REUNION 2008

Bob Polakowski called to inform us that we should be hearing from our contact for the reunion.  This individual a former WWII Marine has been instrumental in helping Marine organizations get oriented with the motel(s) in our planned reunion area.

This person is a member of a WWII Marine Unit who has been handling arrangements for his own squadron, and is aware of the information that we need to know regarding administrative matters and other important things.  He has told us that a two bedroom goes for $59.00.  Another advantage of the location is that there is a lot to see without having to do much traveling.

It would be appreciated if members would let me know if they are interested in attending so that we would could discuss the logistic matters with The Cross Road Inn. Additional  responses from the prospective attendees would be appreciated so that plans, arrangements etc. could be started.

Some members have already started to alert us as to their ability to attend.

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NOTES FROM MEMBERS

Heard from Doc Protheroe who sends his best to all.  Everything remains well at Hilton Head he reported.  He and Jane were in the process of getting ready to leave for Florida on the 14th.

Jane sent along a newspaper article of interest that appeared in their local newspaper.  This article covered the awarding of a Bronze Star to a Marine Staff Sergeant.  He defused road side bombs saving lives in Iraq.

Their daughter Nancy, who lives in the Quanitco-Washington, D.C. area sent them a section of The Patriot, her local newspaper, which had several articles of interest on the Marine Corps.

Jim Garls reports that all is well in Pekin and although his mobility is limited, he feels fine.  Not that he is sick though, he has a very sore left knee and a troublesome right hip that make walking very difficult and dictate the use of a walker.

He is able to move short distances without the use of a cane and can use an electric scooter when out of doors.  This he uses quite a bit to take Ossie for his daily walk around the block.  He can't use the scooter in the house though because he doesn't have a ramp that would allow him to ride it into the house.

He was able to renew his driver's license and is no longer dependant on his niece for special errands and the like.  He has been able to use the electric carts at WalMart so he keeps his eyes open for the parking spaces close to the Stores entrance.

He also reported that the green of the trees is being replaced by all varieties of colors as autumn progresses.  He is now waiting for all the leaves to fall off of his seven Maple trees so that he can make but one major pick up of them for disposal.  When that is done than he can expect the first snow fall.

He hoped that no 613 Members were in the range of or victims of the California forest fires.

Bob Grice sends his regards to all.  He sent along a newspaper article on the passing of a World War II Army Air Force Major General.  This General has been given credit for pioneering “Skip Bombing” of Japanese ships in the South Pacific during World War II.  He flew 219 missions while piloting the B-25 Mitchell Bomber.

Homer Anderson sends his regards to all and hopes that the squadron is hail and hardy.  He reports that he and Jane are doing OK for old folks and will be celebrating their 60^th wedding anniversary during November.

Their City of Santee was spared from the big fire storm but it did come within five miles of their locale.  They did get a lot of heavy smoke and ash-fall out (Calif. Snow).

Randy Clow sends his regards to all.  All is OK with them and they are getting around very well.

Lloyd McDaniel sends his best to all.  They are on the most part OK, Edna, however, has her good days and bad days.  He sent along a sheet of Marine aviation squadron emblems all printed in color which he found stored in some old records.  His copy had ink notes close to some of the squadron insignias which indicated the squadron numbers.  The PBJ units were all identified.  This was printed in 1944 and I remember it being sold at the Cherry Point PX or one could purchase it through the Leatherneck Magazine. 

Robert Klinke says hello and regards to all.  He also sent along the following message relative to Xmas Cards: 

When you are making out your Christmas Card list this year, please include the following address on your distribution list:

A Recovering American Soldier

c/o Walter Reed Army Medical Center

6900 Georgia Avenue, N.W.

Washington, D.C.  20307-5001

Cliff Dotson says hello and regards to all.  He enjoyed reading the September 3, 1945 edition of the Hourglass.  To him it is a very historic document and he printed several copies for his friends in Birmingham and sent an e-mail copy to his brother in Tuscaloosa who was in the thick of it as a machine gunner in the 2nd Marine Division.

He reported that Patsy and he have no major health problems, other then the usual aches and pains that go along with age.  This has slowed down his tennis playing due to a shoulder injury which is getting better each day.  He was glad that it is only tendonitis and not a rotor cuff situation requiring surgery.

For those who want to relive some of Kwaj events he sent along information on “A Simple WIND-POWERED Washing Machine That You Can Build”.  This data contained memories to those who served in the South Pacific without wringer washers - let alone today's automatic wonders and the various energy sources to operate the equipment.

This accompanying diagram provides information with measurements to allow all to build a simple wind powered washing machine.

He reported that his area of the state has been in a deep drought situation and restrictions are in effect for watering lawns, this includes the specified days that they can water.

Tom and Connie Lahart send their regards to all. They had a beautiful summer and their leaves are still green.  They are still active and have been going on many day trips plus a few over night ones.  Their health has remained outstanding.