Progress Report
After nearly ten years of walking and working among the US military, John Michael reached another milestone in the mission that began with photographing the final honors at Arlington National Cemetery. It has evolved and expanded to include change of commands, retirements and reunions… beyond the Old Guard to the Special Forces … with a focus on the history of the US Army. His hallmark among those events is to continue to find unique things that have not been shared,
……. MG Donald C. Hilbert USA (Ret.) and ……. John Michael
Several years ago, I was introduced by one of my advisors, MG Victor J.Hugo, Jr. US Army (Ret.) to MG Donald C. Hilbert, US Army (Ret.) who is the 3d Infantry’s “Colonel of the Regiment”
Honorary Colonel of the Regiment or Corps (HCOR or HCOC).
(a) The HCOR or HCOC is a distinguished retired commissioned officer in the rank of
colonel or above, with former service in a unit of the regiment or corps.
(b) Each regiment or corps will have an HCOR or HCOC, but only one HCOR or
HCOC will serve in the regiment or corps at any given time. Additionally, no one officer can
serve as HCOR or HCOC for more than one regiment or corps simultaneously. The HCOR or
HCOC oversees other honorary position programs and their maintenance. The HCOR or HCOC
may also act as a liaison between his or her regiment or corps and a regimental or corps
association (a private organization) if one exists.
(c) The duties of an HCOR or HCOC are ceremonial and do not conflict with the chain
of command. Attendance at regimental or corps functions is by invitation and participation is
encouraged.
(d) The position offers to the regiment or corps the prestige, stature, and experience of
the officer appointed as HCOR or HCOC. The HCOR or HCOC assists in fostering regimental or
corps esprit, traditions, and perpetuation of the history of the regiment or corps.
General Hilbert at one point was the Commander of the 3d Infantry Regiment – The Old Guard and later commanded the Military District of Washington. He was kind enough to introduce me to The Old Guard Association. This paved the way for me to further my knowledge and history of the oldest infantry regiment in the US Army.
Since 1784, the Old Guard of the Army has continually defended the United States of America. Yet despite the many many accomplishments, very little has been written about these soldiers. It seems that when duty called, the 3d was right there.
I once again visited with MG Hilbert the last week in January 2009 and once again I was allowed some time with him to review the progress I’d made, the work I’m now doing, and present him with an autographed version of “The Old Guard on Parade – 2009” calendar. It’s the first regimental calendar ever.
It’s through his support and encouragement along with the rest of my mentors/advisors/supporters that I continue my ongoing mission of “Preserving the memories so others will remember…” ™
Thank you General for your time & support!
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Images of America – Fort Myer is a pictorial chronicle of the first one hundred years of history containing over two hundred photographs, maps, and images. Beginning in the 1860s and carrying through the 1960s it provides a view
of what was over time.
An autographed copy of the book can be purchased at BUY THE BOOK.
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