The National Capital Area Chapter hosted the Division Association in several ceremonies marking Memorial Day in our nation’s capital. We were honored to host the Commanding General of the Division, Major General John Campbell. Joining him was the President of the Division Association, Tom Sewell; Harold J. Murdoch (National Association Vice President); the Chairman of the Board of Governors, Larry Redmond; Chaplain (Lieutenant Colonel) Paul Hurley; as well as the Division Honor Guard and a bugler from the Division.
On Friday, May 27th, General Campbell joined Tom Sewell, A.J. Murdoch and C.K. Gailey (National Capital Area Chapter President) in representing the Association in laying a wreath from the Division Association at the Tomb of the Unknowns in Arlington National Cemetery. This moving ceremony recognized those soldiers from the Division who died or are missing in our nation’s wars.
On Saturday, May 28th, we traveled to the National Mall where we laid wreaths at the WW II Memorial, the Korean War Memorial and the Vietnam Wall. At the WW II Memorial Art Deverill gave us the viewpoint of one who was there. Ivan Worrell described the Korean War fought by the Rakkasans. At the Vietnam Wall, A.J. Murdoch spoke of the early Vietnam years with 1st Brigade. That afternoon we laid a wreath at the grave of General Anthony McAuliffe in Arlington Cemetery.
On Sunday, May 29th, we held our Memorial Day ceremony at the Division Memorial. Chaplain Hurley gave us an inspirational invocation and benediction. Thirty-four wreaths were laid, memorializing many units and chapters, as well as individuals. Major General Campbell, recently returned from Afghanistan, gave the Memorial Address. In his address General Campbell brought home the personal nature of the sacrifices the members of the Division and its allies have made in the past fifteen months, and the tangible difference we are making in Afghanistan.
Among the approximately 100 attendees were fourteen Screaming Eagle Wounded Warriors and caregivers from Walter Reed Army Medical Center. They and the Division Liaison NCOs at Walter Reed: Master Sergeant Robert Barnes, Sergeant First Class Scott Motes and Staff Sergeant Cameron Daniel, were greeted with a great ovation.
We were honored by the presence of two Gold Star Mothers: Sheila Patton and Audrey Campbell. Also in attendance were two distinguished former members of the 101st: Lieutenant General John Cushman and Lieutenant General Charlie Otstott. We were also pleased to have present Ann Campbell, wife of the Commanding General and a tireless supporter of our soldiers and their families during these difficult times.
Following the ceremony, we had a luncheon at the Sheraton National Hotel. Tom Sewell told us about the many ways the Division Association has been supporting the Division’s soldiers. General Campbell then gave us an inspiring and personal review of his tour as the first Division Commander since Vietnam to have the entire division in combat in the same area. He spoke of the special challenges present in Afghanistan and the outstanding performance of the Division and its coalition partners.
General Campbell honored us by using our venue to confer an extremely prestigious award. Colonel Bob Seitz, Honorary Colonel of the 506th Infantry Regiment, was named a Champion of Fort Campbell for all the work he has done for the wounded Eagles and their families at Walter Reed. A Champion of Fort Campbell is recognized for contributions to the soldiers, their families and the community of Fort Campbell. Bob is only the tenth person so honored.
At the close of the official portion of the luncheon, Morris Pearson was introduced as the new President of the National Capital Area Chapter of the Association. We all wish Morris the best and commit our support for him.
During the weekend the Chapter hosted a hospitality suite at the same hotel. Soldiers old and new gathered to share the good times, and a few bad ones, in the spirit of the Brotherhood of Arms. With sales of Chapter challenge coins and patches, and all the proceeds of our raffle, we raised a substantial sum to support our Wounded Eagles.
On Monday, May 30th, the Chapter took part in the National Memorial Day Parade in D.C., with the F-Body Hideout Car Club. Again this year, we were proud to have Screaming Eagle participants representing all eras, from WW II to Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. The parade was very well attended and the crowd was loud in their appreciation of our service.
The National Capital Area Chapter hosted the Division Association in several ceremonies marking Memorial Day in our nation’s capital. We were honored to host the Commanding General of the Division, Major General John Campbell. Joining him was the President of the Division Association, Tom Sewell; Harold J. Murdoch (National Association Vice President); the Chairman of the Board of Governors, Larry Redmond; Chaplain (Lieutenant Colonel) Paul Hurley; as well as the Division Honor Guard and a bugler from the Division.
On Saturday, May 28th, we traveled to the National Mall where we laid wreaths at the WW II Memorial, the Korean War Memorial and the Vietnam Wall. At the WW II Memorial Art Deverill gave us the viewpoint of one who was there. Ivan Worrell described the Korean War fought by the Rakkasans. At the Vietnam Wall, A.J. Murdoch spoke of the early Vietnam years with 1st Brigade. That afternoon we laid a wreath at the grave of General Anthony McAuliffe in Arlington Cemetery.
Among the approximately 100 attendees were fourteen Screaming Eagle Wounded Warriors and caregivers from Walter Reed Army Medical Center. They and the Division Liaison NCOs at Walter Reed: Master Sergeant Robert Barnes, Sergeant First Class Scott Motes and Staff Sergeant Cameron Daniel, were greeted with a great ovation. 
General Campbell honored us by using our venue to confer an extremely prestigious award. Colonel Bob Seitz, Honorary Colonel of the 506th Infantry Regiment, was named a Champion of Fort Campbell for all the work he has done for the wounded Eagles and their families at Walter Reed. A Champion of Fort Campbell is recognized for contributions to the soldiers, their families and the community of Fort Campbell. Bob is only the tenth person so honored.