Hi, Ben -
This is so exciting! Our reunion begins in only a bit over a
week! It is going to be so wonderful to see everyone!
If you are interested in videotaping (formally or informally), please
let us know when you arrive. We're really hoping to put you to work!
Anyone who is driving and wishes to bring a hospitality contribution
should feel free to do so - we will welcome your yummy treats with open
arms. A few people have volunteered to help in the Hospitality
Suite, and we appreciate that as well.
Most of all, we want you to come enjoy our nation's capital and each
other! We look forward to seeing old friends and making new
ones!
Any questions? Just want to touch base? Email me at
clairejgib@patmedia.net.
We'll see you in DC!
Claire Johnson Giblin
Irma, Arnold Targnion, Maria Gaspar and members of
CADUSA (US Airborne Reception Committee
Dear Ben,
We would like to thank you for the mails we
received, so, because of you we are informed and we learn many news about our
dear friends veterans and their family. It is rather incredible that so many
years after the war, people in Europe are still in touch with the heroes who
liberated our countries. You are the messenger of peace and friendship. Here, in
Trois-Ponts, Maria, Arnold and I, the members of our Committee, the Mayor, the
Council and ardennaise people have you in our hearts for ever and as long
as we live, we shall honor the US veterans. We wish to keep the memory of those
brave men and we shall never forget how fortunate we are to live in a free
country because of their sacrifice. French is my mother tongue and it is
difficult for me to express in english our feeling of gratitude and deepest
respect for you and your comrades. We shall always remember the price you paid
for our freedom, we'll continue to pay homage to the fallen heroes and to all
the men who fought and suffered for us. We want to learn the history to our
children and grand-children, they attend our ceremonies and memorial days, we do
hope they will continue to keep the memory of the US soldiers, those very young
boys who liberated us from the enemy. We wish we could be along with you for
the reunion in Washington. We would like to send a warm greeting to all the men
of the 517th, to their family. Love from Trois-Ponts and remember, you are
welcome at any time. Irma, Arnold Targnion, Maria Gaspar and members of
CADUSA (US Airborne Reception Committee)
Walt Smith
My dear Boom Boom, Yes, you have our prayers for a
comfortable trip through your chosen hospice. As a 'wet behind the ears' 20 year
old hopeful in Toccoa and Mackall, being assigned to the commo platoon in Hq 1st,
we all had heard of Boom Boom Alicki. However, I do not believe we have
met personally but something about you seemed to reach or ears. Since you
are about 10 years my senior, it is understandable. the speed of aging seems to
fly without a chute. Using this computer is a chore for me due to ARMD, the rapidly losing ability to read without a magnifying glass.
Having visited several friends in various hospices, it is no stranger to us and
My wife Peanie and I do wish you a comfortable and pleasant journey. God
Bless! W W Smith
To: W W Smith......Just a note
of sincere appreciation and prayers to help me along "for a comfortable trip
through my chosen Hospice."
Boom Boom Alicki
Paul Abbene
Greetings Ben, thanks for the email regarding room
cancellations. I am
trying to contact Bonnie to see if our dates mesh and I
can help her out.
Also, please add my Email Address to mailcall if you would.
Thank you.
Looking forward to the weekend in D.C. and look forward to meeting
you.
Be well. Paul Abbene
Rick Sweet
Hi Ben,
I had a telephone
conversation with Raymond D Vanderport H CO 517 last night. He remembered
my dad and it was wonderful to talk with him. He is 83 years old and can't
get around too much. He doesn't have a computer so I will have to write to him or
call him. I will send him copies of the pictures that I have of him with my
dad. In most of them they are in Berlin. He also said that he had pictures. I have
his address and phone number if you would like to talk with him Ben. Without
your help and this website and the help of Lory Curtis I probably would have
never had the opportunity to talk with him. I am grateful to everyone that has
helped me along the way. I am praying for you John Alicki to make your pain more
tolerable and for a miracle in your life. I want you to know that a lot of people
care about you! God Bless you and all of our soldiers.
Your Friend
Rick
Sweet
Tom McAvoy
Thanks Ben that is one hell of a picture?? Tom
Mary Jane
I
was very moved that you put my Flag Day message in
“Mail Call.” I’m thrilled because now I know that it was seen by a larger
audience than I could ever hope for. I truly pray that it rejuvenated patriotism
and a love of the
USA, our
servicemen and a gratitude for the liberty for which it stands in many
hearts.
Mary
Jane
Gene Frice
Countdown for the Washington DC, 517th Reunion,
2007
I am sure that many troopers and family are
packing bags in
anticipation of the forthcoming gathering of troopers,
family, 517th
supporters and friends. Does it seem we just left Florida,
Savannah,
Portland and Palm Springs yesterday. I have heard a number
of
individuals remark, "Now I know why you were a Paratrooper, or at
least
in the 517th. All you did was party." Sounds like General
Patton, in the
Movie Patton. "Daddy, (or Grandfather-Great
Grandfather ?) ..." What
did you do in WWII...?
Washington DC is a wonderful
city. It is a beautiful city and the
history and heart of our nation resides
there. I love to visit - again
and again - accomplish my visit or business in the
area and return to
sunny (read cool) California or Oregon.
We have business to conduct in Washington. The gathering will
be
the command and planning site for future year(s). Those items
of
immediate attention are some of the following:
1. The year 2008, closely and obviously, follows 2007. The time
frame
between our gatherings was previously approved as an annual
event. With some
difficulty and hard work of a few, it did work for
2006 and 2007. We
must give thought - do we wish to continue with the
current agenda? I,
for one, feel we should, to include the local
events, but you
decide.
2. We need your recommendation for officers
to serve on the Board
of Directors and other positions. Bob Christie, after
many years of
dedicated service, is prepared to turn the task
of
Secretary/Treasurer, as well as editor of the THUNDERBOLT, over
to
another warrior. That publication, other than email, is our only
means
of communication. Many do not have access to email. Someone must
volunteer to
assume that duty or the 517th may cease to exist for
lack
communication.
3. As most know, Leo Dean
has volunteered to assume the most
important duty of Secretary/Treasurer. We
thank you Leo, however, on
your parachute jumps (how many now) please give
the 517 material to
someone else to secure while you're jumping.
My thanks to the Washington DC hard working crew. I am sure
our
association with the Military Reunions organization will prove to
have
been a productive union.
There are many who
will not be in Washington as they have
departed to a better place in life,
There are those today suffering
from failing health and many with family
responsibilities. Conflicts
arise. Those of us in attendance will have you in
our thoughts and
prayers.
God Bless all.
Gene Frice, Past President
PS The 517 Roster
for 2006-2007's correctly lists my residence and
telephone(s) in Oregon,
however email is currently
genesir@gmail.com