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NEWS | Aug. 13, 2019

70th Anniversary of 94th Infantry Division Historical Society reunion brings veterans, families together

By Maj. Ebony Gay 94th Training Division

COLUMBUS, Ga. - This year marked the 70th anniversary of the 94th Infantry Division Historical Society by bringing together 94th World War II veterans, their families, and current members of the 94th Training Division-Force Sustainment at their annual reunion held here June 14-15.

During the final evening of the 94th IDHS reunion, a banquet was held to conclude the weekend-long event. Brig. Gen. Stephen Iacovelli, 94th TD commanding general, spoke about the establishment of the division, the current state of the 94th, and the unit's path forward.

In 1918, the 94th started as a provisional division. It was originally formed as the 94th (Puerto Rico) Division, because it was based in Puerto Rico and composed of Spanish-speaking troops. With the close of World War I, the division was disbanded. In 1921 the 94th Division was reconstituted as an element of the Organized Reserve and nicknamed the "Pilgrim Division" in reference to the rich cultural history of the state of Massachusetts to which it was assigned.

In August 2003, the unit’s name had changed to the 94th Regional Readiness Command and was comprised of more than 6,000 Soldiers. The unit mobilized and deployed more than 20 units and 2,500 Soldiers in support of the Global War on Terror. The 94th RRC was re-designated as the 94th Training Division-Force Sustainment at Fort Lee, Virginia, in September 2008.

At the reunion, John Clyburn, secretary of the 94th IDHS, said that traditions and heritage are keys to the success of carrying on the society’s legacy.

“I think that coming together at these reunions helps us by strengthening our understanding of our past,” Clyburn said. “I believe that remembering and understanding our past helps us build a better tomorrow.”