I know you need filler material for the Thunderbolt so here goes. I would also like to suggest that you ask Ben Barrett to put the cut off date in Mail Call to submit material for each issue of the Thunderbolt. To prompt people to send pictures, notes, and personal remembrances in please find the following

Some of you may not like what I am about to say. If you can't stand the heat don't read any further. I first found the 517 in 1986. My wife and I went to Albany, NY for our first reunion and got reacquainted with troopers I hadn't seen in 41 years. It was a great experience! The bad part was we attended all but one since but what did I do but sit on my ass and let every one else do all the work.

At the business meeting in Oklahoma City General Seitz asked me to rouse the 2nd Battalion personal to take part in our reunions, Mail Call and the Thunderbolt. Now could I refuse. Without his supreme leadership many of us would not be alive today. I recall saying to Chris Lindner (Nate Rubinstines daughter) after the meeting, what am I going to do with this assignment. It felt like someone ordered me to dig a 6X6 which I did at Mackall. Her reply was you write a letter to all the know members of the 2nd Battalion, send it to me and I will copy it and mail it for you. She requested that I not use her name so I got the credit and she did all the work. Thanks Chris!

Well, it worked, the 2nd Battalion had the largest attendance at the last two Mini reunions at Kissimmee for the past two years. And yes, Helen and Hal we will take the cup in Savanna in 2005, it's already lined up. Bernie and Lee Heckla have kept the A company people communicating for years.

Where am I going with this? First of all I think all of you that enjoy Mail Call and the Thunderbolt should step up to the plate, call your friends and encourage them to submit their stories and experiences. Second I am really gratified to see so many Widows, Sons, Daughters and yes, even Grand children at the reunions and taking an active part in the 517. Like Howerd Hensleigh says these are the people that will keep our history alive.

If you have read this far I thank you. Come on Guys and Girls get off your duffs and get going. I am sure you don't want the 2nd Battalion to lead the pack. It's time all of you take an active part and give Bob Christie, Ben & Bob Barrett something to work with. We owe them a lot so lets give them our help. I would be remiss if I didn't thank the President and our Board for all the work they do behind the seines.

Hello Ben Neil Blanton here again I,ve just come across my dads scrap book from the war also his parachute training his mom must have kept it for him,it contains newspaper clippings of training along with numerous pictures what a treasure. I,m just getting into It so I,LL write back Later to let you know what else I find.p.s. my dads full name was WILLARD BURKE BLANTON ,maybe the middle name BURKE will jog someones memory. THANKS !!!!

Bob, Ben, et al,
Please put the announcement in the Thunderbolt and in Mail Call. I
suggest that either or both of our vice presidents, Gene Frice, Lud Gibbons
could be persuaded to attend and represent us. This is not an exclusive
list; others had a part and could be encouraged to go. The 517th was
instrumental in liberating these towns and it would be a shame if we were
not represented. Howard Hensleigh

----- Original Message -----
From: bobx517@juno.com ( Bob Christie )

>
> Ben et al, I just received 15 invitations from Draguignan to the 60th
Anniversary of the Liberation on 14th August 1944 in La Motte, first
liberated village in Provence. They are celebrating with a Commemoration
Day. I don't know why they sent them to me, other then an announcement in
the Thunderbolt. I would be glad to send them to whomever would like them.
Bob

Some exciting news for me. Since I have become involved with the 517th organization my dad and I have really been communicating a lot about his experiences. He finally went into his garage and found about, maybe 200 letters he wrote home to his parents during his time in the 517th. I just received them in the mail yesterday and began reading them last night. What a treasure. I found a Photostat from a 1944 V-mail Christmas cover of the 517th that my dad must have sent home to his parents. I have never seen this logo before and thought you might be interested in seeing it. If I find anything else that looks to be of interest I will let you know.

Entry of Feb 24, 2004 at 23:50 [EST]
Name: Geoff Hackman
Unit:
EMail: hackmans@aol.com
How I found the 517th page: From a search engine
Comments: I'm wondering if anyone has any stories/knowledge or info on my grandfather, Lt. Ralph Allison or his Company, 'C'.

Hi Ben Reading about the "Crickets" reminded me of something else. (Jim called it my Jackrabbit mind). Did you men carry a small compass in your escape kit? the reason I ask is because I have a special charm bracelet and the year Jim was President we were in New Orleans. While there we went to an antique store to add another rememberance tp my bracelet. We found a small compass with an onyx lik rim. Jim said he had one just like it at home. " they were issued to us". When we got home I had Jim's added to my bracelet. Anyone else have one?.