By LTC Bev Houghton

 

On 16 February, 2011 I attended the Grand Opening Ceremony for the 63rd Regional Support Command Sergeant James Witkowski Armed forces Reserve Center at 230 RT Jones Road, Mountain View, CA.  The official party  included BG Jon D. Lee, Commander 63d RSC, BG William J. Gothard, Chief of Staff, US Army Reserve Command , Jim and Barbara Witkowski, parents of SGT James Witkowski, his sisters, Mrs. Tracey Ankrom and Mrs., Randi Ledingham and SGM (Ret) Jon P. Souza, who was on the convoy with SGT Witkowski.   Remarks were made by BG Lee, BG Gothard, Mrs. Witkowski and SGT Souza.  The formal ceremony included the unveiling of the plaque honoring SGT Witkowski and the ribbon cutting for the official opening of the building. The event was well attended by family and friends of SGT Witkowski, community leaders, numerous flag officers including former commanders of the 63d MG Paulson and MG Ostenberg.   Also attending were two WWII veterans who are members of the 63d Infantry Division Association WWII.  
SGT Witkowski was awarded the Silver Star “for gallantry under fire as a gunner on a combat logistics patrol in the 729th transportation company during Operation Iraqi Freedom.  On 26 October 2005, Sergeant James Witkowski is cited for heroic action against anti-coalition forces when his convoy encountered a complex attack. Without regard for his own life, he provided suppressive fire on the enemy and absorbed the full shock of a hand grenade thrown at his gun truck saving the lives of his fellow soldiers.  His supreme sacrifice and bravery reflect great credit on himself, his unit, and the United States Army. 
During the open house I was able to view the displays that have been started and include items that our Association has loaned for display representing the 63d Infantry Division, USAR and follow on 63d commands and units.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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63d Infantry Division Association Memorabilia Project Update
By LTC Beverley Houghton

 

As many of you know we, the 63d Infantry Division Association USAR, took ownership of items that had been in MG Theodore Paulson’s possession.  This was done with the intent that they would be inventoried and hand receipted to the historian of the current 63d RSC for display and storage at the new headquarters building at Moffett Field.    Over the past months the items were inventoried and items relating the 63d Infantry Division and the 63d USAR organizations have been handed over to LTC Christianson, the current historian for the 63d RSC, and he will initiate the display in the showcase space that he has already allocated to our belonging at the new headquarters.  Records received relating specifically to our association are currently in my possession and will be further inventoried for future preservation and storage. 

I wish to thank MG Paulson for contributing these valuable records and memories to our association, to LTC Thomas Christianson for his support and assistance with the project and to COL Al Diaz and LTC Jim Wright who joined me at my dining room table a number of times to go over many, many pictures and other documents and inventory them to complete this worthwhile project.