2005 Biennial Reunion
August 15-19, 2005
Savannah, GA

Registration due before July 10, 2005!

website                                   www.517prct.org
Mail Call                                  Ben517@aol.com
Mail Call Archives                www.517prct.org/archives
Roster                                    www.517prct.org/roster.pdf

Recent website additions:
Patrick L. Michaels, 596th

Diane Haverin

Dear Ben,

Thank you so much for getting back so soon. I would love to receive Mail Call. I do receive the Thunderbolt, still addressed to my dad. I need to change the address on that and have it sent to my home. I went ahead and e-mailed Lisa about the photos and maybe we can work something out without bothering you. You know, Dad lost his right arm because of his wounds at Grosetto and those photos are the first time I had even seen him with both arms. I go to the web site as often as possible...looking at all the photos....and then Wow, there he was. Dad died in 1988 from cancer but I have tried to keep his memory alive for the grandchildren. I sure wish I could get to Savannah and meet you all, but It would be difficult. My son-in-law will be home visiting for 10days before a deployment to Iraq and I really want to spend some time with him. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you for all that you and the 517th family and friends do. I appreciate you all more than you can imagine. God bless!

Diane Haverin

4000 Enclave Mesa Circle

Austin, Texas 78731

Dallas and Jerri Long

Jerrie and I have considered every possibility to get to the reunion; however, we finally threw in the towel promising each other that if possible we would attend the next reunion.

Needless to say, we are so disappointed because the troupers and their other halves are so very dear to us, and we enjoy our time together to the fullest.

We will be thinking about you, and praying for you. This happens to you when you are in the senior group; however, we are so grateful that we can remember all the good times, and of course our dear friends.

Dallas and Jerrie Long

Howard Hensleigh

Dear Ben:

Note to Joe Calder. Art Riddler was killed as he led his platoon in G Company’s attack on Ridge X, near Col de Braus, overlooking Sospel. Dick Spencer was wounded in the same attack and was in the hospital for several weeks. He interested Yank Magazine and Yank published an article on the attack, with pictures. Art was hit in the head and died instantly. The attack was successful. It occurred several days before Capt. McGeever was killed trying to link up I Co. on Mt. Scandeous with G and H Cos. on Ridge X. This gives you a general events time frame. It was probably in October 1944.

If you ever get wind of Burp Gun Benny Bennett, let us know.

We hope you can make it to Savannah.

Highest regards from the S-2 to the S-4, Howard Hensleigh

Tom Cross

Gee Whiz Howard how can anyone have any fun time when there is a "Legal Eagle" like you around . 1st Lt. Terry Sanford of the 1st Bn. who was the 517th Legal Rep on the Court you mentioned in your message got tired of losing to you which caused us to go to "Plan B".

Regards, Black Tom

Michele (Murphy )Sarver

Hello Ben,

I often look over the 517th website hoping to find new information about
my uncle, Sergeant Andrew Murphy. I came across information in the mail
call which I had not looked at in quite some time and noticed that Bill
Edwards sent you information about me emailing him on March 28, 2005. I
just wanted to acknowledge that I saw his note to you. There doesn't seem
to be too many photos of Company B on the website and each time I visit, I
hope to find that one picture of my uncle to share with my family. I also
notice that two of my cousins have inquired over the last few years about
any information that could be shared about our uncle. Thank you so much for
the website, I enjoy it more each time I visit. If you should ever discover
a new way for me to find more information, please email me at
m_sarver@hotmail.com

Thanks again!
Sincerely,

Michelle (Murphy) Sarver
Illinois

Terry (Birder ) Casey

Ben,
Thanks so much for thinking of me. I did give this some thought but was reluctant to sign up
as I felt that I really had no right to presume I belonged. However, Pat, my husband, and I are
planning on traveling the 517th’s journey in France, Belgium and Germany this October.
I have a friend whose home is in the French Alps and we will be using this as a jumping
off base for our excursions. Haven’t finalized our plans yet but do want to hit the “high
spots” (if you can call them this) of your history. I’ve been reading, studying maps, etc. Can only spend
2 weeks and so will have to be selective. Really would like to travel to all the places but
because of the time element I realize I will have to be selective.
Any suggestions as to what I definitely should not miss?
I’ve been trying to locate the family that cared for my brother’s grave in Margraten
cemetery. So far I have not been successful; however Stephen
Ooudstrom (sp.?) did send me a little information on it. I just haven’t followed through
with this information yet.
Hope all is well with you and many thanks for the 517th mail. I read the news faithfully,
always seeing if there is info about my brother, Jim Birder. Often I have been pleasantly
surprised. I have managed to gather so much valuable information in this research. You
517th men are tops in my list of people. I hope I am able to pass this admiration on
to my own children, grandchildren and rest of our family.
Thanks again for the invitation to the reunion. I was honored.
Terry (Birder) Casey

Michelle (Murphy) Sarver

Hi Ben,

Thanks so much for the information, I look forward to hearing from you
again soon!

Michelle

George Meline

Hello Ben:

I wanted to let you know that I am planning on attending the reunion in Savannah. Sorry it took so long to answer your e-mail.

It is with great interest to read mail call and to visit the 517th web site.

Thank you Ben and dedicated others for all that you do for us and others interested in the 517th.

George Meline
Hq. 3rd

Diane Haverin

Dear Mr. Barrett,

I would love to get a few copies of the reprint of the Paratroopers Odyssey. Could you please let me know who to contact and where to send the check. I bought an original off the internet back in 2003, but would love to have some copies for the young adults in the family. I know I read you would be out of touch for a few days, so no rush. Thanking you in advance.

Diane Haverin.

P. S. When I get the photos of Dad, would you like for me to identify them for you so you could update the photos on the web?

I have so many questions regarding my dads service. Do you know of anyone that was in North Africa before going to Italy? My mom keeps saying that dad was in N. Africa at some point. He had patches that I saw as a child. One was 82nd airborne (AA), one was I believe, the 17th division (eagle claw). He also had a 36th Infantry patch. Not being real knowledgeable about movement and attachments, I get a little confused with where he was. All I do know is that he was with the 517th Co B when he was wounded.

Sincerely,

Diane

******

Diane's father was William Branch "B" Co. He was WIA June 18, 1944-Ben