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ASMN 

Once in a while a good "life" story comes our way and we'd like to share one of them with you.  The author, Chris Dickson (Rothwesten 69-70), served in Nam with the 330th Radio Reconnaissance Company prior to ASA service in Germany.  Except for the lifers, most of us that served in Germany and/or Austria never had any "crunch time" so it's worthy to note that some ASAers did.  Here's Chris' story: 

"Memorial Day, 2004, Don Leonard (330th RRC) flew in from Sacramento to visit me here in Richmond, Indiana. 

Don was wounded in the September 12th attack on the 330th while saving my life, and we lost contact with each other for 35 years.  Vern Gruenke's web site reunited us. 

Don (or "Fuzz" as we knew him) has been back to visit several times in this past year and attended my second daughter's wedding this past spring.  What made it especially great is that none of my five children, nor my grandchild would even exist today had Fuzz not unselfishly thrown himself on top of me and took the shrapnel from the mortar that would have ended it all for me. 

By the way, I was know as "The Baron" while in Deautschland, or "The Baron Von Handorf."  The other names I was affectionately referred to as, would not be fit for decent people's viewing." 

Edward H. Ioanas (137th SRIC - WW2) is the Point of Contact for the remainder of their reunion group.  Ed is trying to get together a few of his old comrades to attend the reunion in Charleston, SC.  Hope it works out for you Ed. 

Speaking of the Charleston Reunion, don't forget that the guaranteed hotel room rate will expire in mid-September.  So, if you haven't already made your hotel reservations, better get them in soon.   

Some time ago Col. Quentin L. Zell (Heilbronn/Scheyern 52-55) passed along his copy of the 116th SRIC history book that they had published in Germany.  The intention has been to have it re-published in some format so its historical value is not lost.  About the best way to accomplish this is to have it published in .pdf format and put on to our web site.  To that end we have sent out letters to former WW2 members of the 116th SRIC seeking donations to cover the cost.  We'll let you know how this project is panning out.   

Charles Chibitty died on July 20, 2005, at the age of 83.  Mr. Chibitty was not a member of the ASA Alpiners but his passing is noteworthy.  Many of you have seen that pathetic movie "Windtalkers" that did, in my estimation, a disservice to the Navajo Indian code talkers that served in the Pacific Theatre during WW-II.  Well Mr. Chibitty was also a code talker.  What makes it a bit more unusual is that Mr. Chibitty was a Comanche Indian and he, along with other Comanche code talkers, much to my surprise, served in the European Theatre during WW-II.  In 1999, Mr. Chibitty received the Knowlton Award, which recognizes individuals for outstanding intelligence work, in a ceremony at the Pentagon's Hall of Heroes.  Mr. Chibitty was the last surviving member of the Comanche code talkers.   

Looking for your canceled donation check???  Sorry guys but we had a major misunderstanding and the checks were not deposited in Charleston as had been planned.  We will deposit the checks in our master account, here in St. Louis, on August 1st and they should show up on your next bank statement.  We can only offer our apologies for the goof up. 
  

LOST CONTACT 

The following Supporting Members had their last edition of the newsletter bounce because their e-mail address is not current.  If you are in their neighborhood, let them know to contact us at alpiners@att.net to update their e-mail address. 

William R. Shankland** (Bad Aibling 55-56), Gloversville, NY. 
 

TAPS 

Ausustine J. Testa (Scheyern 48-52) passed away on June 28th, after a long illness, as reported by his wife Dottie.  Augie and Dottie last attended our Washington, DC reunion and Dottie wanted to tell everyone how much Augie enjoyed the reunions. 

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