Contest: Rename Building 18

[CommunityEditor]

Building 18 -- the hotel across the street from Walter Reed Army Medical Center where single outpatient soldiers stay -- will be renamed and we want to know what you think it should be called.

The building made the news recently because of its decrepit state. General Richard A. Cody, Vice Chief of Staff of the Army said, "I will personally oversee the plan to upgrade Building 18, and we'll soon change the name of it. Referring to a place where our soldiers stay as "Building 18" is not appropriate. We own that building, and we're going to take charge of it and other facilities."

Tell us:
What name(s) do you suggest for the new Building 18?

[allanglass]

I suggest that Building 18 be renamed "Harold Russell Hall". Harold Russell was an Army NCO during WWII who lost both hands in 1944 and had them replaced by hooks. He was rehabilitated at Walter Reed, and he became so adept at using his hooks that, despite his lack of acting background, he was given a featured role in the Oscar-winning 1946 film "The Best Years of Our Lives". Russell's poignant portrayal of how a severely wounded soldier integrates back into civilian society, including the problems (discrimination) and the highlights (love and marriage) earned Russell two Academy Awards. The movie is shown all the time on TV, and is #37 on the AFI's list of America's greatest films, so generations of current and future Americans will have a chance to see Harold Russell. Russell subsequently became National Commander of AMVETS, and he died in 2002. For much of America, Harold Russell has been, and will be, the face of the severely wounded soldier and his successful rehabilitation, and I believe that because of that, and because of his strong Walter Reed connection, that Building 18 be named "Harold Russell Hall".

[slgiovinazzo_guest]

Why not something for those who stay there like HEROS HALL?

[gibillh]

"WARRIOR HALL" IS MOST FITTING.

[SFC JINGLE (Ret)_guest]

Seriously, as of today, it should be named Reeds Folly! As a retired Senior NCO, and knowing what soldiers have to tolerate every day, I'm appalled at the living conditions of that "barracks" off-post billets. Having a wounded son in Medical Holding, and living in that building - well, that building blew me away when I moved him into it. Mouse traps at every turn and the CQ telling me that it was their "first step" to taking care of the rodent population; individual bathrooms with missing floor tiles, toilets from the 1950's that you have to use your foot to flush (gosh and my son has a foot injury), exterior balconies that the sliding doors close after you and lock you out, cable wiring that hangs and loops across the ceiling from room to room, the distinct smell of mold and mildew, and I can go on. But to the main reason on this thread - renaming Bldg 18. Why are we renaming this building right now? Do you think a name will give these soldiers a better place to live, a sense of being, a reason to be there? To put a name on that building at this time is a farce to the soldiers who are living in it. Right now it aptly deserves to be named Building #18! It doesn't deserve to be named, and the person you are naming it after shouldn't have to be insulted now, by naming this building. Fix it up, get rid of the mice and other "things" living there besides soldiers, make it a comfort zone for these soldiers as they deserve it. THEN, run your contest and rename the newly designed and livable quarters in honor of a deserving soldier.

[No-longer-unregistered_guest]

.

To SFC JINGLE: Hear, hear!

Also, before renaming the place, I think they should address the issue of whether the entire Walter Reed medical center will be shut down as has been recommended for the 2011 set of base closings.

With all the healing that's been done there for the men and women who are putting themselves in harm's way for our country, I think that the whole place should become some sort of living national shrine ... meaning that it gets a permanent lease on life and continues its work forever.

But if they plan to go forward with the closing of Walter Reed, it would be a sham to rename Building #18.

(and that's not a typo: I do mean "sham")

.

[carrdona_guest]

Maybe giving Bldg. 18 a name will prove useful. But, why is it a priority now?

[The Universal Curmudgeon_guest]

Originally Posted by carrdona_guest

Maybe giving Bldg. 18 a name will prove useful. But, why is it a priority now?

Ummmm?!? BEcause it will distract the easily distractable into thinking that someone is actually "doing something about the problem".

I mean, if you rename the building then you aren't going to hear any more about problems involving Building 18 - are you?

[DMSEBBY]

How about "Holderman Hall" COL Nelson Holderman is the perfect example for leadership of Walter Reed to follow. Nnot only for his war time experiences but also for his efforts after WWI to improve the California Veterans Home in Yountville, CA. The fact that he was a National Guardsman might serve as a reminder the the NG and other reserve components are full partners in this war.. Here is is bio:

Colonel Holderman entered service in the California National Guard as Private, advanced to noncommissioned officer, and was later elected as a Lieutenant in Company L, 7th California Infantry Regiment. In 1916, he served with the Regiment during Mexican Border Service, and later organized into Company L, 160th Infantry, assigned to the 40th Division. He and his whole company were assigned as replacements to Company K, 307th Infantry Regiment, 77th Division. He was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor and the California Medal for Valor for his actions during the period 2-8 October 1918, while Commanding Company K, 307th Infantry Regiment of the "The Lost Battalion". He was wounded on 4th, 5th, and 7th October, although suffering great pain and subjected to fire of every character, he continued to personally lead and inspire the officers and men under his command. On 5 October, in a wounded condition he left the safety of his position to lead a series of counter attacks against a large attacking German force.

During the last of these attacks, while in great pain and bleeding from his wounds; he stood in the open so his men could see him moving towards the aggressors, affixing his bayonet; then blasting away with his rifle, whooping and hollering whenever he scored a hit. Inspired by this incredible display of unflinching courage, his exhausted and demoralized men started firing and joining the counter attack. This unexpected action halted pinning down the attackers until they retreated; thus again preventing the positions from being enveloped. On 6 October, in a wounded condition and at great personal risk, he rushed through enemy machinegun and shell fire, and carried two wounded comrades to a place of safety. On the afternoon of 7 October, he and one other man,with only pistols and band grenades alone and single handed, met and dispersed an attacking enemy platoon; when they attempted to close in on the right flank while at the same time making a frontal attack. He killed and wounded most of the attacking enemy, thus saving two machineguns from capture as well as preventing the envelopment of the position.

That night the Germans used flame-throwers during their last all-out assault against his position. Although he was wounded and in a serious condition he remained on his feet, keeping the firing line organized, inspiring and leading his men preventing the envelopment of the position by a enemy superior force. He refused to let his wounds interfere with his duty until after relief was effected. The successful defense of the position was largely due to his courage. He personally led his men out of the position to the rear after the relief arrived and before permitting his wounds to be attended. The courageous optimism and inspiring bravery of this officer encouraged his men to a successful resistance in spite of five days fighting, hunger and exposure." Colonel Holderman and his Company's actions have been credited as the primary reason why repeated German attacks failed, and the position was never captured.

Colonel Nelson Miles Holderman, was born 10 November 1885, died 3 September 1953, buried at Golden Gate National Cemetery, San Bruno, San Mateo County, California. After the war he returned to California, rejoined the National Guard and was appointed a Colonel. In 1926, the Governor of California appointed him the Commandant of the California Yountville Soldier's Home, where he served until his death in 1953. The "Colonel Holderman Years" was considered very successful. He built new dorms, buildings, hospital, and expanded the entire facility. Colonel Holderman was considered by many as the most decorated soldier of World War I, but never used his fame for personal gain. Many said of him, that he was honorable, generous, selfless, and worked tirelessly for veterans and his Country.

Submitted by:

CSM (CA) Dan Sebby
Curator
California State Military Museum, California National Guard

[leftbehind_guest]

Originally Posted by The Universal Curmudgeon_guest

Ummmm?!? BEcause it will distract the easily distractable into thinking that someone is actually "doing something about the problem".

I mean, if you rename the building then you aren't going to hear any more about problems involving Building 18 - are you?

I like your answer the best.