November 2003

The Essex Troop Newsletter

Volume 113 Issue 3 November 2003

The Essex Troop Association - 1315 Pleasant Valley Way - West Orange, NJ - 07052

President's Message

It started when a small group of equestrians, in a private stable in 1890 in Newark, New Jersey formed a ceremonial cavalry troop and lives on today in the New Jersey Army National Guard. Our war record is legendary. Our social events are memorable and family related. Our scholarship program, and charitable support of military history and related social programs, ranks right up there with the best. We also feel that this will make a great incentive for recruiting efforts by the 2/102 Armor and introducing our association to new members.

There may be those who say that we missed this, and we missed that. And, that may well be true from their point of view. But, they must be reminded that we asked for input from all our members when this project started. And, also there were viewing time constraints. Could we possibly include every aspect of our history in a one-hour video? Not likely. One hour running time is the recommended limit for this type of program.

However, now when someone asks "What is the Essex Troop", you can invite them to sit down and watch while you pop your DVD in the player and revel in the history of a great organization. And, don't forget to give a silent thanks to those members who put in their time to make it possible. The DVD should be available for purchase at the Christmas Party, or shortly thereafter, at a moderate introductory cost. (VHS tapes will be available on order).

As we enter into the holiday season, I want to take this opportunity to wish everyone a wonderful Thanksgiving, a Merry Christmas, and a Happy and Healthy New Year. Hope to see you all at the Christmas Party Saturday December 20, 2003. Be sure to return the enclosed reservation sheet early. Ron Fahey

Just think of it! One of our biggest undertakings ever! A complete history of The First Cavalry of New Jersey 102nd Cavalry Regiment (Essex Troop) New Jersey National Guard. Back in the spring of 2002, 1st Vice President Major Dean Spenzos (at that time the S-3 Operations & Training Officer of the 2nd Battalion of the 102 ARMOR (Essex Troop) NJARNG) presented a question to the board of directors of the association. "Why don't we have a complete history of the Essex Troop in one media?" Well, we didn't. We had all kinds of memorabilia, in all kinds of forms, related to our history such as documents, pictures, films, videotapes, etc. But none related a complete history in a single format where we could say to an interested party "Here, take a look at this and you'll see who we are!"

Dean suggested a digital videodisc (DVD) produced by a professional company as the way to go. This would be the latest technology available at the time and would allow us to control the input into it, and give us sole ownership of the copyright features. After several meetings and intense discussions regarding the costs, content, and a plan of action, the board unanimously agreed to fund the project. Kollins Communications of Secaucus, New Jersey was selected to produce the finished product. A concept was developed: "The historic presentation of the 102nd Cavalry "Essex Troop" 1st Cavalry of New Jersey and its prestigious century (plus) of service told thru still and motion pictures, archival material, and living history interviews from those who have served, and those who continue to serve our State and Nation" There were committee meetings, business meetings, history meetings, videotape interviews, archive searches for pertinent documents and pictures, and a whole lot of work by your board members and volunteers. I personally wish to thank each and every one who assisted in any way with this production.

I think what we have captured is a true representation of the spirit and foresight of the individuals who have given of their time, energy, and lives in many cases, tofoster a dream.

Important Dues Notice

As everyone knows, there has been no increase in dues to the membership for many, many years. The board of trustees felt that a small raise in dues is justified to assist with increased administrative costs to the association. Therefore, effective January 1, 2004 the annual membership dues in The Essex Troop Association will be increased to $15.00. We trust this will cause no financial hardship on any member.

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From The Turret

Meetings, Etc.

A message from the

Commander, 2nd Battalion, 102nd Armor

EVENT / MEETING DATE

Officer & Trustee Meeting 11 Dec 03

Christmas Party 20 Dec 03

Greetings from the 2-102d! Since I last wrote the battalion has been very busy preparing and executing Annual Training and preparing for a new training year. Unfortunately we were not able to go to Fort Drum to conduct tank, scout and mortar gunnery, since most of the resources were dedicated to mobilizing units. Instead, we went to Fort Dix at the end of August to do the best we could under the constraints of limited training areas. All in all the training period was a success. During the AT we had visitors from the United Kingdom's Territorial Guard. SSG Pike and SSG Whitlock spent time with our battalion as part of the NCO exchange program. They received briefings on our training program and observed the training being conducted. CSM Krysnski and SGM Dooley were their sponsors during 2-102d AT and went to Germany in September to get a tour of British training and facilities. All four of these soldiers greatly appreciated and enjoyed participating in this program.

This training year is going to be as challenging as previous ones. We loom under the specter of a possible mobilization in support of Operation Iraq Freedom. As is being reported on CNN and newspapers, there are numerous Guard units that are being selected for mobilization and New Jersey is no exception. Our training focus for this year is individual soldier's tasks and force protection missions.

On behalf of the officers and enlisted soldiers of the 2-102, I would like to wish all Essex Troop members a Happy and Healthy holiday season. Hope to see you at the Essex Troop Holiday party.

STRIKE WITH STEEL

LTC MANFRE

Personnel Notes

Congratulations to:

Colonel Frank Dulfer upon his promotion to "full bird". He certainly deserves it. Frank was the last past commander of the 2/102 AR and put in his time. He is also a life member of the troop and editor of the Newsletter. Good luck in you future assignments.

Lieutenant Colonel Loretta (Lori) Thomas who recently assumed command of the 250th Signal Battalion in Westfield. Her dad is Col (Ret) Rudy Saulter 102d Honorary Regimental Commander and longtime member of the association. We wish Lori all the best as she tackles a difficult job and hope to see her at our Christmas Party on December 20, 2003.

Newly promoted Captain Timothy Renahan recently returned from an active duty tour in Baghdad with the 2d Armored Cavalry Regiment. He'll be attending an advanced course for the next six months at Ft Knox, Kentucky. Good luck to him in his chosen career. Tim is the son of LTC (Ret) Michael and Rosemary Renahan. We hope to see them all at the Christmas Party

Brigadier General Kenneth Wondrackon his recent retirement from active National Guard duty. Ken had a long and distinguished career with guard. We're sure he will find plenty to keep him busy and we wish him well. See you at the Christmas party, General.

Command Sergeant Major William Kryscnski, /102 AR, upon his retirement at the rank of Captain from the New Jersey State Police. Bill had a long and distinguished career in law enforcement and we wish him the best. Of course, this will allow him to spend much, much, more time at the armory.

Lieutenant Colonel (Ret) Donald and Mrs. Nicholsonupon the birth of their seventh grandchild to son Steven and daughter-in-law Lisa. It's a girl. Don is a life member of the association.

The Essex Troop Association

1315 Pleasant Valley Way

West Orange, NJ 07052

(973) 736-0952 email: etroop@bellatlantic.net

ww.essextroop.org

OFFICERS

President ……..………………….…Ron Fahey

1st Vice President…… ………...Dean Spenzos

2nd Vice President …..…..……. Paul Tavarone

Secretary ………………….………….Walter Gill

Treasure …………….… Dave VanBenschoten

Sergeant at Arms …………..Vernon Pederson

Past President ………………….… Bob Theall

Chaplain…………………………Michael Festa

TRUSTEES

Walter Hill - Stanley Krenkowitz - Frank Dulfer

Myles Rahill - William Marshall III - Michael Renahan

The Essex Troop Newsletter Page 3

Devotion To Duty

Meet Our Chaplain

The Third Infantry Regiment at Fort Myer has the responsibility for providing ceremonial units and honor guards for state occasions, White House social functions, public celebrations and interments at Arlington

National Cemetery....and standing a very formal sentry watch at the Tombs of the Unknowns. The public is familiar with the precision of what is called "walking post" at the Tombs. There are roped off galleries where visitors can form to observe the troopers and their measured step and

almost mechanical silent rifle shoulder changes. They are relieved every hour in a very formal drill that has to be seen to believe. Some people think that when the Cemetery is closed to the public in the evening that this show stops. First, to the men who are dedicated to this work...it is no show...it is a "charge of honor". The formality and precision continues uninterrupted all night. During the nighttime, the

drill of relief and the measured step of the on duty sentry remain unchanged from the daylight hours. To these men...these special men, the continuity of this post is the key to the honor and respect shown to these

honored dead, symbolic of all unaccounted for American combat dead. The steady rhythmic step in rain, sleet, snow, hail, hot, cold...bitter cold...uninterrupted...uninterrupted is the important part of the honor shown.

Last night, while you were sleeping, the teeth of Hurricane Isabel came through this area and tore hell out of everything... We have thousands of trees down...power outages...traffic signals out...roads filled with down

limbs and "gear adrift" debris...We have flooding...and the place looks like it has been the impact area of an off shore bombardment. The Regimental Commander of the U.S. Third Infantry sent word to the nighttime Sentry Detail to secure the post and seek shelter from the high winds, to

ensure their personal safety.

THEY DISOBEYED THE ORDER...During winds that turned over vehicles and turned debris into projectiles...the measured step continued. One fellow said "I've got buddies getting shot at in Iraq who would kick my butt if word got to them that we let them down...I'm sure as hell have no intention of spending my Army career being known as the goddam idiot who couldn't stand a little light breeze and shirked his duty." ....Then he said something in response to a female reporters question regarding silly purposeless personal risk...."I wouldn't expect you to understand. It's an

enlisted man's thing."

God Bless the rascal...In a time in our nation's history when spin and total bullshit seems to have become the accepted coin-of-the-realm, there beat hearts...the enlisted hearts we all knew and were so damn proud to be

a part of...that fully understand that devotion to duty is not a part time occupation. While we slept, we were represented by some damn fine men who fully understood their post orders and proudly went about their assigned responsibilities unseen, unrecognized and in the finest tradition of the American Enlisted Man. Folks, there's hope....The gene that George S. Patton...Arliegh Burke and Jimmy Doolittle left us...survives.

His name is Michael Festa, PhD. Dr. Festa is a recent member of the Essex Troop, having joined us in 1998. However, he is not a recent acquaintance to New Jersey National Guard circles. His son is Major John Festa, the current executive officer of the 2/102 Armor. He also serves on the NJ ESGR (Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve) committee as the Northern Regional Chairman. Mike served in the 101st Airborne as a medic between 1947-1951.

Mike was born in Union City, NJ where he attended Washington Elementary School and graduated Memorial High School. He received his BA from Fairleigh Dickinson University, two Masters from Montclair State University - 1969 in Health Education and 1975 Human Organizational Processes, a Doctor of Ministries (DoM) in 1990 and a PhD in 1974 in Alcohol Studies from the National University of Graduate Studies. He currently resides in Verona, NJ with his wife Gloria (Helen). In addition to John, they have a daughter Ann and another son, Michael, Jr.

Dr. Mike currently serves as the Health Officer/Director of Hazardous Response for the County of Essex with offices at 120 Fairview Avenue Cedar Grove, NJ. He is an adjunct professor at Kean College, an instructor/trainer at the Essex County Police Academy, Turning Point, and American Red Cross. He is also a certified alcohol and drug counselor. He was listed in Who's Who in America in 1998, is affiliated with the New York Academy of Sciences, International Association of Narcotic Officers, Rotary International, UNICO International, Salvation Army, Chaplain to the Fraternal Order of Police, and numerous other organizations.

Along with all this, Mike is also an ordained minister and bishop in the Association of Interfaith Ministers. This position allows him to administer to all persons of almost any religion or faith. His own personal preference is the Roman Catholic faith. Mike has a keen interest in people and is willing to work along with and assist any of our members or their families who may need a professional helping hand with their problems. He can be reached at 1-800-294-8092. We certainly welcome Dr. Michael Festa to our association and trust you will take the time to introduce yourselves to him during one of our get togethers.

The Essex Troop Newsletter Page 4

We need your input. Please send in news and articles of interest that can be published in the newsletter. Help spread the news.

Election Reminder

Elections will be held at our annual meeting in April 2004. If you intend to run for the offices of President, 1st VP, or Trustee you must submit your intentions in writing NLT April 1, 2004. Other offices only require verbal communications with the nominating committee (Mike Renahan - chairman) by that date.

Dues are payable each January, if you have not paid for 2003 please remit as soon as possible. Send your check to the :

The Essex Troop Association

1315 Pleasant Valley Way

West Orange, NJ 07052.

Attn: Membership Committee

Army Football

The Essex Troop sponsored its yearly trip to the United States Military Academy on 13 Sep 03. This year the Black Knights opponents were the Scarlet Knights of New Jersey's own Rutgers University. This rivalry can be traced back to 1891 with Army leading the series 18 Army wins to 14 Rutgers wins. Their last meeting was 14 Sep 2002 with Army losing 44-0. Both teams came into the game looking for their first win of the season.

The bus left West Orange and made it's way to the South Dock area at West Point. This year the Troop not only rented a picnic area but tables, chairs, and a tent as well. This proved to be a wise move due to the dismal weather that day. Occasional rain showers meant that ponchos required once you entered Michie Stadium. This year's attendance by the Troop members was down from last year but all in attendance had a good time.

Ryan Hart completed 17 passes for 250 yards and three touchdowns as Rutgers defeated Army 36-21, although the Scarlet Knights had to hold off a furious fourth-quarter

rally by the homestanding Black Knights. After grabbing a 29-7 lead with 6:06 to play, Rutgers was seemingly on its way to an easy win, but Army rallied with two touchdowns in a span of 38 seconds to pull within 29-21 with 28 seconds to play, and nearly recovered a second consecutive onside kick. Rutgers assumed possession at its own 41, following a 15-yard personal foul, with 28 seconds to play and Army holding three timeouts. Following a 2-yard loss on first down, Brian Leonard ripped off a 61-yard touchdown run to seal the contest. Leonard, who entered the game with just 42 ground yards on 18 carries, amassed a career-high 132 yards as Rutgers out gained Army 427-306.

Fiddler's Green

Thomas Tully, age 97, May 2003

A "Life Member" of the Essex Troop

Henry "Hank" Dempsey, age 88, June 2003

A longtime member of the Essex Troop

Arthur "Art" Kinsey, age 82, August 2003

A "Life Member' of the Essex Troop

Frederick Theesfeld, age 86, October 2003

A "Life Member" of the Essex Troop

Photo Gallery

The Essex Troop Newsletter Page 5

$1,000 Battalion Scholarship check awarded to SPC Windell Simeon, Co B 2-102 Armor, by Association Trustee Myles Rahill

MAJ Chris Schrieks (left) and MAJ Dean Spenzos show their true colors in northern Irag

$1,000 Matthais Garrigan Scholarship check awarded to SPC Mark Delos Santos, Co A 2-102 Armor, by Association Trustee Myles Rahill

Kristin Dulfer receives an Essex Troop Scholarship check from MAJ (Ret) Ron Fahey, Troop President.

The children of Paul Tavarone, Chris Schrieks and Dean Spenzos enjoying the Essex Troop Picnic at Sea Girt in August.

The Essex Troop Newsletter Page 6

Essex Troop Post Exchange

PRICE LIST

QUANTITY TOTAL

ITEM PRICE ORDERED PRICE New: Essex Troop History DVD or VHS $10.00 ________ ________

Golf Shirt w/Crest $35.00 ________ ________

Ft. Jackson Marker Video $12.00 ________ ________

Blazer Crest $15.00 ________ ________

Epaulet Crest $ 3.00 ________ ________

Decals $ 1.00 ________ ________

Old Fashion Glasses $ 3.00 ________ ________

Pilsner Glasses $ 5.00 ________ ________

Brandy Snifters $ 5.00 ________ ________

Key Chain $ 7.00 ________ ________

Lithograph (19" x 25") $20.00 ________ ________

Mugs with 1st NJ Crest $ 7.50 ________ ________

Mugs with 102d Crest $15.00 ________ ________

Tie with 1st NJ Crest $14.00 ________ ________

Tie with 102d Crest $14.00 ________ ________

ET US Uniform Poster $ 5.00 ________ ________

T Shirt $10.00 ________ ________

ET Baseball Hat $15.00 ________ ________

Tie Tack 102d Crest $ 3.00 ________ ________

Watch 102d Crest $30.00 ________ ________

Coin Tray $ 7.50 ________ ________

Gallop Ho! William Walsh $20.00 ________ ________

Reprint Dash to Paris $ 2.50 ________ ________

March Song Sheet Music $ 2.50 ________ ________

Total ________

Shipping & Handling : add the following to the merchandise total

$1.00 to $5.00 add $2.50

$5.01 to $20.00 add $3.50

$20.00 and over add $5.50

Name ________________________________________

Address ______________________________________

City _________________________________________

State _________________Zip_____________________

Telephone Including Area Code___________________

Please enclose your check made payable to "The Essex Troop"

Email: etroop@bellatlantic.net

NOTE: A limited number of items are available at the Port Murray Armory. See SSG Hawkins for assistance.

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