The Stonewall Brigade will be heard from today...

It began in 1742 when Colonel James Patton organized the Augusta County Regiment of Militia.

It continues today as the 116th prepares to hit the desert lands of the Middle East.

The 116th is a noble, honorable, and courageous group of men and women who derive their name from one of the most, cunning, brave, and honorable men in the history of America's military. General Thomas Johnathan "STONEWALL" Jackson.

The 116th IS the Stonewall Brigade of so much military and tactical fame. They are not scared by the PC Police of our land, for they still carry the marks of their victories from this conflict on their battle flag. The names of such ring out like a tolling bell--First Manassas, The Penninsular Campaign, The Valley Campaign, Chancellorsville, Second Manassas...on and on and on...

They served duty on the Mexican Border from 1916 to 1917. And when called into combat, they hit the beaches hard in World War I, seeing heavy action in France during World War I, earning their motto "Ever Forward" for their reputation of never having given ground in battle.

Then, years later, the Stonewall Brigade would put their plows down once more and pick up their rifles.

D-Day. 06 JUN 44. The assault landing on the Normandy.

After gaining a foothold and pushing inland, the Stonewall Brigade drove on toward St. Lo. The fall of this heavily defended stronghold led to the breakthrough. Major Thomas D. Howie, a Battalion Commander in the Stonewall Brigade, killed in action before the capture of the town, became a legend as the "Major of St. Lo". As he issued his final attack order, he parted company with his Commanders and staff with, "See you in St. Lo!"

Pinched out of line in August, the Stonewall Brigade was sent to Brittany to reduce the Wehrmacht fortifications at Brest, chief port on the peninsula, and fanatically defended by Nazi paratroopers. This mission accomplished, the Division took off on a 200 mile move across France, Belgium and Holland to attack the vaunted Siegfried Line. They smashed through at Aachen and became the first allied Division to reach the Roer River, holding its position throughout the Battle of the Bulge to the South.

In February of 1945 the 29th crossed the Roer and pushed on to the Rhine. On 02 MAY 45, the Stonewall Brigade made the historic link-up with Russian forces along the Elbe River.

And through all other major wars, uprisings, and conflicts, the Stonewall Brigade continues to make their original commander, General Thomas Jackson proud. The echoes of EVER FORWARD are being heard right now, thousands of miles away, as the Brigade has been called into duty...one more time...to WIN the WAR in Iraq.

WHERE

WAS

EMMETT?