Hello,

Just read Nacho Vasquez's  book send to me by Nila Gott.  I think it is wonderful although sad. Nacho was someone special. Many of us can relate to incidents mentioned in the book such as the depression years., CCC camps, army, paratroopers and combat. Nacho was with Hq. Co 3rd Bn. I will include in this Mail Call earlier mail from Nila about the book.

The download in this Mail Call was forwarded to me by Tom Dorman.

Ben

Website-----prct517.home.attbi.com

Mail Call---Ben517@aol.com
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Subj: Nacho's Life Story 
Date: 2/17/2003 5:47:46 PM Eastern Standard Time
From: ngott@neteze.com

Hi Ben and 517th,
 
I have finished the book for Nacho Vasquez, 3rd bn, and would like to offer it to anyone who might like to read his life's struggles to survive, and his stories in the war with the 517th.
The book is called "Not Ready To Die."
If you would like a copy, the cost is $12.00 plus $2.00 postage and handling.
 
Nila Gott
4848 Amblebrook Way
Sacramento, CA  95823
Thank you!
 Nila
916 393-5542
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Subj: Re: MAIL CALL NO 431 517TH PRCT 
Date: 3/2/2003 9:03:10 PM Eastern Standard Time
From: Dallasandjerrie
To: Ben517

Yes, we did get Red Skelton's pledge with sound.  Great.  Thank you.  Dallas and Jerrie
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Forwarded Message:
Subj:  
Date: 3/2/2003 8:13:19 PM Eastern Standard Time
From: don2436@earthlink.net
To: PRCT517@aol.com

Hello:
  My father,  John A. Harte, was in the 460th, battery B.  Recently I obtained many photos from him taken in the U.S., France, Belgium and Germany.  I am now in the process of scanning them and trying to find the names of all the soldiers in the pictures.  I also have copies of cartoons that were drawn by one of his buddies during the war. As soon as I get them all together I will be sending them.  Thanks to your website and all the men who gave up so much so that I could have a better life.
                                                                Don Harte
--- don2436@earthlink.net
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Subj: SKELTON 
Date: 3/2/2003 9:36:24 PM Eastern Standard Time
From: grandstadlers@msn.com
To: BEN517@AOL.COM

      LOUD AND CLEAR
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Subj: Red Skelton 
Date: 3/2/2003 9:55:39 PM Eastern Standard Time
From: GloryB@centurytel.net

Ben,
The site is beautiful. The flag is awesome and the sound is perfect! I remember hearing Red Skelton do  this particular skit once but had forgotten how moving it truly is.
Gloria
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Subj: Re: MAIL CALL NO 431 517TH PRCT 
Date: 3/2/2003 11:25:17 PM Eastern Standard Time
From: JOEMACK610

Hi Ben,
     I just completed reading Mail Call 431. The Pledge of Allegiance by Red Skelton was loud and clear. However there were some minor sound interruptions but the messages were clear enough to understand.
     The rest of the Mail Call was awesome, well done.

                                                 Joe Mackiewicz
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Subj: Re: MAIL CALL NO 431 517TH PRCT 
Date: 3/3/2003 2:19:14 PM Eastern Standard Time
From: RCOLEMAN8@satx.rr.com

Ben, received #431 and got the sound too. Perfect. Ole Red sure had  what it takes to make "The Pledge of Allegiance" go from an oath to nearly a prayer. Best to you...Randolph
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Subj: Ref Mail Call 431 
Date: 3/3/2003 3:44:15 PM Eastern Standard Time
From: Ge517ne

Ben, The Pledge of Allegiance by Red Skelton came through loud and clear. It's well done, of course.
Gene Brissey
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Subj: Re: NACHO'S BOOK 
Date: 3/3/2003 4:10:10 PM Eastern Standard Time
From: reber83@insightbb.com
To: Ben517@aol.com
Sent from the Internet (Details)


Hi Ben,
 
I sure did get Nacho's book.  He led an amazing life, that is for sure.  I always wished that Dad had met up with Nacho in New Orleans.  I remember the look on Dad's face when he got that letter from the front desk.  He was very moved by it.  Worst part is, Nacho told me that the car repairs that stalled him in TX were a highway ripoff and he never had any mechanical problems.  I hope whoever that was, got their just deserts.
 
I had the pleasure of visiting with Nacho via phone last year for about an hour, and I think it meant a great deal to him.  I really enjoyed hearing his recollections of my Dad.  I followed it up with a letter with some photos and 517th information and also thanked him for looking out for my Dad and I also apologized for the racism he had to endure.  Different times then certainly, but I have a belief that he deserved hearing the next generation's gratitude and apology.  My Dad would sometimes tell stories about his platoon and the Hispanic guys.  Dad had a great respect for them and often remarked that they sometimes got the short end of things.
 
I have been e-mailing with Nila Gott for some time now and she has been an eager student of the 517th and Nacho's role with it.  I have ordered a couple more of Nacho's books from her.
 
Everyone of you guys has a story to tell and they are all very interesting to me.  We recently had a severe ice storm here in Lexington and many people (not us) had to live in darkness for over a week with only portable heaters.  What you guys experienced for days on end (while being shot at) makes the latest "hardships" feel like the lap of luxury.  You guys were and still are -- tough birds!
 
I will definitely be seeing you in Oklahoma City!  Now I hope to look up Gonzalo Chico, who was one my Dad's Sergeants.
 
Best regards,

Tom Reber
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