Great quote…Nothing more needs to be added. "I now know why men who have been to war yearn to reunite.  Not to tell stories or look at old pictures.  Not to laugh or weep.  Comrades gather because they long to be with men who once acted at their best - men who suffered and sacrificed, who were stripped of their humanity.  I did not pick these men. T hey were delivered by fate and the military.  But I know them in a way I know no other men.  I have never given anyone such trust.  They were willing to guard something more precious than my life.  They would have carried my reputation, the memory of me.  It was part of the bargain we all made and the reason we were so willing to die for one another.  As long as I have memory, I will think of them all, every day. I am sure that when I leave this world, my last thought will be of my family and my reunion buddies…such outstanding men" - CW4 Richard J. Spleen, CW4 Darrell A. Barber, BG Davis O. Morris, MSG William (Tank) Forrester, SFC Tom Gale, to name only a few…."Thank you, Garvey".

Well, this will be the third letter for the upcoming REUNION in BRANSON, MO.  At this stage of planning, numbers are paramount-money in the bank is very, very important to help earn some interest. Stamps are needed.  I hope to get replies from everyone on the reunion list, at least announcing your intent.  Have been working on the design for the T-Shirt and I will need the money up front ($20.00 each) if you would like a T-Shirt with your name and rank on it.

We will need some extra money for hosting meals in Branson as we did before.  So reach into your pockets and send me your check. Also, once again plan on bringing along your favorite drink to turn over to the hospitality room to be shared by all.

I will try and make several liaison trips to BRANSON over the next few months and see how many show tickets I can hustle up.  What I need you to do is get your money and stamps on in and stay committed.  When I say stay committed, I mean get your money in to me and stay committed to attending.  I don’t care what happens.  The BRANSON REUNION will be in JULY 2008, the 16^th, 17^th, 18^th, 19^th, and departing the 20^th.  We will announce hotel and other details at a later date.

• Would truly like to try and get the following RIGGER VETERANS to the next reunion. They are CW4 Manley Thomas, SFC Hudson Trices, MSG Arthur Unphrey, CW4 Kenneth and CW2 Nancy Studer, CW3 Timothy Skinner, SFC Elmer Shelton, 1SG John Stainaker, CSM Robert Oneal, MAJ Richard Haines, SFC James Pouliot, SFC William Payne, MSG Alphonzo Millsapp, CW2 Curtis Minge, CW4 Willie Motley, MAJ Dave Norris, 1SG Troy Oates, CPT Terry Mason, MSG Sam Mayfield, SFC L.C. Miller, CSM Willie Lewis, CW2 Joe Llacuna, COL Ted Maddry, SFC Horst Maggard, CW4 Jack Harrison, CW3 Buford Knight, LTC Brian Irving, 1SG Arthur Goodrid, CW4 Dexter Hall, SFC Raymond Hanson, MAJ Jim Garvey, COL Chuck Whittle, MAJ Paul Ferguson, SFC Andrew Sheffield, and LTC Carl (Pat) Flanagan. Now there are some names you can work with. Call me and I will provide their phone number. Some of these guys are really old. They all can qualifiy for an over-70 plaque if they send me a short BIO.
• Received a check and a short note from MAJ Paul S. Ferguson, who informs me that he has an older brother who lives in Kimberling City, MO, and that he would truly love to make the Branson Reunion, but there are some health issues to be dealt with. So, he says he will wait and see. MAJ Ferguson was the CO of the 82d PS&M Co.
• Received a check and short note from SGM Jack Thomas, who has been an outstanding supporter of the reunions over the years. SGM Thomas says that he will be 85 years old in 2008 and that Branson is a long way from Florida. He, too, says that he will have to wait and see.
• Received a Xmas Card from PFC Darrell Branstetter, who goes back to the early 50’s as a Fort Benning Rigger and one of the early FREE-FALLERS, but he has yet to make a reunion and present himself. He did thank me for the pictures of LTG Seitz and the information on 1SG Delmar Weitman. He also said to tell CSM Dave Clark hello. PFC Branstetter made no mention of attending the Branson reunion. Oh well, his loss once again.
• Received a book of stamps from SGT Steve Beach with a picture of him and Santa Claus.
• Received some very disturbing news from MAJ Bill Feasenmyer that CW4 Francis (Don) Fournier, 69 years old, had died in the hospital in Sierra Vista, AZ, this past July 2006. I had spoken with CW4 Fournier in early June trying to get him to attend the Cape Kennedy Reunion.
• Received check and 100 stamps from CW3 Charlie Churchill. Thank you, Charlie.
• Received a check from LTC Charles Hicks with some great pictures, but no names on the back of the pictures. I’ve got to have a little talk with LTC Hicks.
• Received word that SSG Dean Branson (age 82) died in a hospital in Tulsa, OK, this past Friday, 28 Dec. SSG Branson had lived in a nursing home for the past 5 years, and his companion, Miss Pauline Rollwitz, looked after his personal affairs. In years past, SSG Branson had been assigned to the 82^nd, 549^th, and the 101st Abn. What is most remembered about SSG Branson is that in 1958, while assigned to the 549^th in Japan, he was flying jumpmaster on a C-119. While trying to retrieve the static lines, his ripcord handle was caught on the seat components that was folded up, and he was extracted from the tailgate of the aircraft by his reserve parachute while still being hooked up by his static line. Needless to say, he felt the impact of 2 parachutes hitting him, but he floated to a safe landing near Ota City, Japan. SSG Branson retired from the 82d Airborne PM Company in 1966 after serving only 21 years in the Army. He was employed as town manager of Pawhuska, OK, overseeing parks and cemeteries. He was buried at Fort Gibson, OK, with full military honors.
• Received a check and stamps from SGT Glenn Allen and he says it is his first installment. Do hope that Glenn and his lovely wife and wonderful grandson can make it to Branson. They are wonderful people.
• Received a check from CW4 George Morris (who is 88 years old). I called and ask him to write me a short BIO so we can get his over 70-plaque when he is 90 years old. Look forward to seeing George and his lovely wife at the reunion.
• CW4 Terry Wallace had carotid surgery 18 January. He spent the night in ICU and was released to his wife for loving care and understanding. Terry made mention that he was experiencing no pain but did have discomfort at the point of surgical incision. CW4 Wallace wishes to thank all his friends who prayed for him, called, and sent emails.
• Received a check and stamps from an outstanding young soldier by the name of SFC Straat Evans, and his wife. He says that if he lives that long, he and the wife will be there, but if not, for me to enjoy the money. Why can’t the rest of you get an attitude like SFC Evans?
• Received word from CW4 Terry Wallace that COL William (Bill) Pencak died on 19 December at his home in Clarksville, TN. COL Pencak, according to my records, was 88 years old - being born in 1918. He was the CO of the Airborne Department and according to BG Smith, an outstanding person to serve with. He was buried in the Clarksville area. Also, MSG Francis Oakley, who was 76 years old, died of a heart condition at his home in Etna, NY, this past October 2006. His children found him in his home. I had spoken to MSG Oakley in years past trying to get him to attend a reunion, but never had any luck. I might also add that Mrs. Betty Clark, beloved wife of CSM David Clark, (my friend and free-falling buddy) died this past Monday and will be buried today here at the Sand Hills State Veterans Cemetery here at Fort Bragg. Mrs. Clark was 76 years old. Both her and CSM Clark had attended the Fort Benning Reunion in 2000.
• Received a check and stamps from SSG Bob Carhuff, so BOB is on board.
• Received a check from COL Jim Kalanges, who says he is looking forward to the reunion in Branson, MO.
• Received a check, stamps, and BIO from my old Boss-Man MAJ Jim Garvey. Look forward to seeing Jim and his lovely wife in Branson.
• Received the following from MAJ Dave Ling. He says that he has accepted and started in a new position with the DIA in Colorado Springs, CO. It is a Supply Specialist slot that involves some of his military experience. He says that he plans on buying a small home somewhere in the location of either Front Range Plains or the Rocky Mountains area. We hope to see Dave in Branson in July 2008.
• Received information that COL Pete Peterka had been invited to attend a February 17^th event to commemorate 50 years of US Army free-fall parachuting. He says that many dignitaries were present, an entourage from France, including the French Ambassador, at least one French General (who made his first free-fall (tandem) that day, a Golden Knight team, someone from the 82d Abn Division team, the Military Free-Fall School from Yuma, six or eight sports parachute teams from all over, Mayor of Yuma, Supervisor of Yuma County, and Congressman Hunter from Arizona. Jumps were restricted due to high (marginal) winds, however, the general made his jump, a Golden Knight member jumped in the US Flag, and a couple of other teams performed. The highlight of the event, besides the cocktail party, was the unveiling of a granite monument depicting the HALL OF FAME OF PARACHUTING, which the monument stated was "Founded in 1973". COL Peterka, along with the French General, had the honor of unveiling the monument. About 200 - 250 or so sports parachutists families and supporters were in attendance. This all took place at Felicity, CA, which is a small town located about six miles west of Yuma, AZ. It was established and built Mr. Jacques Istel, the renowned (at least in parachuting circles) free-fall parachutist from France, who along with Mr. Lewis (Lew) Sanborn (D-1), under a Department of the Army contract, conducted the US Army’s first free-fall school at Fort Bragg, NC, in November 1957.
• Received a check from MAJ Garvey for his T-Shirt. MAJ Garvey will be receiving his plaque this time.
• I stopped by the house of MSG Waldo Deason yesterday and said hello to him and his wife. MSG Deason is 84 years old and having some memory problems somewhat. He has stopped his morning walks and just stays home with the cat.
• Made contact with several old riggers from the early 82d days. Warrant Officer retired Grant Willis, who was in the 82d and the QM School, is now working in Baghdad in the International Zone rebuilding the new Embassy Building. He says that he would enjoy talking to and seeing some of the old riggers, and that he plans on making the reunion in Branson, MO, in 2008.
• Also made contact with Gary Palmer who was in the 82d PM Company in the AD Platoon in the early 60’s. He got discharged and went to work for Air America as a air freight specialist (kicker) (loadmaster on C-47’s, 46’s and C-123’s). He says that he spent the majority of his time in Vientiane, Laos flying missions to Vietnam and northern Laos. He has been an Aerospace Engineer for the past 35 plus years working on solid and liquid rockets. He mentioned the names of Homer Hontz, John Murphy, Tom Matlock, and Gary Ritchie. He also mentioned Mike Kontier, who I am sure was killed in Vietnam. I look forward to getting all these young men to the Branson reunion. That will be SP4 Gary Palmer’s job.
• Received word from CW4 Terry Wallace that LTC Jack Schiffer had a minnie stroke with some lost of motion in his right arm and a slight distortion in speech. I called the hospital and spoke with LTC Schiffer and he was in high sprits and looking forward to be discharged this Monday and taking treatment as an out-patient. I will keep a check on Jack.
• Spoke with the daughter-in-law of MSG E. J. Smith. She says that EJ is in great health at age 88 and rides the golf cart with his son every chance he gets. He did turn in his driver’s license, his memory is great, and can still remember events from WWII. As you may remember, MSG Smith was the maintenance NCOIC in the 82d PM Co. in the early 60’s.
• LTC Jim and Jane Rougeau have completed the move from the old home to the new home in Branson, MO. Jim, with the help of his son and friends, did all the moving. When is the housewarming??
• Spoke with CW3 Donald Puckett up in Kentucky and he says that he and the wife plan on making the Branson reunion. I am sure they both will enjoy it.
• Spoke with SFC Jumping Joe Kratcoski and he says that his knee replacement is doing great and he finished rehab. He also mentioned they had 7 inch of snow. I hope to see Joe at the Branson reunion.
• Received the following report from LTC Williford on his vacation to St. Andre and Evreux, France: The town center has not changed very much. It is still a small, sleepy farming community. There is some development and growth, but nothing that really changed appearance from 40 years ago. When I arrived in St. Andre, my first priority was to visit the Aerial Support Center. I remembered it was not very far out of town, but after driving around for some time, and not making any progress, I stopped at the town hall or government center. I took with me a copy of the Aerial Support Center newspaper published 14 April 1965 that had a picture of me presenting Sustained Superior Performance Awards to Madam Suzanne Goble, AIMB, and to Miss DeBonardi. I also took a picture of me and the officers of the Aerial Support Center walking through St. Andre in a Bastille Day parade. It took me some time to find anyone in the town hall that spoke English. After looking at my pictures and the newspaper, they were extremely friendly. I was taken to the Mayor’s office where we talked some time using an interpreter. No one remembered the two women in the photo. I had hoped they were still living in St. Andre. After some time, they took me to the house next door where I met a man and his wife. The man was 82 years old and had lived in that house for his whole life. His wife recognized Madam Goble and found out she was living in the South of France. They made several copies of my pictures and the newspaper. Everyone seemed genuinely interested in my pictures and could not have been more courteous and friendly. I also had an 8" X 10" aerial photo of the Aerial Support Center complex that showed the town of St. Andre in the background. A company of some sort was using the old center complex. There were a lot of 18 wheel trucks parked inside the fence and entrance was only though a security gate. The old main gate had been closed. I could see the old headquarters building and the barracks. In fact, that part of the installation had not been changed too much. Where the air items storage warehouses were located had been changed quite a bit with several large buildings and truck parking. Ones I talked to in the town did not know much about the business or activity at the center or I failed to get across my questions. All in all, I really enjoyed my visit, especially meeting the people and remembering some wonderful times 40 years ago. After spending most of the day in St. Andre, I drove to Evreux. Never did find the Air Force housing area where I lived, but I did drive out to the air base. The base is a French Air Base and because of what looked like very tight security and a day almost gone, I did not try to enter the base. The old front entrance to the base has been closed. What we used as the back gate is now the main entrance. The French must be using this base for their troop carrier aircraft as I could see several parked on the tarmac.
• Received a call from COL Rome Stephens, who told me he had just returned from visiting his daughter and other family members. COL Stephens says that he is in fairly good health for a man of his advanced years and stays in touch with his old friend, COL Peterka. Would truly love to see COL Stephens make the Branson reunion.
• I added SIX veterans to my roster today. CW4 Deborah Lee, CW2 Grant Willes, MSG Joseph Rogers, CPL Gary L. Palmer, CPL Gary W. Ritchie, and CPL Homer W. Hontz, all 82d PM CO Troops. Hope to see all six in Branson in 2008.
• Received word that Mrs. Sharon L. Hanna, wife of retired MSG Harry Hanna, died on 13 February 2007. MSG Hanna had been assigned to the 549^th and the ACE Board retiring completely from IMA in late 1988.
• The following Rigger Veterans will be receiving their over 70 plaque. Maj Jim Garvey, CW4 Jones and COL Hutcheson. They have all sent in their BIO’S and everything is being prepared. I will take the first 10 veterans. It is nice to be recognized by your fellow peers at this time in life.

You can keep in mind that the powers to be are working very diligently to organize and set up a first class, financially cost-effective reunion for 2008 in BRANSON, MO.  I don’t need to get these phone calls telling me we were just up there in 2004, but keep in mind that the faces of the individuals and the shows and the things to see will change, and yes, even the traffic has been corrected to a certain extent.  At our age, we should be overjoyed to be able to visit old friends, see friendly places, and get there and back safely.  We will have a bunch of NEW pictures to look at and some new articles to read.  Don’t miss this reunion. I am working hard to get a LARGE gathering. Please try and do as I ask you: (1) send me your CHECK for $100.00 per person, more if you can, (2) send me a bunch of STAMPS, and (3) look in the old picture books and send me a few new snapshots from 50 years ago. Help me work on getting some new faces that can tell JUMP STORIES and play GOLF or Pinochle and just be good COMPANY. TILL BRENDA and I SEE YOU AGAIN.

…..…………………..Clear Skies, Roy and Brenda Warren………………………..