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VICENZA, Italy - Paratroopers from the 173rd Airborne Brigade, both past and present, and their Families gathered on Caserma Del Din hereto honor two of their own during a dedication ceremony, Aug. 1.
“The Army…has a long and proud history of naming buildings, forts and structures after our heroes – those who have fallen in combat and otherwise,” said Col. Michael Foster, the brigade’s commander. “When we do this, it’s our intent to provide a lasting honor and tribute to that person’s actions, service and often to their bravery.
The name Sigholtz is known well around the brigade and through its history. There is the Lt. Sigholtz annual leadership award for noncommissioned officers, the Sigholtz-National Capital chapter of the 173rd Airborne Brigade Association, the Sigholtz War Room and many glass-covered mementos are within the 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment headquarters, and now, what was recently called the Del Din Multi-Purpose Facility has become the Sigholtz Center.
Two men, a father and son, have a shared legacy in the brigade.
Col. Robert H. Sigholtz Sr., a legendary figure in the brigade, commanded 2nd Battalion in the mid-60s, including combat operations in Vietnam and a combat jump as part of Operation Junction City. Capt. Robert H. Sigholtz Jr., a platoon leader for Company D, also with 2nd Battalion, was killed by small-arms fire during a night ambush in Bunh Dinh Province, South Vietnam, in 1969.
“The 173rd Airborne Brigade is like a great warrior tribe: a tribe that values standards, one with a strong heritage, and our own proud traditions,” said Foster. “Being a part of this tribe of ours means honoring [and] remembering those who have fallen. As Soldiers we often struggle to remember those who came before us – so we reach out for tangible symbols."
“So with that in mind, we gather here today because we have chosen not to forget our fallen, but to honor and remember our brothers with the dedication of this facility in their memory,” continued Foster.
“And we do so with seriousness, but not with sad gravity, because this event should be viewed as an opportunity to finally and proudly remember and celebrate the lives of two great men, both members of our tribe.”
Sigholtz Sr. went on to do many things after he left the brigade; he received a doctorate in education, taught military science and was the athletic director at Georgetown University. He also managed car dealerships, civic arenas, and much more.
His granddaughter believed the brigade had a lasting impact on him.
“The 173rd was incredibly important to him. It was his family,” said Whitney Knoerlein, who represented the Sigholtz family at the building dedication. “His commitment to the 173rd and the Army, never wavered – and that’s why I appreciate that [the brigade is] doing this – making sure he is not forgotten.”
Sigholtz Jr. followed in his father’s footsteps, becoming an infantry officer in the brigade and serving in Vietnam.
“We know much less about Capt. Sigholtz, but only because his life was cut short in combat, not because he was a man of lesser talents, lesser drive or lesser ambition than his father,” said Foster.
Knoerlein said the Sigholtz men loved their Soldiers and that love was reciprocated in written testimony and institutional memory.
“When we moved into this new Caserma last September, we almost immediately had a conversation about naming some of some facilities… and we very quickly came to the consensus that we should name the multipurpose facility first,” said Foster. “How appropriate it is that we name this facility after retired) Col. Robert H. Sigholtz and Capt. Robert H. Sigholtz Jr. - a multi-purpose facility named after a multi-purpose father and son team.”
“This action may be seen to be only a simple gesture but I submit to you that they are more accurate and visible tokens of the true love and affection that we have for our brothers,” said Foster. “These are the actions that help define one of our tribe’s traditions.”
The Sigholtz Center, at the heart of Caserma Del Din, hosts training sessions, briefings, ceremonies, leisure activities, as well as worship services.
“I am so grateful that you have taken the time to remember history and honor heritage, however it is important to point out that they could have never done it alone,” said Knoerlein. “They represent the courage, dedication and drive that are deep within the hearts of each and every Sky Soldier.”
The 173rd Airborne Brigade, based in Vicenza, Italy, is the U.S. Army Contingency Response Force in Europe, capable of projecting forces to conduct the full range of military operations across the United States European, Central and Africa Commands areas of responsibility.
| Date Taken: | 08.01.2014 |
| Date Posted: | 08.18.2014 03:45 |
| Story ID: | 139612 |
| Location: | VICENZA, IT |
| Web Views: | 1,339 |
| Downloads: | 2 |
This work, 173rd Airborne Brigade Sigholtz Center at Caserma Del Din, by SGT A.M. LaVey, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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