E-News – January 2017

Having served 27 years in the Army as an Armor Officer, Keith commanded elements at every echelon, including a year in Vietnam during which he was awarded three Bronze Stars, one with valor device. Additionally, Keith was twice awarded the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal with one oak leaf cluster, and is a member of the Order of St. George and St. Barbara.

Upon retiring as a Colonel from the Army, Keith served as a defense contractor in the Washington, D.C. area and ultimately became CEO of Naturalscapes, a successful excavating and engineering firm founded by his stepson Justin.

When not working, Keith was an avid golfer and member of Evergreen Country Club. Keith also enjoyed reading, cooking, and spending any free time with family. Keith was always present to lend an ear, offer sage council, or to simply share a glass of wine. He will be sorely missed by friends and family alike, all of which are grateful to have had him in their lives.

Interment, with full military honors, will be held in Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.

_______________________________________

There will be a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery, Virginia, on February 2, 2017 at 11:15 am. This takes place on the anniversary of the founding of the 11th Cavalry in 1901. All veterans of the 11th ACR are welcome to attend. After the ceremony, there will be a no-host luncheon in Pentagon Row in Pentagon City at the following restaurant:

Champps Americana
1201 S. Joyce Street, C-10
Arlington, VA 22202

Phone: 703-414-3601

_______________________________________

Tours

National Infantry Museum & Fort Benning Friday,
June 9

It’s an early start so that we can arrive at Fort Benning and The National Infantry Museum in time to witness the Fort Benning Basic School Graduation in the morning. Immediately following the graduation, there will be a short service at the Blackhorse Memorial, which was dedicated last year.

After the service, you will have time to explore The National Infantry Museum- home to one of the most significant collections of military relics in existence. The poignant art and artifacts of war housed here showcase the role of the infantrymen in American defense over the past 200 years and include military transport vehicles, tanks, assorted artillery weapons, rare documents, and U.S. and foreign military uniforms from nearly every major conflict. At your leisure, you can trace the footsteps of infantrymen from 1607’s wilderness of Virginia to 1991’s sands of the Persian Gulf; from victory at Yorktown to events in Vietnam; and of course, everything in between! You’ll see weapons, uniforms, footwear, mess equipment, fine oil paintings, firearms, bronzes, helmets, and vehicles from a 1902 Studebaker Utility Wagon to the legendary Jeep. The museum shows not only the weapons, uniforms, and personal equipment of U.S. infantrymen, but also that of the enemies who chose to test our resolve. World War II Street is an authentically recreated complex of seven buildings from the 1940s. The gift shop is extensive and worth visiting.

Following a morning spent at the museum, we will make our way to Fort Benning, the Home of the Infantry since 1918. We will start by enjoying lunch at a Mess Hall followed by a tour of the base with highlights including the POW Monument, Doughboy Stadium, WHINSEC, and The Curatels.

Note:If for any reason Fort Benning is closed to the public (security issues or other reasons), the tour length will be shortened but refunds can’t be issued. Due to heightened security, participants may be searched and a photo ID is required.

*Please note that the following items are prohibited on this tour due to museum security restrictions: backpacks, sling bags, large purses, pocket knives, or utility tools.

Board bus at 0600 with return at hotel by 1800.
$59/person; includes, bus, guide, admission, and lunch

City of Atlanta Saturday,
June 10

Enjoy the "must see" sights of Atlanta during a driving tour. We’ll see Centennial Olympic Park, which is one of the lasting legacies of the 1996 Olympic Games hosted by Atlanta. The 21-acre park, which features the Fountain of Rings, is the world’s largest interactive fountain utilizing the Olympic symbol of five interconnecting Rings. Then it’s on to view Atlanta’s Peachtree Center, the CNN Center, Turner Field, and the Georgia State Capitol. The Capitol was built to resemble the US Capitol Building and has been called the "Capitol of the New South." On the north side of the city, we’ll drive through Buckhead, where gracious mansions and sweeping lawns showcase one of the most upscale areas of Atlanta.

Board bus at 1230 with return at hotel by 1600.
$29/person; includes bus and guide

All Trips require a minimum of 35 people unless otherwise noted. Please be at the bus boarding area at least five minutes prior to the published time. Driver and Guide gratuities are not included in the tour prices.

CANCELLATION AND REFUND POLICY FOR ARMED FORCES REUNIONS, INC.
For attendees cancelling reunion activities prior to the cut-off date, Armed Forces Reunions, Inc. (AFR) shall process a full refund less the non-refundable AFR registration fee ($7 per person). Attendees cancelling reunion activities after the cut-off date will be refunded to the fullest extent that AFR’s vendor commitments and guarantees will allow, less the non-refundable AFR registration fee. Cancellations will only be taken Monday through Friday from 9:00 am until 5:00 pm Eastern Standard Time, excluding holidays. Please call (757) 625-6401 to cancel reunion activities and obtain a cancellation code. Refunds are processed 4-6 weeks after reunion. Cancelling your hotel reservation does not cancel your reunion activities.