Military History Talks

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2024 Military History Talks

Thursday, 22 February 2024
Military History Talk
O.O. Howard House,
750 Anderson St, Vancouver, WA 98661
To attend, call, 253 223-0125 or email jddavis@rocketmail.com

Title: George Washington and his Legacy
Speaker: MSGT Jeff Dacus (U.S. Marine Corps, Retired)
After World War II, the Vancouver Barracks went from being the Pacific Northwest’s premier Regular Army post to a military backwater. This change had major changes in the local community that are still felt today. From the late 1940s to 2011, the Vancouver Barracks become the home to many Army Reserve and National Guard units. Units that drew their soldiers from the local community. Who were the major units at the Vancouver Barracks? And what significant activities happened there?
See Event Poster

Thursday, 28 March 2024
Military History Talk
O.O. Howard House,
750 Anderson St, Vancouver, WA 98661
To attend, call, 253 223-0125 or email jddavis@rocketmail.com

Title: Photographers at the Vancouver Barracks
Speaker: MAJ Jeff Daviss (U.S. Army, Retired)
From the earliest days of the Vancouver Barracks, government-sponsored artists created pictures and engravings, documenting the history of the installation. In addition to official images, private individuals took pictures of the daily life of soldiers and their families. They ranged from many anonymous photographers, to soldiers, to General’s Daughter, Laura Lee Otis, and, “That Man Marcell!” Come learn about these people, and see examples of their work!
See Event Poster

We are slowly digitizing some of our previous military history talks, which were on PowerPoint. They will be accessible as slideshows, and viewable on our You Tube page.

Slide Show Number 1: What is the VBMA?

Slilde Show Number 2: Images of the Vancouver Barracks, 1850 - 1890

Slide Show Number 3: Officers Row and Residences of the Barracks

Please follow the links to our previous years talks. If you find one that interests you, we might be able to repeat if, upon your request.

List of Past Military History Talks

2023 Military History Talks

Thursday, 23 February 2023
Military History Talk
O.O. Howard House,
750 Anderson St, Vancouver, WA 98661
To attend, call, 253 223-0125 or email jddavis@rocketmail.com

Title: Waiting for the Cold War to Heat Up at the Vancouver Barracks
Speaker: MAJ Jefferson Davis (U.S. Army Ret.)
After World War II, the Vancouver Barracks went from being the Pacific Northwest’s premier Regular Army post to a military backwater. This change had major changes in the local community that are still felt today. From the late 1940s to 2011, the Vancouver Barracks become the home to many Army Reserve and National Guard units. Units that drew their soldiers from the local community. Who were the major units at the Vancouver Barracks? And what significant activities happened there?
See Event Poster

Thursday, 23 March 2023
Military History Talk
O.O. Howard House,
750 Anderson St, Vancouver, WA 98661
To attend, call, 253 223-0125 or email jddavis@rocketmail.com

Title: Dr. Mary Walker: Hero, Surgeon, Trailblazer
Speaker: Ms. Michelle Mara
Since it was created in the Civil War, the Congressional Medal of Honor has only been awarded to one woman, Doctor Mary Edwards Walker. Walker was a woman ahead of her times, fighting for her nation as the first female surgeon in the Union Army, whose wartime service merited the United States’ highest award for bravery. Years later, it was rescinded by Congress, but restored again, in the late 20^th Century. This talk is presented by a descendent of Dr. Mary Walker, who will share both the personal and professional side of this amazing American.
See Event Poster

Thursday, 27 April 2023
Military History Talk
O.O. Howard House,
750 Anderson St, Vancouver, WA 98661
To attend, call, 253 223-0125 or email jddavis@rocketmail.com

Title: Johnny Clem, Youngest Soldier of the Civil War, and Afterward
Speaker: MAJ Jefferson Davis (U.S. Army Ret.)
After the Civil War, when the US Army “Colored” cavalry and infantry regiments were formed, their officers were white, not black. One such officer was John (Johnny) Lincoln Clem, who was appointed to the 24th Infantry by President Grant, in 1871. Clem was already famous, as arguably the youngest soldier to serve in the Civil War. In the course of his long career, Clem served at the Vancouver Barracks in the 1890s, before becoming the last Civil War veteran to retire from the United States Army.
See Event Poster

Thursday, 25 May 2023
Military History Talk
The Red Cross Building,
605 Barnes St, Vancouver, WA 98661
To attend, call, 253 223-0125 or email jddavis@rocketmail.com

Title: More Than Tidyng Up or This Old House, 1980s Restoration and Renovation on Officers Row.
Speaker: To Be Announced
Many houses were built along the Vancouver Barracks’ Officers Row between 1849 and 1906. Houses were built and demolished, but seldom remodeled. After World War II, the Army donated the houses and land to new owners, such as the Veterans Administration. By the 1980s, the City of Vancouver took over Officers Row, and found many in need of emergency repairs. Working historians, architects, and community leaders they launched a campaign of renovation and restoration, returning Officers Row to its former glory.
See Event Poster

Thursday, 22 June 2023
Military History Talk
O.O. Howard House,
750 Anderson St, Vancouver, WA 98661
To attend, call, 253 223-0125 or email jddavis@rocketmail.com

Title: Fun and Games at the Vancouver Barracks
Speaker: To Be Announced
The United States Army occupied the Vancouver Barracks from 1849 to 2011. In over 150 years, soldiers and their families indulged in numerous forms of recreation, which changed over times, following the trends in outside recreation. These sports ranged from hunting and fishing, to polo to baseball, to badminton and golf, with other musical and cultural events thrown in
See Event Poster

2022 Military History Talks

The Vancouver Barracks Military Association works with many partners to help interpret the past of the Vancouver Barracks. The Historic Trust, at the Vancouver Barracks hosts the monthly military history talks on the fourth Thursday of each month, at the O.O. Howard House, at the Vancouver Barracks.

Here is a list of all military history talks for 2022

24 February 2022 , 6:30 PM
At the Red Cross Building
Speaker: Dr. Scott Stabler,
Title: Onward Christian General: Oliver Otis Howard Soldier and Educator

Dr Scott Stabler, author and O.O. Howard will discuss General Howard's military accomplishments as well as his contributions to Reconstruction after the Civil War.
See Event Poster

24 March 2022 , 6:30 PM
At the O.O. Howard House
Speaker: Maj Jefferson Davis (US Army ret.)
Title: The Custer Women at the Vancouver Barracks

In the mid-1880s, war widows Elizabeth (Libbie) Custer, and Margaret (Maggie) Custer-Calhoun visited their niece, army-wife Emma Reed Calhoun. All three women took different paths to ensure financial stability in their later lives.
See Event Poster

28 April 2022 , 6:30 PM
At the O.O. Howard House
Speaker: MSGT Jeff Davis (USMC Ret.)
Title: 18 Or More by 24

Jeff Dacus is a retired educator, with over 35 years’ teaching experience. His family came to Vancouver during World War II to work in the Kaiser Shipyards, and remained afterward. He will share some of his family’s stories from that great effort.
See Event Poster

26 May 2022 , 6:30 PM
At the O.O. Howard House
Speaker: MAJ Jeff Daviss (US Army Ret.)
Title: Reminiscences of Afghanistan 20 and 1 Year Later

Major Jeff Davis deployed to Southwest Asia twice between 2002 and 2004 as a military historian. In the years since his deployments he watched the civil and military situation in Afghanistan deteriorate. Jeff will talk about his personal experiences and how the withdrawal left him and others.
See Event Poster

23 June 2022 , 6:30 PM
At the O.O. Howard House
Speaker: TBA
Title: The U.S. Army’s Love Affair with Coffee

Coffee was NOT the original drink of choice during the American Revolution. However, when the United States Army gave soldiers a weekly ration of coffee and sugar in the 1830s, the love affair began.
See Event Poster

Our 2019 Talk Schedule

17 January 2019
Speaker: CW3 (retired) Dan Sockle
Title: ICE, ISIS, and Political Tribalism in America

A discussion about the political tribalism, fueled by mainstream and social media, that is overwhelming all of us today. We know that our historical adversaries like Russia, China, Iran and North Korea, among others, are especially exploiting vulnerabilities throughout the Western World where liberty and convenience prevail. We will assess some of the non-military and less obvious, often internal threats to our once ‘United States of America,’ tracing back to the fifties. Can we turn the tide on the polarization that is tearing our country apart?

21 February 2019
Speakers: SSG Frazier Raymond Jr., (U.S. Army, Retired)
Mr. Wilson Keller
Title: Buffalo Soldiers at the Vancouver Barracks, and Cathay Williams, the First Female Buffalo Soldier

In the 1890s and in World War II, African American soldiers sometimes called Buffalo Soldiers served at the Vancouver Barracks. Mr. Wilson Keller will talk about an interpretive sign about the Buffalo Soldiers, he is designing and installing at the Vancouver Barracks.

Retired U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Frazier Raymond, will speak about the history of the Buffalo Soldiers from the end of the Civil War until the early 20th Century, as well as their time at the Vancouver Barracks.

21 March 2019
Speaker: Mr. Matthew Mawhirter
Title: The Civilian Conservation Corps in the Vancouver Barracks District

When most people think about the Civilian Conservation Corps, or CCC, they imagine thousands of young men carrying shovels, axes, and saws throughout the woodlands of the United States. While much of the CCC’s work took place in the woods, organizing, training, and supplying the woodland camps was done from locations with access to paved roads, railroads, and rivers. Places like the Vancouver Barracks, where soldiers played the part of mentors and trainers for the new CCC recruits. Mr. Matt Mawhirter will talk about the part the Vancouver Barracks and its soldiers played in organizing the CCC in the Pacific Northwest.

18 April 2019
Speaker: SGM Jeff Dacus (U.S. Marine Corps, Retired
Title: Predator-A Marine Corps Tank Company in Operation Desert Storm

B Company, 4^th Tank Battalion, a Marine Corps Reserve Company was activated in December of 1990 to serve in Operation Desert Storm after the invasion of Kuwait by Iraq in August of 1990. This was the first large scale call up of the Reserves and National Guard since the Korean War in 1950 The company led the Second Marine Division assault into Kuwait that liberated the country. They received the Navy Unit Citation for their part in the largest tank versus tank battle in Marine Corps history.

16 May 2019
Speakers: Mr. Paul Fanning
Title: The Portland Metro Area Response Plan in World War II

When the United States entered World War II, it was the first time since the War of 1812 that the United States feared a full-scale enemy invasion. Across the country, as military bases beefed up their security and war plans, so did civilian governments. In Portland, Oregon, the city developed and implemented a comprehensive plan to combat enemy attacks, as well as implementing the changes necessary at home to support the war effort abroad. These plans included the City of Vancouver.

20 June 2019
Speaker: LTC James Pestillo (U.S. Air Force, Retired)
Title: The Development of the Vancouver Barracks and City of Vancouver's Water System

How does the City of Vancouver get its drinking water? It is more than the simple act of turning on a tap. Vancouver’s water system began with rain barrels and wooden pipes, then artesian wells; as private companies competed to provide water to both the U.S. Army and the City of Vancouver. The competition and increasing complexity of the water demands eventually led to the City of Vancouver purchasing the private water company, and creating a public utility, which exists today.

The talks described below were given by the VBMA in the past. It may be possible for the presenters to give the talk again upon request.

Our 2018 Talk Schedule

18 January 2018
Speaker: CW3 (retired) Dan Sockle
Title: ISIS, Where Are You Now?

Subject: Is Abu Bakr al Baghdadi still alive? Did he die in an airstrike in July 2017? If not, with the fall of Raqqa, where have he and his followers gone?

They have gone into Niger, Mali, and Libya, as well as relatively ungoverned areas on the African continent (and central/south Asia). Sometimes they compete with the Taliban or align with the likes of Boko Haram, Al Shabab, and others. If he is dead, will ISIS survive, as Al Qaeda has done? If so, will ISIS and Al Qaeda be competitors or collaborators against the West?

Who are our friends and foes in the changing Middle East and north/central Africa? Has ISIS secured itself in eastern Afghanistan? As the world moves forward, what possible strategies will the West follow? This will lead to a discussion of new State Department approaches to Pakistan and possible North Korea.

15 February 2018

Speaker: Major (retired) Jeff Davis
Title: The Spanish Flu Comes from Flanders Fields, to America

Subject: Most soldiers returning from World War I thought only about their families, and moving on to a rosy future. Unfortunately, many returned bringing death with them, in the form of a pandemic known as the Spanish Flu. This devastating virus killed as many as 50 to 100 million people worldwide.

15 March 2018
Speaker: Mr. Dan Parshall
Title: Next of Kin

Subject: Dan Parshall recounts his father’s experiences as a World War I ambulance driver, based on letters, photographs, and other documents that highlight his career.

19 April 2018
Speaker: Mr. Douglas Auburg
Title: Working on the Railroad with the Doughboys

Subject: Douglas Auburg’s father was drafted into the Army and sent to Europe during World War I. As a bugler and working as a machinist, he served with the 33rd Engineer Regiment from May 1918 to May 1919, at the military railroad service facility located midway between Army Expeditionary Force's Port of Embarkation in France and the American Front Lines.

17 May 2018
Speakers: Captain (retired) Warren Aney
Title: Oregon’s Military History

Subject: Oregon has a rich military heritage from native warriors to settler militias to the National Guard. Before Oregon achieved statehood, its settlers formed their own militia and volunteer units for self-protection. In the years since, Oregon’s citizen soldiers have answered the call of their governor and nation many times. Historian Warren Aney will present an overview of Oregon’s military history, with some emphasis on World War I.

21 June 2018
Speaker: Dr. Donna Sinclair
Title: African American Contributions to the Civilian Conservation Corps

From 1932 until 1942, the Civilian Conservation Corps, or CCC was one of the largest public works programs of the New Deal. The program employed single young men to perform unskilled manual labor in jobs related to the conservation and development of natural resources on federal, state and local government lands. About 200,000 African Americans were employed by the CCC. Their story has been largely forgotten. Dr. Donna Sinclair will discuss the work and conditions of these camps, the program’s benefits and drawbacks for African Americans, and the shift from integrated to segregated camps.

Our 2017 Talk Schedule

Thursday, 19 January 2017, 6:30 - 7:30 PM
Military History Talk
Speaker: Major Jefferson Davis, US Army (Ret.)
Topic related to Global War on Terrorism
Title: Reminiscences of a Military Historian
The Marshall House
1301 Officer's Row, Vancouver, WA 98661
253 223-0125

Jeff Davis deployed to Southwest Asia in 2002 and from 2003-2004. He worked as a military historian, both authoring reports, as well as going from base to base interviewing soldiers about their experiences in the Global War on Terrorism. While respecting the privacy of those he interviewed, Jeff will share some of the mostly humorous, often ironic experiences he had during his deployments.

Thursday, 16 February 2017, 6:30 - 7:30 PM
Military History Talk
Speaker: CW3 Daniel Sockle, US Army (Ret.)
Topic related to the Global War on Terrorism
Title: When Tomorrow Means More Than Yesterday - Can We "Trump" the Roots of Extremism?
The Marshall House
1301 Officer's Row, Vancouver, WA 98661
Marshall House phone number, 360 693-3103

When humans start caring more about tomorrow than yesterday, about the lives of our children and future generations more than ghosts of the past, conflict arising from vengeance will fade into history.” We must find a way to extract our instincts for revenge from the human condition – particularly from the DNA of politicians, religious leaders, and a complicit media that perpetuates conflict and victimhood around the world, 365/24/7

Thursday, 16 March 2017, 6:30 - 7:30 PM
Military History Talk
Speaker: Speaker: Major Jefferson Davis, US Army (Ret.)
Topic related to Vancouver Barracks Officers
Title: The Vancouver Barracks, Proving Ground for Generals
The Marshall House
1301 Officer's Row, Vancouver, WA 98661
Marshall House phone number, 360 693-3103

The Vancouver Barracks was established in 1849, and was open as a military post until the new millennium. In the 150+ years of history, many young officers served at the Vancouver Barracks, and later rose to the rank of general. Jeff Davis will focus on many young officers who served from the 1849 to the early 1860s, and became generals in the Civil War.

Thursday, 20 April 2017, 6:30 - 7:30 PM
Military History Talk
Speaker MSG Timothy Shotwell, US Army (Ret.)
Topic related to period from Vietnam War to Global War on Terrorism
Title: C-4 Does Not Float
The Marshall House
1301 Officer's Row, Vancouver, WA 98661
Marshall House phone number, 360 693-3103

Retired Master Sergeant Timothy Shotwell served in the U.S. Army and Army Reserves for over 30 years, serving from the Vietnam War to the Global War on Terrorism. He will share many tales, some amusing, some not so amusing relating to his military experiences.

Wednesday, 3 May 2017, 6:30 - 7:30 PM
Military History Talk
Speaker: MSG Jack Giesen US Army (Ret.)
Topic related to World War I Centennial
Subject: The M1917 Army Ambulance
The Marshall House
1301 Officer's Row, Vancouver, WA 98661
Marshall House phone number, 360 693-3103

Over the past year, the Vancouver Barracks Military Association has constructed a replica of the Model 1917, US Army Ambulance, as part of their commemoration of the 100 year anniversary of World War I. This talk will be the public unveiling of the completed ambulance. Weather permitting, this talk will take place outside, where the audience can see the replica ambulance as well as uniforms and equipment. If the weather is bad, the talk will take place indoors, but with replica uniforms, and video footage of the ambulance construction.

Thursday, 15 June 2017, 6:30 - 7:30 PM
Military History Talk
Speaker: Mr. James Moody
Topic related to The Spanish American War, and Moro War
Title: The Other Spanish American War
The Marshall House
1301 Officer's Row, Vancouver, WA 98661
Marshall House phone number, 360 693-3103

Many people associate the Spanish American War with Teddy Roosevelt and the Rough Riders charging up San Juan Hill, in Cuba. Fewer people know that the Spanish American War was fought in the Western Pacific, in places like Guam, and the Philippines. Local historian James Moody knows a lot about that part of the war, and the conflict that raged afterward in what some people call the Moro War, or the Philippines Insurrection, because one of his ancestors fought there. Come listen to James talk about this conflict, with its very personal associations.

Our 2016 Talk Schedule:

Thursday, 21 January 2016, 6:30 - 7:30 PM
Military History Talk
Speaker: Major Jefferson Davis, USAR (Ret.)
Subject: Guard House Tales from the Vancouver Barracks
The Marshall House
1301 Officer's Row, Vancouver, WA 98661
Marshall House phone number is, 360 693-3103

Thursday, 18 February 2016, 6:30 - 7:30 PM
Military History Talk
Speaker: SSG Frazier Raymond US Army (Ret.)
Subject: Buffalo Soldiers and the Vancouver Barracks
The Marshall House
1301 Officer's Row, Vancouver, WA 98661
Marshall House phone number is, 360 693-3103

Thursday, 17 March 2016, 6:30 - 7:30 PM
Military History Talk
Speaker: MSG Jack Giesen US Army (Ret.)
Subject: The US Army Ambulance Service in World War
The Marshall House
1301 Officer's Row, Vancouver, WA 98661
Marshall House phone number is, 360 693-3103

Thursday, 21 April 2016, 6:30 - 7:30 PM
Military History Talk
Speaker: CW3 Daniel Sockle, US Army (Ret.)
Subject: America’s Jihad: Joining Humanity’s Struggle with the Far Left, the Far Right, and other Extremists since 9/11
The Marshall House
1301 Officer's Row, Vancouver, WA 98661
Marshall House phone number is, 360 693-3103

Thursday, 19 May 2016, 6:30 - 7:30 PM
Military History Talk
Speaker SGM Kelly Jones US Army (Ret.)
Subject: Changing Army Culture, A Female Perspective
The Marshall House
1301 Officer's Row, Vancouver, WA 98661
Marshall House phone number is, 360 693-3103

Thursday, 16 June 2016, 6:30 - 7:30 PM
Military History Talk
Speaker Colonel Bruce Mulkey (Retired)
Subject: The Oregon Trail and Today’s Mass Migrations
The Marshall House
1301 Officer's Row, Vancouver, WA 98661
Marshall House phone number is, 360 693-3103

2015 Military History Talks

Friday, 13 February 2015, 6 - 7 PM
Military History Talk
Speaker CW3 Daniel Sockle, US Army (Ret.)
Subject: ISIS/ISIL: How Did The Islamic State Gain Power?
40 et 8 Chateau at, 40 Et 8 Chateau
7607 NE 26th Ave, Vancouver, WA 98665
360 574-3872

An Islamic State that exists beyond modern national borders has been the dream of many moderate and radical Muslims for centuries. In 2014, a radical group of Islamists formed ISIL or ISIS, and began a campaign to create their own Islamic state in Southwest Asia. Dan Sockle, a professional intelligence specialist and professor at Clark College will give a one hour presentation on the rise of ISIL, taken from his Clark College lecture course. To learn more about his course, read the course syllabus.

Saturday 26 February 2015, 6 PM
Buffalo Soldiers History Event
Vancouver Barracks Red Cross Building
605 Barnes Road, Vancouver, WA 98660

Friday, 13 March 2015, 6 - 7 PM
Military History Talk
Speaker COL Larry Smith US Army (Ret.)
Subject: Special Operations Forces in Vietnam
40 et 8 Chateau at, 40 Et 8 Chateau
7607 NE 26th Ave, Vancouver, WA 98665
360 574-3872

The work of Special Operations Forces in Vietnam is a subject still shrouded in mystery. What was their mission? Where did they operate? What were their tactics and who were their allies? Retired Colonel Larry Smith was a Special Forces commander during the Vietnam War and he will talk about some of his experiences in what some have called, the Ten Thousand Day War.

Friday, 10 April 2015, 6 - 7 PM
Military History Talk
Speaker Christopher Heagy
Subject: The Congressional Medal of Honor
40 et 8 Chateau at, 40 Et 8 Chateau
7607 NE 26th Ave, Vancouver, WA 98665
360 574-3872

The highest award for valor that the United States can award is known as the Congressional Medal of Honor. Since this medal was created in the Civil War, only a few thousand have been awarded to service members, from among the hundreds of thousands who fought in America's wars. Christopher Heagy will discuss the history of the medal, and some of the unique customs surrounding it as well as some of the special people who received the Congressional Medal of Honor.

Friday, 8 May 2015, 6 - 7 PM
Military History Talk
Speaker SSG Frazier Raymond US Army (Ret.), and Maj Jefferson Davis (Ret.)
Subject: Congressional Medal of Honor Recipients in the Vancouver Barracks Post Cemetery
40 et 8 Chateau at, 40 Et 8 Chateau
7607 NE 26th Ave, Vancouver, WA 98665
360 574-3872

As a prelude to the Memorial Day commemorations for 2015, Frazier Raymond, will talk about four soldiers buried in the Vancouver Baracks Post Cemetery; who were singled out for their courage, and received the Congressional Medal of Honor. These four soldiers were Moses Williams, William Wallace McCammon, Herman Pfisterer, and James Madison Hill. From service in the Civil War, to the Indian Wars of the American Southwest, to the Spanish American War, these four soldiers showed extreme courage under fire.

Friday, 12 June 2015, 6 - 7 PM
Military History Talk
Speaker Colonel Bruce Mulkey (Retired)
Subject: The Vancouver Barracks in the 19th Century;
40 et 8 Chateau at, 40 Et 8 Chateau
7607 NE 26th Ave, Vancouver, WA 98665
360 574-3872

The Vancouver Barracks were the 'old frontier' long before the Indian Wars of the late 19th Century. From 1849 until the 1880s, soldiers from the Barracks were active, patrolling the Pacific Northwest, guarding against both Native American and domestic threats. Retired Colonel Bruce Mulkey will speak about some of these events.

Friday, 10 July 2015, 6 - 7 PM
Military History Talk
Speaker Major Jefferson Davis (USAR Retired)
Subject: A New Book, Custer's Other Brother-in-Law, Frederic Calhoun
40 et 8 Chateau at, 40 Et 8 Chateau
7607 NE 26th Ave, Vancouver, WA 98665
360 574-3872

Many people have heard of George Armstrong Custer; and know that many of his family and friends, often called the Custer Clique, died with him at the Battle of the Little Bighorn. Fewer know that his brother-in-law, Lieutenant Frederic Calhoun who fought in the Great Sioux War, survived because he was not at the Little Bighorn. Later Fred Calhoun was stationed at the Vancouver Barracks, before he retired in 1890. Decades later, family members donated Fred Calhoun’s personal orders book to the Barracks. As de facto post historian, Jeff Davis had temporary custody of the book, which he is publishing, in the hopes of shedding light on the lifestyle of soldiers and their families in the American West.

Friday, 14 August 2015, 6 - 7 PM
Military History Talk Cancelled
Speaker
40 et 8 Chateau at, 40 Et 8 Chateau
7607 NE 26th Ave, Vancouver, WA 98665
360 574-3872

2014 Military History Talk Schedule is not available, Sorry

2013 Military History Talk Schedule:

Thursday, 11 April 2013 8 - 9 PM
Military History Talk
Speaker Major Jefferson Davis (Ret.)
Subject: The Liberation of Concentration Camp Dora Mittelbau.
40 et 8 Chateau at, 40 Et 8 Chateau
7607 NE 26th Ave, Vancouver, WA 98665
360 574-3872

The 104th Division, known as the Timberwolves, called the Pacific Northwest home for many years. The Division Headquarters was stationed at the Vancouver Barracks from 1946 to 2011. Before it came to the Northwest, the 104th Division had an illustrious history in World War II. It is listed as one of the Holocaust Liberation units, after the Timberwolves helped liberate the Concentration Camp Dora Mittelbau, where slave laborers built the dreaded V2 rockets. This talk includes photographs of the camp, then and now as well as an audio recording from one of the liberators.

Thursday, 9 May 2013 8 - 9 PM
Military History Talk
Speaker Major Jefferson Davis (Ret.)
Subject: The 14^th Infantry Regiment at the Vancouver Barracks.
40 et 8 Chateau at, 40 Et 8 Chateau
7607 NE 26th Ave, Vancouver, WA 98665
360 574-3872

From the earliest days of the United States military, it was a common practice to move units from one location to another. This was done for many reasons. Sometimes units moved to gain expertise in fighting in many different environments. Others moved as periodic breaks from hostile environments. The 14th Infantry Regiment was one such unit. Formed in the early days of the Civil War, it fought t at Antietam, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Wilderness and Petersburg. Following the Civil War, the 14th Infantry Regiment served in the Pacific Northwest several times. Its post-Civil War fame came when it led the assault on Manilla in the Spanish American War, and later rotated to the Western Pacific in the early 20th Century. Many people called the 14th Infantry Regiment, Vancouver's Own.

Thursday, 13 June 2013 7 - 8 PM
Military History Talk
Speaker Dr. Anita Fisher
Subject: Civil War Medicine
40 et 8 Chateau at, 40 Et 8 Chateau
7607 NE 26th Ave, Vancouver, WA 98665
360 574-3872

In the early 1860s, medicine had a coming of age in Europe and enlightened locations in the United States. The first use of modern antiseptic practices, allowing doctors to set compound fractures without amputation dated to the mid-1860s. Unfortunately, most of these new practices were late in coming to the battlefields of the United States Civil War. Historian Dr. Anita Fisher will describe some of the techniques and practices of doctors and caregivers in those years and its impact on later medicine in the United States.

Thursday, 11 July 2013 7 - 8 PM
Military History Talk
Speaker Ms. Alisha Hamel
Subject: Oregon and Washington's Role in World War II
40 et 8 Chateau at, 40 Et 8 Chateau
7607 NE 26th Ave, Vancouver, WA 98665
360 574-3872

Alisha Hamel, an experienced historical presenter, will talk about Oregon and Washington's role in WWII. This presentation will tell the story of what happened in Oregon and Washington that is unique from other areas of the United States. Did you know that the United States was sure that the west coast would be attacked after the attack at Pearl Harbor? What did Oregon and Washington do? Did you know that Oregon was attacked? Come and hear that story. Also the 41st Infantry Division, an Oregon, Washington, Idaho and Montana National Guard Infantry Division was activated on September 16, 1940 over a year before the attack at Pearl Harbor. Where did they go? Where did they fight? Where did their first casualty happen? This unit was considered the "best" National Guard Infantry Division prior to WWII so was one of only four Infantry Division activated so early to fight during WWII. Come and learn your WWII history. Alisha will also bring touchable artifacts from actual WWII veterans and maps of WWII free for all attendees.

Thursday, 8 August 2013 7 - 8 PM
Military History Talk
Speaker Master Sergeant (Ret.) Jack Giesen
Subject: The North Vancouver Barracks
40 et 8 Chateau at, 40 Et 8 Chateau

Today, most of Vancouver’s citizens think of the Vancouver Barracks as a plot of ground and buildings from Evergreen Boulevard, south to the Columbia River. For nearly a century, the Barracks was much larger, taking in the land from the Columbia River to what is now 4th Plain Boulevard. For much of that time, this northern portion was a field training area. However, during World War II, it was converted into a series of camps and military hospital to support World War II. This talk gives an overview of that forgotten portion of the Vancouver Barracks.

Thursday, 12 September 2013 7 - 8 PM
Military History Talk
Speaker Colonel Bruce Mulkey (Retired)
Subject: The 1856 Battle of the Cascades
40 et 8 Chateau at, 40 Et 8 Chateau

Late in 1855, Indian Agent Andrew J. Bolon (or Bolan) was killed by members of the Yakamas Indian Tribe. A few weeks later, the United States Army led a failed punitive expedition against the Yakamas. Early in 1856, army forces moved from the Vancouver Barracks to Fort Dalles, to begin a spring campaign against the Yakamas and their allies. The army commander, Colonel George Wright did not suspect that the Yakamas and their allies had planned an attack on the US Army post and civilian settlements at the Cascades of the Columbia River.

In March 1856, they struck with complete surprise. In a three day fight, the US Army eventually drove away the attackers. One prominent name in the fight was Lieutenant Philip Sheridan. To learn more about the background behind the attack, and how it unfolded, please come.

Thursday, 10 October 2013 7 - 8 PM
Military History Talk
Speaker CW3 Dan Sockle (Ret.)
Subject: Unforseen Consequences, Operation Iraqi Freedom
40 et 8 Chateau at, 40 Et 8 Chateau
7607 NE 26th Ave, Vancouver, WA 98665
360 574-3872

In March 2003, the United States and its Coalition of allies extended what was then called the International War on Terrorism to Iraq. Their invasion, which began on 20 March reached Baghdad in a little over a month. The years after the successful invasion of Iraq, the Coalition strategies did not go as planned either inside of Iraq our outside. In part this was due to a lack of understanding of the peoples of Southwest Asia, their religion and customs.

2012 Military History Talk Schedule:

12 April 2012
Masonic ties to the U.S. Army in the Early Days of the Vancouver Barracks
By Major Jeff Davis (Ret.)

The Vancouver Barracks were established in 1849 by a diverse group of soldiers. Many of the officers were born in the United States, but came from an already divided North and South. Many of the enlisted men were foreign born. Their common service could either bond them together or divide them. Many found unity in joining fraternal organizations such as freemasonry. Some of the famous (or infamous) alumni include artist Gustav Sohon, Marcus Reno and Henry Weinhard.

3 May 2012
Raising the Colors: The Founding of the Vancouver Barracks
By Major Jeff Davis (Ret.) as part of the Clark County Historical Museum’s First Thursday History Talk Program

The United States Army took the axiom, ‘One if by land… two if by sea’, when planning the establishment of the first U.S. Army post in the Oregon Territory, which became known as the Vancouver Barracks. Two separate forces took the journey westward, one overland, the other by sailing ship. The first force landed in 1849, and began construction, waiting for the second to arrive. Which force was it? Come to this talk and find out. Local historian Jefferson Davis will discuss the reasons why the site of the Vancouver Barracks was chosen, and the early years on the post.

10 May 2012
The 1856 Battle of the Columbia River Cascades
By Colonel Bruce Mulkey (Ret.)

Late in 1855, Indian Agent Andrew J. Bolon (or Bolan) was killed by members of the Yakamas Indian Tribe. A few weeks later, the United States Army led a failed punitive expedition against the Yakamas. Early in 1856, army forces moved from the Vancouver Barracks to Fort Dalles, to begin a spring campaign against the Yakamas and their allies. The army commander, Colonel George Wright did not suspect that the Yakamas and their allies had planned an attack on the US Army post and civilian settlements at the Cascades of the Columbia River.

In March 1856, they struck with complete surprise. In a three day fight, the US Army eventually drove away the attackers. One prominent name in the fight was Lieutenant Philip Sheridan.

22 June 2012
Failure Without Consequence: The U.S. Army, the U.S. Marine Corps, and Amphibious Preparation During the Interwar Period.
By U.S. Army Captain Richard Ingleby

All too often nations make the mistake of planning for future wars using tactics and equipment from the prior war. When this happens, the price the military of that nation pays can be costly in terms of lives, equipment, and lost battles. In World War II, it was the primary method used to deliver combat troops to many battlefields in the islands of the South Pacific and other locations. In 1914, the U.S. Navy conducted an amphibious assault at the beaches of Veracruz, Mexico, and occupied the city as result of the Tampico Affair. Captain Ingleby who has a BA in History from the University of Utah, and a MA in Military History from Norwich University will examine the planning and preparations that the United States military conducted in the years between World War I and World War II, and how it affect operations once the war began.

25 August 2012
The 104th Division at the Vancouver Barracks
By Major Jeff Davis (Ret.)

In 1945, after the surrender of Japan, the United States and its allies believed that the last world war had been fought. The U.S. War department disbanded its military quickly, too quickly. Many military posts were decommissioned and military units inactivated before the end of 1945. Within a few months, it became apparent that the United States needed a standing army, and large force of Army Reservists and National Guard soldiers. One of the units chosen for reactivation in the Organized Reserves was the 104th Division. In December 1946, it was reactivated, with its headquarters at the Vancouver Barracks, where it remained until 2011. This talk summarizes some of the activities of the division in World War II and the 60 years afterward.

13 September 2012
The North Vancouver Barracks
By Master Sergeant Jack Giesen (Ret.)

In 2012, most of Vancouver’s citizens think of the Vancouver Barracks as a plot of ground and buildings from Evergreen Boulevard, south to the Columbia River. For nearly a century, the Barracks was much larger, taking in the land from the Columbia River to what is now 4th Plain Boulevard. For much of that time, this northern portion was a field training area. However, during World War II, it was converted into a series of camps and military hospital to support World War II. This talk gives an overview of that forgotten portion of the Vancouver Barracks.

12 October 2012
The Congressional Medal of Honor and the Pacific Northwest
By Mr. Frank Krone

The Congressional Medal of Honor was created by Congress during the Civil War to recognize notable or supreme acts of heroism on the part of United States service members. Since its creation less than 4,000 medals have been awarded. Four soldiers who served at the Barracks and are buried in its Post Cemetery. Other service members who were born in the Pacific Northwest, or served there also received the Congressional Medal of Honor and are buried elsewhere. This talk discusses the Medal, and highlights some of its recipients.

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