From the Lone Star Front:

9th of March, 2008

We are now five weeks away from our 2008 Reunion.  I was lucky enough to talk to most of you this past week and I am psyched!  I have continued to update the website and I'm enjoying working with our photos.  Jessie Eddins celebrates her 16th birthday and Bobby Sutton is barbecuing a pork butt on the grill.  Joe Sockwell had to work today and has his hands full with a bunch of rookie iron workers.  Mark and Becky Kramer went car shopping today and I hope they get a good deal.  Jean Currier is doing well.  Curt Hulsey has emailed me a plethora of pictures and I'll get them posted as soon as possible.  I am working on a special Niederkleen page and a page for the "Rock", Ayers Kaserne.  I received some nice emails from Mike Mills (Bravo 3/33 Armor 1974-1976).  Mike has the Star Spangled Banner we used during President Ford's visit to the Rock, 27 July, 1975.  Mills has also visited the Armor Museum in Danville, VA and longs to climb back on a "A-Deuce".  I am always happy to find another brother in arms from the late, great 3d of the 33d Armor.

22nd of February, 2008

The website has gotten an extreme make-over.   Bruce Zust has done a tremendous job in preparing artwork to decorate our website.  We are now only 57 days away from the Reunion in South Carolina.  I have requested bids for flags and tee shirts.  Our 3AD ball caps are in.  Our AOB patches are ready.  Our general stars and M60A2 tank awards are in.  I am still sourcing Armor caps and our unique M60A2 branch cap.  Check out the site and let me know what you think.  I also corrected the 1976 top platoon info on the home page.  A big congrats to Bravo and Charlie Company.

6th of February, 2008

Good news:  Steve Price has made contact with Mark and Claire Lechuga (one of the outstanding turret mechanics that helped us gun so well).  I spoke to Nancy Bowman today (Brad Scott's amazing assistant) and Lt Scott has us scheduled for the 18,19 and 20 of April.  Nancy is checking with Brad on who will be in his party.  Brad is enroute to Florida today and will be in California next week.  I reminded Nancy to have Lt Scott give Lt Dietrich a call.  I am working on a 3rd house for the reunion and awaiting a return call from Bill McDonald, the
condo owner.  I will try and finalize the Saturday night award dinner today as well.

Steve Price will call this evening to update us on the Lechuga call.  The Speers are trying to make this Reunion as well and we will receive more in a week or two.  Please advise myself or Blumish, Laney and Sutton on your itineraries so we can insure everyone is met at the
airport.  Remember, if you are flying, your destination will be the
Columbia, SC airport.  Do not book flights to Greenville, Spartanburg
or Charleston unless you want to rent a car and spend a lot of time
driving.

4th of February, 2008

The recon mission this weekend by Blumish, Laney and Sutton went extremely well.  Our Corps CSM Blumish has provided me with a telephonic sitrep and emailed me an after-action report. The CSM said that Bruce and Ana Laney should be commended for the their outstanding
efforts.  The Commander has suspended action on the CSM's request until his arrival at the assembly area, but rest assured I have never denied a request from the Corps Sergeant Major.  General Laney has also submitted a telephonic sitrep and the Corps will be surprised by
the outstanding accommodations awaiting us in South Carolina.  I called and spoke to Miss Bobbie and was unable to speak to General Bobby due to his assignment to bathe his grandson.  General Sutton is doing his part to support our Keep America Clean Campaign.  General Butcher has taken a plethora of pictures and the Commander will transmit them after they have been analyzed.  Here is an excerpt from CSM Blumish:

<Begin Transmission>
SMAJ's Sitrep

I think Anna had a lot to do with this configuration, real men don't normally hit this home run (maybe making up for the great tattoo).  Perfect accommodations with amenities.

Married facilities – Awesome, probably a  .75 million home site, brand new .  We don't need to expose our spouses to these dreams.

Main site for bachelors with plenty of space, did not see the  inside but it looks well kept. – Covered Pavilion 50 feet away with 8 picnic tables  and 300 feet away is a restaurant with  beer, ice, fishing gear and sells weekly-out-of-state fishing license($11.00) open at
6:00AM with boat ramp.  Bruce and Bobby had cheeseburgers and fries, I had a Chicken breast salad (it was probably even better since Bruce footed the bill).  I think it was pretty good grub. Breakfast in walking distance should be a plus for early risers or late partying
Bachelors.

Nearest Hotel seems to be Ramada Inn – App. 25 miles away on interstate 77 exit 34 .
Rates are $64(weekday) $69(weekend) 1 king or 2 queens
Rates are $81(weekday) $92(weekend) Jacuzzis suites
<End Transmission>

I am sure that you will concur that the "Three Bs" in the Carolinas are performing far beyond the scope of what we would have reasonably expected from volunteers.  Zust is continuing to work on designs for state/personal crests and special operations insignia under my direction.  The Commander has sent what he consider an outstanding work to the Carolina Committee for their decision.  Zust has developed an amazing insignia that incorporates our original crest with the
addition of an A2 to commemorate our shared history with the M60A2 tank.  The Zust design of the M60A2 replacing the M26 mounted in the center of crossed sabers on the US Army Armor Branch plaque will now be the plaque for the Corps Armored Branch.  Zust and the Commander
will follow whatever instructions that our Carolina Brothers and Sisters come up with for the Reunion Tees.

No man has ever known better friends and family than each of you.  It is for that reason and the importance you each play in our lives that I make the following announcement:  With the permission of the Carolina Committee and the Corps Chaplain, the Commander and Jennifer
will share the sacred vows of holy matrimony and their joy with the Corps at 4pm on the 19th April, 2008, Carolina Corps Reunion.  The Chaplain will officiate this important ceremony.  The Commander and Jennifer want to share their joy with the people they love the most, you.  This is one of the secrets that we have been working on.  We are choosing wedding invitations and supplies at this time, but we will send formal announcements to each of you.  I will be contacting each member of the General Staff concerning their roles in the ceremony

21st of January, 2008

*************      IMPORTANT UPDATE    ********************

REUNION LOCATION CHANGE - PLEASE READ AND RESPOND

Because of the increasing number of confirmed attendees, we have rented two houses for an entire week to accommodate everyone in comfort and luxury.  We have switched our condo on Lake Murray for two on Lake Wateree, SC (Lake Wateree, South Carolina, USA (Located
between Charlotte/Columbia on Lake Rd. near Camden).  We tried to get additional housing on Lake Murray to accommodate the additional attendees, but due to the Masters Golf Tournament, there was no room at the inn.  Luckily, we were afforded the opportunity to switch
reservations to Lake Wateree and pick up additional housing.  I commend Blumish, Laney and Sutton for their fast work and lightning fast decision-making skills!  Lake Wateree is also the premier fishing lake in the area and is 45 minutes closer to the Blumish and Sutton homes and only 15 minutes from the Laneys.  The Suttons vacation at Lake Wateree during the Carolina Cup and love the area.  Because of this change, the only airports you should book airfare into is either Charlotte or Columbia airports.  Jen and I are stuck with driving 120 miles from the Spartanburg airport, please don't travel there unless you want a long drive. For example of the accommodations please view:  http://www.vrbo.com/163703 . 

We are most likely renting a third house for the weekend only.  Those driving from the north will save approximately 45 minutes to an hour of travel time.  This will shorten the arrival travel time for the Blumishes, Curriers, Dietrichs, Hickinbotham, Laneys, Lincolns, Powers, Prices, Speers and Suttons.  Airport transport will be faster from Charlotte or Columbia to better facilitate our airmobile arrivals.   Lake Wateree is located conveniently to US I-77, US Hwy 21 and SC Highway 97.  The wonderful historic town of Camden , SC is a few minutes from the site for your
shopping pleasure.  The Reunion rental dates begin 15 April through 21 April.  The official dates are still the 18th - 20th of April, 2008.

Anyone with non-refundable tickets like the Commander and Jennifer, please advise and we will make arrangements.  I personally look forward to my 120 mile drive from Spartanburg to Camden so that Jennifer and I can enjoy some of the scenic beauty of northern South
Carolina (one of my favorite areas in the US).  If your concern is convenience to the Reunion site, please book your flights to either the Charlotte Airport or the Columbia Airport.  More details and maps to follow later this week.

Your Friend and Servant,

John J. Perry
Commander
Corps de Congoleese

"To survive the modern battlefield, our leaders must learn to delegate responsibility while retaining authority"  The Butcher
"Adaptability is the key to survival"  Memoirs of the T. Rex by J. Perry

All scheduled events, excursions and activities remain unchanged.

15th of November, 2007

Operation Happy Holidays for 1/33 Cav is underway.  Our first shipment of 300 care packages is enroute to Capt. Richie and the troopers of Charlie 1/33 Cav.  All of the veterans of the Old 33rd Armor are proud of these troopers and any veteran that has worn "Men of War".  A big thank you to the Corps Armourer Ken Waymire (Gulf War Veteran) and Corps Supply Officer Bruce Zust for the hard work they have been doing to make this operation a success.  Kudos to our 3AD Liaison Congoleese Dan O'Leary for alerting the Corps of the needs of our brave boys in Iraq.  I would like to personally thank each member of the Corps for their generous contributions of time and money to make life a little easier for those troopers in Iraq.  The Corps has adopted 1/33 Cav and now our "Family of Fighters" has some airborne "Band of Brothers" to call their own.  We salute the brave troopers of 1/33 Cav.

29th of September, 2007

The Command track is loaded and we are moving to the CP to Arlington, TX.  The Commander needed a larger home to house his family, friends and memorabilia.  I have to change internet service providers (ISP) because Charter does not service my new home, but I will be back online on the second of October.  I posted a powerful message from the Chaplain about wolves in sheep's clothing.  The sermon was inspired by a great email that our Armorer, Ken Waymire shared with the Corps.  Both messages are powerful and are appreciated.  The 3AD Association has placed a link to us on the 33rd Armor pages.  A big thanks to Dan O'Leary and the volunteers that keep "Spearhead" alive.  Dan, I will see you at the 3rd Armored Division Reunion, Austin, Texas, 2008

15th of September, 2007

I received a 33rd Armor Challenge Coin and Association of the 3AD Vets t-shirt this week.  Great merchandise from www.3AD.org.  Checkout their store and join the Association.  Support Spearhead! 

9th of September, 2007

I just posted the Chaplain's message of the week and I am glad to see one of my favorite books, Psalms, as part of this week's lesson.  Psalms has always been a source of inspiration and comfort.  The Chaplain has called upon us to all pray for the Curriers.  Jean is afflicted with fibromyalgia and our prayers are needed. 

8th of September, 2007

A really great week!  I made contact and joined www.3AD.org Call Me Spearhead - The Home of the 3d Armored Division Veterans Association.  If you or a family member, served with the Spearhead Division, please join Call Me Spearhead and keep the memory of 3AD available for other vets and their families.  Also, the 3AD holds reunions and their next one will be in Austin, TX.  I'll get you more info. The webmaster for the 33d Armor pages on the Association site is a great guy, Dan O'Leary.  Dan is a fellow "Pickle" and needs our full support.  I thank Dan for all the hard work he has done to keep the "Men of War" alive. 

Steve Dietrich and Ken Waymire have been very active this week helping to correct and update information for our archives.  Steve has published some amazing stuff and I am glad to have his knowledge, insight and expertise to help guide the Commander in his efforts to document the role and history of the M60A2. 

2nd of September, 2007

We made contact with Mark Mann, but the Mann we contacted wasn't the right man.  Confused?  You should have been the guy who had never been in the military, but after visiting our site wished he had.  Ken Waymire has two more leads he is pursuing and he has emailed us some great pictures that I will post soon.  

24th of August, 2007

A heartfelt commendation to our Armorer Ken Waymire for providing the Corps with Mark Mann's email address.  Ken, our friend and brother, thank you for your service to the Corps.  On the question on the armorer, Chaplain Eddins has gifted us with a message based on Ephesians 6:11.  "Put on the whole armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes"   I ordered Tex a chaplain's challenge coin on the third of August from an eBay vendor which is based on Ephesians 6:11-13.  Apparently, armor and armorer have been on more than one of our minds.  A description of the coin says: 

Armor of God

The warriors of America's armed forces fight in the name of justice and freedom around the world, risking their lives to defend these principles whenever and wherever they come under attack.

These fearless men and women answer duty's call day after day, armed with resolute confidence in their mission and the firm belief that America's cause in the world is right. Wielding the sword of honor and wearing the breastplate of righteousness, America's troops tackle every challenge with steadfast conviction and the desire to achieve absolute victory over tyranny.

This coin pay tribute to the brave men and women of America's military, who risk their lives every day to keep liberty's lamp burning brightly throughout the world. The obverse depicts traditional pieces of armor, including the breastplate, shield, sword, and helmet.

God bless you Chaplain and our Armorer, Ken Waymire!  May we all don the whole armor of God and arm ourselves with the Sword of the Spirit!  

Paul tells us that the whole armor of God is composed of six parts. I remember my philosophy professor Hap Lyda and a discussion we had on "the whole is greater than the sum of it's parts."  The whole of the armor of God and the six parts that make the whole can be found in Eph. 6:11-17

1) Truth (v. 14). "Gird your loins with truth."
2) Righteousness (v. 14). "Put on the breastplate of righteousness."
3) Peace (v. 15). "Shod your feet with the gospel of peace."
4) Faith (v. 16). "Taking up the shield of faith."
5) Salvation (v. 17). "Take the helmet of salvation."
6) The Word of God (v. 17). "the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God." 

19th of August, 2007

Happy Birthday Joe "Cobb" Sockwell - 52 years of "Git er Done".  Bruce Zust has been found and is now in contact with the Corps

9th of August, 2007

Happy Birthday General Mark Kramer - We love you and give thanks that you were born on this day 52 years ago

6th of August, 2007

Happy Birthday Commander

5th of August, 2007

Johnny Eddins is safe at home and doing a great job in his recovery from open heart surgery.  All of the Congoleese are doing fine today and preparations are underway for our 2008 Reunion in Columbia, SC during the 19th-21st of April.  South Carolina was the only nominated site and won by total acclamation.  The Blumish, Laney and Sutton team are making plans for setting a higher standard for future reunions to meet.  It is amazing that each year we find a way to improve on perfection.  Bruce Zust (Kramer's old barracks room mate) has made contact through military.com.  Jennifer and the Commander have begun processing our applications for passports so that we may visit the German chapter of the Congoleese in 2009.  Mark Currier reported this morning that Jean's health is improving and that they will be in the Carolinas.  I have received confirmation from Bruce Hickinbotham that he will be attending as well.  God willing, I will be there with all of you in April.  Only one battalion of the 33rd Armor still keeps the Men of War alive.  the 1st Bn is still active and now part of the 101st Airborne, but now has a Cavalry designation.  Congoleese have always been Airmobile!

25th of July, 2007

The Corps is enroute to Whitefish Bay, Montana for the 2007 Reunion.  Johnny Eddins suffered a massive heart this past Monday.  He is scheduled for a triple bypass this coming Thursday.  Johnny would have been part of the Corps advance party in Montana.  Johnny suffered his heart attack at work and I am thankful that he received immediate medical care.  Johnny was taken to the medical facility in Center, Tx and then transferred to Nacogdoches.  Our Chaplain and his family convoy were enroute to Bill and Jennifer Speer's and Tex was notified about Johnny after arriving for his rendezvous with the Kramers in Iowa.  Tex and his family are enroute to Nacogdoches as I write this.  Our prayers will be the Eddins Family throughout this Reunion and Johnny's recovery.  Johnny, we love you and pray for your speedy recovery.  

15th of June, 2007

Tex has tracked down Curt Hulsey and the Admiral will be joining his Brothers and Sisters of the Corps at the Montana Reunion the last weekend in July.  Kudos to the Chaplain for his diligence in finding lost members of the flock.  Welcome home, Curt!  

25th of April, 2006

The 1st 13th Congoleese Corps Reunion was a total success!  Our dear friends in Germany gathered at Maria's and held a German reunion in tandem with our own.

The Corps has made contact with Lt Denny Kamae and Mark Currier and the list continues to grow daily.  The reunion is quickly shaping up to become a reality.