Jan., 2008

Reunion Picture Album

Oldest and Finest

tom@itexas.net

Nov.07, 2008

News from Iraq

Hello from Iraq.
I hope this email finds you both well.
Things are going very well.
The soldiers are doing a tremendous job and you would all be very proud.
I am sending you the our latest Newsletters so that you can post to
WEB for all Alumni to see what we are doing. I do have a question.
We received an official copy of the BN linage and honors.
It has the "birth date" of the Bn as 1 July 1916 and I thought the date was 3 June 1916?
I do not have all the info you provided me here In Iraq because it was in hard copy,
but do you have any proof or what is your source of the 3 June "Birth date"?

LTC Paul H. Fredenburgh III

Sept News Leeter from Iraq

THE 51ST SB(E) TAKES COMMAND in Iraq

On September 30, 2008, the 51st and the 63rd Signal Battalions(E) con-ducted a formal
cere-mony to relieve the 63rd from its wartime mission. During deployment,
this process is referred to as a “Relief in Place” (RIP). For two weeks leading
up to the RIP, the 51st and the 63rd worked side-by-side.

The 63rd conducted normal operations as the 51st observed. A week later,
the 51st assumed many of the responsibili-ties inherent in the mission while
the 63rd observed. This training method is referred to as the “Left Seat, Right Seat,
Ride,” much like many of us experienced in school during driver?s edu-cation.
First you observe, and then you practice while under observation, then you carry out the task.
This practice is beneficial in that the replacement unit can learn from the experience
gained by the outgoing unit dur-ing their deployment.
Once the RIP is com-plete, there is an official ceremony to recognize the
“Transfer of Au-thority” (TOA). This ceremony marks the completion of the mis-sion for
the outgoing unit and the continuation of the mission by the in-coming unit.

The TOA ceremony in-cluded the casing and uncasing of battalion col-ors.
LTC Carlos Morales and CSM Bruce Stanley of the 63rd Signal Battalion(E) cased their
battalion colors, symbol-izing the completion of their mission.

LTC Paul H. Fredenburgh III and CSM Milton Weatherly of the
51st Signal Battalion(E) uncased their battalion colors,
symbolizing the continuation of the signal mission by the 51st under the new leadership.
COL John Hildebrand, Com-mander of the
11th Signal Brigade,presided over the TOA ceremony.

Oct.2008 News Letter from Iraq

TAKING IT TO THE FIGHT

Many people have asked, ?What exactly does the 51st Expeditionary Signal Battalion do
and how does it contribute to the fight.? Simply put, the 51st provides communications
on the battle-field. Less simply put, the unit deploys, installs, operates, and maintains
tactical theater communications worldwide while supporting joint and combined opera-tions.
That is certainly a mouthful, so let's break it down. In short, we provide voice (telephone)
and data (computer) communications on the battlefield. We also can provide Battle Video
Teleconference (BVTC) which is similar to a video chat or webcam on a larger scale.

Our customers are essentially other Soldiers and friendly forces that are part of our
coalition of forces sup-porting the mission. When information needs to be transmitted
over phones or computers, we provide the capabilities to perform those
services. We provide secure communications and nonsecure communications depending on
the sensitivity of the information being transmitted.

Expeditionary signal battal-ions are capable of providing over 4500 users with voice and
data communications. Our equipment could support a small town with telephone and internet
services if we were all located in one area. However, our battalion is configured to be
expeditionary. This means that we can take our equipment and spread out over a large area
(like the country of Iraq) to provide service to our customers.
Here in Iraq, our teams and equipment are positioned in different types of terrain.

Some of the terrain is flat, while other terrain is mountainous. For the desert areas
where the terrain is flat or the distance between one team and another is relatively short,
we can use LOS (Line of Sight) equipment. This equip-ment essentially requires a straight,
uninterrupted path for signal to transmit from one antenna to another.

When the distance between teams is further or the signal path is interrupted by mountains,
buildings or other obstacles, then we bounce a signal off of a satellite.

Once our teams are networked together, our battalion is able to span a large area,
enabling our customers to communi-cate with each other securely and reliably.

The challenge that our teams face is to operate and maintain that network in order
to keep the ?lines of communication? open. Ultimately, when an important message needs
to be communicated on the battlefield,
it is the job of the Signal Soldier to ensure that that message in transmitted and received.
After all, lives de-pend on it!
Without your Soldiers, we cannot accomplish the smallest of tasks.

Your loved ones are the reason why we are able to support other units;
they support the Soldiers on the ground who are fighting the good fight.

The 51st Signal Battalion Expeditionary provides the link that ties everyone
together

Nov.05, 2008

Aug 02, 2008

Frt row: Carole Roberts,Ben Aluzas, Eddie Gallant,Jerry Hopper,Tommy Thompson,Herbert Ayers,
Judith Ayers,Carl kaiser, Velma and A C Jordan

Back row: Harold Roberts, Donna and Freddie Cox, Jacqualine Gallant, Loren Jensen, Les Arant, and John Frainey

Missing from photos:
Doritt and Pat Patterson, Carol and Larry Foots, Joe Waterhouse, and Hecter Pagan-Serrano.

We want to thank A C Jordan and Don Wiethuechter for the magnificent job they did
in putting on the 2008 Reunion in Tacoma, WA, June 3rd, 4th 5th, and 6th, 2008.

A C and Velma Jordon did all the leg working in arranging the hotel accommodation and
food at the La Quinta Inn. Through their planning and organizing all the events at
the hotel came off with a hitch. They are to be commended for your efforts.

Don Wiethuechter and Ltc Paul Fredenburgh planned and organized the Ft. Lewis trips.
The transportation to and from Ft Lewis were excellent.
The activities were more that I expected.

The first day trip was: The Ft Lewis Museum, 51st Signal Headquarters, then
the simulated rifle range ( most of the Alumni protestaped in a simulated terrorist attack,
they were able to use the real training weapons on this range.
They had three
different scenarios, the first was a factory area with the terrorist firing at the
Alumni and the Alumni firing at the terrorist. We killed a bunch, the next the an open
area with the same results, the third was in a village where a pickup full of terrorist
drove up. In this scenario the Alumni fire eighty-six rounds and kill eighteen terrorist,
pretty good shooting. The next was the simulated Stycker drive range, then to Lunch in
the mess hall with many of the troops and officers, after lunch we visited each company
in small groups of Alumni. Then back to the hotel for dinner, next morning back to Ft Lewis
for a full day of inspections and field operation of vehicle and signal equipment in full
operation. That night they held a Signal Corp Ball in our honor. The Ball was the best
part of the whole Reunion. To see all these fine young men and women in full dress blues,
it was breath taking. Next morning was the final day. We got together for breakfast and
said our good byes.

May 02, 2008

Apr.29, 2008

Apr.20, 2008

Apr.16, 2008

Apr.15, 2008

2008 Reunion Agenda:

51st SIGNAL BATTALION REUINION
Ft Lewis Washington
DAY 1: Tuesday 3 JUNE 08

1400 -1800:
Registration / Social Period Display Photo's and Memorabilia,
Snacks and Refreshments
1800:
Alumni Dinner Call to Order
Pledge of Allegiance
Invocation
Dinner
Introductions
Surprise Entertainment
Alumni Business:
Correspondence Received
2009 and 2010 Reunion site and Dates????
Membership Recruitment
New Business and Old Business
Invocation
Conclude with playing of the 51st Signal Bn March

DAY 2: Wednesday 4 June 2008

0700-0800 Continental Breakfast served in Restaurant,
included with room. Express Breakfast offered to group with coupon – cost 3.95 + tax
0800:
Depart for Ft Lewis
0840: Arrive Ft Lewis & visit Clothing Sales Store/ Museum/PX Shuttle
1130-1330:
Luncheon with I Corp/Senior Leaders at Cascade Club.
View I Corp Video
1330-1500:
Weapons Simulator at Gray Army Airfield / Possible Stryker Display
1500:
Transportation back to Hotel
1700:
Transportation to Ft Lewis
1740:
UTC arrive for Signal Ball
1830-2230:
Signal Ball : Cocktails, Receiving line and Social period.
Dinner:

Call to Order
Presenting of the colors
Invocation
Appropriate Toasts
Presentation of Table of one ceremony for our departed member’s
History of 51st Signal Bn presented with spotlighted solders dressed in period uniforms.
Guest Speaker:

MGen Foley (Signal Regimental Commander / CG Ft Gordon)

Presentation of 2008 51st Signal coins to all attending vetrans
Benediction
Transportation to Motel

Day 3: Thursday 5 June 2008

0700- 0800:
Continental Breakfast served in Restaurant,
included with room. Express Breakfast offered to group with coupon – cost 3.95 + tax
0800
Transportation to Ft Lewis
0840-1100:
Static Displays of new signal equipment
1130-1330:
51st Veterans Lunch with Soldiers at Dinning Facility (Mess Hall)
1330-1600:
51st Veterans split up for visit with respective company of troops and Barracks
1600:
Transportation back to Hotel
1800:
Social Hour: 51st Sig Bn Senior Leaders and Veterans.
1900:
Dinner
Call to order
Pledge of Allegiance
Invocation -51st ESB Chaplain
Appropriate Toasts
Introduction of Attendees and their remarks about Service in 51st etc.
History of 51st Signal Bn Crest, Flags and Guidon’s (Bn, & Vets Flag and Co Guidon’s present.)
Any comments for good of the 51st Bn and their Veterans

Guest Speaker:

MGen Susan Lawrence, CG Netcom

Benediction- 51st ESB Chaplain
Conclude with playing of the 51st Signal Bn March

DAY 4: Friday 6 JUNE 08
0700- 0900:
Breakfast in Private Dinning room off restaurant. Either bring in Continental Breakfast, included with room, or order hot breakfast.
This Concludes the 2008 Reunion.

Feb.15, 2008

La Quinta Inn, 1425 E 27th St, Tacoma, WA 98421. (253) 383-0146.

For any one wishing to come early or stay over , the room rates will be:

Singles, $89.00

Double, $89.00

for two days before reunion and two days
after reunion.

Parking: Excellent .

Jan.07, 2008

2008 Reunion - Tacoma, WA.

JUNE 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th, 2008

This year Reunion will be sponsored by:

Don Wiethuechter

E-mail Don at : huskydon@wamail.net

Hosted by:

A.C. Jordan and Harold Roberts.

velasea@aol.com **** and ****robertsroost11@earthlink.net

Oct.07, 2007

Furnish by: Sonja Cooper (wife)

Cooper Carl C.
of Gassaway, Wv, passed away on April 26th, 2007
Carl served in Korea 1950-52.

Aug. 07, 2007

Furnish by Audrey Wiechman (Daughter)

David Wiechman
Northridge, CA.
Korea 1951-52 Co. A
Died 02-05-07

Aug. 04, 2007

Sent in by Robert Hogan


Winter time in Korea

Aug. 01, 2007

Picture of LTC Paul H. Fredenburgh III,
CDR 51st Signal Battalion, passing colors to CSM Simmons
"Always Constant"

Aug. 01, 2007

51st Signal Battalion, Fort Lewis, WA

Co. A ***** Co. B **** Hq. Co. **** Co. C ***** Co. D

June 30, 2007

Panel Would Re-open VA to All Vets

"According to the VA's own estimates," said Akaka, "as many as 1.5 million veterans have been denied care since enrollment was closed in 2003...A [nondisabled] veteran making only $36,400 a year in Hawaii has been cut out of the VA system."

Then-VA Secretary Tony Principi imposed the restriction on new enrollments of category 8 veterans four years ago because the mismatch between VA funding and the number of eligibles seeking care was causing nearly year-long waiting times at many VA facilities. Principi declared at the time that the traditional "first come, first served" appointment process was grossly unfair to the most severely wounded veterans. To address the problem, Principi gave first priority to veterans with service-connected disabilities rated at 50% or higher and suspended new enrollment of category 8s. Those already enrolled were allowed to continue receiving care.

MOAA supported Principi's prioritization, agreeing with him that if the VA wasn't going to be given enough resources to treat all veterans, first priority should go to the more-severely disabled.

The new legislative proposal would rescind the VA regulation that suspended category 8 enrollments, but that's still a long way from actually happening. The legislation will still have to be approved by the full Senate, agreed to by the House, and signed into law by the President - and even then, VA Secretary Jim Nicholson could still renew the restriction if he asserts that it's still necessary.

MOAA would have no problem opening the system to all veterans if Congress is really willing to put up the large funding increase that would be necessary to do that. Unfortunately, we've not yet seen that level of extra fiscal commitment. While the new congressional leadership has indeed gone well beyond past Congresses in its commitment to fully funding needs for current VA-eligibles, this new initiative would require a great deal more ponying up. The real proof will be in the funding, not the eligibility rules.

In addition, Akaka's committee approved legislation that would:

Improve DoD and VA efforts in treatment, rehabilitation, and reintegration of veterans with traumatic brain injuries Extend five years of automatic VA health care (vs. the current two years) for all returning combat veterans, regardless of disability or income status

Expand eligibility for Traumatic Servicemembers Group Life Insurance coverage to all servicemembers who suffered qualifying traumatic injuries since 10/7/01 (not just those who incurred the injuries in the combat zone) Improve VA compensation and benefits for veterans who suffer significant vision impairment in both eyes Require the VA to establish a comprehensive suicide prevention program.

June 30, 2007

New 51st Signal Bn. Coins.

June 26, 2007

New Member Frank DiGiacome
51st Signal, Hq Co., 1960-61 Won Chaplain's Clean Speech Award

Chaplains' Winner

Award presented by: Left to right Ltc Edward Leuttgen;
Pfc Frank DiGaicomo, Gen J. Hart Caughey and Col David Kinsler

June 11, 2007

Furnished by: John N Beck (son)

Beck, Robert Age 75 Retired UW-RF English professor Died Dec. 16, 2006. Memorial services will be held on, Feb. 3rd at 11 AM at the 1st Congregational United Church of Christ, River Falls, WI. Preceded in death by his wife Susan Beck. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations should be sent to UW-RF Foundation, 410 South 3rd St, River Falls, WI 54022 c/o the Robert R. & M. Susan Beck Memorial Scholarship.



Members attending 2007 Reunion, Tacoma, WA



Front Row: John Frainey; Pat Patterson; Les Arant; Larry Foote; Eddie Gallant;
Cliff Mecklinburg; Ben Aluzas; Bill Huassman; Loren Jensen and Phil Diamon.

Back row: Tommy Thompson; Frank Patch; A.C.Jordan;Norman Gordan ;
Randy Elmore; Harold Roberts; Don Wiethuechter; and Tom Schroder.

April 21, 2007

In memory of:
Ret. Army Ltc Victor H. Losch
Date of birth: Oct. 12, 1923
Entered into rest: Feb. 23, 2007
Age: 83yrs, 4 months, 11 days
Funeral Service: Wed., Feb. 28, 2007
Interment: Arlington National Cemetery,
Arlington, Virginia.

April 14, 2007

Georgia Company Will Supply Free Canes to Veterans

Alpharetta Company to Give Free Canes to Veterans of the Korean War and
World War II

ALPHARETTA, Ga., April 13 /PRNewswire/ -- A program was announced today
that will provide free folding canes with interchangeable handles to World
War II and Korean War Veterans. Can-Am Care, LLC, the makers of the HUGO
Folding Cane and other state-of-the-art mobility assistance products,
instituted this program, "HUGO Salutes Our Veterans," to recognize the
support and efforts the members of the United States Armed Forces made for
our country during World War II and the Korean War. HUGO Folding Canes with
Interchangeable Handles will be provided at no charge to Veterans who may
be in need of mobility assistance.>br>
To order your free Hugo Folding Cane, please call, toll-free,
1-888-412-4992, Monday-Friday, 8am-6pm EST. >br> This offer is valid for a limited time only.
One offer per household. Proof of service may be required.

Mar 31, 2007

Now you can hire an attorney to help you get a proper disability rating.

VETERANS BENEFIT PROTECTION ACT: The H.R. 5549 Attorneys for Veterans Act was passed in the 109th Congress after lengthy negotiations and compromise between the House and Senate Veteran Affairs committees and signed into law. Basically it gave veterans the right to hire an attorney to represent them in furthering their claims only after the VA had issued an initial decision on their claim and the claimant had appealed. The Disabled American Veterans (DAV) organization, which provides free representation for veterans in appeal cases, was opposed to that legislation fearing that among other things attorneys would unduly charge for their services on such claims. DAV recently sent out a letter to their Commanders and members on the subject. They were urged to sign the petitions and send them to Congress in an effort to repeal the "Attorneys for Veterans" legislation passed last year through the newly submitted Veterans' Benefits Protection Act" H.R. 1318 in the 110th Congress.

On 19 MAR, Senator Larry Craig (R-ID), who favors "Attorneys for Veterans" and who was mentioned in the DAV's letter, responded via letter to the DAV regarding their claims in an effort to correct what appears to be a "misrepresentation" of his involvement and support of the legislation. Among other things he said that he believes veterans to be mature, responsible, and capable enough to decide for themselves whether or not to hire legal representation. That the legislation only gives veterans the option of do so and they should not be discouraged from availing of free assistance provided by many veteran service organizations.

Additionally, commentary from an attorney who represents veterans in the VA claims process was received that said, "I believe Senator Craig wrote a very well reasoned response to the DAV. The only thing I would have added is since the new law only allows attorney representation after a denial by the VA Regional Office and the submission of a Notice of Disagreement, attorney representation would only occur after a Veterans' Service Organization (VSO) (if the veteran was so represented) has failed to obtain a favorable decision. I believe this is a very important point. If the veteran first obtained VSO representation [from the DAV, for example], and that representation failed to obtain a favorable result, why shouldn't the veteran then be allowed to seek other representation, if he or she so chooses?"

Mar 27, 2007

Tommy Thompson's Grandson: Jordan Matthews, US Navy

Mar 07, 2007

Front row left to right:
John Frainey, Don Wiethuechter, Tommy Thompson, BG Carroll Pollett, Commander NETCOM/9th ASC, BG Brooks Hodges, Commander 142nd Signal Brigade, LTC Matthew Vanderfeltz, Commander, 51st Signal Battalion, Joe Waterhouse, Pat Patterson

2nd row:
CSM Donna Harbolt, NETCOM/9th ASC, CSM Russell Quinn 142nd Signal Brigade,
CSM Carl VanAacken, 51st Signal Battalion

Feb 20, 2007

Information Furnished by Bill Haussmann ( 51st Signal, 1950-51 )

Richard Corbin 07/06/2002 DAVENPORT --
Richard Samuel Corbin, Davenport, died Thursday, July 4, 2002, at Genesis Medical Center-West Campus, Davenport, after an extended illness. Celebration of Life services will be 10 a.m. Tuesday at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Davenport. Burial will be in Davenport Memorial Park. Visitation is 4-8 p.m. Monday at Weerts Funeral Home, Davenport. Dick was born May 2, 1923, in Washington, Iowa, the son of Earle and Florence Corbin. He married Eva Mae Shewry in Davenport on Sept. 21, 1945. He attended the University of Iowa and in World War II was a lieutenant in the Signal Corps. He served with the OSS on secret assignment in Occupied France before the D-Day invasion. His mission was with the Free French Resistance, teaching them radio communications. Shortly after the invasion, he served with the 8th Infantry Division through France, Luxembourg and Germany. Significant battles he participated in were the Battle of the Bulge and Hurtgen Forest, ending with the liberation of the Woebelin concentration camp.

Served in Korea with A Co. 51st Signal Battalion, 1951.

His decorations included the Silver Star, Bronze Star and three Purple Hearts, among others. He was CEO of Heritage House Floor and Wall shop for 35 years. He was a member of Davenport Rotary Club and was very involved in their "First Offense Probation" project. He also was a Paul Harris Fellow. Memorials may be made to St. Paul Lutheran Church or Scott County Humane Society. Those left to remember him always include his wife, Eve; daughter and son-in-law, Sheri and Warren Power, Davenport; son and daughter-in-law, Rick and Luann Corbin, Bettendorf; grandchildren, Michael Power, Michelle (Power) Mackelbust and Kelly and Nick Corbin; and great-granddaughter, Mariah Power. He was preceded in death by his brother, Wright Corbin.

Jan. 25, 2007

VA WASHINGTON, DC (January 25, 2007)

More than a million visually impaired veterans will receive enhanced health care services from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) under a reorganization of VA'svision rehabilitation services, Secretary of Veterans Affairs Jim Nicholson announced today.

"These veterans, many of whom had their vision damaged by their military service, have earned the best health care America can provide," Nicholson said. "Under this new plan, we can provide all eligible visually impaired veterans with world-class health care closer to their homes."

VA will make approximately $40 million available during the next three years to establish a comprehensive nationwide rehabilitation system for veterans and active duty personnel with visual impairments. The system will enhance inpatient services and expand outpatient services throughout the 1,400 locations where VA provides health care.

Under the reorganization plan, each of VA's 21 regional networks -- called Veterans Integrated Service Networks, or VISNs -- will implement a plan to provide eye care to veterans with visual impairments ranging from 20/70 to total blindness. Basic low-vision services will be available at all VA eye clinics, and every network will offer intermediate and advanced low-vision services, including a full spectrum of optical devices and electronic visual aids.

VA's 10 existing inpatient blind rehabilitation centers will continue to provide the Department's most intensive eye care programs, but each VISN now will also provide outpatient-based blind rehabilitation care.

"We intend to ensure that our visually impaired patients receive appropriate care and the latest technological devices at the right time and in the best setting to meet their needs," said Dr. Michael J. Kussman, VA's Acting Under Secretary for Health. "Our goal will be early intervention, so that we can maximize the independence of these veterans and substantially reduce their dependence on their families and communities."

VA estimates there are more than 1 million visually impaired veterans over the age of 45 in the United States. Within this group, approximately 157,000 are legally blind, and 1,026,000 have low vision. About 80 percent of all visually impaired veterans have a progressive disability caused by age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, or diabetic retinopathy.

Jan. 29, 2007

Dayton Daily News


Are you a veteran or the surviving spouse of a veteran with a medical condition that requires help from another person?

If so, you might be eligible for $900 to $1,700 per month from the Veterans Affairs, According to Pennsylvania-based Veterans Financial Services Inc., a private financial service company that specializes in veterans benefits, Medicaid planning and financial planning for elderly.

According to the latest figures there are over 108,000 veterans and over 300,000 surviving spouses living in Ohio, said Michael Corcoran, the company’s Ohio representative. Each of these individuals potentially qualifies for benefits from the VA in their health care or custodial care area. This benefit was promised to our veterans since 1951, but few know anything about it. These benefits are for any veteran, living any where.
To qualify, the veteran needs to have served at lease 90 day of active duty in the military service, where at lease one day of this service occurred during a wartime period, regardless of whether the veteran was engaged in actual wartime combat.
A veteran of the Korean War (June27, 1950 through Jan.31, 1955) who lives in an assisted-living center, for example, might be eligible for benefits of $1,470 per month.

To determine your eligibility and to apply for benefits, contact Veterans Financial Services at (800) 835-1541. There is no charge for the service.

On the Web: www.veteransfinancial.com

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-7408 or agottschlich@DaytonDailyNews.com

Dec. 14, 2006

The 29th Siganl Bn.has returned from Iraq.

The Bn. members will all be going on leaves for the rest of Dec..

On Jan,. 17, 2007, the 29 Signal Bn. will be reflagged as the 51st Signal Bn. Corps.

Please join us in welcoming back the 29th Signal Bn. from a year long deployment to Iraq,
and commemorating their transition to the 51st Signal Bn., 11 Signal Brigade, and NETCOM.

All friends of 29th & 51st Signal Bn are asked and welcomed to attend,

The reflagging ceremony Jan. 17, 2007,

At Soldier's Field House, Ft. Lewis, WA.

1000-1100: Reflagging Ceremony @ Soldier's Field House

1130-1300: Luncheon @ American Lake Club ($10/plate)

1330-1430: Unit Tour @ 51st Signal Battalion

All those planning on attending the lucheon need to RSVP to Capt. Matt Robertson at:
http://www.lewis.army.mil/29thsigbn/ or Tel (253)967-7617 by Sunday, January 8th.

For those who may be concerned,

Tommy Thompson will be staying at the King Oscar motel,

Tues., Jan.16 till Thur. Jan. 18, 2007.

Rates: $65.00 + Taxes.

KING OSCAR MOTEL
8726 South Hosmer
Tacoma, WA 98444
Toll-Free: (888) 254-5464
Phone: (253) 548-2400
Alt. Phone: (253) 539-1153 x 357
Fax: (253) 531-5190

Dec. 12, 2006

From Fred Cox

PIN NUMBER REVERSAL (GOOD TO KNOW)
If you should ever be forced by a robber to withdraw money from an ATM machine,
you can notify the police by entering your Pin # in reverse.
For example if your pin number is 1234 then you would put in 4321.
The ATM recognizes that your pin number is backwards from the ATM card you placed in the machine.
The machine will still give you the money you requested,
but unknown to the robber, the police will be immediately dispatched to help you.
This information was recently broadcasted on TV and it states that it is seldom used because people don't know it exists.
Please pass this along to everyone possible.

Dec.1, 2006

VA REGISTRIES UPDATE 04:
Following are the prerequisites for enrollment in the VA Registry program:
1. Agent Orange Registry is open to:
- Any U.S. male or female Vietnam era veteran who served in the Republic of Vietnam between 1962 and 1975,
regardless of length of service (i.e., 1 hour, 1 day, 1 month, 1 year, etc.).
Verification of service during the Vietnam era is required.
- Any U.S. veteran who served in Korea during 1968 or 1969.
- Any U.S. veteran who may have been exposed to dioxin,
or other toxic substance in a herbicide or defoliant,
during the conduct of, or as a result of,
the testing, transporting or spraying of herbicides for military purposes.

Nov.21, 2006

Furnished By: Jasper A. Interrante

I was in the 304 Signal Battalion in Seoul during 1960-62.
I live in Dallas and my barber here was in Korea during 1962-63.
She was the barber for the 51st and has a picture of the men of the 51st in her shop.
She would love to have contact with anyone who might be interested.
Would you please put this note and or information in the appropriate place on your website.
Thanks,
Jasper
Choe McDow Salon Boutique
8335 Westchester Dallas, TX 75225
214-695-5101 214-378-5868

Nov. 1, 2006

Florida members:

No. 7 Constitutional Amendment Article Vii, Section 6, Permanently Disabled Veterans' Discount on Homestead Ad Valorem Tax Proposing an amendment to the State Constitution to provide a discount from the amount of ad valorem tax on the homestead of a partially or totally permanently disabled veteran who is age 65 or older who was a Florida resident at the time of entering military service, worse disability was combat-related, and who was honorably discharged; to specify the percentage of the discount as equal to the percentage of the veteran's permanent service-connected disability; to specify qualification requirements for the discount; to authorize the Legislature to wave the annual application requirement in subsequent years by general law; and to specify that the provision takes effect December 7, 2006, is self-executing, and does not require implementing legislation.

Oct.29, 2006

One of our members ( Richard Weiss- 1955-56 ) has come up with a neat idea.
see below:

The clock is a great deal clearer than this picture.

Sept. 9, 2006

From BG (Ret.) Velma L. (Brantley) Richardson

General Richardson was the keynote speaker at the
inactivation dinner in Fayetteville, NC, Sept. 14, 2006.

(See below)

I was first assigned to A Co, 51st Sig Bn, in Nov '76 as the Platoon leader for the Corps Main Platoon.
I had 2 Platoon sergeants during that time--- SFC Cooper and SFC Schultz.
Both were outstanding NCOs and I learned a lot from them.
Before departing Korea, I commanded HHC, 51st Sig Bn. My 1SG was 1SG "Anytime" Smith.
15 years later, I commanded the 51st Sig Bn at Ft Bragg, N.C.
It was during my tenure that the battalion was reactivated as a Corps Signal Battalion as part of the 35th Sig Bde(Abn). During that time, the battalion soldiers acquired a number of airborne slots and the rest is history. My CSM was CSM Sprake.
We were a great team, from the private all the way up the chain of command. The team transitioned the unit from TRI-TAC equipment to MSE, won every brigade sporting tournament, always met the training goals and standards, performed the mission flawlessly, and became friends for life.
My time with the 51st Sig Bn, both in Korea and at Ft Bragg,
is the memorable of my entire 31 years in the Army.
Best wishes to all that served in this great unit and
I pray that it's proud legacy will continue to live on.


Theorode Miller Sr. passed away July 1, 2005

Aug. 21, 2006

Furnished by: Kathy Renick-Bell kathyrenickbell@hotmail.com

How AMAZING it would be if we could get everyone we know to send one.
If you go to the web site at

www.letssaythanks.com

you can pick out a thank you card and the Xerox Corporation will print it and it will be sent to a soldier that is currently serving in Iraq.
You can't pick out who gets it, but it will go to some member of the armed services.
It is FREE and it only takes a second. Wouldn't it be wonderful if the soldiers received a bunch of these?

Aug. 19, 2006

Aug. 18, 2006

Another Credit Card Fraud

This one is pretty slick since they provide YOU with all the information, except the one piece they want.
Note, the callers do not ask for your card number; they already have it. This information is worth reading. By understanding how the VISA &MasterCard Telephone Credit Card Scam works, you'll be better prepared to protect yourself.
One of our employees was called on Wednesday from "VISA", and I was called on Thursday from "Master Card".
The scam works like this: Person calling says, "This is (name), and I'm calling from the Security and Fraud Department at VISA. My Badge number is 12460. Your card has been flagged for an unusual purchase pattern, and I'm calling to verify. This would be on your VISA card which was issued by (name of bank). Did you purchase an Anti-Telemarketing Device for $497.99 from a Marketing company based in Arizona?" When you say "No", the caller continues with, "Then we will be issuing a credit to your account. This is a company we have been watching and the charges range from $297 to $497, just under the $500 purchase pattern that flags most cards. Before your next statement, the credit will be sent to (gives you your address), is that correct?"
You say "yes". The caller continues - "I will be starting a Fraud investigation. If you have any questions, you should call the 1- 800 number listed on the back of your card (1-800-VISA) and ask for Security.
You will need to refer to this Control Number. The caller then gives you a 6 digit number. "D o you need me to read it again?"
Here's the IMPORTANT part on how the scam works. The caller then says, "I need to verify you are in possession of your card". He'll ask you to "turn your card over and look for some numbers". There are 7 numbers; the first 4 are part of your card number, the next 3 are the security Numbers' that verify you are the possessor of the card. These are the numbers you sometimes use to make Internet purchases to prove you have the card. The caller will ask you to read the 3 numbers to him. After you tell the caller the 3 numbers, he'll say, "That is correct, I just needed to verify that the card has not been lost or stolen, and that you still have your card. Do you have any other questions?" After you say No, the caller then thanks you and states, "Don't hesitate to call back if you do", and hangs up.
You actually say very little, and they never ask for or tell you the Card number. But after we were called on Wednesday, we called back within 20 minutes to ask a question. Are we glad we did! The REAL VISA Security Department told us it was a scam and in the last 15 minutes a new purchase of $497.99 was charged to our card.
Long story - short - we made a real fraud report and closed the VISA account. VISA is reissuing us a new number. What the scammers want is the 3-digit PIN number on the back of the card. Don't give it to them. Instead, tell them you'll call VISA or Master card directly for verification of their conversation. The real VISA told us that they will never ask for anything on the card as they already know the information since they issued the card! If you give the scammers your 3 Digit PIN Number, you think you're receiving a credit. However, by the time you get your statement you'll see charges for purchases you didn't make, and by then it's almost too late and/or more difficult to actually file a fraud report.
What makes this more remarkable is that on Thursday, I got a call from a "Jason Richardson of Master Card" with a word-for-word repeat of the VISA scam. This time I didn't let him finish. I hung up! We filed a police report, as instructed by VISA. The police said they are taking several of these reports daily! They also urged us to tell everybody we know that this scam is happening.
Please pass this on to all your family and friends. By informing each other, we protect each other.

Aug. 15, 2006

MILITARY CARE PACKAGE KIT:
The USPS has a program for military family members and friends to supply them with packaging materials to send packages to troops overseas.
If you call 1(800) 610-8734 and select option
# 1, ask them for the "Military pack" they will send you boxes,
tape, packaging materials and labels at no charge to you or the recipient.
They will also give you an I.D. number so if your supply runs low,
you just call them up and they'll send you more supplies.
The materials take about four to ten days to receive.
USPS web site www.usps.com/supportingourtroops/ has guidelines for packing,
addressing, and shipping items to U.S. troops.
The kit contains:
- Three (3) each of flat rate boxes O-FRB1 and O-FRB2
- Two each of Cube boxes OBOX4 and OBOX7
- Address labels - Label # 228 10 each
- One roll of Priority Mail tape

July 28, 2006

Juliet Thompson, daughter of Tommy and Betty Thompson of DeCordova Bend, TX,
wins Silver Medal, at 2006 Quad Speed Skating National Championships,
in Lincoln, NE, Saturday, 7/22/2006


Juliet Thompson, Silver Medalist.

July 20, 2006

Marilyn Jones and Catherine Conary Farley
Honoring their Husbands, Richard Jones and Owen Conary

July 17, 2006

I often feel that somethings are just not quite right????

July 14, 2006

I assume you have all seen the reports about how Sears is treating > its reservist employees who are called up? By law, they are required > to hold their jobs open and available, but nothing more. Usually, > people take a big pay cut and lose benefits as a result of being > called up...Sears is voluntarily paying the difference in salaries > and maintaining all benefits, including medical insurance and bonus > programs, for all called up reservist employees for up to two years. > I submit that Sears is an exemplary corporate citizen and should be > recognized for its contribution.

> > Suggest we all shop at Sears, and be sure to find a manager to tell > them why we are there so the company gets the positive reinforcement > it well deserves. Pass it on.

> > So I, decided to check it out before I sent it forward. I sent the > following email to the Sears Customer Service Department:

> > I received this email and I would like to know if it is true. If it > is, the Internet may have just become one very good source of > advertisement for your store. I know I would go out of my way to buy > products from Sears instead of another store for a like item even if > it was cheaper at the other store. Here is their answer to my > email......................

> > Dear Customer: > Thank you for contacting Sears. The information is factual. We > appreciate your positive feedback. Sears regards service to our > country as one of greatest sacrifices our young men and women can > make. We are happy to do our part to lessen the burden they bear at > this time.

> > Bill Thorn
> Sears Customer Care
> webcenter@sears.com
> 1-800-349-4358

July 6, 2006

Special Announment:

It looks like the 2007 Reunion will not be held in Fayetteville, NC.

The 51st Signal will deactivated Sept. 15, 2006,

and reflag at Fort Huachuca, Arizona.

So start making plans to attend between June 1 and 9, 2007.

We are unable to set the dates till after the first of the year.

June 28, 2006

Buck Palmer is looking for anyone who has any information about a ROWLAND HOTCHKISS who may have been a 51st member in the late 20's or the early 30's.

June 2, 2006

Donald Paul passed away Deceased,May, 2006.
He made many of our first reunion, but had been ill for the last few.
We will miss him very much, as he was a good friend and comrad.

May 27, 2006

Furnished by : Don Wiethuechter

VA Takes Heat Over Theft of Veterans'

Personal DataIt's been all over the papers and TV this week, so you're likely already aware of the theft of a computer containing 26 million veterans' personal data (including Social Security numbers) from the home of a mid-level VA employee.

Our first reaction was, "What will the government do to protect the people whose data was stolen"? The second was, "What kind of security system could possibly allow any VA employee to take that kind and volume of data home"?

At scathing House and Senate hearings yesterday, legislators took VA Secretary Jim Nicholson to task for a VA data security system that has been criticized for years. They also expressed their unhappiness about the three-week delay between the time the data was stolen and notification to the public. They were clear that the VA's data security program has to be fixed, and fixed fast, and those responsible for the circumstances that allowed this disclosure need to be punished.

"We still hope this was a common theft and that no use of this data will be made," Nicholson said. In the meantime, the VA has placed a variety of notices on its Web site at http://www1.va.gov/opa/ including a letter of apology from Secretary Nicholson, information about what actions veterans can take, and a list of answers to frequently asked questions. The VA also has a toll-free hot line at 1-800-FED-INFO (1-800-333-4636).

In the meantime, MOAA has endorsed the Veterans Identity Protection Act of 2006, introduced in the Senate as S. 2970 (Kerry, D-MA) and in the House as H.R. 5455 (Salazar, D-CO). This legislation would provide one year of free credit monitoring to veterans whose personal information was stolen in the recent theft, with one free credit report each year for the following two years. To urge your legislators to support these bills, visit http://capwiz.com/moaa/issues/bills/ and scroll down to “Veterans and Other Issues” to click on S. 2970 and H.R. 5455.

May 19, 2006

William (Bill ) Davis passed away Nov. 13, 2005 in Grove Beach, CA.

April 25, 2006

HOW TO SURVIVE A HEART ATTACK, WHEN ALONE":

(this goes for men and women; and if you are with someone, and they are still conscious, have them do this cough/breathe thing.......it'll buy them time until the ambulance gets there)

Since many people are alone when they suffer a heart attack, without help, the person whose heart is beating improperly and who begins to feel faint, has only about 10 seconds left before losing consciousness.

However, these victims can help themselves by coughing repeatedly and very vigorously. A deep breath should be taken before each cough, and the cough must be deep and prolonged, as when producing sputum from deep inside the chest.

A breath and a cough must be repeated about every two seconds without let-up until help arrives, or until the heart is felt to be beating normally again.

Deep breaths get oxygen into the lungs and coughing movements squeeze the heart and keep the blood circulating.

The squeezing pressure on the heart also helps it regain normal rhythm.

In this way, heart attack victims can get to a hospital.

Tell as many other people as possible about this.

It could save their lives!! "

**PLEASE BE A "TRUE" FRIEND AND SEND THIS ARTICLE TO ALL YOUR FRIENDS YOU CARE ABOUT.

April 16, 2006

Member attending 2005 Reunion.

Join These Veterans at our 2006 Reunion

June 8th, 9th and 10th, at Ft. Bragg, NC.

Headquarters:

Holiday Inn Bordeaux; 1707 Owen Dr.; Fayetteville NC 28304
Hotel's toll free number: 1-800-325-0211

All years welcome, 1916 to 2006



Front: Tommy Thompson; Wendell Hanners; Ben Aluzas; Dean Woodward; Tom Schroeder

Back: Lou Biers; Buck Palmer; Don Wiethuechter; Ken Sloan;
Loren Jensen; Charles Sikonia; Neil Hartwig

April 13, 2006

From Don Wiethuechter

Cut you prescription cost by 66%

TRICARE beneficiaries can save money and time by using TRICARE Mail Order Pharmacy (TMOP), which provides hassle-free home delivery of prescription medications. When beneficiaries chose home delivery, they receive up to a 90-day supply of medication for the same copay as a 30-day supply from the retail pharmacy—a 66 percent savings.

“The mail order pharmacy program is convenient, efficient, and safe,” says Capt. Thomas McGinnis, USPHS, chief of the TRICARE pharmaceutical operations directorate. “Mail order saves money for our beneficiaries as well as the Department of Defense, which helps sustain the world-class TRICARE pharmacy benefit.”

Mail Order is Easy Eligible TRICARE beneficiaries may enroll by mail or online. Once enrolled, patients may send their prescriptions to TMOP where a registered pharmacist will check the order against the patient’s medication profile in the DoD’s pharmacy database. Medications, complete with a reorder date, usually are delivered to the beneficiary’s home within 14 days after the contractor, Express Scripts Inc., receives the prescription.

To fill a new prescription by mail:

1. Ask the doctor to write a new prescription for up to a 90-day supply (with up to three refills) of the medication.

2. Log on to Express-Scripts.com, and follow the prompts to print a prescription order form. You also can call Express Scripts at 1-866-363-8667 and request an enrollment form.

3. Mail the completed order form, written prescription, and payment via credit card, check, or money order to the address shown on the form.

Mail Order is Safe With each new or refill request, the prescription is reviewed against the beneficiary's complete medication history before it is dispensed--enhancing patient safety by reducing the likelihood of adverse drug to drug interactions and duplicate treatments. Registered pharmacists also are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week via a toll-free number, 1-866-DOD-TMOP (1-866-363-8667), to answer beneficiary question

March 24, 2006

Presents being pased out by members of the 51st Signal Bn. in Korea, 1965.

Captain (Chaplain) Rivers and CSM Buck Palmer presenting presents to the children at the orphanage that the Battalion supported.

March 4, 2006

Furnished by :

Wiley Bell

This was shared with me and I wanted to share it with you. Just be more careful. I never thought to do any of this, but it makes good sense.

Be sure to read 'Scene 3'

SCENE 1. This is a new one. People sure stay busy trying to cheat us, don't they??


A few weeks later his credit card bill came - a whooping bill of $14,000! He called the credit card company and started yelling at them, saying that he did not make the transactions. Customer care personnel verified that there was no mistake in the system and asked if his card had been stolen.

"No," he said, but then took out his wallet, pulled out the credit card, and yep - you guessed it - a switch had been made. An expired similar credit card from the same bank was in the wallet. The thief broke into his locker at the gym and switched cards.

Verdict: The credit card issuer said since he did not report the card missing earlier, he would have to pay the amount owed to them. How much did he have to pay for items he did not buy? $9,000! Why were there no calls made to verify the amount swiped? Small amounts rarely trigger a "w arning bell" with some credit card companies It just so happens that all the small amounts added up to big one!

SCENE 2. A man at a local restaurant paid for his meal with his credit card. The bill for the meal came, he signed it, and the waitress folded the receipt and passed the credit card along.

Usually, he would just take it and place it in his wallet or pocket. Funny enough, though, he actually took a look at the card and, lo and behold, it was the expired card of another person. He called the waitress and she looked perplexed. She took it back, apologized, and hurried back to the counter under the watchful eye of the man. All the waitress did while walking to the counter was wave the wrong expired card to the counter cashier, and the counter cashier immediately looked down and took out the real card. No exchange of words --- nothing! She took it and came back to the man with an apology.

Verdict: Make sure the credit cards in your wallet are yours. Check the name on the card every time you sign for something and/or the card is taken away for even a short period of time. Many people just take back the credit card without even looking at it, "assuming" that it has to be theirs. FOR YOUR OWN SAKE, DEVELOP THE HABIT OF CHECKING YOUR CREDIT CARD EACH TIME IT IS RETURNED TO YOU AFTER A TRANSACTION! Better yet, if you can see the server swipe your card, watch what is being done with your card.

SCENE 3: Yesterday I went into a pizza restaurant to pick up an order that I had called in. I paid by using my Visa Check Card which, of course, is linked directly to my checking account.

The young man behind the counter took my card, swiped it, then laid it on the counter as he waited for the approval, which is pretty standard procedure. While he waited, he picked up his cell phone and started dialing.

I noticed the phone because it is the same model I have, but nothing seemed out of the ordinary. Then I heard a click that sounded like my phone sounds when I take a picture. He then gave me back my card, but kept the phone in his hand as if he was still pressing buttons. Meanwhile, I'm thinking, I wonder what he is taking a picture of, oblivious to what was really going on. It then dawned on me, the only thing there, was my credit card. So now I'm paying close attention to what he is doing.

He set his phone on the counter, leaving it open. About five seconds later, I heard the chime that tells you that the picture has been saved.

Now, I'm standing there struggling with the fact that this boy just took a picture of my credit card. Yes, he played it off well, because had we not had the same kind of phone, I probably would never have known what happened. Needless to say, I immediately canceled that card as I was walking out of the pizza parlor.

All I am saying is, be aware of your surroundings at all times. Whenever you are using your credit cards, take caution and don't be careless. Notice who is standing near you and what they are doing when you use your card. Be aware of phones because many have a camera phone these days.

When you are in a restaurant and the waiter/waitress brings your card and receipt for you to sign, make sure you scratch the number off. Some restaurants are using only the last four digits, but a lot of them are still putting the whole thing on there. I have already been a victim of credit card fraud and, believe me, it is not fun. The truth is that they can get you even when you are careful, but don't make it easy for them.

March 3, 2006

If you use mulch around your house be very careful about buying mulch this year.
After the Hurricane in New Orleans many trees were blown over.
These trees were then turned into mulch and the state is trying to get rid of tons and tons of this mulch to any state or company who will come and haul it away.
So it will be showing up in Home Depot and Lowes at dirt cheap prices with one huge problem;
Formosan Termites will be the bonus in many of those bags.
New Orleans is one of the few areas in the country were the Formosan Termites has gotten a strong hold
and most of the trees blown down were already badly infested with those termites.
Now we may have the worst case of transporting a problem to all parts of the country that we have ever had.
These termites can eat a house in no! time at all and we have no good control against them,
so tell your friends that own homes to avoid cheap mulch and know were it came from.

Feb. 28, 2006

51st Signalmen do more that communications.

Feb, 28, 2006

Rich Weiss

Rich sent this to me.
It might be helpful for some one you know.

Copy the below, then paste it in your brouser.

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/southflorida/sfl-veterans
16feb16,0,3791122.story?coll=sfla-home-headlines

Feb. 28, 2006

VA Health Care Programs offer advanced quality care for
aging and chronically ill veterans in the most efficient manner.
VA provides geriatrics and long-term care clinical programs, research,
education, and evaluation of new clinical models.
They offer Community-Based Long-Term Care, Nursing Home Care,
Geriatric Care, and Residential Rehabilitation Care.
The common goal is to prevent or lessen the burden of disability on older, frail,
chronically ill patients and their families/caregivers,
and to maximize each patient’s independence ...


For closest VA facility goto:

http://www1.va.gov/geriatricsshg/

Feb. 28, 2006

John Tuzzio , Staten Island, NY. , Died, 2005.
Served with 51st Signal E & (R&M) Companies, Korea 1957-58

Serviving:
Wife, Agatha and Daughters Debra Spano and Patricia Dimaculangan
and four Granchildren

Feb. 27, 2006

Eugene Emil Borchardt (Gene) of Apache Junction passed away on December 17, 2005.
He was born on December 22, 1927 in Madison, SD to Emil and Alwine (Hannemann) Borchardt.
He served in the U.S. Army with the 51st Signal Battalion.
He worked for Cargill, Inc. for 38 years.
He is survived by sons Russ (Theresa), Randy (Janet), Ron (Sara) and Geno (Lindy); daughters Pam (Bob) Metz, Marcia (Bill) Weitzel and Laurie (Todd) Unbehaun; twenty grandchildren and two great grandsons; and sisters Lydia (Bob) Hendricks and Erna Caproon.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Phyllis, his father and mother, brother, Clem, and sisters Clara, Irene, Florence and Margaret.
Gene will be greatly missed by his family and the many friends he made throughout his life. A memorial service will be held Saturday, January 21 at 1:00 pm at Our Savior Lutheran Church, 612 S Ellsworth, Mesa, AZ.

Feb. 25, 2006

2006 Reunion

I sure hope you can make this reunion as it may be our last with any connection with the 51st Signal Bn. as they are scheduled to be deactivated in Sept. 2006.

All members and former members are invited to attend, all years 1916 to 2006.

June 8th, 9th and 10th, 2006

This year Reunion will be hosted by:

CSM (ret) G. B. (Buck) Palmer

E-mail Buck at : gladpalm@b2xonline.com

The headquarters for reunion will be:

Holiday Inn Bordeaux
1707 Owen Dr.
Fayetteville, NC 28304

Each member must make their own reservations with Holiday Inn Bordeaux.

Reservations need to be made before May 8, 2006.

Hotel's toll free number: 1-800-325-0211

Local number: 910-323-0111

CSM Buck Palmer ( Host ) and I have just returned from a visit to Ft. Bragg.

The 2006 reunions dates are: June 8 (thru), 9 (Fri) and 10 (Sat), 2006.

At the Holiday Inn Bordeaux, 1707 Owen Dr., Fayetteville, NC.

We met with the Bn Cdr, Ltc Mark A. Elliott, CSM Wade Myers, and the Battalion Adjutant CPT Traci Rayburn.

The preliminary plans for our visit to Ft. Bragg are, as of (2/26/06):

We will come over to the Bn after breakfast (10:00) the morning of the 9th ( Fri) June.

We will do a walk through of the Bn and then an invigorating slide show of their recent activates in Iraq.

Then off to a barrack's inspection...

Then some lunch at the DFAC ( Bn mess hall ).

There will a presentation ceremony where each veteran will receive an Operation Irqai Freedom medalion.



They are going to try to plan something for after lunch, but that will take some planning since it is so far from now....

We may be able to watch a jump...

or if we have any equipment inspection...maybe a static set up and a small briefing from some of our fine young Soldiers that operate the equipment.

For addition info goto: 2006 reunion page see above

Tommy Thompson
4129 Fairway Dr.
Granbury, TX 76049
Tele: (817) 326-4773
tom@itexas.net

Dec. 08, 2005

We have designed a new bumper sticker??? Let me Know!!

Nov. 08, 2005

This is really an awesome sight to watch if you've never had the chance .

Very fascinating.

Tomb of the Unknown Soldier



1. How many steps does the guard take during his walk across the tomb of the Unknowns and why?

21 steps. It alludes to the twenty-one gun salute, which is the ! ; highest honor given any military or foreign dignitary.



2. How long does he hesitate after his about face to begin his return walk and why?

21 seconds for the same reason as answer number 1



3. Why are his gloves wet?

His gloves are moistened to prevent his losing his grip on the rifle.



4. Does he carry his rifle on the same shoulder all the time and if not, why not?

He carries the rifle on the shoulder away from the tomb. After his march across the path, he executes an about face and moves the rifle to the outside shoulder.



5. How often are the guards changed?

Guards are changed every thirty minutes, twenty-four hours a day, 365 days a year.



6. What are the physical traits of the guard limited to?

For a person to apply for guard duty at the tomb, he must be between 5' 10" and 6' 2" tall and his waist size cannot exceed 30." Other requirements of the Guard: They must commit 2 years of life to guard the tomb, live in a barracks under the tomb, and cannot drink any alcohol on or off duty for the rest of their lives. They cannot swear in public for the rest of their lives and cannot disgrace the uniform {fighting} or the tomb in any way. After two years, the guard is given a wreath pin that is worn on their lapel signifying they served as guard of the tomb. There are only 400 presently worn. The guard must obey these rules for the rest of their lives or give up the wreath pin. The shoes are specially made with very thick soles to keep the heat and cold from their feet. There are metal heel plates that extend to the top of the shoe in order to make the loud click as they come to a halt. There are no wrinkles, folds or lint on the uniform. Guards dress for duty in front of a full-length mirror. The first six months of duty a guard cannot talk to anyone, nor watch TV. All off duty time is spent studying the 175 notable people laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery. A guard must memorize who they are and where they are interred. Among the notables are: President Taft, Joe E. Lewis {the boxer} and Medal of Honor winner Audie Murphy, {the most decorated soldier of WWII} of Hollywood fame. Every guard spends ! five hours a day getting his uniforms ready for guard duty.



ETERNAL REST GRANT THEM O LORD, AND LET PERPETUAL LIGHT SHINE UPON THEM.

In 2003 as Hurricane Isabelle was approaching Washington, DC, our US Senate/House took 2 days off with anticipation of the storm. On the ABC evening news, it was reported that because of the dangers from the hurricane, the military members assigned the duty of guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier were given permission to suspend the assignment. They respectfully declined the offer, "No way, Sir!" Soaked to the skin, marching in the pelting rain of a tropical storm, they said that guarding the Tomb was not just an assignment, it was the highest honor that can be afforded to a serviceperson. The tomb has been patrolled continuously, 24/7, since 1930.



God Bless and keep them.



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Nov. 4, 2005

Oct. 21, 2005

From: CSM Myers Wade:

51st Signal Battalion, Iraq

Specialist Juan Munoz in Headquarters and Headquarters Company who personally designed the attached 51st Signal Battalion emblem for Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. He is our graphics illustrator. I would like to see if you can post it to the 51st page on the internet under the battalion coin. We had this emblem placed on TShirts and made it our battalion’s official physical fitness training shirt. It’s little things like this that keep the morale high in harsh environments.

Oct. 20, 2005

Sent to use by Eli (Bill) Newell.
Two pole climbers: Bill Newell and T. J . Cox, early 1952

Oct. 19, 2005

Sent to use by Carl Kaiser.
Commo bunker R&M Co. 2nd Div., I Corps.
Just North of 38th Para., early 1952

Oct. 14, 2005

A message from Iraq

Sa'laam Habibis!

"Greetings from Camp Echo (Diwaniyah, Iraq).

A lot has taken place since our last update to you.

We have bid farewell to both the HHC and C Co commanders and welcomed two new members to the command team. CPT Chris Levy passed the guidon to CPT Stephanie Gray on July 6 and CPT Patrick Wells passed the guidon to CPT Adam Sannutti on 19 July.

Headquarter Company along with the battalion Headquarters has relocated from RPC to Camp Echo where we continue to provide support to subscriber throughout the central Iraq region.

C Co will fall back under the 327th Signal Battalion as they start their planning for return in November of this year while the remainder of the battalion that deployed in March of 2005 will return in March of 2006.

While school was out many of our Soldiers used this time to return for their R&R leave.

We hope that their short vacations with their loved ones was filled with many fun packed days. We are starting to get into the hot weather season where temperatures are currently topping out at 130 degrees.

No need to worry because we are doing everything possible to keep cool with plenty of air conditioners and by drinking plenty of water. Our men are doing a wonderful job as we continue our efforts to commercialize the various sites that we provide communications support for.

As we remove teams from system we are getting them trained on the installation of commercial fiber and other commercial products so that we can reduce the reliance on tactical communications. We are learning a lot and our Soldiers are exceeding our every expectation as we continue our support here in Iraq.

Oct. 10, 2005

Col. Frank Herrelko and Wife.
51st Signal Battaliom, 1936-37

Edith (89) Frank (92)

Below are medals Frank has won in the Senior Olympics

Sept. 24, 2005

From: CSM Wade L. Myers

51st Signal Battalion (Airborne)

Below is our Soldier Family Readiness Support Group web page.

http://www.35thsignalbrigadesfrg.com/51st%20Website/home.htm

If you go there and click on the Commander’s Corner there are news articles posted by the Battalion Commander that gives a general overview of what we have been doing.

There is also an area for pictures and links at the bottom to each company.

The battalion arrived here in March and we will be expected to come home February or March timeframe 2006.

We will probably have 2 to 3 weeks of reintegration training where we will have to go through several classes and then we will have 30 days of leave.

That would put us back for business somewhere around May timeframe so if you all have your reunion scheduled in June that would probably match up pretty well.

Right now they plan on deactivating the battalion sometime between July and October 2006.

As far as current events, we have folks spread out across Central South portion of Iraq supporting the coalition forces.

The entire battalion minus DCO is over here with CCO preparing to return in November.

They came over with the 327th Signal Battalion when the brigade deployed.

We had a combat patch ceremony yesterday for our Headquarters Company.

I’ll attach a picture or two of that.

We awarded the company the 35th Signal Brigade (Airborne) combat patch here at Camp Echo, Diwaniyah.

We still have to get to ACO and BCO locations in the near future to do the same.

Although in their second rotation to Iraq in 24 months, the soldiers of the battalion are definitely holding up the standards and leading the way.

You all would be proud of them.

They are braving the heat and doing whatever it takes to get the job done.

No problems so far.

All the NCOs are training their people and making sure they are taken care of.

The Officers are doing well in their respective areas.

The Commanders we have are energetic and always looking for things to do to improve our relations with the local Iraqi civilians.

Well, I can’t get into exactly what we are doing but be assured we are getting the job done.

Feel free to pass on the web page to others to see some pictures of where we are and what we are doing.

I’ll also pass on your web site to the rest of the battalion.

I don’t believe many folks know it exists. I just happened to find it yesterday when I was looking up some battalion history information.


HQ Co., at Camp Echo, 51st Signal



HQ Co, people



HQ Co., Patch ceremony

Sept. 20, 2005

Marilyn Miller of Niagara Falls, NY., Has informed me the her husband,
Theodore (Ted ) Miller Sr., 2536 Niagara Rd.,
Niagara Falls, NY. 14304-2019,
Died July 1, 2005. Ted served with 51st Signal in Korea,
from 1950 to 1952. He served as a lineman in T&T Co.

Sept. 14, 2005

A note from Iraq

CSM Wade L. Myers
51st Signal Battalion (Airborne)
DSN: 318-822-3104
wade.myers@iraq.centcom.mil

Sgt/M Wade L. Myers is the new CSM for the 51st Signal Battalion.
Sgt/M. Myers assumed this responsibilities on 1 May 2005 and will be taking the battalion into deactivation somewhere between July and October 2006.
They are currently in Iraq for Operation IRAQI FREEDOM III.
The battalion came over in March 2005 on the second rotation after only a 10 month rest from being here during OIF I. Let me know what info you need, and I would like to be added to your roster. Thanks.

Aug. 4, 2005

Marilyn Jones, widow of Richard Jones ( 51st Signal, 1950-51), receiving medals Richard earned while serving in Korea, but never received. They were present to Marilyn at the Norway, Maine American Legion Post.




**** 51st Signal Battalion Honors ****


Campaign Participation Credit

World War I: Lorraine 1918; St. Mihiel; Meuse-Argonne

World War II: Sicily (with arrowhead); Naples-Foggia; Rome-Arno; North Apennines; Po Valley

Korean War: UN Defensive; UN Offensive; CCF Intervention; First UN Counteroffensive; CCF Spring Offensive; UN Summer-Fall Offensive; Second Korean Winter; Korea, Summer-Fall 1952; Third Korean Winter; Korea, Summer 1953

Southwest Asia: Defense of Saudi Arabia; Liberation and Defense of Kuwait; Cease-Fire


**** Decorations ****


Meritorious Unit Commendation (Army) for EUROPEAN THEATER
Meritorious Unit Commendation (Army) for KOREA 1950-1951
Meritorious Unit Commendation (Army) for KOREA 1953-1954
Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation for KOREA 1950-1953

***** Company B additionally entitled to: *****

Meritorious Unit Commendation (Army) for KOREA 1952

June 1, 2005

This is the formation of new Signal Corps Veterans group

www.geocities.com/unitedstatessignalveterans/ENTER.html

[1 April 1958] Capt. Lous T. Mayes, Commanding Officr of "D" Company 51st Signal Bat., I Corps, is putting the finishing touches on the sign that presents the amount donations made. Left to Right: SP/3 David D Pavlas, Capt. Mayes, PFC Joe D lowe, and PFC Henry.

Apr. 12, 2005

GO NAVY!

OLD IRONSIDES:

The U.S.S. Constitution (Old Ironsides) as a combat vessel carried 48,600 gallons of fresh (remember that figure) water for her crew of 475 officers and men. This was sufficient to last six months of sustained operations at sea. She carried no evaporators (fresh water distillers).

However, let it be noted that according to her log, "On July 27, 1798, the U.S.S. Constitution sailed from Boston with a full complement of 475 officers and men, 48,600 gallons of fresh water, 7,400 cannon shot, 11,600 pounds of black powder and 79,400 gallons of rum."

Her mission: "To destroy and harass English shipping."

Making Jamaica on 6 October, she took on 826 pounds of flour and 68,300 gallons of rum.

Then she headed for the Azores, arriving there 12 November. She provisioned with 550 pounds of beef and 64,300 gallons of Portuguese wine. On 18 November, she set sail for England.

In the ensuing days she defeated five British men-of-war and captured and scuttled 12 English merchantmen, salvaging only the rum aboard each. By 26 January, her powder and shot were exhausted. Nevertheless, and though unarmed, she made a night raid up the Firth of Clyde in Scotland. Her landing party captured a whiskey distillery and transferred 40,000 gallons of single malt Scotch aboard by dawn.

Then she headed home.

The U.S.S. Constitution arrived in Boston on 20 February 1799, with No cannon shot, No food, No powder, NO rum, NO wine, NO whiskey and 38,600 gallons of stagnant water.

Mar. 18, 2005

These pictures furnished by Bat. Sgt/Major Buck Palmer.

51st Signal Bat. Headquarters 1965.

Battalion Hq 1965


Mess area


A couple of old soliers


Color's standards and parade ground

Feb. 18, 2005

Upper picture:
Change of command ceremony transferring command from LtCol Leslie Callahan to LtCol James Mattern in 1965.

Lower picture:

BSM Buck Palmer presenting Callahan with a pipe holder and tobacco humidor as a farewell gift from the NCO's of the Battalion.

Feb. 15, 2005

Credit card advice ( This is from an attorney )

The next time you order checks, omit your first name and have only your initials and last name put on them. If someone takes your check book they will not know if you sign your checks with just your initials or your first name but your bank will know how you sign your checks.

When you are writing checks to pay on your credit card accounts, DO NOT put the complete account number on the "For" line. Instead, just put the last four numbers. The credit card company knows the rest of the number and anyone who might be handling your check as it passes through all the check processing channels won't have access to it.

Put your work phone # on your checks instead of your home phone. If you have a PO Box use that instead of your home address. Never have your SS# printed on your checks (DUH!) you can add it if it is necessary. But if you have it printed, anyone can get it.

Place the contents of your wallet on a photocopy machine, do both sides of each license, credit card, etc. You will know what you had in your wallet and all of the account numbers and phone numbers to call and cancel.

Keep the photocopy in a safe place. I also carry a photocopy of my passport when I travel either here or abroad.

We've all heard horror stories about fraud that's committed on us in stealing a name, address, Social Security number, credit cards, etc.

Unfortunately I, an attorney, have firsthand knowledge because my wallet was stolen last month. Within a week, the thieve(s) ordered an expensive monthly cell phone package, applied for a VISA credit card, had a credit line approved to buy a Gateway computer, received a PIN number from DMV to change my driving record information online, and more.

But here's some critical information to limit the damage in case this happens to you or someone you know:

We have been told we should cancel our credit cards immediately. But the key is having the toll free numbers and your card numbers handy so you know whom to call. Keep those where you can find them easily.

File a police report immediately in the jurisdiction where it was stolen, this proves to credit providers you were diligent, and is a first step toward an investigation (if there ever is one).

But here's what is perhaps most important: (I never even thought to do this).

Call the three national credit reporting organizations immediately to place e a fraud alert on your name and Social Security number. I had never heard of doing that until advised by a bank that called to tell me an application for credit was made over the Internet in my name.

The alert means any company that checks your credit knows your information was stolen and they have to contact you by phone to authorize new credit.

By the time I was advised to do this, almost two weeks after the theft, all the damage had been done.

There are records of all the credit checks initiated by the thieves' purchases, none of which I knew about before placing the alert. Since then, no additional damage has been done, and the thieves threw my wallet away this weekend (someone turned it in). It seems to have stopped them in their tracks.

The numbers are:

Equifax:1-800-525-6285

Experian:(formerly TRW): 1-888-397-3742

Trans Union:1-800-680-72 89

Social Security Administration(fraud line):1-800-269-0271

Jan. 15, 2005

Staff Sgt. Ricky L.Crockett

GA, D Company, 51st Signal battalion.
***Iraq***01/12/2004 ***KIA***

Sgt Crockettl, age 37, of Broxton, Georgia. Crockett was struck by an improvised explosive device while on a mounted patrol. He was assigned to Company D, 51st Signal Battalion, XVIII Airborne Corps, Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Died on January 12, 2004.

Jan. 5, 2005

HOW TO SURVIVE A HEART ATTACK WHEN ALONE

Since many people are alone when they suffer a heart attack, without help, the person whose heart is beating improperly and who begins to feel faint, has only about 10 seconds left before losing consciousness. However, these victims can help themselves by coughing repeatedly and very vigorously. A deep breath should be taken before each cough, and the cough must be deep and prolonged, as when producing sputum from deep inside the chest.

A breath and a cough must be repeated about every two seconds without let-up until help arrives, or until the heart is felt to be beating normally again. Deep breaths get oxygen into the lungs and coughing movements squeeze the heart and keep the blood circulating.The squeezing pressure on the heart also helps it regain normal rhythm. In this way, heart attack victims can get to a hospital.

Dec. 15, 2004

2004 Reunion-- Nashville, TN

Our 2004 Nashville reunion was hosted by Dot Harrison and Ken Sloan. Dot and Ken's planning produced a fun and informative reunion.

Tuesday evening was highlighted with a cheese and fruit bar during registration.

Tuesday nigh featured a set down dinner, followed by many members expressing their expierences while serving in Korea.

Wednesday's breakfast was followed by a tour of Nashville's historical site and art centers.

Lt. Col. , Jochen ( Yogi ) Thomas, presently Commanding Officer of the 51st Signal Battalion. He was accompanied by BSM James Coucil and Spec. John Howison.
Col. Thomas was the keynote speaker at our Wednesday evening dinner.
Col. Thomas has been the CO from 2002 to date. He gave an inspiring talk plus a slide show of the 51st signal's activities in Iraq. His speech was an informative and humorous descriptions of his career in the signal corp.

Thank you Col. Thomas !!


Listed below are the members who attended the 2003 Reunion in Dallas, TX.


Blain Altize and Judy Altize
John Bowser and Marilyn Bowers
Anthony Damico and Gail Damico
Thomas R. Dobson and Teresa Dobson
Gordan Everard and Sanda Everard
F. B. Grosselfinger
Wendell Hanners and Dorothy Hanners
Arthur King and Annabelle King
Mel Klatt and Shirley Klatt
G.B.Palmer and Elsie Tanner
Charles Powell and Judy Powell
William Pragel and Pat Pragel
Kendrick R. Sloan and Dot Harrison
Donald Smith and Dianne Smith
C. D. Sturdivant and Mark Sturdivant
Tommy Thompson and Betty Thompson
Paul Weiss and Kay Weiss
Don Wiethuechter and Ben Aluzas


---------------------- Listed below are members and former members of the 51st Signal Battalion
who have contacted me since June 2003.


-------------------- Charles Odgers (R&M)--- Richard Bammert (HQ)--- Bob O'Harold--- Larry Foote (radio)--- Gerald Hinde--- Javier Moreno--- Charles Haley--- Thomas Gill--- im Becker (A)--- Robert Perry (HHQ)--- Robert Watkins ( D )--- Jeff Haas (R&M)--- Joel Manning (radio)--- Donald McKee (B)--- Shaw S. Pick (D)--- Rich Wilkinson (B)--- John Conrad (radio)--- Wendy Smith --- Lou Dixon (radio)--- Anthony Ambrosino--- Frank Kunik (R&M)--- Doug--- CPT Jeremy Wedlake Battalion Adjutant--- Dallan Day (B)--- Edward Gallant --- Tom Stuart (HQ)--- Herman Proudfoot (B)--- Vincent Opalka --- William Garrett (Hq)--- Joe Lachman ( T&T)--- Buck Palmer --- George Bonner (C)--- Enas H Wilson (D)--- Frank Lofton (A)--- Milton Thompson (B)--- Ted Miller --- Ralph Pyle (photo)--- Sean Roney (commo)--- Mort Gamble (B)--- Gary Williams --- Charlse Levell --- Burt Brownyer (R&M)--- Blane Altizer --- Harry Brown--- Buddy Dobson (radio)---

Oct. 15, 2004

Group attendiong the 2004 reunion.

Front row L to R: Stan

Back row Lto R: Tommy Thompson;

Oct. 10, 2004

*** Secretary of Defense ***

Older Spouses, Survivors Get Permanent IDs. As a part of the Defense Authorization Act, Congress also adopted MOAA's suggestion to ease the burden of ID card renewal for older spouses and survivors.

Beginning in 2005, retiree spouses and survivors age 75 and older will be able to obtain permanent ID cards.



A little history from the past!

October 8, 1918 - Born in a log cabin in rural Tennessee in 1887, Alvin Cullum York supplemented his family's subsistence farming by hunting and, like his father, was soon an expert marksman. He also earned a reputation as a hell-raiser, and few imagined he would amount to anything but trouble. Around 1915, however, York experienced a religious conversion after a friend was killed in a bar brawl.

Two months after the United States declared war on Germany in 1917, York received his draft notice. Because his church opposed war, he asked for conscientious objector status, but was denied at both the state and local level because his church, the Church of Christ in Christian Union was not recognized as a legitimate Christian sect. Enlisting in the 82nd Infantry Division, he was offered noncombat duty but eventually agreed to fight after being convinced by a superior that America's cause was just.


On October 8th, York and 15 other soldiers were dispatched to seize a German-held rail point during the Allies' Meuse-Argonne Offensive. The Americans lost their way and soon found themselves behind enemy lines. A brief firefight ensued with a superior German force, and in the confusion a group of Germans surrendered. However, German machine-gunners on a hill overlooking the scene soon noticed the small size of the patrol. Yelling in German for their comrades to take cover, the machine gunners opened fire on the Americans, cutting down half the detachment, including the York's commander. York immediately returned fire and with his marksman eye began picking off the German gunners. He then fearlessly charged the machine-gun nest. With his automatic pistol, York shot down six German soldiers sent out of the trench to intercept him. The German commander, thinking he had underestimated the size of the American force, surrendered as York reached the machine-gun nest. York and the other seven survivors took custody of some 90 Germans and on the way back to the Allied lines, encountered 40 or so other enemy troops, who were coerced to surrender by the German major that the Americans had in their custody. The final tally was 132 prisoners. York was promoted to the rank of sergeant and hailed as the greatest civilian soldier of the war by several Allied leaders. He was given a hero's welcome upon his return to the United States in 1919, and was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor, the nation's highest military decoration.

In the 1920s, he used his fame to raise funds for the York Industrial Institute (now Alvin C. York Institute), a school for underprivileged children in rural Tennessee. He later opened a Bible school. Sergeant York, the 1941 film starring Gary Cooper, was based on his life. York died in 1964.

Oct. 5, 2004

Front gate 1964.

Sept. 25, 2004

From: Buck Palmer

Romanian Press ( excerpt from a Romanian Newspaper)

Sent: 9/23/2004 4:45:58 PM

Funny how a former eastern block country can see the USA and what makes us all tick, and western Europe has real difficulties with it. We rarely get a chance to see another country's editorial about the USA.

Read this excerpt from a Romanian Newspaper. The article was written by Mr.Cornel Nistorescu and published under the title C"ntareaAmericii (meaning "Ode To America") on September 24, 2002 in the Romanian newspaper nimentulzilei ("The Daily Event" or "News of the Day").

An Ode to America

Why are Americans so united? They would not resemble one another even if you painted them all one color! They speak all the languages of the world and form an astonishing, mixture of civilizations and religious beliefs. Still, the American tragedy turned three hundred million people into a hand put on the heart. Nobody rushed to accuse the White House, the army, and the secret services that they are only a bunch of losers. Nobody rushed to empty their bank accounts. Nobody rushed out onto the streets nearby to gape about. The Americans volunteered to donate blood and to give a helping hand. After the first moments of panic, they raised their flag over the smoking ruins, putting on T-shirts, caps and ties in the colors of the national flag. They placed flags on buildings and cars as if in every place and on every car a government official or the president was passing. On every occasion, they started singing their traditional song: "God Bless America!" I watched the live broad cast and rerun after rerun for hours listening to the story of the guy who went down one hundred floors with a woman in a wheelchair without knowing who she was, or of the Californian hockey player, who gave his life fighting with the terrorists and prevented the plane from hitting a target that could have killed other hundreds or thousands of people.
How on earth were they able to respond united as one human being? Imperceptibly, with every word and musical note, the memory of some turned into a modern myth of tragic heroes. And with every phone call, millions! and millions! of dollars were put in a collection aimed at rewarding not a man or a family, but a spirit, which no money can buy. What on earth can unite the Americans in such a way? Their land? Their galloping history? Their economic Power? Money? I tried for hours to find an answer, humming songs and murmuring phrases with the risk of sounding commonplace. I thought things over, but I reached only one conclusion....

........Only freedom can work such miracles.

Sept. 23, 2004

Look at the black patch under the U.S. flag... You gotta love them and their humor.

This should be on the front cover of Time and Newsweek, etc. But it won't be. Let's you and I "put it there" by forwarding this all around the world (so to speak)! The flags are France, Germany, and Russia -- just in case you don't know.

Aug. 23, 2004

From Walt Mathers ( http://www.civilwarsignals.org)

Comments:

We're currently having a knock-down discussion up on our signal forum concerning the US Army's first truly portable telegraph machine at: www.civilwarsignals.org.

I didn't know if you were aware that a number of our researchers still string wire and portray Federal and Confederate telegraph operators at the national mega re-created events.

Lots of traffic humm over our lance-poled wires.

We could always use additional oprs too! Great for individuals or as a family-oriented outing. Did you know that there female telegraph operators in the 1860's?

At least four served with the United States Miliary Telegraph service between 1860 and 1865. Tnx Agn for letting me post with you. 73,

Walt Mathers ~~30~~

June 20, 2004

Korean War

by Robert Barnes (51st Signal ** T&T Co.** 51-52)

May 27, 2004

Bumper sticker of the year:

"If you can read this, thank a teacher...
and since it's in English, thank a soldier."

Special Announment

May 24, 2004

The present commanding officer of the 51st Signal Battalion is:

LTC Jochen (Yogi) Thomas.

He will be our "Keynote Speaker" in Nashville this coming Sept..

He may bring several other member of the 51st Signal Battalion to Nashville.

They are just back from the Middle East!!!!

This is a set deal!!!!!!!!!!

Apr. 8, 2004

NCO"s 51st Signal 1940



Far left Claude E. Redman, Lt. Col. USAF Ret

Looks like he was standing in a hole.

Apr. 6, 2004

Apr. 6, 2004

To my God Father

Written by Deanna Merchant age 10, Norway, Maine

An American Soldier

My God Father was Richard S. Jones. He was a veteran of the Korean Conflict.

In April of 1951, he left his home in South Paris, Maine, to enter the Armed Services.

He took his basic training at Camp Gordon, GA, where he learned to be a pole lineman with the signal corps.

In August of 1951 he went overseas on the USS Marine Phoenix.

He spent 15 months stationed with the 51st Signal Battalion in a place called Uijonbu, Korea.

He helped string the lines of communications to the Peace Talks at Panmunjom.

While in Korea his company was visited by Dwight D. Eisenhower, who later become our 34th president of the United States of America.

In late December 0f 1952, he was on his way back to the states on the USS Marine Lynx.

They landed in Seattle, Washington, where they were warmly greeted by hundreds of will wishers.

The next stop was Fort Lawton. Washington, then on to Fort Denens, Mass, where the was released into the reserves.

He was honorably discharged in 1956. In October of 2002, after 50 years, he received the Korean Service Medal from the Republic of Korea.

I am very proud of what he did.

My God Father passed away March 28, 2003.

***********************************************************************

Mar. 15, 2004

These are some "Web Site" you may want to visit.

U.S. Casualty Numbers, All Wars

This site provides casualty/wounded numbers for United States military involvements. Please see URL:

http://members.aol.com/usregistry/allwars.htm

Casualty List Info:

http://members.aol.com/veterans/casualty.htm

Lists of Military Medal Recipients Information website:

http://members.aol.com/veterans/medlist.htm

The American War Library>br>
http://www.amervets.com

-- Korean War Resource Guide

http://members.aol.com/veterans/warlib6k.htm

-- World's Largest Online Personnel Registry

http://members.aol.com/veterans/warlib46.htm

Feb. 29, 2004

Increase Requested for Veterans' Affairs

The House Veterans Affairs Committee recommended that Department of Veterans' Affairs (VA) programs receive an increase of $2.4 billion over the administration's fiscal 2005 spending request.
The 2004 budget resolution was held up by committee members determined to boost funding for the VA.
That resolution was finally pushed through after $1.2 billion was added. Some lawmakers believe the growing deficit along with the attention veteran's issues are receiving because of the elections, will make wrangling over this year's budget similar to 2004.
Adding to the pressure to increase funding for the VA is the coalition of veteran's organizations who announced recently that full funding for veterans health care programs is their top priority.
The veterans groups also want Congress to relinquish their annual responsibility for the VA budget, making it a mandatory program whose budget would be set automatically based on the needs of veterans, not arbitrarily set limits.
Rep Christopher Smith, R-N.J., Chairman of the House VA Committee, expressed his support of the idea in the past, but found little support from other members of Congress.
Instead, Smith introduced H.R. 2475, a bill that would create an independent panel to set an annual budget figure which would be included in the President's budget request.
Other legislation, S. 50 and H.R.2318, would provide for a guaranteed adequate level of funding for veterans' health car, but has not gained any traction since it was introduced last year.
Want to know more? For more information on AUSA, go to the AUSA Website and bookmark http://www.ausa.org.

Feb. 27, 2004

2004 Reunion site selected!!

The majority of the people who answered our pole on a site location, choose Nashville, TN.

Ken Sloan and Dot Harrison have offered to host the 2004 Reunion.

Where: Nahville, TN

Doubletree INN ( downtown Nashville )

When: Sept. 14, 15 and 16, 2004

How much:

Romms- $80.96 (mention 51st Sign reunion group)

Each couple/single needs to make their own reservations

Meals- $77.00 (per person)

Parking $8.00 Valet parking (per day)

Other Activities:

Golf: (tee times, location and cost will be furnished in June letter).

Tour: ??? (working on this)

Do not send any money at this time.

We will send out a attendance form in June, 2004.

Feb. 18, 2004

KOREAN DEFENSE SERVICE MEDAL UPDATE 1: The 2003 NDAA Public Law 107-314 authorized the Establishment of a Korea Defense Service Medal for military personnel who served in the Korean theater after July 27, 1954. DoD has now announced the creation of the Korean Defense Service Medal (KDSM) to recognize the contributions of U.S. armed forces members who have served or are serving in the Republic of Korea. The area of eligibility includes the land area of the Republic of Korea, and the contiguous water out to 12 nautical miles, and air spaces above the land and water areas. The period of eligibility, which began July 28, 1954, is currently open-ended.
[Source: DoD News Release No. 088-04 9 Feb 04 & NAUS Update for 13 FEB 04]
To receive medal, contact Department of Defense.

Feb. 8, 2004

Administration Proposes Fees for VA Health Care

> > The Bush administration's FY2005 budget request proposes a $250 usage fee for about two million priority 7 and 8 veterans enrolled in VA care. Priority 7 and 8 veterans are those with no compensable disabilities, and who have incomes above a geographically adjusted means-test level.
The Bush administration also proposes increasing pharmacy copayments from $7 to $15 for priority 7 and 8 veterans, while exempting disabled and indigent veterans (priorities 2-5) from all drug copayments. (Severely disabled veterans - Priority 1 - do not pay any copays). Prior to the Bush admiminstration the copayment was $3.00.

Jan. 8, 2004

Stedman Webb, passed away Jan. 2, 2004.
924 NE Sandlewoodebb, Jensen Beach, FL 34957

Jan. 6, 2004

2004 Reunion site selected!!

The majority of the people whos answered our question on a site location, choose Nashville, TN.

Ken Sloan and Dot Harrison have offered to host the 2004 Reunion in Nashville, TN.

The dates are Sept. 14, 15 and 16, 2004.

We will be sending a mailing in Feb. with all information:

What, where, when and how much.