3rd Infantry Division Photographs-3rd Division & Society 2008

3rd Division Photos
3rd Division & Society
2008 Events
Last Update February 15, 2010
Click on small photos for larger view
Click on some Images for larger view

NEWS FROM OUTPOST 7
Veterans Day Ceremony

NO CRUTCHES! MARNE amputees, who stood without crutches, and other disabled soldiers who served in Iraq and Afghanistan stood shoulder to shoulder with those who served in WWII, Korea, and Vietnam as Outpost 7 continued its tradition of honoring our fallen comrades by conducting impressive wreath laying ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery on Veterans Day Nov 11,2008.

The disabled soldiers included 1st Lt Mark Little (Double amputee below the knee)- Maj Bruce Gannaway ( Below the knee amputee), SP Mike Brown (Below the knee amputee), Lt Matt Coyne, Sgt Aaron Coffin, Sgt Jones, SPC’s Lonsdale, Trimm , Lilli Jones, and Sp J.Schichtl.

The absence of loyal members Gen “Dutch” Kerwin and Sgt Cecil Underwood for whom TAPS sounded after our last meeting was duly noted. Additionally regrets were noted from Chaplain Parker Thompson who reported that while religious duties in his flock prevented him from being physically present, he would still be with us in spirit.

Regrets were also received from Werner Michel, E.K. Williams, Tim Stoy, Cath Bacon and Lee Lewane. Carlos Ruis was planning to attend but his wife, Liza, reported that he had been hospitalized that morning. Len Werth and Arthur Cox were also unable to attend but were well represented by their Marne Spouses.

The Outpost first placed a large wreath decorated with blue and white flowers at the Third Infantry Division Memorial in front of the Arlington Amphitheater. Then, John L addressed the group and noted that this was a day of personal remembrance- a day of honor for our veterans-especially those who died for our country and whose faces we loved and served with, but it was also a day in which we honor those who served and were wounded or injured and who came back in different physical shape than when they entered the service.

John also noted that with today’s peacetime army and unlike previous generations, there were now many Americans who did not even know someone in the service and thus we need our Veterans Day and our Memorial Day as reminders of the sacrifices that our troops have made.

Special thanks were also expressed to Tilly Smithers , Chaplain Thompson, and Hank Bodson for their special contributions to the Wounded Warriors program, and to S/Sgt’s Baum and Vanwoert from the 3rd ID Liaision Office at Walter Reed for arranging the attendance of the wounded warriors.

Following the ceremony at the Third Infantry Division Memorial, we moved through a crowd of tourists to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers where, escorted by the Tomb Sgt of the Guard, and headed by our amputees and disabled warriors , we formed a cordon of twos down the steps leading to the Tomb where we placed a large wreath with blue and white flowers and a blue banner at the Tomb.

TAPS was then played by a bugler from the US Army Band. Following TAPS, our amputees did a slow ABOUT FACE at the foot of the Tomb and then led us back up the steps to the amphitheater where we met with a group of French veterans who had followed us in laying a wreath at the Tomb and who expressed their high regard for the MARNE DIVISION.

Following the ceremony, the Tomb Sgt of the Guard stated, “The way they marched up and down the steps, one would never know that these soldiers were amputees.”

Our next meeting will be on May 30, 2009 when we are again scheduled to place a wreath at the Tomb. Details will follow.

55th Anniversary Korean War Armistice Signing Ceremony
in Washington, DC

On July 27th in front of the Korean War Monument on the Mall in Washington, D.C. a ceremony was held to commemorate the 55th anniversary of the signing of the Korean War Armistice. In spite of the heat, humidity and rain, our Marne members came from miles away to attend this event. The first ceremony started at 1000 hours, preceded by entertainment beginning at 0900 hours. Monika (who served in Korea 1979 to 1980 and 1987 to 1988) has been on the National Planning Committee for two years and she volunteered a few Marne members to part take in this ceremony. Tim Stoy (his father is a Korean War veteran) was the Master of Ceremonies; former POW David Mills, 15th Infantry Regiment, led the Pledge of Allegiance; Rhonda Gloodt , daughter of CPL Ronald Bradley, 15th Infantry Regiment (MIA since July 1953) carried the folded U.S. flag as a part of the Missing in Action Ceremony. David Mills sat next to retired Major General (ret.) John K. Singlaub, his battalion commander in 2nd Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, and whom he has not seen since the first battle of Outpost Harry in April 1953. It was a very emotional reunion for both of them as General Singlaub was not aware that one of his soldiers had been taken as a POW. David was amazed to be sitting next to his old battalion commander; it was a truly touching moment for all to witness when the met again 55 years later. Korean Ambassador Taesik Lee emphasized his personal and his country's gratitude to all veterans. Keynote Speaker was Secretary of Veteran's Affairs Dr. James B. Peake.

The second part of the ceremony was held at Arlington National Cemetery beginning at 1400 hours with a wreath laying ceremony by ROK MG Dae Young Kang, MG John K. Singlaub, former POW David Mills and Korean Minister of Veterans Affairs Yang Kim at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. MG Singlaub delivered remarks at the Korean War Peace Bench next to the Amphitheater, and the ceremony concluded with each participant placing a single flower on the Peace Bench as they departed. Upon completion of the official ceremony, all Marne members gathered with Minister Kim in front of the Marne Monument to take a group photo. Present were Jerry and Joan Lang and daughter; Sherm and Anastasie Pratt with their son and grandson; David and Shirley Mills; Rhonda Gloodt; John Insani and his daughter; Ray and Frances Anderson; Joe Todisco; CPL Nicholas Minto; and Ed Bierce. We were also joined by LTC (ret.) Lee Yarborough, the son of LTG Bill Yarborough, who as Commander of the 509th PIB, was attached to the 3rd Infantry Division at Anzio.

Special thanks goes to CPL Nicholas Minto who volunteered to assist in the set up and tear down on the Mall.

This ceremony is not only for Korean War veterans, but also for all soldiers who served in Korea since the Armistice was signed to the present. I encourage everyone to mark 27 July on their calendar and to plan to participate in this annual event on the Mall in Washington, D.C.

All who have served in Korea know that Freedom is not Free!

Ray Egan and Carl Smith pitching the Society at the Division Community Showcase
held Wednesday, 15 October 2008.

Marne 6 Sends
Society Honorary President

MG Lynch Rick, CG 3ID

This is the last time I will write in as Marne 6, but once a Dog Face Soldier, always a Dog Face Soldier – I am always at your service. I appreciate all that you have done for me, and for our Division over the past two years.

When I became Marne 6, I had never served in the 3rd ID, but I could not be more proud or more humbled to wear the Marne patch as my combat patch. I will forever hearken back to my time as Marne 6 as the most fulfilling of my career. As you know better than I, service with the Dog Face Soldier Division is an honor in itself. The Marne Division has served our nation for more than 90 years, and Dog Face Soldiers continue to take the fight to the enemy every single day. Over the course of 90 years, more than 36,000 Dog Face Soldiers have been casualties of war. The freedoms we enjoy today, we owe to them, and those like them: men and women of courage, of commitment, men and women dedicated to a higher calling than their own self-interests.

Today’s Dog Face Soldiers are following in the footsteps of their predecessors every single day, and I am so very proud to serve with them. Our magnificent Dog Face Soldiers ensured the 3rd ID met its retention mission six months early—while in combat! As you know, the Division has deployed three times during the last (??) years, and yet our amazing Soldiers continue to “stay
Army.” They know what they are doing is important—they are protecting our freedoms and our way of life. We are making a difference over here, and it is our Soldiers who set the standard and lead the way. I always tell them they have a choice: they can read history or they can make history, and they are making history every day.

Years from now, they will set their grandkids on their laps and show them a map of the world. Iraq will be free from fear and a beacon of hope for the Middle East, and our Dog Face Soldiers will be able to say, “I did that” because they truly made a difference for the Army, for Iraq, and for the free world.
Rock of the Marne!

New Commanding General for Third ID
By Alice Massimi

Photo By: Marc Casey

Monday, Jul 14, 2008 - Coming back from their third deployment to Iraq, the Third Infantry Division now has a new commander. In a ceremony earlier today, Major General Rick Lynch passed over the reins.
News Three's Military Reporter Alice Massimi was there and has more on the unit's new commanding general.

It was almost two years ago when Major General Rick Lynch was on Cottrell Field receiving the division's colors as he took command of the Third I.D. Now after a 15-month deployment to Iraq with the unit, Lynch is moving on. “This is indeed the hardest departure Sarah and I have ever had because there is just so much love involved. You can't commit 25 months of your life into something, especially as difficult as those 25 months were with the deployment, but to be around all you loving people and then have to leave it’s devastating,” explains Lynch.
Monday he handed the colors he once received to Major General Tony Cucolo. No stranger to the division, this is Cucolo's third time being assigned to a Fort Stewart-based unit. He returns after spending two years as the Chief of Public Affairs for the U.S. Army. “Today is a humbling dream come true. I look forward to serving with each you,” says Cucolo.

Cucolo admits he has a lot to learn. The division he once served with has drastically changed. “Top things on the to do list are; get to know the division, listen to the incredibly experienced leaders that the division has right now. That is installation, garrison, and the combat leaders who have just returned and continue to return this month and next month. So I have a lot of listening to do,” Cucolo tells reporters. Which will be crucial in Cucolo's time here, as the division's role in the Global War on Terror doesn't look like it will lessen anytime soon.

Major General Lynch and his family will now head to Fort Hood where he will take over command of the 3rd Corp. Roughly ten thousand Third Infantry Division Soldiers are still deployed to Iraq. A majority of them should be home by the end of this month.
WSAV-TV News 3 - On Your Side
©2008 Media General Communications Holdings, LLC. A Media General company.

New general takes command at Fort Stewart
By RUSS BYNUM AP Military Writer
© 2008 The Associated Press

FORT STEWART, Ga. — July 14, 2008 -Though he spent the past two years at the Pentagon, the new commanding general at Fort Stewart sees his latest assignment as a homecoming of sorts. Maj. Gen. Tony Cucolo served as a captain at Fort Stewart from 1985 to 1988. Eleven years later, he served as a brigade commander in the Fort Stewart-based 3rd Infantry Division until 2001. "It is a humbling dream come true to come back," Cucolo, 50, said Monday after taking command of the 20,000-soldier 3rd Infantry in a ceremony at the southeast Georgia Army post.

Cucolo replaces Maj. Gen. Rick Lynch, who recently returned from leading the division in its third combat tour in Iraq. Lynch is being promoted to a three-star general for his new job at Fort Hood, Texas. A native of Suffern, N.Y., Cucolo comes to Fort Stewart from the Pentagon, where he served as the Army's chief of public affairs for two years. Before that, he deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan several times between 2004 and 2006 as director of the military's Joint Center for Operational Analysis. "I do know his reputation as one of the most dedicated, focused individuals we have in our Army," Lynch said of his successor. "He's not new to Fort Stewart, so he will do great." Cucolo commanded the Fort Stewart-based division's 3rd Brigade at Fort Benning from 1999 to 2001, but his roots in the 3rd Infantry run a bit deeper. His father served as an officer in the division during the Korean War.

The 3rd Infantry helped lead the charge to Baghdad in the March 2003 invasion of Iraq that toppled Saddam Hussein's regime. Last year, the division became the first in the Army to deploy for a third Iraq tour. About 4,000 of its troops will remain deployed until January.

Meanwhile, 3rd Infantry units that have returned home are tentatively scheduled to return to Iraq in the fall of 2009. "I see frequent deployments, but with longer reset times at home," Cucolo said of the coming years at Fort Stewart.

Lynch will be leaving for Fort Hood, where he will be promoted Friday to the rank of lieutenant general before taking command of the Army's III Corps.
Russ Bynum has covered the military based in Georgia since 2001.

Memorial Days by Children of France
May 13 and 19 2008
Click here to see story and Powerpoint presentation

General salutes soldiers, families and community
By Dal Cannady

MG Lynch Rick, CG 3ID

FORT STEWART, GA (WTOC) - July 1, 2008 - In WTOC's Military Salutes, we've recognized Major General Rick Lynch several times for his leadership of the Third Infantry in Iraq. With the General just back from Iraq and scheduled to leave Fort Stewart July 14, General Lynch offers a salute of his own to his troops and others. Plenty of people give Major General Rick Lynch much of the credit for Iraq's progress over the past year. But the 3rd Infantry's commander wastes no time passing that praise to the Dog Faced Soldiers.

"There was not a time when a soldier in my formation, 20 thousand strong, said I can't do this anymore. They kept on going," he explained.

General Lynch says he broadened his definition of hero to cover soldiers who may never see formal commendations or medals to include those who eulogized buddies then went right back to the field. "After each of those memorial services, they put on their armor. They put on their kevlar and they did what was asked of them. That's a hero," he noted.

Lynch says soldiers excelled over there because families held down the fort her at home. He also credits the ordinary people of Iraq who teamed with troops in a neighborhood watch of sorts to stamp out violence and terror.
"The Iraqi people want the same thing we want. They want freedom from fear. they want to be able to send their children to school and have a job," he stated.

Last but not least, the General praises the people here at home who supported soldiers and their families. "The Coastal Georgia community is the most caring, compassionate group of people I've ever seen. Not one time during my deployment did I have to stop and worry about family back home because I knew you were worried for me," he assured. "That makes a big difference."

He says the soldiers of the Third Infantry and the people around them will be hard to top wherever he goes and that's why they more than ever deserve a WTOC Military Salute.

Visiting Our Soldiers at Brooke Army Medical Center

Audie Murphy Outpost #35 Member James Timmens is our liaison visiting wounded warriors at Brooke Army Medical Center at Fort Sam Houston, Texas. While James often visits soldiers undergoing treatment at Brooke, the primary reason for his most recent visits was to present caps embroidered with the Purple Heart emblem and with the 3rd Infantry Division Patch affixed. These caps were a gift from the Society of the 3rd Infantry Division at the request of Society Central Region Committeeman and Audie Murphy Outpost President, Joe Ball.
James said he is impressed with the fact that, at Brooke, each Army Division has an N.C.O. assigned to ensure that the wounded soldiers meet all of their medical appointments, participate in the rehabilitation treatment recommended, and in general get the care they require. It is also his job to know where every patient is at all times. At Brooke, SFC Raul Delgado is responsible for our soldiers. In addition to his duties, he has been most helpful in coordinating James’ visits and in contributing to this article.
At Brooke, our wounded have private rooms and there are sports activities for everyone. These activities are structured to incorporate rehabilitation benefits. Since the main object is to rehabilitate the wounded, once they are able, they are permitted to leave the hospital for short trips off campus and to take leaves or passes over weekends. Because of treatment schedules and other absences from their rooms, James has been able to see only one or two of our wounded on each of his visits. On his last two visits to Brooke he presented Purple Heart caps to the following three soldiers. He said the soldiers were delighted to receive them, put them on immediately, and did not take them off during his visit. James also remarked that the other wounded soldiers at Brooke took special notice of the caps and the Blue and White Patch. On each visit, James strives to know these soldiers as well as possible.

James Timmens and SPC Luis Duenes

SPC Luis Duenes lost his hand and part of his arm in Iraq. He is currently in rehabilitation to learn to use his prosthetic as fully as possible. Once this is accomplished, he expects to receive his medical discharge. SPC Duenes was injured by an IED while serving with the 703rd, which was attached to our 4th Battalion.

SPC James White and James Timmens

SPC James White joined the Army at age 40. His injuries consist of severe burns to one arm and to the side of his body. He has undergone muscle and skin grafts and is currently undergoing rehabilitation treatment. At this time, SPC White does not expect to return to duty. He served with Bravo Company of the 1st Battalion of the 30th Regiment, 2nd Brigade.

SPC Harrison Wooldridge and James Timmens

SPC Harrison Wooldridge suffered extremely severe burns and injury to his lower leg, ankle, and foot. He lost the muscles in that part of his body so doctors replaced them with muscle tissue taken from his abdomen. Once healing and rehabilitation are complete, Wooldridge expects to return to duty. Wooldridge is from New Braunfels, Texas, which is about 30 miles from Brooke, so it is possible for him to see family and friends frequently.
All wounded soldiers are sent to facilities specializing in the specific treatments they require. While most of the wounded spend time in more than one such facility, the Army strives to assign the soldiers to the specializing facilities closest to their homes to accommodate visits by family and friends. In support of such visits, Brooke has people who find accommodations for visitors from out of town.
James plans to return to Brooke soon to meet more of our wounded warriors and to present more of our caps from our Society. In appreciation for James’ efforts, Audie Murphy Outpost #35 presented him with an American flag flown over Sather Air Base, Baghdad International Airport, on March 9, 2007, “in honor of the 3rd Infantry Division.” Audie Murphy Outpost #35 is very grateful to James for representing all of us at Brooke.
For more information about the Society or Audie Murphy Outpost, or about visiting soldiers at Brooke Army Medical Center, contact Joe Ball at (972) 495-1704 or at ldball1@msn.com. If sending e-mail, please put the word “Brooke” or “3rd I.D.” in the subject line.


Purple Heart Combat Wounded cap presented to our wounded soldiers on behalf of the Society of the 3rd Infantry Division and Audie Murphy Outpost #35.	James Timmens displaying American Flag presented to him by Outpost #35 members in thanks for his work with our wounded soldiers at Brooke Army Medical Center.

The Rock of the Marne Returns to the Marne

by Monika and Tim Stoy

A special Memorial Day was celebrated in France marking the 90th anniversary of the WWI Second Battle of the Marne. For the first time in memory, both the 3rd Infantry Division and Society were represented by the LTC Tim and CPT Monika Stoy in ceremonies at Aisne-Marne cemetery (Belleau-Wood), Oise-Aisne cemetery, and in Chateau-Thierry at the division’s monument, with wreaths laid at each location.

Despite a long hiatus since a 3rd Infantry Division or Society delegation was last in at the cemeteries or at Chateau-Thierry, the local townspeople were fully cognizant of the vital role the Division played in 1918; they warmly received the Division and Society representation and were unanimous in their wish to see the relationship between the Rock of the Marne and the communities along the Marne enlivened.

May 24, Belleau. Participated in the grand opening ceremony for the village military museum. The mayor and local dignitaries were very surprised and pleased to have American participation. CPT Stoy presented a copy of a 1918 newspaper article about a 3rd Infantry Division soldier who had served at Belleau Wood with the 7th Infantry Regiment, Sergeant David Michaels, as well as a copy of a letter he had written to his mother at the end of the war. (The originals of these items, as well as numerous other artifacts of Sergeant Michael’s WWI service as well as from his many years of membership in the Society were recently donated to the Society by his son Associate Member Harry F. Michaels.) Later that evening, a Memorial Mass was held just outside the gate of the cemetery.

May _25_, Aisne-Marne. The Memorial Day ceremony in this location has long been the showcase event for the United States Marine Corps (USMC), since the fight at Belleau Wood in June 1918 is one of the great battles in their history. General James T. Conway, USMC Commandant, gave the keynote speech, and The Marine Corps Battle Color Detachment, Drum and Bugle Corps, Silent Drill Platoon, all from Marine Barracks Washington, D.C., also participated in the anniversary ceremony. Superintendent David Atkinson, who runs an excellent cemetery operation, organized the Memorial Day event and was instrumental in coordinating the Division/Society visit to Chateau-Thierry. Often forgotten is the fact the Marine brigade fought under command of the U.S. Army 2nd Infantry Division and that, for a period of 5 days, the 3rd Division’s 7th Infantry Regiment relieved both Marine Regiments posted in Belleau Wood. The Stoys subtly but persistently reminded all present that not only the Marines, but also the Army was there, especially the Rock of the Marne!

May _25_, Oise-Aisne. Located about 30 miles from Aisne-Marne is the cemetery of Oise-Aisne where a significantly smaller ceremony was held. The Honorable Craig Roberts Stapleton, Ambassador to France, was the keynote speaker. Superintendent Jeffrey Aarnio, another outstanding cemetery administrator, organized the ceremony. Though less well-known, Oise-Aisne has three times the number of American graves including over 500 from the 3rd Infantry Division, many of whom were killed on July 15, 1918 on the Marne River. The Division is proudly called the “Rock of the Marne” for good reason, but sometimes the cost of earning that name is forgotten. When one walks the rows of headstones and reads the names, units and dates, it becomes very clear that the sobriquet Rock of the Marne was earned through a great deal of blood. Interesting for WWII vets, Lieutenant James A. O’Daniel, brother of WWII Division Commander John Wilson “Iron Mike” O’Daniel, is buried in Oise-Aisne. He was killed in an aviation accident in July 1918.

May 25 - Chateau-Thierry. Memorial Day events came to a close with a solemn late afternoon wreath-laying ceremony at the impressive 3rd Infantry Division monument, located on the northern bank of the Marne River just across the river from positions held by the 3rd Division’s 7th Machine Gun Battalion in late May 1918. While the monument grounds are very well tended by the city, the monument itself shows signs of water damage and staining. A request for evaluation and an estimate for repairs has been submitted to the American Battle Monuments Commission. After the Memorial Day ceremony, a reception was held in the town hall where Mayor Jacques Krabal expressed a fervent wish that the Division reestablish its relationship with the town which has lain dormant since the Division’s move from Germany to the United States.

May 27 - Romange. Wreaths were placed to honor all the 3rd ID dead at the Meuse-Argonne Cemetery which is the largest US military cemetery in Europe. It is beautifully maintained through the efforts Mr. Phil Rivers, the superintendent, and Mr. Scott Desjardins, his assistant, who also provided assistance in selecting the grave of Second Lieutenant Roland S. Koch where a wreath could be laid in honor of all the Division dead. As fierce as the fighting on the Marne were in July 1918, the fighting in Meuse-Argonne in October 1918 was every bit as bloody and unforgiving.

June 28 to July 6 - Marne. Several members of OP Europe participated in historical terrain walks in Chateau-Thierry on June 28 and Ferte-sous-Jouare on July 5. The walks commemorated the 2nd Battle of the Marne in July of 1918. OP members were greatly impressed by the terrain and the great achievement of the “Marne Division” in stopping the German attack emanating from truly dominating terrain. OP Europe members also participated in the 90th anniversary commemoration ceremony at the French National Battles of the Marne Memorial in Dormans on July 6. The French Minister of Defense, Mr Herve Morin, was present for this ceremony. Local and national dignitaries were very pleased to see the 3ID represented.

Outpost 7, 3rd Inf Div Society July, 2008 Our Memorial Day meeting and wreath laying ceremonies went well. As previously reported, in keeping with our history and tradition, our OP always honors our fallen comrades on May 30. We first met and placed a large wreath at the Third Infantry Division Monument (which is in a very prominent spot in Arlington Cemetery) and the second wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers. For many, Memorial Day is just another three day weekend but not for our Society and certainly not for those in attendance. It’s important that noble deeds such as those endured just a few years ago at Fallujah in Iraq, and those at Anzio and in the battle of San Pietro in Italy in WW II, on Pork Chop Hill, the Frozen Chosen and Hill 717 in Korea, to be recorded and remembered by the next generation. Unsung those noble military deeds will die. Thus, it’s important that we take time from our busy schedules to meet and reflect on those sacrifices. Special tribute was paid to the FACES of the FALLEN. We displayed photos of the 4,086 heroes who have fallen in the Middle East as of May 26 and that included all ranks from Colonel to PFC- male and female. We also honored the memory of PFC Kyle P. Norris a recent KIA with the 3^rd Bn 7^th Inf in Iraq. Our senior member in attendance, Ret Brig Gen (Chaplain) Parker Thompson paid a spiritual tribute to those who have served and are currently serving with the Marne Division. Other attendees included H. Bodson, Tad Davis, J. Fisher , W. Michel, Geo Otis, T Sgts Baum and Van Woert from Walter Reed, E.K. Williams. H Werth, and members of the Underwood and Mergler families. Sue (Underwood Mergler represented her father, S Sgt Cecil Underwood, who was wounded while with Co I 7^th Inf Regt in WW II and who always wanted to attend our ceremonies but was ailing and had requested that his daughter represent him on this day. Regrettably, Cecil died a few days after our meeting. Regrets were received from our Belgian Cotton Balers headed by Bob Boucart and from Gen “Dutch” Kerwin who was hospitalized but who reported that he would be with us in spirit. ( Regrettably Gen Kerwin who has been one of our most faithful and loyal supporters, made his final PCS on July 11) regrets were also received from Geo Ferguson, J. Lowden, Cathy Bacon, Len Werth, Ken Young and Ron McCleary. After our ceremonies at our Division Monument, we moved to the Tomb of the Unknowns where we formed our usual cordon down the steps leading to the Tomb where Tad Davis and Geo Otis backed up by Chaplain Parker Thompson stepped forward and placed a large wreath, similar to that placed at the Marne Monument, at the foot of the Tomb as part of a very formal ceremony which included the playing of TAPS by an Army Band member. Our next meeting is scheduled for Veterans Day Tues Nov 11, 2008 when we will again pay tribute to the fallen by wreath laying ceremonies in Arlington National Cemetery to include a formal ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknowns at 3:15 PM. Details TBA. Once a Marneman, always a Marneman! John L. Insani CO OP7

Old Glory Flies Over Obersalzberg
Submitted by Monika and Tim Stoy

On 5 May 2008, Old Glory flew again on the Obersalzberg, Germany. A special forty-eight star flag was raised by Society members, commemorating the flag-raising ceremony conducted there by 7th Infantry Regiment Soldiers exactly 63 years earlier on 5 May 1945.

3ID Vets raising the flag

Berchtesgaden Plaque

Veterans Bob Dutil, John Miller, and Ross Brown, who had all been present at the 1945 ceremony, raised the flag and then unveiled a commemorative brass plaque. The plaque recognizes the 3rd Infantry Division’s entry into Berchtesgaden on 4 May 1945, the first Allied unit to enter the city. Assisting the three veterans were Paul Heintges, grandson of 7th Infantry Regiment Commander, Colonel John Heintges; Kathy Brinson, daughter of veteran Joe Kolacz; Captain Monika Stoy, President of OP Europe and ceremony organizer; Dr. Bernhard Oswald of the International Resorts GmbH (which owns the Intercontinental Resort Berchtesgaden), and State Secretary Georg Fahrenschon of the Bavarian Finance Ministry. Also attending the ceremony were Berchtesgaden, Mayor Franz Rasp and the U.S. Consul General in Munich, the Honorable Mr. Eric Nelson. While the 1945 ceremony had been short and solemn, this one concluded with the singing of the “Dog Face Soldier”—the first time the Division song was sung on the Obersalzberg.

Bob Dutil and John Miller with Plaque

Captain Monika Stoy and 3 Vets unveiling the Plaque

The ceremony preserved history by making history—the plaque is the first to recognize an American unit for its WWII accomplishments in Germany, and in a location of tremendous significance—the Obersalzberg. The 3rd Infantry Division made history 63 years ago when, after 2 years and 9 months of combat, soldiers of the 7th Infantry Regiment, along with attachments, under orders from Division Commander, Major General “Iron Mike” O’ Daniel, won the race to reach the last significant Nazi war symbol and entered Berchtesgaden shortly before 1600 hours on 4 May 1945; the original flag ceremony took place the next day. Last month’s Marne Trail ceremony made history by bringing Americans and Germans together on this special anniversary.

In her keynote speech, Captain Stoy honored the veterans’ accomplishments and the division’s grand achievement, and paid special tribute to the close and important relationship between Germany and the United States, and between Bavaria and the US Army, and between German and American people. She described the relationship as one that developed after WWII, characterized by mutual respect and admiration and critical to victory in the Cold War. “The 3^rd Infantry Division’s entry into Berchtesgaden signaled the end of the greatest evil to befall mankind in the 20^th century, as well as the long national nightmare of the German people,” said Captain Stoy.“It also signaled the beginning of a partnership and a friendship between the United States and Germany,” she said, adding that “this partnership proved to be indispensable in the West’s ability to defend freedom from totalitarianism.”

Captain Stoy concluded her speech by stating that the German-American relationship “…continues to be indispensable as Europe and the United States face the myriad challenges of the 21^st century. It is a partnership that grew from the shared sacrifices of the Cold War, but is based on the true friendship that developed between American soldiers and the German people who were their hosts here.” The speech was translated into German by Lieutenant Colonel Tim Stoy, who also narrated the ceremony.

The memorial plaque visibly testifies to the division’s hard-won battle honor of liberating Berchtesgaden, a fact erroneously called into question in Stephen Ambrose’s book Band of Brothers which inaccurately the 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment with that honor. Regrettably, the book’s 2001 HBO mini-series the inaccuracy to the American public. Now, the Obersalzberg Marne Trail ceremony sets the record straight.

Not only the plaque, but also eyewitnesses testify to this fact. Major General Lloyd Ramsey, then a lieutenant colonel, knows exactly what happened; he had been posted by Iron Mike O’ Daniel at the only operational bridge providing access to Berchtesgaden. Sherman Pratt, then a first lieutenant and commander of L Company, also knows what happened; it was his company that raced to reach Bertchesgaden. Bennett Walker knows; then a sergeant, he had been chosen to raise the flag on 5 May 1945 because of his valor in the fighting in Nuernberg during the previous month and because of his actions as platoon sergeant of the lead platoon in L Company. Bob Dutil of the 3rd Battalion, 7th Infantry’s I&R section, and John Miller of L Company also know; they were there, too. All of these veterans and eyewitnesses know the real history of the liberation of Betchesgaden. They and many others have provided invaluable support for the Marne Trail Project and for the Obersalzberg ceremony.

Color Guard from Mannheim VFW Post 9534

State Secretary Georg Fahrenschon Speech

Other critical support for the memorial plaque dedication was provided by the Bavarian State Chancery under State Secretary Eberhard Sinner, represented at the ceremony by State Secretary Georg Fahrenschon of the Finance Ministry, and by the International Resorts GmbH, represented by its Director General, Dr. Bernhard Oswald. The Intercontinental Resort Berchtesgaden Director, Mr. Tom Bauer, and his staff, led by Andreas Zybell, provided important assistance and acted as hosts to the veterans and family members who traveled to Germany for the ceremony. The hotel also arranged for a local band to provide musical support. VFW Post 9534 from Mannheim, Germany, under Commander Matt Coulter, provided an outstanding color guard for the ceremony—all six color guard members became Society members.

Two individuals provided key support. . Colonel Steffen Rohde, German Army, retired, was of immeasurable assistance throughout the preparation process which began last year. And, Florian Beierl, the historian of the Obersalzberg Institute, rendered invaluable assistance in coordinating with local authorities, supplying vital historical background, and providing linguistic support. He has also provided great moral support for the 3rd ID; in his published history of the Obersalzberg, he accurately credits the Division with liberating Berchtesgaden

At a post-ceremony reception hosted by the hotel, Captain Stoy recognized those who contributed to the success of the event and presented the three veterans and Kathy Brinson, representing her father, Joe Kolasz, with Freedom Team Salute certificates from the Department of the Army. The veterans then presented their state flags to Dr. Oswald – California by Bob Dutil, Michigan by John Miller, Colorado by Kathy Brinson, and Texas by Paul Heintges.

Monika presents Freedom team salute to Vets

Berchtesgaden Schloss Group

Media coverage was provided by the Armed Forces Network- Bavaria, arranged by the Army Chief of Public Affairs, Major General Anthony Cucolo. Other media coverage included Bavarian television and the Berchtesgaden newspaper.

Click here for TV film of event or here for shorter video

OP Europe has worked on the Marne Trail project for three years, placing 19 plaques in France; the Obersalzberg plaque, the only Marne Trail plaque in Germany, marks the logistical end of the Marne Trail. Now the Obersalzberg can serve as a meeting point for veterans, their children and grandchildren, and all supporters of the 3rd Infantry Division, can return annually to remember the Division’s tremendous achievements. The special Old Glory will remain, flying over Obersalzberg at the 3ID monument throughout the year and will greet the next group of veterans who plan to visit in May 2009!

Soldier in Iraq sends message to mom in St. Pete
By: Kathryn Bursch

St. Petersburg, Florida – The troop surge in Iraq is working. Compared to 10 months ago, there are fewer attacks on U.S. forces and more cooperation from the Iraqi people. That’s the word coming from U.S. Army officials in Baghdad Wednesday during satellite interviews arranged by the military. And one of the people pushing that message is Major Alayne Conway.

Maj. Alayne Conway

”We’re making progress every day,” says Conway, a public affairs officer for the 3rd Infantry Division. “It’s tough being over here, but the soldiers are doing great, morale is high, so we want to make sure the folks back home know that.” Conway, whose mother Mary Hoover lives in St. Petersburg, is based at Camp Victory in Baghdad. Her job is to help journalists connect with military leaders and soldiers in the field.

“We do media events and I get to facilitate those, but a lot of times I’m either chained to the desk or chained to the phone.”
And even though her days are busy, Conway says there are lighter moments. One photograph she e-mailed Tampa Bay’s 10 News shows her at her desk wearing a tiara for her birthday celebration.

And unlike most soldiers living in outposts, Camp Victory offers some advantages. When weather gets warmer there’s even some pool time. “I like to hang by the pool for a couple hours on Sunday before I go into work and collect my thoughts and get ready for the week ahead,” says Conway.

Conway is nearing the end of her 15-month deployment to Iraq and like most soldiers, she says it’s difficult to be away from home. This week she’ll miss her mom’s birthday, but she was able to send this message via Tampa Bay’s 10 News.
“She’s the best mom, my heart goes out to her and I love her very much.”
Kathryn Bursch, Tampa Bay's 10 News
© Copyright 2005-2008 WTSP-TV.

Local Shul (Temple) supports the troops
By Lois Goldrich

Nearly 100 volunteers turned out to stuff care packages for soldiers in Iraq.

Noah Herskovitz, a 22-year-old combat engineer in the U.S. army’s 3rd Infantry Division, now stationed outside Baghdad, felt a bit uncomfortable receiving so many more care packages than the other members of his unit. Nearly 100 volunteers turned out to stuff care packages for soldiers in Iraq.

"He told me he was getting self-conscious," said his mother, Linda Herskovitz, a member of Netivot Shalom in Teaneck, who has had sons serve in both the U.S. and Israeli military. "On one hand, I was proud of the Jewish community for reaching out to Jewish soldiers; on the other, I felt that it wasn’t right that the others weren’t getting anything. They’re doing the same job." To rectify the situation, she resolved to send a package to each of the 77 soldiers in her son’s unit. But after she mentioned her plan to shul president Pam Scheininger early this year, another idea took root, leading to participation by the entire synagogue.

On Sunday, Netivot Shalom congregants, together with student volunteers from the Frisch School as well as other members of the community — adults and children — gathered at the synagogue to assemble what Scheininger described as "substantial" care packages.
"We even have extras left over," she said, noting that in a short time, the volunteers collected or bought large quantities of candy, cookies, powdered drink mix, soap, toothbrushes and toothpaste, books, magazines, DVDs, CDs, and basic tools.

Noah Herskovitz at work, as the gunner in a tank unit.

"We were glad to find a substantive way to support the brave soldiers serving in Iraq," said Weininger. "The personal connection stemming from the fact that one of our congregant’s sons is in the unit makes the project even more meaningful. The response from the congregation and the community at large has been overwhelming." "I’m still smiling," said Herskovitz, noting that some 100 volunteers turned out to help stuff the packages. "I was very surprised at the numbers, and degree of support, we received." In addition to filling boxes, volunteers, mostly children, wrote letters and drew pictures for the soldiers.

Congregant Richard Dukas said that it was only when packing simple items like batteries that he began to "feel a connection to the soldiers. I got a chill," he said. "We usually think of them as nameless and faceless." By pure chance, said Herskovitz, her son Noah — while not at Sunday’s event — had just been home for a two-week visit, during which he was invited, as a Frisch graduate, to address seniors at the school. "They were interested to know why an Orthodox Jewish boy joined the army," she said, adding that the talk went so well, the Frisch administration and parents association began to encourage participation in her care-package project.

"Originally it was an internal project," she said. "We posted a notice on TeaneckShuls when we realized the scope of what would be involved in filling 77 boxes." Not only did the posting help bring in the required items, but "I received calls from people who said they wanted to help support us financially," she said. "I’m overwhelmed by how many people seemed to get excited about his project."

The project "snowballed after Noah’s visit to Frisch," she added, resulting not only in additional supplies but in more than 10 additional volunteers for Sunday’s event. "We originally conceived of the project as a youth activity," said Herskovitz, pointing out that Noah had mentioned how moved the soldiers were by letters and drawings from children. "They have such a beautiful, innocent way of expressing themselves," she said. While the project ultimately became a social action event, targeted to the whole shul, a special room was reserved for young children, who were encouraged to write letters and draw pictures.

"I think it is important to write to the soldiers because they are in the middle of the war, and if we send them nice pictures and letters it will help take their minds off of the bad things," said Josh Dukas, age 8, of Teaneck. "We put one letter in every package," said Herskovitz. The boxes will be picked up by the post office and delivered to an APO address, awaiting shipment to Iraq. "Noah isn’t telling the other soldiers about it," she said. "He can’t wait to see their faces when the packages arrive."

Noah will be in Iraq for another year, said his mother, indicating that it was likely that the members of the unit would appreciate receiving another package before then. "We may do this again in the fall," she said. "I hope we do it again," said Scheininger. "It’s a great feeling. The shul never did anything like this before. It was an opportunity to look outside of ourselves to see and address the needs of other groups. It says a lot about the shul that the idea was so enthusiastically received."

"More than anything, the brave men and women serving in Iraq need to know that the people back home are thinking about them and care about them," said Herskovitz. "Because the number of Jewish soldiers in Iraq is so small, the American Jewish community has been able to shower them with many packages, which is wonderful, but it made me realize how important it is to show our support of all the soldiers—regardless of background."
Copyright 2008 - The Jewish Standard

Boxes back troops, win Iraqi fans

by TERRY DICKSON, The Times-Union

ST. SIMONS ISLAND- March 9, 2008 - Wednesday morning, a few lodge members loaded an SUV with boxes of goods they had collected for the troops in Iraq. John Winslett Sr. and Jack Renfroe hauled out ramen noodles, Carmex lip balm, pencils, snacks, batteries, candy and enough toothpaste to supply a convention of TV news anchors. But most telling was the 144 rolls of Charmin toilet tissue. Other brands would have worked, so long as they were, Renfroe said, "un-John Wayne toilet paper.''
Charmin is a brand said to be squeezable. As a rule toilet paper commercials aren't like those for pickup trucks. Who wants toilet paper that's rugged and durable? Dependable? Of course, but in a gentle sort of way, even if you're an Army Ranger.

No man ever got a call on the cell phone from his wife saying, "Could you pick up some milk and bread on the way home? And we're out of toilet paper. Pick up a four pack, but be sure it's built Ford tough.'' This was the third time Golden Isles Lodge No. 707 F&AM had collected and shipped goods off to the troops, Renfroe said. This time it's for the 1/30th Infantry battalion of the 3rd Infantry Division.

It was formerly the 3/15th Infantry, whose most famous member was Audie Murphy, the most decorated soldier of World War II. Murphy went on to be a successful rancher and actor after the war. His name lived on at military training posts long after his death in 1971. If anyone did anything flamboyant in training, such as standing up and firing at a target, a sergeant would growl, "Get your -- down. You ain't Audie Murphy.'' Even with a Medal of Honor around his neck, one imagines Audie Murphy would have appreciated the qualities of Charmin and similar products.

While the 1/30th is in Iraq, Capt. Eric Motzenbecker commands the unit's rear detachment. He already did a tour in Iraq. This is likely among the last shipments the 1/30th will receive. They're due to come home this summer, and it takes a long time to get the stuff there, Motzenbecker said. Motzenbecker stressed that troops are well-supplied, especially at the battalion level, but shipments offer "comfort from home.'' Some units are on small patrol bases and those aren't as well-stocked; it's there that goods from home are most appreciated, he said. Bigger camps have plenty of beverage choices, but the powdered Gatorade that Lodge 707 sent will let the soldiers at smaller bases enjoy some sports drinks, Motzenbecker said. "And everyone likes the newspapers and magazines, like Sports Illustrated and Maxim,'' he said.

Renfroe made a huge sacrifice in sending his Sports Illustrated swimsuit edition. By the way, Sports Illustrated must be going through hard times. They didn't have enough swimwear for all the models this year. By the time they get to Iraq, some of the magazines will be old enough to qualify for a doctor's waiting room, but they're still welcome, as are novels and DVDs, Motzenbecker said.

The lodge also sent stuffed animals and candy, but not for the troops. They hand it out to Iraqi children, especially in new areas. "There are always a lot of kids,'' Motzenbecker said. "They're always the first ones to approach. It's something to win over the hearts and minds.'' Kids' hearts and minds can be won with comforts far from their own uncomfortable homes.

terry.dickson@jacksonville.com
(912) 264-0405
© Copyright The Florida Times-Union.

U.S. General Dreams of Austin Retirement
Commander of 20,000-soldier task force
says he sees progress in Iraq.

John Carrington/SAVANNAH MORNING NEWS
Maj. Gen. Rick Lynch commands 3rd Infantry Division.

By Robert W. Gee
INTERNATIONAL STAFF
Saturday, February 16, 2008

CAMP VICTORY, Iraq — Maj. Gen. Rick Lynch, commander of the 20,000-soldier Task Force Marne and an architect of the troop surge strategy in Iraq, likes to joke that when he grows up, he's going to open a bar in Austin. The growing-up part is a joke, but not the bar. It will be called the Black Lab Inn, he said, in a nod to his favorite breed of dog. "I've already got the sign made," he said. "I've just got to find a place to hang it."

Lynch, who has garnered attention for reducing violence and sectarian tension across a broad swath of south-central Iraq, grew up in Ohio but spent 14 years stationed at Fort Hood and met his wife, Sarah, when he was a young captain in Killeen. "I have no intent to leave (the Army) until the nation doesn't need me anymore," Lynch said. Come time to retire, though, he pictures himself on 160 acres in the Hill Country. Somewhere around Wimberley would be nice, he said. "We're going to have a whole bunch of Labrador retrievers. We're going to have horses. We're going to have cattle just to say we have cattle. I wouldn't know what to do with them."

Lynch, 52, recently marked 30 years in the Army and is in the midst of his second tour in Iraq. He commands the 3rd Infantry Division.
His office was once an Iraqi mint and was later converted to an Iraqi army barracks and then into a U.S. Army barracks. Near his desk stands a life-sized stuffed toy black Labrador, which reminds him of his two female Labs back home, 14-year-old Harley and 5-year-old Maggie.

The area he controls, like much of Iraq, has witnessed a steady improvement in security, even if services, such as electricity, are slow to recover. Attacks on U.S. troops have decreased from an average of 25 a day to three a day. Civilian casualties have diminished by 75 percent to one a day, according to Army statistics. Lynch attributes the improvements to the troop surge strategy of aggressively pursuing insurgents and moving U.S. forces into patrol bases in neighborhoods to maintain security gains.

Newly formed volunteer paramilitary forces, predominantly Sunni Arabs allied with the U.S. military, have also contributed to the downturn in violence, patrolling neighborhoods and warning of insurgent activity, he said. But in the same breath, he called the progress "tenuous." On Monday, the day he spoke, bombers killed 22 Iraqis, underscoring the challenges.

Lynch is scheduled to return home this summer – he lives outside 3rd Division headquarters in Fort Stewart, Ga. – and is awaiting his next assignment. His daughter, Susan, 24, is a graduate of Texas State University in San Marcos, and is now an aspiring actor in Hollywood. His son, Lucas, 22, is a part-time college student, part-time bartender in Georgia. Maj. Gen. Lynch said his first job was busing tables at age 14. He was promoted to grill cook and later painted houses. "What my parents taught me is a work ethic," he said.
His parents still live in Hamilton, Ohio, as does his half-brother, Jim Lynch.
"Ohio is great. But there's winter. I don't do winters anymore," the General said. "You got to love Texas. You got to love the people. You got to love the climate."

Top 3rd ID officer: Morale, awareness key to Iraqi war
Andrews says conditions are better but could turn at any time
BY MICK WALSH - mwalsh@ledger-enquirer.com --

Command Sgt. Maj. Jesse Andrews

Jan.26, 2008 - Even though he's now the 3rd Infantry Division's top enlisted man, Command Sgt. Maj. Jesse Andrews still has a soft spot for his old buddies in the division's 3rd Brigade. "A part of me's still with the guys I served with on Kelley Hill," said Andrews, speaking by telephone Thursday from his office at Baghdad's Camp Victory.

Andrews, a native of Lincolnton, Ga., served as the 2nd Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment's top non-commissioned officer during the invasion of Baghdad in 2003. Two years later, he was brigade commander Col. Steve Salazar's "battle buddy" during the unit's 2005 deployment. He served in that same role for Col. Wayne Grigsby up until two weeks before the 3rd Brigade left for Iraq.

Maj. Gen. Rick Lynch, 3rd ID commander, tapped Andrews as his top NCO last February. "I went from being in charge of about 4,000 soldiers to 20,000 soldiers," said Andrews, 45, who spends much of his time these days visiting all of the 3rd ID units stationed at 55 forward operating bases and outposts throughout the Baghdad area, as well as visiting wounded troops at the combat support hospital in the capital city.
"I can tell you that morale is extremely high, evident mostly by the high number of re-enlistments," Andrews said. "We've had more than 1,000 so far and another 300 or so will re-enlist in February."

Though casualties have been down in the division's theater of operations, Andrews warns troops not to let their guard down. "It could turn on us any day," he said, referring to the insurgency. "The war is a long way from being over. There are still a lot of extremists, so we must continue to conduct kinetic operations.

"The good thing is that we know a lot more about our enemy and the terrain than we did during my first two tours. Our primary mission in Operation Iraqi Freedom was to terminate the bad guy. Now, it's to work with Concerned Local Citizen groups -- to help them protect their own neighborhoods. Some of these people were bad guys just a year or so ago; they were definitely part of the problem. Now, many of them want to be part of the solution."

Andrews' old brigade is getting some help in its almost 10-month fight to tame the Sunni town of Salman Pak, a Tigris River town about an hour from the brigade's headquarters at Forward Operating Base Hammer. "We're moving in a battalion of soldiers from Georgia (the country, not the state) to Command Outpost Cleary, enabling the 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment to shift to a new place called Camp Carver," he said. "That will allow the 1-15 to use all of its combat power to clean up Salman Pak." That former resort town is one of the few in the 3rd Brigade's theater of operations without a local citizens group. A majority of the brigade's fatalities have come in Salman Pak. "The formation of the CLCs, along with putting our soldiers in outposts right in the hearts of towns, are two big factors in why our success rates are climbing. Most of the townspeople are armed and they want to protect their neighborhoods from extremists," he said.

Andrews, whose wife still lives in Columbus, will return to Fort Stewart in June with the division. "You'll be seeing a whole lot of changes this summer," he laughed. "A new division commander, new brigade and battalion commanders. But I'll be around for a while. I'll be part of the transition team."

Tree Dedication Ceremony in honor of
Our Fallen Comrades

on Thursday, the seventeenth day of January 2008
at ten o’clock in the morning at Warrior’s Walk, Fort Stewart, Georgia

More trees salute fallen soldiers
Weather mourns too

By Joe Parker Jr.
Contributing Writer
jparkerjr@coastalcourier.com
912-876-0156 ext. 25
Posted: Jan. 17, 2008 2:47 p.m.

Color guard sloshes through ankle-deep water at rainy tree dedication Thursday.
Joe Parker Jr. / Coastal Courier

The weather matched the tone as Fort Stewart dedicated eight more trees to fallen 3rd Infantry Division warriors on a gray, rainy Thursday morning. Col. Todd Buchs, Fort Stewart garrison commander, said, ”So long as we have soldiers who will make the ultimate sacrifice for their country, we will have room for their trees at Warriors Walk.”

Family members of slain soldiers are escorted to Warriors Walk ceremony.
Joe Parker Jr. / Coastal Courier

One of the eight was Pfc Ryan D. Christensen, 22, of Spring Lake Heights, N.J., who died at the Medical University of Charleston in Charleston, S.C., on Nov. 24, 2005, of a non-combat related illness identified in Balad, Iraq. Christensen was not initially honored at Warriors Walk because an Army medical investigation indicated his fatal illness was not related to his deployment to Iraq. Fort Stewart spokesman Kevin Larson said Christensen's family did not accept this and had remained in contact with the 3rd ID's commanding general, Maj. Gen. Rick Lynch, during two subsequent inquiries into the illness. Those investigations, Larson said, revealed a possible link with Christenson's deployment. "So now he is honored here, where he belongs,” Larson said. “This is the right thing to do for Pfc. Christensen and his family." Christensen was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 64th Armor Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team.

Buchs skillfully wove personal information about each soldier into his speech, honoring the eight young men who died in connection with Operation Iraqi Freedom. Christensen, Buchs said, had a personal interest in technology and used his skills to help an Iraqi radio station while he was deployed.

Sgt. Lui Tumanuvao Sr., 29, of Fagaalu, American Samoa, died Nov. 7 in Arab Jabour, Iraq, of wounds suffered when he was struck by an improvised explosive device during combat operations. The day of Tumanuvao’s promotion was one of the proudest moments for him and his family, Buchs said. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team.

Sgt. Mason L. Lewis, 26, of Gloucester, Va., died in Baghdad on Nov. 16, as a result of a non-combat related training accident. Nicknamed as a child “Little Rambo,” Lewis had grown to love the Iraqi people and culture, and had learned to speak Arabic. He was assigned to the 26th Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team.

Sgt. Samuel E. Kelsey, 24, of Troup, Texas, died Dec. 13 in Tunnis, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated. Kelsey is remembered as a high school athlete and an outdoorsman. He was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team.

Sgt. Daniel McCall, 24, of Pace, Fla., died Oct. 30 of wounds suffered in Salman Pak, Iraq, when enemy forces engaged his unit with small arms fire and an improvised explosive device. McCall set a record for the 400-meter at his high school in Florida. His record still stands. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, at Fort Benning.

Spc. Rush M. Jenkins, 22, of Clarksville, Tenn., died Oct. 30 of wounds suffered also in Salman Pak, when enemy forces engaged his unit with small arms fire and an improvised explosive device. Jenkins has a twin brother, Michael, who received word of his death on their shared birthday. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, Fort Benning.

Pfc. Cody M. Carver, 19, of Haskell, Okla., died Oct. 30 in Salman Pak, when enemy forces engaged his unit with small arms fire and an improvised explosive device. Carver is remembered as a good soldier, who “joined the Army to make a difference. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, at Fort Benning.

Pfc. Dwane A. Covert, 20, of Tonawanda, N.Y., died Nov 3, in Al-Sahra, Iraq, from injuries suffered in a non-combat related incident. Covert and his wife have a daughter born last month. He was assigned to the 104th Transportation Company, 13th Corps Support Sustainment Battalion, Fort Benning.
© 2006 Hinesville Publishing - All Rights Reserved