Hawaii Commandery Military order of foreign wars
MARCH 2022
Commandery News
Table of Contents:
Vol. XI, Issue 1, March 2022
2. Keep in mind the memory of their martial deeds and the victories which they helped gain.
Commander’s Comments……………………………………….……….. p. 1 Chaplain’s Corner…………………………………...………………………. p. 2 From the Cover………………….. ………………...……………………….. p. 2 Cadet Awards Ceremonies 2022……………………...………...…… p. 3 MOFW—MOWW 2021 Combined Christmas Brunch ………. p. 3 Global War on Terrorism (GWOT) Memorials…………….……. p. 4 Welcome New Companions…………………………………………..... p. 5 Commandery Operations………………………………………...……….p. 6 Vietnam Veterans Day 2022………...………………....……….....… p. 7 Visit to the National Infantry Museum..………………………….. p. 8 Companion News ……………………………………………..…..………. p. 10 Upcoming Events ……..……………...……………………..…......……. p. 11
Also in this issue, we draw attention to another magnificent War Memorial in Haleiwa, and our support for legislation to build a memorial in Hawaii to remember our Veterans for their service in the Gulf War, and the Global War on Terrorism, that continues today. My father was a World War 2 veteran and I can remember whenever we drove around the island, my father would stop at the WW2 Memorial in Haleiwa to pay his respects, driving away he would talk to me about his experiences as an intelligence officer in the U.S. Navy in the Pacific War and observations about the impacts of war on veterans and civilians. I think memorials such as this fill these important roles in the life of our communities, they provide a place to honor the fallen, a place to memorialize continued service to country, and when done right an edifice in our midst that stimulates thought and dialogue about conflict, peace, and patriotism. Supporting proper monuments for those fallen and serving in recent conflicts, in areas well seen by the public at large, are vital for remembrance and dialog of this and future generations.
Cover Photo: The Haleiwa Beach Park War Memorial was erected to honor Veterans from the Waialua-Kahuku area who died in service. Photo by Trip Advisor
Commander’s Comments. Aloha Companions and Friends, In this issue, we are announcing our future efforts for many of our signature programs. Our 50th Vietnam War Commemoration efforts come to the fore, and we are provided what is sure to be a memorable occasion as we celebrate Vietnam Veterans Day. This commemoration will go through 2025, and we need to sustain our efforts in support. With the COVID restrictions easing across the Nation, we look forward to meeting the Cadets who are excelling in academics and leadership in Hawaii, as Companions present the MOFW Silver and Bronze medals at the annual cadet awards ceremonies. I encourage you to review the schedule of these events, and volunteer. For those Companions who have not yet participated in these ceremonies, I guarantee that you will find it rewarding. Looking back over this past quarter, the Commandery laid out plans for the events described above, to ensure mission success in what is arguably our busiest period of the year for operations and activities. Our partnerships with other Veterans organizations, a stated goal in our campaign plan, continues to provide opportunities to work together for shared objectives. The jointly held Christmas Brunch with the Captain Gaylord Dillingham Memorial Chapter of the Military Order of the World Wars is just such an example. We must continue to reach out to our fellow Veterans Organizations, though the Oahu Veterans Council, and work together. Our work to establish and preserve War memorials fulfills the 1st and 2nd purposes of the founding our Order, namely: 1. Honor and perpetuate the names of brave and loyal men and women.
Our Commandery has over a decade of service in support of the Active, Reserve, Retired, Veteran, and Cadet military communities in Hawaii. To ensure that we can continue this important work, we need to fill the Officer positions, via elections every two years, in advance of the next biennial National Convention, which is scheduled for this year. Accordingly, I ask each of you to consider taking on one of the Officer or Chairmen positions for a two-year tour of duty to keep our Commandery running.
“Deus et Libertas”
Curtis “Manny” Manchester III LTC, USA Ret. Commander
From the Secretary The Commandery is required to submit its roster of active members to National, along with individual dues to the National Commandery. Those who are current in their $35 annual dues payments will remain on the rolls as Companions of the Order. The Order is made up of State Commanderies, and membership requires Companions to be in good standing of a State Commandery. Updated membership cards will be mailed out for all who are current in their dues. 1
Chaplains Corner By Fred Staedel, Th.D. We have entered our new year and we anticipate our freedom from the plagues we currently endure, so we offer the following: “The Four Candles” Four candles slowly burned. The ambiance was so soft, one could almost hear them talking. The first candle said: “I am Peace!" "The world is full of anger and fighting. Nobody can keep me lit.” Then the flame of Peace went out completely. The second candle said: “I am Faith!” “I am no longer indispensable. It doesn’t make sense that I stay lit another moment.” Just then a breeze softly blew Faith’s flame out. Sadly, the third candle began to speak: “I am Love!” “People don’t understand my importance so they simply put me aside. They even forget to love those who are nearest to them.” And waiting no longer Love’s flame went out. Suddenly...a child entered the room and saw the three unlit candles. “Why aren’t you burning? You’re supposed to stay lit till the end.” Saying this, the child began to cry. Then the fourth candle answered: “Don’t be afraid, I am Hope!” “While I am burning, we can re-light the other candles.” With shining eyes, the child took the candle of Hope and lit the other candles. The Greatest of These Is Love...but the flame of Hope should never go out of your life! With hope each of us can live with Peace, Faith, and Love. A Prayer: “Dear God, You are my light and salvation. You are my hope. Please come into my heart, forgive all wrongs and give me Your wonderful gift of eternal Life. Help me be an instrument of Your love and cause Your light to shine on others through me.” Amen “You, LORD, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light.” (Psalm 18:28) Fred
On the Cover, the Haleiwa Beach Park War Memorial By COL Ret. Arthur Tulak, Ed.D. Continuing our effort to highlight the Military Memorials in Hawaii, this issue’s cover shows the War Memorial in Haleiwa1 Beach Park, standing on the north side of Waialua Bay. The striking white obelisk, located at 62-540 Kamehameha Hwy, honors local area veterans who paid the ultimate sacrifice in World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. The approximately 20-foot-tall Art Deco style column features bronze tablets on three sides listing the names of service members killed during these wars who hailed from Waialua-Kahuku area. An inscription on the memorial honors these men "who gave their lives that the rest of the world may live in peace." The Haleiwa Beach Park War Memorial was dedicated by the Waialua Lions Club on July 4, 1947 in tribute to those from the Waialua-Kahuku area who have died in service. On Sunday, December 11, 2016, an additional plaque was installed at the entrance to the park to honor World War II pilots of the now defunct Kawailoa Airfield. The ceremony for the installation included Pilots performing the missing man formation overhead. According to Waialua resident James Ho, "Six of the pilots were back at the base and they went up in the air."2 Haleiwa was one of the few airfields that was not initially attacked by the Japanese. The remnants of the abandoned airfield are just off Puaena Point close by. Two Army pilots, Lt. George Welch and Lt. Ken Taylor, were able to take off in their P-40 Warhawks and shoot down seven Japanese planes.3 The Waialua Lions Club has conducted a ceremony at this memorial since 1947.4 1. 2. 3. 4.
In the Hawaiian language, Haleiwa means "house of the frigatebird” (iwa). Rick Daysog, December 11, 2016, “New plaque honors World War II Haleiwa heroics,” Hawaii News Now. Orange County Register, May 27, 2012, “WWII in Hawaii: Beyond Pearl Harbor” Susan Sunderland, May 2, 2012, “A Reluctant Hero Goes To Washington” Midweek, Honolulu Star-Advertiser
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Cadet Awards Ceremonies 2022 By COL Ret. Arthur Tulak, Ed.D. The Commandery is leaning forward to once again present the MOFW Silver Academic Excellence and Bronze Leadership Excellence medals at the unit level award ceremonies. Below is the schedule as of the time of publication. Not all schools have been able to confirm their plans for presentations. We have had to reduce the number of medals presented this year, due to fundraising shortfalls, but will present medals to all the Hawaii-based ROTC and JROTC units, along with the Hawaii Army National Guard Youth Challenge Academy Graduations and the annual Civil Air Patrol Cadet Squadrons awards. 20 APR — Kahuku Army JROTC, Oahu 21 APR — Kealakehe –Army JROTC, Hawaii Island 22 APR — Kaiser Air Force JROTC, Oahu 28 APR — Kaimuki Army JROTC, Oahu 29 APR — University of Hawaii Navy ROTC 30 APR — Radford, Navy JROTC, Oahu 30 APR — Roosevelt Army JROTC, Oahu 01 MAY — Hilo, Army JROTC, Island of Hawaii 04 MAY — Punahou Army JROTC, Oahu 05 MAY — Campbell Navy JROTC, Oahu 05 MAY — University of Hawaii Combined Army and Air Force awards ceremony. 05 MAY — Baldwin, Army JROTC, Island of Maui 06 MAY — Waipahu Army JROTC, Oahu 06 MAY — Kapolei Marine Corps JROTC, Oahu 06 MAY — Nanakuli Army JROTC, Oahu
06 MAY — Kailua Air Force JROTC, Oahu 06 MAY — Waimea Army JROTC, Island of Kauai 07 MAY — Kapa’a Army JROTC, Kauai Island 07 May — McKlnley Army JROTC, Oahu 07 MAY — Leilehua Army JROTC, Oahu 11 MAY — Farrington Army JROTC, Oahu 11 MAY — Moanalua, Air Force JROTC, Oahu 12 MAY — Waianae Army JROTC, Oahu 12 MAY — Kalaheo, Navy JROTC, Oahu 14 MAY — Konawaena, Army JROTC, Oahu 17 MAY — Mililani Army JROTC, Oahu TBD — St. Louis Army JROTC, Oahu TBD — Aiea, Air Force JROTC, Oahu TBD in JUN, Hawaii National Guard Youth Challenge Academy, Oahu. TBD — Civil Air Patrol Cadet Squadrons, Oahu.
MOFW—MOWW 2021 Combined Christmas Brunch The Commandery once again held a Christmas Brunch, on December 11, at the Pagoda Restaurant. We were pleased to have representing the MOWW Capt Gaylord Dillingham Memorial Chapter, LTC Leslie Bise, the Chapter Adjutant. Maj, USMC, Ret. Ed Green and his wife Edy, and Candidate Companion / Commandery Supporter, Ms. Brenda Reichel, who has supported several Commandery events. This was a historic event, as the Pagoda Restaurant would close for good after being sold to a developer in January 2022.
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Global War on Terrorism (GWOT) Memorials By COL, Ret. Arthur N. Tulak The U.S. House of Representatives considered a bill (H.R. 1115, introduced by Rep. Jason Crow of Colorado, with 200 co-sponsors to include Ed Case of Hawaii) to authorize a location for the GWOT Memorial. The approval came in the form of an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act of 2022 (H.R. 4350). This memorial would honor the more than 2.7 million men and women who served in the many named operations and conflicts that together comprise the GWOT. This is not the first effort to establish this memorial, which is traced back to Public Law 115-51, the Global War on Terrorism War Memorial Act, which President Donald J. Trump signed on August 18, 2017. In signing that law, President Trump clearws the way for construction of a memorial on Federal land in the District of Columbia to honoe LL U.S. service members who have fought in the war on terror, which includes a great many Companions of our Order. The corresponding Senate Bill to H.R. 1115 is S.535, “Global War on Terrorism Memorial Location Act,” which was paced on the Senate Legislative Calendar on December 16, 2021. The Global War on Terrorism Memorial Foundation, led by its President, Army Capt. Marina Jackman, must come up with at least 75% of the projected $50 million cost of the GWOT Memorial -- all through private donations -- before it can be built. The design will be selected via a contest of competing designs. Donations may be given on-line at https://www.gwotmemorialfoundation.org/ In the state of Hawaii, efforts to erect a GWOT memorial have been underway since 2010. COL, Ret. David Brostrom led the Gulf War Memorial Task Force under the Hawaii State DoD, which eventually recommended a GWOT memorial to cover then ongoing GWOT. I was privileged to serve on that Task Force, which submitted its recommendations to the Hawaii Congress in 2014. MOFW Hawaii members continue to endorse efforts to establish a Memorial for the Gulf War and Global War on Terrorism Veterans, and strongly recommends that the Committee act to implement the recommendations of the State’s Gulf War Memorial Task Force (GWMTF). Recently, the Hawaii State Senate accepted testimony regarding Hawaii Senate Bill 2591, which would honor “the veterans of the Persian Gulf War, Operation Desert Storm,, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation New Dawn, Global War on Terrorism, Homeland Defense, and Operation Noble Eagle and those who have protected our borders by land, sea, and air.” As Secretary of the Hawaii Commandery, Military Order of Foreign Wars, I provided written testimony in support of the bill. We can be encouraged that the Hawaii Senate is considering this bill to ensure that the many generations of Veterans who have served in this ongoing war on terrorism are appropriately recognized for their combat service. Over the last five years since the Task Force gave its recommendations, the war on terror continues, as evidenced by the recent strike against ISIS terrorists in Syria last month. However, the purpose of the bill, to provide funds, is addressing a task that should have been accomplished shortly after the GWMTF submitted its findings in 2014. As reported by Col Ron Han at the 26 February Oahu Veterans Council meeting, SB 2591 currently making its way through committees. The Gulf War, and subsequent military actions associated with the Global War on Terror, together represent the longest period of sustained military conflict carried out by generations of American service members. With U.S. Counter-Terrorism operations still underway, the Federal and State memorials will come at a critical time, and permit the citizens of our Nation and the State of Hawaii the means to honor the sacrifices of our military personnel from 1990 until today, and into the future. For the Hawaii effort, It is appropriate for Hawaii to follow the example of other states in erecting its monuments to these veterans, and in particular those who died in service to the nation. Other states have already erected GWOT Memorials of various forms. Pictured at right is the GWOT Memorial at the National Infantry Museum.
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Welcome New Companion Col James W. Atchley Jr. COLONEL JAMES W. ATCHLEY JR., our newest companion, currently serves as the Chief, Contract and Acquisition Division J86, U.S. Indo-Pacific Command at Camp H.M. Smith, HI. Col. Atchley was accepted into the Order on January 3, 2022, and Inducted into the Hawaii Commandery on February 24th. Col Atchley hails from Grapevine, Texas, in Tarrant County. Col Atchley began his military career in 1986 when he enlisted in the Air Force as a civil engineering powerline specialist. During his enlisted service, he served in Operations DESERT SHIELD/ DESERT STORM (17 October 1990—31 March 1991) in the United Arab Emirates, and Operation SOUTHERN WATCH (24 September 1992—3 January 1993) in Riyadh Saudi Arabia. He received his officer commission as a Second Lieutenant in 2000 as a graduate of officer training school at Maxwell AFB, Alabama, and was assigned to the 366th Contracting Squadron, Mountain Home AFB, Idaho, as an Acquisition Officer. Jim deployed to Operation ENDURING FREEDOM, at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar from 23 September 2001 to 8 March 2002. In June 2002, he was reassigned to the Space and Missile Systems Center at Los Angeles AFB, California. He Deployed again from 8 February 2005 to 2 July 2005 to Basra Iraq, in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM III. Jim was later assigned to the U.S. Embassy, Islamabad Pakistan from 18 September 2006 to 16 February 2007, in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. In November 2007, Jim took command of a Flight in the 21st Contracting Squadron, Peterson AFB, Colorado. In 2009, he was assigned as the Operations Officer of the same squadron. In June 2011, he took command of the 50th Contracting Squadron at Schriever AFB, Colorado. Following his Command, he served as the Deputy Chief, Clearance and Program Support Division, HQ Air and Education Training Command Contracting at Randolph AFB, Texas. In July 2015, he once again took command, this time of the 67rd Contracting Squadron, at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, holding this command for three years. Following Command, he served as the Deputy Chief of the Policy Division under the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Air Force at the Pentagon in Washington D.C. Jim then completed the U.S. Army War College at Carlisle Barracks Pennsylvania. Following graduation from the Army War College in June 2020, he was assigned as the Senior Acquisition Analyst at U.S. Indo-Pacific Command in the J81 Staff Division, before being assigned to his current position in October 2021. Col Atchley is a veteran of four named campaigns, and is also a Cold War Veteran. He is already an active member of the American Legion and VFW. The Companions of the Hawaii Commandery are pleased to welcome Jim to our ranks in service to our Community.
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Commandery Operations By COL Ret. Arthur Tulak The Commandery met on February 4th at the Sunset Lanai, on Camp Smith. The highlight of the evening was the induction of Col Jim Atchley as our newest Companion. Witnessing the induction was Jim’s wife Lea, and daughter Sarah and her husband. Committee updates were provided to get the current status on our important programs: The Vietnam Commemoration Committee has been waiting for the various VSOs to resume meetings in-person to present the 50th Vietnam War Commemoration Volunteer Recognition Medals. The recent OMICRON variant reversed progress, as many of the VSOs were attempting to return to normal operations. The Commandery has offered to MGySgt USMC (Ret.), Earl Hurrey of Historic Programs to present these medals as part of the program of events set for 29 March (see page 7). The Commandery is invited to register to participate in the parade, either walking or driving, gut we need to provide our own vehicle (anyone have a convertible?). In March, we hope to get the cadet essays for our annual 50th Vietnam War Commemoration Cadet Essay Contest. The winning essay will be published in the June edition of the Commandery News. The Cadet Awards Committee reports that all medals have been acquired for the 2022 ceremonies, but due to budget shortfalls, we are dropping the JROTC programs in Japan , as well as the Univ. of Guam Army ROTC. We are adding the Navy ROTC at UH. Our annual medal count is now 72.
Secretary Tulak reads the citation as Commander Manchester presents the insignia of the Order.
Commander Manchester welcomes Companion Atchley to the Commandery.
Commemorations and Memorials Companions present reviewed the conduct of Veterans Day events 2021 attended by Companions at Schofield, Oahu Cemetery, the WWI Memorial, and the Oahu Cemetery Remembrance Day ceremony. Companions present committed to supporting these same events in 2022. Looking forward toward ANZAC Day, 25 April, the Commandery needs to refresh its supply of poppies to be ready for a poppy drive in May, in the week before Memorial Day. Membership. Companion Fred Staedel brought his Cold War Victory medal, which is an authorized medal for Companions with Cold War. The full-size and miniature medals are available for purchase on the MOFW QM Store. The Commandery also has a supply of garrison caps for sale— contact Arthur Tulak to purchase.
Col Atchley’s insignia and medals in presentation case.
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Vietnam Veterans Day 2022 By COL Ret. Arthur Tulak, Ed.D. On March 29, 2022 in Honolulu, Hawaii will commemorate Anniversary of the Vietnam War and pay tribute to our Vietnam Veterans and their families. There are two main events, the first of which is a ceremony organized by Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 858 at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific at 1000 hrs. This event will include the presentation of State Flags by Punahou JROTC, music from the 25th Infantry Division Band, presentation of wreaths by Veterans and civic organizations, military commands, our political leaders, and members of the consular corps, and a 21 Gun Salute rendered by the 1st Batt. 12th Marines. The Guest Speaker will be General, US Army (Ret.) David Bramlett, and Mr. Allen Hoe, will be the Master of Ceremonies, and the Keynote Speaker will be ADM Samuel Paparo, USN Commander Pacific Fleet. Companion Fred Staedel will be the announcer for the organization lei presentations. At 1630 hrs, a second ceremony will be held at Fort DeRussy, ahead of the National Vietnam Veterans Day Parade in Waikiki, which starts at 1800 hrs— https://www.vietnamveteransparade.org/vetspage The Commandery has been invited to participate in the parade, and we will ride in two open Jeeps provided by Col Jim Atchley and LTC (Ret.) “Manny” Manchester. We will be able to mount our Commandery and 50th Vietnam Commemoration flags to these vehicles, and will be recognized by the announcer at the main grand stand when we pass by. This is the first Waikiki parade that we have signed up to participate in, and should be a memorable event. Each vehicle can carry 4 persons.
In a call to action, Phil Waite, chief of strategic engagement for The United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration said, “We hope everyone will join together on March 29, 2022, to honor Vietnam Veterans and their families during this 5th anniversary of National Vietnam War Veterans Day.” Our Commandery is answering the call!
50th Vietnam Veteran Recognition Program Recognizes Hawaii Veteran with the 50th Vietnam War Veteran Pin By Fred Staedel As reported in the December issue, I have committed to finding Vietnam veterans who have yet to be acknowledged and receive the "50th Anniversary Vietnam Veteran War Commemorative Pin” that continues the tradition established at the close of WWI, of providing a lapel pin to recognize specific war service. As a 50th Commemorative Partner, the Commandery presents these pins on behalf of DoD, along with the Commandery’s Certificate of Recognition signed by the Commander and the 50th Veteran Committee Chairman. This month, I presented the 50th Vietnam War Commemoration Pin to Vietnam Veteran Specialst 5 (SP5) Mike Gorelangton, U.S. Army, who served a tour in Vietnam in 1969-1970. Mike served with the Army’s 199th Infantry Brigade (“The Redcatchers”) at Camp Frenzell-Jones northeast of Saigon and Bien Hoa. Spec 5 Gorelangton's primary duty was the supplying of five remote located Fireteams protecting a major attack route into Saigon by the enemy. The 199th Infantry Brigade was a major combat unit in Vietnam and earned 11 campaign streamers. The unit is currently stationed at Fort Benning, GA. The presentation was made at the Honolulu Elks Club and was witnessed by six others of which three were veterans; one Navy and two Army. 7
Above: SP5 Mike Gorelangtun and Companion Staedel overlooking Waikiki Beach at the Elks Lodge. 7 MAR 2022
National Infantry Museum By COL Arthur N. Tulak In February, I had the great pleasure of visiting the National Infantry Museum at Fort Benning GA. Having departed Fort Benning in 2003, to report to U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, I missed the years of work to build this new national treasure, which opened its doors in 2009. Before this iteration of the “New Infantry Museum” the collection was on display at the former Hospital building on Fort Benning’s Main Post, and closed its doors in 2008 to move the collection to the new site. The effort to raise funds for a new museum was undertaken in 1998, when the 501(c)(3) National Infantry Museum Foundation was formed for the sole purpose of planning, raising funds for and operating a new museum. The new museum preserves and displays one of the greatest collections of military artifacts in the world, with 190,000 square feet of galleries standing on a 200-acre tract just outside Fort Benning, Georgia. Many of the items in the museum’s collection could not be displayed before the construction of the new museum, and were simply kept in storage until a museum with the proper dimensions could be built. The National Infantry Association is one of the primary partners in supporting the museum. As I approached the front entrance I saw a formal social event being hosted by the Chilean Army, which was likely connected to the Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation (WHINSEC), which now occupies the former hospital that once housed the museum. Admittance was gratis, and the museum is sustained through donations and sales from the gift shop. Standing at the front entrance of the museum is the “Follow Me” Infantryman statue that greeted generations of Infantry Officers in front of the Infantry School at Building 4.1 Entering the museum, I went straight to the premier exhibit, the “Last 100 Yards Ramp,” which showcased the Infantry through the ages, and the hard fighting First exhibit in the “Last 100 Yards Ramp,” the assault on Redoubt #10 at Yorktown. that characterizes the “last 100 yards,” when closing with the enemy. The first exhibit was the attack and seizure of Redoubt #10 at the siege of Yorktown, which had great meaning for me, as my 4th Great Grandfather, Private Enos Campbell, served under LTC Alexander Hamilton as part of the follow-on assault element in that attack. Moving through this exhibit, I came upon the Korean War exhibit, which featured COL Lewis L. Millett’s bayonet charge, conducted on February 7, 1951, when then Captain Millett led his Soldiers from Easy Company, 2D Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division atop Hill 180 near Soam-Ni, Korea. “With only bayonets and hand grenades the company fought a hand-to-hand assault against heavy opposing fire. “ He was awarded the Medal of Honor from President Truman for his exploits. This exhibit had great personal COL, Lewis L. Millet, leading his legendary bayonet charge while in command of E Co., 2/27 Infantry. meaning to me, because COL Millet pinned on my Expert Infantryman’s Badge when I was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, “Wolfhounds,” in 3rd Brigade, 7th Infantry Division “Light Fighters” at Fort Ord California, many years ago. COL Millet served for more than 15 years as the Honorary Colonel of the 27th Infantry Regiment, an official distinction given by the Army, and led the last known bayonet charge of the U.S. Army. He passed away on 14 February 2009. (continued on following page) 8
After completing this exhibit, I then explored the many other exhibits of the museum, one of which paid tribute to the Fort’s namesake, General Henry Lewis Benning, Confederate States Army. Brig. Gen. Benning was born and died in Columbus Georgia, and practiced law before the War Between the States. He initially presided over Georgia's secession convention, and helped to draft the state's Ordinance of Secession of Georgia. When war came, he recruited men to form the Seventeenth Georgia Infantry and was elected as Colonel of the Regiment in August 1861. During the Battle of Antietam, Benning earned the nickname "Old Rock" because of his regiment's unfaltering defense of the Confederate right flank. A marker at Fort Benning in front of his home erected in 1953 explains that “As Brigadier General, he was often in command of Hood’s famed Division of the First Corps. He participated with gallantry in the battles of Malvern Hill, Second Manassas, Sharpsburg, Fredericksburg, Chickamauga, The Wilderness, Thoroughfare Gap, Knoxville, Petersburg, Farmville, and others…. He was wounded severely in the second-day fighting in the Wilderness. At Appomattox he still commanded the Georgia Brigade. After the war, he returned to Columbus to practice law. “2 Whether the Fort will A portrait of Confederate Army Brigadier Genral Henry Benning, the continue to bear his name is very uncertain, as the Army has been directed by namesake of Fort Benning on display in the National Infantry Museum. Congress to review all installations named after Confederate figures as part of the current wave of domestic attacks on American history. Another grand exhibit was dedicated to the First World War. Here I saw one of the American versions of the French Renault tank that was built for deployment on the European battlefields (at left). I also saw for the first time, a Division shoulder patch of the 11th Division, known as the Lafayette Division, to which my Grandfather, 2LT Harrison T. Wells was assigned, while part of E. Battery, 72nd Field Artillery Regiment, which was slated to that division assigned to the AEF. Each of the major eras of conflict had a dedicated exhibit, and it was a challenge to see the entire collection on display inside. Learn more about the museum at https://nationalinfantrymuseum.org/
View of the front entrance of the National Infantry Museum, with paver stones of donors who made it possible.
Notes: 1. 2.
An original 11th Infantry Division Patch, from a collection of all the shoulder sleeve insignia for the Army Expeditionary Forces of the First World War.
The Infantryman Statue was created in 1960 for the purpose of standing in front of Infantry Hall when it opened in 1964. It is also called the “Follow Me” statue and sometimes wrongly called “Iron Mike.” https://www.benning.army.mil/MCoE/Historic-Trail/24_The_Original_Infantryman_Statue.html https://georgiahistory.com/ghmi_marker_updated/general-benning/
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Companion News
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Companion Adam Gaines has assumed Command of the Canadian Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War (SUVCW) Camp. Many may not be aware that 50,000 Canadians , including 29 Medal of Honor recipients, four generals and nearly 5,000 who died, while serving in the Union forces during the Civil War. Companion COL John Gobrick starts transition leave on March 1st and will retire June 1st with 34 years of service. Companion Peter Hirai recently traveled to Guam to attend planning meetings for the Defense Coordination Officer (DCO) certification exercise 2022. The Defense Coordination Officer is a critical position that liaises between the U.S. Military and a State or Territory that has been affected by a disaster. When requested by the State or Territorial Governor, the U.S. Military provides defense support to civil authorities--known as DSCA--to affected jurisdictions with reimbursement by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The certification exercise (CERTEX) will occur during the summer of 2022, ensuring that the DCO based in Fort Shafter, Hawaii and DCO staff are prepared to respond when needed. The criticality of the DCO and of providing DSCA were highlighted during the past two years as they have been instrumental in COVID-19 response, and in quickly responding to other emergencies such as typhoons and floods while balancing COVID response. Companion Hirai will be providing emergency management subject matter expertise on the exercise team. Peter is also organizing a luncheon to be held on March 30, 2022 at the Oahu Veteran's Center (in Salt Lake). Veteran Service Organizations (VSO) who are members of the Oahu Veteran Council are invited to the free luncheon, including the Military Order of Foreign Wars. All members of our Commandery are invited! Companion Dave Terrinoni, is a dual member in Hawaii and Illinois. Dave reports that the Illinois Commandery was granted its charter as of 11 Sept 2021. Even though the National Council needs to ratify the Executive Committee's decision, the MOFW CG directed us to function as a full-fledged Commandery of MOFW. Dave reports a membership of 24 Companions. As Commander, Dave is working through some set-up details, like bank accounts, but I have people filling all our elected positions and we have good monthly zoom meetings, averaging 12-14 Companions per meeting with various people rotating in and out, depending on their schedules. The age spread is people from their 20's to their 70's and a bunch of folks in the middle. It's a good spread and a good group with some members currently serving in the Guard. We'll be presenting our first JROTC awards this Spring. ROTC awards and coverage is a little more challenging when in a large geographic state. At right is a photo of Dave, representing the MOFW at the dedication of a Veterans Wall in the Normal Illinois senior center, called the ARC (Activity & Recreation Center). Companion Larry Dicks reports “In December I saw the Anderson House for the first time for the American Revolution Institute/Society of the Cincinnati Above: Companion Dave Terrinoni at the Christmas Party; In January attended the Lee Banquet (@Mt. Vernon Country dedication of the Veterans Wall. In the Club) hosted by the Alexandria combined SCV/MOSB chapters, have been re- Normal, Illinois Senor Center. cruited to the Color Guard of the St Andrews Society of DC, and recently attended the "Sweethearts and Patriots" Gala hosted by the DCSAR and DCDAR. Next week I will attend a mess night with the DCSR at the Metropolitan Club. Now, I know that sounded like a lot of shameless name dropping, but I have been blessed to have been welcomed by so many fine people.“ Companion Curtis “Manny” Manchester is continuing his studies with the Naval War College. Companion Arthur Tulak is conducting operations research on “Integrated Deterrence” and is working on the 2022 National MOFW Newsletter for publication this Summer.
Feeling left out? Share your news with your fellow Companions!! 10
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7-9 March, National Defense Industrial Assn. and INDOPACOM Pacific Operational Science and Technology Conference. Active Duty may register to attend in person at no cost. U.S. DoD civilian registration is $200. Registration at https://www.ndia.org/events/2022/3/7/2540---post-2022/registration 25 March, The Marine Band Concert, The Marine Band will hold a FREE concert on at 1900 hrs, at the Hale Koa Hotel. The Oahu Veterans Council has free extra tickets for our VSO's on a first-come basis. Call the OVC at (808) 422-4000 29 March, National Vietnam War Veterans Day parade organized by Hawaii Historic Programs. Opening ceremony at Fort DeRussy at 1630, parade starts at 1800. 29 March, National Vietnam War Veterans Day Ceremony at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific. 1000 hrs. Registration is required. Contact Arthur Tulak, 50th Vietnam War Commemoration Chairman. 30 March, National Vietnam Veterans Day Luncheon at the Oahu Veterans Center, 1100 -1300 hrs. RSVP not later than 19 March to info@theovc.org 08 April, Commandery Meeting, Sunset Lanai, Camp Smith, 1700. 09 April, National Former POW Recognition Day. 20 April—17 May, Cadet Awards Ceremonies to be held at various locations. Updates to the schedule of events will be sent out by the Cadet Awards Chairman to coordinate Companions and volunteers to make the medal presentations. 25 April, ANZAC Day at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific. The Australian Consulate has confirmed that this will be a live event. The Commandery will participate in the wreath laying. 6 May, National Military Spouses Day. 17—19 May, Association of the United States Army’s 2022 LANPAC Symposium & Exposition. Free registration for the exhibit hall for Retirees and Cadets. Active Duty Military, U.S. Govt., and State Government employees may register for the entire event is at no cost. Registration at: https://meetings.ausa.org/lanpac/2022/registration.cfm 19 & 20 May - Poppy Appeal at Camp H.M. Smith 21 May, Armed Forces Day. 30 May, Memorial Day ceremony at the WWI Memorial in Waikiki 30 May, Memorial Day ceremony at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific (“Punchbowl). Col Ret. Jim Horton confirmed that the NMCP is open for ceremonies. Plans are underway for a public event this year. 14 June, Army 247th Birthday 14 June, Flag Day TBD June— YCA Graduation and Awards Ceremonies, at the Academy grounds at Barber’s Point.
Hawaii Commandery, Military Order of Foreign Wars A non-profit 501 (c) 3 Veterans Organization Oahu Veterans Center, 1298 Kukila St. Honolulu Hawaii, 96818
Mahalo to our 2022 Sponsors:
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