Mail Call 517th Mail Call
Mail Call Archives www.517prct.org/archives
Roster www.517prct.org/roster.pdf
January 22-25, 2006
Bradenton, FL
Jim Royer and several others have raised some interesting issues regarding where we are and where we are going. As we age our physical limitations have their impact. There are several members, such as Boom Boom Alicki, who have been with us for a long time, are limited what they can do physically, yet still contribute. Your mail call has been a godsend for this and various other reasons.
I recognized the concern about future reunions, publication of the Thunderbolt and the work required by officers such as the treasurer. Fortunately, we have thought about these things before 2006.
We cleared a major hurdle when Bill Lewis hit the final drop zone. In the past there have always been good troopers who stepped forward to fill the void. Merle McMorrow took on many of the tasks previously shouldered by Bill. When Merle's term of office came to an end we passed many of his duties to other troopers, including Bob Christie who has done an excellent job of editing the Thunderbolt, has filled the job as our treasurer and has been the main spring in making us welcome at the annual snowbird FL. mini-reunion. Bob is now fighting the good fight and we are with him all the way.
As mention above we are fortunate to have foreseen a time when we would need part of our larger 517th family to assist in keeping the outfit's functions running smoothly. For some time spouses and offspring of the troopers realized that they had gained enough from our association to desire its continuance. That is the reason we formed the auxiliary. That also is the reason Dick Seitz ended his stirring address at Savannah with words such as these, " Now the heritage of this excellent outfit is in your hands."
Let us be smarter in our old age to ask for the assistance of the enthusiastic people in the auxiliary to step up to the plate and take a crack at the ball. We can not know what successes they will have or how long they will find it worthwhile to continue assisting us. But, we know they came from, or married, good fighting stock. To a greater extent each year, our heritage will be in their hands.
We hope they enjoy it as much as we did.
Gene Frice
For General Seitz,
General, thanks for noting
that the most recent Static Line did not contain the page we are accustomed to
(the 517th).
By coincidence, I had spoken to Don
Lassen (Static Line) a week or so ago. He had picked up on something I wrote in
December to Ben in his outstanding e-mail relating to "517th Christmas
1943-2005." Congratulations Ben; even Don Lassen reads your
e-mail.
At the time of my conversation Don said he
was going to publish my letter in his next Static Line as well as the dates of
our annual gathering in Portland. From that conversation, I gather the current
Static Line had already been published. Of course, during my conversation with
Don I did not know of the missing 517th page. Don has said in the past-if I
(Don) do not get the material-I can't publish it.
Generally, our crew has
done a good job in providing material to Don. I have no explanation for the
missing page-I will inquire. Possibly we were Missing in
Action.
General, I agree with your comments in
relation to Don Lassen and his efforts with the Static Line. Our good
relationship with Don continues to date. We have had words over the years, as
have several other 517th members, however we remain friends after the some
probable fifty years. He truly is the foundation upon which the fellowship of
all airborne units exists today. The Airborne community of all the services is
indebted to him.
Airborne-All the Way Sir
PFC Gene Frice
Bob Christie
I wish the American public had the opportunity (or interest) in reading this report. Rather similar to the current conflict in the middle east. It is far to long for publ in 517th e-mail. If appropriate, possibly as a link?
Regards and thanks for your continuing battle with the "elements."
Gene Frice
