History book from one of the VCA’s own

For those of you interested in naval history, please visit the U.S. Naval War College site to review “To Train the Fleet for War: The U.S. Navy Fleet Problems, 1923-1940”. Written by PFC Albert Nofi, the book “Examines in detail, making extensive use of the Naval War College archives, each of the U.S. Navy’s twenty-one “fleet problems” conducted between World Wars I and II, elucidating the patterns that emerged, finding a range of enduring lessons, and suggesting their applicability for future naval warfare.” It has also received “Honorable Mention for the Theodore and Franklin D. Roosevelt Prize in Naval History, 2011”

St. Barbara’s Dinner

by vcasny Artillery Military News New York Press Release VCA

LTC MICHAEL K. HOBLIN, BN/CDR 258^th FIELD ARTILLERY cordially invites members of the Veteran Corps of Artillery to attend the Annual Saint Barbara’s Celebration conducted at the New York State Armory 93-05 168^th Street, Jamaica, New York, 11433 on Tuesday, February 22, 2011, at 1900 hrs. To reserve your seat at this auspicious event, contact SSGT Roger Levy at e-mail– garyowene6@aol.com. Please see previous memo for payment information.

UOD
Corps Dress Uniform, dress Blues/Greens (military)
Corps Blazer, Civilian Semi-formal (civilian)
Corps members are encouraged to attend in support of the 258FA, and in honor of SPC Andrew Wilson, who was killed in an accident at the Armory on December 2nd, 2010.

Military programs will suffer if budget not approved

by vcasny History Military News Press Release VCA

So says the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in front of the House Armed Services Committee. Adm. Mike Mullen and SecDef Robert Gates warn that the Defense Department face a crisis if they are forced to operate under a continuing resolution with less money than it needs. The decrease of $23 Billion dollars has forced the services to take “disruptive and sometimes irreversible steps” that make the military less effective than they should be.

What are your thoughts?

For the complete story, please go to defense.gov

All quiet on the Eastern Coast

by vcasny VCA

Scheduling, and other responsibilities have kept the blog quiet over the past 3 or so weeks; however, as things settle down for the admin, please stay tuned to the resumption of more frequent updates, newsletters and other pertinent information. If there are any would-be contributors out there, please contact me at admin@vcasny.org.

Thank you all for your patience and support.

Blog Admin VCASNY

Robots to help Protect

by 1LT Stephen Hefler Military News VCA

Robot systems that have been created by the U.S. Army can decrease the exposure to danger to the American war-fighter.

The U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command is displaying robots and invited the public to use them. The displays of the robots were a part of the many activities surrounding the U.S. Army All-American Bowl.

These robots perform artillery protection and they can protect soldiers from potentially lethal situations. Each of the robots that have been created have unique characteristics that serve a specific duty. These duties may include looking under vehicles for explosives, lifting objects weighing 10 to 15 pounds, and some can even go up and down stairs.

They are remotely operated and a majority of them have cameras that transmit back to the person, or war-fighter, controlling the robot. To control them, the Army Tech Zone uses remote controls that are the same as the ones used for different game systems, such as Xbox and Playstation. They have also used the Wii controller and an iPod touch.

“These machines are well-developed and have been tested in the field — third and fourth generation robots specifically designed for the Warfighter,” said Marcus Randolph, computer scientist for the Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center.

“It’s the Soldiers behind the technology that make the Army. Just as the Soldiers drive the Army, the Army scientists support the Soldiers,” said Randolph. “We are always looking for the best and the brightest to come aboard and do what they can do to support their country.”

For more details, please visit Military.com.

The Biggest Event of the New Year

by vcasny Artillery Military News New York Press Release VCA Veteran

Is only 3 days away! Polish your shoes, Spiff up your buttons, do a few extra push-ups. The Veteran Corps of Artillery Annual Mess Dinner takes place this Saturday January 8th at the India House Club in downtown Manhattan. In addition to our own troops, we will have distinguished guests from branches of the U.S. Military, and this year we also have the privilege of being joined by David Rohde the award-winning correspondent.

This Mess Dinner promises to be one of the best R&R events of 2011. If you will not be there, don’t worry…Photos and video clips of the event will be posted on our site.

Don’t forget! Mess Dress, Parade Dress or Black Tie only.

A Christmas Story

by vcasny History Military News New York VCA Veteran

In the winter of 1914, somewhere out on the Western Front and during a lull in heavy fighting between the English, French and the Germans, German soldiers began to climb out of their protective trenches and started putting out Christmas trees, and singing carols.

Soon the English and the French joined in and eventually a Christmas truce was proposed. Amid the death and destruction, troops took the time to bury their dead. The story goes that eventually enemy soldiers were exchanging gifts and playing football (soccer) on the battlefield.

It was not well received by commanders, and some troops were killed while coming out of their trenches; but for a brief moment, there was peace on earth on the Western Front. It is almost too incredible to believe in the power of Christmas, but when warring nations/soldiers in the middle of battle, take the time to wish each other “Merry Christmas”, one is left to wonder…

On behalf of the VCA, we would like to WISH all of our service men and women, both at home and abroad, of every religious persuasion, a Very Happy Holiday, a Very Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year. May you stay safe, and may you come home soon.

Here is more information on the “Christmas Truce“. Here is a Wiki Article.

3rd Batallion, 5th Marines – Dark Horse

by vcasny History Military News VCA Veteran

A lot of you may have seen the recent facebook posts asking to pray for and support the “Darkhorse Marine Batallion”, and you may not be quite sure who they are. Here is some information regarding our fine Marines.

These Marines are currently deployed in Sangin district, Afghanistan and recently suffered heavy losses, including the loss of 4 Marines from a single bomb attack on their ATV; however, as with all Marines they fight on and according to their CO, they are fulfilling their mission and morale is high. Even so, the VCA extends its’ prayers and wishes for their safe return. Please support our Marines and all our troops in whatever way you can.

Here is the Dark Horse official web site, where you’ll find a current letter from their CO, and ways of supporting them. Here is a link providing a little more detail on the “facebook request“, and for the WikiPedia entry on Dark Horse please go here.

Semper Fidelis

Wikileaks – again

by cbaquerizo History Military News New York Patriots VCA

The following post is the opinion of the poster, and is not approved, directed or otherwise endorsed by the Veteran Corps of Artillery of the State of New York.

Wikileaks is back in the headlines this week after the release of more classified information, including the text of State Department cables. Among other things, the cables reveal the sometimes unflattering descriptions on heads of states and diplomats that the U.S. deals with. The State Department will of course try to contain the damage as much as possible, and is hoping to capitalize on any relationships they may have built to minimize negative results. SecState Hilary Clinton says, “I am confident that the partnerships that the Obama Administration has worked so hard to build will withstand this challenge. The President and I have made these partnerships a priority – and we are proud of the progress that they have helped achieve – and they will remain at the center of our efforts.”

Some may claim that the release of information is vital in order to uncover government waste, inaction and in some cases unconstitutional behavior. I agree, but I believe that in the United States we have something called the “Freedom of Information Act“, that allows citizens and the media to review and reveal important data in a legal manner. More importantly, it allows the release of information in a controlled manner that minimizes the risk (dare I say it) to “National Security“. As with any law, the Act is subject to debate, discrepancies, and flaws, but at least it promotes these debates.

In my opinion, the uncontrolled release of information (especially during wartime) to the public is not only illegal, but downright dangerous to the ongoing efforts of diplomacy and military operations, and a direct threat to field operatives. As far as I’m concerned, anyone responsible for the release should be charged with treason, or espionage or both.

What are your thoughts?

Centennial Legion – Elected Officer and Veterans

by vcasny American Revolution Artillery Military News New York Press Release VCA Veteran

As many of you know by now, the new commander of the Centennial Legion is COL. Houstin Spencer. As always, the VCA wishes the COL. their best and much success in the coming year.

Today we write about one the VCA’s very own! At the Annual Director’s meeting, the VCASNY’s own Initiatives Officer, LTC Herman N. Cohen was elected 2nd Vice Commander of the Centennial Legion. He follows in the footsteps of another VCASNY member who served as CLHMC Commander, the VCA’s current Adjutant, COL Matthew G. Cusack, Jr. who served from 1996 -1997.

Best wishes to one of our own!

At the meeting, LTC Cohen, who in civilian life works for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in Washington, DC, distributed copies of a DVD he produced, called “Homes for Heroes”. The video is about grants available for severely disabled veterans to adapt their homes for wheelchair accessibility. You can view the video at the VA site here. He is currently working on a new video on assistance to Veterans having financial difficulties called “Alternatives to Foreclosure“. In addition, LTC Cohen’s monthly streaming Internet video broadcasts to Mortgage Lenders, National Service Organizations and Veterans on GI Home Loans and Grants can also be viewed at VA site here. Just go near the bottom of the page to the section labeled “Previous Broadcasts”.

If you are a Veteran, please go to these sites for information on receiving the benefits you’ve earned.

VCASNY

Official website of the 9th New York Field Artillery Regiment

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