Recent website additions:
Dick Spencer - HQ CO, 3rd Batallion
Leo Balestrini - 460 PFAB, Battery A
Remembrance of
Capt. Robert P. Woodhull, by Tory Parlin
2009 Europe Road
Trip Photos
Annual Florida Mini-Reunion
January 16-19,2010
Ramada Hotel & Inn Gateway
7470
Highway 1192 West Kissimmee, Florida 34747
Leo Dean
Hi Ben,
Does the $15.00 fee for the 517th annual report
go to The Commonwealth of Massachusetts? The treasure is very
good.
I'd like to see a big reunion in Nashville if
only we can get somebody to do some local work in addition to whatever the Armed
Forces Reunion people can do. We were there in 1989, had a very big
crowd
I received a phone call the other day from John
J. Knopf's daughter. He has gone to the drop zone in the sky.
He was a medic with the Regimental Aid Station. He was in the field a
lot. Only had 3 Purple Hearts.
Richard P. Demmel was in regimental Hq Co, not
Hq 2nd. He was in the S-2 section.
Intelligence Platoon. Also had lots of
field duty. Only 2 Purple Heats. Lived in Albuqueruqe.
John J. Knopf lived in Arizona. I think
at one time he was on the 517th Board Of Directors.
It's interesting that both states give free
auto license plates if you have received a purple heart.
When I received Mail Call, I used to make 5
copies and send them to former 517th members. Now they are all gone.
I guess that "I don't have as far to go as I've come."
I go to Florida Saturday the 25th for a few
days. I've scheduled a skydive (#131) at the Deland Municipal Airport, 45
miles north of Orlando. I return to Albany late Wednesday night the
28th. I'll let you know how I make out.
Leo
Raymond S. Meldrum
Ben
Regarding the recent 517th reunion held in Salt
Lake City.
Feature film director, Ryan Little took a lot of film of
the group as they visited the Karl Smith WWII vehicle collection. He
also did a taped interview with General Sietz. He has edited and
prepared a nice, professional looking 20 min. production for the
517th, showing the collection and all in attendance, free of
charge.
This has been given to Lory Curtis to decide how to
best distribute. If you are interested or want a copy you may
want e-mail Lory directly.
His e-mail address is drlvc@comcast.net
Ryan
said he wished he had more time to set up a proper studio and get better sound,
but all in all I think it is superb little memento of the Salt Lake
reunion.
Regards
Raymond S. Meldrum
American
Patrol Company
Don Gentry
The Advanced Tactical Parachute System T-11 made its debut at Fort
Lee as six cadre members of the Quartermaster School's Aerial Delivery and Field
Services Department logged a successful jump from a UH-60 Black Hawk
Helicopter.
Dennis Sura
I was hoping to get the DVD's that I made a
donation by Xmas. I wanted to surprise my sisters and show my
children. Will there be mailed soon?
Dennis Sura, member
auxiliary
*************
Yes-Ben
Chris Viller
Hello,
thank you
for your answer. Unfortunately I don't have any links for the photos but can send
them through mail.
In Le muy I
was in touch, too breefly with Al Johnson & the family who rented a Black
Ford C-Max & gave them the Newsletter I've been writing for the 65th
Anniversary " Watch on the Rhine " from the French Rock of the Marne
Assn.
I would like
to get in touch with them. would it be possible to connect me with them
?
These
pictures were not taken by me as I was involved in the ceremonies with Veterans
of the 517th PIR & of the 3rd Inf. Div. Those were kindly given to me by
Philippe Arakelian from Draguignan.
This has
been a wonderful time (even though too short ) we shared with Veterans, their
families, other Re-enactor's group involved & the
Crowds.
With my Best
regards,
Chris
Viller
Secretary-editor ROTM
*********
Betty Traver
Ben,
This is beautiful, not just the pictures but the music
says it all.
Betty Traver
A song some radio stations are
banning. The song you are about to listen to is from a Las Vegas Diamond
Rio concert. They received an immediate resounding standing ovation, and
continue to do so every time they perform It! Sadly, major radio stations
wouldn't play it because it was considered 'politically incorrect'.
Consequently, the song was never released to the public. So America , see what
you think.. If this offering speaks to your heart and you feel you want to share
it with friends and loved ones, please
do. YouTube - In God We Still
Trust - Diamond Rio
Gilles Guignard
Dear Friends of the 517th,
Here is another amazing video made during ww2 about Airborne
training and jump school.
Kind regards Gilles
*************
Interesting but corny and a bit of bravado. Topical in
those days. Remember Gabriel Heater? Pathe News?- Ben
Jerry Wolfford
If this brings a tear to your eye.....it's ok. This story plays out in
towns and cities across our nation everyday. As the nations
greatest generation slowly fades into history. And thank God for giving us
these strong men and women at the darkest hour our nation has ever known. They
raised the bar high for us. God bless each and every one of them and may we do
them proud. Amen.
You've
got to watch it to the very end!
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