FROM: VIC AND BARBARA OLNEY
TARA HALL
THE Irish Brigade / Fighting 69th Gift Center
ORDER LINE 800-205-0069
Wednesday 1 December 2004
SAD NEWS FROM IRAQ
It is with the deepest regret that we inform you that 2 Soldiers of A
Company of the 69th Infantry were killed in a roadside bombing near
Baghdad this past Monday. In addition 3 were wounded, 1 severely. The
Platoon was performing convoy security when they were ambushed by a car
bomb. These are the first soldiers of New York’s “Fighting 69th” to die
in combat since Okinowa in 1945.
SGT Christian Engledrum and PFC Urbina are KIA. SPC Danial Swift and SGT
Felix Vargas are in hospital in Landstuhl Germany. SPC Richard Cornier
is in the Green Zone in ICU with a bad head injury.
Engledrum was a Gulf War Veteran he leaves behind two young sons his
wife Sharon is four months pregnant. Chris Engledrum was also a NYC
Firefighter. For the full story go to NY Post which has SGT Engledrum’s
picture on the front page.
Funeral details are not yet available, however, Mayor Mike Bloomberg has
ordered full NYFD honors and Governor George Pataki will be present
among many dignitaries.
Please remember these Patriots and their families in your prayers.
SOP - SENDING MAIL & PACKAGES TO THE FIGHTING 69TH
There are many new rules and regulations in place by the US Postal
Service and the Military. They are logical and meant to protect all from
devices and our troops from receiving “hate” mail.
SENDING TO “ANY” 69TH SOLDIER
1. No mail or packages will be accepted addressed to “any soldier” -
they will be destroyed. There must be an addressee - the address
directed by the BC is:
CPT A HEADRICK
OFFICE OF THE ADJUTANT
HHC 1-69 IN
256 BCT
APO AE 09326
Mail or packages sent to this address will be distributed by the
Adjutant among the 69th soldiers.
2. Packages cannot contain anything liquid as many cargo planes are not
pressurized and liquid will freeze and explode at such high altitudes.
Items that are fragile or perishable must be so identified to the Post
Office clerk when mailing. Aerosol cans are also a big no-no! USPS
Regulations.
3. No alcohol (sorry boys). For the more creative, read on - there is a
great need for “Listerine”!
4. A Customs Declaration And Dispatch Note - CP 72 must be filled out
for packages or parcels regardless of weight; DO NOT use the small green
and white and is 7 1/2” x 4” form called a “Customs Declaration”.
The information required is simple - just fill in the boxes, date and sign.
Be “creative” and do not list things that invite theft - cigarettes,
cigars, expensive items, etc. Mail goes through many hands so don’t make
the Customs Declaration make the package “tempting”.
No form is needed for cards or letters.
Always put in a letter thanking the troops, letting them know you
appreciate their efforts and sacrifice. Thank You's go a long way. 69th
people should let them know who you are - or were - in the Regiment.
Include your email and an envelope and paper, self addressed (no stamp
necessary) even a form letter so they can cross off things. (Think
summer camp and kids don't want to write much.) War is not a comfortable
time to write a long letter to you. Make it easy for them. It could be
funny and amusing - to cheer up the recipient.
Dear 69th Freedom Fighter, Please Check off this -
(1) I got your letter / package in one piece.
(2) A camel did or didn't step on it. (I heard the boxes get smashed up!)
(3) I want to send you some things, please check off what you want or
I'll send the wrong things? - Chile, tabasco, crystal lite, Oreo
cookies, beef jerky, a Brittany Spears photo, etc.
Keep it lite and bright, make it a quickie response check off letter.
They love to get kids' cartoons and pictures after all - they're not
that far removed in years. The kids write and draw such cute things.
Make it easy and send small things. The Soldiers appreciate that you
took the time to pack and shop for them. Little toys are useful to pass
out to Iraqi kids, even combs, used sweaters (small sizes), shoes,
soccer balls, etc. It's getting cold, especially in the evenings.
We have cleaned the 3 Olney households of Beanie Babies and have sent
off 55 for distribution. Something like this is great and what the
Battalion Commander wishes to be able to distribute to the children over
there.
There are 4 Companies of the 69th attached to the 256th Brigade Combat
Team - HHC, A, B, C. There also is an Armored Company from the Louisiana
Brigade attached to the 69th.
THINGS TO SEND - GENERAL:
The main items requested now are warmer clothing - Socks, in black
(regulation) or white (for Physical Training) and regulation T shirts.
Food and tastes of home are important. M & Ms don't melt, Oreo Cookies,
beef jerky, protein bars, microwavable food, Chili in TetraPak
containers (350 calories and 16 grams of protein) but NO FRESH FRUIT OR
ALCOHOL.
FYI - - This is an olde Irish Outfit with traditions - - it's said that
many orange juice and scope bottles / containers are actually vodka with
food coloring~~! For shame!
NO pork products. Ciggies are big WANTED item but don't WRITE that on
customs form or box; list only toiletries, socks, miscellaneous. Ciggies
and "chew" are beloved but get stolen easily if listed.
Current magazines (no “girlie” pics at all), newsy letters, gum, hard
candy, over the counter tylenol, ben-gay, tiger balm, eye drops,
immodium, motrin, toilet paper, mosquito wipes (the insects are
horrible), crystal lite pre-sweetened powder mix for making the water
drinkable, DVDs-- latest movies (comedies please, no war or grim films -
they want to laugh).
WHATEVER YOU'D NEED ON THE WORST CAMPING EXPERIENCE OF YOUR LIFETIME.
Small things fit into knapsacks - condiments (sugar, salt and pepper,
ketchup, tabasco, mustard), toiletries -- skin lotion, toothpaste, tooth
brush, handi-wipes, soap, ointment for bug bites, shampoo, etc. Use
Ziploc bags for anything that can spill or melt.
Phone cards are useful in Iraq only if troops are near a base with phone
contacts, so you have to check with them before sending to Iraq /
Afghanistan. AT&T Universal Cards and those through the American Legion
seem to work everywhere. Check web sites for details.
THINGS TO SEND - FIGHTING 69TH SPECIFIC REQUESTS:
Toys for the Iraqi kids, Listerine and tobacco.
69TH FAMILY SUPPORT PINS
To aid in the 69th Infantry Family Support Effort we have designed a
special pin for hat, lapel or garment.
The pin is most attractive and has the 69th DUI (Distinctive Unit
Insignia) - the Regimental Crest - with a yellow ribbon around it with
the words “Support Our Troops” in gold and Infantry Blue on the ribbon
and has two pins and rubber clasps to keep it straight. It may be worn
as a lapel pin, hat pin or on any garment.
ALL PROFITS will be used for the 69th Family Support Group
Pins are available for a minimum donation of $5.00 each - one has been
sold already for $100.00 - and since they are pins have to be shipped in
a padded envelope (per Post Office Regulations) please add $2.00 for
Postage to your total order.
However one may feel personally about the situation in the Mid East and
specifically Iraq we cannot shirk support from those doing their duty
and serving this Nation wearing not only the US Flag but the Colors of
The Fighting 69th.
GET A PIN FOR YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS AND ALL THOSE WHO WISH TO SUPPORT
THE 69TH SOLDIER.
Checks payable to “OFFICERS ASSOCIATION, 69TH REGIMENT FSG” should be
mailed to:
Officers Association, 69th Regiment
Victor J Olney, Business Manager
69th Regiment Armory
68 Lexington Ave
New York NY 10010
or (faster)
Victor J Olney
7 Stuyvesant Oval Suite 11B
New York NY 10009-1903
I may also be reached at 800-205-0069 with a Credit Card number or you
may send by e-mail or FAX to 646-312-3164 - ATTN: Barbara. Tara Hall
will pay all Credit Card Fees so ALL your kindness goes to Family Support.
We will also work with any group that may wish to take a supply pins for
distribution - please contact me and we can iron out details.
We thank you in advance for your support - please remember to support
our troops and keep them foremost in your prayers.
Remember to wear your pin every day!
HOW TO AVOID THE FLU
Eat right! Make sure you get your daily dose of fruits and veggies. Take
your vitamins and bump up your vitamin C. Get plenty of exercise because
exercise helps build your immune system. Walk for at least 1/2 hour a
day, go for a swim, take the stairs instead of the elevator, etc. Wash
your hands often. If you can't wash them, keep a bottle of antibacterial
stuff around. Get lots of fresh air. Open windows whenever possible. Get
plenty of rest. Try to eliminate as much stress from your life as you can.
OR .... You can take the doctors office approach. Think about it, when
you go for a shot, what do they do first? Clean your arm with alcohol.
Why? Because alcohol kills germs.
So...... I walk to the liquor store (exercise), I put lime in my Corona
(fruit), celery in my Bloody Mary (veggies), drink on the bar patio
(fresh air), get drunk, tell jokes, and laugh (eliminate stress) and
then pass out (rest).
The way I see it, if you keep your alcohol levels up flu germs can't get
you!
GREAT WEB SITE - A Tribute to our Troops
THE WRATH OF THE EAGLE
This is something to think about! Since America is typically
represented by an eagle, Saddam and Bin Laden should
have read up on their Muslim passages...The following verse is from the
Quran, (the Islamic Bible)
Quran (9:11) -- For it is written that a son of Arabia would awaken
a fearsome Eagle. The wrath of the Eagle would be felt throughout
the lands of Allah and lo, while some of the people trembled in
despair still more rejoiced; for the wrath of the Eagle cleansed the
lands of Allah; and there was peace.
Note the verse number ! ! !
TARA HALL ITEMS:
THE FIGHTING 69TH: A HISTORY by Rich Demeter. A history of the famous
69th NY National Guard Regiment from its creation in 1851 through its
exploits in WWII - the foreword contains updated details of the first
few days of the Battalion following 9/11. Extensive annotation, 20
photographs and 35 poems and songs, 382 pages. Hardcover. Signed by the
author.
This offering is long overdue; there are many excellent books concerning
various phases of The Fighting 69th and its glorious history - this is
the first total history in one volume. Truly is a “must have” for anyone
interested or related to the Regiment.
Available from Tara Hall at $29.95 plus $4.00 Shipping. You might
consider sending a copy to a 69th Soldier - we will send it on for you
or you can mail it directly enclosing a personal greeting.
A Donnybrook at Dusk
is the 5th and final print in the Irish Brigade Print Series by renowned
Civil War Artist Bradley Schmehl.
Produced by our good friend Neil Hanlon this is a welcome addition to an
already well received Series and depicts the 69th NYSV (The Fighting
69th) in close combat with the 10th LA (The Louisiana Tigers). These
recent immigrants from Ireland fought hand-to-hand in a bitter struggle
which can only be described as fratricide.
The title, A Donnybrook at Dusk, reflects the Celtic nature of the
subject and although this battle was a victory for the South the
contributions of the Irish immigrant in the North speeded up their
acceptance into the American fabric. The Irish were here to contribute
and here to stay!
The principle subjects - The Fighting 69th carrying the 1st Irish Color
and the Louisiana Tigers flying the Stars and Bars - a rendition not
accomplished in Limited Edition American Civil War art will surely add
greatly to the success of the print and it can be assumed that it will
be a cherished collectible.
Your copy of A Donnybrook at Dusk is available at $140.00 plus $10.00
Insured Priority Mail. This depiction in a Limited Edition of 850 and as
a December Special we will pay the cost of Insured Shipping.
(Interesting sidebar - the 69th is now serving as part of the 256th
Brigade Combat Team - the Louisiana National Guard - these units met
before - in 1862. The 69th’s Commander, LTC Geoffrey J Slack’s great
grandfather was in the Louisiana Infantry during the American Civil War.)
May the good Lord bless all our Military and keep special watch over the
Fighting 69th.
Vic Olney
