An Airborne Merry Christmas

A Different Christmas Story

Airborne Christmas

The embers glowed softly, and in their dim light,
I gazed round the room and I cherished the sight.
My wife was asleep, her head on my chest,
My daughter beside me, angelic in rest.

Outside the snow fell, a blanket of white,
Transforming the yard to a winter delight.
The sparkling lights in the tree I believe,
Completed the magic that was Christmas Eve.

My eyelids were heavy, my breathing was deep,
Secure and surrounded by love I would sleep.
In perfect contentment, or so it would seem,
So I slumbered, perhaps I started to dream.

The sound wasn’t loud, and it wasn’t too near,
But I opened my eyes when it tickled my ear.

Perhaps just a cough, I didn’t quite know,
Then the sure sound of footsteps outside in the snow.

My soul gave a tremble, I struggled to hear,
And I crept to the door just to see who was near.

Standing out in the cold and the dark of the night,
A lone figure stood, his face weary and tight.

A soldier, I puzzled, some twenty years old,
Perhaps a paratrooper, huddled here in the cold.
Alone in the dark, he looked up and smiled,
Standing watch over me, and my wife and my child.

“What are you doing?” I asked without fear,
“Come in this moment, it’s freezing out here!
Put down your pack, brush the snow from your sleeve,
You should be at home on a cold Christmas Eve!”

For barely a moment I saw his eyes shift,
Away from the cold and the snow blown in drifts…
To the window that danced with a warm fire’s light
Then he sighed and he said “It’s really all right.

I’m out here by choice. I’m here every night. ”
“It’s my duty to stand at the front of the line,
That separates you from the darkest of times.
No one had to ask or beg or implore me,

I’m proud to stand here like my fathers before me.

My Gramps died at ‘ Pearl on a day in December,”
Then he sighed, “That’s a Christmas ‘Gram always remembers. ”
My dad stood his watch in the jungles of ‘ Nam ‘,
And now it is my turn and so, here I am.

I’ve not seen my own son in more than a while,
But my wife sends me pictures, he’s sure got her smile.
Then he bent and he carefully pulled from his bag,
The red, white, and blue… an American flag.

I can live through the cold and the being alone,
Away from my family, my house and my home.
I can stand at my post through the rain and the sleet,
I can sleep in a foxhole with little to eat.

I can carry the weight of killing another,
Or lay down my life with my sister and brother.
Who stand at the front against any and all,
To ensure for all time that this flag will not fall.”

” So go back inside,” he said, “harbor no fright,
Your family is waiting and I’ll be all right. ”
“But isn’t there something I can do, at the least,
“Give you money,” I asked, “or prepare you a feast?

It seems all too little for all that you’ve done,
For being away from your wife and your son. “

Then his eye welled a tear that held no regret,
“Just tell us you love us, and never forget.
To fight for our rights back at home while we’re gone,
To stand your own watch, no matter how long.

For when we come home, either standing or dead,
To know you remember we fought and we bled.
Is payment enough, and with that we will trust,
That we mattered to you as you mattered to us. “

______________________________________________________________

425th Regimental Association E-Newsletter – Fall 2016

425th Regimental Association

E-Newsletter

Fall, 2016

It was a busy summer for the Association –

In May we held the Second Annual Regimental Rendezvous at Camp Grayling. More than 35 of our members met to enjoy each others’ company, tell never-ending jump lies, fire their personal weapons on one of Grayling’s ranges, and commemorate our fallen comrades at the Co F Memorial at the Camp Grayling Chapel.
In July we again joined with the 82nd Airborne Division Association for our joint picnic and annual meeting at the Bruce VFW Post in Saint Clair Shores. During the meeting we elected our officers for the next year and welcomed Stewart Boner as our new President. All other officers were re-elected.
In August we supported the Thunder Over Michigan air show and earned over $1,000 from our labors.
Finally, our Regimental Reunion Dinner was held at the Bruce VFW Post on September 24th. Among the attendees were some members of the original Company F when it was formed from the ranks of the 1st Bn, 225 Inf and members who were in the unit at the time of inactivation. We all enjoyed sharing stories and enjoying a great meal.

Beat “Identity Theft With a Free Credit Report.

We hear a lot in the news today about “identity theft.” Here are some pointers on how to minimize the risk that you’ll become a victim.

For example, a man begins getting letters and phone calls from a credit card company telling him he is in default on his account. He doesn’t have an account with that company . . . or so he thinks. In fact, his daughter had opened an account in his name without his permission. As long as the daughter was paying on the account, he remained unaware. When she stopped making payments, that’s when the company began to contact him.

This “surprise” could have been avoided if he was a little more vigilant about his accounts. So how do you find out if there are accounts in your name you don’t know about? It’s pretty easy. Under federal law, you are entitled to obtain an annual free credit report, normally from the big three credit reporting companies: Experian, Transunion and Equifax. It’s really free . . . nothing to sign up for, no credit card required, no gimmicks. Simply go to www.annualcreditreport.com and follow the steps. You will have to provide a social security number and other personal information. Be prepared to print or save to your computer the credit reports as they are typically only available during that login session. You can only do this once per year. If you want to review your reports more often, you can request one report from a different company every four months.

You can also request your free report by phone by calling (877) 322-8228. Read your reports carefully. Look for accounts that you do not recognize, addresses listed for you that you’ve never lived at, credit inquiries from companies you don’t recognize and make sure any other information on the report is completely accurate.

TRICARE’S Nurse Advice Line: the right choice for active adults

Do you know that more than half of all adults 65 and older have three or more chronic medical problems, such as heart disease, diabetes, cancer or arthritis? Older adults can have multiple health problems and not know whether they need to see a doctor or can administer self-care. Have you considered TRICARE’s Nurse Advice Line (NAL)?

The NAL is an option for beneficiaries to get information on their medical problems quickly and at any time. To access the NAL, dial (800) TRICARE (874-2273) and select option 1. Get more information on the TRICARE website.

Michigan veteran designation for licenses and ID cards

The veteran designation gives veterans an easy way to prove their veteran status to receive discounts from businesses. Eligible veterans may get the designation by visiting any Secretary of State office or when renewing through the mail. The designation is available when you apply for an original or renewal Michigan license or ID at no additional charge. If added at another time, correction fees will apply. The word “Veteran” will be printed in red on the front of the card.

Military veterans who served in any branch of the U.S. armed forces and have an honorable or under honorable conditions (general) discharge may have a veteran designation printed on their Michigan driver’s license or state identification card. Qualifying services include the U.S. Air Force, Air Force National Guard, Army, Army National Guard, Coast Guard, Marine Corps and Navy, as well as their Reserve components.

Contact the Michigan Secretary of State office for more information.

425th Regimental Association Board of Directors & Contact Information

President: Stewart Boner – [email protected]
Vice President Mark Evans – [email protected]
Secretary: Tony Lopiccolo – [email protected]
Treasurer: Tom Neff – [email protected]
Historian: Don Bugg – [email protected]
RCSM: Dean Burchill – [email protected]
Adjutant : Bob Wangen – [email protected]
Quartermaster: David Lincicome – [email protected]

______________________________________________________________

2016 Regimental Reunion Dinner

425th Regimental Reunion Dinner

Saturday, September 24, 2016

Bruce VFW Post

28404 Jefferson Ave., St. Clair Shores, MI

You are cordially invited to attend the 2016 Regimental Reunion Dinner. This is a great opportunity to renew past friendships and make some new ones.

The Reunion Dinner will include a three meat buffet dinner, and an open bar. There will also be unit and association t-shirts, hats, coins, and other memorabilia on sale.

1700 Bar opens

1800 Induction of Association officers

1830 Dinner

2200 Formal activities are concluded. Members are invited to stay longer and socialize in the Post Club Room.

We are inviting some members of the original Darby’s Rangers who are active in the U.S. Army Ranger Association and the Michigan Ranger Base. They will not be formally speaking but will be available to chat with throughout the evening.

The cost of this event is $35 per person. Payment must be made in advance NLT September 10, 2016.

For credit card payments click on this link – http://425regiment.org/?page_id=1363, or copy and paste it into your preferred web browser.

Payment made also be made by check (payable to 425th Regimental Association) and sending the form at the bottom of this invitation to Mark Day, 27312 Red Leaf Lane, Southfield, MI 48076.

There is no designated attire for this event. Members are encouraged to wear the Army Service Uniform, Class A Army Green Uniform, business suit, or sport coat and tie.

We have reserved a block of rooms at the Holiday Inn Express, Holiday Inn Express & Suites- Roseville, 31900 Little Mack Ave, Roseville, MI 48066 with a special rate of $94.00 per night.

To get one of these rooms you must contact the Holiday Inn Express direct at (586) 285-5800 and tell them you are with the 425th Regimental Association. These rooms will be available until September 9, 2016. After this date you will have to pay the full prices.

425th Regimental Reunion Dinner

October 23, 2015

Registration Form

Name ___________________________________________________________

Address _________________________________________________________

Highest rank held _________________ Number of guests _____________________

Email address ______________________________________________________________

Phone Numbers: Home (______) ________________ Cell (_______) _______________

Amount Paid $ ______________

Send this form (with check) to:

Mark Day

27312 Red Leaf Lane

Southfield, MI 48076

______________________________________________________________

425th Regimental Association Newsletter – Summer 2016

425th Regimental Association

E-Newsletter

Summer 2016

NOTE: If you are using an Army Knowledge Online email address or an email address from your employer, we recommend that you use a personal email account. This is so we can stay in contact with you regardless of your employment or military status.

Online Membership and Shopping on the Regimental website

You can renew your membership online through the Membership Center on the Association website. You can also purchase Regimental clothing, coins, license plates, and decals through the Regimental Quartermaster Store. We accept payment by PayPal, Visa, and Mastercard.

Upcoming Regimental Events – 2016 – Mark your calendars and hold these dates. Look for more details in future mailings.

Joint 82nd Airborne Division Association/425th Regimental Association Picnic

Saturday. 30 July 2016 / Family Picnic starts at 1100 hrs

Bruce VFW Post / 28404 E. Jefferson Ave, St. Clair Shores, MI. (Located between 11 & 12 mile Roads)

As in the past, the 82^nd Association will be supplying hot dogs, hamburgers, condiments, paper plates, utensils, and beer. (please put a generous donation in the can to cover these and other costs). The meal is pot luck and those attending are encouraged to bring a dish to pass. The grill opens around noon.

There will be an Association Membership meeting at 1400 in the VFW Club Room. This is your best opportunity to participate in the decision making of the Association.

Thunder Over Michigan Air Show

David Lincicome will be leading the charge for our parking project at the Willow Run Airport. It will be the weekend of 20-21 August. As in the past the Association will receive funds for our coffers in accordance to the number of volunteers we have working the parking concession. We have done well the past several years. The more volunteers we have, the more money we make. You can work both days or just one and get to see the air show for free. Workers will be provided with lunch and receive their choice of a free 425th Association hat, T-shirt or license plate. For more details or to volunteer contact David Lincicome at [email protected].

425th Regimental Association Reunion Dinner

We plan to hold a Reunion Dinner at the Bruce VFW Post on Saturday, September 24th The estimated cost will be $35 per person. This will be a catered buffet dinner with an open bar. This

is NOT a formal Dining Out, but an informal “Reunion Dinner.” We hope that this will be an opportunity for both members and their wives to enjoy the camaraderie of Company F.

2nd Annual Regimental Rendezvous

The Second Annual Regimental Rendezvous took place at Camp Grayling on 21-22 May. Building on our experience from last year, the event was a great success. We had a total of 35 members and guests, an increase over last year’s attendance.

Camp Grayling threw us a curve on the schedule for the range and we had to move to the range immediately upon arrival. However, Rangers are used to adapting to the situation and our Range Committee handled it with no problem. Duane Gardner ran the range in a professional manner and range control was happy to work with us. Even though we told everyone not to bring rifles larger than .30 caliber, someone thought it would be great fun to bring a machine gun. Yeah, I know it’s a .30 caliber machine gun, but really!

A special thanks to the volunteers who took on the challenge and delivered a great time for all –

Phil Griglio – NCOIC
Duane Gardner – Range Officer
Bob Saier – Chief Cook
Tom Neff
Tony Lopiccolo
Dean Burchill
Dave Lincicome
Mark Evans
Bill Poynter
and all the others who pitched in when needed

The Association Board is already working on evaluating the event and integrating suggestions into the plans for next year’s Rendezvous. If you didn’t attend, you missed a great time!

Notify DFAS about any changes in your status

Immediately notify the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) about any changes in your dependents, such as births, deaths, marriage or divorce. Updates to SBP elections must be made within one year of the change to comply with federal law. Immediately notify DFAS

about any changes to your mailing or email address to ensure you receive Army Echoes and all of your DFAS notifications involving your income tax withholding, Survivor Benefit Plan, Arrears of Pay beneficiary, and your retired or annuitant pay. The fastest and surest way to update DFAS is to use myPay (https://mypay.dfas.mil/mypay.aspx). You can also call DFAS at (800) 321-1080

The Military Wallet

The Military Wallet is a personal finance website for military members, veterans, and their families. Their goal is to help the military community better manage money and understand the variety of programs and benefits available to them.

This is a great One-Stop Shop for veteran benefits, tax and financial advice, military discounts and more. Go to www.themilitarywallet.com and click on the Subscribe button on the menu get their e-newsletter.

Free Event Tickets for Military & Veterans at VetTix
Many organizations want to honor military members and veterans by offering them or their family members free event tickets. VetTix is an organization that helps distribute these tickets to qualified servicemembers and veterans. VetTix is free to join, but you will need to provide proof of military service. Examples of free event tickets include concerts, sporting events, community events, exhibitions, and more. This is a great way to have some summer fun without spending much money!

You can learn more this organization here:

http://themilitarywallet.com/vet-tix-veteran-tickets-foundation/

TRICARE’S Nurse Advice Line: the right choice for active adults

If you are suffering from a rash, a sinus infection, or perhaps you just have a common cold; there is help! When you call the NAL, a registered nurse will help you assess if you can handle your health concern with self-care or if you need to see a medical professional.

Since its launch, the NAL has been able to increase patient safety and further ensure a positive patient experience. Military Health System Patient Centered Medical Home team members can access live NAL information so they are aware of their patients’ situation and can provide follow-up, if needed. The NAL is a great medical assessment tool that provides access to care, especially after hours and when traveling, which is great for retirees on the move. When you don’t know what kind of care you need, the NAL helps you access the right type of care at the right time. The NAL can also help you find a doctor and schedule next-day appointments at military hospitals and clinics when available.

Veterans Service Records — Replace DD Form 214, awards:

Retired 4/1/1996 or later: Visit http://soldierforlife.army.mil/retirement/

Click on “Army White Pages” at the bottom, then log in.

Next click on “Click Here to Access Your Army Record.”

Retired 3/31/1996 or earlier: Call Human Resources Command at (888) 276-

9472 or visit http://vetrecs.archives.gov National Personnel Records Center

(Military Personnel Records); 1 Archive Drive. St. Louis, MO 63138-1002

Veterans Affairs (VA) Information http://www.va.gov

Burial & Memorial Benefits: http://www.cem.va.gov/ (877) 907-8199

Benefits and Services: (800) 827-1000 (Retired Soldiers overseas should contact the American Embassy/consulate); TDD (800) 829-4833 http://benefits.va.gov/benefits/

GI Bill: (888) 442-4551; http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/

Health Care Benefits: (877) 222-8387; http://www.va.gov/health

Insurance: SGLI/VGLI: (800) 419-1473; All other insurance: (800) 669-8477

Michigan veteran designation for licenses and ID cards

Contact the Michigan Secretary of State office for more information.

______________________________________________________________

Second Annual Regimental Rendezvous – May 2016

The weather was perfect all weekend; 75 degrees, clear sky, light breeze. How many times were we at Camp Grayling when the slogan, “If it ain’t raining, it ain’t training,” was appropriate? This was certainly not one of those!

Bob Saier was the master chef in our lobby kitchen, preparing Saturday lunch and breakfast, Saturday dinner and Sunday breakfast. Their menu ideas were excellent as was the quality of their food. There was more food than anyone could eat and no one went away hungry.

Building 656Q was in good shape and the issuing people worked well with us by adding lots of extra rooms as more members showed up. Hey guys, maybe next year you can register ahead of time?

After an evening of reliving events of the early days of Co F as well as the two deployments to Iraq, we ended the weekend by reading the roll of our fallen members at our unit Memorial Monument in the Memorial Garden of the Camp Grayling Chapel. The memorial service was concluded with our Regimental Prayer.

A special thanks to the volunteers who took on the challenge and delivered a great time for all –

Phil Griglio – NCOIC
Duane Gardner – Range Officer
Bob Saier – Chief Cook
Tom Neff
Tony Lopiccolo
Dean Burchill
Dave Lincicome
Mark Evans
Bill Poynter
and all the others who pitched in when needed

The Association Board is already working on evaluating the event and integrating suggestions into the plans for next year’s Rendezvous. If you didn’t attend, you missed a great time!

______________________________________________________________

2016 Regimental Rendezvous – Camp Grayling

Regimental Rendezvous – Camp Grayling

The Second Annual Regimental Rendezvous will be held at Camp Grayling on 21-22 May 2016.

This is intended to be a “guys” weekend. If members are welcome to bring a wife or significant other; however, there will be no special activities or arrangements made for them.

The cost for the weekend is $18 per person to underwrite the cost for meals. We have made arrangements for a limited number of quarters in Building 656Q in the old “Tent City (600 area)” for Saturday night. These rooms will be first come, first served. Once all rooms have been assigned you will need to find lodging somewhere else in Grayling. These rooms have one queen-sized bed and private bathroom. The price for the first person in the room is $40. The cost for a second person is an additional $9. The second person may share the queen bed or bring their own air mattress/cot and sleeping bag.

Here is the schedule for the weekend.

Saturday, 21 May

1100 – Arrive & check in

1200 – 1300 Lunch (Assoc provided)

1400 – 1700 Firing personal weapons on a Range 3 (25-meter range)

1800 – Dinner (Assoc provided)

Sunday 22 May

0900 – 1000 Breakfast (Assoc provided)

1000 – 1100 Pack up and clear Building 656Q

1100 – 1130 Roll Call at 425th Memorial Monument

1200 – Depart for home

We will provide a roster of all attendees to the front gate so those without a valid ID card can enter Camp Grayling.

Information on the range and how to bring personal weapons on post will be provided in a letter of instructions.

Logistics:

Everyone brings their own lawn chairs
We suggest that everyone bring a snack to share Saturday evening.
Refrigerator space will be available to store beverages and snacks.
No alcoholic beverages will be provided by the Association, BYOB
Payment for quarters in Building 656Q will be made upon arrival at Camp Grayling.
Reservations must be made NLT 9 May.

The preferred method of registration is through the Association website at http://425regiment.org/?page_id=1205

If you are unable to register online, mail the following form to Dean Burchill.

Regimental Rendezvous Registration

Name ________________________________________

Phone Number (_____) ____________

Address _________________________________________________

City ______________________________________ State _______

Zipcode ________________

Email address: ____________________________________________

I request a room in Building 656Q. Yes ____ No _____

I am willing to share this room with another person. Yes _____ No _____

Enclose a check for $18 per person payable to the 425th Regimental Association.

Send this form to:

Dean Burchill

22533 Lincoln

St. Clair Shores, MI 48082

_________________________________________________End of 2016 Posts