The Knickerbocker Greys Annual Winter Review

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.

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.

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.

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.

Veterans Day 2010

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

From the Revolutionary War to the “Cold War” to Afghanistan, young men and women have served our country with commitment, honor and courage. If I counted up wiki correctly, we have lost ~650,000 men and women during armed conflicts, and another ~1.5 Million were wounded during the history of our nation. There are another 83,918 that are still unaccounted for.

The VCASNY asks that you remember them all today and everyday, by supporting them, flying the flag, attending a parade, saying “thank you” to that nice elderly man down the block, and by never forgetting what they have given to support our country.

From the VCA Command Sergeant Major

by vcasny Artillery Military News New York VCA Veteran

Wearing a military uniform means more than carrying on a tradition, or identifying us as a member of a historical military command. It is an outward sign to the public of our competence and professionalism, and of the deep respect we share for our unit and our State and Country. The VCA has its own regimental uniform for Parade Dress, Mess Dress, and its own Corps Blazer. The Quartermaster section has posted descriptions of the proper wear of our regimental uniform. Additionally, Army Regulation AR 670-1 “Wear and Appearance of Army Uniforms and Insignia” provides a complete description of the Class A, Class B and ACU uniforms used by the VCA. Similarly, the transition document describing the new ASU (blue) uniform for Class A and Class B which is replacing the dress greens, is available via the web as ALARACT 202/2008 “US Army Service Uniform.”

We always strive to present a proper military image, with our clothing properly fitted and in good condition, neat and pressed as appropriate. Along with this is the proper wearing of our uniforms. For instance, a field jacket or all weather coat is never left open or half closed; it is always zipped / snapped / buttoned / belted when worn otherwise, it is carried. For the ACU, the ends of boot laces are tucked in, after being tied, under the tounge flap, and our trouser pockets are not bulging nor do we store items in any of the blouse pockets. And then there are some uniform-related caveats: typically, headgear or cover is worn outdoors and removed indoors. An important exception for the VCA is that cover is used both indoors and outdoors when the individual is under arms. When carrying our swords and musical instruments, we are considered under arms.

When we see a uniform problem with a fellow soldier, let the individual know. We should all make an effort to always check each other to ensure we are squared away; this is especially important before an event in front of a public audience or in front of a camera.

See this page for additional VCA uniform requirements and regulations

Say thank you to a service-person. Go out and vote

by vcasny History Military News New York Patriots VCA Veteran

It has always been the Soldier

It is the soldier, not the Reporter who has given us Freedom of Press.
It is the soldier, not the Poet who has given us Freedom of Speech.
It is the soldier, not the campus Organizer who has given us the Freedom to Demonstrate.
It is the soldier,who salutes the flag; who serves beneath the flag, and whose coffin is draped by the flag,
that allows the protester to burn the flag.

Father Dennis O’Brien, United States Marine Corp. Chaplain