We are just back from an excellent reunion in Florida!  Our hosts Leila Webb and Donna Hilliard did a FANTASTIC job, following in Bob Christie's footsteps.  We were so sorry that Bob and Mildred couldn't make it this year, and we hope they'll be able to make Washington in June.  Floyd Polk, who advocated strongly for this reunion, did a lot of work prior to his death, and we are grateful to him for his contribution.  Donna and Marjorie worked tirelessly on the reunion, though they lost their dear Silas so recently.  The reunion was a success and a fitting tribute to our troopers and the memory of those who are no longer with us. 

The turnout was good, and the hotel worked well with Donna and Leila (I wasn't there for it, but I hear that a wall of water greeted them when the door opened at the first hospitality suite, so they were moved right away, and Donna and Leila handled all that as well).  Of course, Marjorie Brown was there helping every minute.  The dinner was excellent, and the company marvelous. 

Hard to believe but true: troopers are still coming to their first reunions!  Ben Barrett was able to meet his fellow trooper Carpenter; they were injured at the same time, but never met.  The Priests also came, accompanied by their son.  It's great to see the second generation coming out.

Reunion regulars made the trip: Jesse and Lou Darden came, accompanied by their son Tom.  Tom was instrumental in making sure we had a movie offering: we were all able to see a History Channel presentation on the Battle of the Bulge, because Tom's company sent the equipment to make it happen.  Many thanks, Tom! 

Always great to see Hal and Helen Beddow, Dick Seitz, Gene Frice, Jack Collins and daughter Susan, and Dorothy MacKenzie.  Irene and Sam Povitch came, and so did Leo Dean.  Leo did a skydive his very first day, as usual.    

It was great seeing old friends and making new ones.  As Helen, our Auxiliary president, said at the banquet, it's our wish to keep having reunions as long as any troopers are able to come.  We now look forward to our next reunions:

Palm Springs Mini - coming in April!

Washington, DC - our national reunion in our nation's capital!  We're so looking forward to seeing you there!

Kissimmee Snow Bird Mini - January 2008 - already scheduled!

We had a GREAT time in Florida!  Again, thanks to Donna Hilliard, Leila Webb, and Marjorie Brown!

Claire Giblin

daughter Allan Johnson, 596

Heather Riley

This is in response to the email regarding the passing of Louis Holzworth ( Sarge).    We met at the 2005 Toccoa reunion.  He was an extremely gracious man and we have copies of his photos of his training  at Toccoa and service at his  other military endeavors.  He was there with a lady who was writing his autobiography.  I pray that she continues with her work and will publish it on the 517th site.  He was hoping to meet up with us at the Fl mini, but alas, neither of us could make it.  My condolences  to his family.