NEWS

by staff | Jun 3, 2016 

Message from the Honorary Sergeant Major of the Regiment
Fellow Blue Spaders
A number of our Soldiers are currently deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Inherent Resolve (OIR). CSM Matt Bartel, 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry, has provided the Facebook and unit contact addresses so members can send letters or care packages to our deployed Blue Spaders. CSM Bartel recommends sending all correspondence to the 1SGs and they will distribute to the Soldiers.

facebook.com/126Infantry/

1SG Michael Starnes (C Co)
C CO 1-26IN, 2BCT Union III
APO AE 09348

1SG Kevin Klepac
HHC 1-26 IN, 2BCT Union III
APO AE 09348

1SG Raymond Geise
D CO 1-26 IN, 2BCT
Camp Taji
APO AE 09378

We all know a short note can mean so much to a Soldier in the field.

CSM (R) Steve McClaflin
Honorary Sergeant Major of the Regiment

 by staff | Jun 16, 2015 

 Soldiers with 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment “Blue Spaders,” 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division unfurl their unit colors during an activation ceremony at Freedom Fighters Physical Fitness Center. The Blue Spaders lineage dates to 1901 when the United States Congress authorized five additional infantry regiments to include the 26th Infantry Regiment. 

 The addition of a third infantry battalion brings 2nd BCT on par with its sister brigades within the 101st Airborne Division, which already have added an additional maneuver unit in accordance with the Department of the Army’s restructuring initiative, BCT 2020.
During his speech at the activation ceremony, Col. Peter N. Benchoff, the commander of 2nd BCT, told an anecdotal story about the activation of the 101st Airborne Division in 1942. 

 “On the activation of the 101st in 1942, Maj. Gen. Lee published General Order No. 5, that stated that the ‘101st has no history, but it has a rendezvous with destiny,’” Benchoff said. “Unlike the 101st at its activation the [Blue Spaders] have a distinguished and accomplish history and I am extremely honored to know that on any future battlefield, [1-26th] won’t fight on our flank but fighting as a member of this brigade to accomplish our next rendezvous with destiny.”
“This opportunity to build a new unit in 101st is unpreceded,” said Lt. Col. Ryan Wylie, the commander of 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, 2nd BCT, 101st Abn. Div. “It’s important to [Leaders and Soldiers of 1-26th] to embrace the legacy of 1-26th Infantry Regiment, and the 101st Airborne Division. Becoming Air Assault qualified [as a unit] is a critical part of our integration into this team.”
Among those in attendance were members of 26th Infantry Regiment Association who have served in the historic unit.
“It’s great to have [Blue Spaders] here in the Strike Brigade,” said Randal Dragon, a retired brigadier general and the honorary commander of the 26th Infantry Regiment. “It’s important to stay in touch with these Soldiers so they understand how much history, sweat and blood has gone into the unit before them.”
The Blue Spaders linage dates back to 1901, when Congress authorized five additional infantry regiments to support the nation’s responsibilities overseas. Since then the Blue Spaders have been engaged in every major conflict from World War I to the Global War on Terrorism. 

 by staff | Nov 17, 2016   

Message from the Honorary Sergeant Major of the Regiment

The Command Sergeant Major of our deployed Brigade has asked that we cease sending care packages and cards to our deployed Soldiers after 30 NOV 16. The influx of holiday packages and mail from families is stretching the Brigade delivery capability based on units being spread over an extremely wide area. The unit is trying to make certain family mail gets through for the holidays.
Thanks to all who have sent greetings to our deployed Blue Spaders. We will get the word out when the backlog is resolved.
McClaflin, HSGMOR