Society of the 3rd Infantry Division.-Page 1 Contents and Up-To-Date News

Calendar for 2009

August 10-23, 2009
65th Anniversary
Battlefield Tour
For the Society of the 3rd Infantry Division
Italy, France

Sept 16- 20, 2009
90th Annual Reunion
Society of the 3ID
Clarion Hotel
Springfield, MO
Near Branson, MO

All Rights Reserved
©Rich Heller
1997-2009

Below are the proposed changes to the By-Laws and Constitution of the Society of the 3rd Infantry Division. The Official Ballot is in the June 2009 issue of the Watch on the Rhine newsletter.

Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates announced June 19, 2009 that the President has made the following nomination:
Army Lt. Gen. Ricky Lynch has been nominated for reappointment to the rank of lieutenant general and assignment as assistant chief of staff for installation management/ commanding general, Installation Management Command, U.S. Army, Washington, D.C. Lynch is currently serving as commanding general, III Corps and Fort Hood, Fort Hood, Texas. General Lynch was the Commanding General of the 3rd Infantry Division before his present position at Fort Hood, Texas.

Smile! All you Grumpy Gills

For Puerto Rican Veterans, An Honor Years In The Making
Korean War regiment to be lauded in Worcester
By Maria Sacchetti, Globe Staff
Boston Globe
June 20, 2009

WORCESTER - They were forgotten soldiers from the forgotten war.

The Army’s 65th Infantry Regiment, almost exclusively from Puerto Rico, took part in some of the most brutal battles in Korea. General Douglas MacArthur called them “heroic,’’ but inside the Army the soldiers faced their own battles: Some officers questioned their patriotism, derided them with ethnic slurs, or worse, sent them into battle dangerously unprepared. In all, 743 soldiers from the 65th died and 2,318 were wounded in Korea - losses that were double the national average for the conflict.

Today, officials from the federal, state, and Puerto Rican governments will honor the 65th veterans at Worcester’s Korean War Memorial, in Massachusetts’ most public acknowledgement yet of their service. For Puerto Ricans, the biggest Latino group in the state, the ceremony is a chance not only to pay tribute to those who served but also to reflect on a larger population whose history in the United States is often ignored or misunderstood.

“We lost a lot of men,’’ the Rev. Jose Perez, a veteran of World War II and Korea, and now a silver-haired, 85-year old man, said in his living room in downtown Worcester this week. “People didn’t know about it. They didn’t think we mattered.’’ Perez, along with Luis Colon, Felipe Guzman, and Evangelista Morales Cruz - all of Massachusetts - will be honored at the ceremony. They are now in their 80s, their memories sometimes foggy. Some parts of the war are easier to recall than others. But in interviews, Perez and Colon recalled a sense of pride and purpose in their service, and mostly had good relationships with the regiment’s leaders, who were white and Puerto Rican. The veterans said they spoke English, and Colon said he rarely faced discrimination, though other members did.
“I liked the Army,’’ said Colon, an 87-year-old father of five who spent 23 years in the Army before he retired to Worcester. “I learned to be a complete man.’’

The 65th traces its roots to a volunteer battalion created in Puerto Rico a year after Spain ceded the Caribbean island to the United States in 1898 in the Spanish-American War, though the unit was officially activated in 1920. Puerto Ricans, US citizens since 1917, have served and died in significant numbers in many American wars - no precise numbers are available. But they do not pay federal taxes. They can’t vote in the general election for president, though they can vote in the presidential primaries.

Perez’s draft letter arrived in English around 1943, calling him to World War II. At the time, Puerto Rico was five years away from democratically electing its first governor. Poverty engulfed the island, and many young people such as Perez never had the chance to finish high school. Born in the small town of Lares, he dropped out after seventh grade to sell appliances in San Juan. Perez, a Pentecostal minister who moved to Massachusetts after the war, said he was eager to serve and glad for the work. Until the Army, he had never left the island. “I felt, as an American citizen, I had to serve the nation,’’ Perez said.

The ship from balmy San Juan to training in New York ferried him to another world. He shivered in the frigid snow for the first time, bundled into wool pants and lined boots. Many New Yorkers treated them like “angels from heaven,’’ Perez said. But he was also repulsed by segregation at beer halls and on buses, where black people would stand while white people sat.“We didn’t understand that separation,’’ he said. “We would ask them, ‘Ma’am, why are you standing?’ ’’

But the 65th also confronted discrimination in the Army. Some senior officers doubted their patriotism and combat fitness, because they were Spanish-speaking troops from a US possession, according to historical accounts from Colonel Gilberto Villahermosa, an Army historian, and the Army Historical Foundation. Most of the time, the regiment was relegated to security and backup, even in World War II. “It seems like the 65th was always in the back,’’ Perez said. That changed in Korea. After impressing senior Army officials in major exercises in Puerto Rico, the soldiers were sent to Korea to fight. They distinguished themselves quickly. The 65th helped protect the Marines during the retreat from the Chosin Reservoir and led a 1951 bayonet charge that captured key territory and was immortalized in a painting commissioned by the National Guard Heritage Foundation, said Villahermosa, whose father served in the 65th.

Four soldiers earned the Distinguished Service Cross, one of the highest military decorations, and 124 won Silver Stars for bravery. “We were never afraid of death,’’ said Perez, straightening his back and raising his chin, a sign of the old soldier. But by 1952, the 65th was in trouble. Many of its leaders, including Puerto Rican and white officers, were being transferred to fill shortages in other units, leaving them with insufficient numbers of trained Puerto Rican sergeants to lead troops in battle, Villahermosa said.

The 65th lost hundreds of soldiers at the key battles of Outpost Kelly and Jackson Heights, and some of them were later accused of disobeying orders or deserting. Within a year, 95 Puerto Ricans had faced courts-martial, but the secretary of the Army quickly overturned those decisions and attributed them to language barriers.

The Army integrated the regiment in 1953, in Korea, and the regiment fought and won its final battles. When the regiment returned to Puerto Rico, it was deactivated in 1956 and three years later became part of the Puerto Rico National Guard, which exists today. In recent years, the regiment has garnered more attention as the veterans aged. An award-winning documentary was released in 2007. In Boston, a monument to the 65th was erected in the South End.

Worcester decided to incorporate the 65th into the larger Korean War memorial after officials realized that many members of the regiment had moved to Massachusetts. “I’m from Puerto Rico, and I didn’t even know anything about the 65th,’’ said one of the ceremony’s organizers, Gladys Rodriguez-Parker, an aide to US Representative James P. McGovern of Worcester. “I started digging and I found a whole community that was out there.’’

In all, 61,000 Puerto Ricans served in Korea, most with the 65th. “They deserve their recognition,’’ said Frank Carroll, a Navy veteran of the Korean War and chairman of today’s event. “After all, they’re Americans. . . . They’re proud to serve.’’

The 65th Infantry Regiment was assigned to the 3rd Infantry Division in the Korean War.

Click Here to learn about Warriors Walk at Fort Stewart

Attached are two photos that were taken at a Freedom Team Salute Award program I had on May 27th. I presented 237 awards to students at a local Middle School. The Guest of Honor was this Soldier, CPL Christopher Levi. Chris is assigned to the 10th Mountain Division, at Ft. Polk, LA, and was attached to the 30th Inf Regt, 3rd ID last year while in Iraq. He was hit with an IED and was sent to Walter Reed Hosp. He became a double amputee and has also lost some of his right hand. I presented Chris a Freedom Team Salute Supporter Award, since he is still active. I also presented Freedom Team Salute Parent Awards, to Debbie & Eric Levi, the parents of Chris. Chris will be going back to Walter Reed for more rehabilitation and possibly more surgery in a few weeks.

This is another example of the fine men & women who are in the 3rd ID and I'm very humbled and proud of this dog faced soldier to know him.

ROTM-Yours in ! the 3rd

Al Julia, OP#5

Christopher Levi and Al Julia

Al also presented Freedom Team Salute Parent Awards, to Debbie & Eric Levi, the parents of Chris.

Ex-Com Approved Change (New Wording) 7.1 Society members have full power to adopt By-Laws, which are not in conflict with the provisions of this Constitution. By-Laws may be adopted,ratified, modified or repealed by society members voting by ballot printed in The Watch on the Rhine. Members with lost or destroyed ballots may OBTAIN another ballot from the Constitution and By-Laws Committee Chair, certified “OFFICIAL.” Explanation: Corrects method to obtain a replacement ballot.	Ex-Com Approved Change (New Wording) 2.1. Business Meetings: Business meetings may be held in conjunction with the Annual Reunion and form the legislative base of the Society. A notice of time and place must be announced in The Watch on the Rhine ninety (90) days prior to the scheduled opening of the Annual Reunion. Explanation: Simplifies wording of section.
Ex-Com Approved Change (New Wording) 2.2. Quorum: No quorum is needed for this meeting. Attendance by all members at the reunion is urged. Explanation: Allows business meetings to be conducted without a quorum.	Ex-Com Approved Change (New Wording) 2.3. Voting: All voting for officers and Constitution and By-Laws changes are conducted by mailed ballots. Voting at the membership meeting may be taken to determine the opinions and recommendations of members on issues to advise the Executive Committee. Explanation: Specifies Ballot voting requirements. Attendees may participate in discussion and vote on Ex-Com recommendations.
Ex-Com Approved Change (Delete 2.4a) This entry deals with “Absentee Ballots” which we no longer use. Explanation: No longer applicable as “mail-in ballots” have replaced absentee ballots.	Ex-Com Approved Change (Add Section 2.5) 2.5. The Chair, with the National Secretary/Treasurer, will record the ballots and will have them available for review. The National Secretary/Treasurer and/or the standing Committee Chair should destroy all ballots ninety (90) days after the publication of the results in The Watch on the Rhine following the General Membership Meeting or special meeting for which they were used. Explanation: Clarifies voting details.
Ex-Com Approved Change (Replace Entire Section V with the following) SECTION V: STANDING COMMITTEES 5.1. The President, with the approval of the Executive Committee, shall designate the Chairs. The committees’ terms end on the closing date of the annual reunion. Each standing committee will present a written report on its activities and recommendations at the annual reunion. 5.2. Constitution and By-Laws: The Constitution and By-laws committee is not restricted in size, but a majority of members shall not be members of the Executive Committee. The committee will submit a ballot of proposed changes for publication in the June Watch on the Rhine. 5.3. Audit: The Audit Committee will examine the Society financial reports after June 30 and report its findings in the October issue of The Watch on the Rhine. 5.4 Nominations and Elections: 5.4.a.The Nominations and Elections Committee shall call for nominations of elected national officers in the December Watch on the Rhine. Nominations will be accepted from January 1 to April 23. 5.4.b.The Committee will submit a ballot of nominees for publication in the June Watch on the Rhine. 5.4.c . The Chair will announce the results at the annual meeting.	5.4.d.In the event that no nominations were made for an office, nominations may be made from the floor, and voting may be held at the General Membership Meeting. 5.5. Awards: The Committee consists of the Chair and three Regional Vice Presidents. 5.5.a.The Chair shall call for nominations for awards in the April issue of The Watch on the Rhine. 5.5.b.The Committee shall select award recipients in accordance with the Awards protocol.5.6. Membership: The Committee manages a program for recruiting new members and retaining members. The Chair will work with the Executive Committee, Public Relations Committee, Outposts, and Reunion Hosts in preparing news releases pertaining to Society meetings and activities. 5.7. Public Relations: The Chair will inform Army veterans, active duty members, and the public about the Society, its purposes and activities. The Chair shall have authority to work with other military groups and, at his/her discretion, develop and place reciprocal notices in publications of interest to veterans and our military. Reciprocal ads, when negotiated shall be referred to the President for final approval before publication. Explanation: Describes more clearly committees and their responsibilities.
Ex-Com Approved Change (New Wording) SECTION VIII. DUES Dues Allocation. Eighty percent of annual and life dues of members assigned to outposts are allocated to national and twenty percent allocated to the outpost to which they are assigned. Dues money for At Large members is allocated to national. 8.1. Annual Dues are payable prior to July 1, in the amount set forth in the By-laws. 8.1.a. Domestic Members ..............$15.00 8.1.b.Overseas Members ..............$35.00 8.1.c.Outposts may add an operational fee that they retain. 8.1.d.New members and members reinstated who pay dues between January 1 and June 30 will be in good standing until July 1 of the following year. 8.1.e. Announcements will be in the June issue of the Watch informing it will be the last issue for those whose dues are not received by June 30. 8.1.f. Members whose dues are not paid by 1 July are removed from the Society Watch mailing list. Only members in good standing may receive the Watch.	8.1.h. Members whose dues are not paid by 1 October are removed from the Society roster. 8.2. Life Dues are payable at anytime in amounts set forth in the Bylaws. 8.2.a.Domestic Members Up to age 39 ...................................$395.00 Ages 40-49 .....................................$300.00 Ages 50-59 ......................................$225.00 Ages 60-69 ......................................$160.00 Ages 70-79 ......................................$110.00 Ages 80 and over...............................$85.00 8.2.b.Overseas Members Up to age 39 ......................................$1,280.00 Ages 40-49 ...........................................$925.00 Ages 50-59........................................... $685.00 Ages 60-69 ...........................................$475.00 Ages 70-79. ..........................................$310.00 Ages 80 and over. ................................$275.00 Explanation: Corrected to satisfy requirements in the Constitution.
Ex-Com Approved Change (New Wording) 11.1. Any of the By-Laws of the Society contained herein may be amended, repealed or changed by affirmative vote of two-thirds (2/3) of the votes cast on the official ballot published in The Watch on the Rhine. The Constitution and By-Laws Committee will prepare a draft ballot for changes to the By-Laws. The draft ballot will be submitted to the Executive Committee for their approval or revision. The ballot approved by the Executive Committee will be submitted to The Watch on the Rhine. The Constitution and Bylaws Committee will collect the mailed ballots, tally the results, and report vote results at the next annual meeting. Explanation: Clarifies proposals for amendment to be submitted to the Executive vote.	Ex-Com Approved Change (New Wording) 11.2. All proposals for Constitution and By-law changes submitted by members of the Society through Outpost or Executive Committee route, or by the initiative of the Constitution and By-Laws Committee, will be sent to the Chair of the Constitution and Bylaws Committee with copies to the National Secretary. Once the Constitution and Bylaws Committee considers the proposed changes and approves what should be presented to the membership, the draft of the proposed amendments will be sent to the Executive Committee for their consideration, approval, or modification in meetings of the Executive Committee under the chairmanship of the President of the Society. This final document must be accepted by a majority of the Executive Committee before publication in The Watch on the Rhine. Approved changes shall be published in The Watch on the Rhine as soon as possible after Society passage. Explanation: Simplifies the routing of proposals to the C&BL Committee and then to the Ex-Com for final acceptance.

Read "The Rock" 10FA Regt Assn newsletter

Here is the PDF version of the Spring09 Edition of the 10th FA Regiment Newsletter, "THE ROCK". Please be sure to pass this onto other veterans of the 10th FA.

Lastly, if you would like to contribute an article for the Fall09 edition of the "THE ROCK", please forward it to me at drnoes3id@comcast.net
Enjoy and Rocks Support!

Scholarship Foundation Announces 2009 Raffle

In 2006, the Society of the 3rd Infantry Division Scholarship Foundation conducted a raffle to raise funds. Many Society Members expressed disappointment when we did not conduct similar raffles in either 2007 or 2008 so they joined forces to promote a raffle at our next reunion. As an incentive, some have sent donations of gifts to present as prizes. We have over 40 prizes to raffle; those already received are listed below, and we hope for more donated prizes. As you can see from the array of gifts already in hand, we have some enthusiastic early supporters. Therefore, the Foundation announces its 2009 raffle to support scholarship grants to Children and Soldiers of the Division. Yes, our soldiers, past and present, are now eligible to compete.

Tickets are on sale now. Send requests for tickets to:

Scholarship Foundation
2010 Worcester Lane,
Garland TX 75040

Tickets are $2.00 each (3 /$5.00 or 12/$20.00 book).
The drawing will be on Saturday, September 19, 2009, at the Springfield/Branson reunion; however, you do not have to be present to win. The Foundation will ship prizes to any winners who are not in attendance at the reunion.

Please ship donated prizes and requests for tickets to the Scholarship Foundation at 2010 Worcester Lane, Garland TX 75040. Tickets are $2.00 each (3 /$5.00 or 12/$20.00 book). If you send funds with your request for tickets, Foundation Chairman Lynn Ball will enter your tickets in the drawing and send your ticket stubs by return mail. If you prefer to fill out your own tickets, send requests to the address above or phone 1-972-495-1704, and the Foundation will send your requested tickets to you. Those donating prizes will receive recognition in future articles and on the Society website, www.3rdiv.org , and the Foundation website, www.3idscholarshipfoundation.org.

Please send your donated prizes and/or ticket requests to the Foundation today. Prizes currently being held for the drawing include the following. As you can see, almost any gift is appropriate.

The raffle to raise funds for the Foundation’s 2009 scholarship grants is making good progress.
We have received early ticket sales, generous donations, and more prizes to raffle. The drawing
will be on September 19^th, at the Springfield/Branson Reunion. Following is our updated list of prizes now in-hand.
Tickets and scholarship grant applications are available from Chairman Lynn Ball:
2010 Worcester Lane, Garland TX 75040 or 1-972-495-1704.

M1-Carbine rifle, donated by Foundation Director Tom Maines (illustration shown above)
Two American Flags flown in honor of the 3^rd Infantry Division on separate missions in Iraq, with official documentation
describing the mission and its date, donated by MSGT Ronald Heitzenrater
Korean War Memorabilia donated by Alta Milling
Ten Bill Mauldin’s Army (WWII cartoons) donated by Tom Maines
General Ike signed and donated by Author General John D. Eisenhower
The Day of The Panzer donated and signed by Author Jeffery L. Danby
1987 U.S. Mint Prestige, Silver Proof Set, with certificate of authenticity, donated by SFC Wayne Conley (Ret.)
1990 U.S. Mint Prestige, Silver Proof Set, with certificate of authenticity, donated by SFC Wayne Conley (Ret.)
1995 Philadelphia Mint, Silver Olympic Gymnastics Proof, Atlanta Centennial Olympic Games, with certificate of authenticity,
donated by SFC Wayne Conley (Ret.)
U.S. Army pocket watch with fob and metal collector’s case donated by Kristina Wright
His and Hers Quartz Wristwatches by Geneva, donated anonymously
Four men’s jewelry/memento boxes with the 3^rd I. D. Patch motif and lined with fabric donated by Jerry and
Marilyn Manley
Disaster Plan donated and signed by Author Edward W. Plaisted
The Impostor Wore #13, donated and signed by Author Edward W. Plaisted
Three Hunting with Tigers, donated and signed by Author Eugene Basilici
Howitzers, Grasshoppers, and the Holy Right Hand, Donated by Rich Heller
Lee Bros. Southern Cookbook, donated anonymously
Programmable Gourmet Coffee Maker (12-cup) donated by Justin D. Valle
Chocolate and Coffee Lover’s Gift Box, donated by www.beminegiftbaskets.com
Beautiful, queen-size quilt with 3^rd I.D. Patch motif crafted and donated by Kathy Daddato
Beautiful, closely quilted, twin-size “Psalm” quilt or tapestry (red and blue military motif) donated by Pennie
and Henry Burke
Wood Cutting crafted and donated by Dallas Artesian Kerry D. Cain who donated his cutting of the
“Lord’s Prayer” in 2006
Heavy-duty, Men’s, Denim Jeans Jacket, with the 3 ID Patch and “3^rd Infantry Division” embossed and quilted
on the back,
donated by Quartermaster Bruce Monkman
Three Photo Albums with 3^rd I.D. Patch installed on cover, donated by Lynn Ball
Four cash prizes of $50.00 each donated by Joe Ball

The winner of the M1-Carbine will select a licensed gun dealer in his/her area to receive shipment of the weapon. (Person-to-person shipment of intact weapons through the United States Postal Service is prohibited.) Once the winner notifies Chairman Ball of the gun dealer’s name, address, and phone number, she will arrange shipment addressed to the raffle recipient and notify both the gun dealer specified and the winner that the weapon is in transit. Through the efforts of Foundation Director
Thomas R. Maines, Charles A. Gentile, a reputable Uniontown, Pennsylvania, attorney with a Firearms License, is holding the weapon and will ship the prize to the specified gun dealer to be claimed by the winner. All other prizes will be available at the drawing or shipped to winners by the Foundation immediately following the reunion.

In 2009 the Scholarship Foundation will present several scholarship grants including three “Thomas W. Mason, Old China Hand” Legacy Awards and the following sponsored awards: the “LTC Terrence A. Smith Award in Memory of Sgt. Shaker T. Guy,” who was killed in action in Iraq on October 29, 2005; the “Jerry Kraft and Gracie Potts Award Honoring General William Webster and LTC James Silva,” and the “Thomas R. Maines Awards “In Memory of SFC Ralph E. Rickenbacher” and “Honoring Sgt. Wayne T. Alderson,” both brave and decorated soldiers of WWII. Richenbacher continued to serve in Korea until he was severely wounded in 1951. Through our Legacy Program, Mr. Mason’s photograph and profile are available on the Foundation’s website at http://www.3idscholarshipfoundation.org. To read about him, please click on “Legacy Donors.”

Those wishing to donate to the Foundation General Fund for upcoming scholarship grants or to sponsor an award should make checks payable to “Scholarship Foundation” and send them to the Foundation at 2010 Worcester Lane, Garland TX 75040. If you are interested in becoming a
Legacy Donor, with a scholarship presented in your name annually, contact Lynn Ball at
1-972-495-1704.

Legend: Platinum ($1000-$4999); Gold ($500-$999); Silver ($100-$499); Bronze ($1-$99)

Platinum Donors
Col. Thomas E. Courant, USA Ret., Judith Ann Donnelly

Silver Donors
Maj Gen Maury W. Kendall, in Honor of Henry H. Burke

Bronze Donors

Hubert Aaron	Floyd Botton
Abraham P. Friedman	John Geis
Robert P. and Jo Ann Hilldrup	Audrey C. Marcantel
Norman H. and Sally Marley	Matthew and Amy McKenn
Mario Roccabruna

—Submitted by Chairman Lynn Ball

Click Here to read about the 3ID Medal of Honor Recipients

All Veterans and retirees should be aware of their benefits through Veterans Affairs and who to contact for various services. On Fort Stewart, your initial contact is the Department of Veterans Affairs military service coordinators Richard Banks and Daniel Reeves. They are available to help veterans with every issue from Education benefits to Health care; their phone number is 368-6950. For more detailed information the following phone contacts are available:
VA Benefits 1-800-827-1000
Education 1-888-442-4551
Health Care 1-877-222-8387
Life Insurance 1-800-669-8477
Savannah Vet Center (Mental Health) 652-4097
Debt Management 1-800-827-0648
Mammography Hotline 1-888-492-7844
CHAMPVA 1-800-733-8387
VASuicide Hotline 1-800-273-8255
Tele.Devices for Deaf 1-800-829-4823

Outpost 15 Meeting
Details on the Outpost News page

Front Row (L-R): Carl Duncan (sitting), Donitza Williams

Middle Row (L-R): Joseph R. Vallero, Alberta Vallero, Curtis Gentry, Michael Grimes, Ben Kessner

Back Row (L-R): Kirk Swanson, Richard McKiddy, Hal Adamson, Michael J. Baker

Not Pictured: Margaret Gentry

(L-R): Curtis A. Gentry (Secy-Treas), Michael J. Grimes (V-P), and Michael J. Baker (President)

Help for ON POINT article

I am a Life member of the Society (Aschaffenburg, 7th Inf BG, 1958-59) who is doing a story about Army sports in the 1950s-60s for ON POINT of the Army Historical Society. What I need to know is the BGs and their cities in Germany and the sports nicknames. Kitzingen, for example, was the Red Sox. Are there any sports photos of that era I can use to illustrate my story? I need any sports art of that era. Kitzingen was USAREU baseball champs in that era. Or any players from that era I can interview.
Thanks for the help.
God bless!
ED PLAISTED
7th Inf BG, 1957-59Address: 372 Nicholas Drive
City, State, ZIP: Lancaster, MA 01523
Email: EdAuthorLLC@aol.com

A Message from Henry Burke
Membership Chair

Let me first say a big "Thank You" to our past chairman Angelo “Jim” Tiezzi. He got us rolling with ‘Get one for the Rock’. Everyone in this great Society is a recruiter. Let me put something you Can Do to get members.

Others have to see the 3^rd ID patch on your cap or lapel pin. On your vehicle you can put a sticker patch on your lower left windshield. You can get a personalized license tag (3RD INF DIV) from your state. Put a 3^rd Div Society sticker on your left rear glass. Cut out the application from The Watch and put your name in the referred line. Run off copies and carry it in your left pocket (put extras in the glove box of your vehicle).

When you meet people that ask you if you were with the 3^rd, you can say yes and ask them if they were with the 3^rd or attached to the 3^rd. If they say yes, tell them,” We have the oldest continuous military society there is since 1919.

We support the active Division with mailed letters, boxes and help take care of their families at home when they are deployed. We meet the wounded soldiers at Walter Reed and Bethesda Hospitals in Washington and give them pajamas, billfolds and phone cards.

When you join the Society, you can get a roster of more than 3600 members and you receive a magazine every other month that will inform you about many aspects of the Society and things that are happening in the active Division. Its home base is Fort Stewart, Georgia.

You can find many of the friends you served with and keep up what has gone on in the past. There is nothing like finding friends you served with that you were closer to than many of your family. Fill out the application; send $15.00. This is a real bargain. You only have this one time to sign them up!

Press Here for PDF Membership Form (one page printing)

The great thing about this organization is that we leave our rank at the door. We are all Marne people!

How do we grow? Everyone getting one for the Rock. If everyone gets one this year we can be the largest military organization in the nation.

GO GET THEM NOW!

Henry Burke

Contact Membership Chair, Henry Burke pennieburke@sc.rr.com

PATCH-WEARER?

Society of the 3rd Infantry Division, U. S. Army
(Founded 1919)

Wanted: Those who served with the 3rd ID or attached units. Family members and friends and supporters of the 3rd ID are also welcome!

Invitation: You’re eligible to join the Society that supports 3rdID active duty Soldiers, hosts annual reunions, and conducts regular small unit meetings in 24 Outposts located throughout the nation and Europe.

Benefits: Networking with fellow patchwearers, receiving a copy of the bimonthly Watch on the Rhine newsletter, access to Society Website, Marne Riders Motorcycle Club, and more!

Contacts:
Henry Burke at pennieburke@sc.rr.com
Dennis Noes drnoes3ID@comcast.net
Dick Gallmeyer msg1gal@msn.com
or
Leave a message at 1-800-523-4715
Press Here for Society Membership Form
(pdf page for one page printing)

Check out new books of interest to the 3rd Infantry Division at,

http://www.warfoto.com/3rdmarket.htm or http://www.warfoto.com/3rdbibl.htm

CHANGE OF ADDRESS

The majority of the membership must be made aware of the importance of keeping our address database up to date. This is not just a matter of slight inconvenience but, is a lot of hard work on the part of Ray Anderson and Rich Heller in rectifying the roster.
Here are the facts, cold and hard. A single copy of the Watch sent via non-profit org. mail costs the Association slightly less than 1st class mail. A return costs the Association 75 cents! There is no slush fund for this, ladies and gentlemen. It comes right out of your annual dues and is becoming an ever increasing burden financially.

We must cut some slack for our active duty troopers as they often are subjected to reassignment and relocation as well as separation. However, the majority of the non-active general membership is the culprits. To reinforce the point, it is not uncommon to get back 30-50 Watch's per month. 50 returns accounts for nearly 25% of the original mailing cost.
Below, you find a change of address form. Copy it and save it. When your address is about to change, PLEASE, click on pdf link below, fill it out and and email or snail mail to Rich Heller, our Database Administrator. The email address is roster3id@warfoto.com
and the mailing address is 1515 Ramblewood Dr, Hanover Park, IL 60133-2230.

NAME: ________________________________________________________________________

OLD ADDRESS:________________________________________________________________

CITY, STATE, ZIP:_______________________________________________________________

TELEPHONE: ___________________________________________________________________

EMAIL: ________________________________________________________________________

NEW ADDRESS:_________________________________________________________________

CITY, STATE, ZIP:_______________________________________________________________

TELEPHONE: ___________________________________________________________________

EMAIL: ________________________________________________________________________

Click Here for 1 page pdf form

$59.99
Authentic Football Jerseys
The Battlefield Collection "Authentic Football Jersey" features 100% polyester double thick shoulders, professional quality 100% polyester tricot mesh body, spandex side inserts, custom unit patch below the collar, Battlefield Collection jock tag and "STAY ARMY" tag applied to lower left front of jersey, unit number(s) and nameplate sewn on with high quality tackle-twill appliqué fabric, unit logo embroidered on sleeves, custom-dyed fabric decorated in unit colors
Mention 3ID Society when ordering

We are excited to introduce the all new www.battlefieldcollection.com with a brand new design! Now featuring Official Licensed Products of the United States Army and full shopping cart capabilities with secure online checkout.

For the first time ever you can now purchase individual Authentic Football Jerseys, Gridiron Caps and Fairway Caps. Check out the newest designs in Authentic Military Sportswear and please feel free to share your thoughts on our new website.
It is an honor to serve the soldiers of the United States Army.

Webmaster Rich Heller models football jersey at the 3ID Society Reunion at Ft. Benning, GA

http://www.battlefieldcollection.com/

ARMY COMBAT ACTION BADGE UPDATE 01:

In 2005, the Department of the Army authorized the creation of the Combat Action Badge to recognize U.S. soldiers who engage the enemy in battle. This badge applies to men and women in our armed forces who might not qualify for awards such as the Combat Infantry or Combat Medical Badge, which are limited to those individuals serving with infantry or medical units. There is no doubt that the Combat Action Badge is a great idea; in Iraq and Afghanistan we are seeing soldiers from every military occupational specialty distinguish themselves in battle. However, the Army's current policy limits eligibility to only those individuals who meet its criteria after 18 SEP 01.

While the Combat Action Badge recognizes those who have served their country bravely in the 21st century, it overlooks the thousands of veterans who made similar sacrifices in previous wars. To rectify this injustice Rep. Ginny Brown-Waite (R-FL-05) introduced H.R.2267 on 10 MAY 07 to retroactively award the Army Combat Action Badge to those members of the U.S. Army who were engaged by the enemy from 7 DEC 41 to the present day. The bill was then referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel. This bill currently has only 27 cosponsors and will die in committee unless veterans take action to move it to the house floor. Those who would like to see the award of this badge to those who meet its criteria prior to 18 SEP 01 are encouraged to contact their legislators and request they support this bill.
[Source: The American Legion Online Update 29 May 08 ++]

Battle Kings

The 9th. Field Artillery Battalion Group was formed in 1975 by Eddie Hupp and Bruce Monkman for the main purpose of getting veteran Army friends who served during WW II. Later years it included any veteran of any time who served in the 9th. Field Artillery Battalion. There are no dues, no officers, so subsequently there are no elections.

Reunions are held periodically around the country with one person or a couple volunteering to host it. The last several reunions were hosted by Jim & Donna Hughes with one being held October 2007 in Gaithersburg, Maryland to visit the WW II and Korean Memorials specifically. A news letter is produced periodically by Jim Hughes. Members send donations to cover the printing and mailing of the newsletter annually to:

Jim Hughes Ph.828-669-8089, e-mail jhughes862@aol.com, is presently the lead person.
Assisted by Bruce Monkman, Ph 818-343-3370, e-mail brucemonkman@earthlink.net

Contact either of them for information in joining the group.

Wounded Warriors

The Purple Heart medal, awarded to soldiers injured in the line of duty.

The Purple Heart is awarded to members of the armed forces of the U.S. who are wounded by an instrument of war in the hands of the enemy and posthumously to the next of kin in the name of those who are killed in action or die of wounds received in action. It is specifically a combat decoration.

Task Force Marne Soldiers dedicate themselves everyday to their mission in Iraq; a mission to provide a hopeful future for the people of Iraq and to ensure the security of their families and Americans back home.

Soldiers wounded in battle deserve the highest quality medical care our country can provide. But even in the best military hospitals, Soldiers who face weeks or months of recovery and rehabilitation sometimes experience difficulty maintaining their Warriors’ spirit. But hanging on to that spirit is as important as physical healing they go through and you can help. The value of a note or a card offering well wishes is immeasurable in that recovery process.

Our wounded troops are cared for at locations in the United States and Germany. The email addresses below allow you to correspond with the places of healing for our Wounded Warriors. In some cases, visits may even be welcomed.

Please contact one of the liaison officers below to see how you can help these dedicated and deserving Soldiers.

Landstuhl, Germany Landstuhl Regional Medical Center LRMCLNO@stewart.army.mil	Fort Bragg (Fayetteville, NC) Womack Army Medical Center WAMC@stewart.army.mil
Washington, District of Columbia Walter Reed Army Medical Center WRAMCLNO@stewart.army.mil	Fort Sam Houston (San Antonio, TX) Brooke Army Medical Center BAMCLNO@stewart.army.mil
Fort Gordon (Augusta, GA) Eisenhower Army Medical Center EAMCLNO@stewart.army.mil

The "Military Order of the Purple Heart," was formed in 1932 for the protection and mutual interest of all who have received the decoration. Composed exclusively of Purple Heart recipients, it is the only veteran’s service organization comprised strictly of “combat” veterans.

You can support them at www.purpleheart.org

Medical Facilities and VA Hospitals for Wounded Warriors
Medical Facility	Abbrev.	Street Address	City	State	Zip	Phone	URL
Balboa Naval Medical Center		34800 Bob Wilson Drive	San Diego	CA	92134-5000	(619) 532-9380/9061	http://www-nmcsd.med.navy.mil/sitemap.cfm
Augusta VA Hospital		1 Freedom Way	Augusta	GA	30904-6285	(706) 733-0188 / (800) 836-5561	http://www1.va.gov/augustaga/
Eisenhower Army Medical Center	EAMC	300 Hospital Rd	Ft. Gordon	GA	30905-5650	(706) 787-5811	http://www.ddeamc.amedd.army.mil/
Martin Army Community Hospital	MACH	9200 Marne Rd	Ft. Benning	GA	31905-5515	(706) 544-2041	http://www.martin.amedd.army.mil/index-a.html
Winn Army Community Hospital	WACH	1061 Harmon Avenue	Ft. Stewart	GA	31314-5674	(912) 435-6837	http://www.winn.amedd.army.mil/
Bethesda Naval Medical Center		8901 Wisconsin Ave	Bethesda	MD	20889-5600	(301) 295-4000	http://www.bethesda.med.navy.mil/
Womack Army Medical Center	WAMC	Bldg 4-2817	Ft. Bragg	NC	28310-0001	(910) 907-6000 / 436-3309	http://www.wamc.amedd.army.mil/services/DVBIC/
Reynolds Army Community Hostital	RACH	4301 Mow Way Rd	Ft. Sill	OK	73503-6300	(580) 458-2770	http://www.rach.sill.amedd.army.mil/
Brook Army Medical Center	BAMC	3851 Roger Brooke Drive #3600	Ft. Sam Houston	TX	78234-6200	(210) 916-414 / 916-3400	http://www.bamc.amedd.army.mil/
San Antonio VA Hospital		231 W. Cypress St. Suite 100	San Antonio	TX	78212-5506	(210)-472-4025	http://www1.va.gov/directory/guide/facility.asp?ID=5465
Richmond VA Hospital		4902 Fitzhugh Avenue	Richmond	VA	23230-3510	(804)-353-8958	http://www1.va.gov/directory/guide/facility.asp?ID=404&dnum=All&stateid=VA&v=1
Walter Reed Army Medical Center	WRAMC	6900 Georgia Avenue, N.W.	Washington	D.C.	20307-0004	(202) 782-1199	http://www.wramc.amedd.army.mil/
Landsthul Regional Medical Center (Germany)	LRMC	ATTN: Section/Division CMR 402	APO	AE	09180	011-6371-86-8160/8414	http://www.landstuhl.healthcare.hqusareur.army.mil/sitemap.aspx

2008-2009 Regional Executive Committee Members

Eastern Region

Eastern Region VP
    Pat Williamson       OP 5

Bob Bailey      OP 60
Joe Hampton OP 5

Central Region

Central Region VP
James Drury OP 17

Joe Ball OP 35
Dave Martin OP 35

Western Region

Western Region VP
Martin Markley OP 22

Bruce Monkman OP 22
John Shirley OP 54

www.3idstore.com

Marne Strong Colored Tee Shirt Rock of the Marne Army Strong Teddy Bear

Colored Tee Shirts

Tee shirts are now available in many colors. Still available, are the White and Ash Gray tee shirts. Long sleeve tee shirts are available in Black and Navy for Men and Brown and Black in the Women's style.

"New"
Women's Plus Size V-Neck Dark T-Shirt Women's Plus Size Scoop Neck T-Shirt

Society Dark T-Shirt Women's Back to Iraq 2007

Link: http://www.cafepress.com/support3id/152921

2009 Profile of the Membership
of the Society of the 3rd Infantry Division
Click Here to view

Due to the huge volume of emails that most of us get that purport to be true, we as a personal service to you, offer these links to check out these wild accusations and emails that are urban legends!

http://www.snopes.com/
http://www.snopes.com/military/military.asp
http://www.nonprofit.net/hoax/default.htm
http://www.fraud.org/
http://www.truthorfiction.com%20or%20email%20question@truthorfiction.com/

Thanks to Martin Markley for this list.

Combat Infantrymen's Association
If you earned the Combat Infantryman's Badge the C I B , in any WAR, we invite you to become a member of this nation-wide organization: The Combat Infantrymen's Association. The Combat Infantrymen's Association is looking for new members to join their association from our Society and other veteran groups. (Note: This is a reciprocal arrangement and the Society has an ad in their Newsletter).
Memberships are available for $20 for a 2 year membership and Life Membership for only $75. Their Newsletter is issued quarterly and have various chapters throughout the country with an annual National reunion each year.

The Combat Infantrymen's Association is offering a FREE 2 year annual membership to any Combat Infantryman who has earned the CIB there and is on duty in Iraq or Afghanistan. We hope to reach all friends , families, with sons and husbands and brothers serving there. I have a special application FOR THIS and will send it to the family or directly to the service man, need to have their address...
Dan Sankoff, Nat'l Membership Director and Officer of Co A

For further information contact: Daniel Sankoff, Membership Chairman, 236 Danby Rd, Lehigh Acres, FL 33936-7531or by email at: silverfoxx236@aol.com Please enter CIB in SUBJECT

New Outpost News now Online- Click Here

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Joel Brusso,
Palm Beach County, Florida-Real Estate

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Framing History
Historical Collectibles and Art
www.framinghistory.com
Ft.Collins, CO

VA begins Chiropractic Care- Click Here

Click Here for Government Benefits Website http://www.govbenefits.gov/

Blue and White Devils: The Story of the 3rd Infantry Division
Click Here

History of the Society of the Third Infantry Division, US Army

Profile of the Society of the 3rd Infantry Division, U.S. Army-2004

Society of the 3rd Infantry Division,
Outpost Register and Contacts

Society of the 3rd Infantry Division,
1st in Contributions to WWII Memorial-Story

3rd Division Marketplace
Books and Gifts about the 3ID

Bruce Monkman Quartermaster email: brucemonkman@earthlink.net


Click Here for Ft. Stewart/Hunter Army Airfield Website Unit Websites at Fort Stewart Published in the interest of the Fort Benning community
For information on the 3rd Infantry Division contact: Walter W. Meeks, III Curator, Fort Stewart Museum 912-767-7885 Walter.Meeks@stewart.army.mil	A list of COMPANY E 15TH INFANTRY Personnel circa 1941 from Eric Campagna Click Here Notice in the Korean War Project website Story on Battle Credits Page
Any info on a WWII Diary, offer to sell authentic 3rd Division WWI uniform, or to find information on a Buddy or loved one... Go to the Personal Search Page. To make a request, click on request form link: Request Form	For information contact: Society of the Third Infantry Division, US Army rockodemarne@yahoo.com Email your 3rd Division Photos/files to rheller@warfoto.com and we'll put them on the website
The 756th Tank Battalion Website