Save the Dates!

Florida Mini-Reunion 2005
January 23-27, 2005
Kissimmee, FL

Annual West Coast Party 2005
April 10-16, 2005
Palm Spring, CA
More info soon

2005 Biannual Reunion
August 15-19, 2005

Bob Christie

Ben, As of today, Dec 13th, we have $2,430.00 in the French Monument Fund, only $70.00 to go. On another subject, I am seeing messages that quite a few have made reservations at the Ramada in Kissimmee, but have not sent in their registration money to me. If they wait too long, I won't have enough money for the deposit I have to give to the Hotel. Bob

Pat Seitz and Alan Greer

Dear Ben: Two things to share with Mail Call if you think it appropriate.

First, a friend sent me a copy of the biography of Terry Sanford, former Governor of NC who was one of the early 517 members. The book has an excellent description of Lt. Sanford's experiences with the 517th, such that others might enjoy reading it. The biography is also an excellent description of the life and times of our W.W.II veterans who fought and came home to serve their country as much during peace as they had during war. The book's title is: "Terry Sanford, Politics, Progress & Outrageous Ambitions" and the authors are Howard E. Covington Jr., Marion A. Ellis. The publisher is Duke University Press, copyright 1999.

Second, is a photo of the change of authority at Log Base Seitz outside the airport in Baghdad. The base is named after Dad.

Merry Christmas to you and your family and all of the 517th family.

Pat Seitz and Alan Greer (Dick Seitz's daughter and son-in-law)

-----------------
Forwarded Message:

Subj:	Log Base Seitz
Date:	12/14/2004 9:21:16 AM Eastern Standard Time
From:	kstory1@wamego.net
To:	Paseitz@aol.com, RSeitz@comdt.uscg.mil, csteinberg@uh.edu, v.seitz3@verizon.net
Sent from the Internet (Details)

Hey All, I sent this to Dad the other night and he asked me to forward it to you all...Love, Nancy

Transition of Authority

515th Corps Support Battalion

22 March, 2004. The long military heritage of New Mexico has opened another chapter today. Today, the 515^th Corps Support Battalion, Springer, New Mexico assumed command of Log Base Seitz, Iraq. Log Base Seitz is one of the largest Log Bases in Iraq and is located Southwest of Baghdad in the vicinity of Baghdad International Airport. The 515th CSB Commander, Lieutenant Colonel Jose Rael of Questa, New Mexico, conducted a Transition of Authority ceremony with the out going commander LTC Higdon of the 541^st CSB. The transfer placed over 1700 soldiers under the command of the 515^th CSB with duties as diverse as mechanics, logistics experts and truck drivers. Approximately 25,000 soldiers in the Baghdad area are now LTC Rael’s personnel customers for everything from water, food, fuel, repair parts, maintenance and transportation support.

Command Sergeant Major Frank Cordova of Santa Fe, New Mexico, and a very highly trained and motivated staff, who reside from Raton, Farmington, Roswell, Las Cruces, Albuquerque and all places in between join LTC Rael. Upon completion of a twelve-month tour in Iraq the unit will return to Springer, New Mexico.

Lieutenant Colonel Rael, (right), is joined by Colonel Richard Schenck (Commander of the 593^rd Corps Support Group, the 515^th’s higher headquarters based in Taji, Iraq), and Lieutenant Colonel Curt Higdon of the 541^st Corps Support Battalion.

Command Sergeant Major Cordova assist Lieutenant Colonel Rael in the “uncasing” of the 515^th’s colors, representing the transfer of authority to the New Mexico Army National Guard unit. more photos ...

From the website. 1944 Christmas Greetings by Colonel Graves