51st Signal Bn Alumni Asso

4129 Fairway Dr

Granbury, TX  76049

 

News Letter 2011









If you have anything you want to post, just send me an E-mail

tom@itexas.net

 

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April 03, 2011
This was sent in by Anthony Ambrosino, Hq 1941-45 
Once I was cooking some corn and stuck my fork in the boiling
 water to see if the corn was ready.  I missed and my hand went
 into the boiling water....

A friend of mine, who was a Vietnam vet, came into the house, just
 as I was screaming, and asked me if I had some plain old flour...I
 pulled out a bag and he stuck my hand in it.  He said to keep my
hand in the flour for 10 mins. which I did.  He said that in Vietnam,
this guy was on fire and in their panic, they threw a bag of flour all over
him to put the fire out...well, it not only put the fire out, but he
never even had a blister!!!!

 SOOOO, long story short, I put my hand in the bag of flour for 10
mins, pulled it out and had not even a red mark or a blister and
absolutely NO PAIN.  
Now, I keep a bag of flour in the fridge and every time I
burn myself, I use the flour and never ONCE have I ever had a red spot, a burn or a blister!
 *cold flour feels even better than room temperature flour.

 Miracle, if you ask me.  Keep a bag of white flour in your fridge
and you will be happy you did.  I even burnt my tongue and put the flour on it for about 10 mins. and the pain was gone and no burn.  Try it!  BTW, don't run your burn area under cold water first, just put it right into the flour for 10 mins and experience a miracle!

 
 
 
Mar 25, 2011
 

Hi Tommy,

James R. Whitcomb commented on Bravo Company, 51st Signal Battalion (Expeditionary)'s.

James wrote: "The Peanut Brittle did arrive and it quickly disappeared! Thank you!"

 
Mar  10, 2011
From: Phyllis Stewart
My husband, Raymond Stewart passed away Sept 29, 2010.
Raymond was a long time member of the 51st Signal Bn Alumni Asso.
He served with 51st in 1947, Ft. Monmouth, NJ
 
Mar  10, 2011
 
William Perry Garrett

He was born October 21, 1915 in Jessie, Texas and passed away March 5, 2011 in Houston, Texas.­­­­ He was preceded in death by his parents Alpha Mae and Oliver Benford Garrett, his brothers O.T., Henry and Charles and his sisters Violetta, Annabelle and Willie Mae.  When growing up on the family farm in Hill County, Texas he was affectionately known as “Buster”.  He left home in 1933 to join the U. S. Army where his friends called him “Bud” and was known by that nickname the rest of his life. MSGT Bud Garrett was a member of the Greatest Generation and proudly served his country in the U.S. Army Signal Corps.  He was stationed at Ft. Schafter, Hawaii, when Pearl Harbor was attacked and had fascinating stories to tell of that perilous time. He served with the 51st Signal at Ft Monmouth, NJ, 1947. He Bud was a 32nd Degree Mason and was a life member of Aztec Masonic Lodge and served as Master of the Lodge.  He and his Wife Dorothy were members of Las Cruces Chapter #20, Order of Eastern Star.  Bud was a devoted husband to Dorothy who preceded him in death in 2007.  He is survived by his sister Mary of Waco, Texas.  He is also survived by his children Janice Roseman and her husband Robert of Houston, Texas, Dale Garrett and his wife Frances of Houston, Texas and Linda Tharp and her husband Charles of Las Cruces, New Mexico; his grandchildren, Laura Kendrick and her husband Brian of Los Alamos, NM, Craig Tharp and his wife Chandra of Las Cruces, NM, Christopher Garrett and his wife Chaddell of Simi valley, CA,  Robert Roseman and his wife Robin of Dayton, TX , Jo Carol Bailey and her companion Jim Penick of Bremond, TX and nine great-grandchildren.

 

 
 
 
Mar 02, 2011

Retired Marine and former Pan Am/Delta Pilot,

John Lovell is top gun at Subway sandwich shop..!

 

Plantation, Florida: Last week police were called to investigate an attempted armed robbery: The 71-year-old retired Marine who opened fire on two robbers at a Plantation, Florida, Subway shop late Wednesday, killing one and critically wounding the other, is described as John Lovell, a former helicopter pilot for two presidents. He doesn't drink, he doesn't smoke, and he works out every day. Mr.. Lovell was a man of action Wednesday night.

 

According to  Plantation police, two masked gunmen came into the Subway at  1949 N. Pine Rd. just after 11 p.m. There was a lone diner, Mr. Lovell, who was finishing his meal. After robbing the cashier, the two men attempted to shove Mr. Lovell into a bathroom and rob him as well. They got his money, but then Mr. Lovell pulled his handgun and opened fire. He shot one of the thieves in the head and chest and the other in the head.

 

When police arrived, they found one of the men in the shop, K-9 Units found the other in the bushes of a nearby business. They also found cash strewn around the front of the sandwich shop according to Detective Robert Rettig of the Plantation Police Department..  

Both men were taken to the   Broward General   Medical   Center , where one, Donicio Arrindell, 22, of   North Lauderdale died. The other, 21-year-old Frederick Gadson of   Fort Lauderdale is in critical but stable condition.

Mr. Lovell was a pilot in the Marine Corps, flying former Presidents John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson. He later worked as a pilot for Pan Am and Delta Airlines.

He is not expected to be charged authorities said. ''He was in fear for his life,'' Detective Rettig said, "These criminals ought to realize that most men in their 70's have military backgrounds and aren't intimidated by idiots."

Something tells me this old Marine wasn't 'in fear for his life', even though his life was definitely at risk. The only thing he could be charged with is participating in an unfair fight. One 71- year young Marine against two punks. Two head shots and one center body mass shot.

Outstanding shooting! That'll teach them not to get between a Marine and his meal.

Florida  law allows eligible citizens to carry a concealed weapon. Don't you just love a story with a happy ending?

 

 

 
 
Mar 01, 2011
How to help cut gas prices!!!!
 

Here's  the idea: For the rest of this year, DON'T purchase ANY gasoline from  the two biggest companies (which now are  one), EXXON and MOBIL.

If  they are not selling any gas, they will be inclined to reduce their  prices.   If they reduce their prices, the other companies will  have to follow suit.

But  to have an impact, we need to reach literally millions of Exxon and  Mobil gas buyers.  It's really simple to do!  Now, don't  wimp out on me at this point...keep reading and I'll explain how  simple it is to reach millions of  people!!

I  am sending this note to 30 people.  If each of us send it to at  least ten more (30 x 10 = 300) ...  and those 300 send it to at  least ten more (300 x 10 =  3,000)... and  so on, by the time the message reaches the sixth group of people, we  will have reached over THREE MILLION  consumers .
If  those three million get excited and pass this on to ten friends each,  then 30 million people will have been  contacted!

If  it goes one level further, you guessed it.....  THREE HUNDRED  MILLION PEOPLE!!!

Again,  all you have to do is send this to 10 people.  That's  all!

(If  you don't understand how we can reach 300 million and all you have to  do is send this to 10 people....  Well, let's face it, you just  aren't a mathematician.  But I am .  so trust me on this  one.

How  long would all that take?  If each of us sends this e-mail out to  ten more people within one day of receipt, all 300 MILLION people  could conceivably be contacted within the next 8  days!

I'll  bet you didn't think you and I had that much potential, did  you!   Acting together we  can make a difference.

If  this makes sense to you, please pass this message on.  I suggest  that we not buy from EXXON/MOBIL UNTIL THEY LOWER THEIR PRICES TO THE  $2.00 RANGE AND KEEP THEM DOWN.  THIS CAN REALLY  WORK.

 

 
 
Feb 28, 2011

Buckles, last WWI doughboy, dies at 110 in W.Va.

Frank Buckles enlisted in World War I at 16 after lying about his age.
He died Sunday, Jan 27, 2011,
 on his farm in Charles Town, nearly a month after his 110th birthday.

Details for services and arrangements will be announced later this week, but the family is planning a burial in Arlington National Cemetery. In 2008, friends persuaded the federal government to make an exception to its rules for who can be interred there.

 
 
Feb 21, 2011
From Ann Murphy Cedarhurst, NY
Dear Tommy,
It is with tremendous sadness that I write you of the passing of Lou Ruggiero.  He died Jan. 23, 2009. Lou served in Korea from 1950-52.
Lou was an actor and I was a dancer. We met in a show in 1997. We
were together eleven years.  Lou was in the movie WEST SIDE STORY, play one of the police officers.  Lou worked with a great many actors, including MAE WEST, BASIL RATHBONE, RED BUTTONS, SAM LEVINE, GERTRUDE BERG, and MOLLEY PICON, he also work with several directors, MIKE NICHOLS, ROBERT WISE, and JEROME ROBBINS
 

Feb 10, 2011

To Ben and Loren,

 Thank you so much for the Peanut Brittle.  I deeply

apologize for not getting this photo to you sooner than I hoped, but it

took me this long to find it.  My commander took the photo, but we can't

just add them onto our government computers, so it took a little while

along with the mission that we have over here to get the picture

converted to a safe format to add onto the computers here so that I

could send.   I hope that all is well with you back there and hope that

you have a blast at the 2011 Signal Reunion in Ft. Gordon.  Hopefully

this reaches you in plenty of time where you can tell everyone about

your legacy that you began in South Korea, and us continuing it in

Afghanistan still supplying the war fighters with the best communications

possible. 

 

Thank you again and give our best to all of the Signaleers at the

Reunion!!!

"Semper Constans"

1SG Smith, Joshua B.

B/51st Sig. Bn. (E), Task Force Tiger

First Sergeant

NIPR: 421-6723

SIPR: 841-6401

 
 
 
 

Feb 05, 2011

 

From Carol Hartle

My husband Frederick Hartle, died Oct. 11, 2010.

He was in Korea 1950-52 with the 51st Signal Bn.

He was very proud of his years in the Army.

He was 80 years old.

He attended Ft. Meade signal school.

Fred was a long term member of the 51St Signal Bn Alumni Asso

 

 

 

Feb 05, 2011

 

From Carol Hartle

My husband Frederick Hartle, died Oct. 11, 2010.

He was in Korea 1950-52 with the 51st Signal Bn.

He was very proud of his years in the Army.

He was 80 years old.

He attended Ft. Meade signal school.

Fred was a long term member of the 51St Signal Bn Alumni Asso.

 

 

 

Feb 03, 2011

 

Sent in by Mark Jenkins

Tommy,

I have been receiving your mailings about your reunions for some time now.

My father, Claud Jenkins passed away in July of 2004.

I thought that I notified you about that and if I didn’t, I apologize.

Good luck to you and always, Thank you for your service to our country.



Feb 01, 2011

 

Russell Kelly of Selbyville, DE, Passed away

March 06, 2010

 



July 6, 2010




Herbert Ayers  July 2, 2010 at 4:49pm

Re: 2010 Reunion

I am not going to make it there this year do to family needs in in Virginia.

I am going to miss you guys so say Hi to everyone for me.

" Oh! WHERE IS BEN????"

till him to, if you find him.

Your Army 51st sig budy Herb.

June 23, 2010




From Ltc Peter (Joe) Tragakis, Commander 67th Signal Bn, Iraq.

Tommy,
We are still in Iraq.

Please tell everyone we said hello.

I wish you and the rest of the "Oldest and Finest" the best during your 2010 reunion.

Sincerely,

Joe Tragakis

May. 26, 2010




Thanks for your note.

We're still on track and are working the details for the week.

We've already committed for the ball and have reserved the club.

I have the action officers coordinating on post for activities external to us.

We do have a lot going on, but we will have no problem managing this.

Information will likely be sparse for another couple of weeks as we are wrestling with our other obligations.

This is important to me and the battalion.

I ask you to be patient and trust us to put together a great week.

If there is something you need to put out to the alumni immediately,
let me know and I will ensure you will get the information.

Thanks,

Gary Ridenhour

May 26, 2010




The dates for the 2010 Reunion are set.

The dates are :

July 7th (Wed), 8th (Thu), 9th (Fri) and 10th, 2010.

The 7th will be registration and dinner meeting.

The 8th will be breakfast, tour and 51st dinner .

The 9th will be breakfast, tour and Signal Corps Ball.

The 10th will be breakfast and Reunion conclusion.

The News Letter will be mailed after April 7th, 2010

There a few minor projects to work out.

So go ahead and make you reservation and trip plans.

There will be no changes made in the dates.



Mar. 4, 2010



We are sorrier to announce the passing of Teresa Dobson.

Tom and Teresa were among our most active Alumni.
They made every Reunion since 1998.
Teresa White Dobson of Vienna, VA, passed
away on January, 7, 2010 at Inova Fair
Oaks
Hospital
. She is survived by her beloved
husand of 58 years, Thomas R. Dobson (51st Signal Bn,
Co. A, Uijongbu, S. Korea, 1951-52.); and
five children and nine grandchildren

For additional information contact,
Tommy Thompson, tom@itexas.net or call: (817) 326-4773

Feb. 24, 2010

 

Tommy Thompson:

Your VA address:

VA Address   

See: Register today!
Lower right side

Feb.14, 2010



Entered by: Tommy Thompson

Tommy's daughter, Juluit Thompson weds Mark Wisdom, July 14, 2010

Dallas, Texas.




Feb.14, 2010



Entered by Tommy Thompson.

2010 Reunion, July 7th, 8th, 9th and 10th.

Tacoma/Ft. Lewis, WA

The 51st Signal Battalion is still alive and on active duty.
They are headquartered at Ft. Lewis, WA , Commanded by Ltc Gary Ridenhour.
We are still the OLDEST and FINEST signal corps unit in the Army.
We are having a Reunion with them on July 7, 2010 till July 10, 2010.
The Reunion headquarters will be at the:

La Quinta Inn (Dome),
1425 East 27th Street,
Tacoma, WA 98421
.
Direct: (253) 272-2802.

For more information go to our web site: www2.itexas.net/tom.
There will be two fun pack tours to Ft. Lewis, three breakfast, 2 dinner, 2 lunches (at mess hall),
and one Signal Corps Ball.
There is nothing more exciting than to see all these fine young soldier in their dress blues and greens.
Any one of the activities will be worth the whole cost of the Reunion. Let me hear from.

Tommy Thompson,
4129 Fairway Dr,
Granbury, TX, 76049,
(817) 326-4773 or boyd@itexas.net.

We generally have our Reunion at an Army base,
So we can show the troops that there is at least one group out there that supports them personally.
You will have the chance to visit, chat, breakbread and go out in the field with the troops.
So come join the fun.

Feb.12, 2010



Tommy, Feb. 12, 2010

Thanks for the updates.
I sure do miss the 51st.
I hear good things are happening and the proud traditions continue.
Thanks for all you are doing to keep us informed.
My new contact info for work is below.
We are still digging out from the snow.

LTC Paul H. Fredenburgh III
Chief, Current Operations Branch
Army CIO/G-6, AONS, Ops & Plans Div

Awards during Korean War 1950-1953



Feb. 06, 2010



From Headquarters 51st Signal Batalion, Ft Lewis, WA
Subject Signal Corps Ball

" Tommy: Feb. 04, 2010

We are still struggling for visibility on what week we can execute this important event.
We've had some recent adjustment in our deployment timeline,
and that has caused me to have to reshuffle the training planned for this summer.
I think I can lock in some dates for you next week. Thanks for your patience.

I hope all is well in Texas. The Soldiers here are doing great things and carry the legacy of the 51st well.
Thanks for what you do for the alumni and Soldiers of the 51st.
We are looking forward to the festivities this Summer.

(Ltc) Gary Ridenhour "

Feb. 04, 2010



Tommy,
I hope all goes well with the 51st reunion this year.
We are still in Iraq - but all is going well. We should return to Fort Gordon this summer.
Please tell your wife I said hello. I knew LTC Ridenhour when we were lieutenants together at Fort Hood.
He is a great guy and I'm sure he'll do an outstanding job leading the Soldiers of the "Oldest & Finest" Battalion.

Sincerely,

Ltc Joe Tragakis
CSM McCarthy
SGM Penton

Feb. 02, 2010



Tommy,
I mailed the check today.
Thanks for being the driving force behind the 51st Signal Bn. Alumni Association.
I was absolutely amazed and humbled by the reception our group got at Ft. Gordon, Ga.
I took my Signal training there in 1969 and never, in my wildest dreams,
did I ever visualize myself standing with a group of veterans and receiving a standing ovation
from our active duty comrades-in arms.
Wow! What an moving experience that was.
I was truly honored to be in such great company.
Mike Galvin ( Co. A 1973-75 )

News-2011

 

Jan., 2011


Reunion 2010

July 7, 8 ,9 and 10, 2010

Tacoma/Ft. Lewis, WA

The 51st Signal Battalion is still alive and on active duty.
They are headquartered at Ft. Lewis, WA , Commanded by Ltc Gary Ridenhour.
We are still the OLDEST and FINEST signal corps unit in the Army.
We are having a Reunion with them on July 7, 2010 till July 10, 2010.
The Reunion headquarters will be at the:

La Quinta Inn (Dome),
1425 East 27th Street,
Tacoma, WA 98421
.
Direct: (253) 272-2802.

For more information go to our web site: www2.itexas.net/tom.
There will be two fun pack tours to Ft. Lewis, three breakfast, 2 dinner, 2 lunches (at mess hall),
and one Signal Corps Ball.
There is nothing more exciting than to see all these fine young soldier in their dress blues and greens.
Any one of the activities will be worth the whole cost of the Reunion. Let me hear from.

Tommy Thompson,
4129 Fairway Dr,
Granbury, TX, 76049,
(817) 326-4773 or boyd@itexas.net.

We generally have our Reunion at an Army base,
So we can show the troops that there is at least one group out there that supports them personally.
You will have the chance to visit, chat, breakbread and go out in the field with the troops.
So come join the fun.

Feb.12, 2010



Tommy, Feb. 12, 2010

Thanks for the updates.
I sure do miss the 51st.
I hear good things are happening and the proud traditions continue.
Thanks for all you are doing to keep us informed.
My new contact info for work is below.
We are still digging out from the snow.

LTC Paul H. Fredenburgh III
Chief, Current Operations Branch
Army CIO/G-6, AONS, Ops & Plans Div

Awards during Korean War 1950-1953



Feb. 06, 2010



From Headquarters 51st Signal Batalion, Ft Lewis, WA
Subject Signal Corps Ball

" Tommy: Feb. 04, 2010

We are still struggling for visibility on what week we can execute this important event.
We've had some recent adjustment in our deployment timeline,
and that has caused me to have to reshuffle the training planned for this summer.
I think I can lock in some dates for you next week. Thanks for your patience.

I hope all is well in Texas. The Soldiers here are doing great things and carry the legacy of the 51st well.
Thanks for what you do for the alumni and Soldiers of the 51st.
We are looking forward to the festivities this Summer.

(Ltc) Gary Ridenhour "

Feb. 04, 2010



Tommy,
I hope all goes well with the 51st reunion this year.
We are still in Iraq - but all is going well. We should return to Fort Gordon this summer.
Please tell your wife I said hello. I knew LTC Ridenhour when we were lieutenants together at Fort Hood.
He is a great guy and I'm sure he'll do an outstanding job leading the Soldiers of the "Oldest & Finest" Battalion.

Sincerely,

Ltc Joe Tragakis
CSM McCarthy
SGM Penton

Feb. 02, 2010



Tommy,
I mailed the check today.
Thanks for being the driving force behind the 51st Signal Bn. Alumni Association.
I was absolutely amazed and humbled by the reception our group got at Ft. Gordon, Ga.
I took my Signal training there in 1969 and never, in my wildest dreams,
did I ever visualize myself standing with a group of veterans and receiving a standing ovation
from our active duty comrades-in arms.
Wow! What an moving experience that was.
I was truly honored to be in such great company.
Mike Galvin ( Co. A 1973-75 )

Jan. 31, 2010



Firnished by Loren Jensen.
You may want to help these folks out.

Korean War National Museum
303 North 5th Street
PO Box 299

Springfield IL 62705-0299

Toll Free Phone: 888-295-7212

Dec. 18, 2009



Sent in by Hector M. Pagan-Serrano














Awards during Korean War 1950-1953




Nov. 14, 2009



Sent in by David Bradburn, T&T Co., 1951-52.


Nov. 11, 2009



Sent in by Stan Schaefer, R&M Co., 1952-53.




Our daughter Karen (she is a captain on an Airbus A320 airliner with Northwest)
(now Delta) she just sent me this picture of her at the ship NEW YORK at the
dedication today in New York Harbor

Oct.31, 2009



Jury fraud scam

This has been verified by the FBI (their link is also included below).
Please pass this on to everyone in your email address book. It is
spreading fast so be prepared should you get this call. Most of us take
those summonses for jury duty seriously, but enough people skip out on
their civic duty, that a new and ominous kind of fraud has surfaced.
The caller claims to be a jury coordinator.. If you protest that you
never received a summons for jury duty, the scammer asks you for your
Social Security number and date of birth so he or she can verify the
information and cancel the arrest warrant. Give out any of this
information and bingo; your identity was just stolen. The fraud has
been reported so far in 11 states, including Okl! ahoma , Illinois , and
Colorado This (swindle) is particularly insidious because they use
intimidation over the phone to try to bully people into giving
information by pretending they are with the court system. The FBI and
the federal court system have issued nation wide alerts on their web
sites, warning consumers about the fraud. Check it out

here: http://www.fbi.gov/page2/june06/jury_scams060206.htm
And
here: http://www.snopes.com/crime/fraud/juryduty.asp

Yep! It's true Please make sure and pass this on!

Oct.18, 2009



Change of Command Ceremony


Oct, 13, 2009.

Tommy Thompson, National Co-ordinater, 51st Signal Bn Alumni Asso,
and several other Alumni, met with Ltc Paul Fredenburgh (51st Signal Commander)
and Ltc Gary Ridenhour ( New 51st Signal Commander) at Ft. Lewis, WA.

The Alumni that attended the C of C Ceremonies were:

Les Arant, Colusa, CA,
Phil & Suzanne Diamon, Eugene, OR,
A. C. & Velma Jordan, Lacey WA,
Hector Pagan-Serrano, Seattle WA,
Haroland Patterson, Tacoma WA,
Tommy Thompson, Grandbury TX,
Joe & Navonne Waterhouse, Shelton WA,
Donald Wiethuechter, Tacoma WA.

We discussed the future of the Alumni Asso..
Ltc Ridenhour said he would be glad to support
and host our 2010 Reunion at Ft. Lewis, WA, in June, 2010.

The 2010 Reunion headquarters
will be at the La Quinta Inn (bowl),
A C Jordan ( velasea@aol.com ) will act as liaison
between Asso. and La Quinta Inn,
Joe Waterhouse, ( jh20hous2@yahoo.com )will act as master
of ceremony at La Quinta Inn dinners, and
Haroland (Pat) Patterson ( harolandc@aol.com ) will act as liaison between Asso.
And 51st Signal Bn (ESB), Ft. Lewis, WA.

Oct 14, 2009.

There was a farewell dinner for outgoing 51st Signal Commander, Ltc Paul Fredenburgh,
at the Ram Restaurant, Lakewood, WA.
There were many speeches and presents, and a very fine dinner.

Oct 15, 2009.

Change of Command was in the SOLIDER FIELD HOUSE, Ft. Lewis, WA, at 10:00am.
Ltc Paul Fredenburgh handed over command to Ltc Gary Ridenhour.

After the Change of Command Ceremony, there was a reception for incoming Commander
Ltc Gary Ridenhour, held at the Post Chapel, Ft. Lewis, WA, with food, punch and cake.

Many pictures were taken by Sgt Lindsey O'Field, see Change of Command for pictures.

Oct.13, 2009



Furnished by : Otis Willie PIO The American War Library


Veterans Health Care Budget Reform and Transparency Act.

I ( President Obama) want everybody to know today is a victory for all the veterans'
organizations who are represented on this stage who fought for years for reform.
They deserve a huge congratulations. Today is a tribute to those who led the fight in
Congress: Senator -- and World War II vet -- Danny Akaka, and Representative Bob Filner
thank you for your leadership.
Over 500,000 "Priority 8" veterans, were restored to VA health care coverage.
Thank Senator Tim Johnson -- for his great work in the Senate.
Somebody who has been fighting for veterans since he entered into Congress and is just
tireless on this issue -- Chet Edwards.
The other members of Congress who worked so hard: Michael Michaud -- Phil Hare.
Harry Brown did great work on this. And so many others. This is areminder of what's
possible when we come together, Democrats and Republicans, to do right by our veterans.
It is fiscally responsible by not adding a dime to the deficit. And it ensures that veterans'
health care will no longer be held hostage to the annual budget battles in Washington.
President Obama said that's why I am thrilled to be signing this legislation into law.

Oct. 12, 2009



For your information: The VA has several Grant programs you may want to look at.

The HISA program is available for both service-connected disabled veterans
and non serviceconnected disabled veterans as detailed below:

#1: home improvement benefits up to $4,100 may be provided to service-connected
disabled veterans; and

#2: home improvement benefits up to $1,200 may be provided to nonserviceconnected
disabled veterans.

Application Process

To apply for the HISA grant, the veteran completes and submits VA Form 10-0103,
Veterans Application for Assistance in Acquiring Home Improvement and Structural
Alterations to the local VA medical center.

Oct 10, 2009

 
*** Special Events Notice***

Sent in by:

Tommy Thompson

The 51st Signal Bn has returned from Iraq.

Ltc Paul Fredenburgh will be moving up in the Army

and his replacement will be Ltc Gary Ridenhour.

After a battalion wide furlough, in Sept, there will be three events in Oct. 2009

#1. There will an uncasing the Colors and award ceremony on the 7th of October 2009.

#2. There will be a farewell dinner for Ltc Paul Fredenburgh Oct. 14th , 2009

#3. There will be a Change of Command Ceremony on the 15th of October, 2009.

For anyone wanting to attend any of the functions, let me know as soon as possible,

( boyd@itexas.net or (817) 326-4773)

as there maybe some gift for those attending Alumni.

We already have 8 Alumni signed up !!!

I plan the attend the last two.

We have arrange to get special rates at the:

Travelodge Tacoma

3517 Pacific Hwy E

Tacoma, WA 98425


253-922-0550

The rooms will be: singles $54.99 and doubles $67.99

You will have to call 1-800-578-7878 to make your reservations (conf. # 72496175).

I have had to cancel rooms on hold for C of C (conf. #77646681)

Oct 3, 2009


Korean War and Defense Medals 1950-53 1954-present.

July 02, 2009

 

We concluded the 2009 Reunion at Ft. Gordon, GA, Sat. June 27, 2009.


The Americas Best Inns Augusta Hotel was a delightful place to stay. We were very cordial.
They lived up to all the promises they made. We were able to use the whole lobby for you
registration. The Margarita Mexican Restaurant also did more for us than I expected.
They closed their doors to the public at 3:00 PM to allow us to have ordure’s and
drinks during our registration, social hour (6:00pm - 7:00pm), and dinner.
The restaurant furnished three buffet breakfasts.
They also furnished us with a terrific set down dinner.


The dinner was followed by our Keynote Speaker and host of our 2009 Reunion,
Ltc Peter J. Tragakis, Commander, 67th Signal Bn. Ltc Tragakis explain the role the
Signal Corps was playing in the New Army.


We had a two day tour of Ft. Gordon.

The tours included a visit to the battalion headquarters and orientation,
Ft. Gordon Signal Corps Museum, training site for node operation, field exercises,
base exchange, simulate riffle range ( where all Alumni were allowed to fire the M-16 riffle ).


<br< the NCO academy, GTE training faculty, and tour of a Cobra exercises.


At our Ft. Gordon dinner, the Ft. Gordon Command Sergeant Major, Thomas Clark

was the Keynote Speaker.

He ended his talk with the poem “ Ragged Old Flag ”. This poem was very moving.

We had three diners, two luncheons and one breakfast with the troops.

We were the honored guest at the Signal Corps Ball,
where all the troops came in dressed blues.

This was the high light of the Reunion.

They put on a very good show, with many interesting events.

Listed below are the Alumni who attended the 2009 Reunion.

All of these Alumni worked out of Uijongbu, S. Korea during the Korean War and after, 1950-67.

G.B. (Buck) Palmer, VA; Blane & Judy Altizer, MD; Herbert & Judith Ayers, FL;
Jerry & Irene Busch, OH; James M & Marilyn Chase, VA; James & Karen Cobb, LA;
Larry & Carol Foote, CA; Edward & Jacqualine Gallant, MA; Mike Galvin, IL;
Hector Pagan-Serrano, WA; Carl Kaiser & Paul, PA ; Arthur & Annabelle King, MD;
Cliff & Charlene Mecklenburg, OH; Frank Moten & wife, GA; Loren Jensen, TX;
Charles G. & Margaret Odgers, TX; Terry & Sherrel Parkman, GA; Les Arant, CA;
Ben Aluzas, IL; Tommy & Betty Thompson, TX.

Tommy Thompson
Co. R&M 1950-53

Oct. 1, 2009



For your information: The VA has several Grant programs you may want to look at.

The HISA program is available for both service-connected disabled veterans
and non serviceconnected disabled veterans as detailed below:

#1: home improvement benefits up to $4,100 may be provided to service-connected
disabled veterans; and

#2: home improvement benefits up to $1,200 may be provided to nonserviceconnected
disabled veterans.

July 1, 2009

 

New car allowance



Car Allowance Rebate System: President Obama signed into law for transactions on and after
1 JUL 09 a program the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is calling the
Car Allowance Rebate System (CARS). This is a federal program that helps you purchase a new,
more fuel efficient vehicle when you trade in a less fuel efficient vehicle. For further info
refer to:
http://www.cars.gov
Following are some rules that apply to this program:
* The amount of the credit is $3,500 or $4,500, and generally depends on the type of vehicle
you purchase and the difference in fuel economy between the purchased vehicle and the trade-in
vehicle. You may trade in or buy a domestic or a foreign vehicle.

Different requirements apply
for work trucks.

* You do not need a voucher and you are not required to sign up or enroll in this program.
Participating new car dealers will apply a credit, reducing the price you pay at the time of
your purchase or lease, provided the vehicle you buy or lease and the vehicle you trade in
meet the program requirements. The dealer will then obtain reimbursement from the government.

* The law requires dealers to be registered to participate in the program.

* Your trade-in vehicle must have been manufactured less than 25 years before the date you trade
it in, have a "new" combined city/highway fuel economy of 18 miles per gallon or less, be in
drivable condition, and be continuously insured and registered to the same owner for the full
year preceding the trade-in.

* Under the program, you may purchase a new vehicle or lease a new vehicle up to 1 NOV 09,
provided the lease period for the new vehicle is at least five years.
The program does not apply to the purchase of used vehicles.

* The new vehicle's manufacturer's suggested retail price cannot exceed $45,000.

The new vehicle must also achieve minimum combined fuel economy levels.

For passenger automobiles, the new vehicle must have a combined fuel economy value of at
least 22 miles per gallon. For category 1 trucks, the new vehicle must have a combined fuel
economy value of at least 18 miles per gallon. For category 2 trucks, the new vehicle must
have a combined fuel economy value of at least 15 miles per gallon. Category 3 trucks have
no minimum fuel economy requirement; however, there are special requirements that apply to the
purchase of category 3 vehicles.

* The law requires your trade-in vehicle to be destroyed. Therefore, the value you negotiate
with the dealer for your trade-in vehicle is not likely to exceed its scrap value.

The law requires the dealer to disclose to you an estimate of the scrap value of your trade-in
vehicle.

* The entity crushing or shredding the vehicles in will be allowed to sell some parts of the
vehicle prior to crushing or shredding it, but these parts cannot include the engine or the
drive train.

* The program does not apply retroactively.

* The CARS Act expressly provides that the credit is not income for the consumer and thus is
not taxable. However, the credit will be considered as income for the dealer.

* The CARS Act requires the dealer to use the credit under the program in addition to any
rebates or discounts advertised by the dealer or offered by the new vehicle's manufacturer.

The dealer may not use the credit to offset these rebates and discounts. * Not more than one credit may be issued for single or joint registered owner of a single
eligible trade-in vehicle and it can only be used one time.

[Source: http://www.usa.gov 20 Jul 09 ++]

June 23, 2009



Darrell ( Shifty ) Powers Died June 17, 2009, At age 86.



A True American Hero.

Darrell "Shifty" Powers, like millions of Americans, answered the call of World War II.
A quiet, unassuming man, Shifty joined the Army and then volunteered for the Airborne.
After intensive training, Powers was assigned to the famed Easy Company 2nd Battalion,
506th Parachute Infantry Regiment of the 101st Airborne Division, where he jumped into
Normandy on D-day. He was involved in the assault on Bracore Manor, which saved thousands
of lives on Omaha Beach.

Powers fought in the battle of Carentan and the airborne invasion of Holland as part of
Operation Market Garden, where millions of French and Dutch citizens found freedom.
The 506th was encircled by superior German forces in the Battle of the Bulge and against
incredible odds, successfully defended the city of Bastone. Powers and the 506th then
entered Germany, liberated concentration camps and captured Hitlers, "Eagles Nest" in
Berchtesgarden.

Shifty survived the war only to be seriously injured in an auto accident while en route home
and his return to civilian life.

Like millions of veterans, Powers lived a simple productive life and would have slipped into
history unknown if it were not for Stephen Ambrose and the story "Band of Brothers", which
was turned into an HBO mini series.

Tom Brokaw called this the "Greatest Generation" and I tend to agree. Average men and women<br< rose to the call to defend freedom. Their sacrifice freed millions and defeated true evil. This quiet man did not live in ostentatious wealth. He did not want to go to war, nor did
he seek adulation for his service, but he answered the call and the world is free because
of his efforts and sacrifice.

June 22, 2009

 

Submitted By: Cathy Hatfield

Robert E. Hatfield

August 20, 1919 - June 10, 2009

MARLBOROUGH - Robert E. Hatfield, 89, of Marlborough died Wednesday, June 10, 2009
at UMass Medical Center,Worcester. He was the husband of Irene D. (Corey) Hatfield,
who died in 2000. Born in Arlington, the son of the late Frederick D. and Mary L.
(Hayward) Hatfield, he was raised in Belmont, graduated from Belmont High School,
and later attended Suffolk Law School. He was a U.S. Army veteran with the rank of MSgt,
serving during WWII and Korea in the European African Middle Eastern Theater with
Company C 51st Signal Battalion. He worked in the security department of Raytheon for
over 30 years, and enjoyed golfing, reading, the Red Sox and Patriots, and was a U.S. war
history buff.
He leaves three sons, Richard A. Hatfield, and his wife, Catherine, of Acton, Steven R. Hatfield,
at 2 p.m. Calling hours are private. Instead of flowers, donations may be made to the Fisher
House Boston, P.O. Box 230, South Walpole, MA 02071. Funeral arrangements are under the
direction of the Fitzgerald & Collins Funeral Home (www.CollinsFuneral.com), 378 Lincoln St.,
Marlborough, MA
.

June 20, 2009

 

The time has come to leave for Ft. Gordon, 2009 Reunion site.

Its never too late.

Come on down to Ft. Gordon and we will sign you up on June 24th, 2009.

2009 Reunion

June 24th, 25th, 26th and 27th, 2009

*** LTC Joe Tragakis***, Commanding Officer, of 67th Signal Battalion will be your host.

Supported by ***Col. John W. Baker***, Commanding Officer 35th Signal Brigade.M

Reunion Headquarters

Americas Best Inns Augusta-Grovetown

461 Parkwest DriveMbr

Augusta, GA 30813

(706) 855-9111

Each member must make their own reservations for accommodations.

COST OF ACCOMODATIONS:

Singles: $65.00 Single occupancy per day.

Doubles: $65.00 Double occupancy per day.

Phone number: (706) 855-9111

You must mention the 51st. Signal Battalion to receive the above rates.

Reservations need to be made before May 28, 2009.

Dress code: See dress codes at dinner sites.

For more info. go to www2.itexas.net/tom or call 817-326-4773.

June 11, 2009

 

The Battalion is doing "OUT-STANDING WORK" !

As you read the rest of the newsletter, you will see the improvements in the
commerciali-zation projects, the metals won in sports competitions,
and that the 51st once again swept the Task Force Diamond Soldier and NCO
of the Quarter boards.
We also had one Soldier who saved the life of a contractor by performing the Heimlich.
You just have to read the pages to see that this Battalion is making a difference.
I cannot go anywhere without someone telling me how great our Soldiers
are and how great our communications services are.
June is here and the weather in Iraq is hot – over 100 degrees hot.
But, more importantly, June means that the end of our OIF rotation is in sight.
With that in mind, we all need to maintain our focus. Let me put it in sports terms.
It’s the fourth quarter and we are up 21-0.
In order to finish strong, we have to remember our blocking and tackling,
the smaller details of our signal craft.
Let's maintain focus on the basics and win the game by keeping our phenominal
98% reliability rating and 98% operational readiness rating.
Continue to watch your buddy. In all that we do, think safety.
With the weather over 100 degrees, hy-drate.
We are all getting excited and making redeployment plans which is a good thing,
but we will not lose this game because we didn’t keep our eye on the ball.
The redeployment will be here before you know it.
Let’s focus and go out as strong as we came in.
At Fort Lewis, the Rear Detachment is preparing to move into our new
headquarters on North Fort Lewis.
There is a lot to do before the Battalion returns. We will have new barracks,
a new motorpool and new offices. Hopefully, the rain clouds will clear for
sunny skies upon our return.
Our Battalion's families have done a great job supporting us while we have been
deployed and it is almost time for us to show them how much they were missed.
Our return is quickly approaching, continue to hold down the home front and we will
meet you back in Washington very soon.
Lastly, I just want to provide some basic information to allow all of us to plan
events after we return.
We will provide more detail in the July issue, but here is some preliminary information.
Most will be home at the end of August, sometime during the last 10 days of the month.
We will leave a small group of late deployers as a port detail for up to 30 days to
ensure disposition of our equipment.
Everyone returning is required to report to work daily for seven consecutive days of
reintegration training.
Once this training is completed, Soldiers will be allowed to take up to 30 days of
block leave.
When we return from leave in early October, the Battalion will have an awards
ceremony to recognize both the Soldier's outstanding deployment efforts and
the hard work of our FRG, along with a picnic to celebrate our homecoming.
I hope this gives you an idea of what we can look forward to.
Until next month,

ALWAYS CONSTANT!
Paul H. Fredenburgh III
LTC, SC
Commanding

May 13, 2009

 

Mercury Rising

The Newsletter of the 51st Signal Battalion (Expeditionary)

Iraq, May 2009

THE COMMANDER’S NOTES:

LTC Paul H. Fredenburgh III

There is a tremendous synergy that exists between the officer and the NCO that has been
the life blood of the Army for centuries. The word synergy is derived from the Greek word
synergos (working together) and is defined as follows: Synergy - The interaction of two
or more agents or forces so that their combined effect is greater than the sum of their
individual effects.

As the Army celebrates " The Year of the NCO ", we reflect on the
immeasurable value that the NCO Corps has contributed to the Army and to our great nation
over the years. We are also reminded of the synergy that is created when you combine
the knowledge, experience and leadership abilities of the officer and NCO together,
to create a more powerful unit. When the officer or the NCO stands alone, they are not
nearly as strong as they are as a team, working together. Their combined efforts are much
more effective than each one taken separately. If you look at the Army‘s leadership structure,
you will notice that every platoon, company, battalion, brigade, corps, etc. is commanded by
a team – an officer and an NCO. As a command team, the officer and NCO work in tandem,
where one‘s strengths compensate for the weaknesses of the other, and vice-versa.

The strongest command teams have the officers and NCOs consistently working side by side,
as one force, making decisions as a team. Over time, the two are able to learn from each other,
anticipate the other‘s actions and lead as a cohesive unit. Junior officers and NCOs, whether
they know it or not, are witness to these synergies in action and eventually adopt many of
these same practices and use them to create their own, unique leadership styles. I am extremely
proud of the synergy that has been developed in the command teams of the 51st. Without NCOs,
the Army would fall apart. Known as the backbone of the Army, the NCO Corps provides the
support structure necessary to hold the Army together, and is the driving force behind all
missions.

When Soldiers are promoted to Sergeant, they take on a heightened level of
responsibility inherent in the Corps of NCOs. They are now viewed as experienced,
selfmotivated professionals that place the mission first and put the needs of Soldiers above
their own.

They are often viewed as the subject matter experts of their craft, and provide a wealth of
experience.

Apr. 25, 2009

 

Put your car keys beside your bed at night



Assuming that you have vehicle that has a remote controlled alarm system,
Tell your spouse, your children, your neighbors, your parents, your Dr's
office, the check-out girl at the market, everyone you run across. Put your
car keys beside your bed at night.
If you hear a noise outside your home or someone trying to get in your
house, just press the panic button for your car. The alarm will be set off,
and the horn will continue to sound until either you turn it off or the car
battery dies. This tip came from a neighborhood watch coordinator. Next
time you come home for the night and you start to put your keys away, think
of this: It's a security alarm system that you probably already have and
requires no installation. Test it. It will go off from most everywhere
inside your house and will keep honking until your battery runs down or
until you reset it with the button on the key fob chain. It works if you
park in your driveway or garage. If your car alarm goes off when someone is
trying to break into your house, odds are the burglar/rapist won't stick
around. After a few seconds all the neighbors will be looking out their
windows to see who is out there and sure enough the criminal won't want
that. And remember to carry your keys while walking to your car in a parking
lot. The alarm can work the same way there. This is something that should
really be shared with everyone. Maybe it could save a life or a sexual abuse
crime.

Apr. 18, 2009

 

Mercury Rising

The Newsletter of the 51st Signal Battalion (Expeditionary)

Iraq, April 2009

LEAVING OUR LEGACY
BY MAJ PETE WILSON, EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Our heritage runs deep and our soldiers are carried on the shoulders of those 51st Signal
Battalion Signalers from generations past.

Iraq has certainly been more stable and secure since the surge of U, S, forces.
We are very fortunate to witness the current fragile peace and stability.
And as a unit, we have made a tremendous impact on this success, Our battalion has
over 46 systems in a theater mesh at 32 location in system.
Our battalion’s communication footprint covers the entire country of Iraq,
about the size of California.
We are adaptive and resourceful in establishing a footprint into a battle space previously
occupied by two signal battalions.
This was no small feat considering our equipment is interlaced in a theater communications
architecture that has included eight divisions and one Marine Expeditionary Force.
And we have done this while keeping a phenomenal operational readiness rate average 98%
and a 98% network reliability rate. Every day, someone can pick up a phone, or use their
computer because of us.
The enemy is tracked from an airborne Predator with data sent to an intelligence
specialist or to a tactical operations center using our transmission paths.
We have a hand in every facet of each unit’s daily operations. That’s our legacy.
From the smallest Military Transition Team to the Corps itself, we are one of the three C’s:
Command, Control, Communicate. History will remember, we did our part.
We left our families and friends, sacrificed for our nation and deployed.
With about four months remaining, we must remain focused and maintain our momentum.
Like a boxer in the seventh round, getting punched and slowly wearing down his opponent,
we must remain standing, victorious once the match is over.
We owe it to ourselves, our families and our nation.

“Always Constant!”

Our Soldiers never cease to impress me and the units that they support.
Last month, we had some pretty powerful wind storms.
At a remote site, one of our big 16 foot satellite dishes was withstanding some
forceful wind and a riveted bracket on the side of the dish broke in half.
Almost immediately, the team identified the problem and began fixing it.
They used some 550 parachute cord and effectively temporarily repaired the broken
bracket until a replacement could be shipped to their location.
This may not seem like a big deal, but this initiative ensured that the Soldiers at
this remote base could communicate with their unit. If our Soldiers had done nothing,
and allowed the link to drop, the site would have been isolated.
That is what I call initiative and ingenuity! One more story.
The Command Sergeant Major and I have the great privilege of traveling around to
visit the Communication teams and see the great work they are doing.
We usually stop in on the supported Battalion Commanders and Command Sergeants Major
to get their opinion on how well our teams are supporting their missions.
During our last trip the supported battalion commander, told me that he would rather
have our 51st team support his headquarters over his organic signal support.
In fact, he sent his organic sup-port to another location and kept ours with him.
If this is not the ultimate compliment, then I do not know what is.
Kudos to the Soldiers of the 51st!

Paul Fredenburgh III
Ltc, SC Commanding

Apr. 08, 2009

 

Posted by Marilyn Jones, wife of Richard Jones (Deceased)

Pole Line School, Ft. Gordon, GA, 1951


Richard Jones top far right.

Mar. 15, 2009

 
Cookeville, TN

Ltc Henry T. Eddleman passed away Sept. 23, 2007.

Ltc Eddleman Commanded the 51st Signal Bn Aug, 1968-Sept, 1969.

Henry served in Korea and Vietnam.

Served his country for 20 years, retiring in1975.

Company: Mary his wife for 55 years, 2 son and 2 daughters and 9 grandchildren.

Feb. 25, 2009

 

2009 Reunion

June 24th, 25th, 26th and 27th, 2009

*** LTC Joe Tragakis***, Commanding Officer, of 67th Signal Battalion will be your host.

Supported by ***Col. John W. Baker***, Commanding Officer 35th Signal Brigade.M

Reunion Headquarters

Americas Best Inns Augusta-Grovetown

461 Parkwest DriveMbr

Augusta, GA 30813

(706) 855-9111

Each member must make their own reservations for accommodations.

COST OF ACCOMODATIONS:

Singles: $65.00 Single occupancy per day.

Doubles: $65.00 Double occupancy per day.

Phone number: (706) 855-9111

You must mention the 51st. Signal Battalion to receive the above rates.

Reservations need to be made before May 28, 2009.

Dress code: See dress codes at dinner sites.

Send all money for meals and other activities to:

51st Signal Bn Alumni Asso.

4129 Fairway Dr

Granbury, TX 76049



51st Signal Bn Alumni Asso.
4129 Fairway Dr
Granbury, TX 76049

(817) 326-4773
boyd@itexas.net
www2.itexas.net/tom

Sept., 2008 our Asso. Computer crashed and we lost a lot of information.
Please fill out the whole form below.
For the Alumni on the East Coast, please make a special effort to attend,
to show the fine young soldiers we really support their service to our country.
Date __________ Name _______________________ Spouse/friend ______________________
Address __________________________
City ____________________ St _______ Zip _____________
Phone _________________________ E-mail _________________________

Will attend Reunion _____________ Will not attend Reunion_________________

June 24th

Individual dinners below $25.00 X _______ = ___________
Hotel meals choice of $75.00 X _______ = ____________
#1 (3) breakfast included
#2 fish filet, _________ or
#3 rib eye steak, _______ or
#4 grilled chicken breast ______
which will be served with rice, beans, and vegetables

June 25th

Ft Gordon meal choice $25.00 X _______ = ___________
#1 BBQ brisket _____ or #2 Fried Chicken _____ or
#3 Roast stuff w/ chicken ____ or
#4 Roast Beef & grilled chicken ____

June 26th

Signal Corp Ball $30.00 X ______ = ____________
Tour $25.00 X ______ = _____________
Yearly dues $15.00 ____________
Total ____________

Feb. 5, 2009

 

Lakehurst/New Jersey, May 6th 1937, 7 pm:

The "Hindenburg" has come all the way from Europe - a luxurious flying hotel,

faster than any ship. The pride of the Third Reich prepares to land,

and hundreds of onlookers have gathered to watch.

Then, all of a sudden, a burst of flame just forward of the upper fin.

In a matter of seconds, the largest airship ever built goes down in a fiery blaze.

51st Signal Bn. was sent to New Jersey to guard wreckage.



51st Signal Bn soldier guarding wreckage.

Feb. 1, 2009

 

Feb. News from Iraq

Mercury Rising is a nonprofit newsletter published by the 51st SB(E) PAO. Opin-ions,
ideas, and views expressed in this newsletter do not necessarily reflect those of the
Department of Defense nor any of its Agencies.

2nd Platoon, Charlie Company is situated in Northern Iraq and spread across
several locations.
Joined by the TACSAT team from Charlie Company, 1st Platoon, the Soldiers at the biggest
site are responsible for all communi-cation on the Forward Operating Base (FOB).
Soldiers manage the (Tactical Control Facility (TCF), TACSAT and HelpDesk operations.
The TACSAT team led by SGT Allen and SGT Williams operate two 16 foot satellite dishes
that provide the back-bone for all communications in the area.
The SSS team led by SSG Barnett manages the TCF and all physical security on site.
SSG Lindsay manages the HelpDesk with the assistance of SGT Mosley’s cable team who
oversees the constant commercialization and restructuring of the FOB.
2nd Platoon’s FOB, unlike many of the other bigger sites in Iraq, is rather sparse,
though we do have the best DFAC and MWR facility in the Battalion (my humble opinion).
2nd Platoon is also the current FOB Flag Football champion two months run-ning. Under
the leadership of SFC Grubbs, 2nd Platoon has made dramatic increases in their APFT
scores and not a single Soldier is on the over-weight program.
The Sol-diers do an excellent job eve-ryday and are proud to set the standard for Charlie
Company. 2nd Platoon is also responsible for the communications and HelpDesk at a smaller
site in the northeast. SGT Miller’s CPN team aided by our own TACSAT team provides
communications and assistance for the entire Camp. The TACSAT team ex-celled at quickly
getting their sys-tem online and was extremely helpful in getting the attached CPN
into system. SGT Green’s CPN team at an-other site has been an enormous assistance to their
supported unit. SGT Green’s Soldiers have all been improving on PT and are looking
forward to joining the Platoon at our FOB once their mission ends.
SGT Jones’ TACSAT team is at yet another FOB. His team aids Alpha Company by providing
the satellite link for their JNN to com-municate to the other end of the communications
loop. They serve as a reminder that even if a Cobra isn’t at home in Cobra country, they
still know what to do and represent Charlie Company well by get-ting the mission accomplished.
We have one team way down south. SSG Molina’s team has done an amazing job training her
Soldiers and getting their TROPO ready to go into system. Being the furthest element
away from the Battalion, SSG Molina has a great responsibility ensuring the standard
is still maintained and has done an outstanding job mak-ing sure Cobras make a posi-tive
impact wherever they are located.

“Always Constant!”

However, increased injuries decreases our combat strength and effectiveness.
My point is – we need each and every Soldier in the fight! We must all remain laser focused on the mission and diligent in our safety efforts
so that every last member of the team will be re-united with our loved ones, enjoying
our well deserved time off. Let’s do it right, let’s do it safe, let’s accomplish our
mission and get home.

ALWAYS CONSTANT!

Paul H. Fredenburgh III LTC, SC Commanding.

February has arrived. The halfway point of our mission is within sight.
This is yet another milestone that gets us all closer to accomplishing our mission.
The kinks have been worked out and procedures have stabilized.
We are at the top of our game both here and at home.
The Battalion is spread throughout Iraq in over 30 locations and as you read
the individual accomplishments of each team in the company articles, you will see
they are all doing outstanding work. The reports from the rear, about 51st families
helping each other and the good news stories from FRGs are equally encouraging.
We are all proud of what is happening in the Battalion. All Soldiers and families must
continue to stay strong. Our strength comes from our team approach to finishing this.
Fellow Soldiers, continue to stay focused and look out for each other, every Soldier
is critical to this mission. Families, continue to look out for each other and lend
a hand where you can and remember if you need any assistance the FRG is there.
To put our effort in perspective, during WWII, husbands left their families often
for up to five years. During that time, many mothers worked, while their food was
rationed. Children were raised by relatives and neighbors. Families were encouraged
to invest 10% of their monthly income towards war bonds. Communities stuck together
as their loved ones fought in combat. This was the greatest generation in recent history.
On a smaller scale, there are many similarities with our generation.
Unfortunately, for those not affiliated with the military, it is often business
as usual. Just like the families of WWII, we wear our sacrifices as a badge of honor.
These tough times will only make each of our families stronger and better capable of
handling adversity in the future.
As we round the corner of the half way point, I want to remind everyone that SAFETY
continues to be paramount.
As deployment time increases, safety sometimes takes a back seat. We will not let that happen.
Already, we have seen Soldiers injured in the gym, playing sports, on R&R leave and working
with our equipment.

Jan. 31, 2009

 

If you do not have a VA mediocal card, now is the time to check it out.
All men who served ninty (90) day or more,
are eligible to receive a VA medical card.
Some people were turned down because of income, check the Web site below.
" VA To Offer Health Care to Previously Ineligible Veterans.
The Department of Veterans Affairs announced today plans to re-open
enrollment in its health care system by July 2009 to about 265,000 veterans
whose incomes exceed current limits. (1/8/09)"

http://www1.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=1641

Dec. 31, 2008

 

Dec. News Letter from Iraq


After a long 15 month deployment, the higher headquarters of the 51st, the 11th Signal Brigade Thunderbirds, headed home to Fort Huachuca, Arizona, just in time for Christmas. Replacing our brigade is the 261st Tactical Theater Signal Brigade, Task Force Diamond. These, our National Guard brethren, hail from the state of Delaware bringing with them a heritage of military service with lineage back to the Revolutionary War.

The new Brigade Command Team of the 261st, Brigadier General Scott E. Chambers and Command Sergeant Major Donald J. Catalon, made a visit to the Headquarters of the 51st SB(E) at Balad. During the first of many visits to come, BG Chambers and CSM Catalon greeted and were welcomed by many of the 51st Soldiers serving on Joint Base Balad. BG Chambers visited the various areas in which our Soldiers are operating here in order to see the great work that they are doing. One evening during his visit, a special dinner was held in which he addressed an audience that was comprised of Signal Soldiers from various units located on the base.

A couple of weeks following his visit, a Transfer of Authority Ceremony was held in Baghdad. The scene was atypical of outdoor ceremonies in Iraq as the backdrop was a manmade lake with numerous small palaces surrounding its perimeter; all constructed during the reign of Saddam Hussein. In stark contrast to their former use, many of the palatial structures at the base now serve as office space. The ceremony was further distinguished by the presence of a brass-section quintet. During the ceremony, the Thunderbird Brigade colors were cased by COL Hildebrand (11th Commander) and BG Chambers uncased the Diamond Brigade colors as a symbol of the passing of responsibility from one commander to another. Both outgoing and incoming commanders then closed the Transfer of Authority by addressing the assembled crowd offering words of praise, thankfulness, resolve and commitment.

In the months to come, as we perform our mission dutifully, we the 51st Soldiers, once proud members of Task Force Thunderbird, now look forward to playing our part as proud members of Task Force Diamond.

Dec. 15, 2008

 

On November 1st, after serving in Iraq for over 30 days, the Soldiers of the 51st Signal Battalion (Expeditionary) earned the right to wear the 11th Signal Brigade patch on their right shoulder sleeve. With the deployment of the battalion headquarters to Joint Base Balad, we had a unique opportunity to recognize our deserving Soldiers of the Oldest and Finest Signal Battalion in the US Army.

The battalion con-ducted the combat patch ceremony at the Recreation Center in Balad. The ceremony was held to officially recognize Soldiers who have earned the 11th Signal Brigade (Thunderbirds) combat patch. The Battalion Commander and Command Sergeant Major presented HHC and Bravo Company Commanders and First Sergeants with the 11th Signal Brigade Combat patch in the presence of their respective companies. Afterward, each company commander placed a patch on the first row of Soldiers in their company. That Soldier then turned to the Soldier seated behind him or her and placed a patch on that Soldier‘s right arm. This continued until all Soldiers were officially combat veterans of the Thunderbird Brigade.

Soon afterward, LTC Fredenburgh and CSM Weatherly visited Alpha and Charlie Company‘s forward operating bases (FOB) and awarded more Soldiers their combat patches. Young Soldiers smiled with a sense of pride, wearing their newly af-fixed patches. Soldiers with combat patches are often looked on as experienced, or ?tried and true. With the new patch, many now feel part of the large group of veterans in our Country. For the older Soldiers with multiple deployments, the patch is another that they have to option of wearing on their right shoulder.

WO1 Raymond Ludwig, the Battalion Maintenance Technician, stated, ?I feel very dignified because we are the best that NETCOM has to offer, Oldest and Finest, he shouted as he ran off to get parts for a broken generator. SPC Nathan Wyrick, a new veteran and the Command Sergeant Major‘s driver, stated, ?I am proud and feel honored to have served my country in combat. He also stated that he feels a little like a ?Thunderbird sandwich because he has the 11th Signal Brigade patch on both sleeves, but is glad that he is no longer a ?rookie or ?slick sleeve, meaning a Soldier who has no combat deployments. THUNDERBIRDS!

Dec. 14, 2008

 

From: Eric Bernstein

Dec. 12, 2008

 

Dear 51st Signal Alumni, Fred Cox passed away Wed., Dec. 10, 2008.

Fred has been a long time member and supporter of the 51st Alumni Asso.
He has been a member since 2003.
He helped with the Reunion's activities, He put on two slide show of his actions in Korean.
We regret to share with you, the passing on to Glory of our Beloved Member, Father and Husband.
Fred went home to his eternal rest this past Wednesday night.
Many of you already knew that Fred was diagnosed with brain cancer just six weeks ago.
His last six weeks were so beautiful, as so many of his family, Church family,
and friends were here with him, to celebrate his great life.
The morning of his passing, he was alert and even enjoying eggs and toast for breakfast,
thus he did not suffer from the disease. We are truly at peace with his passing, since his faith in Jesus Christ was so strong and much shared by his testimony over the span of his life, and especially conveyed to others in witnessing over the past six weeks. Fred's most mentioned words since finding about the cancer were, "Everyone's love to me is so great and the best thing of all, is I get to go to Heaven as well....isn't God so good to us." We are using his "contacts" list in his e-mails to decide whom
to send this message to....

From Donna Cox. (wife)
We hope many of you have already been contacted by someone,
if not, we apologize, as this past few days have been foggy.

Thank you for your friendship with Fred, a Father and Husband,
In Christ's Love
Donna Cox, Cindy Freshley, Mike Cox, & Richard Cox


Nov.29, 2008

 

Patricia A. Pragel, Wife of William

My husband passed away 11/04/08. William E. Pragel,
a Vet serving in Korea (51st Signal Battalion 1950-1952.
Born in Buffalo, NY. Retired living in Carolina Shores, NC.

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 Letter 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


From:Denise Kristopaitis ( Daughter )

I just wanted to inform you (and the rest of the surviving members of the 51st Signal Battalion) that my father,
Mr. Russell Oliver Park (formerly of North Huntingdon, PA - near Pittsburgh,PA)
had passed away on Monday, April 14, 2008 at the Carolina Medical Center / NorthEast in Concord, NC.
He died from pneumonia associated with a hip fracture sustained in mid-March at his home near Charlotte, NC.
I came across a few newsletters he had in his belongings dated back to the year 2000.
I really don't know how involved he was with participating in the reunions, or other functions associated with the 51st Signal Battalion,

Apr.29, 2008


Katherine Ecklund CPT, COC and mid-deactivation for the 51st Signal BN at Fort Bragg, NC, 2006

CPT. Ecklund is now the Brigade Signal Officer 191st , Ft. Lewis, WA

I am looking forward to see her and her husband at the 2008 Reuion




Apr.20, 2008


Col Frank Herrelko (retired)

51st Signal Bn, Co. A, 1936,
was inducted into the Senoir Olypmic Hall of Fame, in 2006.

Frank Herrelko, age 96 is a life time member of the 51st Signal Bn Alumni Asso.




Apr.16, 2008


The 51st Expeditionary Signal Battalion(ESB) in featured in the articles about their transformation in AFCEA's "Signal" magazine.

For those of you familiar with the Armed forces Communication and Electronics Association's (AFCEA) International Journal SIGNAL Magazine, April edition's Communications Section features two articles about the 51st Signal Expeditionary Signal Battalion

1. Army Networking Technologies Change on the Fly.- New Capabilities mean new training challenges.The 51st ESB is combining training with technology shakeout well before it deploys to Iraq. Most of the gear is commercial off the-shelf. The Bn CO LTC Paul Fredenburgh, XO Maj Chad Duhe and Bn S-3 Maj John Taitano talk about there challenges and capabilities.

2. Commercial Gear Defines Army Communications Training. US Army communications training on new networking equipment literally are rewriting the schoolbooks as they prepare to replace legacy systems with new gear based largely on commercial technologies. Many of there young soldiers talk about there experiences.

Read the Articles then attend the 2008 Reunion and see the cutting edge of organization and equipment in person. You will be amazed.

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

2008 Reunion Hedquarters:

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

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
<br< The Senate Veterans Affairs Committee, chaired by Sen. Daniel Akaka (D-HI), approved a broad array of legislation this week, including an initiative to reopen VA health care to so-called "category 8" veterans. Category 8s are those who have no service-connected disabilities and have incomes that exceed the VA's locality-based low-income ceilings.

"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

 

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.



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

May 27, 2006

 

Furnished by : Don Wiethuechter

VA Takes Heat Over Theft of Veterans'
<br?

 

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




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