First Quarterly 97th Engineer Newsletter, 2013:
You have longed for a newsletter for some time now, and with this quarter there will be a place to deposit comments, photos, and events to share with othere on the notification list and with the general public. Here is your chance to make news happen. Send in anything you feel is worthy of being posted at this particular site, and thanks for your participation. Donand M. Ricks, Editor.
OLD ENGINEERS GATHER IN DENVER (February 1):
Are you wondering what some of the old 97th gang looks like half a century plus later? Here is a photo from our ROMEO (Retired Old Men Eating Out) group earlier this week. From left to right: Ray Milhollin, Jim Dillie, me (Harry, the different hat is because I’m always out–of–step with the group :-} ), and Bill Burrows.
Harry Puncec
COMMENTS:
Lee Burdette (Murrells Inlet, SC)—I think it's great to have a group of old timers that can get together. Which company and years were each of you there in France? I was with Co A 97th Engr. Bn Vassincourt from June 1958—June 196. I was head brick mason (MOS 513.10) for our company–rank of E–5. We are going to have to start thinking about having another reunion soon.
REUNION REQUIREMENTS: (February 1)
Since we had tentative plans for a reunion being investigated last year and subsequently cancelled any plans for one this year, it is a reasonable expectation that you know the reasons why we did not follow through:
- Any reunion requires people willing to work toward creation of the idea and to make appropriate plans.
- There must be volunteers available to plan and execute a reunion plan.
- Participation includes a solid vote on a plan to meet, those willing to help set it up, and a committee to act on behalf of the group to organize and manage funds for supportive facilities, a schedule of events, and implementation of the plan.
- A reunion comes to reality when participants decide it is worth the time, effort and money to make it happen, and when they take individual actions to demonstrate the same
Since we did not have those requirements taken care of, Larry Castleman and I decided a reunion would not be possible until everyone rallied around the unit crest. When the time is right, we will come together on these important points, pitch in to help, and make it happen.
THE FOOD WE IMPORT AND EAT: (February 1)
Many of us are paying attention to labels these days, deciding to purchase healthier foods based on ingredients. Sometimes it is not always possible to really know what we are eating, so being diligent in checking and educating ourselves is a must these days. Don't settle for one sources opinion but pursue facts in an intelligent way: consider the source and the motivation of anything posted on the internet. Here are a few links (not meant to be comprehensive) to demonstrate the many questions one could have after visiting these sites (no endorsement implied here):
- How to Avoid Foods Made with Genetically Modified Organisms [GMOs]
- Comprehensive List Of GMO Products
- Foods Banned in Europe, Why Not in America?
- Seafood guide suggests consumers avoid imported fish
- Concerns raised about imported seafood
NEWLY DESIGNED ENGINEER HAT: (February 1)
Thanks to Lee Burdette, we now have a newly designed, inclusive of all battalion unit locations, that he has had produced. Here is the production graphic model (actual photo of three being worn shown in the photo by Harry Puncec) (contact Lee at: leeburdsc@aol.com):
FOREIGN SERVICE CAREER, BY PETER BRIDGES: (February 1)
This is a link to one of the many articles written by former 97th Engineer member, Peter Bridges. Be sure to also read his other creations; you find a link to them on the side bar of the beloww linked page:
DE GUALLE ASSUMES COMPLETE POWER: (February 1)
The editor has had in his possession too long a newspaper clipping furnished by Chris Orndorf back in September 2012. It is time to share this Stars and Stripes feature story, as intended when Chris sent it. Thanks for your patience, Chris, and for being willing to send your old documents through the United States mail:
TWISTING TORNADOES OF VITRY: (February 2)
One of our good friends in Germany, Mike Richter, viewed the newsletter and website, which also prompted him to send in this comment and photo. Playing in bands while stationed in France was a pleasure, and it was a much needed diversion from the sometimes less exciting exhistance at Vassincourt. The company commanders allowed band members to miss bedcheck and to have a little extra travel time between engagements, especially if you were good and made the troops happy. Vitry-le-François, France, is a commune in the Marne department in north-eastern France. It is located on the Marne River and is the western terminus of the Marne-Rhine Canal. Mike was stationed there from 1961 to 1965.
The band in which I sang and played was made up of all air force guys from Verdun, except me, and we played in much the same venues as Mike wrote about. They would come all the way to Vassincourt to pick me up for weekend gigs (sometimes multiple ones). The band leader's name was George, as you see on the guitar. This is the photo of yours truly that Mike wrote about:
Hi Don,
I spotted a photo of you singing and playing the guitar! Funny, but I had a little band in Vitry, which we called the Twisting Tornadoes! We played the NCO clubs in the area, schools, etc., as much as we could and always had a great time doing it. I am on the drums.
We were all stationed at the 77th Medical Depot APO 325, Vitry le Francois, France. I believe this photo was taken in 1963 at the recreation center on post. We played a lot of Ventures songs like Apache, etc..
Fun times!! The girls loved us-:)
Hope all is going well. Enjoyed the newsletter!
Best regards, Mike
INFANTRY MUSEUM, FORT BENNING, GEORGIA: (February 2)
If any of you are in the vicinity of Fort Benning, consider stopping in to see the National Infantry Museum. There is a lot more to this facility than you can imagine. For instance, click on the “Attractions” pull down menu. There you will see features you don't normally see at military museums. Take the kids or grandkids!
Also, just south of Benning, near Ozark, is the Army Aviation Museum. However, their web site is not as informative as the Infantry Museum, but still a nice visit. Thanks to Larry Castleman for the links.
HEALTH CARE HAPPENINGS: (February 10)
There are changes being made to Co-pays for TRICARE prescription drugs, so thse links will get you started on making yourself aware of how it might effect you:
ENGINEERS WHO CHECK IN:
I received an email from one of our 1958–1960 era engineers, Creed Mekolites. He sent in a couple of photos, but they are smaller than required to get a good facial view of those in the photos. We now have him on our notification list.
Richard Craig has a new email, if you have tried to contact him lately. We have it!
REACHING BACK IN TIME:
I recently received an article and a few photographs from Marvin Miller, who also worked at Vassincourt for a time, showing that you have to approach unknown information in various ways. As most people are familiar with Google and Bing searches, we have become accustomed to asking the question in ways that produce results. Marvin served in France during 1954 through 1956. Read about how two guys who served in France connected years later:
Marvin crossed the Atlantic aboard the USNS Alexander M. Patch:
