Image credit: SFC C.Brock

Today the U.S. Coast Guard celebrates its 231st birthday.

Originally created as a maritime arm of the Treasury Department, what soon became the Coast Guard first enforced customs and tariffs on the waters of the American coast. On August 4, 1790, Congress authorized funding to build a fleet of 10 “revenue cutters” for this purpose, originally called the Revenue-Marine. The force would later be named the U.S. Revenue Cutter Service.

As the Navy had been disbanded following the Revolutionary War, these early Cutters performed a variety of duties on seas, including fighting pirates and rescuing seamen in distress.

In 1915, the U.S. Revenue Cutter Service combined with the U.S. Life-Saving Service, forming the Coast Guard as we know it today.

Comprised of over 40,000 Active Duty Coast Guardsmen and women and some 7,000 Reservists, in addition to auxiliary and other personnel, its fleet includes over 200 coastal and ocean-going vessels, some 1,600 smaller boats, and over 200 aircraft.

Well known for its search and rescue and drug interdiction operations, the Coast Guard provides a wide array of mission capabilities. Its overarching responsibilities include maritime safety, security, and stewardship. In addition to its military duties, the branch is authorized to enforce federal law. It regularly conducts operations in support of homeland security and defense readiness, in addition to maritime law enforcement, ice clearing, and environmental protection.

As a uniformed Armed Service, the U.S. Coast Guard has fought in every American military operation since its formation in 1790. Its wartime operations actively support, and fight side by side, with the Navy. Its largest Active Duty force was formed during World War II, when over 250,000 Coast Guardsmen joined the war effort in Europe and the Pacific. Many of the landing craft operators at Normandy were, in fact, Coast Guardsmen.

Coast Guardsman Douglas Munro, was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for "extraordinary heroism" in the Battle of Guadalcanal, September 27, 1943. Serving as a Higgins boat operator, Signalman First Class Munro organized the evacuation of a U.S. Marine battalion that had been cut off and surrounded by Japanese forces. Leading 5 boats to rescue the Marines, he used his own craft to shield and cover friendly forces from enemy fire. As the last Marines were being loaded up, he was hit and killed in his boat.

Again in Vietnam, the Coast Guard was called to service. Coast Guard Squadron One served from 1965 to 1970, patrolling coastlines and rivers, interdicting Viet Cong smugglers, and providing fire support to other troops.

Notable Coast Guard veterans include Jack Dempsey, Arnold Palmer, astronauts Bruce Melnick and Daniel Burbank, Governor Carlton Skinner, and Senator Claiborne Pel.

The Coast Guard continues its watch around the world’s waterways. Always preparing for the changing face of security, it is bolstering its array of capabilities for the future. As the 12th largest naval force globally, it stands ready for service.

The Army Chaplain Corps traces its origins to the first months of the American Revolutionary War in 1775. The celebration of the Army Chaplain Corps occurs every July 29th.

The Corps, which took part in all major US conflicts from the Revolutionary War to Iraq and Afghanistan Wars, provides reliable and relevant religious support in war and peacetime. They are ready to assist soldiers from several faiths, including Catholics, Jews, Muslims, Buddhists, and Hindus.

Despite its non-combatant status, several members of the Chaplain Corps gave their life in combat and executed significant feats of bravery, staying true to their organization motto, Pro Deo et Patria (For God and Country). One of the most iconic acts of bravery was conducted by "The Four Chaplains", who during World War II lost their lives while rescuing civilians and soldiers as the troopship SS Dorchester sank.

Major General Thomas L. Solhjem is the Chief of Chaplains of the US Army, looking over 2,700 chaplains.

Pro Deo et Patria, Hooah!

68W Combat Medic School is designed to prepare future combat lifesavers, platoon medics, and MEDEVAC personnel. By graduation, you will be familiar with the intricacies of ACE Medical. You will learn to use all of the medical equipment available to you, and you will learn the difference between various injuries and their treatments. Candidates complete a written test, movement under fire, TCCC patient assessment, patient extraction and evacuation techniques, bleeding control, triage, basic and advanced treatments, radio communications, and LZ establishment.

The following Soldiers have successfully completed 68W Medic School Class 21-02 :

Graduates:

Sergeant First Class Christoph Brock  
Corporal Paul Liwa  
Specialist Nathan Cooper  
Private First Class Chris Winters
Private First Class Austin Bills  

Aviation:

Chief Warrant Officer 2 Garry Beaudoin

Instructors:

Sergeant Arthur Pendergast
Corporal Hazel McMahon
Specialist Kyle Holmes

Congratulations to the soldiers of OSUT class 21-27 (ARMA3) for the successful completion of training! These soldiers have been awarded the Army Service Ribbon and have earned the right to be fully active members of their squad and the unit! This is merely the first step in your career here at 3rdID, we look forward to your continued success! Hooah!

Graduates:

Private First Class Devin Fernandez  
Private Second Class RJ Cole  

Congratulations to the soldiers of Combat Lifesaver Course class 21-05 (ARMA3) for successful completion of Combat Lifesaver training! The Combat Lifesaver Course is the official medical training course conducted by the US Army, intended to provide an intermediate step between the buddy aid-style basic life support taught to every soldier. The combat lifesaver is primarily responsible for providing emergency medical treatment at point of wounding on the battlefield, limited primary care, and health protection and evacuation from a point of injury or illness.

Graduates:

Private First Class Wolffe Fives
Private First Class Austin Bills
Private First Class Chris Winters

Instructors:

Sergeant First Class Christoph Brock
Sergeant Arthur Pendergast

Congratulations to the soldiers of Advanced Radio Communications Course class 21-02 (ARMA3) for successful completion of Advanced Radio Communications training! At Advanced Radio Communications you will learn to use short and long range radiotelephone systems to communicate with ground and air elements at all levels of the unit's Order of Battle. Instruction covers frequencies, call signs, radio structure, RATEL information, and reports.  

Graduates:

Staff Sergeant Giancarlo Tucci
Corporal Paul Liwa
Specialist Nathan Cooper
Specialist Yarden Nissan
Specialist Tony Pearson
Private First Class Scott Kidon
Private First Class Luke Smith

Instructors:

Sergeant First Class Christoph Brock
Corporal Alexander Vandle

What has now become somewhat of a tradition, the quarterly podcast featuring Soldier of the Quarter and Behind the Rank was conducted today at 1400EST. Today Public Affairs sat down with Second Lieutenant J.Drake and Corporal A.Vandle. The podcast covered information regarding the unit and the individuals who are featured in today’s podcast. If you have an hour of time on your hands we encourage you to take a look at the 3^rd Infantry Division’s YouTube Channel where the podcast will be posted. A link to the podcast is listed below.

[3rdID] - 2021 Q2 Podcast - YouTube

Podcast Host: Sergeant First Class C.Brock

Podcast Speaker: Sergeant K.Skitz

Soldier of the Quarter: Corporal A.Vandle

Behind the Rank Soldier: Second Lieutenant J.Drake

The Alpha Company Award Ceremony is a special occasion once a month to allow the unit commander to honor recipients who have been recognized for their accomplishments while assigned to the 3rd Infantry Division Realism Gaming Unit.

The Secretary of the Army has reposed special trust and confidence in the patriotism, valor, fidelity and professional excellence of the following Soldiers. In view of these qualities and their dedicated service to the 3rd Infantry Division they are, therefore, promoted and awarded the following.

Notes for July:

Sergeant J.Ayers marks 1 year of service.
Corporal N.Agricola marks 1 year of service.

The following Soldiers are promoted to:

E-3 PRIVATE FIRST CLASS

Private Second Class David Pelerine is promoted to Private First Class.

Private Second Class Harrison Crawford is promoted to Private First Class.

Private Second Class Derek Frost is promoted to Private First Class.

Private Second Class Scott Kidon is promoted to Private First Class.

Private Second Class Luke Smith is promoted to Private First Class.

Private Second Class Drew Schneider is promoted to Private First Class.

Private Second Class Damian Rivacoba is promoted to Private First Class.

Private Second Class Lucas Silveira is promoted to Private First Class.

Private Second Class Austin Bills is promoted to Private First Class.

E-4B SPECIALIST

Private First Class Joe Harris is promoted to Specialist.

E-4A CORPORAL

Specialist Thomas Unger is promoted to Corporal.
Specialist David Marsh is promoted to Corporal.
Specialist Alexander Vandle is promoted to Corporal.
Specialist Vinny Garcia is promoted to Corporal.
Specialist Hazel McMahon is promoted to Corporal.
 

E-5 SERGEANT

Corporal Arthur Pendergast is promoted to Sergeant.
 

O-1 SECOND LIEUTENANT

Officer Candidate Jannes Drake is promoted to Second Lieutenant.

The following Soldiers were awarded:

MILITARY OUTSTANDING VOLUNTEER SERVICE MEDAL

Corporal Alexander Vandle

 

HUMANITARIAN SERVICE MEDAL

Sergeant First Class Christoph Brock
Sergeant Arthur Pendergast
Corporal Vinny Garcia
Private First Class Austin Bills

 

ARMED FORCES SERVICE MEDAL

Major John LaFlash
Second Lieutenant Jannes Drake
Chief Warrant Officer 2 Garry Beaudoin
Sergeant Kyle Skitz
Corporal David Marsh
Corporal Nico Agricola
Corporal Vinny Garcia
Specialist Brandon Perez
Specialist Yarden Nissan
Specialist Kyle Holmes

 

ARMED FORCES EXPEDITIONARY MEDAL

First Lieutenant Bailey Lambert
Staff Sergeant Giancarlo Tucci
Sergeant Anthony Sam
Sergeant Maarten Gregoire

 

GOOD CONDUCT MEDAL

First Lieutenant Bailey Lambert
Warrant Officer 1 Quinten Stain
Warrant Officer 1 Rob Paxton
Warrant Officer 1 Ben Inka
Sergeant First Class Christoph Brock
Staff Sergeant Kalin Grigorov
Staff Sergeant Giancarlo Tucci
Sergeant Kyle Skitz
Sergeant Johnny Ayers
Sergeant Emil Poltorak
Sergeant Arthur Pendergast
Corporal Ryan Leng
Corporal Tomas Unger
Corporal David Marsh
Corporal Hazel McMahon
Corporal Paul Liwa
Specialist Giancarlo Orsini
Specialist Caue Moalli
Private First Class Andrew Reed
Private First Class Ray Thomas

 

ARMY ACHIEVEMENT MEDAL

Sergeant James Kiheri
Corporal Hazel McMahon

 

JOINT SERVICE ACHIEVEMENT MEDAL

Sergeant First Class Christoph Brock
Sergeant Kyle Skitz

 

ARMY COMMENDATION MEDAL

Staff Sergeant Giancarlo Tucci
Sergeant Daniel Shade

 

JOINT SERVICE COMMENDATION MEDAL

Second Lieutenant Jannes Drake

 

PURPLE HEART

Sergeant Kyle Skitz

 

SOLDIERS MEDAL

Major John LaFlash
Coporal Alexander Vandle

 

COMBAT INFANTRY BADGE (STAGE 1)

Private First Class Harrison Crawford
Private First Class Austin Bills
Private Second Class James Culvey

 

COMBAT INFANTRY BADGE (STAGE 2)

Private First Class Drew Schneider

BASIC PARACHUTIST BADGE

Sergeant Johnny Ayers
Corporal Ryan Leng
Corporal Hazel McMahon
Private First Class David Pelerine
Private First Class Jimbo Red

FRENCH FOURRAGERE

Sergeant Emil Poltorak
Corporal Ryan Leng
Corporal Alexander Vandle
Corporal Vinny Garcia
Specialist Caue Moalli
Specialist Tony Pearson
Specialist Nathan Cooper
 

Ranger Tab

Sergeant Johnny Ayers
Sergeant Emil Poltorak
Corporal Ryan Leng
Corporal Alexander Vandle
Corporal Vinny Garcia
Corporal Paul Liwa
Specialist Nathan Cooper
Specialist Caue Moalli
Specialist Tony Pearson
Private First Class Jimbo Red