Descendants of 80th Division Veterans

(Note: click on the images to enlarge.)

Special greetings to our members and Veterans. The Annual Reunion of the 80th Division Veterans was held in Carlisle, PA this year, and we were very pleased to see so many of our members again. It is always a treat for us to be in the midst of the activities and to share time with the men who sacrificed so much for our freedom.

After the last Newsletter was forwarded, we were very involved with the preparations for the Reunion, and assisting Chairman, Gene O’Neil, with last-minute plans. Fortunately for your editor, our home was close to the reunion locale as a couple of trips were required to transport the paperwork, flowers and displays.

As many of the Veterans planned to arrive on Tuesday and Wednesday, we also found it necessary to be at the Hotel Carlisle in time to greet them. The accommodations were not quite what we anticipated and regrettably, some guest rooms were a good distance from the scene of most activities which meant that some folks really got their exercise during the week!

During this 89th Annual Reunion of the 80th Division Veterans Association, the Descendants of the 80th Division Veterans observed their sixth reunion in this same period. At a previous reunion in Columbus, GA, the Veterans had voted to accept the Descendants organization as an auxiliary of their Association, and it has been a privilege for the sons and daughters of the men to become associated with the Veterans in this manner. Many of the WW II heroes are now in their late 80’s, with some in their 90’s, and it is widely recognized that their numbers are dwindling, and many of them can no longer attend their reunions. The Descendants’ goal has been to perpetuate their memories and to preserve their history. We were pleased to be able to assist with this reunion and to take a more active role in preparations for their annual meeting.

The following synopsis of events was forwarded to Mr. Murrell, for inclusion in the Blue Ridge, but for those of you who do not receive that publication, we will repeat it here.

On Wednesday evening, the Commander’s Reception was held, to renew acquaintances and to introduce some comrades who were attending their first reunion since they fought side by side more than sixty years ago.

An early rising was necessitated on Thursday for those who planned to visit Gettysburg. Buses departed the hotel at 8:30 for a tour of the historic Battlefield and a visit to the Eisenhower Farm. Afterward, they all enjoyed lunch at the Dobbin House (a Civil War building utilized as a hospital), before returning to the hotel about four pm. In the evening, the annual Dug-Out Party was held in the grand ballroom of the hotel. A country-western theme was kicked off when PNC Walt Spangler presented Reunion Chairman, Gene O’Neil, with a bandana and t-shirt having a Wanted poster on the front. First-timers were recognized and also presented bandanas for their evening attire. Commander Elmer Dorsten presented gifts to MG David Evans and to Mrs. Evans in respect of their service to the Soldiers and families of the 80th Division. MG Evans is a collector of eagles, and had received several during his farewell dinner in May when he relinquished command of the Division to MG McLaren. The gift of another eagle from the 80th Division Veterans Association will be added to his growing collection. Mrs. Evans received a porcelain angel to add to her special angel collection. Musical entertainment was provided by Joseph (Barney) Shifflett, friend of Mr. O’Neil from Maryland. A slide presentation of photos taken during their recent European visit was provided by MG David Evans and Dr. Lee Anthony.

Friday morning also had folks moving about very early, as the buses returned to take them all to the Chapel at the Army War College, where Chaplain Angelo Barone conducted the annual Memorial Service for the Veterans who had passed away since the last reunion. A very solemn and poignant service was conducted there with a message of enlightenment from the Base Chaplain, Colonel Arthur Pace. Musical selections were presented by soloist, Jenice Tewksbury and pianist, Linda Bishop. The names of the departed were read by PNCs Max Schmidt, Bob Burrows and Francis Rajnicek. Flag services were provided by the 80th Division (TASS) personnel from Headquarters in Richmond, VA. A bugler from the 80th played TAPS, under direction of SSG Simon Garza. The Memorial Service was dedicated to PNC and Trustee Robert Smith, who passed away in the Spring.

The Veterans also lost another PNC in the week prior to the Reunion, when Bill Petrollini passed away.

From the Chapel, Reunion attendees were once more bused to the Heritage Trail of the Army Heritage and Education Center where the second monument to Fallen Comrades was dedicated. Lee Anthony, Ph.D., Commander of the Descendants, was the Master of Ceremonies for that service, which opened with the traditional flag ceremony, conducted by the 80th Division (TASS) personnel. Music was provided by the 80th Division (TASS) Brass Quintet. The legacy of the 80th Division was detailed by PNC Max Schmidt and MG David Evans.

Sergeants at Arms, Don Davis of the Veterans Association and Kay Barone of the Ladies Auxiliary, escorted the members of the Memorial Committee to the monument for the unveiling. They were Eugene O’Neil, Chairman and PNCs Walton Spangler, Archer Futch and Bob Burrows. The unveiling was accomplished by Dempsey Prappas, Esq. and Joseph Smith. Mr. Prappas had challenged his fellow Veterans to raise the funds to erect such a memorial four years ago, and matched their contributions. Mr. Smith provided the original draft designs for the monument, first utilized when the original memorial was dedicated at Fort Benning in 2006. A modification was effected in the Carlisle memorial with the addition of a remembrance for the sacrifices of the 80th Division in the Global War on Terrorism. Wreaths were laid in tribute to those who were killed during WW I, WW II and the recent conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. Presenting the wreath for WW I were Roger Nelson and Bruce Smith of the Descendants; Commander Elmer Dorsten and Ladies President Donna Kutsch carried the wreath for WW II, and MG John McLaren, CSM Don Stewart and CSM Doris Wollett paid the tribute to the Soldiers of the 80th who served in the Global War on Terrorism. Four red roses were included in this wreath to honor the four Soldiers who lost their lives in the most recent conflict.

The officers of the Descendants of 80th Division Veterans unveiled the Memorial Bench, placed in front of the monument through contributions of the members. A wreath was laid by grandsons of two Veterans and a plaque containing the names of the donors was carried by a granddaughter of another. The committee thanks Travis O’Neil, Gene’s grandson, and Robert Burrows Smith, better known to Reunion attendees as “Cookie Monster” and great-grandson of Bob Burrows, and also, Hayley Vinson, granddaughter of Bryan Basden, for their participation in this special event.

As the ceremony came to a close, the rain showers that had held off all morning, dampened the exposed monument, and limited the photo session that many participants had anticipated. The buses took the Veterans and families back to the Hotel Carlisle, and all enjoyed a buffet luncheon there. Some of the folks were able to return to the grounds of AHEC later in the day and again on Saturday where they were able to take pictures and to visit the museum facilities of the history center.

On Friday evening, the Descendants held their annual business meeting in the Oak Room, where displays were established for the duration of the reunion, followed by dinner in the Clarion Room of the hotel. There were more than twenty-five members in attendance for the business meeting --- the greatest number ever! Although membership rolls include in excess of 150 names, many of the members are unable to attend the meetings. It was gratifying to have such a large attendance and to have added interest displayed in the planned activities. The current officers were re-elected for the coming year, with the exception that the office of Vice Commander has been filled by the election of Andy Adkins to that post.

The Descendants welcomed the Past National Presidents of the Ladies Auxiliary to their dinner this year. Ordinarily, these ladies dine privately at the same time that the Past National Commanders hold their private dinner meeting. Special tables were reserved for them and for the personnel of the 80th Division (TASS) who performed the musical and flag duties for the reunion. A buffet dinner was served and then Andy Adkins did an excellent job as Master of Ceremonies. He introduced the guest speaker for the evening, Richard Sommers, Ph.D., the Chief Historian for AHEC. Dr. Sommers has been an employee of the Military History Institute (now AHEC) for many years. An expert in Civil War History, Dr. Sommers is also very well versed in the history of the 80th Division, and provided many facts about the 80th in his comments. Dr. Anthony presented a Certificate of Appreciation to all of the personnel of AHEC for their fine cooperation through the years, and the certificate was accepted on their behalf by Dr. Sommers.

Roger Nelson encouraged Veterans and families to seek enrollment in the Hall of Valor, a special place of recognition for Pennsylvania Soldiers who have received awards of Silver Star and above. He then presented a set of WW I photos to MG David Evans, as a token of appreciation for his service to the 80th Division. MG Evans assignment as Commander of the 80th Division ended in May when he turned over the Command to MG John McLaren. Both of the Generals, as well as several other officers of the 80th Division attended the Descendants’ dinner.

On Saturday morning, the men participated in the business meeting and election of officers of the Association, while the women attended similar meetings and conducted a memorial service for the Ladies Auxiliary. Max Schmidt was elected as Second Vice Commander, the only change in officers for the men. Kay Rajnicek took over as President of the Ladies Auxiliary, with Naomi Brockman elected as Treasurer, relieving Helen Beers, who held that office for a number of years. The Ladies Luncheon was served at 12:30, followed by installation of the new officers. The items that had been donated to support the Ladies work with VA Hospitals were distributed to those who had bought chances for them.

On Saturday evening, nearly 200 attended the Annual Dinner in the hotel ballroom. PNC Barone acted as Master of Ceremonies and introduced those seated at the head table: newly installed Commander, Eugene O’Neil and his wife, Ivy; newly installed President of the Auxiliary, Kay Rajnicek and her husband, PNC Francis Rajnicek; outgoing President of the Auxiliary, Donna Kutsch; outgoing Commander, Elmer Dorsten; speaker, MG John McLaren; PNC Barone’s wife, Kay. Following a beef or chicken dinner served by the hotel staff, MG McLaren addressed the attendees, and explained the difficulties he personally faced as he was notified of the tragic deaths of his men while serving in Iraq. But, he remains steadfast in his belief that the 80th Division Soldiers were deployed to Iraq with the same convictions that the 80th Division Soldiers were sent into combat in Europe six decades ago --- to preserve the peace and democracy of the United States.

Musical selections were presented by the 80th Division (TASS) Brass Quintet prior to the dinner, and again following the conclusion of the formal program for the evening.

Four days of activity came to a close with farewells and hopes that everyone will be able to attend the 90th Annual Reunion in 2009 --- date and location to be announced. CSM Donald Stewart is Senior Vice Commander and Reunion Chairman, and his plans are not confirmed, but information will be forwarded to everyone as soon as possible.

The Descendants wish to thank the following for the additional donations to the Memorial Bench Fund:

Clarence and Naomi Brockman in Memory of PNC Robert Smith and 2nd Lt. Chris Loudon, KIA - Iraq
Russell Sick In Memory of the 305th Engineers
Archer Futch In Memory of Company G - 317th
Gary F. Matthews In Memory of SGT Franklin Matthews, 319 and PVT Richard Matthews, B-318, WW I
James Pasquarette In Memory of PFC Michael Pasquarett, 305th MP
Joseph Garlitz In Memory of Frank Garlitz, 313th F.A.
Elmer Dorsten Additional Memorial for Company A- 318th

We invite you to check the website often: www.80thdescendants.com Webmaster, Andy Adkins, will be updating the site with photos from the Reunion and other items.

MEMORIAL BENCH CONTRIBUTION

Name ____________________________________________________________________________

Address __________________________________________________________________________

City ____________________________________ State ___________ Zip _____________________

My donation is made in memory of:

_________________________________________________________________________________

Amount enclosed $ ____________

Thank you for your support!

Please mail all contributions and annual dues to the address below:

Descendants of 80th Division Veterans
P. O. Box 206
Fayetteville, PA 17222

If you have questions about the status of your membership or the Memorial Bench, address your message to: bcsmith@innernet.net


		Volume 6 Issue 1 September 2008 (Previous Newsletters)
		(Note: click on the images to enlarge.) Special greetings to our members and Veterans. The Annual Reunion of the 80th Division Veterans was held in Carlisle, PA this year, and we were very pleased to see so many of our members again. It is always a treat for us to be in the midst of the activities and to share time with the men who sacrificed so much for our freedom. After the last Newsletter was forwarded, we were very involved with the preparations for the Reunion, and assisting Chairman, Gene O’Neil, with last-minute plans. Fortunately for your editor, our home was close to the reunion locale as a couple of trips were required to transport the paperwork, flowers and displays. As many of the Veterans planned to arrive on Tuesday and Wednesday, we also found it necessary to be at the Hotel Carlisle in time to greet them. The accommodations were not quite what we anticipated and regrettably, some guest rooms were a good distance from the scene of most activities which meant that some folks really got their exercise during the week! During this 89th Annual Reunion of the 80th Division Veterans Association, the Descendants of the 80th Division Veterans observed their sixth reunion in this same period. At a previous reunion in Columbus, GA, the Veterans had voted to accept the Descendants organization as an auxiliary of their Association, and it has been a privilege for the sons and daughters of the men to become associated with the Veterans in this manner. Many of the WW II heroes are now in their late 80’s, with some in their 90’s, and it is widely recognized that their numbers are dwindling, and many of them can no longer attend their reunions. The Descendants’ goal has been to perpetuate their memories and to preserve their history. We were pleased to be able to assist with this reunion and to take a more active role in preparations for their annual meeting. The following synopsis of events was forwarded to Mr. Murrell, for inclusion in the Blue Ridge, but for those of you who do not receive that publication, we will repeat it here. On Wednesday evening, the Commander’s Reception was held, to renew acquaintances and to introduce some comrades who were attending their first reunion since they fought side by side more than sixty years ago. An early rising was necessitated on Thursday for those who planned to visit Gettysburg. Buses departed the hotel at 8:30 for a tour of the historic Battlefield and a visit to the Eisenhower Farm. Afterward, they all enjoyed lunch at the Dobbin House (a Civil War building utilized as a hospital), before returning to the hotel about four pm. In the evening, the annual Dug-Out Party was held in the grand ballroom of the hotel. A country-western theme was kicked off when PNC Walt Spangler presented Reunion Chairman, Gene O’Neil, with a bandana and t-shirt having a Wanted poster on the front. First-timers were recognized and also presented bandanas for their evening attire. Commander Elmer Dorsten presented gifts to MG David Evans and to Mrs. Evans in respect of their service to the Soldiers and families of the 80th Division. MG Evans is a collector of eagles, and had received several during his farewell dinner in May when he relinquished command of the Division to MG McLaren. The gift of another eagle from the 80th Division Veterans Association will be added to his growing collection. Mrs. Evans received a porcelain angel to add to her special angel collection. Musical entertainment was provided by Joseph (Barney) Shifflett, friend of Mr. O’Neil from Maryland. A slide presentation of photos taken during their recent European visit was provided by MG David Evans and Dr. Lee Anthony. Friday morning also had folks moving about very early, as the buses returned to take them all to the Chapel at the Army War College, where Chaplain Angelo Barone conducted the annual Memorial Service for the Veterans who had passed away since the last reunion. A very solemn and poignant service was conducted there with a message of enlightenment from the Base Chaplain, Colonel Arthur Pace. Musical selections were presented by soloist, Jenice Tewksbury and pianist, Linda Bishop. The names of the departed were read by PNCs Max Schmidt, Bob Burrows and Francis Rajnicek. Flag services were provided by the 80th Division (TASS) personnel from Headquarters in Richmond, VA. A bugler from the 80th played TAPS, under direction of SSG Simon Garza. The Memorial Service was dedicated to PNC and Trustee Robert Smith, who passed away in the Spring. The Veterans also lost another PNC in the week prior to the Reunion, when Bill Petrollini passed away. From the Chapel, Reunion attendees were once more bused to the Heritage Trail of the Army Heritage and Education Center where the second monument to Fallen Comrades was dedicated. Lee Anthony, Ph.D., Commander of the Descendants, was the Master of Ceremonies for that service, which opened with the traditional flag ceremony, conducted by the 80th Division (TASS) personnel. Music was provided by the 80th Division (TASS) Brass Quintet. The legacy of the 80th Division was detailed by PNC Max Schmidt and MG David Evans. Sergeants at Arms, Don Davis of the Veterans Association and Kay Barone of the Ladies Auxiliary, escorted the members of the Memorial Committee to the monument for the unveiling. They were Eugene O’Neil, Chairman and PNCs Walton Spangler, Archer Futch and Bob Burrows. The unveiling was accomplished by Dempsey Prappas, Esq. and Joseph Smith. Mr. Prappas had challenged his fellow Veterans to raise the funds to erect such a memorial four years ago, and matched their contributions. Mr. Smith provided the original draft designs for the monument, first utilized when the original memorial was dedicated at Fort Benning in 2006. A modification was effected in the Carlisle memorial with the addition of a remembrance for the sacrifices of the 80th Division in the Global War on Terrorism. Wreaths were laid in tribute to those who were killed during WW I, WW II and the recent conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. Presenting the wreath for WW I were Roger Nelson and Bruce Smith of the Descendants; Commander Elmer Dorsten and Ladies President Donna Kutsch carried the wreath for WW II, and MG John McLaren, CSM Don Stewart and CSM Doris Wollett paid the tribute to the Soldiers of the 80th who served in the Global War on Terrorism. Four red roses were included in this wreath to honor the four Soldiers who lost their lives in the most recent conflict. The officers of the Descendants of 80th Division Veterans unveiled the Memorial Bench, placed in front of the monument through contributions of the members. A wreath was laid by grandsons of two Veterans and a plaque containing the names of the donors was carried by a granddaughter of another. The committee thanks Travis O’Neil, Gene’s grandson, and Robert Burrows Smith, better known to Reunion attendees as “Cookie Monster” and great-grandson of Bob Burrows, and also, Hayley Vinson, granddaughter of Bryan Basden, for their participation in this special event. As the ceremony came to a close, the rain showers that had held off all morning, dampened the exposed monument, and limited the photo session that many participants had anticipated. The buses took the Veterans and families back to the Hotel Carlisle, and all enjoyed a buffet luncheon there. Some of the folks were able to return to the grounds of AHEC later in the day and again on Saturday where they were able to take pictures and to visit the museum facilities of the history center. On Friday evening, the Descendants held their annual business meeting in the Oak Room, where displays were established for the duration of the reunion, followed by dinner in the Clarion Room of the hotel. There were more than twenty-five members in attendance for the business meeting --- the greatest number ever! Although membership rolls include in excess of 150 names, many of the members are unable to attend the meetings. It was gratifying to have such a large attendance and to have added interest displayed in the planned activities. The current officers were re-elected for the coming year, with the exception that the office of Vice Commander has been filled by the election of Andy Adkins to that post. The Descendants welcomed the Past National Presidents of the Ladies Auxiliary to their dinner this year. Ordinarily, these ladies dine privately at the same time that the Past National Commanders hold their private dinner meeting. Special tables were reserved for them and for the personnel of the 80th Division (TASS) who performed the musical and flag duties for the reunion. A buffet dinner was served and then Andy Adkins did an excellent job as Master of Ceremonies. He introduced the guest speaker for the evening, Richard Sommers, Ph.D., the Chief Historian for AHEC. Dr. Sommers has been an employee of the Military History Institute (now AHEC) for many years. An expert in Civil War History, Dr. Sommers is also very well versed in the history of the 80th Division, and provided many facts about the 80th in his comments. Dr. Anthony presented a Certificate of Appreciation to all of the personnel of AHEC for their fine cooperation through the years, and the certificate was accepted on their behalf by Dr. Sommers. Roger Nelson encouraged Veterans and families to seek enrollment in the Hall of Valor, a special place of recognition for Pennsylvania Soldiers who have received awards of Silver Star and above. He then presented a set of WW I photos to MG David Evans, as a token of appreciation for his service to the 80th Division. MG Evans assignment as Commander of the 80th Division ended in May when he turned over the Command to MG John McLaren. Both of the Generals, as well as several other officers of the 80th Division attended the Descendants’ dinner. On Saturday morning, the men participated in the business meeting and election of officers of the Association, while the women attended similar meetings and conducted a memorial service for the Ladies Auxiliary. Max Schmidt was elected as Second Vice Commander, the only change in officers for the men. Kay Rajnicek took over as President of the Ladies Auxiliary, with Naomi Brockman elected as Treasurer, relieving Helen Beers, who held that office for a number of years. The Ladies Luncheon was served at 12:30, followed by installation of the new officers. The items that had been donated to support the Ladies work with VA Hospitals were distributed to those who had bought chances for them. On Saturday evening, nearly 200 attended the Annual Dinner in the hotel ballroom. PNC Barone acted as Master of Ceremonies and introduced those seated at the head table: newly installed Commander, Eugene O’Neil and his wife, Ivy; newly installed President of the Auxiliary, Kay Rajnicek and her husband, PNC Francis Rajnicek; outgoing President of the Auxiliary, Donna Kutsch; outgoing Commander, Elmer Dorsten; speaker, MG John McLaren; PNC Barone’s wife, Kay. Following a beef or chicken dinner served by the hotel staff, MG McLaren addressed the attendees, and explained the difficulties he personally faced as he was notified of the tragic deaths of his men while serving in Iraq. But, he remains steadfast in his belief that the 80th Division Soldiers were deployed to Iraq with the same convictions that the 80th Division Soldiers were sent into combat in Europe six decades ago --- to preserve the peace and democracy of the United States. Musical selections were presented by the 80th Division (TASS) Brass Quintet prior to the dinner, and again following the conclusion of the formal program for the evening. Four days of activity came to a close with farewells and hopes that everyone will be able to attend the 90th Annual Reunion in 2009 --- date and location to be announced. CSM Donald Stewart is Senior Vice Commander and Reunion Chairman, and his plans are not confirmed, but information will be forwarded to everyone as soon as possible. The Descendants wish to thank the following for the additional donations to the Memorial Bench Fund: Clarence and Naomi Brockman in Memory of PNC Robert Smith and 2nd Lt. Chris Loudon, KIA - Iraq Russell Sick In Memory of the 305th Engineers Archer Futch In Memory of Company G - 317th Gary F. Matthews In Memory of SGT Franklin Matthews, 319 and PVT Richard Matthews, B-318, WW I James Pasquarette In Memory of PFC Michael Pasquarett, 305th MP Joseph Garlitz In Memory of Frank Garlitz, 313th F.A. Elmer Dorsten Additional Memorial for Company A- 318th We invite you to check the website often: www.80thdescendants.com Webmaster, Andy Adkins, will be updating the site with photos from the Reunion and other items. MEMORIAL BENCH CONTRIBUTION Name ____________________________________________________________________________ Address __________________________________________________________________________ City ____________________________________ State ___________ Zip _____________________ My donation is made in memory of: _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ Amount enclosed $ ____________ Thank you for your support! Please mail all contributions and annual dues to the address below: Descendants of 80th Division Veterans P. O. Box 206 Fayetteville, PA 17222 If you have questions about the status of your membership or the Memorial Bench, address your message to: bcsmith@innernet.net