THOSE DEVILS IN BAGGY PANTS

THOSE DEVILS IN BAGGY PANTS
Roger K. Hattersley, President
504 P.I.R. Associations
6206 Burning Tree Court
Fayetteville, NC 28306

I would like to impart to you something that happened a few weeks ago. I received a phone call at home from a PFC in one of the Battalions stating that his leadership had approached him and his fellow Troopers to joining the 504th P.I.R. Association. He asked what the Association was all about and the reply he got was that they didn't know and that he should just join. I then explained to him what we are all about. He thanked me and the conversation ended. As a result of that conversation I feel now compelled to let everyone know what the 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment Association is all about. As is stated in our Constitution and By Laws:

PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES The purpose of the Association is to establish a permanent organization to preserve the History of the Regiment and further develop the common bond which exists among soldiers who served and are serving in the 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment and its supporting units; to provide continuing ongoing support of troopers currently serving; to perpetuate the memory of the members of the 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment who have died in the service of their country; to maintain contact with the members through the gathering and dissemination of information of concern; and to provide for their patriotic assembly in local and national reunions, thereby perpetuating the Airborne Spirit as to heritage and tradition for future generations. The Association shall actively promote membership by all those eligible.

We in the Association have a duty to do what is stated above. Any Trooper that has passed through the Regiment has had an impact on the direction of our country. A former senior NCO, now retired, told me of the frustration the members of the 82nd experience during the Korean War when all the other Army units were being sent there and they were left behind. Then as now the Division was a contingency force. And by them staying "behind" prevented any other aggressor from doing there dirty deeds in some other part of the world. What ever the Regiment is doing it is safe guarding our great nation and at the same time making history. Some of the Troopers that have passed through have gone to combat but most haven't, but all have been more then ready, willing and able to go.

The 504th PIR Association was established in August of 1987 shortly after the reinstatement of the Regimental concept by the WWII Veterans to afford the Active Duty Troopers access to the distinguished history of the Regiment. And has survived as the only Regimental Association of its kind. The Association since then has expanded its membership and its role to include assisting the Regiment with funds for special needs that benefit and recognize the soldiers and further develop the bond between the past and the present and carry our history on into the future. Remember your Regiment! You are in the company of heroes, past, present and in the future.

-- Roger K. Hattersley, President, July 7, 2000

STRIKE HOLD!