 |
July 2001 Newsletter
89th DIV ELECTRONIC NEWSLETTER
July 2001 Issue
For all veterans, relatives and friends of the
89th INFANTRY DIVISION
WORLD WAR II
Table of Contents: Click on the Link Below to Go To That Section:
Website
Newsletter
Letters and Exchanges
Taps
E-mail Newcomers
Welcome aboard to the latest six new users of our e-mail list and
monthly newsletter, increasing our present Internet connections to a total of
152 veterans, wives, other relatives, and friends of the Division. New
users will automatically receive the full and latest list of all addresses. The
majority of new users contacted us after viewing our Website, a good sign that
it is kicking in and also that many of veterans are beginning to use the
Internet by themselves or with assistance. The full latest listing is also
available to any user upon request. Society members are encouraged to urge other
buddies, relatives and friends to join us in the use of this new and timely
electronic instrument available for rapid and frequent communication. Where a
veteran does not own a computer or otherwise use e-mail and the Internet,
perhaps a family member or neighbor will help him visit out 89th
website and receive the monthly Newsletter by using their e-mail address.
Again, welcome aboard and we welcome your inputs!
Non-veterans, i.e., widows, relatives and friends of the 89th, are also invited
to join The Society of the Eighty-Ninth Division WWll as Associate
Members or subscribers. The payment of $20 annual dues entitles members and
subscribers to receive the Society magazine, The Rolling W, currently
published three times a year, and will also contribute to financing essential
and recurring Society activities. For your information, additional
contributions to the Society are tax-deductible and can be essential to the
continuation of Society activities in the days to come.
CLARK, Bill—G Co, 355th Inf
clarkart@bontheweb.net
GALYEAN, Dale—Hq Co, 354th Inf (deceased)
Reggie (son)
rgalyean@inter-linc.net
HUDSON, Irwin W—G Co, 355th
irvbarb@aol.com
LUCAS, Paul D, Jr—A Co, 353rd Inf
pluke6583@aol.com
MALICO, Melinda A—daughter of R. Kitchell, 563rd FA
melinda.malico@verizon.net
SIRK, Don—A Co, 355th Inf
sirkdon@aol.com
horse3054@cs.com
STAPLES, Robert E—A Co, 354th
bgstap@hotmail.com
Return to top
Editor’s Notes:
Website Developments
Redesign
Mark and his design consultant, who unfortunately has been out of town due to family illness, will soon complete a redesign of our Website. The purpose of this redesign is to facilitate access to and use of our site by increasing external links and making downloading and reproduction easier for users. As a byproduct, we hope it will also increase its visual attractiveness. At that time, we also will have all corrections made and updated the site by including all personal stories received to date, adding new email addresses, updating portions concerned with the Society itself, added more links and made other minor changes. We are sorry for these delays but this has been a time-consuming and dependent upon outside assistance. However, the results are beginning to indicate it is time and money well spent and we hope you agree.
Return to top
Stories
As indicated just above, we are well aware that some pending stories have not
yet been added to the Website and as soon as the redesign is finished this will
be our first priority. We continue to encourage vets to recall the highlights of
their own wartime experiences to leave for their families and for possible
publication in TRW and the 89th Website. I am beginning to prepare a
long-planned paper on ASTP with its emphasis on Oregon State College, where many
ex-89ers attended. After the war, a number of us lucky 89ers attended the Army
Universities set up in Shrivenham England and Biarritz France and I’d also
like to do a story on this subject. I have good material on Shrivenham but none
on Biarritz. Can anyone help with inputs/photos?
Return to top
Newsletter
Need for Computer Guru
I can drive a car pretty well but these days I haven’t a clue what’s
under the hood except where the oil dip is. Through trial, error, study and
repetition, as well as critical help from my son and others, I’ve been able to
tame, if not conquer the computer. Often new users of the Internet and our email
list complain to me that my transmissions of the Newsletter and/or
listings cannot be downloaded or, either by straight email or by download-- the
material is jumbled, illegible or otherwise useless. The matter is, of course,
complicated by the varying skills of skills of the individual users, the type of
computer one may have, and, most importantly the type of Internet service
provider (ISP) being used.
This is a plea for somewhat out there (89th vet or not) to act as my expert and partner in assisting our buddies and friends in having complete access and use of these new communication tools for the Division. Please contact me if you are interested.
Downloading
By far, the easiest way for me to prepare and transmit and for a recipient to receive, given the usual length of the Newsletter and the size of the complete email list, is by downloading a WORD Document. However, I recognize that a minority of users many not have the means (i.e., type of computer, internet service provider (ISP), and/or skills) to download. To you folks in particular, after receipt of this issue, please advise me immediately if you could not download and I will compile a list of for my future use, i.e., to send by direct email, broken into parts if necessary because of space limitations. Obviously, this is an onerous and time-consuming task that I would prefer to avoid. In such cases, if you have a relative, friend or neighbor who can download please also give me his or her email address for the purpose of transmitting this material on a monthly basis. Note just above that I am also seeking some help from a omputer guru.
Trivia
The Plight of the Novice
Apropos the above, my email buddy and ex-340th FA co-bugler (and leader), Darrel Carnell, forwarded me this little dilly:
This is a true story from the Word Perfect Help line, which was transcribed from a recording, monitoring the customer care department. Needless to say the Help Desk employee was fired; however, he/she is currently suing the Word Perfect organization for "Termination Without Cause." Actual dialogue of a former WordPerfect Customer Support employee (now I know why they record these conversations!)
"Ridge Hall computer assistance; May I help you?"
"Yes, well, I'm having trouble with WordPerfect."
"What sort of trouble?"
"Well, I was just typing along, and all of a sudden the words went away."
"Went away?"
"They disappeared." "Hmm. So what does your screen look like now?"
"Nothing."
"Nothing?"
"It's blank; it won't accept anything when I type."
"Are you still in WordPerfect, or did you get out?"
"How do I tell?"
"Can you see the C: prompt on the screen?"
"What's a sea-prompt?"
"Never mind, can you move your cursor around the screen?"
"There isn't any cursor: I told you, it won't accept anything I type."
"Does your monitor have a power indicator?"
"What's a monitor?
"It's the thing with the screen on it that looks like a TV. Does it have a little light that tells you when it's on?"
"I don't know."
"Well, then look on the back of the monitor and find where the power cord goes into it. Can you see that?"
"Yes, I think so."
"Great, Follow the cord to the plug, and tell me if it's plugged the wall."
"Yes, it is."
"When you were behind the monitor, did you notice that there were two cables plugged into the back of it, not just one?"
"No."
"Well, there are. I need you to look back there again and find the other cable."
"Okay, here it is."
"Follow it for me, and tell me if it's plugged securely into the back of your computer."
"I can't reach."
"Uh huh. Well, can you see if it is?"
"No."
"Even if you maybe put your knee on something and lean way over?"
"No, it's not because I don't have the right angle - it's because it's dark."
"Dark?"
"Yes -the office light is off, and the only light I have is coming in from the window."
"Well, turn on the office light then."
"I can't."
"No? Why not?"
"Because there's a power failure."
"A power... A power failure? Aha, Okay, we've got it licked
now. Do you still have the boxes and manuals and packing
stuff your computer came in?"
"Well, yes, I keep them in the closet."
"Good. Go get them, and unplug your system and pack it up just like it was when you got it. Then take it back to the store you bought it from."
"Really? Is it that bad?"
"Yes, I'm afraid it is."
"Well, all right then, I suppose. What do I tell them?"
"Tell them you're too f....ing stupid to own a computer.
Return to top
Letters and Exchanges
Son of an 89er
Dear Ray,
My father, Dale Galyean, was a tech sergeant for the Rolling W. I can't tell you how grateful I am to have found your Website. Dad would never talk much about his experiences over there. He would Just say, "Reg, it's terrible what people can do to each other." Speaking, I think, of the liberation of Ohrdruf. That's really all I could ever get out of him. Sadly, he died in 1981 and I thought all the history I had not heard was lost forever--until I found this site. Thanks again.
A grateful son, Reggie Galyean, 230 Whitetail Drive Walnut Shade, MO 65771July 4, 2001
Dear Reg:
What a nice surprise to get a letter like yours and on the Fourth
of July! I am sorry to learn that your father Dale Galyean passed away so
many years ago. It must have been tough on you and the family. Unfortunately,
you did not name his company and regiment, or equivalent, and quite
understandably he is not listed in the latest compilation of current members
of The Society of the Eighty-Ninth Division, World War ll. I would like to
copy and transmit your message to our almost 150 veterans and friends who use the Internet and receive our monthly 89th Electronic Newsletter. Perhaps someone who knew your father might get in touch with you. We could also possibly print it in our official Society magazine, The Rolling W, which
is published three times a year and has a current readership of about 3000. Given your interest in your father's service and his division, may I suggest
that you might ask your mother for any old wartime letters and pictures she
might have which might provide the basis for your writing a personal story
about your father, such as those which appear on our website. We also extend
an invitation to you, your mother and any other sibling’s relatives and
friends of the 89th to join us in keeping the personal history of our
division alive and available worldwide. Hope to hear from you and best wishes
to your family.
Ray Kitchell
Dear Ray,
Thanks for you prompt reply. My father was Dale H. Galyean, 354th Infantry Regiment, Headquarters Company. Some of the information I could get out of him was that he was a radio operator. I was amazed to find B.S. Nickols, one of the contributers to your Website about the liberation of Ohrdruf, was in the same outfit as dad. I would be interested to know if he remembers him. I own a pharmacy in Branson, MO, which is known for its Veterans Day celebrations. It would be a great place for a reunion of the 89ers and offer us a chance to honor your service. All vets get into all the shows here free during the weeklong celebration. My mother has also passed away, sadly. But I do have lots of photos from his time with the Rolling W. From maneuvers in Colorado to the European campaign. None of Ohrdruf however. I think he was so affected by what he saw there, he was unable to talk about it to anyone. Also, please feel free to pass my letter along to any of the 89ers. Keep in touch.
Respectfully, Reggie Galyean, R.Ph., proud son of an 89er
Dear Scotty,
Received your two long emails. The letters you are receiving from children of 89 div.vet's were very interesting & their interest in what their father's have gone through is wonderful. You having set up a web site is the best thing for the continued life of the 89div.into the next generation…
Old 89ers Fading Fast:
You don't know me personally... but you and George S. Patton
followed me across Europe.... and I have the documents to prove it! How's that for an opening.... My current story goes like this.... I am 80 years old.... body falling apart... most recent diagnosis Cancer... next event... panic! So I. while worrying about the cancer... Gathered all my 'Stuff" from WWII and put it on a CD ROM and into a book for someone that might like to read about in the future. in searching the WEB.... I ran across your site.... Here I am and glad to help you in any manner that I can...I am a 'Computer Nut' ... very adept in 'lifting' files and 'modifying' them. Anyhow.... hope I didn't scare you away.... Attached is my proof.... More to follow if you are interested...They are in Adobe PDF format and need Adobe Reader 4 to view/print them.
Ken....
T/5 Richard K Phillips, 35396082-HdQtrs Co, 314th Combat Engineers Battalion,
89th Division, Third Army.
[Note: Mark and I contacted Ken immediately and we offered to work with him. Ken, please read my plea above for a computer guru]
The Good Life
Dear Scotty:
By the way, if you are curious as to my email address, juiceplusparents, that’s exactly what we are. We have 8 kids and I would say all of them are into Juice Plus+, 17 fruits and vegetables in 2 capsules-take two fruit in the AM & 2 veggies in the PM and your insured that you get more than the recommended by the Heart, Cancer and other health societies involved in degenerative diseases. My California kids, Donna a cardiac RN & Kathie, two of my sharpest daughters, got me into over a year ago & I’ve never felt better. Keeps me rolling. I know you will enjoy your summer at your beach place. I’m off to Patrick AFB beach (price is right)—I call it my "Fountain of Youth. Still body surf at 81-thabk God. Keep rolling-Hank T$ fr G4
Dear Scotty:
I note ASTP after some names on the directory, as in ASTRP at Alfred University (where I just attended my 50th reunion). I ran into something of note. On page 55 of "Stillwell and the American Experience in China", on his service in WWI as a staff officer in the IV Corp, he said "1st and 42nd came through beautifully.89th sadly lacking through some skullduggery or other. ...found a hell of a condition -no reports" (at the 89ths command post).........Bill Clark (G 355)
Standard Invitation for Newcomers
Dear newfound veterans, widows, children and friends
of the 89th Infantry Division WWll:
Please excuse my standardizing this important note but from our division website, the 89th Infantry Society's magazine The Rolling W (TRW), the 89th Division email list, the 89th Electronic Newsletter, and other sources, we are getting increasingly (happily) messages, comments, and questions, particularly from vets who have lost contact with buddies; or if deceased, from their relatives who are seeking information about a loved one's service; or for some other reason may have a continuing interest in our Division and the Society.
The Society of the Eighty-Ninth Infantry Division WWll recognizes the changing circumstances facing it and its members in these days of diminishing membership and resources accompanied by changing needs and priorities. Accordingly, and recognizing the power and reach of the Internet and the use e-mail, we have: (a) designed and maintain a website accessible worldwide; (b) developed an email list of all vets, relatives and friends who desire to communicate together via the use of email; and (c) publish a monthly newsletter to encourage the exchange of experiences, opinions, searches, etc. These services are provided without charge.
I take the occasion of yours, and similar inquires to me as Editor of the Newsletter and Co-Webmaster of the website, to: (a) call on all vets who are not already enrolled to join the Society as full members, and/or (b) invite widows, sons and daughters and other relatives-- to join the Society as Associate members. For the annual dues payment of $20, one will receive The Rolling W (TRW), our very popular magazine published three times a year, and at the same time help contribute to Society expenses, e.g., publishing the TRW, sponsoring reunions, maintaining our division monument in Colorado Springs, and similar activities. Friends of the 89th are also invited to subscribe to the TRW. I wish also to call your attention to the fact that any amount contributed above the annual dues is tax deductible as a gift to a charitable organization and will help in this period of diminishing membership and revenues. If you are interested please, contact me for further details or simply mail a check for $20.00, made payable to 89th Division Society, to Larry Berg, San Antonio Place, Colorado Springs, CO 80906. Please include: your full name and mailing address (for the TRW) unit designations and wife’s first name; if you are a relative or friend of a veteran of the Society, please indicate. Thank you, Raymond (Scotty) Kitchell
Return to top
Taps has not sounded this month, for which we are all grateful.
|
 |
