Veterans of 1st Battalion, 68th Armor Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, visit the battalion’s motor pool Oct. 6, 2016. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Ange Desinor)
By 2nd Lt. Charles Gough
3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division
Former Soldiers often reflect on their time in the military and are impressed with the changes that have happened since they’ve been away.
That was the case when 11 veterans of 1st Battalion, 68th Armor Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, reunited at Fort Carson Oct. 6. The group of former 1st Bn., 68th Armor Reg., command teams joined today’s Soldiers to reflect on past experiences while touring the unit’s heavy equipment and Bradley Advance Training System and Advanced Gunnery Training System simulators at the battalion motor pool.
“The purpose of today’s reunion was to provide a means of communication among veterans of the 68th Armor Regiment and to give them transparency as to what the unit has been doing and the current status of the regiment,” said Retired Command Sgt. Maj. Dick Foxworthy. “The veterans had an opportunity to see how the unit has progressed and where they will move in the future.”
The veterans visited the battalion motor pool and company areas where they had the opportunity to test out the simulators used to train tank and Bradley fighting vehicle crews.
The visit concluded at the battalion’s Regimental Room, where they had a social with present-day battalion and company leadership.
Foxworthy, who coordinated the tour, said he believes it is important for the veterans to keep in touch and maintain relationships, but also for today’s Soldiers to see the tradition of the regiment.
“We didn’t do this for us, we joined for you guys still serving,” said Retired 1st Sgt. Benjamin Milligan.
The visiting group included men who served with the 68th Armor Reg. from 1979 to 1990. They ranged in rank from sergeant to command sergeant major, and lieutenant colonel to colonel. Notable veterans included Col. John Ley, who served in the unit from 1984-86; Lt. Col. William Shea, 1984-88; and Milligan, 1984-87.
“This is the closest family you’ll ever have,” said Milligan.