House Republican Leader John Boehner (R-OH) today issued the following statement on the loss 50 years ago today of U.S. Army Master Sergeant Chester Ovnand and Major Dale Buis, who were killed in a Vietcong ambush in Bien Hoa. They served as part of the Military Assistance Advisory Group, originally deployed in 1950 by President Harry Truman. Theirs are the first two names listed on the Vietnam Wall.
“America’s involvement in Southeast Asia began not long after the dawn of the Cold War and lasted a quarter century. Ultimately, 58,261 American troops gave their lives in Vietnam defending freedom in the long struggle against totalitarian communism. The heroism and dedication displayed by American and allied forces in Vietnam are a profound and unique testimony in the history of military arms. America’s success in the Cold War and our ongoing success in the War on Terror are directly attributable to the military, logistical, and technological advancements made by our war fighters deployed in Vietnam. Their sacrifices in the jungles, battlefields, and skies over Vietnam ultimately gave the U.S. military a superior edge in every facet of combat arms.
“The freedom and liberty Americans enjoy today were secured in Vietnam no less than in any of our other military conflicts. As we mark today this solemn milestone of the loss of Master Sergeant Ovnand and Major Buis, let us always remember the courage and bravery of all those lost in Vietnam and honor the service of every Vietnam veteran who volunteered or answered their nation’s call.”
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Showing posts with label anniversary. Show all posts
Showing posts with label anniversary. Show all posts
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Senator Bob Dole Travels to Normandy as Guest of President Obama
/PRNewswire / -- Former U.S. Senate Majority Leader Bob Dole, special counsel in the Washington office of the law firm Alston + Bird, has been invited by President Obama to travel with him to France this week for the 65th anniversary of D-Day, the allied invasion of the Normandy coast on June 6, 1944.
President Obama invited Senator Dole to represent the World War II generation in recognition of his wartime service, his long and distinguished career in public service, and his continued commitment to veterans.
Senator Dole was chairman of the National World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C., helping raise nearly $175 million for its construction, almost all through private contributions.
He continues to be active as a volunteer for the "Honor Flight" program, which flies World War II veterans from across the U.S. without charge to view the memorial on the national mall. He personally greets almost all of the flights.
"It is an immense honor to take part in saluting and remembering all those who gave their lives at Normandy," Senator Dole said. "D-Day was the beginning of the end of World War II, and the sacrifices of so many brave soldiers that day will forever be burned in my memory and, I believe, of all Americans and all peace-loving and freedom-loving peoples throughout the world."
Senator Dole was seriously injured in World War II in the Italian campaign. He had enlisted in the U.S. Army from his native Kansas in 1942 and rose to the rank of second lieutenant, serving in the Tenth Mountain Division and fighting in Italy's Po Valley.
In 1945, he was leading his platoon through heavy enemy shelling when his radioman was struck. He crawled from his foxhole to help rescue the injured man, only to be hit himself by Nazi machine-gun fire. His lifelong injuries were so severe he was evacuated to the U.S. for three years of recovery in hospitals.
Senator Dole was decorated three times for heroism, receiving two Purple Hearts and the Bronze Star with Combat V for Valor.
Elected to the U.S. House of Representatives and then to the U.S. Senate, Senator Dole served as Senate leader longer than any other Republican in history. He was instrumental in passage of numerous veterans bills and successfully sponsored the Americans with Disabilities Act, along with other legislation assisting veterans and others with injuries. President George W. Bush appointed Senator Dole as co-chair of the Commission on Care for America's Returning Veterans.
Speaking at the dedication of the Robert J. Dole Institute of Politics at Kansas State University, Senator Dole said: "No honor that has come my way has surpassed the pride I felt in wearing my country's uniform."
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President Obama invited Senator Dole to represent the World War II generation in recognition of his wartime service, his long and distinguished career in public service, and his continued commitment to veterans.
Senator Dole was chairman of the National World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C., helping raise nearly $175 million for its construction, almost all through private contributions.
He continues to be active as a volunteer for the "Honor Flight" program, which flies World War II veterans from across the U.S. without charge to view the memorial on the national mall. He personally greets almost all of the flights.
"It is an immense honor to take part in saluting and remembering all those who gave their lives at Normandy," Senator Dole said. "D-Day was the beginning of the end of World War II, and the sacrifices of so many brave soldiers that day will forever be burned in my memory and, I believe, of all Americans and all peace-loving and freedom-loving peoples throughout the world."
Senator Dole was seriously injured in World War II in the Italian campaign. He had enlisted in the U.S. Army from his native Kansas in 1942 and rose to the rank of second lieutenant, serving in the Tenth Mountain Division and fighting in Italy's Po Valley.
In 1945, he was leading his platoon through heavy enemy shelling when his radioman was struck. He crawled from his foxhole to help rescue the injured man, only to be hit himself by Nazi machine-gun fire. His lifelong injuries were so severe he was evacuated to the U.S. for three years of recovery in hospitals.
Senator Dole was decorated three times for heroism, receiving two Purple Hearts and the Bronze Star with Combat V for Valor.
Elected to the U.S. House of Representatives and then to the U.S. Senate, Senator Dole served as Senate leader longer than any other Republican in history. He was instrumental in passage of numerous veterans bills and successfully sponsored the Americans with Disabilities Act, along with other legislation assisting veterans and others with injuries. President George W. Bush appointed Senator Dole as co-chair of the Commission on Care for America's Returning Veterans.
Speaking at the dedication of the Robert J. Dole Institute of Politics at Kansas State University, Senator Dole said: "No honor that has come my way has surpassed the pride I felt in wearing my country's uniform."
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Monday, March 16, 2009
U.S. Army Golden Knights Parachute Team Kicks Off 50th Anniversary Celebration
/PRNewswire/ -- The Golden Knights, the U.S. Army's official parachute demonstration team, kicked off their 50th anniversary today during a special ceremony that celebrated the team's half century of serving the country as Army ambassadors while also representing more than one million American Soldiers.
"Fifty years ago, the Golden Knights were established to compete in the sport of parachuting," said Lt. Gen. Benjamin Freakley, Commanding General of U.S. Army Accessions Command. "Today, they are just one example of the many unique and interesting career opportunities available in the U.S. Army. The Golden Knights illustrate how the U.S. Army can help you achieve your goals with over 150 different career specialties - whether it is to become a doctor, an engineer, or even a computer technician. The Golden Knights of the Army Parachute Team represent the best of our Army: noncommissioned officers, technically superior soldier-athletes who daily demonstrate the Army values. In the Army's 'Year of the NCO,' it is fitting to celebrate 50 years of sustained excellence by our Golden Knight NCOs and their officers."
Formed in 1959 as a Strategic Army Corps Sport Parachute Team, the Golden Knights' initial purpose was to compete in the then communist-dominated sport of free-fall parachuting. The team performed so well that on June 1, 1961 the Army officially recognized, designated and activated the team as the U.S. Army Parachute Team.
Since then, the Golden Knights have awed audiences across the country and the globe at air shows and competitions. More recently, the team has conducted high-profile tandem jumps with dignitaries such as former President George H.W. Bush, who jumped for his 80th birthday along with friend Chuck Norris, as well as celebrities such as Tiger Woods, Ann Curry, Bill Murray and David Hasselhoff.
Today, the Golden Knights consist of two demonstration teams which travel nationwide performing aerial demonstrations at air shows and special events in support of Army recruiting efforts, and two competition teams which travel and compete nationally and internationally at various parachuting competitions. Year after year, the Golden Knights continuously bring home honors and are the most successful U.S. Department of Defense sports team.
"Like every U.S. Army Soldier, the Golden Knights exhibit a strength like no other - developed through half a century of challenging training, a spirit of teamwork and a set of shared values," added Col. David Lee, Director of Marketing for the U.S. Army Accessions Command. "Although the Golden Knights have a unique mission, throughout their history they have represented something even more special - the strength that can only be gained through being a U.S. Army Soldier."
Participants in the anniversary celebration included the Honorable Secretary of the Army Pete Geren, Golden Knights alumni, including several original members of the 1959 team and Sonny Hill, president of the team's alumni association.
As part of the event the Golden Knights unveiled a special 50th anniversary patch which all team members will wear throughout the year. Busts for former team members Sgt. 1st Class Pedro Munoz, the first combat fatality in Afghanistan who jumped with the Golden Knights from 1998 to 2002, logging more than 4,000 freefall parachute jumps while shining for the Gold Demonstration team, and Chief Warrant Officer Michael J. "Mike" Novosel, a former pilot with the Golden Knights who earned the Medal of Honor for actions in Vietnam as a helicopter pilot, were also dedicated in recognition of their service.
"We have proudly represented the U.S. Army with every jump taken over the last 50 years. Each successful Golden Knights mission honors the sacrifices and accomplishments our fellow Soldiers make every day, whether they're fighting overseas or serving back home making a difference for their families, their communities and the nation," said Lt. Col. Anthony Dill, Commander of the Golden Knights. "To celebrate our 50th Anniversary this year, the Golden Knights will honor our unique history, all past and present members, our fellow U.S. Army Soldiers and the American public each time we jump."
As part on their ongoing 50th anniversary celebration, the Golden Knights have a variety of special activities planned for the coming months, including jumps into the new Yankees Stadium and the Statue of Liberty grounds in New York City.
The team will also continue to perform at air shows, compete on an international level and perform high-profile tandem jumps. In addition, the Golden Knights will visit high schools to work with local recruiters and help show young adults the variety of opportunities available in the U.S. Army.
For more information about the Golden Knights year-long 50th anniversary celebration or to learn more about the team's unique history and to view a schedule of events, visit www.usarec.army.mil/hq/GoldenKnights.
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"Fifty years ago, the Golden Knights were established to compete in the sport of parachuting," said Lt. Gen. Benjamin Freakley, Commanding General of U.S. Army Accessions Command. "Today, they are just one example of the many unique and interesting career opportunities available in the U.S. Army. The Golden Knights illustrate how the U.S. Army can help you achieve your goals with over 150 different career specialties - whether it is to become a doctor, an engineer, or even a computer technician. The Golden Knights of the Army Parachute Team represent the best of our Army: noncommissioned officers, technically superior soldier-athletes who daily demonstrate the Army values. In the Army's 'Year of the NCO,' it is fitting to celebrate 50 years of sustained excellence by our Golden Knight NCOs and their officers."
Formed in 1959 as a Strategic Army Corps Sport Parachute Team, the Golden Knights' initial purpose was to compete in the then communist-dominated sport of free-fall parachuting. The team performed so well that on June 1, 1961 the Army officially recognized, designated and activated the team as the U.S. Army Parachute Team.
Since then, the Golden Knights have awed audiences across the country and the globe at air shows and competitions. More recently, the team has conducted high-profile tandem jumps with dignitaries such as former President George H.W. Bush, who jumped for his 80th birthday along with friend Chuck Norris, as well as celebrities such as Tiger Woods, Ann Curry, Bill Murray and David Hasselhoff.
Today, the Golden Knights consist of two demonstration teams which travel nationwide performing aerial demonstrations at air shows and special events in support of Army recruiting efforts, and two competition teams which travel and compete nationally and internationally at various parachuting competitions. Year after year, the Golden Knights continuously bring home honors and are the most successful U.S. Department of Defense sports team.
"Like every U.S. Army Soldier, the Golden Knights exhibit a strength like no other - developed through half a century of challenging training, a spirit of teamwork and a set of shared values," added Col. David Lee, Director of Marketing for the U.S. Army Accessions Command. "Although the Golden Knights have a unique mission, throughout their history they have represented something even more special - the strength that can only be gained through being a U.S. Army Soldier."
Participants in the anniversary celebration included the Honorable Secretary of the Army Pete Geren, Golden Knights alumni, including several original members of the 1959 team and Sonny Hill, president of the team's alumni association.
As part of the event the Golden Knights unveiled a special 50th anniversary patch which all team members will wear throughout the year. Busts for former team members Sgt. 1st Class Pedro Munoz, the first combat fatality in Afghanistan who jumped with the Golden Knights from 1998 to 2002, logging more than 4,000 freefall parachute jumps while shining for the Gold Demonstration team, and Chief Warrant Officer Michael J. "Mike" Novosel, a former pilot with the Golden Knights who earned the Medal of Honor for actions in Vietnam as a helicopter pilot, were also dedicated in recognition of their service.
"We have proudly represented the U.S. Army with every jump taken over the last 50 years. Each successful Golden Knights mission honors the sacrifices and accomplishments our fellow Soldiers make every day, whether they're fighting overseas or serving back home making a difference for their families, their communities and the nation," said Lt. Col. Anthony Dill, Commander of the Golden Knights. "To celebrate our 50th Anniversary this year, the Golden Knights will honor our unique history, all past and present members, our fellow U.S. Army Soldiers and the American public each time we jump."
As part on their ongoing 50th anniversary celebration, the Golden Knights have a variety of special activities planned for the coming months, including jumps into the new Yankees Stadium and the Statue of Liberty grounds in New York City.
The team will also continue to perform at air shows, compete on an international level and perform high-profile tandem jumps. In addition, the Golden Knights will visit high schools to work with local recruiters and help show young adults the variety of opportunities available in the U.S. Army.
For more information about the Golden Knights year-long 50th anniversary celebration or to learn more about the team's unique history and to view a schedule of events, visit www.usarec.army.mil/hq/GoldenKnights.
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