Lampette

Editor: BG Harry J. Mott, III, USA (Ret.)                                                       Winter 2010 Issue

1.  THE PRESIDENT’S CORNER:

As we close out 2010 and enter the New Year, I would like to bring you up-to-date on Association happenings since the summer edition of The Lampette.

A number of members participated in the annual MG Francis Donohue memorial golf outing at West Point on 16 August. This well attended event is sponsored by the Armed Forces Reserve Family Assistance Fund.  All monies raised by the fund are used to help families of reserve soldiers on active duty that are in dire need of some financial assistance.  MG Evo Riguzzi and the AFRFAF continue to do an outstanding job in supporting our soldiers and families.

On 25 September, a number of members including MG George Barker, BG Harry and Mary Mott, COL Robert Braverman, COL Edwin Logan, COL Louis Sudholz, LTC Joseph Schroder, CWO Edward and Kathy Grant and Mr. Malcolm R. Schade  attended a Dining-Out Ceremony sponsored by the 77^th Sustainment Brigade at Fort Dix, New Jersey. BG Mott presented to the Brigade Commander, COL Stephen Falcone, a silver tray and punch bowl that had been given to MG J.W. Kaine by his unit commanders upon the deactivation of the 77^th Infantry Division in 1965.  The tray has the unit crests of the major units in the Division affixed to it. COL Sudholz presented a certificate of Honorary Membership in the Association to MG William Monk, III, Commander of the 99^th Regional Support Command, in recognition for his participation and support of Association activities during General Monk’s command tenure.

We held the annual meeting of the Association at the Swan Club, Glenwood Landing, Long Island, on 13 October.  The meeting was very well attended by members and guests. The slate of directors nominated for the new term was voted on and unanimously approved by the members present.  At a subsequent meeting of the directors, the officers of the Association were re-elected for another one year term.

COL Larry Bellman, working with our webmaster, has redesigned our website in order to improve its attractiveness and functionality. The redesigned website is very user friendly.

Those of you who have attended our recent functions will have noticed that our Division flag is now complete with its authorized battle streamers.  We want to thank those members who have made generous donations for the purchase of the flag and streamers.  Also, we thank CWO Ed Grant who has undertaken the responsibility to maintain our flags and display them at Association events.

The annual Memorial Services were conducted on 14 November in the Fort Totten Chapel and at the 77^th Memorial Grove.  In addition to providing the opportunity to honor our fallen comrades and those who continue to serve, we welcomed BG (P) William D. R. Waff, the newly appointed Commander of the 99^th Regional Support Command.  Speakers at the services were BG (P) Waff, MG George E. Barker, MG Richard S. Colt and BG Harry J. Mott, III. The services were supported by the Color Guard from the 77^th Sustainment Brigade and members of the 319^th US Army band.  A special thanks to COL Seymour Kaplan and his committee for all of their efforts in making the arrangements for the services.

COL Frank Koegl, with the endorsement of the board, initiated procurement and sale of 77^th logo merchandise as both a personal service to our members and in order to raise some much needed extra funds for our memorial programs.  During the annual meeting, COL Koegl reported favorable member response to the offerings which to date have been limited to “baseball” type caps and golf shirts.  Based on an enthusiastic response from members present at the meeting, we will pursue a recommendation to offer logo etched wine glasses as well several other items.  Be sure to visit our website for the latest information about 77^th logo items.  We thank COL Koegl for getting this program under way and managing it so effectively.

It was recently announced that the 77^th Sustainment Brigade will be deployed to Iraq in January 2011. Members of the Association, families and friends will be invited to attend a Deployment Ceremony for the 77^th on 23 January at Fort Dix, New Jersey.  We will get out a special announcement when the plans for the event are finalized.  Weather permitting, it would be great to have a good turn out from our membership to show support for the soldiers of the unit that inherited our lineage.

At the time of this publication, MSG Mary Lou Bornmann, our Executive Administrator, is recovering from major surgery.  Please join us in wishing her a speedy recovery.

As you will note in COL Logan’s Treasurer’s Report, the Association is healthy.  However, we must rely on the generous contributions from our members in order to support our larger initiatives.  We ask that you continue to contribute to the memorial fund if you possibly can.

Finally, I would like to recognize BG Harry Mott for all of his tireless efforts in editing and publishing The Lampette.  We receive many favorable responses from members who enjoy hearing about the Association and activities of members.  Please continue to send in your personal updates.

2.  MEMORIAL SERVICE AT FT. TOTTEN:

Our Association’s 34^th Annual Memorial Service was held on 14 November 2010 in the Chapel at Fort Totten.  Family members of those honored expressed their deep appreciation for the program.  The ceremony was led by President COL Louis H. Sudholz, Jr.  CHAP (COL) Francis Midura once again provided chaplain services, with assistance from CHAP (LT) Harry Pell, who was recruited from the U.S. Navy Chaplain Corps.  Speakers also included BG(P) William D.R. Waff, Commander of the 99^th RSC, and MG George E. Barker.  BG Harry J. Mott, III gave the eulogies for the 77^th and 307^th members being remembered.

The service honored the following soldiers: CHAP (COL) John P. Breen, LTC Eugene F. Dunn, LTC Eugene J. Grossman, COL Raymond B. Grunewald, CW3 Henri B. Lellouche, COL Eugene Lombardo, LTC Thomas A. McClaren, MAJ Lorrin C. Mawdsley, COL Clinton R. O’Neill, III, LTC Mortimer Silver and COL William Odell Vredenburgh.  The soldiers from the 307^th Infantry Regiment remembered were: S/SGT Elwyn D. Gaines, CPT Jack L. Glover and CPT Joseph F. Primka, Jr.

At the beginning of the service, CHAP (COL) Midura asked the congregation to pray for a successful and full recovery from recent surgery of MSG Mary Lou Bornmann (Ret.), our Association’s Executive Administrator.

Ms. Pam Phillip’s renditions of “The Lord’s Prayer,” and Schubert’s “Ave Maria” were beautiful and extremely moving.  She also sang “America the Beautiful” at the 8^th Annual Wreath Laying Ceremony which was held in the 77^th Memorial Grove immediately following the memorial service in the Chapel.  The Color Guard (comprised of members from the 77^th Sustainment Brigade) and the Bugler/Chimes player (from the 319^th Army Band) also added to the solemnity and professionalism of the service.

At the Wreath Laying Ceremony, BG Mott and MG Richard S. Colt (former 77^th RRC CDR) spoke about the six members of the 77^th who perished at the World Trade Center on 9/11/2001.  A wreath, donated by the Association, was placed at the 9/11 memorial in the grove by BG (P) Waff, COL Allen J. Nadler and LTC John W. Peterkin.

In attendance at the Chapel was Hon. John C. Liu, Comptroller of the City of New York.  Guests from the 99^th RSC, stationed at Fort Dix, New Jersey, were LTC Ivan Cornielle, Executive Officer of the 77^th Sustainment Brigade, and MAJ William Roberts, PAO, 99^th Regional Support Command.  Additional attendance by members of our Association, family and friends of those honored and other military organizations, including JWV and FTMOC members, filled the Chapel.

The success of this annual event always requires constant coordination and many hours of preparation.  Kudos this year go to MSG Mary Lou Bornmann for her key support and dedication, the Memorial Committee members, various members of our Board of Directors and to Ms. Pam Phillips for her many years of volunteering to support this event.  Her musical contributions are always a highlight of the memorial service and wreath laying ceremony.  She was presented with a bouquet of flowers by COL Seymour Kaplan, Chairman of the Memorial Committee, and by COL Nadler and LTC Peterkin, during the reception in Kaine Hall following the wreath laying ceremony.  Thanks also to Malcolm Schade for his volunteering to completely revise, edit and publish our new Program folder format, and to MSG Jeffrey Mott, for preparing the Memorial Grove for the Wreath Laying Ceremony.    

3.  ANNUAL BUSINESS MEETING:

On 15 October we had the usual DDD (Delightful Dawson Day) at the Swan Club.  The weather was bright and warm, the repast was sumptuous, and, of course, the cocktail hour helped to assure the conviviality of the 63 attendees.  BG Mott led the Pledge of Allegiance, which was followed by the invocation by Chaplain (COL) Msgr. Francis Midura.

President COL Louis Sudholz reviewed some of the Board’s activities and plans.  He welcomed home from deployment to Iraq, MAJ Thomas Sullivan, who spoke about some of his experiences.  Tom’s return was celebrated with a large cake which was enjoyed by all.  Thank you for your service Tom!  Also introduced were BG Thomas Potter and his wife, Veronica.  MAJ Bud Nugent spoke about his recent safari in South Africa.

FTMOC and the JWV were well represented.  We also were pleased to see CPT Wes Johnson, Director Emeritus, in attendance. Some of the new faces included CW5 Paul Silverman, SGM Lenny Finkelstein, SFC Ron Peters and Chaplain (COL) Joseph Orlandi.

An election of directors was held and the slate that was presented was accepted and approved.  

4.   77^th SUSTAINMENT BRIGADE DINING OUT:

On 11 September 2010, nine members of the Board attended the formal Dining-Out of the 77^th Sustainment Brigade at McGuire Air Force Base, New Jersey.  (A dining-out, as opposed to a dining-in, which is only for unit members, also encourages spouses and friends to attend, and is usually held off-post.)  About 300 people attended.   The brigade is scheduled to deploy, making it the first time, since WWII, that a 77^th Division unit will be in a combat theatre.

The guest speaker, Mr. Robert Laplander, wearing a World War I uniform, gave a comprehensive and moving speech about the 77^th Division’s famous Lost Battalion and how each of us who ever wore the77^h patch carries the legacy of that battalion within us today. (Some might recall he also spoke at the Camp Upton ceremonies marking the 77^th RRC’s last encasing of its colors.)

During the ceremonies, BG Harry Mott presented a sterling silver bowl and plate (from MG Kaine’s collected artifacts) to the Brigade Commander, COL Stephen Falcone.  The bowl has a 77^th patch on it and the large plate has the crests of major 77^th Division units.   BG Mott brought the house down when he commented, “I spent a whole night cleaning that sucker!”

Also attending was the CG of the 99^th Regional Readiness Command, MG William and Mrs. Monk.  In recognition of his invaluable, continued assistance to our association, COL Louis Sudholz, Jr. presented MG Monk an association Certificate of Honorary Membership.  The meal: good.  The dancing afterwards: fun.  Command Sergeant Major Najee Lunde and his team merit a big “well done” for arranging and running this entire event.

Association attendees were MG George Barker, BG and Mrs. Harry J. Mott III, COLs Halvor Adams III (former 77^th Sustainment Brigade Cdr), Robert Braverman, Edwin Logan, Louis Sudholz, Jr, LTC Joseph Schroder, CW4 Edward and Mrs. Grant, MSG and Mrs. Chester Marcus and Mr. Malcolm Schade.

5.  77^TH STORIES:

From H.W. Scatterday, Jr.:

In the last copy of The Lampette, we were asked to send in something for a future issue.  This is something that happened to me several years ago, which to me was ESP.

My grandson and I used to ride our bikes on weekends 15 or 20 miles.  He and his mother had moved to Ft. Collins, Colorado, about 60 miles north of Denver.  One weekend I had taken my bike to Ft. Collins so that we could do some riding.  This one day, we rode our bikes downtown, locked them up, had lunch, and were walking through some stores in old town.  We went in a little old used book store and were just looking around.  The sales lady asked me if she could help me find something.  I told her I was collecting books by Wm. E. Barrett.  She said that she thought she had one and she began thumbing through all the books on about an 8-foot shelf.  She said she couldn’t find it, and that someone must have purchased it.  Without saying another thing, she said “But I do have a history of the 77^th Infantry Division,” and she reached up on the top shelf, and brought down the book.  I said “That is weird, why would you pick out that book of all those books on that shelf?”  She said “I don’t know? Why is it weird”?  I showed her my 77^th Infantry card from my wallet and when she saw the Statue of Liberty on the card, and the same patch on the front of the book, I thought she was going to faint.  Needless to say, I bought the book; it was meant to be mine.  It was the history of the 77^th Infantry Division in World War I.  It sits proudly next to my history of World War II.  I was a Staff Sergeant in “G” company, Second Battalion, 307^th Inf., 77^th Div.  I was proud to have served.

Thank you H.W.  I hope we get more articles like this from our readers.

6.  ASSOCATION PRESENTS THREE JUBILEE OF FREEDOM MEDALS:

In support of the French Government, our Association conducted a military ceremony on 25 September at which Jubilee of Freedom Medals were presented to three D-Day/Normandy Campaign veterans at Cold Spring Riverfront, Cold Spring, NY.  There were approximately 150 people in attendance.  The beautiful site was a park across the river from West Point and the weather was glorious.  The local American Legion Post provided its sharp Color Guard, and a contingent of the West Point Band played La Marseillaise and our National Anthem.

As our division flag flew proudly behind him, COL Louis Sudholz, Jr. conducted the proceedings and gave an informative talk about D-Day, General Dwight Eisenhower’s Order of the Day to all Allied military personnel and the Jubilee of Freedom Medal.  French COL François Xavier Yves, representing French President Nicolas Sarkozy, gave an inspiring speech, mentioning how – when he was a commander in France – every time he got a new group of men assigned to his unit, he took them all to the local cemetery where approximately 25,000 WWII American soldiers are buried, to remind them of what the U.S. did for France.  Terry Lahey, Commander of the local American Legion Post, spoke about the war and what each of the honorees did in it as a young man 66 years ago. COL Ives pinned the medal on each honoree and presented him with a special certificate of appreciation from the people of Normandy.  The mayor of Cold Spring then presented each honoree with a plaque honoring him while the musicians played “God Bless America” (written by SGT Irving Berlin of the 77^th Division.)  To complete this outstanding event, a wonderful luncheon was served to the assemblage, hosted by the local American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars posts at the VFW hall.

In addition to COL Sudholz, attending in their blues were, COL Robert Braverman, CW4 Edward Grant and Command Sergeant Major Edward Murphy, all of whom helped with the arrangements.  Several local government officials were also at the event.

7.  MS. RITA COSBY – RECEPTION AT THE CONSULATE GENERAL OF POLAND IN NYC:

On 22 June 2010, a contingent of our Association attended a reception at the Polish Consulate in New York at the invitation of Ms. Rita Cosby, an Emmy Award-Winning journalist.  Ms. Cosby was one of the speakers at the commemoration service held in Central Park on 5 June by our Association, in conjunction with the 307^th Infantry Veterans Society.

The reception at the Consulate was held to honor Ms. Cosby for the publication of her most recent book, Quiet Hero: Secrets from My Father’s Past (© 2010, 296 pp, Simon & Schuster.)  This book is about the experiences of her father, Richard Cosby (Ryszard Kossobudzki), as a young member of the Polish Resistance and German POW during WWII, who was rescued by U.S. forces at the end of the war.  The reception also featured a brief excerpt from a future television documentary about Mr. Cosby’s emotional return to Warsaw (from the U.S., where he now lives) to assist in the research for the book.

Mr. Cosby was in attendance, as were several other surviving members of the Polish Resistance, and all of them were honored by the Consul General, Ms. Ewa Junczyk-Ziomecka.  Ms. Cosby and her father spoke, and Ms. Cosby especially thanked BG Harry J. Mott, III and others from our Association for attending.  Besides BG Mott (and Mary), representing our Association were: COL Seymour Kaplan, COL Edwin G. Logan, LTC John W. Peterkin, CPT Douglas A. Wilke (and Beverley), MSG Jeffrey J. Mott and Mr. Malcolm Schade.

8.  MEMBERSHIP NEWS

MG William Collins reports that all is well in Pennsylvania and sends regards.  Mrs. Adele McConnell, our long time supporter, at 92 was planning a Thanksgiving dinner for 47 people.  Where do you get the energy to take on such a chore?  God Bless!  Miriam Nadler had a serious fall recently.  She went out for the mail, lost her balance and pitched head first down the concrete stairs.  A broken eye socket and multiple stitches to her arm and other wounds have not kept this lady down.  She is recovering and even attended our annual meeting in October.  Prayers and good wishes are in order.  COL Bob Bunch and his wife, Provie, recently returned from a trip to the Middle East.  They are enjoying life, traveling and living on the Virginia peninsula.

CPT Kasmir Lukas, the best supply officer ever, is 92.  I still remember the time he refused to accept a turn-in of MG McGrath’s .45 cal. pistol because it didn’t meet his standard of cleanliness.  Kasmir is a retired member of the NYPD.  If anyone is in touch with LTC John Beaumont, CPT Bruce D. Gursey or CW4 Kenneth W. Vanderwater, please send us his address.  Mr. Malcolm Schade has been searching on the internet for some of our members with whom we have lost touch.  He found, among others, LTC Rudy Rudinsky, who now resides in Plano, Texas.  COL Allen Nadler was hoping Malcolm could track him down.  Rudy was pleased to hear Allen was looking for him, and would love to hear from him.

COL Bob Braverman recently spent an evening with COL Virginia Zoller and LTC Bernd Zoller in Northern Virginia.  Congratulations on your promotion, Virginia, and enjoy the puzzle palace.   She is a public affairs officer for OCAR.  Her husband, Bernd, is with a logistics command in the DC area.  The Zollers were part of the 77^th RSC headquarters staff.  COL Ed Brown (former Div/ARCOM PAO) took time out from tennis in Sarasota to visit France’s Lorraine region where he represented his WWII 35^th Inf. Div., in their week-long “Moselle River Homage to the Liberators.”  Luxembourg also honored them with special medals.  Ed wrote that his father served in the 102^nd Engineers and Ed would like to have the pin we mentioned in an earlier issue of The Lampette.  The pin was mailed to him and he wrote back, “It’s wonderful to have that reminder of my first and most important hero.  As a child, I remember my Dad telling me how a pontoon bridge is assembled.  Years later, I realized his description had been by the numbers, and probably in the words of the book.  We still have 5 pins: the 102nd Mech, the 105th Regt., the 106^th Inf. Regt., 108^th Inf. Regt. and the 69^th Inf. Div.  Anyone interested can contact the editor.  No charge for the pins.

These command assignments were effective 3 October 2010 for the 99^th RSC:  Commanding General, BG (P) William D. R. Waff, and Deputy Commander, COL (P) Daniel R. Ammerman.  We wish them well.

COLs Clyde Murray, John Flanagan and Ken Storz attended the wake and funeral of COL Clinton (Bob) O’Neill in Florida.  All three acted as honor guards at the wake and COL Murray eulogized Bob at his funeral mass.  COL Timothy Tillson wrote he was unable to attend the Annual Meeting and luncheon because his son, 1LT Michael Tillson, was returning from Afghanistan, where he earned a Bronze Star and the Combat Action Badge.  Welcome home Michael and well done!  Also back from deployment is our own MAJ Thomas Sullivan.  Welcome back Tom.  It was great to see you at the luncheon.

CW4 Lenny Polikoff writes: “I would have enjoyed being with you folks but we just returned to Florida after a four-and-a-half month stay in the Catskills.  It was 45 degrees in the early hours of our last night.  Two days later, as we entered Florida from Georgia, the temp hit 106 degrees.  Then it dropped into the 90s.  We are now in the final stages of unpacking and getting the house in order. I have a granddaughter being married in Boston in October so out will come the winter clothes again.  In any event, I wish you all a successful and enjoyable meeting.” Lenny also reports that the Florida Detachment is planning a luncheon at the Airport Hilton in West Palm Beach on 9 February 2011.  Our own Poet Laureate, COL Timothy Dyas, thanks us for his write up in the Summer 2010 issue.  A new ode of Tim’s can be found in the “Potpourri” section of this issue.

We received the following requests for information in the mail and would appreciate any information anyone has on these veterans.  Mr. Daniel Sell writes: “My grandfather served during WWII with the 77^th Division/307^th.  I was hoping you may have some members in your organization who may have served with him during WWII that I may be able to contact.  His name was PFC William J. Sell, (I Co., 307^th Regt.) from Pennsylvania.”  Mr. Sell can be reached at pacdan@att.net.   Mr. Joel Nitowski writes: “I was wondering if there was any way to find out if any members of your association served with my father in WWII.  His name was Joseph Nitowski from Duryea, PA. He was a Tech with the 304^th Field Artillery Battalion and served as a medic.   Although he told many of his war stories throughout my childhood and adolescence (I’m turning 50 this year) the things I’ve learned about WWII in the years following his death in 1986 have raised so many new questions I now wish I could ask him.  His best buddy was a soldier named Becker.  (I can’t remember his first name) … I was wondering if someone else in your association may remember him and could tell me more about the decorated war hero who turned into the quiet, gentle father I knew for 26 years.  My email address is: jnitowski@wallprint.com ".  

BG Robert Winzinger suffered a heart attack on 7 September  He’s back at work and doing well.  He recently met a 77^th veteran of WWII.  He is 97 and Bob hopes to bring him down to our spring social.  MG William Ward has flown south for the winter.  ML and Bill will join the 77^th members in sunny Florida.  They got out the day the temperature hit 28 degrees.  CHAP  (COL) Francis Midura holds an annual Veterans Day mass.  He asks his parishioners who are veterans to wear any part of their uniform they still have to Mass.  BG and Mrs. Harry Mott also attended.  MSG Mary Lou Bornmann underwent surgery in November at the VA hospital in NYC.  We wish you well, Mary Lou.

COL Larry Bellman is at it again.  He will play the role of Wilson, one of the reporters in Front Page, which will be performed by Synergy Players at the Islip Town Hall on the first two weekends in February.  (C’mon out.  The price is right -- $5.)  Also, if anyone is interested in getting a theater party together to see the upcoming musical, Oklahoma, which will be performed at Five Towns College, right off Exit 50 of the Long Island Expressway, on the first two weekends in January, let Larry know (at 631-368-7438 or lbellman1@aol.com ) and  he’ll get you discount tickets in the name of the Association.

COL Ted Blach is the Village Clerk of the Village of Westbury.  It was great to see you Ted, now get your membership application in.  LTC Arnold Albert informed us that the home of Ernie Pyle, WWII correspondent, may be closed and sold by Indiana.  Lack of interest and expense to maintain are cited.  The home has been a state historic site since 1976.  S/SGT Theodor A. Blake, I Co., 307^th Inf. Rgmt. (WWII), writes: “I would very much like to attend the memorial service on Nov 14, but at 94 I am physically unable.  I am very pleased and honored to be asked as a special guest.”  Hang in there Ted and thank you for your service.  God Bless!

At its meeting on 3 November 2010, the Board of Directors unanimously elected MAJ Thomas J. Sullivan to fill a vacancy on the board.  MAJ Sullivan previously served as a member of the board until a little over a year ago, when he resigned due to his year deployment.  He recently returned home and we are very glad to welcome him back to active participation in our Association.

9.  POTPOURRI:

a.  Quiz answers:

(1)  Colonel David Daniel “Mickey” Marcus, USMA 1924, was the first Aluf (Brig. Gen.) and Supreme Commander of the Israeli forces on the Jerusalem front.  He was accidentally killed by an Israeli sentry when Marcus, who spoke little Hebrew, did not respond correctly to the sentry’s challenge.  He had also wrapped himself in a white sheet when he went out for a walk and appeared to be in Arab dress.  He is buried at West Point.  He was an excellent boxer and gymnast at the Academy.

(2)  “Boondocks” comes from the Tagalog word for mountain: “bundok.”  American GI’s in the Philippines would use it to explain that they were going out into the hinterlands, and “bundok” became “boondocks.”

(3)  Vice Admiral Adam M. Robinson Jr. was the first African American to become both Navy Surgeon General and Chief of the Bureau of Medicine and Surgery.

Congratulations to CW4 Lenny Polikoff for correctly answering all three questions.  Go to the head of the class, Lenny and thanks for your kind comments about The Lampette.

b.  New questions:

(1)  Who are the top three known Purple Heart recipients?

(2)  Who was the pilot who made a pass beneath the arches of the Eiffel Tower in pursuit of a German Bf-109G?

(3)  What Union Army unit, in the Civil War, had all 864 of its soldiers awarded the Medal of Honor?

c.  Survey of drivers by AAA:

(1)  Drivers younger than 30 spend 16 percent of their driving time texting or talking on the phone.

(2)  45 percent of drivers use their phones when traffic is free flowing in high speed areas.

d.  US Postal Service Fraud Alert:

(1)  Never click on a link inside an e-mail to visit a web-site.  Type the address into your browser instead.

(2)  Your bank will never e-mail or call you for your account number.

(3)  Foreign lotteries are illegal in the U.S.   You can’t win no matter what they say.

e. VA News:

Veteran’s Bronze Grave Medallions.  Bronze medallions signifying veteran status for those not buried in a national or state veterans cemetery, or buried without a government grave marker, are now offered by the Veterans Affairs Department.  The veteran must have died on or after November 1, 1990.  Instructions for family members on how to apply will be posted on the National Cemetery Association’s web-site, www.cem.va.gov (click on head stones and markers).

f.  Congress:

            The 111^th Congress closed with some good news for veterans.  The “Care Givers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act of 2010” passed.  This act addressed a number of issues important to women veterans and those in rural areas.  Additionally, a bill signed in July provided $13.4 billion to compensate veterans injured by Agent Orange.

g.       New York:

The Department of Justice sued New York under the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act because NYC and four other counties failed to mail absentee ballots in time for overseas voters (military and civilian) to receive their ballots, mark them, and return them on time to be counted.  ROA has been working for years to correct this problem.  Write to your state officials.  This has to be corrected.  As it is now, it disenfranchises many New York military members and civilians who are overseas.

h.  Courage:

As of October, 41 amputees are serving tours in Iraq and Afghanistan.

i. Growing Scam:

Older vets are being targeted by slick “veterans advocates,” who claim they can make you eligible for Dept. of VA pensions and other benefits.  Before investing, check the agent’s reputation at your state regulatory office.

j.  AARP:

Any credit repair company that promises to remove legitimate bad debts from your credit history is lying.  For help, check out the National Foundation for Credit Counseling at 1-800-388-2227 (NFC.org), which represents agencies that can advise about a plan to improve your credit score.

k. Flying somewhere for a visit?

You might want to check UPS or Fed Ex and consider shipping your bags ahead for less than the airline fees. 

l. A bartender is just a pharmacist with a limited inventory.

m. Ever wonder why?

(1)  Men’s clothes have buttons on their right and women’s on their left?  Because when buttons were invented, they were expensive and wealthy women were dressed by maids.  Most people are right-handed and it is easier to push buttons on the right through holes on the left and the dressmakers put the buttons on the left to help the maids.

(2)  Ships and aircraft in trouble use “mayday” as a call for help.  It comes from the French word “maidez” meaning “help me.”

So now you know!

n. The older we get, the fewer things seem worth waiting in line for.

o. Question: What are the five types of humanitarian missions the Army provides?

Answer:  Medical outreach, Dental outreach, veterinary outreach, Disaster relief and engineering services.

p.  USAA ideas that hold water:  Plumbing leaks can wreak lasting havoc on your home and your water bill.  Here’s how to keep water where it belongs, according to the Institute for Business & Home Safety and other experts:

(1)  Replace the standard rubber hoses on your washing machine and dishwasher with flexible, reinforced hoses made of stainless steel or other alternatives.

(2)  Install water sensors near dishwashers, water heaters and washing machines.  These devices promptly alert you when a leak occurs and range in price, in design and in how they let you know that a leak or flooding is happening.

q.  Retirees Bulletin – Fort Hamilton:

(1)  The new Armed Forces Reserve Center is scheduled for completion in April 2011.

(2)   The Community Club is on track to undergo a $3.5 million renovation that will make the club compliant with the Americans With Disabilities Act.

(3)  The Post Exchange will undergo a $7 million renovation to provide its customers with more spacious and organized floor space.

(4)  Find the latest retirement news on Army Knowledge Online (AKO) at: https://www.us.army.mil/siute/page/559734 .

(5)  SFC (Ret.) Wanda E. Mills is the new Retirement Services Officer at Ft. Hamilton.

(6)  Former service members and the survivors of deceased Veterans can obtain replacement medals (lost or destroyed) by submitting a Standard Form (SF 180), Request Pertaining to Military Records from National Personnel Records Center, 9700 Page Blvd., St. Louis, MO  63132-5100.

r.  Nassau County Veterans Service Agency:

(1) Veterans Service Agency Internship: for veterans and college students pursuing careers in social work, the VA offers internships.  Responsible veterans and students with a passion for veterans’ issues can apply.  Contact: Patrick Yngstrom at Veterans Service Agency at 516 572-8457.

(2) VA Simplifies Access to Benefits for Veterans with PTSD.  On Monday, 12 July 2010, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in Washington D.C. announced a critical step in simplifying the process for veterans seeking health care and/or disability compensation for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).  Under the new rule, VA would not require corroboration of a stressor related to fear of hostile military or terrorist activity if a VA doctor confirms that the stressful experience recalled by a Veteran adequately supports a diagnosis of PTSD and the Veteran’s symptoms are related to the claimed stressor.

s.  Fred Flintstone was 50 on 30 September.  Raquel Welch was 70 on 5 September.

Whom would you rather watch?

t.  Excerpt from a letter from U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand of New York:

“I will continue to work with my colleagues in the United States Senate to ensure that our veterans and their families, who have sacrificed so much on behalf of our country, receive the full benefits that they deserve.”

u.  The Army has named the follow-on Land Warrior command unit control ensemble the Nett Warrior, in honor of COL Robert B. Nett who received the Medal of Honor for his actions in the Philippines in 1944 during World War II.  COL Nett was a member of the 77^th Infantry Division when the MOH was awarded to him.

v.  Stroke Symptoms:

Stroke symptoms come on suddenly and may include numbness or weakness on one side of the body, trouble speaking or understanding, difficulty seeing, trouble walking and severe headache.  The National Stroke Association recommends remembering the word FAST.  F = FACE   Ask the person to smile.  Does one side of the face droop?  A = ARMS   Ask the person to raise both arms.  Does one arm drift downward?  S = SPEECH   Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence.  Can the person repeat it correctly?  T = TIME   If the person shows any of these stroke symptoms, call 911.  A transient ischemic attack, or TIA, is a stroke with symptoms that vanish within one to 24 hours.  The culprit is usually a blood clot that temporarily disrupts blood supply to the brain.  A TIA may be a warning sign for a future stroke, requiring medicines or other stroke preventing treatments.  Because you can’t tell whether an episode is a TIA or a stroke, get the person to the hospital as soon as you can.

w.  From Anne Cook, wife of Maj. Gen. Kevin Cooke, former Chief, Army Reserve in Australia, 21 May 2010:

“Yesterday on the radio was a segment about US Civil War veterans buried in Australia and New Zealand.  There are at least 200 in Australia and one is buried at Tweed Heads about 20 kilometers south of us here.  Thought you might be interested.  Apparently a group has set up to honor them and they are researching their backgrounds and stories.  This is a group of Aussie Civil War buffs, I gather.”  Thank you Anne.

x.  Help dispel enrollment myths.

Some Veterans are unaware that they’re eligible for VA services.  If you know wartime or peacetime Veterans who haven’t applied for VA health care because they think they don’t qualify, ask them to speak with a VA eligibility specialist.  In addition, Veterans who applied for care before 1 January 2009, and were denied enrollment because of their income and/or assets, may now be eligible because of changes in the rules.  Veterans can learn about VA health care entitlements by contacting their local VA hospital.

y.  The Mystery of the Missing Flag:

We’ve been trying to locate the 77^th Inf. Div. flag with all the division’s campaign streamers.  After being in the custody of the 77^th RTU (Reserve Training Unit) for many years, the unit moved to Ft. Totten, where the flag was last seen.  If anyone has knowledge about the flag’s whereabouts, or information which might aid the search, please contact our Association.

z. House Passes “Honor America’s Guard-Reserve Retirees Act.”  H.R. 3787, the Honor America’s Guard-Reserve Retirees Act, which grants retired Guard and Reserve members full veteran status, was passed in the House on 28 September.

aa. AUSA Discounts:

(1) Apple Member Purchase Program. Apple Computers offers AUSA members a substantial savings on its computers.  Call (800) MY-APPLE for more information.

(2)  Dell Member Purchase Program.  AUSA members can now get discounts for Dell PCs.  For more information call (800) 695-8133.

bb. Quotes:

(1)  Determination: “We will either find a way or make one.” – Hannibal

(2)  “We will always remember!  We will always be proud! We will always be prepared! We will always be free!” – President Ronald Reagan

(3)  “If there is no wind, row.” -- Unknown

cc.  Bill Would Protect Blue Star Flags:

            A bill pending in the Senate would guarantee families the right to display flags on their property honoring their loved ones’ military service or deaths while serving.  “The Blue Star/Gold Star Flag Act of 2010” prohibits condominium and homeowner associations from stopping families from flying a Blue Star flag to honor a relative serving on active duty or a Gold Star flag to honor a relative killed in a war zone.  Currently, state laws often uphold the power of homeowner groups to prohibit the display of the flags.  If approved, a new federal law would override the states’ authority.  The House approved its version of the bill (H.R. 2546) on 19 May. The Senate version (S. 3577) had been referred to the Senate Armed Services Committee on 10 June.

dd.  Tired of getting pre-approved credit offers?  Call 888-5-OPTOUT.

ee.   By Tim Dyas:                                ARMY “ECHOES”

The “Thump” Of Boots As We March On

The “Whump” As The Parachute Opens To Bring Soldiers To Fight

The “Thud” In The Ground As The Bombs Fall Nearby

The “Stutter” That Goes With A Machine Gun

The “Rumble” Of The Tanks Leading Us To The Enemy

The Final “Prayers” As The Chaplain Intones His Goodbyes

The Final “Notes” Of Taps As They Bid One Of Us Farewell

And Those Are But a Few Of The Sounds

That Made Us The Soldiers We Are!

ff.  Chaplain Memorial Request from 2LT Jeremy Anderson:

“My name is 2^nd Lieutenant Jeremy Anderson.  I am working on a memorial project to be erected at the U.S. Army Chaplain Center and School in Fort Jackson, South Carolina starting February 2011.  My reason for contacting you today is that I am currently compiling a list of Army chaplains and chaplain assistants who were KIA.  Concerning your division, can you please provide for me a list of Army chaplains and chaplain assistants who were KIA (non-illness related)?  A name, unit, date of death, and perhaps denomination would be extremely helpful.  However, any information you can provide would be greatly appreciated.  I understand that you might not be the person who can provide this information.  However, I am kindly asking you to forward this request over to someone who you believe might be able to help us further in this matter.  Our goal for this project is to not forget any of our Soldiers who were killed in combat.  Therefore, we are counting on our Divisions to help us not unintentionally overlook anyone. My email address is: chaplainmemorial@yahoo.com .”

10.  TREASURER’S REPORT:

We are a non-dues paying organization with no intention to change. However, this factor imposes a severe constraint since it is in our best interest to preserve our CD balances (admittedly not currently paying a big return) as a reserve. The past fiscal year the cash influx from initiation fees of associate members, sale of memorabilia and special purpose donations enabled us to fund two desired projects. These were the purchase of a replica of the 77^th Infantry Division colors, complete with WWI and WWII streamers, and a stone marker which was placed at the entrance to the 77^th Memorial Grove, which is adjacent to the Ernie Pyle Reserve Center at Fort Totten.

The Board strives to maintain the organization in a prudent manner. The expanded use of e-mail is an example of our efforts to reduce costs. Still, our Memorial Service, printing and mailing expenses, and web-site maintenance provide an annual drain on our cash position. Fortunately, our two social functions and the business/social meeting continue to at least break even.

As you look at the statement below, please note that donations represent our largest continual source of income. We appreciate and express thanks for all the contributions that make it possible to continue our activities.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR Y/E 8/31/09 COMPARED WITH Y/E 8/31/10

ASSETS                                                                                 Y/E 8/31/09            Y/E 8/31/10

                Hudson City Savings Bank

                                Checking                                                    1,558.42                  1,311.45

                                CD’S                                                            11,068.11                11,198.16

                TOTALS                                                                       12,626.53                12,509.61

FUND BALANCES

                General Operating Fund                                              7,089.03                  8,295.91

                *Memorial Funds                                                           5,537.50                  4,213.70

                TOTALS                                                                         12,626.53                12,509.61

RECEIPTS

                Interest                                                                                  301.31                     130.05

                Memorial Funds                                                                   848.00                     902.00

                General Fund Donations                                                     340.00                     530.00

                Raffle                                                                                     270.00                     275.00

                Luncheon Excess Funds                                                     230.00                     446.00

                Initiation Fees – Associate Members                                475.00                 1,025.00     

                Memorabilia Sales                                                                N/A                       627.25     

               TOTALS                                                                                2,464.31              3,935.30

DISBURSEMENTS                                                                             

                Rental – PO Box                                                                     86.00                       92.00

                Mailing Expense                                                                   814.67                     659.60

                Swan Club Deposit                                                                 0.00                      300.00

                Web Site                                                                                279.99                     279.99

                Memorial Service                                                                 744.72                     475.00

                Division Flag and Streamers                                              N/A                        950.80

                77^th Memorial Grove                                                             412.00                     800.00

                319^th Army Band Award                                                      N/A                        445.36

                Supplies                                                                                 N/A                          49.47

                LIAFR Medals                                                                      162.00                         0.00

                TOTALS                                                                                2,499.38                  4,052.22

NET RECEIPTS/EXPENSES                                                              -35.07                     -116.92

*Combined Balances of Unspecified Memorial, MG Kaine Memorial, and WTC Memorial (Now 77^th Memorial Grove) Funds.

11.  77^TH DIV. LIBERTY PATCH GOLF SHIRTS AND BASEBALL CAPS:

The response to the 77^th Div. Liberty Patch logo Golf Shirts and Baseball Caps was overwhelming.  Orders were placed for a total of 48 Golf Shirts and 39 Baseball Caps.  As a result of your support, we were able to raise a total over $650 to support the 77^th Inf. Div. ROA programs and events.  Due to the continued interest in 77^th Liberty Patch logo items, we are planning on placing another order in April 2011.  In addition to Golf Shirts and Baseball Caps, we may be offering 77^th Div. Liberty Patch logo T-shirts and sweat shirts.  There will be order forms available at the evening members only meeting on 23 March 2011.  Additional information, and order forms will also be provided in the Summer 2011 issue of The Lampette.  We would like to thank everyone who placed an order and hope that you proudly display your support of the 77^th Div. by wearing your 77^th Div. Liberty Patch Shirts and Caps.

12.   BY-LAW CHANGES:  

At its regular meeting on 3 November, the board adopted some amendments to our By-Laws, in order to simplify and clarify some provisions regarding membership in our Association.  These are summarized below.

Effective as of 3 November, all existing Regular, Life and Associate Members have been designated as “Regular Members.”  The purpose of this change is to reflect the fact that there are no longer any practical distinctions among these former classes of members, with respect to voting rights, dues, eligibility to serve on the Board of Directors, or otherwise.  Although a few former Associate Members who have not yet paid the second and final installment ($25) of their initiation fees will continue to remain liable for those amounts, there presently are no annual dues for any of the former classes of members, and the board does not have any plans to reinstate them.  There has been no change in the designation, eligibility criteria or status of Honorary Members.

Also effective as of 3 November, the eligibility criteria for all new Regular Members of the Association have been consolidated as follows:  “Any active, retired or former commissioned officer, warrant officer, or non-commissioned officer of the grade of E-5 or above, of any component of the uniformed services of the United States who is or at any time was assigned or attached to any unit of the 77^th Infantry Division, the 77^th Regional Readiness Command (RRC), the 77^th Regional Support Command (RSC), the 77^th Army Reserve Command (ARCOM), the 77^th Infantry Division (RTU), the 77^th Sustainment Brigade, or to any of their subordinate or attached units, who in the case of any transfer out of such unit is then in good standing, shall be eligible to become a Regular Member of the Association and shall be admitted as such upon the submission and acceptance of his or her application therefor and payment of his or her initiation fee…. The initiation fee for each new Regular Member shall be $50.00, which shall be due and payable when his or her application for membership has been accepted by the Board of Directors.”  The purpose of this amendment is essentially to consolidate what previously were separate criteria for eligibility for Regular and Associate membership.  We recently posted a revised membership application form on the Association’s web site to reflect this amendment.

The board also adopted the following provision to codify the Association’s custom and practice regarding the recognition of military ranks:  “For purposes of eligibility for membership, and designation in the roster of the Association, the military rank, if any, of a Member shall be the federally recognized rank presently held by any such Member who is on active duty in any federally armed military service, or at which such Member retired, resigned or was honorably discharged from such service.  The Board of Directors at any time may require proof of any such rank.”

The board also adopted a formal requirement that each Member of the Association inform the board of any change in his or her address for notice purposes within 30 days of such change.  Although the board will continue to make efforts to “track down” new addresses for Members whose mail is returned as undeliverable, it was deemed necessary to have a firmer basis for removing members from the roster if those efforts are unsuccessful.  Please help us keep in touch with you if you move.  We frequently have correspondence or copies of The Lampette returned for lack of a current address.  Sometimes, unfortunately, this means that a Member has passed away, but often it just means that a Member has failed to notify us of a new address.

Finally, the board fixed the quorum for annual or special meetings of the Members at one-tenth of the total number of Members (Regular and/or Honorary) entitled to vote at the meeting.  This was done in order to conform this requirement to the minimum required by the New York Not-For-Profit Corporation Law.  The quorum previously had been fixed at 20 voting Members.  As of 3 November, the Association had 227 voting Members and this number fluctuates from time to time.  At our annual meeting on 13 October, we had at least 28 voting Members in attendance, so the legal requirement for a quorum was satisfied.  However, this change will simplify future determinations of the number required for a quorum.

13.  307^th INFANTRY VETERANS SOCIETY:

Good news!! We were informed in September by Douglas Blonsky, President and Central  Park Administrator, Central Park Conservancy, that the Conservancy will be refurbishing the 307^th Infantry Regiment Memorial Grove. This will include: removal of damaged trees which will allow more natural light into the Grove, removal of the wood chip ground cover, adding top soil and planting grass, improvement of the irrigation in the Grove, planting additional shrubs, and repaving of walkways in need of repair.  Also, official Central Park signage will be installed and the Grove’s location added to the Central Park visitors’ map.  This is scheduled to be completed prior to our Memorial Service to be held in early June 2011.  (The exact date of the ceremony will be finalized and published in the near future). 

As part of the restoration, the 307^th IVS is responsible for the replacement of several WWI company plaques, listing the names of their war dead, that are missing from their stone bases. We also will ensure that all of the other company markers are in a presentable condition. 

As mentioned in the Summer 2010 issue of The Lampette, our Association’s 307^th Committee presented to the Central Park Conservancy a suggested plan for revitalizing the Grove.  Most of our recommendations are included in the restoration project. The major item not included is a tribute, complementary to the existing WWI boulder monument, to honor the soldiers of the 307^th who perished in WWII. However, our understanding is that the doors are not completely closed on this issue. We will continue to pursue this endeavor to enable the Grove to fully reflect the proud history of the 307^th regiment and “Clear the Way” to obtaining the necessary approvals.

14.  INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY:

We are pleased to present to the membership a newly designed web-site.  (www.77thinfdivroa.org) The site features easy to use pull down tabs and is full of both current Association news and events planned as well as helpful information for our veterans .  Please note the vacation tips section.  We urge you to share with us your experiences, good deals uncovered, and possible vacation destinations for our membership.  For example, if you have any Space A recent activity, please share this with us as well as recent visits to Shades of Green, Hale Koa, and other military recreation and installation  locations.  Additionally, if you have any happenings that can be reported in The Lampette, as an alternative to postal mail, you can email the data to Webmaster@77thinfdivroa.org , and we will make sure it will be reported in The Lampette.

15.   DATES TO REMEMBER:

              Evening  Membership Meeting – Swan Club                      March 23, 2011

              Spring Luncheon – Swan Club                                             May 18, 2011

              Business Luncheon – Swan Club                                         October 12, 2011

              Annual Memorial Service – Ft. Totten                                 November 13, 2011

16.  TELEPHONE CONTACT:

Should you wish to contact us, you can call Master Sergeant (Ret.) Mary Lou Bornmann at (516) 732-9705.  She will pass along your message.

HAVE A JOYOUS, SAFE AND HEALTHY HOLIDAY SEASON AND NEW YEAR!

                                                                                       LOUIS H. SUDHOLZ, JR.

                                                                                       Colonel, Ret.

                                                                                       President