BLE Feature

Fall 2002
Volume 109 - No. 3

Airborne Brother!

A BLE member continues his dedication to his fellow veterans

Brother Bludau and his wife Rudie Kay at Fort Sumter

The events of the previous year have made many of us more aware of the sacrifices faced by members of the U.S. military. Many of us have become more thankful for the freedoms that we have retained because of our veterans.

Since leaving the jungles of Vietnam 33 years ago, Brother Carl Bludau of BLE Division 775 (Victoria, Texas) has dedicated his life to serving his fellow veterans.

His dedication has won him numerous awards and accolades. This year, he became the first president of the Panther Association, a group made up of former paratroopers from the famed 505th in all the wars from World War II to the current operations in Afghanistan. He also serves as a member of the organization's board of directors.

Brother Bludau became a part of the famous 505th in 1967 when he enlisted in the U.S. Army. For 15 months, he served as a radio operator for the company commander of the 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division in Vietnam.

The 82nd Airborne is made up entirely of soldiers who volunteer for that duty and many members of that division are currently involved in U.S. operations in Afghanistan.

The 82nd Infantry Division was formed August 25, 1917, at Camp Gordon, Ga. Since members of the Division came from all 48 states, the unit was given the nickname "All-Americans," hence its famed "AA" shoulder patch. The 82nd was demobilized after World War I. With the outbreak of World War II, the 82nd was reactivated on March 25, 1942 at Camp Claiborne, La. under the command of Major General Omar N. Bradley. On Aug. 15, 1942, the 82nd Infantry Division became the first airborne division in the U.S. Army. On that date, the All-American Division was redesignated the 82nd Airborne Division.

"I wanted to get involved in the 82nd Airborne veterans' associations because these men exemplify the meaning of trust, dedication and sacrifice for the good of this country," said Bludau. "And they carry this throughout their lives."

In addition to his work with the Panther Association, he is also a member and chapter chairman of the Golden Brigade Chapter and a current National Director of the 82nd Airborne Division Association. He is also an active member of the Disabled American Veterans. He has won numerous awards for his service to his fellow veterans, including the "Outstanding Disabled Veteran of the Year" in Texas for 1989.

He returned home from Vietnam in 1969 after being wounded. After his return, he got involved with various veterans groups and also in the BLE.

In 1971, Brother Bludau hired out as a clerk for the Southern Pacific in Victoria, Texas. He had a friend who worked for the railroad and knew it was a good job. He then became a brakeman.

An auto accident nearly derailed his railroad career in 1974, when he lost his left hand, but "thanks to the SP rehab program and R.D. Krebs, who was then the general manager of the SP in Houston," he was allowed to become the first and only one-handed fireman two years later. He was promoted to locomotive engineer in 1978 and became a member of BLE Division 775 soon after.

During his time as a member of the BLE, he has served the organization in many capacities. He is currently the legislative representative for his division and serves as the 2nd Alternate Vice Chairman of the Texas State Legislative Board.

Brother Bludau also finds time to spend with his family. He and his wife Rudie Kay have been married for 33 years and they have three sons. He is grateful to his wife for allowing him to participate in all of his activities.

"She has always allowed me to go off into my own world and to do my own thing," said Brother Bludau. "For that, I am thankful."

With the events of the last year, many people have shown great support for the military, but Brother Bludau has always shown his support. He is currently in contact with members of the 82nd Airborne in Afghanistan expressing his support for their cause and dedication.

"These men and women who are serving this country are making great sacrifices," said Brother Bludau. "I feel that each and every citizen of this country should support them and the cause that they stand for."

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