William A. Richardson National Capitol Region Chapter

22 September 2022

 

In March, we had an excellent presentation given by Mr. Brad Garrett, retired FBI. Brad spoke on DOMESTIC TERRORISM to include:

  • Extremist groups have been part of this country (quick discussion of KKK founding, how it has gone up and down, now other groups have similar views); Timothy McVeigh; Sen Joseph McCarthy; John Birch Society

Current state of right-wing extremist groups and how under President Trump they became empowered, grown in numbers have tremendous influence over a significant part of our population

 

  • Why are people attracted to extremist groups/conspiracy theories; what can be done to reduce this line of thinking.

 

Our guest speaker in April was Christopher M. Smith, foreign service officer at the Department of State, speaking about his recently published book, Ukraine’s Revolt, Russia’s Revenge: an eyewitness account by a U.S. diplomat of Russia’s brazen attempt to undo the democratic revolution in Ukraine. Chris is currently a student at National Defense University’s College of Information and Cyberspace.In

In May, our speakers will be Henry “Rocky” Colavita.  Rocky retired from the Army in 1983, completing 20 years.  He is known for his highly successful ambush tactics as CO, D/2/8 Cav, 1968-69.

Carlos Collat.  Carlos retired from the Army after a 30-year career.  Carlos served in 2/8 Cav – just after Rocky’s time there.  Carlos also was a pilot in the 229th Assault Helo Bn, flying Combat Assaults.

Rocky will be the “main” speaker and focus on highly successful ambush tactics.  Carlos will support Rock’s talk with his own experiences.  Both men are extremely proud to have served in 1st CAV. Both men attended the 2-8 Memorial Service for the 50 anniversary of the crash of a CH-34 on it’s way to take members of the battalion to a well-earned R&R. Many family members were in attendance as well as Chapter members.

Finally, 3 of the chapter attended the CAV Reunion in Dayton, Ohio. This was my first and it was really great. If you haven’t attended a reunion – do it. It is worth every penny. A company 1-5 was well represented with Foggy Day Warriors from A company.

More to report in the next Saber and we plan to get the Chapter back in action in the Fall. If you want more information on the Chapter call me, Gene Russell at 703-220-5322 or email me at enrussell@msn.com.

 

5 May 2022

 

We met in January and wished each other Happy New Year and in Feb we said goodbye to COL Fred Barrett. Below is a picture of Uncle Fred’s Daughters and Son with me and Aunt Gladys.

L to R: me, Kathy Peters (Dallas, TX), ALICE Feeley (Arlington, VA) Aunt Gladys, Gale Barrow (Savannah, GA), Fred lll (Falls Church, VA)

In March, we had an excellent presentation given by Mr. Brad Garrett, retired FBI. Brad spoke on DOMESTIC TERRORISM to include:

  • Extremist groups have been part of this country (quick discussion of KKK founding, how it has gone up and down, now other groups have similar views); Timothy McVeigh; Sen Joseph McCarthy; John Birch Society

Current state of right-wing extremist groups and how under President Trump they became empowered, grown in numbers have tremendous influence over a significant part of our population

 

  • Why are people attracted to extremist groups/conspiracy theories; what can be done to reduce this line of thinking.

 

Our guest speaker in April was Christopher M. Smith, foreign service officer at the Department of State, speaking about his recently published book, Ukraine’s Revolt, Russia’s Revenge: an eyewitness account by a U.S. diplomat of Russia’s brazen attempt to undo the democratic revolution in Ukraine. Chris is currently a student at National Defense University’s College of Information and Cyberspace.In

In May, our speakers will be Henry “Rocky” Colavita.  Rocky retired from the Army in 1983, completing 20 years.  He is known for his highly successful ambush tactics as CO, D/2/8 Cav, 1968-69.

Carlos Collat.  Carlos retired from the Army after a 30 year career.  Carlos served in 2/8 Cav – just after Rocky’s time there.  Carlos also was a pilot in the 229th Assault Helo Bn, flying Combat Assaults.

Rocky will be the “main” speaker and focus on highly successful ambush tactics.  Carlos will support Rock’s talk with his own experiences.  Both men are extremely proud to have served in ICAV

We are, currently, working our schedule for the summer months and will announce it later. If you are interested in joining the Chapter, please feel to contact me, via phone 703-220-5322 or via email, enrussell@msn.com. Also we are doing a live presentation for those who come to the American Legion and doing ZOOM for those staying home. Join us.

 

 

December 2021

The Chapter Zoomed into 2021 and is never looking back.  We are ready to get to the new normal and to resume having breakfast together and enjoying each other’s company.  We met in January and wished each other Happy New Year.  February, we had an excellent presentation given by Mr. Brad Garrett, retired FBI. Brad spoke on Domestic Terrorism to include:  Extremist groups have been part of this country (quick discussion of KKK founding, how it has gone up and down, now other groups have similar views), Timothy McVeigh, Sen Joseph McCarthy, John Birch Society; Current state of right-wing extremist groups and how under President Trump they became empowered, grown in numbers have tremendous influence over a significant part of our population; Why are people attracted to extremist groups/conspiracy theories; what can be done to reduce this line of thinking.

We are, currently, working our schedule for March and April and will announce it later.  If you are interested in joining the Chapter, please feel to contact me, via phone 703-220-5322 or via email, <enrussell@msn.com>.

 

Meets 3rd Saturday of the month January – April and September – October 0900 at the American Legion Post 176, 6520 Amherst Ave., Springfield VA.  Breakfast available prior to start of meeting.  June meeting is at WRAMC and November meeting is at the Association Veterans Day gathering.

For more information e-mail Gene Russell at enrussell@msn.com.