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HQ is third unit to get Afghan orders
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Fort Stewart Public Affairs
Published: Jan 19, 2012, 6:09 PM

The Third Infantry Division was notified by the Department of the Army today that the division headquarters and headquarters battalion will deploy to Afghanistan in August in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

The Division Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion is led by the division commander and his command group and consists of approximately 700 soldiers comprised of various staff components and the support element. Their mission is to serve as the command and control element of Regional Command South, one of four International Security Assistance Force regional commands responsible for all ISAF operations in Afghanistan. Additionally, the division headquarters will advise and assist their Afghan partners as well as provide logistical coordination, civil, administrative and infrastructure support to their area of operation.

Until November the Division Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion of Third Infantry Division had been preparing to deploy to Iraq in support of Operation New Dawn and potential follow on missions. The announcement by the President of the United States ended the timeline for the unit's deployment; however all the training and deployment preparation for Operation New Dawn established a firm basis of preparation for the new deployment mission the unit received.

The Division Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion is expected to deploy for a year. The new Deployment Period Policy was announced by the Secretary of the Army in August and took effect Jan. 1, 2012, but states division headquarters elements will deploy for a one year timeframe. The Division Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion anticipate returning late summer 2013.

This is the first time the Division Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion will deploy to Afghanistan. The Third Infantry Division commanding general, Maj. Gen. Robert "Abe" Abrams said, "The soldiers and leaders of the Marne Division are focused on this new mission and are diligently preparing for the new opportunities and challenges that we will face. I am fully confident in our abilities to accomplish this new deployment mission."

The Division Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion is battle-tested and manned by experienced Soldiers and Leaders of the Marne Division. Marne soldiers and leaders stand ready to answer our nation's call in support of this operation and other worldwide
contingencies. Third ID soldiers are highly disciplined, trained and ready to serve at a moment's notice.

The Third ID remains the Army's premiere decisive force; equipped with the latest technology and the right mix of capabilities to take on any mission required.

 

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Exchange Service salutes Vietnam vets with custom truck design
Army and Air Force Exchange Service redesigned logo 2011
Bryan County News
Published: Apr 10, 2018, 1:53 PM

To thank Vietnam veterans for their sacrifices, the Army and Air Force Exchange Service is debuting a new truck design, part of the Department of Defense retailer’s efforts alongside the United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration to honor veterans during the 50th anniversary of the war.

“The Exchange is privileged to have the opportunity to recognize Vietnam veterans through our fleet,” said Exchange Director/CEO Tom Shull, who served in the Army during the Vietnam era. “These trucks will serve as rolling billboards, expressing gratitude for all who served during this era.”

The truck design features the silhouette of a lone service member set against the background of a faded horizon with a call to “thank a Vietnam veteran for service to our nation.” The single military member represents the warfighters who served during this time.

Three trucks in the fleet feature the commemorative design and will deliver merchandise to Exchange stores from the organization’s distribution centers in the continental United States.

The West Coast Distribution Center at Sharpe Army Depot in California; Dan Daniel Distribution Center in Newport News, Va.; and the Waco Distribution Center in Texas will each have a truck in service on their standard delivery routes, serving the whole country.

Air Force veteran Pat Thompson served in Vietnam before coming to the Exchange as a truck driver and mechanic. In his 18 years with the Exchange, he has deployed four times to support the troops. The new design means a lot to him.

“They remember,” said Thompson, who is based at the Exchange’s Waco Distribution Center. “We want to be remembered.”

The trucks also highlight the veteran online shopping benefit, which launched in November. The lifelong online military exchange benefit authorizes all who served honorably to enjoy tax-free shopping and exclusive military pricing at ShopMyExchange.com.

The United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration is a program administered by the Office of the Secretary of Defense to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War. The U.S. began commemoration of the Vietnam War’s 50th anniversary in 2012 and will continue through Veterans Day 2025.

The Exchange is a 50th Anniversary Vietnam War Commemorative Partner, planning and conducting events and activities that recognize Vietnam veterans and their families for service, valor and sacrifice in conjunction with the commemoration.

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