From: Ben517@aol.com
Sent: Sunday, July 08, 2007 9:55 PM
To: undisclosed-recipients:
Subject: MAIL CALL NO. 1354[a] 517TH PRCT- JULY 8, 2007
 70  Pleasant St. Cohasset, MA.02025  *781 383 0215 * Mail Call : Ben Barrett  Ben517@aol.com
  
Hello,
 
If you have a video of the speech or a video of the reunion please let us know. Send Photos and mail.
 
We will have information about Snowbird mini-reunion
Kissimmee, FL
Jan 20-22, 2008 in later Mail Calls.
 
Please let me know if you want to receive Mail Calls or if you have a problem receiving them. You can always read Mail Calls by clicking on www.517prct.org/archives
Ben

Website                                   www.517prct.org                                                        
Mail Call                                  
Ben517@aol.com
Mail Call Archives                 www.517prct.org/archives
Roster                                     www.517prct.org/roster.pdf

Recent website additions:

517th Regimental S-2 Section in France 1944
Bill Boyle news article
Zoot Snyder, A Company
Boom Boom Alicki in Southern France
250 photos of Don Saunders and 596 P


Bob Barrett

More to Come.  Please send in more!
Send photos to
webmaster@517prct.org

(click on photos to enlarge)

Photos from Lory Curtis:

If you have trouble enlarging photos click on link and then click on thumbnails   http://www.517prct.org/reunions/2007_reunion_dc/2007_dc_reunion_photos.htm


Pat Seitz and Allan Greer

 Dear Ben and Claire:

    Words cannot begin to express how fantastic the reunion was on so many levels, nor can they adequately express how grateful Alan, I, my brother and sisters are for the incredible work, team effort, imagination and spirit that we witnessed, enjoyed and will have forever etched in our memories.  From finally seeing, in person, the folks that I have only known through the email and pictures to being in the company of the men whom my Dad believes are the best ever (and my Dad is right on the money there) and meeting their families, you and all the many, wonderful folks who helped to put on the reunion have given us all a gift of a lifetime.  Just the opportunity to shake the hands of the 517th men who were there was indescribable.  They still do have that mischievous gleam in the eye that makes them unique, special and which obviously enabled them to accomplish all that they did.
    Claire, your "after-action" report is the best, succinct capture of the highlights of this unique, so very special weekend for those who could not be there.  You are outstanding; your Dad must be very proud and we are very grateful for your leadership.  Our compliments to whomever thought of the re-enactors.  What an awesome addition to the whole reunion, not only did they provide that living picture/travel back in time, but also they gave me, as I was standing on the drop zone next to my Dad as the "stick" came out the plane door, one of those emotional moments that I will never forget.      
    We are so very proud to have this connection with the 517th men and their families. Thank you, thank you and God bless.
    Most sincerely,
    Pat Seitz and Alan Greer
Rick Sweet

 

Hi Ben,
         My family and I had a great time at the reunion and met many interesting people and saw some great sights.  We met Donna ,who helped sell memorabilia, and I found out that her sister may have married my long lost cousin, Bobby Sweet . Morris McDowell and his wife Beverly shared a ride on the city tour bus with us and were very good company and Morris really knows the 517th history.  I interrupted Col. Boyle on his way to get some chow and later got his autograph and Major Seitz's and too many more to mention.  To all of you thank you very much, I do appreciate it.  I took Melvin " Bud " Biddle's picture at so many places his eyes are probably still seeing spots.  It was a great honor.  He is a very nice man.  One day we drove to Arlington Cemetery and it took an hour to find our way back.  We saw the double tree hotel several times but just couldn't manage to find the road back.  At the hospitality room, just watching the men of the 517th greet each other and carry on and listening to their history gave me great enjoyment.  It is easy to see what made the 517th the best.  It was and is the men that were part of it. This was my first reunion and not really knowing anyone I didn't know how I would be received but I have to tell you that I felt like family.  Thank you to everyone that welcomed us and took the time to talk with us and sign an autograph.  I would rather have the autograph of a 517th soldier than any movie star or politician that I can think of.  I will send pictures when I can.  For those who may have lost my e-mail address it is shugarhill@fuse.net.Morris and Donna please contact me.
                                                                      Son of a Buzzard (Odas Sweet)
                                                                      Rick Sweet

 
 


               Mel Biddle                           Morris McDowell


Bob Barrett

You might find this interesting:  Here is a map of the last 15 visitors to the web site.

 http://www.gvisit.com/map.php?sid=3967d3dfe9b351ed197632c9710aa5b1

 Bob


Mary Jane Hanron

A message to Mr. Boyle:

Very nice article! How wonderful to read your story, learn of your role in World War II and know you have a large and special family! The picture of you with Old Glory is especially touching. Thank you for your service to our nation.

Best Wishes,

Mary Jane Hanron

Freelance Writer.


1944    - Bronze Star Citation for Burton Stadler on Website