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Static Line - Three Winds of Death

December 1990

As we continue the communication of matters concerning the 503rd PRCT the major topic of discussion remains the recent 50th Airborne reunion held in July in Washington, D. C. Even though it occurred some five months in the past, there is still quite a bit of interesting things to say about it. The reunion committee has received so many wonderful letters from those who attended! All of them will not find their way in print here, but all of them were appreciated by the members of the committee.  Some of the correspondence was given an international flavor. The following was received under the letterhead of the Embassy of Australia:

“Dear Chuck, my wife Jenny and I would like to thank you, your committee, and the 503rd Parachute RCT Association for your hospitality at your banquet at Stouffers Hotel last Saturday, 7th July.  It was a truly memorable occasion for us to be with such a close-knit organization, which still has a close association with Australia. Would you please pass our thanks and regards to your Honorary President, General George Jones, and Mrs. Jones who welcomed us so warmly. I would also particularly like to thank the Association for the American flag and accompanying certificate. I can assure you that I will find a fitting and prominent place for the flag to be displayed in Australia. With our best regards, Sincerely, John H. Robbins, Brigadier, Military Attaché.”

Another communication declared “With Sincere Congratulations” – Our congratulations and best wishes to our friends of the 503rd on the 50th Anniversary of the formation of their regiment.  From your Australian friends – Joan and Jim Hill and family.

Even the best attempts have slip-ups, and one thing that the reunion committee regrets is the failure to recognize the 25 First Timers who were present.  The committee treasurer, John Hein, pored through his data and has provided the following names:

William Nieman, Arthur Antoniades, John Cole, Roger Cushman, James Feather, James Geiger, Floyd Gleason, Jacob Gonzalez, Robert Hill, Reece Hutchings, Harold Jamison, Louis Kurek, Charles Leabhart, Jerome Mandel, Ralph Schwind, Luther Sexton, Nicholas Spinelli, A.E. Stallworth, Ed Thomas, Nicholas Valavanis, Fred Weiderhold, Bob Donovan, Charles Emery, Buzz Campbell. Three of these – Weiderhold, Donovan, and Campbell were very active members of the reunion committee.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
John D. Reynolds
“D” Co. 503rd PRCT
718 Towncenter Dr.
Jopppa, MD 21085

Static Line - Three Winds of Death

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