Camp Roberts Reveille

CALIFORNIA STATE MILITARY RESERVE CALIFORNIA CENTER FOR MILITARY HISTORY 213th MILITARY HISTORY DETACHMENT (Deployable) Camp Roberts, California
3 September 2013 Vol. 1 No. 3

Welcome to the Summer issue of the 213th Military History Detachment (Deployable) Newsletter. In this Issue: Commanders Corner Purple Heart Trail Museum Director Gary McMaster Profile Part 2 The M59A1 Detachment Odds and Ends On the Funny Side And Much More! We hope you enjoy our summer edition of the Camp Roberts Reveille! --CW4 (CA) Henry Leon California Center for Military History 213th Military History Detachment (Deployable) Commanding
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ON THE COVER: Top: A view of Camp Roberts taken from the top of Headquarters Hill looking towards the East Garrison and Highway 101. PHOTO: SPC (CA) Jason Orton Bottom: The M59A1 Armored Personnel Carrier on display at the Camp Roberts Museum Annex. PHOTO: SPC (CA) Jason Orton Camp Roberts Reveille Volume 1, No. 3 summer 2013 Publisher: 213th Military History Detachment (Deployable), California Center for Military History Editor: SPC (CA) Jason Orton Contributors: CW4 (CA) Henry Leon, SFC (CA) Eddie Colis, SSG (CA) Carl Shultz, SGT (CA) Carrie McCulley. Editing and Proofreading: CW4 Ernest McPherson and SGM Carlos Gama The Camp Roberts Reveille is the newsletter of the 213th Military History Detachment (Deployable) at Camp Roberts. The newsletter is published seasonally. All Rights Reserved. Material herein may not be reprinted without express written consent of the publisher.
For mail correspondence: 1895 Ironwood Dr. Santa Maria, CA 93455

Commanders Corner
On August 3rd, our unit drilled at Camp Roberts with a field trip planned for the East Garrison. My plan was to interview the head of Organizational Maintenance Shop (OMS), better known as Mobilization and Training Equipment Site (MATES). Unfortunately, the building was closed for the day and instead we took a side trip to the airfield to take some pictures and do research for a possible future newsletter article. I have a soft spot for the old air strip at the East Garrison because in 1987 I flew from there to Camp San Luis Obispo and then got a ride to my home in Santa Maria. It was the summer I had pulled an alternate annual training at Camp Roberts and I was without a car or any other means to get home. Someone on post mentioned the possibility of catching a ride at the airfield either to Camp San Luis Obispo or Santa Maria. I got lucky and when my training day was done I found a Huey that was flying to Camp San Luis and, from there, I was able to get a ride home. Early in 2012 I took the soldiers in my detachment out to the East Garrison to see what had become of that old airfield. It was hard to see much beyond the tall weeds and the buildings were in bad shape. The control building was a mess. It presented a very different picture than my trip in 1987 when the field was still in use. On our recent trip, I was in for a surprise. The air strip was cleared of weeds, the control building was open, and the field was once again open for business with a sign over the front window with large letters that read, GOLDEN BEAR AVIATION. The current operation is run by a small detachment of dedicated personnel out of Fresno with plans to expand in the future. Every one of the personnel on site were friendly and helpful with our inquiries about the history of the airfield. We will be looking at doing future articles on the airfield, MATES, and the early history of the East Garrison during WWII. It brings me great joy seeing the changes on post being made now and those coming in the future. I know that Camp Roberts is shining once again as one of the best training camps in the United States.

CW4 HENRY LEON

Honoring Our Veterans Along the Purple Heart Trail

By SPC (CA) Jason Orton Visitors to Camp Roberts, and traveling further south on Highway 101, have probably seen the signs officially designating the central coast portion of the highway as The Purple Heart Trail. The designation is intended to honor those who have been awarded the Purple Heart medal. Most who see the signs probably never stop to wonder about how they got there or why they are located in specifically chosen locations along the highway. The Purple Heart was originally created by General George Washington as the Badge of Military Merit to honor the actions of soldiers in combat during the American Revolution. At the time, there were none of the ribbons and medals that soldiers are currently honored with for their actions. General Washington created a cloth heart badge to honor those soldiers. Three such awards were given during that period and two known surviving examples exist today. The badge was not awarded again after the American Revolution. During World War I a proposal was made to begin using it again. It was not until General Douglas MacArthur began working on the project along with Elizabeth Will, who worked in Army Heraldry, that the Purple Heart medal came to be. The medal was revived fittingly on what was the 200th anniversary of George Washingtons birth by the War Department. The criteria for the award was announced in 1932 and those wounded or killed after April 5, 1917 were eligible to receive the award. The Military Order of the Purple Heart (MOPH) is a service fraternity comprised of recipients of the Purple Heart. The Order began working to establish the trail or designate sections of highway in 1992 as a reminder of those who have sacrificed so much for this nations freedom. The first marker was placed, fittingly, in Mt. Vernon, Virginia, the historic home and burial place of George Washington.

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Other chapters of MOPH began working in their states to have highways designated as part of the Purple Heart Trail with the goal of linking every state with designated highways. In California, two veterans of the Marine Corps would take up the torch. Chuck Ward and Tim Haley, both members of the Marine Corps League Detachment 680, met while working on the Faces of Freedom Veterans Memorial in Atascadero, California. The men formed a committee of two in the hopes of establishing the Purple Heart Trail on the Central Coast. Said Haley, Personally it was a way to honor those who died, the real heroes, that I served with in Vietnam.
Photo: SPC (CA) Jason Orton

One of the Purple Heart Trail road signs located on Highway 101 near Paso Robles, CA. The location of each sign on Highway 101 was carefully chosen.

Ward had enlisted in the Corps in 1957 and been commissioned an officer in 1958, serving as a chemical engineer and an aerial observer. Haley had enlisted in the Marines in 1966 with two high school friends, fulfilling a lifetime dream to be a Marine and served in Vietnam as a rifleman and a mortar gunner.
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According to Ward, they kept the committee at two people to keep things simple. The two would divide the tasks with Haley doing much of the contact work with community groups and organizations while Ward focused on the legal and technical aspects of the project. Traditionally, the Purple Heart Trail is designated by signage marking the beginning and the end of the trail. Ward and Haley decided they wanted to do things differently and place two signs (one for North Bound and one for South Bound traffic) at the freeway exit for each military museum or memorial along the highway. Museums and memorials in their plan included the Camp Roberts Historical Museum, The Camp San Luis Obispo Museum, the Faces of Freedom Veterans Memorial in Atascadero, The Estrella War Birds Museum in Paso Robles, The Central Coast Veterans Memorial Museum in San Luis Obispo, The Museum of Flight in Santa Maria, and Vandenberg Air Force Base. In total, 115 miles of Highway 101 stretching from San Ardo in the North to Los Alamos in the south would be designated. Deciding on what to do was the easy part of the project. It would take the State Legislature to get Highway 101 officially designated. Tim Haley approached then State Assemblyman for the Central Coast area, Sam Blakeslee, to get the legislation passed. From that time until the first sign was installed it took approximately 3 years.
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Chuck Ward (left) and Tim Haley (right) were the two man committee behind the Central Coast Purple Heart Trail. Both men met while working on the Faces of Freedom Veterans Memorial in Atascadero.
Photo: SPC (CA) Jason Orton

The cost of signage would be covered by private donations but Caltrans still needed to sign off on the location for each sign. Ward and Haleys first meeting with Caltrans officials was not very productive. The number of signs for a memorial highway that they wanted erected had never been done before. For their second meeting, the two men discussed beforehand every possible objection they could think of from Caltrans and prepared a response. During the second meeting that took place at State Assemblyman Blakeslees office, Caltrans surprised both men by almost immediately agreeing to the multiple signs. Ward and Haley had Caltrans sign off on each signs location on a map at that same meeting. Legislation and approval were just the beginning of actually getting the signs erected. Money had to be raised for the signs through private donations along with a fund to cover maintenance and replacement signs. Caltrans informed them that signs would be occasionally damaged or destroyed and that those signs would have to be replaced through private, not public, funding. Any excess donated funds would be spent on other veterans causes. In order to do this properly the two men needed a 501(c)(3) non-profit to collect donations. The Marine Corps League set up a separate bank account under their 501(c)(3) for the donations. The effort to raise funds focused on local businesses, community groups, and veterans organizations and used the internet, fliers, brochures, and
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personal meetings to get the message out. The support they received was tremendous and over $30,000 dollars was raised, more than enough to get the signs up. The two men went directly to the sign company that produces road signs for Caltrans to have them made. This was to save money as going through Caltrans to have the signs made would have been more costly. The sign company secured the right paperwork and began installation with signs going up at the rate of about one per day. The signs are up today but one other goal remains incomplete. Originally the duo wanted a directional sign for each museum and memorial attached to or near each Purple Heart Trail sign to let drivers know where to turn to visit those sites. It became apparent that they would not be allowed to put a sign on the current trail signs and a separate sign had to be approved by the legislature. An effort was made to do this which failed by one vote in the State Senate Transportation Committee. Mr. Ward is still working on making this happen and there is hope that eventually these directional signs will be added in the future. Completing the bulk of this project did not end the story of Ward and Haleys service. They continue to serve in the community on veterans causes. While their focus may have changed from the early days of the trail project, their commitment to honoring the history of the United States and the service of the military continues. Mr. Haley was chosen as the Veteran of the Year for the congressional district for his efforts on the trail and other veterans causes. Mr. Ward recently finished serving on the Atascadero Planning Commission and was involved in the Your American Heritage Monument across from the Galaxy Theater in Atascadero. The monument honoring American History and military veterans was formally dedicated on July 2, 2013.

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The Faces of Freedom Memorial in Atascadero was the project where Chuck Ward and Tim Haley originally met and is one of the monuments that the Purple Heart Trail signs mark the exit locations for on Highway 101.
Photo: SPC (CA) Jason Orton

Donations are still being sought for the maintenance fund of the Purple Heart Trail signs, future signage, and also to support other veterans causes. More information on the Purple Heart Trail can be found at the website www.purpleheartca101.org . Brochures for the Purple Heart Trail can be found at the Camp Roberts Museum and the other locations marked by the trail signs.

Spotlight on Museum Director Gary McMaster Part II

By: SGT (CA) Carrie McCulley and SPC (CA) Jason Orton
Part 2 of the interview with Camp Roberts Museum Director Gary McMaster. Part 1 of this interview can be found in our Spring 2013 edition available online at: http://www.scribd.com/doc/147619931/Camp-Roberts-Reveille-213th-Military-HistoryDetachment-Deployable-Newsletter-Spring-2013 . McMaster began volunteering at the museum with founder Al Davis while he was still in uniform and eventually took over the duties as curator of the museum after Davis passed away in 2002. Under his hand and with the help of several volunteers the museum has grown and blossomed into one of the premier military museums in California. McMaster also enjoys world travel when not working in the museum. The Camp Roberts Reveille is grateful for not only the great work he does with the museum but for also taking the time to answer our questions.

Camp Roberts Reveille: From reading your bio and also visiting the museum, I can tell that Corporal Roberts and his story are of particular interest to you, beyond the simple explanation that his name is also the name of the post. What is it about Corporal Roberts and his story that interests you the most? Museum Director Gary McMaster: The fact that someone so young, who sacrificed his life for a crewmate, was thought of so highly by General "Black Jack" Pershing and Congress that they named the largest Replacement Training Center in the nation after him is what I find interesting. I also found it interesing that little was known of him just a few years ago. I was able, with the help of genealogists, government agencies and universities, to piece his interesting life together for posterity. He lived through the big San Francisco earthquake of 1906. The loss of his mother early in life, attending the University of California even though he came from a poor working class family, his service in the Philippines as a Cavalryman, his training as one of America's first tank crewmen, and his subsequent sacrifice to save a friend and fellow soldier made for an interesting life story.
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Recreation of a period parlor room in the museum honors the life of Corporal Harold Roberts. Period furniture, artifacts, and a painting of camps name sake greet visitors to the main museum building. Museum director McMaster researched and wrote a biography of Roberts that is available for sale at the museum
Photo: SPC (CA) Jason Orton

The fact that his complete story was finally told revealing him as a real person rather than just a name and a cross was of particular interest to me. I think that every hero should be truly known, so that his nation can remember their lifes story and what led up to their acts of valor. To have allowed Corporal Roberts memory to live on in name only, I think, would have been a shame.

CRR: Camp Roberts is in the process of undergoing some major changes such as the demolition of the 700 series buildings. From a historical perspective, what are your thoughts about seeing these changes? Do you think it will change the character of the post?
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McMaster: When I arrived in 1997, they were tearing out the foundations from the Army hospital. The buildings had all been demolished. Then I saw them raze the entire Field Artillery Training Center in the 7000 Area where comedian and actor Red Skelton had trained as a field artilleryman. Now they will be tearing down all of the cantonment buildings along the highway that have not been used in decades. Certainly, it's sad to see all these buildings go but I realize that it has to be done because there is no way that many buildings can be put to use. Also, their maintenance costs would be astronomically high. I do see the original character of the camp changing in a way, but they're also doing a great job of renovating so many other buildings. The fact that they're keeping the original buildings and modernizing them also allows the camp to keep a lot of its original look. Thats very satisfying to see. CRR: Can you tell us a little about the volunteer staff at the museum? McMaster: We have a great staff. We're all volunteers, so it is beyond doubt that we have to love the camp and its history. We put in hundreds if not thousands of hours into the museum and most of us have put in our own money to become Life or Patron members of the Museum Foundation. Dirk Hale, who works fulltime at McMillan Airfield on camp with the UAV program, is my Vice Chairman and he began helping Al Davis shortly before I did. He also was Chairman of our Foundation, before I was elected several years ago, and was instrumental in it becoming an official non-profit with the state. Joan Hussey has been with the Museum the longest. She retired as a civilian worker at the camp after many years, and hosted it with Al Davis before either Dirk or I began volunteering. She has served as our Treasurer for a long time and continues to help host the museum and welcome our visitors. Bill Dupree also helps host. He's retired from his position as a civilian security officer for both Camp Roberts and Fort Hunter Liggett. His donated time is greatly appreciated. Mark Hale, Dirk's younger brother, has helped us a great deal over the years with many projects in the Museum Annex. Don Avery lived on the camp as a boy when his father "Dutch" Avery was a public works supervisor after helping to build the camp. Don sold newspapers to the soldiers here and later served in the National Guard unit in Atascadero.

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Part of the Vietnam War exhibit that Gary McMaster added to tell that very important story which previously was not included in the museum.
Photo: SPC (CA) Jason Orton

Don has been helping us with a myriad of projects for the last couple of years. He spends a lot of time coordinating with Public Works, RTS-M, and MATES. We've had some other notable volunteers over the years who have passed away, and we remember them all fondly for giving so much to the museum. Some other volunteers have either moved away, gravitated to other pursuits, or just did not have the time anymore, but they all helped develop and improve the museum over their many years of service.
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CRR: Are there any big changes or additions coming to the museum you could share with our readers? McMaster: One of the greatest changes is our growing collection of historic vehicles and Dan Sebby of the California State Military Museum has been very helpful in assisting us in this. CRR: Does running a museum on an active military post present any unique challenges or opportunities? McMaster: Raising funds is our biggest challenge. We feel that we have the trust of the camp's fulltime staff. It is very gratifying when they show their support by joining our Foundation as a Life Member like Colonel Nuismer has done and like LTC Larry Kimmel did when we first began our membership program. I have to continually beat the bushes, so to speak, to get more members and to find items to make money through our gift shop sales. Other than that, the museum is a pure joy. The payoff is to see how amazed our visitors are when they come to the museum, and see all we have to offer on the camp's history, and how well it is presented. CRR: From your bio, it is clear that you enjoy traveling to other parts of the world. Are your trips primarily designed around your interest in military history or do you just enjoy visiting interesting places and also working some military history into them as part of some of your time there? What has been your most interesting trip abroad that has involved military history? McMaster: Being retired from the Army and from Civil Service, I'm fortunate to be able to travel all over the world. It is of great satisfaction to know that I have such a great staff of fellow volunteers that I can depend on to keep the machine running when I'm away. I always try to visit museums all over the world, and naturally enjoy the many military museums the most. I look for things that they have done with their exhibits in order to pick out things that we might be able to incorporate, on a smaller scale perhaps, at our own museum. I think my greatest joy is to see things that I have heard about or read about since I was a child so I can appreciate them on a personal basis. One thing that I've learned is that people are pretty much the same all over the world even though they might speak another language and have a culture that differs a lot from our own. Last year, besides traveling to Europe, Australia, and New Zealand, I helped out with a medical mission in India with my local physician and his team. Our small team examined, diagnosed, and provided medicines for more than 1,200 people in the poorest slums of Bangalore and Visakhapatnam. Though it was a purely medical mission and not a sightseeing tour, I learned a great deal about the people, their lives, and the history and culture of their country. We were repaid a thousand times with smiles and heartfelt thanks. My family was quite poor when I was a child and I saw myself in their eyes. I enjoy spending my life experiencing the rest of the world as much as possible.
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A portion of the WWII exhibit on display in the museum annex. The annex and main museum includes both Allied and Axis vehicles, weapons, equipment, and uniforms.
Photo: SPC (CA) Jason Orton

CRR: What would you say your greatest accomplishment has been as the head of the Camp Roberts Museum? McMaster: I'd say that the accomplishment that is most gratifying is to know that I had a hands-on approach to everything at the museum from designing its brochure, starting its membership program, editing Al Davis's book on the history of the camp, and creating the exhibits. I also enjoy writing my own books on specific facets of the camp's history like "The Ultimate Sacrifice," the biography of Corporal Roberts, and "Hollywood at Camp Roberts," which relates to readers the stories of all the stars who trained and entertained at the camp. I'm also proud of the file systems and archive room that I've set up to organize our work, and the SOP and disaster plan that I've put together. I was happy to be able to design a web site and get us on the Internet and later set up pages on Facebook for the museum and also on Corporal Roberts. Both help the museum reach out to more people all over the world. But I would say that most of all I'm proud of my volunteer staff members whose dependability and dedicated work is so essential to the continuing mission of the museum. Without them I would be unable to continue our great work. CRR: Are there any funny stories about the museum or things that have happened there that you could share that might be of interest to our readers? McMaster: Not any funny stories per se that I could relate publicly but we do have a lot of fun at the museum interacting with each other. I always try to interject some humor into our conversations and meetings. I think our humor with each other shows the love for what we do and the joy we feel interacting with each other. I believe that humor is very important in any endeavor no matter how serious you are about doing it. There's a bit of humor in just about any situation if you look for it. I always try to joke with my fellow volunteers to bring out a smile or a laugh. I would hate to experience a day without some humor. CRR: Is there anything else you would like to share about yourself, the museum, or preserving military history that you would like to share with the readers that we did not cover? McMaster: I would urge people to visit the museum with family or friends and to join with us as a member of our Foundation if they can. This is one of the main ways in which we are able to continue our work. I'd ask them to tell a relative, neighbor, or friend about the museum. We're pretty selective these days about what we take in the way of items, due to the amount of items we already have, but if they have something unique to the history of Camp Roberts that they are thinking about donating, I would urge them to contact us to discuss it.
This concludes the interview with Museum Director Gary McMaster. The 213th Military History Detachment (Deployable) is grateful to Mr. McMaster for taking the time to answer our questions and also for his support on post. The museum has graciously allowed our detachment to drill at the tank annex while we search for a home of our own on post. The museum has a website: http://www.camprobertshistoricalmuseum.com/ and can be found on Facebook under Camp Roberts Historical Museum. The museum also has a Facebook page for Corporal Harold W. Roberts. The museum is open from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm Thursdays and Saturdays except on National Holidays.

Focus on the Museum Collection

By: SFC (CA) Eddie Colis Sometimes, I come across people who know of Camp Roberts but are unaware that a museum exists on post. This will be the first of a series of vignettes that will spot light some of the growing collection of vintage military equipment on display at the museum. This collection is expanding with towed artillery and aviation artifacts. It is well worth the trip to the Camp Roberts museum to see the growing collection in person.

The M59 Armored Personnel Carrier (APC) This vehicle is the rarest of post WW2 designs in the collection at Camp Roberts! Of the few surviving M59 APC's, only two other examples are on display in California that I am aware of, The Jacques Littlefield Collection in Portola Valley to the north and The American Society of Military History Museum in El Monte to the south have one vehicle on display. Approximately 6,300 M59s were manufactured from 1953 to 1960 at the Food Machinery Corporation (FMC) plant located in San Jose, CA. The M59 design greatly influenced the development of the very successful M113 APC which is famously associated with the Vietnam war era. As a result the M59 is often mistaken for the M113.
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M59A1 Armored Personnel Carrier on display in front of the Camp Roberts Museum Annex. This machine was developed by a farm equipment and chemical manufacturer called Food Machinery Corporation (FMC). FMC started out as a spray pump company in Los Gatos, CA but began producing military vehicles during WWII.
Photo: SPC (CA) Jason Orton

The most radical innovation of the M59 is that it had amphibious capability. Being able to "swim" across calm water obstacles gave the M59 a tactical advantage for the mechanized infantry units at the time. The Camp Roberts Museum example appears to be the later second production model M59A1 with the later M13 track commanders cupola (turret) with internal mounted .50 cal machine gun. Unfortunately a trim vane is missing from the front sloped armor plate. The trim vane would have been a rectangular piece of plywood designed to be lowered to a locked position to act like a bow of a boat for water crossing and to prevent the deck
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Close up of the front of the M59A1 showing both the commanders cupola and the location where the plywood trim vane would have been located.
Photo: SPC (CA) Jason Orton

from being swamped. The M59 propelled itself in water by the motion of the track pads acting like paddles. In the museum example the rubber fender skirt is missing from the bottom length of the side hull. The skirt would have kept foliage and other debris from fouling the rotating tracks and wheels. The M59s crew consisted of track commander (TC) in the cupola and driver on the left hull side. The cargo compartment could carry 10 fully equipped infantry men in seated position. The soldiers would quickly exit from the ramp at the rear of the vehicle. My research has uncovered no information that the M59 ever saw combat in the Korean or Vietnam wars.

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As interesting side note about this vehicle is that the M59 that lowered as a ramp allowing soldiers to was so obscure in the history of Army mechanized warfare quickly exit the vehicle. that a representative scale model kit was never issued from Photo: SPC (CA) Jason Orton the plastic model kit makers. The lack of a kit forced modelers to scratch build this "unsung-hero" M59 APC if they wanted one in their collection.

Rear view of the M59 showing the rear cargo door

213th Military History Detachment (Deployable) Odds and Ends

Unit Soldier Attends Monument Dedication
On July 2, 2013 detachment soldier SPC Jason Orton attended the dedication of the Your American Heritage Monument in Atascadero, California, a community located south of Camp Roberts. SPC Orton was invited to attend by veterans Chuck Ward and Tim Haley who he had recently interviewed about the Purple Heart Trail. The monument honors veterans, the founding fathers, the Declaration of Independence, The Preamble to the United States Constitution, and those who served in the American Revolution with a series of bronze plaques on each side of the memorial. The memorial also consists of an illuminated flag pole with the United States flag.

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The monument was built and will be maintained entirely unveiled by retired Marine Veteran CPL Tim through private donations. The monument is under the Haley and retired Army Captain Richard sponsorship of the Vandenberg Chapter of the Military Order Hathcock during the dedication ceremony on of the World Wars (MOWW). The charter of the MOWW is July 2, 2013. Photo: SPC (CA) Jason Orton to promote patriotism, good citizenship, and to further patriotic education in the community. The monument is now included in the MOWW National Registry of Monuments and Memorials.
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Your American Heritage Monument being

The dedication was well attended by members of the community, veterans, first responders, military members, and local politicians. Mayor Tom OMalley, Congresswoman Lois Capps, and former State Assemblyman for the area Sam Blakeslee all spoke at the dedication. Music was provided by the local White Caps Band which played patriotic tunes. Sergeant Major Carlos Gama, a frequent contributor to this newsletter and to the California Center for Military History, led the band in the Armed Forces Medley and also played with the band for several of the patriotic numbers. Marine Veteran Chuck Ward, who had previously served on the committees for the Faces of Freedom Memorial and the Purple Heart Trail, also served on the committee responsible for this monument. He was honored for his work during the dedication ceremony. Other Marine Veterans provided the color guard for the posting of the colors.
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SGM (CA) Carlos Gama leads the White Caps Band in the Armed Forces Medley. The Sergeant Major was invited to play with the band for this event which played several patriotic songs including Its a Grand Old Flag, Yankee Doodle Dandy, and God Bless America Photo: Christa Orton

One speaker remarked during the ceremony that Atascadero was one of the most patriotic towns in America to which former Assemblyman Blakeslee stated that Atascadero was the most patriotic town in his opinion. It is hard to argue with his assertion considering the multiple monuments dedicated to U.S. history and veterans within the city and the support of the community for veterans causes.

Those wishing to visit the monument can find it across from the Galaxy Theater in Colony Square; 6917 El Camino Real, Atascadero, California. The official monument website can be found at:
http://www.mowwvandenberg.org/MonumentPage.htm.

Inspections and Training

Because the 213th Military History Detachment (Deployable) can deploy at a moments notice, it is important that the soldiers in the unit are ready to go should the call come. It was with this in mind that the detachment scheduled bag inspections and training for the July and August drill assemblies. Sometimes called Go Bags or Bug Out Bags the soldiers are required to have a packed, ready to go bag should the call to deploy come. Items in the bags included: Uniforms and other clothing, personal hygiene items, sleeping bag, gloves, cold weather gear, load carrying vest, helmet, hydration system, and other comfort items.

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Detachment Commander Henry Leon teaches detachment members about what items are important to carry in their Go Bag. Chief Leon has deployed both with the National Guard and the CSMR in the past and has learned a lot about what to pack from those experiences.
Photo: SPC (CA) Jason Orton

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Detachment Commander CW4 Henry Leon used his bag as a teaching tool to show how to pack for maximum efficiency and also what items he has found useful during past state deployments. Both items needed for their functional use and also items for soldier comfort were emphasized. Other Senior Non-commissioned Officers also gave their thoughts and experiences about which items they have found useful. The goal of the exercise was not only to check the readiness of the detachment members but to also reinforce the deployment mindset. Several of the detachment members have deployed in the past and understand in the short amount of time they have to report that packing a bag often results in missing items and increased stress on soldiers. The unit members all benefited from the training and the wisdom shared by those who have deployed in the past.

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Chief Leon shows how careful packing can increase the number of items that a soldier can pack in their bags including a small cot!
Photo: SPC (CA) Jason Orton

213th Military History Detachment (Deployable) Drill Schedule

6 October 2013 Annual Family BBQ 2 November 2013 Unit Training Assembly 7 December 2013 Pearl Harbor Day *CSMR soldiers wishing to SUTA with the 213th 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 at the Camp Roberts Museum Annex.

On the Funny Side

By: Machaela Orton Copyright Pending August 2013

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Acknowledgements and Notes:

The California State Military Reserve with the California Center for Military History and the 213th Military History Detachment (Deployable) at Camp Roberts, owe thanks to many people for this newsletter. First our thanks to Brigadier General (CA) Timothy E. Albertson, Commander of the CSMR and to COL (CA) Kenneth Nielsen, Commander of the CCMH. Our thanks and appreciation for their support on Post: Mr. Gary McMaster, Chairman of the Post Museum Mr. Dirk Hale, Vice Chairman Mr. Bill Depree, 2nd Vice Chairman Ms. Joan Hussey, Treasurer Mr. Don Avery, Docent And 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. Post Commander, Colonel John N. Haramalis CW4 Robert T. Rall, Resource Manager CSM James E. Norris, Post Command Sergeant Major To the Unit members of the 213th Military History Detachment (Deployable) without which this newsletter would never have happened: CW4 Henry L. Leon SFC Eddie Colis, NCOIC SFC Philip Grenado (Ret.) SSG Carl Shultz SGT Carrie McCulley SPC Jason Orton Special thanks to retired CW4 Ernest McPherson and SGM Carlos Gama for help with editing and formatting. Thank you both for your continued support! This newsletter is available online at: http://www.scribd.com/doc/165233298/Camp-Roberts-Reveille-the-213th-Newsletter-Summer-2013-Issue This newsletter is dedicated to the men and women who have served and to those who carry on that tradition of excellence today in the armed forces. Be sure to check out future installments of the 213th Military History Detachment (Deployable) Newsletter. PLEASE NOTE NEW EMAIL ADDRESS. To receive by email this newsletter, send an email to CampRobertsReveille@hotmail.com with subscribe in the subject line. To unsubscribe repeat the same process with unsubscribe in the subject line. This is a new email address so please update the SPAM filter on your email account. Many of our subscribers receive the newsletter through their Army AKO email account. AKO is undergoing some changes that may limit access for some users. If you need to update the email address your subscription is sent to, please let us know at our new email address, CampRobertsReveille@hotmail.com. For any input or comments, contact CW4 H. 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 Dr. Santa Maria, CA 93455

HENRY L. LEON CW4, 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 Center for Military History, the 213th Military History Detachment (Deployable), Camp Roberts, or the Camp Roberts Historical Museum.

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