The River Raft trip was totally arranged by Karen (Frice) Wallace.  She and all of the Frice's have been river rafters for decades. And what an opportunity to draw in the younger people, however we had several of the next generation up, join the trip. They had a blast!!  All of them.

The other family members that were not involved in preliminaries, did a wonderful job of keeping the hospitality room stocked and going, being gophers and in general, supreme helpers. Laurie Frice Lowry, Natalie Frice, Chris Davis Phillips, and Melanie Davis Hanson (who also made all the center pieces on the tables) and Raelyn Davis.  And tons of grandchildren and great grand children.  We couldn't have done this without all of our families pitching in and being so willing to make sure the troopers and their families and friends had a good time. For that,  I thank each and every one....and all.

We ended up with about 163 attending the farewell dinner.  The number kind of got away from me so maybe a little higher......but with guests, the honor guard and "Mad" Mel our entertainer.......who had a real good time entertaining us..........we came in at about that number.

We had a total of 155 attend the reunion.  44 were troopers, 22 spouses, 53 children of troopers, 17 grandchildren of troopers and 2 great grandchildren of troopers. And 17 friends of  troopers and the 517th.

We are glad and sad to have it over.  And we are all really looking forward to Washington DC.

Our good friends from France and the museum, traveled with us to Bend to further our visit with the Frice's, and then continued on with us to Spokane.  They are a pleasure and so dedicated to the memory and the continuance of the 517th.  We are all so very lucky to have them. And we thank them with all our hearts for the continued efforts to make sure that the French people don't forget.  In them doing what they do, reminds us to do the same.

Again, thanks to all who helped and participated...........didn't we have fun?

Best regards,

Jeanne Davis

Just a note to say we enjoyed the reunion very much.  Lots of
entertainment scheduled and generally good visits all
around.  Looking forward to another in June in Washington, D.C.  Also
to those on whose shoulder I cried because I lost my WINGS thanks for
your sympathy and support and I want to let you know I FOUND them.
I am still miffed about the fact that so many of you have not lost
your hair.  It is not fair!!  And another thing...I was surprised to
hear from so many of you that you had won the war, when I thought I had!!!
Hal  Roberts

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Don't worry Hal, it's what is  underneath the hair that matters. However, hair is nice - Ben