Summer/Fall 2010 Association Newsletter
Willing and Able
Col.
Arthur Paul Lombardi USA (Ret) (1923-2010)
Colonel
Arthur P. Lombardi, USA (Ret.) passed on September 1, 2010 at Gateway
Medical Center in Clarksville, TN. He was 86 years old. Col. Lombardi was
born December 8, 1923 in Canton Ohio, the son of Pasquale and Maria
Lombardi. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers John, Hermando,
and sister Mary Beidenbach. He is survived by his wife Dolores Long
Lombardi, daughters Barbara White (Ray) of Reno, Nevada, Teena-Marie Ray
(Wilbur) of Edmonton, Alberta, sons Timothy Lombardi (Donna) of Tustin,
California and James Patrick Lombardi (Corrine) of Sisters, Oregon and
sister Violet of Canton, Ohio. He has six grandchildren and three great
grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
A Career military man, Col. Lombardi entered the
Army in February, 1943, rose to the rank of first Sergeant on New Guinea
and received a battlefield commission on Luzon P.I. in 1945. During a
military career that spanned 35 years, he served in three wars; WW II, Korea
and Vietnam. His awards and decorations include the Army's Distinguished
Service Medal, the Silver Star, two Legions of Merit, the Soldiers Medal,
three
Bronze Stars, the
Purple Heart, the Vietnamese Distinguished Service Order, the Vietnamese
Gallantry Cross with palm and others. He was a master parachutist and made
two combat jumps.
Colonel Lombardi is a graduate of the University of Omaha, the Army's
Command and General Staff College, the Armed Forces Staff College and the
Army War College.
Key assignments included the command of three Airborne Field Artillery
batteries, an Airborne Field Artillery Batallion, a position with General
Westmoreland's staff in Vietnam, Deputy Senior Advisor to the Vietnamese
Airborne Division, Chief of Logistics, Post Commander of NATO in Naples,
Italy and Deputy Post Commander here in Fort Campbell Kentucky. Following
his retirement in 1978 he was appointed by the Department of the Army as the
first honorary Colonel of the 320th Field Artillery Battalion.
Colonel Lombardi was a lifetime member of the American Legion, the
V.F.W., the 11th Airborne Division Association, The 320th
Field Artillery Association, the 101st Airborne Division Association, the
Military order of the Purple Heart and the 187th Airborne Division
Association.
After retiring from the Army, Colonel Lombardi became the Military Relations
Officer for the Fort Campbell Federal Credit Union, a position he held for
22 years. He was appointed as a member of the Credit Union in 2005 and was
elected to a three year term in 2007.
Colonel Lombardi was a member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic parish
for the past 30 years. Visitation will be on Monday, September 6th from 3
p.m. to 7 p.m. at the funeral home and a vigil service will follow. A
Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, September 7th at 11 a.m. in the
Immaculate Conception Church. Burial will take place following church
services at Kentucky Veterans Cemetery-West in Hopkinsville. Funeral
Services will be arranged by Neal-Tarpley-Parchman Funeral Home. A
Celebration of life will be held at Clarksville Country Club at 2 p.m.
On-line condolences may be sent to
art.lombardi@charter.net"Memorial contributions may be made to
Immaculate Conception St. Mary's School , Fort Campbell Army EmRelief Fund,
or the Wings of Liberty Museum.
News From Our Association Officers
Greetings to the 320th family,
As a 320th FA alumni of both the 101st and 82nd Airborne Divisions I look
forward to attending the 1-320 FA Reunion of the 1970's officers in Ft
Bragg/ Fayetteville, 25-27 May 2010.
While there, I hope to be able to "recruit" more 82d
alumni to be part of our Association. Just like the recent addition of
our Berlin Brigade Redleg’s at our 2009
WILLING AND ABLE!!
Frank Rauch
Chairman, 320th FA Association
(Editor’s note.) I found out today
rodg
I have had the honor of finding and making a close and personal friendship with almost all the men and women listed on the Association Data Base. If I haven’t met and visited with them personally, we have carried on a long friendship by telephone, the Newsletter, and in many cases in the later years, by Email.
The September reunion was not covered very well in the Winter Newsletter as I could not bring myself to the reality that time is passing on and somewhere in the future I to will have to make that final Jump. The reason for all this melancholy is that we have lost many of our great Troopers in the past few years.
In 2009 alone we lost
My close friend and Associate, 320th FA
Association Life Time Member and Past Chairman of the 508 ARCT Chapter,
Melvin A Eitel “C” Btry 1951-53 passed on 17April, 2009.
Life Member Ron Victor SVC Btry 55/56 passed away
Lifetime Member and Past Association Officer Sgt
William “Bill” Ashcraft HQ Btry 55/56 passed away
On 12 July
Lifetime Member Tony Trent passed away
Patrick “Pat” Guaydacan “C” Btry 1952/1956 Passed away in CA 04 September 2009.
On 11 September Lifetime Association Member and our
Past Association Chairman of many years Joseph “Monty” Montoya passed away
just days before the
As we finished our Association Business Meeting on
Saturday morning Dr Claude Brown “SVC” Btry 55/56 received a phone call that
his father had passed away and of course he had to leave right away. On
At the Saturday Evening Banquet it became evident to me
and I’m sure to many others that we have lost all but two of our HQ Btry
55/56 Officers and that only three of the NCO’s are still with us. Two of
these NCO’s, Radio Sgt Walter Ducharme and Commo Wire Team leader Sgt
Raymond Calvez were at the
This summer as I put off doing the Newsletter I went through the Data Base of names that we have had no contact with for many years. I went through 75 names and ran them in the Social Security Death index and found 15 more of our Troopers that have passed on. Most of these were 50’s Troops and a few WWII Vet’s
From
Rodger Jacobson. It is now Time to Semi Retire
Leone and I have worked long and hard
to bring the 320th Field Artillery Association to where it is today. We
started out in 1985 knowing where Ray Soule and Robert “Bob” Mott were.
Leone and I and Ray’s wife Sheri were visiting in late 1985 and brought up
our 1955 Thanksgiving Day Dinner Menu. This Menu was ordered printed up by
1st Sgt Charlie Mahan. What foresight Charlie had as he included 127 names
and “Hometowns” of our HQ Btry Troops. Using this list we started looking
for our Friends. By 1987 we had located about 70 and about 50 attended our
first
I plan on writing a history of our Association from start to finish so anyone with notes, memories, records that they would share please do. This being said, I want much of the Association Business lifted off my shoulders. I have turned 75, I have been having some minor health problems but more than anything else my short term memory is getting terrible. I would love to be able to continue searching for the Troops but would like for someone else to keep the Data Base.
I have written my last Newsletter. You all deserve better than you are getting. The Association Officers will have to get a new Newsletter Editor to do this from now on. I will be glad to continue to contribute to the newsletter as I have in the past but just can no longer be responsible to put it all together.
I have turned in my resignation as driver for the local Hazel Green, WI Rescue Squad as my night vision at Accident Scenes with all the Flashings Lights and Strobes is getting bad. This is something I did not want to do but is necessary. Friends I'm just getting older, some parts don't work as well as they did and it takes a lot more time to do things than it used to.
V/R, Rodger Jacobson
September
2009
(Editors note) As mentioned earlier I did not cover the
September 2009
Registration started Thursday Morning and continued throughout the day. Many new faces and names showed up and many hugs and a few tears were seen as old friends got together again. Thursday evening the Riverview Inn served a Welcome Reception and more visiting took place. Many small groups went out to eat and to visit privately.
Friday many of our attendees went to Ft Campbell for a visit to the Museum and a tour of the Area. They were served lunch at one of the Unit Dining Facilities on Post but I have failed to get that information.
On Saturday we had our regular
Saturday Evenings Banquet was started with the
presentation of the colors by the 4/320th Color Guard led by
Unknown to me Dr Claude Brown (SVC
Btry 55/56) had made arrangements for the “Warriors Medal Of Valor” to be
presented to me. Dr Brown had to leave earlier in the day due to his father
passing away in
Dr Brown is also responsible for each of the Ladies in attendance at the Banquet receiving a Beautiful “Red Rose.” Dr Brown, I do thank you for the award and I’m sure the ladies all Thank You for the roses.
I had spent years tracking Jan down and with all the information I had I never did get to him. Jan found the 82nd Abn Association and then the 508 Chapter and then he found us. Jan, you have my sincere apologies as I would have loved to have visited with you face to face.
In March 2009 we decided to move the
The Riverview Inn had a great Continental Breakfast and the meeting rooms and Hospitality room were all right off of the lobby. The well stocked Hotel Bar was also adjacent to the Hospitality room. Although the Hotel did not have an “In House” Restaurant it was not a great inconvenience (until it rained) as we had several good restaurants near by. The restaurant that was a hit with our newest 320th FA friends from the Berlin Brigade was a small German Restaurant/Bar located two short blocks away.
This
new group is “The Berlin Red-Legs” who served in
Many
of this group transferred to the 320th FA/101st at Ft Campbell
and are now serving in
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
As our nation prepares to celebrate the anniversary of its independence this coming Saturday, many of you are looking forward to family and community celebrations, fireworks or a relaxing day on the golf course or on the river.
While all of these activities are fun, relaxing and bring an interesting mix of generations together, there are stories about the people and institutions of this great nation which are worthy of some thought and consideration.
We’d like to do this by telling a story of an uncle and a nephew who share a common heritage, passion of service and how an eagle insignia is passed from one generation to the next. Their story is one of hard work, sacrifice, love and travel and shows the grit, courage and compassion of the American people.
As the nephew begins a military career, the uncle shares these bits of advice:
An officer’s word is his bond. Your reputation is only as good as your word.
Be a good soldier.
Take care of soldiers–always.
Set the example with your actions, not just your words.
Lead from the front–soldiers watch their leaders.
Always do your best, regardless of the duties you are assigned. Not every job will be the one you want, but do your best and it will all work out.
There is something universal about this advice. Replace teacher for officer and student for soldier; the advice holds true. Replace manager for officer and staff member for soldier; the advice holds true.
The advice comes from a life of experiences for the uncle. Born in 1927, he grew up on a farm near Scales Mound.
The nephew notes, “Those of us who grow up on farms or in small towns learn the value of hard work very early and it becomes part of us. We learn not to expect rewards for merely doing your job and we learn the value of teamwork and what it means to be a member of a team.
“Whether it was baling hay, milking cows or playing baseball or basketball, it was all about teamwork and everyone doing their share to the best of their abilities so that larger goals could be accomplished. Even if you weren’t the biggest or strongest, you had a role to play and the rest of the team counted on you.”
There was a life beyond the farm for the uncle. He joined the Army in 1952. He served two tours in Vietnam and was stationed in Germany and Italy.
As the nephew grew up, he looked up to his heroes. “My parents, sister and brothers set a tremendous example for me and taught me a lot about life, especially my parents. Their dedication, determination, hard work, love and support truly make them heroes for the way they lived their lives and the influence they had on others.”
The nephew had other heroes. Two other uncles served the nation in the Air Force, one as a career electronics repair technician. A cousin lost his life in Vietnam. Their photos hang prominently in the family home.
“We were taught that they were also role models for dedication to duty, service to others and sacrifice for a cause greater than self,” Marty stated.
When the uncles made an occasional visit to the old homestead, the nephew peppered them with numerous questions.
“I developed an interest in history” the nephew noted, “especially military history. During their visits I would ask all kinds of questions and I’m sure I wore them out with my inquiries.”
In 1978, the uncle went on another adventure. He was assigned to the United States embassy in Tehran, Iran, as the military attache. This assignment took a huge twist on Nov. 4, 1979, when militants overran the embassy and took the uncle and 51 others hostage for 444 days.
The uncle, Col. Leland Holland, endured this ordeal with his head held high and pride in tact.
Things, though were a bit crazy on the Holland family farm. A continuous stream of national media ventured there to give the Holland family perspective.
For brother, Ed, juggling the lives of his children, hosting an exchange student, operating a farm operation, handling the journalists, maintaining a marriage, keeping a watchful eye on his mother and finding ways to keep emotions in check, proved to be challenging.
“I was going crazy,” he said with a chuckle.
For Marty, the nephew, the kidnapping didn’t diminish his interest in the military.
He noted, “When Uncle Leland was one of the 52 American hostages, I would come home from school everyday to find several news crews and TV reporters at our farm. At that point, I was old enough to appreciate the gravity of the situation and the role my uncle played.”
It was as if the world opened up in front of young Marty and came right into his home.
The nation celebrated when the militants released the hostages in January 1981. The celebration was particularly keen in Scales Mound, especially when Col. Leland Holland made a triumphant return home.
Marty used the occasion to begin a discussion about earning an appointment to West Point or an ROTC scholarship.
“As you can imagine,” Marty said, “my uncle was very busy at this point with interviews, speaking engagements and public appearances, but he took the time to talk with me and to encourage my interest in the Army. Nonetheless, he was very supportive and continued to answer my questions as well as encourage me to pursue my interest in the Army.”
Marty indeed earned admission into West Point. At age 17, he joined the Army (his parents, Ed and Betty Holland had to sign the consent form) and entered West Point’s preparatory school at Ft. Monmouth, N.J., a very long distance from the Holland homestead.
The bond between the uncle and nephew grew stronger.
Marty noted, “My uncle was serving in the Pentagon at the time and he and my Aunt Mary always welcomed my friends and I for visits when we could get away from school. They never turned us down or told us that they were too busy for guests–even a bunch of pent-up college kids.”
Even though the uncle may have had pressing duties, he always gave them personal tours in and around Washington D.C., or spent time talking about the Army and what selfless service to the nation meant.
What goes around, comes around–when nieces and nephews and other family members come visiting today, Marty says he makes sure there’s plenty of time to serve as personal tour guide.
While Marty is currently working at the Pentagon, his career has taken him plenty of places. Since graduating from West Point as a second lieutenant, he served first with the 101st Airborne Division (air assault) where he served as a company fire support officer with C/1-502 IN.
Other assignments included battery fire direction officer and battery executive officer in A/1-320 FAR as well as battery executive officer for HHB 101st DIVARTY during Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm. Following the officers’ advance course, served as a battalion fire support officer for 1-27 IN, battery commander in 3-7 FA and as the aviation brigade fire support officer all in the 25th Infantry Division (Light), Schofield Barracks, Hawaii.
Marty then attended graduate school at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill and served as an assistant professor of military history at West Point. After completing Command and General Staff College at Ft Leavenworth, Kan., he returned to the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) where he served as the assistant DIVARTY operations officer (A/S-3), battalion operations officer (S-3) for 1-320 FAR, and as the DIVARTY operations officer (S-3) during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Mary also served as an assignment officer at field artillery branch of human resources Command in Alexandria, Virginia, and as a forward team chief with the Rapid Equipping Force in Kandahar, Afghanistan.
Marty then returned to the 101st Airborne Division for a third tour, serving as the battalion commander for 2-320th FAR from January 2005 to December 2006, including a year-long combat deployment to Iraq, and then assuming duties as the 101st Division’s fires coordinator.
Most recently, he graduated from the National War College at Ft. McNair, D.C. in June 2008 and is serving on the Joint Staff in the Pentagon’s National Military Command Center as an assistant deputy director of operations (ADDO).
Just after returning from Operation Dessert Storm, Marty, his wife Anne (formerly of East Dubuque) and Aunt Mary visited Uncle Leland’s gravesite near the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery. Aunt Mary gave Marty his uncle’s colonel’s insignia, an eagle. Then a first lieutenant, Marty thought this was a family heirloom he’d treasure forever.
Through these 22 years of service to the nation, Marty has treasured the people with whom he’s worked. He’s had the opportunity to work with people who hail from nearly every corner of the United States. He says the rich diversity of people who make up this nation are its greatest source of strength and unity.
“Country folks and city dwellers, rich or poor, a wide variety of ethnic backgrounds, religious traditions, personal beliefs and preferences. . .yet we all come together voluntarily literally for the common defense of country. That is an amazing feat,” he said.
“This is an accomplishment that few other nations have achieved and some can hardly hope for. Wherever we come from, we are Americans first and foremost. Our country is not perfect and studying our shared history reveals plenty of errors and acts of omission and commission. But if you spend the time to look around the world and truly study other peoples and governments, there aren’t many with our track record of accomplishments and optimistic belief that the future well even be better.”
These 22 years of service have also taught him a lot about what patriotism means, what freedom means.
“Sometimes, I think we Americans take some of our basic ideals and freedoms for granted,” he noted. Having met and talked with people who have been “unfree” whether they be Kuwaitis, Iraqis or Afghans, we should never take freedom for granted and we should never miss an opportunity to thank our veterans for helping to secure that freedom.
“When I visit the monuments on our National Mall, especially the WW II, Korea and Vietnam memorials I always spot the veterans and thank them for their service. Whether for a few years or a lifetime, our veterans have truly sacrificed much so the rest of us can enjoy our freedoms.”
This is a special time for the nephew to reflect on his years in the Army and service to the nation. He recently earned the rank of colonel.
Surrounded by his parents, Ed and Betty; his aunt, Mary; his sister, Kathy; his wife, Anne, and their two children, Erin and Christopher, Marty celebrated his promotion. That family heirloom, that colonel’s insignia that graced the uncle’s military uniform was now part of Marty’s uniform.
It must have been an emotional moment for all–celebration of an achievement and a bittersweet memory of a great American hero. A few tears were shed that day.
To answer questions his parents had about Vint Hills Farm Station, Leland Holland’s last Army post, the nephew reached for “The Army Officer’s Guide,” a gift from the uncle. Dated, 26 July 1982, the uncle wrote, “Presented to my nephew Marty Holland–with great expectations for the future.”
The nephew hopes that he’s met some of his uncle’s expectations and that he’d be satisfied as to how the nephew performed his duties.
There is little doubt that the uncle, a man who did give selfless service to this country and endured 444 days of captivity, would be quite pleased with the nephew’s service to the nation. He’d be even more delighted knowing that his colonel’s insignia adorned the uniform of his nephew.
Both, though, used the life skills learned on a family farm in Scales Mound to selflessly serve this nation.
That’s something worth celebrating this Independence day.
P. Carter Newton, publisher
Cutlines
Some of the family members joining Col. Marty Holland for his promotion ceremony at the Pentagon were (from left) Mary Holland (aunt), Cincinnati, Ohio; his sister: Sister Kathy Holland, Clinton, Iowa; his parents, Betty and Ed Holland, Scales Mound; son, Christopher Holland; Col. Marty Holland; daughter, Erin Holland; and wife, Anne Holland.
Rear Admiral Michael E. McLaughlin, left, United States Navy, and Col. Marty Holland during the promotion ceremony in the Pentagon’s Hall of Heroes.
Col. Leland Holland, right, receives a gift during a
school ceremony upon his return from being held hostage in Iran. Enjoying
the moment is his mother, Clara. Schools throughout Illinois were cancelled
on the day Leland returned triumphantly to his hometown of Scales Mound.
News from the Fifties
On 15 January, after many years of
off and on searching, I found Trooper Herbert H Rhodes “SVC” Btry 320th
53/55. We had two names for him, Harold and Herbert which made the search
more difficult. I talked to Herbert and he has gone through a divorce, was
in an Assisted Care Home and then had a heart attack and was not doing well
at all. Herbert is in the
Herbert, like many others was transferred to the 11th Abn
and sent to
Herbert got out of the Army in 1956 and immediately went
to work at a General Motors Auto Plant in
Herb next worked for Learjet in
Herbert’s address is Herbert
Rhodes %
From John
Zugschwert
Rodger,
It has been an unusual winter out here in
Most snow ever recorded in this area and why during my
lifetime? I plowed out for the horses and cattle. Still have
enough hay to last till 1 April and hope you all keep the rest of the snow
up north for the rest of the year. There was another big storm about a
week ago that missed us but did a job from
Note from an unnamed 50’s
Trooper,
In 1963 upon my return from
The last competition was marksmanship. I was the rep for Divarty. When we got to the 600 yard line Division Artillery and the Infantry were tied for 1st place. When we left the 300 the wind was a factor so I gave my sight 2 clicks to the right. The shooter next to me was Jessie Perez. When we got into position he said he was having a hard time reading the wind so I knew he was going to listen to how many clicks I was going to move my sights.
The wind was left to right. And I gave it 6 clicks and
fired a round. I got it in the black at
Author wishes to remain anonymous.
Taps:
As I was putting the N/L to print I received a note from Faye Kraft that
Leonard passed away Saturday afternoon
320/508 ARCT History
THE PAWNEE GENERAL
Teddy Hollis Sanford was born in a one room cabin at
the family farm North of Skedee in
In the same year that he was commissioned, 1931, he
married Cora Juanita Kelley (1908- ). At the time, both were struggling to
get through
Meanwhile, he had remained in the National Guard, but was still a second lieutenant. Under the rules of the time, you could only be promoted into a vacancy in your unit. This meant that Teddy stayed a second lieutenant for over nine years. However, these years were not wasted. He learned the arts and skills of leadership which would become so important in the years to come.
In September of 1940, now a first lieutenant, and
commanding the local Company B, 179th Infantry Regiment, he, along with the
unit, were mobilized and he stayed with the unit through the
After almost a year of training, the 82nd Airborne
Division landed at
In late 1943 and early 1944, the 82nd moved to
The 82nd, after refitting and training in
After the battle, the 325th returned to
After the "Bulge" the decision in
When the war ended, Teddy Sanford made the decision
to integrate into the Reular Army. With a Distinguished Service Cross,
Silver Star, and Purple Heart, the Army was happy to keep him. His second
son, Thomas Kelley Sanford was born in January 1947, and he went to the
Command and General Staff College in 1947-1948. He then had several
assignments in the 82nd Airborne Division, now back at
In 1953, Teddy was ordered to
After a three year tour as the Assistant Chief of
Staff for Logistics at the US Army Continental Army Command at
After his service, he returned to his ranch North of
Pawnee,
News from the 320/101 Sixties
Tommy Fry; “A” Btry 2nd 320th
67/68 signed in on the 320th Association Website on
I came onboard with A Btry not long after Sad Hill. I
didn’t know
On
E-mail:
tommy.fry@mygait.com
Note from Major (ret) David
Flood:
Hello Tommy,
I have thought of you many times over the years
wondering how well you recovered from your wounds. We served in A 321st FA
82nd Abn together before
David Flood
Note from
Jack Johnston
Hi Rodger;
On
Norbert ask if I would try and locate his old friend Billy Bowlin from Texas
that he served with in 1959-60 A Co. 327 infantry, and again 1963-66 with
A/2/320th Artillery
at Ft.
According to ancestry.com
Billy was awarded the bronze star twice in 1972 in
Please forward this e-mail to our members and post Billy's name and information to our rosters.
The attached pictures are from the d-day luncheon, #1 L to R are Bill Inez, Norbert, Ray, Me, Jim Mc. Paul Martinez I/506 1944-45, Jim Daliosio, and Henry Paredes. #2 Paul Martinez left and not sure of the other D-Day vets names.
Any one interested in the Southern California Eagles Chapter can contact me. It is a fun organization and put on some great events.
This Friday 23 July Dennis Bubnar and I are attending a luau at the VFW in
I hope this e-mail makes it with the attached pictures.
Billy L. Bowlin career soldier Dob. 25 Oct.1935
Thank you, Jack D.
Johnston,
(Editors note) Jack Johnston has volunteered to take over the Association Secretary Office that has been left vacant. Jack, we thank you for stepping forward when we need you most.
Now if we can get someone from each unit to step forward and be a spokesperson or representative for their group and help put information together for the Newsletter we will be one step closer to a working plan. We do need a Newsletter Editor as I said earlier. You deserve better than you are getting and I can no longer get the job done
From Dan
Pienta
Jack Johnston was searching the
Internet again and got info on Cpl Dan Pienta B/2/320/101/66/67. I called
and left a message and Dan left this message on the Association Website
Guestbook. “I was contacted by Rodger Jacobson on
Thank you, Dan Pienta.
News from
320th - 82nd 60/70/80
From
I left Ft Bragg in the summer of 1975, so this is after my
time. Do remember that the DivArty ran the artillery portion of the
ROTC Summer Camp at Ft Bragg in the summer of 1974 -- because that is how I
met my wife. The DivArty Commander was COL Max Thurman (later famous
for overseeing the invasion of
From
Rodger I have waited as long as
possible about notification on the
I was the Bn Commo Officer from
around 1970 to 1975.
What a wonderful and interesting experience for
the crossed flags to mix with the crossed cannons. Over all it was a
wonderful learning experience and a high degree of satisfaction in working
with all of the Artillery Officers; I also assumed command of the 1/320 Bn
when I was the XO and
When I first arrived I coordinated an inspection of the Batteries Communication Sections, I don't think the previous Commo Officer did this, to find that the Commo Section was used for all types of important duties other than communications such as, parachute guards, parachute recovery, erecting tents, on and on and on. I found myself doing numerous Jump Master Duties and I didn't draw jump pay. I didn't really mind since I had many years experience in doing this and I enjoyed jumping.
I have said this many times and was serious when I said it--artillery officers were, and probably still are, some of the best trained officers in the army.
A couple of questions--does anyone
have any information on Stacy Reeves? He was one of the S-3 officers during
my time with 1st Bn 320th. (Ed Note Maj Reeves is in West
I also remember the jump in
Sorry to hear about Johnny Miller,
we flew together before retiring.
I left HHB around 1975 and managed the
After retirement I finished a
master degree in business and opened a consulting business in
God bless and have a very happy reunion--hope to see all of you next reunion.
Your brother in arms
Bill Sorrells
Airborne all the way
CSM (ret) Bronislaw Binas, While doing some work on the Data Base recently I ran across the name of a CSM (ret) and we did not have correct spelling on first or last name either one. I sent an email out to our 320/82 group asking for help and these are some of the replies.
From Capt.
Paul Jacobs
I remember him. Pretty sure it was Bronislaw Binas. (First
name could have been spelled Branislav) He was the Bn Sgt Major toward the
end of my tour (72-76).
Paul Jacobs
This from
Here ya go. Those who were permitted to call him by his first name called him "Bruce."
Hope this helps.
Bronislaw Binas Deceased in 2004
Wife Margot
910-867-2824
No Email
From Truman T Legg
I received same address and phone as above from Truman T Legg (Truman, We still need your personal address info. Our only contact is your Email address)
From
Rodger, His name was Branislaw
BINAS,
CSM (Ret),. He used to live just off post out the
From CW-2 (ret) Ray Goff: I also served with CSM Binas. He was a 1SG at that time. Sorry to hear of his passing. He was a very dedicated soldier. In fact I believe I have some photos from back then.
From
... and I recall he told me once
he had been involved in “special ops” north of the Yalu in the Korean War.
John Bryant
From Kenneth Still:
hi rod...I'm Ken Still, and
I served with
“Editors note”. I called and visited with Margot Binas. She say’s she is doing well and sees Burt VanderClute each year at a meeting they both attend. Margot also said she would attend a reunion if it was close by. (Anyone interested in another Fort Bragg Reunion????)
We also had a bounced email address for Lt Robert Wilson and I asked for help from the 320/82nd group. I then received this reply.
From Capt
Leon Hensley
Bob Wilson was my XO during this time and a good officer. His current address is as follows:
e-mail: bdwilson3030@gmail.com
Leon & Carol Hensley
2320 Lenticular Dr.
775-424-2490
I might also add that Bob Wilson was XO for
From
I will never forget my first
Division review and CSM Bruce Binas giving his lecture to us all on how to
properly wear the Beret. It was one of the most entertaining lectures I have
ever experienced. Of course my favorite was the f----- French Pastry Chef.
He was a hoot!
v/r cowboy
James L. Cobb Jr.
(Editors
Note: Cowboy, I know nothing about a French Pastry Chef so you need to fill
me in.
Note to our Fifties Camp Wood, Japan Group. “Do you see
any of “
From
Robert Wilson
Rodger,
Sorry for the oversight on changing my email and telephone number. Correct email is the one Leon Hensley gave you - bdwilson3030@gmail.com. Dianne and I terminated our home phone land line, so 281-343-7487 is no longer alive. Instead use my cell number 281-413-6393. It is on 24/7. My regrets for not being able to attend the shindig last May, but too many other things going on. Dianne and I plan to be there next time.
Robert and Dianne Wilson
Do you have Richard (Dick) Measner's contact info? I would like to get it from you if possible.
Best Regards,
Bob Wilson
(Editors note) Measner’s info sent.
To all,
I would like to say what a blessing it was to see so many
of you that were such a great part of my life. It brought back so many
wonderful things, many of which had been hidden away for a long time. Some
probably should have stayed hidden, but we all have some things in our past.
Thank you to those who put all of this together. It was
very special.
I pray all return/ed home safely.
Dan Leach
News from
the
Does anyone have any contact with
SSG David
Bracket, Michael Rose, Buny (can't spell his full last
name has too many letters.) Or Barry Butler? I would
like to get into contact with anyone from 5th Bn Fist.
Thanks,
Dwaine Esch!
(From Rodg) Dwaine, Have you figured out a name for
"Buny" or have you found him??
I'll
work on Mike Rose again unless you guys have found him. Please let me know.
We have about 200 C/94 and E/320 Berlin Redleg E/Mail addresses. rodg
From Dwaine Esch
Sorry about the lateness of my reply, I overlooked your
email. I will try to spell Buny’s last name, I believe the last name
is a Thai name. I know that he had arrived in
V/R
Dwaine L. Esch
(Editor Note) Dwaine did his best to spell Buny’s name
and when I copied and pasted it to the Search engine I must have
inadvertently “CUT and PASTED” as I no longer have the name.
Sorry,
rj
News of the Present Day Troops
This Story
continued from the Winter 2009 Association Newsletter
“I was going crazy,” he said with a chuckle.
For Marty, the nephew, the kidnapping didn’t diminish his
interest in the military.
He noted, “When Uncle Leland was one of the
52 American hostages, I would come home from school everyday to find several
news crews and TV reporters at our farm. At that point, I was old enough to
appreciate the gravity of the situation and the role my uncle played.”
It was as if the world opened up in front of
young Marty and came right into his home.
The nation celebrated when the militants
released the hostages in January 1981. The celebration was particularly keen
in Scales Mound, especially when Col. Leland Holland made a triumphant
return home.
Marty used the occasion to begin a
discussion about earning an appointment to
“As you can imagine,” Marty said, “my uncle
was very busy at this point with interviews, speaking engagements and public
appearances, but he took the time to talk with me and to encourage my
interest in the Army. Nonetheless, he was very supportive and continued to
answer my questions as well as encourage me to pursue my interest in the
Army.”
Marty indeed earned admission into
The bond between the uncle and nephew grew
stronger.
Marty noted, “My uncle was serving in the
Pentagon at the time and he and my Aunt Mary always welcomed my friends and
I for visits when we could get away from school. They never turned us down
or told us that they were too busy for guests–even a bunch of pent-up
college kids.”
Even though the uncle may have had pressing
duties, he always gave them personal tours in and around
What goes around, comes around–when nieces
and nephews and other family members come visiting today, Marty says he
makes sure there’s plenty of time to serve as personal tour guide.
While Marty is currently working at the
Pentagon, his career has taken him plenty of places. Since graduating from
Other assignments included
battery fire direction officer and battery executive officer in A/1-320 FAR
as well as battery executive officer for HHB 101st DIVARTY during Operation
Desert Shield/Desert Storm. Following the officers’ advance course, served
as a battalion fire support officer for 1-27 IN, battery commander in 3-7 FA
and as the aviation brigade fire support officer all in the 25th Infantry
Division (Light), Schofield Barracks,
Marty then attended graduate
school at the
Marty then returned to the 101st Airborne
Division for a third tour, serving as the battalion commander for 2-320th
FAR from January 2005 to December 2006, including a year-long combat
deployment to Iraq, and then assuming duties as the 101st Division’s fires
coordinator.
Most recently, he graduated from the
Just after returning from Operation Dessert
Storm, Marty, his wife Anne (formerly of
Through these 22 years of service to the
nation, Marty has treasured the people with whom he’s worked. He’s had the
opportunity to work with people who hail from nearly every corner of the
“Country folks and city dwellers, rich or
poor, a wide variety of ethnic backgrounds, religious traditions, personal
beliefs and preferences. .yet we all
come together voluntarily literally for the common defense of country. That
is an amazing feat,” he said.
“This is an accomplishment that few other
nations have achieved and some can hardly hope for. Wherever we come from,
we are Americans first and foremost. Our country is not perfect and studying
our shared history reveals plenty of errors and acts of omission and
commission. But if you spend the time to look around the world and truly
study other peoples and governments, there aren’t many with our track record
of accomplishments and optimistic belief that the future will even be
better.”
These 22 years of service have also taught
him a lot about what patriotism means, what freedom means.
“Sometimes, I think we Americans take some
of our basic ideals and freedoms for granted,” he noted. Having met and
talked with people who have been “unfree” whether they be Kuwaitis, Iraqis
or Afghans, we should never take freedom for granted and we should never
miss an opportunity to thank our veterans for helping to secure that
freedom.
“When I visit the monuments on our National
Mall, especially the WW II,
This is a special time for the nephew to
reflect on his years in the Army and service to the nation. He recently
earned the rank of colonel.
Surrounded by his parents, Ed and Betty; his
aunt, Mary; his sister, Kathy; his wife, Anne, and their two children, Erin
and Christopher, Marty celebrated his promotion. That family heirloom, that
colonel’s insignia that graced the uncle’s military uniform was now part of
Marty’s uniform.
It must have been an emotional moment for
all–celebration of an achievement and a bittersweet memory of a great
American hero. A few tears were shed that day.
To answer questions his parents had about
Vint-Hills Farm Station, Leland Holland’s last Army post, the nephew reached
for “The Army Officer’s Guide,” a gift from the uncle. Dated,
The nephew hopes that he’s met some of his
uncle’s expectations and that he’d be satisfied as to how the nephew
performed his duties.
There is little doubt that the uncle, a man
who did give selfless service to this country and endured 444 days of
captivity, would be quite pleased with the nephew’s service to the nation.
He’d be even more delighted knowing that his colonel’s insignia adorned the
uniform of his nephew.
Both, though, used the life skills learned
on a family farm in Scales Mound to selflessly serve this nation.
That’s something worth celebrating this
Independence Day.
P. Carter Newton, publisher
Today, Leonard is in lots of pain, and we are just trying to make him as comfortable as possible on this journey. I am losing the love of my life and my very best friend.
