October 2014

Friends, Fans, Supporters, and Visitors

It is with a heavy heart that I must apologize for shirking my responsibilities to you. I undertook these responsibilities back in 1997 when I created the first rendition of BerlinBrigade.com.

These responsibilities included updating the website to ensure that long lost friends could find each other. Over the years, I have tried to keep up with that. However, as you and I both know life happens.

Spending time with the family gets top priority. Then comes work, we have to do that dirty deed in order to pay the bills, keep food on the table, and keep the kids clothed, and so on. Now add that together with the unexpected and there we go. The things we want to do suffer because of the things we need/must do. I am not telling you anything new.

What I am telling is before you know it 17 years have gone by and what do I have to show for it?

A LOT!!!

I have met some wonderful people. Heard about people re-connecting after so many years. The stories. The stories have been wonderful. I feel so very honored and privileged to be the one that heard the stories right from the source. You.

Thank you. I will always be grateful.

At BerlinBrigade.com, I will always continue to be grateful to be the caretaker of your memories, words, and images. It is an honor and a responsibility that I have never shirked.

What I did shirk was keeping you updated and informed. 

Therefore, I will let my actions speak for themselves and not my words. 

In the past days, numerous individuals have written to me expressing their shock at the sudden closure of a favorite and honored Berlin Brigade related website. Why it closed may never be known to the rest of us, we have to respect the decision as to why the website was closed. I was not told or given and explanation to pass along to others. I am just as saddened and shocked as the rest of us were when we found out it closed. 

I am certain that I am safe in saying that ALL of us will always be thankful and grateful for Reinhard von Bronewski’s support, dedication, and commitment to the US Army Berlin Brigade and its Soldiers and Airmen. Thank you Reinhard!

Rest assured folks; at this time, there are NO plans to close BerlinBrigade.com. However, I will be curtailing some of the activities on the website and introducing new areas.

I will spearhead a new section on the BerlinBrigade.com website. It will be dedicated to educating Elementary, Middle School, High School, and College students about the Berlin Brigade, its mission, and what the men and women did to support and defend the city of West Berlin.

I know that over the years, I have wanted to launch this and I have asked for help from some of you but none of that has yielded any positive results. Therefore, I am not going to wait around for others to provide their content. Look for the new section in the coming days (NOT weeks).

For those that want to contribute there will an area that will explain how you can do that.

One last thing, Thank you for your continued support.

-Dave

July 2014

Here we meet again. The first half of 2014 is over and now we start the fast slide down to the holidays. Where does the time go? Seriously, just when we get used to writing 2014 on our checks we now have to get our minds wrapped around writing 2015. 

In the meantime, there are plenty of things going on here, there, and everywhere. 

Of course, we just celebrated our Nation’s Independence Day on the fourth. Did you know that 4 July is also BERLIN BRIGADE UNIT DAY? That is right, it was designated that in 1962 in recognition of the day the US Forces assumed the occupation of their sector in Berlin back in 1945. 

In France, July 14 is their National Day or “Bastille Day” the day that commemorates the start of the French Revolution or the storming of the Bastille. 

July 20 is Moon Day commemorates the day man first walked on the moon in 1969, 45 years ago. 

That’s about it for holidays or other important days in July with the exception of National Ice Cream Day (July 20/ 3rd Sunday of the month) & National Lasagna Day (July 29). 

On a side note, many of the older Veterans will remember that on July 12, 1973 a fire destroys the entire sixth floor of the National Personnel Records Center of the United States. Things have not been the same since. 

A little closer to home, it was on July 25, 1961 US President John F. Kennedy gives a speech emphasizing that any attack on Berlin is an attack on NATO. Check out our website and Facebook page on the 25th for a little something on President Kennedy’s speech. 

Have a great rest of your July.

June 2014

(Für deutsche unten gehen, bitte)

Greetings,
Well here we are again. Another month and another chance to say Hello. I do hope this post finds you and your family and friends in good health. Personally, May 2014 was a good month until a member of my family was suddenly taken from us on the weekend of Memorial Day. Off we went on an even sudden trip to St. Louis, Missouri.

Next time, we go to St. Louis will be on a much more slower pace and rest assured I will be planning a deliberate get together for those of you in the area. Be on the lookout for something to happen around Thanksgiving 2014.

Now let's press on. Hopefully, June will be much better for all of us.

The month of June is full of plenty of pomp and circumstance. 

June: High School and College Graduations. Time to get those young citizens out from the behind the books and into the workplace. If you know someone that's graduating, recommend them US ARMY INFANTRY. (Sorry, but that's my personal bias).


June 6: 70th Anniversary of the D-Day Landings in Normandy. Take a moment to remember those soldiers that stormed the beaches and parachuted behind enemy lines. They started something that was left to last soldier in the Berlin Brigade to finish.


June 14: Flag Day. Fly that flag and be sure to send in your photos to BerlinBrigade.com either at dave at berlinbrigade.com or post them on our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/BerlinBrigade

June 15: Father's Day. Tell Dad we said "Happy Father's Day!"

June 21: Summer Solstice. The first day of Summer and it is also the longest day of the year. Remember, when we were in Berlin and we would go out to the clubs around 10pm, the sky would still be lit. Then when we would, finally, make it out, the sunlight was in full force. Talk about making a quick turnaround back into the club thinking we had not partied long enough.


There is plenty to do and see. Get out there, do and see something. Take some pictures and drop me a note about it dave [at] berlinbrigade.com


All The Way,
Dave Guerra
BerlinBrigade.com

Greetings and Happy May 2014

(Für deutsche unten gehen, bitte)

Hello, here we are again. Another month and another visit to the BerlinBrigade.com website and the BerlinBrigade.com Blog. I do thank you for visiting. Please enjoy your stay.

This month, I plan on slowing it down just a bit. There are plenty of things going on outside the website that I just want to do that I will be disconnecting from the Internet a little more than normal.

Don't worry plenty of good things are still heading our way.

MAY 8, 2014 is the 69th Anniversary of the End of World War II in Europe or V-E Day

MAY 11, 2014 is Mother's Day! Tell Your Mom I said "Happy Mother's Day"

MAY 12, 2014 marks the 65th Anniversary of the end of the SOVIET BLOCKADE OF BERLIN. In 1949, the Soviets capitulated after realizing that the Berlin Airlift (Operation Vittles) was working. The amount of supplies coming in to the city was more than enough to sustain the citizens of Berlin. The Soviets couldn't compete so they had to try something different.

Several museums and organizations in the city of BERLIN, GERMANY are holding numerous memorial ceremonies. If you happen to be in Berlin tell them BERLINBRIGADE.com says HELLO and we are thinking about them.

MAY 12, 2014 is also the day that our very own David G. Guerra publishes AIR BRIDGE BERLIN. It is a story set in Berlin, chiefly Tempelhof airport during the heady days of the Berlin Airlift (Operation Vittles).  The story is centered on the hypothesis that cargo was not only flying in to Berlin but also flying out. Be on the look out for that at your local and online Barnes & Noble, Amazon.com, and most major online book sellers. (Click here to purchase a signed copy from the author)

MAY 17, 2014 is ARMED FORCES DAY here in the United States. "On August 31, 1949, Secretary of Defense Louis Johnson announced the creation of an Armed Forces Day to replace separate Army, Navy and Air Force Days. The single-day celebration stemmed from the unification of the Armed Forces under one department -- the Department of Defense. Each of the military leagues and orders was asked to drop sponsorship of its specific service day in order to celebrate the newly announced Armed Forces Day. The Army, Navy and Air Force leagues adopted the newly formed day. The Marine Corps League declined to drop support for Marine Corps Day but supports Armed Forces Day, too." (Click here to read more at the DOD website)

• ARMED FORCES DAY also marked the OFFICIAL START of the US ARMY BERLIN BRIGADE's "Parade Season". The "unofficial start" was the Monday before the Armed Forces Day parade when units would practice standing and marching on the Four Ring or Platz des 4. Juli (4th of July Platz).

MAY 26, 2014 is MEMORIAL DAY here in the United States. "Memorial Day is officially celebrated on the last Monday during the month of May. Memorial Day is dedicated to service men and women who gave their lives for freedom and country. It is also a time to remember loved ones who have passed away. The roots of Memorial Day observance, goes back to 1865 and the end of the Civil War."

There is plenty to do and see. Get out there, do and see something. Take some pictures and drop me a note about it dave [at] berlinbrigade.com

Thank you and talk to you soon.
Dave


----
AUF DEUTSCH 

Hier sind wir wieder. Ein weiterer Monat und ein weiterer Besuch der Website und die BerlinBrigade.com BerlinBrigade.com Blog . Ich danke Ihnen für Ihren Besuch. Bitte genießen Sie Ihren Aufenthalt .In diesem Monat , ich plane auf verlangsamen nur ein bisschen. Es gibt viele Dinge, die sich außerhalb der Website , die ich gerade zu tun , dass ich aus dem Internet zu trennen , ein wenig mehr als normal werden.Sorgen Sie sich nicht viele gute Dinge sind immer noch auf uns zukommen .8. Mai 2014 ist der 69. Jahrestag des Endes des Zweiten Weltkriegs in Europa oder VE Day11. Mai 2014 ist Muttertag ! Sagen Sie Ihre Mutter sagte ich "Happy Day"12. Mai 2014 markiert den 65. Jahrestag des Endes der sowjetischen Blockade von Berlin. Im Jahre 1949 kapitulierte die Sowjets nach erkennen, dass die Berliner Luftbrücke (Operation Vittles ) arbeitete. Die Höhe der Lieferungen kommen in der Stadt war mehr als genug, um die Bürger von Berlin zu erhalten. Die Sowjets konnten nicht so konkurrieren sie hatten etwas anderes ausprobieren .12. Mai 2014 ist auch der Tag , die unsere eigenen David G. Guerra veröffentlicht AIR BERLIN BRIDGE . Es ist eine Geschichte in Berlin, vor allem Flughafen Tempelhof in den stürmischen Tagen der Berliner Luftbrücke (Operation Vittles ) eingestellt . Die Geschichte basiert auf der Hypothese, dass Ladung wurde nicht nur in Berlin zu fliegen , sondern auch fliegen zentriert. Seien Sie auf der Ausschau nach , dass bei Ihrem lokalen und Online- Barnes & Noble, Amazon.com, und die meisten großen Online- Buchhändler . (Klicken Sie hier , um ein signiertes Exemplar von der Autorin zu erwerben )17. Mai 2014 ist Tag der Streitkräfte hier in den Vereinigten Staaten. " Am 31. August 1949 kündigte Verteidigungsminister Louis Johnson die Schaffung eines Streitkräfte-Tag zu trennen Army, Navy und Air Force Tagen ersetzen Die Ein-Tages- Feier stammte aus der Vereinigung der Streitkräfte unter einer Abteilung - . Die Department of Defense. Jede der militärischen Aufträge Ligen und wurde gebeten , die Trägerschaft seiner spezifischen Service- Tag, um die neu angekündigten Tag der Streitkräfte feiern sinken. die Armee nahm die neu gegründete Tag Navy und Air Force Ligen. Marine Corps Liga sank um Unterstützung für Marine Corps Tag fallen , sondern unterstützt Tag der Streitkräfte , auch. " (Klicken Sie hier , um mehr an der DOD Website zu lesen )• Tag der Streitkräfte war auch der offizielle Start der US-Army Berlin Brigade der "Parade Jahreszeit". Der " inoffizielle Start ", war der Montag vor dem Tag der Streitkräfte Parade , wenn Einheiten würden stehenden üben und marschieren auf dem Vier -Ring- oder Platz des 4 . Juli (4th of July Platz) .26. Mai 2014 ist MEMORIAL DAY hier in den Vereinigten Staaten. "Memorial Day ist offiziell am letzten Montag im Monat Mai gefeiert . Memorial Day ist Service-Männer und Frauen, die ihr Leben für Freiheit und Land gab gewidmet . Es ist auch eine Zeit, an die Lieben , die verstorben sind . Die Wurzeln erinnern von Memorial Day Einhaltung , geht zurück auf 1865 und dem Ende des Bürgerkriegs. "Es gibt viel zu tun und zu sehen . Holen Sie raus , und etwas tun . Nehmen Sie ein paar Bilder und schick mir eine Notiz es dave [at] berlinbrigade.com

For Immediate Release: "Air Bridge Berlin" by David G. Guerra (Cover Art Contest #1)

Alright, here's a something for everyone. When I wrote "Doughboy City" I was looking for a fantastic cover image then came across the photo by my friend, Charles R Sledge, and a few emails later his image became the cover image of the book. THANK YOU, CHARLES.

Now, it is your turn. Your shot at literary immortality. For the next book "AIR BRIDGE BERLIN", I am calling out to all the artists out there to submit your cover image design. So from now until April 5, 2014 I invite you to submit your art to dave@berlinbrigade.com.

Then from April 6 to 12 everyone will get a chance to vote for the image you think is the one that should go on the cover of "Air Bridge Berlin".

Here are a few things to consider: Infantryman, young Berliner male, C-47, C-54, Tempelhof Airport, Soviets, Spies/shadowy figures, city rubble, the Pilots, Ground crew and Berlin.

Images submitted should be your original artwork with the following dimensions: 200DPI and 6 inches by 6 inches. Please NO TEXT on the image.

Thank you and Good Luck.

Happy New Year

Yes, you read that right. HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Let me the last one to officially wish you a Very Happy & Prosperous 2014.

How is your year going so far?

Here, well, it has been busy.

The first podcast of 2014 has been uploaded and ready for your listening enjoyment.

Our interview guest is William McWhorter with the Texas Historical Commission. We talk about the Cold War Oral History Project that the THC is currently undertaking. Don't worry if you are not from Texas, Bill talks about what you can do to get your COLD WAR story recorded for all time.

This is the just the first interview of 2014 and many more great interviews are coming. So stick around we are just getting started.

Lastly and in the "In case you haven't heard" department, I recently published my first work of fiction in paperback. The name of the paperback book is "DOUGHBOY CITY" and I am currently working on the next book "AIR BRIDGE BERLIN".

If you are interested in getting your own copy you can do so by visiting any of the following links:

AMAZON.COM  |  BARNES & NOBLE  |  ALIBRIS  | 


Thank you for your time,
David Guerra
BERLINBRIGADE.COM