Colonel North:

I know you will not remember this, and actually there is no reason that you should, but I offer it up since both my husband AND I have a "connection" with you.  My connection:  I was a staffer on Capitol Hill from 1979 - 1986.  During the latter part of that time, as I was supporting a U.S. Senator from South Carolina, you were associated with the White House (Office of National Security).  Our military went into Granada during that time, and while there, a small island boy was injured.  In fact, if memory serves me, he was paralyzed.  In an attempt to do a good turn, our military brought him back to the U.S., into a hospital, for care.  Subsequently, we sent him back to Granada with wheel chair.  I personally talked with you on the phone about this particular case.  I don't recall why I was asked to do so, but I do remember our telephone conversation and appreciated your insight.     And now for the other connection…..My husband is Lee Edwards, a 1968 graduate of the Naval Academy and a classmate of yours.  He went into the submarine force after leaving Annapolis, and retired in '96 as a Captain after "driving" a boomer, a fast attack, and a trident out of Kings Bay, GA.  Currently, he supports the Seawolf Submarine Program Office. 

My Dad, Bruce Chestnut, is a veteran of WWII and of two tours in Vietnam.  He was only 19 when his WWII unit liberated Belgium at the Battle of the Bulge.  He and my mother both now enjoy a very close relationship with the people who remember the liberation quite well and will be forever indebted.  Lee and I were lucky enough to have an opportunity to visit Belgium where we were so very warmly received!  We actually had an opportunity to walk thru the Black Forest and to see first-hand where battles were fought.  The residents of Trois Ponts took us on tours of the 517th memorials and monuments which the Belgians and Americans have literally constructed and formally dedicated together over the years.   Lee and I  visited a historic church during our stay in Trois Ponts -- St. Jacques is its name --  where the wonderful priest and congregation welcomed us warmly, spoke lovingly of all Americans (in french), actually raised and posted the American flag during the services in honor of my Dad, the 517th, and the United States), and led everyone in the singing of the National Anthem.  The Mayor of Trois Ponts honored us at a small formal reception in his office to thank us -- to thank all Americans.  The Belgians are teaching their children about the 517th and to love and appreciate the U.S.  

I know all too well that you're a most busy person.  But I can only tell you that pictures of the 517th reunions don't lie -- numbers are getting smaller now.  Your attendance would mean a great deal to the 517th and their extended families, as well as to our Belgian friends for whom these reunions are also very meaningful.  My sister and I and our husbands will be attending the reunion in Portland this summer 06.  We'd love to see you there, but if that's not possible, perhaps you could consider another visit with the 517th at another time.

Many many thanks for the consideration.  Regards to you from a former classmate (Lee) and his wife (myself).

Judie Edwards

A Bill Mauldin cartoon