The Old Guard Association

(3d U.S. Infantry Regiment)

22Dec20

Dear Old Guard Soldiers, Vets, family, and friends,

Several things come to mind as I write to you this holiday season. I’ll try not to dwell on the hurdles of 2020 too much. That’s not what I want this message to be about. But truth be told, it’s been a factor for all of us. I hope you’ve been able to navigate the challenges with minimal difficulty.

You can imagine how hard it’s been for COL Roddy and CSM Brooks this year to keep the Regiment mission-ready while also keeping the Soldiers safe with social distancing and the rest.  Adding to the mix was the civil unrest in DC and now the Inaugural approaching. There are many other examples of how they had to respond or pick up the slack. For example, did you know they placed 250,000+ wreaths in ANC recently? I heard that made Flags In seem like a party by comparison. Our Regiment has always answered the call but I say “Hooah!” for the efforts this year under extraordinary circumstances. I also want to take this opportunity to thank RSM Brooks for his many years of service as he prepares to transition into civilian life. We’ve been so fortunate to have him as a senior leader the past two years. We’ll miss him. And, welcome to RSM Whittington!  We wish him all the best.

TOGA has already been making plans for the 2021 Reunion. We intend to launch registration in January. Keep an eye on our website at www.oldguard.org for the latest information. Put September 15-19 on your calendar. Contact your TOG buddies and get them to attend too. We’ll share details soon. Join us!

Active-duty Soldiers of the Regiment: Please also keep an eye on our website. The TOGA Board of Directors recently approved a new and exciting program to directly support you.

Speaking of our website, TOGA is looking for a volunteer to manage our website content. We have a great webmaster for all the technical aspects but need someone who can keep the site fresh and assist with the dissemination and posting of information. Use our contact us link if you can help. https://www.oldguard.org/contact-us/

On behalf of the TOGA Board of Directors, our volunteer Action Officers, and staff, I wish you all a blessed holiday season, a Merry Christmas, and a very Happy New Year.

Old Guard,

Flip Godfrey, President