Hellcat News, (Cincinnati, Ohio), Vol. 56, No. 4, Ed. 1, December 2002 Page: 4 of 40
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Page 4
HELLCAT NEWS
December 2002
somehow the date was misunderstood.
We missed seeing many of the friends we have made over the
years at this reunion but we hope to hear from you soon.
The photos in tins column taken at dinner on Wed., Oct. 23,
2002, are of: Margaret Kettler and her two daughters Darlene and
Melinda, across from Glenn and Elinor Rupert, all of Div. Tr.
The other shot is of Lloyd and Georgia DeLuca across from
Wilbur Claus, and Earl and Edythe Nichols, all of CCA. More
pictures in the next Hellcat News.
We may be knee-deep in leaves and autumn chores now, but by
the time you read this column, we will all be involved in the flurry
and scurry of another blessed Christmas season. I would like to
leave you with this thought:
"May the presence and power of God from above,
The joy and the wonder, His blessings and love...
May the hope of the season, the beauty and cheer...
May the promise of Christmas be yours through the year."
Ginny and I wish you all A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS AND
THE HAPPIEST OF NEW YEARS!!!
17TH ARMORED INFANTRY BATTALION
William "Biff" Funke, 1312 Afford Street Ft. Collins, CO 80524
Phone (970) 482-0255
Meny Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Holiday, or what-
ever. May the end of 2002 bring you joy and, if needed, extra
strength to get through it. This is one of the few times you are
reminded of dues, and as always "music?' is going to help you
remember. Tune up to an 'A,' sing loudly, and here we go to the
tune of "Here We Come A Caroling." Ready? A one an a two and
a - "Here we with hands outstretched, we do it eveiy year. Here we
come a begging for dues we hold so dear. The Hellcat News they
will bring, and it makes your poor Rep sing. When they're here and
on time by the end of the year. Get them in by the end of this
year!!!" 2002, that is.
Enough silliness. Last year it was necessary to write to 30 17th
members about the unpaid dues for 2002 and that they are needed
by Jan. 1. It would be great if we had 100% paid by Jan. 1, then no
letter would be necessary. Soooo send them now to the executive
secretary listed in the HCN. If there is a financial problem right now
let us know. The buddies have contributed to a booster fund for just
such an occasion. Names of boosted members are never published
so there is no stigma attached to the boost. So good friends, send in
those dues (or consider a life membership for $75 BEFORE Jan. 1,
2003).
Another great reunion is in the books and those who were there
missed those who were not. The meetings were good and the
camaraderie was great. The unit dinner, as usual, was great sport
with some serious spots, but with a lot of laughs. Steve Compiler
[A], son of the late Clarence Compiler, spoke briefly about his
father and last year's reunion when four generations of Compilers
were in attendance. It was nice to see Steve and his wife again and
we hope he will become a regular. The little game of "Where Were
You Born?" was going along well with responses like Nebraska,
Pennsylvania, New York, Minnesota, etc., but it was up to Al
Moomjy [A| to blow us out of the water when he responded,
"Constantinople." He wins the prize. Al is still in the oriental carpet
business and may by making a buying trip to India soon. These 17th
Hellcats are one "moving" bunch.
Was the candy lady there? Of course she was! What a question.
Connie Heines [B] and her cousin Carolyn Bair [B] had to
chaperone that wild John Preitauer [B] but they found the time to
take care of the registration desk. The association owes these two a
round of applause. Clap, clap, and more. There you are ladies.
Thanks a bunch. HHO.
There were some down times at the party. Id Cleveland [SV|
called the first day of the reunion to let us know Rosemary Cleve-
land had passed. We had expected Id to be at the reunion but now
we understand why he was missing. Id, please extend our sympathy
to the whole family.
Bob and Evelyn Cooper (HQ] had registered and were in
Connecticut waiting to come south when they got word then-
daughter, who had been fighting for health for years, was critically
ill in South Dakota, to they had to fly back home. Sorry to say she
died three days later. Our hearts go out to Bob and Evelyn in these
trying days.
One of the highlights of the unit dinner was the discussion of a
new era at the museum given by John Ferguson, a most interesting
and capable young man. We need to support him and his work by
becoming members of the museum and by helping with the KIA
paver project. Details are in the Hellcat News.
Huge thanks go to everyone who brought items for the CP and
for the raffles. Many gave a lot of time helping the CP and in the
cleanup after the ball was over. HHO.
Harold Wrenn was the liaison for the 17th and showed up with
a van full of provisions. He even brought his own cart to use in the
moving process. That is field expediency. HHO.
To noteworthy contributions to the "feed bag" were three lemon
pies made by Ellen Gaines |D] and pans of filled pasta shells and
meatballs made by Dr. Vince and Paula Catroneo [MED]. Talk
about a great catering service. This was long distance catering from
Philadelphia and Buffalo. What a great bunch of Hellcats and
Hellkittens we have. HHO.
Raffle items were brought by John and Audrey House [BJ (two
paintings done by Audrey) and someone brought a collector's mug
with "Rosey the Riveter" on it. Who was that person? Boy, did the
raffles ($146) go well. When combined with the donations taken at
the unit dinner ($268) plus $97 in the fund from last year's raffles,
it provides enough for five KIA pavers. HHO. Now we must name
KIAs to be honored. If you want to contribute a KIA paver or part
of a paver, give John Critzas a call and he can tell you what names
(and there are a bunch) are available. It was heartwarming to see the
response of your 17th people at the reunion. HHO.
Once again our hearty thanks to everyone who brought goodies
for the CP. No one went away hungry and there were quite a few
"drop ins" from other units who were warmly welcomed. That is
the 17th attitude. HHO.
Our buddy George Webb [B] had to cancel out because he was
undergoing a change of medication and the results were not what he
wanted or expected. We missed him and were especially sorry he
wasn't there when he was named as the recipient of the 17th "above
and beyond" plaque for his work with the ex-POW group and
veterans hospital visitations. HHO.
Everyone makes mistakes, but when your Rep makes them they
are huge and one giant boo boo was failing last year to report and
congratulate Sal Ignatti [B] when he was honored with the Mr.
Hellcat award. How the slip-up happened is not known and I was
so thankful when I was informed about the "goof." As you can
imagine, I was mortified and even though the negligence happened
a year ago, the mistake was still a mistake and needs to be rectified.
Sal has been, over the years, a stalwart member of the association,
one of the early workers, served in many capacities, been a regular
attendee at reunions, and started and hosted a new chapter.
Certainly no one was every more deserving of the honor and we are
all proud that he was granted the overdue recognition. Therefore, a
belated salute to buddy Sal for this notable accolade. Along with the
congratulations comes a humble and sincere apology to you Sal for
the oversight and an apology to the entire 17th for not keeping them
better informed.
The Funkes were recipients of a beautiful fiber optic flower
lamp presented by Clarence Knapik [CI and family. This beautiful
gift is much appreciated Clarence.
What a joy to welcome a "first-timer" to a reunion, and that was
our pleasure at Myrtle Beach. Lewis (Randy) Hunter [AJ came
strolling in and was promptly "shepherded" to make him feel
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Twelfth Armored Division Association (U.S.). Hellcat News, (Cincinnati, Ohio), Vol. 56, No. 4, Ed. 1, December 2002, newspaper, December 2002; (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth410179/m1/4/: accessed April 27, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting The 12th Armored Division Memorial Museum.