Soldiers of the 137th Infantry,

Well, after three tries and three different vendors, I finally found someone who can make a reasonable facsimile of the 35th Infantry Division shoulder patch. I have purchased 200 reproduction patches and will have them available for sale at the basic training weekend. They are the right size and color to match the originals, only they look a little brighter because they are new. A few trips through the woods and they should be perfect. The best part is the cost - only $1.50 each! So, if you need 35th Infantry Division patches and can't find any more originals, bring a few extra dollars and buy a few of these.

I have also secured a small quantity of the 137th Infantry Regimental crests. Unfortunately, I had to buy them from Vanguard (the company that makes them for the Army), and they were pricey at $5 each. I have about 15 available - first come, first served.

When you check in at the training vent, I will go over your participation log and update your awards, decorations and promotions so that you will be straight for the in-ranks inspection on Sunday morning. Looking forward to seeing you all next Friday.

Valor for Service,

Dave Hruska
Platoon Sergeant

Soldiers of the 137th Infantry,

Things are really looking up for our unit basic training weekend 3-5 March at Camp Clark, MO. The unit leaders have completed the final planning and I will now share the details with you. I am very excited about this event as I feel it will be one of the best events we have ever had. I am also pleased to see that we have 31 people signed up for the weekend, making this the largest turn-out in the history of the unit.

Here is a list of the details in no particular order:

1. Appearance. Before you show up at Camp Clark - GET A HAIRCUT! A good, 1940's military haircut will have a tapered neck, hair well off the collar, and no hair touching the ears. If you have a beard, shave it off. If you have a mustache, trim it so it does not extend past the corners of the mouth. Sideburns should extend no further than 1/3 of the way down your ear. There will be active duty soldiers present at the base the same time we are there, so let's make a good impression.
2. Check-In. The registration station will be set up inside the entrance to the barracks from 1600-1900 hours. When you first arrive, see me or one of the NCO's at the table so we can collect your event fee of $20, give you a quick briefing, and assign you to a room. If you cannot arrive during this time, let me know when you will be arriving so we can make arrangements to take care of you when you do get in.
3. Uniform and Equipment. If you have everything on the unit's mandatory equipment list (Chapter 4 of your unit handbook), you will have everything you need for the weekend. In addition, bring your pack carrier (diaper) and shelter half with pins, poles, and rope. If you are missing something, let me know about it NOW so we can get you whatever it is you need from someone who has an extra. In addition to your wools and field gear, you will need your Class A (dress) uniform. If you don't have one, we will try and get you a jacket and/or tie to complete your uniform. I would ask all of the older members to bring any extra gear and uniform items that you have, especially field jackets, overcoats, and gloves. We have several new guys and will need at least four complete sets of web gear. We will also be critically short on weapons. If you have access to an M1 rifle, carbine, or pistol - please bring it. Again, if you need something for your uniform or equipment, ask early and often.
4. Barracks. We will be staying in a set of barracks on Friday and Saturday night. We will assign rooms based on squad affiliation (see the manning roster attached). The rooms generally have four bunk beds, a couple of shelves, and a few bars for hanging clothes (no footlockers or wall lockers). The beds have a mattress, mattress pad, and a pillow. You will need to bring a set of sheets (preferably plain white, twin-size flat sheets), a pillow case and a blanket. Your squad leader will be more than happy to show you how to make up a military bunk with hospital corners using your two flat sheets and OD blanket. If you don't have these, you can bring a sleeping bag. You will also need to bring your toilet articles (soap, towel, razor, toothbrush, shower shoes, etc.). We have two latrines (those are the bathrooms for you new guys!) and a shower room available in the barracks. There will be a female room (with separate female latrine) and an officer's room at the far end of the barracks, just like the real Army!
5. Ammunition and Ordnance. You will need to bring some blank rounds for the training exercises. I would recommend a minimum of 50 rounds. If you need to buy some, they will be available at check-in for $20 per 100 rounds. We will also conduct a hand grenade assault course, but I will provide the grenades and re-loads, so you do not need to bring your own unless you want to use them to practice. If you have a disposable lighter or a Zippo lighter, please bring it for the grenade course.
6. Meals. We will have a unit mess for the weekend. Your registration fee will cover not only the use of the barracks for two nights, but also four meals: breakfast, dinner, and supper on Saturday and breakfast on Sunday. Each squad will take turns providing 3-4 KP's for meal prep and cleanup. On Sunday, after we clear the area, we will have lunch at the Nevada Pizza Hut just down the road from Camp Clark. This will be an additional cost of $8-9 (a few more dollars if you get a beer, Jeff!), so bring that if you want to go to lunch with the unit Sunday afternoon.
7. Manning Roster. The current manning roster for the weekend training is attached to this email. We have formed three squads of eight men each for most of the training, along with a weapons section and headquarters section. We have also promoted Joe Taylor to acting squad leader, SSgt., and John Orrick to acting assistant squad leader, Sgt., for the weekend. They will have all of the privileges and responsibilities of the rank they are holding and will be accorded the respect that goes with that rank. VERY IMPORTANT - if you change your mind and cannot make it, or decide to come and your name is not on the list, please let me know ASAP so I can make sure we have enough food and beds for everyone.
8. Training Schedule. The training schedule for the weekend can be accessed by clicking here. It will be briefed in detail by the Platoon Leader on Friday night and then refreshed throughout the weekend.
9. Directions to Camp Clark. Take 71 Highway to Nevada, MO. Camp Clark is on the south side of town. Take the Camp Clark exit off of 71 Hwy and go east on MO Hwy K. Hwy K curves around to the south and runs parallel with 71 Hwy. It is approximately 1.5 miles from the 71 Hwy exit to the front gate of Camp Clark. Turn left (east) into the main gate and check in with the security guard. You will need a photo ID to get in. After you leave the guard shack, go to the first intersection, about 0.1 miles, which is McCory Ave. Turn left (north) onto McCory and go about 0.1 miles to Johnson Rd. Turn right (east) onto Johnson Rd and go about 0.5 miles to the end of the buildings. We will be in building number 424, the last building on the left. Look for the unit sign in front. I will also try and have small white signs that say "137th Inf" with arrows to guide you once you get on the post. If you get lost, you can call my cell phone number: 913-238-4202, and we will try and get you found.
10. Transportation. Everyone is encouraged to buddy up to share the driving expenses. If you need a ride to the event, contact your squad leader and he will try and match you up with someone from your general area that has room. I will be in the advance party, leaving from Leavenworth around 0630, arriving at Camp Clark around 0900, along with a few other advance party volunteers. We will have everything open, set up and running by the time you get there between 1600 and 1900 hours.

    I know this is a long message, but I believe it is necessary to cover all of the information you need to make this an enjoyable and productive weekend. If anyone has any questions or needs more information, please let me know and I will get you some answers. Again, I am really looking forward to this as I think it will be a great event. See you at Camp Clark!

    Valor for Service,
    Dave Hruska
    Platoon Sergeant