From the President...It is my distinct honor and privilege to again serve as your National President. The Association has seen many changes in the twenty years since I first served as President.

Our WWII veterans, except for a very few, are no longer with us. The number of Vietnam Veterans has declined but continues to make up the majority of our membership. We are seeking more War on Terror veterans to fill our ranks and into leadership roles, we are making some progress, but more are needed.

I want to thank Bob Babcock for his leadership and service to the Association, as you know from his health updates he was unable to attend the reunion in Jacksonville. We were all pleased to learn recently that he now has a clean bill of health.

We did have another great 105th National Reunion this year. The numbers were down, but the attendees represented the ‘core’ of the Association and the Ivy Spirit they shared with each other was amazing. Congratulations to Charles ‘Skip’ Cole who was this year’s recipient of the Ralph E. Lingert Service Award. Thanks go out to the many volunteers who always come through to make the events special.

As we go forward our focus must remain on our mission:

•       TO: Support our soldiers currently serving around the world, honor and perpetuate the memories of the officers, men and women who distinguished themselves by their past service and sacrifices while serving with or attached to the Fourth Infantry Division.

•       TO: Unite and promote fellowship for the good of the membership through our Reunions, Publications and Website to document the achievements of the Fourth Infantry Division.

•       TO: Assist in the relief and special needs of our membership and the education of their children to the betterment of American patriotism and American citizenship, and to promote the national defense.

•       TO: Encourage historical research of wars, to acquire and preserve the records of the service of the members, as well as documents and relics, and mark the scenes of the activities of the Fourth Infantry Division with appropriate memorials and/or monuments and celebrate the anniversaries of prominent events of our country's wars and conflicts.

•       TO: Foster true patriotism, to always maintain and extend the institutions of American freedom and to uphold, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States of America.

Working on these Mission Objectives will be my focus.

Looking ahead – We are going to reenergize the Long-Term planning committee with some new members and focus on our top-objectives. We have the launch of the new website, facilitating the recruiting of more War on Terror Era members, creating a modern ‘Rally Point’ to welcome new members and inform existing members; and getting the Association’s structure and finances in great shape for the next leaders of the Association to carry on.

Another pressing priority is looking at the health and future of our chapters. Since Covid and even before, several chapters have become inactive and not meeting. Unit Chapter’s not participating in the National meeting, and many were formed without Bylaws or guiding principles. The Association is transitioning to more of a National organization, as we see the regional chapters struggling to remain viable. These issues need our focus and a new direction for Chapters in the near term.

Getting new leadership is a top priority; as you see we have a new National Sr. Vice-President, (Ret) COL Gary Ladd. He deployed with the Division in 2003 to Iraq with the 223rd Engineer Battalion. He has over 30 years of military and management experience that he is willing to put to work for us. Join me in welcoming Gary to the Association’s leadership.

Finally, I want to thank you for putting your trust in me to lead the Association through this important time.  

Thanks again, Steadfast & Loyal.

R.J. ‘Rick’ Adams, National President