Jumpin Jack Posted October 28, 2012 Share #1 Posted October 28, 2012 Thanks to Jake Powers, I was invited to attend the final reunion of the Easy Company, 506th PIR veterans able to make it to Overland Park, KS, these last three days. The honor that was paid to these gentlemen was outstanding, and certainly well earned. What impressed me the most was how they played off one another. The question came up regarding the nicknames accorded these men. For example, "Shifty" Powers earned his prior to his entry into the Army as a result of his talents for moving the stills around with great success. I asked Earl "The Indian" McClung why he shot out all the lights in the house of ill repute in Cherbourg. Without missing a beat, he responded, "Because they were there, but more importantly, to piss off Shifty." While these men are destined to pass, the history they made will live on well after them. Thank you Jake for this memorable honor. Jack Angolia Link to post Share on other sites
Dakota Posted October 28, 2012 Share #2 Posted October 28, 2012 Wow, never expected them to close up shop with reunions this early. I understand they are becoming fragile etc.. But didn't expect this earlier Dakota WWII-KWUniforms, Insignia, SSIs, Badges, Medals, Ribbons Link to post Share on other sites
Bob Hudson Posted October 28, 2012 Share #3 Posted October 28, 2012 Wow, never expected them to close up shop with reunions this early. I understand they are becoming fragile etc.. But didn't expect this earlier Dakota Most WWII reunion associations have already pretty much closed shop because of declining membership and the advanced age of the remaining survivors. Consider that someone who was in the military in October 1942 would be at least 88 today. I think this group held on longer than most. Link to post Share on other sites
Bugme Posted October 28, 2012 Share #4 Posted October 28, 2012 Most WWII reunion associations have already pretty much closed shop because of declining membership and the advanced age of the remaining survivors. Consider that someone who was in the military in October 1942 would be at least 88 today. I think this group held on longer than most. Amen! But, still sad that the greatest generation is quickly heading into history. "There is no such thing as an expert, only students with different levels of education." Link to post Share on other sites
3rdeye Posted October 28, 2012 Share #5 Posted October 28, 2012 Was Frank Sobeleski There? I went to his home last summer and spent time with him at his cabin on Rainy lake,, I dont think he attends those reunions much,,but I think he is in better shape than most of the Easy Co. guys,,, Link to post Share on other sites
Jack's Son Posted October 29, 2012 Share #6 Posted October 29, 2012 Thanks to Jake Powers, I was invited to attend the final reunion of the Easy Company, 506th PIR veterans able to make it to Overland Park, KS, these last three days. I'm happy for you Jack. Jake has been instrumental in helping everyone, enjoy the lives and history of these men. **PLEASE NOTE: THIS COMMUNITY MEMBER HAS SADLY PASSED AWAY** http://www.usmilitariaforum.com/forums/index.php?/topic/301020-robin-ray/ Link to post Share on other sites
RustyCanteen Posted October 29, 2012 Share #7 Posted October 29, 2012 I think this group held on longer than most. I think so, there are fewer each year. Sad to see the end of an era. RC "It is a capital mistake to theorize before one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit theories, instead of theories to suit facts." *Sherlock Holmes in "A Scandal in Bohemia"* Link to post Share on other sites
Jumpin Jack Posted October 29, 2012 Author Share #8 Posted October 29, 2012 Was Frank Sobeleski There? I went to his home last summer and spent time with him at his cabin on Rainy lake,, I dont think he attends those reunions much,,but I think he is in better shape than most of the Easy Co. guys,,, No, he wasn't. Considering health issues, Paul Rogers attended, but spent most of his time in his room at the hotel due to feeling ill. He's a neighbor, so I'll check into him later to see how he's doing. Jack Link to post Share on other sites
67Rally Posted October 29, 2012 Share #9 Posted October 29, 2012 Also in attendance were: Herb Suerth, Earl McClung and Bill Wingett along with several "Easy Kids" as the veteran's children call themselves. I do not profess to be a militaria expert, but I conduct as much research as I am capable of and then write about my findings.Check out my blogs, The Veteran's Collection (general militaria) and Chevrons and Diamonds (military baseball) Link to post Share on other sites
doyler Posted October 29, 2012 Share #10 Posted October 29, 2012 Nice way to spend a week end.Im not to far from the KC area and didnt realize they were in the area.Was at our local Militarty show and had a great time but would have been a worth while drive to meet these soldiers. In Memoriam:Lieutenant J.Kostelec 1-3 First Special Service Force MIA/PD 4 March 1944 ItalyI HAVE SEEN THE ENEMY AND IT IS DAYLIGHTForget about the tips..We'll get hell to pay (AC/DC)"If you cant get out and run with the big dogs then sit on the porch and bark at the cars going by.." Have you Hugged a Clown Today? You Cant Get A Sun Tan On The Moon.. Link to post Share on other sites
Patriot Posted November 4, 2012 Share #11 Posted November 4, 2012 It kind of reminds you of the Grand Army of the Republic reunions. Each year there were fewer and fewer.... and then they just ceased to be. In memory of Lance Corporal Jeremy S. Lasher, 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force. Killed in Action July 23, 2009, Helmand Province, Afghanistan. Semper Fi Lance Corporal's 2/8 challenge coin was STOLEN from his grave. Please see the following forum link for details: http://www.usmilitariaforum.com/forums/index.php?/topic/210650-challenge-coin-stolen-from-marine-kia-grave/&do=findComment&comment=1654270 My eBay Auctions: http://shop.ebay.com...s/m.html?_dmd=1 Link to post Share on other sites
1944 Posted November 4, 2012 Share #12 Posted November 4, 2012 Hi Jack, What a great way to spend your week end ! you cannot get any better than that, if you ask me nice one Lucky You that sure was very nice of Jake.P to ask you along i only wish i lived State Side to be able to attend these type of Reunion's and meet these Real Heros every now and then when organised by these great Historians like Jake for sure. Regards Tomás http://www.Paratrooper1944.Com/ https://www.facebook.com/paratrooper1944 IN MEMORY OF IRISH/AMERICANS FROM MY COUNTY.Cpl: Patrick Gallagher, 3rd U.S.M.C Div K.I.A 30/03/1967 Navy CrossSgt: Patrick Nevin, B.Co. 1st Bn, 12th Cav, 1st CAVALRY Div K.I.A 23/02/1966 Link to post Share on other sites
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now