Alpha Co. Opening Notes
Operation starts very soon so let’s make sure we are all ready to go. Leadership briefing starts at 1415 EDT. Load in time for the troops is 1430 EDT. Good luck to all.

Force Improvment Classes
Airborne school - may 18th
Combat Life Saver course (KAT) - may 25th

Anniversaries
MAJ J.LaFlash - 18 year (may 13th)
1LT N.Cooper - 3 year (may 8th)
WO1 D.Frost - 3 year (may 16th)
SGT S.Kidon - 3 year (may 26th)
SPC A.Bills - 3 year (may 27th)
WO1 A.DeMaio - 1 year (may 20th)
SPC S.Margretson - 1 year (may  10th)

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.

The following Soldiers are promoted to

E-4b Specialist
PFC T.Anderson is being promoted to Specialist
PFC M.Gregoire is being promoted to Specialist
PFC E.Shmul is being promoted to Specialist

W-2 Chief Warrant Officer 2 
WO1 D.Lotus is being promoted to Chief Warrant Officer 2nd grade
WO1 A.DeMaio is being promoted to Chief Warrant Officer 2nd grade

O-1 Second Lieutenant
OCS E.Babol is being promoted to Second Lieutenant

The following soldiers have been awarded:

Military Outstanding Volunteer Medal
CPL J.Starling with "V" device (to be awarded 3x)
WO1 D.Frost with "V" device
PV2 T.Hobbs with "V" device
PV2 J.Forrester with "V" device

Good Conduct Medal
1LT G.Tucci
1LT A.Vandle
2LT C.Winters
CW4 A.Diomedes
CW2 L.Kelso
CW2 J.Tracey
1SG V.Garcia
 SSG N.Kovic
 SGT S.Kidon
 CPL T.Hunter
 CPL H.McMahon
 SPC D.Hughson
 SPC G.York
 SPC J.Erickson
 SPC A.Zvik
 SPC A.Bills
 SPC S.Magretson
 SPC P.Byrde
 SPC Q.Clayton
 SPC B.Fitzgerald
 SPC J.Koe
 SPC X.Swoop
 SPC I.Bar-tal
 PFC T.Anderson
 PFC J.Grant
 PFC E.Shmul
 PFC E.Gonzales
 PFC C.Ford
 PFC J.Harro
 PFC S.Baker

Armed Forces Service Medal
1LT G.Tucci - BMO
1LT N.Cooper - COE
2LT C.Winters - CID
CW4 A.Diomedes - BMO
SFC D.Marsh - PAO, CID
SGT D.Shade - PAO
SGT K.Krios - PAO
CPL M.Donnelly - PAO
CPL R.Winters - CID
SPC J.Erickson - PAO

Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal
2LT C.Winters
CW2 E.Powotowak
SGT D.Shade
SGT W.Fives
SGT A.Byrd
CPL R.Winters
SPC A.Birdlike
PFC R.Sjordal

Army Achievement Medal
CW2 A.DeMaio
WO1 J.White
SSG N.Kovic with "V" device
SGT D.Smiřický
SGT A.Shocked
SGT J.Nicholas with "V" device
CPL H.McMahon
SPC T.Kit
PFC J.Grant
PFC A.Siebens

Army Commendation Medal
2LT E.Babol
SFC D.Marsh

National Defence Service Medal
PFC A.Panther
PFC S.Rogers
PV2 Z.Ditto

Joint service Achievement Medal
CW2 E.Poltorak
CW2 J.Tracey
SSG N.Kovic
SGT D.Smiřický
SGT J.Nicholas
SGT A.Shocked
CPL R.Winters
SPC G.York

Joint Service Commendation Medal
1LT A.Vandle
1LT N.Cooper
CW2 L.Kelso
1SGT V.Garcia
SFC D.Marsh
SSG N.Kovic
SGT D.Smiřický
SGT J.Nicholas
CPL R.Winters
 

Humanitarian Service Medal
1LT N.Cooper
WO1 D.Frost
WO1 J.White
PFC C.Silva
PFC T.Anderson

Master Aviatior Badge
CW4 A.Diomedes

French Fourragere
SPC B.Fitzgerald
SPC X.Swoop

(source: The National WWII Museum)

May 18, 2024

Across the United States, communities came together today to honor and celebrate the men and women of the nation’s military during the 2024 Armed Forces Day. The day is marked by parades, ceremonies, and a variety of events aimed at recognizing the dedication and sacrifices of those who serve in the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Space Force, and Coast Guard.

Accompanied by the President delivering a poignant speech at the National Mall in Washington, D.C., highlighting the bravery and resilience of the armed forces. In New York City, a grand parade featured military bands, veterans' groups, and active-duty service members marching in full regalia down Fifth Avenue. Spectators waving American flags and cheering, showing their support and appreciation. Similar parades and events are held in cities such as Chicago, Los Angeles, and San Diego, where large military populations reside.

At military bases nationwide, open house events allowed civilians to interact with service members, tour military equipment, and learn about the day-to-day life in the armed forces. Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington State hosts an annual air show that draws thousands of visitors, offering a glimpse into the capabilities of the Air Force and Army aviation units stationed there.

The 2024 Armed Forces Day will also feature a strong emphasis on the contributions of the newest branch of the military, the Space Force. In Colorado Springs, Colorado, home to several key Space Force installations, a special ceremony is held to recognize the achievements and future missions of this burgeoning branch.

Local and national leaders, including governors and mayors, participate in wreath-laying ceremonies at war memorials and cemeteries, paying tribute to those who have fallen in service to the country. In Arlington National Cemetery, a solemn ceremony is held at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, attended by military officials and dignitaries.

Armed Forces Day, established in 1949, continues to be a significant occasion for the nation to collectively recognize and honor the commitment and sacrifices of the men and women who wear the uniform. This year’s observance reaffirmed the nation’s gratitude and steadfast support for its armed forces.

written by SGT D.McKenzie

Congratulations to the soldiers of OSUT class #24-19 (Arma3) for successful completion of training! These soldiers have been awarded the Army Service Ribbon and have earned the right to be a full active member of their squad and the unit! This is merely the first step in their career here at 3rdID, we look forward to your continued success! Hooah

Graduates :

 PV2 A.Carr  

        PV2 M.Murphy  

                 PFC J.Shevel 

Instructors :

 SGT W.Fives      

 CPL J.Starling     

 SPC P.Byrde       

  SPC B.Fitzgerald 

 CPL H.McMahon 

 SPC D.Hughson   

 SPC G.Plunkett    

 SPC T.Anderson   

PFC B.Montana  

WO1 J.White        

In war, theres only two sides, the winners and losers. Thats all that decides over who is right and who is wrong.

8th of may 1945 marks the offical Victory day in europe. A day of celebration as good won against evil.
Since 1939 the Allied powers (Britan, France, China, US) have fought over the fate of the entire world, against the axis (Germany, Italy, Japan). This conflict has seen millions of dead, in total over 70 million of dead, be it soldiers or civilians. Be it in combat or concentration camp. American GIs fighting in france of Iwo Jima, the French resistance fighters, the Polish pilots in britain or the jews concentration camps.

One might say that war is horrible, the other that war is great, nonetheless war is time of great inovation as Radar, Penicillin or Jet engines thank this war of existance, yet only few will try to guess what would happen to these inentions if not for the war, but the biggest innovation was the nuclear bomb. It made the future of the planet uncertain, well it rather made the end of our civilization certain. A thermonuclear annihilation.

We shall remember their deeds today, what they lived and died for. What they fought for.

"Your name is unknown. Your deed is immortal" - Tomb of the Unkown Soldier (Moscow)

Congratulations to the soldiers of OSUT class #24-18 (Arma3) for successful completion of training! These soldiers have been awarded the Army Service Ribbon and have earned the right to be a full active member of their squad and the unit! This is merely the first step in their career here at 3rdID, we look forward to your continued success! Hooah

Graduates :

 PV2 W.Sadler      

 PV2 A.Amburgy 

             PFC S.Rogers  

Instructors :

 SPC Q.Clayton        

 SPC D.Hughson     

 SPC G.Plunkett     

 SPC A.Zvik             

 PFC B.Montana