|
The ranks of the Family and Friends of the 508th
PIR Association are increasing daily though the efforts of a recruitment
committee. The Board-appointed team, consisting of members JAN SILVER;
ELLEN PETERS; GENE GARREN, LIZ FARRELL and JOAN SHANLEY, has been
chartered with the responsibility of contacting all known members of the
past association to ensure they are aware of the newly formed group. It
should be emphasized that the committee does not have a contact list for
any men assigned to the 508th after WW-II and they, or their
family members, are encouraged to join as well. Haven’t been contacted
yet? Can’t wait? E-mail the committee at recruiters@508pir.org or get
an application from the web site [www.508pir.org].
TAPS - DON DICKS, Sergeant Major (ret.) took his
final jump on September 7, 2007. A military funeral was held at Ft.
Riley, KS on September 13, 2007. This well-known and much loved member
of the original 508th was an ever-present standout at reunions and
tours. He will be well remembered and sorely missed.
Martin-Becker-Carlson Funeral Home, Abilene, KS handled the
arrangements. Memorial donations may be made to a Shiner’s Hospital.
ADOLPHE “Bud” WARNECKE (B & E Companies), 85,
left us on Sept. 23, 2007. A retired Lt. Col., BUD earned a battlefield
commission while in Normandy. He was a veteran of both WW-II and the
Korean Conflict. BUD was buried in the Fort Bragg National Cemetery
with full Military Honors. Col (ret.) FRED BEST, who served under BUD
WARNECKE in Europe after the war, delivered the eulogy. Representing
the WW-II 508th were JIM SMITH (Company B), WOODY WODOWSKI (Company A)
and ROCK MERRITT (HQ 1st). The family requests that memorial
contributions are made to the CARE Clinic, 239 Robeson St.,
Fayetteville, NC 28301.
Late
news for other departures has arrived as well: STANLEY BLAUUW (Mar
1998), CARL BOOR (C Co, Aug 2007), JAMES CAMPBELL (C Co, Oct 2003),
RICHARD CUNDY (B Co, May 2007), HIRAM CUTHRELL (Svc Co, May 2006),
ROBERT KENNEDY (May 2007), JAMES LODER (HQ3, Dec 2005), RAYMOND MILLER
(April 2007), ANTONIO PACHECO, (E Co, Oct. 1985), DONALD RUTHERFORD
(Medics, date unknown), CHARLES SPRINGER, (H Co, April 2007).
SEARCHING
– CATHY GREATHOUSE of Mesquite, TX writes: "I'm searching for any
information about my uncle FRANCISCO GARZA who died on D-Day. He was in
the Co. D unit of the 508th. Thanks to this website I have discovered a
photo which he is in on the 508th's Odyssey page [about] the Tennessee
maneuvers. I have 2 other photos that he is not in [but were] taken at
the same time. I also have photographs that he sent home to my
Grandmother, but would really like to have a copy of his regiment photo
or of any other photos which he would have been included in. Of course
an added bonus would be to hear from someone who knew him and could
share any memories they have of him. Thanks!" E-mail CATHY at
c.great57@tx.rr.com
JOHNNY
EASTERS of Raleigh NC penned: "My dad [JOHNNY L. EASTERS] served with D
Co. I would like to hear from anyone who knew him. I'm retired Army
myself and trying to gather info on my dad for other siblings." E-mail
JOHNNY at
JEasters@aol.com
GUILLAUME M. HOOFS of Veldwezelt, Belgium sent: "A few weeks ago I
adopted the grave of SGT CHARLES MICKER. He served with HQ Company 2nd
Battalion, 508th PIR, 82 Airborne Division. He was wounded 13 June 1944
in Normandy and KIA 29 January 1945 in Belgium.
Can
anyone help me finding some information about him?? So that the story
behind his white cross stays alive and that he will be honored forever.
Thanks already for your help." Send your info to GUILLAUME at
guyhoofs@skynet.be
DAVE THOMAS
queried: "Does anyone have any information on LT TOMMY ROCKWELL CO B,
KIA in Vielsalm Belgium, Dec 24 1944. He was a relative and is not
forgotten. Any information will be appreciated." If you recall
LIEUTENANT ROCKWELL, send a note to Dave at dyfed777@aol.com
WANT TO SEE THE
WW-II MONUMENT BUT CAN’T AFFORD IT? Honor Flight is a group of volunteer pilots that will fly WW-II
veterans to the Washington, DC area so that they can visit the WW-II
Memorial. The flights are at no cost whatsoever to the veterans flown.
The group will also organize commercial trips for large groups.
Veterans wanting to find out more can visit them on the internet at
http://www.honorflight.org or write to: Honor Flight, P.O. Box 2143,
Enon, OH 45323
|
