ill members… ...keep in touch - 97th Signal Battalion Association

Published three times per year 

Issue 3, October 2008 

The Communicator 

Issued to members of the 97th 

Signal Battalion Association as an 

informational guide to activities of the 

Association, and to further the comradeship 

between active members; 

not only for now but also in the future. 

Active members receive this publication 

with membership. Inactive members 

may obtain copies by sending 

$2.50 per copy to the Secretary. 

Any news items, etc. to be published 

in The Communicator should be 

sent to the editors before the cut-off 

dates listed below: 

Feb. 1, June 1, Oct 1. 

Communication: 

Secretary/Treasurer.: 

James A. Dykes, 

3200 Castlewood Circle, 

Pollock Pines, CA 95726-9557 

Tel.:(530) 644-4635 

E-mail: 97sigbnsectrea@pacbell.net 

Newsletter Co-editors 

Walt & Melitta Fort 

1048 Buckingham Dr. 

Allentown, PA 18103-9785 

Tel: (610)740-0808 

E-mail: wmf97@rcn.com 

Visit our Website: 

www.triedandtrue.org 

Jon Kilburn, Webmaster & 

Cyberland guru 

PO BOX 1337 

Warren, MI 48090 

E-mail: Jkilburn@Kilburn.org 

New Newsletter 

publication dates 

The Newsletter will now appear 

three (3) times a year: 

February, June and October. 

Many members can also 

read/print the newsletter online. 

Those members without 

computer access will receive 

a copy in the mail. 

Note: Please note the new ID# 

and password for the 

COMMUNICATOR online: page 3 

THE COMMUNICATOR 

97th Signal Battalion Association 

For Those Who Served 1942 to 1993 

Time is passing by very quickly… 

We hope, everyone had a wonderful 

Summer. Already, its October, and time 

for all kinds of plans. The snowbirds are 

moving or moved South—don’t forget to 

update your addresses. 

The holidays are approaching quickly. 

What ever your plans are, we hope you all 

have a happy and peaceful season. 

We hope that members are in good health, 

and do remember to think of those who are 

ill. 

Preliminary plans for the May 2009 Reunion 

in Mesa, Arizona have been made by Jim 

Dykes, our Secretary/Treasurer. This is his 

third reunion for our association. We are 

sure its going to be great. 

As always, please consider volunteering 

for the various jobs open to be filled. 

Please read the Communicator carefully 

and decide were you can help. 

Also, we like contributions to the newsletter; 

it makes it more interesting to have 

members write “Their Story”, share pictures 

from the past and other stories of interest. 

Be well, stay well, and all the best for the 

Holidays. 

Walt & Melitta 

Please READ 

the newsletter carefully– and let your 

spouses read it, too. 

We have had some complaints about not being 

aware of some information in the Newsletter; 

either being omitted or misleading. 

Be sure to send all information: new members, 

address changes, ill members, members who 

passed away, to Jimmy Dykes directly. 

Otherwise, it becomes very confusing for him and 

the editors. See page 2 

In This Issue: 

• Next Reunion Information 

pp. 8 & 9 

• “SNOWBIRDS” 

please read p. 4 

• THE COMMUNICATOR 

IS NOW ON-LINE; 

see p.3 for information/ instructions 

• Financial Status p. 6 

• Charlie Hornsby is offering a trip to 

Germany again, p.9 

Send us more : 

• Recalling your military service for our 

Your Story column 

• .Anniversaries, etc. 

Please look at the photos 

on pp. 13 & 14. 

Do you know some of the 

fellows ? 

Editors’ Note: 

We apologize for any errors— 

particularly names misspelled, 

e-mails mixed up, etc.; no malice 

intended. 

Please, check your updated e-mail 

lists, rosters and newsletter when 

they are published, and send any 

corrections to the Secretary. 

P.S. 

Please no FORWARDS, unless 

it’s Newsletter related. Our 

mailbox runneth over. 

Thanks

President’s Message… The View From Here 

Dear Tried and Truers’, 

Linda and I just returned from an Alaskan trip 

by ship, bus and train. It was very exciting, 

and we recommend, if you get a chance, to 

take an Alaskan cruise. 

Gene, Mick and crew are still doing an outstanding 

job on the Association Rosters and 

membership drive. The editor found some 

buddies recently, and is in touch with them; 

they were excited and joined right away. 

Congratulations to our honorable newsletter co-editor, Walt. He 

got a Hole in One on August 14th; something I would love to do. 

And then there was Roland Martin who also got a Hole in One on 

August 18th. Congratulations to him as well. 

It’s not too early to start thinking about the next reunion. Make 

plans with your buddies to meet in Phoenix, Arizona. 

Hope to see you all you all there. 

Happy Holidays. 

T & T 

Bob Sentell, President 

Attention 

Please, send any administrative news— items pertaining 

to memberships, change of addresses (incl. 

e-mail), illnesses, deaths notices only to : 

Secretary/Treasurer: James A. Dykes 

3200 Castlewood Circle, 


Tel.: 530-644-4635 

E-mail: 97sigbnsectrea@pacbell.net 

Looking For a Few Good Men!!! 

Be a Volunteer—Make a Difference! 

We need comrades to step forward and consider volunteering 

for different tasks. 

Host a reunion! Lend a helping hand—or two—with 

various other tasks. 

The Association depends on the participation of the 

members to keep it a viable organization. 

Page 2 

Administrative Notices/News 

Dear Sir and members 

of the 97th Battalion; 

Thank you very much for the scholarship 

that was given on behalf of 

the 97th Signal Battalion Assoc. 

I feel very honored to have received 

this award, and as I said in my application, 

it will be used to help me further 

my education in the health field 

at the University of Akron. 

Thank you again! 

Sincerely, 

Derek DeLamatre 

“HISTORIAN AND PUBLIC 

INFORMATION OFFICE” 

Historian & Public Information 

Director 

We need a new Director 

to fill this position. 

Please volunteer. 

Contact: Secretary Jimmy Dykes 

The Communicator

Welcome New Members 

Warren Gary & Helen McConnell 

321 West Ashland P.O. BOX # 86 

Wallace, NE 69169-0086 

Tel. 308-387-4561; C CO 68-70 

Victor L. Brown 

P.O. BOX # 93, Chandler, OK 74834-0093 

Tel. 405-258-0330; Cell: 405-258-7389 

HQ & HQ CO Photo Plt. 1958-60 

Jerry S. Dyson (New & Life Member) 

654 Girard St. NW Nr. 408 

Washington, DC 20001-2935 

Tel. 202-265-6225; Cell: 202-491-8822 

HQ CO Photo Plt. 1958-60 

Steven R. & Patti Huck (New & Life Member) 

28 James Drive, Loudonville, NY 12211 

Tel. 518-438-9081 

SFC. ; C CO 1984-86 

Alan H. & Karen Cross (Reactivated Member) 

17831 Maple St., Lansing, IL 60438-2445 

Tel. 708-474-1993 

HQ CO 1966-67 

A great big WELCOME 

We hope to see you at the Reunions 

Where in the World… 

Finding 97th Army Buddies 

Eugene Darmstedter is the Association Membership 

Chairman. He asks that each of us to reach back in our 

memory bank and come up with some names from those days 

when we were in Germany. It’s important to find more of our 

younger guys who served from 1965 and later. We have to use 

any type of search available to us. You may send names to 

Eugene via: 

E-mail: Marygene38@cs.com 

US Mail: Eugene Darmstedter 

4 Sunrise Drive 

Blasdell, NY 14219 

Locator Team 

Anyone interested in becoming a Locator Team member, please contact Gene 

Darmstedter. He will appreciate any help he can get. Haroland (Pat) Patterson 

is the newest Member of the Locator Team. 

THE COMMUNICATOR IS NOW ONLINE 

From: Jon Kilburn 

Members, Associates, Families and Friends; 

As some of you know, I have set up the last two editions of The 

Communicator online, in a secure area of the 97th Signal Battalion 

Association website, www.triedandtrue.org . 

We have converted those issues to a PDF format, so they can be 

easily viewed, printed, and/or saved with Adobe’s Acrobat Reader. 

These two issues and any following issues will have color pictures 

and graphics, where available. There is a link on the page for 

downloading the latest version of Adobe’s Acrobat Reader, if you 

don’t already have it loaded on your computer. 

You may forward this message to all of the Association members, 

Associates and their families. 

The access is Username & Password protected to keep the information 

from getting into the hands of spammers. As added security, 

there is a link to it online… you have to go directly to the link below 

and use the Username & Password in lower case, exactly as shown 

below; so either bookmark the page, or better yet, keep a copy of 

this message for reference: 

http://www.triedandtrue.org/communicator/ 

New ID: comunic8tr 

New Password: pswd97th4u 

Jon Kilburn, 

Webmaster e-mail: webmaster@triedandtrue.org 

or: jon@kilburn.org 

www.triedandtrue.org 

Jon updated the 97th SIG BN. Website. Great Job!!! 

P.S. The feedback from members has been great! 

Anyone remember these men? 

At the suggestion of Gene Darmstedter, we have a new column— 

finding comrades in a more informal way. 

Names are published below, and members may supply first 

name, MI (sort of hard to do), or city & state they were from. Any 

additional bits of information would be helpful. Do you know?... 

Joseph Norwillo; Rolando Lugo; 

John Albano; Kathren Ziemer; 

Benjamin Morrison; Roy A. Nichols; 

Larry Bretz; Thomas Addy 

Please use the form below with additional information. Members are requested to supply as much information as possible. 

A last known address, city or state will help. No nicknames, please. 

LAST NAME, MI. FIRST NAME ADDRESS DOB ASN 

Issue 3, October 2008 Page 3

Membership News & Services 

All Members: Entries for the Membership ROSTER: 

New e-mail addresses and address changes/ corrections are published as they become available. Make 

corrections/changes in your member roster. 

Add new member addresses to your roster as they are published in the newsletter. 

Note: Sometimes these additions or changes are received after the cut-off date; they will be published in the 

subsequent newsletter. 

When you change your address, telephone # (indicate if unlisted/unpublished), your e-mail or any pertinent 

item, please inform the Secretary/Treasurer of these changes. We try very hard to keep the 

Active Roster up to date at all times. 

Also, please instruct a family member or friend to inform the Association when you pass on to 

your last retreat. 

Jimmy Dykes, Keeper of the Roster; 

e-mail 97th business only: 97sigbnsectrea@pacbell.net 

Where is my Newsletter? 

We hear quite often from members who have not received their Newsletter. 

Reasons: 

• I did not pay my dues! 

Please, remember to keep your membership up to date!!! Dues to be paid January of each year. 

This guarantees your receipt of the Newsletter. 

• Most of the time it is from our “Snowbirds” who neglect to give notice of having two addresses. 

ATTENTION “SNOWBIRDS” 

All 97th Members heading south or other directions for the winter are reminded to advise us of ANY address change; ASAP, 

even if it is only a TEMPORARY address. 

Any changes are to be sent to James Dykes in enough time for mailing. 

Note: Because the 97th Newsletter is sent as standard, non-profit bulk mail, THE POST OFFICE DOES NOT FORWARD IT 

TO YOUR NEW ADDRESS—even if you notify them of the change. 

We don’t want ANYONE to miss all the great things that are happening in the Association! 

Use below form—print or type your address as it appears on YOUR mailing label and send it to: 

SECRETARY/TREASURER : James A. Dykes, 3200 Castlewood Circle, Pollock Pines, CA 95726-9557 

NAME: 

OLD ADDRESS NEW ADRESS 

STREET 

CITY 

STATE/ZIP 

REMARKS: 

DATE: FROM TO 

CUT OUT FORM AND SEND TO THE SECRETARY! 


REQUEST for MEMBERSHIP 

PAYMENT/RENEWAL of DUES 

As required by the 97th SIGNAL BATTALION ASSOCIATION By-Laws, 

I hereby request that I be admitted as an active Member in the 97th Signal Battalion Association. 

Dues are ten dollars ($10) per year, payable 1 January of the dues year. To participate in the decision-making 

processes of the Association, Members must be current in their dues. 

MEMBER’S NAME_____________________________________________________________________ 

SPOUSE’S NAME______________________________________________________________________ 

STREET ADDRESS_____________________________________________________________________ 

CITY, STATE, ZIP CODE_________________________________________________________________ 

TELEPHONE NO._______________________________________________________________________ 

E-MAIL ADDRESS______________________________________________________________________ 

97TH SERVICE: FROM__________TO_________ COMPANY/PLATOON________________________ 

My Dues are enclosed for the years: 

2008_______2009_______2010_______2011_______2012_______ 

The Association also offers a LIFETIME MEMBERSHIP of $125.00_______ 

Lifetime dues may be paid in five (5) consecutive monthly payments of $25.00 each. 

LIFETIME dues payments: 1.______2.______3.______4._____5._____ 

Please make checks payable to: 97th Signal Battalion Association 

Mail payment with completed form to the Association Secretary: 

James Dykes, 3200 Castlewood Circle, Pollock Pines, CA 95726-9557 

NAME: 

OLD ADDRESS: 

NEW ADDRESS: 

EFFECTIVE DATE: TEL.# E-MAIL ADDRESS: 

OTHER INFORMATION: 

Page 5 

ADDRESS CHANGE 

Cut along dotted line 

Important 

Don’t forget to 

renew your membership! 

To receive the ROSTER and 

COMMUNICATOR you have to be 

up to date with your dues. 

Also, please check e-mail and other 

addresses; it’s vital we get the 

CORRECT information.

ill members… ...keep in touch 

These members are ill, and 

would appreciate cards, 

phone calls, etc. We hope, 

many are on the way to recovery, 

and/or are well again!!! 

Patsy & Ray Melendez 

Dexter Gillis 

Bill Carr 

Joyce Bury 

Mary Darmstedter 

Max Knouse 

Martha Fenner 

If a member hears of another ill 

member, please also notify Jimmy 

Dykes to contact, so that he may 

send get well wishes on behalf of 

the Association. 

Request : 

We know that the families of the ill 

members are often overwhelmed with 

caring for their spouse or a friend. We 

think the membership would like to 

know how they are doing, and we 

would like to publish an update every 

now and then in the newsletter. 

Let’s all get/stay well and 

keep in touch!!! 

97th Signal Battalion Financial Status 

Period : January 1, 2008 through August 31, 2008 

Balance 01/01/08 $15,244.81 

Total Credits + $11,045.50 

Total $26,290.31 

Total Debits - $12,285.50 

Balance 08/31/08 $14,004.81 

Benevolence Fund—$1,650.00 is included in the Balance. 

J. Dykes 

Sec./Tres. 

Taps 

Loren R. Cole May 11, 2008 

Jay Dipple, October 2006 

Nathan G. Hamerick, 2006 

Clarence R. Stern Dec. 20, 1999 

William R. Tripp, Dec. 1996 

William Houser, Sept. 4, 1982 

Leonard J. Anker, April, 1990 

John C. Anuskevitz, Feb. 1988 

Remembering our 

Comrades who have 

taken their 

Last Retreat 

We also would like to remember our 

members’ spouses who passed; 

Please notify J. Dykes. 


R 

E 

U 

N 

I 

O 

N 

S 

We have gained many new 

members in the past few years, 

and the reunions will be growing 

steadily; we need more helping 

hands. 

Please consider being a HOST 

for a reunion in the years ahead. 

It’s never too early! 

If two or three members get 

together to hold a reunion, it 

would be so much easier for everyone. 

The more the merrier; it’s 

less of a burden just for one host, 

and can be lots of fun, too. 

By helping with some of the tasks— 

like serving on the reunion committee—members 

will feel more 

involved in the future of the Association! 

See below for 

information/guidelines. 

What’s Your Name? 

Arrangements have been made to procure permanent name 

tags for members, spouses and guests. The tags have black 

lettering on a yellow background with the 97th Crest on the 

upper left, and crossed signal flags on the upper right. 

MEMBER’S NAME 

National Reunion 

May3—May 9 2009 

Best Western 

Dobson Ranch Inn 

Mesa, Arizona 

More Information p.8 

Anyone interested in hosting 

a Reunion for 2010 or 2011? 

Please bring your proposals 

to the 2009 Reunion 

The Association has established 

a “BENEVOLENCE FUND”. 

This fund is used for any of our members 

who are unable to attend our 

reunions because of financial considerations. 

Should any of our comrades wish to 

attend the reunions, please contact 

our Benevolence Fund Coordinators: 

Gilbert L. MacDonald (El Paso, TX) or 

Robert A. Sentell (St. Helen, MI). Any 

information regarding this plan is 

treated as “Confidential”, and not 

made available to the general membership. 

If any member is aware of another 

member being in need of such assistance, 

please notify one of the Fund 

Coordinators. 

If a member who needs such service, 

can arrive in the reunion city, we will 

assist with the lodging and banquet. 

The Motto is: “ The Spirit of the 97th 

is Alive and Well”. 

ACTIVE MEMBER 

John A. Doe 

SPOUSE/GUEST 

Jane A. Doe 

Members wishing to purchase Name Tags may do so by filling out order form below and sending it to 

George Case - see Supply Depot page . 

COMPANY/YRS. SERVED IN THE 97TH 

SPOUSE’S/GUEST’S/FRIEND’S NAME 

“TRIED AND TRUE” - unless otherwise requested… : 

# of TAGS: X $10.00 $ 

Mark Your Calendars! 

Dave Harris and Bob Sentell developed a package of detailed guidelines and forms to be sent to Convention 

Centers/Hotels stating the requirements, etc. for our reunions. This is a very valuable tool for anyone who considers 

hosting a National Reunion; it minimizes the stress of dealing with various offices and people. 

Please contact Bob Sentell (co-ordinator for reunions) for this material. 

Add $2.00 up to 

two tags f. S&H 

$ 

ENCLOSED $ 


97th Signal Battalion Association May 2009 National Reunion 

Mesa, Arizona 

Dates: May 3—Early Arrival & Set-up 

May 9—Departure 

Location: Best Western Dobson Ranch Inn 

1666 South Dobson Ranch Road 

Mesa, AZ 85202-5699 

Phone: 1-800-528-1356 or 480-831-7000 

Website: www.dobsonranchinn.com 

Room Rates: Standard King or Double Queen 

$90.00 + 12.02% Tax 

Discounted room rates will apply three (3) days prior to and three days post the 

reunion. The group rate includes a complimentary Full Buffet Breakfast (per person), 

hot entrees, fruit, pastries, toast?, bagels, juice, milk, coffee and tea. 

Breakfast is served in the Inn’s full service restaurant. 

Reservations: Make your own reservations. When making your reservations be certain to identify 

yourself as a member of the 97th SIG. BN . Also give our group number (803723). 

Reservations must be made directly through the Property by calling 800-528-1356 or 

480-831-7000. Cut-off 04/03/09. 

Banquet: Price $28.00 including Gratuity & Tax. 

Entrees: Prime Rib Princess Cut served with Au Jus and Baked Potato 

Baked Halibut topped with Roasted Red pepper sauce served with Wild Rice 

Chicken Marsala served with Wild Rice 

Entrees include Garden Salad with Ranch Dressing, fresh vegetable, rolls, 

Chef’s Dessert and beverage. 

Tours: Planning a minimum of two (2) tours and possibly three (3). Tours will depend upon 

interest. More details will be published in the February issue of the Communicator. 

Transportation: Transportation to and from Phoenix Sky Harbor is being planned. More information 

will be in the February Issue of the Communicator. 

NOTE: Jerry and Margret Buza have graciously consented to becoming Co-Hosts 

of the 2009 Reunion. I am Looking forward to working with them. 

J. Dykes 

Sec/Trea 

Page 8 The Communicator

Dear Tried & Truers, 

Trip to Germany 

I have been approached by several members of the Association, wanting to know if I would put 

together another trip to Germany in early October 2009 to attend the Cannstatter Volksfest and visit other 

places of interest. 

At this time I am only asking for a a show of support for the trip. We will need a minimum 

of 38 people wishing to make the trip to make it a go. The bus can accommodate 

up to 46 people. By starting early, I hope to locate a hotel in downtown Böblingen that 

can accommodate us. 

I am working with the local travel agent I used for the 2005 trip to Germany. Using today’s 

prices, a trip can be put together for appr. $1,700.00 per person double room occupancy. A single 

room will be at a higher cost. 

Included in this price is airfare from Washington, DC or Philadelphia to Frankfurt or Stuttgart. 

A full European Breakfast each day, and two (2) dinners. 

Our own bus will meet us at the airport in Germany, and will be ours for the full 7 days, and 

return us to the airport. Included is cost of handling baggage at the hotel in Böblingen. Preliminary 

plans are to spend plenty of time in Böblingen, a day in Stuttgart, a day in Strasbourg, 

France, an afternoon and evening at the Cannstatter Volksfest with reserved Tables 

for the evening, and a day in Ludwigsburg visiting the Palace and grounds. If we have a 

goodly number of members who were stationed in Mannheim, we will try to spend a day there as well. 

There will be more places to see and things to do; they will be added as time progresses. 

Tentative departure date from the USA is October 4, 2009, returning to the USA October 11, 2009. 

The trip is open to all members, their spouses and spouses of deceased members, children and grandchildren 

of members as well. 

If anyone is interested in trip, please contact me early by e-mail, phone or US postal service. 

army97thsba.crh@verizon.net 

Tel.: 757-464-6881 

Charles Hornsby 

4681 Miles Standish Road 

Virginia Beach, VA 23455 

If I receive enough responses to this query, I will continue making plans for the trip and have additional 

information in the next Communicator. Waiting to hear from you. 

T & T 

Charlie Hornsby 


Your Story... 

We have had a few contributions in the Newsletter—from 

some of our members about their military service— 

especially those who have been in Germany during WWII. 

It is so important to hear about members’ experiences which 

shaped their lives. Most have a great reservoir of stories that 

would be interesting to the group. 

We have published several of those accounts so far, and hope, 

it will be a regular feature with many willing subjects. We invite 

any comments/suggestions. 

If possible, we would like to do mostly oral interviews (at the 

reunions would be a good opportunity), but have a 

mail-in form for written responses because some members are 

not able to attend the reunions. 

On the right is the format for the interviews, and serves as a 

guideline for members to think about when they are being interviewed 

(It was formerly called Story Time). 

Gentlemen, 

Since I am not longer in the communication business, thought I’d best 

send this to one of your distribution to those members of the Association 

who do not receive a copy of “Army Echoes” (newsletter published 

three times annually for the benefit of Army Retirees). Since most of 

the members are not military retirees, I believe it should be passed on 

to them. This should help those who sometimes become confused as 

to what is the proper action to take when the Flag is passing, etc. 

T&T Roland Martin 

Army Echoes, Sept– Dec 2008 

Law changes—retirees now salute flag 

Retired soldiers are Still Proud! Still Serving! 

Congress has put Still Saluting into law for Retired 

Soldiers and other veterans. The 2008 National Defense 

Authorization Act (Public Law 110- 

181)changed Sect. 9, Title 4, U.S. Code, which covers 

“Conduct during hoisting, lowering or passing the 

flag.” Following is that section of the U.S. Code, as 

reworded by the law change. Please share this information 

with veterans and other retired military who don’t get 

Echoes. 

“During the ceremony of hoisting or lowering the flag or 

when the flag is passing in a parade or in review, all persons 

present in uniform should render the military salute. 

Members of the Armed Forces and veterans who a re 

present but not in uniform may render the military salute. 

All other persons present should face the flag and stand 

at attention with their right hand over the heart, or if applicable, 

remove their headdress with their right hand and 

hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart. 

Citizens of other countries present should stand at attention. 

All such conduct toward the flag in a moving column 

should be rendered at the moment the flag passes.” 

Why did you join, and how old were you? 

What was your occupation at the time? 

Where did you have your basic training, and other additional 

training? 

What and where was/were your assignments)? 

Why were you in the 97th Sig Bn? 

What was your experience in Europe and/or other parts of 

the world? 

When, where, how long? 

Where were you at the end of the war? (if you are of that 

generation) 

When did you come home? 

What did you do after you returned home? 

Looking back, what impact did this experience have on your 

future? 

Any additional information is welcome. We also would like 

pictures in uniform and a recent photograph (original 

prints if possible for better reproduction). 

A FAREWELL REUNION 

A letter to the members of the 97th Sig Bn Association 

from Leon French 

I have been a member of the Association for several 

years, but attended only the Mini-reunion in Cape Cod. 

Were you aware that there has been another organization 

of WWII veterans of the 97th Sig BN? It was first 

formed in 1946 by five or six veterans of “C” Co. who 

lived close to each other in Ohio and Indiana. At first it 

was only “C” CO members, but gradually included members 

from all CO’s. I have just returned from attending 

our 63rd reunion held in Warsaw, Indiana on 6th and 7th 

of September. It was noted that this was our last reunion, 

as we are all in our much or late 80’s. There were only 

eight of us attending this year with a total of nineteen, 

including widows, wives and adult children who brought 

us. We lost eight of our regular attendees from last year, 

and figured at least half of us will probably be dead by 

next year. 

We decided to donate the balance of our funds (around 

$200.00) to the National D-Day Memorial being constructed 

in Virginia. They still need funds for grading, etc. 

It is being constructed in the county that lost the largest 

percentage of their population on D-Day. It’s on the internet; 

I think, they were from the 26th Inf. Div.. 

I have attended all of the group’s reunions since I retired 

in 1973 after having had two heart attacks and a bout 

with dormant MS. 

If anyone would like more information please write or call: 

Leon E. French, 1 Love Ln., Kittery, ME 03904 ; 

Phone: 207-439-0490 

See p. 10 


“Old Soldiers Never Die, 

They Just Fade Away” 

May God Bless Them 


A wonderful letter from the widow of 

Art Sebesta written to Gene and Mary Darmstedter a 

while ago. Gene had found Art only a short while before 

he found out about his death.. Maybe some fellows will 

remember some of the incidents. 

My son, Arthur Joseph (called Joe by me as I refused 

to call two men in the family by the same name), forwarded 

your recent letter to him trying to locate former 

members of the 97th. Although not a legal member of the 

battalion, he certainly was a “member” of it, having been 

associated with it from August 1955 to July 1956, age 5-6. 

The members of the 97th lovingly adopted him as their 

own. His father, Art, was one of the first members of the 

Association. 

My mother saved my letters to her and dad from Art’s tour 

in Germany, which surfaced upon her passing. I have had 

a marvelous time reading and re-reading them and am, 

eventually, going to put them into a book form for my children. 

I can recall the major events of our lives in Germany, 

but these brought back the growing stages of our 

children and the sense of community we shared at that 

time. I believe the wives of the 97th members of that era 

will appreciate more what I wrote home than the men. We 

were all one community rearing our children in a foreign 

community, and unknown to most - especially to me - 

were actually pawns in a war, The Cold War. 

As I remember it, Art was assigned to the 97th just after 

The End of The Occupation. A most interesting period of 

history. It was also the introduction of broadcast TV to 

Europe. 

In a brief review of my letters I have found the following: 

24 Sep. 55 One of the Battalion Sgts. Has a son at 

Annapolis 

15 Nov. ‘55 Art just left on a USUER alert 

23 Nov. ‘55 “Did you notice on that piano-violin duo that 

Chopin wrote his Evolutionary Etude while in 

Stuttgart?” 

05 Dec. ‘55 Art and I went to the Battalion for dinner… 

Saturday morning Art went to the field… 

Friday nite I supervised at the AYA. Turned out, the only 

two kids I had trouble with were Joe and Dennis— 

naturally. The AYA had a talent contest. A little boy (about 

7 or 8) with a big personality won first by singing “The 

Twelve days of Christmas”. Didn’t miss a verse, either. An 

older boy (about 12) won second with a magic act (the 

only one during which all the kids stayed quiet!) 

An enlisted couple, living on the economy, kept Dennis 

and Ajax while we were gone. A two-way trade: plumbing, 

heating, kitchen, refrigerator, bathing, washing and 

food for them; peace of mind for us. 

We had several minor tragedies here while the men were 

in the field: attempted break-ins, lost children (none of 

mine included), and one poor girl (Army bride) had a 

thoroughbred cocker spaniel puppy die while her husband 

was in the field. 

07 Jan ‘56 Art had to go to Koblenz on an inspection 

trip...The small group of men are way out in no 

where in the middle of the woods. 

25 Jan ‘56 Art goes to Munich for an Army Board Thursday and 

Friday. I have to audit a unit fund book. Always 

something! 

09 Feb’56 It went to more than 20 degrees F below 0. We 

drained what antifreeze we had and took the 

battery inside the house for four days… It is snowing again, 

and it is so cold outside there is there is no room left to see 

thru our picture windows. Its just frozen up. Monday, Art goes 

on a maneuver. 

30 Mar’56 We go to Koblenz over the weekend. Art has to 

inventory on 1 April and the Army has no funds, so 

he has to go at his own expense. I was looking forward to having 

the children outside every morning during school vacation… 

We are now having the wettest continuous snowstorms 

you ever saw...Wow! The snow is coming down like salt out of 

a box! 

07 May ‘56 One of the enlisted men Art had sent to the NCO 

school was graduating with honors and the 2-star General 

there requested Art’s presence. 

All of the letters brought back such wonderful memories. 

Hopefully, just reading the ones above will stir long-forgotten 

memories by those who were there then. 

Art passed away after an excruciatingly painful illness on our 

64th wedding anniversary. He was hospitalized four times 

since January. About two weeks before his death he looked up 

at me and asked, “I did take are of my troops, didn’t I?” He 

did. He really did. Art was buried next to Dennis at West Point. 

It was a very moving service. 

Shortly after his funeral, I was asked to attend a minute of Silence 

for him at the Spinal Cord Injury Ward at the VA. It was 

not only a Minute of Silence, it was a memorial. 

Then the men had erected an altar and everyone there, including 

the doctors, nurses, staff and others from the hospital who 

had known Art, spoke individually on how he had affected 

their lives. What a marvelous tribute. I came home in thankful 

tears. 

In October, Art had the high honor of having a wreath, with his 

name on it, presented by the New Jersey DAV at the Tomb of 

the Unknown Soldier in Arlington. It was an unbelievable, 

beautiful, moving, incredible service, and those of us who 

were there will never ever forget it. 

I do hope, you can continue to send me your publication. I 

read every word of it 

I wish all of you as much kindness and love as has been shown 

to us this year. 

Mary Sebesta 


Does anyone remember 

names and faces? 

Maybe find some of them? 


Does anyone remember 

names and faces? 

Maybe find some of them? 


The 97th Ladies lunches at the reunions are really 

a great time to gather and just have a lovely time. 

Anyone willing to organize the next one in 2009? 

We could plan a 97th Ladies Day at the reunions with volunteers who live in the area, and can work 

with the Reunion host to plan and host an “Adventure”. 

But it can only succeed if ladies volunteer to be hostesses. Let co-editor Melitta know well ahead of 

time, so it can be published in the Communicator. 

Having something in common like this creates a bond of friendship. It also would be a nice way to 

welcome “new member“ spouses to the Association. 

PLEASE NOTE: 

At the reunions, there will always be a room set aside with refreshments for the 

ladies to gather while the Fellows are in their meetings. 

At the last reunion in Virginia Beach, several ladies started a spontaneous 

crochet group, and thought it would be a great idea to continue, as well as giving instructions 

to novices. Helga Smith, Hildegard Lisenby and Romaine Pinchback are able 

and willing to lead the way. 

Book Nook 

The editor’s suggestion: 

Salt Dancers by Ursula Hegi 

(a German writer living in the US , and writing 

in English) 

Ladies, 

What are you reading? Please, share 

with the rest of us. 

97th Ladies 

As the co-editor, I would like to appeal to our 

97th Ladies to give a helping hand or two, i.e. 

being the “Welcome Committee” for new member 

spouses, reunion registrations, “Keep-intouch” 

with ailing members, etc. 

“Grow old with me, the best is yet to be.” 

Robert Browning 

Many members are reaching— 

or have reached—the 25 or 50+ landmark, 

or are newlyweds! 

We would like to acknowledge that important 

milestone. 

Please let us know who is “eligible”. 

P.S. A wedding picture & a recent photo 

of the couple would be great! We will 

return them if they are originals. 


Roland Martin’s PC Corner 

Tried and Truers, 

As many of you remember, I have been 

forwarding tips and answering questions regarding 

computers via e-mail since August 1998. (We’ve had 

as many as 168 members on my lists at our peak). 

Plus, we’ve had the PC Corner Column in the Communicator 

since December 2001. 

Well, the time seems to have come when I must give 

up the practice. Nothing is forever, and this seems 

like an appropriate time to continue with my more 

leisurely pursuits. It just seems to me that more and 

more of you are becoming “computer experts”, and 

no longer have a real need for any more “extra” advice. 

Believe me, I have truly enjoyed this “career”, and I 

cease with sweet regrets. For most, the “tip e-mails” 

have been the only channel of communication between 

us. For other, we had the reunions (which I 

sincerely hope to continue to attend), and the Thursday 

night chats (which I certainly wish more of you 

would participate in), plus many, many personal telephone 

conversations we’ve had along the way; hopefully 

these will not stop. 

Thank you, Roland for the great work you did for 

all members. The Ed’s 

Earlier Medical Information researched 

by Roland Martin 

Telephone numbers and websites you need to know: 

1. For information relating to TFL: 

Telephone: 1-866-773-0404 (TDD: 1-866-773-0405) 

Web site: www.tricare4u.com 

This information also appears on the Explanation of 

Benefits form sent by Tricare. 

2. 2. For information relating to Tricare Management 

Facility (TMA) for any questions concerning military 

health care: Web site: www.tricare.osd.mil 

3. For prescription drug questions: 

Telephone: 1-866-363-8779 

(TDD: 1-877-540-6261) 

Web site: www.express-scripts.com/tricare 

Mailing address: Express scripts, PO Box 60903, 

Phoenix, AZ 85082-0903 

More detailed information has been published in earlier 

editions of the Communicator. 

Anyone who needs more detailed info can get it at either 

the web sites, from their old Communicator copies, or 

even from me. 

P.S.: I would be remiss if there was not a note added 

here in deep appreciation for all the work many of did during 

our campaign to get the Tricare for Life Medicare 

Supplement enacted. 

That was truly a great accomplishment. 

Two new tips: 

1.Generate a Strong Password that is Easy to Remember 

http://www.passwordbird.com 

You’ve been warned about using simple passwords, and you’ve probably found that the safe ones are too difficult 

to remember. Password Bird lets you type in something easy, like a special name, date and a word that means 

something to you and no others. The little green bird then creates a password for you. Try it; it may work for you. 

I haven’t reached that height of wisdom yet where I think I’m ready for VISTA. But for those who have reached this 

plateau, here is a useful tip. 

2. VISTA—Turn off Preview Screenshots in Windows Aero. 

Like the Aero windows in Vista but the little pop-up windows from the taskbar bother you? … and you want to just 

obliterate them? Here’s how. 

1. Right click on a blank spot on your taskbar and click on “Properties” in the context menu that appears. 

2. The “Taskbar and Start Menu Properties” window will appear. 

3. Click on the “Taskbar” tab at the top of the window to select it. 

4. Click to remove the check mark from “Show Window Previews (thumbnails). 

5. Click the “OK” button to save your changes and close the window. 

Page 16

OFFICERS, SECRETARY/TREASURER and DIRECTORS 

Johnnie M. Albritton (2007-2009) 

2404 Bradford Drive 6D 

Wilson, NC 27896-1786 

Tel.: (252) 243-6584 

Harvey L. Spencer (2007-2010)) 

1875 Crestmont Drive 

Redding. CA 96002-0114 

Tel. (530) 221-7949 

Dexter C. Gillis (2006-2008) 

6 Cottage Street 

Marblehead, MA 01945-3028 

Tel. (781)632-5942 

Sales & Promotions 

Supply Sergeant 

George A. Case 

102 S. 18th Street 

Clear Lake, IA 50428 

Tel. 641-357-7569 

Recorder 

Avery Harris 

3103 Wildwood Dr. 

Huntsville, AL 35801 

Tel. (256)-539-8897 (cell) 

As of June 1, 2007 

President 

Robert A. Sentell (2007-2009) 

9562 W. Pleasant Street 

St. Helen, MI 48656-9759 

Tel. (989)389-3149 

Vice-President (2007-2009) 

Meir I. Horvitz 

4954 Pigeon Plum Circle 

Melbourne, FL 32940 

Tel.: (321)426-4935 

Secretary/Treasurer 

James A. Dykes 

3200 Castlewood Circle 


Tel.: (530)644-4635 

BOARD of DIRECTORS 

Reunion & Hospitality 

Coordinator 

Robert A. Sentell 

9562 W. Pleasant St. 

St. Helen, MI 48656 

Tel. (989) 389-3149 

Newsletter 

Walt & Melitta Fort 

1048 Buckingham Drive 

Allentown, PA 18103 

Tel. (610) 740-0808 

Andrew Whitton (2007-2010) 

70 Blanchard Road 

Marlton, NJ 08053-2943 

Tel. (856) 983-7587 

William J. Riggle (2006-2008) 

4064 Pipeline Road 

Blaine, WA 98230-9745 

Tel. (360) 392-8991 

William P. Pinchback (2007-2009) 

7906 Desen Drive 

Lanham, MD 20706-3550 

Tel. (301)552-3596 

Benevolence 

Gilbert L. MacDonald 

4704 Roundrock Drive 

El Paso, TX 79924 

Tel. (915) 821-6475 

Robert A. Sentell 

9562 W. Pleasant St. 

St. Helen, MI 48656 

Tel. (989) 389-3149 

Past Presidents 

Donald K. Adams 

Gilbert L. MacDonald 

John J. Truffa 

Paul W. Muuss 

Harvey L. Spencer 

Edward R. O’Mara 

Emilio F. Bandiero 

Eugene L. Darmstedter 

Charles R. Hornsby, Jr. 

Chaplains 

Andrew Whitton 

70 Blanchard Road 

Marlton, NJ 08053 

Tel. (609) 983-7587 

Bernard L. Carter 

2519 Deerfield Drive 

Petersburg, VA 23805 

Tel. (804) 861-4918 

Historian & 

Public Information 

Director 

Open Position 


Changes/Additions of Addresses etc. of Active Members 

There are additions/changes /corrections of addresses, telephone numbers and e -mail addresses all the 

time. If you have changed any of the above— or if we have made a typographical error— please send 

your corrections to Secretary : 

James Dykes, 3200 Castlewood Circle, Pollock Pines, CA 95726-9557; 

e-mail: 97sigbnsectrea@pacbell.net 

E-mail Additions/Changes 

*NEW MEMBERS 

** LIFETIME MEMBERS *** CHANGE 

* Alan Cross steel144@att.net 

* Victor Brown victorlbrown@yahoo.com 

*** Dean F. Ely Sr. dely@kcnet.org 

*** Emerick Miller El.miller@knology.net 

*** James K. Johnson jjohnson657@nc.rr.com 

*** Walter Bivens bivensw@verizon.net 

***Haywood L. Campbell w8hlc@aol.com 

*** Ronald Duvall grem528@yahoo.com 

*** Kenneth Driscoll kdriscoll001@tampabay.rr.com 

*** Thomas Sinnott Tomrosie_sinnott@yahoo.com 

***Harry Zander hapizee2@q.com 

Address, telephone & e-mail changes & 

corrections are printed in each issue. 

Please check and make entries in your rosters. 

William I. Carr; 8819 Calvert St. 

Philadelphia, PA 19152-1305 

Harry H. Zander; town is not Cannon City but 

Canon City, Co, 

Albert B. Crawford, P.O. BOX #1595, 

Lakeside, AZ 85929-1595 

Billy J. Jackson, 817 John D. Odom Rd., 

Dothan, AL 36303-9347 

Wesley C. Mossman, 2802 Nova Dr., 

Garland TX 75044-6232 

James T. Boggs, 278 Freeman Rd., 

Barnesville, GA 30204-3729 

Samuel F. McNeil, P.O. BOX # 242, 

Big Run, PA 15715-0242 

David W. Thornhill, 1041 Virginia Ave., 

Culpepper, VA 22701-1999; Tel. 540-825-1541 

Mrs. Ilene Hoffer, 4 Bittern Dr. Nanuet, NY 

10954-3209 

Joseph J. Bradberry, Tel. # 772-466-6788 


ITEMS COST PER ITEM QUANTITY TOTAL 

7th Army Decals 3 for $2.00 

7th Army Shoulder Patches $3.50 each 

Signal Corps flag pins (Officer Brass $6.50 each 

97th Sig BnUnit Crest $7.00 each 

CAPS—Blue “Circle ‘C’ Cowboys $5.00 

White 97th CAP 

Tan CAP – embroidered / extra options—unit/year/state 

Regular T-shirt, orange/grey/steel 

Long-sleeve T-shirt, orange/grey 

$9.00 

$15.00/ $10.00 additional 

$20.00 

$22.00 

Chambray Button-down, blue/long/short sleeve $35.00 Size 

Size/color 

Size/color 

Golf/Polo shirt, black/orange/steel $26.00 Size/color 

Fleece Vest, zipper/sleeveless, dk. grey $36.00 size 

“Böblingen” Tote bags $8.00 

License Plate Frame $7.50 

Name Tags (see pg. 7 for order form) $10.00 each 

Make Checks payable to: 97th SIG BN ASSN. 

Please: Enclose e-mail or Tel. # for order confirmation 

Mail to: Supply Sergeant 

. 

97TH Signal Battalion SUPPLY DEPOT 

George Case 

102 S. 18th Street, Clear Lake, IA 50428 

Tel.: 641-357-7569 

Cut out order form below - also copy for own records 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

Check next Page & the 

97th Web pages for 

Pictures of Products 

Note: Many items fit in 

regular envelopes, 

unless ordering several 

or heavy items. 

SUBTOTAL 

S & H 

on all orders 

TOTAL 

Items Ordered Cost Name Tel./e-mail 

Page 19 The Communicator 

$7.00

Regular T-shirt grey/steel/orange $20.00 

Fleece Vest 

sleeveless, dk. grey 

$42.00 

7th Army Shoulder Patch $3.50 

Signal Corps Flag Pins $2.75 

Long sleeve T-shirt orange/grey $22.00 Golf/Polo shirt orange/steel/black $26.00 

CAPS 

White Cap $9.00 

Tan Cap-embroidered $15.00/ 

Options $10.00 

Blue Cap $5.00 

SUPPLY DEPOT 

97th Unit Crest 7.00 each 

“Tried and True inscription 

Chambray Button-down shirt, blue 

long/short sleeved $35.00 

Böblingen Tote Bag $8.00 

License Plates $ 7.50 each 

plus postage 

7th Army Decals 3 for $2.00

ill members… ...keep in touch - 97th Signal Battalion Association

Create successful ePaper yourself

Delete template?

Save as template?