The Hood River glacier. (Hood River, Or.) 1889-1933, 1922-01-19

only form an added feature of interest
to outside people who wish to come
here and participate in the mountain
party" says Edward w. Van Horn,
"but it will stimulate interest in the
young men of the valley to affiliate
with the organization. The guard
unit, if plans of some Of the young
men of the valley come to maturity,
may become as famous as military or
ganizations of some of the older east
ern centers. Instead of being in con-
slant danger of having our number Of
men fall below the prescribed mini
mum. we will probably see a big wait
ing list. =
Some of the reasons for national
guard company and the benefits it will
bring to a town are given below bv
! Sergeant Yerack, of Salem, who has
been here promoting the interest of
| the organization and who will be pres
ent for the muster in:
at paves the way for a large com
munity building which is necessary IN
a live, growing city it brings in peo-
| pie and business that otherwise would
not come. The pay of the National
Guard from the federal government
helps good deal, as it ranges from
$3.50 to $50 per year per man, depend
ing on his rank and attendance at drill.
| Officres draw third of the pay of an
officer of the regular army of like
grade when so per cent of officers and
60 per cent of men are present. At
any drill the men draw third of like
grade of the army, as 81 for private,
81. II for private first class, Sl.27 for
corporal, Sl.50 for sergeant, Sl.75 for
first sergeant. All must attend per-
iods of ID hours each and not to exceed
eight in any month or GO in any one
calendar year. An encampment of 10
days is held each year. where the state
allows extra pay and all expenses
paid.
1.-The men elect their own captain by
vote and he elects the lientenants
and non-commissioned officers. 1t gives
the men a chance to meet, get better
acquainted and helps IN getting EN-
ployment.
"Another feature is the authority
granted the governor to select as can
didates two men and two as alternates
from the National Guard to take eX-
animation for entrance to the military
academy at West Point. These men
must be over l8 aud under Il years at
date of entrance, which is always July
l. The examinations are ordinarily
held in October or November and con
sist of algebra, geometry English liter
ature, composition, ancient and medi-
eval history, the same as taught in the
high schools.
"There must be 65 men present for
the muster.in into service. 81 IL as ad-
visable to have at least 70 signed up
and examined so as to be sure to have
the required amount. The sooner this
s done, that much sooner the organic
alton starts helping the community.
All equipment necessary IS furnished
by the United States government. AS
soon as the local people in charge OF
getting the company started notify
Adiutant General George A. White at
Salem, that everything is in readiness,
he and his staff will arrive and proceed
with the muster ia As soon as that
is completed the election of captain Is
made.
1.-The state allowssa company $700.a
year for rent and upkeep of an arm
ory. also suitable target range and
plenty of ammunition so that each
member may learn how to shoot. The
same rifle as is used by the regular
army is also furnished the National
Guard. The instructors assigned are
Col. Clarence h Dentler, Infantry
Captain Paul Hathaway, Infantry Ser
geants Bates, Ramsey and Holt, all of
the regular army and stationed in
Thou mill r,1oLa frpqupnt
visits to help the company in any way
that they possibly can. Adj. Gen.
White will also make frequent visits to
the city az he takes great interest IN
the National Guard, and does all with
in his power to help them along. lie
has many years service TO his credit.
and during the war saw active service
in France, for which he was highly
decorated. After the war when he
stepped in again as adJutant general,
Oregon was in 26th place. as regards
standing of the National Guard in the
United States and now Oregon stands
second and pushing hard for first, all
Ie to the untiring efforts OF Col.
White.
"The other companies that will be
in the battalion with Hood River COM
pany are stationed at Portland. Med
ford and Cottage Grove. Anyone hold
ing a Reserve Corps commission does
not have to resign from 1t on account
Of being a member of the National
guard, even il he is an enlisted man.
If an officer of the National Guard
does not hold a reserve commission he
is commissioned in the officers corps
in the same grade and arm as his com
mission in the National Guard. Each
organization knows to what battalion.
regiment. brigade and division 1t be-
longs at all times in time Of peace, so
that in time Of danger II knows Just
where it will go and where it belongs.
This is a great improvement over the
old methods.
Systematic courses Of instruction
are given so that real benefits are de-
rived and good progress made towards
teaching the citizen soldier how TO de-
fend himself in time Of war. Many
unframed men were rushed 70 the
font without sufficient training. who
knew nothing Of self protection and
Therefore had not the chances II fe-
tuning as did those who had some
preparation IN advance. What the Ma
tional Guard is striving to DO IS to give
this training in time OF peace so that
the men may be prepared. Therefore,
the citizens Of Hood River are urged C.
gat hahtnd This and nut ID over strong,