News

I'm sorry to report the passing of another 819th buddy. Ole Haugstad (Hq Co) was scheduled to be with us in Lancaster but became ill the day abefore he was to leave and was hospitalized. Al Jorde called me a few days after the reunion and reported that Ole had passed away while in the hospital. Ole's wife, Marge, had passed away very suddenly just a few months ago. We extend our heartfelt sympathy to Ole's family.

Austin and Janet Rice (B Co) were sorely missed at our Lancaster reunion. I'm sorry to report that their daughter-in-law, Tiffany Rice, was hospitalized just prior to the reunion and passed away a few days later. Our deepest sympathy to Austin and Janet and son Lorne. Sympathy cards can be sent to 20414 Jefferson Blvd., Hagerstown, MD 21742.

I just learned today, Nov 8, that Don Georges' daughter, Vickie, passed away at her home in Florida. Don is at his winter home in Florida and sympathy cards can be sent to him at 30 Regina Blvd., Beverlly HIlls, Florida 24465.

Now for some good news - Our 13th annual reunion was held in Lancaster, PA on Sept 27-29, 1999. Truly a fantastic reunion and for those who missed this one I can only say that you missed on of the best, if not the very best, reunion yet. We all owe a great big thanks to Warren and Doris Beach and John and and Betty Krauss for all the work they put into this one. It was very obvious to wveryone that the comaraderie shared by all was most prominet and greater than ever. I've received many notes of praise and thanks from many of our buddies and I'll quote a few: From Bill & Elaine Dean (Hq Co) - "This past reunion was a great one and one of the best if not the best. I just wish more of the old outfit would come if they were physically or financially able as it is such a great experience. I have a former Black & Veatch employee and former Marine that comes to the B & V retirees' lunch on Thursdays. He attended his first reunion with his old Marine Air Group and pronounced it almost as exciting as getting married - I quite agree".

Another comment came from Don Williams (C Co) in a phone conversation. If I remember correctly he said, "Being at the reunion was like being in Heaven - well maybe not quite that good but close".

From James & Lillian Mink (Rcn Co): "We thought the celebration was a great success - thanks to the many people who made it so." Lillian also folldwed up with the following poem:

From Virgil Clemetson: "I really enjoyed this reunion with so much to see and do - food wasn't bad either. Wilmer Stitt really did a good job of getting us to the airport and taking us sight seeing every day."

From Will Daly & Marge: "We want to tell you we had a great time at the reunion and want to thank everyone for all the efforts that was put in to making it a success. The turnout was good when you consider it is 54 years since the war ended. It was great to see our old friends again."

The above were written comments but I received dozens of verbal thanks you's while at the reunion - as I've said many times before it wouldn't be a reunion if you all didn't come so on behalf of Warren & Doris and John & Betty, I say a big THANKS to everyone who attended.

We served 74 at the banquet on Tuesday evening and were pleasently surprised and entertained by a ladies quartet (The Sweet Adalines). Our own Earl Buchheit (C Co) gave us inspiring talk to the group using the Tom Brokaw book, "The Greatest Generation" as a basis for his presentation.

A tribute to the members who passed away since our last reunion in Ashville was given and was closed by the blowing of Taps by Warren Beach. The 11 deceased members were: Alex Churgai (Med), Dan Trevarrow (Rcn Co), Collidge Ritchie (B), Warren Schrepple (A), Russell Strauss (B), Dick VerMeer (Hq), Robert Naylor (A), Reese Minor (B), Floyd Cerny (B), Don McComas (Hq), & Marge Haugstad, wife of Ole Haugstad (Hq).

I have a 45 minute video tape that I'll be happy to send to you if you so desire. The cost is only $10.00 and that includes postage. My son-in-law donated the tapes thus a cheaper cost.

Following is a list of those who attended the reunion: Warren & Doris Beach, Ed Andria & Mary Stossel, Lloyd & Wanda Cohee, Buch Tomalavage, Don & Aggie Fox, Bob & Lois Powell, Bill & Elaine Dean, Virgil Clemetson, James & Linda Dunn, Nick Mekis, Don & Marie Williams, Paul Tertel & Lena Read, Bill & Anne Bossi, Joe & Gloria Mastra, Alvin Jorde, Palmer & Joan Dawson, Werner Drechsel & Thelma Sware, George & Marian Henninger, Robert & Martha Anderson, John & Betty Krauss, Walt & Jan Fredericks, Will Daly & Marge Ceccarelli, Bill Robinson and sons-Dennis, Bill Jr, Doyle and Phil, Willard & Rose Marie Busse, Earl & Agnes Buchheit and daughters-Pauline & Sally, Wilmer & Miriam Stitt and 11 sons, daughters & spouses (count 'em)-Diane, Mark, Carl, Sherry, Allen, Brenda, Eric, Zina, Ed, Bonnie & Doug, Joe & Betty Utchenik, Julia Lawler, James & Lillian Mink, Mary Strauss & her two sons, Dayton & Mim Lohr, and Dick & Alice Saclise.

We were pleased to have with us this year two members attending for the first time - George & Marian Henninger (A Co) and Mary Strauss, widow of Russell Strauss (B Co) who passed away in April. Thinks for coming - it was treat seeing you all once again and will be looking forward to seeing you all in Pittsburgh. Mary brought her two sons with her which was an added bonus.

Several of our "regulars" had to cancel due to ill health - Don & Betty Scherer (Rcn Co) and Geno & Mary Cavallo (A Co). I'm happy to report that both Don and Geno are doing better now and we wish them continued good health. Look for more about these good people elsewhere in this letter regarding the 2000 reunion. We were also saddened to note that Betty Mekis had to cancel her reservation due to health problems and there again, we wish her the very best for the coming year and hope that she will be on th road to recovery very soon. We missed your smiling face Betty.

Warren distributed momento TD key chains to all the men present and if anyone wants another (or ten or twelve) I can mail them to you for $2.00 a piece. I gave one to each of my grand children (they collect them like stamps).

Herman Blow (A Co) didn't show up at the reunion which was unusual so I called him when I got home. Herman said he wasn't moving very fast and just couldn't make the trip this year. According to our weather station his town of Goldsboro, NC was hit pretty hard with flood waters also. We sincerely hope you will be able to make the next reunion and pass our good wishes to your daughter Wanda and her husband Frank.

I received a phone call from Morris Kennedy (Hq Co) and he tells me he is selling his home and will move into a retirement home, in fact, he is probably already there. His new address is Plymouth Square, 1319 North Madison St. Apt 714, Stockton, CA 95202. When I talked to him he was busy trying to decid what to do with his 52 years of accumulations. I'm sure this is not a fun move for Morris and our good wishes are with him for an easy and speedy transition. The good news is that he is seriously considering coming to our next reunion in Pittsburgh.

Our buddy, Bob Powell (Hq Co), underwent triple by-pass surgery shortly after our reunion. It was very sudden and unexpected but, thankfully, Bob is recovering very well and doing fine now. He wanted me to be sure and offer a special thanks to all who sent him cards and notes - they were very much appreciated and helped immensly during his recovery.

Another member on "sick call" is Earl Buchheit (C Co). He entered the hospital on Nov. 11th for an evaluation of aneurysm in his abdomen which could have possibly meant surgery. I talked to Earl yesterday (the 12th) and he said he "hit the jack pot" - There is a new procedure they are using now and it won't involve an outside incision - has something to do with a tube but I won't try to explain it because I don't understand it- they are going to schedule this procedure sometime in January 2000. I'm sure he would appreciate hearing from you guys at 599 Filmore Road, St Marys, PA 15857.

I talked to a good friend John Kachuba (C Co) and I'm sorry to report that his healt hasn't been very good for quite some time now. I'm sure he would like to hear from some of his buddies at 25074 Trecia Dr., West Lake, OH 44145.

June & Earl Lee (Hq Co) keep in touch regularly. June is recovering from recent surgery bit is still facing knee replacements. Earl isn't doing too well either but still manages to do some yard and garden work although the deer population helps with the gathering of the crops which isn't an asset to say the least. You can write them at Rt#4 Box 124C, Long Prairie, MN 56347.

Received a beautiful card and note from Wayne & Miriam Thomas. Wayne has been in ill health for sometime now and wants everyone to know how much they appreciated the card that we all signed at Lancaster - I quote from their letter, "Since Wayne cannot thank each one individually, please, in your next letter add a note of thanks and God's blessings for each one." God bless you both, Wayne and Miriam, & may the year 2000 be a better one.

Virgil Clemetson (A Co) doesn't let any grass grow under his feet. After Lancaster he journeyed to Palacious, Texas to visit with some of Louises' family - she was born there. Then off to Branson, MO for 4 days of fun. He's home now and says he's "played out" but I'll bet he's busy as a bee getting his yard in shape for winter. More power to you, Virgil.

Had a nice letter from Hazel VanDeWalle wishing us all a great time in Lancaster. She is not up to traveling alone so can't make it to the reunions but has many fond memories of reunions past when she and husband John could attend.

Received a nice card and note from Galdys and Larry Wickline (Hq Co). They aren't up to traveling anymore but maintain a good sense of humor and are holding their heads high. They sorely miss coming to the reunions and cherish the memories of reunions past. I'm sure they would love to hear from some of their 819th friends - 719 E. Menlo Ave., Fresno, CA 93710.

The following atricle was taken from a publication called "The Defender" (a weekly military newspaper supplement to the "Hilo Tribune-Herald) dated August 5, 1944. Headlined "Girl Rescues Drowning Soldier".
To read the article Click Here

You may be surprosed to know that the drowning man was none other than our own, Steve Rogers (B Co). Steve's daughter, Wanda Harless, obtained this information by contacting Moody Radio in Hilo, HI. They not only researched the papers for the article but they also found that Patsy is now living in Honolulu and provided full address and phone number. It was a happy moment when Steve and Patsy were able to speak together on the telephone and relive that harrowing experience. We are all wondering who the two soldier friends may have been that were with Steve. Is it possible that someone reading this letter could be that person? If so we would love to hear from you. Thank you Wanda for a most interesting story.

I'm sure that most of you (especially you B Company guys) will recognise the man and lady in this picture - for picture Click here, Gene and Mabel Overton. Gene was B Company Commander and was a Captain. Son, Wallar sent the picture to Wanda Harless and she forwarded it to me. It was taken just prior to Gene's entering the nursing home. Mabel is suffering from Alzheimer's disease. Take a few minutes and drop them a note with your best wishes. Send them to Wallar Overton, Rt #2 Box 325, Haskell, TX 79521, and he will see that they are delivered to his Mom and Dad. Thanks.Click here.

MINI REUNION: Gene and Mary Cavallo have made arrangements for our next mini reunion in Somerset, PA for May 21, 2000. Put that date on your calander right now - I will have more to say about the reunion in the March News Letter. It will be held at the same place as always, The Ramada Inn, at the Somerset Exit from the Pennsylvania Turnpike.

Mary Jane is trying to locate as many copies as possible of the song sheet that was prepared by Dan Trevarrow and used at the last reunion held in Pittsburgh, PA. Look through your old reunion struff and see if you can come up with your copy - if so bring it along with you to the mini and if you don't make the mini bring it to Pittsburgh. Mary Jane will be appreciative.

Mary Jane recently wrote me a very nice note and I would like to share with all of you some of the heart warming things she had to say: "At this special time of the year we count our Blessings and we have so much to be thankful for, our immediate family, plus a bonus, our 819th family and that's a lot to be thankful for. Did you ever see such warmth and concern we have for each other." She closed her note with the following:

"Our Thought for Today" "A time for giving our to frateful heart A time for sharing God's greatest gift to man A time for thanking Him for special people like you all."

Friends are a treasured figt and we are rich in so many ways, sharing our love and brightening the lives of so many." Nothing more needs to be said, except Amen.

Wishing you all a very merry Christmas and a joyous holiday and my the year 2000 ba a good one for all of us.