If you wish, please include the following in your next “Mail Call.”

To all the members and friends of the 517^th:

With all due respect, never should it be a slow news day when accounts of the bravery, courage and sacrifice of our troops and veterans are yet to be told. Since having the honor of writing about Ben, this wonderful website, the extraordinary valor of the members of the 517^thand the unimaginable circumstances of war (the Battle of the Bulge in particular) I have been both humbled and fascinated to hear the tales and reminiscing of any American veterans. The citizens of this country owe such a debt to these selfless individuals they can not express it too often or in too many ways.

Though I grew up hearing tales of World War II, my interest in the details of the roles my family members played in the conflict has been renewed. I have two nephews, ages 11 and 8 who have heard these conversations over dinner or around the home and have developed a curiosity about their great grandfather who fought in the Pacific, their grandmother who was a Navy Nurse and the general meaning of the enormity of what the United States did for the world then and has continued to do since. The USA is a great and noble nation. All veterans able to do so should realize what a gift is given to future generations by sharing memories of the past.

Please know that the history that you lived, even if told to one person, might help others to find solutions to the world problems of today.

It is not said nearly often enough, but there are countless Americans endlessly grateful for your service.

Thank you….and may God bless you all.

Mary Jane Hanron

Billie Hiers

Ben, please let Claire Gilbin know that I will look for her at DC reunion. Since this is our first reunion, and I don't know what she envisions for that "HELP" (and since we will have family around) I don't know what kind of time frame I can commit to doing. Lucky and I have deliberately kept from signing up from "EVERYTHING" which would be a lot of fun, but just isn't feasible. We weren't sure what his health situation would be. But, helping out would also be a better way to get acquainted with those who weren't associated directly with Lucky during those war years.

Ben, what do you see the role of "Chaplain" being? That will be difficult just as it is for you, but prayer can bring someone on board to give you some relief that you deserve.

Billie Hiers

Al Eckart

Ben I have made reservations at the hotel for myself and my 2 daughters .
We would like to go to liberty jump team and lunch cruise. Two of my
granddaughters will also be with us, Do you know if they are full price? one
is 3 mos, and one is two years Hope you can help me so I can get my
registration in AL ECKART

From Events Planner AFR:

For children 3 and under, the Spirit does not charge at all. They still need a head count though (for Coast Guard purposes I think). So, if a 3 year old sits on someone's lap on the bus there would be no charge. However 4 and up would be full price (I know, surprising). Basically for tours, if a seat is taken on the bus, we have to charge full price.

Rick Sweet

Hi Ben,

I read in mail call that registration fee for children is $25.00. My daughter is 16 and is my child does that count or is she to old to qualify ?Also on the tours do children pay less or do they pay the full amount ? I was about to send in payments for the reunion registration. Thanks for the info. I am glad Melvin Biddle is coming .I hope that I get to meet him. Thanks for everything Ben............ Rick Sweet (son of Odas Sweet PFC 517 H co.)

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Notice above from Events Planner.-Ben

formatted pdf forms	simple Web Page format
Doubletree Hotel Registration Form Reunion schedule of Events 517th Reunion Registration Form	Doubletree Hotel Registration Form Reunion schedule of Events 517th Reunion Registration Form