Camp Roberts Reveille

CALIFORNIA STATE MILITARY RESERVE

CALIFORNIA MILITARY HERITAGE COMMAND
MUSEUM SUPPORT UNIT-CENTRAL CALIFORNIA
CAMP ROBERTS, CALIFORNIA

20 February 2017 Winter Issue

Welcome to the Winter

Newsletter of the Museum
Support Unit-Central
California at Camp Roberts.

In this Issue:

Commanders Corner

Our Grand Ole Flag

International Display

This Month In History

On the Funny Side

And Much More!

We hope you enjoy this

edition of the Camp Roberts
Reveille!

--CW4 (CA) Henry Leon

Commanding

California Military Heritage

Command

Museum Support Unit-

Central California
ON THE COVER:
Top: Soldiers from the
Central Command were
awarded the California
Commendation Medal for
their service during
Operation Artifact.
Photo: SGM (CA) Carlos Gama
Bottom: The new WWII
Japanese exhibit at the
Camp Roberts Museum.
The two guns were recently
loaned to the museum
Photo: SSG (CA) Jason Orton
Camp Roberts Reveille
Winter 2017 Issue
Publisher:
Museum Support Unit-
Central California
Editor:
SSG (CA) Jason Orton
Contributors:
CW4 (CA) Henry Leon
SGT (CA) Terrence Rogan
SPC (CA) Katrina Sheen
SPC (CA) Patrick Sheen
PFC (CA) Coy Briscoe
Editing and Proofreading:
SGM (CA) Carlos Gama
All Rights Reserved.
Material herein may not be
reprinted without express
written consent of the
publisher.
For mail correspondence:
1895 Ironwood Drive
Santa Maria, CA 93455
Commanders Corner
The new year is upon us and it is not surprising that
Mother Nature is unleasing her fury on California,
once again. A few months ago, the California
National Guard, with the support of the California
State Military Reserve (CSMR), was fighting wildfires
in the parched state. These fires were the result of
many long years of drought that made conditions
perfect for a simple spark to turn into a nightmare of
flame. Only a few months into the new year and the
drought has been completely forgotten as nearly
200,000 people were evacuated because of a dam
possibly losing integrity from heavy rains. Again, the California National
Guard and the CSMR were there to help.
Each member of the CSMR trains for two missions. The one mission is our
regular duties which for soldiers in the California Military Heritage Command
is Californias military history and artifacts. There is also another mission we
must be ready for, when California is suffering and requires us to step into our
role as soldiers to help protect the citizens of our state from whatever danger
threatens harm to life and property. We must be ready at all times for that
mission as well. Each soldier and unit must be prepared for that call so they
can best serve the people in harms way that need our assistance.
Midway last year, soldiers of our unit were called to State Active Duty to help
inventory and photograph Californias vast collection of historic military
artifacts. In December, those soldiers were honored for their service with the
California Commendation Medal. Our soldiers do not serve for medals but it is
nice to be recognized for the service each gave. Each soldier serves because of
the love they have for the state and nation.
While a medal is nice, the greatest thank you comes from the words of those
they serve, the warm smiles of the public who come to see the states historic
artifacts in the Camp Roberts Museum, and from the handshakes of Veterans
who lived the stories we are privileged to tell as part of our jobs as historians
for the California Military Department.
SSG (CA) JASON ORTON
For CW4 Henry Leon who presently is on another mission
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Our Grand Ole Flag
SGT (CA) Terrence Rogan

One of the interesting exhibits at the Camp Roberts

Museum is the large garrison flag from the posts
wartime past. I pass by this flag every month along as
do many other museum visitors. It was not until
recently that I stopped to admire this flag and
contemplate all the history it has seen.

A description above the flag case reads, A garrison

flag is a huge flag that is flown on military
installations on special days. It measures 20 by 30
feet. This 48-star version was flown atop Camp
Roberts Headquarters Hill for national holidays and
special occasions throughout World War II and the
Korean War. It is a 48-star flag, the design of which
had been adopted on July 4, 1912, with the addition of
New Mexico and Arizona as states. The Executive
Order signed by President Taft established the
arrangement of the stars in six horizontal rows of
eight each. This flag design was official for 47
yearslonger than any other design. The 48-star flag
was used throughout World Wars I and II and the
emergence of the United States of America as a world
power. Eight U.S. presidents served under this flag,
from Taft to Dwight D. Eisenhower. After many The 48 star Camp Roberts Garrison Flag that flew
years of use, the garrison flag displayed here was over the post during WWII and the Korean War. The
stored and then finally handed over to the Camp history of the flag has special meaning to military
veterans. Photo: SGT (CA) Terrence Rogan.
Roberts Historical Museum for safe keeping and
exhibition.

Seeing the old garrison flag carefully displayed in a place of honor brings to mind thoughts about the
history of the flag. The flag is closely linked with the National Anthem even though the flags origins
begin during the American Revolution and the poem by Francis Scott Key was not penned until the War of
1812. The symbol and anthem have become key symbols of the culture of the nation.

What do our colors mean to you? In military service, a national flag carried by unmounted units is called
a color. The expression the colors is used generally in referring to the flag. On June 14, 1777, the
Second Continental Congress adopted a resolution that read the following: Resolved, that the flag of the
United States be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue
field representing a new constellation. But what is the significance of the colors that were chosen?

The three colors did not have any official meaning when the flag was adopted in 1777. The colors and their
significance trace back to the birth of our country, and had very specific meanings in the creation of the
Great Seal. The Seal was to reflect the Founding Fathers beliefs and values, as well as the sovereignty of
our new nation. Red, white, and blue were chosen, and the Great Seal was officially adopted on June 20,
1782. The Continental Congress explained that white signifies purity and innocence, red, hardiness and
valor, and blue signifies vigilance, perseverance, and justice. Over the years, people have altered the
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original interpretation. Now, most believe the red represents the blood spilled by the patriots and those
who have fought to protect our country.

President Ronald Reagan proclaimed 1986 as the Year of the Flag. He said the colors of our flag signify
the qualities of the human spirit we Americans cherish. President Reagan stated: Red for courage and
readiness to sacrifice; white for pure intentions and high ideals; blue for vigilance and justice. Many
Americans today may not be aware of the specific symbolism behind the flags red, white, and blue other
than the colors evoke patriotism and pride. To most veterans that I have spoken with, the flag represents
the reasons we served.

Our flag has been thrust into the news recently because
several professional football players have refused to
stand for the National Anthem, which is seen by some
as disrespecting our flag. Colin Kaepernick, of the San
Francisco 49ers, has refused to stand for the national
anthem to protest what he feels are wrongdoings
against African Americans. In a statement to the
media he said, I am not going to stand up to show
pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black
people and people of color. Other professional
athletes have followed his example but most still honor
the flag and the national anthem at sporting events.

According to Title 36 (section 171) of the United

States Code: During rendition of the national anthem
when the flag is displayed, all present except those in
(military) uniform should stand at attention facing the
flag with the right hand over the heart. Men not in
uniform should remove their headdress with their right
hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being
over the heart. Persons in uniform should render the
military salute at the first note of the anthem and retain
this position until the last note. When the flag is not
displayed, those present should face towards the music
and act in the same manner they would if the flag were
Navy service members present the colors during a displayed there.
recent change of command ceremony at Camp
The word should in the first sentence does not mean
Pendleton. While the uniforms may be different, the
flag unites all service members together under onemust or shall. Section 171 does not specify or impose
nation. Photo: SGT (CA) Terrence Rogan. penalties for violating the section of the code. The
Flag Code serves as a guide, and is followed on a
voluntary basis. You will never be forced to stand for the National Anthem or hauled off to jail if you do
not. Some Americans have deeply held religious beliefs that prohibit rendering honors to the flag or saying
the Pledge of Allegiance.

The flag should represent much more than our current state of affairs as a country, or politics. It should
stand for everything we are as a nation past, present, and future. This was emphasized to me recently at the
Wall of Honor, Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton. My fianc, former Hospital Corpsman Second Class,
Christi Ward, United States Navy (USN) was asked to sing the national anthem at the change of command
ceremony for her former Commander. Captain Elaine Walker, Nurse Corps, USN turned over command of
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the Expeditionary Medical Facility (EMF), Camp Pendleton, to Captain Eric Peterson during the
ceremony. Captain Walker was leaving EMF Camp Pendleton for the Operational Health Support Unit,
San Diego. The ceremony I witnessed demonstrated the rich heritage of naval tradition.

Custom has been established that these ceremonies be formal and impressive designed to strengthen the
respect for authority vital to any military unit. Most of the ceremony was foreign to me because my
experience with drill and ceremony was as a soldier in the U.S. Army. As I sat and watched the side boys
take their positions, the honors boatswain practice the pipes, and the color guard rehearse their movements,
something occurred to me. The one unifying factor in all the branches of military service is the flag. We
all may serve in different branches but, we all serve under one flag. It is no different in the civilian
world. Everyone perceives the purpose and meaning of our flag in different ways because it has influenced
each differently, or not at all.

For most veterans that I have talked with,

the flag elicits a feeling of pride and
patriotism. Ms. Ward told me that being
invited to sing the national anthem is an
honor. She sings the national anthem
with a lot of emotion which made me ask
what she thinks about while she
sings. She explained that she thinks about
the history taking place when the song
was written. She pictures the British
attack on Fort McHenry during the War of
1812 and how Americans persevered and
continue to persevere today. Her mind
focuses on what our flag stands for and
how it has flown proudly for over 200
years.
Navy personnel render the hand salute during the singing of the
National Anthem by Christi Ward. The former Navy Corpsman has As I stand and listen to the words of the
performed the song on several occasions. National Anthem, I too think back about
Photo: SGT (CA) Terrence Rogan. the history of our flag because it tells the
story of America. It has been with us in
times of sorrow, in times of war, as well as in times of our nations greatest joys and triumphs. I think
about all the service men and women who have stood and saluted the same flag. It does not matter where
you are or what conflict you served in, we are all standing under the same flag for the same reasons. We
have each made sacrifices for this flag and what it represents. It is more than a piece of cloth to us and
deserves our respect.

An end to our service obligation does not mean an end to our pride and patriotism. We can still show
respect to the flag in the ways we are accustomed to. The National Defense Authorization Act of 2008
contained an amendment to allow service members not in uniform, retirees, and veterans to render a hand
salute during the hoisting, lowering, or passing of the U.S. flag. A later amendment further authorized
hand salutes during the national anthem by veterans and out of uniform personnel.

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New Exhibit Honors Allies From Operation Freedoms Sentinel
SSG (CA) Jason Orton

One of the newest exhibits at the Camp Roberts museum showcases the uniforms of foreign nations that
were allied with the United States during Operation Freedoms Sentinel. The uniforms were collected and
provided to the museum by Colonel Loren Weeks, USA, Retired. The Colonel spent a considerable amount of
time and effort gathering the examples on display. Operation Freedoms Sentinel was the mission that took
over at the conclusion of Operation Enduring Freedom for United States Forces. While both actions were
part of the overall Global War on
Terrorism, the change in operation names
on January 1, 2015, signified a shift in
policy and tactics from active combat
missions to Training, Advising, and
Assisting (TAA) the forces of
Afghanistan. The new mission for our
service members ran in coordination with
North Atlantic Treaty Organizations
(NATO) Resolute Support mission. Forty
one nations started their service during the
beginning of the new NATO mission and
worked alongside service members from
the United States in counter terrorism,
support, and training capacities.
The U.S. has a history of partnering with
other nations in military operations from
Some of the uniforms from allied nations in Operation Freedoms the very beginning of the founding of the
Sentinel. The museums latest exhibit showcases a variety of nation. The American Revolution had
camouflage patterns and uniform designs from foreign nations that
French land and sea forces supporting the
have served alongside the United States in Afghanistan.
Photo: SSG (CA) Jason Orton colonists in their struggle for
independence. WWI, WWII, Korea,
Vietnam, as well the Gulf War and Kosovo were also examples of allied nations coming together with
forces from the United States.

The International Security Assistance Force that conducted operations in Afghanistan was primarily made
up of NATO members but, of the 48 nations that contributed, 21 were non NATO partners. The large
number of forces from other countries allowed U.S. service members to work alongside their allies and
build relationships. The new exhibit at the museum highlights some of the allies involved in the operation.

The museum staff has carefully placed the uniforms on mannequins to enable the public to better
understand the various examples on display. Some of the uniforms on display include various styles from
Denmark, Australia, Ukraine, Albania, Turkey, Spain, Romania, Germany, Czech Republic, Poland, and
Croatia. The different camouflage patterns and uniform designs are interesting and offer a different
glimpse into the war than normally seen in a U.S. military museum.

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Newsletter Odd and Ends
Unit Soldiers Honored with California Commendation Medals For Service In
Operation Artifact
On December 3, 2016, soldiers from the California
Military Heritage Commands Museum Support
Unit-Central California were presented with the
California Commendation Medal for their work
during Operation Artifact. The soldiers from the unit
were called to State Active Duty during May and
June of 2016 to participate in a statewide inventory
of the historic military artifacts in armories and on
state controlled military posts.

Unit soldiers examined, identified, photographed,

and logged thousands of artifacts over several days.
Many of the artifacts have not been on display for
viewing by the public for many years. Unit soldiers Unit soldiers received the California Commendation
honored with the medal included SSG Jason Orton, Medal for their work during Operation Artifact. The medal
SPC Patrick Sheen, and SPC Katrina Sheen. SGM was originally designed by a California National Guard
Carlos Gama from the CSMR band also had officer and approved by the state legislature in 1950.
Photo: CW4 (CA) Henry Leon
participated in the mission and received the award.
SGT Terrence Rogan was not in attendance that day and received his award in January of 2017.

The California Commendation Medal is awarded for meritorious service or meritorious achievement. The
award is metal octagon stamped with mountains and pine trees suspended from a ribbon. The medal in
inscribed with the words, Bring Me Men To Match My Mountains. According to Captain George J. Albert
who wrote an article available through the California State Military Museums website, the award was originally
designed by LTC Howard W. Jesperson of the California National Guard. The award was authorized by the
California State Legislature on October 13, 1950. The medal is the 5th in the order of precedence behind the
California Medal of Merit and above the California Good Conduct Medal. Of interest, some of the early medal
were struck incorrectly leaving out the space between Me and Men in the inscription leaving MeMen, a
humorous way to read the inscription. Some of the various examples can be found for sale online.

Museum Support Unit-Central California Drill Schedule

4 March 2017
8 April 2017
6 May 2017
3 June 2017

*California State Military Reserve soldiers wishing to perform a Substitute Unit Training Assembly with the Museum
Support Unit-Central California should contact CW4 (CA) Henry Leon in advance at: hhc20th@msn.com. Dates are
subject to change. All unit members will be notified of any changes as they occur. First formation time is 0800 hours

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Unit Soldiers Receive Training On Wear and Appearance of the Army Service
Uniform
The December 2016 drill for the Museum Support Unit,
Central California took place at Camp San Luis Obispo.
As part of the monthly training, SGM Carlos Gama and
SSG Jason Orton trained the unit members on the
proper wear and appearance of the Army Service
Uniform.

The current Army Service Uniform presents some

significant differences from the old green uniform of
the past. Many unit soldiers have few opportunities to
wear the new uniform and the class was intended to
help them in setting up the uniform in compliance with
the regulations.
SSG Orton (left) and SGM Carlos Gama (right)
The two Non-Commissioned Officers were able to also instructed unit soldiers about the proper wear and
share some of the tips and tricks they have learned for appearance of the Army Service Uniform. The two
the correct positioning of the uniform pieces such as the NCOs provided information and examples of how to
position uniform items. Photo: CW4 (CA) Henry Leon
collar discs, badges, name plate, and ribbon rack. Both
presenters were also able to share some of the changes
that have been made to the uniform over time as well as differences they may see in the dress uniforms of other
branches of service. It was an excellent presentation with ample opportunty for all to ask questions and clarify
different points.

New Exhibit at Camp Roberts

U.S. soldiers that trained at Camp Roberts during WWII
served both in the European and Pacific Theaters. The
museum recently added a new exhibit specifically
addressing the Pacific theater of operations with the
addition of a Japanese soldier in uniform and two guns.

The Type 94 37 MM Anti Tank Gun and the Type 41

75 MM Mountain Gun were both recently brought from
a storage warehouse at Camp San Luis Obispo and are
currently on loan to the museum.

Also in the exhibit are two Japanese Good Luck Flags.

Good Luck Flags were given to soldiers before leaving
home. They were signed by friends and family along
with short messages wishing the soldier good luck.
Many of these flags were brought back by U.S. service
members after the war. Many are displayed in
museums and private collections today.
The new museum exhibit showcasing the Japanese in
WWII. The Japanese Type 94, 37 MM Anti Tank Gun
and the Type 41, 75 MM Mountain Gun are on display
for the public for first time after having been in storage
at Camp San Luis Obispo for many years.
Photo: CW4 (CA) Henry Leon

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This Time In History
Researched and Compiled by SGT (CA) Terrence Rogan

February 6, 1911 - Ronald Reagan, (1911-2004) the 40th U.S. President, was born in Tampico, Illinois.
Reagan spent 30 years as an entertainer in radio, film, and television before becoming governor of California in
1966. Elected to the White House in 1980, he survived
an assassination attempt and became the most popular
president since Franklin Roosevelt. Reagan served as
an officer in the Army during WWII in the 1st Motion
Picture Unit and the 18th Army Air Forces Base Unit.

February 8, 1910 - The Boy Scouts of America was

founded by William Boyce in Washington, D.C.,
modeled after the British Boy Scouts. According to
U.S. Code Title 10, the Boy Scouts are one of the only
organizations authorized to wear a U.S. Military
uniform. The uniform during the early days of the
organization was nearly identical to that worn by the
U.S. Army. Today, only those participating in the Sea
Scouts utilize this exception in the rules with the wear
Exhibit at the Camp Roberts Museum recognizing the of the U.S. Navy uniform with scout buttons and
long history of the Boy Scouts on the post. The Boy insignia.
Scouts of America was formed on February 8, 1910
and it is one of the few organizations authorized to
February 9, 1943 - During World War II in the
wear U.S. Military Uniforms. Photo: SSG (CA) Jason Orton
Pacific, U.S. troops captured Guadalcanal in the
Solomon Islands after six months of fierce fighting,
with 9,000 Japanese and 2,000 Americans killed. Guadalcanal was the United States first major offensive in
the Pacific. The air field on the island was critical for operations against critical wartime shipping.

February 10, 1942 - The first Medal of Honor during World War II was awarded to 2nd Lt. Alexander
Nininger (posthumously) for heroism during the Battle of Bataan. He was a 1941 graduate of the United States
Military Academy. During the Japanese invasion, he led an assault on a Japanese position. He is buried in a
church cemetery on the island of Bataan where he gave his life.

February 23, 1942 - During World War II, the first attack on the U.S. mainland occurred as a Japanese
submarine shelled an oil refinery near Santa Barbara, California, causing minor damage. While physical
damage was minor to the refinery, it stoked fears among the public of an impending invasion. Commander
Nishino Kozo was the skipper of the Japanese submarine I-17.

The Submarine Commander was aware of the refinerys location from a previous visit to the California Coast
before the war when he had served as the Captain of an oil tanker. Five days after shelling the refinery, the
submarine torpedoed an oil tanker, the Emidio, off of Cape Mendocino. The tanker was empty at the time and
was returning to San Francisco from Seattle. A PBY flying boat chased off the submarine with depth charges
and the damaged ship was eventually run aground near Crescent City, CA. Thirty one survivors were rescued
by the Coast Guard Cutter Shawnee.

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I love Valentines Day! Maybe its from a I think I forgot to put
The Colors! The Oh! This one doesnt secret admirer?!?! my name on those
Candy! The Cards! have a name! cardsOh well.

Hey Lilly, what do

you want to be
when you grow up?

Uh you mean like

someone who
speaks in public???

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Acknowledgements and Notes:
The California State Military Reserve with the California Military Heritage Command and the Museum Support Unit-Central
California at Camp Roberts, owe thanks to many people for this newsletter. First, our thanks to Brigadier General (CA) Frank D.
Emanuel, Commander of the CSMR and to Colonel (CA) John Goodnight, Commander of the CMHC.

Our thanks and appreciation for their support on Post:

Gary McMaster (SFC, USA, Ret.), Chairman of the Post Museum
Dirk Hale (SFC, USA, Ret.), First Vice Chairman and Treasurer
Tom Taylor, Second Vice Chairman
Don Avery, Secretary
Jan Grocott, Book keeper
Douglas Baird (COL, USA, Ret.), Advisor
John Scully (COL, USA, Ret.), Advisor
Loren Weeks, COL, USA
Mark Hale, Construction Volunteer
Ron Hysell, Vehicle Maintenance Volunteer
Tom Irwin, Museum Volunteer
Anne Kemp, Museum Volunteer
Betty Miller, Museum Volunteer

In addition, all those others past, present, and future who have volunteered or financially supported the museum.

To the Camp Roberts Post Management and Leadership, also our gratitude.
COL Nicole M. Balliet, Post Commander
CSM James E. Norris, Post Command Sergeant Major

To the Unit members of the Museum Support Unit-Central California past and present, without which this
newsletter would never have happened:
CW4 Henry L. Leon
SSG Jason Orton
SGT Terrence Rogan
SPC Katrina Sheen
SPC Patrick Sheen
PFC Coy Briscoe
Special thanks to SGM Carlos Gama for his assistance with editing and proofreading.

The Camp Roberts Reveille is dedicated to the memory of SFC Eddie Colis, who served as the First Sergeant of the 213th Military
History Detachment (Deployable). He was called to his final formation on January 29, 2015 after over 20 years of service. He was
the very first NCO to hold the position in the newly created unit and his dedication continues to inspire today. HOOAH!

This issue can also be found online at: https://www.scribd.com/document/340143187/Camp-Roberts-Reveille-Winter-2017

For best viewing, download the document from the website to your computer.

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For any input or comments, contact CW4 Henry L. Leon at hhc20th@msn.com. All messages will be answered. Suggestions or
submissions for future article consideration are welcome. For mail correspondence: 1895 Ironwood Drive, Santa Maria, CA 93455

HENRY L. LEON
CW4 (CA), CSMR
Commanding

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in the articles are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any
agency of the United States Government, the State of California, the National Guard, the California State Military Reserve, the California Military
Heritage Command, the Museum Support Unit-Central California, Camp Roberts, or the Camp Roberts Historical Museum.

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