october 2017 fifteenth infantry regiment “the old china hands”contact us and we will extend your...
TRANSCRIPT
October 2017
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Fifteenth Infantry Regiment
“The Old China Hands” www.15thinfantry.org
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Fellow Old China Hands,
I hope you all had a great summer. Mine was quite busy, with our annual trip to Southern France in August for commemorations of Operation Dragoon. As in each of the previous years, we participated in ceremonies on the Regiment‘s landing beach at Ramatuelle and in St. Tropez on 15 August, and followed the 3d ID’s trail up to Montelimar. A particular highlight came on 27 August when the village of La Garde Adhemar dedicated a plaque honoring the 3d ID. Soldiers from 3/15 IN were there as the battalion maneuvered toward Allan and Montelimar. The village is ranked as one of the most beautiful in all of France!
In great news, our Association vice-president, Tad Davis, has returned to government service as Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Energy, Installations, and Environment! Congratulations, Tad! Also, former 1-15 IN commander, Gary Brito, was promoted to Major General on 2 August. He is currently Commanding Fort Polk, LA and the Joint Readiness Training Center, but the new rank will surely bring him to a new job soon. Congratulations, General!
I would like to express my gratitude to SGT Jason Gaudette of 3-15 IN for the outstanding job he did in setting up the China Room after its transfer from Fort Benning. He is pcs’ing to Germany and moving on to greater challenges as a non-commissioned officer. Thank you for your outstanding contribution to preserving our Regimental heritage!
Through the great work of Mike Horn with 3-15 IN, the Association is signing an agreement with the Jacksonville Jaguars to enable 3-15 IN Soldiers who are Association members to work concessions at Jaguar games to earn much needed money for Soldier programs as well as the upkeep of the China Room and other Association activities.
Our database manager, Tom Heitzer, has stepped up to serve as Acting Association Treasurer. He has been working with Bart Viruso to transfer our accounts and with Mike Horn to bring our record keeping into the modern age. Thank you, Bart, for your hard work over the years.
We must hold an election for new officers and I am asking all of you to consider placing your names into consideration for any of our elected positions. I need an energetic and aggressive member to organize the election and produce a slate of nominees. We are also working on updating our C&BL to eliminate the Secretary position and redistribute responsibilities. The reality is too few of our members are involved in the management of Association business. John Campbell continues his yeoman efforts in upping our membership and is developing a package of incentives for recruiting. Please reach out to your circle of Can Do colleagues to get them to join up!
We have all been fortunate to have served in one of the Army’s great regiments. We should be proud of our service, and should continue to exemplify the Can Do spirit through active Association membership! I look forward to seeing many of you at our Regimental Dinner at Fort Stewart on 16 November where we can discuss the Association’s future! Please see the details on Marne Week, our dinner, and the division ball included in this Dragon. This will be a great opportunity to see the new China Room set up, meet our unit leaders and soldiers, and visit the new Fort Stewart museum! Can Do! Tim
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Association Officers and Staff
President Timothy R. Stoy 6531 Milva Lane Springfield, VA 22150 (703) [email protected]
Commander, 3rd Battalion LTC LaFran D. Marks 594 Vanguard Road Ste 3071 Ft. Stewart, GA 31314 (912) [email protected]
Editor, The Dragon Andrew G. Lerch 15302 Iris Lane Montclair, VA 22025 (706) [email protected]
Vice President Addison D. (Tad) Davis IV 2104 27th St SArlington, VA 22206(703) [email protected]
CSM, 3rd Battalion CSM Tom A. Dow Jr. 594 Vanguard Road Ste 3071 Ft. Stewart, GA 31314 (912) [email protected]
Trustee Leonard L. Lassor 690 Salman Fall Road Rochester, NH 03868 (603) [email protected]
Secretary Sam Aarons 3966 Thompson Lake Buford, GA 30519 (678) [email protected]
Chaplain Charles C. Trout 10191 Birchwood Drive Huntington Beach, CA 92646 (714) [email protected]
Trustee Warren E. Sessler 6745 S. Eastern Avenue Las Vegas, NV 89119 (626) [email protected]
Treasurer (Acting) Tom R. Heitzer 231 Normandie Drive Bonne Terre, MO 63628 (314) [email protected]
China Room Custodian CPT Dennis K. Helms 1110 E Victory Drive Apt 2 Savannah, GA 31404 (706) [email protected]
Trustee Vacant
Membership Chairman John C. Campbell 760 Flatwood Drive Clarksville, IN 47129 (812) [email protected]
Webmaster Michael J. Horn 1833 Walker Ridge Drive Marietta GA 30064 (678) [email protected]
Trustee Vacant
HSGMOR Mark T. Baker 5415 Roaring Branch Road Columbus, GA 31904 (706) [email protected]
Historian Timothy R. Stoy 6531 Milva Lane Springfield, VA 22150 (703) [email protected]
Database Administrator Tom R. Heitzer 231 Normandie Drive Bonne Terre, MO 63628 (314) [email protected]
HCOR Jerry Bates 3017 Margaret Jones Lane Williamsburg VA 23185 (757) [email protected]
Public Relations Chairman John C. Campbell 760 Flatwood Drive Clarksville, IN 47129 (812) [email protected]
C & BL Chairman John C. Campbell 760 Flatwood Drive Clarksville, IN 47129 (812) [email protected]
The Dragon is the quarterly publication of the 15th Infantry Regiment Association. It is published in January, April, July, and October. Neither its editorial nor article content carries official endorsement of the Association. Input for the Dragon is due the 15th of each month prior to publishing to [email protected].
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Taps
Richard N. McKiddy-LM Kansas City, MO SFC, C CO, 1 BN, KW, 1951-1952 DOD 06/23/2017 Reported by his wife, Barbara, to Tom Heitzer
Richard A. Robinson-Non Member Murfreesboro, TN SSG, B CO, 1 BN, WII DOD 04/11/2012 Reported by Sonya Frickey
Richard T. Klein-Non Member PFC, E CO, CW, 1960-1962 DOD 05/07/2017 Reported in The Watch on the Rhine
Cecil H. (Dick) Martin-Former Member CPL, C CO, 1 BN, KW, 1952-1954 DOD 02/12/2017 Reported by his son, Cecil S. Martin
William M. Weinberg-LM Skillman, NJ SGT, B CO, 1 BN, WII, 1944-46 DOD 09/06/2017 Reported by Nora Weinberg to Tim Stoy
New Members
Membership Report
NUMBER OF MEMBERS BY PERIOD CURRENT MEMBERSHIP BY TYPE
NUMBER OF CHINA HANDS 0 REGULAR LIFE 247
NUMBER OF WWII MEMBERS 38 REGULAR ANNUAL 105
NUMBER OF KOREA MEMBERS 137 ASSOCIATE LIFE 16
NUMBER OF COLD WAR MEMBERS 91 ASSOCIATE ANNUAL 18
NUMBER OF PEACETIME MEMBERS 16 TOTAL MEMBERSHIP 386
NUMBER OF OEF FORCES 2
NUMBER OF OIF FORCES 7
NUMBER OF GWOT FORCES 61
ASSOCIATE MEMBERS 34
TOTAL MEMBERS 386
Wayne E. Jens-CM-Reinstated Davenport, IA PVT, C CO, 1 BN, WII
Lawrence E. Bergeron Alexandria, VA PFC, E CO, 2 BN, KW, 1951-1952
Anastasia Poydasheff-Assoc. Columbus, GA Wife of Robert Poydasheff
Ted Young-LM Cedarburg, WI CPT, D CO, 1 BN, PT, 1994-1995
Tim H. Kallas Corte Madera, CA 1LT/CPT, B& D CO, 1 BN, CW 1988-1992
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15TH INFANTRY REGIMENT ASSOCIATION
DUES NOTICE
Annual Members,
The annual membership fee for 2018 is due starting in the month of October. Check your mailing label and if you have 2017 after your name your dues need to be paid for 2018. Send your check or money order and the form below to Tom Heitzer at 231 Normandie Drive, Bonne Terre, MO 63628 or go online to www.15thinfantry.org and find the “Click Here to Pay Dues” button.
Regular annual membership dues are $10.00 (current Active Duty dues are $5.00). Multiple year payments are welcomed. Life membership rates are: Below 60–$150, age 60 to 69–$120; age 70 to 79–$100; age 80 and above–$50. If you are on active duty and deployed at this time contact us and we will extend your membership until you return, but you need to let us know of your deployment status. Email Tom Heitzer at [email protected] to let him know of your deployment and we will extend your membership.
Several members have recently sponsored memberships for active duty soldiers of the active battalion. This is an opportunity for all members to express their appreciation for the service to the nation of today’s Dragon Soldiers. The form below provides a space (Sponsor Active Duty) for sponsoring these memberships. A two-year membership is only $10.00.
Contributions to the Awards and Monument (A&M) Fund or General Fund are also always appreciated and may be included with your payment. Please complete and detach the form below and submit with your dues. For those with email capability, please provide the address to update the Association database.
-----------------------------------------------Detach---------------------------------------------------
NAME: _________________________________________________________ (PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY)
E-Mail Address: ___________________________________________________ (to update Association database)
Dues Amounts: Payment: Regular Annual $10.00 Dues $---------------------------
Associate Annual $10.00 Sponsor Active Duty $---------------------------
Active Duty Annual $ 5.00 A&M Fund $---------------------------
Life See above General Fund $---------------------------
Total Payment $---------------------------
Make check or money order payable to the Treasurer, 15th Infantry Regiment Association and mail to Tom Heitzer at 231 Normandie Drive, Bonne Terre, MO 63628
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Active Battalion Update
Greetings!
This was a great training quarter for the team. Our Soldiers executed multi-echelon training to
improve their lethality and operational readiness. Despite executing the conversion from an
Infantry Brigade Combat Team (IBCT) to an Armor Brigade Combat Team (ABCT), we’re still able
to provide combat ready Soldiers to support operational requirements.
We are truly looking forward to November arriving because this marks the 100th Anniversary for the
Marne Division. We are proud of our Division and super excited about celebrating her birthday. As
always, the festivities start with the Division Run (13 November) and conclude with the Division Ball
(17 November) at Jekyll Island.
Those wishing to attend the ball are able to purchase tickets and reserve rooms now. Please visit
the Society of the 3rd Infantry Division website for ticket purchasing options. We anticipate the full
event schedule will be published in the coming weeks. In the meantime, we will continue to post
the most up-to-date information on the Battalion Facebook page to keep everyone well-informed.
Battalion Sniper Selection / Tryouts
This quarter, Headquarters and Headquarters Company hosted a battalion-wide sniper selection
tryout. Over the course of five days, twelve infantry Soldiers competed for two available positions.
These soldiers were tested on their ability to navigate while dismounted during daylight and
darkness, employ indirect fires, marksmanship and physical fitness. After the five day rigorous
training we are proud to announce our newest sniper team members are: CPL Nemitz and PFC
Springer.
China Battalion Calls for Fire
Fires is one of the six Warfighting Functions and
encompasses a myriad of assets that an Infantry Battalion
has at its disposal. At the Battalion level, fires’ plans
incorporate Close Air Support (CAS), Close Combat Attack
(CCA), artillery and mortars. Learning and understanding
how to properly employ and integrate fires is a key
component in developing Infantry Soldiers and training how
to maneuver on the battlefield with fire support.
On August 2nd, Platoon
Leaders (PLs), Radio
Telephone Operators (RTOs), Forward Observers (FOs),
and Mortar sections from Alpha, Bravo, and Charlie
Companies conducted a Fire Support Coordination Exercise
(FSCX) to validate their ability to employ lethal fires against
a stationary enemy. During the exercise, leaders trained
various tasks to demonstrate proficiency in their ability to
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plan, coordinate, and synchronize the integration of external assets. This was an epic event and
one for the leaders to remember.
Staff Training Exercise (StaffEx)
In preparation for future Brigade and Division Training events, the battalion headquarters completed its second staff training exercise. The StaffEx focused on the Military Decision Making Process (MDMP), orders production, battalion tracking, and crisis action planning. This training event allowed our staff to plan and execute a combat operation, using virtual training aids, and try our hand at fighting as a mechanized force. The training event validated many of our assumptions and refined our tactical operation standard operating procedures (TACSOP) manual and battle drills.
The training event took place at the Mission Training Complex (MTC) located on Evans Army
Airfield and lasted approximately five days. The exercise consisted of two major phases, MDMP
and simulated operations. The MDMP is a
deliberate procedure the military uses to plan,
resource, and synchronize operations. The
staff trained and worked to master the MDMP
for three continuous days before executing
multiple decision briefs to the battalion
commander for his approval.
Following the approval briefs, the staff spent
two days finalizing their plan and establishing
the tactical operations center for combat. On
day four of the training event, the battalion started its attack against a virtual enemy occupying
multiple defensive positions in a fictional country called Atropia. Executing this virtual combat
operation enabled staff members to understand the importance of cross talking and integrating all
enablers into the mission. The StaffEx was a great learning experience for all involved. It not only
allowed leaders to sharpen their warfighting skills but it also brought the team closer together both
professionally and personally.
S2 Soldiers Train Intelligence Tasks
Six soldiers from the Battalion Intelligence Section participated in a Brigade-level Intelligence
Training Exercise. The Military Intelligence Validation Exercise (MIVALEX) took place between
July 10th and July 21st and involved personnel from the Spartan S2 section and Military Intelligence
Company. The Soldiers participating in the training received extensive training on complex
systems designed to help us aggressively target our enemies. During the first five days of the
exercise, our Soldiers prepared intelligence products designed to help commanders better
understand the operational environment. The second week of training allowed the analysts to test
the accuracy of their planning products and analysis from the first five days. Analysts received
message traffic from notional sub-ordinate units, reporting from higher echelons, and real-time
reporting from organic 2 BCT intelligence collection assets including the HUMINT, GEOINT and
SIGINT sections. SPC Wooden, SPC Moore, SPC Miller, PFC Pack, PFC Sulwer, and PFC
Owens distinguished themselves from their peers and it is clear to see they will clearly be an asset
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to any formation they are assigned to. The MIVALEX definitely improved their analytic skills and
ability to convert intelligence into useful information that guides operations.
New Faces in the Can Do Battalion
The China Battalion’s “Big Five” experienced personnel turnover in the last quarter of the 2017
fiscal year as LTC Marks and CSM Dow welcomed two new members to the leadership team. The
former Executive Officer (XO), MAJ Montgomery, is now the Brigade S3 for 188th Infantry Brigade
with the former Battalion Operations Officer (S3), MAJ Patrick Tabin, replacing him as BN XO.
MAJ Erich Roberts replaced MAJ Tabin as the Battalion S3 and Sergeant Major Holmes, who
PCS’d to the 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, NY, was replaced by SGM Jeffery McCummings.
These new team members bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the China Battalion and
we are glad to have them.
Infantry Battle Group: 1st Battle Group, 15th Infantry Regiment
By LTC William (Bill) Westgard, USA, Ret.
The infantry battle group was a product of the reorganization of the infantry division in the United States Army, supposedly designed to provide organizational and operational flexibility and to counter the effects of tactical nuclear weapons which might be employed by a presumed enemy—the Soviet Union. It was implemented during the time in office of General Maxwell D. Taylor as Chief of Staff of the Army (1955-1959). He introduced the term “pentomic” to identify the new organizational structure. Pentomic consists of the term “pent” for the five (5) battle groups in each infantry division and “tomic” as a shortened form of atomic. Interestingly, although the structure was accepted and used by the infantry, the armor branch and armored divisions did not adopt it. In the long run, the structure of the armored divisions (three combat commands formed with a mixture of tank and “armored infantry” battalions, plus divisional artillery and the normal support units) was retained after the battle group structure was abandoned, renaming the combat commands as brigades.
Battle groups, themselves went through two organizational phases. Under both organizational schemes, the battle group was commanded by a colonel with a lieutenant colonel as deputy and another lieutenant colonel as executive officer. The principal staff sections were headed by majors.
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The first organizational structure consisted of four (4) rifle companies, each comprised of four (4) rifle platoons, a heavy weapons platoon, and a company headquarters. In addition, there was a heavy mortar battery armed with eight (8) 4.2 inch mortars and staffed with officers and men of the field artillery. The battle group headquarters company included:
A reconnaissance platoon of four (4) jeep-mounted 4-man scout teams (each with a1919A6 cal. 30 machine gun mounted on a pedestal), two (2) M-48 tanks, one (1) riflesquad mounted in an M-59 armored personnel carrier (APC), and a 4.2 inch mortar squadalso mounted in an M-59 APC. The platoon leader was supposed to be an armor officerbut, more often than not, an infantry officer was assigned.
An “assault weapons” platoon, equipped with four (4) M-56 self-propelled 90 millimeter anti-tank guns and two (2) SS-10 wire-and-joy-stick-guided anti-tank missile squads, which weretransported in ¾-ton trucks.
A combat engineer platoon mounted in 2½-ton trucks with a Corps of Engineers lieutenantin charge.
A communications platoon with a Signal Corps platoon leader.
A supply and maintenance platoon, which provided the Soldiers for S-4 operations.
A battle group headquarters section, which provided the officers and men for the S-1,S-2, S-3 staff sections, and the support for the battle group commander, his deputy, and theexecutive officer.
The second organizational structure added a rife company, which was created by moving one platoon each from the existing four companies and forming a fifth. Additionally, the combat engineer platoon was removed from the headquarters company and a combat support company was added. The combat support company consisted of:
A heavy mortar platoon, led by an infantry captain and 3 lieutenants (2 section leaders anda fire control officer), consisting of two (2) firing sections of three (3) guns each. The heavymortar battery was removed and the field artillery officers and NCOs were transferred to thedivisional artillery.
The reconnaissance platoon and the assault weapons platoon from the headquarterscompany.
A ground surveillance radar section led by an infantry lieutenant.
There were five battle groups in each infantry division. The was divisional artillery contained five (5) direct support 105 millimeter howitzer battalions (one for each battle group), an 8-inch howitzergeneral support battalion, and an Honest John rocket battalion. There was also a main battle tank(M-48) battalion, an armored cavalry squadron, a combat engineer battalion, a signal battalion, anaviation company, and a military police company. The logistical support units were combined into“division trains.” One of the operational concepts was to use each battle group as a command and control nucleus, attaching armor and engineer companies and providing artillery in direct support as needed by the mission. In short, each battle group could become a combined arms task force if the mission and circumstances required it.
Bravo Company Memorial Run
By CPT Michael J Proulx
Bravo Company, 3-15 IN, “Bandit Company,” prides itself on the long line of outstanding Bandit Soldiers, who have served honorably and faithfully in the past. Bandit Company regularly takes opportunities to honor the great sacrifices and achievements these Soldiers have made throughout the company’s storied history. That tradition continues to this day. On July, 24th 2017, Bandit Company continued its annual tradition of honoring the 6 fallen Soldiers who were lost in
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support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan in 2013. The Soldiers were:
PFC Barrett AustinSPC Ray Ramirez1LT Jonam RussellSGT Stephan SmithSPC Rob NicholsSPC Nicholas Welch
Bandit Company Soldiers began the memorial by welcoming the event’s honored guests, Angelina and Aryanna Ramirez; the mother and sister of Specialist Ray Ramirez. Also in attendance was Michael Utsey, a former B Co Soldier, and his wife Kristen. Following the introduction of the honorary guests, Bandit Company conducted Physical Training for the day by completing the Marne Mile, a challenging, two-mile course that winds through the woods and encompasses multiples challenging obstacles. Bandit Company Soldiers demonstrated their fitness and resolve by completing two iterations of the course. Upon completion of this, Bandit Company moved to the Fort Stewart Warrior Walk. The Warrior Walk a long row of trees and headstones that memorialize fallen 3ID Soldiers. At the Warrior Walk, Bandit Company honored the fallen 6 Soldiers by placing name tapes of each of the men at their respective sites. Everyone in the company had the opportunity to speak with the honorary guests and pay their respects in their own way. The occasion was solemn and allowed each Soldier to appreciate the memory of those that had gone before them.
While Bandit Company places a high priority on vigorous, realistic training, company leadership also understands the importance of taking the time to look back, and honor those from the organization who have made the ultimate sacrifice. It is with this pride Bandit Company continues to lead the way in 3-15 IN. “Fortune favors the bold!”
Marne Week Activities
In honor of the 100th Anniversary of the Third Infantry Division, Marne Week will occur at Fort Stewart, GA from 13 – 17 November 2017. Here is a listing of events that Association members may be interested in attending:
14 Nov 0900hrs Golf Scramble at Fort Stewart
14 – 16 Nov Static Displays (Open to the Public)
14 Nov 1600hrs Twilight Tattoo
15 Nov 0900hrs Golf Scramble at Hunter Army Airfield
16 Nov 1000hrs Museum Ribbon Cutting
16 Nov 1730hrs 15th Infantry Regimental Dinner (more information on next page)
17 Nov 1730hrs Marne Ball on Jekyll Island (more information on next page)
The Society of the 3rd Infantry Division has secured a block of rooms at La Quinta Inn of Hinesville, GA (approximately 2 miles from Fort Stewart). Call (912) 369-3000 to make a reservation and ask for the Marne Week discount (discount valid until 5 Nov).
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Regimental Dinner
The Regiment Association has decided to host the Annual 15th Infantry Regimental Dinner in conjunction with Marne Week activities and the celebration of the Division's 100th Birthday at Fort Stewart, GA the week of 13-17 Nov 2017. That said, the Association will not be hosting their traditional Regimental Dinner in conjunction with the Society's upcoming reunion in San Antonio, TX.
WHO: 15th Infantry Regiment Association members and 3-15 IN Active Duty Soldiers/Leaders
WHAT: 15th Infantry Regimental Dinner
WHERE: Club Stewart, 1020 Hero Rd, Fort Stewart, GA 31314
WHEN: Thursday, 16 November 2017; Cocktail Social begins at 1730hrs; Dinner/Formal Program is at 1800hrs
Dinner will be buffet style and cost approximately $12, which can be paid at the door.
RSVP to 2LT Justin French at [email protected] no later than 10 Nov.
Marne Ball
The Marne Ball will be held at the Jekyll Island Convention Center on Friday, 17 November 2017
as the culminating event for Marne Week activities (Jekyll Island is approximately 76 miles from
Fort Stewart; estimated travel time is 1¼-½ hours).
Sequence of Events
1730 – Social Hour / VIP Reception
1825 – Call to Mess
1830 – Introduction
1835 – Society of 3ID Opening Remarks
1845 – Posting of the Colors / National Anthem / Invocation
1900 – Toasts
1905 – POW/MIA Remembrance Table Ceremony
1910 – Historical Video Presentation with Period Uniforms
1925 – M6/M7 Video- (options for live feed, recorded remarks, or note to guests available)
1930 – Dinner
2015 – Intermission
2030 – M66 Guest Speaker Introduction
2031 – GEN Perkins Remarks
2050 – 3ID Association Gift Presentation
2055 – Retirement of the Colors
2100 – Informal Activities
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Meal Choice
1. Jekyll Island chicken: Grilled chicken breast garnished with a jumbo Georgia shrimp servedwith steamed mixed vegetables and garlic mashed potatoes, salad, dessert (NYCheesecake), coffee, iced tea, water included.
2. Vegetarian Meal: Chef’s choice (Pasta primavera or vegetable lasagna).
Cost
E1-E5: $25, E6-7, WO1-CW3, O1-O3: $75; E8-9, CW4-CW5, O4: $90; O5 & above and nonaffiliated civilians (e.g. 15th Infantry Regiment Association members): $100
Tickets may be purchased through the 3ID Society’s website: http://www.society3rdid.org/.
Lodging on Jekyll Island
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LOUIS W. PERROTTI1411 N. BeachStreetOrmondBeachFL 32174SGT, C
MITCHELL J. KOPROWSKI44 Maria AvenueSouthbridge, MA 01550CPT, 2
15th Infantry Regiment Association Tom Heitzer, Database Administrator 231 Normandie Dr
Bonne Terre, MO 63628
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