THE FLAG OF THE 162nd VOLUNTEER REGIMENT

Organized for the protection of Oregon's settlers,
During the skirmishes and garrison duty of the 1880's.
I was there!

From the humid heat of the of jungles outside of Manila
during the Spanish-American War,
To parched desert of Mexican border duty in 1916,
I was there!

From the Streets of San Isidro during the Philippine
Insurrection,
Through doing our duty as drilling Guardsmen in the Great
Northwest,
I was there!

During World War I, the l62nd Infantry was the first
National Guard Regiment to reach deployable strength,
earning the motto, "First To Assemble."
Serving with valor in the war torn fields and the trench
warfare of France,
I was there!

During World War II, my colors proudly waved in Australia,
New Guinea, Salamaua, Hollandia, Biak, the Southern Phillipines and occupied
Japan.
My soldiers served bravely, all gave some, some gave all...
And I was there!

My soldiers trained as Select Reserve Forces in
preparation to serve in Vietnam, but by Presidential edict,
were not called.
SRF discontinued, my units were committed to civil
disturbance operations in Portland and Eugene.
And I was there!

During "Round-Out and Round-Up" assignments with 7th
Division and I Corps, my soldiers served with distinctions in
meeting the standards set for active duty units.
In the formation of the Integrated 7th Division at Fort
Carson, Colorado, the 162nd Infantry led the way in
strength and successful deployments.
And I was there!

Over numerous training exercises both here and abroad,
to service in the deserts of Kuwait, during Operation
Southern Watch, my soldiers proved their mettle repeatedly,
Now, the torch of responsibility has been passed from
those who have served before, to this current generation
of soldiers, in whom we repose great trust and
confidence...that they will meet the challenges of peace
and war in the highest traditions of the 162nd Infantry.
And I'll be there!

I am the flag of this Regiment,
Honor and duty are my name.
I will not yield in the face of tyrants or terrorists,
I will train hard and be prepared to
Protect the people and property of my State
And I will fight my Country's battles.
I am the "First to Assemble!"
Count on me!
I will be there!

BG (Ret) Norm Hoffman
Honorary Regimental Commander
12 October 2001

Note: BG Hoffman gave this message to troops of 2/162 Inf. at Bn formation on 12 October 2001.