35th Infantry Regiment Association

President's Message

Nearly five years ago the 35th Infantry Regiment Association initiated a key project involving the creation of a separate Scholarship Reserve Fund to provide a stable source of educational aid to the children and grandchildren of past and present Cacti. It has been well received; support for this designated reserve has allowed us to increase our three annual $1,000 awards to $1,500. A tax-deductible contribution to the Scholarship Reserve Fund each year for the next five years will help sustain this program. Such a commitment embodies the spirit of our Association, which is why we again are asking those who are able to commit to an annual donation of $100, $150, $250, $500, or even more for a five-year period. We want to generate enough new participation and employer matching gift contributions to continue the project for the long term

The Association is also asking for additional donations to the Troop Support Fund. The series of automatic spending cuts to the federal government is divided equally between defense and non-defense funding, which has significantly impacted discretionary spending by our active Regiment. The sequestration is why LTC. Ryan O’Connor could not send any soldiers to the 2014 Cacti reunion. He attended at his own expense.

I hope you can continue your support or become a supporter, of the Scholarship Reserve and Troop Support Funds. If so, check the appropriate contribution box below and send a check payable to the 35th Infantry Regiment Association to Don “Doc” Johnson, Secretary, 35th Infantry Regiment Assn., 14516 Shenandoah Ave., Baton Rouge, LA 70817. Please note “Scholarship Reserve Fund” or “Troop Support” in the subject line of your check.

Those unable to commit to being part of the reserve program but wish to donate to the General Scholarship Fund, please do. We welcome contributions to that fund, as well as Health & Welfare, The Cacti Times and the General Fund. Please indicate the intended fund for which you want to donate on your check. Your gift is gratefully appreciated and will be fully used as directed.

Scholarship Reserve Commitment (Can be paid annually or one single payment)

___ $100 per year for five years ___ $150 per year for five years

___ $250 per year for five years ___ $500 per year for five years

___ Other (amount per year for five years $__________)

Troop Support _______

Bill Henson, President 35th Infantry Regiment Association

Scholarship Season is just around the corner.

NOW is the time to get on the kids and grandkids to begin preparing applications for scholarship from the Association. Don't wait until the last minute. Deadline for applications is April 15. Application guidelines and forms can be accessed by clicking "Association" above and scrolling to the bottom of the page.

BATTLEGROUND: 4th INFANTRY IN VIETNAM

Here is another YouTube film we thought you might enjoy. The story of the "Ivymen" in Vietnam, from their arrival in 1966 through the critical Battle of Dak To in the winter of 1968.Approximately 25 minute long it is a good depiction of our piece of the war.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aFZhmWyVE_A

FACES NEVER FORGOTTEN WITH JOE GALLOWAY

This short film, from youtube is about Joe Galloway's experiences as a reporter in Vietnam and his coming to grips with them following the war. We thought you might enjoy this short but emotional clip. Simply click on the link below to view.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VA9Dp1S3Ez4&feature=share

REUNION PHOTOS ONLINE

Photos taken at the reunion banquet have been posted online.

These photos will be available free to view online until April.

You can access the pictures by clicking on this LINK.

Once there you will need to enter your Email Address

and the Password - Cacti

Health & Welfare. Do YOU know someone in Need??

The Association's Health and Welfare Account currently has a very positive balance. To date, there has been only one request for financial assistance for the fiscal year of 2014. Obviously more requests could be accommodated, but we have no knowledge of these situations. But maybe YOU can help from today and into the future. Should you be aware of a Cacti Brother that has fallen on hard times, suffered a loss such as a hurricane or a flood, has medical issues and is uninsurable, or anything else that cries for help, please be his ombudsman. These Health and Welfare funds were donated by you, our caring members, to be used for those in need not just to be saved for a rainy day. Please let us know about your brothers in need.

If you know of someone in need, or are that someone, please contact Pete Birrow by email by clicking HERE.

ALL information is kept confidential

2014 Cacti Scholarship Awards

When it comes to generosity, no one outperforms the Cacti Membership. Because we have so many who have given for this very worthy cause, we have been able to increase our award amounts from three $1,500 scholarships. We are pleased to announce this years award recipients. They are:

Emory Bruno - Granddaughter of Charles Emory, Battery C 2/9th Arty, FO attached to C Co 2/35th, KIA 3/21/1967

Jacob Chance - Grandson of Vincent Lamonica, D Co 2/35th 1968-69

Karlee Jorgenson - Granddaughter of Orville Hanson, HHC 1/35th 1952

Congratulations to these three outstanding Cacti grandchildren. Our best wishes go with you throughout your life.

Scholarship Committee - Wiley "Tiny" Dodd, Mike Slyck, Bill Burdick, Bob Maves

WAR STORIES SECTION:

The War Stories Section has turned into a huge success with almost 50 stories written by our Cacti Members. Got a “Cacti Story?” It can be a battle story, A funny or sad story. Just put it down the way you remember it. If you want a “creative license” to embellish a little you got it. Only rule is not to be malicious.

Submit them to Wiley "Tiny" Dodd by Email, today!

35th Infantry Regiment Monument at Ft Benning Walk of Honor

Monument Dedication Photos Posted (View Here)

Follow the link below to view Video of the Monument Dedication Ceremony

http://youtu.be/daOxXIRe2gA

The Winter 2014 Issue of the Cacti Times, John Lorts, Editor and Bill Henson, Associate Editor, is out.

Here's a sample of page one of this issue. If you haven't seen the electronic color version Click Here to see what you're missing. Members wishing to change from a Mailed to Emailed Times may email Don "Doc" Johnson, our Secretary, to Sign Up.

Vietnam KIA Photos Needed

Dick Arnold, Doc Hall, and Pete Birrow have been gathering KIA Photos for a number of years. Their work has added immensely to our mission to memorialize our war dead. But we still need a few more. Click Here to view a list of Vietnam KIA photos needed. If you're a fellow Cacti, or a friend or family member, please consider sending a photo to Dick Arnold at his Email address.

Vietnam War - Gravesite Location Project

Doc Hall and Pete Birrow have been compiling a list of gravesites for our Vietnam KIAs for some time now. Through personal visits and searches on the web they have located hundreds. The information is now available by Clicking Here. If you have personal knowledge of a gravesite not found on the list, please contact Doc Hall at his Email address