Ben: As of 3 January 2007 I resigned my Presidential
Appointment Position with the Office of the Secretary of Defense, as the
Director of the Office of Small Business Programs after five years and three
months. I am very proud and honored to have served my country as my
brother, Ismael Ramos, did serving honorably with the 517th
PCRT.
I am proud to announce that I was accorded the highest civilian
Medal accorded by the Office of the Secretary of Defense for Exception Public
Service during my farewell ceremony. I am truly honored to be so
recognized for my service to the Warfighter.
The reason for my mentioning this award is not for
self serving reasons, but to share with everyone that my motivation for
service to my country was influenced by my brother Ismael. As a very young
boy, as I shined his "jump boots" I would listen to him as he influenced
and shaped me to be the best in whatever I did. He learned
that philosophy of excellence from the leadership of the 517th PCRT
who trained him to be the best.
So to all of those who were part of his life in the Airborne that
so influenced him to share that philosophy with me I thank you as you have
left a legacy to, us, your family members more than you have
realized.
Frank M. Ramos
PS: To: Gene Frice: do you need any help for the DC
Reunion as I plan to be there?
Bob Dodds
Dear Ben, Thank you for taking such good care of your soldier's
sons. Every time that I hear from you I think of how our fathers would be so
thankful to you and your son for the drive to get information out to us. Ben,
you took care of them then as well as now. Your friend Bob Dodds
Howard Hensleigh
Ben: Note to Teri Marrone. Teri, I am not as
creditable on 517th history as I am billed to be, but will do my best to answer
questions as they come up. It always helps to have other troopers chime in
with their contributions. You mentioned an oval patch. Could it be
that you are referring to the small blue (infantry) and red (artillery) patches
we wore as a background for our wings? They were usually sewed onto the
class A dress uniforms, but sometimes were pinned on by the wings
themselves. They were official and widely worn. HH
Guest Book entry March 16
Sarah Cole
I am looking for information regarding my grandfather, George H. Cole. He
along with my grandmother, and father have passed away. I have very limited
information to work with. I know that he trained at Camp Toccoa, was in the
Battle of the Bulge, received a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star. I was able to get
that he was part of the 517th from his tombstone. I attempted to retrieve his
military records, but was told they were burned in the fire of 1973. I would
appreciate if knew him or could provide me with additional information about how
to obtain his war records I would appreciate it very much. I can be reached
through the following email address darcole@sbcglobal.net. Thank you so much for
your time and attention.
Sincerely,
Sarah Cole