WELCOME – On behalf of the Association I would like to welcome LTC Bryan Luke our new 1st Battalion Commander. Bryan assumed command of the Battalion from LTC Frank Zachar on June 7th. LTC Luke attended this year’s reunion and was seen often in the CP and expressed his continued support of the Association and its activities. I had the chance to talk our new Commander and believe that we are very fortunate to have another great Commander take Frank’s place. Frank will remain at Fort Riley and has assumed his new role as the 1st Division G3. We all know how much of a supporter Frank was of the Association and will be inducted this year as a DMOR. Frank was selected to attend the War College. Congratulations.
On behalf of the Association I would like to also congratulate the new 1st Division Commander, MG Durbin. General Durbin also commanded a Brigade in the 1st Division at Fort Riley and was always a big supporter of the 16th Infantry Regiment and its Association. I think it’s great to have him back as the Division Commander. I know some of you will have a chance to meet him during this year’s DMOR Investiture Ceremony and Infantry Ball.
CONGRATULATIONS – We owe our Editor of the DD, Mack Mackedanz (C/1/16) a big ‘Job Well Done’ for the latest edition of our mail out Newsletter. It is without question, the best issue since out first issue back in 1989. I know from experience how much hard work, time and effort goes into the preparation and mailing of the DD. Mack has set an new standard of excellence since becoming our editor.
ASSOCIATION ELECTION – The Board will get the information on next year’s Board election out so that everyone can participate.
Ron Saxton
Secretary
16th Infantry Regiment Association
2007 DMOR INDUCTIONS CEREMONY - Col. Ret. Skip Baker is working on this year’s DMOR Induction Ceremony and will let us know when the dates are finalized. It is tentatively scheduled for late September since the 1st Division reunion is in August in St, Louis. It is tentatively scheduled for the period September 26-29. Hopefully, many of you will be able to make this year's Induction Ceremony for our new DMORs. The following active duty members of the Regiment will be honored at this year’s gathering:
COL William Hathaway Award - SGT Timothy Morningstar
COL ‘Scooter’ Burke Award - LT David Doutre
COL Roger Seymour Award - CPT Matthew Snell
NCO of the Year - SSG Rodney Frankenstein
Soldier of the Year - SPC Caleb Vanvoorhis
2007 DMORs
LTC Frank Zachar HHC 1/16
Mr. John Marfia A/2/16
John Burke A/2/16
Mike Renshaw C/1/16
Herb McHenry 1/16
HMORs
Col Ret. Roger Donlon - MOH
Mrs. Cathy Ludlow – wife of Bandido Charlie DMOR Doug Ludlow
Sandra Kruse - Co Web Site Developer/Web Master and Management Plan author
Congratulations to this year’s awardees and inductees, and thanks to the DMORs for continuing to make these very meaningful soldiers awards possible.
ASSOCIATION DUES - If you haven’t paid your dues remember you can now pay your dues on line. This is something our members have been asking for several years, especially our active duty soldiers. If you haven’t paid you 2007 dues yet please go on line and pay today. Your Association needs your support. It was decided at this year’s Association Board Meeting that those who have not paid their dues by December 31st for 2008 will no longer receive the DD.
BAND OF BROTHERS- Questions continue to be asked about the Band of Brothers Organization. The Band of Brothers Ghost Riders Organization got off the ground in June and now has thirteen Charter Members from Maryland, New York, Pennsylvania, Oklahoma, Virginia, and California. It is open to riders and non-riders from any military service, police officers, firefighters, and their families. Although it will be affiliated with the Regimental Association, it is an independently funded organization and as such; will not receive any funding or support from the Association. It will have its own membership dues and the primary purpose of this organization will be to participate in fund raising events for both civilian and military families. The two planned activities for August and September were a big success. The first event was held on August 19th and the money raised went to the family of a soldier killed in Iraq. Steve Biernacki and Wayne Grilz sponsored that event in Ashley, PA. Our other event a Pre-San Diego get together was also a big success with the proceeds going to the San Diego Children’s Hospital Cancer Ward. If you would like information on the organization, planned rides, activities, etc, lets us by going to the Web Site at; www.BandofBrothers-GhostRiders.org . We are also planning a ride to Key West FL and Fort Riley in 08. This organization is not in competition with any other group of riders, Association or Organization, nor are we trying to replace any other organization. There are sufficient needs from military, police and firefighter families that all of us help in some small way.
ASSOCIATION MEMBERSHIP - All of us need to be involved in getting new members for our Regimental Association and trying to locate old members. We also need the help of our Company Associations. Don Oberkiser, B/2/16 has volunteered to head up a committee to work on membership.
ASSOCIATION MANAGEMENT PLAN – Please remember that all comments regarding the new Management Plan are due NLT September 30th. Thanks to the Bandido Charlie Association for their written comments which will help make the plan more meaningful. This is a very important document and will be our guide for the future. I urge all members to go on-line and read the Plan and make recommendations/suggestion for improvement. Here is a chance to make your suggestions for the future that so many members have talked about. Don’t miss this opportunity.