The 506th Airborne Infantry Regiment Association (Airmobile-Air Assault)

The 506^th Airborne Infantry Regiment Association (Airmobile-Air Assault)

Curahee Memorial Dinner

Silver Legacy Resort Hotel

August 16, 2008

The Curahee Memorial Dinner was an amazing event, I was very honored to be in the presence of so many distinguished veterans of the 506^th Airborne Infantry Regiment  who’s services covered WWII through Viet Nam now  with soldiers of the 506^th currently serving in Afghanistan.

When I arrived at the Silver Legacy Silver Baron Ballroom, I was graciously met by Eugene L. Overton, Co-founder/President emeritus AAIRA who introduced me to several of the key organizers of the event.

 I was honored to be seated at a table with one of the most senior veterans, MSG ( R ) Dario Ramos, A Co, 1^st BN, 506^th PIR, 1942-1945, his beautiful wife Ofilia and his Son LTC Joseph Ramos and Mrs. Cynthia Ramos and the guest speaker CPT ( R ) Benjamin F. Peters, HHC/B Co (CO) , 2^nd BN 506^th, January 1070-December 1970, Silver Star for FSB Ripcord.

The evening began with the posting of Colors by a Color Guard Detail from

4^th  BCT, 506^th Infantry

Fort Campbell

KY.

  Most of these young soldiers will be deploying to

Afghanistan

in the very near future, we wish them well and will hold them in our prayers.

CO John P. “Pete” Johnson, Commander, 4^th Brigade Combat Team, 506^th Infantry sent a taped address from

Afghanistan

where he has been deployed since June of 2007.   CPT ( R ) Benjamin F. Peters, guest speaker  reminisced about his years of service, it was wonderful to hear the stories and to see how vividly he recalled so many of his experiences.

   The announcement of the 2008 Distinguished Members of the Regiment was made as each recipient came up and received their awards.  The next speaker was yours truly, P.J. Degross, Freedom Team Salute Ambassador for the Northern Nevada Area.  After explaining who we are and what we do, it was a pleasure to shake the hands and hug the recipients of our FTS Awards as Eugene L. Overton called out each name.

After the event officially closed, many of the veterans came up to me for thank you hugs, many had not heard of FTS and were very happy to know that we are providing such an excellent way of honoring our veterans, especially those from

Viet Nam

.  Several veterans took my business cards as they were going to refer other veterans to contact us for FTS awards and to spread the word of our work.

Being a Freedom Team Salute Ambassador is an amazing experience, spending time with veterans of all wars, meeting their wonderful families and hearing their stories is a gift.  Thank you Mike Dorsey for inviting me to attend this amazing dinner, I was so honored to represent FTS and to meet such wonderful new friends.