A Retired Soldier Is Finally Honored For

Distinguished Service In The Quartermaster Corps

By Shannon Hicks

Colonel John K. Kulp was one of 35 people named a Distinguished Member of the Regiment during the 2004 Quartermaster Regimental Hall of Fame induction ceremony in May. Colonel Kulp, however, was unable to attend the ceremony in Fort Lee, Va., because he has been ill, so on June 22 family members and some friends held a ceremony of their own with Colonel Kulp at his home, Lockwood Lodge.

Major General Eugene L. Stillions, Jr (Ret) was in Fort Lee in May, standing in for Colonel Kulp during the induction ceremony. Major General Stillions had served in the US Army Quartermaster Corps, which coordinates all supplies to American soldiers in battle, during the Vietnam war. He worked under Colonel Kulp in 1965-66, and the colonel quickly became a mentor for the younger soldier.

Colonel Kulp’s career began during World War II and continued through Vietnam and the Korean Conflict. He was involved with the first Scout Dog platoon in the military’s history. The Army Quartermaster Corps began the US Armed Forces’ first war dog training during World War II, and Colonel Kulp led one such platoon in Italy during the war.

He retired 35 years ago, in 1969.

General Stillions and his wife traveled from their home in Springfield, Va., to meet up with family members of Colonel Kulp at Lockwood Lodge on June 22. General Stillions presented Colonel Kulp with a lapel pin and a certificate that announced the colonel as a new Distinguished Member of the Regiment.

“Since 1965 I’ve known this ol’ boss of mine was distinguished,” General Stillions said while presenting his friend and former boss with his plaque. “This year he’s finally being officially recognized.” The two men have stayed in touch, even while one was still in the service and the other was 20 years his senior. “He started as a boss, became a mentor, and has finished as a friend,” said General Stillions.

Joining the colonel was his daughter and son-in-law, Jacqueline and Stan Greenfield, of Redding, and two of their four children, Stephen and Jane. The Greenfields had been to Fort Lee for the induction ceremony.

Colonel Kulp has two additional children –– Bonnie DeHoff, who lives in Wisconsin, and John C. Kulp, who lives in Hawaii.

Following the presentation of the awards, Mary Prescott, a dear friend of the colonel’s, joined the group at Lockwood Lodge for a private dinner.

During the induction ceremony in May, Scott West, The Quartermaster General (Brigadier General, US Army), told those in attendance that the individuals and organizations that were honored this year because of their achievements and contributions to the Army and Navy “exemplify the high standards of excellence of our corps. In our presence are true heroes and role models who paved the way to success for those who service today.

“Their legacy is the foundation upon which we build the bridge to the future,” he continued. “Sacrifice, dedication to duty, professionalism, selfless service and innovation are all terms which describe how our inductees have supported victory by America’s Army. The represent the very essence of our corps and are in inspiration to us all.”

The Quartermaster Regimental Honors Program includes a Hall of Fame, Distinguished Members of the Regiment, and Distinguished Units of the Regiment. The program recognizes retired military personnel and civilians who have made lasting, significant contributions to the Quartermaster Corps.

Distinguished Members, of which Colonel Kulp is now among, are recognized for their “outstanding performance and distinguished contributions to the Quartermasters Corps.” A plaque with the names of all Distinguished Members of the Regiment is prominently displayed at Mifflin Hall, the headquarters for the United States Army Quartermaster Corps.

New members are nominated by their peers. General Stills said last week that Colonel Kulp had received at least three nominations for his honor.

Distinguished Units of the Regiment are recognized for significant contributions to the heritage of the Quartermaster Corps, the US Army’s second oldest service branch. Unit performance is measured by the unit’s history, longevity, campaign and battle streamers, and unit citations.

The Hall of Fame itself is a museum located at Mifflin Hall in Fort Lee. The Hall of Fame was created to recognize outstanding leaders who have contributed the most to the overall achievement, tradition, and history of the Quartermaster Corps.

The location at Mifflin Hall was selected because “it will serve as a constant reminder and a source of inspiration to the thousands of Quartermaster soldiers and family members who pass through these corridors each year,” announced General Richard H. Thompson, Commander of the US Army Material Command, during his remarks at the opening of the Hall of Fame in June 1986. General Stillions was part of the opening ceremonies.

The plaque that was presented to Colonel Kulp included a full-color photograph of Mifflin Hall. As he was admiring his plaque Thursday evening, Colonel Kulp was visited by fellow Lockwood residents and friends who wanted to offer congratulations.

“It’s been a long time coming,” Charlie Doyle told Colonel Kulp.

“Sometimes you wait a long time for something,” the colonel told his friend. “This was worth it.”