Documente Academic
Documente Profesional
Documente Cultură
In this Issue:
Commanders Corner
International Display
Commanding
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Our Grand Ole Flag
SGT (CA) Terrence Rogan
Seeing the old garrison flag carefully displayed in a place of honor brings to mind thoughts about the
history of the flag. The flag is closely linked with the National Anthem even though the flags origins
begin during the American Revolution and the poem by Francis Scott Key was not penned until the War of
1812. The symbol and anthem have become key symbols of the culture of the nation.
What do our colors mean to you? In military service, a national flag carried by unmounted units is called
a color. The expression the colors is used generally in referring to the flag. On June 14, 1777, the
Second Continental Congress adopted a resolution that read the following: Resolved, that the flag of the
United States be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue
field representing a new constellation. But what is the significance of the colors that were chosen?
The three colors did not have any official meaning when the flag was adopted in 1777. The colors and their
significance trace back to the birth of our country, and had very specific meanings in the creation of the
Great Seal. The Seal was to reflect the Founding Fathers beliefs and values, as well as the sovereignty of
our new nation. Red, white, and blue were chosen, and the Great Seal was officially adopted on June 20,
1782. The Continental Congress explained that white signifies purity and innocence, red, hardiness and
valor, and blue signifies vigilance, perseverance, and justice. Over the years, people have altered the
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original interpretation. Now, most believe the red represents the blood spilled by the patriots and those
who have fought to protect our country.
President Ronald Reagan proclaimed 1986 as the Year of the Flag. He said the colors of our flag signify
the qualities of the human spirit we Americans cherish. President Reagan stated: Red for courage and
readiness to sacrifice; white for pure intentions and high ideals; blue for vigilance and justice. Many
Americans today may not be aware of the specific symbolism behind the flags red, white, and blue other
than the colors evoke patriotism and pride. To most veterans that I have spoken with, the flag represents
the reasons we served.
Our flag has been thrust into the news recently because
several professional football players have refused to
stand for the National Anthem, which is seen by some
as disrespecting our flag. Colin Kaepernick, of the San
Francisco 49ers, has refused to stand for the national
anthem to protest what he feels are wrongdoings
against African Americans. In a statement to the
media he said, I am not going to stand up to show
pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black
people and people of color. Other professional
athletes have followed his example but most still honor
the flag and the national anthem at sporting events.
The flag should represent much more than our current state of affairs as a country, or politics. It should
stand for everything we are as a nation past, present, and future. This was emphasized to me recently at the
Wall of Honor, Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton. My fianc, former Hospital Corpsman Second Class,
Christi Ward, United States Navy (USN) was asked to sing the national anthem at the change of command
ceremony for her former Commander. Captain Elaine Walker, Nurse Corps, USN turned over command of
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the Expeditionary Medical Facility (EMF), Camp Pendleton, to Captain Eric Peterson during the
ceremony. Captain Walker was leaving EMF Camp Pendleton for the Operational Health Support Unit,
San Diego. The ceremony I witnessed demonstrated the rich heritage of naval tradition.
Custom has been established that these ceremonies be formal and impressive designed to strengthen the
respect for authority vital to any military unit. Most of the ceremony was foreign to me because my
experience with drill and ceremony was as a soldier in the U.S. Army. As I sat and watched the side boys
take their positions, the honors boatswain practice the pipes, and the color guard rehearse their movements,
something occurred to me. The one unifying factor in all the branches of military service is the flag. We
all may serve in different branches but, we all serve under one flag. It is no different in the civilian
world. Everyone perceives the purpose and meaning of our flag in different ways because it has influenced
each differently, or not at all.
An end to our service obligation does not mean an end to our pride and patriotism. We can still show
respect to the flag in the ways we are accustomed to. The National Defense Authorization Act of 2008
contained an amendment to allow service members not in uniform, retirees, and veterans to render a hand
salute during the hoisting, lowering, or passing of the U.S. flag. A later amendment further authorized
hand salutes during the national anthem by veterans and out of uniform personnel.
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New Exhibit Honors Allies From Operation Freedoms Sentinel
SSG (CA) Jason Orton
One of the newest exhibits at the Camp Roberts museum showcases the uniforms of foreign nations that
were allied with the United States during Operation Freedoms Sentinel. The uniforms were collected and
provided to the museum by Colonel Loren Weeks, USA, Retired. The Colonel spent a considerable amount of
time and effort gathering the examples on display. Operation Freedoms Sentinel was the mission that took
over at the conclusion of Operation Enduring Freedom for United States Forces. While both actions were
part of the overall Global War on
Terrorism, the change in operation names
on January 1, 2015, signified a shift in
policy and tactics from active combat
missions to Training, Advising, and
Assisting (TAA) the forces of
Afghanistan. The new mission for our
service members ran in coordination with
North Atlantic Treaty Organizations
(NATO) Resolute Support mission. Forty
one nations started their service during the
beginning of the new NATO mission and
worked alongside service members from
the United States in counter terrorism,
support, and training capacities.
The U.S. has a history of partnering with
other nations in military operations from
Some of the uniforms from allied nations in Operation Freedoms the very beginning of the founding of the
Sentinel. The museums latest exhibit showcases a variety of nation. The American Revolution had
camouflage patterns and uniform designs from foreign nations that
French land and sea forces supporting the
have served alongside the United States in Afghanistan.
Photo: SSG (CA) Jason Orton colonists in their struggle for
independence. WWI, WWII, Korea,
Vietnam, as well the Gulf War and Kosovo were also examples of allied nations coming together with
forces from the United States.
The International Security Assistance Force that conducted operations in Afghanistan was primarily made
up of NATO members but, of the 48 nations that contributed, 21 were non NATO partners. The large
number of forces from other countries allowed U.S. service members to work alongside their allies and
build relationships. The new exhibit at the museum highlights some of the allies involved in the operation.
The museum staff has carefully placed the uniforms on mannequins to enable the public to better
understand the various examples on display. Some of the uniforms on display include various styles from
Denmark, Australia, Ukraine, Albania, Turkey, Spain, Romania, Germany, Czech Republic, Poland, and
Croatia. The different camouflage patterns and uniform designs are interesting and offer a different
glimpse into the war than normally seen in a U.S. military museum.
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Newsletter Odd and Ends
Unit Soldiers Honored with California Commendation Medals For Service In
Operation Artifact
On December 3, 2016, soldiers from the California
Military Heritage Commands Museum Support
Unit-Central California were presented with the
California Commendation Medal for their work
during Operation Artifact. The soldiers from the unit
were called to State Active Duty during May and
June of 2016 to participate in a statewide inventory
of the historic military artifacts in armories and on
state controlled military posts.
The California Commendation Medal is awarded for meritorious service or meritorious achievement. The
award is metal octagon stamped with mountains and pine trees suspended from a ribbon. The medal in
inscribed with the words, Bring Me Men To Match My Mountains. According to Captain George J. Albert
who wrote an article available through the California State Military Museums website, the award was originally
designed by LTC Howard W. Jesperson of the California National Guard. The award was authorized by the
California State Legislature on October 13, 1950. The medal is the 5th in the order of precedence behind the
California Medal of Merit and above the California Good Conduct Medal. Of interest, some of the early medal
were struck incorrectly leaving out the space between Me and Men in the inscription leaving MeMen, a
humorous way to read the inscription. Some of the various examples can be found for sale online.
*California State Military Reserve soldiers wishing to perform a Substitute Unit Training Assembly with the Museum
Support Unit-Central California should contact CW4 (CA) Henry Leon in advance at: hhc20th@msn.com. Dates are
subject to change. All unit members will be notified of any changes as they occur. First formation time is 0800 hours
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Unit Soldiers Receive Training On Wear and Appearance of the Army Service
Uniform
The December 2016 drill for the Museum Support Unit,
Central California took place at Camp San Luis Obispo.
As part of the monthly training, SGM Carlos Gama and
SSG Jason Orton trained the unit members on the
proper wear and appearance of the Army Service
Uniform.
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This Time In History
Researched and Compiled by SGT (CA) Terrence Rogan
February 6, 1911 - Ronald Reagan, (1911-2004) the 40th U.S. President, was born in Tampico, Illinois.
Reagan spent 30 years as an entertainer in radio, film, and television before becoming governor of California in
1966. Elected to the White House in 1980, he survived
an assassination attempt and became the most popular
president since Franklin Roosevelt. Reagan served as
an officer in the Army during WWII in the 1st Motion
Picture Unit and the 18th Army Air Forces Base Unit.
February 10, 1942 - The first Medal of Honor during World War II was awarded to 2nd Lt. Alexander
Nininger (posthumously) for heroism during the Battle of Bataan. He was a 1941 graduate of the United States
Military Academy. During the Japanese invasion, he led an assault on a Japanese position. He is buried in a
church cemetery on the island of Bataan where he gave his life.
February 23, 1942 - During World War II, the first attack on the U.S. mainland occurred as a Japanese
submarine shelled an oil refinery near Santa Barbara, California, causing minor damage. While physical
damage was minor to the refinery, it stoked fears among the public of an impending invasion. Commander
Nishino Kozo was the skipper of the Japanese submarine I-17.
The Submarine Commander was aware of the refinerys location from a previous visit to the California Coast
before the war when he had served as the Captain of an oil tanker. Five days after shelling the refinery, the
submarine torpedoed an oil tanker, the Emidio, off of Cape Mendocino. The tanker was empty at the time and
was returning to San Francisco from Seattle. A PBY flying boat chased off the submarine with depth charges
and the damaged ship was eventually run aground near Crescent City, CA. Thirty one survivors were rescued
by the Coast Guard Cutter Shawnee.
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I love Valentines Day! Maybe its from a I think I forgot to put
The Colors! The Oh! This one doesnt secret admirer?!?! my name on those
Candy! The Cards! have a name! cardsOh well.
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Acknowledgements and Notes:
The California State Military Reserve with the California Military Heritage Command and the Museum Support Unit-Central
California at Camp Roberts, owe thanks to many people for this newsletter. First, our thanks to Brigadier General (CA) Frank D.
Emanuel, Commander of the CSMR and to Colonel (CA) John Goodnight, Commander of the CMHC.
In addition, all those others past, present, and future who have volunteered or financially supported the museum.
To the Camp Roberts Post Management and Leadership, also our gratitude.
COL Nicole M. Balliet, Post Commander
CSM James E. Norris, Post Command Sergeant Major
To the Unit members of the Museum Support Unit-Central California past and present, without which this
newsletter would never have happened:
CW4 Henry L. Leon
SSG Jason Orton
SGT Terrence Rogan
SPC Katrina Sheen
SPC Patrick Sheen
PFC Coy Briscoe
Special thanks to SGM Carlos Gama for his assistance with editing and proofreading.
The Camp Roberts Reveille is dedicated to the memory of SFC Eddie Colis, who served as the First Sergeant of the 213th Military
History Detachment (Deployable). He was called to his final formation on January 29, 2015 after over 20 years of service. He was
the very first NCO to hold the position in the newly created unit and his dedication continues to inspire today. HOOAH!
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CampRobertsReveille@hotmail.com.
For any input or comments, contact CW4 Henry L. Leon at hhc20th@msn.com. All messages will be answered. Suggestions or
submissions for future article consideration are welcome. For mail correspondence: 1895 Ironwood Drive, Santa Maria, CA 93455
HENRY L. LEON
CW4 (CA), CSMR
Commanding
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in the articles are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any
agency of the United States Government, the State of California, the National Guard, the California State Military Reserve, the California Military
Heritage Command, the Museum Support Unit-Central California, Camp Roberts, or the Camp Roberts Historical Museum.
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