From: Ben517
Sent: Monday, August 22, 2005 12:37 AM
Subject: MAIL CALL NO. 962 517TH PRCT AUGUST 22, 2005
Hello,
 
I have in this Mail Call the message from President Bush that Frank Ramos presented to the 517 at the reunion.
 
I want to tell you a story about one of our French guest.. Merle McMorrow, Robert Christie and I presented Robert Cohen a check from funds raised to defray expenses for our European friends. Robert at first refused to accept it. Saying "for my liberte", We convinced him to accept it and he said that he would take it back to France and frame it .I hope for Bob Christie's sake  that he will cash it.
 
I also have in this Mail Call recent guestbook entries from Robert Cohen and Patricia and Roland Orengo.
 
 
Ben

Received at the August 15 2005 Reunion

In recognition of the 2005 517th reunion in Savannah, the unit received the following signed letter from the White House.  [We cannot reproduce the letter itself, but here is the text of the note.]

August 15, 2005

I send greetings to all those gathered for the 517th Parachute Combat Team Reunion. 

For more than two centuries, members of our Armed Forces have built a traditional of honorable and faithful service.  When the enemies of freedom were on the march, our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen answered the call and demonstrated courage, love of country, and dedication to duty.  Out Nation is proud of your service and inspired by your heroism.

This reunion provides an opportunity for you to renew friendships, share memories, and celebrate achievements.  Laura and I send our best wishes for an enjoyable event.  May God bless you, and may God continue to bless America.

(signed) George W. Bush

Frank Ramos
 
Thanks for the kind words. The real reason I was their was because of my brother Private, Ismael "Mayo" Ramos, a member of the 517th, Co. H   My brother was killed in an industrial accident four years after returning from WWII.  My interest and effort is in his behalf, as I am sure you helped each other get through the battles together. For that, I thank all of you and will return whatever service to you all that I can .  
 
It was a honor to be with the 517th and a personal experience to be with all of you for the Ramos Family in California.
 
My home number is 703-631-7718
Personal e-mail: ramosfm@aol.com
Michelle Sarver  ( Michelle is the niece of Andrew Murphy, the first 517th member KIA.)

Hello Ben,

   I thought about the reunion this past weekend!  Hope everyone had a great
time!

Sincerely,

Michelle Sarver

Tom Cross

    I tried to reach Russ Brami, Co. E at his home telephone number in Cedar Key, Florida but was told by the telephone operator that it had been disconnected at that  no forwarding address or telephone number had been given. Could you put this message about Russ Brami in e-mail format and ask if anyone has any news or info about him.
Regards, Tom
Entry of Aug 13, 2005 at 19:12 [EST]
Name: John Lucero
Unit:
EMail: starmanjl@plateautel.net
How I found the 517th page: From a search engine
Comments: I am looking for anyone from E Company that would remember my dad Hob Lucero
Robert Cohen
 
Entry of Feb 8, 2002 at 10:14 [EST]
Name: Robert Cohen
Unit:
EMail: bob.co@wanadoo.fr
How I found the 517th page: Heard from a member of the 517th
Comments: I was present, with my Jeep "Sue Ellen" at the celebrations in 1984, at Le Dramont and Draguignan (Southern France). Our association Military Vehicle Conservation Group of Riviera escort the veteran bus in Col de Braus and Sospel, the following days. I met many veterans, became very dear friends since this time. I was present too at the meeting in Niagara Falls 1993. I was 8 old in 1944, and never forget the fabulous summer of Liberation. Thanks again .God bless you.
                                                                              ********************
Roland and Patricia Pavia Orengo
 
The young French couple Roland & Patricia Pavia-Orengo with whom I'm coming to the Reunion , I met in Sospel  in 2002. They are very much into honoring the troops who liberated their city of Sospel and their country France.  . They are part of a group in Southern France who have American World War 11 uniforms & equipment which they use in parades and celebrations in villages & cities in Southern France. Roland's pride is an American jeep that he found in the Maritime Alps, and he has restored. Their clothing and jeep all have emblems and identification that show they represent the airborne and in particular the 517th which
 liberated their city in 1944. --Nolan Powell
Robert Cohen
 
Entry of Feb 8, 2002 at 10:14 [EST]
Name: Robert Cohen
Unit:
EMail: bob.co@wanadoo.fr
How I found the 517th page: Heard from a member of the 517th
Comments: I was present, with my Jeep "Sue Ellen" at the celebrations in 1984, at Le Dramont and Draguignan (Southern France). Our association Military Vehicle Conservation Group of Riviera escort the veteran bus in Col de Braus and Sospel, the following days. I met many veterans, became very dear friends since this time. I was present too at the meeting in Niagara Falls 1993. I was 8 old in 1944, and never forget the fabulous summer of Liberation. Thanks again .God bless you.
                                                                              ********************
Roland and Patricia Pavia Orengo
 
The young French couple Roland & Patricia Pavia-Orengo with whom I'm coming to the Reunion , I met in Sospel  in 2002. They are very much into honoring the troops who liberated their city of Sospel and their country France.  . They are part of a group in Southern France who have American World War 11 uniforms & equipment which they use in parades and celebrations in villages & cities in Southern France. Roland's pride is an American jeep that he found in the Maritime Alps, and he has restored. Their clothing and jeep all have emblems and identification that show they represent the airborne and in particular the 517th which
 liberated their city in 1944. --Nolan Powell
Darrell Egner
 
After reading the elegant letter from Pat (Dick Seitz daughter) in Mail Call #961 I know I can't top it but here goes anyhow.
 
WOW, Helen and Hal you did a super job putting on the Reunion.  You could get a job promoting groups of thousands of people.  I remember Helen taking notes in Oklahoma City over two years ago and boy did it pay off.  Everything ran like clock work and to keep 279 (last count I heard) people very happy for five days is quite an accomplishment.
 
The show that Helen put on of dancers, choir and that wonderful singer was out of this world.  I didn't see any one leave during the performance.  When I was growing up my German family always said that men didn't show emotion, didn't cry, etc. During the show I wet a handkerchief listing to the singer sing most of the songs from my youth.
Nila Gott
 
I can't say enough of how wonderful the reunion was.  Rick and I talked about it the whole time on the plane home.  It was an honor to meet everyone and all the children were great fun.  As those who attended already know, Helen and Hal did an outstanding job.
 
Nila Gott (Vasquez)