FORT BENNING, Ga., (Feb. 11, 2015) -- For those who are Airborne or Air Assault qualified, the William W. Williams chapter of the 555th Parachute Infantry Association is seeking new members.
The association is also known as the Triple Nickles, and traces its history to the 555th Parachute Infantry Battalion, the first black parachute organization in the Army.
"1944 was when we had the first graduating class here, and the association has been around ever since then," said Thomas Snelling, chapter president.
The chapter has about 45 members and is a frequent presence at Airborne graduations and events, as well as in the community.
"We're out in the community giving away Thanksgiving baskets, speaking at schools and giving away school supplies," Snelling said. "For Christmas, we give away toys to less fortunate Families. We're also working on a project to improve the first graduation site on post, and we also have several other fundraising efforts going on as well."
The organization also frequently visits local schools in an attempt to mentor young black children.
"We've accepted that as something we need to do," Snelling said. "We need to be men in the community. Because of our careers in the military and the things we've experienced, we have a story to tell. That story can help a lot of young black children."
In addition to their community outreach efforts, the Triple Nickles also provide an environment for Airborne-qualified veterans to come together.
"When you become a paratrooper, that's a distinction," Snelling said. "Not everybody wants to do that. Not everybody has the nerve to do that. It's a point of pride and honor. It sets you aside from most other Soldiers and makes you part of a brotherhood."
The organization meets the second Saturday of every month at 10 a.m. at the Chattahoochee Valley Veterans Building at 1000 Victory Drive in Columbus, and membership is open to all Airborne- or Air Assault-qualified veterans, not just black veterans.
"If you're Airborne qualified, we need you to help build our organization, to help strengthen the community and to be a face of the Triple Nickles," Snelling said. "We want our heritage and the legacy to live on. In order for it to do that, there are steps we have to take. We have to pass this on to our younger generation so they will know who the Triple Nickles are and what they accomplished."
More information on the history of the 555th Parachute Infantry Association can be found at www.triplenickle.com.
82nd Airborne Association
Members of the 82nd Airborne Association will visit Fort Benning April 2 to observe training on Eubanks Field. During their visit, there will also be a wreath-laying ceremony from 10:45 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Airborne Walk Memorial.
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