Military News in Ada County, ID

Military News in Ada County, Idaho

Begin Formation of Ada Unit for Idaho Regiment
Special Inducement Being Offered to Get Overseas Men Into New Unit; Membership Drive Starts Monday. Active efforts are now being made to form a company of the 3rd Idaho regiment in Ada County, as well as other companies throughout the state, and local organizers are being given the support of Adjt. Gen. L. V. Patch in their work. It is the desire of the local organizers to get the overseas soldiers into the new army and to have a crack company of the 3rd Idaho formed here, which will be the pride of everybody. Many inducements are offered to those who enlist, such as athletic tournaments, state and national encampments, and the usual training in military subjects. Start Drive Monday Beginning next Monday men will be sent out to Barber, Star, Eagle and Meridian, who will make dates for the recruiting of men at these places, as well as distribute posters advertising the 3rd Idaho.
Floyd C. White, a lieutenant in the present Boise unit of the 3rd Idaho formed some time ago, says he hopes to see the regiment made up of overseas men and commanded by overseas men. Following is a plea made to the young returned soldiers by both Mr. White and Adjt. Gen. Patch: No Expense to Members. "There is now a chance for young men who have not ruined themselves by excesses, and who have good character, to take an active part in the athletic and sportsmanship contests of their respective communities, with chances of representing their communities in inter-state and national contests, without expense to themselves and without loss of their civil life occupations. "All that is necessary is for the young men to have the ambition to take care of their health and become proficient in marksmanship, military precision and athletics, under the instruction of competent instructors, selected and elected by themselves. Idaho Has Good Record "The national guard has demonstrated that its members performed their duties for their state and their government in a manner which covered themselves with glory and was a source of pride for the government when compared with the systems of training in foreign lands. The 1st Idaho regiment, in the Spanish American war, showed itself superior in quality, as gentlemen and men of endurance, and both the state and the national government were proud of their record. The 2nd Idaho regiment has written its record in the history of the state and nation in such a manner that to have been a member thereof is to be known far and wide as a genuine patriot and .hero. "Under the state laws, as modified by the last legislature to conform to the National Guard law of the United States, it is necessary to organize and maintain another regiment—the 3rd Idaho. And the 3rd Idaho, having before it the records of the previous regiments, cannot but do as well as their predecessors, but by virtue of the Instructors now available, should excel in those qualities which make for citizenship and mental and physical conservation of youth. Will Feature Athletics The 3rd Idaho regiment is now being organized, authority from the government having been issued, and recruiting therefore has begun. The opportunity is one that would be hard to duplicate. Under the supervision of the state and national governments; special attention is to be given to those things which increase efficiency in athletics and marksmanship and contests of all descriptions are to be held in state encampments, interstate meets and national contests. "Recruiting for the Boise company of the 3rd Idaho is now on and during the coming week young men may have this coveted opportunity by watching the papers for the date when the recruiting officer will be available. Arrangements have been made to send a recruiting officer to outlying towns upon notice that eight or more men desire to become members." Further Information may be had by addressing the Adjutant General, state of Idaho, Boise. Idaho, or recruiting officer. Yates Bldg.. Boise, Idaho.
Source: Idaho Statesman - June 1, 1919
Submitted and transcribed by Frances Cooley

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