Koenninger, July 1: Let's prepare grand send-off for 104th

Tom Koenninger

Official and public activities on Sept. 19 will cap the year-long departure process of the Army Reserve's 104th Training Division (Leader Training) from the Fort Vancouver National Site. And for the first time since a military post was established at the Vancouver Barracks in 1849, the last general officer stationed here will be gone too, according to a "History of the 104th Division."

While final details are not set, events are expected to be at the Fort Vancouver National Site.

The 104th Timberwolves Division has occupied the site, formerly known as the Vancouver National Historic Reserve, since Dec. 1, 1946. It established its reputation in combat in Europe during World War II.

The 104th was the first Army division to be trained as night fighters.

Although the unit expected to be deployed to action in the Pacific after Europe, the War Department ordered "inactivation" of the 104th infantry division Dec. 20, 1945. It was reactivated as a reserve infantry division Dec. 1, 1946 at Vancouver. In June 1959, it was reorganized as a training division. Changes in 1994, 1995, 2006 and 2008 took it from a West Coast Institutional Training mission to a new national mission of leader development. ROTC responsibilities were added.

The move from Vancouver Barracks marks a sad goodbye to the 104th, which has been an active and helpful part of Vancouver and Clark County for so many years.

The Base Realignment and Closure Commission recommendations in 2005 put the Vancouver units on the road to Fort Lewis and Fort Knox, Ky., where they will provide training. From an operational standpoint, the Fort Lewis move will likely occur next winter.

"We love Vancouver, and will miss our relationship with the city," said Col. Daniel L. York, commanding officer. York is expected to be promoted to brigadier general, a one-star rank, in late July. "I can't say enough kind things about the support we have had, and about Mayor Royce Pollard, former Barracks commander; U.S. Rep. Brian Baird, D-Vancouver, and Larry Smith, Vancouver council member and a professional soldier who retired as an Army colonel.

"If invited by the city to participate in activities, we would do so," York said.

The Army 104th band, now the 204th band, will remain in Vancouver, as will an Army brigade of 100 or fewer soldiers. A new structure will be built here for National Guard training.

Col. York said the Sept. 19 event will be a farewell to the 104th, and recognition and thanks to the city for its support. One feature will be the signing of an "Army Community Covenant," a document displaying mutual support of the military and community. It would recognize the commitment of soldiers and their families, and military support of the community and its employers, educators and citizens.

There should be no reluctance in this town, which has displayed its backing of the military and its patriotism since the days of O.O. Howard, and, later, George C. Marshall. "The 104th has etched itself into the fabric and history of our community … they have earned the love and respect of our citizens for their service to the country and to us," Pollard said. Elson Strahan, president of the Fort Vancouver National Trust, said the 104th "has an honored and long-standing association with this community."

The farewell planning committee — whose core members are Daniel K. Tarbell of the 40 et 8; Councilman Smith and Maj. Jonathan Litton — is working to bring former commanders, exhibits and funding (estimated at $25,000) together in about two-and-a-half months. Tarbell said the committee is meeting weekly, and community support is welcome. He can be reached at 360-258-6839.

Besides active military, the Timberwolves have been a part of the community for 61 years, serving with energy, spirit and enthusiasm. They have earned the community's best wishes as protectors of this nation.
Tom Koenninger is editor emeritus of The Columbian. His column of personal opinion appears on Wednesdays. Reach him at koenninger@comcast.net.