News Release
Defense Prisoner of War/Missing Personnel Office (Public Affairs)
Washington, DC 20301-2900
Phone: (703) 699-1169
IMMEDIATE RELEASE Fax (703) 602-4375
July 27, 2011
SOLDIER MISSING FROM KOREAN WAR IDENTIFIED
The Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office announced today that the
remains of a U.S. serviceman, missing in action from the Korean War, have been identified and
will be returned to his family for burial with full military honors.
Army Pfc. John G. Lavelle, 24, of Brooklyn, N.Y., will be buried Aug 1 in Calverton, N.Y.
On Dec. 1, 1950, he was assigned to the 2nd Engineer Combat Battalion, 2nd Infantry Division
when his unit was overrun by enemy forces near Kunu-ri, North Korea. Lavelle was reported
missing in action. Surviving POWs said he had been captured by enemy forces and died of
malnutrition in captivity in the spring of 1951.
During Operation Glory in the fall of 1954, China turned over remains they claimed to be
those of U.S. servicemen who died in the Korean War. Records returned with the remains
indicated one of the servicemen died in Prisoner of War Camp 5 at Pyoktong, on the China-North Korea border. At the time the Army was unable to identify Lavelle and the remains were buried as “unknown” the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu.
In 2010, scientists at Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC) concluded they had
evidence that supported identification of the Unknown Soldier who died in Camp 5. The remains
were exhumed in March 2011 and scientists from the JPAC identified Lavelle’s remains through
dental comparisons and circumstantial evidence related to the 1954 turnovers.
For additional information on the Defense Department’s mission to account for missing
Americans, visit the DPMO web site at http://www.dtic.mil/dpmo or call (703) 699-1169.
-end
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Eugene Piazza Obituary
Eugene "Gino" S. Piazza April 12, 1927 - July 3, 2010 Resident of Fremont Entered into rest on July 3, 2010 at the age of 83. Loving husband of 57 years to Mary Lou Piazza of Fremont. Beloved father of Mike Piazza & his wife, Katy, of England. Cherished grandfather to Nicola and Alexander. Caring brother to Anna Marie O'Connell of NJ, and Mario Piazza of NY. Eugene 'Gino' S. Piazza was a decorated combat veteran of World War II, Korea and Vietnam earning the Bronze Star and the Army Commendation Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster. As a member of the Holy Spirit Parish in Fremont, he was a Fourth Degree 'Sir Knight' in the Knights of Columbus and an active member of the Italian Social Club. He was also a member of the Columbo Club of Oakland. For most of the latter part of his life he was heavily involved in his Korean Veterans Association for the 2nd Engineer Combat Battalion of the Second Infantry Division serving as its President for many years. He enjoyed the connections to friends and family that email and the internet afforded, as he was able to establish and maintain close contact with many of his former comrades in arms. He enjoyed the company of good friends, doting on his wife, his son, his grandchildren and his godson as well as working on his cars and pottering around the house and his garage. He will be deeply missed by his family and the countless friends and acquaintances he has made over the years. Visitation will be held on Friday, July 9, 6-8pm with a vigil at 7pm at Fremont Chapel of the Roses, 1940 Peralta Blvd, Fremont, 94536. Funeral mass will be celebrated on Saturday, July 10, 10am at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 37588 Fremont Blvd, Fremont, 94536. Burial will follow at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Hayward. Fremont Chapel of the Roses Published in Inside Bay Area on July 8, 2010
You may leave your condolences or share memories by signing the Guest Book here:
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Memories from Camp Hale
By: Jim Quibodeaux
Donna found this picture in some old photos and I thought it might bring back memories for some of the old A Company guys. The far window in the second floor was the room for SGT Shoemaker, the platoon sergeant. He went to Korea with A Company.
This picture was taken in late summer or early fall of 1949 beside the A Company barracks of the 2nd Engineer Combat Battalion in Ft. Lewis, Washington. The four guys in this picture are from Left to Right. PFC Robertson from Houma, Louisiana. The second guy was called Satch because he was comical (I do not remember his real name). The third guy in back was Robert Egloff from Endicott, NY. He did not go to Korea as he was sent to Germany at the beginning of the Korean War, and the fourth (good lucking guy) is Jim Quibodeaux.
Robertson and Satch were discharged before the Korean Invasion. Egloff and I were transferred to C Company and when we were sent over I was transferred to D Company before we left for Korea. An interesting side note is that sometime before the end of 1949 and the beginning of 1950 we had a number of new replacements in A Company who had been in Korea and to a man they said the army should not have removed the troops from South Korea because the North would invade within months.
I was sent to Ft. Lewis shortly after A Company returned from their annual summer assignment which was fighting a forest fire in Eastern Washington near a town called Yakima.
Parcels for the Troops
Parcels for the Troops
If you wish to send parcels to the members of the Battalion in Afghanistan please read the suggested items listed below. You may check with your Post Office if there is an advantage in using their ‘Flat Rate’ boxes and on filling out the Customs Form which is required. Be sure to check the box “Treat as Abandoned” which is located in the lower right hand corner of the form. This will insure that the contents are distributed to the troops should the recipient no longer be at the given address, although in this case an alternate will be designated by the Company CO. The names and addresses listed were provided by LTC Benson to insure parcels shipped will be distributed properly to the soldiers of the listed companies. If you wish, you may send parcels during the next twelve months to these companies. You know it will be appreciated.
Suggested items:
Food/Snacks
Applesauce
Candy
Cereal (individual serving packages)
Chips (small bags – spicy mix) / Pretzels / Trail Mix
Canned Meats
Coffee/creamer/sugar/stirrers
Cookies of all kinds – especially chocolate chip(*) Peanut Butter / Crackers
Dried Fruit / small cans of Fruit (with pull up tab)
Fruit cups
Fruit Rollups
Granola Bars / Power Bars / Trail Mix
Gum
Hot Chocolate Mixes
Individual powdered pres-sweetened drink mixes – ea. for one bottle of water
Jell-O cups
Jerky / Slim Jims
Nut/Fruit Bars / Nuts / Raisins
Popcorn (pre-popped)
Pudding cups
Sardines / Tuna or Chicken in cans or moist pouches / Vienna sausages
Sunflower seeds
(*) Chocolate should only be sent from October through February. It may melt in other months.
Toiletries
Baby powder / Foot powder / Body wash / Conditioner / Deodorant / Dental floss / picks / Q-tips Toothpaste / Toothbrushes / Mouthwash / Lip balm / Lotion / Facial tissue (travel size)
Hand sanitizer / Nail clippers / Shampoo (in plastic bottles – small sizes) / Razors (disposable)
Shaving cream (Aerosol cans prohibited by USPS / Soap (bars) / Plastic soap container/
Toilet paper (travel size)
Wet wipes – in soft pouches with plastic lid (such as ‘Cottenelle’ packs of 33 pack per pack and/or ‘Pull Up’s 25 per pack). These can be carried in side pockets of trousers
Games
Air pumps / needles for balls / Balls – deflated – basketball / football/ soccer ball / Volley ball
Clue / Dominoes / Monopoly / Phase 10 / Playing cards / Poker chips / Risk / Scattergories /
Scrabble / Skip Bo / Sorry / Taboo / Trivial Pursuit / Uno / Yahtzee
Miscellaneous
Paper back books / Board games / Puzzles / Music CD’s / Hand held warmers – for Winter months /
Magazines (recent issues) / Post cards (blank) / Puzzle books (cross words, sodoku, etc.)
Stationary / Envelopes
Based on experiences you may have had in shipping parcels to soldiers in Iraq or Afghanistan you may add items based on preferences expressed by these soldiers.
Let me know what they are so we can add them to our list. If possible add a note in
your parcels identifying you as a member of the 2nd Engineer Combat Battalion Assoc. Please inform me of your shipments, but not the content, so we can report the number of parcels shipped each quarter. Also add the Association’s name in your return address so the Sergeants know right away where the parcel came from. You may ship any of these items in bulk form for ease of distribution.
We recommend using the USPS ‘Flat Rate’ boxes which are 12 inches square and 4 inches deep. Shipping such a box will cost $10 plus a smaller amount depending on your Zip Code. A filled out Customs Form must be submitted with the parcel. In the lower right hand corner of the form is a place for designating (checking off) is you want to parcel returned if the recipient cannot be located or was transferred. Please check off the lower box stating that you wish that your parcel is not returned to you. In such cases the content will be distributed locally. Those participating should let Bob Fiedler know. One parcel a month should suffice. This is all voluntary.
Each parcel sent must be addressed to an individual soldier according to USPS and Army
Rules and not just to a Unit. The addresses given us are:
CSM Geddings 1SG Therkesen
2nd Engineer Battalion 40th MAC Company 2nd Engineer Battalion
Camp Spann Camp Spann
APO AE 09368 APO AE 09368
1SG Brown 1SG Armstrong
HHC Company 2nd Engineer Battalion FSC Company 2nd Engineer Battalion
Camp Spann Camp Spann
APO AE 09368 APO AE 09368
1SGT Meyers
595 Sapper Company 2nd Engineer Battalion
Camp Mike Spann
APO AE 09368
I am hoping this program will be a big success.
Only you can make it so.
Bob Fiedler
If you wish to send parcels to the members of the Battalion in Afghanistan please read the suggested items listed below. You may check with your Post Office if there is an advantage in using their ‘Flat Rate’ boxes and on filling out the Customs Form which is required. Be sure to check the box “Treat as Abandoned” which is located in the lower right hand corner of the form. This will insure that the contents are distributed to the troops should the recipient no longer be at the given address, although in this case an alternate will be designated by the Company CO. The names and addresses listed were provided by LTC Benson to insure parcels shipped will be distributed properly to the soldiers of the listed companies. If you wish, you may send parcels during the next twelve months to these companies. You know it will be appreciated.
Suggested items:
Food/Snacks
Applesauce
Candy
Cereal (individual serving packages)
Chips (small bags – spicy mix) / Pretzels / Trail Mix
Canned Meats
Coffee/creamer/sugar/stirrers
Cookies of all kinds – especially chocolate chip(*) Peanut Butter / Crackers
Dried Fruit / small cans of Fruit (with pull up tab)
Fruit cups
Fruit Rollups
Granola Bars / Power Bars / Trail Mix
Gum
Hot Chocolate Mixes
Individual powdered pres-sweetened drink mixes – ea. for one bottle of water
Jell-O cups
Jerky / Slim Jims
Nut/Fruit Bars / Nuts / Raisins
Popcorn (pre-popped)
Pudding cups
Sardines / Tuna or Chicken in cans or moist pouches / Vienna sausages
Sunflower seeds
(*) Chocolate should only be sent from October through February. It may melt in other months.
Toiletries
Baby powder / Foot powder / Body wash / Conditioner / Deodorant / Dental floss / picks / Q-tips Toothpaste / Toothbrushes / Mouthwash / Lip balm / Lotion / Facial tissue (travel size)
Hand sanitizer / Nail clippers / Shampoo (in plastic bottles – small sizes) / Razors (disposable)
Shaving cream (Aerosol cans prohibited by USPS / Soap (bars) / Plastic soap container/
Toilet paper (travel size)
Wet wipes – in soft pouches with plastic lid (such as ‘Cottenelle’ packs of 33 pack per pack and/or ‘Pull Up’s 25 per pack). These can be carried in side pockets of trousers
Games
Air pumps / needles for balls / Balls – deflated – basketball / football/ soccer ball / Volley ball
Clue / Dominoes / Monopoly / Phase 10 / Playing cards / Poker chips / Risk / Scattergories /
Scrabble / Skip Bo / Sorry / Taboo / Trivial Pursuit / Uno / Yahtzee
Miscellaneous
Paper back books / Board games / Puzzles / Music CD’s / Hand held warmers – for Winter months /
Magazines (recent issues) / Post cards (blank) / Puzzle books (cross words, sodoku, etc.)
Stationary / Envelopes
Based on experiences you may have had in shipping parcels to soldiers in Iraq or Afghanistan you may add items based on preferences expressed by these soldiers.
Let me know what they are so we can add them to our list. If possible add a note in
your parcels identifying you as a member of the 2nd Engineer Combat Battalion Assoc. Please inform me of your shipments, but not the content, so we can report the number of parcels shipped each quarter. Also add the Association’s name in your return address so the Sergeants know right away where the parcel came from. You may ship any of these items in bulk form for ease of distribution.
We recommend using the USPS ‘Flat Rate’ boxes which are 12 inches square and 4 inches deep. Shipping such a box will cost $10 plus a smaller amount depending on your Zip Code. A filled out Customs Form must be submitted with the parcel. In the lower right hand corner of the form is a place for designating (checking off) is you want to parcel returned if the recipient cannot be located or was transferred. Please check off the lower box stating that you wish that your parcel is not returned to you. In such cases the content will be distributed locally. Those participating should let Bob Fiedler know. One parcel a month should suffice. This is all voluntary.
Each parcel sent must be addressed to an individual soldier according to USPS and Army
Rules and not just to a Unit. The addresses given us are:
CSM Geddings 1SG Therkesen
2nd Engineer Battalion 40th MAC Company 2nd Engineer Battalion
Camp Spann Camp Spann
APO AE 09368 APO AE 09368
1SG Brown 1SG Armstrong
HHC Company 2nd Engineer Battalion FSC Company 2nd Engineer Battalion
Camp Spann Camp Spann
APO AE 09368 APO AE 09368
1SGT Meyers
595 Sapper Company 2nd Engineer Battalion
Camp Mike Spann
APO AE 09368
I am hoping this program will be a big success.
Only you can make it so.
Bob Fiedler
News from the Front
Dear 2E Family and Friends,
Hello from Afghanistan! We are still building combat power and our life support areas are still under construction but we are safe and doing well. We are currently conducting split operations – 595 Sapper and 40 MAC flew into Bagram Airfield (BAF) and are drawing equipment and preparing for their movement north from BAF to DehDadi (DD2) near Mazar-E Sharif (MeS). HHC and FSC flew into Camp Marmal and are at DehDadi2 where they are also drawing equipment, preparing to support Sapper and MAC’s movement and follow-on missions, and establishing our “home base” life support and command and control nodes. Additionally, we have an element at Camp Marmal who will interface with our higher headquarters, Regional Command – North (RC-N) staff as we plan, coordinate, and synchronize our assets with those of RC-N.
By the time you read this, we hope to be consolidated at DehDadi2, conducting final preparations, planning, and training prior to pushing out to locations nearer to those we are supporting to execute our follow-on missions. It may be the first and last time we will be together until we re-deploy next year.
While certain comforts are limited (or lacking all together), all our basic needs are being met. Some Soldiers are living in large, transient “RSOI tents” and others live in tents with little to no air or power, but generally life support and conditions at Bagram, DehDadi2 and Marmal are comparatively good. We are relatively safe, have access to food, showers, latrines, and gyms, and have cots and tents to sleep in.
However, we still all look very forward to calling someplace “home,” unpacking and getting settled so we can begin conducting our missions.
DD2 is still under construction with much work yet to be accomplished before we can completely occupy and be fully functional. HHC and FSC is working hard with the Navy Seabees to construct forms, pour the concrete pads, erect tents, connect power and environmental control units, as well as shower and latrine units. Additionally, we are operating the Seabees’ heavy equipment to level the land for our motor pools and life support areas. Movements between camps are cumbersome – we are thumbing rides until we can man vehicles with a full complement of ammunition and communications gear.
I’m glad to know that many of you are receiving consistent communications from your loved one. Many Soldiers have purchased Roshan or satellite phones, are placing 15 minute “morale calls” using available DSN phones, or are using SPAWAR or MWR-provided internet services that are available in some locations. We are still awaiting approval and procurement of the battalion’s government-provided Roshan/cell phones as well as better connectivity for our e-mail and internet systems. After we push out to our follow-on camps, these capabilities may change - either for the better or for the worse – but we will continue to do everything we can to ensure all Soldiers are afforded the opportunity to communicate back home.
Seemingly simple actions can be very difficult, easy coordination hard, basic communication difficult, and short movements long. Needless to say there are many frustrations, but we expected that from the get-go. Many believe that establishing ourselves here in the middle of the desert in Afghanistan is very similar to standing up a battalion on a remote installation in the middle of the desert in the United States.
As such, I am extremely proud of the work that’s been accomplished so far by our Soldiers, NCOs and officers. They came here with very little information and guidance and through their initiative and perseverance have taken the horse by the reins and made something out of very little. Morale seems to be fairly high, as long as there is work to be done and a goal to be met. You should be proud of the professionalism, commitment, and discipline of our Soldiers. I know I am.
We miss you all very much and enjoy receiving your letters, packages, and prayers. Thanks for keeping us in your thoughts. You’ve definitely been in ours. We hope you are all getting along OK back home and that you are receiving the support and assistance you need. Thanks for your continuing support of our Soldiers and the battalion. 2E!
Sapper 6
Hello from Afghanistan! We are still building combat power and our life support areas are still under construction but we are safe and doing well. We are currently conducting split operations – 595 Sapper and 40 MAC flew into Bagram Airfield (BAF) and are drawing equipment and preparing for their movement north from BAF to DehDadi (DD2) near Mazar-E Sharif (MeS). HHC and FSC flew into Camp Marmal and are at DehDadi2 where they are also drawing equipment, preparing to support Sapper and MAC’s movement and follow-on missions, and establishing our “home base” life support and command and control nodes. Additionally, we have an element at Camp Marmal who will interface with our higher headquarters, Regional Command – North (RC-N) staff as we plan, coordinate, and synchronize our assets with those of RC-N.
By the time you read this, we hope to be consolidated at DehDadi2, conducting final preparations, planning, and training prior to pushing out to locations nearer to those we are supporting to execute our follow-on missions. It may be the first and last time we will be together until we re-deploy next year.
While certain comforts are limited (or lacking all together), all our basic needs are being met. Some Soldiers are living in large, transient “RSOI tents” and others live in tents with little to no air or power, but generally life support and conditions at Bagram, DehDadi2 and Marmal are comparatively good. We are relatively safe, have access to food, showers, latrines, and gyms, and have cots and tents to sleep in.
However, we still all look very forward to calling someplace “home,” unpacking and getting settled so we can begin conducting our missions.
DD2 is still under construction with much work yet to be accomplished before we can completely occupy and be fully functional. HHC and FSC is working hard with the Navy Seabees to construct forms, pour the concrete pads, erect tents, connect power and environmental control units, as well as shower and latrine units. Additionally, we are operating the Seabees’ heavy equipment to level the land for our motor pools and life support areas. Movements between camps are cumbersome – we are thumbing rides until we can man vehicles with a full complement of ammunition and communications gear.
I’m glad to know that many of you are receiving consistent communications from your loved one. Many Soldiers have purchased Roshan or satellite phones, are placing 15 minute “morale calls” using available DSN phones, or are using SPAWAR or MWR-provided internet services that are available in some locations. We are still awaiting approval and procurement of the battalion’s government-provided Roshan/cell phones as well as better connectivity for our e-mail and internet systems. After we push out to our follow-on camps, these capabilities may change - either for the better or for the worse – but we will continue to do everything we can to ensure all Soldiers are afforded the opportunity to communicate back home.
Seemingly simple actions can be very difficult, easy coordination hard, basic communication difficult, and short movements long. Needless to say there are many frustrations, but we expected that from the get-go. Many believe that establishing ourselves here in the middle of the desert in Afghanistan is very similar to standing up a battalion on a remote installation in the middle of the desert in the United States.
As such, I am extremely proud of the work that’s been accomplished so far by our Soldiers, NCOs and officers. They came here with very little information and guidance and through their initiative and perseverance have taken the horse by the reins and made something out of very little. Morale seems to be fairly high, as long as there is work to be done and a goal to be met. You should be proud of the professionalism, commitment, and discipline of our Soldiers. I know I am.
We miss you all very much and enjoy receiving your letters, packages, and prayers. Thanks for keeping us in your thoughts. You’ve definitely been in ours. We hope you are all getting along OK back home and that you are receiving the support and assistance you need. Thanks for your continuing support of our Soldiers and the battalion. 2E!
Sapper 6
Casing of the Colors Ceremony Speech - 12APR10
MG Bromberg, BG and Mrs. Mann, BG Regan, Congressman Teague, our good friends from Alamogordo – Toots and John Green, Mrs. Savre, Mr. and Mrs. Carter, Mr. Hicks, COL Wicker, CSM Davenport, CSM Curry, CSM Daniel, Distinguished Guests, Community Leaders, Families and Friends of the 2d Engineer Battalion -
Good morning, and thank you for joining us on this fine New Mexican day…to witness the casing of the 2d Engineer Battalion’s Colors… to acknowledge the professionalism, commitment, and selfless service of these outstanding Soldiers…and to formally recognize the Battalion’s impending deployment to Afghanistan.
You know, it is said that the very soul of a unit is symbolized in the colors under which it fight - and in the battle streamers affixed to those colors, for they record the glories of the past, stand guardian over the present and provide inspiration for the unit’s future.
Our colors have been cased many times over the course of this great Nation’s history - our battle streamers proudly attest to the dedication, courage, and sacrifice - of the countless 2d Engineer Battalion Soldiers who have fought and died for the freedoms we hold dear. These colors -- and our Soldiers -- are about to embark on another historic journey, a journey that will add another chapter to the long and proud legacy of those who’ve gone before us, a journey in which we will do OUR part to help ensure the freedoms for the Afghani people.
In my mind, we’ve already made history….being the first deployable unit stationed at White Sands Missile Range…a test center for the past sixty-some years….and fulfilling our mission to stand-up and deploy within a short period of time. I believe we’ve been moderately successful…..a totally separate battalion, standing up, deploying the 573d Clearance Company to Iraq, and now the remainder of the battalion to Afghanistan, in record time on this relatively remote and austere installation, while at the same time being - I believe - a good neighbor, and a well-recognized and a well-respected organization on this post and in this community.
As a side note, I mentioned the 573d Clearance Company in Iraq. Many of you may remember and notice that this battalion is missing one company on the field before you. The 573d Clearance Company, with one third of this battalion’s combat power, deployed to Iraq in November of last year. They are doing a fantastic job and I am happy to tell you they’ve been curtailed and will be re-deploying at the end of July.
The past 18 months has prepared us well for the mission at hand, as we will deploy into a relatively remote and austere environment, figure out the various tribal dynamics and sheikdoms, navigate through the different NATO/Coalition command and control relationships and support structures, and execute to the best of our abilities.
The reason we are here, and the reason we are going to where we are going, is because the Army said “2E - YOU CAN DO IT!” And I am confident we did, we can, and we will.
I thank all those who’ve made our transition and life here a little easier….those who’ve supported and assisted us. You do not know how much of a difference that makes…how much those extra minutes or hours or days that could be better spent training and preparing our Soldiers for combat….how that extra time could save a life.
Over the past eight years … in every case … when the call came … our formations proudly took their turn … and the response of our Soldiers and Families has been incredible … truly humbling. Soldiers continue to enlist and reenlist … and continue to deploy when called … while our Families continue to stand by their sides.
The men and women standing before you today have answered the call. For some, this will be their third, fourth, or fifth deployment in the last eight years, for others – their first. Regardless of number, they stand ready to do their duty. And their Families take on the burdens that no one else can ever imagine, unless they’ve done it themselves.
I firmly believe that as difficult as it is to be a Soldier, it is infinitely more difficult to be the wife, husband, child, Mom or Dad who remain behind, who’s loved one is deployed. I ask that you look after our Families. Knowing they have support and their needs are met allows us to focus on our mission and come back safely. Please pray for us - and for them.
I also ask all of you to take a good look at the Sapper Steel Soldiers out on the field, and those standing, and those in the seats. Take a good look at their Families scattered throughout the seats and bleachers.… they too said “Send Me” … it’s my turn. They represent everything good about America. They volunteered and stand for the cause of freedom … they make our world more peaceful and our Nation more secure … and their families … both here today and across America also serve and also sacrifice in support of their Soldier and their Nation … so please join me in acknowledging these outstanding Soldiers and their Families.
I’d also like to recognize the veterans in attendance today, especially the Southern New Mexico Honor Flight members – the Yellow Jackets – for your service and sacrifice to our great Nation. You are the reason we are able to be here today.
Additionally, many of you may remember that our very own 2E Korean War Veteran’s participated in our Activation Ceremony in October of 2008, and also in our Burning of the Colors Ceremony on 30 November 2009.
We are grateful for the outstanding support we receive our Veterans, from White Sands Missile Range, and from the surrounding communities…and I know you will also appropriately welcome home the 573d Clearance Company Outlaws when they return in a few short months.
So as the remainder of Battalion prepares to head out the door … we rest easy knowing our Families are well supported and cared for here in Southern New Mexico, and we are fortunate to have White Sands, Las Cruces, Alamogordo, and the surrounding communities safeguarding and supporting our Families and our rear detachment operations.
Before any deployment … casing the colors is a bitter sweet occasion where we prepare to leave our homes and loved ones … but also look forward to showing what this great team is capable of … and to getting on with the mission we have worked so hard and long to prepare for … just as the 2d Engineer Battalion fought with distinction in the Civil War, Spanish American War, the Philippines, the Mexican War, World War I, World War II, the Korean War, and the Cold War on the DMZ on the Last Frontier of Freedom, … it’s now OUR TURN … again … to make a contribution … to earn our next battle streamer … and to continue building upon the 2d Engineer Battalion’s proud history of service to our Nation.
Sapper Steel! Stay Rugged! Army Strong!
Good morning, and thank you for joining us on this fine New Mexican day…to witness the casing of the 2d Engineer Battalion’s Colors… to acknowledge the professionalism, commitment, and selfless service of these outstanding Soldiers…and to formally recognize the Battalion’s impending deployment to Afghanistan.
You know, it is said that the very soul of a unit is symbolized in the colors under which it fight - and in the battle streamers affixed to those colors, for they record the glories of the past, stand guardian over the present and provide inspiration for the unit’s future.
Our colors have been cased many times over the course of this great Nation’s history - our battle streamers proudly attest to the dedication, courage, and sacrifice - of the countless 2d Engineer Battalion Soldiers who have fought and died for the freedoms we hold dear. These colors -- and our Soldiers -- are about to embark on another historic journey, a journey that will add another chapter to the long and proud legacy of those who’ve gone before us, a journey in which we will do OUR part to help ensure the freedoms for the Afghani people.
In my mind, we’ve already made history….being the first deployable unit stationed at White Sands Missile Range…a test center for the past sixty-some years….and fulfilling our mission to stand-up and deploy within a short period of time. I believe we’ve been moderately successful…..a totally separate battalion, standing up, deploying the 573d Clearance Company to Iraq, and now the remainder of the battalion to Afghanistan, in record time on this relatively remote and austere installation, while at the same time being - I believe - a good neighbor, and a well-recognized and a well-respected organization on this post and in this community.
As a side note, I mentioned the 573d Clearance Company in Iraq. Many of you may remember and notice that this battalion is missing one company on the field before you. The 573d Clearance Company, with one third of this battalion’s combat power, deployed to Iraq in November of last year. They are doing a fantastic job and I am happy to tell you they’ve been curtailed and will be re-deploying at the end of July.
The past 18 months has prepared us well for the mission at hand, as we will deploy into a relatively remote and austere environment, figure out the various tribal dynamics and sheikdoms, navigate through the different NATO/Coalition command and control relationships and support structures, and execute to the best of our abilities.
The reason we are here, and the reason we are going to where we are going, is because the Army said “2E - YOU CAN DO IT!” And I am confident we did, we can, and we will.
I thank all those who’ve made our transition and life here a little easier….those who’ve supported and assisted us. You do not know how much of a difference that makes…how much those extra minutes or hours or days that could be better spent training and preparing our Soldiers for combat….how that extra time could save a life.
Over the past eight years … in every case … when the call came … our formations proudly took their turn … and the response of our Soldiers and Families has been incredible … truly humbling. Soldiers continue to enlist and reenlist … and continue to deploy when called … while our Families continue to stand by their sides.
The men and women standing before you today have answered the call. For some, this will be their third, fourth, or fifth deployment in the last eight years, for others – their first. Regardless of number, they stand ready to do their duty. And their Families take on the burdens that no one else can ever imagine, unless they’ve done it themselves.
I firmly believe that as difficult as it is to be a Soldier, it is infinitely more difficult to be the wife, husband, child, Mom or Dad who remain behind, who’s loved one is deployed. I ask that you look after our Families. Knowing they have support and their needs are met allows us to focus on our mission and come back safely. Please pray for us - and for them.
I also ask all of you to take a good look at the Sapper Steel Soldiers out on the field, and those standing, and those in the seats. Take a good look at their Families scattered throughout the seats and bleachers.… they too said “Send Me” … it’s my turn. They represent everything good about America. They volunteered and stand for the cause of freedom … they make our world more peaceful and our Nation more secure … and their families … both here today and across America also serve and also sacrifice in support of their Soldier and their Nation … so please join me in acknowledging these outstanding Soldiers and their Families.
I’d also like to recognize the veterans in attendance today, especially the Southern New Mexico Honor Flight members – the Yellow Jackets – for your service and sacrifice to our great Nation. You are the reason we are able to be here today.
Additionally, many of you may remember that our very own 2E Korean War Veteran’s participated in our Activation Ceremony in October of 2008, and also in our Burning of the Colors Ceremony on 30 November 2009.
We are grateful for the outstanding support we receive our Veterans, from White Sands Missile Range, and from the surrounding communities…and I know you will also appropriately welcome home the 573d Clearance Company Outlaws when they return in a few short months.
So as the remainder of Battalion prepares to head out the door … we rest easy knowing our Families are well supported and cared for here in Southern New Mexico, and we are fortunate to have White Sands, Las Cruces, Alamogordo, and the surrounding communities safeguarding and supporting our Families and our rear detachment operations.
Before any deployment … casing the colors is a bitter sweet occasion where we prepare to leave our homes and loved ones … but also look forward to showing what this great team is capable of … and to getting on with the mission we have worked so hard and long to prepare for … just as the 2d Engineer Battalion fought with distinction in the Civil War, Spanish American War, the Philippines, the Mexican War, World War I, World War II, the Korean War, and the Cold War on the DMZ on the Last Frontier of Freedom, … it’s now OUR TURN … again … to make a contribution … to earn our next battle streamer … and to continue building upon the 2d Engineer Battalion’s proud history of service to our Nation.
Sapper Steel! Stay Rugged! Army Strong!
President's Message - Bob Fiedler (June 10 Newsletter)
In case you have not heard, Gino Piazza resigned as President because of health problems and our Vice President, Larry Streeby, resigned for health reasons as well. We will miss them. Their term of office would have expired next year. Therefore, at the reunion at San Antonio, members present elected the following for a one year term:
President: Robert O. Fiedler – H&S Co. July 1950 – August 1951
Vice President: Arden A. Rowley – A Co. July 1950 – August 1953. Arden was captured at Kunu-ri on Dec. 1, 1950.
Both of us hope to carry on the business of the Association as best we can. Arden will continue as our valuable Battalion Historian. I was Director. Both of us held our positions since the founding of the Association in 1995.
Secretary/Treasurer & Membership Chairman
James W. Ditton H&S Co. July 1950 – Dec. 1951.
Jim had been appointed to these positions when George Hegedus relinquished these jobs a few months back. George had been our able Secretary/Treasurer, Membership Chairman, Editor and Publisher. He will continue as Editor of the Newsletter.
Directors:
Richard A. Mlaker – A Co. July 1950 – June 1951. Richard has attended practically every reunion and has been very supportive of the Association in many ways.
Donald H. Perkison – A Co. July 1969 – August 1970. He attended his first reunion in San Antonio with his wife Darlene.
Appointments:
Donald Perkison as Election Chairman.
Jim Quibodeaux, A Co. – August 1950 – November 1950 and his wife Donna, were re-appointed as Publishers of our Newsletter.
Both were appointed when George Hegedus could no longer devote the time for it. Jim and his wife Donna own a printing company, Ryan Press.
They are a tremendous asset to the Association. Jim became a member of the Association just last year and during last year’s reunion volunteered Donna and himself to become our Publishers.
At next year’s election, we need to elect a President, Vice President and two Directors for a two year term. The Director positions opening up are currently held by Henry Read and Robert Shaw, both of C Co. If you are interested in any of these positions please contact Don Perkison at >2ndeng69.70@gmail.com< or call him on (972) 862-3997.
And now about the active Battalion.
They arrived in Afghanistan in the first week of May and were to go to Camp ‘Mike Spann’. The deployed units are: Bn Hq, H&H Co., 595 Sapper Co., 40th MAC Co. and FSC Co. The Clearing Co. was deployed to Iraq just prior to Thanksgiving of 2009 and was scheduled to return to the White Sands Missile Range this fall but is now scheduled to return this July.
During the Battalion’s Deployment Ceremony held at the Whites Sands Missile Range on April 12th Captain John Deal, CO of D Co. and Rear Detachment Commander presented on our behalf a $500 check to the Family Readiness Group (FRG). Each FRG of the five Companies were given $100. Captain Deal stated that the contribution was greatly appreciated.
Your board had voted to make this contribution using Association funds.
We enjoyed ourselves at the Reunion tremendously. Friendships were renewed
It is with pride that I can report that 100% of the members present at the reunion voted to support the Battalion in two ways.
Sending parcels to the troops.
Monetary contributions (checks) to the Family Readiness Group.
Please read the two articles pertaining to the above in this Newsletter. We hope you will support both the troops and their families. It is OUR turn to be part of the ‘Home Front’ for these young men and women.
We will keep you posted on the Battalion’s activities in Afghanistan.
and new ones made. Lots of pictures were taken. Most by Jim Ditton, our unofficial Association photographer. Some of his pictures and pictures from others appear in this publication. We also enjoyed Walter Breindel’s singing and his friend’s piano playing. Walter promised to make it SOP at coming reunions. We noticed that Col. (Ret.) Larry Farnum likes to sing too.
In conjunction with the 2ID-KWVA, next year’s reunion will be held in New Orleans April 17th – April 21st. We would like you to attend. More info to come in the coming months.
Bob Fiedler, SAPPER STEEL!
President: Robert O. Fiedler – H&S Co. July 1950 – August 1951
Vice President: Arden A. Rowley – A Co. July 1950 – August 1953. Arden was captured at Kunu-ri on Dec. 1, 1950.
Both of us hope to carry on the business of the Association as best we can. Arden will continue as our valuable Battalion Historian. I was Director. Both of us held our positions since the founding of the Association in 1995.
Secretary/Treasurer & Membership Chairman
James W. Ditton H&S Co. July 1950 – Dec. 1951.
Jim had been appointed to these positions when George Hegedus relinquished these jobs a few months back. George had been our able Secretary/Treasurer, Membership Chairman, Editor and Publisher. He will continue as Editor of the Newsletter.
Directors:
Richard A. Mlaker – A Co. July 1950 – June 1951. Richard has attended practically every reunion and has been very supportive of the Association in many ways.
Donald H. Perkison – A Co. July 1969 – August 1970. He attended his first reunion in San Antonio with his wife Darlene.
Appointments:
Donald Perkison as Election Chairman.
Jim Quibodeaux, A Co. – August 1950 – November 1950 and his wife Donna, were re-appointed as Publishers of our Newsletter.
Both were appointed when George Hegedus could no longer devote the time for it. Jim and his wife Donna own a printing company, Ryan Press.
They are a tremendous asset to the Association. Jim became a member of the Association just last year and during last year’s reunion volunteered Donna and himself to become our Publishers.
At next year’s election, we need to elect a President, Vice President and two Directors for a two year term. The Director positions opening up are currently held by Henry Read and Robert Shaw, both of C Co. If you are interested in any of these positions please contact Don Perkison at >2ndeng69.70@gmail.com< or call him on (972) 862-3997.
And now about the active Battalion.
They arrived in Afghanistan in the first week of May and were to go to Camp ‘Mike Spann’. The deployed units are: Bn Hq, H&H Co., 595 Sapper Co., 40th MAC Co. and FSC Co. The Clearing Co. was deployed to Iraq just prior to Thanksgiving of 2009 and was scheduled to return to the White Sands Missile Range this fall but is now scheduled to return this July.
During the Battalion’s Deployment Ceremony held at the Whites Sands Missile Range on April 12th Captain John Deal, CO of D Co. and Rear Detachment Commander presented on our behalf a $500 check to the Family Readiness Group (FRG). Each FRG of the five Companies were given $100. Captain Deal stated that the contribution was greatly appreciated.
Your board had voted to make this contribution using Association funds.
We enjoyed ourselves at the Reunion tremendously. Friendships were renewed
It is with pride that I can report that 100% of the members present at the reunion voted to support the Battalion in two ways.
Sending parcels to the troops.
Monetary contributions (checks) to the Family Readiness Group.
Please read the two articles pertaining to the above in this Newsletter. We hope you will support both the troops and their families. It is OUR turn to be part of the ‘Home Front’ for these young men and women.
We will keep you posted on the Battalion’s activities in Afghanistan.
and new ones made. Lots of pictures were taken. Most by Jim Ditton, our unofficial Association photographer. Some of his pictures and pictures from others appear in this publication. We also enjoyed Walter Breindel’s singing and his friend’s piano playing. Walter promised to make it SOP at coming reunions. We noticed that Col. (Ret.) Larry Farnum likes to sing too.
In conjunction with the 2ID-KWVA, next year’s reunion will be held in New Orleans April 17th – April 21st. We would like you to attend. More info to come in the coming months.
Bob Fiedler, SAPPER STEEL!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)