying the banquet. We hope to see them in Kissimmee in 2014.
Allen Matthews (left) dressed in the VFW uniform. Right CSM Ted Jackson looks ready to hump another rucksack for 10 mi.
Left is CSM Stan Thornburg and wife Judy; at the right is CSM James Bourgeois and wife Erika. Notice how many Command Sergeants Major we have in the association?
Col David and Pat Ulmer enjoying the Saturday night banquet. Col Ulmer is the CIA’s Chief Trustee.
On the left Paul Birschbach and Nancy Lee and on the right and John and Sharon Korosec pose for the camera at the banquet. Left Ray and Marlene Dunn listening intently to their table- mate’s Conversation. Ray is the Association Monument Chairman. Page 13 Blue Badge/Commentary/News/Views January 2014
but we do hope you had a very Merry tlefield commission and served as a Christmas and the new year brings platoon leader with Easy Company you nothing but good things. recently joined the association. Ed The recent convention was an- retired as a Colonel. other success and once again I’d like The Band of Brothers was made to thank Jim Kyzer and Stan Thorn- famous by the HBO TV series dedi- burg for the arrangements they made cated to recounting Easy Company’s at Ft Jackson and their wives, Inge role in WW II from Normandy to Hit- and Judy for stocking and staffing ler’s Eagle Next. We are proud to the hospitality room. have Col Shames as a member, and You can read about the conven- hope to have the opportunity to meet tion activities elsewhere in the Blue him at a future convention. Badge. ______Commander’s Some information about the ac- tivities and attractions that are avail- Column able in Kissimmee, FL are also in Looking For this issue. We had in the neighbor- Hello my fellow combat infantry hood of 900 members vote for a new Convention association members. I would first commander. We’d love to have that like to start off by saying, thank you many responses to the survey which Sites in advance for your support. As the asks for your input and preferences new National Commander for the for the 2014 convention agenda. It The method of site selection (city) next two years I am looking forward may sound a little crude, but if you for the National Convention has been in working with everyone at all levels. don’t return the survey with your a subject of conversation for a num- The CIA organization is one of the opinions, don’t complain about the ber of years, especially since the past finest in the United States Army, be agenda. three (next year in Kissimmee, FL) will ever mind-full that you are part of it. This is the first issue of the elec- have been held in the southeast. As veterans, we can build on this to tronic edition of the Blue Badge. We Some have wondered, justifiably so, enhance our visibility around the hope the color enhancements and why not spread it over the country world. early arrival will help show our appre- more. Let’s go back and see how it all I’d like to see participation from ciation for participating the electronic stared and go forward from there. the divisions, state and sub-units distribution. Initially, members attending the with your local papers and veterans If you haven't already, annual business meeting at the National Con- organizations’. This would be a (regular or support) members will vention would nominate a city. Usually quicker way to get the word out soon receive your renewal notice. several cities would be nominated, about OUR organization. Remember, Please continue to support the CIA and one of those cities would be se- following the bi-laws will continue to by renewing your membership. Life lected as the next convention site. strengthen our organization. members will (or have already) re- The down side of that was very little There are changes that have ceive a “stay in touch” letter from the consideration was given to the facili- been made on the staff level. First I commander just to let you know you ties and/or attractions available in that would like to announce Chris Callen have not been forgotten. If you would location. Also, some felt that the gen- as our new Financial Officer and our like to make a donation to the asso- eral membership, not just those at the associate financial officer will be Tif- ciation, it would be welcome. convention, should have a voice in the fany Smith a support member from ______site selection. After much discussion Ohio. Tiffany will be assigned the the membership approved a By-Laws everyday operations of the national, change, changing the way the con- with the guidance of the financial Band of Broth- vention site was selected—and under- officer Chris Callen. stand, this was a change approved at Feel free to contact me at ers Member a voter’s meeting (22 October 2011) [email protected] —not by the just Association Officers. or my personal phone # 614-753- Joins CIA The current method is that each 6904. member is encouraged to submit his recommendation for a convention city A member of one of one of the to the National Commander. Each
Our View Army’s most famous WW II units, recommendation should summarize By Larry Eckard, Editor Blue Badge Easy Company, 506th Abn Inf, 101st why the nominated city would be a Abn Div has become a member of good site. The Commander will share Christmas and the New year will the Combat Infantrymen’s Associa- (Continued on page 14) have passed before you read this, tion. Ed Shames, who earned a bat- Page 14 Blue Badge/Pace Setters January 2014
finding a cache of supplies. In the Site Selection far right column is a photo of Earl’s son Patrick, from his days in the 506th during the First Gulf War. (Continued from page 13) these nominations with the Deputy Commander and Convention Man- ager and those three will select the site based on those recommenda- tions. This may not be the perfect way, but it is the system that is now in place. Every single member is encour- aged to submit your nomination, it Patrick Kennedy is on the right. Notice will be considered by the committee. any resemblance?? The 2014 site will be in Kissim- mee, FL and the 2015 location will be San Antonio, TX. Nominations are Former CIA being accepted for cities in 2016 and beyond. Cities in the mid/far west are Commander strongly encouraged. Having an Army post near by is always a plus, Dies although not absolutely necessary as evidenced by the selection of Bran- Former CIA National Commander son, MO, (2009), Myrtle Beach Howard “Ray” Head died in Walhalla, (2011) and Kissimmee in 2014. SC on May 27, 2013. Howard served Until the by-laws are changed as National Commander 1997-1999. (and it can be done) this method will He is best known for borrowing have to remain in place. $10,000.00 from a local bank to keep You can best serve yourself and the CIA afloat, not recouping his ex- the association by making your rec- penses from the association for sev- ommendation to the commander. eral years. Howard earned his CIB in ______Korea as member is his company’s I & R platoon. After the death of his wife, Howard’s health steadily de- Looking Back clined until he was no longer able to participate in organized CIA activities. Looking Back is a new feature of He will be missed. the Blue Badge, focusing on (guess ______what) the past. Every member is en- couraged to submit articles from their military past. Of special interest are XO Candidates father-son/daughter stories. We know there are members with chil- Sought dren who have served/are serving— one father-son combination was at In order to maintain some continu- the most recent convention—see ity in the association leadership, the their picture on page 11. National Commander and Deputy This issue features past National Commander (XO) are elected in alter- Commander Earl Kennedy and his nating years. In 2014 the term of pre- son. Both served in combat, Earl in sent Deputy Commander James Vietnam and Patrick in the First Gulf Bourgeois will expire. Qualified candi- War. Even more unique, both served dates are urged to contact the Na- in the 506th PIR, 101st Abn Division. tional Commander stating their quali- To the right you will see a photo of fications and desire to serve. Each 1LT Earl Kennedy who was serving candidate is urged to submit his re- as a platoon leader in 1-506, and an sume’ to the Blue Badge for publica- article from the Stars & Stripes re- tion, giving the membership the op- porting on Kennedy and his platoon portunity assess his qualifications. Page 15 Blue Badge/Division’s Doings January 2014 Division 1 Hq in WA Plaque Presented On 22 November 2013, the men of Headquarters Com- pany, 1st Battalion, 1st Regiment, 1st Division, Combat Infantrymen's Association met with the director, Thomas Yokes and the newly retired director, James Trimbo of the Tahoma National Cemetery. Both of these men went out of their way to assist us in placing a Combat Infantry- men's monument at the cemetery. A plaque was made with each of their names en- graved. It read as follows; “In appreciation for your dedi- cation, hard work and tireless efforts supporting the men of Combat Infantrymen's Association, 1st BN, 1st RGT, WA.” The event was attended by Daryl Chappel and Jake Robinson. Don Bostic, our past commander who did most of the work to complete the project did the presen- tation. Auburn Parade Auburn Washington is designated by the Veterans Day National Committee and the US Department of Vet- eran Affairs as a Regional site for celebration of Veter- ans Day 2013. Auburn is proud to be a Vietnam War Commemorative partner. Auburn has hosted the Veter- ans Day parade since 1965. Now in its 48th year, the pa- rade has grown into one of the largest Veteran’s Day parades in the United States of America. Auburn’s 2013 parade is paying special tribute to the Paralyzed Veter- ans of America. The purpose of Auburn’s Veterans Day Parade is to positively focus on honoring our country’s veterans and active military personnel. The parade recognition is fo- marks and a short prayer. cused on Veteran Service Organizations and their auxil- The association’s 1st Division Headquarters donated the iaries, the military and reserve military, National Guard plaque, which was approved by Secretary of the Army and ROTC. The goals and purposes of Auburn’s Veter- John M. McHugh before being affixed to the statue. ans Day Parade are to give honor to our country’s mili- JBLM commander Col. H. Charles Hodges Jr. said the tary personnel and veterans and to their military missions plaque was a way to further recognize the service of the of defending freedom around the world. “thousands upon thousands” of infantrymen who have This year for the first time, Headquarters Company, st st come through JBLM. “You always forget that it’s the in- 1 Battalion, 1 Regiment, Combat Infantrymen’s Asso- fantryman who bears the brunt of combat operations, ciation entered the parade. The unit stood tall and looked from World War I to now,” Hodges said. especially good with the lead vehicle being a 1953 The badge is awarded only to infantrymen or Special French Citroen bearing the Combat Infantrymen’s Forces soldiers who serve in combat, Robinson said. guideon on the grille. “When I was in the 101st (Airborne Division) in Vietnam, Plaque Mounted on Iron Mike our cooks went out with us sometimes on patrol, but they Excerpted from an article in the Northwest Guardian on No- didn’t get it,” said Robinson, who is a retired Special vember 21, 2013 written by Jake Dorsey. Forces Soldier. Members of the Combat Infantryman’s Association The plaque adds an extra designator to the “Iron Mike” Tacoma and a small group of former and current service statue. The official name of JBLM’s statue nicknamed members witnessed the mounting of a plaque to the “Iron “Iron Mike” is “The Infantryman,” dedicated in 1964. Mike” statue on Joint Base Lewis-McChord. The iconic The artists were Soldiers assigned to Fort Lewis, Spc. statue stands just beyond Liberty Gate at the southeast Juan J. Guerrero and Pfc. Pekka Kauppi. They were part corner of Tacoma Avenue and 41st Division Road. of the 1st Battalion, 12th Regiment, 4th Infantry Division, The 11 men, representing wars from World War II to said JBLM historian Duane Denfeld. Denfeld said Col. Vietnam, solemnly stood with active duty Soldiers and Robert W. Green, 4th Brigade commander, pointed out to Airmen while Jacob W. Robinson, commander of the (Continued on page 16) association’s 1st Battalion, 1st Regiment, delivered re- Page 16 Blue Badge/ Division’s Doing January 2014
ment to be dedicated to all CIB holders in the Div 5 area Division 1, WA of responsibility. It took a year to get the necessary funds to purchase it (Continued from page 15) and have installed plus the inscriptions. It would be diffi- 4th Inf. Div. and Fort Lewis commander Maj. Gen. Claire cult to name all of the donors that donated money to us Hutchin Jr. that no monument on post honored the infan- but and install the monument, but to name a few; Chicka- trymen serving there, despite its status as an important saw Indian Nation, three banks, plus individual donors— infantry training center since its creation during World and that surprised me (the individual donors) but the War I in 1917. Claire suggested a statue similar to the came forth and supported us. We also sold raffle tickets “Iron Mike” statue at Fort Bragg, N.C., and Green sup- for a .22 caliber rifle. ported the idea, Denfeld said. Guerrero and Kauppi, who had sculpting experience from their civilian lives, crafted the fiberglass-on-iron statue within a year. The statue represents an early Vietnam-era U.S. in- fantryman, equipped with the M14 rifle, instead of the M16, which came later in that conflict. The Army erected it in front of the Nelson Recreation Center, but its first location meant that only Soldiers ever saw the statue, Denfeld said, so in 1992 it was moved to its current location. In fact, the CIB plaque might outlast JBLM’s Iron Mike. Denfeld said that Fort Bragg’s version, which used the same materials as JBLM’s, eventually fell apart. The Army replaced it with a brass version. Div 1 WA would like to recognize John Chestnut who maintains our membership roll. He spends hours using his talents to maintain this complicated set of records. In recognition of his service he was presented a plaque at the massing of the Colors at Ft Lewis, WA.
CIA members and guests who attended the affixing of the plaque to Iron Mike. Division 5 Hq in OK In both photos, Div 5 Commander J. R. Rhodes is standing It has been six years (Veterans Day 2007) since Div 5 on the right of the monument, and Div 5 Executive Officer is installed their CIB monument at the Pontotoc County on the left. Courthouse and dedicated it to all CIB holders. Over three hundred people attended the ceremony, which Just a few days after presenting an artist’s rendition really pleased us. The OK Army National Guard provided of the monument and our desired location to place the the flag detail and other support. Several VIP’s and a lo- monument, the Ponotoc County Commissioners gave cal Protestant minister helped with the dedication. permission to place it with the other military monuments We were (and still are not) interested in bragging rights at the county court house. on the monument (although we are older than some The monument was installed and dedicated on Vet- highly publicized ones). We merely wanted the monu- (Continued on page 17) Page 17 Blue Badge/Division’s Doings January 2014 Division 5 OK (Continued from page 16) eran’s Day 2007. The monument is 3’ wide, 6’ tall and is made of red granite. The top front is inscribed with the words ”The Mission of the Infantry.” In the center, below the mission statement is a replica of the elite Combat Infantrymen’s Badge. At the bottom is the poem “Badge of Glory”. At the time of the inscribing, we did not know the name of the poem’s author so we put anonymous. We later learned the au- Shown in the photo above are l to r, Lorenzo Ortego, thor’s name is Jim Dollar. Don Campen, Allan Eckert, Bob Castillio, Raul Munoz, On the reverse side of the monument, bottom photo, Jesus Rodriguez and Bill (Bud) Mayti. All eight CIA are the names of the charter members of Div 5 Hq 1 1 members in uniform are CIA members, Korean War vet- (Ada, OK). Below the charter member names are the erans, and hold the CIB. names of individual members who have their names in- scribed on the monument. Prior to the dedication we advertised the dedication in Division 6 Hq in FL the local newspaper and sent invitation to several dignitar- Company A-1-1 SWFL has been active in promoting ies. As a result, there were several city, county, and state new membership as well as Supporter/Honorary Mem- officials present. Well over 200 people attended the dedi- bership to the Combat Infantrymen's Association. cation. The local National Guard had the honor of pre- With active new membership on a decline here in senting the National Colors. Southwest Florida, A-1-1 SWFL is attempting to increase In conclusion, the Hq 1 1 Ada OK company received our supporter membership with those veterans that our company charter in March 2007 and immediately served in some other capacity during their service time. started raising the funds for the monument. Between Pictured below is just such a new supporter/honorary March and 31 Oct 2007 we raised over $3,000.00 to pay member is Ace Lee. Ace was a 19 year old B-29 Navi- for the monument. As mentioned earlier, it is not possible gator in the Pacific Theater in 1944 when his aircraft was to credit everyone who contributed, but we greatly appre- hit many times on a bombing run. The crew was told by ciate every person and business who contributed, and we the pilot they were going to have to ditch the aircraft in sincerely thank each and everyone of you. We are very the Pacific. The nine man crew realized they only had 2 proud of our monument and it stands beneath the Ameri- parachutes. Ace told the pilot he knew of a runway in the can Flag and the other military monuments. Philippines. He was not sure if it was completed May God Bless America and continue to protect our though. As the pilot flew the crippled B-29 to the airstrip veterans who are still fighting on foreign battlefields for he also realized the damage would not allow the landing our precious freedom. gear to come down. Ace, a young 2nd Lt., woke up in the ______hospital with a Major (doctor) standing over him telling him he was being sent home. The Major told Ace he may Division 2 Hq in CA never walk again. Ace was so angry he told the Major if he could get out of bed he would knock him down. A Members of Div 2 Hq 2 1 CA attended a luncheon at the nurse came over and told Ace she heard the conversa- Korean Gospel Presbyterian Church honoring American tion and would help him to walk again. Nine months later Korean War Veterans who fought in defense of their Ace was able to walk again. And, that nurse that helped country. They received an Appreciation Awards Plaque him just died last year. She and Ace were married for and other gifts. Presentations are being made below. many years. Only two of the nine survived that B-29 crash. A-1-1 of SWFL and the National CIA were donors/ sponsors of an annual program that has taken place since 2003 at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Cen- ter in Ft Myers, Florida. The program, "PRIDE AND PA- TRIOTISM," Youth Celebrating the Arts and Honoring our Veterans is in partnership with the Southwest Florida Symphony, Lee County School District and Cape Coral Charter Schools is always around Veterans Day. This year the program was on November 7th. Division Com- (Continued on page 18) Page 18 Blue Badge/Division’s Doings January 2014
Ale House. The first picture standing between Dick's Division 6 FL (Battle of the Bulge) better half Ada (looking real good for 90 years young) and Gary's (Iraq War) beautiful daughter (Continued from page 17) (20) who was in town from attending school in Los Ange- mander and A-1-1 Company Commander Jack Wagner les is the President of the Board of Directors for this pro- What an honor for that Jack Wagner Guy to be the thorn gram as well as the host. www.prideandpatriotism.org between two roses.....smile
Above Div 6 Commander Jack Wagner shown with Ace Lee at the end of the Pride and Patriotism program. Below Com- mander Wagoner shown with Co-Host Naval JROTC Com- mander Abby Kingery
The Southwest Florida symphony performing at the annual For those who do not recognize the red shirt, hand on Pride and Patriotism event held on November 7, 2013. the table that is Master Dan Sankoff. No doubt his right hand is holding something that he wishes to remain hid- Members of Div 6 labeled their June 20th meeting as den. Come on Dan, what are you hiding, why wouldn’t let their “summer break meeting” at the ALE HOUSE...... your face and right arm in the photo?? From the looks of the photos, we know why it was at the (Continued on page 19) Page 19 Blue Badge/Division’s Doings January 2014
Commander by our new National Commander Jerry Division 6 Jodery. I live in Cleveland, TN. I am retired Army w/21 yrs ser- (Continued from page 18) vice. am honored to be appointed to this position. We are very proud of having getting this license plate Comrades, I need your advice, recommendations and issued in the state of FLORIDA. It is only for those warri- help to continue and build on our great division up. Please ors who were awarded the CIB for serving in ground feel free to contact combat during any war. We now join the few other me anytime. states that already have the plates available for pur- My Address: Hank Baker chase as “vanity” plates. Now let’s hope that CIA mem- 171 Thorne Cir. S.E. bers living in states without the CIA license plates Cleveland,Tn.37323 will now move to get their own. GOOD LUCK TO ALL AND STAY WELL ! Contact Info:Home phone# 423-339-0957 Cell phone # 423-715-2383
Email add:mbaker1944@ charter.net
Thanks, Hank Baker ______Division 7, State of Ohio We are saddened to announce the death of the Ohio Deputy Commander George Freeman. George died on October 30, 2013. He was only 62 years old. He was slated to be the next state commander. George was a true friend to all and a great supporter of the Combat In- fantrymen’s Association. He will be missed by all who knew him. The Ohio Hq had a formal two bell ceremony at George’s memorial service. National Commander Jerry Jodrey attended the memorial service. ______Division 7, Hq in TN On September 7, 2013 Hq H 1 1 OH held elections for a new two year term for State Commander, Deputy Com- mander, and Finance Officer. Incumbent Chris Callen was re-elected for a second two year term as state commander. Lew Farmer was elected as Deputy Commander. Rollie DeLong, Finance Officer and Chaplain. ______
The following was excerpted from an article written by Lenny C. Lepola and published in the September 5, 2013 Sunbury (OH) News. “A dedication ceremony was held for the new Ohio Fallen Heroes Memorial Park Hero Locator Board, donated and maintained by the Ohio Headquarters Company of the Combat Infantrymen’s Association. The board was added to the park so visitors could locate the correct marker of their fallen hero. Volunteer John Coppel is updating the grid chart this week to include the location of all the new markers placed in the park over Greetings Division 7 Members, the past year. The board will be ready for visitors by My name is Hank Baker, newly appointed Division # 7 (Continued on page 20) Page 20 Blue Badge/Division’s Doings January 2014 Division 7 Division 8, NY (Continued from page 19) After ten years, CIA member Mark Baaden received his Saturday for the annual Gold Star ceremony. Purple Heart—earned in December 2003 in Iraq - at the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor on August 4, 2013.. Mark’s dad Richard, also CIA member, was there as well.
From the left, Ohio Fallen Heroes Memorial founder Jerry Jodrey, Ohio Headquarters of the Combat Infantrymen’s Association, Finance Officer Dave Hines, and Ohio CIB board member State of Ohio Commander Chris Callen, are, pictured with the new Ohio Fallen Heroes Memorial Park Division 9 HQ in NE Hero Locator Board. Hq Co of the Combat Infantrymen’s Association donated and will maintain the new board.
Autumn has changed to fall and “YES” the weather has turned chilly, but it has not dampened the spirits of our members and the work we continue to accomplish in the spirit of the Combat Infantryman. Our meeting schedule has changed from monthly to bi- monthly due to many member requests, and the change seems to be working quite well; our attendance at the bi- monthly meetings has increased. Election of Officers in our companies went smoothly as we all look forward to working with our new leaders who are ever mindful of the need to carry on the legacy of the Com- bat Infantryman. Shown above is a portion of the Memorial Park, the The following officers were elected: resting place of more than 270 Ohioans killed during Division 9 Commander: Michael Prestianni the current War on Terror. In the background is the Division 9 XO: John J. Hipson Fallen Heroes Memorial Locator Board donated by Hq Co A, RI: Albert Guarniri, Jr Company, State of Ohio, Combat Infantrymen’s Asso- XO Co A RI: James D’Agostino ciation. CIA Support member John Copple spent un- Co B, Springfield, MA: David Harris told hours updating names and designing the grid lay- XO Co B Springfield, MA: Roger S. Pietras out. Div 9 finance Officer: Roland Blanchard Each year the Ohio Fallen Heroes Memorial holds a 9/11 luncheon for about 250 gold Star Families. The Most recently we have been involved supporting three event is powerful way to observe 9/11 and to pay re- organizations which we feel are beneficial to our infantry spects to Ohio’s Fallen Heroes from the current War on (Continued on page 21) terror. Page 21 Blue Badge/Division’s Doings January 2014
and gracious tribute from the City and County of Hono- Division 9 lulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell. We were honored to sit in the reviewing stand among the other veterans and dignitaries (Continued from page 20) from the City and County of Hawaii. Wahiawa is the brothers and their families. They are as follows: home of the 25th ID and it’s many soldiers ever since WW II – and before. It is a very patriotic and loyal com- The Cathedral of the Pines in New Hampshire, whose munity in support of the large population in Hawaii. The mission is to “Honor those who have served our Na- 25th ID from Schofield Barracks, HI were well repre- tion”. sented and won marching honors. Members of CIA Div 10 HI also participated in cere- The Fort Devens Museum (The Museum grew from a monies on Veteran’s Day at the National Memorial desire to commemorate the history of New England’s Cemetery of the Pacific where The Honorable Tulsi Gab- largest military base after its closure in 1996. As the bard, Congresswoman from Hawaii (photo below) was process of redevelopment took place, it became clear the keynote speaker. Congresswoman Gabbard is an that there was no organization serving as custodian Iraq veteran. of Devens’ unique historical record. Fort Devens and its predecessor Camp Devens played an enormous role in the defense of the nation during the twentieth century as the induction and training center for more than 1,000,000 New Englanders, was home to pris- oner-of-war camps during both World Wars, the site of Dr. Robert Goddard’s early liquid-fuel rocket tests, and ground zero during the Great Influenza Epidemic of 1918. Its rich history, which touched almost every family in New England, is both unique and worthy of preservation.)
The Fisher House A total of 62 Fisher houses throughout the United States allow families of wounded veterans to be near their loved ones dur- ing hospitalization. In 2012 alone, the Fisher House provided shelter to 19,000 families and since 1990 has saved wounded veteran’s families over $200,000,000. As mentioned before we are ever mindful of the sacri- fices made by our infantry brothers and their fami- lies. We offer our full support. ______
Above left, Robert Young, CSM Leota US Army Pacific Com- mand and Thomas Tanaka. Below left Cadet Supazivadec Division 10 Hq Hawaii Takhzo, CIA members Mastin & Farrael, and Cadet Siriom During November, Hq H 1 1 Hi re-elected the incum- Anneth. The two cadet are from the Youth Challenge Acad- bent Commanding Officer, Henry (Hank) Pascua for an- emy . They all participated in the Veteran’s Day Ceremonies. other term. Commander Pascua then appointed William H. Castro as Executive Officer and webmaster. Tom Mastin was re-appointed as Adjutant. A new website was created and is now a huge part of the organizations op- erations, all members are invited to check it out and asked to please submit constructive criticism in order to make it a success. We are hoping that the website will be helpful ion promoting and strengthening our units here in Hawaii. We celebrated Veterans Day by covering most of the activities with the XO Castro attending the Wahiawa Vet- erans Parade with an invitation to our CO to the review- ing stand from the host Wahiawa Hawaii Lions Club. The parade was as most, very colorful and this year a long Page 22 Blue Badge/Taps January 2014
Ross Bryant Joseph Ferrell, Jr Paul Morgan Taps Fort Scott, KS Div 5 Deland, FL Div 6 Osterville, MA Div 9 Died 09/07/2013 Died 11/27/2007 Date not reported The Blue Badge was notified of the death of the following Damine Caffrey Chester Freeman Horace Nearhood Combat Infantrymen’s Asso- Bethalto, IL Div 7 Cullman, AL Nat Hq Toledo, OH Nat Hq ciation active members. The Died 11/20/2009 Died 02/09/2013 Died 08/13/2013 Association thanks them for their service. Members in Paul Caton Robert Gushiken Robert Nelson good standing (paid up dues) Mountain Home, AR Nat Hq Aiea, HI Div 10 Greenfield, MA Div 9 are honored in TAPS and Date not reported Date not reported Died 08/28/2013 their name placed on the
Honor Roll for recognition at Donald R. Chlouber Howard Head James Paleologos the Memorial Service. Names Shawnee, OK Div 5 Walhalla, SC Div 7 Mapleton, OR received after December 15, Died 08/15/2010 Died 05/27/2013 Died 04/13/2013 2013 will be listed in the next issue of Blue Badge. The en- Herbert Christensen Robert Hemphill Joseph Parzy tire association sends our Schamburg, IL Div 5 Gouldsboro, PA Nat Hq Wisconsin Rapids, WI deep sympathy to the family Died 07/20/2013 Date not reported Died 02/2013 and friends of the deceased member. Names are shown Herbert Denny John Hoback Stanley Pawlinski in alphabetically. Everett, WA Div 1 Carlinville, IL Div 7 Danbury, CT Conrad Adams Died 07/14/2013 Died 10/15/2012 Date not reported Gulfport, MS Nat Hq Gene Payne Died 12/29/2012 Carmine DeSilva Laverne Hoover Amelia, OH Nat Hq Florida Div 6 Rome, GA Nat Hq Date not reported William Andrews Date not reported Died 04/16/2013 McKees Rocks, PA Div 7 Thomas Pickering Died in 2012 Anthony DiPierro Donald Hylan Benton, Il Nat Hq Wading River, NY Div 8 Kendallville, IN Div 7 Date not reported Dana Andrews Died 12/01/ 2012 Date not reported Viola, TN Div 7 Laveral Pieper Date not reported John A. DiStaulo, Sr Charles Johansen Green Bay, WI Nat Hq Jersey City, NJ Div 7 Carmel, NY Div 8 Date not reported Loren Bean Died 10/01/2010 Date not reported Akron, OH Div 7 Dale Prieser Died 04/29/2013 David Dixon Wesley Ko San Antonio, TX Div 4 Columbia, SC Div 7 E. Falmouth, MA Div 9 Date not reported Gale Beck Date not reported Date not reported Iola, KS Div 5 Edward Rode Died 12/22/2012 Ltc Glenn Doman Normand Lamoureux Bethpage, NY Div 8 Upper Black Eddy, AP N. Ft Myers, FL Div 6 Date not reported Joseph Bianculli Div 7 Date not reported Milbury, MA Div 9 Died 05/18/2013 William Roth Date not reported Jack Lee Northport, AL Div 6 Elmer Doran Nassau, NY Div 8 Died 10/14/2009 Robert Boyer Gibsonia, PA Nat Hq Died 02/04/2013 Beaverton, MI Div 5 Died in 2008 Otto Schludecker Date not reported Arthur Mahi Las Vegas, NV Div 2 Joseph Drew Kailua Kona, HI Div 10 Died 07/09/2013 Sol Brendell Madisonville, TX Div 5 Died 03/23/2013 Alexandria, VA Div 7 Date not reported Gerald Seifer Date not reported Jack McGehee Gobles, MI Div 5 Kenneth Drumm Valliant, OK Div 5 Date not reported Kermit Brey Farmington, NY Div 8 Date not reported PoySippi, WI Div 6 Date not reported Earl Simonton Date not reported Bob Mingus New Castle, PA Nat Hq Charles Elliott Taylor, WI Div 5 Died 03/10/2008 Alanson, MI Div 5 Died 10/21/2010 (Continued on page 23) Date not reported Page 23 Blue Badge/ Taps/Welcome Mat January 2014
Div 1 Hq 1 1 WA CIA Barfoot, Edward Dick, Vernon E Taps Member and Medal of Barth Ernest Dolan, James R Honor recipient John Baselice, Anthony R Donner, Donald R (Continued from page 22) D. Hawk passed away Bates, Robert L Dorris, Robert M Joseph Skelley on November 4, 2013. Battle, Michael E Dorsey, George A Ft Lee, NJ Nat Hq As a member of com- Beard, William H Dougherty, Patrick Date not reported pany E, 359th Inf Regt, Beardsley, Rick W. Drahos, Harvey J 90th Infantry Division Sgt Bell, Thomas J Duncan, David C Oscar Smith Hawk earned the MOH Berg, Orville Dye, Kenneth A Charlotte, NC Div 7 during the battle of the Berger, Max Dziekonski, Richard E Died 03/18/2013 Falaise Pocket near Berryman, Sean M Eisenman, Larry W Chambois, France The Bills, Donald D Ellison, Jr, Herman T Thomas Spence medal was presented by Black, Jon D Evans, Thomas S Flint, MI Div 5 President Harry S. Tru- Blair, Adam J Farrell, Daniel W Date not reported man on 13 July 1945. Bogden, Michael J Farrell, Ronald M John was an early mem- Bommersbach, Duane R Ferber, Jr, David R Herbert Summers ber of the Washington Bortz, Richard S Fitzsimmonds, Thomas E Michigan, Div 5 state CIA. The citation Boucart, Bob Fleischman, John F Date not reported reads in part: Brasswell, Duncan E Franscioni, Francis T “Sgt. Hawk's fearless Brown, Eric L Frease, Jerry E John Tapia initiative and heroic con- Brown, Samuel B Frye, Christopher G Prescott, AZ Div 2 duct, even while suffer- Brown, Michael Fulcher, Randolph Date not reported ing from a painful Buhrig, Charles W Fultz, Christopher, M wound, was in large Burick, John E Garrison, James Donald Taylor measure responsible for Burk II, Alvin R Gephart, Cole, A Gladwin, MI Div 5 crushing 2 desperate Burns, John P Gellert, Max Died 07/08/2013 attempts of the enemy to Burson, William C Getz, Joseph escape from the Falaise Calahan, Dustin Gibson, Robert Bruno Terlizzi Picket and for taking Calcaterra, Paul D Glock, Raymond L Newfield, NY Div 8 more than 500 prison- Carr, david Graham, Charles E Died 03/21/2013 ers.” ______Carter, Robert T Graves, Daymond D Carter, Robert W Green, James O Robert Terry Carullo, Stephen Guinn, Derek M Oakland, CA Div 2 Welcome Casey, Michael Gustafson, Gerald A Date not reported Casola, Dennis H Hackle, Justin L Mat Castillo, Scott Haff, Craig J Gerald Tomzcak Chapman Dennis G Hallenbeck, Roger E Lansing, MI Div 7 Hallenbeck Paul S The Combat Infantry- Chappel, Daryl W Died 10/145/2012 Hampton, William J men’s Association cor- Ciocci, Ralph Hampton, Jayson W dially welcomes the fol- Clevenger, Kenneth H John Utley Hart, William F lowing new individual Coffey, Jack B Honolulu, HI Div 10 Healey, Brian J and support group mem- Coffman, John W Died 12/2012 Heckathorn, Todd E bers. Names of mem- Collins, Robert A Henderson, William G bers received by the Cooper, Russell I Col Irving Wendt (Ret) Henderson John D Blue Badge after De- Cooper, Stephen B Yuma, AZ Div 5 Hengesch, John L cember 15, 2013 may Craska, Matthew J Date not reported Henry, William not see their name, but Crawford, Matthew D Hernandez, Eddie it will appear in the next Cruz, Joshua T CSM Wilson Wilder Ret Cucco, William D Hills, Dean M issue of Blue Badge. Hodge, Ralph L Div 9 Currin, Horace B Ashburnham, MA Div 9 Hudnet, Daniel Adams, Christopher Dalba, Joseph Daniels, Jack L Hughes, Francis P Alexander, Thomas R Hunter, Bobby Harold Witter Alvarez, Melvin A Davis Johnaton C Mesa, AZ Div 2 Jackson, Ray A Amezquita, Alvin Davisson, Jon M Date not reported Johnson Jr, Bill Andert Paul J Delaney, Arthur C Johnston, Carl A Ashbeck, Peter, M Denney, Calvin J William Witts Kaplan, Irving Bahr, James K Denton, earle L Lakewood, CA Div 2 DeRenzo, Nichalos A (Continued on page 24) Date not reported Page 24 Blue Badge/ Welcome Mat January 2014
Perazone, Brian E Warren, Stanley G Izzi, Albert Welcome Petruzzi, Frank Wegrzyn, Mike Jones, Robert R Petty, John E Wetzel, Robert L Keel, David Mat Piatowski, Michael G Whitehead, Ron Kemp, Matthew Pitner, Eric J Willard (Family Member) Kepner, Gregory P (Continued from page 23) Poche, Shane D Williams, Johnnie H Kinney, Dennis Keith, Ereck V Potter Jr, Leland, W Woollett, Nathan C Klozotsky, Ryan Kelley Mark Purvis, Michael D Kraus, John Kelvington, Michael R Pye, David f We welcome the follow- Leaming, Peter Kern, Kenan Quillen, Gregory ing Support Group Mem- Lewis, Joyce Knight, Burton S Raby, Alvin H bers into the Combat In- Lewin, John Knight Jr, Edwin C Ramirez, David fantrymen’s association Lewis, Melissa Kohler, Raymond A Rayburn, Larry D family. Names received Lowery, Margaret Kozachuk, Jordan S Renda, Paul R after December 15, 2013 Lubliner, Jason Kriesel, Oscar H Richie, Clark S may not appear in this McKenzie, James D Kril, Jarolsaw S Ritz, Alec issue, but will be in the Meacham, Daniel J Lagkis, Constanin Roerts, Donald L next edition. Morton, Robert Lambert, Nicholas Robillard, Richard R Ogea, Derek M Laufenberg, Frederick M Rodriguez, Harvey L Partner’s Mfg Group, Inc Pack, Mark W Lavoie, Donald J Rojan, Gilberto A Acosta, Ronald Perez, Jose M Layne, Chad J Rolley Micharl P Arriloa, Benjamin Pinn Jr, Lionel F Levinson, Robert M Root, Michael Artiga, Victor Puff, James Lirette, Albert, J Rounsefell, Robert H Ashby, Tyler Qualls, Rebecca Lockwood, Calvin P Ruane, Joseph W Ball. Curtis F Qualls, Byron Lowden Jr, Ray H Rutledge, Evan B Ballheim, Neal Ream II, Norman P Maladonado, David Santoro, Charles A Batesl Michael S Reynolds, John Malone, Charles J Schaffer, Erik Black, Adam N Rickel, Donavan Mancini, Raul P Sears, Scott F Brinkman, Bruce Roberts, David S Martin, David F Shames, Edward D Dala, Anthony Saucier, Steve Martin, Harold, D Sheperd, charles E Carlson, Matthew Saunders, Tony L McCarthy, James A Sherman, Ray J Carter, Travis D Schmitt John McClure, David E Sherry Jr, Henry E Castillo, Johnny Sipmann William McDermott, Joseph Shields, Freeman S Carter, Clifford Steinberg, Brian S McDonough, James M Sholly, robert H Cerda, Alicia Tillson Jr, George f McKnight, Jesse R Sikora, Val J Chapman, Shane A Torres, Miguel McNabb, Mark Skaggs, Dennis H Cooksey obert E Trimmer, Dusty E McQuillan, Cyril M Smith, Steve A Cooper, William Tucker, Gary McVay, Tyler A Smith, Jack H Couch, Arthur A Wachtler, Florence Medeiros, Michael J Smith, Larry F Cox, Daniel Walker, Michael Melendea, Matthew Stafford, James P Delong, Karla Walsh, Timothy N Mendiola, Israel Stephens, Laurence A Denmon, Kurt Waterhouse, Gary Merriman, Deven C Stewart, George F Dobbs, Ryan Weber, Benjamin Michael, Stacy L Stowe, Richard T Falco, Michael Weeks, Justin K Michel, George T Stuart, Cecil T Fosmire, Keith M Wolanin Jr, Joseph Miller, Larry A Sullivan, Todd W Foster, Matthew Wood, Moni Miller, Donald Swenson, Karl C Garland, Carroll E Wurm, David Mitchell, Larry T Taveras, Jeffrey Gentry Jr, Joe D Zachery, Matt Montgomery, Matthew D Taylor, Larry H Gibas, Michael Zaontz, John Morales, Felix O Tennant, Thomas M Gordon, Brian ______Morgan Jr, William R Testruth, John Green, garrett Morrissetter, Paul Thompson, Richard O Harrison, Larry Moscardini, George Tran, Quang V Hershberger, Paul J Muirhead, James Turner, Donald C Hines, Dave Munn, Benjamin T Vangas, Henry L Hollon, Bruce Mewman, Morton Walker, Darran L Hooper Steven Norton, Marcus A Walker, Ronald L Hudnet, Daniel Othel Jr, Terrell Wantz, Steven W Irons, Louis Pentecost, Timothy Ware Jr, Marion E Page 25 Blue Badge/ Miscellaneous January 2014
tive Officer, 1985-93: and Richard E. Soes- Raffle Financial Report bee, National Adjutant, 194546. The first national office was cramped quarters carved Winners out of the den of the Soesbee home located As of January 8, 2014 on Dunwell Street Asheville, North Carolina. A big thank you to every- In 1993 the association made a major move, one who participated in the Dues $4,630.50 office space was rented on Haywood Road annual fund raising raffle. Donations $55.00 West Ashville, North Carolina, and with Members who sold raffle Support Group $5,185.00 more space available the association began tickets and supporters who BBadge $2415.00 to expand. Paul N. Baker became the Na- purchased them are re- Advertising $617.00 tional Commander and Paul H. Matraaga sponsible for the success was appointed National Executive Officer. of our only association TOTAL $14,962.50 Earl A. Rubley was appointed National Quar- level fund raiser. Coins $2060.00 termaster. Earl A. Rubley and the present We are proud to an- National Commander Howard R. Head nounce this year’s four win- MONEY (Wslhalla.SC Company) put the ners” The quartermaster sales of the Associa- MARKET $27,270.14 tion’s memorabilia put it in high gear. They Winner of the $100.00 bought and paid for merchandise out of their award was Gerald Simas of FINAL $42,232.64 own pock-ets and were refunded after sales Etna, CA. were made. They worked dili-gently, building The $150.00 award winner Sincerely up the inventory until it became a viable and was James Siebert of vital part of the association’s operations. At Reading, PA. the present time the quarter-master is self Jerry Jodrey supporting and pays all the expenses for the National Commander The $250.00 winner was na-tional office, to include rent. PO Box # 912 John Dunn of Maynard, In 1994 Paul N Baker resigned as National Sunbury, OH 43074 MA. Commander and Robert H. Meuser (614) 753-6904 (deceased) was appointed National Com- Web site: www.cibassoc.com And the grand prize winner mander.. of $500.00 was Wilford The first annual reunion of the association Email: McDonald of Springfield, was at the Radisson Hotel, Asheville. North [email protected] MO. Carolina, September 8-10,1994. Earl A. Ru- Once again, thank you bley and Phillip W.Cochrane (Esacanaba, MI all for participating. CIA History Company) hosted this reunion ______During this first 10 years the association The year 1985 marked the begin- went through many growing pains. There ning of The Combat Infantryman’s As- was a serious lack of communications be- Member sociation. Three men, all World War tween the National Headquarters, companies veterans, each having earned the Com- and members. There was an excessive bat Infantry Badge began discussing amount of secrecy at the national level Donations the possibility of having an "elite" or- which impeded the normal Sow of commu- The following members ganization. The three men, now known nications. Very few Blue Badges were have donated funds to the as the "Founding Fathers”, were Robert printed during this period. Some renewals association’s general fund, W. Wisccup, Paul N. Baker and Rich- were not notified when to pay their dues, this not “ear-marked” for any ard a Soesbee. They began with only resulted in a large number of members lost. special project. their fortitude, drive and persistence to During this period there was a very grievous pave the way to our present error Mr Raymond Kohler There was very little monetary means The second annual reunion of the associa- Mr James A Howard available; so much of the early ex- tion was at the Holi-day Inn, Hickory. North penses came from the pockets of these Carolina, 7-9 September 1995. Leonard J. If any donor’s name does three men. The Combat Infantrymen's Capoaelto (HQ Company, Columbus, Ohio not appear here, please Association was formed and incorpo- and Charles W. Slentz Sr. (HQ Comply, accept our sincere apology rated officially on 19 October 1990 in Byesville. OH) hosted the reunion. for the oversight. Let us North Carolina. The first asso-ciation kjnow who you are and officers were Robert W. Wisecup, Na- To be continued in a future edition of BB your name will be pub- tional Commander, and 1985-93: Paul ______lished next issue. N. Baker (deceased). National Execu- Page 26 Blue Badge/ Letters to Editor January 2014
place by past Commander Earl Kennedy,, we have recovered The Reader’s Write from that. The leadership knew from the onset that not eve- ryone owns or wants to use a computer for their Blue Badge so a provision was made for EVERYONE to continue receiv- Dear Editor, ing the Blue Badge by mail. You simply pay an extra $6.00 This is my opinion on the electronic distribution of the a year to cover the mailing and printing cost; it’s that easy. Blue Badge. For annual members, the dues have been reduced by $4.00
so they are only paying the small sum of $2.00 a year for a 1. In the early days of this organization many of us mailed copy. For life members send your $6.00 to the Na- stepped up and became life members to help provide tional Commander who will forward the information to the seed money to get the organization off the ground. BB editor who will insure you get a mailed copy. 2. The organization started to grow. The members Next those receiving the BB electronically have two op- passed copies of the Blue Badge to fellow veterans tions. First, their Blue Badge is sent via e-mail and is also in the hope of recruiting new members and it worked. posted on the Association website. You can print your own 3. With the explosive growth of the organization the in- copy from either source—it is not necessary to read it from a fighting began within the National Organization cost- computer screen. ______ing the treasury considerable legal fees. 4. The national convention every year is a great event for those fortunate enough to attend. The members “Black Hawk Division who cannot attend can read about it in the Blue Badge, 5. The decision now is to discontinue sending the physi- Dear Editor: cal copy to the Blue Badge to members. They must It isn’t likely that a WW II go on line and read it if they own a computer. Infantry division that served 6. This organization has a large member population and in both the European and cannot afford to send out the Blue Badge newsletter, Pacific Theaters and was then something is wrong. Maybe too many conven- deactivated in the Philip- tions/reunions. pines during December 7. The idea that everyone owns a computer or want to 1946 would be familiar to sit in front of one to read the newsletter is absurd, many of today’s combat 8. Smaller associations/organizations, i.e. Vietnam Vet- infantrymen. So I would like erans of America have no problem sending out a to acquaint our members quarterly newsletter. with some of the division’s history. The 86th “Black Hawk” Infantry Division had a What is our problem? Too much reunion informa- limited appearance during WW I. It was reactivated at tion in every issue; cost of glossy paper, etc etc. Camp Howze, Texas during December 1942, served dur- ing the Central European Campaign, in combat at Co- The elected National Officers have made the decision logne, in the Rhur Pocket and Bavaria with four different to discontinue the mailing the Blue Badge. They may Armies, including Patton’s Third Army. The 86th was one have cut the lifeline that kept us all together. of the first Allied divisions to cross the Danube River and is credited with liberating the Slave Labor Camp and At- Sincerely, tendorn, Germany. Paul Yeckel At the end of the war, the division was securing the Life Member left flank of the XV Corps. After processing German pris- Greensburg, PA oners of war, it was redeployed to the United States, ar- riving in New York 17 June 1945. The division trained Editor’s note: First, thank you Mr Yeckel for sharing your briefly at Camp Gruber, Oklahoma, 21 June-11 August comments on the electronic Blue Badge. There are probably 1945; and then left San Francisco, 24 August 1945, for others who share your opinion but have not expressed them; the Philippines. The 86th Division was aboard ship in however, the most common comment we get is, “It’s about Leyte harbor when the Japanese surrendered. After land- time we take advantage of technology.” Hopefully the fol- ing on Luzon the unit was dispersed throughout the Is- lowing will be helpful to you and others with questions. land, some to Marikina, some to other locations. A few You are correct in saying that in the early years members were assigned to Corregidor Island to guard Japanese did step forward and become life members—and that was a prisoners of war. good short term solution, but it is hurting us now; life mem- The division was during December 1946 in the Philip- bers comprise over 50% of the membership and they pay no pines. dues, so we have to remain in a “penny-pinching” mode. The Before entering the Priesthood, our former National legal fees did hurt, but thanks to the fiscal policies but into (Continued on page 27) Page 27 Blue Badge / Information January 2014
NOT be mailed to you. It is your re- know you take photos of them—if We’ve Entered sponsibility to notify the data base man- the photos are printed, get an extra ager if your e-mail address changes. copy and send one to Alan via the 21st Century National Commander along with a At least for now, our members who description of the event. (Don’t As technology changed, the CIA did not have an e-mail address on forget to send them to the Blue had to change our business practices. file as of June 10, 2013 will continue Badge as well). If you are using A huge change is nearly completed to receive the Blue Badge and other film, the photos reproduce best if regarding electronic distribution of information via the postal service by the film is at least 400 ASA speed. important documents including the paying the $6.00 additional fee. If If you are using digital pictures Blue Badge. you have an e-mail address on file they need to be printed with at For a number of years the CIA as of June 10, 2013 you are consid- least 600 dpi. The preferred way to leadership has tried to get volunteers ered to be an electronic candidate. get your stories/photos to Alan is to use our website to download and This does not mean you can get rid through the Commander’s e-mail. print their Blue Badge. The coopera- of your e-mail address in order to tion of those who did volunteer is receive the BB by mail. We are confi- Nationalcommaercia greatly appreciated, but unfortunately, dent that the vast majority of the @gmail.com there were not enough volunteers. membership will understand and ac- If there is a valid email address for cept this change. Yes, there are go- However, you can mail the photos you in the database, you have al- ing to be some complaints, but un- and stories to Alan in care of Na- ready been sent an invitation to sub- derstand this measure is necessary tional Commander, PO Box 268 scribe to the “Combat Infantrymen’s for the financial security of the asso- Sunbury, OH 43074. If you think EMAILERS” list. Many did not re- ciation. The next phase will provide we are looking for publicity, you spond. That’s too bad. members with a pin umber to access are right. There are literally hun- To those who did subscribe, thank the Blue Badge thus denying non dreds of visitors to the site that are you and you will receive notification members or subscribers access to not CIA members. Seeing photos when the BB is on line and you can CIA documents that are posted on of and stories about the various print your copy. our web-site. ______activities our members participate in helps maintain the good name of WARNING!! If you missed or did the association—and perhaps will not respond to the subscription e- It’s Your Web- encourage other eligible CIB hold- mail just go to ers to join. site, Use It One more time, visit the website www.mlrsinc.com/cia at www.cibassoc.com. and follow the steps to subscribe. Our webmaster is Alan Knox. ______If you have an e-mail address and If you have visited the CIA website do not subscribe—you will not recently, you already know it is a pro- Black Hawk Div receive future editions of the Blue fessionally maintained website—a credit to the association. Hard work, Badge. (Continued from page 26) dedication, and loyalty, to The Com- Chaplain Fr Leo Hetzler served in Once this system is fully imple- bat Infantrymen’s Association is re- mented you can expect to receive the 86th Inf Div as a combat infan- flected in the site. tryman and was with the division in notices when the BB is posted on line, If you have not visited the site re- probably your annual renewal notices, Europe and the Philippines. The cently now is the time. Check it out at chaplain seemed to have some convention information, messages www.cibassoc.com. You will find all from the commander and other infor- fond memories of San Luis Obispo. sorts of interesting information about This article for the Black Hawk mation by e-mail. Nearly everything the association, photos, rosters, con- will be on line and having your correct Division was submitted by the 86th stitution and by-laws, convention in- “Black Hawk” Division President e-mail address on file is critical to the formation—just about anything you success of this program and to insure and CIA member Robert Book- are looking for relating the associa- binder. Mr Bookbinder earned his you get the intended correspon- tion. dences. The subscriber program is no CIB in the European Theater in Send your input to the National April 1945. He was recalled to ac- longer voluntary. Commander so it can be passed on to At the expense of being repetitive ... tive duty during the Korean War Alan. He is especially interested in and served at Ft Dix, NJ. Space Please understand this. If you have a photos of your units participating in valid e-mail address on file and do not does not allow printing his “then” community activities, fund raisers, or and “now” photos. subscribe—you will not receive the Blue patriotic events, and the like. We Badge or other documents—they will ______Page 28 Blue Badge / Monument Form (Revised) January 2014 Page 29 Blue Badge/Brothers-in-Arms January 2014
27th Infantry Regiment Historical Society Wolfhounds John Coon, President
If you have ever served in the 27th Infantry Regiment at any time come and join us.
Call Tom Donovan (513) 523-1603 e-mail [email protected]
THIS SPACE OPEN TO SHARE YOUR UNIT AD, CONTACT BLUE BADGE EDITOR @larrymlrsinc.com
Page 30 Blue Badge/Brothers-In-Arms January 2014
The ads for sister organiza- tions that appear on this and other pages of the Blue Badge are scanned exactly as received. Members of these organizations should periodically review them for time sensitive matters, ad- dress or e-mail changes. The Blue Badge takes no responsibil- ity for the accuracy.
A Little Humor, Very Little The caretaker was working in the cemetery when he observed a man kneeling in front of a tombstone crying and loudly shouting, “Why did you have to die, why did you have to die?” The caretaker was moved by the man’s grief walked over and compassionately placed his hand on the griev- ing man’s shoulder and asked him, “Is this the grave of your wife or other loved one?” “No” replied the man, “It is my wife’s ex husband.” Combat Infantrymen’s Association, Inc National Headquarters—Asheville, North Carolina Visit our website at: www.cibassoc.com
CIA SUPPORT GROUP MEMBERSHIP or RENEWAL ~ INDIVIDUAL Please print legibly. You may use a return address label if you prefer. Check here if this is a new address: Please renew in Jan-Feb-Mar to help our volunteers.
Date: ______Check one: New Member_____ Renewal_____
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 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 na- tion. We are a 501-c tax deductible organization. Some of our causes are: Pride and Patriotism activi- ties 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 sheet to tell us some- thing about yourself, use additional pages if necessary.
I am a Veteran Supporter. The name of the veteran I am supporting is: ______
I am a family member of a Veteran. The name of the veteran in my family is: ______
Enclosed is my contribution of $ 20.00 ______I am already an Individual Support Member submitting my renewal ______I am a new Individual Support Member Check this box if you Check this box if you are wish to receive the Blue willing to help save on Make check or money order payable to Badge by mail. Include printing and postage costs COMBAT INFANTRYMEN’S ASSOCIATION an additional $6.00 to by receiving your Blue and mail it with your dues to: cover the cost of print- Badge on line. Visit National Commander ing and postage. www.mlrsinc.com/cia and Combat Infantrymen’s Association follow the steps to sub- scribe. PO Box 912 Sunbury, OH 43074 If neither box is checked, we will assume Phone: 614-753-6904 you want to view the Blue Badge on line e-mail—[email protected]
ADDRESS BECOMES OBSOLETE FOR NATIONAL (All CONTRIBUTIONS ARE TAX DEDUCTIBLE) OFFICERS WHEN COMMAND CHANGES. SEE OUR WEB SITE AND BLUE BADGE FOR UPDATES. (NO LIFE MEMBERSHIPS AVAILABLE)
YOU ARE INVITED TO ATTEND OUR EXCELLENT ANNUAL REUNION Form Revised 10/29/13 Combat Infantrymen’s Association, Inc National Headquarters—Asheville, North Carolina Visit our website at: www.cibassoc.com
CIA SUPPORT GROUP MEMBERSHIP or RENEWAL ~ BUSINESS Please print legibly. You may use a return address label if you prefer. Check here if this is a new address: Please renew in Jan-Feb-Mar to help our volunteers.
Date: ______Check one: New Member_____ Renewal_____
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 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 encour- age and help young men and women who are in need of guidance. Use a separate sheet to tell us something about yourself, use additional pages if necessary.
CONTRIBUTION LEVELS 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. The name of your business will be placed in each issue of our Blue Badge for a year Gold Member @ $300.00— receives a beautiful plaque for your business and a year free advertising in our Blue Badge and a link on our website to your business for a year Enclosed is my contribution of $ ______as a
(check one) _____ Bronze Member ______Silver Member ______Gold Member ______I am already a Business Member submitting my renewal Check this box if you Check this box if you are ______I am a new Business Member wish to receive the Blue willing to help save on Badge by mail. Include printing and postage costs an additional $6.00 to by receiving your Blue Make check or money order payable to cover the cost of print- Badge on line. Visit COMBAT INFANTRYMEN’S ASSOCIATION ing and postage. www.mlrsinc.com/cia and and mail it with your dues to: follow the steps to sub- National Commander scribe. Combat Infantrymen’s Association PO Box 912 If neither box is checked, we will assume Sunbury, OH 43074 you want to view the Blue Badge on line 614-753-6904 e-mail—[email protected] ADDRESS BECOMES OBSOLETE FOR NATIONAL (All CONTRIBUTIONS ARE TAX DEDUCTIBLE)
OFFICERS WHEN COMMAND CHANGES. SEE OUR WEB SITE AND BLUE BADGE FOR UPDATES. (NO LIFE MEMBERSHIPS AVAILABLE)
YOU ARE INVITED TO ATTEND OUR EXCELLENT ANNUAL REUNION Form Revised 10/29/2013 Combat Infantrymen’s Association, Inc National Headquarters—Asheville, North Carolina Visit our website at: www.cibassoc.com
CIA MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION Please print legibly. You may use a return address label if you prefer. Please renew in Jan-Feb-Mar to help our volunteers.
Date: ______
Last Name: ______First Name: ______MI: ___
Address: ______
City: ______State: _____ Zip: ______- ______
Phone: (______) ______Email: ______
Annual dues are $26.00 effective Jan 2014 Membership Requirement (all renewal are due on or before March 31st each year.) The Applicant must have earned the Combat Infantrymen’s Badge as certified on the applicant’s DD-214, Official US Army orders, or Gulf War, Afghanistan, Iraq warriors other official document. FREE FIRST YEAR Date entered US Army: ______LIFE MEMBERSHIPS Life membership dues, effective July 2011 Date Discharged or Retired: ______75 years and older $150.00 (or three $50.00 payments) 74 years & younger $400.00 (or 4 payments of $100.00) CIB Earned in what Action? (WW II, Korea, etc) ______MEDAL OF HONOR RECIPIENTS FREE LIFETIME MEMBERSHIP Combat Unit: ______
Check this box if you Check this box if you are I hereby apply for membership in the Combat Infantrymen’s Association, wish to receive the Blue willing to help save on Inc and certify that I am eligible as explained above. A copy of the docu- Badge by mail. Include printing and postage costs ment verifying my eligibility is attached. DO NOT SEND DOCU- an additional $6.00 to by receiving your Blue MENTS YOU WANT RETURNED. AFTER ELIGIBILITY VERI- cover the cost of print- Badge on line. Visit FICATION, SUBMITTED DOCUMENTS WILL BE SHREDDED. ing and postage. www.mlrsinc.com/cia and WE RECOMMEND YOU BLACK OUT YOUR SSN ON ANY follow the steps to DOCUMENTS. subscribe. SPONSOR: ______
If neither box is checked, we will assume CIA UNIT: ______you want to view the Blue Badge on line Applicant’s signature: ______Would you be willing to form a Thank You for serving your country. We share a special bond. Please ask new company in your area? your wife, other family members or business associates to consider member- Yes: ______No: ______ship in the Combat Infantrymen’s Support Group.
Enclosed is my dues/payment of $ ______for National Commander Combat Infantrymen’s Association (check one) annual: ______life: ______PO Box 912 Please fill out you’re application completely. Make check Sunbury, OH 43074 or money order payable to COMBAT INFANTRYMEN’S Phone: 614-753-6904 ASSOCIATION and mail it with your dues to: e-mail—[email protected]
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE; FOR OFFICE USE ONLY ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
CIA Number ______CIA Unit ______
Form Revised 10/30/2013 Date Member accepted ______Valid Until: ______Combat Infantrymen’s Association, Inc National Headquarters—Asheville, North Carolina There is a destiny that makes us brothers, None goes his way alone All that we send into the lives of others Comes back into our own — Edwin Markham
CIA MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL This is to remind you that your membership dues are due. We want you to reenlist today!!! Please print legibly. You may use a return address label if you prefer. Check here if this is a new address: Please renew in Jan-Feb-Mar to help our volunteers. CIA# (if known) ______
My present CIA Unit: ______I request a transfer to CIA Unit ______(if applicable)
Last Name: ______First Name: ______MI: ___
Address: ______
City: ______State: _____ Zip: ______- ______
Phone: (______) ______Email: ______Check this box if you wish to Check this box if you are will- There is discipline in a Soldier ing to help save on printing You can see it when he walks receive the Blue Badge by and postage costs by receiving There is honor in a Soldier mail. Include an additional your Blue Badge on line. Visit You can see it when he talks $6.00 to cover the cost of There is courage in a Soldier www.mlrsinc.com/cia and printing and postage. You can see it in his eyes follow the steps to subscribe. There is loyalty in a Soldier If neither box is checked, we will as- That he will not compromise sume you want to view the Blue Badge —Angela Goodwin on line
Annual dues are $26.00 effective Jan 2014 Enclosed is my dues/payment of $ ______for Gulf War, Afghanistan, Iraq warriors (check one) annual: ______life: ______FREE FIRST YEAR Please fill out your renewal form completely. Make check or money order payable to LIFE MEMBERSHIPS COMBAT INFANTRYMEN’S ASSOCIATION Life membership dues, effective July 2011 and mail it with your dues to: National Commander 75 years and older $150.00 Combat Infantrymen’s Association (or three $50.00 payments) PO Box 912 74 years and younger $400.00 Sunbury, OH 43074 (or four payments of $100.00) Phone: 614-753-6904 e-mail—[email protected] MEDAL OF HONOR RECIPIENTS ADDRESS BECOMES OBSOLETE FOR NATIONAL OFFICERS WHEN COM- FREE LIFETIME MEMBERSHIP MAND CHANGES. SEE OUR WEB SITE AND BLUE BADGE FOR UPDATES. Visit our website at: www.cibassoc.com Form Revised 10/30/2013 Page 35 Blue Badge/Div Map/QM January 2014
In response to a number of inquires, the available QM information is shown on this page and the following page (pg 32, the back cover). Contact the appropriate vendor to fill you CIA memorabilia needs.
Page 36 Blue Badge /Back Cover January 2014
THE BLUE BADGE Non-Profit Org The Combat Infantrymen’s Assn, Inc PO Drawer 11438 US Postage Paid Hickory, NC 28603 Ft Myers, FL
Permit # 972