14- PTSD issues with Combat Infantrymen from Vietnam [20:46m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

In this episode of the H21 Austin, Texas, Chapter of the Combat Infantrymen’s Association, we share with you the complete and unabridged article about the current problems of the resurrection of PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) symptoms for the Vietnam Veterans– especially for the combat infantrymen. Thanks to the VFW Magazine for their article in the November, 2007, issue.

As you will see when you investigate this article, even some of the officers of the VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars) organization are still haunted by the symptoms of PTSD, especially with the triggers caused by today’s environment, as well as the time they have on their hands as they retire.

However, as you will see, the VA does have recognition of the problem and treatment available for Vietnam Veterans. And for the Combat Infantrymen who earned their CIB (Combat Infantryman’s Badge) during this conflict, that badge is recognized as a “stressor” in the qualification and administrative requirements section for getting into the VA system for assistance.

Copyright (c) 2008, Matrix Solutions Corporation. Copyright (c) 2007, Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States and VFW Magazine. All Rights Reserved.

 

 Reunion reminder and August meeting notice [13:12m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

In this episode, we deliver 2 items of news to the local chapter:

(1) Notice of the chapter meeting scheduled for Saturday, 2 August 2008, at 18:00 hrs. at the meeting room of the complex located at 7707 IH-35 South, Austin, Texas 78744.

The topics to be discussed are given in the audio file of the podcast episode.

Please confirm your attendance with the Commander or XO. And, if you have any questions or need directions, please contact either:

Commander: Bobby Briscoe –

Telephone:
(512) 804-0789

or

Executive Officer: John Torres –Telephone: (210) 849-5732

(2) The second item discusses a reminder of the upcoming event, the Combat Infantrymen’s Association National Convention at the Academy Best Western Hotel, Colorado Springs, Colorado from October 9-12, 2008.

A brief synopsis of the agenda items for the days of the event–as well as registration details–are mentioned. We hope to have a good presence at this annual event of the organization. We also plan to propose some suggestions for this event, as well as the local chapter. Please plan on attending the meeting, as we will vote on these issues.

For more details and registration forms for the upcoming Combat Infantrymen’s Association National Conventionk please refer to pages 15 to 18 in the newsletter of The Blue Badge. If you wish to view the pdf document of the May, 2008, edition, then please click here:

Or you may go to the web site of the CIB Association and get all the issues availabale of the newsletter, including back issues, and especially the May, 2008, issue of the Blue Badge.

We will be posting another espisode during the week of August 4-8, with a summary of the meeting scheduled for 2 August 2008.

Copyright (c) 2008, Matrix Solutions Corporation and the Combat Infantrymen’s Association. All Rights Reserved.

 

 12- Darrell G. Harris - Airborne Paratrooper and Combat Infantryman in WWII [43:20m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

In this espisode of the Austin, Texas, Chapter – H21, Southern Branch — of the Combat Infantrymen’s Association, we are fortunate to deliver an interview with Darrell G. Harris, who was one of the first troopers to earn the CIB (Combat Infantryman’s Badge) in World War II.

Darrell was part of the 504th PIR (Parachute Infantry Regiment) of the 82nd Airborne Division for most of his tour in the European campaign. He was an COMBAT AIRBORNE INFANTRYMAN, a demolition specialist Infantryman who was a parachutist who made 3 combat parachute jumps in Europe. He is also one of the charter members of the 82nd Airborne Division Association–as he joined it in France in 1945, before he had come back home to the USA after the War.

The picture, below, shows Darrell G. Harris today, wearing his 82nd Airborne Division Association vest and hat.  He is also wearing the medallion for WWII Veterans that he received in Washington, D.C. at the Inauguration of the WWII Memorial. Notice that his parachutist wings (that is, his “jump wings“) are worn above the CIB. This shows the common way that the CIB was worn in World War II by the Combat Infantrymen, as shown below:

Darrell mentioned that it was common practice in those days to always wear the paratrooper airborne wings above the ribbons, and the CIB (which was first initiated in 1943) was usually worn beneath the ribbons–totally the opposite of today. For the current regulations specify that the CIB is always above the ribbons–even the ribbon of the Congressional Medal of Honor. In fact, Darrell described Colonel Tucker, his commander, wearing the CIB and the jump wings in his dress uniform–especially how the CIB was worn under the Jump Wings and ribbons.

Contrast this with the modern day (circa 1970’s, during the Vietnam War), when the CIB is worn as the highest badge above any and all ribbons, and even above the Jump wings.

For most of his European tour of duty (3 years), Darrell was part of the 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, which has the nickname of “Devils in Baggy Pants.”

In the podcast episode, Darrell describes his friends and comrades-in-arms during the Market Garden Operation. In his book (see below for info),  Darrell included a photo of 3 troopers after Operation Market Garden. He is the soldier on the far left. Sadly, the other two troopers were killed in action in Europe and during the Battle of the Bulge.

In the podcast episode, Darrell describes how he captured his memoirs in a short book that he wrote called Casablanca to VE Day – A Paratrooper’s Memoirs.

If you wish to order copies of the book, here are the 2 ways to do so:

(1) For the AUDIO version of the book (now on PremiumCast.com) where you can have the audio narration downloaded directly to your mp3 player via ITunes:

go to:  http://www.premiumcast.com/A-Paratroopers-Memoirs

and the price is just $7. US Dollars payable via Paypal.

(2) For the paperback version of the book,

please contact D. G. Harris at telephone (210) 342-2591.

The three “firsts” of which Darrell G. Harris was involved make him truly a man of history:

- He was one of the first paratroopers in the U.S. Airborne (the Airborne units were first created in 1940, and Darrell was in the first all-paratrooper unit, the 82nd Airborne Division since 1942:

- He was one of the first Infantrymen in World War II to earn the CIB (Combat Infantryman’s Badge):

CIB

- He was one of the very first members of the 82nd Airborne Division Association (a charter member who joined while still in France in 1945).

Darrell is currently the Secretary of the San Antonio Alamo Chapter of the 82nd Airborne Division Association. Darrell, we salute you!

Copyright (c) 2008, Matrix Solutions Corporation and the 82nd Airborne All-American Chorus. All Rights Reserved.

 

 11-In Their Boots- Alan Babin- Survival and Recovery [13:03m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

This is a special episode of H21-Southern Branch-Austin, Texas, chapter of the Combat Infantrymen’s Association. We publish this because of a special event that occurred–the premiere screening of the first in a series of a documentary video that concerns the returning veterans from the Middle East.

As you will hear in the audio mp3 file of this podcast episode, the screening was for the first episode of a multi-year project called In Their Boots. This will be a video, and it will be broadcast weekly from the first episode on 2 July 2008. However, this will not be on television. Rather, it will be on the web at http://www.intheirboots.com.

What was so special about this screening? It centered around a local hero in the Central Texas area–Alan Babin. Yes, his story will be the first in this series which will be broadcast live on the web on July 2nd, 2008:

As you may remember from our earlier podcast episode number 5 that described the ceremonies from the Memorial Day event in Pflugerville, Texas, Alan Babin was honored by the members of the Combat Infantrymen’s Association:

As a wounded warrior from Operation Iraqi Freedom, Alan’s spirit and dedication touched the heart of all the CIB Association members.

Even though Alan Babin was not an Infantryman with an MOS of 11B, he was a medic that was wounded while trying to aid an Infantryman that needed medical assistance under fire from the enemy. Thus, he was the veteran-of-honor at the Memorial Day ceremony when he took the wreath of his beloved 82nd Airborne Division Association and delivered it to rest alongside the other flowers and wreaths to pay tribute to those who have fallen in all the wars and all the campaigns for the U.S. military.

What was encouraging is that this was Alan’s first time in his iBot (self-propelled wheelchair) and did not need assistance in going to lay the wreath. Rosie Babin, his mother, provided this footage of video that captured the moment:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oqMgTzGDJfM

The aftermath of Alan Babin’s struggle for recovery is one of the most inspiring role-models of courage, determination, attitude and “guts” that would make any combat infantryman proud to know this young man.

Alan Babin, we salute you, and we thank you for teaching us the meaning of the word “hero”–not just in combat, but also for the courage it takes in recovery and success, for we know that you will make it. Airborne! All the Way!

In Their Boots premieres on 2 July 2008 with the story of the Babin family and Alan’s experiences of his recovery. Take it from us, this is one episode you do not want to miss.

Copyright (c) 2008, Matrix Solutions Corporation and the 82nd Airborne Division All-American Chorus. All Rights Reserved.

 

 10- Interview with Olie Pope- Part Two [21:52m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

In this episode of the H21-Southern Branch-Austin, Texas Chapter of the Combat Infantrymen’s Association, we deliver the second and final part of the interview with Olie Pope, the Director of the Travis County Veterans Service Office. In attendance from the chapter were Bobby Briscoe, chapter Commander, and Fred Castaneda, Public Affairs Officer. This discussion took place immediately after the rededication ceremony of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in downtown Austin, Texas. You can get the first part of the interview in our earlier episode number 8.

In this conclusion to the interview, we review the requirements for being awarded the CIB, as well as how a combat infantryman can get the formal documentation for receiving the CIB.

We also touch upon the theme of the plight of the returning veterans from another perspective–that of trying to find closure in our own personal situations from the memories of combat. For myself, it was my participation in the St. Edward’s University stage play called Tracers (and for me, it served as a form of therapy).

In addition, Bobby Briscoe describes how he discovered his mission in life — that of relating to, and encouraging, the children and youth, so that they can make a better life for themselves. He gives a couple of cases-in-point in his attempt to communicate with youngsters at a point in their lives when they can make a decision to improve their situation for the better.

Our thanks to Olie Pope and his staff for reaching out to the veterans and for supporting our organization, the Austin, Texas chapter of the Combat Infantrymen’s Association.

 

 Prelude to interview with Darrell G Harris- CIB of an Airborne Infantryman [06:02m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

In this episode of the H21-Southern Branch-Austin, Texas, Chapter of the Combat Infantrymen’s Association, we give you the prelude and introduction for the upcoming interview with Darrell G. Harris, who was awarded the CIB in World War II as part of his participation with the 504th PIR (Parachute Infantry Regiment) …

of the 82nd Airborne Division…

This brief audio episode starts with the written entry that was found in the diary of a German Officer in World War II who opposed the 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment (PIR) of the 82nd Airborne Division on the Anzio beachhead:

“American Parachutists–“devils in baggy pants”–are less than 100 meters from my outpost line. I can’t sleep at night; they pop up from nowhere and we never know when or how they will strike next. Seems like the black-hearted devils are everywhere…”

This episode also deals with the book that was written by Darrell G. Harris which is called Casablanca to VE Day: A Paratrooper’s Memoirs. We will be conducting the interview very shortly in the San Antonio, Texas, area–which is home to Darrell G. Harris. Having been an Airborne Paratrooper with several combat parachute jumps during World II — including Sicily in 1943 and Operation Market Garden in 1944 (i.e., the invasion of Holland, which was the largest airborne operation in military history) — Darrell G. Harris describes in his short book of 26 pages his experiences in World War II, from his days in the North African theatre (Casablanca) to the final occupation days in Germany.

For a view of the back cover of the book, click here to view the PDF document:

At the end of this episode, the uneasy question that plagues a CIB-awarded combat infantryman’s mind is that of survival, or of “making it through alive.” Darrell G. Harris gives his perspectives in the old poem from Omar Khayyan, who once said:

“We are no other than a moving row

Of magic shadow shapes that come and go,

Around the sun-illumined lantern held

At midnight by the Master of the show

But helpless pieces of the games He plays

Upon this checkerboard of nights and days;

Hither and thither moves, and checks and slays

And one by one back in the close lays.

The Moving Finger writes, and having writ,

Moves on, nor all your piety nor wit

Shall lure It back to cancel half a line,

Nor all your tears wash out a word of it.”

=====

We look forward to this interview, and we wish to thank–in advance–Darrel G. Harris for his willingness and cooperation to share with us his experiences and perspectives of what an Airborne Infantryman sees as the value of one of the first CIB awards in the U.S. Army. In particular, we will wait to catch the feeling and emotion of the anticipation, fear, dread, uneasiness and dedication as he prepared for his combat parachute jumps in World War II right before he boarded the planes:

Copyright (c) 2008, Matrix Solutions Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

 

 Interview with Olie Pope - part one [16:57m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

In this episode of the H21-Southern Branch-Austin, Texas, Chapter of the Combat Infantrymen’s Association, we deliver the first of two parts of the interview we had with Olie Pope, the Director of the Travis County Veterans Service Office in downtown Austin, Texas.

This interview took place after the re-dedication ceremony of the Austin Vietnam Veterans Monument in downtown, Austin, on 2 June 2008 (for more details about that event, please see episode number 6 of this web site–as the CIB Association was represented there).

In this interview, Bobby Briscoe and Fred Castaneda discuss with Olie Pope the mission of the CIB Association in Austin, Texas. The outreach programs, the welcome-home programs and the delivery of free membership to the CIB Association to the returning OEF/OIF CIB veterans are mentioned in detail.

In addition, Bobby also mentions his concern for assisting the families of the CIB-awarded returning infantrymen–especially the children. He gives his perspectives of the overloaded VA system and how the CIB Association can bring the personal experiences of one CIB infantryman veteran as a non-judgmental “bond” to allow the returning veterans to communicate and begin their path for a better life by seeking the treatment and the benefits that they have earned.

Also, Bobby describes the qualifications and requirements for being awarded the CIB. And, as in all conversations that begin with this theme, the plight of the returning combat infantryman is portrayed by the words of those who have already been in that situation in another earlier campaign.

Our thanks to Olie Pope, who also gave us the advice, counsel, direction and contacts to us to help the CIB Association of Austin, Texas, become more effective in reaching its goals.

Note: The interview did take a lot longer than anticipated. Hence, we have created two sections for delivery. Part two of this interview will be coming in a very near future episode on this web site.

Copyright (c) 2008, Matrix Solutions Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

 

 Combat Infantryman in Vietnam [35:26m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

In this episode of The Austin Chapter H21 of the Combat Infantrymen’s Association, we begin a series of episodes where we have discussions and interviews with combat infantrymen during the recent campaigns — since World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Grenada, Panama, Desert Storm and today in Southwest Asia (Afghanistan and Iraq- OEF/OIF). These episodes will not come all at once, one-after-another. Rather, they will be spread out amidst other interviews that will be highlighting the community service participation and the events in which our chapter will be involved.

To understand the combat infantryman during the Vietnam War, this Southeast Asian conflict, we explore the following themes:

- Loneliness while in the “bush”;

- Losing the concept of “The World” and feeling that he will never return;

- The misery of the elements (e.g., the monsoon rains), the creepies-and-crawlies, the insects and snakes;;

- The resulting complications (e.g., Agent Orange, skin disease, etc.)

- The feelings of fear, terror and fright during engagements with the enemy or while on ambushes, patrols, air assaults or other missions–while feeling the boredom and monotony during interim periods;

- The dangers and risks of being unluckily hit by friendly fire.

Notice that the eyes of this combat infantryman tells the entire story by just one look, as he is in “the bush.”

This episode is a discussion with a combat infantryman that served in the Vietnam war and earned the CIB– Fred Castaneda.

Different other themes are brought into the discussion — especially the “bond of brotherhood” that resulted from the closeness that we had as we became more than comrades.

In addition, we discuss the differences between the documentaries from the early-to-mid-1980s to the present day about the combat infantryman’s plight in Vietnam vs. the Hollywood studio films and their depiction of the war.

Since we feel that the documentaries made an attempt to portray the situation of the combat infantryman a bit more realistic and fair than the early days of the 1980s, we list the following (which I describe and held in my hands as I delivered the podcast audio episode):

- The Grunts of Vietnam – from the series Weapons at War, as shown on The History Channel. Copyright (c) 1993, Greystone Communications, Inc.

- Battlefield Vietnam- from the Time-Life Video series. Copyright (c) 1998, Lamancha Productions, Ltd.

- Inside the Vietnam War - as seen on the National Geographic Channel. Copyright (c) 2008, NGHT, Inc.

- Vietnam: An American History – from the PBS series, The American Experience. Copyright (c) 1983-2000, WGBH Educational Foundation.

As mentioned in the audio podcast episode, the speaker’s opinion is that the only 2 Hollywood movies worth mentioning were: (1) We were Soldiers, (from the book, We Were Soldiers Once…and Young by Hal Moore and Joe Galloway); and (2) Hamburger Hill, which is the story of the taking of the hill in the Ashau Valley by the 101st Airborne Division during May, 1969.

In the next episode, we will begin with the first part of an interview session with Bobby Briscoe (Chapter Commander) and Olie Pope, the Director of the Travis County Veterans Service Center of Texas.

Copyright (c) 2008, Matrix Solutions Corporation and the 82nd Airborne Divsision All-American Chorus. All Rights Reserved.

Image of Combat Infantryman from painting image owned by Fred Castaneda; Audio excerpt from The Last Full Measure of Devotion, 82nd Airborne Division All-American Chorus.

 

 Vietnam Veterans Monument Dedication [1:21m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

In this brief episode of the Austin Chapter of the Combat Infantrymen’s Association, we briefly describe the participation of the chapter members in the re-dedication of the Vietnam Veterans Monument in downtown Austin, Texas, on Monday, 2 June 2008. This event was organized and facilitated by Allen Bergeron.  This individual helps employees who are veterans or active in the military to find services, such as counseling for post-traumatic stress disorder. Below, you can see Allen holding the MIA flag next to the small granite sentinel that holds the plaque of dedication to the fallen troops from the Vietnam War.

Along with Bobby Briscoe, Chapter Commander, were Tony Martinez,  Jimmie Salazar and Fred Castaneda to represent the Combat Infantrymen’s Association, Austin Chapter.  In addition to the involvement of the crowd that gathered to listen to the emcee, Alan Bergeron, the Chapter was one of two organizations that placed the wreath of the CIA organization at the foot of the monument to symbolize the honor, dedication and respect which was given to those Vietnam Veterans who did not catch the ride on the “Freedom bird.” Yes, this monument was originally a project created by the Lions Club of East Austin. It was donated by them initially to honor the memories of so many Hispanic soldiers that were killed in Vietnam–and then the consensus was to honor ALL Vietnam Veterans killed in the Vietnam war, especially from Austin and Texas.

The other organization to place a wreath in memory of the fallen troops was the 82nd Airborne Division Association.

The media coverage for the event was quite surprising, as at least 3 television stations were capturing video footage and interviews. In fact, one such interview was with Bobby Briscoe by Austin’s Channel 42 TV news station. Bobby’s edited comments of respect shown to those who fought and died in the Vietnam War were captured and broadcast on the news that evening. And Bobby’s words were strong, respectful and thankful for any of the veterans that were combat infantrymen in this conflict.

After the event, Bobby Briscoe and Fred Castaneda spent over an hour in conference with Olie L. Pope, Jr., the Director for the Veterans Service Office for Travis County in Texas. The role of the chapter and its outreach programs were the main themes discussed during this fruitful conversation. With Olie Pope’s support, the organization stands poised to make good on its promise to support disadvantaged veterans — the brothers who earned the CIB. Finally, an audio version of Bobby Briscoe’s book, The Jungle Warriors, was given to Olie Pope with thanks for his understanding of the Chapter’s mission and his support of its goals.

Bobby also promised Olie a signed paperback version of the book upon his return to Austin.

In the next episode, we will share with you some of the dialogue from the discussion with Olie Pope about how the Chapter is striving to assist our brothers who have earned the CIB.

Copyright (c) 2008, Matrix Solutions Corporation and the Austin American Statesman. All Rights Reserved.

 

 05- Memorial Day ceremonies, 26 May 2008 [12:24m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

On Monday, 26 May 2008, the Austin Chapter of the Combat Infantrymen’s Association paid tribute, honor, respect and homage to our fallen comrades from all the wars and all the campaigns at the Cook-Walden cemetery in Pflugerville, Texas. It was a fitting remembrance and gratitude to those who had made the ultimate sacrifice.

The sounds of the musical piece, Taps, begins this podcast episode — as played and interpreted by Jari Villanueva.

We also hear the words of this moving musical memento (for the history of Memorial Day and the words to Taps, click here:

We were honored by sharing our time to give thanks to our fallen comrades with a local hero of the Operation Iraqi Freedom campaign — Alan Babin:

You can find out all about Alan Babin, his heroism and his injuries, and also his recovery from his blog called Alan’s Angels.

The CIB organization was represented in the ceremony where the “honor roll for the fallen” was sounded. This tradition has different organizations place a wreath in front of the monuments dedicated to the campaigns of World War I, World War II, Korea, Vietnam and Desert Storm. The CIB Austin Chapter participated in this ceremony and saluted the CIB wreath. Among those in attendance were Commander Bobby Briscoe, XO John Torres, Tony Martinez, Jimmie Salazar and Fred Hudgeons.

In addition, the Chapter members were successful in recruiting several members at this event and shared some moments in displaying the CIB wreath at its inaugural event, with Fred Castaneda joining in (Fred was participating in the Ceremony with his 82nd Airborne Division Association).

During the event, the chapter members mingled with other combat veterans (even another one from the Americal Division) and became a regular part of the organizations that will contribute to the community and be involved in supporting veterans.

Our next episode will describe the participation of the Austin, Texas, Chapter of the CIB Association at the Re-dedication ceremony in downtown Austin of the Vietnam Veterans who did not catch the Freedom bird to return to the World. Yes, they gave their “Last Full Measure of Devotion.”

Copyright (c) 2008, Matrix Solutions Corporation, Jari Villanueva and the 82nd Airborne All-American Chorus.