Ronald Mitcham

The Irwin Army Community Hospital (IACH) at Fort Riley, Kansas, has served as the primary medical facility for soldiers, families, and retirees since its establishment in 1958. Named in honor of Brigadier General Bernard John Dowling Irwin, a Medal of Honor recipient, IACH has supported the Big Red One (1st Infantry Division) and the Fort Riley community through periods of both peace and conflict. Over the decades, the hospital has adapted to advances in military medicine and the changing needs of the Army, consistently providing quality healthcare and medical readiness. Today, IACH continues its mission by delivering comprehensive medical support to ensure the health and readiness of America’s fighting force at Fort Riley.

Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment (HHC 1-9 INF) has a distinguished history dating back to its original activation in 1855. Nicknamed the “Manchu” Battalion, 1-9 INF earned its moniker during the Boxer Rebellion in China and served with distinction in multiple conflicts, including World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. Stationed at Camp Hovey, South Korea, HHC 1-9 INF played a critical role in maintaining readiness and deterrence along the Demilitarized Zone as part of the 2nd Infantry Division. The unit’s presence at Camp Hovey underscored its commitment to the U.S.-ROK alliance and regional stability on the Korean Peninsula.

Dragon Force, 2nd Battalion, 43rd Armor Regiment, stationed at Camp Casey and Camp Hovey in South Korea, has a distinguished history as a key armored unit supporting the defense of the Korean Peninsula. Activated during the Cold War, the battalion was tasked with maintaining readiness against potential aggression along the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). Dragon Force participated in numerous joint training exercises with Republic of Korea (ROK) forces, enhancing interoperability and deterrence capabilities. Renowned for its professionalism and esprit de corps, 2/43 Armor played a vital role in upholding the United States’ commitment to security and stability in Northeast Asia.

Headquarters and Headquarters Company (HHC), 27th Brigade Support Battalion (BSB), 1st Cavalry Division, is stationed at Fort Bliss, Texas. The 27th BSB traces its lineage to World War II, providing critical logistical and sustainment support to combat units. Assigned to the 1st Cavalry Division’s 3rd Brigade Combat Team, HHC 27th BSB oversees battalion operations, administration, and mission planning. At Fort Bliss, the unit continues its tradition of excellence, ensuring that frontline forces receive essential supplies, maintenance, and medical support during training and deployments.

The 3rd Battalion, 43rd Air Defense Artillery Regiment (3-43 ADA) traces its origins to World War I, when it was first constituted as part of the Coast Artillery Corps in 1918. Reactivated and redesignated several times, the unit served with distinction during World War II, providing anti-aircraft defense in the Pacific Theater. In recent decades, 3-43 ADA has been an integral component of the U.S. Army’s air and missile defense, notably deploying Patriot missile systems during Operations Desert Storm, Iraqi Freedom, and Enduring Freedom. Stationed at Fort Bliss, Texas, 3-43 ADA continues to support air defense missions both at home and abroad, upholding its tradition of excellence.

The 249th General Hospital was a U.S. Army medical unit stationed at Fort Gordon, Georgia, during and after World War II. Activated to provide comprehensive medical care and support, the unit played a vital role in treating wounded service members and supporting military operations. Throughout its tenure, the 249th General Hospital contributed to medical readiness and training, adapting to advances in military medicine. Its legacy includes a commitment to excellence in patient care and support for both peacetime and wartime missions.

**Portland, Oregon MEPS – USMEPCOM Military History:** The Portland Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) is a key facility under the United States Military Entrance Processing Command (USMEPCOM). Established to serve the Pacific Northwest, Portland MEPS has processed and enlisted thousands of applicants into all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces since its inception. The station is responsible for conducting medical examinations, aptitude testing, and background screening, ensuring recruits meet the military’s stringent entry standards. Portland MEPS continues to play a crucial role in supporting national defense by preparing new service members for military training and service.

The 1st Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment (1-3 ACR), stationed at Fort Carson, Colorado, is a storied unit in the U.S. Army's armored cavalry tradition. Originally constituted in 1846, the 3rd Cavalry Regiment has participated in major conflicts, including the Indian Wars, World Wars I and II, Operation Desert Storm, and the Global War on Terrorism. The 1st Squadron, known as the "Tiger Squadron," has served as a reconnaissance and security force, leveraging armored vehicles and cavalry tactics. During its time at Fort Carson, 1-3 ACR trained rigorously and deployed multiple times in support of operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, upholding the regiment's motto, "Brave Rifles."