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Winter 2011
Hello Rakkasans, Reserves and
friends,
Another year is flying by and the
troops are home and safe. The Brigade I’m told will be
starting intense training soon in preparation for
another Pentagon ordered deployment. Things may or could
change before this message is even printed in the
Shimbun.
We observed our 30th
Reunion in San Antonio and it was an outstanding
success. The hotel was fine and the food very good and
the Tours seemed to be enjoyed by all who went. We have
a number of ill Rakkasans and we try to keep in touch
with them and their families by email, telephone and
cards, but we are only deterred by the lack of info on
the members. I would like to take a contingent of Golden
Rakkasans to a service hospital where we can visit with
the wounded and sick and that will be taken up at the
next board meeting. If you know of ill Rakkasans let us
know.
Prior to Thanksgiving 2011 we helped
122 Rakkasan families with necessaries for the holidays.
We on the Board of Directors take great pleasure on
behalf of the membership in helping to alleviate a
modicum of distress from our warriors. This is what we
do as an association. We can only do a small part, but
it is something on the home front. Please continue
sending donations to the Treasurer 24/7.
In the Winter Shimbun there will be a
modification of the page devoted to the naming of the
Rakkasan Commanders. We have added Col. Thomas Sharkey
who in 1958 was commander of troops when they deployed
to Lebanon.
Our next meeting will be at the Pylon
and Memorial ceremonies taking place at Ft. Campbell in
the winter. We usually stay at a pre-arranged motel in
Hopkinsville, but rooms will be scarce so plan ahead.
The dates are from February 22-24 2012. For those who
will be attending for the first time I can assure you of
a memorable event. Keep an eye on the Shimbun for
details or check on the website, Rakkasan.net.
In passing may I also suggest that
the soldiers be supported by a system structured to give
every soldier an opportunity to pick up skills and
discover new abilities, before separation, which gives
them a good chance to compete in civilian life after
giving so much to the Nation. Not everyone can or wants
to go to college, but a good solid foundation in the
myriad jobs performed at installations would be a good
start for life after service and become an integral part
of the job market and a choice for the soldier.
In October 14-21 2012 we will have
the 31st Annual Reunion in Orlando Florida at
the International Palms Hotel. Details will follow in
the Spring and Summer Shimbun issues and on the website.
We are making preparations for this Florida reunion with
hopes of landing some specials from Disney, and others.
This is the year for election of
officers. If you have some time available and you can
choose it give it a shot. I personally will be seeking a
second term as your President. Our election will closely
coincide with the national elections, but have lesser
importance.
Irving Weinsoff
PRESIDENT
WEB
SITE OWNERSHIP
The
'Rakkasan.net' web site is owned and maintained by The
187th Airborne Infantry Regiment Association
"Rakkasans". The site was created by the "Golden
Rakkasans" and made available for your personal,
non-commercial use only. You may not use the 'Rakkasan.net'
Web Site to sell a product or service, or to increase
traffic to your web site for commercial purposes, such
as advertising, sales, etc., nor may it be utilized in
any way detrimental to the active duty Rakkasan soldiers
with whom we bear a strong relationship. The reasons are
very obvious. We jeopardize no one who uses our site.
Interpretations of site rules are made at the first
instance by the Webmasters. We urge you to fall on the
side of caution and good taste when communicating hereon
to/with your Rakkasans, their families, friends and
guests. |