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Korea deployment for brigade confirmed
1st ABCT heading out this spring
3rdIDpatch
The Department of the Army has not given an exact date when the 3rd Infantry Division soldiers will deploy. - photo by 3rd ID patch
Staff Report
Updated: Jan 10, 2018, 6:38 PM
Published: Jan 10, 2018, 6:40 PM

The Department of the Army has confirmed one of the worst kept secrets around Fort Stewart today, announcing the spring deployment of the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division stationed at Fort Stewart to Korea.

A news release from the Department of the Army said the 1st will replace 2nd ABCT, 1st Cavalry Division as part of a regular rotation of forces and support the United States Forces-Korea's commitment to our Republic of Korea partners.

There are normally about 4,000 troops in a brigade.

“The Raider Brigade has a proud history of answering the nation's call,” Col. Mike Adams, 1st Armored Brigade commander, said. “Our unit recently completed a rigorous training cycle that culminated with a decisive action training environment rotation to the National Training Center at Fort Irwin, California. We are trained and ready to perform our mission as part of a long-standing alliance between the Republic of Korea and the United States."

This deployment marks the historic return of the 3rd ID to Korea, according to the release. The division supported combat missions of the Eighth Army until 1953, fighting during the Battle of the Chosin Reservoir, at the Chorwon-Kumwha area, Jackson Heights, and Arrowhead outposts.

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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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