Unofficial 1st Infantry Division Magazine of Soldiers and Families

August - September 2009 www.riley.army.mil

Hunting 

Fort Riley
Duty First www.riley.army.mil Duty First www.riley.army.mil

Creed

1

The Big Red One

TEAMWORK is the foundation of the Big Red One. I shall

never fail my team, for I maintain the standard. My conduct and self-discipline set the example for others 

to follow.

HONORis what I stand for – an American Soldier on duty

for my country. My loyalty is intense. I display care for

my fellow Soldiers and my chain-of-command through courage, respect, integrity and compassion.

I have learned to ENDURE, to thrive in adversity.

The harsh reality of combat gives me the enthusiasm for

realistic training. I am physically and mentally strong to

meet the demanding situations my unit encounters.

We are one in the Big Red One. Our BROTHERHOOD

gives us strength to fight on to any objective and accomplish the mission as our veterans have done 

before us. I live the legacy of my division.

READINESS is my priority. To be ready for any mission,

anytime, anywhere. My business is first-class training and living high standards of care and equipment, 

weaponry and tactical and technical competence.

My ORGANIZATION is my strength. The BRO is bigger

than any one individual. It gives me purpose, self-confidence, 

competitive spirit, intestinal fortitude and the desire to fight 

with all my heart.

No Mission too Difficult. No Sacrifice too Great.

August - September 2009 www.riley.army.mil

Duty First!

The Duty First is an unofficial 

publication produced under 

the provisions of AR 360-1, 

published by Soldiers of the 

1st Infantry Division. Editorial 

views and opinions expressed 

are not necessarily those of 

the Department of Defense, 

the Army or the 1st Infantry 

Division. All photos are 

Army photos unless otherwise 

noted. Circulation is 6,000 per 

issue, printed monthly. Story 

and photos submissions are 

welcome and should be sent to: 

1st Infantry Division

Public Affairs Office 

ATTN: Editor 

Bldg. 580

RM 317

Fort Riley, Kan. 66442. 

Telephone number

COM 239-6821 

 DSN 856-6821 

or visit Duty First online at 

www.riley.army.mil.

1st Infantry Division 

Commander

Maj. Gen. Vincent Brooks

1st Infantry Division CSM

Command Sgt. Maj. Jim 

Champagne

1st Infantry Division PAO 

Lt. Col. Matt Hackathorn

Editor

Anna Staatz

Staff Writer

Jordan Chapman

Shelley Roten

Illustrator 

Tammy Dinger

2

Contents

Danger 6 ... 3

Danger 7 ...4

‘Devils’ Schooled in Basics ... 5

History/Band ... 6

‘Dragons’ Ready to Breathe Fire ... 7

Couple Reflects on Service ... 10

New Command Sergeant Major ... 11

Commander Settles into Cockpit... 13

Tales From the Woods... 15

Commandments of Safety ... 18

Hunting Grounds ... 19

Recognizing Service, Support... 20

Ties that Bind ... 21

Cover photo provided by 

Wisconsin Department of 

Natural Resources
3 Duty First www.riley.army.mil Duty First www.riley.army.mil

Commanding General Danger 6

 ‘Devil’ Brigade 

 Encounters Change

Maj. Gen. Vincent Brooks

Change. The one thing in the Army that 

remains the same. From our field rations 

and ammunition, to our weapons and 

training tactics, the Army is constantly 

adapting to meet an ever-changing 

enemy.

In recent years, part of that change was 

to develop small teams of advisors to help 

train, mentor and assist Iraqi and Afghan 

security forces. This mission of training 

transition teams is a critical part of the 

war, yet can sometimes get overlooked 

since the trainers are not considered the 

“tip of the spear,” though many of them 

have been. 

For three years, our 1st Brigade was 

tasked with that critical mission of training 

Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen to deploy on 

transition teams. They worked literally 

around the clock on this no-fail mission, 

and they constantly adapted the training to 

fit the changing requirements in theater.

But now that constant known as change has happened again, 

and our “Devil” Brigade handed off that mission to the 162nd 

Infantry Brigade at Fort Polk, La. Now, the Devils begin their 

buildup to a heavy brigade combat team. 

The Devils have been adding personnel to the ranks for the

past several months and even more will 

be getting orders to Fort Riley in the near 

future. The brigade is close to reaching 

a completion of ranks, with about 3,800 

Soldiers -- quadruple the size it was while 

training transition teams. The Devils will 

also be adding thousands of pieces of 

equipment to their property books. The big 

pieces – Abrams, Paladins, Bradleys, etc. 

– will soon be rolling into Camp Funston, 

which has served as 1st Brigade’s “home 

base” for the last several years.

This will be an exciting time for the 

Devil Brigade as they add to their ranks, hit 

the training ranges and prepare to deploy 

wherever our nation calls. They have done 

tremendous work training transition teams, 

and they can certainly take credit for the 

success of our troops downrange.

I want to thank all of our Devil Soldiers 

who have worked tirelessly to ensure the 

success of the transition team mission. You have played a 

pivotal role in defending freedom and as you take on this next 

task of building to a heavy brigade combat team, there is no 

doubt in my mind you will continue to exceed the standard and 

live up to the Big Red One motto: No Mission too Difficult. No 

Sacrifice too Great. 

Duty First!

4

Command Sergeant Major Danger 7

Division Command Sgt. Maj. Jim Champagne

Sportsman’s Paradise

Need a break from the operational 

tempo of being a Soldier in the Big Red 

One? Then grab your bow, gun or fishing 

pole — just a few of the items you may 

need to enjoy the great outdoors of the 

Central Kansas Flint Hills. 

It was late October when my family 

and I arrived at Fort Riley and we were 

driving in along the road that goes through 

Trooper Gate. Low and behold, I witnessed 

12 turkeys, of which at least seven were 

mature toms. I turned to Lisa, my wife, 

and said, “Hey did you see those?”

She said, “See what?” 

The corners of my mouth started to lift 

into the slightest of smiles. After getting 

through the gate, we were driving past the 

post cemetery and there stood a huge 10 

point buck. Lisa looked over and asked 

why I was smiling. Trying not to show too 

much enthusiasm, I responded, “I’m really going to love this 

place, baby.” 

If those birds and that buck were any indication of what lay 

ahead, I had just landed in a sportsman’s paradise.

It didn’t take but a few conversations with some of the 

Soldiers and civilians who have been around a few years to find 

out that I had struck gold when it came to outdoor activities. So 

where does a person go to really find out the skinny on where to 

hunt and fish? A good start is to go visit the wildlife biologists 

on post. As anyone reading this article knows the people of 

Kansas are some of the friendliest folks in the Midwest and it 

didn’t take long to meet some great Kansans. Talking with my 

good friends Alan, Shawn, Steve and Mike at the conservation 

office provided me with enough insight to get started that fall.

It was 12 degrees outside with about 6 inches of snow on 

the ground when I finally got out in the woods two weeks after 

our arrival. Having missed an opportunity to do some scouting, 

I did a map recon and picked an area that looked promising. 

I drove out early that morning before sunrise and parked my 

truck. The weather was bitter cold but I was determined to get

my first Kansas rifle hunt in. I walked in 

about half a mile along a creek bed and sat 

in amongst a brush pile. The sun had just 

come up and I was already shivering from 

the cold, but was determined to stick it out 

for a few hours at least. It was beautiful! 

The landscape was like a mythical story 

with snow and ice hanging off every 

possible branch and bush.

Intently watching the creek bottom 

to my front to see if any movement was 

coming my way, I noticed a set of horns 

very near the bank of the creek. Initially 

I thought it was a buck sneaking by me, 

but up over the bank came a 6-by-6 point 

bull elk, followed by another of the same 

dimensions. I could not believe my eyes. 

Here, I’m sitting in a brush pile on my 

first Kansas hunt and standing in front me 

at twenty yards are two mature bull elk. It 

was a stand-off! They knew there was something in front of 

them, but the wind was in my favor and they had not scented 

me. It was one of the greatest moments I have ever experienced 

in the outdoors. The bulls were so close; I could see the steam 

rising off their backs and coming from their nostrils as they 

sniffed the air. After what seemed a lifetime, they slowly moved 

off. I thought back to what Lisa said to me as we were driving 

into Fort Riley that first day. “Why are you smiling like that?” 

I knew my answer was now complete — it was right there 20 

yards to my front.

Outdoor opportunities are abundant on and around Fort Riley 

and they provide the right mix of physical and mental resilience. 

It could be in the form of fly fishing on Wildcat Creek, walleye 

trolling on Milford Lake or spending an afternoon canoeing on 

the Republican River with a group of friends. Find your outdoor 

experience and live it. You will often see me wear a T-shirt that 

shows a hunter in his tree stand just about 30 minutes before 

sundown. The reddish orange sunset is on fire and the leaves 

are turning. It simply reads “Gone thinking!” There’s no better 

way to recharge.

Now ... Get after it!
5 Duty First www.riley.army.mil Duty First www.riley.army.mil

Duty First! Magazine Staff

As 1st Brigade continues to grow and build, its newest Soldiers are integrated into the unit through three weeks of training in the unit’s 

policies and standards known as the “Devil Academy.”

 “We provide incoming Devil Brigade Soldiers with a base of training in certain critical wartime tasks,” said academy 1st Sgt. Gerald 

Gullion. 

Guillion said the training consists of physical fitness training, basic rifle marksmanship, combat life saving, map reading and some 

drivers training.

“We keep Soldiers fresh on map reading because it’s a perishable skill,” said Gullion. “Soldiers can’t always rely on technology 

because if that were to take a hit in combat, a Soldier has to resort to a map. We don’t want to get away from that.”

“Right now we don’t take Soldiers to the range,” said Capt. Craig Cochran, commander of the academy, “but we do have an 

engagement skills trainer to help them stay trained on marksmanship. We also have each Soldier go through their mandatory classes like 

sexual harassment, financial readiness along with other mandatory classes and the history of the 1st Infantry Division.”

Gullion said right now, the Devil Brigade is focused on training transition teams for their deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan.

 “What we do is help the battalions,” Gullion said. “We give our Soldiers the basic training while the units are focused on the training 

mission. This helps the brigade focus on the Fort Riley training mission and the heavy brigade build-up,” he said.

This fall, the brigade will transition out of training transition teams – as that mission will be transferred to Fort Polk, La. The brigade 

will then formally stand up as a heavy brigade combat team. Sending incoming Soldiers through the Devil Academy ensures everyone 

is on the same page when it comes to basic skills and brigade standards before being sent to their respective units.

“We send the Soldiers to their battalions after their training here and they arrive at their units with these skills,” said Cochran. 

“They’re set up for success. The unit can begin concentrating on squad, platoon and company training instead of this lower level training. 

That’s the ultimate goal.”

‘Devils’ Schooled in 

Soldiering Basics

Sgt. 1st Class Michael Bolff helps newly arrived Soldiers on the Engagement Skills Trainer. Bolff is a cadre member 

of the Devil Academy. The academy was established to take some of the training burdens off the battalions as the 

brigade builds to a Heavy Brigade Combat Team.

Duty First! Magazine Staff

6

Duty First! Magazine Staff

Army Bands have provided music throughout the spectrum of military operations to instill in Soldiers the will to fight and win, foster 

the support of the nation’s citizens and promote America’s national interests at home and abroad.

In order to meet the musical requirements of a large Army, the War Department established an emergency Army Music School. In 

June 1941, the Department of the Army established a school for bandmasters at Fort Myer, Va. Currently, Soldiers train at the Army 

School of Music located in the Armed Forces School of Music at Little Creek Naval Amphibious Base, Norfolk, Va.

The 1st Infantry Division band was created on Oct. 12, 1943, in the regular Army as an organization band. 

The Big Red One band has promoted esprit de corps to 1st Inf. Div. Soldiers around the world while serving in World War II, Vietnam, 

Desert Storm, the Global War on Terrorism in Iraq and Afghanistan and most recently at home on Fort Riley. Army Band Soldiers and 

Army Bands are capable of performing a wide variety of music for a vast number of musical missions. Some typical ensembles include 

concert band, big band, ceremonial marching band, brass quintet, rock band, salsa band, Dixie band, wood wind quintet, jazz combo, 

jazz trio and other small instrument groups.

Although the band has performed regularly since it was created, one notable period in the history of the band was the “Thunder Road” 

incident in Vietnam, which received national publicity. 

Maj. Gen. John Hay, commanding general of the 1st Inf. Div., in Vietnam, ordered his band to march down “Thunder Road.” This 

route was critical to the division but was currently under harassment by a North Vietnamese regiment. The band marched for one mile 

while playing the Colonel Bogey March. The enemy, confused by the action, withdrew from the area. The band executed a remarkable 

combat mission without firing a shot.

The band currently has 39 enlisted Soldiers and musicians that hold the military occupational specialty of 42R. The commander and 

conductor of the band is Chief Warrant Officer Jeremiah M. Keillor. First Sergeant David Fallin is the band’s enlisted leader.
7 Duty First www.riley.army.mil Duty First www.riley.army.mil

‘Dragons’ Ready 

to Breathe Fire

 Brigade Heads to Iraq for a Second Time

By Jordan Chapman

Duty First! Magazine

Sheltered from the morning sun underneath camouflage 

Army nets, as well as flooding into the grassy areas surrounding 

the bleachers, community leaders and Families of 4th Infantry 

Brigade Combat Team Soldiers clapped and cheered on their 

spouses, sons and daughters for what Maj. Gen. Brooks, 

commanding general of the 1st Infantry Division and Fort Riley, 

described to be the applause that would ring in each Soldier’s 

ears for an entire year.

Whether standing at attention on Custer Hill Parade Field 

Aug. 13 or looking on from behind, each Soldier making up the 

proud “Dragon” brigade would soon be deployed to Northern 

Iraq to assume the role of a security force assistance brigade, 

as well as work with Iraqi Security Forces to prepare a safe 

transition of coalition forces out of Iraq.

The brigade’s previous deployment was in 2007-2008 to 

southeast Baghdad where they were one of the first units to take 

part in “surge” operations to quell violence in Iraq.

“You look fabulous,” Brooks told the Soldiers standing 

before him, explaining that the brigade has done many great 

things to prepare for this deployment.

“I have every confidence that we have done our duty as a 

division to prepare this brigade and I have every confidence that 

this brigade will deliver far more what we were able to give to

them as they conduct their operations,” Brooks said.

Those operations will be completed in an area Brooks has 

described as having achieved “considerable progress,” but also 

is an area where “considerable work” must be done.

Being sent to an area where much violence has already been 

quelled is the main difference in this deployment compared to 

the brigade’s previous deployment, where Soldiers experienced 

a very intense and kinetic atmosphere.

“We will be advising and assisting Iraqi Security Forces, 

leading from the rear as it were, helping them and enabling 

them to do the mission themselves,” said Col. Henry Arnold 

III, commander, 4th IBCT. Because of that goal, Soldiers have 

undergone a series of training missions to help them learn 

scenarios they could face and know what it means to be in an 

advisory role.

Already, though, Arnold said that during a pre-deployment 

site survey to Iraq, he and other leaders witnessed two Iraqi 

brigadier generals, an American lieutenant colonel and other 

officers, Iraqi Police, government officials and emergency 

service personnel working together in high-tech meeting rooms 

and taking control of the situation.

“They were all talking, coordinating and communicating 

activity throughout the entire province ... I was standing in the 

back of the room and I told one of the commanders, ‘This is 

it. We won the war,’” Arnold said, though he and others know 

there are still difficulties and challenges that must be faced. 

Soldiers of the 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team stand in formation before their deployment ceremony at Custer 

Hill Parade Field Aug. 13. The “Dragon” brigade is deployed to Northern Iraq for 12 months where they will act as 

a Security Force Assistance Brigade.

Duty First!/Chapman

8

By Jordan Chapman

Duty First! Magazine

As Families and leaders observed the 4th Infantry Brigade 

Deployment Ceremony Aug. 12, they saw Soldiers with pride, 

honor and duty standing before them, but hidden from sight 

was one item in particular that reminded the troops of the 1st 

Battalion, 28th Infantry regiment, what they were fighting for: 

freedom and protecting the American way.

Within each “Black Lion” cargo pocket on Custer Hill Parade 

Field was a size American flag, encased in a small plastic bag 

complete with words of sincerity, hopeful prayer and a wish for 

that Soldier’s safe return.

Those flags were hand-delivered by Clayton Bennett, a 

16-year-old Eagle Scout from Memphis, Tenn., who was tasked 

with a final scouting project that had to make a difference. 

He not only succeeded, but he helped another organization 

succeed in its own mission as well as give encouragement to 

countless Soldiers as they go overseas. Growing up never too 

far from the military, Bennett wanted to inspire hope in Soldiers 

as they went into harm’s way.

continued on page 9

The spouses and Families of these Soldiers have their own 

challenges to face, but they will not be forgotten after the 

Soldiers leave to perform their duties, a consideration that was 

manifested in many comforting words and final embraces that 

could be seen after the ceremony concluded.

“It’s so important that you’re here today and you take 

that opportunity to do that,” Brooks said commending those 

present.

One of those Families was Renee Helbert and daughters 

Jasmine, 11, and Annabel, 9, who were present to send off their 

dad and husband, Spc. Charlie Helbert.

Going on his first deployment, Renee Helbert said the Family 

had collected many memories over the past few months before 

his deployment, and even took the chance to visit Disney World 

over the July 4 holiday break.

Helbert explained she and her husband had already discussed 

how they would communicate while he was away and were off 

to buy him a laptop later that day.

Though they have purchased a laptop, Helbert said she and 

her husband were planning on sticking to writing letters for the 

most part. “I know it’s kind of old fashioned, but it has a bit 

more of a personal note to it,” she said.

The Family also plans to send care packages, the contents of 

which remain unknown, other than lots of candy. “He likes it,” 

Helbert said smiling.

“I want you to know, Families, that we here at Fort Riley and 

the Central Flint Hills Community will take care of that which 

is left behind,” Brooks said. “The Families of the Soldiers that 

stay here, this is your home, this is your Family and if you need 

anything at anytime for those that leave the area, this is where 

you’ll find it.”

Arnold told Soldiers they were more than ready to take on 

the mission ahead of them.

“You — we — are ready. There is no doubt in my mind, nor 

should there be any doubt in yours that we will prevail,” Arnold 

said, confidence that was echoed in Brooks’ advisement.

“We wish you all God speed. Do well, do your mission and 

remember our motto, ‘No Mission too difficult, no sacrifice too 

great, Duty First!’” Brooks said.

‘Black Lion’ Soldiers 

Pocket a Piece of 

American Spirit

The 4th Infantry 

Brigade 

Combat Team 

color guard 

stands at the 

ready during 

the brigade’s 

deployment 

ceremony at 

Custer Hill 

Parade Field 

Aug. 13. The 

brigade is 

deployed to 

Northern Iraq 

for 12 months.

Duty First!/Chapman

Clayton Bennett and his grandfather, retired Col. Billy 

Murphy, honorary colonel of the 1st Bn., 28th Inf. 

Regt., pose for a photo while handing out miniature 

American flags to the unit commanders on July 29. 

Courtesy photo
Duty First www.riley.army.mil Duty First www.riley.army.mil 10

Dual Military Couple Reflects 

On Combined Service

funds to pay for a master’s degree, Carmen joined for two years. 

With very little knowledge of the military, she wasn’t sure what 

to expect, but said she was sure that she’d be able to “tough it 

out.”

Two years later, Carmen was detailed to the Quartermaster 

Corps at Fort Lee, Va. After receiving the necessary qualifications 

and school as a supply officer, she was sent to Camp Zama, 

Japan, in 1973.

“Camp Zama was a very small post,” Carmen said. “They 

didn’t have an officer club and an NCO club. They had a 

consolidated club with an officer lounge, an NCO lounge with 

a common dining room and a common ballroom.”

The couple met on the dance floor at the club one night and 

were married in 1975, becoming one of a very few dual-military 

couples in the Army at that time. Both said being in the Army 

gave each other a greater understanding, because they knew 

what the other was going through and dealing with at work. It 

also lent itself to some humorous moments.

“Whenever I’d catch him outside, I’d make him salute me,” 

Carmen said with a smile. “After a while, he’d see me coming 

and go hide in a building or something.”

Both Juan and Carmen retired from the Army, Juan in 1981 

after 23 years and Carmen in 1992. 

For couples in the Army, the Santiagos’ advice is simple: Be 

good Soldiers and be professionals.

“And if you’re thinking about getting married and you’re 

both in the Army, think long and hard,” Carmen added. “Both 

jobs are full-time jobs in which people depend on you.”

By Anna Staatz

Duty First! Magazine

The Army has always had Soldiers who overcame the odds 

and set new standards. For Juan Santiago and his wife, Carmen 

Nizzi-Santiago, it was no different.

Juan enlisted in the Army in Puerto Rico in 1958. Prior 

to enlisting, Juan had dropped out of high school and was 

getting by on the slim earnings from shining shoes and selling 

newspapers. The Army was a way to earn a living and serve 

his country. In 1965, Juan was part of the 5th Infantry Division 

when the 1st and 2nd Battalions of the 2nd Infantry Regiment 

were transferred to the 1st Inf. Div. A few months after switching 

the patch on his shoulder, Juan was on his way to Vietnam. He 

was in Vietnam as part of the Big Red One from 1965 to 1967. 

Once Vietnam was behind him, he attended the Defense 

Race Relations Institute and then was stationed at Camp Zama, 

Japan, as part of Headquarters, U.S. Army Japan.

“We blame Camp Zama for what happened,” Carmen said 

with a smile. 

Carmen received a direct commission in the Womens Army 

Corps in 1971. She joined the Army after clipping out an ad in 

a TV Guide magazine.

“I was graduating from college, and wasn’t really sure what 

I wanted to do,” Carmen said. “I saw a thing in TV Guide that 

said ‘join the Army, get more education money and see the 

world.’ So I pulled it out and sent it in, and I got called by a 

female recruiter who called and said, ‘So you’re interested in 

the Army?’”

Lured by the pay and the opportunity to get educational

Juan and Carmen Santiago at the Big Red One Reunion in August.

Duty First!/Staatz

9

continued from page 8

“I hope it reminds them that they have support back here,” 

Bennett said, explaining the whole idea was to help Soldiers 

know that people respect them, their mission and what they’re 

doing, but he chose the Black Lion battalion specifically 

because it is the same battalion his grandfather, retired Col. 

Billy Murphy, served in during the Vietnam War.

“He called me and explained his project and said, ‘Papa I 

need a unit. You’re the honorary colonel of a regiment, I’m 

not sure what that means, but if I can make a presentation to 

your combat unit from Vietnam that’s what I would like to 

do,’” Murphy said after the deployment ceremony concluded. 

Murphy flew his grandson to Fort Riley and coordinated for 

him make the presentation on July 29. 

Bennett came equipped with 1,000 miniature flags and the 

inspiration only a young adult can inspire. 

He passed about 850 flags out to the commanders of the 1st 

Bn., 28th Inf. Regt., who then passed them out again to their 

individual Soldiers.

The remaining flags have been passed out to an Army 

Reserve unit, commanded by his father, a two-tour veteran of 

Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Bennett said passing out the flags was a feeling that made 

him very proud and was glad that it had such an impact on the 

unit commanders.

“It was really cool. Lots of guys were really excited about it 

and one told me that he would take it with him whenever he was 

about to go on a mission,” Bennett said.

“As a Soldier, the reaffirmation people make of their support 

for you means so much. It can be small or large but to go through 

all of what that young man did and to actually show that kind 

of commitment to our battalion was phenomenal,” said Lt. Col. 

Eric Timmerman, battalion commander.

“It’s a little piece of home,” another Soldier said.

“It was a very heartwarming moment to hear and see the 

support for our Soldiers from that young man. I think all of 

us were impressed with Clayton’s patriotism and sincerity,” 

Timmerman added.

Clayton Bennett presents a miniature flag to Capt. Drew Carrigan of the 1st Bn., 28th Inf. Regt., July 

29 for an Eagle Scout project.

Courtesy Photo
11 Duty First www.riley.army.mil Duty First www.riley.army.mil 12

By Staff Sgt. Joe M. Battle

75th Fires Brigade Public Affairs Office

The 75th Fires “Tough As Diamonds” Brigade welcomed 

its newest top noncommissioned officer during an Aug. 18 

ceremony in the Artillery Bowl at Fort Sill, Okla. 

Command Sgt. Maj. Sam K. Young assumed responsibility 

as the 75th Fires Bde. command sergeant major, leaving his 

former position as the command sergeant major for the 1st 

Battalion, 78th Field Artillery Regiment, currently stationed at 

Fort Sill.

Col. Joseph Harrington, brigade commander, spoke during 

the ceremony and commented on the history of the location of 

the ceremony and its significance.

“Like the NCO Corps, this coliseum has stood the test of 

time. The Artillery Bowl represents our storied history and long 

traditions,” Harrington said. “In recent years, the bowl has been 

used by the NCO Academy for noncommissioned officer school 

graduations and often for NCO induction ceremonies.”

“Thus, this building represents our famed past, our fighting 

spirit and is steeped in our NCO traditions,” he added. “I can 

think of no finer place to welcome our new brigade command 

sergeant major.”

Young spoke of the brigade’s history and tradition as he 

spoke to the Soldiers and leaders in attendance and to those 

who couldn’t be there.

“As you can see by looking at the guidons and battalion colors 

before you, the Diamond Brigade has a long and proud history,” 

said Young. “It is an honor for me to be able to serve in such a 

strong, versatile unit. I just hope I’m up to the challenge.”

“To the Soldiers and leaders in the brigade, I promise to give 

you 110 percent each and every day,” he added. “Not only in 

taking care of Soldiers, but also in building and maintaining the 

strongest brigade team in the Army – not just in the 1st Infantry 

Division, but in the Army.”

Young began his Army career in May 1986 as a cannon 

crewmember. Serving primarily in the light artillery world, a 

few of his most notable assignments include Howitzer gunner, 

1st Battalion, 7th Field Artillery Regiment, Fort Drum, N.Y.; 

platoon sergeant, 1st Battalion, 321st Airborne Field Artillery 

Regiment, Fort Bragg, N.C.; first sergeant, 5th Battalion, 25th 

Field Artillery Regiment, Fort Polk, La. and command sergeant 

major, 3rd Battalion, 6th Field Artillery, Fort Drum, N.Y.

His deployments include Operation Golden Pheasant in 

Honduras, Operation Just Cause in Panama, Operation Desert 

Thunder in Kuwait, Operation Iraqi Freedom I and Operation 

Iraqi Freedom V.

Young’s awards and decorations include the Bronze Star 

with one oak leaf cluster, Meritorious Service Medal with 2 

OLC, Army Commendation Medal with 6 OLC, and the Army 

Achievement Medal with 7 OLC, the Outstanding Volunteer 

Medal, Air Assault Badge, Master Parachutist Badge, German 

Parachutist Badge and the Combat Action Badge.

Command Sgt. Maj. Sam K. Young assumes responsiblity as the top enlisted Soldier of the 75th 

Fires Brigade during a ceremony Aug. 18 in Fort Sill, Okla.

75th Fires Brigade Welcomes

New Command Sergeant Major

75th Fires PAO
13 Duty First www.riley.army.mil Duty First www.riley.army.mil

New Commander 

Settles into the Cockpit

By Jordan Chapman

Duty First! Magazine

Maj. Gen. Vincent Brooks told Soldiers of the 1st Combat 

Aviation Brigade July 10 that they had just inherited one of 

the Army’s finest aviation leaders, 23-year veteran Col. Frank 

Muth. Since then, the brigade’s Soldiers have gotten to know 

not only a commander, but also a fellow Soldier who wants to 

continue the success and victory the brigade has already had.

Such success included being selected as the Combat Aviation 

Brigade of the year, along with numerous battalion awards 

within the brigade after its most recent 15-month deployment 

to Iraq under the leadership of outgoing commander Col. Jessie 

Farrington.

“Under (Farrington’s) leadership the ‘Demon’ Brigade has 

climbed and soared ... to new heights of excellence,” Brooks 

said, particularly noting the accomplishments of the brigade 

during its most recent deployment.

“The CAB conducted over a quarter of a million flight 

hours flown without any aircraft mishaps or combat losses. 

That’s a remarkable record,” Brooks praised, stating further 

that all of the brigade’s accomplishments show off Farrington’s 

leadership ability.

“This Combat Aviation Brigade met every challenge. Our 

‘Demon’ Soldiers have been extraordinary ... we took the 

fight to the enemy with dogged determination for 15-months 

and I believe we were one of the key elements that broke his 

back in Northern Iraq. We did it safely and with deadly effect,” 

Farrington said.

Since that sunny morning witnessed by Fort Riley and 

surrounding community leaders alike, Muth has capitalized 

on the experience that is still within the brigade since that 

deployment, as well as taken new ideas and talents from 

incoming Soldiers to create a team that will continue the success 

and improvement of the brigade. 

“This will help develop and take (the brigade) to its 

next level,” Muth said, explaining he also is relying on his 

knowledge and ability gained from his previous assignment 

at the Pentagon to successfully lead the CAB to new heights. 

As the Systems Director of the Aviation Directorate, which 

focuses on the aviation branch, Muth feels his knowledge of 

the “big picture” and knowing how things are done within 

the acquisition, development, procurement and budgeting 

of all aviation systems from the Pentagon all the way down 

to a combat unit helps in his ability to get things done. 

“When somebody has a question of ‘how come we can’t get 

The National and Combat Aviation Brigade colors fly high July 10 during a Change of Command Ceremony at 

Marshall Army Airfield. Col. Jessie Farrington relinquished his command to incoming commander Col. Frank 

Muth.

14

this new weapon system or aircraft survivability equipment?,’ 

I kind of understand that cascade effect and how it works at 

the Pentagon and how it works its way through the entire 

procurement process,” Muth said.

In recent months, correlation and teamwork between the 

CAB Soldiers has taken two battalions from within the brigade 

to the National Training Center at Fort Irwin, Calif., and the 

Joint Readiness Training Center at Fort Polk, La., to test their 

skills, work on their missions and continue working together to 

better the success of the CAB upon deployment.

“The great thing is those battalions, when they deploy, 

they are going to take pieces of the other battalions and create 

taskforces,” Muth said, explaining CAB Soldiers weren’t just 

training in one helicopter while at the training centers. “When 

they deploy they will take Apaches, Chinooks and Blackhawks 

... and form a cohesive team and that multi-complex capability 

which has all aviation aspects to it.”

At the same time, Muth and his team are forming up the CAB 

headquarters as well as preparing for a brigade deployment 

to Fort Rucker, Ala., in December for an Aviation Training 

Exercise.

After two months of being in command, Muth said his 

favorite part of leading the CAB is the Soldiers.

“It’s just great to go out there and talk to Soldiers, running 

PT, stopping and asking who they are and where they are 

from,” Muth said, explaining he has also had the chance to take 

flights on the OH-58 Kiowa Warrior, a helicopter he is rated in, 

along with Blackhawks. “It was nice to get in a cockpit,” he 

said, trying to explain the difference between working at the 

Pentagon and being a part of a unit.

“There is a unique aspect about that. In that capacity you’re 

getting to hang out with Soldiers and do things. That can be 

eating lunch, that can be running PT, flying and all of the other 

things I have been able to do,” Muth said.

Such enthusiasm for the Army and his job hasn’t diminished 

in 23 years. “As far back as I can remember I can’t think of 

anything else I wanted to do. There was never any thought about 

not serving in the Army. Even when I was a kid,” Muth said.

Col. Frank Muth (right), incoming commander of the 

Combat Aviation Brigade, salutes the flag with Maj. 

Gen. Vincent Brooks, commanding general of the 

1st Infantry Division and Fort Riley, and Col. Jessie 

Farrington, outgoing commander, July 10 during a 

Change of Command ceremony at Marshall Army 

Airfield.

Maj. Gen. Vincent Brooks (standing right), 

commanding general of of the 1st Infantry Division 

and Fort Riley, and Col. Jessie Farrington, outgoing 

commander of the Combat Aviation Brigade, review 

the Soldiers of the “Demon” Brigade in a World War II 

era Half-Track July 10 during a Change of Command 

ceremony at Marshal Army Airfield. 

Photos by: Duty First!/Chapman

Maj. Gen. Vincent Brooks, commanding general 

of the 1st Infantry Division and Fort Riley, passes 

the Combat Aviation Brigade colors to incoming 

commander Col. Frank Muth during a Change of 

Command ceremony.
15 Duty First www.riley.army.mil Duty First www.riley.army.mil

Tales from the Woods

By Jordan Chapman

Duty First! Magazine

For the Soldiers at Fort Riley who enjoy outdoor activities, the dawn of the 2009 hunting season is synonymous with solitude, escape 

and a time to respect nature. 

Yet, even as a hunter gains peace within the woods, they can’t deny the adrenaline they feel as they creep through the wilderness or 

remain ever so still in a tree stand waiting for the right moment to take down a deer, elk or a number of large and small game available 

at Fort Riley that is sure to fill their freezers for the winter and their minds with a lifetime of unforgettable memories.

One such memory came for Lt. Col David Waters, 1st Infantry Division Chaplain, and Sgt. Maj. Mark Dombrowski, Directorate of 

Emergency Services at Fort Riley, when they each won a once in a lifetime hunting lottery, an either sex elk tag. It gave them the chance 

to kill a bull elk, an animal described as one of the largest species of deer in the world and one of the largest mammals in North America 

and eastern Asia.

“If you get a bull tag it’s a once in a lifetime draw ... there are tons of people that have been here 10 to 15 years and never been 

selected,” Dombrowski said, explaining further he had never hunted elk before so he started studying and asking about the best ways to 

do so at the Conservation Office, located at Building 404, Pershing Court.

“They taught me a lot and I went out and started scouting in July,” Dombrowski said, explaining that as he continued to scout he never 

once saw or heard any elk until Sept. 28, 2006, when he heard his first elk bugle, followed by his first elk sighting the following day.

Dombrowski said when Oct. 1 came around, he decided to begin his hunt in Area K off the side of the road. However, he soon found 

himself moving deeper into the woods to get away from passing cars that he knew would scare off any game.

As he moved deeper into the brush he kept making his call and was consistently returned two to three elk bugles a time.

Sgt. Maj. Mark Dombrowski, Directorate of Emergency Services at Fort Riley, and son Nikolas pose for a photo 

behind their kill after a successful morning hunt.

Courtesy Photo

16

After about two months of hunting and searching, Waters oo 

found and shot his first 13-point, 800-pound and approximately 

10-year-old elk in Area K Oct. 19, 2008, but he didn’t follow 

his nose. 

Waters found his animal by keeping faith and learning what 

the herds were currently eating.

“I had found a sorghum field ... and found where they had 

been tearing that field up. You could see where they had eaten 

till they were full and they would leave the field. They were 

gradually working their way down this field,” Waters explained, 

adding that he decided to stay near the field at key times to see 

what kind of elk were nearby.

Even when Waters knew where the elk were, it took multiple 

trips to the field to spot a bull.

Waters explained that as he sat in his tree stand, a bull and 

multiple cows moved onto the field more than 100 yards from 

his tree and he only had his bow, which is most deadly at about 

30 to 40 yards. “I watched the bull eat for about 30 minutes and 

decided to try to come down the tree and move in for a shot,” 

he said, explaining that has he did so the bull heard him and 

began to leave.

Eager for his first bull elk kill, Waters began to move down a 

tree line to move in closer. “The bull was still on the edge of the 

plot and I decided to use my cow call to hold him on the field in 

order to get a closer shot,” he said, except the cow call did the 

opposite of its purpose and scared the bull and the herd away, 

effectively ending the day’s hunt.

continued on page 17

Sgt. Maj. Mark Dombrowski, directorate of Emergency Services at Fort Riley, moves through the brush of the Fort 

Riley hunting grounds in September of 2006. He spent about two months hunting elk before he got his first bull 

kill.

“I kept on moving and I got a good 2,000 meters off of the 

road when I could smell this pungent odor,” Dombrowski said, 

knowing full well that elk have a very distinct smell.

After following his nose through a series of thickets he came 

across a small hollow of mud and water.

“I stood up and called and all of a sudden I could hear some 

cows coming up from behind me ... and then to my front about 

20 meters here they come, some more cows. All of a sudden I 

look over and I see two rag horn elk and they come walking by 

behind me,” he said, clearly surprised at being in the middle of 

this group and feeling as though he would not shoot the first thing 

he saw, but would walk away with a great first experience.

“That’s when I see off to my right as what I perceive to be 

trees moving,” he said, describing the trees as moving away 

from him so he called again, an action that led the elk to begin 

busting through the brush and come into an opening 30 yards 

ahead of him.

“The elk just stopped there and it’s just looking at me ... and 

all of sudden something spooked the elk,” Dombrowski said, 

knowing then that was the elk he would shoot because it was 

going to come up the “funnel” to where he was.

“He veered at me and my initial instinct was to not let him 

come any further,” he said, saying he shot the elk a little high 

and hit a bone, which caused the bullet to ricochet up into the 

bull’s spine and dropping the elk in place.

The bull had a total of 13 points and was five years old. 

“What a tremendous experience. Out of all my 

experiences that is one I’ll never forget,” Dombrowski said.

Courtesy Photo
Duty First www.riley.army.mil Duty First www.riley.army.mil 18

Ten Commandments of Firearm Safety

1. Treat every gun as if it was loaded. Every time a gun is handled, check to make sure that 

the gun is empty of shells or cartridges. Always assume the gun has the ability to load itself.

2. Always point the muzzle in a safe direction. No one should ever see the muzzle end of 

your gun.

3. Be sure of your target and beyond. A safe hunter would never take aim at a sound, 

movement or flash of color. A safe shot is taken at a positively identified target against a 

clear, safe background.

4. Never point a gun at anything you don’t want to shoot. Avoid all horseplay with a firearm.

5. Unload guns when not in use. Have the actions open to ensure that a gun is not loaded. 

Guns should be carried in cases to the hunting or shooting area.

6. Store guns and ammunition separately. Store in a place where the guns are out of reach of 

children or careless adults.

7. Be sure the barrel and action are clear of obstructions. Only carry ammunition for the gun 

you are carrying and the game you are hunting.

8. Never climb a fence or tree, cross a log or a stream or jump a ditch with a loaded gun.

9. Never shoot a bullet at a flat, hard surface or water. When target practicing, be sure your 

backstop is adequate.

10. Never use alcoholic beverages or drugs when handling a firearm. Alcohol or drugs should 

not be used before or during the hunt or when cleaning a gun. Always be fully alert and in 

control.

17

has some of the finest deer in the nation,” Waters commented. 

“Some of the largest here in the nation I think are here on Fort 

Riley.” 

Though Pfc. Warren Palmer, intelligence analyst for the 

Combat Aviation Brigade, hasn’t yet had the chance to hunt 

deer on Fort Riley, he too finds thrill in the hunt.

“When you’re walking in the woods in the early morning, 

it’s pretty quiet, since you’re out there without light. But when 

everything starts waking up you hear all of the animals. The 

woods get pretty loud when you’re out there by yourself,” 

Palmer said, trying to explain the relaxing sensation a hunter 

gets. “I fall asleep half the time I’m out there.”

He said that like Dombrowski and Waters, the feeling of 

adrenaline grows ever larger when he can hear a deer walking 

in slow. “And once you take your shot it’s a relief from the 

adrenaline,” he said. “Then you have to gut it and it smells, 

but it’s worth it,” he said with a smile full of passion, a perfect 

symbol for the satisfaction the hunters and Soldiers of Fort 

Riley receive during the days of hunting season.

Lt. Col. David Waters, 1st Infantry Division Chaplain, 

poses beside his first bull elk kill in area K of Fort Riley’s 

71,000 acres of hunting land Oct 19, 2008. The animal was 

estimated to be about 800 pounds and 10 years old.

Sgt. Maj. Mark Dombrowski, Directorate of Emergency 

Services at Fort Riley, stands beside his first elk kill 

after shooting his prey Oct. 1, 2006.

continued from page 16

Waters returned to the same plot Oct. 19 with his bow as 

well as a rifle in hand, explaining he would rather get a bow kill 

but, if the bull was too distant, he would resort to the rifle.

After hours upon hours of waiting and growing more 

frustrated by the minute, Waters said he called his wife and 

asked for her to send a prayer for his success.

“I called my wife and said, ‘Honey, I’m about shot on 

this, I’ve about had it. Say a little prayer for me that I’ll be 

successful.’ No joke, 20 minutes after I got off the phone I saw 

(a bull elk’s) horns coming through the brush,” he said, adding 

that the bull then disappeared and reappeared 50 yards from 

Waters’ tree stand. “He looked right at me and froze. I raised 

my gun and shot and he spun around to move away from me 

another 20 yards. Now all I could see was the back of his neck 

and rack. I shot him in the back of his neck and he dropped to 

the ground,” Waters said, though the bull would get up once 

more before falling down for the last time.

Elk aren’t the only game on Fort Riley though. “This post 

Courtesy Photo

Courtesy Photo
Duty First www.riley.army.mil Duty First www.riley.army.mil 20

Recognizing Service, Support

Duty First! Magazine Staff

On June 14, Freedom Team Salute presented its 2 millionth commendation to former 1st Infantry 

Division Soldier, Sgt. Christopher Meyers. The recognition occurred in East Chicago, Ind., in 

partnership with the Support Our Service Members Organization. 

Freedom Team Salute is an official Army commendation and outreach program recognizing the 

bond between the Army, Families, veterans, employers, and supporters. 

“Sacrifice and service are borne by more than just our Soldiers. Our Families, employers, and 

other supporters also making sacrifices in support of our Soldiers,” said Col. David Griffith, program 

director. “Our veterans are most familiar with the challenges that service to our country brings. They 

have set the example for our currently serving Soldiers and are the standard that every Soldier 

measures themselves against,” he said. 

According to Griffith, the program gives every Soldier the opportunity to formally thank their 

parents and spouses. National Guard and Reserve Soldiers can also recognize their employers.

“Additionally, anyone (military or civilian) can recognize a discharged Army veteran for their 

years of dedicated service, a Soldier’s children or other relatives, a veteran’s spouse, family readiness 

group leaders and members, businesses, civic leaders, organizations and individuals sending care 

packages,” Griffith said.

Griffith said the program provides a simple, but heartfelt way to say thank you to those making 

difficult sacrifices as and for Soldiers. He added that it’s a way to honor those who have served the 

country.

Griffith said the Freedom Team Salute has a formal ambassador program to raise local awareness 

by conducting events and commendation ceremonies at the “grassroots” level.

“There are currently 850 ambassadors operating in all 50 states and 15 different countries,” 

Griffith said.

According to Griffith, his staff is small and could never have been able to hand deliver each of 

the two million commendations.

“We wish that we could do that,” said Griffith. “However, most commendations are provided 

through the mail or by one of our ambassadors.”

In order to send a commendation, those interested should visit the program Web site at www.

freedomteamsalute.com and fill out an online commendation form. 

“All that is required is a name and an address,” Griffith said. “It’s that simple.”

Griffith said the honoree should receive their commendation in 3-4 weeks, either through the 

mail or from one of the ambassadors.

19

By Jordan Chapman

Duty First! Magazine

As the fall and winter months approach, Soldiers who enjoy hunting 

are itching to get out their firearms and bows that have been stashed 

away in racks or closets, to be cleaned and prepared for their game of 

choice.

For those who have never hunted on Fort Riley’s 71,000 acccessible 

acres, there is much land to explore and many sights to behold on some 

of the best concentrations of upland game, wild turkeys and big game 

opportunities in the area for military and civilians.

Any and all information regarding hunting seasons, the purchase of 

permits, the acceptance of rules and regulations and how to access the 

30 different hunting areas on Fort Riley can be found by visiting the 

Conservation Office at Building 404, Pershing Court or calling (785) 

239-8574 between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through 

Friday.

Only individuals holding a Department of Defense identification card, 

and their guests accompanied by the cardholder, may hunt with a firearm 

in Areas 1-30 as long as those areas are listed as open.

To find out what areas are open, hunters should call the Open Areas 

Hotline at (785) 239-6669. Open area listings can also be found daily at 

each of the 10 self-service hunter check stations on the fort. 

Hunters can begin registering and buying tags for deer hunting 

beginning on Aug. 19. The dates for deer hunting with a firearm on Fort 

Riley are Nov. 27-29, Dec. 18-22 and Dec. 26-29.

Those using a bow and arrow on deer will be allowed to hunt at Fort 

Riley Sept. 1 to Dec. 31.

Hunters who have won the privilege to hunt elk this year will be 

allowed to do so Oct. 1 through Dec. 31 with a firearm and Sept.1 - Oct. 

4 if using a muzzleloader or bow.

Pheasant and quail season for regular hunters will be held Nov. 14 to 

Jan. 31 with youth allowed to hunt Nov. 7 and 8. The daily bag limit for 

pheasant is four cocks in the regular season and two cocks during the 

youth season.

The daily bag limit for quail is eight in the regular season and four in 

the youth season.

Prairie chicken season will last from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15 with a daily 

bag limit of two in the East zone, Nov. 21 to Dec. 31 with a daily bag 

limit of one in the Southwest zone and Nov. 21 to Jan. 31, 2010 with a 

daily bag limit of two in the East and Northwest zones.

Allowable hunting season for turkeys will fall between the dates of 

Oct. 1 to Dec. 1, Dec. 14 to 31 and Jan. 11 to 31, 2010.

The Conservation Office would like to remind hunters that each 

individual participating in recreation on the post must hold appropriate 

federal, state and Fort Riley licenses, permits, stamps and/or tags. 

Additionally, all firearms must be registered before being brought 

onto the installation. Soldiers stationed at Fort Riley must register them 

with their units’ arms room. Others may register their firearms at the 

Provost Marshal Office or the Conservation Office.

Fort Riley Area Rich 

In HuntingGrounds

Big Red One Soldiers stationed at Fort Sill 

and Fort Knox can find hunting information 

on their areas through the following 

channels:

Fort Sill, Okla.

Hunters at Fort Sill can find out specific hunting 

dates, bag limits and how to purchase tags and 

permits by either calling Sportsman Services located 

in Building 1458, PunchBowl Road at (580) 442-

3453. The same information can also be found at 

http://sill-www.army.mil/dhr/Admin_Svcs_Div/

FS_Pubs/Cirs/200-07-01.pdf.

Fort Knox, Ky.

Hunters at Fort Knox can call the Hunt Control 

Office located at Building 112 at the intersection of 

11th Ave. and Binter Street at either (502) 624-7311 

or (502) 624-2712. Soldiers and civilians also may 

visit them in person to find out about and purchase 

Kentucky state hunting permits, licenses as well as 

get information on what areas are open to hunt or 

to become familiar with check-in and check-out 

procedures. 

For more information hunters also can visit http://

www.knox.army.mil/fw/.

Fort Leonard Wood, Mo.

Soldiers interested in hunting need to visit the 

Outdoor Adventure Center, building 2290, on post. 

The center will provide any information needed 

for potential to seasoned hunters including: hunter 

education classes, post permits, regulations, tags 

and maps.

For more information call (573) 596-4223 or visit 

http://www.fortleonardwoodmwr.com/odr.htm

Not Stationed 

At Fort Riley?
Duty First www.riley.army.mil Duty First www.riley.army.mil

The Ties That Bind

Veterans, Soldiers come together at Big Red One Reunion

22

Leinen said for he and other World War II veterans, the 

numbers of those who make it each year dwindles.

“A lot of us are passed on and gone,” Leinen said. “Each 

year, there are a few less of us.”

The dwindling number of World War II veterans was also on 

the minds of Jack Streeter and John McHugh, who both served 

in the 18th Infantry Regiment during the war. Streeter served 

in the regiment’s 1st Battalion, while McHugh was in the 2nd 

Battalion. The two met at a Big Red One reunion in 1990. Since 

then, they’ve met up every year at the annual event.

“I’d say in the 1990s, there were a lot of World War II 

veterans and only a few Vietnam veterans at the reunions,” 

McHugh said. “Anymore, we’re the minority. There are fewer 

of us every year.”

Streeter noted that when he first came to the reunions, he 

met a few people from his former unit, but since then they’ve 

passed away. Streeter, who was awarded five Silver Stars for 

his actions during World War II, and McHugh, who was also 

awarded a Silver Star, have twice had the opportunity to go

back to Normandy and visit the battlefields there.

“That was quite an experience,” McHugh said. “It was very 

emotional.”

Maj. Gen. Vincent Brooks, commanding general of the 

1st Inf. Div. and Fort Riley, posed a question to guests at the 

reunion’s concluding dinner that drove to the heart of the 

common bond between veterans and Soldiers. Brooks asked 

attendees “why did you come back?”

After telling the stories of Soldiers from 1st Infantry Division 

brigades, Brooks spoke of that common bond.

“You came back because you were and you are part of 

something great and something timeless,” Brooks said.

During the event, veterans and Soldiers also had the 

opportunity to participate in various local activities, such as 

taking in a baseball game and visiting the Henry Ford museum. 

They also paused to remember the division’s fallen Soldiers 

during a memorial service. Next year’s reunion is set at the end 

of August in San Antonio, Texas.

Veterans visit during the Big Red One Reunion Aug. 5-8 in Detroit. Duty First!/Staatz

21

By Anna Staatz

Duty First! Magazine

It was a bond that drew several hundred Big Red One 

veterans, Soldiers and Family members to Detroit in early 

August. The bond of battles fought, brothers remembered and a 

common patch they all wore on their left shoulder.

At the annual Big Red One reunion Aug. 5-9 in Detroit, 

it took only a short walk up and down the halls of the Hyatt 

Regency Hotel to hear the stories.

Art Leinen served with the 2nd Battalion, 26th Infantry 

Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, during World War II. Leinen 

wasn’t sent to Germany until late 1944, and he became part 

of an American occupational force near Nuremberg, the site of 

trials for war crimes.

“It was a very interesting time to be there, with the Nuremberg 

Trials going on,” Leinen said. Leinen got out of the Army after 

his draft time expired. He has managed to make it to many Big 

Red One reunions over the years.

“I, personally, enjoy the ones near an Army installation the 

best,” Leinen said. “It just adds a lot to the time together.”

A memorial tribute to 1st Infantry Division Soldiers who gave their all was part of the 2009 Big Red One Reunion. 

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