By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Society of 3rd ID hosting ball, broadening appeal
society for 3rd ID
The Society for the 3rd Infantry Division was organized by World War I veterans.
Jeff Whitte
Updated: Nov 10, 2016, 11:30 PM
Published: Nov 10, 2016, 3:53 PM
Retired 1st Sgt. Toby Knight served in three infantry divisions during his 26 years in the Army - the 101st, the 4th and the 3rd. It’s the latter that has had the greatest impact on Knight, who retired in October and now makes his home in San Antonio. "My time in the 3rd was the most rewarding of my career," said Knight, now president of the Society of the 3rd Infantry Division, an 1,800-member, nonprofit veterans organization with roots that date back to 1918, when the 3rd was part of the Allied Expeditionary Force serving in Europe in World War I. Knight, who deployed with the division in 2005 and spent a year in Iraq, said it was the 3rd ID’s past that made him want to be a part of its present and future, and convinced him to join the Society of the Third ID. "What really sealed it for me was when I went to Europe and started to travel around in France," Knight said.
Keep reading for free
Enter your email address to continue reading.
Continue with FacebookContinue with Apple
By creating an account, you agree to the Terms of Service and acknowledge our Privacy Policy. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Sign up for our E-Newsletters
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.

Latest Obituaries