Stars and Stripes January Newsletter

D-Day 2010 - January edition 5 months and counting

June 7-13, 2010

Winter Staf f Meeting sets tone for 2010 Both sides join for gr ea t meeting - New field improvements on track Winter has dropped on Oklahoma like a British Airborne unit at Pegasus Bridge….you knew it was coming, but it still overwhelmed you when it hit. Temperatures dropped into the single digits, and lower, with the hills and valleys covered in snow.

While it may have slowed the actual work at the field, none of that slowed the work being done off the field.

Plans are being finalized for all kinds of improvements; 1) Open two new areas of the field, 2) Improve the availability of air, paint and water, 3) Re-design the points/objectives/times, 4) Re-design the flow of the game to relieve congestion at the center of the field and use other areas of the field, 5) Reduce congestion and confusion at the dead zones by adding rally points...details soon! 6) Ex-

Thanks to hard work and long hours from both the German and Allied leadership, the winter meeting was a big success. Both sides came together in a spirit of goodwill and cooperation to work together to make this event even better. Big thanks to Andy, John and the entire German leadership for their attitude and effort in everything they’re done for both the Summer and Winter meetings. The event is better because of it.

panded camping area and new park entrance In addition there‟s a mountain of new, exciting contests and marketing specifically for players.

New roads have been put in around Utah beach which allows access to the NEW Breacourt Manor (BCM). The new BCM is NW of Utah beach in an area which has never been used. It‟s called the “lost 40” and will be the scene of intense battles in the morning as the US Airborne fights for control of this key position. It is very historically accurate.

Also new for 2010 is a new Sword Beach location. The new beach is south of Caen and in an area that historically did not see much action. It‟s for all purposes a new area.

Sword Beach will now be the largest of the 3 beaches. The Germans will fight like heck to keep the Commonwealth forces from securing it. This is going to be a great battle.

Both of these new areas, combined with the new points, objectives and times will completely change the game.

January 2010 Volume 2

Above: At least June in Oklahoma isn‟t like this, although in June we may wish it was Left: Recent photo of the new Sword Beach. The beach area is to the left of the ravine, the „ocean‟ is to the right. The new area is nothing like the old Sword Beach.

Expect the fighting to be intense, the terrain to be brutal and the weather to kick butt. Start preparing now. Get in shape.

This is also the time to recruit your friends, relatives, teammates and new people from your local field.

We need your help.

If your looking to help your unit in a leadership role be sure to contact us or your unit CO. There are positions available in individual units, gunner positions in tanks, within the Allied staff and others.

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back-up air tank, especially for CO2. It is usually easier to find HPA refills versus CO2 on the field, so a backup bottle for CO2 is more critical. Carry back-up “O” rings as well.

Recommended Equipment (This list of recommended gear was designed specifically for the 82nd Airborne and the 82nd Pathfinders...but it may work for you and your unit).

There are pieces of gear that every member of the elite 82nd Airborne / 82nd Pathfinders will need to be successful at D-Day. Some things are obvious, others are less so, like a watch or map.

82nd Uniform – A key aspects of the game is to maintain unit integrity throughout the day. The 82nd takes the

field as a unit and leaves the field as a unit. Your 82nd uniform helps make that happen, helps maintain unit cohesiveness and identify friend from foe.

The 82nd Airborne‟s recommended uniform is Woodland MARPAT BDU pants and the 82nd t-shirt. Woodland MARPAT is easily found and works great in the woods of Oklahoma. It‟s not required but it is strongly recommended. Armbands are available from the 82nd HQ. Our uniform will help you stay with the 82nd and help maintain unit integrity, and it lets our opponents know exactly who they are facing.

Properly working paintball gun and hopper – Make sure your gun is working 100%. Replace “O” rings, lube if required. Understand your weapon completely, make sure every screw is tight. Make sure your gun and hoppers have new properly installed, new batteries if applicable. Make sure your hopper is properly secured to your gun. If your gun goes down you let down your unit. A backup gun and hopper, ready to go, back at camp is a nice option.

HPA or CO2 Air Tanks – The 82nd is often tasked with missions and objectives that are far from reliable resupply for long periods of time. A large air tank is recommended. Many people carry a

D-day Map – The field is large.

You need to know where you are, where you need to be, and how you are going to get there. It will help you locate dead zones and resupply points. The field will see Ammunition – You‟ll need enough big changes in 2010 of objective paint to take the battle to our oppolocations, points and times. You‟ll nents with speed and violence. You‟ll need your map to link back up need to balance the amount of paint with the 82nd or lead your teamyou carry versus the weight. Carry a couple more pods than you have air to mates to the next objective. Laminate it, print it on waterproof pashot. per, or keep it in a plastic bag. The Paint tickets - This is your means of humidity will destroy it otherwise. resupplying ammunition (paint) on the Compass – It‟s easy to get lost field. You must buy these beforehand or confused, even for veterans.

(Friday or earlier). A plastic bag will The 82nd is often required to be deep in help keep them secure and dry. the woods, and moving where there are Camelbak or other hydration blad- few trails or roads. A small lightweight der – This is a required piece of compass can make it easier for you to gear for all members of the 82nd Airlink back up with your unit, direct your borne when deployed to the field. A 3- troops to the proper locations, or comliter bladder is recommended. The heat municate information. and humidity of Oklahoma can take you Boots - not tennis shoes. The D-day down. Dehydration, heat exhaustion field is rugged and littered with sharp, and heat stroke are all very real possi- loose rocks. You need a good pair of bilities. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate! comfortable, broken-in boots. You do Make sure your bladder and drinking not need, or want, insulated boots. You tube are clean. Sports drinks will foul want boots with good ankle support. your bladder if not properly cleaned.

Smoke Grenades - 1 or 2 are recomWatch – The D-day game is scored on mended. They‟re big and you‟ll need to points for objectives at specific times. figure out where and how to carry You need to know the time in order to them, but they are extremely useful. know where and what you should be The 82nd uses lots of them. doing. It‟s a key piece of gear. SynchroRags or towels – You‟ll need somenize your watch before taking the field thing to cleanup and wipe off when you‟re in the DZ. You‟ll be out there all day, you may need more than one.

Points/objectives/times card – Points, objectives & times will all have major changes in 2010. You‟ll need this to understand game flow and know where to be & at what time. It‟s a critical tool when combined with your Op order. Laminate it, print it on waterproof paper, or keep it in a plastic bag.

The humidity will destroy it otherwise.

Squeegee – Your choice, there are many styles. But have a secure, easy access location for it.

A few bucks - Some dead zones have food or drink for sale. A few dollars are

easy to carry and a quick snack or drink just might be what it takes to keep you hydrated and on the field. Bulk water, to refill your hydration bladder, is available at many locations on the field at no charge, but bring your own to start.

Radio w/headset – GMRS/FRS radios are great to keep you in touch with your squad, regiment and our division.

Most are 22 channels with 38 sub tones. A good headset will greatly enhance the usefulness of your radio.

Make sure it has fresh batteries. Determine how you will carry the radio. Practice with it before Saturday‟s game.

Some leaders within the 82nd will also be using VHF radios and also need a method to mount them to your gear.

Snacks – nuts, granola bars, beef jerky, dried fruit or power bars. Whatever will help you stay on the field.

Contact Steve or Travis at srisken623@aol.com or tsposey@hermeticswitch.com for more information on the 82nd.

Register here for the 82nd Airborne Division: 82nd Airborne Division

Register here for the 82nd Pathfinders: 82nd Pathfinders

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The 101st ‘Screaming Eagles’ Airborne Division We have a rich history, both in the real world and at Oklahoma D-Day.

The “real world” Division The German successes with airborne assaults lead the United States and Allied Forces to form their own airborne units. A U.S. Army Test Platoon was established in June 1940. The name of this platoon was later changed to the 501st Parachute Battalion, when it was reorganized as the first permanent US Army airborne infantry unit in September 1940.

Carolina in October 1942. At Fort Bragg they started training for their future missions. During the training, at Fort Bragg, a rivalry between the parachute and glider elements developed. The paratroopers received extra pay or "parachute pay" for their dangerous duties while the glider troops had equally dangerous duties, but received no extra pay.

The division participated in the first test of their abilities at Fort Bragg when they participated in local maneuvers. Closely following these maneuvers, the 101st left for Tennessee to take part in the Tennessee Maneuvers. At the same time as these maneuvers, the 506th PIR was attached to the As the airborne program expanded the 82nd division. During the impressive performance by the "Screaming Eagles", MG Lee was injured in a glider incident. He would later remark “Next time I'll take a parachute." These maneuvers also showed the true capabilities of the U.S. Airborne Forces, and proved that the glider troops deserved and would receive extra pay for their hazardous duty.

crazy fun loving players who are nuts migrate too. They fly the banner of Sunny the CoCo Puff bird for a reason.

up to Coleville for the rest of the day. We did this all as one unit.

The players in the 101 are expected to arrive early in the week, by Tuesday if at all possible. This allows them to attend the daily training sessions, get to know their unit, make friends and play in the minigames and get to know the playing style of the 101st.

The 101st also has its share of former military players and last year had 4 real 101st troopers just back from Afghanistan. We are also the host unit for Jake McNiece an original WWII 101st Airborne Pathfinder.

He and his wife Martha come to the event each year to talk about his WWII experience.

The 101st plays all day Saturday as one unit.

There is always a possibility that the 101st will be scattered at the start of the game and the 101st players will be expected to form mixed units and head to rally points that are predetermined, there they reform in regiments and proceed with the game plan and attack the first objective.

The 101st is a serious group of paintball players with room for almost every kind of person. We take this game seriously and intend to win whenever we take the field.

You if you choose the 101st will be part of a larger group of players. This is what makes the game fun for most of our 200+ players.

The 101st players are expected to be on the field all day long, we pack our lunches, water and anything else we are going to need and do not leave the game until the final horn sounds. In 2009 we were the only Allied unit to have 90% unit integrity at the end of the game.

Most of them have played in this unit for over 5+ years.

st

In 1944, the 101st was then ordered to deploy overseas to England to continue training. Later in January 1944 the division received the attachment of yet another parachute regiment, the 501st. The 101st then went through another change when MG Lee, their first Commanding General, had a heart attack. In February 1944, he was sent back to the States and former commander of the 82nd, Brigadier General Maxwell D. Taylor, took command of the 101st.

Airborne Division was activated. Airborne units, at this time, usually consisted of one parachute infantry regiment (PIR) and two glider infantry regiments (GIR) when first activated. The 82nd Airborne Division was first organized with 17,000 men, but later half of these men would remain in the 82nd and the other half would become the 101st Airborne Division.

There were several different types of units that made up the 101st when first formed; there were the glider infantry regiments the 401st and the 327th and a parachute infantry regiment the 502nd. At first the 101st was organized as a reserve unit, but on August 15, 1942 the division was disbanded and reconstituted as part of the active duty Army, at Camp Claiborne, Louisiana. The first division commander, Major General William C. Lee, was quoted saying "The 101st has no history but it does have a 'Rendezvous with Destiny'."

The 101st was moved to Fort Bragg, North

Then in the early months of 1944, the division lost the 401st GIR to the 82nd, when they were permanently transferred. The 101st Airborne Division then continued its training until June 6,1944 when the division joined their first campaign, the The 101st Airborne Division then continued its training until June 6,1944 when the division joined their first campaign, the Normandy Invasion ( D-Day!).

Oklahoma D-day Division

The Oklahoma D-Day 101st Airborne has 4 The 101st player will need to be in good divisions each one with its unique command physical shape, as stated we are scattered at style and structure. game on and will have to hike to get to our first objective. After that first victory, we The 327th is run in a VERY military fashstay together and go where needed on the ion. field. In 2009 the 101st started at gate one th The 506 is run is a more relaxed military on the map, took Caen, fought up to Colefashion. ville in the center of the field and then The 502nd is composed of former Germans turned around and fought our way back to and hard charging recball type players.

Caen after it fell back into German hands, st and then after taking the points, fought back The 401 is our Psychward, where all the

Contact Eric Engler, Commanding Officer 101st Airborne, for more information: information@englerpaintballguns.com The Stars and Stripes will be distributed monthly via email with the paper copy printed and distributed in June at the field.

Look for articles on other unit in future editions.

If you’re interested in a leadership role within a unit contact that unit’s CO. If you’re interested in a position within the Allied TOC or support groups contact Steve at srisken@charter.net We have roles for players and non-players too.

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with French resistance members, to disrupt German communications and lines of supply during the Allied D-Day landings.

The Office of Strategic Services was established by a Presidential military order issued by President Roosevelt on 13 June 1942. Under the command of Major General William 'Wild Bill' Donovan the OSS collected and analyzed strategic information required by the Joint Chiefs of Staff and also con-

ducted special operations not assigned to the Armed Forces.

One of the greatest OSS accomplishments during World War II was its penetration of both Germany and German held territory by OSS operatives. Some of those who took on that task also worked behind enemy lines

eration of their capital. During the liberation of Paris in WWII, Ernest Hemingway took on a self-appointed role The 4th ID has a as a civilian scout in the city of Paris for story and history unique to the rest of his friends in the 4 ID. He was with the 22nd Infantry Regiment when it the Allied forces.

The 4th Infantry Di- moved from Paris, northeast through vision arrived in the Belgium, and into Germany. The 4th then moved into Belgium to attack United Kingdom in the Siegfried Line and made several early 1944. It took part in the Normandy Invasion landings penetrations. at Utah Beach on June 6th 1944, with the 8th Infantry Regiment of the 4th Di- It shifted to Luxembourg, only to meet the German winter Ardennes Offensive vision being the first surface-borne Alhead-on (Battle of the Bulge) starting on lied unit to hit the beaches at Nor16 December 1944. Although its lines mandy. were dented, it managed to hold the Germans. Counterattacking in January, It relieved the 82d Airborne Division at Sainte-Mère-Église and then the it overran German positions and 4th cleared the Cotentin peninsula and crossed the Rhine on 29 March. took part in the capture of Cherbourg on At Oklahoma D-Day the 4th ID is also 25 June. one of the first sea-based units to hit After fighting in July, the division broke the beaches. It’s mission, just like in through the left flank of the German 7th 1944, is to take Utah Beach. The Germans always have the area filled with Army, helped stem the German drive grenades, heavy weapons, artillery, toward Avranches, and by the end of tanks and 100’s of infantry. At game on, August had moved to Paris, and gave the beach explodes with smoke and French forces the first place in the lib-

4th Infantry Division

The OSS at D-day is a recent addition to Oklahoma D-day and first came into being three years ago. At that time it generally worked off the field. Two years ago in 2008, the first contingent of OSS took the field, working closely with their counterparts off field. While specific details are never fully disclosed, they proved invaluable against the Germans in multiple operations.

plans developed for 2010.

For the OSS in 2010, Operation Jedburgh10 has already begun. Members of the OSS detachment, under the auspices of the Allied Command, will act independently of other Allied units, much as their counterparts did in World War Two.

Contact Andy at adorsai@aol.com for information, screening and placement

In 2009 the OSS expanded operations against the Germans in multiple areas including a new anti-tank element. Their successes were well documented (i.e. 3 tank kills), lessons were learned and pyro explosions. Organized chaos ensues. Hundreds of Allied players and tanks storm ashore and fight to take the German trenches and gun emplacements. It’s an amazing battle that always has the most press coverage Mission: Take Utah Beach, followed by a push to German HQ at Colleville.

The 4th ID is the key unit to taking Utah Beach and getting American tanks off the beach. Come join us! Contact Cam or Galen for more information CO Cam Farris - camfarris@gmail.com XO: Galen Berry - rev.berry@juno.com

www.englerpaintballguns.com/

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History of he German 716th ID

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In remembrance of the all involved in World War 2 and those on the day June 6 1944. We honor the fallen with pride and embrace the ones who came home living. Each year we gather with friends and companions to play a game founded on this day. As with all events in war there are two sides. This is the same with our game with out that we would be shooting at trees and that would not be as much fun. So with the obvious “duh” statement done for the day I follow with a little history...try not to fall asleep.

Formed in 1941 of less than par standards for German soldiers 3 battalions that make up the 716 Static Infantry Division under Major General Wilhelm Richter, have been on many deployments in France between then and 1943. The unit was finally placed on the coast line defending Omaha, Gold, Juno, and Sword beaches. Even with the numbers of the unit approaching 8000 the 60 mile span was spreading the German unit very thin. As the war progresses the unit in March of 1944 was condensed to the “Caen zone” a 30 mile stretch of land including Sword beach and Pegasus bridge. These men were not trained in mobile tactics and were in rough shape and low on artillery the decision was made to have the panzer 21st armored division back up the 716ID defenses.

The 716ID and all other units in the Caen areas main goal is to slow the process of the allied troops coming in off of sword beach.

The attacking units were the British 3rd infantry division and British 6th airborne. During the battle though fought hard and with all the might the Germans had the British did prevail in taking the beach, Pegasus bridge and finally the town of Caen.

Regardless of how history was played out we have a change to embrace history but learn form it at the same time. History is real and war is hard, not many walked off the battle lines. Paintball is great in that we do get to walk off the field. Play your game on the field defend our post well, charge that hill, rain a volley on to the other side. Off the field, laugh and have fun. Remember this is a game. Red or blue you are still a paintballer.

“Covert” - Executive Commander for the 716ID

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Words of Caution from a Combat Medic: Heat injuries and hydration Many military campaigns have been lost due to lack of heat acclimatization and subsequent heat illness; take for instance King Edward and his armor clad knights who allegedly lost the final battle for the holy land to the well ventilated and acclimated Arab horsemen. As all of us who have been to D-Day before, we know the Oklahoma weather is one of the greatest obstacles to overcome while on and off the field. In this short piece I plan to outline the basic predisposing risk factors, heat related injuries, as well as how to treat these injuries.

Some of the factors which make an individual more prone to a heat related injury are age, general health, predisposing medical conditions, fatigue, and medications.

Persons at the extreme ages are more likely to succumb to heat injuries. Small children have a large body surface area, especially the head, and have a very limited ability to compensate for major changes in temperature. Older people lose the ability to internally regulate their temperature; they get colder or warmer quicker and with less awareness than younger individuals. Anyone who has serious medical conditions (congestive heart failure, diabetes, and thyroid disease) especially if the person is undernourished is more susceptible to environmental influences. When people exert themselves for long periods of time and become fatigued they are more likely to exercise poor judgment in potentially dangerous environmental situations, it also may impair the individual’s ability to operate normally increasing their potential for injury. Both prescription and over the counter medications may predispose persons to heat injury, many common medications such as antihistamines (allergy), cold medications, atropine, and diuretics impair the body’s ability to sweat and dissipate heat, heat intolerance is a common side effect of these drugs. Prior heat injuries also make a person more susceptible to heat related illnesses.

Heat cramps and heat exhaustion are among the two more common types of heat related injuries. A heat cramp is a muscle cramp or spasm of the arm, leg, or abdomen muscles caused by a lack of water and salt in the body. The individual’s skin may be moist or dry. Treatment for heat cramps includes moving the individual into the shade, loosening their clothing (belts, equipment, and waistline, anything on their head), provide oral hydration with an electrolyte solution. If the person is nauseated you could be dealing with heat exhaustion which can coexist with heat cramps. Heat exhaustion is a systemic reaction to prolonged heat exposure and is due to sodium depletion and dehydration. Symptoms include profuse sweating with pale, moist, and cool skin, headache often with weakness and fatigue, thirst, dizziness, loss of appetite, nausea (with or without vomiting), and confusion.

Treatment begins by moving the individual to a cool shady area, loosen or remove the patients clothing and boots. provide oral hydration if tolerated. If the person doesn’t tolerate oral hydration get them to the aid station for the medics to take care of, the person will probably need IV hydration which can’t be performed by anyone who isn’t trained and licensed. Heat stroke is most serious heat related injury someone can get while at D-Day. Heat stroke usually involves excessive exposure to strenuous physical activity under hot conditions. Heat stroke is a medical emergency that will result in death if treatment is delayed; it has an 80% fatality rate if left untreated. Sweat may or may not be present, red (flushed) hot usually dry skin, headache, dizziness, nausea, altered mental status (confusion, bizarre, or combative behavior), weakness, and rapid weak respirations and pulse. First thing you need to do is grab a bystander and have him go for a medic immediately. As soon as this is done begin cooling measure while waiting for and during transportation. Remove the person from the environment, remove their clothing and begin active cooling measure immediately. Mist the person with water and fan them with whatever is available. Wrap the person in ice sheets (basically just sheets that sit in a cooler of ice water) if available, apply ice packs to the groin and pits.

There are several things you can do in order to prevent yourself from becoming a heat casualty while at D-Day. First: hydrate hydrate HYRDATE. Drinking an adequate amount of water is the single most important thing that you can do, if you wait until you’re thirsty to take a drink you’ve waited too long. I recommend purchasing a Camelbak hydration pack of some sort (the bigger the better). You end up drinking more and more often when you’re carrying 3 liters on your back. You can also buy some form of electrolyte powder and mix it right in your camel back. Getting in shape is also a great way to decrease your risk of heat injury. If you’re on a beach unit (as I am) you know how tiring it can be running up and down a hill all morning. If you’re working out before D-Day your body will be able to stand more abuse and physical exertion than without, keeping you from becoming fatigued and that much closer to a heat causality. Try and eat a good breakfast and lunch the day of the big game. Your body is going to need the energy, I tend to carry out a handful of energy bars with me and munch on them while sitting in the DZ. If you’re starting to feel fatigued don’t be afraid to take a break, pop a squat in the shade, hydrate and give your body a chance to catch up with you. You’ll find that several short breaks will keep you in the game longer than pushing yourself to the brink then sitting out the afternoon from fatigue.

Try and lay off the alcohol as much as possible (this will probably fall on quite a few deaf ears), alcohol will dehydrate you and greatly increase your chances for heat related injuries. If you happen to enjoy a few cold ones be sure to drink more water than you normally would, drinking water after copious amounts of alcohol is also a great way to lessen the effects of a hangover. Tobacco users should also be mindful to drink extra water. In closing, you are in charge of maintaining your own body, don’t let your comrades down by being taking out by the heat, drink water, drink some more water, and lastly, drink more water!

Josh Westphal 68W Combat Medic USARNG Questions, comments, gripes, and complaints can be addressed to me at joshwest26@hotmail.com

6– Liter Camelbak