This issue marks a transition in the publication schedule of The Watch on the Rhine. Beginning in 2027, we will shift to a quarterly schedule. This issue (Vol. 108 No. 2) will combine October and December WOTRs into one. It marks the last issue of The Watch on the Rhine in the 250th anniversary year of the birth of America. Your next issue of The Watch will be the January-March issue (Vol. 109 No. 1), and you’ll receive it in late January or early February. Publishing four times a year instead of six will reduce our magazine production expenses and will better align our publication schedule with actions required by our Constitution and Bylaws. It will enable us to better focus in a timely manner on select Society activities, 3rd Infantry Division events, and special holidays. It also allows for more time for quality control in the editing and publishing process. In the recent survey, 75% of respondents agreed with a quarterly schedule; we appreciate the support of our readers as we strive to consistently provide a high-quality journal for our Society.
This issue begins with two historical perspectives by Henry Bodden and Stevie Thompson, who bring to a close our commemoration of this year’s 250th American Birthday. Our gratitude goes to them. Fittingly, since Veterans Day will soon be upon us, several of you recently provided me with memorable stories about Veterans in your families and other Veterans. My appreciation for making this such an evocative issue goes to: Walt Rochmis for his deep-dive into the story of his WWII 3ID grandfather whom he never knew; to Vivian Manekas-Kokoris for her tribute to her Korean War Veteran father and Society Life Member; to Rico Nelson for his story about a recent monument in Washington, D.C., dedicated to every Veteran and active Soldier, regardless of era of service; and to Tony Knight for his perspective on the values and commitment of all Veterans.
In the book I reviewed in this issue, “Women in War” (see “The Book Nook”), the story of Jane Kendeigh, WWII U.S. Navy Ensign and Nurse, resonated with me because of my aunt’s somewhat similar service. So, I decided to add my aunt’s story to this issue. My aunt was in the group of women who were likely the first American female casualties of WWII. That book and thinking about my aunt reminded me that, at this Veterans Day, it would be good to reflect on what our sisters in arms have contributed, even when they didn’t get the recognition in the past that they deserved. Years later, when asked how she felt about the lack of recognition for WWII Navy Nurses, Jane Kendeigh graciously replied, “Our rewards are the warm smiles, a slow nod of appreciation, a gesture, a word—accolades that are greater and more heart-warming than any medal or commendation.”
I recall similar sentiments spoken by my aunt. Still...women of the Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force...Veterans Day is for proper recognition and honor for them, too, especially if it may be belated in many cases.
Thank you also to Ron Updike for the memorabilia he sent me of his service in the 1960s with the 3ID’s 2/15th Inf at Wildflecken, West Germany. A surprising piece in that collection gives us an interesting glimpse into some memorable history of both the 3rd Infantry Division and the Marne Association at the time of the Division’s 50th Birthday in 1967.
To close with some greetings “in advance” – Happy Veterans Day 2026! Happy 3rd ID 109th Birthday! Merry Christmas! And Happy New Year! Wishing all of you, your families, and your loved ones many blessings for the rest of 2026 and a prosperous new year in 2027!
Rock of the Marne!
Bill Blissett
ERRATUM:
In the August 2026 issue, in the story “Kansas Honor Flight Returns Eli Hernandez to WWII European Theater of Operations,” we incorrectly attributed Eli’s sponsorship to Kansas Honor Flight. Sponsorship credit should have gone to the Liberty Jump Team Foundation and founding member Peter Plank, Veterans Affairs Program Director. We apologize for this error.