Hello,
I sometimes get overwhelm with all the emails, request for information downloads and Guestbook inquiries that I receive and therefore if I don't respond, send them in again. It sometimes takes awhile to get information and I only place one download in each Mail Call. Sometimes I just hit the wrong key.Some providers have probllems with downloads and also with photos and text that I scan.
Ben
Website--prct517.home.attbi.com or members. aol.com/prct517/
Mail Call---Ben517@aol.com
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Subj: Re: MAIL CALL NO. 393 517TH PRCT
Date: 12/9/2002 7:24:24 PM Eastern Standard Time
From: BobPiper@webtv.net
As I've said before,Ben, I'll be there and look forward to another
gathering of " Great WW II
Troopers.'''
Talked to Ed Flannery and we'll both be on hand to help in any way we
can.
Bob Piper (WW II 505 but honorary 517
**************
Col. Bob Piper was in the 505 but is a special friend of the 517.. You must read his story in Beyond Valor by Patrick K. O"Donnell.
Ben
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Subj: Re: 517 Reunion
Date: 12/8/2002 11:13:08 AM Eastern Standard Time
From: reber83@insightbb.com
To: Ben517@aol.com
File: Dad'sDisplayDC.JPG (210619 bytes) DL Time (TCP/IP): < 1 minute
Hello Ben,
I am still waiting to see when our company is finally going to be sold. We have been "in play" with an investor group for 6 months now, and rumor was that we would close the sale "any day now". I am not sure what effect, if any, the sale may have on my status and future or that of my area of responsibility. Due to that uncertainty, I have been waiting before I confirm.
I would certainly like to go and meet back up with the 517th family. My brother, John, does contracted consulting work and often gets his plans changed on short notice. I know he has been interested in the past, but I would consider him to be doubtful. I will speak with him about it.
As soon as I have a good feeling that I can commit, I will certainly let you and Mr. Christie know. I just received a Christmas card from Mr. & Mrs. Jim Royer and I believe they will be in FL.
Last night my daughter & son's high school orchestra had their annual dinner concert. It is near the holidays and is always is based on a theme. Due to the date of this concert (Dec. 7th), the theme was "A Star-Spangled Evening", with the emphasis being placed on honoring all of the military veterans of the orchestra students -- those who constantly pay the principal and the interest for the loan of our freedom.
They had tables available to bring in memorabilia and tributes for their relative/veterans. It was very nice, they even brought in a Marine color guard. Their final musical selection for the evening was an arrangement of all of the service hymns and the vets of each branch were asked to stand to be recognized during the hymn of their branch. It was a very nice evening. My wife, Marianne, did a great job pulling this event together She is this year's president of the orchestra association, and she coordinated one f the best dinner concerts they ever had.
Of course, the 517th was represented. Attached is a photo of the display for the grandfather of Alisson & Jake Reber; Robert J. Reber (HQ Co. 3rd Bn.). The campaign hat was from my Dad's days with the 32nd Red Arrow Division.
Thank you for asking, I just want to be make sure to honor my commitment, once made.
Best regards,
Tom Reber
***************
Tom's download in in this Mail Call.
Ben
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Subj: Re: 517 Reunion
Date: 12/7/2002 8:16:09 PM Eastern Standard Time
From: TDorman323
Ben it would be an even bigger thrill and an honor to meet you as well as place the faces with the names I have heard about. I also have a lot of my dad's photos and written pieces from his "stuff". There is a great poem he had about Colonel Boyle at Les Arcs.
I have been approached about a new position and if it comes through I would most likely be in a better position to attend the reunion. Please keep positive thoughts for me and I shall keep you posted as well.
With respect and admiration,
Tom
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Subj: medal framing
Date: 12/10/2002 3:49:00 AM Eastern Standard Time
From: chrislindner@bellsouth.net
To: ben517@aol.com
File: PC010241.zip (876092 bytes) DL Time (TCP/IP): < 1 minute
Hi Ben: I just thought I would show you another version of medal framing. I think Ed Maconi’s son-in-law had a great job done with his medals. I just went to a local framer and after I got everything I wanted I took them up and had them framed in the way I arranged them. I think it turned out real good. I also had the original purple heart framed separate (I got a replacement medal for my collection) because my brother gave it to me and I think he should have it so I framed it in a shadow box for him. Have a good day. Chris LindnerNate Rubenstein’s daughter
*************
Will place download as well as one from Frank Dallas and Tom Dorman in later Mail Calls.
Ben
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Subj: Re: MAIL CALL NO. 393 517TH PRCT
Date: 12/10/2002 11:32:50 AM Eastern Standard Time
From: rkiehl@comcast.net
To: Ben517@aol.com
CC: mmcmor8391@aol.com, rbarrett@alum.mit.edu
Hello,
I just received a phone call from Jesse Darden in Oklahoma, saying he has extra copies of "Paratrooper's Odyssey: A History of the 517th Parachute Combat Team" and is sending a copy in the mail to me with instructions to write the check to 517th PRCT Association.
After I refresh my memory a little, I would like to attend the reunion next year in Florida. I hope Bob Christie reads this as I don't have his email address and don't plan on attending this year.
Thanks everybody for the help
Bob Kiehl
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Entry of Dec 9, 2002 at 20:13 [EST]
Name: Fred D. Waites , Jr.
Unit:
EMail: fdwelw@aol.com
How I found the 517th page: From a search engine
Comments: A note to those who knew my father, PFC Fred D. Waites, Sr. He served in the Headquaters Co. of the 517th. He is still around as of 12/9/02 and doing OK for an "old" man. Though he recalls his days as a trooper with great pride, he has been unwilling to share much about his WWII experiences with me. Must have been tough because it hurts him so. After leaving the Army, he attended USM on a football scholarship. He coached HS football and taught HS for decades. Most of that time spent in Dutchtown, La. He now resides in Deatsville, Al. where he has become a nationally known "beagler". He can be reached by phone at 334-569-2371. I am certain that he would enjoy a call from any of those who served along side of him. He is a good man, and a great father.
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Entry of Dec 10, 2002 at 08:56 [EST]
Name: Jeff Keith (via David Knee)
Unit: David Knee was 517th Hq co. 2nd. bat.
EMail: jhkeith@crpud.net
How I found the 517th page: From a search engine
Comments: David Knee is my wifes grandfather. I have always been interested in his stories. I recently obtained a lot of pics that I would like to add to the site. My grandfather would like to get in touch with some of his buddies. If anyone out there can send me an email, I can get you in touch with him. Thanks so much, Jeff
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Subj: Airborne & Spec Ops Museum Update
Date: 12/11/2002 12:48:37 PM Eastern Standard Time
From: ptremblay@asomf.org
To: Ben517@aol.com
HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM THE AIRBORNE & SPECIAL OPERATIONS MUSEUM!
We are working on two programs for early next year. Mark your calendars now for:
1. SATURDAY, JANUARY 11, 2pm - 4 pm.
CSM (ret) Eric L. Haney, signing his book "Inside Delta Force." The author and original member describes the early days of the elite counterterrorist unit.
2. SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 8
Memorial Ceremony for the 555th Parachute Infantry Battalion. The day will include the dedication of a unit memorial for the first 17 African-American soldiers to attend parachute training followed by an educational forum. More details will be announce as the event nears.
3. AIRBORNE & SPECIAL OPERATIONS HISTORY
December 20, 1989
Over 6,000 troopers from the 75th Ranger Regiment and 82nd Airborne Division jump into Panama. It was the first combat jump for the 82nd since WWII.
DECEMBER MEDAL OF HONOR RECIPIENTS
Dec 8, 1944, PVT Elmer Fryer, 511th PIR, Phillipines (Fryer Drop Zone, Ft. Benning, GA, named for PVT Fryer). Posthumously awarded.
Dec 20, 1970, CPT Robert Howard, 5th SFG, Vietnam
Dec 24, 1944, PFC Melvin Biddle, 17th ABN, Belgium
Dec 27, 1966, SSG Delbert Jennings, 12th Cav/1st Air Cav, Vietnam
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Subj: Re: Airborne & Spec Ops Museum Update
Date: 12/11/2002 1:02:56 PM Eastern Standard Time
From: Ben517
To: ptremblay@asomf.org
Dear Sirs:
Melvin Biddle was with the 517th Parachute Regimental Combat Team
when his actions resulted in him being awarded the MOH.
Regards,
Ben Barrett
"H" Co. 517th PRCT Assn.