Dear Ben,

I'd like to type a note about this year's FL mini. I was a late arrival (Monday), but I thought this year's turn out was fantastic. It is always wonderful to see outstanding individuals like Col. Boyle, Don Fraser, Tom Cross, Howard Hensleigh, Gene Frice, Leo Dean and many, many other terrific troopers. But I also marvelled at the energy and enthusiasm of the trooper's wives and family members.

The fellowship shared at these events simply cannot be beat. I was especially fortunate this year to welcome back into the 517th family, Mr. Don Brown and his remarkable family. It was a joy to visit with the Browns and the Royers (Jim & June) at the same time and to catch up on a great deal of personal and 517th history. I am not sure which photo drew more laughter; the one with myself, Don Brown and Jim Royer lined up (attached), or the 1974 photo of me with hair (best left forgotten).

Bob and Mildred Christie did a remarkable job once again. I only wish I was closer to them to lend them a hand. They do such a great job each year. It was really great to see so many of the descendants in attendance this year. It really reminded me of the earlier reunions in the 60's and 70's when us "baby boomers" were running all over the place, giving our parents fits.

We definitely celebrated and honored the spirit, traditions and the sacrifices made by the men of the 517th. I really enjoyed the visit with the 517th family.

Best regards,

Tom Reber

son of Lt. Bob Reber HQ 3rd, heavy mortar platoon

Floyd Polk

Ben,

Great mini-reunion!!! Good to see you again and we are looking forward to the 2005 reunion!!!

Am sending the article that Floyd gave you so if you do want to put it on the 517th Web-site, it won't be a problem.

Best wishes,

Adrianna & Floyd Polk

Mwl Trenary

BEN i received a letter from a young man in Trois -ponts ,belgium. ever since he found my shelter half i have stayed in contact with him. he has collected ww ii paratrooper equipment for 20 yrs. he has found a helmet with a name in it.the name is John s Penn.he was killed in action in the battle for manhay & was in co. i. 517 rct.hes looking for an id no., a picture. he's also hoping there is still family around that can help his research. he sent me a picture of the helmet showing his name inside.can anyone help him? the young man in begium is Jean Francois. Thanks mel

Marshall Baird

Ben, Thanks a million for Mail Call !! It's a God
send... A related incedent related to Tom Cross's
message about combat awards.. When I got back to the
outfit in Joigny from the hospital, was on CQ (A Co)
one night when it came to my attention that Lt. Dan
Cook had put me in for the Bronze Star but it since I
wasn't "on the roster" at the time, it wasn't awarded.
I didn't do any thing to deserve it but it would have
been five more points. Like so many later on, I did
recieve it for having the CIB..

Jesse Darden

Ben tell Bob that Lou is doing well as can be expected
aith her broken ankle still in the wheel chair but is
exps to be home by the of mid Feb. We sure will miss
all of the fellow troopers Allof you have a verry
good;;;;;; time If all goes well we will be in GA O5
AIRBORNE ALL THE WAY;;;;;; JESSE AN LOU
DARDEN.

Dino Papas

Ben -- thanks again for your assistance in our search for info on my uncle
T/5 Spiros Gogos....we found the narrative in the Battling Buzzards
informative and now I finally know the circumstances surrounding his death
in combat. It was unfortunate that his name was spelled improperly
(incorrectly identified as "Sporos Gorgos") but that kind of thing is to be
expected.

We are also requesting copies of his military records from the center in St.
Louis...hopefully his records weren't destroyed in that big fire there in
the 1970's.

Does anyone in your organization have or have access to the award citations
for the soldiers who received the DSC? I'm hoping that this will all be in
the records we get from the center but you never know.

Thanks again and have a great 2004!

Dino Papas