A Sincere Thank You to COL Fenzel, LTC Dill, MAJ Bean, SGM Eitniear, CPT Funderburk and ALL of the US Army Golden Knights for a wonderful day and their warm hospitality on my recent trip Fort Bragg to participate in the Golden Knights 50th Anniversary Celebration!
Despite the liquid sunshine that moved us indoors, it was a great tribute to the men and women who are the US Army’s elite team who command the skies with their skillful manuevers.
I was totally in awe when I entered their headquarters to see the case after case of trophys, plaques and awards that the Golden Knights have earned over the years. I’ve learned that there are many more not on display. These talented soldiers are the US Army’s ambassadors who come to visit after jumping out of an airplane from thousands of feet … some who actually hit a 3 centimeter (now TWO!) target from this free fall thru the sky.
There’s more to learn about the Golden Knights and I look forward to spending some time with them real soon…
Now the great news….
Many of you know that I produce US Arny heraldry cards with the unit insignia and significant information on the back of the card. Many of you have them, a few have had them personalized. For this event with the Golden Knights, I decided it was appropriate to craft and design a card for them and bring them as gifts (personalized of course) for a few of those I would meet.
But the great news is that the GOLDEN KNIGHTS’ notecards are now available for sale at the Airborne Special Operations Museum in downtown Fayettville, NC
– Mission Accomplished LTC Dill!
Some More Great News…
I had the pleasure and opportunity to meet the Hon Pete Geren, Secretary of the Army while I was in Fayetteville and he is now the proud owner of the first ever regimental calendar – “The Old Guard on Parade – 2009″
And finally, I am proud to say that my heraldry cards are now on sale at THREE museum giftshops in the Fayetteville, NC area.
Posted 2 years, 10 months ago at 10:41 pm. Add a comment
A few weeks ago, I had a trip to Fort Bragg to witness and record the induction of three retired Special Forces soldiers as “a distinguished member of the Regiment.” While there, I met and spent some time with the Director/Curator of the JFK Warfare Museum and she furthered my knowledge about the origins of the Flashes that are used behind the insignia of rank, certain badges or the regiment.
I had earlier learned that LTG Wm P. Yarborough when confronted with the comment by his commander that the Parachutist Badge which he designed and presented to his commander that “… they’re too … small!” Then Captain Yarborough, with a spark of creative genius used pieces of colored felt that were put behind the badge to make it appear bigger. That same concept was applied for the Special Forces Group Flash.
Originally, a consideration was a “rosette” similar to the ones awarded to recipients of the Purple Heart shown below (now discontinued)
or a Medal of Honor recipient …
Many of the colonial troops wore a rosette in their tricorn hats.
Instead of the rosette, a small piece of colored material to provide “A flash of color…” was the General’s answer…
Shown below are the 1st, 5th and 7th Group flashes worn on their green berets…
Posted 2 years, 11 months ago at 12:37 am. Add a comment
I was whisked down to Fort Bragg, NC – home of the 82d Airborne and Special Forces to witness and participate in a rather distinctive event of The Regimental First Formation of the Special Forces.
Three noted members of the Special Forces were inducted as “Distinguished Members of the Special Forces Regiment” and awarded plaques. These include:
- Colonel Ola Lee Mize – Medal of Honor Recipient
- Lieutenant Colonel Charles A. Aycock
- Command Sergeant Major Ronnie A. McCan
After the induction & awards, the soldiers who have been immersed in their Special Forces training reached the point where they were allowed to put on and wear their Green Berets for the first time. (The following day was graduation…)
I also reconnected with a General who I had met several years ago and I updated him on the progress I’ve made (he’s gone from 1 star to 3 stars … so I believe he’s making great progress!) When I showed him the array of offerings that I now have, he turned to his Aide-de-Camp. The next thing we were shaking hands and I found what’s below in my palm.
Thank you General for recognizing my work!
Later, I once again re-visited the JFK Warfare Museum and spent some time with the Director / Curator. It was a very informative several minutes which I wished would have never ended. She shared some rather interesting background on the development of uniforms and heraldry items that LTG Wm P. Yarborough orchestrated.
I later walked the halls where the General and those who have followed his footsteps have walked. It was a great feeling.
In the distance, I heard the echoing sounds of the GUNS… they were having live fire on one of the ranges on FT Bragg.
Posted 3 years ago at 12:08 am. Add a comment
