From: DGentry509@aol.com
Sent: Thursday, January 29, 2004 10:43 PM
To: webmaster@517prct.org
Subject: MAIL CALL NO. 404 517TH PRCT December 27, 2002
Hello,

Time is getting short  and it is now imperative that you  register for the Kissimmee reunion January 19.

Ben

Website---prct517.home.attbi.com  or members.aol.com/prct517/

Mail Call--Ben517@aol.com
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During the Christmas season back in 1944 and 1945 the Battle of The Bulge was raging . The effect on the 517 is shown in the memo below from Clark Archer to Col. Tom Cross

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Subj: Fwd: (no subject) 
Date: 12/27/2002 4:15:52 PM Eastern Standard Time
From: MMcmor8391

In a message dated 12/27/2002 11:19:19 AM Central Standard Time, arnold.targnion@belgacom.net writes:

Ben:
Here is a e-mail we received from our Belgium Friends:

Dear Merle, dear Mardy,

I do not know if my first message will arrive so excuse me if this message is the same. Thank you so much for your kind words at Christmas and the kindness of the 517 th men to offer to pay our tickets to go to the reunion. We are very touched but we shall not go to the reunion this time. The e money is not a problem but Maria is suffering a lot with her back and she is not able to travel a so long trip. Arnold and I, we are healthy but our grand son Florent will make his first Holy Communion at this moment and it is a very important reunion for the family. In may, our grand daughter Laure-Lyne will make also her Communion (in april, my God son will get married) many festivities for our family this year. If we go to Oklahoma City, we shall have to leave on the Thursday day June 5th. With the time lag to fly to Europe we must leave on Thursday very early in the morning to arrive on Friday. We miss you so and we miss all our friends but really, it is not possible for us this year. We shall think of you especially on Saturday Jan. 4th as we have our ceremonies with a special Mass in St Jacques to pray for the US soldiers who suffered and died for our freedom. Please excuse us. Our hearts will be with you and we are sorry; it is a so great honor for us to be invited at the reunion of 517 association. We do hope you will come to Belgium very soon. We love you. Maria, Arnold and Irma.


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Subj: 517th Member Is Ill 
Date: 12/27/2002 5:47:01 PM Eastern Standard Time
From: CaptMike97

Hi Ben,
     Wanted to pass this information on to all the 517th men regarding Staff Sergeant Troy H. McDaniel, HQ Co, 3rd BN, (Supply)
      Sergeant McDaniel's was one of the first men assigned to the 517th (original cadre of 517th) along with my father, Sgt. Nello R. Arterburn, Co. G., 1st Platoon at Ft. Benning.   Sgt. McDaniel's was diagnosed with Prostrate Cancer this summer and it has spread to other parts of his body.   He is at home with his wife Dorothy and family in Springfield, MO for the holidays.   He is undergoing treatment, but the prognosis is bleak.  He is a tough guy though and seems to be taking it all in stride.
      I had a phone conversation with him today and he talked on and on about the 517th and all the men he served with.   He is one heck of a fine man.   He explained to me how supplies were obtained during the war (stealing from other units was acceptable).   He also explained that supply records conveniently got lost in the heat of battle.  He has told me lot's of stories about my dad, Al DeShayes and him and their escapades together.
      Sergeant McDaniel was one of my dad's best friends.  After the war, Mac named one of his sons after my dad (Nello McDaniel).  I don't know how long the Sergeant has left on this earth, but I know he would appreciate a letter or a phone call from any of the 517th men he talks so proudly of. 
       He can be reached by mail at Troy McDaniel, 2547 NEast Avenue, Springfield, MO 65803 or give him a call at 417-866-7772.  You can also e-mail his son Nello at Aaresearch@aol.com.  
       Will keep you advised as to his health.
Thanks
Capt Mike
Michael N. Arterburn
Claremont, CA
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Date: 12/25/2002 9:08:18 PM Eastern Standard Time
From: gwtayler@juno.com

Ben, hope the holidays have been good for you and yours.

You and your son do such a wonderful job with MAIL CALL, and tho I
haven't written in sooner, I thoroughly enjoy each one.  We are, indeed,
a Band of Brothers, and sons and daughters, as well as grandchildren.

Thank you so, and best to all,

Gail Walsh Tayler
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Subj: Nothings Impossible When Ben is Involved 
Date: 12/26/2002 6:52:35 PM Eastern Standard Time
From: Genedie77

Ben:
Your recent Mail Calls have been great and informative, as have most all others.                                 The Christmas Card and letters, pictures, etc., jump right out ready to be observed. THANKS TO YOU AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL!!!!!
Gene Brissey
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_Subj: TO ALL 517PRCT "BAND OF BROTHERS" AND FRIENDS 
Date: 12/23/2002 9:28:30 PM Eastern Standard Time
From: newacct1088254 ( Boom Boom Alicki )
To: Ben517

May this Christmas season find you gathered in harmony with loved one and friends, sharing fond memories and making new ones, and let HIS loving hands touch your heart today lifting you with strength  in HIS special way.
                   Merry Christmas!
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Subj: Reunion 
Date: 12/27/2002 4:53:41 PM Eastern Standard Time
From: chrcook@juno.com

Ben, Here is the list of troopers attending as of 12/26/02. I am going to
list them in sentences because the last time I listed in vertical columns
and they were garbled in transmission. These following have room
reservations as well as being on my list: Bill &Babbie Boyle,Ben & Fran
Barrett, Jesse,Lou,Tom Darden and Kristie Darden Wright, Ed & Chloe
Jordan,Al & Alice Goodman,Gene & Marg Frice,Dick & Helen Miller,Tom &
Virginia Priest,Mary Priest,Darrell Egner, J.K.& Grace Horn,Jack &
Barbara Collins,June Huffman,Dorothy McKenzie,Hunter & Em McDonald,Sam &
Irene Povich,Tom & Bette Cross,Robert & Emma Olson,Floyd & Adriana
Polk,Jim & June Royer,Joe & Ede Miller, Bill & Liela Webb,Bob & Mildred
Christie, Ann Pugh & Friend ?. Those registered at the hotel and not on
my list: Don Saunders,Clifton Land,Leroy Johnson. If there are any
errors,please let me know.The hotel lists only one name for the room.
There were rumors of: Lou Holtzman,John Lissner,and a couple of others.
Merle & Mardy McMorrow will be there. Bob
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