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davidshawnsown · 1 year

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USA BASEBALL RPF (MODERN SETTING) 2 - Campaigns in the Ukraine (Chapter 2)

(AN: Made in honor of the Astros clinching the 2022 World Series championship, as Alex Bregman will be featured from this chapter onward. As a future reenactor, I will also plan to write a reenacting RPF set in this war to express gratitude to reenactors of wars past and present for preserving history in this day and age and it will be a first or 3rd person perspective.)

(Late edit: Given that John Gall has been elected the new and current president of USA Baseball, this series will be updated with my view that Gaski would find in him a successor as leader & commander of 76th Command in the future.)

CAMP LASORDA BARRACKS COMPLEX

CARY, NORTH CAROLINA

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 13, 2022

1151H EST

"Welcome to the Able Company barracks."

These words by SFC Eric Filia introduced the 5 new additions to A Company of the 1st Battalion 78th BCT to where their company barracks is. Just southwest of the parade field and the headquarters buildings of the brigade are the barracks wherein the 1st Battalion's men live and work, either as a cadre formation or in active duty. Given the huge expansion, there are already works underway to build new barracks and related buildings in the Camp Lasorda complex to accomodate the growing number of personnel and the additional battalions of infantry, as well as plans to build a larger camp in Raleigh, where the 2nd Battalion is headquartered, to house the brigade's artillery and the other newly formed battalions with the armor and air defense artillery being expected to be at Chapel Hill at the UNC campus, its cadet brigade being expanded to include as well a light armor unit that the 78th is helping to form armed with the Humvee. Unlike the 1st Battalion, the rest of the brigade is made up of reservists and National Guardsmen, as well as select active duty transferees.

While the 5 are being welcomed to the barracks rooms where the personnel sleep and take their free time, as well as the mess halls for enlisted personnel and officers, and clinic for medical checks, as well as the other amenties, SSGT Patrick Kivlehan is chatting with 1LT Eric Thames regarding his Korean experience and the days they spent in Cincinnati while in separate regiments. The veteran staff sergeant hailing from New York state, in Nyack village situated within the town of Orangetown, served for some years with a number of 169th Corps regiments. Last year, his call to Tokyo as part of the national contingent came as a member of the 690th San Diego Infantry in the battalion based in El Paso in Texas state, near the Mexican border.

"Lieutenant Thames, you did show the people of Milwaukee all you worked so hard and with distinction in Korea, right?"

"Yeah, those were hard times. Having to be in Green Bay even in the winter, staff sergeant, but those were great years I may say," replied the lieutenant.

"And speaking of which," said the staff sergeant, " the battalion is planning to bring back 2LT Yelich. Part of the 2017 contingent. I expect that he will be one heck of a strategist for us here for future operations."

"Second Lieutenant Yelich? One of my fellow servicemen whom I served with before in Milwaukee?"

"Yes, he will arrive here in days."

Captain Frazier has been already helping the newbies to the 1st Platoon get used to their surroundings as well as the quarters for enlisted personnel and NCOs when he returned. These 5 and 1LT Thames had carried many of their belongings with them as well as their uniforms and boots. The captain then began to talk with 1LT Thames regarding his experiences in Milwaukee and the memories spent in New York's eastern neighborhoods together, first as the second in command to now retired Major David Wright and then as company commander of his unit of the 1st Battalion, 62nd New York Metropolitan, twice.

At the same time, Triston's already guiding Gavin towards his assigned quarters with the enlistees. Given that the specialist is about to spend the coming months with his brother, he knew of the risks it would take for him to fulfill his duty.

In the meantime Captain Tulowitzki, who is outside together with 1LT Robertson and the others, received a call from LTC Fenster informing that 1st Battalion will be 6 rifle companies strong together with the heavy weapons and cannon companies and the HQ company with F Company being set to be activated, making the battalion stronger than ever with 9 companies organizing this unit. It would entail the 2nd Battalion based in Raleigh to rename its companies as G, H, I and J companies together with the HQ and heavy weapons companies and they would also be granted permission to include a cannon company also armed with the M101 howitzer. These heavy weapons companies will be armed with the M60 machine gun and unlike the mortar platoons under the companies, are to be armed with the Israeli-made M120 and the BGM-71 TOW systems mounted on the Humvee chassis. F Company will be made up of the 2021 and 2022 high school cadet contingents trained in Cary given that they are 17 years old, the minimum age for enlistment, and the officers are already being studied at the Army OCS on acclerated courses before commissioning, as well as the junior high school mobilization contingents of 2012-17, as well as any available alumni of the high school contingents of 2008-2011.

1415H EST

Following a hearthy lunch at the mess hall, the men of the 5 platoons mobilized so far for Able Company of the 1st Battalion 78th BCT are already on the field for firearms training first before platoon level ops training for future operations within the territory of Camp Lasorda and within the fields and hills of Cary. Today they are already testing fast response methods of operation against possible hostile elements while on dismounted patrol.

As LTC Fenster and his staff are watching their manuevers, Captain Jake Arrieta approached them regarding B Company and its readiness to be activated, having taken command since last night with the left of its few officers and NCOs of the headquarters from its former cadre personnel from the Army Reserve. He was told that the captain had emailed the remainder of the 2008 national contingent as well as those of the 2013 contingent informing them of their recall to the colours as part of the brigade they trained with before, and they will be coming to Cary in days. He and his XO, 1LT Fowler, have arrived in Cary yesterday with the officers and NCOs who took over the company upon reactivation. The captain is a veteran sharpshooter and grenadier of several 169th Corps regiments, including the 71st North Chicago and the 83rd Philadelphia, and was a part of the 2008 national contingent as its commander. Together the personnel of that contingent to slated to return to Cary that week, almost all coming out of retirement with a few still serving and holding active ranks, were as follows:

Captain Jake Arrieta, company commander

Major John Gall, company representative to 78th BCT command (appointed to that role that same week and reactivated from the reserves as a Captain, set to study at the Command and Staff College)

1LT Fowler, company executive officer

1LT Brian Barden, adjutant

1LT Marson, 1st platoon commander

1LT Stephen Strasberg, 1st platoon second in command

1LT Brandon Knight, recalled from South Korea

SFC Matt LaPorta, company first sergeant

SFC Cummings, platoon sergeant

SSGT Teagarden

SSGT Cahill

SSGT Neal

SSGT Schierholtz

SGT Weathers

SGT Tiffee

SGT Nix

SGT Brett Anderson

CPL Donald

CPL Koplove

CPL Duensing

CPL Brown

CPL Hessman

CPL Stevens

"All of them under the leadership of Major General Watson?" asked the lieutenant colonel.

"Yes they were," Captain Jake replied as he is still observing how A Company has been training lately since reactivation into active service with the new personnel taking over. "He died years ago and we still hold him in high esteem as our mentor. We miss this man and so too is the entire 169th Corps, including regiments in Houston and New York. He was our overall commander back in 2008," he said. The late Major General Watson, who for many years served in a number of regiments of the 169th Corps, including that of the 62nd Houston and the 3rd NY, was in 1996 appointed brigadier general and regimental colonel of the latter, having helped the then BGEN Torre to ensure his strong command despite his advanced age. He was together with retired MGEN Johnson, who was part as well of the contingent sent to Australia in 2000 to mark the country's centennial of federation, serving as superior officers in charge of that contingent.

The captain stated that the rest of that contingent will arrive here on this week. Staff Sergeant Adam Jones has been helping the captain in calling out the past mobilization contingents back into Cary and those retired or in reserve returned to active duty, once his fellow personnel of the 2017 contingent are arrived in Cary, he says, he will be slotted into A Company's 5th platoon. Retired personnel of the 2006 and 2009 mobilization platoons, he says, will be informed of mobilization in days while the 2015 and 2013 contingents are expected to be informed as well together with the rest as proposed by the battalion command. On that note the staff sergeant arrived to join them and to watch the training drills alongside Sergeant Major Ronai, battalion CSM, who reports to SGM Rosenblum under brigade headquarters and overall reports under CSM Wallace, who is planning to retire after many years due to his age, with SGM Beeker set to be his successor in the future.

"So how's B Company doing so far while you are still helping them before the rest arrives here?" asked the battalion commander.

The staff sergeant replied that they are already preparing the company barracks and the other facilities for those assigned to the unit before the bulk of the unit's personnel will arrive in time for activation into active duty service in the coming days. When that's all done he will join A Company's headquarters while the rest of his boys will arrive in Cary in days. He is also busy preparing the garrison chapel, PX, press office and other facilities with the civilian employees.

His battalion XO, Major Sogard, also a veteran of the 169th Corps, then asked him on what his experiences in Japan meant for him. He answered, "Although my experiences in Japan have been brief for me it has been a memorable few years there, meeting new people, training so hard with our Japanese allies and my fellow soldiers deployed there, and of course, sharpening my skills as a soldier of this nation."

The Major said to him, "Adam, these boys, the men who you be fighting with soon, are the boys who have trained here in these ground for years for one purpose - serving this country."

At this time, the individual drills have been replaced by squad level drills to orient the company towards small scale ops on their own accord or with allied or friendly forces. The officers and NCOs watching are in awe of the training skills shown by personnel of the company as they prepare for operations coming up for them.

1510H EST

1LT Dexter Fowler of the regiment from St. Louis had just arrived earlier to begin full time duties as XO of B Company when he made the call via his cellphone.

"Colonel Fenster, sir."

The call was from 1LT Michael Cuddyer, a part of brigade staff. 1LT Fowler, a veteran of several 169th Corps regiments, handed the cellphone over to his battalion commander.

He was already calling the brigade command regarding MAJ Jason Maxwell, a fellow veteran of the corps and commander of the 2021 high schools mobilization contingent. Slated to be promoted to lieutenant colonel, his contingent, he says, is being called up for service in the active ranks on his advice, following the meeting the 46th Command did in the Pentagon days ago. They will form the 8th platoon just as planned and by this week all of these young boys - including those OCS graduates via its short course - will be in Cary preparing for what the coming months may bring.

"So, lieutenant," asked LTC Fenster, "are the boys ready to be called up?"

The veteran 1LT, who served in a number of infantry regiments of the 169th Corps, first as a direct entry corporal and later on as a OCS alumnus, said yes and replied "They are to be informed thru phones and email of their deployment to Cary next week." Those who did not and were part of the pre-deployment contingents will be a part of the planned F Company slated to be activated in weeks, he also states. One thing's for sure is it will be ready to serve under Captain Frazier's command.

"When will the major come here to Cary?"

"Tomorrow", replied the lieutenant.

"Has the contingent roster been in the hands of the Major General as well?"

"Yes it is, and a copy is with the 1st Battalion HQ. These young boys are ready, colonel Fenster, to finally apply all that they have learned last year. They are preparing to leave even their college days just for the job that they have been training for."

"So are you sure 8th Platoon will be activated within the month with the rest?"

The lieutenant said yes, stating that they will be ready to join A Company ASAP. In addition, he stated that COL Jones will be in Cary that night to join battalion staff, given his son's preparedness to join the battalion's A Company as planned. He will be joined by MAJ Bracther, a part of the 46th's general staff, who was with him last year and was the superior officer of that contingent.

The 2021 high schools contingent slated to be 8th platoon of Able Coy. of the 78th Brigade's 1st Battalion upon future activation is to be composed of the following:

1LT Cuddyer, Platoon commander

1LT Druw Jones, Platoon second in command

2LT Johnson

2LT Fisher, Platoon adjutant

2LT Mitchell

2LT Austin

2LT Philips

SSGT Wilson, newly assigned as platoon sergeant

SSGT Penny

SGT Murphy

SGT Rodriguez

SGT Jackson Holliday, son of MSGT Matt Holliday, now part of 1st Battalion staff and assistant to 1SGT Gose

CPL Phillips

CPL Jayson Jones

CPL Sanford

CPL Dutkanych

CPL Dickerson

CPL Milbrandt

CPL Young

CPL Moore

SPC Collier

SPC Toman

SPC Biven

SPC Guidry

SPC Green

SPC Bowen

SPC Ritchie Jr.

SPC Romero

PFC Grove

PFC Smith

PFC Barriera

PFC Santos

PFC Kilen

PFC Kennedy

PFC Fisher

PFC Kling

PFC Hylton

PFC Ferris

PVT Anderson

PVT Bitonti

PVT Jenkins

PVT O'Connor

PVT Disbro

PVT Ford

Like the other platoons of A Company, it will be Bradley equipped and will follow Captain Frazier's lead in performance of its duties in home or overseas operations. The young lads, all of them who did their short training course before home training last year for combat ops abroad, are soon ready to join the ranks of that formation. 1LT Cuddyer confirmed in that call that his boys are to be informed thru their emails or cellphones, or even android phones for their call up to Camp Lasorda to prepare for their mobilization.

"Is that true, colonel?"

As the call ended, LTC Fenster informed Captain Frazier that indeed they are being called. The captain knew Jackson as his father, MSGT Matt, served with him with the 3rd NY in 2017. And there's no timeline yet on when they will arrive in Cary for their activation, said the battalion commander.

Captain Tulowitzki too was stunned by the news that the 2021 high schools contingent will join A Company, and so were those present while most of the company were already doing platoon level operational training for close quarters operations in the cities. In the past days, they have been training for open area operations in the plains and hills while dismounted, in preparation for the arrival of the other companies as well as for mounted drill using the Bradley systems. So he asked his company commander, "Are we ready to welcome these young lads straight out of high school?"

Captain Frazier replied yes, given that they are above the minimum age for enlistment.

"And how about the senior veterans assigned?" asked First Sergeant Gose.

The captain said "I have full confidence in 1LT Michael Cuddyer and the boys under his leadership, as well as Staff Sergeants Penny and Wilson. They will be in good hands and will surely be ready to fight with the rest of the company. And also, when I was assigned to the regiment in Cincinnati as a young second lieutenant, I met up with Druw's father, COL Jones, whenever I met him if he was available. He will be happy to see me again, this time, as the one helping his son be prepared to serve the nation and uphold his oath of service."

Major Sogard then told the men that he is indeed excited to see the young boys finally join the company and also he got a call from SSGT Cole that he's on his way to Cary to join the brigade. In addition he was told that the 4th Platoon, made of personnel from the 2019 college contingent that served with the brigade for mobilization training, will be formed up and its men, per its commander 1LT Bailey who led that unit as the operational commander 3 years ago, are now already en route after being in Raleigh with the 2nd Battalion yesterday, as per his call that morning. He called the brigade command in Cary the previous night stating that he and his boys are all ready to return to Cary to begin their preps for overseas service. In addition, he recieved another call, this time from First Lieutenant Alex Bregman of the 1st Battalion, 62nd Houston, informing him that elements of the 2017 contingent have all been called that morning following the activation announcement and will be in Cary via Raleigh in a day or two to get their training ready. He and the other officers of the platoon together with the NCOs and enlisted will be ready to join the rest of the company.

"First Lieutenant Bregman?" asked a stunned Captain Frazier. "Are you kidding me that he's coming back to Cary?"

"Yes he is coming to the brigade HQ", answered LTC Fenster.

"That Jewish guy from New Mexico. He was a thorn for the 3rd NY and Brigadier General Girardi in '17. Those air assault boys from Houston, boy these are very fast guys. Proficient in rappeling and other things."

"Same for us in the Toronto Rifles that year", said Captain Tulowitzki.

Never did the captain from Toms River in New Jersey become so upset. Having began his military service in 2007 as a direct entry specialist with the 169th Cincinnati and later on became a OCS grad in 2010, in 2011 Todd, by now a second lieutenant, was reassigned to his parent formation after many years in the affilated units of this regiment. Before that, everyone knew him as a young cadet leader who at 12 years old distinguished himself with leadership skills with his fellow cadets of the Middle School Cadet Corps. 6 years on, he moved to the 901st South Chicago, and in summer 2017, got reassigned to New York and the aformentioned 3rd NY, alongside 1LT Robertson. That was when he first met then 2LT Austin, who promoted to 1LT the following year alongside 1LT Aaron Judge. In 2018, he got reassigned to the 62nd New York Metropolitan Light Infantry, two years later, with the 61st Texas, then back in Queens, and later on in Pittsburgh before joining a local militia formation under one of the 46th's corps. That was the situation last year when he recieved his papers to be redeployed to Cary once more, first as a college student, later as part of the 2011 national contingents, and by then as part of the 2021 contingent that ultimately went to Japan.

And of course, Todd's two brothers Jeff and Charlie too served in the 169th Corps, and that motivation for serving the nation was what made him motivated in leading this bunch of men once more, this time, as a company commander with the 1st Battalion of the 78th Brigade, a duty he did in 2019 with the 62nd to suceed retired lieutenant colonel David Wright, his superior the year before.

As they watched the platoons of A Company simulate combat operation scenarios in enemy held cities, they knew that it would be a matter of time before a company wide training drill would be held to apply all that they have trained for.

1526H EST

Meanwhile, the men of the 1st platoon of A Company under 1LT Austin its commander are have finished operational training for urban scenarios, in that time finding for hostile elements in such open-air places like parks and sports stadiums. This is to futher their preparedness for urban combat ops. In these scenarios, they and the 2nd, 3rd and 6th platoons are being shaped to fight in urban open areas against hostile elements and in conjuction with fellow US Army units and those of NATO allies. They did a huge job that morning after the activation ceremony, and will continue training for a variety of ground operations while waiting for the other mobilization companies to be activated. The 5 newbies are already with 1st Platoon, Gavin with 1st squad and the 4 others with the 4th squad.

The first lieutenant hailing from no less than Conyers in Georgia state and part of the 2021 national mobilization contingent that trained in Japan despite the pandemic had been a good leader to the boys and served as one of Captain Frazier's assistance during that summer deployment. The decade before he started out as a direct entry ROTC grad who recieved his 2nd Lieutenant's rank board and an officer's commission with the 3rd NY. It was in Japan as a XO with the local reserve battalion of the JSDF when he got the call to return home to join the national mobilization contingent that year after a lengthy stinct in Milwaukee and San Francisco.

"First Lieutenant Austin", phoned Captain Frazier, "1LT Bailey is now here in Cary with his men. He and the boys of the 2019 collegiate contingent who trained here in Camp Lasorda are ready for their activation."

"Understood sir, the 1st Platoon will be ready to meet them."

The first lieutenant from Greensboro in North Carolina had just arrived with the entire 2019 contingent with, with LTC Kingston from South Carolina representing BGEN McDowell, regimental colonel of the 2nd regiment of ROTC servicemen assigned to Louisville University and who served as the long time battalion commander of their unit affilated with the 46th. The brigadier general served as the commanding officer that year for that contingent from the nation's colleges and universities. With the colonel who returned to Cary alongside MSGT Turgeon from the Pittsburgh regiment and MAJ Barksdale assigned to 46th Command HQ were 1SGT Moore and SFC Skole.

The company ended their drills and began to march as a unit to meet the new additions that would expand the ranks. As the company's 4th platoon Bailey's men would be a big help to Captain Frazier and the rest of the company, as well as to the entire 1st Battalion.

@joeybosa-aaronjudge @lightninging @homerofthebraves @dilangleywritesfanfic @auroralightsthesky @alek @ilovetheyankees @darkorderaf @highwaytothedangerzone502 @zackcollins @lukeexplorer

#usa baseball #usa baseball cnt #baseball fic #baseball rpf #baseball fanfiction #ukraine au #a league of their own #usa softball #ukraine war au #athletes unlimited #usa baseball rpf #usa softball rpf

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cybette · 1 year

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Day trip to #Milwaukee #Wisconsin - #Lobster at #StPaul fish company, lovely stroll along the lakefront past the art museum and county war memorial (designed by #Finnish architect Eero Saarinen). (at Milwaukee, Wisconsin) https://www.instagram.com/p/CkUwiZDowwQ/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

#milwaukee #wisconsin #lobster #stpaul #finnish

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brookstonalmanac · 3 months

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Events 1.21 (after 1950)

1950 – American lawyer and government official Alger Hiss is convicted of perjury. 1951 – The catastrophic eruption of Mount Lamington in Papua New Guinea claims 2,942 lives. 1954 – The first nuclear-powered submarine, the USS Nautilus, is launched in Groton, Connecticut by Mamie Eisenhower, the First Lady of the United States. 1960 – Little Joe 1B, a Mercury spacecraft, lifts off from Wallops Island, Virginia with Miss Sam, a female rhesus monkey on board. 1960 – Avianca Flight 671 crashes at Montego Bay, Jamaica airport, killing 37 people. 1960 – A coal mine collapses at Holly Country, South Africa, killing 435 miners. 1963 – The Chicago North Shore and Milwaukee Railroad ends operation. 1968 – Vietnam War, Battle of Khe Sanh: One of the most publicized and controversial battles of the war begins. 1968 – A B-52 bomber crashes near Thule Air Base, contaminating the area after its nuclear payload ruptures. One of the four bombs remains unaccounted for after the cleanup operation is complete. 1971 – The current Emley Moor transmitting station, the tallest free-standing structure in the United Kingdom, begins transmitting UHF broadcasts. 1976 – Commercial service of Concorde begins with the London-Bahrain and Paris-Rio routes. 1980 – Iran Air Flight 291 crashes in the Alborz Mountains while on approach to Mehrabad International Airport in Tehran, Iran, killing 128 people. 1981 – Production of the DeLorean sports car begins in Dunmurry, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom. 1985 – Galaxy Airlines Flight 203 crashes near Reno–Tahoe International Airport in Reno, Nevada, killing 70 people. 1997 – The U.S. House of Representatives votes 395–28 to reprimand Newt Gingrich for ethics violations, making him the first Speaker of the House to be so disciplined. 1999 – War on Drugs: In one of the largest drug busts in American history, the United States Coast Guard intercepts a ship with over 4,300 kilograms (9,500 lb) of cocaine on board. 2000 – Ecuador: After the Ecuadorian Congress is seized by indigenous organizations, Col. Lucio Gutiérrez, Carlos Solorzano and Antonio Vargas depose President Jamil Mahuad. Gutierrez is later replaced by Gen. Carlos Mendoza, who resigns and allows Vice-President Gustavo Noboa to succeed Mahuad. 2003 – A 7.6 magnitude earthquake strikes the Mexican state of Colima, killing 29 and leaving approximately 10,000 people homeless. 2004 – NASA's MER-A (the Mars Rover Spirit) ceases communication with mission control. The problem lies in the management of its flash memory and is fixed remotely from Earth on February 6. 2005 – In Belmopan, Belize, the unrest over the government's new taxes erupts into riots. 2009 – Israel withdraws from the Gaza Strip, officially ending a three-week war it had with Hamas. However, intermittent fire by both sides continues in the weeks to follow. 2011 – Anti-government demonstrations take place in Tirana, Albania. Four people died from gunshots, allegedly fired from armed police protecting the Prime Minister's office. 2014 – Rojava conflict: The Jazira Canton declares its autonomy from the Syrian Arab Republic. 2017 – Over 400 cities across America and 160+ countries worldwide participate in a large-scale women's march, on Donald Trump's first full day as President of the United States. 2023 – Huu Can Tran, 72, opens fire in a dance studio in Monterey Park, California, killing eleven people and injuring nine others before later committing suicide. It is the worst mass shooting in Los Angeles County since the 2008 Covina massacre.

#Events

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xtruss · 3 months

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Scenes from Nazi Summer Camp

In the years leading up to WWII, children across the United States spent their summers learning archery and antisemitism.

— January 18, 2024 | Kirstin Butler

Children at a German American Bund camp stand at attention as the American flag and the Bund youth flag are lowered in a sundown ceremony in Andover, N.J., July 21, 1937. Associated Press.

Camp Wille und Macht—Will and Might—came first, in 1934, and was joined in New Jersey by Camp Nordland in Andover and Camp Bergwald in Bloomingdale. In Wisconsin, Camp Hindenberg claimed ground along the banks of the Milwaukee River, and children left their homes for Camp Siegfried in Long Island, the Deutschhorst Country Club in Pennsylvania and Sutter Camp in Los Angeles, California. Photographs and footage from the 1930s document those children pitching tents, cooking baked beans, hiking and singing songs. “It looks like any kind of Boy Scout camp or Girl Scout camp,” author Arnie Bernstein told American Experience. “But these were Nazi camps in America.”

The camps were owned and operated by the German American Bund, a pro-Nazi organization formed by U.S. citizens of German descent in the years leading up to World War II. With scores of chapters and thousands of members across the country, the Bund promulgated an antisemitic, isolationist agenda that sought to establish Nazi ideology in the new homeland. An important part of Bund policy was the creation of a program modeled after the Hitler Youth, the Nazi movement for young Germans. Bund parents enrolled children as young as six into the Jungvolk, which at age 14 split into the Jugendschaft for boys and Mädchenschaft for girls. The Bund camps became the main site for their indoctrination.

Most of the camps were located in New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania, but others sprouted up in locations like Michigan, Illinois, Wisconsin and California, with an estimated 15 to 25 camps distributed across the country, most in communities with a large German diaspora. Campers were dressed in uniforms featuring the Hitler Youth’s lightning bolt insignia, adorned with swastika pins and given knives inscribed with the phrase “Blut und Ehre,” or “blood and honor.” Daily activities also took on militaristic tones, including target practice and the Sieg Heil salute.

The Bund also published a German-language magazine for its youth members—first called Jung Sturm and then Junges Volk—whose pages featured campers’ accounts and photo spreads dedicated to selective parts of the camp experience. Not depicted, however, were activities that later became public knowledge—like forced nighttime marches that culminated in fireside renditions of the Nazi anthem—after an erstwhile camper testified in 1939 before the House Committee on Un-American Activities. (HUAC was originally formed in part to address concerns about the Bund, as well as other Fascist and Communist organizations in the U.S.) Its leader was ultimately charged with embezzlement, and the group’s assets were seized; some of its leaders and members deported. As the Bund’s troubles multiplied and membership dwindled, the camps closed.

But many of the camps’ archives survived, as did, presumably, children’s recollections of their time spent there and the messages that accompanied it. “It was an experience, a trip, that will remain in our memories forever,” Adirondacks camp director Gregor wrote in Junges Volk.

Four young boys peek out of their tent at the Deutschhorst Country Club, a recreational Bund site outside of Sellersville, Pennsylvania. July 26, 1937, Historical Society of Pennsylvania.

“The German Youth Association will be opening a camp this summer… I’m looking forward to what we’re going to do. We’ll go swimming, play soccer, do gymnastics, go on rides, tell stories, go for walks, do outdoor activities and play lots and lots of games. And now the best part: get up at 6:30 a.m. tomorrow morning and bathe in ice-cold water.” - Edgar, 11, camper in Jungsturm

Bund youth raise a flag at half mast in tribute to Nazi Germany’s late President Hindenburg in Griggstown, New Jersey, August 1934. Getty Images.

“The bugle wakes you up for morning exercise, washing and raising the flag. After the stars and stripes and the camp flag have been hoisted, the pennants are put in their places, the daily motto is announced and a new camp day begins, filled with work and pleasure until curfew.” - Anita, 14, camper, in Junges Volk

The cover page of the inaugural issue of the Bund youth newsletter, first called Jungsturm. Image courtesy Leo Baeck Institute.

Bund youth group boys parade at Camp Siegfried, the largest Bund camp located in Yaphank, Long Island, in 1936. Alamy.

Female members of the Bund youth march at Camp Siegfried. The lightning bolt, or “sieg” rune, was the emblem of the Hitler Youth, and was meant to symbolize victory. 1936, Alamy.

“Just watch those long columns march past, their gaily colored flags flying in the breeze, their strong, tanned legs keeping time to the roll of the long drums, and you shall realize the value of the camp: training ground for the generation of tomorrow. This new generation used to the rigors of camp-life with its long marches, its lonely sentinel duty, its life in the open by rain and storm and hot, burning sun, will be fit to carry on the resurrection of the German in America.” - Paul M. Ochojski, Junges Volk columnist

The summer 1937 issue of the Bund youth magazine featured a gallery of images from its various camp sites—”unsere Jugendlager”—across the country. Image courtesy Leo Baeck Institute.

“We stayed at this fabulous lake for another week and a half, shot wild game and climbed the highest mountains, before it was time to go home. It was an experience, a trip, that will remain in our memories forever. Our youth group has been going to this wonderful mountain range for four years now to set up a summer camp there.” - Gregor, camper, in Jungsturm

Bund youth movement children give a Nazi salute onstage during a German Day celebration in honor of the first German settlers in America. October 5, 1936. Anthony Potter Collection/Getty images.

“We look with heartfelt reverence and sincere trust to the great leader of our old homeland, with the wish that God bless his new work—we are aware of our responsibility as German-American youth and will do our part to ensure that the new spirit of our times will once again become a force for the renewed health of our people. Rise up!” - Erna, camper, in Jungsturm

“This is our main goal, to create a large community of American-German youth, where all boys and girls who are of German blood pass through our youth movement. We want to ensure that the German race of the American people will be healthier and stronger, and from which the leaders of the nation will emerge.” - Junges Volk editorial, summer 1937

This image was part of Bund records seized by the Department of Treasury in 1942 in its investigation of the group’s finances. National Archives and Records Administration.

#NOVA | PBS #Nazi Summer Camp 🏕️ ⛺️#Miscellaneous Photos | Scenes #Kirstin Butler #Nazi Town USA 🇺🇸 | Article #American Experience

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alecbicheno · 4 months

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Critical analysis

Court, J. (2021). Transnational Politics in Video Games: The Case of German Military Intervention in “Spec Ops: The Line.” German Politics and Society, 39, 112+. https://link-gale-com.ezproxy.herts.ac.uk/apps/doc/A688765422/AONE?u=uniherts&sid=summon&xid=91514d0e

The text I have chosen for my critical analysis is this journal written by Justin Court. He is a lecturer of German at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and has an interest in the crossover between, violence, politics, visual media, and memory. He is credited with publishing some other articles on photography and the world wars, with his current research being focused on the depiction of both historical and modern Germany in videogames.

It is part of the journal article “German Politics and Society,” which is a peer-reviewed academic journal which focuses on providing insights related to contemporary German affairs. There are four issues per volume, with each issue including contributions by renowned scholars. It covers a broad range of social, political, and cultural topics and explores issues about Germany and the relationship it has with the international community. It is a publication which contains works from multiple disciplines and serves as a platform for scholars and researchers to contribute to the understanding of Germany’s political and societal landscape.

In Court’s article, he explores the relationship between videogames and transnational politics using the game Spec Ops: The Line (2012) as a case study. The analysis talks about how the game challenges traditional first-person shooter genre expectations and its implications for the gaming medium.

I chose this text because it is relevant to my field. This is because it covers the particularly important topic of ethics within the gaming industry, providing a broader perspective of the impact video games have in society. So, as an aspiring 3D artist it is important for me to understand the impact my work can have, ensuring I take into consideration the narrative, visual, and ethical aspects of game design, ensuring a more informed creative process. Of this text, I will be analysing pages 119- 120 as they cover some of the more serious aspects of the game and have a large relation to the topics that are relevant to my field.

Court begins by placing a strong emphasis on the way Spec Ops: The Line (2012) deviates from the traditional expectations of the first-person shooter genre, particularly through moments such as the white phosphorus scene. The quote from critic Tom Bissell emphasizes the inherently political nature of shooting games. Bissell’s assertation centres on the idea that videogames often portray violent force as an acceptable catalyst for change. This article argues that Spec Ops: The Line (2012) distinguishes itself by actively challenging and refuting this violent perspective seen across FPS games, getting significant critical attention for its distinctive and innovative narrative.

The analysis outlines the contrasting aspects of violence in Spec Ops: The Line (2012). On one had there are classic FPS elements that are embraced within it, such as the games protagonist, Walker, being portrayed as a typical macho FPS character who believes in violence as a catalyst for change. The game’s mechanics, achievements and multiplayer mode are also in line with the standard presentation of shooting as entertainment. On the other hand, the article argues that many of the FPS elements within the game actively oppose the glorification of violence. There are key moments such as the white phosphorus scene, and Walker’s gradual decline and internal conflict over the morality of the events presented in the game. These play a crucial role in challenging the idea that meaningful outcomes can be attained through violence, and the casualties that occur during the journey, including Walker’s subordinates, highlight the moral repercussions of pushing forward of all costs.

The analysis explores the visual design and procedural rhetoric in Spec Ops: The Line (2012). The game being from a third-person shooter perspective is considered to be a strategic choice to show the horror experienced by Walker and his team through changes in their physical appearance. The gradual physical deterioration of the characters paired with the graphic violence within the game environment, contributes to the way the game confronts players with violence. There are also instances of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) being highlighted, with hallucinations present that affect Walker, but also affect the player. The analysis suggests that these elements create a unique cinematic quality, which intensifies the players engagement in the game’s exploration with themes.

The discussion expands to the concept of procedural rhetoric, emphasizing how traversing in-game environments, whether real or hallucinated, forces players to assume the logic of pressing forward on the designated path. There are a couple of scripted situations in which players must make moral choices for Walker. These decisions go beyond simple gameplay mechanics, they serve as points which challenge players to confront the consequences of their actions, which contributes to the game’s exploration of violence and morality. The example of deciding the fate of the CIA agent that deceived Walker’s team further highlights the harshness, brutality, and ultimate meaninglessness to the fictional conflict.

In summary, Court’s in-depth analysis of Spec Ops: The Line (2012) is interesting as it provides an in-depth examination of how the game’s nuanced approach defies the expectations of the first-person shooter genre, by both embracing and rebuking violence at the same time. The exploration of the visual design, procedural rhetoric, and the ethical and moral dilemmas add layers to the game’s complexity, both narratively and thematically. It stands as a notable example within the videogame landscape as a game that goes beyond the entertainment aspect and prompts players to engage with the themes of morality, the consequences of violence, and to also engage with transnational politics.

Bibliography

Anon., 2021. berghahnjournals. [Online] Available at: https://www.berghahnjournals.com/view/journals/gps/39/4/gps390407.xml?ArticleBodyColorStyles=contributornotes-4277 [Accessed 3 January 2024].

YAGER DEVELOPMENT. (2012) Spec Ops: The Line. [DISC] Xbox 360. Novato: 2K

#Sources and Significance

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oldmke · 7 months

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During World War II, a shipyard sprang up overnight in Milwaukee along the banks of the Kinnickinnic River. Local builder Ben Froemming, despite a lack of any shipbuilding experience, won a contract from the government in December 1941 to build four seagoing tugs at a cost of $1.2 million each. Before the war was over, the Froemming Brothers Shipyard, located at 1901 S. 1st St., built 26 ships at a rate of almost one a month. Here people gathered to see the Claiborne launched on Sept. 23, 1944. At the peak of its activity, the yard employed 2,400 people who worked around the clock. Froemming's untimely death in 1945 cut short plans to convert the yard to peacetime construction. In his memory, the last ship, built in October 1945, was christened the Ben Froemming.

#milwaukee #wisconsin

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jonfarreporter · 9 months

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A little-known woman photojournalist is highlighted in a new biography

Cultural critic and historian Lorissa Rinehart read from her new book “First To The Front The Untold Story of Dickey Chapelle, Trailblazing Female War Correspondent” at Readers’ Books on July 20.

As people celebrate independence on the 4th of July and remember those fallen soldiers in battle at the start of summer on Memorial Day, it seems fitting that Rinehart’s biography of a little-known war correspondent pioneer would debut as most of people’s attention is on vacation.

Rinehart told those gathered at Readers’ Books that Thursday evening that Chapelle treasured the freedoms that America had and what those American freedoms represented. This is one of the reasons why Chapelle continued her work in covering war stories about the struggle for freedom.

Chapelle was a unique woman in extraordinary times of a world at war.

There have been other biographies written about Chapelle; such as the one by Roberta Ostroff back in 1992.

Yet as Rinehart explained. “I was fortunate to be able to dive deeper into Chapelle’s archives as well as uncover newly declassified information including Special Forces activities in South East Asia and documentation detailing the Gulf of Tonkin Incident.”

Chapelle was not the typical girl of the Great Depression/World War II Era. She was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin as Georgette Louise Meyer in 1918, and by age 16, instead of going to the high school prom or having a sweet sixteen party she was attending Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) studying aeronautical design.

Her studies were part of an attempt to learn how to fly an airplane not simply work to design one. Her interest in flying got her an assignment writing about an air show in Havana, Cuba. While there disaster struck the air show and her coverage of it got published in the New York Times.

This then got her a job at the TWA publicity bureau in NYC.

While working at TWA she met Tony Chappelle. At age 21 in 1940 she married Tony. He helped her with photography lessons. As her confidence grew, Chapelle put together a portfolio of work and approached Look Magazine.

Part of that determination was the influence of Tony as Rinehart describes him in the book as someone with lots of charisma and charm. It was Tony that not only pushed her to do more but insisted she utilize her feminine attributes, by ditching the dowdy eye glasses for more stylish ones; and to wear more attractive attire.

This eventually lead to Chapelle donning a pair of pearl earrings and harlequin-framed-cat eye-shaped eyeglasses as her signature “uniform” of sorts even when dressed in fatigues while out in a combat zone.

Her unconventional ways made Chapelle definitely unique for her times. Still, she reflected some of the cultural thoughts and beliefs of that era. As Rinehart writes, “she thought she hit the lottery …” when Tony (who was older) proposed.

Women of the Great Depression/WWII era were expected to marry, have children and be devoted to husband and family. As Chapelle got more assignments and better pay, Tony became jealous.

He wanted her to do well but not better than him. As Rinehart noted, “he did not want her to be his equal.”

Sadly Chapelle endured Tony’s berating criticism, which at times became verbal abuse.

And, characteristically of the era, Chappelle believed it was partly her fault. After 15 years of marriage, eventually, Chappelle and Tony divorced.

Tony would try to coax her to return home, especially as WWII began and then raged on. Yet unlike many women of her generation, she instinctively knew she had a job to do and would not let guilt or homesickness deter her.

Rinehart mentioned to the gathering of about a dozen people at Readers’ that evening that WWII was a turning point for Chappelle.

“She got closer to the combat zones by talking her way onto hospital ships and getting assigned to nursing stations. “That was the only way a woman could be allowed to be sent in or near a war zone.”

There had been women journalists covering WWII such as Marguerite Higgins Hall, Martha Gellhorn & Marjory Collins to name a few. Yet, Chappell was fearless as she didn’t stay within the bounds of hospital ships and medic units. She learned to jump with paratroopers and marched with troops into the field.

WWII was a much different war than Vietnam, especially as Vietnam was a conflict mission and not an officially declared war.

Even so, as Rinehart explained, Dickey believed in the importance of freedom. And in the early years of the Vietnam conflict, it was seen as a fight against communism.

One of the lowest points in her life (before she went off to Vietnam) was when Chapelle was captured and imprisoned for seven weeks while covering the Hungarian Revolution of 1956. Threatened with torture and death, Chapelle endured. Upon her release her pearl earrings were given back to her.

More than an expression of femininity… “I think those pearl earrings symbolized freedom and how precious it is.”

Chapelle was among the first women to cover war news stories if not the first.

Yet after more than 20 years covering daring news stories, Chapelle was the first woman war correspondent killed while on assignment for a story.

Chapelle was killed in Vietnam on November 4, 1965 while on patrol with a Marine platoon.

To learn more about Dickey Chapelle and to purchase Lorissa Rinehart’s book, visit Readers’ Books website or call 707- 939-1779

#Dickey Chapelle #Lorissa Rinehart #vietnam #WWII #photojournalist

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bornredheadedme-blog · 1 year

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Memories

After 72 years, there are bound to be lots of memories, good and bad, that float around my feeble brain. Like the time Gary O and I bought our first house. We were happy renting, but my MIL (Gert) had other ideas. When her husband Gordon died suddenly, she was given the proceeds from his life insurance, $30,000, which seemed like a lot.

Gert decided to give us the money for the down payment, and when we resisted, she cried that she wanted to see her grandchildren grow up in their own house with a yard. She expressed dislike for the friends by whom we were surrounded, including my best friend. So, began the tug of war over my family. She loved her son, and his children, but I was the necessary evil she had to suffer in order to have what she loved.

She packed up and moved to Milwaukee to take an apartment above her brother and his wife. She loved the view of Lake Michigan out her front windows, and the fact that she and her daughter, Gwen had easy access to the annual Frolics. Then, she was in a car accident, and injured her neck. Back then, she had few options, all of which included surgery. She had a cervical spinal fusion, which required that a part of her pelvic bone to be used.

Being a brittle diabetic, my MIL had some health issues that her doctors didn't take into consideration. Like the fact that her body didn't heal the same way a non-diabetic did. Somehow, the wound on her hip became infected. Her complaints of pain were initially ignored until she was writhing. Finally, they opened up the wound and discovered an enormous pocket of infection that now involved several nerves, including her sciatic nerve.

They cleaned it out and put a drain in (I've seen the vet do this) and eventually it healed, but the pain of the damaged nerves never stopped. She suffered for several years trying various treatments, including alcohol at the suggestion of one of her doctors. Eventually, she simply resigned herself to living out her remaining years in severe pain.

The memory of her end of life saga reminded me that we must be cognizant of our own karmic energy. During the first 14 years of our marriage, she made my life a living hell. I had never met anyone who didn't like me on sight until her. When Gary O and I fell in love, she made an effort to convince Gary that I was not good enough for him. Maybe I wasn't, but we were together for 47 years in total so I think she missed the mark.

Three weeks prior to her death, she and I had a heart to heart talk while my children played at the table, and she apologized for being so difficult throughout my marriage. "I could have been nicer," nearly made my jaw hit the floor. I left there that day thinking we might have a chance at a relationship after all. Then she died. So, now I had something else I couldn't forgive her for. Teasing me with the possibility of a friendship with the one person whose approval I craved and then BAM! Gone.

The lesson I took from this is that either she anticipated her imminent death (suicide?) and was assuring her entry to heaven, or karma didn't care that she had become human after all and took care of her retribution. I am a firm believer that we are entitled not only to decide how to live our lives, but also how we choose to transition out. As a therapist, I must be convinced that an individual is making an informed choice, but they are entitled to that choice.

If she did take her own life, she had the means with all of the pain medication she was prescribed. I have to wonder if she finally realized that nothing would change since her doctors were ineffective. First causing the damage and then being unable to help her with that damage, they themselves would have to deal with their own karmic response.

I'm left with my own musings on this since there is only one person left who might shed some light on the subject, but her guilt at not being a good enough daughter would push her over the edge, I'm sure. Gwen is a sweet, very giving woman who has spent her life giving to others, often ignoring her own needs in the process. She expressed such grief at the loss of her mother, especially since Gwen left for work in the morning without checking on Mom. My heart breaks for the sadness Gwen has felt since.

My memories of my husband's family are tinted by my own poor self image and I sometimes wish we could have a do-over, but it's unlikely that I will get the opportunity in this lifetime. I'm much better at setting boundaries but that doesn't help now that everyone is dead.

I'll just have to live with these memories, and hope that in my next life, I'll do better by them.

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