Diehard Week Celebrates the 165th Anniversary of the First Engineer Battalion
 
With R & R – Revelry and Reflection



Soldiers and veterans, spouses and families, friends and special guests of the oldest and most decorated engineer battalion in the United States Army joined forces May 10 through 13, 2011 at Ft. Riley, Kansas, to celebrate the battalion’s long and distinguished history, to honor fallen comrades, and to enjoy the camaraderie and fellowship of those who share a special place in the nation’s history.  Family-friendly festivities included congenial competition at sporting events and engineering challenges, picnicking and fishing at Moon Lake, and activities for the kids.  For the more than 600 attendees, it was a time of revelry as well as reflection.
The Soldiers of the 1st Engineer Battalion, compete for the fastest time during 'Diehard' week while conducting litter carries and HUMVV pushes while under attack by Soldiers armed with water balloons, May 12. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Gene A. Arnold, 4IBCT PAO)







A Soldier and his son from the 1st Engineer Batttalion, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, reflect on the "Diehard" Memorial wall during it's dedication ceremony on May 13.(U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Gene A. Arnold, 4IBCT PAO)
 		Memorial Wall Dedication

On Friday, May 13, Lieutenant Colonel Kirk Gibbs dedicated the Diehard Memorial Wall, a tribute to Diehard soldiers who have died in combat.  Located in the Colyer Conference Room at battalion headquarters, the wall features photos and lists that include the names of every battalion member who fell in WWI, WWII and Vietnam.  The memorial also includes photos of each of the twelve Diehard soldiers who have died in the War on Terror.  Lieutenant Colonel Gibbs read a brief biography of each of the twelve soldiers.  Family members of two of the fallen soldiers were present.

Grand Finale:  The Diehard Ball

The week’s activities culminated at the black-tie Diehard Ball, held Friday night at the Marriott Hotel in Junction City, Kansas.  A warm note of welcome from Lieutenant Colonel Gibbs reminded guests that Diehards, including some of those in attendance, have earned awards and battle streamers – which now total 67 – for the oldest and most decorated engineer battalion in the U. S. Army. 

After the posting of colors, the national anthem, and opening remarks by Captain Matthew Keesling, master of ceremonies for the event, there followed traditional toasts, the traditional grog ceremony, and dinner.

Guest speaker Major General Todd T. Semonite, Commander and Division Engineer of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, South Atlantic Division, spoke with pride about the Diehard family. He reminded guests that the Diehard family includes not only all active duty Diehard soldiers, veterans and their families, but also those who represent the future. “All who have served, are serving, or will serve in this great battalion have added to or will contribute to its distinguished history,” he noted, adding that our Privates and Lieutenants of today will be the Command Sergeant Majors and Generals of tomorrow.

At the Ball, six attendees received special awards.

  • SSG Kenneth Hawthorne and SSG James Murray received the Steel Order of the De Fleury Medal, an award for junior leaders/soldiers who have served the Engineer Regiment for at least two years.

  • SFC Thomas Gatschett and 1SG Douglas Neal received the Bronze Order of the De Fleury Medal, an award for senior leaders who have served the regiment for at least ten years.

  • CSM James Benton received the Silver Order of the De Fleury Medal, reserved for senior leaders who have served the regiment for at least twenty years. CSM Benton, who is retiring and moving to North Carolina, has served for 32 years.

  • Mrs. Janet Benton received the Essayons Award for volunteers who have served the regiment’s soldiers with distinction.  Mrs. Benton has served for 27 years.


After the benediction, retiring of the colors and closing remarks, the evening continued and concluded with dancing, lively conversation, and the comradeship that derives from a long and distinguished shared history.




The command team for the 1st Engineer Battalion, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, greeted their Soldiers and spouses before the begining of 'Diehard' Ball at the Marriot Convention Center in Junction City, Kan., May 13. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Gene A. Arnold, 4IBCT PAO)



Lt. Col. Kirk Gibbs, the 1st Engineer Battalion commander and Maj. Gen. Todd Semonites, the commanding general of the US-South Division of the Corp of Engineers, both render proper greeting to the colors before beginning the 'Diehard' Ball, May 13.(U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Gene A. Arnold, 4IBCT PAO)



Lieutenant Ron Labinski Cold War Veteran,Delta Company Commander 1965  Major General Todd Semonite Commanding General, South Atlantic Division, USACE, Captain Terry Hueser Vietnam Combat Veteran 1967/68, Bravo Company Commander 1970.

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