Battle of the Buldge 2008

Civil Air Patrol Sq. 307 from Lebanon, Pa. assisted the WW11 Federation for the annual Battle of the Bulge reenactment from 22 Jan. to 26 Jan. at Fort Indiantown Gap. The cadets were assigned to duties. Among the duties were registration of reenactors, security and helping to set up the flea markets containing WW11 memorabilia, manning the radios to keep in contact with everyone, assisting the veterans and parking cars for the public battles on Sat. 26 Jan.

Participants in the Battle of the Bulge came from all over the US and several foreign countries. CAP Sq. 307 set up headquarters in Bldg.12-08.

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Wed.23 Jan. the CAP Sq. 307 color guard travelled to the Milton Hershey Middle School to post colors and the WW11 Federation living historians and WW11 Veterans put on a program for the students. In the evening a flag that flew over Iraq was presented by Rick Yeakley to Commander Harold Roach for Sq. 307. A German tiger tank which was used in the filming of "Saving Private Ryan" and an assult gun used in the filming of "Band of Brothers" was shown to Sq. 307.

Thurs. 24 Jan. Sq. 307 colord guard, cadets and seniors held a flag retirement in front of the Veteran's barracks which the WW11 veterans attended. The cadets also got to ride in a vintage German Halftrack. Two Styrker tanks came and the crew explained their vehicles to the Sq. and also let them inside to view the equipment and their functions. The two will be among the tanks deployed to Iraq at a later date.

Fr. 25 Jan. CAP Sq. 307 color guard participated in the veteran's reception at the Community Club and Major Emily Rentschler helped a veteran lay a wreath on the WW11 memorial outside the Community Club. All cadets, from all the suaddrons attended the ceremony.

Sat. 26 Jan. cadets were assigned duties. Three cadets were assigned to help the veterans view the battle not open to the general public. They were taken by bus to view the battle. The cadets were, Lt. Patrick Roach, Lt. Cody Neiswender and Major Emily Rentschler, seniors Lt. Wilson Ballester and Lt. Bea Gernert were escorts for the veterans and assisted them in any way needed. Lt. Wilson Ballester took photos for Sq. 307.

All cadets and senior members who attended Sat. 26 Jan. were given assignments. The main ones were security in the flea markets and parking cars for the public battles at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.

Enclosed photo taken by Lt. Wilson Ballester.

Thank you,
Lt.Bea Gernert