Jesse Darden


TO ALL TROOPERS!
Jesse is doing well. Got to come home today. By-passes
went well.  this now makes a total of 5 that he has.
He had 2 done in August 2001 and now 3 this time. But
this time he has an irregular heart beat and a heart
murmur.  They are giving him medications for the heart
beat & hope it will return to normal. But there is a
chance that it won't. We go back for checks with
surgeon & cardiologist in 2-3 weeks. Our daughter
Kristie, that so many of you met in Ok City has come
up to help us for a few days. Just cant' do without
both of our children. Thanks for all you thoughts and
prayers. Please continue to keep us in the daily
prayers & thoughts. I will keep you posted on his
progress.  Thanks again, Lou, Jesse, Kristie & TO_
 

Herbert  Jeff

Ben --
 
I called Jesse Darden's home this afternoon for an update on his condition.  His daughter told me that Jesse's triple bypass surgery on the 14th went well.  In fact, she said that as we were speaking, her father was headed home from the hospital after being discharged with a good report from the doctor.
 
I told her to tell Jesse that Sgt. Herbert Jeff said:  "Fallout in boots & running trunks at 1600 for a 5 mile run."  She said that she was sure he'd be ready.
 
For others that might want to give their get well wishes to Jesse & Lou, his number is: (918) 423-0706
 
Herbert Jeff
 

Merle McMorrow

Dear Ben:

We just got back from the Airborne Awards at Atlanta.  One day was spent at Ft. Benning.  We pinned some wings on a graduating class.  They are such young kids.  I always loved to tell them that in 61 years they are going to look just like me.

I sat with a Col. Gorden Smith the night of the banquet.  He had gone through jump school in December 1940.  He had some interesting stories to tell about Boyle, Seitz and Zais.

The 82nd Airborne Chorus is great and they performed at a number of functions.

We leave for England and Europe day after tomorrow.  We are hoping for good weather.

Our best wishes to Jesse and Joe for a quick and complete recovery.

                                                      Merle & Mardy
 

Don Saunders


Jan and I both include Joe and Jesse in our daily prayers.
Don Saunders
 

Howard Hensleigh


Dear Ben: Donna Hilliard is satisfied with the latest proof of the Odyssey. The pictures are virtually of the same quality as the original. She hopes to have the finished product ready to ship soon. Since the galley proof we had several weeks ago was not up to snuff, we are sure the wait has been worth it. We had hoped to have them for sale at the CA mini. Sorry to have missed that deadline. If anyone out there is interested, they may order one through Bob Christie, our treasurer. I know you guys are having a ball. Jan and I are sorry to miss out. Airborne all the way, Howard H.
 

Don Saunders


Ben,
Jan and I had planned on going to the W.C. Reunion, but My back went out on me in Fla. not being sure how it was going to come out we decided to wait. We came back north two weeks ago to go to my Dr. up here in Elmira. I have to go back on Fri. and again on Tues for an epidural . sure hope this one takes care of it,
Have a safe trip and tell all I said hello.
Don Saunders
 

Guestbook Entries

Entry of Apr 19, 2004 at 14:16 [EST]
Name: Russell Johnson
Unit: active duty Marine
EMail: mailto:Ktrjusmc@hotmail.com
How I found the 517th page: From a search engine
Comments: I was wondering if anyone had and photos or information on my father TSgt Norman Johnson.

Entry of Apr 19, 2004 at 22:28 [EST]
Name: John Haar
Unit:
EMail: mailto:JHaar1@aol.com
How I found the 517th page: unknown
Comments: Just trying to find out about my father's experience in the 517th. Anybody remember Cal Haar? I would like to hear from you. Thanks

Entry of Apr 19, 2004 at 23:06 [EST]
Name: Toni Jane Bucynski
Unit:
EMail: mailto:bucynski@pennswoods.net
How I found the 517th page: From a search engine
Comments: I am searching for any information, pictures, or simply contact from anyone who would know my grandfather Alex Tait who passed from us in July of 1996. He was a 1st Lieutenant in the HQ company of the 517th in WWII. He then went on to serve in Korea where he ended his time there as a Major. I am extremely proud that my grandfather had the honor of serving with all of you in the 517th -- I know that he cherished his connection with you. May God bless each of you.

Entry of Apr 20, 2004 at 12:03 [EST]
Name: Ted R. Bowman
Unit: 1st Bat. B Co. 1st Plt. 3rd Sqd.
EMail: bridget_lynn74@Hotmail.com
How I found the 517th page: Other
Comments: Looking for members of my unit, sqd, or plt. Jumped on Aug 15 1944. Injured and then returned to my outfit in Soissone Fr. Month later, went to the breakthrough at the bulge. Fought through the bulge, caught a tree burst in the Huertgen Forest. Transferred out to the 13th Airborne down in Sens Fr. (Emails are welcome, will go to my grandchild, and she will print them for me.)