Celebrate Freedom
Foundation
1st
Palmetto Cavalry Regiment Newsletter
Headquarters
: Jack
Lovelady Commanding;
Membership
in the Foundation and the number of active volunteers within the Troop’s,
which now extend from Pittsburg, PA to Charleston, SC continues to grow. The
accomplishment of our education mission is dependent upon our dedicated
volunteers who we greatly appreciate for their hard work and daily
contributions. Please keep our members who are actively serving with the
military to protect our nations freedom in your thoughts and pray for their
safe return. CWO Vince Stella, our “Viper” Troop Commander is
serving in Saudi Arabia, CWO Scott Paulson, C Troop SIP is training the
Canadian Defense Forces in Apaches and Blackhawks, CWO Rich Nichols, C Troop
Safety Officer is flying Apaches in Iraq, and our Aviation Maintenance Director
CSM Vernie Nance has been recalled to get the Army’s Chinooks ready for
another tour overseas. HOOAH!
Our Regiment is unique and it carries a proud lineage in military
history which extends from the American Revolution to today. We are officially
the:
1st Cavalry
Regiment (Separate, LH (Living History)) of the famous 1st Cavalry
Division.
This
week the Army made the following announcement regarding our Division, the
“First Team”. "The 1st Cavalry
Division has been ordered for rotation back to Iraq sometime between this
winter and next summer. It has become the largest division of the US
Army having 19,200 soldiers, with 4 Ground Maneuver Combat Brigades and one Air Combat
Brigade. This will be the 3rd trip for the "First
Team". CAVHOOAH!
Alpha Troop (Mounted): Bob Day, Commanding;
We are coordinating with the Jr. Buffalo Soldier Academy
students for their participation in the 11 Nov. Veterans Day Parade in
Columbia, SC. We expect to have both a foot and horse mounted element. Alpha
Troop is dividing its time between the CFF SOaR Education Program and making
plans for the 2009 Celebrate Freedom Festival, “Thunder at Ft.
Jackson” where we plan to add a number of new educational living history displays
and activities.
CFF SOaR Buffalo Soldier wagon to
be restored for “Thunder”
Bravo
Troop (Mechanized): Ranger Dave Cartledge
Commanding;
Having completed an excellent event at the Shaw AFB
“Shawfest”, our efforts are now devoted to preparing for the
Columbia and Charleston Veteran Day Parades where we plan to have 15-20
historic military vehicles participating. We will be working with our CFF sponsors,
their veteran employees, our community leaders, and elected officials to help
make these the best parades in the nation.
B/C/E
Troops worked together to create “Army Land” at last months
Shawfest.
Charlie Troop (Aviation): Vince
Stella Commanding;
A great deal of work was accomplished at our Saturday, 11 Oct
drill. The unit continues to expand with new helicopter mechanics, veterans, and
patriotic individuals who want to support the education mission.
CSM
Vernie upgrading the Chinooks
Mercury
Space Capsule to be restored and placed in the CFF SOaR Program by A/B/C Troopers
The C
Troop Link Trainer will also undergo a full restoration before being deployed
to the schools.
Cobra
Ground Power Unit being serviced by Crew Chiefs and Mechanics Larry Robb and
Paul Nygaard
Sr. “Viper” Mr. Earl, WWII P47 TI and youngest
“Viper” Tiffany working together
Echo Troop (Expeditionary): Steve Riggs Commanding;
Our
efforts are directed towards coordinating the Sunday, 9 Nov. Veterans Day
Parade in Charleston, SC and the related activities. We plan to host a reception
on the Fantail of the Aircraft Carrier Yorktown at Patriots Point on the
evening of 8 Nov. Our CFF sponsors will be invited along with the community
leaders and elected officials. Please contact Echo Troop for more information.
Mike Troop (Aviation): Doug Zych Commanding;
We
are working to acquire a set of main rotor blades and other parts necessary to
get our “B” Model Huey “Madam X“ airborne. We’re
also seeking additional hangar space in PA to house new displays including the
LZ X-Ray veteran “B” Model which is awaiting restoration and the
TH55.
“Vipers”
conducting acceptance inspections on “Madam X” for Mike Troop
For the
Commander
Larry Russell LTC
Adjutant HQ/3/1