Army Chemical Review presents professional information about Chemical Corps functions related to chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, smoke, flame, and civil support operations.
Issue link: https://chemical.epubxp.com/i/759309
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Army Chemical Review
By Mrs. Sharon M. McCann
T
he Chemical Corps Regimental Association (CCRA)
was founded to promote the heritage, history, esprit
de corps, and professionalism of the Chemical Corps.
The Ozarks Chapter of CCRA was founded in 2008 at Fort
Leonard Wood, Missouri, by a group of active and retired
CBRN Soldiers and civilians (including the current chapter
president, First Sergeant [Retired] Bobby Williams) to carry
on that same legacy for all Dragon Soldiers in the heart of
the Ozarks.
The Regimental Association System exists to instill a
sense of the past and an appreciation of Soldiers who previ-
ously served. Membership in CCRA also reinforces a sense
of the present, providing a means of preserving a legacy for
those who will follow. This broad system manifests itself in
small ways. For example, in looking at the symbolism of the
regimental crest, we realize that Soldiers just like those of
today are the ones who made those symbols important. And
the symbol is more than just a unit crest worn over the right
pocket; that hunk of metal was bought and paid for long ago.
It instills in Soldiers something that will help them when
times are tough and something that will endure for the rest
of their lives—pride.
1
During the last 8 years, the Ozarks Chapter has support-
ed many events that have had a direct impact on CBRN Sol-
diers and their Families. The chapter has supported chari-
ties and Soldiers in times of emergency, and it is a critical
contributor to membership of CCRA. A leader validation
event, referred to as the Phoenix Challenge, is held by the
3d Chemical Brigade; and after the event, the Ozarks Chap-
ter board members barbeque hamburgers and bratwursts at
no cost to the participants.
The Ozarks Chapter of CCRA supports a number of
annual events, including Regimental Week activities, a
5-kilometer run/walk, golf scrambles, chili cook-offs, bar-
beques, and the regimental birthday celebration. Events
are open to all Soldiers, chapter members, Family members,
and the local community. For more information on these
events, visit the CCRA Web site at