About Us
After World War I, the veterans of the 28th Infantry Division organized themselves into the Society of the 28th Infantry Division AEF (Army Expeditionary Force). The mission of the that organization was to commemorate the service of 28th in World War I and to remember comrades that had fallen during that war. By the late 1900's, the Society had all but disappeared due to the deaths of its members.
Until the formation of what is now know as the 28th Infantry Division Association, there was no other organization of Division veterans, although there were regimental and battalion organizations.
The first all-Divisional veterans reunion was organized in 1979 in conjunction with the 100th birthday of the 28th Infantry Division. Housing for veterans returning for the event was made available at Fort Indiantown Gap. This made it convenient for them to witness the ceremonies and events attending the commemoration. No further efforts to assemble Division veterans, nor organize a veteran's organization took place until 1984 when the Signal Battalion organized an "all-division" reunion at Indiantown Gap that year. This began the custom of holding annual Division reunions at that site.
In 1985, the veteran's of the 110th Infantry Regiment directed the reunion. Following this, the Division Commander, MG Harold J. Lavell, directed that annual reunions would continue. This led to the organization of the 28th Infantry Heritage Association. Brigadier General Lawrence L. Hammacher Jr. PNG, Retired volunteered to lead this new organization. General Hammacher retained leadership until the mid 1990s' when COL Henry Paul Brown, PNG, Retired then became the President and Executive Director of the Association.
CSM Richard Fonner outlined the purpose of what is now know as the 28th Infantry Division Association. The name was changed because some people interpreted "Heritage Association" with an organization that had only preservation interests and not future goals.
1. Fostering comradeship with active soldiers and veterans of the 28th Infantry Division.
2. Conducting annual conferences and reunions.
3. Publishing a periodic roster of Association members.
4. Publishing a newsletter and other material as needed to keep the membership aware of matters affecting the Association and its members.
5. Maintaining a close and cooperative relationship between the Association and the 28th Infantry Division.
6. Support memorials honoring the 28th Infantry Division and assist in their maintenance.
7. Collect and preserve historic documents pertaining to the history and heritage of the 28th Infantry Division.
8. Continue educating the general public on the defense of the United States and the deeds of the 28th Infantry Division and its individual soldiers in wars, police actions, conflicts, peacekeeping endeavors, international security and in defending and protecting the citizens of the United States and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in times of domestic disturbances and during natural or man-made disasters.
Executive Council (Voting Members)
Walter K. Chmiola President Email: info@28thinfantrydivisionassoc.org Damian-Jeffery M. Smith Vice President Robert P. Coyne Treasurer Michelle E. Lesko Secretary Gilbert Steele Past President Joseph Antidormi Member Henry Brown Member William O. Hickok V Historian Frank Kusnir Member Jay P. Lockard Member Cathy Pristas Member Mike Pristas Member Gilbert Robinson Member Executive Council Advisors (Non-Voting Members)
Carlos C. Corbin Richard L. Fonner Carolyn Malfara Web Master Louis M. Nole Robert C. Williams