Larry Woodham

The 4th Battalion, 68th Armor Regiment (Airborne), particularly Alpha Company (A/CO), traces its lineage to the historic 68th Armor Regiment, established during World War II. Reactivated and designated as an airborne unit, the 4-68th Armor became notable for its integration of armored tactics with airborne operations, often training alongside paratrooper units to ensure rapid deployment and armored support behind enemy lines. During its service, A/CO 4-68th Armor ABN participated in major training exercises and served as a critical armored element within the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. The unit was recognized for its adaptability and effectiveness until its inactivation during post-Cold War force restructuring in the mid-1990s.

The 1st Battalion, 46th Infantry Regiment (1/46 Infantry) has a distinguished history within the United States Army. Originally activated during World War II, the unit saw extensive combat in Europe as part of the 5th Armored Division. Throughout the Vietnam War, the 1/46 Infantry earned a reputation for bravery and effectiveness in challenging jungle operations. In later years, the unit was stationed at Fort Knox, Kentucky, where it was tasked with training and preparing new soldiers as part of the Army’s Basic Combat Training mission.

The 3rd Battalion, 73rd Armor Regiment (Airborne), based at Fort Bragg, NC, was a unique unit within the U.S. Army, serving as the only airborne armor battalion. Reactivated in 1988, the battalion provided rapidly deployable armored support for the 82nd Airborne Division, utilizing the M551 Sheridan light tank. The 3-73rd Armor saw action during Operation Just Cause in Panama in 1989 and participated in Operation Desert Storm in 1991. The battalion was inactivated in 1997 as the Army retired the Sheridan and restructured its airborne forces.

The 4th Battalion, 68th Armor Regiment (Airborne), was an armored unit assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division and stationed at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Activated in 1984, the battalion was notable for being one of the few airborne-qualified armor units in the U.S. Army, equipped with light tanks and tasked with providing armored support to airborne operations. The unit participated in numerous training exercises and rapid deployment missions, enhancing the division’s combat capabilities during the Cold War era. In 1996, the battalion was inactivated as part of post-Cold War force reductions, but its legacy endures within the airborne and armor communities.

The Readiness Group Presidio San Francisco is a United States Army Reserve unit based at the historic Presidio of San Francisco, California. Established to provide training, mentorship, and administrative support, the unit plays a critical role in preparing Army Reserve Soldiers for mobilization and deployment. The unit traces its heritage to earlier Army Reserve support commands that have operated at the Presidio since the Cold War era. Today, the Readiness Group continues the legacy of military readiness and service at one of the nation’s oldest and most storied military posts.

United States Central Command (CENTCOM) is a unified combatant command of the U.S. Department of Defense, headquartered at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Florida. Established in 1983, CENTCOM oversees American military operations and partnerships in the Middle East, Central Asia, and parts of South Asia, including critical regions such as the Persian Gulf and Afghanistan. The command has played a central role in significant military operations, including Operation Desert Storm, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation Iraqi Freedom. CENTCOM continues to coordinate multinational efforts to counter terrorism, promote regional stability, and protect U.S. interests in its area of responsibility.

The 1st Battalion, 35th Armor Regiment (1/35th Armor), known as "Conquerors," was originally constituted in 1941 and assigned to the 4th Armored Division during World War II. The battalion participated in major campaigns across Europe, including the liberation of France and the Battle of the Bulge, earning numerous commendations for valor and effectiveness in armored warfare. In the decades following WWII, 1/35th Armor served in various Cold War assignments and later supported operations in the Middle East, including deployments to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Today, the unit continues to uphold its legacy of excellence as part of the U.S. Army’s armored forces, contributing to both combat and peacekeeping missions worldwide.

Readiness Group Huntsville, Alabama, is a United States Army Reserve unit focused on supporting readiness and training for reserve component soldiers in the southeastern region. Originally established as part of the Army’s nationwide initiative to enhance the preparedness of reserve units, Readiness Group Huntsville provides administrative, training, and mobilization support. The unit coordinates with local reserve centers and active duty partners to ensure soldiers meet deployment standards. Over the years, Readiness Group Huntsville has played a vital role in preparing Army Reserve personnel for both stateside missions and overseas deployments, contributing significantly to the overall effectiveness of the Army Reserve force.

Readiness Group 2nd Army is a U.S. Army unit established to enhance the training, readiness, and mobilization support of Army Reserve and National Guard units. Originally formed during the restructuring of Army support commands in the late 20th century, the group has played a critical role in preparing reserve forces for deployment. Its mission includes conducting evaluations, readiness assessments, and assistance programs to ensure reserve component units meet operational standards. Over the years, Readiness Group 2nd Army has supported numerous mobilizations for operations both at home and abroad, reflecting its ongoing commitment to Army preparedness and effectiveness.