war of 1812 ww i mexican-ameri- ww ii can …cottonbalers.com/newsletters/pdf/2014-03.pdf · 7 i r...

THE 7th INfANTRY REGIMENT ASSOCIATION

Volume xxV No. 3 The Cottonbaler Summer 2014

THE COTTONBALER

WAR Of 1812

MExICAN-AMERI-

CAN WAR

CIVIL WAR

INDIAN WARS

SPANISH- AMER-

ICAN WAR

PHILIPPINE IN-

SURRECTION

WW I

WW II

KOREA

VIETNAM

COLD WAR

SOUTHWEST ASIA

IRAQ

Ceremony commemorating the 7th Infantry Regiment's actions

at Berchtesgaden on 5 May 2014

7th Infantry Regiment Association


ASSOCIATION OFFICERS

••••••••••

Honorary Colonel of the Regiment:

LTG John M. LeMoyne, USA Ret.

Honorary Sgt Major of the Regiment:

CSM Curley Faulk, USA Ret.

[email protected]

President:

David Jensen

212 Hartwood Drive

Gadsen, AL 35901

[email protected]

Immediate Past President:

David Spanburg

2783 Grovemore Lane

Vienna, VA 22180

703-283-6843

[email protected]

1st Vice President:

Joe Washart

504 Brooke Avenue

Magnolia, NJ 60106

856-783-4291

2nd Vice President and Chaplain:

Father Philip G. Salois, M.S.

16 Sharon Parkway

North Smithfield, RI 02896

401-769-3040

617-930-5208 (cell)

[email protected]

Secretary:

Roland B. Merson

60 Tipper Drive

Dryfork, WV 26263

304-866-4288

[email protected]

Treasurer:

Ronald L. Bertha

7610 Springfield Hills Drive

Springfield, VA 22153-3127

703-455-5240

[email protected]

Editor:

David Spanburg

2783 Grovemore Lane

Vienna, VA 22180

703-283-6843

[email protected]

Board of Directors:

Stephen C. Borkowski *129 Granville ArchSmithfield, VA [email protected]

Kent Cowel

148 Welch Avenue

Berthoud, CO 80513-1309

303-431-6671

[email protected]

Greg Cullison *2838 Stone Mill PlBeavercreek, OH [email protected]

Shawn HuebnerPO Box 796Lake Butler, FL [email protected]

Albert J. Watson

15017 SE Stevenson Drive

Vancouver, WA 98683-8336

360-892-7431

[email protected]

Historian:

Dr. John C. McManus

2560 Hidden Meadow Lane

St. Louis, MO 63021-7824

314-965-8321

[email protected]

Historian Emeritus:

Sherm Pratt (in memoriam)

Belgian Liaison Officer:

Bob Boucart

BLVD Anspach 17-B36

1000 Brussels, Belgium

Phone: 011-32222177296

[email protected]

2d Battalion, 7th Infantry

LTC Chad Chalfont, USA, CDR*

CSM Anthony Walker, USA, CSM*

3d Battalion, 7th Infantry

LTC Scott Shaw, USA, CDR*

CSM Todd Galindo*

_______

* Denotes active duty

OBJECTIVES

of the

7TH INFANTRY REGIMENT

ASSOCIATION

••••••••••1. To create and perpetuate a viable

and cohesive national organization for

the purpose of enjoying the camaraderie

and unique membership, and in unison,

voice concern for the protection of our

cherished American ideals and our indi-

vidual way of life.

2. To support the military policy that

maintains reasonable but strong nuclear

and conventional, combat-ready regular

and reserve component forces, able to

provide adequate national security for

our nation and its people.

3. To foster the development of good

citizenship, patriotism, and leadership

in our American youth, the future of our

nation.

4. To insure that posterity is constantly

reminded of those instances of service,

sacrifice, and dedication to the preser-

vation of our nation’s liberty and free-

dom by celebrating those dates that

recall the sacrifices made by the Armed

Forces of the United States, and espe-

cially the 7th Infantry Regiment and its

component units.

5. To encourage and achieve the mu-

tual benefit and support resulting from

a close and cooperative alliance between

the Association and the active units of

the 7th Infantry Regiment in the United

States Army.

The Cottonbaler is an official,

quarterly publication of the

7th Infantry Regiment

Association

PLEASE SEND ANY

ADDRESS CHANGES

OR CORRECTIONS TO

Roland B. Merson

60 Tipper Drive

Dryfork, WV [email protected]

Check out our website: www.cottonbalers.com


Volume xxV No. 3 The Cottonbaler Summe 2014

President’s Page: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4by Dave Jensen

Membership Profile. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Quartermaster Corner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

2nd BN Commander’s Comments: . . . . . . . 6by LTC Chad Chalfont

New Members . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

List of Contributors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Taps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Chaplain’s Corner

by Father Phil Salois . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

3rd BN Commander’s Comments. . . . . . . . 10by LTC Scott Shaw

A Cottonbaler in Germany

by CSM Jeffrey Dillingham. . . . . . . . . . 14

Budget Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Membership/Donation Form. . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Campaign Participation Credit . . . . . . . . . 16

TABLE OF CONTENTS

EDITOR: DAVID SPANBURG

Page layout for this newsletter by:

Elizabeth H. Cottrell

RiverwoodWriter, LLC, Maurertown, VA 22644

540-436-3969 • www.RiverwoodWriter.com

Printed by:

Narrow Passage Press (The Print Shop), Woodstock, VA 22664

540-459-4000 • www.ournewspaper.net/

DISCLAIMER

•••••

While material received for publication is screened for relevance,

good taste and general content, the Editor is not responsible for its tech-

nical accuracy. If readers wish to challenge the accuracy of an article

published in The Cottonbaler, whether contributed by an Association

member or reprinted from an outside source, they are welcome to do

so by writing to the Editor and explaining the basis for the challenge.

Such letters will also be published, if appropriate.

Receive Your Cottonbaler

Newsletter

Electronically via Email

To help save printing and mailing costs, mem-bers may now receive their CottonbalerNewsletter via email. Email versions will ar-rive about 2 weeks before members receive itin the mail.

If you are interested in this option, pleaseemail our Secretary, Roland Merson, at [email protected]. You can change your mindany time and go back to receiving yournewsletter by regular mail.

Members, particularly Life Members who nolonger have to pay the annual membershipfee, are encouraged to donate toward the op-erating expenses of the Association each year.Send your contribution directly to our treas-urer, Ron Bertha, 7610 Springfield Hills Drive,Springfield, VA 22153.

Cottonbalers on Facebook:www.facebook.com/groups/28462933742/

B/2-7 conducting gunnery training on Table VI



PRESIDENT’S PAGE.....

I send greetings to all the members of the 7th

Infantry Regiment Association (Cottonbalers),

along with my sincere best wishes that you and

your families are all doing well.

I am very pleased to report that the 7th In-

fantry Regiment (Cottonbalers) and the 7th In-

fantry Regiment Association (Cottonbalers)

both survived the latest round of “improve-

ments”, “streamlining” and “sequestration”

changes enacted by the U.S. Government and

the Department of Defense. The Regiment is

very pleased to continue to have two active

duty battalions in the Army inventory. The 2nd

Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment (Willing and

Able) of the 1st Armored Brigade Task Force

(Raiders), 3rd Infantry Division is under the

command of LTC Chad C. Chalfont and Com-

mand Sergeant Major Anthony Walker. The

3rd Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment (Cotton-

balers) of the 4th Infantry Brigade Task Force

(Vanguard), 3rd Infantry Division is under the

command LTC Scott A. Shaw and Command

Sergeant Major Todd D. Galindo. As always we

stand proud of our active duty brothers. Damn

Fine Soldiers! Cottonbalers By God!

I am also pleased to report that the U.S. Army

G-1, has apparently rescinded its deactivation

of AR 600-82, The Army Regimental System,

and the Regimental and Corps Enhancements

to include the Honorary Colonel of the Regi-

ment (HCoR), and the Honorary Sergeant

Major of the Regiment (HSGMoR) programs.

The 7th Infantry Regiment Association (Cot-

tonbalers) is proud to continue to have our Hon-

orary Colonel of the Regiment, LTG (R) John

M. LeMoyne, and our Honorary Sergeant Major

of the Regiment CSM (R) Curley Faulk with

our Association.

Congratulations go out to our Associations 2nd

Vice President, and Chaplain, Phillip G. Salois,

M.S., better known to all of us as “Father Phil”.

On Saturday, 22 March 2014, Father Phil was

awarded the 2014 Veteran-of-the-Year Award

for the City of Woonsocket, Rhode Island. The

award was presented by the United Veterans

Council at a ceremony attended by over 200, in-

cluding state and local government officials. All

Cotttonbalers are very proud of his heroic com-

bat service, his work with the 7th Infantry Reg-

iment Association (Cottonbalers), and the work

he does every day with fellow veterans. Well

done Cottonbaler!

I want to express the congratulations and ap-

preciation of all 7th Infantry Regiment Associ-

ation members to the officers and board

members elected on the 2014 7th Infantry Reg-

iment Association Ballot. Roland Merson will

continue to serve as the Association Secretary,

Ron Bertha as the Treasurer, and Steve

Borkowski and Greg Cullison will continue to

serve as Board Members. We welcome Shawn

Huebner to his first term as Board Member.

Thanks to all of you for what you have done and

are doing for the 7th Infantry Regiment Asso-

ciation (Cottonbalers).

We are right at one year out from the 7th In-

Association President Dave Jensen



fantry Regiment Association (Cottonbalers)

2015 Reunion in New Orleans, the Bicenten-

nial Celebration of the Regiment getting its

name at Chalmette Plantation during the War

of 1812. Make sure you mark your calendars

now for 28-31 May 2015, and look for details in

future mailings and newsletters. Again we are

planning to make this an event worthy of the

Bicentennial Celebration of the premier Regi-

ment in the United States Army. Look up an

old Damn Fine Soldier you might have served

with and bring them along. We welcome your

thoughts, and if you are willing to assist in

making this reunion and celebration special for

all Cottonbalers past, present and future con-

tact me at [email protected] or

256.485.5692!

VOLENS ET POTENS

Dave ♦

Our Association Quartermaster is Leonard W. Collins. The entire selection of Cottonbaler items

can now be seen on his website where he is set up to accept MasterCard or Visa.

Website: www.military-honors.com

E-Mail: [email protected] or [email protected]

Phone: 803-300-2554 or Toll free: 1-866-946-6677

7th INF REGT ASSOCIATIONMEMBERSHIP PROFILE

As of 10 June 2014DUES STATUS: None due (LM, HON, CG, PM) 318Annual renewals for 2013 – 2014 133Annual renewals for 2014 - 2015 15

___Total Members 466

CATEGORY SUMMARY:

Served with the 7th Infantry, Or attached or supporting units 441

Associate Members 6Supporting Members 17Honorary Members 2

PERIOD OF SERVICE SUMMARY:

World War II 50Korea 166Vietnam 51Peace Time/Cold War 73Gulf War/Iraq 101

A/2-7 conducting trench clearing training

...to our own

Father Phil Salois for being named 2014 Veteran of the year by the United

Veterans Council for his hometown of Woonsocket, Rhode Island. He was also recognized by the state Senate for his work

helping Vietnam veterans, their families and other victims oftrauma to restart their lives. There was a banquet in hishonor and a wonderful article about him in the 3/23/14

edition of The Woonsocket Call.



Able 6, LTC Chad C. Chalfont:

Greetings to the Soldiers, Fami-

lies, and friends of the Cotton-

balers! Since I last wrote to

you, our battalion has spent much of

our time in the field executing some

outstanding training. In April, the

companies completed crew level gun-

nery and transitioned to platoon gun-

nery in early May. The capstone

gunnery event was a day/night live

fire trench clearing exercise – a train-

ing task that this battalion hasn’t

done for a couple of years. I can report

that your Cottonbalers did an outstanding job and

demonstrated violence of action and high levels of

technical and tactical proficiency. It was great to

watch leaders grow. From Team Leader to Platoon

Leader, we are building a foundation of experience

that will pay dividends for years to come.

In May, we completed a two-week field training ex-

ercise – Raider Focus – that gave us an opportunity

to work on key collective tasks and field craft.

Raider Focus saw the companies take what they

learned at gunnery and apply it to a series of pla-

toon, company, and one battalion-level mission in

the western training area of Fort Stewart. Again,

there was a lot of learning as we get back to train-

ing the fundamentals of mounted and dismounted

maneuver warfare. We also learned great lessons

about how to sustain ourselves “off the FOB,” in a

distributed operational environment. Your Cotton-

balers are working hard to get better every day.

Our battalion’s training continues in August with

a long-anticipated deployment to the National

Training Center (NTC) at Fort Irwin. Soldiers will

spend the coming weeks preparing and loading rail

cars to deploy to the NTC. There is a lot to do in a

short amount of time, but we are looking forward to

the challenge of training in the desert heat. I am

confident that your Cottonbalers will

perform well against the NTC’s

OPFOR. We will emerge from this

training as a better battalion as we get

ready for the next fight.

A part of being in the Army is seeing

people come and go. I would like to

thank several of our senior leaders who

are moving on to different assign-

ments: 1SG Lamont Holmes (B/2-7

IN), 1SG Troy Murray (C/2-7 IN), 1SG

Rodney O’Dell (HHC/2-7 IN), CH

(CPT) Russell Woody (BN Chaplain),

and MAJ Johnny Bursac (BN XO).

This battalion would not have accom-

plished everything it has done in the last year with-

out their leadership and hard work. I wish them the

best of luck in their future endeavors and to always

remember: once a Cottonbaler, always a Cotton-

baler!

I would like to end by expressing my gratitude to

our Families, FRG leaders, and the 7th Infantry

Regiment Association for all that they do to keep

our battalion the great fighting force it is. COT-

TONBALERS BY GOD!

Headhunter Company (CPT May)

Greetings Cottonbalers, Family and friends! Head-

hunter Company continues to train and prepare for

its upcoming rotation to the National Training Cen-

ter in August. The Soldiers continue to work hard

every day in order to complete the battalion’s re-

quirements. Over the last few months, the Soldiers

of Headhunter Company have been out supporting

the battalion’s efforts during Gunnery and Raider

Focus. Specifically we have been executing the Tac-

tical Operations Center (TOC), running the battal-

ion’s aid station, conducting Combat Trains

Command Post (CTCP) operations, as well as de-

“Cottonbaler” 2nd BattalionCOMMANDER’S COMMENTS...

LTC Chad Chalfont USA, CDR

continued next page



ploying our scouts as the battalion’s reconnaissance

asset, and prepping the battlefield with accurate

fires from the mortar platoon.

As we push closer to NTC, we continue to be heav-

ily focused on conducting maintenance on vehicles

and After Operations Maintenance (AOM). Taking

care of our own is always a priority in Headhunter

Company and time with family still remains a very

important topic within our team. We will continue

to balance the quality time our Soldiers have with

their Families, while ensuring that the company is

prepared for any and all future missions. We will

be executing a well deserved opportunity leave in

mid June. Specific guidance has been given to all

levels of leadership within the Headhunters Com-

pany to ensure that Soldier’s time is not wasted

away from home.

I continue to be impressed with the Soldiers and

Leaders of Headhunter Company and am damn

proud and privileged to lead this company. Willing

and Able! HEADHUNTERS!

Assassin Company (CPT Lanz)

Greetings Cottonbalers, Family and friends! On be-

half of Assassin Company, I would like to thank you

for your dedication and support throughout the in-

tense training cycle we have been conducting. Over

the past few months, Assassin Company has been

focused on developing the company and platoons to

implement Combined Arms Tactics through com-

pany and platoon live fire and MILES exercises.

Platoons conducted a live fire exercise, Gunnery

Table XII, which allowed their Bradley crews to

eliminate targets while their dismounts cleared a

trench and the Forward Observers called for Fire.

During Raider Focus, Assassin Company maneu-

vered as a company where they secured and cleared

a city while capturing a High Valued Target for

time sensitive information allowing the rest of the

Cottonbaler Battalion to complete the mission. Our

Fire Support Team has been conducting live

120mm Mortar and 155mm Howitzer shoots in sup-

port of 2-7 IN mortars certification and 1-41 FA

Gunnery Tables, as well as working with the other

Company Fire Support Teams and our 2-7 Joint

Tactical Air Controllers (JTACS). In the past few

months Assassin Company has completed their cer-

tifications for our upcoming rotation at NTC. As-

sassin Company is now setting their sights on the

next objective: loading and prepping our equipment

to be rail-loaded to NTC.

The Gunnery Tables and Raider Focus have as-

sessed the ability of Assassin Soldiers to implement

all of the Mechanized Infantry skills required to win

the Combined Arms Fight. Our Soldiers have spent

an extensive amount of time in the field, training

as either a Bradley crew, dismounted squad mem-

ber, or as a Fire Support Team. The ability of As-

sassin Company to integrate these distinct skill sets

is what allows us to be constantly prepared to an-

swer our Nation’s call and protect our interests at

home and abroad. I am deeply honored to served

with and lead these great men. Willing and Able!

Assassins Lead the Way!

Bushmaster Company (CPT Gerhart)

Greetings fellow Cottonbalers, Family, and friends!

On behalf of all Bushmasters, I would like to thank

you for the continued support you have provided for

all of our Soldiers. With the backing of their Fami-

lies, Bushmasters successfully completed Bradley

Gunnery, Raider Focus, and small arms ranges.

March and April consisted of successive weeks in

the field completing the multiple tables for a com-

prehensive Gunnery exercise and rounded out by a

win for the Cottonbaler Battalion at Raider Focus.

For the time remaining between now and the up-

coming NTC rotation in August, Bushmasters will

be busy prepping the Bradleys, our weapons, ra-

dios, and all other needed equipment. Soldiers will

be attending drivers training, Raven training, and

other certifications in order for the Bushmasters to

be successful at NTC. The training calendar is busy

until NTC; however, the opportunity leave will be a

much needed break for all Soldiers and their Fam-

ilies.

Bradley Gunnery is an extensive process that en-

compassed weeks of training, moving to and from

firing ranges, and having a lot of fun shooting down

targets with big guns. For many crews, it was their

first time firing the Bradley, and the 25mm did not

disappoint the new gunners. SSG Corey Burke,

CPL David Marshall, and PFC Emmanuel Her-

nandez brought pride to all Bushmasters by achiev-

2BN Commander’s Comments continued from page 6

continued on page 12



HOWELL, Steven M.1LT, HHC/3-7 IN, P/T41 Weslyn Park DriveSavannah, GA 31419

[email protected]

SCOTT, Langston I. IIMAJ, D&F/2-7 IN, Iraq

2051 Blythewood Crossing Lane,Apt 1133

Blythewood, SC 29016912-665-1217

[email protected]

NEW MEMBERS TAPS“BE THOU AT PEACE”

~ Departed Members ~

GOSS, Ruben O.

MSG, Co D, 7th RCT, 1948 -

1950

Died 27 March 2014

MORGAN, Gordon N.

SGT, HHC, 3rd Bn, Korea

Died 24 May 2014

WALTON, Albert W.

CPL, Co B, Korea

THANK YOU!to the following association members for

donations this quarter:

Boswell Scholarship fund

Wallace E. Covert

Bronze Star Donor

COL Jeffrey W. Dill

Bronze Star Donor

CSM (R) Curley L. Faulk

Silver Star Donor

Operating Expenses

COL Jeffrey W. Dill

CSM (R) Curley L. Faulk

David A. Strongin

2-7 IN Staff Ride at Fort Pulaski National Park



Chaplain’s CornerFather Philip G. Salois, M.S.

7th Infantry Regiment Association Chaplain

Dear Fellow Cottonbalers: Summer

has finally arrived and the weather

is warm and sunny at least in my

neck of the woods. I hope and pray all is well

in whatever part of the country you live in.

May was a busy month for me: two parades

and a Memorial Day Service in my hometown

at which I was the keynote speaker. I recently

attended the annual American Legion De-

partment of Massachusetts Convention in

Plymouth, Massachusetts. I have been their

Department Chaplain for the last 18 years. In

July, I will be joining my brothers and their

wives as we gather together for our biennial

Always Alpha reunion in San Diego, Califor-

nia. My former Platoon Sergeant Jim Keffer

and his wife, Sharon are the local hosts. They

have put together a great program for the

week of 8 July to 13 July.

I have finally completed my move into Mom’s

house in North Smithfield, Rhode Island and

gave up my apartment in Newtonville, Mas-

sachusetts and turned over the keys to my

landlord. What an ordeal that was. Amazing

the junk you accumulate in 25 years. I had

professional movers doing all the work or I

would have still been at it.

In August, I will be attending the Vietnam

Veterans of America National Leadership and

Education Conference and will be presenting

with a team a workshop on Meditation as

method to relieve stress. The others will be

presenting on Nutrition and Yoga for aging

veterans.

As you all more than likely know I have

worked at the VA Boston Healthcare System

for the last 26 years as the Chief of Chaplain

Service. The VA nationally has been in the

spotlight for the last several weeks and it

has been difficult to hear all the horror sto-

ries. Fortunately, the VA hospital I work for

is listed as one of the top five in the country.

I think we need to make sure all of our VA’s

are measuring up to standard in the care of

all veterans. We need to keep the VA’s feet to

the fire until they clean up their act.

A word on SGT Bowe Bergdahl – we have

been hearing all sorts of speculations and sto-

ries about SGT Bergdahl. On a personal note

I am happy he is back on American soil and

let the chips fall where they may. However, I

certainly am not happy at the cost of the

trade-off. I believe it was a dangerous swap.

With all this transpiring in Iraq and Syria

right now, we need more than ever to storm

heaven with our prayers and pleas to

Almighty God to soften the hearts of those

who would harm and kill their fellow man in

the name of religion. After all it is a war be-

tween religious sects. It is scandalous and

outrageous to witness man’s inhumanity to

man to the nth degree. May God have mercy

on us all.

May God richly bless you all especially in

good health.

Cottonbalers, by God! Damn Fine Soldiers!

Volens et Potens,

Father Phil Salois, M.S.

Association Chaplain ♦



Greetings fellow

Cottonbalers

and friends of

the battalion. It has

been a fast and furious

past three months

since our last update to

the Regiment. Since

the last newsletter, the

battalion’s training

schedule has changed

– our certifying rota-

tion at the Joint Readi-

ness Training Center

at Fort Polk moved from November 2014 to

June-July 2015. This move gives our Cotton-

balers much more time to ready themselves for

the best training our Army has to offer.

This change to the training schedule did not

change our immediate future – the battalion

will still deploy to Camp Blanding, Florida in

early July to serve as the opposing force for the

53rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Florida

Army National Guard) eXportable Combat

Training Center (XCTC) rotation. The battal-

ion will look like the Krasnovians (and others)

of old while we plague the Gator Brigade with

our dismounted and mounted infantry skills.

While our primary mission is to assist in the

training of the Gators, our Cottonbalers will

also conduct squad live fires and platoon ma-

neuver training while at Camp Blanding. This

training will be the battalion’s first exposure to

the contemporary opposing force that we will

face next June and July.

Our Army has learned many lessons in the past

12 years. One of those is that we must main-

tain our relationships with our brothers and

sisters in the Army Na-

tional Guard. We have

spent much time with

them while deployed to

both Iraq and

Afghanistan. The bat-

talion has two great

new partners in the

53rd Infantry Brigade

Combat Team’s 1st

Battalion, 124th In-

fantry headquartered

in Broward, Florida

and 48th Infantry

Brigade Combat Team’s 1st Battalion, 121st

Infantry headquartered in Winder, Georgia.

After our return from Florida, the battalion will

prepare for the next missions – in September,

the Berserkers, Dragons, and Havoc Compa-

nies will participate in a test for our Army’s

next ground wheeled tactical vehicle. The re-

mainder of the battalion will participate in an-

other Expert Infantryman Badge. In October,

the battalion will go back to the field to prepare

for platoon live fires in January, company live

fires in March, and our eventual rotation at

JRTC.

The battalion recently participated in several

training events. Our Cottonbalers in Berserker

Company (B/3-7 IN) tested a new generation of

individual equipment including new rucksacks,

ballistic eye protection, and helmets. We were

able to give great feedback on all of them.

America Company (A/3-7 IN) served as the op-

posing force for 3rd Ranger Battalion’s certifi-

cation exercise. Chosin Company (C/3-7 IN)

“Cottonbaler” 3rd BattalionCOMMANDER’S COMMENTS...

LTC Scott Shaw USA, CDR

LTC Scott Shaw (left) and CSM Todd Galindo

continued next page



changed command from CPT Eugene Miranda

to CPT Joseph Lapointe and Havoc Company

changed from CPT Rick Vespa to CPT Lars

Harstad. Dragon Company (D/3-7 IN) shot a

wheeled gunnery density. Congratulations to

SGT Colon and his crew from D35 – the battal-

ion Top Gun! Finally, all companies shot qual-

ification tables for small arms and machine

guns, team live fires, and squad maneuver

training.

But as every warrior/light fighter knows, the

best training for infantrymen is the Expert In-

fantryman Badge. The battalion sent nearly

400 Cottonbalers to Camp Oliver (on the north

side of Fort Stewart) to test and 31 brought the

badge home. Congratulations to our 31 Expert

Infantrymen and especially those four who

were True Blue (passed all tasks first time) and

the Foot March King!

A/3-7 IN: SSG Figuero

B/3-7 IN: 1LT Fischer, SSG Beard

D/3-7 IN: 1LT Manzano

Foot March King: 1LT Mackin

At the conclusion of our intensive training

cycle, the Cottonbalers took some well-deserved

leave.

Your Cottonbalers continue to be a unit pre-

pared for worldwide deployment ready to an-

swer the Nation’s call. As always, they remain

willing and able!

Volens et Potens

LTC Scott Shaw

Baler 6 ♦

Charlie 31, C/2-7 IN, at sunset

3BN Commander’s Comments continued from pg. 10



ing Top Gun for the entire Cottonbaler Battalion.

The Gunnery progression was rounded out by com-

pleting a Platoon Live Fire Exercise in which all

platoons excelled. The true combat power of a

Bradley Platoon was demonstrated by utilizing dis-

mounts to clear a trench while Bradley Fighting Ve-

hicles were destroying long range targets up to two

kilometers away. All in all, Bradley Gunnery was a

success for Bushmasters and was a promising sign

for our unit in the future.

Shortly after Gunnery, all Bushmasters went out to

the field once again to support the Raider Brigade

by operating as the Opposition Force (OPFOR).

Bushmasters set in a defense and warded off an en-

tire Battalion, fighting from early in the morning

into the afternoon. The success from our OPFOR

performance helped give us the confidence and ex-

perience necessary to lead the Battalion Breach

during our own Raider Focus Operation. Bushmas-

ters fought valiantly at the sight of the breach and

cleared out an entire tank platoon with the cooper-

ation of attached tanks from our sister company,

our own Bradleys, and dismounts firing anti tank

weapons from the wood line. Our decisive action at

the breach site allowed the battalion to be success-

ful in the higher mission. As always, Bushmasters

lead the way!

Cold Steel Company (CPT Biner)

Cold Steel is ready. After a long spring packed with

training, the Soldiers of Charlie Company have

proven themselves “Willing and Able” to face the

challenges NTC has to offer.

As Commander of Charlie Company, 2-7 IN, I could

not be any more proud of how our Soldiers have per-

formed this past quarter. They performed well at

Gunnery, their first one in over two years. Their

performance at Gunnery Table XII was not only ex-

cellent, but an eye opener for me about how capable

these platoons are. Then, as a capstone event to our

spring training, we conducted our battalion field

training exercise (FTX): Raider Focus. It was dur-

ing this event in which we were able to maneuver

the company outside the simulator, that I truly was

able to see the benefits of our training. Cold Steel

was chosen by the battalion commander to be the

decisive operation, and with an awe inspiring show

of violence of action, the company blew through the

breach and seized Objective Raider. Not only was

this a great victory for the battalion, but it was also

a great victory for the company, and an excellent

confidence booster going into NTC.

For all the great things that have happened this

past quarter, there is one recent event that has left

the company with a bittersweet feeling going into

this summer’s training; the loss of 1SG Murray as

he transitions to the HHC Brigade 1SG position.

We at Charlie Company are very happy for 1SG

Murray and this great opportunity for him, however

after being with Cold Steel for over three years it

will be painful not having him around. 1SG Mur-

ray’s impact on this company has been profound,

and what is today can be attributed largely to him.

We will miss 1SG Murray tremendously.

We at Charlie Company, 2-7 IN eagerly await the

challenges that NTC and the next quarter have in-

stalled for us, and as always will continue to remain

“Willing and Able”.

Deathrider Company (CPT Bunch)

Greetings Cottonbalers, Family, and friends! Over

the past months, the company has been through a

whirlwind of training, ranging from individual

weapons qualifications to the brigade’s culminating

FTX in preparation for NTC. Throughout the

month of April, the focus was all about Abrams

Gunnery crew qualification. Our Soldiers worked

long hours on the range over a period of 16 days to

hone their skills for Gunnery Table VI. The hard

work that the Deathrider’s put in was evident once


F/2-7 MEDEVAC Trainingcontinued next page



the scores for Table VI were collected, with Delta

Company producing the highest company average

in all of 1ABCT. Additionally, two Deathrider crews

from our 3rd Platoon also achieved the two highest

individual crew scores in the brigade. The Cotton-

balers from Delta Company didn’t stop there. After

a quick pause to get some sleep and conduct main-

tenance, it was off to the range once again for

Abrams platoon live fire qualifications. During the

platoon qualifications the Deathrider Soldiers once

again showed their mastery of their craft by again

achieving the highest company average for platoon

qualifications in the brigade. These dedicated Cot-

tonbalers then rolled straight from gunnery quali-

fications into the brigade’s culminating training

event, Raider Focus. Along with the rest of the bat-

talion, Delta Company spent 10 days in a tactical

environment operating their tanks and gaining ex-

perience in maneuver warfare. This training was

extremely valuable, and as you can imagine, the

Soldiers performance during this exercise was noth-

ing short of exemplary.

After all of this time, the Cottonbalers of Delta

Company are enjoying some much needed rest

while they focus on vehicle maintenance and recov-

ery in preparation for our NTC rotation in August.

Rest assured that the Soldiers of Delta Company,

2-7 IN will seek to build on and improve their

record of excellence as they advance on towards the

next fight. Deathrider Soldiers move forward walk-

ing in the footsteps of those Cottonbalers who have

come before, intent on carrying onward that same

honored tradition into the future! Willing and Able!

Deathriders!

Fighter Company (CPT Spears)

Fighter Family and friends- Allow me to formally

introduce myself. My name is Adrian Spears and I

took over this awesome company on 3 March 2014.

Everyone in the unit has been so welcoming. My

first day on the job we hit the ground running with

the preparations to support the Cottonbalers’ Gun-

nery and Raider Focus exercises. I am proud to say

all the hard work paid off. Over the past 10 weeks,

our dedicated Soldiers put countless M1 and M2 ve-

hicles back in the fight, performed over 100 ammu-

nition and fuel distribution missions, and provided

two meals a day for over 900 Cottonbalers.

In true “Willing and Able” fashion, some of our Sol-

diers got the opportunity to cross train in MEDE-

VAC procedures while at Raider Focus. Our

Soldiers trained on patient evacuation and utilized

this training to load and unload patients onto a

Blackhawk Helicopter.

I am truly humble everyday at the willingness of

Fox Company Soldiers to go above and beyond what

is asked of them. The Fighters of Fox Company are

definitely ready for our upcoming rotation to NTC.

Willing and Able! Fighters! ♦

F/2-7 MEDEVAC training




Greetings Cottonbalers, I am pleased to

say that I am enjoying Germany and I

now have the opportunity to immerse

myself into the German Culture. While accom-

plishing this task I have been gifted into a

wealth of knowledge created by our forefathers

from the 7th Infantry and the 3d Infantry Di-

vision. As I traveled and visited all of the places

our grandfathers liberated, I had the pleasure

to participate in a ceremony commemorating

the7th Infantry Regiment’s actions at Bercht-

esgaden on 5 May 2014. This is where the infa-

mous Hilter’s Eagles

Nest resides and I am

proud to say that I

was able support the

event. Being in Ger-

many where so many

Cottonbalers from the

past spilt their blood

and sweat during War

and Peace I wanted to

make it special.

I sent out a few e-

mails and out re-

sponded SSG

Stillman and SGT

Weaver who had just

left 3-7 a few years

prior and are now part

of the mighty 2nd Cal-

vary Regiment (Dra-

goons) . With our

active duty alumni

ready, we set sail

through Austria and

back into Germany to

link up with our

WWII alumni who were already at there, “Will-

ing and Able”. Robert A. Dutil was able to at-

tend and has attended this event for the past 5

years. He is 89 years young and he served in

India and Romeo section of 3rd Battalion 7th

Infantry during WWII. He started his travels

in September 1944 and linked up with 3ID in

Epinal, fought in the Vosges, Colmar Pocket,

Siegfried Line, and Germany. He was at the tip

of the spear when Berchtesgaden was captured

and watched the American flag raised 69 years

ago on 5 May.

It was an honor for me

to be part of it and I

will try to bring more

7th Infantry alumni

with me next time. It

is a great honor to see

past and present

brothers and sisters in

arms come together to

share old memories

and create new ones. I

look forward to the

next event.

“CottonBalers by God”

CSM Jeffrey Dilling-

ham ♦

Ceremony commemorating the 7th Infantry Regiment's actions at Berchtesgaden on 5 May 2014

A Cottonbaler in Germanyby CSM Jeffrey Dillingham



_____________ Combined Membership Application and Donation Form _____________

Name: _____________________________________________________________________________

Street Address: ______________________________________________________________________

City: _________________________________________ State: _____________ Zip: ______________

Telephone: _______________________ E-Mail: ___________________________________________

Period of Service and Unit with 7th Infantry: _____________________________________________

Highest Grade achieved in military service: ________________________________________________

Membership Category: Regular q Life: q

Dues (See Rates in Box at Right): $_______________________

Donation to Boswell Scholarship Fund: $_______________________

Contribution to Operating Expenses: $_______________________

Total Enclosed: $_______________________

Make check payable to: “7th Infantry Regiment Association”

Mail to: Roland Merson, Secretary, 60 Tipper Drive, Dryfork, WV 26263

Dues Rates:Regular: $20/YearLife Memberships:Over Age 70: $100Age 60-70: $175Up to Age 60: $250Active Duty E8-O3: $200Active Duty E7 and Below: $150

7TH Infantry Regiment Association Approved Budget for 2014 andActual Income/Expenses to Date (as of 7/5/2014)

INCOME

Category Budget for 2014 Actual for 2014

Reunion Income 0.00 0.00

Membership Dues 3,500.00 340.00

Donations for Operating Expenses 2,000.00 400.00

Donations for Scholarship Fund 2,500.00 525.00

Google Advertising Income 100.00 0.00

TOTAL INCOME 8,100.00 1,265.00

EXPENSES

Category Budget for 2014 Actual for 2014

2013 Reunion Expenses 0.00 0.00

Next Reunion Expenses 0.00 0.00

Operating Supplies & Services 75.00 0.00

Miscellaneous Postage 300.00 242.34

Transfer to Scholarship Fund 2,500.00 525.00

Support of Active Duty Bns 0.00 0.00

Cottonbaler Newsletter (Production and Postage) 4,950.00 1,755.88

Publication of Membership Roster 0.00 0.00

Web Site 263.40 131.70

Recognition 0.00 0.00

Other (Miscellaneous) Expenses 11.60 0.00

TOTAL EXPENSES 8,100.00 2,654.92

Balance in Checking Account (as of 5 Jul 14) = $7,621.31

Balance in Scholarship Fund (as of 31 May 14) = $114,205.77


CAMPAIGN PARTICIPATION CREDITWar of 1812

Canada

New Orleans

Florida 1814

Louisiana 1815

Mexican War

Monterey

Vera Cruz

Cerro Gordo

Contreras

Churubusco

Molino del Rey

Chapultepec

Texas 1846

Civil War

Fredericksburg

Murfreesborough

Chancellorsville

Gettysburg

Chickamauga

Chattanooga

Atlanta

New Mexico 1861

New Mexico 1862

Kentucky 1862

Mississippi 1862

Tennessee 1862

Tennessee 1863

Georgia 1864

Indian Wars

Creeks

Seminoles

Little Big Horn

Nez Perces

Utes

Pine Ridge

New Mexico 1860

Wyoming 1866

Montana 1872

War with Spain

Santiago

Philippine Insurrection

Samar 1901

Samar 1902

World War I

Aisne

Champagne-Marne

Aisne-Marne

St. Mihiel

Meuse-Argonne

Champagne 1918

Ile de France 1918

World War II

Algeria-French Morocco

(with arrowhead)

Tunisia

Sicily (with arrowhead)

Naples-Foggia

Anzio (with arrowhead)

Rome-Arno

Southern France

(with arrowhead)

Rhineland

Ardennes-Alsace

Central Europe

Korean War

CCF Intervention

First UN Counteroffensive

CCF Spring Offensive

UN Summer-Fall Offensive

Second Korean Winter

Korea, Summer-Fall 1952

Third Korean Winter

Korea, Summer 1953

Vietnam

Counteroffensive, Phase II

Counteroffensive, Phase III

Tet Counteroffensive

Counteroffensive, Phase IV

Counteroffensive, Phase V

Counteroffensive, Phase VI

Tet 69/Counteroffensive

Summer-Fall 1969

Winter-Spring 1970

Sanctuary Counteroffensive

Counteroffensive, Phase VII

Southwest Asia

Defense of Saudi Arabia

Liberation and Defense of

Kuwait

Cease-Fire

War on Terrorism

Iraqi Freedom/New Dawn

Operation Enduring Freedom

NONPROFIT ORG.

U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

WOODSTOCK, VA

PERMIT #8

The 7Th InfanTry regImenT aSSocIaTIonroland B. merson, Secretary

60 Tipper Drive

Dryfork, WV 26263

Change Service Requested

Summer 2014

Visit our website: www.cottonbalers.com

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