The 30th Field Artillery Regiment Association

Hard Chargers, Sir

The Association was initially formed as a fraternity of those who had served with the 1st Battalion, 30th Field Artillery in Vietnam between 1965 and 1971. Its primary purpose was to document the Battalion's proud and highly decorated service in that war. Founded in January 1995, our first president was Dan Gillotti, who has served the Association ever since in a number of important roles, including Historian.

The first small formal gathering of Hard Chargers was held at Fort Hood, Texas, in August, 1995, during the 1st Cavalry Division Association reunion. Laying the important groundwork for later growth, Dan Gillotti stopped at Fort Sill on his way to the reunion and spoke with the commanders of the 30th Field Artillery Regiment's active duty components, which provide support for the Field Artillery School. The senior officers and NCOs indicated their desire to join and work with the Association.

During early development, founding members elected to broaden the Association's focus and membership into a truly regimental organization by including all former and current members of the Regiment and attached units. Dan's research unearthed its historical origins in 1918 and traced its lineage through several later reconstitutions from 1941 to present day.

In 1998 the general membership approved a formal Constitution and By-Laws and elected a full slate of Association Officers. The President and the 1st and 2nd Vice Presidents serve for two years, the Secretary and Treasurer for four years. The process of formal Incorporation of the Association as a non-profit organization has been completed and filed in Texas.

Members approved annual dues of $15 and lifetime dues of $150. They carry out many solicitations and fund raisers to finance projects. All activities are completed by volunteers; there are no paid Association staff; major projects include:

• An Association newsletter, the "HARD CHARGER" is distributed at least quarterly.

• Many photos and artifacts have been gathered and some have been assembled into displays at Fort Sill.

• An impressive history was published in 1998 detailing Regiment lineage and significant historic episodes.

• Association members designed and maintain this website.

• Personal data and photos of Regiment KIAs are being gathered to expand Fort Sill displays first dedicated in 1996.

• One-on-one assistance and counseling for PTSD and other readjustment problems are offered for members.

• Soldier of the Year and NCO of the Year awards are made to deserving active Regiment members.

• Regiment combat veterans hold Q and A sessions for junior officers training at Fort Sill.

Other important Association activities include annual reunions for members to rekindle the comradeship of those who served together. Since 1995 Reunions have been held at several locations: 1995 Ft Hood/Killeen, Texas with the 1st Cavalry Division & another in Cleveland, Ohio; 1996 Fort Sill/Lawton, Oklahoma with the Active Duty Regiment; 1997 Ft Hood/Killeen, TX with the 1st Cavalry Division; 1998 Fort Sill/Lawton, Oklahoma with the Active Duty Regiment; 1999 Nashville, Tennessee; 2000 Fort Sill/Lawton, Oklahoma with the Active Duty Regiment; 2001 Lake Tahoe, California; 2002 Fort Sill/Lawton, Oklahoma with the Active Duty Regiment; 2003 Cleveland, Ohio; 2004 Fort Sill/Lawton, Oklahoma with the Active Duty Regiment; and our 12th Reunion in 2005 at Ft Hood/Killeen, TX with the 1st Cavalry Division. The 13th Reunion in 2006 is scheduled for Fort Sill/Lawton, Oklahoma with the Active Duty Regiment. Future Reunion Sites are being planned.

Under the provisions of AR 600-82 the US Army Regimental System (USARS) was revitalized by the CSA by approving the concept to provide each soldier with continuous identification with a single regiment and to support that concept with a personnel system that would increase a soldier's probability of serving recurring assignments with his or her regiment.

The purpose of the USARS is to enhance combat effectiveness through a framework that provides the opportunity for affiliation, develops loyalty and commitment, fosters an extended sense of belonging, improves unit esprit, and institutionalizes the war fighting ethos.

The first such appointments to Honorary Colonel and Honorary Sergeant Major of the Regiment occured in 1992.

In 1995, in close coordination with the active Regiment, the Association nominated members for Honorary Colonel of the Regiment (HCOR) and Honorary Sergeant Major of the Regiment (HSMOR) which were approved by the Commanding General. Association-proposed appointments are reviewed and approved through the active chain of command.