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Al Hogue, Vietnam veteran, sits in the back of a Bradley Fighting Vehicle belonging to 1st Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, during a May 12, 2016, reunion event held by veterans and alumni of 2nd Battalion, 8th Inf. Div. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Grady Jones)
By Staff Sgt. Grady Jones
3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs Office, 4th Infantry Division
Smiling faces and sunshine were a common theme in the footprint of 1st Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, as Vietnam veterans and former members of the 2nd Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, visited Fort Carson May 12, 2016.
“Our veterans group was a combat unit in Vietnam,” said Stan Silva, Vietnam veteran. “We were a mechanized infantry unit.”
The former cavalry scouts and infantrymen, along with family members, visited the “Fighting Eagles” Battalion as a part of their annual reunion.
It took over 40 years to get the veterans back together, according to Silva.
“After all these years we came together and we go on our reunion,” he said.
The 2nd Bn., 8th Inf. Reg., was most recently part of the 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 4th Inf. Div., and was deactivated in 2014 as a part of the Army’s force realignment.
“1st Battalion … is the last battalion of the 8th Infantry Regiment still in service,” said Lt. Col. Jason Sabat, commander, 1st Bn., 8th Inf. Reg., 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division.
The veterans visited the battalion’s headquarters and then the unit’s motor pool where they took the opportunity to check out static displays of current military equipment to include an M1A2 Abrams Main Battle Tank and M4 carbine rifles.
“We got to relive old times,” said Pete Garite, Vietnam veteran. “These Soldiers were so wonderful and even let us get back in the tank and track vehicles.”
As the veterans interacted with the Soldiers, they gave some encouraging words.
“They were cracking jokes with me,” said Pfc. Robert Guerra, infantryman, Company A, 1st Bn., 8th Inf. Reg. “They told me to keep my head up and always have a positive attitude while serving in the Army.
“I really respect their service especially considering what they went through during and following Vietnam,” he said. “They paved the way for Soldiers today.”
Many of the veterans expressed how happy they were to see the displays and talk with the Soldiers
“To come to some place like this and to see our Army of today, seeing how improved it is and the quality of Soldiers we have, is just unbelievable,” Silva said. “It makes us feel great.”
There was unanimous appreciation for the visit from both the visitors and the hosts.
“I’m just so proud of you guys, I can’t say enough,” said Silva. “You are our future; you are our new leaders of tomorrow.”
