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Veterans Day a time to think of past, present

Nov-11-2004 » Filed Under: 172nd SBCT , Homefront

Do you know how the 172nd at Ft. Wainwright (the 3rd SBCT) is historically connected to the origins of Veterans Day? Read the following column to find out.

[Link to Full Article]
By TERRY HALL

Today we remember the end of World War I and celebrate the sacrifices of countless veterans upon whose shoulders this country was built.

It was during the 11th month of 1918, on the 11th day, at the 11th hour that the final shot of WWI was fired by a howitzer from the 11th Field Artillery Regiment. The soldiers of that day, as was their custom, affectionately named their howitzers. The gun that fired the final round was called Calamity Jane.

Today there are five battalions in the 11th Field Artillery Regiment stationed around the world. It was my honor to serve as a forward observer with the 2nd Battalion of the 11th Field Artillery in Vietnam. In keeping with honored tradition, a gun called Calamity Jane was part of the 2nd Battalion in Vietnam.

The 4th Battalion of the 11th Field Artillery Regiment is stationed at Fort Wainwright. The gunners of the 4th Battalion are proud keepers of artillery traditions, and, as you might guess, Calamity Jane is part of that storied unit on Fort Wainwright.

On Veterans Day next year Calamity Jane and the men of 4/11 will probably join the other soldiers of the 172nd Infantry Brigade and go in harm's way, probably to Iraq. Some soldiers may not return. [...]

When the 172nd Infantry Brigade leaves Fairbanks next year, some of our soldiers will not be coming back. It is too much to hope that all of the 3,800 volunteers of the 172nd Infantry Brigade will return unharmed.

The future sacrifices of the men of 4th Battalion 11th Field Artillery Regiment and their comrades in the 172nd Infantry Brigade will be appreciated by every one of us in Fairbanks. As citizens of the Golden Heart City, we can help. My wife, Claire, and I would like to match 500 families from Fairbanks with 500 families from Fort Wainwright. The Fairbanks 500 will serve as a support group for military families.

I have spoken with the 4/11's commander, Lt. Col. Scott Wuestner. He and his fellow commanders on Fort Wainwright are eager to help match the families in their command with families in Fairbanks who have similar interests.

Both Mayor Steve Thompson and Mayor Jim Whitaker have told me they want to help. I know North Pole folks will want to get involved, too. Churches can help. There is no end of the good we can do if we bring these families into our homes and hearts.

If you are interested in helping out, please contact Claire or me at thall@fairbankslaw.com . You can also get in touch by dropping us a line at 751 Seventh Ave., Fairbanks, Alaska 99701.


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