FORT STEWART, Ga. - The 3rd Infantry Division is a unit with a long history of defending America, not only during war but also during peacetime. The division has been on the frontlines against freedom's enemies for nearly 100 years.
The 3rd ID Historical Society held its 90th Annual Reunion in Springfield, Mo., Sept. 15-20. The organization is the oldest historical society in the Army.
"It is an honor to be here this evening amongst so many distinguished Dog Face Soldiers," said Col. Stephen Twitty, chief of staff of the 3rd Army, Fort MacPherson, Ga. and former commander of the 3rd Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 3rd ID, who spoke at the dinner which began the week of festivities. "I would like to personally thank you for your service to our nation and your support of the division and our men and women in uniform."
He went on to speak praises of the men and women serving today. Colonel Twitty said he is proud of the America's wounded warriors, noting that 50 percent of the roughly 33,000 wounded Soldiers, including amputees, continue service in the Army.
"What a selfless commitment for our Soldiers to continue to serve," he said. "Our Army is stronger than ever and our Soldiers are the best who have ever worn the uniform. Rest assured, the Army is in good hands, now and into the future. And as many doubted that this generation of Soldiers would live up to the reputation of you and those (who) preceded them, they have proven that they are up to the task and they indeed are the next greatest generation."
As most reunions do, there were a lot of veterans who discussed and laughed about their war stories. While every Soldier was proud of their service, not all their memories were so pleasant.
Joseph Giorgio, 83, is proof that defense of freedom is not always pretty.
As he unit drove into Germany in 1945, he took an artillery blast that knocked him unconscious. Only after the attack, the German counter attack, when German Soldiers thought he was dead and the Americans reoccupied the land around the German border did Giorgio hear voices that woke him.
He cried as he recalled the story and said repeatedly he did not want any of those who are in combat now to go through what he did.
While the experience and the ensuing amputation were very painful for him, he realized what he and his comrades had to do.
"What we did was defeat the Germans," he said. "We made the world safe for democracy. If not for us and what we did, we would have lost the war."
His experiences as a wounded Soldier were not entirely bad. He spoke fondly of the time singer Dinah Shore, a popular singer of the post-World War II era, entertained wounded troops at the hospital in Atlanta where he was being treated, sang a song just for him and gave him a hug.
While there many difficult memories, they got together to have a good time with old battle buddies. The Soldiers took in some of the sights of Springfield and nearby Branson, getting a tour of the both cities and having the chance to take in some of the local sights, including a local honey-making shop, where they witnessed bees pollinating in a hive and making honey.
The 15th and 30th regiments held their dinners to commemorate all their units have done within the division and in conflict. While they were proud of their individual units, they all realized they were members of the 3rd ID and their role as defenders of freedom.
Together, as dog face Soldiers, regardless of unit, they ended the reunion with a gala dinner attended by Maj. Gen. Tony Cucolo, commander of the 3rd ID, and Command Sergeant Major Jesse Andrews, 3rd ID command sergeant major.
"It's truly an honor for me, (Sgt. Maj. Andrews and our wives) to be here," said Maj. Gen. Cucolo. "It's so important that we pass on your stories. This great legacy we are honored to be a part of, lives on."
He discussed what the role of the Task Force Marne will be and told the veterans how important they were to morale efforts for the dog face Soldiers overseas.
"We're going to Iraq and Afghanistan," he continued. "One of the reasons we endure is because we know you did, and there are still dog face Soldiers with a sense of your history. They know your history, they follow your history, they take pride in your history. It is our honor to be your legacy, and you have our commitment that we will never let you down.
James M. Beckworth, who enlisted in the Army in 1947 and retired as a major 25 years later, listened to the speech and was thrilled with what he heard.
"I think it was just wonderful," he said. "It was a great program of honor and dedication to our country and to each other."
He enjoyed the speech and had a great time at the reunion.
"I am thankful that my (family) and I could be here and I'm honored to have served my country and be a part of the greatest combat maneuver division in the Army," he said.
Anyone who serves or has served in the 3rd Infantry Division is eligible to be in the historical society. Membership is $15 a year. For more information on membership, contact Henry Burke at 803-782-7517 or e-mail him at pennieburke@sc.rr.com
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