Initially the 517^th Association was organized and promoted primarily to sponsor, hold and conduct reunion meetings for the benefit of its members. Many of the units having an organization similar to what we had initially felt the need no longer exist and have decided to disband.

With the passage of time, it was recognized a greater purpose for the Association could be achieved by expanding its field of membership. An auxiliary was formed that greatly enhanced the opportunities of the Association. With the members continuing to decrease at an alarming rate, associate members will become ever more important if the 517^th is to continue on into the future.

Our reason for existing has expanded and is more than troopers meeting because of earlier friendship and camaraderie. The original intention of the organization has been altered, updated and changed to address the new realities. Such items as producing the film, having associate members involved in reunion planning and staging, including extended family members at reunions and other unknown opportunities.

Therefore, I think a Mission Statement that clearly defines the fundamental purpose and reason for the existence of the organization should be developed. It should not only explain why the organization exists but what it hopes to achieve in the future.

The Statement should address:

1. What is the purpose of the organization?

2. What is being done to address the recognized needs

3. What value does the organization serve

All the troopers are going to be gone in the not too distant future. The Auxiliary will assume control and the responsibility to chart the direction the Association will take.

   Hi Ben,

As always happens when I visit with you (in addition to enjoying your company!) my awe and admiration for all that the 517^th accomplished is renewed. This time, I was inspired to write a poem for you. (Please scroll below.) I don’t know if I ever told you this but writing poems is one of my favorite things to do but they only come to me when I am truly inspired! Your amazing stories certainly do that!

Please share this with the other members of the 517^th if you wish…I would be very honored. If it is something you like, I also make bookmarks out of some of my poems and will gladly do that for you with this one as soon as my new computer is hooked up to my printer.

I hope you enjoy this.

Thanks for inspiring me.

Mary Jane

A Tribute to the 517^th

                                                Young boys they were in years gone by

                                                And gladly at a nod

                                                Kept  this noble nation safe

                                                And went to serve abroad.

                                                Among the first elite they were

                                                As fighting forces trained

                                                Their bravery and expertise

                                                Saw freedom would be gained.

                                                Paratroopers they were called

                                                Saviors from the sky

                                                And boldly into hell they jumped

                                                As bullets whirred nearby.

                                                Brothers true they called themselves

                                                And watched each other’s backs.

                                                Bonds and lifelong loyalties formed;

                                                No trust or honor lacked.

                                                Small was this group but vital still

                                                Horrors of war they’d seen

                                                And close they stayed for decades since

                                                Those of 517.

An evil never known to man
They fought so strong and brave
As foreigners learned that U.S. might
Was kind with grace to save.

                                                Years have passed and heroes aged

                                                In the most humble way

                                                But thanks to the 517^th

                                                We’re free and safe today.

                                                So many paid the sacred price

                                                To keep our nation strong

                                                And others live among us still

                                                To pass the tales along.

                                                God bless those of 517^th

                                                And every noble deed

                                                They did so many years ago

                                                So justice we may heed.

                                                                                               Mary Jane Hanron