From: Ben517
Sent: Saturday, July 31, 2004 1:59 AM
Subject: MAIL CALL NO. 731 517TH PRCT--JULY 31, 2004
Hello,
 

Howard Hensleigh
Dear Ben:

First, we congratulate bob Christie and Donna Hilliard. Bob did a fine job as editor of his second Thunderbolt. This is your news link to your buddies and the greater Combat Team membership. Bob has made it that with encouragement to all of you who contribute your letters, articles and stories. Special features such as the Chaplain’s and Historian’s corner have added interest and information. Donna is responsible for putting the Thunderbolt in print large enough for us to read and in a format equal to the content. She and Bob are a great team and the example of of the way of the future. The younger generation have added zest and zip to an organization that has always had it.

Secondly, a word should be said about our Southern France Monument project. Some of us started out naming individuals we thought should be honored by the monument. There is another equally valid train of thought. Just make a donation without any name attached. Dick and Pat Seitz have done it this way. Others who are similarly inclined should follow suit. The goal is to reach the $2,500 mark as soon as we can so we can let our friends in France know we have done our part.   Howard Hensleigh


Karl Locker

 Please pass on to Mr. Darden that I live outside Austin and would welcome the opportunity to meet him in person to thank him for his service in the 517th.  He could reach me at the cell # below.  Thank you.

Karl A. Locker, CPA
3141 Spicewood Springs Road
Suite A-3
Austin, TX 78759-8658
Cell (512) 431-9404
Fax (512) 345-4084

Karl Locker
 
 
Please forward to Mr. Arnie Hughson that I wonder if he knew my father, Walter A. Locker, Jr., also in D Co.  If he had any stories from D Co. to share, whether they involved my father or not, I would greatly appreciate it.  Thank you.
 
Karl A. Locker, CPA

Lou Darden
 
PS did not need to have screw removed. have been released by that DR.  WONDERFUL NEWS!

Terry Wallis
My father died in 1956 in a car accident and as I was only a child didn't
get to know him well. I served 20 years in the military and have since
retired and want to know more of what he experienced during the war. His
name was Cecil H. Wallis and was on the Christmas roll of the 517th in
France shortly before the Battle of the Bulge. He was assigned to Company G.
He was a security policeman in Naples who volunteered for paratrooper duty
when the 517th deployed to Nice, Italy.  I wrote to the address on the web
page and got forwarded to your address. Any information about him or people
who knew him would be appreciated. He was wounded in Feb. of 45 and that was
the end of his military service.

I am asking anyone who knew my father to contact me.

Sincerely,

Terry Wallis

Tom McAvoy
 
hey Ben I think this is almost a 1st,???  Only two death notices in the
Thunderbolt this time (Thank-goodness ) For a bunch of old Men that
average age has got to be 85-86 or so, and only two of us met our
maker???? By the way Ben  Has anyone heard from or about Jack Dunaway as
to his health???? Tom McAvoy

Joyce Turco
 
Hi Ben,
Thanks for your greeting. We decided to try to go to Rochester for Leo's brothers 90th birthday and our one daughter turned 55. I had to order wheel chair help for him but the airlines were great. He spent a lot of time in another comfortable easy chair our daughter got for him but at least we were able to go out a little and had a great family reunion so it was worth while. We got home late yesterday so I am just checking my E-mail and have 69 letters to look at, yours being one of them.
We hope Leo will be helped by a little more powerful pain medication and he did see a doctor in Rochester who wants him to go back to his Orthopedic physician as he feels he has bursitis in his hip joint. So that will be next. That is other than the bad narrowing of the spinal canal that only getting young again could help. Surgery too severe for the age.
Hope you are both doing as well as can be expected of us Seniors. His brother is doing great and goes to the race tracks almost every day. He didn't even want to take the day for to stay home for his party. Leo got to see a couple of guys he worked with and one he went to school with. Carol and I left them alone together in case they wanted to talk about their early years girl friends. It really gave him a big lift. Also, a couple we met years ago with the Upstate Chapter of the 101st. We have stayed friends for years. I got to see a couple who were patients of mine when I worked for Dr. Vaughan. They are a lot worse off than us as she is chair bound 24 hrs a day and her husband also uses a wheel chair to try to help her. Only have help in 3 days. Very sad to see them that way.
Well, going to check out further mail. Hope our 517th E-mails didn't kick back to you as you would wonder what happened. Will probably be here for a long time now unless Leo has enough improvement to make the National reunion next year. We hope so.
Best wishes to both of you.
Joyce and Leo
Gene Frice
 
Ben,
     In response to Kathy McCintosh request concerning Jesse Davis-about half of the stuff on my computer (old story) departed into where ever it goes. Cannot find the roster, (it is in there somewhere)-so... easier respond via your email-sorry for the trouble.
     Kathy,
          I hope I can assist you regarding Jesse.
               1.  About a year ago I attempted to start a 517 trip for this event and received very few responses (6 out of 100) letters. Oh well, that's past history.
               2.  First, Jesse needs his passport. Available from any post office or many gov't offices and all he needs is birth certificate to obtain it.
               3.  There is a lag time of approximately six weeks to get it-talk to the people there and they may have a means of obtaining an alternate.
     `          4.  Air transportation as of a month ago was about 1,000 from the west coast to Nice, FR. Of course should be less expensive from the east coast. Most major airlines run that flight and it might be cheaper (+  -) depending on the travel demands.
               5  I am traveling with two daughters and a number of our french friends have offered to assist us in our arrival-Jesse could join us upon arrival and we could work that out. I have made no plans as yet for arrival travel or lodging as my friends (all of them have offered same)-so ?
               6.  Your best bet is to visit your friendly local travel agent and they could work on all of the above for you.
               I, and three of my daughters just came back from travel to Normandy, Holland and Basto
gne-they loved it. Don't fear-in spite of what your hear-we have many, many friends over there. They will help us. Get back to me as to how you are doing.
          Gene Frice      genesir@aol.com
              

Merle McMorrow
 
If Jessie Davis, who wants to go back to France, doesn't already have a passport there is no way he is going to get one before August 15th.  It takes at least 6 weeks after you apply.  I was also told by Aime Leocard that all hotels in the area have been sold out for some time. 
 
                                              Merle
Howard Hensleigh
 

Dear Ben, Bob and Tom:

As of August 18, 2004, Jan’s and my address will be 3217 Fleet Landing Blvd., Atlantic Beach FL 32233. Phone (904) 270-8797. We are in the process of selling and otherwise disposing of items accumulated over a lifetime. I am still hanging onto my first pair of jump boots (the ones I kept polished under the bunk). The ones that hit the field are long since shot. (No, I didn't shoot myself in the foot.) I will no longer practicing law, but some clients say they will be after some advice via long distance. After 36 years plus here, it is difficult to leave, but we are looking forward to adjusting to the new location. Tom and Bettye Cross have already made things easier. Those Navy and Marine Corps guys may have some adjusting to do to get used to having two Troopers from the same outfit in their midst. Highest regards to all, Howard Hensleigh

P. S.  They made some "improvements" to my email and eliminated Tom Reber.  I hope you can pick this up in Mail Call, Tom.  HH