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In October, we held the 1st DQS/OGS Reunion in Evansville, Indiana. 12 of the 20 Gold Star Mothers we have been able to take on the trips to date were able to attend and some brought friends or family. 9 of the 10 DQS Vets and all 5 DQS Wives who have participated on the trips were present. I believe we had around 36 or so for the Banquet. Lots of memory, video & photo sharing, lots of hugging and lots-of Thank You's. Very enjoyable! We recognized those (outside of DQS) who have joined in this effort (Rich Sanders of Vietnow was present with his wife, Mary) and Greg Dearborn made us aware of a sizable contribution he had obtained from his DAV Post. Good times, Good News & Wonderful People! Unfortunately, I was unable to travel to DC for Veterans Day. By all accounts received, DQS was well represented and those in attendance enjoyed the activities and their time together, as is usual. Once again, our Thanks to all who helped or participated in any of the activities during the second half of the year and YOU are what make things happen! As we enter the New Year (2005), plans and preparation for the 2005 Reunion are in full swing and we have at least one OGS Trip to plan and bring about (more on this later). Additional and FINAL work will occur in regard to our book - your help may be needed, please respond to any requests promptly and fully (again, more later). Additional work and a trip to Charleston (in April) is needed so that we can, hopefully, have info on the 2006 DQS Reunion for you at our 2005 DQS Reunion. Committees are at work redesigning our Jackets and Shirts with the following in mind - addressing weight issues (Jackets) that we have heard from our members, including Vulcans & Hawks (Both), reducing inventory required (Both) and possibly other. Kokomo planning begins in early February (camping lots). DC planning will occur later. Plans are to attend the Gold Star Mothers Convention that will be held in Dallas, Texas in June. Hopefully, we'll be able to pick up the pace in regard to newsletters (the actual publication of the book will help in this regard). I'm sure there will be other items/issues come up and we'll be looking for your help and contributions (as always) to enable us to succeed. Come & See Us at the Reunion! Join in at any of our functions. DQS is for YOU! Ed
**CLOSE COMBAT BADGE**February 2005 - Branches that currently cannot receive a CIB will now receive this recognition for serving in close combat. The award is for selected Combat Arms Soldiers who engage in active ground combat. The Army will award the CCB to Armor, Cavalry, Combat Engineer and Field Artillery Soldiers in MOS 's recognized as having a high probability to routinely engage in direct combat or who are attached to a unit of like nature and who engage in direct combat in accordance with existing rules and policies. CCB's will be presented only to those personally present and under fire while engaged in active ground combat to close with and destroy the enemy with direct fire. More info will be forthcoming. What does this mean to DQS? We'll be keeping our eyes and ears open to find out. Please forward any pertinent info that you may become aware of. | |||||||||
