History of the Combat Infantryman’s Association
The year 1985 marked the beginning of The Combat Infantryman’s Association. Three men, all World War veterans, each having earned the Combat Infantry Badge began discussing the possibility of having an “elite” organization. The three men, now known as the “Founding Fathers”, were Robert W. Wisccup, Paul N. Baker and Richard a Soeshee. They began with only their fortitude, drive and persistence to pave the way to our present.
There was very little monetary means available; so much of the early expenses came from the pockets of these three men. The Combat Infantrymen’s Association was formed and incorporated officially on 19 October 1990 in North Carolina. The first association officers were Robert W. Wisecup, National Commander, and 1985-93: Paul N. Baker (deceased). National Executive Officer, 1985-93: and Richard E. Soesbee, National Adjutant, 194546. The first national office was cramped quarters carved out of roe den of the Soesbee home located on Dunwell Street Asheville, North Carolina.
In 1993 the association made a major move, office space was rented on Haywood Road West Ashville, North Carolina, and with more space available the association began to expand. Paul N. Baker became the National Commander and Paul H. Matraaga was appointed National Executive Officer. Earl A. Rubley was appointed National Quartermaster. Earl A. Rubley and the present National Commander Howard R. Head (Wslhalla.SC Company) put the
The quartermaster sales of the Association’s memorabilia put it in high gear. They bought and paid for merchandise out of their own pockets and were refunded after sales were made. They worked diligently, building up the inventory until it became a viable and vital part of the association’s operations. At the present time the quartermaster is self-supporting and pays all the expenses for the national office, to include rent.
In 1994 Paul N Baker resigned as National Commander and Robert H. Meuser (deceased) was appointed National Commander..
The first annual reunion of the association was at the Radisson Hotel, Asheville. North Carolina, September 8-10, 1994. Earl A. Rubley and Phillip W.Cochrane (Esacanaba, MI Company) hosted this reunion
During this first 10 years the association went through many growing pains. There was a serious lack of communications between the National Headquarters, companies and members. There was an excessive amount of secrecy at the national level which impeded the normal Sow of communications. Very few Blue Badges were printed during this period. Some renewals were not notified when to pay their dues, this resulted in a large number of members lost. During this period there was a very grievous error
The second annual reunion of the association was at the Holiday Inn, Hickory. North Carolina, 7-9 September 1995. Leonard J. Capoaelto (HQ Company, Columbus, Ohio and Charles W. Slentz Sr. (HQ Comply, Byesville. OH) hosted the reunion.
The third annual reunion, of the association was at the Radisson Hotel. Columbus, Ohio. 5-7 September 1996. Leonard I. Capoziello and Charles W. Slentz St. hosted the reunion.
Robert H. Meuser, National Commander and Paul H. Matranga, National Executive Officer, did not stand for re-elec-
Tion and Howard R. Head were elected as the National Commander. (Carl E, Lombard (C Company. New York) was elected as National Executive Officer. Major Richard E. Soesbee, Adjutant/Chief of Staff resigned
On 1 October 1999 Glenn H. Towe (Walhalla, SC Company)
Was appointed as National Adjutant. The first order of business was to set a course of action for the next two years that would move the association into the present day world. The first item was to inform the membership of the association activities. This was done by 2 newsletters, written by the adjutant, printed by Office Depot, and hand addressed at National Headquarters. This was mailed on 30 November 1996, In December 1996 the commander and adjutant met with Larry R Eckard in Hickory, North Carolina and asked him to be the editor of The Blue Badge. He accepted, and the current Blue Badge was born. He suggested a schedule for us to follow, since then we have published and mailed The Blue Badge to an all members on a quarterly basis.
Enough equipment was moved from the National Office in Asheville, North Carolina to Walhalla, South Carolina, to enable Commander Head and Adjutant Towe to work there instead of a five hour road trip from Walhalia to Asheville each day.
In January 1997 we computerized all records making it easier to maintain files and communicate with companies and members.
In July 1997 National Headquarters moved into new quarters at 70 Woodfin Place, Suite 323, Asheville. North Carolina. This was a step up with less rent, two rooms, one for the office and the other for the quartermaster.
The fourth annual reunion of the association was at the Radisson Hotel., Columbus, Ohio, 25-28 September, 1997. William R.McClain and Leonard J. Capoaello hosted the reunion.
The adjutant was directed to rewrite the constitution and by-laws, in understandable language, and present it for approval at the next meeting of the general membership.
The fifth annual reunion of the association was at the Holiday Inn Center, Columbus, Georgia, 27-30 August, 1998.
The new constitution and bylaws were approved by the membership and posted in The Blue Badge of January 1999.
A vote of acclamation, by the general membership was made so that the current officers remain in office for another term. This was done to maintain the continuity of the association.
Remember, no one in the association receives a monetary compensation for services rendered. All services arc performed by volunteers. There are no paid employees; this is another one of the great attributes to our members.
Earl A. Rubley compiled this history from existing records and, from his memory of day to day association with one or more of the “Founding Fathers”.
Past National Commanders are listed here thru 2011:
1-Robert Wisecup-*
2-Paul N Baker-*
3-Robert H Meuser-*
4-Howard R Head
5-Carl Lombard
6-Dr. Ed Zebrowski
7-Dr. Robert Towles
8-Jack Wagner
9-Ray Yamrus
10-Earl W Kennedy
Deceased-*
All of these National Commanders and their staff’s worked hard and moved the organization along a steady increase in numbers of Combat Infantrymen. The most recent Commander Earl W Kennedy reorganized the entire association and improved our electronic capabilities by creating one of the best websites of any veteran’s organization. Mr. Kennedy also improved and rewrote the bylaws increasing financial security with modern banking procedures and increased reporting requirements from the field units. During Kennedy’s term donations to charities increased significantly and the association’s financial status improved at the same time.
The loss of many of our WWII veterans has increased and created a vacuum that is readily felt throughout our organization. Our volunteers continue to work hard and are extremely dedicated to all of our Combat Infantry Heroes.
On 22 October 2011 at Myrtle Beach South Carolina a new National Commander was elected. Bill Cross a Vietnam Veteran assumed command. The C11SC local Murrell’s Inlet unit of Division# 7 provided excellent hospitality and demonstrated their professionalism throughout the entire reunion. They furnished an outstanding honor guard and Adjutant Gary Ramsey, also National Webmaster performed with precision in the closing ceremony of honor. The Myrtle Beach annual reunion was very successful and Commander Kennedy was praised by many for his work of re-establishing the financial system and creating harmony and improved communications based on his reorganization of the association. Streamers for all passed commanders were installed on the flag and the meeting concluded with a very positive future outlook.
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