Hello,
2005 Biannual Reunion
August 15-19, 2005
Savannah, GA
Claire Giblin
Hi, Ben -
Just a quick note today; to hit all of the highlights would take too much
space.
We're back from our adventures in France. It was the experience of a
lifetime, and something that I wish you all could have seen. I believe
that the 517-related troopers there were Allan Johnson (596), Leo Dean (HQ),
Jesse Davis, Merle McMorrow, Lud Gibbons, and Gene Frice (Ben - don't let me
leave anyone out - but I think it was only the 6 of them!).
They were treated as returning heroes, and received an outpouring of
warmth, love and respect that was incredibly touching. There were
memorials, dedications, services, remembrances, fireworks, concerts and parades
with all the military vehicles left behind after the war, all still in great
shape and running after all these years (just like you guys!). When the
people of the town - waving American and British flags - saw the vets in the
jeeps and personnel carriers, they were clapping and cheering and throwing
kisses and shaking hands. The celebrations went on for days in every
community large and small, and like Merle said, there was wine at all of
them.
We're told that the celebrations are nearly the same every year, because
the people of southern France will never forget. Yes, there were some
official observances and new memorials dedicated specially for the 60th
anniversary, but each year brings the military vehicle parades and all the rest
of it. The people were incredibly kind and whenever I told someone why we
were there - even the girl taking my credit card at the gas station - people
would tell us, hands on their hearts, "Remercie," - "Thank you again," or
struggle to express what was obviously deep emotion at meeting these
men. It's not just the older people - this respect and appreciation is
passed down to their children and grandchildren.
People may have their differences with presidents and governments, but I
assure you all: The people of France will never forget what was done for
their freedom and how you helped them so many years ago. The gentlemen who
were able to go were only the representatives for all of you. Dad keeps
saying that he wishes all of you could have seen it.
Let's start planning now for 2006. It's not a formal reunion
year here. I urge you all to think about it.
Ben - how's the move going? And please give my dear Miss Fran a kiss
- we hope to see you in Kissimmee in January.
Claire Giblin
daughter of Allan Johnson, 596
Phil McSpadden
sorry for the mix-up....thanks phil
*********
Hi Phil, Perhaps someday it will happen to us all. What did you
say?--Ben
Helen Beddow
Hi Ben,
I would like to ask if you would post along side the Florida
Mini-Reunion our Reunion in Savannah next summer.
517th Reunion -
2005
Savannah, Georgia
August 15 - 19, 2005
Hal and I would
appreciate having that information on each Mail Call. Everything is
falling into place for what we have planned for the week. There is a lot
to do in Savannah, and I think everyone will have a good time. More
information and details will be on the very soon. Thanks for your
help.
Helen Beddow
Jesse Darden
Ben, the 2004 Roster does not list Layton Mabrey. If
anyone know
his whereabouts I would like to hear from
you. Mabrey and I were very
close, being in radio
section HQ 460th. I have searched the net for
him
with no luck. Have contacted a lot of Mabreys with
no
success. Letters keep coming back. As far as I know
he is still
IN VA.
Ben, you do a very good job on our web site. See you
at the
reunion in Jan 05. Hope you & Your wife make
your move OK.
Jesse
Darden (HQ 460th)
343 W. Adams
McAlester, OK 74501
918-423-0706
John Bramswig
Hello Marvin,
My father in law Ed Marconi was in Co A 517.
Question, how did you loose your helmet. Can you
recall?
Regards,
John Bramswig
Darrell Egner
Hi Ben & Bob
Bob Christie you did a wonderful job with the latest Thunderbolt. I
couldn't put it down until I read the complete issue. Thanks for your
dedication and all your hard work. I never did receive the one from you so
I mentioned this to Chris Lindner and she offered to have a copy of hers
made.
Yesterday I was talking to her on the phone at 4:30 PM when she was at
Kinko's having a copy made. This morning at 9 AM the FedEx man was at my
door with the Thunderbolt. A few hours and 1200 miles later I had my
copy. Now if this computer would work that well I would be very
happy.
I have saved every Thunderbolt since 1986 since Bill Lewis found me and
hooked me back up with the 517. It would be nice to find the time to read
the old issues and see how the 517 has evolved through the years.
Bob Barrett I have a question for you. How difficult would it be to
print the Thunderbolt on your Web site? It seems like it would save Bob
Christie a lot of postage and labor if those of us that have E-mail would print
it off Bob Barrett's Web site. I'm sure most of us would be happy to print
it. Perhaps Christie could scan it to you on his computer. Then
again I don't do computers like you three experts so maybe I am way out in
left field. Your thoughts please!
Just a reminder that Mildred and Bob Christie will be hosting the Florida
Mini starting January 23, 2005. Ya'll be there!
Darrell Egner
Hq.Co.2nd Bn.
Boom Boom, Alicki