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THE ASSOCIATION
The 196th Light Infantry Brigade Association was formed
in 1985, at a national reunion in Washington, DC. The reunion in Washington
was the first of many reunions held every two years. Reunions have since
been held in Cincinnati (1987); Boston (1989); Chicago (1991); Denver
(1993); Nashville (1995); Washington (1997); St. Louis (1999); and Gettysburg
(2001); The 2003 reunion was held at
the end of July 2003, in Branson, MO; the 2005 reunion was held in San Antonio, TX.;
and the 2007 reunion was in Kentucky; 2009 Buffalo, NY, 2011 Seattle, WA; 2013 Washington, DC; 2015 Daytona Beach, FL; 2017 Louisville. KY; 2019 Lombard, IL.
The 196th Association is registered with the Department
of the Army as the only official organization recognized to represent
the former members of the 196th. The Association is non-profit and non-political,
with its main purpose being to promote camaraderie between former soldiers
of the 196th Light Infantry Brigade. It accomplishes this aim through
the publication of a semi-annual newsletter, maintenance of a computerized
locator service, and the organization of the national reunions. The Association
also supports hospitality services at veteran functions and "Shows
the Colors" wherever possible.
The 196th Brigade was an active Army unit from 1965 to
1972. As many as 20,000 soldiers served in its ranks during this period.
Its assignment was Vietnam service, and it was the last combat unit to
leave that country. The Brigade was decommissioned upon its return to
the States. The Brigade suffered more than 1200 Killed-In-Action, and many more wounded, during its years of combat
duty. It is to their memory and help that we are pledged.
The Brigade was reactivated 26 May 1998 during
a ceremony at Ft. Shafter, Hawaii. The new 196th works with Reserve Component
units in Hawaii, Alaska, Guam, American Samoa, and Japan, to assist these
units in staying trained and ready at all times.
Membership is important to maintain the organization.
All officers of the Association are elected by the membership, and serve
as unpaid volunteers. Mailing and administration costs are paid from membership
fees and donations.
The current officers are:
President: Mike Timmerman (President196"at"196th.org)
Vice President: Don DeGain: (Vicepres196"at"196th.org)
Secretary, Dave Eichhorn (Secretary196"at"196th.org)
Treasurer, Dave Eichhorn (Treasurer196"at"196th.org)
Chaplain: David Carroll (Chaplain196"at"196th.org)
Webmaster: Ken McKenzie (Web196"at"196th.org)
Newsletter Editor: Gary Noller (Editor196"at"196th.org).
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