Supporting our Troops for the New Year

To Whom It May Concern: A graduation requirement for my school, Culver Military Academy, is a senior service project. This constitutes of an individual or a group of individuals aiding a cause, organization or starting an independent project and aiding it to the best of their ability. For myself and my friends Jake Seberger and Jeff Vogel, a single issue stood head and shoulders above the rest. This new year, we want to dedicate our senior service project to the troops deployed overseas, namely the 506th Infantry Regiment. The 506th Infantry Regiment is one of the most famed units that exists in the Army today. Formed in 1942 in Toccoa, it was one of the first units into Normandy as part of the 101st Airborne, where it received a Presidential Unit Citation for excellence under fire. From there, it fought gallantly across Europe, namely in Holland and in Bastogne during the Battle of the Bugle, winning another Presidential Unit Citation for role in defending Bastonge. After World War Two, the Regiment was deactivated until its skill in battle was needed again, leading to its reactivation in 1957. They were then sent to the Vietnam War in 1967-1971, becoming part of the 101st Airborne/Airmobile division and fought primarily in the A Shau Valley were their ferocity became legendary among the enemy ranks. They also were the primary fighting force in the Battle of Dong Ap Bia, better known as Hamburger Hill, where they again showed their tenacity and skill in battle and won another Presidential Unit Citation. Five Currahees also won the Medal of Honor during the conflict. After the war, they remained part of 101st Airborne until being separated in 1984 and deactivated for three years. In 1987, the 506th was made part of the 2nd Infantry Division, where it was the most forward deployed unit in the US Army, until 2004, when the 506th went to Iraq until June 2005, where it came back to the US, reformed and was again brought back to the 101st Airborne (Air Assault) Division. Despite the fact the 506th was recently back from Iraq, it went again in November 2005 and remains currently deployed in Northern Iraq as the principal fighting force in 4th Brigade Combat Team of the 101st Airborne. The 506th Infantry Regiment was founded as and remains an all volunteer regiment and to this day, the word Currahee is synonymous with excellence. Operation Iraqi Freedom is approaching its third year and Operation Enduring Freedom has been ongoing for over five years. A majority of our troops have seen multiple deployments to both Iraq and Afghanistan. It is not necessary to remind you of what it means to serve as a soldier for this country. What I am asking is that you help these great Americans who have volunteered to be part of the 506th and fight for our country. The primary initiative of our project is to receive funds to purchase items for care packages (all of which are tax deductible). Letters of support are also greatly appreciated and in fact are just as important as money. The money will go to buying the troops of the 506th items such as snack food, magazines, daily supplies, hygiene items and whatever else they may need. If you wish to send actual items instead of money, I can be reached at the email address mclaugj@culver.org and arrangements can be made. Also, the 506th Infantry Regiment Organization (the group coordinating this project) has a website at www.506infantry.org, where more information can be found and also other ways to aid the regiment. Thank you for taking your time to help the 506th. Sincerely,   James S. McLaughlin

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