While they didnt play a huge part in d-day, they sent pathfinders only.
I'm partial to the 504th myself.





Entry found in the diary of a German officer killed at Anzio: "American parachutists -- devils in baggy pants -- are less than 100 meters from my outpost line. I can't sleep at night; they pop up from nowhere and we never know when or how they will strike next. Seems like the black-hearted devils are everywhere..."

Another month has come and gone and we're still
looking for you to join us. We're well ahead of last
year, which means we may top 2,500. We're also
seeking people who want to be a part of this great
event, but who for whatever reason can't play. If
you can take notes, fill pods or work a radio we've
got slots open for you. Come and be a part of this
historic re-enactment of one of the most important
battles of WWII.

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to
write or give my office a call.

Sincerely,


Brigadier General Andy Van Der Plaats
Director Tactical Information and Strategic Services
Office of the CofS, SHAEF
"Details Hold The Key To Success"
Office: 407.563.3884
Cell: 239.410.9632
Email: ADorsai@aol.com

Keith Mitts, Commander of the Allied Command's 2nd Armor
Group, for the Annual Oklahoma D-Day event wants to let
everyone know about an upcoming chance for you to check
out and perhaps even take a ride in his restored WWII half
track.

The event where this is will be happening is called "Midnight
Madness" and it's being held at Bear Claw Paintball's field
over the weekend after Christmas.



Yes, the half track is actually museum quality and brings great
big grins to the faces of all who ride in it. Which brings us to what
they're hoping to be doing with it during the Dec. 28th-30th,
"Midnight Madness" event at Bear Claw Paintball.
http://www.bearclawpaintball.com/



For a $5 donation ($3 for kids), which will go to Mark Anderson's
medical fund you'll have a chance to take a ride in this restored
piece of history. Maybe we'll even let you drive it for $10.

As Bob says, "Everyone will want to ride in it (it's a hoot!) and
we want to put the funds which are raised to good use." The
Andersons could certainly use whatever we can raise.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Midnight Madness" is Claws annual FREE entry event, which they
have decided to make off of Brothers In Arms and Onto fun, fun,
and costumes!

Bring the kids, the family and celebrate the last game of 2007.
Dr. Fraud will be waiting for you!

December 28,29 and 30 (weekend stuff) sound off for stuff you'd
like to see happening.

Three meals will be served at the cafe.

~~~~~~~~~~~

Remember we're also still looking for more teams, as well as
individual players, who'd like to join the 2nd Armor Group in
June, so stop by, take a ride and ask us how you can join us.





Brigadier General Andy Van Der Plaats
Director Tactical Information and Strategic Services
Office of the CofS, SHAEF
"Details Hold The Key To Success"
Office: 407.563.3884
Cell: 239.410.9632
Email: ADorsai@aol.com

Recruiting for the 82nd is in high gear. Lots of teams and people are returning to the 82nd and that always says a lot about what we accomplished in 2007. And for those returning veterans I am very grateful. The 82nd was awesome last year, and took objectives all over the field. We couldn't’t have done it without the effort they put into it. Hoot, Cloudy, Pachuco, Lee, Doug, Achilles, Darren, Rigby, Robert and many others will all be back leading elements of the 82nd

But many new teams and people have been contacting me and we’ll have some amazing new teams coming from Georgia, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Arizona and others. And they have great questions about uniforms, equipment, the mini-scenarios games, training, etc. So I’ll try and answer some of those new questions.

The first question was about uniforms and whether the 82nd wore a specific uniform. No, we don’t have a specific uniform but there are some recommendations and suggestions. Almost everyone in the 82nd wears some kind of camouflage. No one wears bright colored speedball jerseys. It just doesn’t fit the unit or its role. And it’s tough on your fellow unit member if you’re wearing a bright red speedball jersey and standing next to him in his cammies. He’s probably not too happy with your choice of colors.

Recommended BDU camouflage patterns, in order, would be
1) Multicam
2) Marpat
3) Woodland

All 3 patterns work very well in the woods of Oklahoma. And of course there are others as well. Remember the weather is typically hot and humid. Some people wear the BDU blouse, others just wear a OD, khaki or brown T-shirts. Lee (82nd XO) will have an 82nd khaki t-shirts available for those who want one. I think they’re just $7. There not required but they do help keep us together. Recommended!

While it’s not technically required, a Camelbak, or similar hydration system, is about as important as your goggles. It will help keep you playing and away from problems with the heat and dehydration. Most injuries at D-day at heat related. You’ll hear everyone constantly reminding people to drink water. Bring a Camelbak! 3-liter ones are better than 2-liter ones, which are better than none at all. Just drink lots of water all week.

Good, broken-in boots are a must. The terrain in steep, thick and covered with lose rocks that constantly try hard to twist an ankle. Knee pads come in very handy too.

Bring some good tick repellent, or even better, treat your clothes in Permethrin. Most sporting good stores, Wal-Marts carry different brands of it. Or you can find it on the Iternet. It will keep ticks off you all week. There’s a bunch of ticks in those woods of Oklahoma.

The 82nd used lots of smoke grenades last year. They’ll be available this year too. If you’re going to be carrying some, (two are recommended) figure out how you’ll do that – pouches, pockets, etc. And because of the heat, humidity and terrain, there is always a trade off on how much stuff you carry versus the fatigue factor. Same thing for paint grenades.

FRS/GMRS radios are helpful. Get a good one with 22 channels and tones. Also learn how to turn off all the annoying bells, sounds and call tones. If you use a radio, you’ll also need a headset. Boom mikes work better than throat mikes.

We're working on the training courses. The SUTAL (Small Unit Tactics and Leadership) will be back with the guys from One Shepherd. Details are being worked out. The AAA course will be back again with the name tweaked to Advanced Allied Assault Course. It went so well last year we wanted to be sure that every Allied player, regardless of their unit, knew it was available to them. It will involve airborne, infantry, tanks, AT and more.

Additionally, the 82nd will again be playing in all the mini-scenario games as using them as training exercises. It's a perfect time to validate the skills we learned in SUTAL or AAA.

I’m sure there are lots of things I’ve missed. This would be a good time to hear suggestions from returning veterans on what worked for them and what didn’t. Your experience will make it easier for 1st time D-day players. If I missed something, this is the time to ask questions - either here, pm me or email me at srisken623@aol.com

__________________
Steve Risken
SHAEF Chief of Staff
CO 82nd Airborne

The first Allied unit has already filled, and other Allied units won't be far behind. The event is just a little over 5 months away, but the ability to choose your specific unit, and then even your side will end long before the event starts. I think last year the unit choice deadline was in April or very early May.

Here's an BBC audio recording of the 1st communique issued by SHAEF (Supreme Headquarters Allied Expeditionary Force) concerning the Allied landing in France.

http://www.ww2-airborne.us/sounds/bbc_dday.wav

That was just the beginning. The end wasn't far behind. General James Gavin, the Commander of 82nd, ends up accepting the surrender of the German 21st Army less than 11 months later.

Be part of history, be part of the "tip of the spear", join the 82nd Airborne and the 82nd Pathfinders before it's too late and help us repeat history.

__________________
Steve Risken
SHAEF Chief of Staff
CO 82nd Airborne

Join up now, while there are still plenty of slots available.
Become a member of the world's largest scenario team, the
Allied Command. Take part in this history making week's
worth of non-stop paintball action and if for some reason
you're not physically able to play, or you want to do more
than sling paint, drop me a line for details on the many very
critical tasks you can perform which will still help us win.





US 101st Airborne Registration- (SKU: 2008_A_101st)
You must be at least 15 years old by the time of the event to join this age-restricted unit.
http://www.thebunkerextreme.com/productcart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=44&idproduct=894

US 101st Pathfinders Registration - (SKU: 2008_A_101st_Path)
You must be at least 15 years old by the time of the event to join this age-restricted unit.
http://www.thebunkerextreme.com/productcart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=44&idproduct=897

US 1st Infantry Division - (SKU: 2008_A_1ST)
http://www.thebunkerextreme.com/productcart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=44&idproduct=183

British 13th/18th Royal Hussars - (SKU: 2008_A_13/18_RoyHuss)
http://www.thebunkerextreme.com/productcart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=44&idproduct=892

US 1st Army Ranger Btn - (SKU: 2008_A_1st_Ranger)
You must be at least 15 years old by the time of the event to join this age-restricted unit.
http://www.thebunkerextreme.com/productcart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=44&idproduct=899

US 238th Engineers - (SKU: 2008_A_238Eng)
http://www.thebunkerextreme.com/productcart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=44&idproduct=888

US 2nd Army Ranger Btn - (SKU: 2008_2nd_Ranger)
You must be at least 15 years old by the time of the event to join this age-restricted unit.
http://www.thebunkerextreme.com/productcart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=44&idproduct=900

US 2nd Armor Group - (SKU: 2008_A_2ndArm0rDiv)
http://www.thebunkerextreme.com/productcart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=44&idproduct=891

US 4th Infantry Division - (SKU: 2008_A_4thID)
http://www.thebunkerextreme.com/productcart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=44&idproduct=889

US 5th Ranger Btn - (SKU: 2008_A_5th_Ranger)
You must be at least 15 years old by the time of the event to join this age-restricted unit.
http://www.thebunkerextreme.com/productcart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=44&idproduct=901

US 82nd Airborne Division - (SKU: 2008_A_82nd)
You must be at least 15 years old by the time of the event to join this age-restricted unit.
http://www.thebunkerextreme.com/productcart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=44&idproduct=895

US 82nd Airborne Pathfinders - (SKU: 2008_A_82nd_Path)
You must be at least 15 years old by the time of the event to join this age-restricted unit.
http://www.thebunkerextreme.com/productcart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=44&idproduct=898

US 899th Tank Destroyers - (SKU: 2008_A_899th)
http://www.thebunkerextreme.com/productcart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=44&idproduct=893

Commonwealth British 41st Royal Marines - (SKU: 2008_A_Brit41stRoyMar)
You must be at least 15 years old by the time of the event to join this age-restricted unit.
http://www.thebunkerextreme.com/productcart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=44&idproduct=902

Commonwealth British 3rd Infantry Division - (SKU: 2008_A_Brit3rdID)
http://www.thebunkerextreme.com/productcart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=44&idproduct=890

French Resistance - Allied - (SKU: 2008_A_French)
http://www.thebunkerextreme.com/productcart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=44&idproduct=904

Sincerely,



Brigadier General Andy Van Der Plaats
Director Tactical Information and Strategic Services
Office of the CofS, SHAEF
Office: 407.563.3884
Cell: 239.410.9632
Email: ADorsai@aol.com

Just an FYI - The Allies have a new forum to help it players meet each other, ask and answer questions, and just learn about D-day. It's intended for Allied players only, but is open and unsecured. You can view it at Oklahoma_DDay_Allies :: Index

If you're an Oklahoma D-day player at least come by and introduce yourself!

__________________
Steve Risken
SHAEF Chief of Staff
CO 82nd Airborne

As the event continues to expand, the need for supporting staff becomes more important for each side and the Bunker. This year the Allies are looking for people to help in a number of areas, particularly for Saturday's main event. It could be as help in our TOC (Tactical Operations Center), help with orientation, as drivers, general support functions, possibly even gunners in vehicles. The list is almost endless.

There are a couple of requirements for these positions. You have to be a registered player and you have to attend orientation.

But this could provide the perfect opportunity for people who want to be involved with the largest paintball event in the world but can't take part on the field. Last year we had a guy in our TOC with a cast on his leg (I wish I knew his name) who was a huge help. He planned on playing, but due to the injury he just couldn't. He ended up making a huge contribution in the TOC and having a good time.

So this could be the perfect spot if your injured, in a wheelchair, disabled, or just don't feel comfortable taking the field for any reason. It would be perfect for the parent, sibling or friend of a player who wants to be involved but can't play. We'll have all kinds of opportunities and want to extend the offer to those who are interested.

Contact me if you're interested and we'll find the perfect spot for you. srisken623@aol.com

__________________
Steve Risken
SHAEF Chief of Staff
CO 82nd Airborne

The message is simple. Time's short. You need to pick your unit and register now!
If you are the type of player who likes to be handed the tough mission, if you like being dropped behind enemy lines and cut off from the rest of your forces, if you can handle the confusion and stress of an Airborne drop, if you want to face the best the Germans have to offer, if you're able to think on your feet, adapt to a changing situation and still accomplish the mission, if you can do all this the 82nd Airborne or 82nd Pathfinders is for you.
But don't wait so long the choice is taken out of your hands.

__________________
Steve Risken
SHAEF Chief of Staff
CO 82nd Airborne

NEWS FLASH!

The staff announced late yestrday that they're extending the deadline for players to select the unit they wish to be assigned to till April 15th. This is being done because the event itself is a week later this year than it's been in the past.

If you've been undecided, or waiting for that tax refund check to arrive, now is the time to get registered, before they start deciding where to place you.

Sincerely,