New division commanding general embraces his leadership role

By Spc. Jeffrey Ledesma
1st Cavalry Division Public Affairs

            FORT HOOD, Texas – Two new shiny stars initiate their descent into the historically combat-proven constellation known as the 1st Cavalry Division. 
            With the leadership landscape of America’s First Team constantly changing, the heavily-armored unit that recently finished a 15-month Iraq deployment welcomed their new commanding general April 29.
            Brig. Gen. (P) Vincent K. Brooks, the division’s commanding general who took the reins from then-Maj. Gen. Joseph F. Fil, Jr., earlier this year, relinquishes command to Maj. Gen. Daniel P. Bolger during a ceremony held on Cooper Field, the division’s parade field.
            With the possibility of the division’s third deployment looming in the air, the new commanding general wasted no time in hitting the ground and running as he met with leaders and laid out his command philosophy.
            The two-star general focused in on his three priorities
First, everyone in the First Team family has a part in the fight and no one will be left behind.
            Second, Bolger reemphasized to his subordinate commanders and senior noncommissioned officers down to the brigade level that he is a leader that believes in training to fight and fighting to train.
            “Everyday you need to do something,” he said. “I know that we’re missing a lot of equipment right now, but one thing we aren’t missing is a lot of us.” Bolger said he wants to have troopers leave with something useful every day.
            Although he expressed a desire to make some changes to improve the division, he said the basics are essential to a future deployment to Iraq.
            Bolger said troopers of all ranks and ages should always keep physical fitness, marksmanship, navigation and first aid training sharp.
            “If you ask me what are our biggest assets heading into combat. I’d say it is our training. The training we get when we come in, the training we get at the school house, the training in our unit, and the training we get in theater,” said Bolger. “Our enemy is not trained. They might have the will power, but they don’t have the skill. Our advantage is our skill, but it is not guaranteed, and we must continue to work on it.”
            Thirdly, the commander who taught history at U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y., said that it is everyone’s job to “set the example.”
            Not only do the senior leaders set an example for younger Soldiers to emulate, the 30-year-veteran explained, young troops set the example for the Iraqi Army Soldiers in a war Bolger said that is being fought at the company level.
            The hands-on commander said that talk is cheap.
            “‘Say’ has got to equal ‘do,’” Bolger explained. “If I say that (physical training) is important, what am I doing for PT?  If I say that training is important, am I at training or down in Belton at a convention or something?”
            Bolger reminded his senior leaders that they are always being watched especially in theater. He added that one thing Soldiers measure, especially those who go out of the wire often, is how often we are out in the fight.
            “I am not talking about flying over in a helicopter. I am not talking about going to a (forward operating base) and checking the ice cream machine,” he explained. “I am talking about walking through the streets of Baghdad and bad guys shooting at us – that’s what they expect from us.
            “They are going to get it from me, and I know they are going to get it from you too.” 
            Although official orders to Iraq have not been published as of yet, the new commander is laying out the plans for another successful tour of duty and he sends a clear message to freedom’s enemies.
            “On the far side of the world our terrorist enemies, hidden, vicious and cunning, conspire in the evening twilight. They are waiting for us. They think that this time – just maybe – they might have something for us,” said Bolger from Aurora, Ill. “In their day the imperial Japanese, Chinese communist, Viet Con, Saddam’s republican guard and two previous iterations of Al-Qaeda in Iraq thought the same.
            “They were wrong then and they’re wrong today because we are coming for them.”
            The executive officer of 1st Brigade Combat Team Lt. Col. Scott Taylor said that we’re living in peace provided by our Soldiers, serving across the street and down range, who are fighting to preserve it.
            “Pretty soon we’ll go take their place and tag team with them like we have done before,” said Taylor. “And, like General Bolger said, we are going to take it to the enemy.”
            Taylor who, if the division back fills the 4th Infantry Division, will be going on his third deployment with the First Team, also said that he is confident in the new commander’s experience and ability to take on the challenges of another deployment.
            “(Bolger) said he’s ready to take the fight to the enemy and that’s always a comforting thing to know,” said Susan Taylor, the wife of the Ironhorse XO. “It’s great to know your husband and the troops are in good hands.”
            “We’re coming by tank and by helicopter, we’re coming on foot, we’re coming with rifles, grenades and bayonets,” Bolger fired during his brief speech.
            “We’re their worst nightmare.”

Charlie Troop Reunion 2008 

Charlie Troop Reunion 2008

Hello Charlie Troopers. You can start making reservations. A contract has been signed for the Charlie Troop Reunion to be held Aug 5 - 10, 2008, at:

 

Radisson Suite Hotel Oceanfront

3101 North Highway A1A

Melbourne, FL 32903

321-773-9260

http://www.radisson.com/melbournefl

 

We have a July 20th cutoff date to make reservations in order to get the discounted room rate (see schedule below) but suggest you make reservations as early as possible.

 

When you make your reservation please let Penne Funk penemelbrn@aol.com and Keith Ball Keith Ball kball1@austin.rr.com know as we have only a certain number of rooms blocked. If it appears more rooms will be required we will go back to the hotel and try to increase the number at the same special rate.

When you call to make reservations, tell them it is under "Charlie Troop."

All rooms are unique and are suites. They have approximately 600 sq. feet. All beds are sleep number beds. The rooms have private balcony's that overlook the ocean. You could even see the shuttle launch from there if you didn't want to go up to NASA. All rooms also have a wet bar including a refrigerator.

If you would like for the couch to have a pullout bed, then you must tell them when you make the reservation.

Also, if you require a family suite you need to let them know. The family room has a king size bed, a set of bunk beds, and a sleeper sofa.

Much closer to the reunion date we will give you a final price on the cost of the banquet and other events that may require prior payment. The total number in attendance will impact this cost so the banquet room rent and incidentals can be factored in.

 

Even if you do not make reservations with the hotel now please let Penne and Keith know of your intention to attend or not to attend. This will be a big assist to them in planning the event.

Please contact us if you have questions or suggestions.

 

Here is the tentative schedule (subject to change with additions and/or deletions; Penne disavows control over launch schedule or hurricanes):

 

Aug 5 Hugs, Kisses, Hand Shakes ... whatever suits your fancy.

Arrive Radisson Suite Hotel Oceanfront, 3101 North Highway A1A, Melbourne, FL 32903

Note: Special rate for Charlie Troop is $129 +tax per night. All rooms are two room executive suites with one king size bed and pull out couch. All suites have ocean views and all have a balcony. I understand there are a few rooms that have a set of bunk beds in addition to the king size and pull out couch; these rooms would be $139 +tax per night.

http://www.radissonmelb.com/

http://www.radisson.com/melbournefl (check out both web sites to get the best overall view of the hotel)

Arrival airport would be Orlando which is about 1 hour drive west of Melbourne. Delta does fly into Melbourne but it is usually cheaper to fly into Orlando.

 

Aug 6 Air boat ride in Florida swamps. Price yet to be determined. In the works is a luncheon or dinner cruise down the Banana River (I think that is the river Penne said).

 

Aug 7 View shuttle launch.

Tour Kennedy Space Center

 

Aug 8 Banquet Dinner at the Radisson. This would be 5:30 pm - 11:00 pm and would include:

Open cash bar

Selection of :

Roast Sliced Sirloin

Thinly sliced beef topped with Burgundy Mushroom Sauce

Garden Salad, Rolls & Butter

Chef's Choice of Side & Dessert

Coffee, Decaf, Tea or Iced tea

or

Lemon Pepper Baked Tilapia

A flaky, white fish seasoned and baked with light crumb topping

Garden Salad & Rolls & Butter

Chef's Choice of Side & Dessert

Coffee, Decaf, Tea or Iced Tea

or

Chicken Cordon Bleu en Croute

Chunks of boneless chicken & ham with Swiss cheese baked in

puff pastry and topped with a creamy Parmesan sauce.

Garden Salad & Rolls & Butter

Chef's Choice of Side & Dessert

Coffee, Decaf, Tea or Iced Tea

Banquet cost per person estimated $45 - $50 per person. This does not include the cash bar drinks but does include tax and gratuity.

 

Aug 9 Could include day or half day on fishing boat if sufficient interest shown. Would be a good day for those who would like a day at Disney World, golf or other many area interest. Still in the planning stage is an evening together either on the beach or elsewhere.

 

Aug 10 Hugs and Tears as we go our separate ways for another year.

Check out

2008 Apache Troop Reunion

I wanted to get the initial word out for the 2008 Apache Troop reunion.  Jenny and I are planning on hosting the reunion here in Chicago on September 5th, 6th, & 7th. It will be at the Illinois Beach Resort & Conference Center.  The web site for the resort is www.ilresorts.com.  Specifically, it's located in Zion, IL.  It's just about halfway between Chicago and Milwaukee on Lake Michigan, so it would be convenient to fly into either the Milwaukee airport or Chicago O'Hare.  Chicago Midway is also an option, but it's down on the south side of Chicago, making for a little bit of a longer drive.  I'll have more information later on which airlines go into which airports.  The Illinois Beach park also has a camping area with RV parking for those of you who have gotten into that.  Many more details will follow in the coming weeks and months.  I just wanted to get this e-mail out now to give everyone as much planning time as possible.  The main thing I need now, before I put out to much more information, is to have everyone check my e-mail list and let me know who I'm missing so that I can add on to mine and get the word out to as many people as possible.  In a couple of weeks, I'll have it set up with the hotel so you will be able to start making reservations directly.  The room rates will be $105 per night.  (This aint Montana anymore Dorothy).  I'm really looking forward to hearing from everyone and especially looking forward to the reunion next year.

                                                            Jim Thomas

                                                            31 Monica Dr.

                                                            Lake Villa, IL 60046

                                                            Home - 847-356-2499

                                                            Cell - 312-844-0057