Hi Ben,
I do not have good news from here. Leo had been getting sicker and
sicker since pneumonia this winter. Finally agreed to go in the hospital to have
tests done. They went from lung seeing a spot on it to blood clots in his legs.
His breathing is very bad. Anyway, the bad news came back that he has inoperable
lung cancer and would not be able to tolerate any kind of therapy so the idea is
to keep him comfortable as nothing can be reversed. One of daughters from
Rochester came down this winter and when she saw how bad he was just canceled
going home. She is retired and her house is just closed up with a daughter and
good neighbors to look after it. She is such a big help to us as we take turns
staying overnight at the hospital with Leo. We have not left him alone there
since he went in and we know he has given up.
I want to continue contact with the 517th as it has been a big part
of our life. The only thing that came out fair in this is the doctor found a
patch put on every 72 hours and keeps him out of the back, hip and leg pains he
had at home.
I know you have your own problem so do not want to burden you. I
will have to let someone know that Leo will not be a board member any more so
maybe they can determine at the reunion who might replace him. He has been happy
to serve.
Best wishes and Hi to
all. Joyce Turco, Leo Turco's
wife
**********
Leo served with A Btry. 460. Joyce and Leo have been good friends
since we met on the 1994 European trip-Ben
Howard Hensleigh
Dear Joyce:
Thank you for keeping us posted and for the loving care you and
your daughter are providing Leo. He has always been a solid 460th
trooper. We in the infantry appreciated the support they gave us. It made the
attacks easier when they softened up the enemy. Please give Leo this message of
appreciation. He will be missed as a Board member.
We will indeed keep you hooked up to the 517th Combat
Team Association and make sure you and other members of your family are a part
of the Auxiliary we will form at Savannah
We are with you in spirit, Howard Hensleigh.
Barney Hekkala (This mail was forwarded to
Barney)