Currahee Passing

It is with great sadness that I inform all of you of the recent passing of former 506th Airborne Infantry Regiment Association President Brise Bickerton on January 30, 2010 while hospitalized near his home in PA.

To his wife Marjorie and his entire family the entire 506th Airborne Infantry Regiment Association officers, board of directors and membership send our sincere condolences.

Brise’s dedication to his family and to his fellow veterans and active duty soldiers was a model for all of us to emulate. His caring was something to be respected and he will be sorely missed. A “Currahee” was called to take charge and we know that his spirit will continue to get the job done. Brise, thank you for entering so many lives!

Respectfully,

Donald E. Thies
2008/2010 President 506th Association

2010 Currahee Reunion

The 506th Association will be holding its 2010 Currahee Reunion at the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel in Harrisburg, PA on July 28th– 31st, 2010.

All 506th Currahee veterans, active duty soldiers of the Regiment as well as their families and friends are invited to attend. For complete Reunion information, check out the Currahee Reunions/Events section of the 506th site.

Black Receives Awards 40 years Late

Here's a good story about the Currahee spirit, 40 years later. Currahee Roger Black earned a few awards back in June 1970 while serving with the 506th Infantry. He finally received them on November 13, 2009 courtesy of U.S. Rep. Chet Edwards and then Sgt. Gib Rossetter.

Read Long Time Coming in the Cleburne Times-Review.

Veterans Day

As Veterans Day November 11, 2009 comes around let us all remember those soldiers, families and friends that paid the ultimate sacrifice for us. Let us also not forget the current troops who serve far and near and put their lives on the line for every single one of us.

Today during one of my volunteering efforts a mom mentioned to me that her son a senior in high school has already signed his paperwork to join the Army upon graduation. She also went on to state that this will now mean her family has 3 sons serving in the military at different installations around the world.

I told her to thank her son’s for their service from a veteran.

If you see a soldier in uniform, tell them “THANK YOU”. If you come across another veteran thank them for their service!

Veterans enjoy your special day and thank you all for your service!!!!!

Don Thies, President
506th Association
B Company 2nd 506th, Vietnam 70/71

"Currahee" KIA Memorial to be dedicated in November

The highly-anticipated memorial to our fallen comrades is fast becoming a reality. The 506th Airborne Infantry Regiment will hold a formal dedication for the new memorial to soldiers of the regiment killed in action in four wars. Once again, the Currahees have delivered on a commitment.

According to LTC David Womack, commanding officer of the 1st Battalion of the Regiment, "The memorial has come to symbolize the strong bonds that unite the Currahees across generations and wars." He said, "Those bonds - founded in pride, commitment and shared experience - explain the esprit de corps that is legendary in the 506th, and which is demonstrated in the success of this project."

The dedication ceremony will take place on November 12, 2009 - the day after Veteran's Day -- in the 506th regimental area at Fort Campbell, KY. The schedule of events around the dedication should be announced by the regiment shortly.
View a picture of the Memorial