[dorsai]

The 1st Infantry Division, or as it's also called the 1st ID
is one of the mainstays of D-Day. There's nothing harder
than having to take the heights away from the Germans.
They've had years to build and improve there trench and
bunker complex and when I say bunker, I mean concrete
a pillbox situated at the top of a hill that's lined with row
after row of trenches. Oh, almost forgot the simulated
barbed wire that blocks the draws, up which the 1st has
to come in order to reach those objectives. Add to this
the fact that new, first time D-Day players must also
enter the fray, at least for the first time, via what looks
like a WWII Higgins boat, complete with front drop ramp.
Motoring across that pond gives players time to reflect
on what the troops back in WW II must have thought as
their boats approched the beaches. That's one reason
why Dewayne insists on keeping that aspect, so people
remmber why he holds this event.

I'll let you in on a detail most folks don't know. Dewayne
started D-Day as a way to honor his grandfather, Enos
Armstrong. Enos was a WW II veteran who served as
a platoon Sgt. with the 238th Combat Engineers. They
were the guys who blew up the wire, so troops could
get off the beach and out from under the German's fire.
His first events were all about that sole aspect, with all
of th rest of the aspects you see today coming into play
later on. This last year I managed to find a WW II vet
who'd served beside Dewayne's grandfather and he
agreed to come to the event. That meeting, between
him and Dewayne and the rest of his family was one
of the highlights for me of the entire event.

One more note, a couple years ago now we formed a
new unit, a small group that's dsignated as the 238th.
We did it to honor Enos and also to add another aspect
of history to the event. If anyone thinks they have
what it takes to not only land on the beach by boat,
plus the guts to face down the Germans while carrying
a length of PVC pipe plus your gun, drop me a line
because I'v got just the slot for you.

For more details on these two units, visit the offficial
website, http://www.oklahomadday.com You can also
click this link, which will take you straight to their
secure online store where you can sign up for this
year's event..

http://ddayadventurepark.com/zencart1/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=16_12_2


Sincerely,
_________________
Brigadier General Andy Van Der Plaats
S-1
Office of the CofS, SHAEF
"in bello, parvis momentis magni casus intercedunt"
Office: 407.563.3884
Cell: 239.410.9632
Email: ADorsai@aol.com

[dorsai]

I just had to share this with everyone who will
visit this thread. Recently Eric Engler, builder of
lots of cool looking paintball guns got written up
in a newspaper. One of the guys who added a
few comments on this, over on the D-Day forum,
is in fact currently a member of the 101st Div,
ovr in Fort Campbell, KY.

As part of his signature this trooper has added a
countdown clock which shows how many days and
hours are left before the start of D-Day 2010 as well
as these words....

""We're paratroopers, we're supposed to be surrounded"
"These men have been through the toughest training
the Army has to offer, under the worst possible
circumstances, and they volunteered for it. You know
why they volunteered? Because they knew that the
man in the foxhole next to them would be the best,
not some draftee who's going to get them killed."

Understand, this time last year this soldier, along with
the rest of his unit were over in Afghanistan, fighting.
He and three of his buddies got back just in time to
come and take part in D-Day. They felt it would be
'fun' they said, plus they also wanted a chance to
meet the other WW II veteran who was there, a
former member of the same unit they now serve
in, a 90 year old by the name of Jake McNiece.

I've noted all this because people who've never been
to this event always ask me what's so special about
D-Day? If you're one of those, maybe this post and
the one just prior this will help explain why it's not
just another game.

Sincerely,
_________________
Brigadier General Andy Van Der Plaats
S-1
Office of the CofS, SHAEF
"in bello, parvis momentis magni casus intercedunt"
Office: 407.563.3884
Cell: 239.410.9632
Email: ADorsai@aol.com

[dorsai]

Here for your review is the current list of scheduled
events for 2010. (This list is subject to change)

Sunday, June 7th
0600 to 2230 Café D-Day Open
1300 to 1800 Registration: Every player must check in.

Monday, June 8th
0600 to 2230 Café D-Day Open
0900 to 1800 Registration: Every player must check in
1000 to 1700 Safety Orientation Tape **REQUIREMENT**
1435 to 1530 Chrono & Assemble for Mini-Scenario at Airball Fields
1600 to 1900 Mini-Scenario Battle of Stalingrad - Caen
1900 to 2300 Airball Field Opens Today
TBA UWL Exhibition Games

Tuesday, June 9th
0600 to 2230 Café D-Day Open
0800 to 1330 5 man tournament
0900 to 1800 Registration: Every player must check in
1000 to 1700 Safety Orientation Tape **REQUIREMENT**
1430 to 1530 Chrono & Assemble for Mini-Scenario at Airball Fields
1600 to 1900 Mini-Scenario Bridges and Bangalors - Valley
1900 to 2300 Airball Field Open
TBA UWL Exhibition Games

Wednesday, June 10th
0600 to 2230 Café D-Day Open
0700 to 0830 Chrono & Assemble for Mini-Scenario at Airball Fields
0900 to 1200 Mini-Scenario V2 Rocket Mission - 210
0900 to 1800 Registration: Every player must check in
0800 to 1700 Safety Orientation Tape **REQUIREMENT**
1230 to 1530 Airball Field Open (Open play & One on One duels)
1600 to ? Obstacle Course
2000 to 2130 Invasion Bowl - Airball Field

Thursday, June 11th
ALL DAY All Tanks MUST be On-Site by Thursday
TBA UWL Tournament starts today
0600 to 2230 Café D-Day Open
1830 to 1900 Military style church services (located in orientation
tents) 30 min. service. Back to back services if full.
0730 to 0845 Chrono & Assemble for Mini-Scenario at Airball Fields
0900 to 1100 Mini-Scenario Airfield Assault - Airport
0900 to 1200 Spyder airsmith certification class (MR1, MR2, and
Electra).

Register directly with PTI
(PTI is recognized as the World Leader in Paintball Education and Certification
0900 to 1800 Registration: Every player must check in
0900 to 1200 Sniper Course
0800 to 2000 Safety Orientation Tape **REQUIREMENT**
1200 to 1900 5 Man Tournament (continued)
1200 to 1500 Tippmann airsmith certification class (Model 98, , A-5, X-7, and TPX).

Register directly with PTI ( PTI is recognized as the World Leader in Paintball Education and Certification)
1400 to 1600 A/T Inspection & Orientation at Campground tower
1500 to 1800 KEE Action Sports airsmith certification class (BT-4,
TM-7, and Prophecy Loaders).

Register directly with PTI ( www.PaintbalTraining.com )
1900 to 2000 Chrono & Assemble for Night Game at Airball Fields
(all players must chrono to 250fps)
2100 to 2330 NIGHT GAME

Friday, June 12th
You must be on site by today to play in D-Day
TBA UWL Tournament (continued)
0600 to 2230 Café D-Day Open
0700 to TBD Registration Opens Early/ Stays Open Late Today
1830to 1900 Military style church services (located in orientation tents)
30 min. service. Back to back services if full.
0800 to 1700 Safety Orientation Tape **REQUIREMENT**
0900 to 0945 Chrono for Special Forces Game
0900 to 1200 Last Sniper Course (Check In with Instructor at The Stage by 8:30am)
1000 to 1100 Special Forces Game (need O Course or first 500 people)
1000 to 1200 Tank Course (check in with instructor at stage by (9:30am - Drivers only)
1200 to 1230 Chrono & Assemble for Mini-Scenario at Airball Fields
1300 to 1400 Special Mini-Scenario - Civil War Style Battle (No Hoppers Allowed)
1500 to 1600 A/T Inspection & Orientation at Campground tower
1700 to 1745 BEGIN ASSEMBLING FOR THE FLAG CEREMONY AND PARADE
1800 to 1900 Flag Ceremony and Parade
Teams march in, showing off uniforms and equipment
Best Uniform and Tank Judging (Crowd participation)
General on General Speedball game (no substitutes!!)
After Flag Ceremony and General-on-General game, begin Chrono
2000 to 2200 Safety Orientation Tape **REQUIREMENT**
2100 to 2200 Allied Officer Meeting (Allied HQ)
2100 to 2200 German Officer Meeting (German HQ)

Saturday, June 13th
0600 to TBD Last Minute Registration
0600 to 2230 Café D-Day Open
0700 to 0845 Check Chrono Speed: 285
0700 to 0845 Allied and German Units will begin moving out under the direction of the Event Coodinators.
0700 to 0730 Ref Meeting
0900 to 1700 D-Day 2009 GAME ON!
1730 to 1830 Tank on Tank Battle held at Colleville
1900 to TBD Awards Ceremony, Prizes, and After-Party

Sunday, June 14th
0600 to 2230 Café D-Day Open
0630 to 0730 Military style church services (located in orientation tents)
30 min. service. Back to back services if full.
0700 to 0800 Re-chrono Speed: 285
0800 to 0900 Organization of who is in the camping area for Final Game
0930 to 1300 Final Game On (not for points)


NOTE: This schedule is subject to change. Additional, individual unit
activities and training courses are NOT listed. For details on those
players are urged to contact their unit's commander as soon as they
have paid for their registration.


Again, stay tuned for more details, as well as for personal invites
from our many units to join up with them.


Sincerely,
__________________
_________________
Brigadier General Andy Van Der Plaats
S-1
Office of the CofS, SHAEF
"in bello, parvis momentis magni casus intercedunt"
Office: 407.563.3884
Cell: 239.410.9632
Email: ADorsai@aol.com

[dorsai]

If you'd like to meet and get better acquaintred with some
of the key staff officers from the 82nd Airborne Division,
here are three chances to do so before D-Day.

Come meet the officers of the 82nd Airborne.

October 10th, 2009
100 Acre Showdown – 100 Acre Paintball, Norge, OK
Players: Posey, Jenkins
www.100acrepaintball.com

October 25th - 26th, 2009
Red Dawn – Dday Adventure Park, Wyandotte, OK
Players: Risken, Ghost, Predator, Posey, Hammy, Jenkins, Hoot
www.ddayadventurepark.com

December 5th - 6th, 2009
Tactical Smackdown 3 "We Were Soldiers" - Tactical Paintball, Harwood, TX
Players: Bulldog, Posey
www.tacticalpaintball.com
_________________
Travis "Posey", Major
82nd Airborne Division
S-1 Personnel Officer
_________________
Brigadier General Andy Van Der Plaats
S-1
Office of the CofS, SHAEF
"in bello, parvis momentis magni casus intercedunt"
Office: 407.563.3884
Cell: 239.410.9632
Email: ADorsai@aol.com

[dorsai]

Army Rangers, German Special Forces and anyone else
who wants to challenge themselves takes part in the
D-Day Obstacle Course. For those not familiar with the
course, here's a pair of videos to show you want you'll
be up against.


2009 OC, part #1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SsEd4FQY5bk

2009 OC, part #2

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P5jf0wKvlCE


Sincerely,
_________________
Brigadier General Andy Van Der Plaats
S-1
Office of the CofS, SHAEF
"in bello, parvis momentis magni casus intercedunt"
Office: 407.563.3884
Cell: 239.410.9632
Email: ADorsai@aol.com

[dorsai]

Some folks come to D-Day because it's the world's
largest paintball event, some come to get away from
the wife for a week and some becuse it's a chance to
spend the week with their family, doing things they
all love. Regardless of why, they come to have a
good time and in some cases to do things that they
can't do anywhere else.

One group has gone so far as to establish minimum
qualifications and experience standards for each of their
ranks/grades. They have also worked hard to build an
experienced officer and NCO corps and the results have
been dramatic. They've had a 100% return rate in their
leadership cadre for three years running. The quality of
leadership that results from this kind of retention is
considerable.

Beyond this, that unit also maintains service records on
their members dating back to 2005, including details on
their attendance at unit sanctioned events besides D-Day,
any special courses or staff functions they've had, their
ranks, decorations, etc, plus their contact information,
medical info, emergency contact numbers, etc, etc. They
compliment all of that by also running a comprehensive
training course classes. This material is then revised each
year to take into account changes in the field, points, etc.

Keep in mind, these players generally only get to work out
with one another one week a year and all this for a single
day's event, not weekly games like most teams play.

If you're looking for fun and at the same time are also
willing to challenge yourself to be the best you can be,
I've got just the group for you, the Commonwealth Forces,
which are being led again this year of Maj. Gen. Ray
'HarleyHunk' Adams.


For more details on each of the Commonwealth's units
or to sign up with one of them please follow this link to
the 'official' D-Day website recruiting area -


http://www.ddayadventurepark.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=22&Itemid=4
_________________
Brigadier General Andy Van Der Plaats
S-1
Office of the CofS, SHAEF
"in bello, parvis momentis magni casus intercedunt"
Office: 407.563.3884
Cell: 239.410.9632
Email: ADorsai@aol.com

[dorsai]

Fear the trees?

Beavers eat trees!




Going German, fear the Beavers.




Thats right. Ninja Beavers. We have them.



__________________
CO - 1 CAN PARA

Allied Meritorious Service Medal - 2008
Allied Bronze Star (Valour) - 2009
1 CAN PARA Cross - 2009

[dorsai]

[dorsai]

by Kevin Skiera


http://www.vimeo.com/6231473






Join the 4th ID at Oklahoma D-Day 2010, since its creation as a unit in 2006,

the 4th has never failed and have always succeeded at taking Utah beach for

4 straight years this year. Come join a winning team with a winning attitude,

this is the unit you want to join for your first year. Not only fighting on one

of the most developed focal points of the field, but also taking part in the

Battle for the Causeway, Airfield then Colleville itself!



Come see what really means to be a player at Oklahoma D-Day, its only a

game till you've played it! We always give everyone a chance and that has

proven why we have done so well as a unit and why our retention rates keep

getting higher and higher!



BTW, when was the last time you can recall a player taking the time to

put something like this clip together, not for money, but out of pride in

being a member of a unit, a unit that plays together for just one week

a year.



Thanks Kevin for the hard work and for showing everyone why D-Day

is the world's biggest paintball event and why the 4th ID the unit people

ought to join if they're planning on coming.





Sincerely
_________________
Brigadier General Andy Van Der Plaats
S-1
Office of the CofS, SHAEF
"in bello, parvis momentis magni casus intercedunt"
Office: 407.563.3884
Cell: 239.410.9632
Email: ADorsai@aol.com

[dorsai]

I think that one of the most unique things about D-Day has

nothing to do with the number of players, or even with the

fact that players come from around the world, or even that

many of them come for the better part of a week, to camp

train and have fun. Of course, all of these things do help

to make D-Day unique, but there's something else, something

far more powerful than all of these, it's the sense of honor

with which players in the various units treat those who

served in the the armed forces and in particular those who

fought in the units they represent during WW II. While this

is true for players in all units, on both sides, it's arguably

with the Commonwealth that this is associated more. Part

of this I attribute to the unit's leadership, but much of it is

also due to the way members of their units have embraced

this sense of pride and respect for those they represent.



If you're planning on coming to D-Day and you want to share

in something that can't be found anywhere else, something

which will live with you for the rest of your life, you won't

find a better unit to do it with than these folks.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eMpuasQvBYg






Sincerely,
_________________
Brigadier General Andy Van Der Plaats
S-1
Office of the CofS, SHAEF
"in bello, parvis momentis magni casus intercedunt"
Office: 407.563.3884
Cell: 239.410.9632
Email: ADorsai@aol.com

[dorsai]

Just in case you've been out of touch lately, here's
a brief reminder about what tomorrow is about, both
here in the US as well as up there in Canada.


Link;
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8poZshcDj8g


Sincerely,
_________________
Brigadier General Andy Van Der Plaats
S-1
Office of the CofS, SHAEF
"in bello, parvis momentis magni casus intercedunt"
Office: 407.563.3884
Cell: 239.410.9632
Email: ADorsai@aol.com

[Risken]

[dorsai]

Sign up now, and you'll be automatically be entered in
a drawing for two free cases of paint.


SIGN UP!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LD2kDKuuXfs
Film by 'richp68cal'

Sincerely
_________________
Brigadier General Andy Van Der Plaats
S-1
Office of the CofS, SHAEF
"in bello, parvis momentis magni casus intercedunt"
Office: 407.563.3884
Cell: 239.410.9632
Email: ADorsai@aol.com

[dorsai]

Take it from someone who knows, the Commonwealth is
far more than just a group of folks who get together just
once a year for D-Day. They are truly becoming what
I'd call an 'International Team.' With members from not
only the US, but Australia, New Zealand, Scandinavia, UK,
Holland,South Africa and Canada, they serve as a fine
example of how far a small group of people can take
things if they have the will and determination to do so.

Brigadier General Andy Van Der Plaats
J-1, Office of the CofS, SHAEF
"in bello, parvis momentis magni casus intercedunt"


~~~~~~~
ATTENTION!

The CEF (Commonwealth Expeditionary Force) is in the process
of building a new and improved website which will be available
to everyone soon.

We encourage everyone in the D-Day community to stay tuned
and register once th site is released to the public. Each of you will
be welcomed regardless of unit/side - this includes access to our
forum, our photo albums and library of videos and the ability to
sign up for Commonwealth events around the world!

Our plan is to open the site to everyone by the end of December.
Our most recent addition to it is the addition of specialist badges
to keep track of all the hard work our players have commited to
D-Day as well as the ability to sign up to the site under any unit
at the event. This means that if you're a member of the 6th FJs
for example, all of your information, including your unit's logo and
your appropriate rank will be in your profile. We've done this to
help encourage everyone to join the site and check out both the
forums and the Operations pages and sign up for one of the many
CEF sanctioned events around the world.
__________________
Sgt. Marc "Commish" Plamondon
2008 Able COY, 1st Canadian Parachute Infantry Battalion
2009 Weapons Section CO, 1st Canadian Parachute Infantry Battalion
2010 Baker COY, 1st Canadian Parachute Infantry Battalion
2009 recipient 1st Canadian Parachute Infantry Star
2009 recipient Allied Service Bronze Star

[dorsai]

Thinking of joining us this year, but not sure how
to get there? Here' an option which is open to ALL
players, regardless of which unit or side you'll be
on. It's a dedicated area on the Official D-Day
Forum where folks looking for rides, as well as
those offering them can link up with one another.
Just another example of why D-Day is so unique.

Link;
http://www.ddayadventurepark.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=9

Sincerely,
_________________
Brigadier General Andy Van Der Plaats
S-1
Office of the CofS, SHAEF
"in bello, parvis momentis magni casus intercedunt"
Office: 407.563.3884
Cell: 239.410.9632
Email: ADorsai@aol.com