Mary Ann Turner, John's daughter called to tell me that John passed away peacefully in the early hours of December first. His family was all with him. Burial will be sometime in the future in Arlington. When I know more I'll let you know. He was a special friend of Jim's and mine and I will truly miss him, but I know there are so many of us that feel that way, I think I'm in good 517 company. Dorothy

The prosecutor for the U.S. Army likened Lt. Colonel West to be the same as a terrorist. Col. West's lawyer asked the local area Chief of Command if he would cross the line to interrogate a prisoner if he knew it would save American soldier lives. He basically said he wouldn't. The word is out to the men in uniform - - - They are extremely upset and demoralized with the Army leadership. It is time for all of us to call the President and let him know what we think. I have called three times already myself. You might also call your congressional representatives. Spend the dime and call and give your opinion. 1-202-456-1111. These men are counting on our support. Polls show that almost 100% of the American public disagree with the U.S. Army leadership. It is time to roll some heads at the top.
Michael N. Arterburn
Son of SSgt Nello R. Arterburn, 3rd Battalion, Co. G.

SPECIAL POEM FOR SENIOR CITIZENS!!

A row of bottles on my shelf
Caused me to analyze myself.
One yellow pill I have to pop
Goes to my heart so it won't stop.
A little white one that I take
Goes to my hands so they won't shake.
The blue ones that I use a lot
Tell me I'm happy when I'm not.
The purple pill goes to my brain
And tells me that I have no pain.
The capsules tell me not to wheeze
Or cough or choke or even sneeze.
The red ones, smallest of them all
Go to my blood so I won't fall.
The orange ones, very big and bright
Prevent my leg cramps in the night.
Such an array of brilliant pills
Helping to cure all kinds of ills.
But what I'd really like to know...........

Is what tells each one where to go!

There's always a lot to be thankful for if you take time to look for it. For example I am sitting here thinking how nice it is that wrinkles don't hurt.

John Alicki

Why a twenty one gun salute

The Army tells us this goes back to coastal batteries emptying their cannons to signal peaceful intentions.
These batteries were made up of seven cannons capable of firing three shots each. So 21 shots meant all the ammo was gone, and there would be no battle.
This custom of rendering weapons ineffective goes all the way back to early warriors sticking their spears in the ground to show they were not hostile.
The 21 gun salute became the highest honor a nation rendered, and was established as an international salute.
Today the 21-gun salute is fired to honor visiting heads of state, and our president, ex-president and president-elect.
It is also fired at the funeral of a president, ex-president, or president-elect.
John A. Alicki, Reg HQ