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January 2013 1 Fifteenth Infantry Regiment “The Old China Hands” www.15thinfregtassoc.org January 2013 PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Dear Fellow Old China Hands, I would like to wish all of you a Happy New Year. 2013 will be a year of change within the Regiment and the Association. LTC Kraft will bring 1-15 IN home from Kuwait and depart Fort Benning in April, while LTC Smith will be deploying the 3-15 IN to Afghanistan in the first quarter of the year. LTG Bates, our Honorary Regimental Colonel, is once again able to participate in our Regiment’s activities. In keeping with the Association’s constitution, we will hold elections to replace our elected officers who have reached the limit of their term of office. We are long overdue on elections. I am charging our Nominations and Elections Committee Chairman, Bart Viruso, to canvas the Association to identify candidates for all elected positions and have a ballot prepared for inclusion in the next issue of the Dragon. Should you be interested in standing for election to any of our elected offices, please notify Bart. These changes bring the opportunity to infuse our Association with fresh ideas and renewed energy. I ask you to rise to the challenge in standing for our elected positions, and in filling our vacant appointed posts. The Association is only as good as dedicated and active members make it. In November Monika and I were privileged to escort a group of Korean War veterans on a Korea revisit sponsored by the Korean Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs (MPVA). David Mills, Association member, President of the Society of the 3 rd Infantry Division, and President of the Outpost Harry Survivors’ Association returned to Korea with us for the first time since he left there in 1953. The MPVA did a marvelous job showing their country’s appreciation to the Korean War veterans, including visits to the National Cemetery in Seoul, Panmunjom, the National War Memorial, and the UN Cemetery in Pusan. It was a truly memorable visit for all of us. While in Korea Monika and I visited the Museum of Korean Buddhist history. We learned that during the period of Japanese occupation and the Korean War, over 400,000 Buddhist artifacts were systematically looted and transported to Japan, and others taken back to the USA as war souvenirs. Having read the past several years of US WWII veterans returning items they had taken as souvenirs when serving in Germany or France, I thought it would be a great initiative were any US Korean War veterans who may have taken some of these Buddhist artifacts as souvenirs to return them to Korea. Korea has rebuilt itself impressively from the ruins of 1953 – but much of its cultural heritage has been lost. The time has come for those who fought for Korean freedom to do the right thing and return their war souvenirs. Should any of you have an artifact, or know of a fellow veteran who does, please consider returning it. Contact me and I will put you in touch with the appropriate persons in Seoul to arrange the return. Commemorations of the 60 th Anniversary of the signing of the Korean War Armistice will wrap up this year with a large DoD ceremony in Washington, DC on 27 July. The 150 th anniversary of the Civil War continues to be

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Page 1: Fifteenth Infantry Regiment · Fifteenth Infantry Regiment “The Old China Hands” January 2013 PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Dear Fellow Old China Hands, I would like to wish all of you

January 2013

1

Fifteenth Infantry Regiment “The Old China Hands”

www.15thinfregtassoc.org January 2013

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Dear Fellow Old China Hands,

I would like to wish all of you a Happy New Year. 2013 will be a year of change within the Regiment and the

Association. LTC Kraft will bring 1-15 IN home from Kuwait and depart Fort Benning in April, while LTC Smith will be

deploying the 3-15 IN to Afghanistan in the first quarter of the year. LTG Bates, our Honorary Regimental Colonel, is

once again able to participate in our Regiment’s activities. In keeping with the Association’s constitution, we will hold

elections to replace our elected officers who have reached the limit of their term of office. We are long overdue on

elections. I am charging our Nominations and Elections Committee Chairman, Bart Viruso, to canvas the Association

to identify candidates for all elected positions and have a ballot prepared for inclusion in the next issue of the Dragon.

Should you be interested in standing for election to any of our elected offices, please notify Bart. These changes bring

the opportunity to infuse our Association with fresh ideas and renewed energy. I ask you to rise to the challenge in

standing for our elected positions, and in filling our vacant appointed posts. The Association is only as good as

dedicated and active members make it.

In November Monika and I were privileged to escort a group of Korean War veterans on a Korea revisit

sponsored by the Korean Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs (MPVA). David Mills, Association member,

President of the Society of the 3rd Infantry Division, and President of the Outpost Harry Survivors’ Association returned

to Korea with us for the first time since he left there in 1953. The MPVA did a marvelous job showing their country’s

appreciation to the Korean War veterans, including visits to the National Cemetery in Seoul, Panmunjom, the National

War Memorial, and the UN Cemetery in Pusan. It was a truly memorable visit for all of us. While in Korea Monika and

I visited the Museum of Korean Buddhist history. We learned that during the period of Japanese occupation and the

Korean War, over 400,000 Buddhist artifacts were systematically looted and transported to Japan, and others taken

back to the USA as war souvenirs. Having read the past several years of US WWII veterans returning items they had

taken as souvenirs when serving in Germany or France, I thought it would be a great initiative were any US Korean

War veterans who may have taken some of these Buddhist artifacts as souvenirs to return them to Korea. Korea has

rebuilt itself impressively from the ruins of 1953 – but much of its cultural heritage has been lost. The time has come

for those who fought for Korean freedom to do the right thing and return their war souvenirs. Should any of you have

an artifact, or know of a fellow veteran who does, please consider returning it. Contact me and I will put you in touch

with the appropriate persons in Seoul to arrange the return.

Commemorations of the 60th Anniversary of the signing of the Korean War Armistice will wrap up this year

with a large DoD ceremony in Washington, DC on 27 July. The 150th anniversary of the Civil War continues to be

Page 2: Fifteenth Infantry Regiment · Fifteenth Infantry Regiment “The Old China Hands” January 2013 PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Dear Fellow Old China Hands, I would like to wish all of you

January 2013

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commemorated, with numerous major battles being marked throughout 2013. In my role as 3ID Society historian and

Outpost Europe Secretary I will assist Monika in our two annual commemorations: 8-11 August in Arlington, VA for

Operation Dragoon; and 5-8 December in Arlington, VA for the Battle of the Colmar Pocket – both commemorations of

major interest to the 15th Infantry Regiment. If interested in participating please mark these dates on your calendars

and let me know. We will send you details.

Finally, with both battalions on the move this Spring, the question of the annual Can Do Rendezvous arises. I suggest that as many of us as possible travel to Fort Benning for the 1-15 IN change of command at the end of April to farewell LTC Kraft, welcome LTC Mueller, and enjoy fellowship as a fraternity of Can Do veterans. We will work to arrange a dinner or luncheon for our members who are able to come. Also, once we know 3-15 IN’s deployment dates, we hope our members will make the effort to see them off in true Can Do! style. Can Do! Tim

New Year’s Message from LTG Jared Bates

New Year’s Day 2013

I have a small replica of the 15th Regimental colors in my home. As a new year begins, I often find myself

looking at those colors and battle streamers (as old soldiers are apt to do) and thinking about where Can Do

soldiers have carried their colors over the years. This always leads me to consider where this organizational

journey has placed the units of the 15th United States Infantry on New Year’s Day - The unique service in the

Philippines and China, the garrisons of several stateside Army posts, long service in Germany and especially

the battlefields of Asia, Africa, Europe and the Middle East. If you talked to a soldier or family member who

had been part of the Regiment in any of those places, they would tell you stories, some funny, some of

frustrating Army bureaucracy, some of tough days and shared hardships, some of the quiet sacrifice of

families supporting soldiers and some of extraordinary courage.

The year 2013 will generate more of these kinds of stories. Those of us who have served in the battalions

of the 15th Infantry and who now watch as veterans of some of this exceptional organizational journey, wish

those now serving a safe and successful year wherever Can Do soldiers and their families serve.

Jared Bates

Lieutenant General, US Army (retired)

HCOR

Page 3: Fifteenth Infantry Regiment · Fifteenth Infantry Regiment “The Old China Hands” January 2013 PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Dear Fellow Old China Hands, I would like to wish all of you

January 2013

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DRAGON and 15th Inf Regiment Association Masthead

The Dragon is the quarterly publication of the 15

th Infantry

Regiment Association. It is published in January, April, July and October.' Neither its editorial nor articles content carry official endorsement of the Association. Input for the Dragon is due the 15th of each month prior to publishing.

****************************************

ASSOCIATION OBJECTIVES

To perpetuate and foster the history and traditions of the Regiment.

To provide opportunities for uniting past and present members of the Regiment into a close and cooperative alliance.

To promote morale and high espirit de corps among members of the Regiment. ~ To acquire and maintain a repository of regimental historical memorabilia.

To perpetuate and foster the history and traditions of the Regiment.

To assist in the maintenance of monuments dedicated to the units of the 15

th Infantry Regiment.

Send dues and new addresses to:

Bartolo Viruso, 116 Harriett Road, North Babylon, NY 11703

Annual dues $10 for regular members and $5 for active duty members, due October 1 each year.

Life membership: To age 60 = $150; Age 61-69 = $120; Age 70-79 = $100; Age 80 and above = $50.

Send or Email and news items to:

EDITOR, THE DRAGON

MSG Ed Holt 17200 Park Circle Eden Prairie, MN 55346 952-9378116 [email protected]

PRESIDENT

LTC Timothy Stoy

6531 Milva Lane

Springfield, VA 22150

703-912-4218

[email protected]

VICE PRESIDENT

Addison D. (Tad) Davis V

78 Spring Pond Lane

Spring Lake, NC 28390

(h) 910-814-1208

(w) 910-570-8027

[email protected]

SECRETARY

Robert Faulkender

813 Dalrymple Rd NE

Atlanta, GA 30328

(770) 913-0400

[email protected]

TREASURER

Bart Viruso

116 Harriett Road

North Babylon, NY 11703

631-587-0587

[email protected]

MEMBERSHIP

Michael Friend

6018 Old Dominion Road

Columbus, GA 31909

706-568-6436

COMMANDER 1st

BN

LTC Nelson Kraft 1-15

8747 Marne Road

Ft. Benning, GA 31895

706-544-1633

COMMANDER 3rd

BN

LTC Joel Smith

594 Vanguard Rd.

STE 3071.

Ft. Stewart, GA 31314

912-435-7697

CSM 1st

BN

CSM Angel Ortiz

8747 Marne Road

Ft. Benning, GA 31895

706-544-1228

CSM 3rd

BN

CSM Roger Parker

594 Vangard Road

STE 3071

Ft. Stewart, GA 31314

912-435-2798

CHAPLAIN

Charles C. Trout

10191 Birchwood Drive

Huntington Beach, CA

92646-5432 714-836-4981

[email protected]

HSGMOR

Mark T. Baker

5415 Roaring Branch Rd.

Columbus, GA 31904

706-566-5165

mark.t.baker@baesystem

s.com

HCOR

Jerry Bates

3017 Margaret Jones Ln.

Williamsburg, VA 23185

757-645-4765

HISTORIAN

LTC Timothy Stoy

6531 Milva Lane

Springfield, VA 22150

703-912-4218

TRUSTEES

Richard N. McKiddy

12105 East Court

Kansas City, MO 64133

816-509-7633

Charles R. Crain

312 Don Drive

Greenville, SC 29607

864-288-6313

Lloyd D. Whitmer

120 Ryan Ridge NE

Navarre, OH 44662

330-879-2477

Charles C. Trout

10191 Birchwood Drive

Huntington Beach, CA

92646-5432

714-836-4981

CHINA ROOM

CUSTODIAN

LTC Nelson Kraft 1-15

8747 Marne Road

Ft. Benning, GA 31905

706-544-1 633

WEBMASTER

Tom Twomey

1923 Wendover Dr

Fayetteville, NC 28304

910-484-8886

[email protected]

DATABASE

ADMINISTRATOR

Tom Heitzer

231 Normandie Drive,

Bonne Terre, MO 63628

573-358-1830

[email protected]

Page 4: Fifteenth Infantry Regiment · Fifteenth Infantry Regiment “The Old China Hands” January 2013 PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Dear Fellow Old China Hands, I would like to wish all of you

January 2013

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15th INF Regiment Association Founders

22 Founding Members

Jesse Anderson* Donald Chase Ramon Clark Charles Crain Jerry Cunningham

Edward Dojutrek* George Doyle* Tom Godfrey* Andrew Gunderson* Michael Halik

Jack Jordan Maurice Kendall Leonard Lassor Norman MacIntyre* George Mohr*

Whitney Mullen Lindsey Nelms* James O’Dell Sr.* Howard Palm* Howard Quick*

Raymond Taylor Frank Yokum*

*Asterisk denotes deceased member

Association Chaplain’s Message

During this time of year we have the opportunity to pause and think about how blessed we are to live in the greatest nation on earth. When we think of the many men and women who sacrificed so much, some sacrificed all, we realize how fortunate we are to harvest what they have sown. Those who serve in the military have a special ability to bond; to establish a new family while away from home. Loved ones and family members showed strength and bravery in a different way. They kept a stiff upper lip as they prayed and waited for their sons and daughters to come safely home. Let us never forget to thank them for their devotion and love. I spend much time reading about the founding fathers of this great nation. Just like our military of today, these men loved their country and fought for the freedom and welfare for all citizens. In addition to courage, bravery and dedication, God also gave our founders the gift of wisdom. George Washington said, "To be prepared for war is one of the most effectual means of preserving peace." It is recorded that during the Revolutionary War there were at least sixty seven disparate moments when Washington acknowledged that he would have suffered disaster had not the hand of God intervened.

Page 5: Fifteenth Infantry Regiment · Fifteenth Infantry Regiment “The Old China Hands” January 2013 PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Dear Fellow Old China Hands, I would like to wish all of you

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John Adams said, "Our Constitution was made only for a morale and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other." We, the citizens of this nation, have many things to be thankful for including each of you who served, or supported those who served, to protect our freedoms. God bless each of you and your loved one during this Holiday Season. May you also have a Very Happy New Year. Blessings!

Blessings, Your chaplain, Chuck Trout

TAPS

ROBERT E. DODGE, LM

Holly, MI

PFC, HQ, REGT, WWII

Jan 44 – Jan 45, Purple Heart

DOD January 10, 2012

Reported by Rich Heller

JACK R. WELLS, Charter Member

Alton, IL

SFC, B CO, 1 BN, KOREA

Apr 1951 – Feb 1952

DOD – August 17, 2012

Reported by George Pilkington to Rich

Heller

GEORGE E. MANN, LM

Falkville, AL PFC, B CO, 1 BN WWII Mar 1943 – Aug 1945 DOD – July 22, 2012 Reported by the Estate of George E. Mann

H. RONALD STEWART

Elizabeth, IN

CPL, F CO, 2 BN, KOREA

Feb 1952 – Nov 1952

DOD – October 28, 2012

Reported by wife Emma to Rich

Heller

DONALD H. BRECHEISEN

Conway, AR

CPT, F CO, 2 BN, KOREA

DOD – January 26, 2010

Reported by Lynn Ball to Rich

Heller

COKER N. PRICE

Orangeburg, SC

PFC, B CO, 1 BN, WWII

1943 - 1945

DOD – June 6, 2012

Reported by son C. N. Price Jr. to Rich

Heller

Page 6: Fifteenth Infantry Regiment · Fifteenth Infantry Regiment “The Old China Hands” January 2013 PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Dear Fellow Old China Hands, I would like to wish all of you

January 2013

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CHINA 6 SITREP Happy Holidays from the Soldiers, Non-Commissioned Officers, and Officers of the Third Battalion; and Best Wishes to

the members of the Association and their families for a prosperous and rewarding New Year. This time of year gives

us the opportunity to spend time with family and friends, reflect on what is really important in our lives, and refresh

ourselves to face the challenges that lie ahead in the coming year. This is exactly my intent for the Soldiers of the

Third Battalion in light of the fact that we will spend most of the next year in Afghanistan. We are currently on a well-

deserved leave period after a demanding, year-long training progression.

The Battalion has achieved significant results over the past year that began with Expert Infantryman’s Badge Testing in

January, included two platoon live fire exercise periods, and culminated in a successful rotation to the Joint Readiness

Training Center at Fort Polk, Louisiana in November. The Soldiers and Leaders of the Third Battalion certainly lived up

to our Regiment’s CAN DO motto and, if I say so myself, should make all of you proud. During the month-long training

experience in Louisiana, platoons and companies conducted a series of live fire and situational training exercises while

the battalion headquarters conducted a digital command post exercise. The rotation concluded with a week-long,

brigade force-on-force exercise against the Geronimo Opposing Forces of the 1-509th Airborne. We held our own,

earned high marks from the Observer Controller-Trainers, and improved our combat proficiency. We are now

postured to take the Colors of the Fifteenth Regiment to Afghanistan for the first time.

I would like to announce and congratulate C Co’s 1SG Mark Mulalley and B Co’s 1SG Jason Buda on their selection to

Sergeant Major. As result of their promotion and upcoming attendance at the Sergeants Major Academy, several

senior NCO moves were required in the Battalion. 1SG Kieron Vernon moved from A Co to HHC, SFC Andre Green and

SFC Joseph Wertz stepped up as the A Co and B Co First Sergeants, respectively, and we welcome 1SG Michael

Schneider to the Battalion as the C Co First Sergeant. The Battalion certainly has a stable of high quality Senior NCOs

that will ensure the success of our upcoming mission. The last change I would like to announce is the departure of CPT

Ben Smith, who served the Battalion as Intelligence Officer and HHC Commander, and the arrival of CPT Wes Sparks as

the new HHC Commander. Congratulations to both fine officers.

Finally, thanks to the veterans of the Fifteenth Regiment and the members of the Association for your service to the

Nation and for the reputation you have built over the years. The current Soldiers of the Third Battalion are proud to

be part of this historic organization and look forward to adding to your legacy in the year to come.

CAN DO!

LTC Joel Smith

Page 7: Fifteenth Infantry Regiment · Fifteenth Infantry Regiment “The Old China Hands” January 2013 PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Dear Fellow Old China Hands, I would like to wish all of you

January 2013

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Soldier launches RAVEN Unmanned Aerial System at Ft. Polk, La. Son welcomes “CAN DO” Dad

home from JRTC

Third Battalion Leadership at Fort Polk upon completion of JRTC Training Rotation

Page 8: Fifteenth Infantry Regiment · Fifteenth Infantry Regiment “The Old China Hands” January 2013 PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Dear Fellow Old China Hands, I would like to wish all of you

January 2013

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DRAGON 6 SITREP

Distinguished Members of the Regiment;

Happy Thanksgiving, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from Kuwait! November has come to a close and that

means one more month closer to our Families being reunited. Similar to the previous five months, November was just

as busy for the battalion here. The one difference, however, has been the weather. The temperatures are

considerably cooler and we have received a significant amount of rain. The change in weather conditions has been a

welcomed relief from the oppressive heat that we encountered throughout the summer.

November provided the battalion with several unique opportunities to train with our Kuwait counterparts as well as

our Sister Services. Part of our mission here in Kuwait is to partner with our host nation’s forces and we executed that

to the fullest extent. Destroyer Company and Baker Company both participated in live fire training events with two of

the Kuwaiti Brigades we are partnered with. These training opportunities are unique to our mission here and provide

Soldiers, regardless of rank, with an opportunity to learn valuable lessons on how we fight together. In one of the

training exercises, the CAN DO Battalion partnered with a United States Marine Corps unit and a Kuwaiti Unit to

enhance our capabilities. This training event provided us with a chance to learn varying tactics and techniques,

ultimately increasing the overall capacity of the battalion. These partnerships also expose our Soldiers to differing

cultures and build lasting relationships between our forces.

Our partnership has not been strictly training focused as a number of Soldiers have competed in various sporting

events and cultural exchanges with our Kuwait friends. Crusader Company participated in a combined sports day that

included soccer, volleyball, and tug of war. It is amazing to see the interaction between the Kuwaiti Army and our

Page 9: Fifteenth Infantry Regiment · Fifteenth Infantry Regiment “The Old China Hands” January 2013 PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Dear Fellow Old China Hands, I would like to wish all of you

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Soldiers. The common understanding and respect we have for each other has only been solidified by our increased

interaction away from the training environment. These are relationships our Soldiers will cherish and remember for a

long time.

As many of you know, we celebrated Veterans Day in a very special way this year with a CAN DO Weekend! We kicked

off the weekend with a 6 mile obstacle course competition, followed by a combatives competition and wrapped it all

up with a video teleconference with members of the Regimental Association that reside in the Columbus/Phenix

City/Fort Benning area (led by our Honorary Regimental CSM – CSM(R) Baker) – additionally, throughout the entire

weekend, every company had a special viewing of “To Hell and Back”. The Soldiers absolutely loved the weekend and

definitely felt more appreciative to our Veterans as a result.

Thanksgiving was equally an eventful day for us here on Camp Buehring. The day was complete with turkey and

football as the battalion hosted a flag football tournament. A total of six teams competed in the annual Turkey Bowl

throughout the day, with the NCO team slipping by the CPT and above team in the championship game. The outcome

of the game is still under protest and will likely be settled around the Christmas timeframe. The day provided our

Soldiers with time to relax and enjoy some time away from the rigors of training.

The Holiday Season is upon us and we continued to be amazed at the incredible support our Soldiers have received.

From countless boxes from Hugs for Our Soldiers to the endless flow of care packages from our family and friends, our

Soldiers are well taken care of. Across the battalion, every Soldier is working hard to ease our way through this

potentially difficult time. CSM Ortiz and I cannot be more proud of our Soldiers, our Families and our Regiment.

Please continue to keep our Soldiers and families in your prayers. It continues to be our distinct honor to answer our

country’s call to duty with a loud and thunderous…CAN DO!

Dragon 6 and 7

(Above left) Infantrymen assigned to the 15th

Infantry Regiment, 3rd

Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd

Infantry Division, stack

before clearing and securing a building, one of the final tasks of Hammer Strike, a brigade level exercise conducted at the Udairi

Range Complex near Camp Buehring, Kuwait.

(Above right) Soldiers from Hardrock Company Dismount from their Bradley to assault the shoot house on the objective and

secure a High Value Individual during Hammer Strike.

Page 10: Fifteenth Infantry Regiment · Fifteenth Infantry Regiment “The Old China Hands” January 2013 PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Dear Fellow Old China Hands, I would like to wish all of you

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(Above left) Soldiers from Crusader Company carry their own across the finish line during the “Can Do Mudder” competition in

mid-November.

(Above right) As Part of the “Can Do Mudder” competition, the participants had to low crawl through a 100-meter mud pit

before making the half-mile run to the finish line.

A Student Gets Association Members’ Help

Destani Jade Skillings, 13, Faith Middle School, Ft. Benning, Georgia

Editor’s Note: Once again, our Association was approached to see if members could assist in a query that came via email. This time, it was to provide resource information on a school project for a 13-year-old student of one of our active duty Association members who was deployed. His wife summed it all up in a follow up email after receiving assistance: Email received by Nichole M. Aranda, mother of Destani Jade Skillings: Recently, my husband, SGT Simon Aranda, contacted you for assistance for our 13-year-old daughter who was doing a project on MAJ Audie Murphy. For myself, this project was a walk in the park, due to the fact that he is my favorite US Soldier of all times. I was spitting out facts and dates to my daughter left and right. The hard part was finding the references and resources to use as citations for the report. Sayers library had been closed due to relocation, again, and we did not know where else to turn. I would like to thank you and your comrades for your assistance. We have now finished part one of her project, and it makes the next two steps seem a bit easier for her to tackle. Thanks to you guys, she got a great review from her Language Arts teacher and has asked to share her project with the class!

Page 11: Fifteenth Infantry Regiment · Fifteenth Infantry Regiment “The Old China Hands” January 2013 PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Dear Fellow Old China Hands, I would like to wish all of you

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I have attached a copy of her project to share with you because she is proud of it. I am sure you guys would be also. Again thank you very much! Sent by: Nicole M. Aranda

Korea Veteran Finds Some History at a Yard Sale Association member and Korean War veteran, Virgil K. Hawn of Fairland, Indiana, made a find at a yard sale recently and sent his find to the Editor of the DRAGON. The cover of this book “3rd Infantry Division in World War II”, volume one, is pictured below. Hawn actually served as a SSG with Company B, 15th Infantry Regiment in Korea in 1952. Hawn wrote in his accompanying letter, “This farm boy was never so cold, never so wet or hot” during his two winters and one summer in Korea. Hawn wrote, “I was glad to have served in the 15th even if it was the cold I remember as the worst feature. I will soon be 84 and still hate the winters.”

Sent by Virgil K. Hawn, Korea War Veteran who served with Company B

Page 12: Fifteenth Infantry Regiment · Fifteenth Infantry Regiment “The Old China Hands” January 2013 PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Dear Fellow Old China Hands, I would like to wish all of you

January 2013

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MEMBERSHIP REPORT October 2012

Eligibility:

Regular: Persons eligible for regular membership are those with present or prior honorable

service with the Regiment or units attached or supporting the Regiment.

Associate: Spouse, parents, children or siblings of any person eligible for regular

membership and any person with a special interest or affinity for the 15th Infantry Regiment.

New Members

The following are new members from the 1-15th Infantry 10/22/2012

Abeyta, Brandan L. Henson, Jared C. Perry, Mareus J.

Bailey, Christopher W. Herbert, Donald Pickett, Walsing C.

Baumgartner, Damian E. Hinton, Anderson D. Plemons, Westley T.

Berg, Geoffrey H. Hobbs, Nicholas O. Pullens, Jacob R.

Black, Timothy A. Hoey, Jacob Ramirez, Jose A.

Brovont, Cameron E. Howard, Sean P. Remillard, Jarod R.

Bryant, Sean C. Hughes, Justin K. Roldan, Ismael

Bushert, Kyle J. Hullum, Ronald M. Sanders, Michael W.

Carr, Michael J. James, Cedrick D. Schneider, Judd M.

Collins, Joshua J. Joel, August Smith, Joshua B.

Cotner, Matthew E. Jordan, Rodney D. Smith, Willie L.

Cotton, Brandon L. Lehman, Patrick J. Taylor, James C.

Croson, Dustin W. Lyles, Ashanti Teems, Michael J.

Cross, Christopher M. Mack Jr, Robert R. W. Thomas, Joseph S.

Crutchfield, Kyle J. Madison, Tamika S. Torrence, Sheronda L.

DuBois, Jonathan J. Marcum, Ray E. Vegafnia, Joshua J.

Faircloth, Stephen S. Marte, Rafael I. Walker, Thaddus D.

Fensterer, James W. McCulloch, Daniel E. Williams, Toccaro T.

Fletcher, Cody P. McEntyre, Shannon L. Williamson, Christopher B.

Garard, Karlos D. Murray, Douglas P. Wolfe, Michael C.

Head IV, William O. Neverswander, Trevor D.

Hendrick, Monicomaric Origies, John H.

Page 13: Fifteenth Infantry Regiment · Fifteenth Infantry Regiment “The Old China Hands” January 2013 PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Dear Fellow Old China Hands, I would like to wish all of you

January 2013

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The following are new members from the 3-15th Infantry 10/22/2012

Allen, John M. Green, Austin R. Pagels, Neil D.

Barrera, Ildefonso M. Hall, Malcolm H. Pizzute, Greg P.

Black, Curtis P. Hallmark, Alex R. Randolph, Mario J.

Brown, Anthony G. Hanley, James T. Robertson, James D.

Burley, David A. Herold, Clinton N. Rodgers, Cameron W.

Carlsberg, James D. Houlihan, Thomas Salazar, Miguel A.

Carney, Zachary A. Hughes, Jonathan V. Saxe, Tyler M.

Cerisier, Schoultz B. Huskey, Noah A. Schauland, Koleby P.

Chavez, Genardo Isergo, Dirk N. Skrabo, Cody S.

Cone, Ben M. Ivester, Tyler K. Smith, Riley C.

Cooper, Troy W. Jensen, Jared P. Soto, Rafael

Douglas, William M. Lang, Thomas B. Thrasher, Michael L.

Elmore, Brandon T. LaPointe, Ryan J. Tripp Jr, William A.

Evans, Christopher D. Larsen, Roland E. Urbarek, Anthony J.

Feezor, James K. Malone, Dillen A. Waggener, Samuel P

Forsythe, Scott B. McArdle, Kyle T. Wash, John

Garcia, Javier McLaughlin, Alphonso A. Worthington, Jeremy J. N.

Gilson, Donald W. Mikkelson, James A. York, Kyle G.

Gottshall, Kenton C. Noreen, Nicholas T. Zamarripa, Hector

Graham, Nolan L. Ogle, Corey L. Zaragoza, Jonathan

Graves, Kyle Pabey, Sean D.

Green, Andre T. Padilla, Michael A.

The following are new members from the 3-15th Infantry 11/05/2012

Allen, Bradford C Euzebe, Jaime D Miller, Stephen L

Baki, John H Fell, Danial C Parker, Roger d

Bastanzi, Joseph K Grogan, Tyler J Pendleton, Joseph E

Boring, Michial E Habick, Kevin J Rasmussen, Matthew S

Bradley, Kyle S Hauser, Daniel G Remauro, Michael

Carter, Marcus A Hogan, Nathan W Sanders, Jason B

Chang, Danny H Janis, Tony C Sanford, Jason D

Cochran, Elliot B Kitch, Matthew D Semple, Jaston S

Cole, Tyler B Leal, Miguel Sinsel, Christopher S

Crimmins, Michael P Leyda, Christopher L Smith, Benjiman A

Diaz, Andrew C Meiers, Richard L Troxclair, Brad

Edwards, Michael C Mertz, David M Vernan, Kienan

Page 14: Fifteenth Infantry Regiment · Fifteenth Infantry Regiment “The Old China Hands” January 2013 PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Dear Fellow Old China Hands, I would like to wish all of you

January 2013

14

New Members (Continued)

THOMAS J. WITKOWSKI WILLIAM D. VAUGHN DANIEL BRITTON JOHN A. BATTAGLIA LM Hinesville, GA 31313 Phenix City, AL Powell, TN Staten Island, NY 2LT, 2 BN, RA CPT, HHC $ A CO, 1 BN, RF SGT, A CO, 3 BN, RF SFC, MED CO, REGT, KW Jan 2012 - Oct 2010 - Dec 2008 – Oct 2012 May 1951 – May 1954 - BAE SUK LEE LM CURTIS L. INGRAM WILLIAM L. COOPER DOUGLAS A. NORTON Cincinnati, OH Savannah, GA Los Angeles, CA Pembroke, GA INTERPRETER, KW SSG, HHC, 3 BN, RF E-1, CW 1SGT, E CO, 3 BN, RF Dec 1950 – Mar 1951 2010 - Jan 1980 – Sep 1983 Oct 2011 -

ANDREW A. BARCELLONA. MICHAEL P. SCHNEIDER Brick, NJ Midway, GA SSG, HHC, 1 BN, CW 1SGT, C CO, 3 BN, RF May 1966 – May 1967 Oct 2012 -

Number of Members 478

By Periods CH 2 WWII 74 KW 197 CW 75 OIF 74 Current Forces 360 ASSOC 21

By Type

Regular Life 268 Regular Annual 514 Assoc Life 10 Assoc Annual 11

Total 803

Members with 1-15th

Infantry 244

Members with 3-15th

Infantry 115

Would you like to sponsor a membership for Active Duty soldiers? For each $10.00 contribution an Active

Duty soldier can be brought on the rolls for two years. If interested, make contributions to the Association

Treasurer, address shown on page 2

Page 15: Fifteenth Infantry Regiment · Fifteenth Infantry Regiment “The Old China Hands” January 2013 PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Dear Fellow Old China Hands, I would like to wish all of you

January 2013

15

FINANICAL REPORT FOR 2012

$2,224.02 AS OF 01/01/12 $3,368.00 DUES

$ 550.00 LIFE MEMBERS $6,005.00 DINNER $1,925.00 RAFFLE

$14,072.02 GROSS

DISBURSEMENTS

$ 500.00 RAFFLE WINNERS

$5,678.81 FOR DINNER IN SAVANNAH $2,295.62 PRINTING OF DRAGON $ 820.42 MAILING OF DRAGON

$ 206.00 LIFE MEMBERSHIP PINS $ 80.70 PRINTING OF RAFFLES

$ 390.92 POSTAGE $ 242.00 WEBSITE $ 142.45 YAHOO

$ 79.50 SERVICE CHARGE $10,441.02 TOTAL DISBURSEMENTS

ON HAND AS OF 11/30/2012 $3,631,00 IN CHECKING

LIFE MEMBERSHIP ACCOUNT IN A CD IS $30,731.42 SAVINGS ACCOUNT $10,688.30

Bart Viruso Treasurer

15th Infantry Association

Page 16: Fifteenth Infantry Regiment · Fifteenth Infantry Regiment “The Old China Hands” January 2013 PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Dear Fellow Old China Hands, I would like to wish all of you

January 2013

16

15th Infantry Regiment Association

Tom Heitzer, Database Administrator

231 Normandie

Bonne Terre, MO 63628

Address Service Requested

Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage Paid

Permit # 111 Bonne Terre, MO