News

Items of interest that are important to us; and just might be important to you.

  • Recent deaths
    Arnell, David (CSM Ret.) Mar 2008
    Kraus, John (CSM Ret.) Jun 2008
    Fennern, Jack (CWO Ret.) June 2009

  • 143rd A Battery Association Dinner
     Oct2009
     The 143rd A Battery Association Dinner was held on Saturday, 3 October, at The Bomber Museum, 13515 SE McLoughlin Blvd, Milwaukie, Oregon. (http://www.thebomber.com/) This was a rare opportunity for us to look back into the world of the US Army Air Corps of World War II, and in particular, that of a B17g. The event was attended by 38 members and guests and was video-taped for presentation to Battery A in Iraq. In similar fashion when war is involved, the actual battery and its veterans will be having separate dinners this year. Ours just concluded at The Bomber, and the battery's is yet to happen due to tactical concerns while stationed in Iraq. CPT Brenner (Commander of Battery A in Iraq) sent us a videotape depicting their mission and surroundings while in Iraq and this was played during our dinner. Conversely, the taping of our dinner will be played later at their event. Corporal Jeremy Pierce was selected by the Battery as the 2009 Honor Man. CPL Pierce is currently recovering at Walter Reed Medical Center in Washington DC from combat wounds received while stationed in Iraq.

  • Vets can salute!
    Feb2009
    For years veterans have wanted to salute the US flag during the Pledge of Allegiance and the National Anthem instead of just placing their hand over their heart. Now they can.
    A Congressional Amendment sponsored by Senator James Inhofe (R-OK) in the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2009 specifically states that "members of the Armed Forces and Veterans who are present but not in uniform may render the military salute." Veterans can salute the flag during the National Anthem as well as during "the hoisting, lowering, and passing of the flag."
    "The salute is a form of honor and respect, representing pride in one's military service," said Inhofe. "Veterans and service members continue representing the military services even when not in uniform. The US Code is now consistent for Veterans and all service members in regards to the symbolic gesture of the military salute."
    (Thanks to The Salute, Winter 2009. www.FreedomTeamSalute.com)

  • Replacement veterans records
    Feb2009
    The National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) has provided the following website for veterans to gain access to their DD-214's online: http://vetrecs.archives.gov/ This may be particularly helpful when a veteran needs a copy of his DD-214 for employment purposes. NPRC is working to make it easier for veterans with computers and Internet access to obtain copies of documents from their military files. Military veterans and the next of kin of deceased former military members may now use a new online military personnel records system to request documents.
    Other individuals with a need for documents must still complete the Standard Form 180, which can be downloaded from the online web site. Because the requester will be asked to supply all information essential for NPRC to process the request, delays that normally occur when NPRC has to ask veterans for additional information will be minimized. The new web-based application was designed to provide better service on these requests by eliminating the records centers mailroom and processing time.

    (Thanks to CW5(Ret) Rod Ogle at:)
    Oregon Retiree Service Office
    Room 243
    Anderson Readiness Center
    3225 State Street
    Salem OR 97309
    (503) 584-2891
    orrso@or.ngb.army.mil
  • Battery news
    2008 Soldier of the Year Announced
    CPT Eric Brenner has announced that SP4 David Moore has been selected as the outstanding soldier of Battery A, 2-218 FA, for the year 2008. This award includes an immediate cash benefit of $300 that is donated by The A Battery Association as well as having his name inscribed on the Battery perpetual trophy.

  • Website created
    Jun2008
    The boys on the Executive Board have finally gotten off their duffs and have agreed to host a website for and about the soldiers of Battery A. After much discussion a "volunteer" was found and development is underway. In fact, progress is such that the new website went "on the air" on the morning of 31 Oct 2008 - yea, we know, kinda scary! While it's true that it is still in development and therefore incomplete, it's also true that there is sufficient content published to make your visit a worthy one. Visit us often; watch us grow; help us grow.