87th IDLA Members:

It is Labor Day 2026 weekend as I write and I hope that all of you are enjoying a restful weekend as our nation pauses to recognize the contributions of the workers who have been and are the real backbone that has driven the United States forward. And I hope you’re also remembering that eighty-two years ago in September, 1944, that the men of the Golden Acorn Division were laboring to successfully complete Preparations for Overseas Movement requirements (POM). At Camp Jackson in South Carolina there was no restful Labor Day weekend pause; there was training, testing, and

certification that needed to be completed—the 346th marched out the sixteen miles to the Leesburg Range for three days of live fire training; packing boxes for both equipment that they would be taking overseas with them and equipment and material that they would be leaving in storage in the states were received; groups of field artillerymen had to pass “collective tests” that included grenade throwing, small arms quizzes, duck walking, and guard procedures. As the 87th worked to complete POM requirement eighty-two years ago, I know that many of you all making your own preparations for a movement to Wilmington, North Carolina, next month for the Association’s Reunion and Educational Forum, October 29-November 1. If you have not already made

plans to join us, THERE’S STILL TIME ! Hotel registration at the reunion rate is available through September 28 and overall reunion registration with Armed Forces Reunions (AFR) is available through September 29. Information on the Reunion and Educational Forum can be found on this website. You can find the schedule of activities and the information for making hotel reservations and the link for registration through AFR either online or by printing out the form to mail it in. Reunion Chairman Dennis Lennon has planned a great weekend of activities as a fitting way for us to again Remember and Honor the Stalwart and Strong men of the Golden Acorn Division. I hope you will join us in Wilmington!

Jim Ogden

Son of Jim Ogden, L-346