Chapter History

 

Chartering and Geographical Area of Responsibility

The Sigholtz-Capital Chapter of the then 173d Airborne Brigade Society was formed as a direct result of an initiative to establish Chapters of the National Society. In late 1983, the Sigholtz-Capital Chapter became the first Chapter chartered by National Headquarters of the 173d Airborne Brigade Society and CPT (Ret.) George Farris became the Chapter’s first President. A listing of past Chapter Presidents can be found in other areas of the Chapter website.

The Chapter’s geographic designated area includes The District of Columbia, Virginia, Maryland, and West Virginia, but has members across the United States.

The Chapter’s Name and Membership

The Chapter is named after Captain Robert Sigholtz, Jr., who was mortally wounded while serving with D Company, Second Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, in 1969. Captain Sigholtz, the son of Colonel Robert Sigholtz, a 2/503rd Commander. The Sigholtz Chapter was among the first chapters established by the 173d Airborne Brigade Association. These chapters represent Sky Soldiers throughout the United States and our comrades-in-arms in Australia and New Zealand. Since its inception, the Sigholtz-Capital Chapter has set the standard for other chapters to emulate. The Sigholtz-Capital Chapter is one of the largest, most active chapters within the Association.

The Chapter Newsletter

One of the earliest Chapter accomplishments was publishing a quarterly newsletter. The newsletter, The Herd Word, was designed to encourage communications and esprit among Chapter members. It provided current information on Chapter activities and events and related national activities. It was and remains popular and eagerly anticipated by Chapter members.

The 20th Anniversary of the Brigade’s Deployment to Vietnam Celebration

In 1985, under the chairmanship of Colonel (Ret.) Robert Sigholtz and sixteen dedicated Chapter 1 members, the Chapter planned, organized, and hosted the first 173d Airborne Brigade annual reunion ever conducted away from Fort Bragg. The event celebrated the 20th anniversary of the Brigade’s deployment to Vietnam. The formal dinner was highlighted by a personal message from President Ronald W. Reagan and an inspiring address by General William C. Westmoreland. Among the other many highlights of the dinner and reunion included a spectacular performance by the 82nd Airborne Division Chorus and Pentagon visit, during which Association members were greeted by Secretary of the Army, John O. Marsh, a former paratrooper. The event ended on a solemn note at a Memorial Service held in the Amphitheater at Arlington National Cemetery in memory of Sky Soldiers killed in the Republic of Vietnam. The service was held 20 years to the day that the Brigade deployed to Vietnam.

Veterans Day and Memorial Day Celebrations

Since its establishment, each Veterans Day, the Chapter conducts a wreath laying ceremony at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. All Brigade members are invited to attend this event. In recent years, on the day before Veteran’s Day, LTC (Ret.) Roy Lombardo, a former Commander of B Company, 1/503rd Airborne Brigade, conducts a tribute to fallen Sky Soldiers at the Brigade memorial marker in Arlington National Cemetery. The 82d Airborne Color Guard joins the Bravo Bulls and other Herd veterans in paying honor to all airborne heroes resting in Arlington’s hallowed grounds.

The 1990 173d Airborne Brigade Association Annual National Reunion

In 1990, the Chapter again hosted the annual National Reunion. The reunion took place at the Mayflower Hotel in downtown Washington, D.C. and over 600 Sky Soldiers attended. Major General Ellis “Butch” Williamson, the Brigade’s first commander and a Chapter One member, lead the event. The reunion was conducted in concert with the 50th Anniversary of the airborne celebration. Consequently, thousands of paratroopers from all over the United States came to Washington. Secretary of the Army Patrick W. Stone authorized the reactivation of the 173d Airborne Brigade for 24 hours, an act that allowed the Brigade to uncase its colors and proudly march as an “active unit” in the parade of airborne units down Constitution Avenue. This was the culminating event of the Airborne Anniversary. After the Airborne Anniversary, the Chapter continued to serve its members by hosting social events that encouraged camaraderie. These events reinforced the pride members developed while serving with the Brigade.

Chapter Demographics

The preponderance of Chapter members come from Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, or the District of Columbia. Approximately one-quarter of Chapter members are from outside Chapter’s designated geographical region. This dispersion poses challenges when informing and encouraging members to participate in local events.

Thirtieth Anniversary Celebration of Junction City

On 22 February 199_, the Chapter hosted a dinner to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the 2/503′s combat jump in Vietnam (Operation Junction City). This Fort Belvoir Officers Club event was supported by the U.S. Army Color guard. Eighty-seven of the troopers who actually jumped in Junction City attended. General John “Uncle Jack” Deane, the Brigade Commander who led the jump, and COL Robert Sigholtz, the 2/503rd commander, also attended.

Remembering Dak To

In November 1997, the Chapter hosted the thirtieth annual memorial in remembrance of the Battle of Dak To. Nearly two hundred Sky Soldiers and their families attended, including 110 of the Soldiers who participated in the battle. The event consisted of a solemn remembrance for all that gave the supreme sacrifice and a commemorative luncheon honoring Dak To participants. Bob Kimmitt, former Ambassador to Germany and former of the 3/319thArty commander, and The Most Reverend Edwin O’Brien, Coadjutor Archbishop, Archdiocese for the Military Services and a former Sky Soldier, presided. Former Sky Soldiers General Johnnie Wilson and LTG James Link also attended. General Wilson was the keynote speaker. The event was supported by the U.S. Army Color Guard, the Army Band, and the Army Chorus.

The Brigade Marker in Arlington National Cemetery

In early 1998, the Chapter volunteered, on behalf of the National Association, to establish a living memorial in Arlington National Cemetery to honor fallen Sky Soldiers. The memorial consists of an inscribed stone with a tree planted behind. The Brigade insignia and the insignia of the Australian and New Zealand Armies, the Brigade’s brethren in Vietnam, are inscribed on the memorial stone. On 2 May 1998, this memorial was dedicated by the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and former Sky Soldier, General Hugh Shelton. The Brigade’s first Commander, MG Ellis Williamson, the Australian Military Attaché, and the New Zealand Military Attaché attended. Nearly 100 Sky Soldiers, their families, and friends attended the dedication on that rainy Saturday morning. The Army Color Guard and the Army Band
Bugler supported the event.

Recognizing Medal of Honor Awardee Alfred Rascon

On 8 February 2000, the Sigholtz-Capital President was honored to represent Chapter I as one of its members, Alfred Rascon, was awarded the Medal of Honor (MOH) by President William Clinton in the White House. Al was awarded the MOH for extraordinary courage while serving as a Specialist Four Medic in action in Vietnam on 16 March 1966. Afterwards, the Secretary of the Army ceremony hosted a reception at the Fort Myer Officer’s Club to which all Chapter members were invited. The Chapter was honored to have a MOH recipient on our roster.

Brigade Marker Ceremony

In May of 2000, the Chapter, under Terry Modglin, initiated a ceremony at the Brigade Marker in Arlington National Ceremony honoring fallen Sky Soldier from all eras. The ceremony has since become an annual event conducted on the Saturday closest to the fifth of May, the date the 173d Airborne Brigade deployed to Vietnam. The name of every Sky Soldier lost in Vietnam and the Global War (GWOT) on Terrorism is recognized by his rank, name, hometown, and date of sacrifice being read aloud by his comrades. GWOT Sky Soldiers are encouraged to participate in honoring these fallen heroes.

Ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

In 2002, the Chapter arranged another event that honored our fallen Sky Soldiers and symbolically honored all that have fallen over the many years of conflict defending the right to freedom. With the assistance of Mr. Jack Metzler, the Superintendent of Arlington National Cemetery (and an honorary Chapter One member), Chapter 1 organized the laying of a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The ceremony also included the presentation of a Brigade plaque to Mr. Metzler for display along with all other unit plaques in the guard building adjacent to the Tomb.

Honoring Fallen Sky Soldiers

Throughout the years, the Chapter has assumed the solemn task of representing the Brigade at the interment of any and all Sky Soldiers in Arlington National Cemetery as well as other locations within the Chapter’s responsibility. Upon notification, Chapter members dutifully attend the final rites of Sky Soldiers who have served in the ranks of the Brigade in Vietnam, Vicenza, Iraq, and Afghanistan. The Chapter insures that Sky Soldiers are honored by Brigade representation as they enter into the final rest they so richly deserve. Over the years, the Chapter has insured that the Brigade colors render a final salute to all Sky Soldiers. Chapter members are honored to be trusted with this solemn responsibility.

Supporting Wounded Warriors

Since the GWOT, the Chapter began supporting wounded Sky Soldiers at Walter Reed Army Hospital. Gene Weeks headed this effort to ensure the Chapter served wounded Sky Soldiers’ needs were being addressed. This Chapter program has been invaluable in aiding the recovery of Sky Soldiers wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Gold Star Family Support

On 21 February 2009, the Chapter hosted a formal luncheon for local Gold Star Mothers and their family. Chapter member Michael Montie initiated the program and worked closely with Debora Yashinski of the Gold Star Mothers. Over 30 Gold Star family members attended the event honoring their loved ones lost in Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan. The event extremely appreciated by the families, many of whom commented that it provided a wonderful opportunity for closure and assurance that their loved one’s sacrifice would never be forgotten.

The 173d Airborne Brigade Memorial

From the late 1980s through 2009, Chapter I members played a key leadership role in establishing a permanent 173d Airborne Brigade Memorial on American soil to ensure that the Brigade’s contribution to the cause of freedom would always be remembered. This is a significant undertaking in that the Brigade has never has had a permanent home on US soil. The project was approved in 1987, by National President, BG Jack Nicholson, and MG Ellis “Butch” Williamson. Chapter 1 member COL Ken Smith took the lead in this challenging project. He and Chapter 1 colleague, Walt Daniels, developed an initial design and began fund raising. The effort progressed slowly and in 2004 Chapter I President, Terry Modglin, submitted a new resolution which succeeded in getting the 173d Brigade Association Board of Directors and the general membership to study and renew support for the effort. The 173d Airborne Brigade Memorial Foundation was formed to design, plan, raise funds, and construct the memorial. Terry Modglin became the first President of the Foundation. The 173d Airborne Brigade Memorial will be dedicated on June 1, 2010 at Patriot Park near the site of the National Infantry Museum, Fort Benning, Georgia. Chapter I has continued to be in the forefront of important Brigade projects.

Serving Sky Soldiers: Past, Present and Future

Chapter I, being among the first Chapters of the 173d Airborne Brigade Association formed and being located in the National Capital area, sees itself as the champion and guardian of the 173d Airborne Brigade’s honor and esteem. The Sigholtz-Capital Chapter of the 173d will continue to drive on in spirit of the airborne in fulfilling its mission to serve Sky Soldiers past, present and future.

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