Last American WWI Veteran Dies

hrs_army_mil-2008-03-09-194510 — CPL Frank Woodruff Buckles

February 28, 2011 – Frank Woodruff Buckles the last surviving American WWI Veteran dies at the age of 110 in his West Virginia home. 16-year-old CPL Buckles lied about his age (Telling them he was 18) to the Marines and Navy, but they told him to go home. Finally an enterprising Army recruiter signed him on the spot after the CPL said he was 21 🙂 In 1942, he was a civilian, but he was captured by the Japanese when they invaded the Philippines. He spent three and a half years in the Los Baños prison camp. He was rescued on February 23, 1945.

For the full story, please go to defense.gov.

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

The Knickerbocker Greys Annual Winter Review

by vcasny History Military News New York

The Knickerbocker Greys is the oldest after school activity in the United States. They will be holding their 129th Annual Winter Review this Tuesday 11 January at 1800 hours at the Park Avenue Armory. Please see the attached PDF for the official invitation. Family and friend of the Knickerbockers are invited.

Under the command of LTC(P) David J. Menegon, USAR, the cadets of the Greys “undergo a series of experiences over the years that build leadership, self esteem, character, confidence, social skills, etiquette, patience, empathy, perseverance, enthusiasm, public speaking, and problem solving.”

For more information please go to their website, or their Wikipedia Page. You can also read about them in the December 2010 issue of Town & Country.

Homeless Veterans Burial Program begins in NY

by vcasny History Military News New York Patriots Veteran

They served our country with honor. They were willing to be sent to wherever our government would send them. They did their time during WWII, Korea, Vietnam and peacetime. Some may have been scarred, some may have simply been down on their luck, and others may have come home to a country that at one time may not have revered their Veterans. I don’t know. “There but by the grace of God…”

Today Saturday 8 January 2011, at 1100 hours, 20 homeless Veterans will receive Military Honors thanks to the Dignity Memorial Homeless Veterans Burial Program. The Veterans, all New Yorkers, will be interred at Calverton National Cemetery. Keynotes will be delivered by congressman Tim Bishop representing the 1st District (NY), and Steve Israel representing the 2nd District (NY).

If you are near Suffolk County today, The Veteran Corps of Artillery encourages you to pay respects.

For the full press release go here.

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.

America’s best days lie ahead

by vcasny History Military News

“The bravery, resolve, expertise and commitment of American servicemembers proves that America’s best days lie ahead”, President Barack Obama said at Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan December 3, 2010.

In his address to 3500 servicemembers, President Obama thanked them for their service and sacrifice and said they were “part of an unbroken line of Americans who have given up your comfort, your ease, your convenience, for America’s security. ..They did it for the same reason that all of you do, Because the freedom and the liberty that we treasure, that’s not simply a birthright. It has to be earned by the sacrifices of generations — generations of patriots, men and women, who step forward and say, ‘Send me.’”

Supporting American servicemembers should be “apolitical”. They are doing what they signed up for and are bound by their oath, and daily sacrifice. The quotes here are from a recent story on defense.gov.

What do you think? Click on the link for the full story.

Pearl Harbor

by vcasny History Military News Veteran

December 7th, 2010 marks the 69th anniversary of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. The event marked the beginning of the war (in the U.S.) that would define the “Greatest Generation”. Veterans of this war are fading away as is the memory of that day. It is unusual nowadays to do an Internet search and come out “empty handed”; but I found few new articles, events or comments about December 7, 1941. As more time passes, and in the not too distant future they will be all gone. It is our responsibility to reach out those Veterans and say thank you to let them know that they are still remembered and appreciated.

If you read this post, please add any commemorative events as comments and links. Here is one commemoration event happening aboard the USS Intrepid Museum.

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 – Boston and Plymouth

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

It was a busy weekend for the VCA and its’ Centennial Legion sister organizations, and most participants only had time to go from event to event, while catching a little rest in between. The weekend began at a leisurely pace with a private tour of the Old North Church, and was followed by a nice complimentary reception at the Union Oyster House. The Oyster House is the “oldest restaurant in continuous service” in the U.S. Our thanks to BG Milano, Proprietor.

The VCA’s first event was the participation in the Change of Command Ceremony aboard the USS Constitution. It was a grand event hosted by the United States Navy aboard the oldest warship in the U.S. The mantle was passed from CAPT. Ed Hebert to COL. Houstin Spencer in grand style and ceremony. The VCA wishes COL Houstin their best as he takes on his new responsibilities.

In addition to dignitaries of the Centennial Legion, the key note speaker was MG Bray, Commander of the Rhode Island National Guard and Militia. The ceremony was followed by yet another complimentary reception at Warren Tavern. Warren Tavern had been visited by the likes of George Washington and Paul Revere. It was also the site of the first formal Masonic lodge in Boston. The libation was flowing and the food was fresh.

Saturday began with a drive up to Plymouth, MA for the VCA’s participation in the Plymouth Thanksgiving Day Parade. If you weren’t there, the best way to experience it is with photos. Please visit our Flickr Photostream to see many photos, and videos from this event and the weekend.

Stay tuned tomorrow for other Centennial Legion news from the 75th Annual Meeting regarding one of the VCA’s own officers.

VCASNY

Official website of the 9th Field Artillery Regiment

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