Have a Merry Airborne Christmas!!!
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The NEW Michigan National Guard Museum
The Michigan National Guard has its own museum!
Some of the Company F memorabilia will be on display
The museum is in building 2834 near Custer’s ‘First’ stand on the West Side of the base on Wayne Road, and is operated by the Fort Custer Historical Society. 
The museum is in one of those old WWII wooden barracks. Please understand that these efforts are funded completely on donations from groups like ours and what they can get from the DOD. The Museum is supposed to open sometime this year, but a definite opening date has not been set yet.
The directions to Ft. Custer is as follows:
- Take I 94 West to Exit 92 North
- Turn right onto Columbia which is I-94 Business loop.
- Continue on I-94 Business loop which turns into Dr. Martin Luther King
- Take a left on Hill Brady Road
- Go to the first light which is Denso road and turn Left.
- The fence for the perimeter is on the left to the new main gate.
You can also ask for directions at the main gate.
If anyone doesn’t have an ID card, please call SFC Marietta to arrange access onto the base. SFC Marietta’s phone number is 269 731-6643.
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Veterans’ Day Discounts
World War I – known at the time as “The Great War” – officially ended when the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919, in the Palace of Versailles outside the town of Versailles, France. However, fighting ceased seven months earlier when an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, between the Allied nations and Germany went into effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. For that reason, November 11, 1918, is generally regarded as the end of “the war to end all wars.”
In November 1919, President Wilson proclaimed November 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day with the following words: “To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations…”
The United States Congress officially recognized the end of World War I when it passed a concurrent resolution on June 4, 1926, with these words:
Whereas the 11th of November 1918, marked the cessation of the most destructive, sanguinary, and far reaching war in human annals and the resumption by the people of the United States of peaceful relations with other nations, which we hope may never again be severed, and
Whereas it is fitting that the recurring anniversary of this date should be commemorated with thanksgiving and prayer and exercises designed to perpetuate peace through good will and mutual understanding between nations; and
Whereas the legislatures of twenty-seven of our States have already declared November 11 to be a legal holiday: Therefore be it Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives concurring), that the President of the United States is requested to issue a proclamation calling upon the officials to display the flag of the United States on all Government buildings on November 11 and inviting the people of the United States to observe the day in schools and churches, or other suitable places, with appropriate ceremonies of friendly relations with all other peoples.
An Act (52 Stat. 351; 5 U. S. Code, Sec. 87a) approved May 13, 1938, made the 11th of November in each year a legal holiday—a day to be dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be thereafter celebrated and known as “Armistice Day.” Armistice Day was primarily a day set aside to honor veterans of World War I, but in 1954, after World War II had required the greatest mobilization of soldiers, sailors, Marines and airmen in the Nation’s history; after American forces had fought aggression in Korea, the 83rd Congress, at the urging of the veterans service organizations, amended the Act of 1938 by striking out the word “Armistice” and inserting in its place the word “Veterans.” With the approval of this legislation (Public Law 380) on June 1, 1954, November 11th became a day to honor American veterans of all wars.
Click this link to see the opportunities available on Veterans’ Day for meals, parks, and retail discounts. http://themilitarywallet.com/veterans-day-free-meals-and-discounts/
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Vigilance
“Nuf said!”
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9-11 We Remember
We remember –
Do you?
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August 2012 Newsletter
425th REGIMENTAL ASSOCIATION
EMAIL NEWSLETTER
August 2012
On Saturday, July 28th the 425th Regimental Association held its annual picnic and business meeting at the Bruce VFW Post. The picnic as in the past, was held in conjunction with the Etherton Chapter, 82nd Airborne Association annual picnic. Beer, burgers and brats were provided and everyone brought their favorite dish or desert to pass. If anyone went hungry it was their own fault. As far as I could see every one had a great time. Many of our guys brought their families and the majority of the time was spent drinking beer and catching up with what they did during the past year. There was also considerable swapping of jump lies from back in the day.
Most things went off well except that the sky divers were a bit late and one of them made about a two foot divot in the grass. However nothing seemed to be hurt except his pride. The kids had plenty of games to play (supervised by our own Ray Marple) and plenty of prizes were available for the game winners. In addition to other events there was a WWII jeep for kids to ride in. Also a booth to buy t-shirts and stuff including our own.
The meeting went well but too many things were discussed to be covered in detail here. The roster had 24 signatures but I counted more than 35 in the room. Shame on somebody. We currently have 149 members but only 85 have their dues paid up for the year. That means that over a 100 guys missed out on a good time. We missed seeing you so hope to see you there next year.
Things of importance other than the usual reports, covered in the meeting were:
• Unit History and memorabilia projects
• Donation to the Ft Custer Museum
• Articles of incorporation
• Gold Boot fund and its purpose
• Donation to Wounded Warriors or some other TBD charity
• Upcoming Air Show parking project
• Election of Officers results:
President: Dave Lincicome
Vice President: Richard Anderson
Secretary: Ben Walker
Treasurer: Tom Neff
Historian: Don Bugg
RCSM: Dean Burchill
Adjutant: Bob Wangen
Note as per our by-laws the current officers will remain in office until 30 Sept 2012
Ben Walker / 425 Secretary
REPORT ON AIRSHOW PARKING PROJECT by David Lincicome:
Here is a report on the air show last weekend. I would like to thank the following troopers who volunteered their time to support the Association. Dean Burchill, Richard Fox,Chuck Lovett,Bob Lagana,Chris Surmacz,Pete Bondurzuc,and Tony LoPiccolo. The feedback from Tammy looks good. The 425th was second in volunteers for both days. We should be receiving a “check in the mail” soon. I will deposit it in the account as soon as we get it. We ran into a lost trooper named Bill Elliott. He was in the unit when the Battalions were formed into the Airborne. He has already sent his membership form and money to Tom Neff and has already signed up to work the show next year. Thanks again to you guy’s who helped out….DL
MEMBERSHIP: If you are not a current member you can join by going to our website www.425regiment.org and download a membership form and follow instructions.
If you are a member but your dues are not current you will receive a notice in the near future. If you have questions call or email Tom or Bob.
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Summer 2012 Ranger Fun
Veterans of Company F gathered at our old favorite Rally Point – Kennedy’s Irish Pub in Pontiac. The gathering was an informal, somewhat spur of the moment event after this picture was posted on the Co F Group on Facebook. The event was well attended with fellow Rangers coming from miles and states away. Food and alcohol were consumed in great quantities, exercises were carried out again, and jumps remembered. As the evening went on the marches grew longer, the jumps were higher or lower and the winds on the drop zone blew stronger. It was a great night of camaraderie and jump lies and we plan to do it again next year!
The James Etherton Chapter of the 82d Airborne Division Association holds 
their annual picnic on the last Saturday of every year and the 425th Regimental Association is invited to share in the fun. The picnic was a blast. Skydivers Pat Solar, Adam Wells and Art Farley came in on target even with the high winds. The 555th PIR Assn had an eight panel display and videos playing all day.
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Remembering that Freedom is not FREE
There are warriors in every branch of our Armed Forces that stand watch in unsafe locations around the world, so that we as a nation, can sleep safely in our beds at night, knowing that our American warriors will protect us with their very lives. When we try putting a warm and fuzzy focus to their mission, we belittle them and the terrible price they so often pay for their fidelity.
The following video is hard core in its’ intent and execution. It underlines an inconvenient reality which many of our fellow citizens ignore. As the majority of our populace grows further away from the one real reason for our military, we take a greater chance of allowing a catastrophe to befall them, and us.
” We sleep safe in our beds because rough men stand ready in the night To visit violence on those who would do us harm.”
— George Orwell 1942
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=
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Remembering Pointe Du Hoc
This week many news articles and TV shows commemorated the Normandy Invasion. While most of these focus on the landings of the 1st, 4th, and 29th Infantry Divisions and the parachute landings of the 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions, let us not forget the actions of the 2nd Ranger at Pointe Du Hoc. 
The 2nd Battalion had the mission to destroy a battery of long range guns that could cause havoc with the invasion fleet. In spite of all of the training and preparation, things went wrong early. The landing craft went off course and had to parallel the beach to get to Pointe Du Hoc. The signal to bring in the second wave of Rangers was not received and the initial force had to go it alone.
However, the Rangers adapted and persevered. They scaled the cliffs and occupied the gun positions, discovering that the canons had never been put in place. They continued their attack to discover the guns further inland and destroyed them. Although grossly outnumbered with ammunition running low, they held off German counterattacks until relieved by forces from the landing beaches.
It is in the memory of these brave Rangers that we continue to Lead the Way!
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The Original Memorial Day
HEADQUARTERS GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC General Orders No.11, WASHINGTON, D.C., May 5, 1868
I. The 30th day of May, 1868, is designated for the purpose of strewing with flowers or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion, and whose bodies now lie in almost every city, village, and hamlet church-yard in the land. In this observance no form of ceremony is prescribed, but posts and comrades will in their own way arrange such fitting services and testimonials of respect as circumstances may permit.
We are organized, comrades, as our regulations tell us, for the purpose among other things, “of preserving and strengthening those kind and fraternal feelings which have bound together the soldiers, sailors, and marines who united to suppress the late rebellion.” What can aid more to assure this result than cherishing tenderly the memory of our heroic dead, who made their breasts a barricade between our country and its foes? Their soldier lives were the reveille of freedom to a race in chains, and their deaths the tattoo of rebellious tyranny in arms. We should guard their graves with sacred vigilance. All that the consecrated wealth and taste of the nation can add to their adornment and security is but a fitting tribute to the memory of her slain defenders. Let no wanton foot tread rudely on such hallowed grounds. Let pleasant paths invite the coming and going of reverent visitors and fond mourners. Let no vandalism of avarice or neglect, no ravages of time testify to the present or to the coming generations that we have forgotten as a people the cost of a free and undivided republic.
If our eyes grow dull, other hands slack, and other hearts cold in the solemn trust, ours shall keep it well as long as the light and warmth of life remain to us. Let us, then, at the time appointed gather around their sacred remains and garland the passionless mounds above them with the choicest flowers of spring-time; let us raise above them the dear old flag they saved from dishonor; let us in this solemn presence renew our pledges to aid and assist those whom they have left among us a sacred charge upon a nation’s gratitude, the soldier’s and sailor’s widow and orphan.
II. It is the purpose of the Commander-in-Chief to inaugurate this observance with the hope that it will be kept up from year to year, while a survivor of the war remains to honor the memory of his departed comrades. He earnestly desires the public press to lend its friendly aid in bringing to the notice of comrades in all parts of the country in time for simultaneous compliance therewith.
III. Department commanders will use efforts to make this order effective.
By order of JOHN A. LOGAN,
Commander-in-Chief N.P. CHIPMAN,
Adjutant General Official: WM. T. COLLINS, A.A.G.
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425th REGIMENTAL ASSOCIATION EMAIL NEWSLETTER – 17 April 2012
425th REGIMENTAL ASSOCIATION EMAIL NEWSLETTER – 17 APRIL 2012
1. FROM THE PRESIDENT, Dean Burchill.
The mission of the 425th Regimental Association is to perpetuate the history, lineage and honors of Co F (Ranger) 425th Infantry. Membership in the Association is open to anyone who served in Co F (Ranger) 425th Infantry, or any successor unit.
MEETING REMINDER
1. Our next business meeting will be on Sunday, 6 May 2012 at Bruce VFW Post – 28404 E. Jefferson Ave, St. Clair Shores, MI. (located between 11 & 12 Mile Road).
As per the recent warning order, the 425th Regimental Association will conduct a business meeting, and a family pot luck dinner / social get together starting at 1300 hrs. (See time schedule below) Go to Mapquest and enter address for directions from your location. There is no coordination on the pot luck meal so everyone bring something different. ?????? AH Gotcha. Actually if everyone brings their family favorite there should be plenty of diversity in the meal. A giant sub sandwich will be provided by the Association. Other than that it’s BYOBB for liquid refreshments.
TIME SCHEDULE
1300 – 1500 – Luncheon and Socializing
1500 – 1600 – Business Meeting
1600 – 1700 – Socializing
2. 425th Association challenge coins: I have (2” coins in color) and the (1” coin raised no color) for sale. Cost for the larger coin is $15 for the first and $12 for additional. The 1” coin is $7 for the first and $3 for additional. If you want one of each the ‘set’ is $20. The order forms for the larger coins are on our website. Or you can mail a request to 22533 Lincoln St. Clair Shores, MI 48082-1781 that is addressed to the association.
3. We are again planning to have our annual 425th Association summer picnic with the 82nd Assn. at the Bruce Post. The scheduled date is Saturday, 28 July 2012. The event is free, but donations are taken for beer, entertainment, and other amenities provided. Also bring a dish to pass and a small toy for the tots. There will be skydivers with a closest to the target jackpot and the 82nd Association will be selling 50/50 raffle tickets. Further details to follow at a later date.
2. FROM THE VICE PRESIDENT, Dave Lincicome
Many of you have been asking for T-shirts, Hats and license plates with 425 Association logos. We now have a great line of excellent quality products with our logo EMBROIDERED on them.
We are currently working to make them available for order on our 425 Regimental web site.
For now we do have a limited number of items available in stock in various sizes. For further details call or email me at my contact my info at end of this article
T-Shirts: $25.00
Hats: $20.00
License Plates: $25.00
3. FROM THE TREASURER, Tom Neff.
Our 425th Regimental Association currently holds $4,677.77 as of February 6, 2012 for our business expenses and to help any of our members who may be in need in the future. Thomas R. Neff, Treasurer.
4. FROM THE HISTORIAN, Don Bugg.
A. NOTICE OF CO F CONSOLIDATION ORDER – Attached is the state order (permanent order 100-001) consolidating the lineage of Company F, 425th Infantry with that of Company A, 1/125th Infantry Regiment effective 09 April 2012. This means that the Linage and Honors of the 425th Infantry Regiment will be carried forward by A Co 1/125 Infantry Regiment.
B. I am currently working with CPT Jenzen on finalizing historical information regarding CO F’s last deployment. I now have access to official information that will be very helpful. I plan to send CD’s of the draft final to each board member. After it is reviewed we can then decide what our next step(s) should be.
C. Another topic of the meeting was the disposition of the Memorial Stone presently at the former CO F armory. CPT Jenzen as representative of CO F and I as representative of the 425tn Association will be working together to get it installed in the memorial garden at Camp Grayling. If there is some sort of dedication service after its installation you will be notified as to time and place.
5. FROM THE ADJUTANT, Bob Wangen.
As of this date we have 85 members who are current with their dues and 61 members who are arrears in their dues. If you are in arrears please go to the 425 Association website, down load a
renewal form and along with your check send it to our Treasurer Tom Neff. Dues are $10.00 per year.
Those members that are not able to receive our Email Newslettter can contact me by phone and I will send them a hard copy by regular mail. If you know anyone in this situation please inform them of this policy.
6. NEWS YOU CAN USE:
2012 National Memorial Day Parade to Honor Sacrifice of the Iraq War Generation
WASHINGTON, Feb. 15, 2012 — The 2012 National Memorial Day Parade, our nation’s largest Memorial Day parade, will feature a special tribute recognizing the sacrifices made by those who have served in the war in Iraq, and welcoming home those who have served. The parade will mark the first major public event in Washington DC. Since the end of the war, there has been a great outpouring of support for a parade honoring the men and women who have served and sacrificed in Iraq,” stated American Veterans Center president Jim Roberts. “While a large-scale ticker-tape parade for Iraq war veterans is unlikely anytime soon, as troops are still deployed to Afghanistan, the valor and sacrifice of the Iraq war generation cannot and should not be ignored. The National Memorial Day Parade will serve as a dignified tribute to those who sacrificed in Iraq, and a place for the public to gather to demonstrate their gratitude.”
The parade will mark the first major public event in Washington paying tribute to the Iraq war generation since the conclusion of operations in December 2011.
BUDDY TO BUDDY PROGRAM: Do you need help?
Help is just a phone call away. If you or a service member you know needs help, call the Buddy-to-Buddy Volunteer Veteran program at 1-888-82-BUDDY (1-888-822-8339). You’ll be matched with a veteran trained to help you find resources for a variety of readjustment issues, such as financial benefits, educational goals, emotional challenges, substance abuse, legal or job issues.
If you’re a veteran in suicidal crisis or emotional distress, PLEASE call the Veterans Suicide Prevention Hotline at (800) 273-TALK
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The Purple Heart – the Military’s Oldest Decoration
“The Purple Heart is the one military decoration all service men and women try their hardest not to receive. But if awarded, is highly cherished. Just looking at the Purple Heart Medal instantly reminds us that from the time of George Washington right up to the present War on Terror, our freedom isn’t free.” – Corporal Evans Kerrigan, USMC (ret.), wounded three time in the Korean War.
General George Washington established the Purple Heart at Newburgh, New York on August 7, 1782 to recognize soldiers for meritorious service during the Revolutionary War. The award was a cloth “Badge of Military Merit” patch with an embroidered purple heart displayed on the left side of the chest. It was the first U.S. commendation for common soldiers and is the oldest U.S. military decoration still in use. At least three soldiers during the Revolution were award the Purple Heart. Today August 7th is celebrated as Purple Heart Day.
The Purple Heart, however, did not become a medal until February 22, 1932, when on the 200th anniversary of George Washington’s birth, General Douglas MacArthur revived the award to recognize soldiers for meritorious service and wounds received in action. The medal was shaped like a heart, colored by purple enamel with a gold bust of Washington in the center and the Washington coat-of-arms at the top. On the back, “For Military Merit,” was engraved with space for the recipient’s name.
Initially an Army decoration in the 1930’s, Marine and Navy personnel who were assigned to Army units were also eligible for the Purple Heart. In 1932, when the medal was first re-established, the soldier had to be alive and personally apply for the award. Wounded veterans from past wars – including the Civil War, the Boxer Rebellion, the Spanish-American War, the Philippine Insurrection, the 1916 Mexican Expedition, and others – applied for and received the Purple Heart.
At the start of WWII, President Franklin D. Roosevelt issued an executive order declaring that the Purple Heart be awarded to any member of the military (regardless of branch or service) who are “wounded in action against an enemy of the United States, or as a result of an act of such enemy, provided such would necessitate treatment by a medical officer.” The Legion of Merit, created in 1942, took the place of the Purple Heart Medal as a meritorious award. The new executive order also awarded the Purple Heart Medal to all military personnel killed in action.
Between 1942 and 1997, civilians serving with the military were also eligible to receive the Purple Heart. Pulitzer Prize-winning war correspondent Ernie Pyle was awarded a posthumous Purple Heart after being killed by Japanese fire on April 18, 1945 on Ie Shima, a small island off Okinawa.
In 1997, the criteria for the Purple Heart was again revised and the medal today is only awarded to military personnel. Civilians who are killed or wounded as a result of enemy action now receive the Defense of Freedom Medal – the civilian equivalent of the Purple Heart Medal created after September 11, 2001.
Purple Hearts Awarded by Conflict (as of 8/21/2008)
- World War II: 894,409
- Korea: 136,936
- Vietnam: 200,676
- Persian Gulf: 590
- Afghanistan: 2,743
- Iraq: 33,923
Adapted from On Patrol, the USO magazine
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