Announcements

It is with much sadness we report the passing of our Battalion Executive Officer Colonel Kenneth W. Rawson, USA Retired. Ken passed away on June 1st 2010 in Tucson Arizona. Colonel Rawson would have been 83 on July 30^th.

He served briefly as Battalion Commander during the month of June 1965 when command was assumed by LTC Kenneth R. Symmes. Major Rawson then assumed the duties of Executive Officer. As Executive Officer, Ken was instrumental in the forming and training of the battalion at Fort Huachuca Arizona and served as Troop Commander on board the USNS Upshur during our trip to Vietnam in October 1966.

Ken joined the Merchant Marine in 1944 and served aboard the cargo ship SS Hugh M. Smith until it was bombed and sunk in Manila Bay. Ken was wounded and blown off the ship. He later joined the Army as an Infantry Officer and served in Korea with the 25^th Infantry Division. His illustrious career which spanned three wars, included service in the Dalmatian Alps as part of a UN effort to patrol the border between Yugoslavia and Italy, service as an advisor to Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek and MAAG Advisor for three years to the Shah of Iran. While an advisor to Chiang Kai-shek, Ken was introduced to the generalissimo’s wife Madame Chiang, who was a well established artist. Ken was honored by her and presented with one of her paintings. Colonel Rawson went on to serve in Vietnam and later retired from the service. Among his numerous decorations are five Purple Hearts.

In addition to his distinguished military career, Ken was a prominent figure in the International Rotary Organization. Burial will be at East Lawn Palms Cemetery, Tucson Arizona.

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Association of the
1st Signal Brigade
"First to Communicate"

United States Army

2010 Reunion – Tucson, Arizona

The next Association reunion will be held from 16 -20 September 2010 at the Doubletree Hotel at Reid Park, 445 South Alvernon Way, Tucson, AZ 85711-4198. A special highlight during this reunion will be a visit to Fort Huachuca.

The planned schedule includes:

Thursday, 16 September 2010
- Hospitality Suite - opens at 1200

Friday, 17 September 2010
- Visit to Fort Huachuca (buses to and from Fort Huachuca will be provided. Buses will depart from the hotel around 0830 and return to the hotel, after dinner at Fort Huachuca.
- Hospitality Suite will be available in the evening upon returning to the hotel.
Saturday, 18 September 2010
- Open day – Hospitality Suite will be available all day (except during the banquet dinner).
- Banquet dinner begins at 1800.
Suunday, 19 September 2010
- Open day – Hospitality Suite will be available until 1200
Monday, 20 September 2010
- Golf event

Hotel Reservations

Guest room reservations at the Doubletree Tucson Reid Park Hotel may be made by calling 1-800-222-8733. When making reservations, please mention the “1st Signal Brigade Association” so that you may receive the special group rate of $85 per night (plus taxes and fees). The group rate is in effect for the nights of 15 – 21 September 2010. However, to receive this group rate, you must make your reservations not later than 16 August 2010.

Price Schedule

1. For the entire reunion - $150 per member, $150 per guest and $165 per non member. This will include:

Full use of the Hospitality Suite for the entire Reunion period Bus transportation to and from Fort Huachuca on Friday, September 17th Lunch and dinner at Fort Huachuca on Friday, September 17th Banquet dinner on Saturday, September 18th at the DoubleTree Hotel in Tucson. For non members this includes a one year membership in the association.

2. A la carte Pricing (per person):

Friday, September 17th at Fort Huachuca

Lunch - $20 Dinner

Bus transportation to and from Fort Huachuca - $30

Saturday, September 18th Banquet Dinner - $70

Hospitality Suite - $20 (one-time charge for full access during the Reunion period)

Non-members are charged an additional $15 that covers a one year membership in the Association. This does not apply to guest of non members.

Mail Payments To: 1st Signal Brigade Association

P.O. Box 212

Springfield, VA 22150