America's Premier Infantry Regiment

Welcome to the 7th Infantry Regiment Association!

The Seventh Infantry Regiment Association was established in 1987. The Association presently has more than 600 members, comprised of veterans of World War II, Korea, Vietnam, the Cold War, the Persian Gulf, and members of the Active Army.

The Seventh Infantry Regiment was constituted 11 January 1812, making it one of the five oldest regiments in the United States Army. It ranks first on the Army's Order of Merit List in terms of date constituted, number of campaigns in which it participated, and awards and decorations received.

News and Updates

23 Jan 2012

Unfortunately I just received word that the Cottonbaler Birthday Dinner has been put on hold. No new date has been selected.


6 Jsn 2011

Happy New Year!

In addition to the New Year, we are also celebrating the 200th Birthday of the Regiment with a Birthday Dinner on 13 January at the Hyatt Regency Savannah, Savannah, GA. Both 2-7 and 3-7 IN will be there. 200th Birthday Dinner
I hope you all will be able to attend this celebration.
Please RSVP to LT Zachary Fenn (757-778-7003) ASAP!


9 Sep 2011

3-7 IN Change of Command will be held 19 Sep 2011.
Here is your invitation:
3-7 IN Change of Command Invitation
Please RSVP to CPT Bell via e-mail or 912-435-7685 (Office) or 727-501-2818 (Cell) NLT 15 Sep.
Hope to see you all there.


29 Aug 2011

Joe Carrasco graciously sent me his copy of the 1963 1/7 IN Cottonbalers Yearbook.
I have scanned in each page and created a Photo Gallery for the book. It can be found in the Photo Gallery section of the web site.


5 Jul 2011

I have posted some photos from the 2011 Reunion. They can be found here.


21 Jun 2011

Well the 2011 Reunion was 10 days ago and I'm still excited by the wonderful time we all had. If you missed it, you missed a great reunion. Spending Friday touring the Gettysburg Battlefiled and seeing where Cottonbalers fought and died was very moving. We were able to stop at the Monument to the 7th Infantry along with stopping at the cemetery. Standing where President Lincoln gave the Gettysburg Address and seeing the graves of the fallen soldiers, to include Cottonbalers, was equally moving and impressive. We all relaxed on Saturday with a tour to Choclate World in Hershey, PA. The Regimental Dinner was very nice and Chaplain (COL) Carter gave a great talk on leadership.

I'm working on the photos and I should have some posted in the next couple of days.


Memorial Day 2011

Memorial Day 2011
A time to remember....... Memorial Day Memorial Day Memorial Day Memorial Day Memorial Day Memorial Day Memorial Day Memorial Day


13 Apr 2011 3-7 IN

The 3-7 Infantry Battalion Tour Book is in the works. The book will begin with the 7th Infantry Regt Reunion in May 2010 where we honor the history of our unit and will continue through the Iraq deployment. It will include soldier and family events as well as the history of the unit. This is a wonderful memento of your time in the unit which can be shared with family and friends. It includes 2 full page history of the unit, written by John McManus in color as well as photos from the reunion. The rest of the book is filled with the units and families over the past year.

We are selling Yearbooks for $40 to offset the cost of our ball. If someone purchases a tour book they need to select ship to an address not ship to unit as we will be unable to ship any books from the unit. The ship to an address option allows the Yearbook to be shipped directly to their home. Order here: http://store.entourageyearbooks.com/product_p/3-7-infantry.htm

Also we are selling Advertisements. Full Page color Ad is $100, 1/2 page is $50, 1/4 page is $25. These can be an ad for a business. It can be a welcome home Cottonbalers, pictures from way back when. Send us the info and pics and we can make an Ad. Email: yearbookad37@yahoo.com


13 Apr 2011

2-7 Change of Command Photo by Jim Beckworth
Jim Beckworth (1/7 INF and 4/7 INF), LTC Todd Kelly (2-7 IN Commander) and Henry Burke (5/7 INF) at the Reception following the 2-7 IN Change of Command.


25 Mar 2011

2-7 IN Change of Command

LTC Todd Kelly assumes command of 2-7 IN from LTC Greg Sierra
2-7 Change of Command LTC Greg Sierra and staff 2-7 Change of Command LTC Kelly and COL Crider in front of LTC Sierra and the Company Commanders 2-7 Change of Command LTC Greg Sierra, COL James Crider and LTC Todd Kelly in front of the Colors, the Regimental Flag, the Company Commanders and the Company Guidons 2-7 Change of Command LTC Todd Kelly receiving the Regimental Colors from COL Crider during the Change of Command

We want to wish LTC Sierra and his family the best of luck in his next assignment.
We want to welcome LTC Kelly and his family back to the Cottonbalers.


10 Mar 2011

2-7 IN Change of Command Invitation

Hope to see you there.


5 Dec 2010

Eugene Daniel (Sam) Guy

I just received the following e-mail:

As most of you have already heard, Sam Guy passed away so very peacefully at 1:28am on Saturday the 4th of December, 2010. He was at home (“I want to be in my OWN house when I go“) in his favorite room and with people that truly cared for him. As he and I said to each other on many occasions, “It has been one heck of a ride! “ The past four months have been quite an experience. He knew that all his tasks had been completed and it was OK for him to move on to the next step. And he did so with grace. The 7th Regiment meant quite a bit to him (served with them in Korea as the American Red Cross Field Director) and he has collected funds and various material donations that he sent to the troops in the Middle East. So, in lieu of flowers, he would prefer a donation to the American Red Cross or the 7th Infantry Regiment in his name.
We will have a celebration at the American Legion, Post 66, located at 30 Covington Road in Avondale Estates, Georgia on Thursday, 9 December, from 1pm to 4pm. Come hoist a few in his honor and swap funny stories (you KNOW there are many to be shared). Food and full bar will be provided. We will have graveside services on Friday at 11am at Melwood Cemetery located at 5170 East Ponce de Leon Ave in Stone Mountain, Georgia. He will be laid to rest next to Mary and Mom. If you have any questions let me know; or if you just want to say “Hello “, please do. Warmest Regards,
Dan
Eugene Daniel Guy, Jr
4172 Summit Way
Marietta, GA 30066
(404) 307-1441

He will be missed.


1 Nov

Veteran's Day 2010 Veteran's Day 2010


1 Nov 2010

Wreaths for Warriors Walk

Wreaths for Warriors Walk (W4WW) is once again planning on place wreaths on each tree along Warrior Walk at noon on 11 Dec 2010. Everyone is invited and encouraged to attend

W4WW is a registered Non-profit corporation and is once again asking for donations to help pay for the wreaths. The cost of one wreath is $15, but all donations are welcome. Donations are tax deductible. Donations can be made on-line Paypal via a link on thier web site. You can also send a check to:
Wreaths for Warriors Walk, Inc
P.O. Box 3533
Ft. Stewart, GA 31315


13 Oct 2010

Army Coins Authorized by Army Commemorative Coin Act

Currently under design by the U.S. Mint, three commerative coins will be the first U.S. coins ever issued to celebrate and honor the U.S. Army, its heritage and the 30 million American men and women who have worn the Army uniform since 1775.

The commemorative coins—a five dollar gold piece, a silver dollar, and a copper-clad half dollar—will do more than just honor the Army and Army veterans. The legislation reserves a share of sales revenue to help fund the National Museum of the United States Army to be built at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. An estimated $10 million of the US Mint’s sales revenue from the coins will be directed toward the campaign to build the Museum.

The designs are expected to be unveiled this fall and the Mint will begin taking orders for them in late 2010. Sale prices for the coins will be determined by the Mint at the time of sale.


29 Sep 2010

The Reunion page has been updated with the hotel information for the 2011 Reunion (9-12 June 2011).
So Mark Your Calendars and make your reservations!

We are also looking at locations for the next 3 reunions also. If you have any recommendations or would like to help organize a future reunion please contact the webmaster.


17 Aug 2010

Mark Your Calendar!

I have updated the Reunion page to reflect that the 2011 Reunion will be 9-12 Jun 2011 in Harrisburg, PA. The Hotel details have not been finalized at this time. Once finalized, I'll post the details here and in the Cottonbaler Newsletter.

Harrisburg is less than 20 miles from Hershey Park and less than 40 miles from Gettysburg. The tour details have not been finalized, but I know they are looking at possible trips to both locations. So bring your family and I hope to see you all there!


9 Jul 2010

Our historian, John McManus, has a new book getting ready to come out on 3 Aug 2010:
Grunts: Inside the American Infantry Combat Experience, World War II Through Iraq

Grunts front cover

For centuries of warfare—regardless of culture, creed, or country— there has always been one group of warriors continually in the thick of battle who often are the most unsung: the infantry.

Now, in an era of unmanned drone aircraft, renowned military historian John C. McManus brings us GRUNTS: Inside the American Infantry Combat Experience, World War II Through Iraq (NAL Caliber Hardcover Original; August 3, 2010; 978-0451227904; $25.95), showing how instrumental “foot soldiers” are to victory. In this accessible account of the American infantry experience, McManus urgently conveys the infantryman’s importance in winning wars to this day.

Chronologically covering the past six decades of warfare, McManus examines ten critical battles: from World War II, to Vietnam, to the Gulf War, up to today’s war in Iraq. As the author points out, in nearly every case in recent history it is the ground soldiers, the “grunts,” who prove to be the difference between victory and defeat. Based on years of research and interviews with veterans, GRUNTS is a fascinating blend of narrative and analysis, as well as a thought-provoking call for support for the American infantryman from one of the best-respected American military historians writing today, John C. McManus.

The last chapter, titled "Watch Out for IEDs": Twenty-First-Century Counterinsurgent Warfare Through the Eyes of One Infantry Regiment in Iraq, covers 2-7 IN and 3-7 IN during their deployments in 2005.

Webmaster Note: I have finished reading this book and it's very intense. John has a way of capturing the true essence of the Infantry. I highly recommend it!


11 Jun 2010 I have uploaded some of the photos I took during the reunion. You can find the photos here.

11 Jun 2010 3-7 IN has a FaceBook Page!
3-7 IN BN Cottonbalers

21 May 2010

Memorial Day 2010 Bivouac Of The Dead, by Theodore O'Hara

Memorial Day, which is observed on the last Monday of May, commemorates the men and women who died while in the military service. In observance of the holiday, many people visit cemeteries and memorials, and volunteers often place American flags on each grave site at national cemeteries. A national moment of remembrance takes place at 3:00 p.m. local time.

21 May 2010 Last week's reunion was a great success. I think everyone who attended had a wonderful time. Spending Friday at Ft. Stewart with 3-7 IN was really exciting. Not only did we get to spend time with the soldiers, but they also made it a Family Day, so their families got to spend time with them also.

I'm working on getting my reunion photos organized and placed on the web site, but until then, here is one. This is the group photo with the Association Members, 3-7 IN soldiers and family members taken at Cottrell Field.

2010 Reunion Group Photo Photo Courtesy of 3-7 IN


22 Mar 2010 TF 2-7 has a FaceBook Page! Keep up to date with TF 2-7 while they are deployed via FaceBook
Task Force 2-7 Infantry, 1HBCT, 3rd ID

22 Mar 2010 1st Brigade (Raider Brigade), 3rd Infantry Division is creating a Memorial for the Fallen Soldiers of 1st Brigade. The Raider Brigade Fallen Soldiers' Memorial will be a permanent tribute and visible memorial to members of the First Brigade Combat Team -- past, present and future.
Please take a moment to read about our efforts. With your tax deductible donation, together we will break ground and, brick by brick, make this a reality for the Soldiers' and Families' who have sacrificed so much for their country. They are forever in our hearts.

6 Mar 2010 I have posted the Eulogy for GEN Fred Weyand here .

25 Feb 2010 The Registration Form for the 2010 Reunion is now available!
The Registration Form and Tentative Schedule are now on the Reunion Page .

12 Feb 2010

Former Army Chief of Staff Frederick Weyand, 1st Battalion 7th Infantry Regiment Commander during Korean War, dies at 93 GEN Weyand

Here is the Army Times Article


2 Feb 2010 I received an e-mail today with a request for information. There is an effort underway to upgrade the Silver Star Award to the Congressional Medal of Honor for CPL Patrick Sheahan. They are looking for eye-witnesses. Here is the request:

“I am seeking eyewitnesses to the heroic actions of CPL Patrick Sheahan, who was a member of Company A, 7th Infantry, 3d Infantry Division in the Army, and was killed in action October 4, 1951 during the assault on Hill 281, near Chungse-ri, Korea. We are trying to assist in the upgrade of CPL Sheahan’s Silver Star to the Medal of Honor. I would be very grateful if anyone who may have served with CPL Sheahan during this time contact me. Thank you for your support!"
Name: Caroline Wekselbaum
Email: caroline.w.ces@gmail.com


29 Jan 2010 I just received this from our Historian, John McManus:
60th Anniversary of the Korean War
2010
Korean War Veterans Association
Revisit Korea Coordinator
13198 Centerpointe Way, Ste 202
Woodbridge, Virginia 22193-5285
800-722-9501 - 703-590-1295
Fax: 703-590-1292
www.miltours.com
www.KWVA.org

Since 1975, the Republic of Korea has been inviting 1950 to 1954 Korean War Veterans, and family members, to return to Seoul Korea on a subsidized visit to thank them for their sacrifices that save their country from Communism. Thousands of veterans, from all the Allied Countries that participated in the war, have enjoyed this sojourn to the "Land of the Morning Calm." The Korean government pays for hotel rooms, meals and touring in country

Commencing Spring 2010, the Revisit Korea tours will be tripled and, for the first time, the ROK government will pay 50% of the airfare for Veterans and 30% of his or her family member or travel companion’s air cost. The Eligibility Requirements will also be relaxed in view of the age of the veterans.

There are 10 major commemoration tour dates, beginning in late April through November 2010

These 2010 tours will be oversubscribed! If you are planning to participate, you must register early. Registrations will be date stamped and will be "First come - First Served"!

To register, call 800-722-9501 or 703-590-1295. Check the KWVA web site at www.KWVA.org or www.miltours.com. You can also Email to the Revisit Coordinator at mhtours@miltours.com, to request a brochure.

Military Historical Tours
Travel ... Where history comes alive!
13198 Centerpointe Way Suite 202
Woodbridge, VA 22193
703-590-1295
1-800-722-9501
Fax: 703-590-1292
www.miltours.com


29 Jan 2010 Vietnam War Virtual Wall
This is link to a virtual wall of all those lost during the Vietnam War with the names, bio's and other information on our lost comrades.
First, click on the link, then click on a state, when it opens click on a city or town, then click on a name. It should show you a picture of the person or at least his/her bio and medals. Everyone should know of someone whose name is on "The Wall". http://www.virtualwall.org/iStates.htm
Vietnam Memorial

25 Jan 2010 Since we're "New Orleans' Own" we need to celebrate Mardi Gras. To help get us in the spirit of Mardi Gras, our own Curley Faulk is this year's King of Krewe du Bon Coeur (The Good Heart Krewe). Here he is at their Pageant and Ball:
Curly Faulk, King of Krewe du Bon Coeur
Queen Bon Coeur XIII Lynn Bourque and King Bon Coeur XIII Curley Faulk

From the Southwest Daily News, Sunday, January 17, 2010, Pg 10B:
KREWE DU BON COEUR
The Krewe du Bon Coeur opened its 2010 Mardi Gras social season with its 13th pageant and ball, "Une Nuit au Moulin Rouge," January 16 in the Habibi Shrine Center. The Krewe of the Good Heart has enjoyed 13 years of good times and good friendships.
...
King Bon Coeur XIII Curley Faulk represented The Moulin Rouge and was escorted by Krewe President, Sherry Campbell.
Queen Bon Coeur XIII Lynn Bourque represented the beautiful women of The Moulin Rouge and was escorted by Krewe Vice President, Gerald Bryant.


1 Jan 2010 I would like to wish all Cottonbalers a Happy New Year!

11 Nov 2009 Since today is Veterans day, I want to say thank you to all veterans alive and those who made the ultimate sacrifice, in order for all of us to have the freedom that we enjoy, I have friends and relatives that were in WW II, Korea, Vietnam, The Cold War, and Desert Storm and some who are now in Iraq and Afghanistan, so to all who have served or are serving, Thank You.

Below is a poem by Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae
Please read it and remember what they did or are doing for us.

In Flanders Fields
By: Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, MD (1872-1918)
Canadian Army

In Flanders Fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.


  Previous News and Updates have been moved to the News and Updates Archive Page.

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