From: Ben517
Sent: Monday, January 31, 2005 7:45 AM
Subject: MAIL CALL NO. 840 517TH PRCT--JANUARY 31, 2005
Hello,
 
We will soon receive information about the Savannah reunion from Helen Beddow.
 
Ben 


Reunions
Save the Dates!

Annual West Coast Party 2005
April 10-16, 2005
Palm Spring, CA
2005 Biannual Reunion
August 15-19, 2005
Savannah, GA

Website                         www.517prct.org
 Mail Call                        Ben517@aol.com
              Mail Call Archives       www.517prct.org/archives
                Roster                           www.517prct.org/roster.pdf
Chris Lindner
 
Hi Ben:

It was great to see you and of course everyone else at the Mini Reunion.  Again Bob and Mildred did a great job and I would like to thank them.

The HQ’s 2nd Bn. again made a great showing.  I was glad to see Lou Scaringia (sp???) and his wife.  I know that they both really enjoyed themselves.

It is amazing to me that once again the members of the 517 “WON WORLD WAR II”.  Of course you all know that I am joking with everyone.  I really enjoy listening to the stories that the veterans talk about.  It seems each time you listen to them they tell a little more each time.

Unfortunately for me I seemed to sleep quite a bit this trip.  I some how got a very bad cold while I was in Florida and now that I am back home it has gotten worse.  It’s not really a big deal and I know it will go away but I even had to take a nap on Wednesday afternoon before the banquet and that is something I usually do not do is nap.

Hal and Helen seem to have a wonderful reunion planned in Savanna, Georgia and I am hoping that my brother will be coming with me to that reunion and hopefully my husband, Rick too!!!!!

Again a BIG THANKS TO BOB AND MILDRED and I really enjoyed seeing everyone again.

Chris Lindner

Nate Rubenstein’s Daughter

Al Eckart

Hello Ben    While going through my brothers scrapbook I came across some
pictures from his time in the 517th 2 of them are Italy 1944 & 2 from the
states. I have copies if you would  like to have them . 1 is of Edward Gunn
& 1 of my brother, both on Christmas roster 1944  2 I really don't know
about, maybe some of your members do. I don't; have your address could you
send it to me?    Best regards  Al Eckart  
Brother of William Eckart Co I 3rd Bn   Killed Manhay Dec 27 1944

Darrell Egner

 Hi Ben

 
Well, Ben you must be pulling my leg!  Your comments at the end of my article in the subject mail call were quite interesting.  First you promote me to General and then you tell the world that my name is really spelled ENGNER.  Spelling was not one of my good subjects in school and I am quite sure that somehow that incorrect spelling says something I am missing, but what I don't know.
 
The correct spelling is DARRELL EGNER.  I hesitate to say but there was 21 pages of Egners in the Berlin phone book.  In Jacksonville there is only 2 Egners.
 
As to Jack Collins he called Thursday night when he got home.  And yes he had a few toddies.  Also heard from Chris Linder, Sam & Irene Povich and last but not least Hunter McDonald who was iced in in Atlanta without Power.  They had the candles going and also the Rum.  They were going to try and make it home today.
 
Well, Ben enough of this chatter.  Good to see you!
 
Darrell EGNER
Roger Marquet
 
Hello,Ben!
Happy to know you're still active with the 517th Website. I'll place it in my favorites.
All my best
Roger
Airborne & Special Operations Museum
 
The world-famous Budweiser Clydesdales will visit the Airborne & Special Operations Museum, Fayetteville NC, on Saturday, Feb 5 for a public appearance from 1:00 to 3:00 pm. We hope you can arrange to see these magnificent horses, and will appreciate your spreading the word.

 50 years ago, in September 44, after four years of occupation the Belgian people rejoiced as they welcome their liberators.  But a few months later, in December 44, the celebrations were abruptly interrupted by a large-scale German offensive. In 1994 we commemorated the 50th Anniversary of the passed events and G.I. of the lithography was the symbol of The Battle of The Bulge commemorations: the snow is a reminder of the tough weather conditions during the "44 winter, and the green firs represent the woods of the Ardennes. In the background, the American flag is proudly floating, triumphant, after the terrible fight, the rip and tears symbolize the roughness of the battle. In the lower part of the poster, the Nazi flag is trampled down by a determined G.I. walking in the tracks left by a tank. This lone soldier many be a relative, perhaps a son or a friend who is courageously showing us, step by step, the way to freedom and victory.
Ted Crawford
 

To all of the 517th,

Barb and I have been glued to the television watching the Iraqi election process and the historic role the US military is playing in bringing democracy to the Middle East.  We watched the Iraqi jubilation and the dancing in the streets.  The American Spirit, the spirit of liberty, is being cultivated in a place where the rest of the world said it couldn’t be done. Our guys and gals have been magnificent!  The Iraqi people look like they might catch this spirit.  It is the same spirit that made you guys unbeatable in the Bulge.

Regards and humble respect,

 Ted Crawford

Son of Robert L. Crawford, Co. A