2016 Convention is History - Premier Reunion Services, LLC2016 Convention is History The 22 Convention Wrap-Up is the cover nd annual Combat Infantrymen’s Association convention

Volume 21 Issue 1 Dedicated to all Combat Infantrymen January 2017

2016 Convention is History The 22nd annual Combat Infantrymen’s Association convention is history. Although attendance was disappointing, it was a great reunion; those who did not attend missed a lot. The convention was held Oc-tober 20-23, 2016 in Albuquerque, New Mexico at the MCM Ele-gante’ Hotel. Of special interest is the fact that this is the first time in the 22-year history of CIA con-ventions that there has been enough people sign up for tours – except to military installation – for the tour to actually go. This says something about the location and at-tractions offered.

The activities began on Thursday with the opening of the registration desk and hospitality room. John and Valerie Short (left photo)were the first to register. As other members arrived, and checked into their room the hospitality room stocked with coffee, soft drinks and

(Continued on page 5)

Here is where The Good Stuff Can Be Found

�� Convention Wrap-Up is the cover

story �� National Command Structure and

CIA organization locations are on page 3 & 4

�� Convention photos begin on page 7, 8 and 9

�� The editor has his say on page 10 ~ read and heed

�� Short preview of Columbus/Ft Ben-ning is on page 11

�� See what some of the Divisions are doing, Div 1 kicks it off also on page 11

�� Read personal stories and vignettes beginning on page 12 and following

pages �� Meet our new members in the Wel-

come Mat on pages 15 & 16 �� TAPS is on page 16 �� Financial Statements are on page

19 �� See new member benefits on page

20 �� Wreath laying at the Tomb of the

Unknown is on page23

Page 2 Blue Badge/Admin “Stuff” January 2017

STATEMENT OF PUBLICATION

The Blue Badge is the official publication of the Combat Infantrymen’s Association. It is pub-lished two times a year. Issue 1 covers Jan-June and will be published in July; issue 2 covers July-Dec and will be published in January. All official information pertaining to the Association will be found here. The Blue Badge is intended to keep you informed about the activities of the Associa-tion, not necessarily the entire veterans’ commu-nity. So, even though such items may be of inter-est to some members, you will not normally find articles pertaining to veterans’ benefits or other veterans’ issues in the Blue Badge. Each member is encouraged to communicate with the Blue Badge. Give us your ideas, com-ments, and complaints. Give us your human in-terest stories, share personal memories from your days in combat and the aftermath. Tell us what your CIA unit is doing. Because of the volume of mail received, sometimes we cannot print all of the letters. But be assured that every letter is read and considered. Items to be printed received by e-mail will be given priority. Space is also a con-sideration. The Blue Badge must be printed in multiples of four pages, i. e. 8 pages, 12 pages, 16 pages, etc. Sometimes we have too much for, let’s say 20 pages, but not enough for 24 pages, some things may have to wait. The Blue Badge is not a political tool. Articles portraying a political position or negative or de-meaning to another member will not be printed. We do not accept any type of advertising (except for Gold Support Members), and we will not pro-mote commercial products, including member written books. Finally, articles, poems, etc which are not the original work of the sender, must be accompanied by the author’s permission before it can be published in the Blue Badge. This in-cludes newspaper articles. They will not be used without editor’s permission. All items for publication in the Blue Badge must be received on or before the 15th of the month before the publication month. Since the Blue Badge is published two times a year— in January and July—this means your items must arrive at the Blue Badge on or before the 15th of December or June. Items received

ADMINISTRATIVE One of the delays that causes some confusion and ag-gravation among members is sometimes perceived as a lack of response to the member needs. The staff works hard to answer your questions, act on your requests, and in general be responsive to your needs. One of the problems encountered is requests being sent to the wrong place. In order to simplify the process, the fol-lowing GUIDELINES have been established. Please use them: �� Articles to be printed in the Blue Badge including

letters to the editor; poems, personal stories, etc, �� Items pertaining to the annual convention �� Taps notices �� Address changes �� Failure to receive a Blue Badge �� Requests for additional Blue Badges Send to: Larry Eckard CIA, Editor, Blue Badge 825C Merrimon Ave, Suite 354 Asheville, NC28804 E-mail: [email protected] When corresponding, please give your name, CIA #, address, phone number, and e-mail address. This type of information should only be sent via e-mail, fax, or thru US Postal Service, not via telephone . Items sent by e-mail will be given preference. <DO NOT SEND THE BLUE BADGE MATERI-ALS YOU WANT RETURNED>

_________

after those dates will be held until the next issue is published. ALL ITEMS INTENDED FOR PUBLICA-TON IN BB SHOULD BE SENT DIRECTLY TO THE EDITOR—NOT TO YOUR LOCAL OR DI-VISION COMMANDER. _________

Merry Christmas Not

Happy Holidays Christmas and New Years will have come and gone by the time you see this but the Blue Badge hope you had a wonderful Christmas and that 2017 will be filled with great things!

Page 3 Blue Badge/Command Structure /CIA Organizations January 2017

National CIA Command

Structure & Staff

AS OF 15 December 2016

National Headquarters is now per-manently located in Asheville, North Carolina. To avoid changing addresses each time a new com-mander or other staff member is elected/appointed a permanent mail-ing address and phone numbers have been established. When contacting the National Commander, the Fi-nance Officer, Administrative office or QM for memorabilia, please use the updated information below. Oth-er staff members will be added later.

Combat Infantrymen’s Assoc 825C Merrimon Ave, Suite 354

Asheville, NC 28804 Phone or Fax: 828-490-9303

Admin Office/Info—Ext 0 National Commander—Ext 1

Finance Officer—Ext 2 Chief of Staff—Ext 3

Sr Trustee—Ext 4 QM Store—Ext 700

1) NATIONAL COMMANDER NICK HUBBELL [email protected] 2) DEPUTY NATIONAL CDR FRED TAYLOR [email protected] 3) FINANCE OFFICER IRWIN FISCHMAN [email protected] 4) CHIEF OF STAFF ERNE BARTH [email protected] 5) BLUE BADGE EDITOR- CONVENTION COORDINATOR LARRY ECKARD 828-238-8686 [email protected]

6) MEMBERSHIP OFFICER VINCE ARFUSO 201-944-2123 [email protected] 7) JUDGE ADVOCATE Derek DeBrosse 503 S. Front St, 240B Columbus, OH 43215 [email protected] 8) QM VENDOR SUPERVISOR STEVE HUFF 239-398-7855 [email protected] 9) SENIOR TRUSTEE EARL KENNEDY [email protected] 10) CHAPLAIN COL RALPH SMITH (RET) 972-255-4537 [email protected] 11) IMMEDIATE PAST NATIONAL COMMANDER JERRY JODREY PO Box 912 Sunbury, OH 43074 614-753-6904 (NOTE-ALL ELEVEN ABOVE COMPRISE THE VOTING EX-ECUTIVE BOARD)

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ NON-VOTING STAFF MEM-

BERS

SUPPORT GROUP CDR VACANT

COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER VACANT LEGISLATIVE OFFICER JAMES DINGEMAN 703-780-0330 HISTORIAN JIM SYLDING 916-723-4523 [email protected] SERVICE OFFICER DAVE ULMER 336-357-2158 [email protected]

WEBMASTER Contact National Commander TWO YEAR TRUSTEE 10/15-10/17 VACANT MEDICAL OFFICER VACANT FORMS COMPLIANCE OFFICER LARRY ECKARD 828-238-8686 [email protected]

_________

CIA Nationwide Organizations

Division 1 WA HQ 1 1 (no subordinates)

(AK, ID, MT, ND, SD, OR, WA, WY)

Div CDR: Jacob W. Robinson 253-565-3329 [email protected] Meetings are held in Bldg 4201, JBLM, WA on the 3rd Saturday of the month from 1100—1300.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Division 2 CA (one subordinate company)

(CA, AZ,UT,NV)

Div CDR: Lorenzo Ortega 562-943-9941 [email protected] Div 2 CA H 2 1 CDR Vance Marsh 310-547-4785 [email protected] Meetings are held the 4th Saturday of the month at VFW Post 9148 lo-cated at 13932 Valley View, La Mi-randa, CA. Pot Luck lunch is served.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Div 4 TX HQ 2 1 (no subordinates)

(NM, TX, LA)

Div CDR: Tony Martinez (Continued on page 4)

Page 4 Blue Badge/ CIA Organizations January 2017

512-228-7045 [email protected] (meeting information not provided)

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Div 5 OK (4 subordinates)

(AR, CO, IA, KS, MO, MN, NE, OK, WI) Div CDR: J.L. Rhodes 580-332-8811 [email protected] Div 5 OK HQ 1 1 CDR: Richard R. Putman 580-310-1145 [email protected] Div 5 KS A 1 1 CDR: Col John W. Halladay (Ret) [email protected]

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Div 6 FL (1 subordinate )

(AL, GA, FL, MS, PR) DIV CDR: Jack Wagner 239-826-6062 [email protected] FL (SW) A 1 1 CDR: Jack Wagner

239-826-6062 [email protected]

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Division 7

(7 subordinates) (DE, KY, IL, IN, MD, MI, NC, NJ,

OH, PA, SC, TN, VA, WV)

ACTING DIV CDR: Jerry Adler 847-432-4557 [email protected] SC A 1 1: CDR: LTC Wayne Smith, Jr Columbia, SC 803-788-9358 [email protected] SC HQ 1 1: CDR: Alastaire J. Smith Westminster, SC 864-97208173 E-mail not listed

(Continued from page 3)

CIA Organizations WV Hq 1 1 CDR: John Bartlett Kingwood, WV 270-564-6610 [email protected] NC Hq 1 1 CDR: Ray Dunn Whittier, NC 828-497-6374 [email protected] OH Hq 1 1 CDR: Jerry Jodrey PO Box 912 Sunbury, OH 43074

Div 7 State Commanders Indiana CDR: Vacant Illinois CDR: Jerry Adler Highland Park, IL 847-432-4557 [email protected] Kentucky CDR: Michael Moynahan Lexington, KY 859-721-6546 [email protected] New Jersey CDR: Vacant North Carolina CDR: Vacant ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Ohio CDR: Jerry Jodrey Sunbury, OH Pennsylvania CDR: John Bauer Bloomsburg, PA 570-784-1653 [email protected] South Carolina CDR: Rick Falardeau Seneca, SC 386-299-0199 [email protected] Tennessee CDR: Vacant Virginia CDR: Melvin Littig Woodbridge, VA 703-494-4878 [email protected]

~~~~~~~~~~

Division 8 (no subordinates)

(New York)

DIV CDR: Paul Gill Bronx, NY 917-656-6841 [email protected]

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Division 9

(3 subordinates) (CT, MA, ME, NH, RI, VT)

DIV CDR: Vacant NE Hq 1 1 CDR: Vacant A 1 1 NE (RI) CDR: Albert Guarniri Jr N. Providence, RI 401-231-9258 [email protected] B 1 1 NE (CT) CDR: David Harris Hamden, CT 475-238-6444

~~~~~~~~~ Division 10

(no subordinates) (Hawaii)

DIV CDR: William Castro 808-286-9670 [email protected] www.cibaloha.com HQ 1 1 CDR: Henry Pascua, Sr 808-668-1972 [email protected] A 1 1 CDR: Michael Leite 808-965-1873 No e-mail Ed Note: This list of National CIA units is as up-to-date as possible—based on the input received. It is the responsibility of each DIVI-SION COMMANDER and staff member to review his listings and make the database manager aware of any changes. __________

Page 5 Blue Badge/ Convention January 2017

snacks became the focal point of the day. Then at 4:45 PM National Commander Nick Hubbell welcomed everyone and shortly thereafter every-one loaded up on our chariot for a driving tour through the beautiful neighborhoods of Los Ran-chos de Albuquerque on the way to Sandia Mountain. This mountain domi nates the east side of Albu- querque with its nearly 5,000’ vertical rise. A ride on the Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway (right photo) is a much sought after experience for many visitors tors. The mountain peak rises to 10,378 feet so not everyone was able to make the assent but fortunately, there was a wonderful view of the city from the Tram terminal, and at 6,560’. It was still 1,500’ higher than our hotel but offered a beautiful view of the city and sunset. The tram ride to the top was exciting and once at the peak, the view was magnificent – the sunset gorgeous. (Below photo)

Watching the darkness settle in and the city lights begin to twinkle made one think of Jim Glaser’s song “Lights of Albuquerque”. (photo next column top right) After the descent in the tram, food and fun continued at the nearby San- dia Resort and Casino, owned by the Pueblo of


Convention 2016

Sandia tribe. Here everyone enjoyed a fabulous dinner buffet, unlike anything most folks had ever seen – dishes from Mexico, Asia, Southern Home Cooking to name a few, plus more desserts than have ever been put on one display counter. We were there about two hours, giving folks time enough to enjoy a game of chance if they desired; however, we are not aware of any big winners. The tired but happy group returned to the hotel around to 10:00 PM. Friday began with a wonderful breakfast buffet in the hotel restaurant. Following that nearly everyone went on the Albuquerque city tour. First stop was the National Atomic Museum which boasted exhibits trac- ing the birth of the atom to today’s nuclear energy pro- jects – emphasizing the military application of nuclear energy in the form of weapons. From there we were off to historic Old Towne Albuquerque and the unique boutiques and shops. Lunch was on our own. Following lunch the group re-boarded the bus for the New Mexico Veterans Memorial Park and the memorial service. The Veterans Park offered a serene

and scenic place to honor the CIA deceased members. (Continued on page 6)

Page 6 Blue Badge/ Convention Notes January 2017

The El Dorado High School JROTC provided a Color Guard to post and retire the National Colors Commander Nick Hubbell and Chaplain Ralph Smith conducted the ceremony honoring the 94 CIA Members known to have died or whose death was learned of since the 2015 reunion in San An- tonio, TX. Other participants included Wreath Bearers Erne Barth and Jake Robinson and Bell Ringer Larry Eckard. Following the solemn and moving ceremony one of the Memorial volunteers CIA member Roger Knight gave a talking tour of the park, describing the exhibits and their significance emphasizing the CIB monument where a group picture was taken. Following the ceremony, it was back to the hotel to rest and dress for the Friday night dinner. The social hour with a cash bar opened at 6:00 PM so everyone could have a relaxing beverage, chat, and help Nick solve all the world’s political, social and economic problems. Then promptly at 1900 hours Chaplain Smith said Grace and the buffet line opened. The dinner included some Mexican favorites like enchiladas, Tamales, burritos, Spanish rice, pinto beans and dessert. And yes, the food was good, especially the tamales – just ask J. L. Rhodes who ate 42 (or thereabouts). The time after dinner was spent re- newing and making lasting friendships. And now it is Saturday. After an early breakfast the Association Officers met to fine tune the agen- da for the 9:00 general membership meeting. The major announcement was the location – Colum- bus, GA/Ft Benning – of the 2017 annual convention. Since this was not an election year, all current Officers except two-year Trustee, J. L. Rhodes, whose term expired, remained in place. A replace- ment Trustee will be named soon. Other items of information disseminated included the financial report, a reminder that our annual dues are now $30.00. Also, that consideration is being given to reorganizing the geographic structure of the CIA and possibly finding a commercial vendor to serve as the QM supplier with a yet -to-be-appointed member to serve as liaison/supervisor between the vendor and association. Jerry Adler provided information about the Pritzker Military Museum and Library in Chicago.


Convention 2016 This museum & library is a unique institution dedicated to improving public understanding of military history and affairs. One of the features is the oral history section where Veterans of all wars can record their own stories, in their own words, thus leaving a historical record of their service and their place in history. He urged each CIA member to visit the museum and take advantage of this opportunity. He also recommended that Chica- go be considered as a potential site for a future convention so the membership would be able to record their histories. The meeting adjourned at approximately 11:45 AM. Full details of the meeting can be found in the minutes of the meeting. Saturday afternoon was a leisure time relaxing and preparing for the banquet. Once again the social hour preceded dinner. The banquet opened with the playing of the Army song followed by the posting of the Colors by cadets from El Dorado High School JROTC. Following the Pledge of Allegiance and invo- cation, Commander Hubbell welcomed everyone then reminded us of the significance of the Remembrance Table positioned at the front of the room. Then a delicious filet mignon meal and dessert were served. After dinner Division 5 Commander J. L. Rhodes presented the Combat Infantrymen’s Association, via commander Nick Hubbell, with a magnificently crafted “Follow Me” statute dedicated to Combat Infantrymen’s Association and inscribed with the CIA organization’s name and logo. (See pho- to on page 7). Thank You J . L. and Division 5. As a final act prior to retiring the Colors, Commander Hubbell asked the members to join him as he made several toasts. The colors were then retired to mark the closing of the formal part of the evening. Most final good-byes were said before leaving the banquet room. Suddenly it was Sunday and time to go. Some had an early and quick breakfast to catch an early flight; some slept late, some got up just to say their final goodbyes All in all, it was a terrific three days. Now turn your attention to 2017 and Columbus/ Ft Benning, GA. This is going to be one of the best con- ventions in recent memory, equaling or exceeding the ones at Fts Bragg, Campbell, and Lewis. The convention coordinator has visited Ft Benning and barring some unexpected turn of events has arranged some really great activities. Read about some of the plans elsewhere in this issue of Blue Badge.

__________

Page 7 Blue Badge/ Convention/ Photos January 2017

Convention 2016 Photos

J. L. Rhodes holding the Follow Me Statue he donated to the Association. Thank you!

CIA flags in the hospitality room

Paul Gill, Division 8 (NY) Commander waiting to board the Sandia Peak tram.

CIB Monument at the New Mexico Veterans Memorial Park.

Larry Eckard, Blue Badge Editor, posing behind the CIB Monument at the New Mexico Veterans Memorial Park.

Page 8 Blue Badge/ Convention Photos January 2017

Color Guard from El Dorado High School, Albuquerque, posted and retired the Colors ant the Memorial Service and the banquet Saturday night.

CIA members at the CIB monument inside the New Mexico Veterans Memorial Park. Shown left to right are Erne Barth, National Chief of Staff; John Short, Chester Petty, Thomas Rodak, Nick Hubbell, National Com-mander; Paul Birschbach, Larry Eckard, Blue Editor; Richard Knight, Park Volunteer; Jake Robinson, Div 1 Commander; Paul Gill, Div 8 Commander; Irwin Fischman, National Finance Officer; Earl Kennedy, Senior Trustee; Stephen Hall, George Cook, Don Campen, Ralph Smith, National Chaplain.

Page 9 Blue Badge/ Convention Photos January 2017 Page 9 Blue Badge/ Con

Wreath presented at the Memorial Service. Notice the Garrison Flag is flying at half-mast in honor of our deceased members. After the unveiling. National Commander Nick Hubbell accepting

the Follow Me Trophy from J. L. Rhodes at Saturday night’s ban-quet.

Before the unveiling!

The Remembrance Table on display at the Saturday night banquet. Commander Hubbell explained the significance of this table prior to dinner.

Blue Badge Editor , Larry Eckard, holding the 82nd Abn Div flag.

Page 10 Blue Badge/ General Information January 2017

Looking for New Commander

As you all know, present National Commander’s term expires this year. So, it is time to accept nomi-nations for the next commander. This is not meant to discourage any candidate, but please don’t think being National Commander is a just a title. Be pre-pared to work and work hard. Now having said that, the right next commander is out there just waiting to be elected. Is it you? If you think so, submit your qualifications. If you want to know what is expected of the Na-tional Commander, I suggest you grab a copy of the By-Laws and read up on the job. You can find a copy on the CIA website at www.cibassoc.com. Look for the headline “members” and scroll down to the Constitution and By-Laws label, and there you are. Qualified candidates must send their qualifica-tions and biography to the National Commander for his review AND to the Editor, Blue Badge—BY E-MAIL ONLY—for publication so that every mem-ber has an opportunity to become acquainted with you. Understand, the BB has nothing to do with the election process but your qualifications and bio are of interest to every association member. In order to elect the best qualified candidate, you need to get your message out to the general membership. Your information will also be posted on the CIA website. The Blue Badge has always been and will remain impartial. All candidates will receive equal publici-ty—”air time”; however, the candidates must pro-vide their own input. Candidate endorsements from other members will not be published. Your an-nouncement and bio will be published exactly as received. It will not be edited. How you express yourself is an important qualification. To help avoid a repeat of voter fraud like we had last year—when more than 800 fraudulent ballots were cast, ballots will be numbered and sent via postal mail to members eligible to vote. No ballot will be printed in the Blue Badge. Fortunately, last year our Trustees had a fraud detection system place—which by the way worked perfectly—and the fraudulent ballots were caught. Every paid up member is eligible to vote—and you are strongly encouraged to do so. Complete voting details will accompany your ballot. __________

Let me start off with a thank you to Chris Callan from the entire membership for his outstanding contributions to this association. Many of the poli-cies now in place and yet to come are the brainchild of Chris. And yes, there are many others who con-tributed and they have our thanks as well, but Chris was the kingpin. Now let’s talk about the future. You can see from the previous column we are looking for a new national commander. If you are up to it, submit your name as a candidate. Otherwise, you may end up with the surprise of your life when you find you are the new commander from write-in votes. We are also looking for input from the member-ship regarding convention cities/sites. This year every division commander was asked to provide a member of his division to sit on the site selection committee. Two of nine commanders provided a name so the CIA Officers, using the seven sites that had been recommended chose Columbus/Ft Ben-ning for 2017. The location for 2018 is open and location recommendations are being solicited. When recommending a location for the 2018 convention give your reasons for nominating the city. Why would it be a good location for the con-vention? What is there to attract people? Is it easily accessible by highway and air? Are there full ser-vice hotels available? If you make a recommenda-tion, please do not talk to the hotels about prices, once you are quoted a price that is what we are stuck with—hotel sales personnel are masters at that it is important that you not discuss prices. Send your recommendations via e-mail to: [email protected] All recommendations will be forwarded to the National Commander and convention committee for the final decision. Every recommendation will be considered by the committee and the final decision will be made by them. FYI, one recommendation has been received. Chicago has been suggested so the members can visit the Pritzker Military Museum and Library and perhaps do an historical interview, preserving in your own words your memories of combat and mil-itary related incidents. I want to caution you, that this one nomination does not mean it is a lock in. We want other recommendations from you.

_________

Our View Larry Eckard, Editor, Blue Badge

Page 11 Blue Badge/ 2017 Convention Preview/Divisions Doings January 2017

Don’t Miss This One! Columbus/Ft Benning, GA The 2017 Combat Infantrymen’s Association annual convention will be held in Columbus, GA October 18-22, 2017 at the DoubleTree a few miles from the Infantry Museum and Ft Benning. This will be our homecoming of sorts—the third convention (previously in 1998 and 2006)to be held in Columbus. Both times were before the National Infantry Museum was finished. This time this magnificent facility is there for us Ft Benning also is going all out to accommo-date us as they have in the past. There is so much planned that it is necessary to add a day to the convention, coming in on a Wednesday instead of Thursday. Your registra-tion packet will have all of the convention de-tails. However, with the understanding that eve-rything is subject to change based on the alert status, needs of the Army, etc, following is the tentative schedule of events. On Wednesday the 18th, will be arrival date with a welcome reception and hors d’oeuvres sufficient enough for your dinner. Thursday the 19th we’ll go to a boot gradua-tion followed by a visit to the National Infantry Museum where you can have lunch on your own. You’ll start with a guided tour by the Mu-seum staff followed by your own self-paced, self –guided tour. Probably, dinner on your own. Then Friday is Ft Benning day. Here we should be able to see a Ranger graduation/demonstration, visit the weapons simulator sta-tion (no live firing because of funding), visit the airborne school, OCS school, lunch in the mess hall and whatever else we can arrange. There will be a group dinner in the hotel. Saturday will be the business meeting and election of a new National Commander. Every member in good standing (dues paid up-to-date)is invited to attend the business meeting. There is no charge to attend the business meeting; however, you will have to show your member-ship card for entrance. Banquet Saturday night. Once again we will offer a ladies outing on Saturday morning. We’ll see how that works out. Once again, the Association Officers are ex-pected to attend this convention and all members are cordially invited attend.

__________

Divisions Doings Division 7, State of Illinois

Jerry Adler, Acting Commander

Thanks to the efforts of Jerry Adler, George Hitz-man and others, Illinois now has a CIB license plate.

Once the plates are officially released, individuals will need to contact the:

Secretary of State Vehicle Services Department Special Plates Division

501 S Second Street, Room 541 Springfield, IL 62756-5100

You must show proof of eligibility by submitting a copy of your DD-214 or other documents verifying your eligibility.

__________

Division 1, Washington Jake Robinson, Commander

AUBURN VETERANS DAY PARADE As Americans, we enjoy the blessings of freedom peace and representative government because our vet-erans were willing to risk their lives. We are forever grateful to these selfless individuals. Since 1965, the City of Auburn has honored our veterans with a special observance and parade. It is recognized as one of the few regional sites in the United States. The parade has become one of the largest Veterans Day Parades west of the Mississippi. This year the parade will pay spe-cial tribute to the service and sacrifice of those who served in the Vietnam War. The mile long parade boasts over 200 entries, in-cluding over 30 marching bands, drill teams, honor guards, military entries, floats, antique cars, military

vehicles and community groups. This year’s parade found us in a soaking rain. It seems that folks were willing to brave the weather just for a look at those snappy looking men of the Combat


Page 12 Blue Badge/ Divisions Doing January 2017

Divisions Doings Infantrymen’s Association lead by John Chestnut’s 1954 Citron. As applicable verbiage seems to fail here I submit the below photos.


Representing the Combat Infantrymen’s Association and Div 1, Washington State, in the Auburn Veteran’s Day Parade are L to r: John Chestnut, Ted Jackson, Jake Robinson, and Don Bostic.

You did more than you know; thank you!!!!!!

Mr. Callen, you do not know me personally, howev-er, a few years ago I was a soldier in a very rough place in life and I now have you and your organiza-tion to thank. About me: My name is //Omitted\\ currently 32, honorable dis-charge. I was in a relationship with a child on the way and became homeless due to family issues in California. I was in Columbus Ohio when I came across your as-sociation. A few donations were made to me from your organization and with those donations, I got myself out of Columbus and moved my small family to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. I now am very well taken care of through the V.A. as well as in the community. I have always held onto the applications you gave me for the Combat Infantryman’s Association, and looked at them during the rough road as inspiration. I have been working with a few veterans in my area and a few V. A. doctors for combat soldiers helping them get housed, resourced, and making sure my brothers in arms are taken care of. I am very interested in reapplying to your associa-


You Never Know

Page 13 Blue Badge/ Personal Stories January 2017

You Never Know tion and would gladly love to help start this com-pany in my area. I am leaving my personal cell number and email, if I can ask for a your time at some point I would and am excited to do what-ever is needed to make sure that your organiza-tions name is heard for their support and desire to help those that served for their country. Again from the bottom of a infantryman’s heart and from his family, I thank you for everything you stand for and determination to never give up. Any information such as DD- 214, ERB, any-thing else is ready to send. If interested in furthering things please contact me 24/7.

__________


Web Site Kudos I went to the Combat Infantrymen’s web site. It is a beautiful job! Well done! I am truly sorry I cannot make the convention. My wife just turned 97 and I was 95 0n the 12th July. Wish you well. Mike Samberg Merced CA (3d platoon - I company - 3rd Battalion—101st Inf Regt - 26th Inf Div - 12th Corps - 3d Army—WW II) And some of us can’t remember what we had for dinner Tuesday a week ago!

__________

Keynote Speaker WW II Veteran and CIA member George Fisher was the Keynote Speaker at the 11th An-nual Memorial Day Forgotten Soldiers Outreach “A Day to Remember”. The ceremony was held on May 30, 2016 at the Palm Beach Memorial Park in Lantana, FL. In addition to Mr Fisher’s remarks, other par-ticipants contributed their time and talents with a POW/MIA Tribute, Wreath Presentations, Patri-otic Music, Military music and a USVII subma-rine torpedo. Complimentary hot dogs and chips were served following the ceremony.

A Family Affair

L to r are Zachery Matt; Nelson Mott; Isaac “Dick” Mott; Estel Matt (two different spellings (Mott & Matt) are because of a mix-up in paperwork; Mott was the family name)

Zachery Matt (Nelson’s Grandson) joined the Louisi-ana National Guard in November 2001 right after the terror attacks. He deployed to Iraq in September 2004 with Company A, 156th Inf, 256 Inf Bde Combat Team (LANG). He was in Iraq during their first free election. While in Iraq he was part of a 20 man team that pa-trolled in and around Baghdad. Near the end of this tour there were many attempts to break out prisoners from Abu Grab prison. His patrol had about 20 roadside bombs set of while they were patrolling. He returned home in September 2005 and finished his commitment in September 2007. He attained the rank of sergeant and was awarded the Army Commendation Medal. Nelson Mott entered the Army in 1943 and after ini-tially training as an anti-aircraft gunner, he volunteered for jump school. After graduating from jump school the was assigned to Co A, 1st Bn, 503rd Abn Inf. The 503rd was sent to New Guinea and after traveling through several of the Pacific Islands, they were chosen to take back Corregidor. During the 11 day battle the Japanese lost over 6,000. Only 16 were captured the rest were KIA. The 503rd lost 207 KIA and 684 wounded. Nelson was there when MacArthur made his landing on Corregidor. His battalion was sent to Nagros Island and was there when the war ended. Nelson at-tained the rank of sergeant and received 2 Purple Hearts and a Bronze star. Isaac “Dick” Mott (Nelson’s youngest brother) en-tered the Army in November 1950 and after completing basic and infantry training went to Korea as a replace-ment in 1951. When asked why he just has service medals he replied that that his colonel did not believe in


Page 14 Blue Badge/ Memories January 2017

When you hit the sack at night, just before falling asleep what do you think of? The things that hap-pened to you that day, your plans for tomorrow, or does your mind drift back to another place, another time, another life? CIA member Tom Rodak thought about Vietnam and a friend, Carl Barrish, he had not seen in over 40 years. That set the wheels in motion and it May of 2013 they met for the first time in 44 years; see their reunion picture below. Tom also put together the montage of pictures from Vietnam. The pictures are old but clear enough to get the message across. It’s never too late to reunite with old friends. It could be one of the most meaningful events of your life. Thanks Tom for sharing. If you have a favorite memory or pho-to; share it. Your editor shared on of his a few issues ago—The Story of Smell Nice!

Memories, We All Have Them

In May 2014, after 44 years, we were reunited

Page 15 Blue Badge/ Welcome Mat January 2017

Welcome Mat The Combat Infantrymen’s Associ-ation cordially welcome the follow-ing new members whose member-ship applications were approved between July 1, 2016 and Novem-ber 30, 2016. Welcome and we hope to see you at our annual con-vention in Columbus, GA. Wel-come and your input will be appre-ciated. To become a CIA volun-teer, contact your Division com-mander. The right entry denotes the conflict where CIB was earned. Members joining after November 30, 2016 may not see their name in this issue but it will be published in the next edition.

Bodden, Wayne E 6th Inf, 1st Arm Div

Dessert Storm

Bonfanti, Louis D Co C, 2/12th Cav, 1st CD

Vietnam

Brandt, Bruce Combat Unit not listed

Brandt, Lester C

7th Inf, 3rd Inf Div, Korea

Buckley, Lorenzo P 1/155th BCT, Iraq

Byrne, John P

69th Inf, 1st Inf Div, Afgahnistan

Carroll, Daniel F

Co c, 502nd Inf, 101st Abn Div Vietnam

Carter, Steven D

CSTC-A, HHC 1/118th Inf Afghanistan

Chastain, Stephen R

Co A, 4/3rd Inf, 11th Bde Vietnam

Chubbuck, Marc J

Co c, 3/172nd Mech Inf Iraq

Leavy, Eugene T 100th Inf Regt, 7th Army, WW II

Leon, Juan C

Co C, 2/101st Abn Div, Afghanistan

Locker, Aaron W 173 Abn Bde, Afghanistan

Maniscalco, Philip A

D/1/11th Inf, 5th ID, Vietnam

Marks, Michael J HHC, 3rd Bde, 2nd ID, Iraq

McIntire, James S

Co C, 1/279th Inf, Afghanistan

Minnix, Terrell O Co A, 4/12th Inf, 199th LIB, Vietnam

Moisan, Charles L

Co C, 2/1st Inf, 196th LIB, Vietnam

Murphy, Seamus W 3/69th Arm, 3rd ID, Iraq

Muzquiz, Padmapani N

2/1st Inf, Iraq

Myers, David E Co D, 2/18th Inf, 101st Abn Div

Afghanistan

Neumayer, Michael J Combat Unit not listed

Paprocki, Stanley L

2/501st Inf, 101st Abn Div, Vietnam

Peters, Eugene L Co A, 3/4th Cav, Vietnam

Premore, Christopher G

Co d, 2/16th Inf, 1st ID, Iraq

Quinn, James G Hq Co, 2/27th Inf, 25th ID, Korea

Rooks, Greg W

Co E, 1/22nd Inf, 4th ID, Vietnam

Ruiz, Henry Co A, 5/46th Inf, 198th LIB, 23rd ID

Vietnam


Crane, Andrew, J A Trp, 3/4th Cav, Vietnam

Crawford, Harry C

Recon, 2/501st, 101st Abn Div Vietnam

Curry, Jason D

Co C, 1/33rd Cav, 3rd BCT, 101st Abn Div, Afghanistan

DeGraw, Allen C

Co C, 1/327th Inf, 101st Abn Div Vietnam

DeLong, John S

Co C, 3/1st Inf, 11th LIB, Vietnam

Dunford, Michael J 1st Cav div, Vietnam

Fawcett, Gregory D

3/502nd Inf, 2nd Bde, 101 Abn Div Afghanistan

Frick, Ron

Combat Unit not listed

Garcia, DKarlos Co c, 1/16th Inf, Afghanistan

Hoelzer, Edmund L


Hornsby, James K Co B, 1/30th Inf, 3rd ID, Iraq

Huffman, Nicholas


Hutmire, Scott Combat Unit not listed

Dessert Storm

Isenbart, Matthew H Combat Unit not listed

Jennings, Frank 5th RCT, Korea

Johns, Derryl F

A Trp, 3/4th Cav, Vietnam

Jones, David E 2/5th Cav, 1st Cav Div, Vietnam

Keprta, Robert H

101st Abn Div, Vietnam

Page 16 Blue Badge/ Welcome Mat/Taps January 2017

TAPS The Blue Badge was notified of the death of the following CIA members. Names include those who died or whose death was learned of since between July 1, 2016 and November 30 2016. Names received after November 30, 2016 may not appear here but will be included in the July 2017 Blue Badge. If anyone be-comes aware of another de-ceased CIA member, please no-tify the Blue Badge and his name will be entered into the next TAPS. The entire Associa-tion grieves with the families and loved ones of the deceased. Each was a hero and the country owes him our gratitude.

Bacon, William

Died 2/27/16

Bobigian, Aram Died 04/2015

Boswell. Henry Died 11/29/2015

Calimpong, Louis Died 5/15/2016

Case, Francis

Died 11/3/2015

Dielen, Richard Died 4/8/2016

Duncan, William Died 10/12/2014

Edwards, George Died 6/15/2016

Faris, Robert

Died 3/4/2016

Welcome Mat

Ryan, Michael T Co B, 130th Inf, 3rd ID, Iraq

Schmitt, Michael J

Co C, 1/143rd Abn Inf, Afghanistan

Schwally, Fred P Co a, 2/5th Cav, 1st CD, Vietnam

Scott, Kyle D

B Trp, 2/101st Cav, Afghanistan

Schriver, Michael P Co C, 5/20th Inf, 3SBCT, 2nd ID

Iraq

Smith, Patrick A Co A, 5/7th Cav, 1st Cav Div

Vietnam

Smith, Michael R Co d, 2/502nd Inf, 101st Abn Div

Vietnam

Sorey III, John F Co a, 3/47th inf. 9th ID, Vietnam

Stredl, Edward P

Co B, 2/27th Inf, 25th ID, Vietnam

Tonika, Tom B Combat Unit not listed

Afghanistan

Turano, John J Advisor Team 76 MACV, Vietnam

Utley, William E

Co c. 1/501st Inf, 101st Abn Div Vietnam

Valenti, Phillip a

46th Inf Plt (Scout Dogs), Vietnam

Vaz, Leonard J Co F, 224th Inf, 40th ID, Korea

Whitcomb, Harold W

5th RCT, Korea

Williams, David D Co A, /28th Inf, 1st ID, Vietnam


Yeninas, Robert D Co A, 2/35th Inf, 25th ID, Iraq

Zaontz, John

Combat Unit not listed __________

Fitzgerald, Edward Died 10/24/2015 Foley, Edward Died 11/03/2014 Freeman, George Date not reported Gaudet, Raymond Died 03/15/2016 Greathouse, Hubert Died 10/18/2015 Grover, Lester Died 10/30/2016 Hagen, Lester Died 02/14/2016 Hall, Robert Died 05/31/2016 Hill, Norman Died 07/23/2015 Hoffman, Robert Died in 2015 Jensen, Jerry Died 07/25/2015 King, Col John Died 11/01/2016 Lehrer, Raymond Died 05/27 2016 Marthers, Daniel Died 08/08/2016 Palabrica, Mario Died 06/19/2016 Pitman, Lloyd Died03/06/2016 Rinaudo, Peter Died 06/21/2015 Romano, Alphonse Died 11/12/2105 Sinclair, Gary Died 12/09/2011

Smith, Larry Died 06/06/2016 Spry, Kenneth Died 03/01/2005 Stafford, William Died 09/24/2015 Stonis, Peter Died 05/21/2016 Thomas, Herschel 04/10/2014 Tomel, Joseph Died 03/25/2016 Van Gelder, Norman Died 03/22/2015 Waysylik, John Died 09/02/2016 Webber, Jr Joseph Died 07/25/2016

_________

Life

old that she was getting crow’s feet (you know those little lines near your eyes). He rushed off, ran into the liv-ing room where Fine Wife was sitting and asked her to take her shoes off. She asked why and he told her that Grandfather had said she was so old she was get-ting crow’s feet and he wanted to see them. She didn’t see the intended humor.


Page 17 Blue Badge /Personal Vignettes January 2017

A Family Affair giving medals. On his first day he and a buddy had to share a foxhole with two dead Chinese—who they used for cover during the cold night. Dick would not talk much about Korea except saying he would never get cold again. He reached the rank of Staff Sergeant, asked how he attained that rank in less than two years he simp-ly said, “Of those who were there when I arrived, I was the only one left alive.” He left the Army in August 1952. Estel Matt (Matt’s oldest son) entered the Ar-my in September 1969. After basic and infantry training he went to Vietnam in February 1970. He volunteered for the Combat Trackers and trained for two more months learning how to track and function as a member of a 5 man team. Then he was assigned to the 62nd IPCT (Infantry Platoon Combat Tracker). The team was made up of trained visual trackers and a dog handler who spent six months or more training with a Labrador Retriever. The Lab was trained to track and the handler learned the dog’s “alerts” which told the team there was enemy in the area. The combat tracker’s job was to re-establish contact with the enemy. Estel was awarded two Bronze Stars with “V” device, Purple Heart, Air Medal and two Army Commendation Medals. He left the Army in 1971. Another Mott (Cliff, Nelson’s brother) also served in WW II but was killed in a car accident in 1972. Ed Note: This is a great human interest story. There are many stories of father and son service—sometimes at the same time but not so many with four family members. If any member has a family with three or more, all with a CIB let us know; we’d like to publish it.

__________


CIA Web Site Info Members, be aware that you now have the ability to send email which will be posted on Website for anyone having comments, endorse-ments, etc regarding the candidates for elec-tion. We have a MEMBERS COMMENTS sec-tion under the MEMBER / ELECTIONS tab where we can post e-mails from members. You can liken it to a Letter to Editor section. Send your e-mails to: [email protected]

Posts must be above board and not abusive with no per-sonal attack, foul or inappropriate language. Webmaster reserves the right to post or not post, or edit posts as nec-essary to fit editorial policy.

__________

Only 10 More Days in Korea By Jess Salley

My buddy Private Kelly and I were in our foxhole December 26th 1952 when our first sergeant came by to say corporal Salley you are going home in 10 days. He said the army had a new policy that soldiers going home in 10 days have to go to the rear because so many sol-diers were getting killed just before they were due to go home. I was told that just a week earlier a soldier in our company was due to go home the next day was killed while on the front line. I was one happy G. I.! I grabbed my rifle and back-pack and got into the jeep. I was in the jeep for 40 minutes and arrived at headquarters. I was now safe af-ter a year on the front line. I was going to be at headquarters for 10 days. But after 4 days I missed my buddies. So when the jeep driv-er from headquarters told me he was taking mail, chow and one of the cooks to my platoon and asked if I want-ed to go along, I said “yes”. It was very foggy outside so the driver decided to put the windshield down against the hood. After getting everything together we were off. We went down a nar-row dirt road. The cook was sitting in the center and I was sitting on the right side. It was cold and I had a hel-met on and a blanket over my entire body. The road turned right but we went straight. There was a 10 foot embankment that we went over. I was thrown clear and landed in a rice paddy. The windshield was down which was good because if it had been up it would have rolled over me. The jeep was laying upside down. After the accident I ran to the jeep. The driver and cook were both pinned under the jeep. I tried to lift the jeep off of them but couldn’t. I ran about a mile down the road to an artillery base and told them about the ac-cident. They got a three quarter truck with a crane on the front bumper. There were 3 soldiers that went with me to the accident. One was the driver, the second was a medic, and the third was a Medical Officer Captain. When we got back to the accident the driver was moan-ing in pain. The medic gave him a shot of morphine in his leg. We hooked up the crane to the jeep and was able to pull the jeep upright. The cook wasted no time getting out from under the jeep. The driver was not


Page 18 Blue Badge/ Personal Vignettes January 2017

10 More Days moving so we took him up the road and the medic tried CPR but got no response. I will never forget what happened next. The Medical Officer took a small golden box out of his pocket. He took out a small feather, and put it under the driver’s nose, The feather had no movement therefore the Medical Officer look up and said he had expired. The Medical Officer said that they would take the body back to his unit and call graves registration to pick up the body. Surprisingly, the jeep started and we continued to our platoon. My captain and the 1st Sergeant asked what hap-pened. I explained everything and the captain told me it was the hardest letter to write to a family of the expired soldier because he was killed in an acci-dent and not in combat.

__________


Ambush at Dak Po Submitted by Tim Culbertson

At 2040 hours, 21 January 1969 a successful am-bush was conducted by a patrol from 2nd platoon, Company A, 50th Inf. Since this is one of the few perfect ambushes, I think it is important that every-one in the battalion knows how it was conducted. The ambush patrol consisted of 15 men led by 1Lt Ehrlich. The site was organized into five three man positions. The patrol was armed with four M-60 machine guns, two M-79 grenade launchers and individual weapons, Fifteen claymores were set up. Eight covered the kill zone, two to each flank and three to the rear, The ambush site was about 25 me-ters from QK 19 and the kill zone was along the road. From past experience we knew that Charlie has come to the road to blow the pipeline or plant mines. This time we came to get him. About 2015 hours the ambush heard noises to their west. In a few minutes they saw several peo-ple coming down the road. The NVA were talking, laughing and shooting holes in the pipeline. The ambush let two NVA walk thru the kill zone and waited until the larger group entered, When the NVA were well into the kill zone the platoon leader detonated his claymore and then the other seven claymores were detonated. Had one man failed to follow instructions by firing prematurely or setting off his claymore early the entire patrol would have

been jeopardized. However, discipline and training prevailed; the ambush which had been carefully planned was violently executed. Immediately after blowing the ambush fire was requested from the artillery at LZ Schueller. The ar-tillery was brought in on the areas where other enemy soldiers had been seen or heard. Then illumination was requested and two volunteers, PFC Richard A Snyder and Pfc Frankie D Thomas, joined the platoon leader in searching the kill zone. During the search two NVA soldiers were found alive. Their attempts to resist cost them their lives. The search of the kill zone revealed four NVA bodies with weapons and valua-ble documents. The following morning another NVA body was found and a wounded NVA was taken prisoner . The total count for the ambush was 5 NVA killed and one NVA wounded and captured (he later died of his wounds). Our cost was one man slightly wounded. After the search was completed the patrol relocat-ed their ambush site about 100 meters away and con-tinued their mission. If the surviving NVA had re-turned to carry away the bodies, the new ambush site was located so the could fire into the area. The prisoner revealed much valuable intelligence before he died. He gave his unit designation and stat-ed that there were three platoons of his company with him when the ambush was sprung. He also stated that he saw eight wounded NVA being carried away after the ambush. Three names have been mentioned thus far. The other members of the ambush were: Sp4 Bick, Sp4 Maklary, sp4 Wilson, Sp4 McCallister, Sgt (E-5) Galarden, Pfc Robson, Pfc Brooks, Pfc Culbertson, Pfc Hall, Pfc Ladama, Pfc Matthews, and Sp4 Ken-dall. All are brave young soldiers who are a credit to themselves and to their country. The ambush at the Dak Po set the standard for fu-ture ambush patrols in this battalion. James R Woodall Maj, Inf Commanding

__________

Merry Christmas Not

Happy Holidays

Christmas and New Years will have come and gone by the time you see this but the Blue Badge hope you had a wonderful Christmas and that 2017 will be filled with great things!

Page 19 Blue Badge/ Financial Statements January 2017

Page 20 Blue Badge/ Member Benefits January 2017



Page 23 Blue Badge/ Pace Setters January 2017

Following the tradition started by former Nation-al Commander Ray Yamrus, volunteer members of the Combat Infantrymen’s Association con-ducted a wreath laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown on November 10, 2016 in honor of Veteran’s Day. Participants (shown below) this year were Sam Fantino, Division 6; Jake Robin-son, Cdr Division 1; and Erne Barth, Chief of Staff.

The Tradition Continues

If you or a member of your Division would like to participate in the 2017 ceremony, contact the Chief of Staff, Erne Barth, for details. This is an all volunteer and highly competitive activity, so if

interested, get your name in the competition early. It is a true honor for our association to be able to participate in this ceremony, and an even bigger one for the indi-viduals selected to participate. Just picture it if you can. You are there at Arlington National Cemetery, the Tomb of the Unknown, accompanied by the Sergeant of the Guard from the famed Tomb of the Unknown Hon-or Guard. You actually place the wreath and salute while TAPS is played. How can you not get chills from being part of this meaningful event!! You get no public-ity, except in the Blue Badge, but just the thrill of being a participant is reward enough!

__________

Page 24 Blue Badge/ Sneak Preview January 2017

The National Infantry Museum main entrance. This is where we will spend most of one day exploring both the in-door and outdoor exhibits. Be sure to visit “Splinter Village” a replica of a WW II company complete with mess hall and supply room.

The famous “Follow Me” Monument at the entrance to the National Infantry Museum. This is a great photo opportuni-ty - to be photographed in front of on of the most famous military monuments.

Airborne Trainees, above, (hopefully we’ll see some of the action); Below , the convention host hotel, the DoubleTree

Page 25 Blue Badge/Brothers-in-Arms January 2017

27th Infantry Regiment Historical Society

Wolfhounds John Coon, President

If you have ever served in the 27th Infantry

Regiment at any time come and join us.

Call Tom Donovan (513) 523-1603 e-mail [email protected]

Or phone 920-918-6611

As a service to our members who belong to other associations and our fellow Army veterans, The Blue Badge offers a reciprocal ad program. We publish your association’s ad— not to exceed a quarter page in size—in Blue Badge, your association publishes our. Reciprocal ads will be printed exactly as received when received. Members of these organizations should periodically review them for time sensitive matters, address or e-mail changes. The Blue Badge takes no responsibility for the accuracy or updating. For information on or to par-ticipate in the ad program contact Larry Eckard, Editor Blue Badge at [email protected] .

Page 26 Blue Badge/Brothers-In-Arms January 2017

Page 27 Blue Badge/ Membership Application January 2017

Combat Infantrymen’s Association, Inc National Headquarters—Asheville, North Carolina Visit our website at: www.cibassoc.com

CIA MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION Please print legibly. You may use a return address label if you prefer. Please renew in Jan-Feb-Mar to help our volunteers.

Annual dues are $30.00 effective Oct 2016 (all renewal are due on or before

March 31st each year.)

Gulf War, Afghanistan, Iraq warriors FREE FIRST YEAR

LIFE MEMBERSHIPS Available after Age 70, Lump Sum $400

MEDAL OF HONOR RECIPIENTS FREE LIFETIME MEMBERSHIP

NEW MEMBERS AGE 85 OR OLDER FREE LIFETIME MEMBERSHIP

Provide Proof Of Age

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE; FOR OFFICE USE ONLY ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

CIA Number _________________________ CIA Unit __________________________ DD214: ___________________ Date Member accepted ________________ Valid Until: ________________________

Would you be willing to form a new company in your area?

Yes: _______ No: _______

Date: _________________ Last Name: __________________ First Name: ______________ MI: ___ Address: ____________________________________________________ City: ________________________ State: _____ Zip: ________- _______ Phone: (______) ______________ Email: ______________________ DOB: ________

Enclosed is my dues/payment of $ _______ for

(check one) annual: _____ life: ____ free: _____

Please fill out your application completely. Make

check or money order payable to

COMBAT INFANTRYMEN’S ASSOCIATION and mail it with your dues to:

National Commander Combat Infantrymen’s Association

825C Merrimon Ave, Suite 354 Asheville, NC 28804

Phone: 828-490-9303 e-mail—[email protected]

Form Revised 11/2/2016 All Previous Versions Are Obsolete

Membership Requirement The Applicant must have earned the Combat Infantry-men’s Badge as certified on the applicant’s DD-214, DD-215, Official US Army orders, or other official document. Date entered US Army: ________________ Date Discharged or Retired: _______________________

CIB Earned in what Action? (WW II, Korea, etc) ____________________________ Combat Unit: __________________________________ I hereby apply for membership in the Combat Infantrymen’s Asso-ciation, Inc and certify that I am eligible as explained above. A copy of the document verifying my eligibility is attached. DO NOT SEND DOCUMENTS YOU WANT RETURNED. AFTER ELIGI-BILITY VERIFICATION, SUBMITTED DOCUMENTS WILL BE SHREDDED. WE RECOMMEND YOU BLACK OUT YOUR SSN ON ANY DOCUMENTS. SPONSOR: __________________________________ CIA UNIT: ___________________________ Applicant’s signature: _____________________________

IMPORTANT – THE BLUE BADGE (the association newsletter) IS ONLY AVAILABLE AS A .PDF

Be sure your email address is listed above, if you have one. If you do not have your own email address, please provide an email address for a friend or family member that could receive an emailed copy of The Blue Badge Newsletter & print it for you – Enter Here: _____________________________________

Page 28 Blue Badge/ Membership Renewal Application January 2017

Combat Infantrymen’s Association, Inc

CIA MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL This is to remind you that your membership dues are due. We want you to reenlist today!!!

Please print legibly. You may use a return address label if you prefer. Please renew in Jan-Feb-Mar to help our volunteers. Check here if this is a new address:

IMPORTANT – THE BLUE BADGE (the association

newsletter) IS ONLY AVAILABLE AS A .PDF Be sure your email address is listed above, if you have one. If you do not,have your own email address, please provide an email address for a friend or family member that could receive an emailed copy of The Blue Badge Newsletter & print it for you – Enter Here: __________________________________________________

CIA# (if known) _____________________ My present CIA Unit: _______________ I request a transfer to CIA Unit _____________

(if applicable)

Last Name: ____________________________ First Name: _________________________ MI: ________ Address: ______________________________________________________________________________ City: __________________________________ State: ____________ Zip: ________- _______ Phone: (______) ___________________ Email: _______________________________________

Annual dues are $30.00 effective Oct 2016 (all re-newals are due on or before March 31st each year.)

Gulf War, Afghanistan, Iraq warriors

FREE FIRST YEAR

LIFE MEMBERSHIPS Available after Age 70, Lump Sum $400

MEDAL OF HONOR RECIPIENTS FREE LIFETIME MEMBERSHIP

MEMBERS AGE 85 OR OLDER FREE LIFETIME MEMBERSHIP

Complete Form, Provide Proof of age and Return Marked “FREE OVER 85”

Enclosed is my dues payment of

$ __________ for

annual: _____ life: _____ free______

(check one)

Please fill out your renewal form completely. Make check or money order payable to

COMBAT INFANTRYMEN’S ASSOCIATION

and mail it with your dues to: National Commander

Combat Infantrymen’s Association 825C Merrimon Ave, Suite 354

Asheville, NC 28804 Phone: 828-490-9303

e-mail—[email protected]


OFFICE USE ONLY: METHOD OF PAYMENT: ______________ PAYMENT AMOUNT: _____________ DATE RECEIVED: ____________

Page 29 Blue Badge/ Support Group Business Application January 2017

CONTRIBUTION LEVELS �� Bronze Level @ $100.00—receives a Combat Infantry Cer�ficate suitable for framing and hanging on

the wall of your business �� Silver Level @ $200.00 — receives a beau�ful plaque for your business. The name of your business will

be placed in each issue of our Blue Badge for a year �� Gold Level @ $300.00 — receives a beau�ful plaque for your business and a year free adver�sing in

our Blue Badge and a link on our website to your business for a year

CIA SUPPORT GROUP MEMBERSHIP or RENEWAL ~ BUSINESS Please print legibly. You may use a return address label if you prefer. Please renew in Jan-Feb-Mar to help our volunteers.

Check here if this is a new address:

Date: _______________ Check one: New Member_____ Renewal_____ Business Name:_______________________________________________ Address:_____________________________________________________ City:_____________________________ State:_____ Zip:_____________ Phone: ( _____) _____________ e-mail:__________________________ We men of the Combat Infantrymen’s Association are extremely honored for your enrollment into our Support Group Membership. It was because of the support of men women and families like you that we were successful in fighting for our Nation. The excellent business support and donations we received, both on and off the battlefield, made the difference between victory and defeat. We are now extremely honored for your contribution toward our mission to provide charitable activities throughout our nation. We are a 501-c tax deductible organization. Some of our causes are: Pride and Patriotism activities in schools, JROTC scholarships and award activities, donations to charities who directly support active armed forces men and women, donations for youth centered training facilities which encour-age and help young men and women who are in need of guidance. Use a separate sheet to tell us something about yourself, use additional pages if necessary.

Enclosed is my contribution of $ _________ as a (check one) _____ Bronze Member _____ Silver Member ______ Gold Member ______ I am already a Business Member ______ I am a new Business Member submitting my renewal Make check or money order payable to COMBAT INFANTRYMEN’S ASSOCIATION and mail it with your dues to: National Commander Combat Infantrymen’s Association 825C Merrimon Ave, Suite 354 Asheville, NC 28804 Phone: 828-490-9303 e-mail—[email protected]


(NO LIFE MEMBERSHIPS AVAILABLE)

OFFICE USE ONLY: METHOD OF PAYMENT: ____________ PAYMENT AMOUNT: __________ DATE RECEIVED: _________

Form Revised 11/2/2016 All Previous Versions Obsolete


Be sure your email address is listed above, if you have one. If you do not,have your own email address, please provide an email address for a friend or family member that could receive an emailed copy of The Blue Badge Newsletter & print it for you – Enter Here: __________________________________________________

Page 30 Blue Badge/ Support Group Individual Application January 2017

CIA SUPPORT GROUP MEMBERSHIP or RENEWAL ~ INDIVIDUAL Please print legibly. You may use a return address label if you prefer. Please renew in Jan-Feb-Mar to help our volunteers.

Check here if this is a new address:

Date: _______________ Check one: New Member_____ Renewal_____

Last Name: ___________________ First Name: __________________________

Address:____________________________________________________________

City:_____________________________ State:____________ Zip:_____________

Phone: ( _____) _____________ e-mail:_________________________________

We men of the Combat Infantrymen’s Association are extremely honored for your enrollment into our Support Group Membership. It was because of the support of men women and families like you that we were successful in fighting for our Nation. The excellent business support and donations we received, both on and off the battlefield, made the difference between victory and defeat. We are now extremely honored for your contribution toward our mission to provide charitable activities throughout our na-tion. We are a 501-c tax deductible organization. Some of our causes are: Pride and Patriotism activi-ties in schools, JROTC scholarships and award activities, donations to charities who directly support active armed forces men and women, donations for youth centered training facilities which encourage and help young men and women who are in need of guidance. Use a separate sheet to tell us some-thing about yourself, use additional pages if necessary.

Enclosed is my contribution of $ 20.00 ______ I am already an Individual Support Member submitting my renewal ______ I am a new Individual Support Member Make check or money order payable to COMBAT INFANTRYMEN’S ASSOCIATION and mail it with your dues to: National Commander Combat Infantrymen’s Association 825C Merrimon Ave, Suite 354 Asheville, NC 28804 Phone: 828-490-9303 e-mail—[email protected] (NO LIFE MEMBERSHIPS AVAILABLE)


I am a Veteran Supporter. The name of the veteran I am supporting is: __________________________________________ Or I am a family member of a Veteran. The name of the veteran in my family is: _____________________________________________



Be sure your email address is listed above, if you have one. If you do not have your own email address, please provide an email address for a friend or family member that could receive an emailed copy of The Blue Badge Newsletter & print it for you – Enter Here: ___________________________________________________

OFFICE USE ONLY: METHOD OF PAYMENT: ____________ PAYMENT AMOUNT: __________ DATE RECEIVED: _________

Page 31 Blue Badge/ Humor/Brothers In Arms January 2017

Life of and Elderly Statesman

By Ye Ole Humorist

After two years of notices, the time is here. This is the last printed issue of Blue Badge. Beginning in July you will be sent a link directing you to the Blue Badge. The link was sent to you for this issue to acquaint you with the process. If you did not receive that e-mail, it is on you to find out why. If you wish to continue receiving the Blue Badge, you MUST keep your e-mail address updated. That is totally your respon-sibility. Send e-mail address changes to: ciamemberapps@gmail,com If you are a member without a com-puter or a family member who can help you, as a last resort you must contact your Division Commander who can get you a printed copy. Do not contact the Blue Badge.

_________

Final Reminder

The week between Christmas and New Year wasn’t much to write home about. I made a horrible mis-take by doing a really good job on some of the chores assigned to me by Fine Wife. When I finished I heard the most chilling words she ever spoke to me, “Now that I know you can do this”. Heaven only knows what is in store for me now. Grandkids, what wonderful things they can say and do – how they can misinterpret and innocent remark their grandfather made. My grandson, age 9, is always pestering me wanting to know how old I am. He must have given up on me so he started asking me how old Fine Wife is. Jokingly told him that she was so


THE BLUE BADGE Combat Infantrymen’s Association 825C Merrimon Ave, Suite 354 Asheville, NC 28804

Page 32 Blue Badge /Back Cover January 2017

Non-Profit Org

US Postage Paid Ft Myers, FL

Permit # 972

The Combat Infantrymen’s Association erty and justice through patriotism and companion-ship.

�� To assist all veterans of the US Armed Forces, their families, widows and children and other selected charities whenever possible regardless of race, creed, gender, religion, or branch of service.

�� To support our Military in the performance of their duty, protect our Nation’s Flag and to support the Constitution of the United States of America.

�� This Association is organized for a perpetual term. Eligibility: To be eligible for membership in the As-sociation, a person must provide written proof (DD-214 or other official orders or documentation) of having earned the award of the CIB in any conflict. Organization: The Association shall be organized into Divisions and these in turn into State Headquarters (“HQs”) and companies and shall be known collectively as “Units”.

This organization, with historical ties to the United States Army, shall be known as the COMBAT INFAN-TRYMEN’S ASSOCIATION, Inc., hereinafter referred to as the ASSOCIATION. This name may be changed for female gender purposes if such persons are awarded the Combat Infantryman Badge. For Duty, Honor, and Country, we, The Combat Infan-trymen, shall associate for the following purposes: To uphold and defend the Constitution of the United States of America and to ensure that liberty and justice prevails. To strengthen the camaraderie between members of the Combat Infantrymen’s Association and keep alive the patriotism, accomplishments, and memory of our service and the service of those who wear the Combat Infantry-man Badge. To consecrate the memory of those who have led the way, exemplifying the Infantry Motto, ”FOLLOW ME”. The Association shall be a non-political, non-profit association The primary purposes of the Association are: �� To provide a means of communication and fellow-

ship between men and women who have been award-ed the US Army’s Combat Infantryman Badge (CIB).

�� To hold reunions at such times and places as the an-nual meeting committee designates to perpetuate lib-

Documents

2016 Convention is History - Premier Reunion Services, LLC2016 Convention is History The 22 Convention Wrap-Up is the cover nd annual Combat Infantrymen’s Association convention