Ben,

I want to let you know that my dad's (Eugene C. "Gene" Markle) passing is not a recent event. As of June 11th, he has been gone for 8 years (June 11, 2000). We all still miss him, but we keep him with us every day. We know that there have been many others that have gone after him that are missed just as much, so please correct the list as appropriate.

In addition, in regard to the other 596er's that are on the list, I have the following to submit from my website if you want to include in any memorial that is being done at the St. Louis reunion;

Mike Bulino (Note spelling correction) 596 Eng
- http://www.markleweb.com/component/search/bulino.html?ordering=&searchphrase=all (includes an article that was written about him)
George Mitchell 596 Eng.
- http://www.markleweb.com/component/search/mitchell.html?ordering=newest&searchphrase=all&limit=20 (includes obituary)
Raymond Poe 596 Eng
- http://www.markleweb.com/gallery/v/wwii/people/Raymond+Poe+_517PRCT_.jpg.html *
John Randall 596 Eng.
- http://www.markleweb.com/gallery/v/wwii/people/Mathis_+Landrum_+Larrson_+Walker_+Cockran_+Randall_+Senter+_JM_.jpg.html?g2_imageViewsIndex=2 *

* Raymond and John may be on other pictures on my site, but may be listed as unknown. If there are family members that are interested in seeing if they identify them in any of the pictures, the 596 album starts here;

http://www.markleweb.com/gallery/v/wwii/people/

-Steve-

Xavier Van daele / Belgium

Hi Mr Barrett,

I introduce myself, my name is Xavier Van Daele, I am 31 years old and I am Belgian.

I am Webmaster of a site concerning the American history of the paratroops lasting the world war two: www.usairborne.be

I created this site after having noticed that there was no site which covers subject as a whole; all the French sites are about the 101st or 82nd only.

But not many site processes 11th, 13th or 17th Division (in French) or as regiments more particular.
I send this mail to ask you this :
I would like to put veterans at the honor. And thus to create a post for each one of them. So that they will never be forgotten. For that I need to get in contact with them, by mail if possible. (Biographie: http://www.usairborne.be/Biographie/biographie.htm)

I also look for contac with families which lost a father, a brother, an Uncle, during the Second War World. (=> Hall of Honor : http://www.usairborne.be/Hall_of_honor/hallofhonor.htm)

I don't want to write a book or earn money with your story, but only to tell your story to all generations. I would like to belong to your mailing list to learn some more on 517th RCT.
Thank you very much in advance.
Friendly.
Xavier Van daele / Belgium

Helen Beddow

To Merle Traver,

Thank you for the information about the mules. Merle, if you are in St. Louis, I will be waiting to hear more stories about the "mules and the men". I am wondering if anyone has pictures of the mules. It would be great to use in the Thunderbolt.

Helen

Lory Curtis

Ben,

Attached is a folder of pictures of the Tunnel for Chris Linder taken in June of 2004, and a couple of pictures my Dad took of the tunnel in Oct to Nov 1944.

http://517prct.org/mailcall/1571_photos.htm

Pat Seitz

Dear Claire and Helen:

Only had the chance to read the newest edition of Thunderbolt this weekend. It is really sharp and we enjoyed the articles and pictures. Thank you so much for such an excellent edition. You two are outstanding

Paul, George,Peter, and Cynthia Jansson

We hope you have a great reunion. I know that I can speak for Peter and myself when I say last years was one of the best experiences of our lives. Dad (Bert) spoke little about his war experience until we were at middle age. One thing he has said more than once, that when he was scared he would think to himself that if these other guys can do it, I can do it. As I am re-reading "Battling Buzzards", I can see that he was not alone. Regardless of his military record, Dad and Mom have always been our heroes. Regards from Paul, George, Peter, and Cynthia Jansson. P.S. Bertil and Dagny Jansson are celebrating their 57th anniversary today.

Peter Jansson

Hi Mr. Barrett:

My brother George and I were talking this past Saturday while we were fishing about the upcoming reunion. Although we cannot attend we did want to pass along these thoughts. First of all, we wish we could be there with Dad, but things just are not meant to be. Secondly, we hope that everyone there has a marvelous time and our wishes go out to every member of the 517th and their families. Dad has not been the same since the bad pedestrian accident he was in back in December 2006, but the memories we have of last year's Washington D.C. reunion will forever be with my brother and I. George and I talk at length of the fine time we had last year, and wish that Dad was capable of being with you in St. Louis. Since we got back from Washington last year Dad has slowly deteriorated in both physical stature and mental resolve, but we feel that Dad was truly at his best and happy at that time. George and I and brother Paul (unable to attend last year) wish all of you the best. We also want to thank EVERYONE who helped Dad attend last year in Washington even though Dad was in tough shape. All of you are an inspiration to us, and Washington D.C. 2007 will forever be the happiest memory we have after Dad's bad accident. Thank you to everyone - especially to Mr. Barrett and his family and to Trooper Walsh who was so kind to Dad. Have a great time in St. Louis!!!!!! Pete Jansson and family.