749™ RAILWAY VETERANS CLUB 2008 REUNION ‘April 22, 2008 Greetings 749" Famlies: Reunion time again and all roads, rails and sky lanes lead to St. Louis, Missouri forthe 61 first Reunion of the veterans, family members and friends, of the 749® Railway Operating Battalion. The dates are July 23, 24, 25 & 26. St. Louis was the site of our very first Reunion back in 1948, Our headquarters willbe the ‘Crowne Plaza Hotel Airport situated on the city far west side, Reunion kickoff will occur Wednesday Afternoon with registration in the hotel’s lobby, and that evening ‘we'll gather for a tasty buffet dinner~super time to greet old friends. Thursday an afternoon trip to the mighty Mississippi River's riverfront for an “Evening Under The Arch” that will include a film on Lewis & Clark’s*Great Journey West” followed by a dinner cruise on tho Mississippi. Friday will be “Day in the. Park” inthe city’s famous Forest Park with it's many sights including the zoo and museum. Friday will ‘conclude with a visit to the stables of Anheuser-Busch’s Clydesdale Horses, and perhaps the Hospitality Center. Saturday will be our business meeting, and then our grand windup banquet that evening. ‘Chairperson Marilynn Bates (Howard/Ann Payton’s daughter) isa seasoned veteran of 749 Reunions and ‘experienced in knowing what it takes to entertain all members ofthe 749" Family. Headquarters hotel will be the Crown Plaza Airport located on the city's west side near the main airport. Ws address is 11228 Lone Eagle Dr and it’s telephone number for making reservations is (314) 291-6700. ‘Our guaranteed flat room rate is $75 single or double, plus local tax. It's vital to make your room re- servations without delay for there isa cutoff date. Vehicle parking is free as is the shuttle bus to and from the airport. The Crowne Plaza offers a wide selection of activities including a daily breakfast buffet that entitles us a $2 per person discount by showing a 749 ID which can include a cap and/or your registration name tag. ‘Saturday's business meeting agenda will include a VERY IMPORTANT item, and that willbe on the future of the 749% Club, Father Time continues to inflict a heavy toll on our members with deaths and physical ailments. Travel for most is a major handicap with many requiring assistance. Approximately one half of | the entire 749" Battalion is deceased. At last year’s business meeting this same subject was discussed with the outcome decision of continuing on a “year to year” basis. Sadly there is no light atthe end of the tunnel. ‘Many World War II veterans groups have already “folded their tents”, and it’s bound to continue. As much ‘as we would like we simply cannot turn back the clock. We have to face reality, sad as itis. Looking forward to sesing you in St. Louis. Doonan Secretary-Treasurer SEE BACK-SIDE FOR DIRECTIONS TO OUR HOTEL.LAMBERT-ST, LOUIS INTERNATIONAL : 4 AIRPORT SROWNE PLAzAy - Rr749" NEWSLETTER February 14, 2008 Greetings to the 749” Family: As I start this letter please note the date-remind you of anything? Well, it was on this date--February 14, 1945, that the 749" sailed out of San Francisco harbor for “parts un- known”. Thirty-nine days later, Palm Sunday, we arrived in Manila, PI harbor. That country would never be same with the arrival of the 749"!!! First of all we want to report on our 2007 Reunion in Knoxville, TN. It was another highly successful occasion “engineered” by reunion veterans Bill and Janet Bearfield. Sixty-eight (68) fellows, spouses, relatives and friends enjoyed four-full days of fun and excitement that included food functions, a river breakfast cruise, sightseeing, and two jaunts to the nearby Smokey Mountain National Park highlighted by attending a live ‘country music show and'dinner. Another highlight was the visit to the world famous Smokey Mountain Knife Works and Museum. Purchasing a pocket knife was popular. Back at our hotel several of we fellows were interviewed by a local TV news-crew and the interview was shown on a local news station that very same evening. Andrea Doering, Ernie Buttice’s granddaughter, copied the TV interview onto a CD disc and made a gift of the disc to each 749" household. Now, we who were interviewed are TV celebrities. Much more could be written on our 2007 Reunion, but take our word for it, we had a grand time in Knoxville. At Saturday’s business meeting a discussion took place on the future of the 749", It’s no secret that attendance has declined despite the high interest and loyalty of the members. But, age of members and spouses, is making traveling difficult especially considering all fellows are well into their eighties. Some, 90 plus. Numerous WW II units have already called it quits. Closing shop is a sad and tough decision and especially so with the very wonderful 749" for after all, for many of us the 749" has, and sti is our lives for the past 63 years. However, no final decision on closing was taken. Instead, wwe agreed to continue, “one year at a time”. Officers elected were Dick Likens, President, Gene Farrow, VP, Don Gothard, S/T, and Doug Bennett, Chaplain. For a number of years, our Club has been without an official gavel for our president. At our “06 Reunion, Forest Jerkins, volunteered to make us a gavel in his wood-working shop back in Waycross, GA. True to his word, Forest presented President Dick Likens with the gavel, plus a back-up one “just in case”. Not to be out-done, Emnie Buttice, and son Michael, presented each household a bottle of Washington state wine that they lugged all the way from their Walla Walla, Washington homes. Enclosed is a listing of everyone who attended the ‘07 Reunion in Knoxville. Now for 2008. We will return to St. Louis, site of our very first Reunion back in 1948, so is very fitting to meet in St. Louis for our 61" Reunion. Dates for 2008 are July 23 thru the 25", and our hotel headquarters will be the Crown Plaza situated in the vicinity of the St. Louis airport. Our guaranteed daily room rate is just $75, plus local tax, single or Overdouble. Our Reunion chairperson is Marilynn Bates, daughter of Howard/Ann Payton. Marilynn is well-seasoned with past reunions so we can all rest-assured that she will prepare and execute a memorable 60" Reunion. It’s not too early to start your planning now to be in St. Louis, July 23-25, 2008. Details will be coming your way in the not too distant future. Seven (7) more 749ers has answered their final call. Claimed were Joe Amato, Ed Gilpin, Bill Gouldin, George MacCumbee, Verle Shank, John Systma, and Von Tripp. We can now verify the death of 49 749ers. Also passing away were Jean (Mrs.) Bill Carlson, Mrs. Frank Chapple, Ruth (Mrs. Frank) Look, Flo (Mrs. George) MacCumbee and Mary (Mrs. Ed) Wilson. The 749” Family has surely suffered a very severe “hit” the past few months. All of these folks were loyal and dedicated 749ers. Many thanks for the many messages and Christmas Cards from Gus Carlsen, Frank/Frances Couch, Dave Nelson, Mary (Mrs. Leon) Brock, Bob Hartung, Art Weyant, Joe Terpak, Claude/Margaret Blanton, Harold/Lucille Herman (celebrating their 60” wedding anniversary), Don/Maxine Gross, Lorraine (Mrs. Bernard) Hanson, Frank Chapple, Maxine (Mrs. Louie)Pratt, Ginny (Mrs. Bob) Farrell, Allan Grosmick, Morris Means, Bill Luedtke, Fred Diener and Lyle Warnock. Luedtke and myself are the sole survivors of our old Co C clerical staff. Telephone visits received from Art Weyant, Forest Jerkins, and Lloyd Gritz. George Scott, who will reach 93 this summer, and myself have monthly visits at his retirement facility here in Columbus where we get to re~ hash memorable 749" highlights. Some we'd just as soon forget! Best wishes are extended to the entire 749" Family. Many are coping with all kinds of health complications, and we send our thoughts and our feelings to each of you. uu bse DON GOTHARD Phone: (614)279-3026 Secretary/Treasurer E-mail: dleegothard@aol «com 4173 Dixie Ct. Columbus OH 43228AAISAUTALO GANNILNOD NOLLVULSIOM NOAI VUAW/NVG ALHONVG GNV “NI OTALINIVTd (O1OVE SUN) NATAN “COINTAS VO ATHANOSLVM ‘UV NOS GNV ATA SANVHS: AN GNVTLYOO “QIIAOTAS NVUI/ATTAVHD AO NOS) NS GNV AUVO “ATAOTAS WADTMN L1.00s °° “ANVL/ONOA “ANAT VITAE ‘SWALIONVG £ GNV ‘HO SNEWN109 ‘A “1.008 VQVNVO ‘ORIVINO WOW TLLOd HOWIN NONIVW GNV GNO® NATRIVA ‘SLSAND OML GNY QUALHONVG SAV NVITHVAOVN AGL ‘ATIVE ‘TI CTSIONRIS ‘SALVE NNATRIVYs ULLHONVG CNV ‘NNV ‘NOLAVd ON HOI TVY “FOr ‘SIV NW INVd “LS (AVM AHLOWO/NONUTA JO WALHONVA) ‘VNIOTO ‘HOW NINOSGNH ‘NVWaeREI ANNE GNARL GNV YOId ‘SNAIT VO NOLNTOONTT ‘A9D4d CNV NOLLSNIM ‘NOSNHOf ‘OS AFAR TLLLIT ‘AUVW 7 GO ‘NATH NIL ATHAXONY ‘AAATC/NOSTIN “ZIM ® NOS CNV ‘VD SSOXDAVA\ “TATIO GNV LSMNIO! “SNDVITT “MIOINVS AOINVE F AYNITL GNV “AN N'TOONIT ‘GAOT ‘ZLRID HO SN€WN109 ‘NOC ‘IVHLLOD “TIM 7 NOS ‘AM OWV:l INATAVHO/NOU CNV “NIINOWAGS ‘ONNOA VELLIV ‘ONARET ONY AINAD “AMOWVEL NLOTHAHSVN ‘VATA GNV AUNAN ANOLSRUTD WN SAONUD SV ‘VRIOTO GNV NHOf “TTlddVHO VINE? SVTOTOIN ‘NICHD OAL UITHL GNV NOSGNVUD ‘ONRITOC VaGNV/NVRIT MALHONVG ‘SWVITHM RUVN (GAIA 8 NOS) UITINNAL/TAVHOTN NACI ATIVE ONY “VM VIVA VTIVAN “ANOS TINOLNITD ‘ALLOTIVHD 8 TIId ‘soon “Jd WIONINGS ‘DIO NOS GNV (AIGA SU) NATAH “LLANNAT AN VONVAVNOL'N “ASTVM VSSATY UALLHONVONVUD GNV LANVE ® THA ‘ATALRIVAT XL Unsny “eH097 F MOVE ‘NOSWVITVUEV ‘AASSANNAL “ATTAXONY ANTO SNVUSLTA AVIVA 1.602 NOINNae £007 NOLLVULSIORREGISTRATION CONTINUED. WARD, RAY AND DONNA (SON OF VERNON/DOROTHY WARD) OREGON IL WEITZEL, MARY (MRS PHIL) AND DAUGHTER JUDI WILMINK, LINDSAY NE WILSON, JOHN AND FREDA (SON OF CAPTAIN WILSON)) AND 2 DAUGHTERS, AMELIA AND BELINDA, ALL FROM LONDON, ENGLAND SUMMARY: 15 ORIGINAL MEMBERS 7 SPOUSES 3 SPOUSAL MEMBERS 4 SONS & DAUGHTERS MEMBERS 39 FAMILY & GUESTS 68 GRAND TOTAL GENE FARROW AND DON GOTHARD ARE CHARTER MEMBERS749™ RAILWAY VETERANS CLUB 2007 REUNION DATA. June 7, 2007 Greetings 749° Families: approaching our 60" REUNION of the Ole 749. Who, in their wildest dream back ‘that our longevity would we ever be planning for the 60 Reunion, Well, come ‘August 15 we'll gather in Knoxville, Tennessee for 4 days of renewing friendships, sightseeing, enter- tainment, and tasty food, Reunion Planners, BilVJanet Bearfiel, seasoned veterans on reunion planning, will be our hosts. Events get underway at | PM, Wed, Aug 15, with registration. In the evening it’s our traditional “Early Bird” informal dinner. Then, Thursday Morning we'll have a breakfast cruise on the Tennessee River aboard the “Star of Knoxville”. Following the cruise we'll take a sightseeing tour of Knoxville before heading for the Great Smokey Mountain National Park for lunch (on your own) and shopping atthe ever- popular Apple Barn Cider Mill and General Store. Then, back to Knoxville. Friday Morning is “free” time, but, early afternoon it’s back to the Smokies. First, a stop at Smokey ‘Mountain Knifeworks and Museum, probably the largest collection of knives in the world. It's nearly impossible to leave this place without purchasing a knife. Ladies, you won't be bored for there's plenty for ‘you there also. Following the Knifeworks we'll ake a short hop for dinner and entertainment at Fiddlers Feast show theatre, Back to Knoxville ‘Saturday Morning it’s a group breakfast followed by our annual business meeting. Balance of the day is “free” time, but, come Saturday Evening it’s our Grand Windup Banquet. This is our premier event. Now, how's that fora 4-day 749" Reunion! ‘Special children price are included in our 2 trips to the Smokies and the Saturday Night Banquet. ‘Hotel headquarters isthe Crowne Plaza Hotel situated at 401 Summit Hill Dr. Driving routes appear inthis packet. The hotel does not offer limo service to and from the airport. However, our tour agency is offering to meet incoming flights and transportation to our hotel. For those flying, PLEASE list your flight data on the bottom of the Registration Form. Hotel vehicle parking has a daily fee of $6. The hotel offers an exercise gym, and swimming pool. Room rate is $86, plus local tax, includes singles, doubles, and mini suites. To make reservations call (800)227-6963. But, don’t delay forthe deadline for guaranteed space and rate is JULY 15, 2007, ABSOLUTELY, NOTHING TOPS A 749™ REUNION. Fifty-nine previous reunions proves that. So, ‘make your plans now for Knoxville, TN, August 15-18, 2007. Row forthe DON GOTHARD, Secretary-Treasurer (614)279-3026 Dieegothard@sol.com NOTE: Driving routes to the Crowne Plaza Hotel detailed on other-side of this letter.DIRECTIONS TO CROWNE PLAZA KNOXVILLE 401 Summit Hill Drive Knoxville, TN 37902 Phone (865) 522-2600 Traveling North on I-75 to 1-40 East or Traveling East on I-40 * Take Exit #388 (US 441) * Stay Right when off ramp splits, Summit Hill Drive exit * Tur left on Summit Hill Drive at the light * The hotel will be 3 stoplights on your left Traveling South on I-75 to 1-275 South * Take I-40 Eas/Henley St. exit ramp off |-275 * Merge into far right lane * Take Summit Hill Drive Exit * Turn left on Summit Hill Drive at the light * The hotel will be 3 stoplights on your left Traveling West on 1-40 “Exit #389 — Broadway/Hall of Fame Drive * End of off ramp, turn let onto 5" Ave/Hall of Fame Drive * Turn Right at 5 stop light ~ Summit Hill Drive * Hotel will be through 3” stop light on the right Traveling from McGhee Tyson Airport * Take 129 North to |-40 East * Take exit 388 and merge to the right * Take a left on Summit Hill Drive at the light * The hotel will be 3 blocks on your left Traveling to MoGhee Tyson Airport * Turn right out of the hotel garage, onto Summit Hill Drive * Go to 2nd traffic light & turn left on to Locust Street * Go to 1st traffic light & tum right on to Clinch Street * Go to 1st traffic light & tum right on to Henley Street * Take 1-40 West * Take 3rd exit on to 129 South * 129 South will take you all the way to the Airport & the Airport will be on your right. Revised 01/2007749™ NEWSLETTER Greetings 749ers: January 31, 2007 Please forgive me for my delay in reporting to you but it could not be helped. First of all, a report on another great Reunion in Louisville, Kentucky, 2006. Hosted by Old Faithful Gene Farrow, the third reunion Gene has hosted, saw75 members, families and friends enjoy 4 full days of enjoyment. Members came from New Mexico, Texas, California, North Dakota, Nebraska, Minnesota, South Carolina, New York, Florida, Georgia, Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, Illinois, Tennessee, and, LONDON, ENGLAND. How’s that for drawing power! The program formulated by Gene, and son Ron, was absolutely outstanding. We enjoyed a dinner cruise on the Ohio River, sightseeing tour, and four group meals, However, the highlight, and a first for the 749°, was a genuine pig roast dinner at an Indiana farm home, hosted complimentary, by friends of Gene Farrow. What a delightful and memorable experience that was. Our Louisville hotel, and its out- door pool, was comfortable, and convenient. To sum up 2006, it was superb. Nothing tops a 749" Reunion. Enough cannot be said for the support and loyalty of family members and friends. Nearly every member had family members and friends with them. We have always maintained that 749" Reunions are family affairs and no better example of that was displayed than that at the Louisville Reunion. It’s truly, one big happy family. NOW FOR 2007: Yes, the Old 749" continues to rol down the line, very much alive and still kicking, and our 2007 Reunion will be in a city we've never covered, and that is KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE. ‘The dates are August 15-18. Due to the popularity of Knoxville we were unable to get July dates we preferred. Headquarters is a downtown location in the Crown Plaza Hotel. Among the city’s other attractions, it’s next-door to the Great Smokey Mountains National Park, and, we'll be going there for one of our events. Bill and Janet Bearfield will be our hosts, and their reunion experiences ‘guarantees us another great 749" Reunion. So, start your planning now. Complete details will be coming your way in the near future. NEWS ITEMS: Seven (7) more of our comrades has answered their final call. Death has claimed E. J. Armstrong, A. W. “Pat” Garrett, Rellis Morgan. O. G. Riley, C. D. “Chick” Sales, Winston Waldhauer and Henry C. Williams. According to our records, 442 749ers Are now gone, and that is nearly fifly-percent of the battalion strength. In addition to these, family deaths take their toll of which, two were accidents. ‘The 59 year-old daughter of Helen (Mrs Eddie) Bennett was killed by a falling tree at her New York residence. Mary “Ginny” (Mrs Bob) Farrell’s son-in-law was killed in a Colorado ski accident. Also. Leona (Mrs Art) Weyant, Hazel (Mrs Anson) Ewing, Mae (Mrs Bill) Collings, Verle Shank’s wife, and Helen (Mrs Roger) Daniels. overJohn Wilson, our member in London, England, and a group of his students, had a visit with British Royalty and got to shake hands with Prince Phillip... Van (Mrs Atlaway) Barton volunteering in her hometown, and is the president of her senior center... Mary (Mrs Phil) Weitzel enjoying her life in a retirement community...June (Mrs Harland) Butt Maintaining her residence on her riding tractor...'The Fred Dieners wintering in sunny Arizona...Don Gothard joined G. D. Scott al George’s retirement center to attend a Veterans Day Ceremony, Each veteran was recognized and their branch of hug” (Mrs Bob) Zinn doing well as is Margaret (Mrs. Lafayette) Gable. Bill and Nancy Gouldin has a new address--7090 Covenant Dr, Apt 205, Mechanicsville, VA 23111...My thanks for the many Christmas Cards | received plus messages from Gus Carlson, John Almsquist, Wilma (Mrs Ed) Kolodzik, Waymon Hestley. Frank/Betty Lorenz, Eleanor (Mrs Ralph) Harris, Hugo/Elizabeth Lackman, Ken Powers, Frank Couch, Forrest Jerkins, Lyle Warnock, andBill Luedtke. Bill and myself are the sole survivors that made up Co C’s original clerical staff. One of my duties was maintaining the Sick Book, and from messages received, today I would be listing Dorothy (Mrs Bill) Kastler, Lloyd Gritz, Steve/Evelyn Lewis, Claude Blanton, W.D./Lera Parker, Allan Grosmick’s wife, Charlotte (Mrs Bill) Briggs, Harold/Lucille Herman, Bob Hartung, Mary (Mrs Leon) Brock. Bill Carlsen’s wife, John Systma, Ann (Mrs Howard) Payton, George/Flo MacCumbee, and Maurice Means. With list this size it would be a task to find KPs, guard details, and fatigue details. Club officers named at our 2006 business meeting are Dick Likens, president; Joe Marks, VP, Don Gothard, S/T and Doug Bennett, Chaplain. Membership dues remains just $6 per year and is now payable. Mail to me, Don Gothard, 4173 Dixie Ct., Columbus, OH 43228. My phone number is (614)279-3026, and my e- mail address is “dleegothard@aol.com*. FOR YOUR INFORMATION. For veterans who did not receive all of their entitled medals and awards, or has lost some, or whatever, every entitled awards and medals can be obtained from this commercial firm: Medals of America 114 Southchase Blvd. Fountain Inn, SC 29644 Tel. 800-308-0849 There is a charge for each, but, these are genuine and authentic, Even the Philippine Liberation Medal is available. Since this was a foreign country award, it was not distributed by the U.S. ‘Again, keep in mind our up-coming 2007 Reunion August 15-18 in Knoxville, TN. . “Son” DON GOTHARD, Secretary-TreasurerNEWSLETTER 749™ RAILWAY VETERANS CLUB NOVEMBER 15, 2005 Greetings 749ers: ‘Time for our Fall Edition, and we have much to report. We've got the *05 Reunion to report on, our 06 Reunion, and news items of interest. First the 705 Reunion in Niagara Falls, and, it was another great success thanks tothe efforts put forth by Bill and Janet Bearfield. Everything went like clock-work, and our program was a good one right from ‘Wed’s registration thru the Sat Nite Banquet... Sandwiched in between was our “Early Bird” kickoff function Wed Eve followed by trips to the Erie Canal, and a boat cruise on that historical waterway, lunch, and an enjoyable visit toa railroad museum, a carrousel museum, including rides on a restored carrousel, a winery tour, and a visit, and lunch, and the huge Power Vista electric generating plant on the Niagara River. Our hotei hospitality suite was a popular gathering place, and of course the exciting sights and sounds of world famous Niagara Falls, both the U.S and Canadian sides. So, hats off to Bill and Janet. And, not tobe ‘overlooked was fine selection of “favors” furnished by Gary and Sue Selover. We also had caps for the fellows, colorful neck lanyards forthe ladies, and bags of “goodies” obtained by Bill and Janet. Attendance (list enclosed) consisted of 749ers, spouses, family, widows, and guests. Two foreign countries were represented~The John Wilson Family from England, and Marilyn Bond, guest of Judy Parker Ramey, from Waterloo, Canada. Don Gothard had 6 family members; Bil/anet Bearfield had 5, Russ Fadness 4, Fran Selover and Ann Payton 3, plus several others with family members. Reunions of the 749* has al- ‘Ways been, and will remain so, family oriented. Distance is never a deterrent for we had members from California, New Mexico, Washington, and North Dakota. Trains, planes and roed vehicles brought our people to Niagara Falls. The 749® Reunions continues to be a very special summer event for a lot of folks. OTHER NEWS ITEMS: Death has claimed 6 more of our members-Howell Brannon, V. G. Cooper, Emie King, Herschel Nay, Joe D. Nicholas, and Haywood Taylor. According to our records, we can confirm the passing of 435 of our comrades. In additions to these, Marie (Percy) Alg, Bill Hewgley’s wife, and Ruth (Clarence) Penning has died... Mary (Mrs Phil) Weitzel has relocated to a retirement fecility i Norfolk, NE... Yours truly makes regular visits with George/Helen Scott in a Columbus retirement facility. Helen has been hospitalized and currently in a care section of the retirement facility...Both George and Flo MacCumbee have undergone surgeries...We continue to have contact with our Korean member, WABASH. ‘Unfortunately, “time” is taking its toll on the health of our members. Many are experiencing a wide variety ‘of health problems, and in many cases, limiting their activities. World War IL veterans are truly and en- Abrahamson, Jack/Leona, Austin TX ‘Amato, Joe/Marge, Omaha NE Briggs, Bil/Charlotte, Clinton 1A. Brock, Leon/Mary, and 3 daughters--Judy Allen, Joanne Gage and Betty Vaughn, Ft Worth TX Buttice, Etnie/Jane, and son Michael and wife Jennifer, Walla Walla WA Chappell, JohityGloria, and 2 daughters, Lona Anderson and Laserne Williams, Las Cruces, NM Collings, Bil/Mae, Magna UT Fadness, Russ/Clara, Fargo, ND Farrow, Gene, and son Ron and wife Charlene, and guest Martha Young, Seymour IN Franklin, Gerakd/Louella and grandson James Franklin, Perry OK Garrett, PaV/Chiristine, and grandchildren Candice and Tony Wright, Seabrook SC Gothard, Don, Columbus OH Jerkins, Forrest/Olive, Waycross GA Johnson, Winstow/Peggy, Lincolnton GA —bikens; Biek-HedsomiN- Marks, Joe/Kay, Raleigh NC, and guests Jin/Majorie Armstrong, Lake Forest IL, Newman, Howard/Virginia, Sand Springs OK Parker, Walter/Lera; Tom (son)/Wanda Parker; Bill/Karolyn (daughter) Bruminett, all of Carlsbad, NM Payton, Howard/Ann, Mission TX, and daughter Marilynn Bates, Springfield IL Sales, Chic and friend (Demeriee), Cowiche WA Shank, Verle and son Marc Shank, Watsonville CA. Ward, Ray/Donna, New Brighton MN Weitzel, Mary (Mrs Phil), Lindsay, NE; sister Joan Thor, Norfolk, NE, niece Jane Eden, and grandaughter Becky Weitzel, Omaha, NE Wilson, John, Jr/Freda, and 2 daughters, Amelia and Belinda Wilson, London ENGLAND Zinn, Bob/Shug, Columbus KS749TH RAILWAY VETERANS CLUB 2001 REUNTON INFORMATION CARLSBAD, NEW MEXICO May 12, 2001 Greetings 749ers...1t’s reunion time once again and for the 54th time, starting back in 1948, we'll gather in Carlsbad, New Mexico, in the great southwestern part of the USA. The dates are July 25 through July 28, with an option for July 29. More on that later. The long wait is over, and you can now put your reunion travel plans in operation. Our Reunion Committee—Walter/Lera Parker and John/Gloria Chapell, has formulated 5 full days of fun and excitement at very economical prices. They guarantee all of us that we'll get our money's worth. All of that plus the golden opportunity of renewing old friendships that began back in the hot and humid temperatures of Camp Plauche, Louisiana in 1944, Think of that, 57 long (really short) years ago, and we're still very much alive and kicking. A schedule of events is listed on the reversed of this notice. Reunion Headquarters will be in the Best Western Stevens Hotel, and our special per day room rate is ust $53.10, plus taxes, per day, single or double room. Vehicle parking is free as is airport limo service. To make your room reservation call toll free (800)730-2851. If you prefer to mail for reservations the address is 1829 S. Canal St., Carlsbad, NM 88220. Important--don’t delay in making your room reservations for the cut-off date to get the special rate is July 4. After that the room rate will be full fare. This is tourist season in Carlsbad so rooms will be at a premium. Carlsbad offers some of the great sights in this country starting with the world famous Carlsbad Caverns; the Living Desert State Park; Guadalupe and Lincoln National Park and Forest; Pecos River Village, and the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant which is the world’s largest underground atomic energy waste storage facility. All of these are included in our program. Enclosed is your Reunion Registration Form, Please complete and return as soon as possible for we need to know how many to prepare for. Bring yourself, your family, and all of the guests you choose. Alll are welcome. ABSOLUTELY NOTHING TOPS A 749TH REUNION. Besides the Reunion events, you'll have a great opportunity to see many other interesting and historical sights in the great Southwest. “The day following the formal Reunion Program, which is Sunday, The Parkers and The Chappells are providing a “bonus” for those who choose to stay-over an extra day, and that will involve a motor trip to the Guadeloupe National Park and Lincoln National Forest. ‘This will give us beautiful and inspiring sights that most of us have never seen. We'll even have a picnic. There is no cost for this event, all you have to do is spend one more day in Carlsbad. It will be well worth the stay. We have to know if you stay-over. ‘We'll see you in Carlsbad, July 25-29. i Guithak jon Gothard Secretary-Treasurer OVERREUNION PROGRAM. WED, JULY 25: 0 O/ Registration, 1 to 4 PM Early Bird Party, 6:30 PM, food, beverages (free soft drinks & beer) THUR, JULY 26: Free time, AM 1PM depart by bus to Carlsbad Caverns for tour. Evening meal on your own either in the underground restaurant or above ground restaurant. Following the famous twlight “bat flyout” from the caverns, return to hotel. Word of caution take a jacket for the temperature in the caverns is 56 degrees. Purchase own tickets at the caverns. ‘ FRI, JULY 27: Sit-down breakfast in hotel. Split-tour option, A maximum of 40 persons can tour the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant which is an underground storeage facility for atomic energy waste. The others will tour the Living Desert State Park. 5 PM depart hotel to Pecos River Village for boat rides on the river followed by buffet dinner, and cash bar, in the Carlsbad Convention Cener, on the banks of the Pecos River. SAT., JULY 28: Sit-down breakfast. Business Meeting. Free time remainder of the day. 6:30 PM, Hospitality Hour. Cash Bar. 7:30 PM, Banquet. Chicken or Beef. Entertainment “The day following the Reunion, Sunday, July 29, those who choose to stay-over, The Parkers and The Chappells invite us for a 7-hour tour of the Guadalupe and Lincoln {ional Forest. An out-door picnic will take place plus some very beautiful and ex- citing sights. ‘There is no charge involved for the tour, picnic or transportation. But, we need to know if you plan to stay-over, Be sure an indicate your choice on the Reunion Registration Form.749TH RAILWAY VETERANS CLUB February 23, 2001 Greetings 749ers.. Time for our winter news letter, and an-date on our big 2001 Reunion in Carlsbad, NM July 25-28. So, here goes. First, the Reunion up-date. The Reunion Committee composed of Walter/Lera Parker, Jocal residents, and John/Gloria Chappell, Las Cruces, NM, are hard at working preparing a typical special program that will keep us entertained, wined and dined for the full 4-day affair. Carlsbad, although somewhat smaller in population than some previous reunion, hhas much to offer for us. There's the world famous and spectacular Carlsbad Caverns, and this alone is enough to draw you to Carlsbad. Also situated here is one of the very few underground nuclear storage waste facilities. We'll be touring both. And the nearby redeveloped Pecos River attraction will be a part of our program, and more of course. The final details for the Carlsbad Reunion will ke coming your way soon, but now is the time to start your planning. It’s only 5 months away. For those flying to Carlsbad from the east, there are two flying routes. One is from Dallas via Big Sky Airway. The other is by way of Albuquerque to Carlsbad. For me, from Columbus, my routing will be Delta Airlines to Albuquerque, then Mesa Air Lines on to Carlsbad. This is my least expensive routing. Check out both. AILING MEMBERS AND FAMILY MEMBERS: Helen (Mrs Roger) Daniels, heart; Mayer Fetters; John Monahan, broken elbow; The Harold Hermans; Claude Sanderson, heel injury; Bob Howell, heart surgery; Clayton Odom, elbow and shoulder injury from an ice fall; George Scott, also injury from a fal; Mrs John Systma; and Lafayette Gable; 0.G. and Barb Riley, respiratory; Mrs Palmer McNeely, arthritis; Noble McClure Congratulations to Howard/Ann Payton, and Noble/Orpha MoClure on 60th years of wedded bliss. The Bernie Judwares have celebrated their 57th. Believe it or not, after nearly a year of waiting, I received my Cold War Certificate. All 749ers who were in service between 2 Sept 1945 and 26 Dec 1991 are eligible. OTHER NEWS ITEMS; Yours truly had a day’s visit with George and Helen Scott...Art/Leona Weyant spent the New Years weekend with Bob/Mary Kern in Little River, SC...Emnie Buttice, and some family members, will be taking a jaunt to Italy in March,..Hlelen (Mrs Eddie) Bennett has relocated to 10951 Johnson BL, #H-119, Seminole, FL 33772...Do we have your e-mail address? Our address book is growing, so if'you would like to share yours with us, sent it along...My sincere thanks to all of you for the many Christmas cards received...Pleased to hear that both Claude Blanton and Bob Farrell are doing well as is Howard Payton. Tt is always regretfully to report the deaths of our fellov-749ers, They are BJ Boran, Virgil Briles, Floyd Cox, James Curtin, Paul Flynn, who hosted the 1980 Reunion in Birmingham, Roy Martin and A¢am Serpa. According to our count, the death count for the 749th Railway Operating Battalion is. 387. OVER‘749TH NEWSLETTER CONTINUED. Family member deaths are Bernie Jufware's 53 year-old son, following a long battle with cancer, Kay (Mrs Roy) Gori's sister, and Joe Terpak's wife, Ruth. Our heart-felt condolences to the families of each. Ground has been broken for the World War IT Memorial in Washington, DC. Completion and dedication is set for Memorial Day 2003. “The 749th Club remains a strong and viable WW II veterans organization. Our current membership count is 204. Not bad at all for a battalion size unit whole’s members ages are around 80. We read of units disbanding due (o lack of interest for many reason. But not so for the 749th. ‘The loyalty, the dedication, and the desire of the membership to continue the association with war-time buddies and friends right on into civilian life, Time continues to be our biggest enemy, but we're a determined lot and not yet ready for the “tossing in the towel”. My congratulations and thanks to each, Ifyou have not yet paid your 2001 membership dues of $6, let this bea reminder. With one postage increase already, and hints of another one yet this year, we need the support ‘of the entire membership. There has not been a dues increase for many, many years, and that’s a tribute to the loyalty of the membership. ‘The $6 dues is OUR ONLY SOURCE OF INCOME, so itis vital. We need your support. Send your $6 to me, Donald Gothard, 4173 Dixie Ct., Columbus, Ohio 43228-2109. My phone number is (614) 279-3026, and my e-mail address is dleegothard@aol.com. And, don’t forget your news items also. One more thing, and that’s our #54th Annual Reunion in Carlsbad, New Mexico, July 25-28 with headquarters at the Best Western. Start your planning now for the final details wil be coming your way shortly. ‘The Parkers and The Chappells are guaranteeing usa great, and economical time in the Great Southwest at Carlsbad. Yours truly, DON GOTHARD Secretary-Treasurer749TH NEWSLETTER December 10, 2000 Greetings, 749ers: My apologies for being tardy with this letter, but it has not been a good year for me. More later. First, the 2000 Reunion in Tulsa was another smashing success with 123 in attendance. The program put together by Howard and Virginia Newman was just super from the opening "Early Bird" Party right on thru the tours, museums, outdoor musical, and wind-up banquet. We even got local newspaper coverage including pictures. so, a great big "thanks" to Howard and Virginia. They did it up in typical 749th class It's now time to turn our thoughts, and planning, to our 2001 Reunion, and it will take place in Carlsbad, New Mexico. The dates are July 25 thru July 28. Headquarters will be in the Best Western Hotel. Our host will be Walter Parker, a Carls- bad resident, and Co B, man who has promised us a grand time. Two other cities were Considered--Kansas City, MO and Spring- field, IL. Carlsbad is serviced by Big Sky Airways out of Denver and Dallas. More later on this, but, start your plan- ning now. NEWS ITEMS. Robert Adams has supplied us with some, current data on the old Manila Railroad Co. The north line out of Manila is long gone, but the south leg is operating to an extent, but under a another name...Mary (Mrs Ted) Brown has relocated from Fayetteville, NC to Florida. And, Geraldine (Nrs H I) Crist has departed Houston, TX for st. Louis. Also, long-time Seattle resident, Fred Diener has moved to Oregon. The Bob Zinns, Columbus, KS took a motor jaunt to Minnesota and Nebraska, visiting Lloyd/Mildred Gritz in Lincoln, NE. The Elgin Koens, Houston made a visit with the Olen Orrs in Arizona...Club Prexy, Gerald Franklin, was a speaker to a Perry, OK high school class on some WW II experiences..... Speaking of World War II, groundbreaking ceremonies did take place Nov 11 on the World War II Memorial. Dedication of the Memorial is set for Veterans Day, 2003...The Joe Nicholas have celebrated their 67th wedding anniversary while Gerald and Dorothy Britton have rang up #60...Sam Pees, Meadville, PA, has authored an electric book on the history of the oil industry. It can be viewed on http:www.oilhistory.com Jack/Leona Abrahamson suffered an auto accient eroute from their Texas home to the Tulsa Reunion. No injuries however. Don Gothard had a visit with George/Helen Scott. George has had some minor facial surgery...Our 749th membership now stands at 208 persons, so despite “father time", we're still "kicking". Our newest member is Ruth (Mrs Frank) Look. SICK CALL. Mrs Attaway Barton. Evalyn (Mrs Steve) Lewis, Claude Blanton, Leone (Mrs Bob) Kirk, Leona & Art Weyant Bill Collings (accident), Fred Owens, Fran (Mrs) Charlie Selover, Noble McClure, Arlene (Mrs Haywood) Taylor), Frank Chapple's wife, Charles Bequette, Bill Briggs, Adam & V: OVERSerpa, Clayton Odom, Marion (Mrs Jim) McIntosh, Mildred Gritz Dave Nelson's wife, Wayne Baldwin, Maury Lane, and Bob Farrell. Our best wishes to all of these folks. DEATHS: Taps have sounded for 7 more 749ers. They are Dan Dunklee Frank Gale, Joe Kasza, Frank Look, Clarence Parthun, Tedd Prichard, and Charles Straus. Frank Gale and Frank Look were charter members. The deceased count now stands at 380. Mrs Frank Couch's sister, Mamie, has died as has Mrs. Virgil Winemiller. Our sympathies to the families of each It is also with a great amount of sadness to inform you of the death of my wife, Charlotte, age 74, who died suddenly June 1, 2000. We had been married nearly 53 years. The love, loyalty, and dedication Charlotte had to the 749th was un-equaled. In 53 Reunions, she attended all but 4. Her help and support to me in my 749th capacity 1s beyond words for she was my proof-reader, dictionary, folder, stuffer, and number one booster. Eight 749ers attended her funeral ser- vice, They were Gerald Franklin, Perry, OK; Howard Newman, Tulsa, OK; Dick/Mary Kathryn Likens, Hudson, IN; Bob/Ginny Farrell, Cincinnati, and George/Helen Scott & Family, from Lancaster, Ohio. My sincere thanks for all the cards, phone calls, e-mails, flowers, and memorial gifts. Without a doubt, 749th people are the very best. It's dues-paying time again, and still just $6. Come Jan. 7, 2001, postage goes up, so more than ever we need your support. Dues-money is our only source of income, and !s our "life blood". Thanks for the loyalty of each of you, we have been going strong since 1948, so let this be a reminder of the importance of your continued loyalty. Mailing address for dues is--Donald Gothard, 4173 Dixie Ct., Columbus, Ohio 43228. My phone number 614-279-3026 Got an e-mail you'd like to share with us? We've got 7 al- xeady. They are: Ken Bartlett, kennrse@aol.com; Don Gothard. dleegothard@aol.com; Gene Farrow, efarrow@hsonline.net; Sam Pees, spee@toolcity.net; Howell Brannon, babra80alaweb.com: Ernie Buttice, micjenathome@valent.net and Bill Bearfield, bbean@bufénet .net. At long last the World War II Memorial is a reality, for on November 11, 2000, groundbreaking ceremonies took place on the Mall (Memorial site), in Washington, DC. A local friend of mine attended the ceremony and he said the turnout of veterans and dignitaries, including President Bill Clinton, was huge. Completion and dedication is set for Veterans Day, November 11, 2003. My best wishes for a Jgyous Holiday Season, and a very good 2001. A Dén Gothard, Secretary/Treasurer Page 22000 REUNION ANNOUNCEMENT 749TH RAILWAY VETERANS CLUB Hi 749ers: May 18, 2000 Here we go for 749th Reunion #53, so sit back, read, and make your plans for another gathering of the greatest group of people on the face of this earth. The dates are July 26-29 in the clty of TULSA, OKLAHOMA. Headquarters will be in the Ramada Inn in the downtown area. Howard & Virginia Newman local residents, are our hosts and have put in place 4-full days of parties, tours, museums, a fabulous musical (OKLA- HOMA), and real good food, all at a very economical price. The big event gets underway Wednesday with registration in the hotel lobby, 1 to 4 p.m. Later in the evening we'll have our traditional "early bird" hospitality party featuring a spaghetti dinner. Thursday Morning enjoy a continental breakfast prior to our Tulsa sightseeing tour. After a rest- up we're in for an extra ordiuary evening at Discoverland Park. First, a barbecue dinner, and then the famous musical OKLAHOMA in the out-door amphitheater. What a treat. Next day (Friday) we start off with a full course breakfast then off to tour the world renown Gilcrease Museum, home of some of the world's greatest paintings of western lore. Lunch is included in this trip. Saturday Morning another continental breakfast is on tap followed by the business meeting. Rest of the day is "free" time to rest up for the grand windup Saturday Night Banquet with entertainment to follow. Now, isn't that a great 4-day package! ‘The Ramada Inn, our headquarters, 1s situated at 8181 East Skelly Drive, has presented us with a dally flat room rate of $55, plus tax, for single or double/twin room. We get free continental breakfast, free vehicle parking, and free airport limo service. The hotel also features and indoor pool and recreation center. For your convenience please use the hotel room reservation form enclosed to make your re- servations. Word of caution--don't delay doing this We need to know who's coming, and when, so you are urged to complete the enclosed Reunion Reservation Form. Commitments must be made for buses, OKLAHOMA tickets, and all dinner functions. We're only 2 months away, so don't delay with this item either. Tusla 1s one of America's most historical cities. As a frontier town it was the center of early 011 exploration in this country. A boom town in every degree, and it has left its mark right up to the present. Our Thursday Sightseeing Tour will cover much of Tulsa oil history. The great musical, OKLAHOMA, alone is worth a trip to Tulsa as is the Gilcrease Museum. So, bring yourself, your family, and all the friends you choose to. All are welcome. Absolutely, NOTHING TOPS A 749TH REUNION. overWould you like to host a 749th Reunion in your area. We're open for 2001, so the opportunity is available. If you are interested, contact me for details, and assistance. The veterans of the 749th Railway Operating Battalion has been meeting for reunions on an annual basis starting back in 1948. We've covered every part of the U.S., some places more than once. We've partied, toured and ate in many of the out- standing sights in all America. We gone from frisky youths to middle age to seniors, and then some. We've lost some very dear friends, and we've witnessed babies matured to adults, yet the 749th has prevailed. Once we were dominated by males but thanks to our emphasis of a family oriented reunion program, we are truly a solid family organization. From our very beginning we knew that “time” was by far our biggest enemy--the 749th inherited a limited life. A sad fact is that World War II veterans are dying at a rate of 1,000 plus a day. ‘The 749th Reunions have prolonged the bond of our acquaintances and friendships. Its been an enjoyable and exciting ride of our lives. A 749th Reunion is not the ordinary yearly reunion--it's a special event that has en- hanced our lives. So, 1f you've got the time, the ability and the desire to see old friends, take advantage of a golden opportunity to do that very thing. Come to Tulsa July 26, 27, 28 & 29. Once again, complete and mail your room reservation form di- rect to the hotel, and your Reunion Reservation Form to the undersigned. Then you'll be all set, and Howard & Virginia Newman will be waiting to greet and entertain us. For you who will not be attending, let this be a reminder that your 2001 membership dues go into effect Sept 1. still just $6. e you in Tulsa, DON GOTHARD Secretary-Treasurer 4173 Dixie Ct., Columbus, Ohio 43228-2109 Telephone: (614)279-3026 E-Mail: dleegothard@aol.comi G-tb-o0 6/6/00 pear SLeCleaye This is to inform you of the death of my wife Charlotte June 1,2000. She died suddenly at home from a heart attack. She was 74. Charlotte suffered with asthma all her life, and that lead to emphysema, chronic bronchitis, and an untreatable heart condition. For the past 7 months she has been in failing health, but bravely, right up to the end, she religiously battled her hopeless situation. The 749th Family was her most cherished group of people, and loved very much each reunion. She missed but very few of the annual gathering since it was formed in 1948. In addition to myself, 3 daughters, and one son, she also is survived by 2 sisters and 1 brother. Charlotte and I have been together since our high school days. She was 15 and I 16 when we had our first date in 1941. We were married in 1947 which gave us 52 wonderful and exciting years. Thank you for being her friend. Sincerely, Awd froTard749TH RAILWAY VETERANS CLUB 1999 Reunion Report August 20, 1999 Greetings 749ers... We're pleased to report to you that 749th Reunion #52 just concluded in Northern Kentucky was another smashing success with 130 attending--53 members, and 77 spouses, family mem- bers, and friends. A super turnout. Members travelled far and wide to attend----- from distant states of Arizona, California, New Mexico, North Dakota, Washington and Utah. We had 2 fellows attending their Ist reunion--Verle shank from California and David Wells from Kentucky. Ben Hitchcock saw the reunion notice in the VEW Magazine and showed up. Joe King (Co A) was the lone bat- tallon officer in attendance. Also attending were 4 widows of deceased 749ers--Una Van Barton (Attaway); Helen Bennett (Eddie); Helen Swinford (Jack), and Mary Weitzel (Phil) Bill Bearfield, son of Ike/Sara, and Ray Ward, son of Vernon and Dorothy Ward were also present. The makeup, in addition to spouses were sons, daughters, grandchildren, in-laws, and family friends. So you see, a 749th Reunion is truly a family affair. It has a wide appeal to everyone. The 4-day program took off Wed Afternoon with registration, and an evening buffet food fest and a good-time gathering. Early Thur Afternoon we were bused to the restored Cincinnati Union Terminal to tour 2 museums, enjoy a tasty dinner, view an OMNIMAX movie, and back to the dining room for dessert. Some ventured atop the terminal building to view the re~ stored yard operations tower. Friday got underway with a sit-down breakfast, then a 2-hour sightseeing tour ending up at noon at an Ohio River boat dock where we embarked on a 2- hour luncheon cruise on the Ohio. Friday Evening was open but several opted to the Victoria Casino while others chose the major league baseball game between the Cincy Reds and the San Francisco Giants. Saturday Morning we enjoyed a continental breakfast followed by our annual business meeting. Among other business con- ducted, a new computer was authorized for club use. The cur- rent officers-- Gerald Franklin, President; Dick Likens, Vice President; Capt John B. Wilson (absent) honorary VP; Donald Gothard, Secretary/Treasurer; Bob Zinn, Historian, and Frank Couch, Chaplain, were reelected. Two sites were considered for our 2000 Reunion--Pigeon Forge, Tenn., and Tulsa, Okla. Tulsa was selected in a close vote. Howard & Virginia Newman volunteered to be our hosts for our 2000 Reunion in Tulsa. Dates are July 26-30 with head- quarters in the Ramada Inn. Room rates a will be $55, plus tax, per day. More later, but start planning now OVER1999 Reunion Report, 749th, Page 2 Aug 20, 1999 The 1999 Reunion, final one of the 20th century, wound up in grand style with the crowning event of the 4-day affair being the Saturday Night Banquet. However, it did not end with the meal for we were entertained for fully an hour by a youth clogging group. These youngsters danced an clogged to the delight of the entire crowd. The evening came to a close with the awarding of many door prizes obtained by Bob Brock- man back in his hometown of Kansas City, MO. SOME REUNION HIGHLIGHTS: A pocket penlight was the 1999 Re- union "official" gift, but there were other gifts distri- buted. Mary Kathryn Likens hand crafted a clever magnet clip holder. President Gerald Franklin furnished Ditch Witch caps for the guys. Verle Shank's daughter-in-law composed a beautifully worded scroll entitled "Just a Simple Soldier" for each of us, and the Northern Kentucky Convention Bureau supplied us with colorful plastic bags, name tags, and a wide selection of brochures and maps of local attractions. our hotel headquarters, The Drawbridge Inn, displayed a large banner, reading, 749TH RAILWAY VETERANS CLUB, IN the hotel lobby...All of the hotel employees wore ribbons that read, “Welcome 749th Railway Veterans Club". The hotel also gave us a 10% discount on food in its restaurants...Out door tem- peratures huddled around the 100 mark most of our 4 days. Limo service to and from the airport was free as was hotel vehicle parking. On the downside, The Leon Brock Family of Ft. Worth, 1X was forced to cancel because wife, Mary, suf- fered a broken hip (home accident) on the morning they were to leave for the Reunion. Maury and Betty Lane, Manley, IA, had to cancel due to severe flooding in northern Iowa. Bennie and Francis Singletary were forced to cancel because of Francis's illness. Numerous reunities used the Reunion to further their vacation travels. Many going in various directions to other parts of the country. The Reunion Com- mittee was Don/Charlotte Gothard; Bob/Ginny Farrell, and Dick & Mary Kathryn Likens. Please be reminded that its dues paying time again, and still just $6 per year. A real bargain. Imagine, here we are paying dues for the year 2000, the beginning of a new century. Dues money is our ONLY OPERATIONS INCOME, SO WE URGE YOU TO CONTINUE YOUR LOYALTY TO THE 749TH. Mail your check to Donald Gothard, 4173 Dixie Ct., Columbus, OH 43228. Phone number is (614)279-3026. mathe DON GOTHARD, Secrétary-TreasurerNEWSLETTER 749TH RAILWAY VETERANS CLUB February 25, 2000 Greetings 749ers: News reporting time again, and we're pleased to pass on the happenings in the 749th Family. Death has claimed 3 more of our members bringing the known death count to 373 individuals. Latest ones are Douglas Hutchins, Carl Martin, and Bennie Singletary, a Club charter member. ‘Just 4 months prior to Bennie's death, wife Francis died from cancer. We're also sorry to report the death of Lillian Johnson (Mrs James), and Betty Drenning's sister. Our condolences to the family of each. SICK CALL; Henry Hunter, glacoma. No longer able to drive. He and Mrs. Hunter celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary 2/25...Bleanor Borkenhagen, wife of Robert, deceased, is suf- fering with Alzheimer Disease, and in a Heartland, WI care center...Bernie Judware's son continues to battle cancer with numerous surgeries and treatments...Frank Look hospitalized with forehead lacerations froma fall in his home...Claude Blanton much improved, and George Scott back to bowling, and golfing...Bob Farrell underwent lung cancer surgery in Jan Charlotte Gothard fighting asthma, emphysema, and chronic bronchitis...Betty Drenning made a trip to Mayo Clinic for a health problem...Paul Flynn ailing...0. G. Riley underwent gallbladder surgery. Both 0. G. and wife, Barb, battling pulmonary ailments requiring both to use oxygen. Lyle Warnock a hospital patient...Ray Roper congestive heart failure that required hospitalization 6 times in '99..Ray is also on dialysis...Club President Gerald Franklin is being treated for diverticulitis...Bob Brockman knee-joint ailment, and a case of shingles...Peggy DiMartino's grandaughter marched in the New Year's Day Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, CA...Julia Hyrne, eldest daughter of George and Helen Scott, underwent successful liver transplant surgery Feb 19 at Ohio State University Hospital. She is recovering very well. OTHER NEWS NOTES: The Fred Dieners, water-logged in their Seattle home, skipped out to sunny Arizona...Nice letter from Marian (Mrs Jim) McIntosh. Doing pretty well...Bob & Shug Zinn soon to be off for a Mexican journey...Gene Farrow took a trip to China, and seeing among other sights, visited the Great Wall and the terra Cotta soldiers exhibition...Good to hear from the battalion's sergeant major, Stan Moore, a re~ sident of Philadelphia...Mary Wilson (Mrs Ed) has reached the 79 milestone, and still working part-time in an Indianapolis drug store..-Lillian Macleod (Mrs Dave) has reached 80 and reports good health...Walter Parker took a motor journey to Alaska in '98...Henry Williams, Show Low, AZ, says he plans to make his 1st 749th Reunion in Tulsa in July...Did you remember that February 14, 2000 marked the 55th anniversary of the sailing of the MORMACSEA from California bound for the Philippines. It only took 39 days to get there. OVERThe World war II Memorial finance campaign is still very active, so that the needed funds goal will be reached in order to break ground for the Memorial in Washington, DC on Veteran's Day (Nov 11, 2000). Numerous 749ers have made donations, as well as a $1,000 donation from the 749th Contributors are urged to use the code number, VGODD, when making a donation. Besides getting individual credit, the 749th ROB will also receive credit. Use the code VGODD on your check or in any correspondence. A donation of $35 or more makes you a charter member of the Memorial. A recent History Channel documentary highlighted the WW II Memorial. The 2000 Reunion of the 749th is just over the horizon, so start your planning now for the 53rd Reunion of the Ole 749th in Tulsa, Oklahoma, July 26-29. Chairperson Howard Newman and wife, Virginia, has a super 4-day program in place for our enjoyment. Nothing tops a 749th Reunion. Bring your family and your friends--all are welcome. Complete reunion details will be coming your way in early May, so mark the calendar, and your travel agenda. Have you pald your 2000 membership dues? If not, we hope this will serve as a reminder of the need of your support The $6 annual dues is our ONLY SOURCE OF INCOME TO OPERATE THE CLUB. A postage increase is already in the mill for early 2001, but we can make it without a dues increase so long as the loyalty and dedication of the membership remains strong. If your membership card expiration date is under 2000, you're not current. So please, send your $6 to me, Donald Gothard, 4173 Dixie Court, Columbus, Ohio 43228-2109. My telephone number, day or night, is (614)279-3026. And we welcome any news item that you might have, and willing to share it with the membership. No, I do not have E-Mail at the present but plan to have it in the near future. Anyone having an E-Mail number and would like it be known to other 749ers, please send it to me for publication in our next newsletter. So long for now, Aothithank DON GOTHARD Secretary-Treasurer Page 2 of 2 PagesFrom the desk of Donald L. Gothard 748th Railway Veterans Club 4173 Dixie Court Columbus Ohio 43228 (614) 279-3026 Greetings 749ers... December 7, 1999 Time for our late fall/early winter newsletter, and hopefully you'l receive it before the Christmas Holiday Season. There just does not seem to be enough hours in our day, but here goes. Death has claimed 6 more 749ers bringing the known death count to 371 individuals. The latest ones are T. J. Brown, Anson Ewing, Ralph Harris, Doug Hutchins, Louie Pratt, and Captain (actually Lt. Col.) John B. Wilson. Captain Wilson, who was 91, was the long-time vice~ president of the 749th Club, and a charter member as was T. J. Brown and Anson Ewing. Maury and Betty Lane, Manly, Iowa, attended Captain Wilson's funeral. 1. J. Brown was buried at Ft. Bragg, NC. Death has also taken the lives of Paul Flynn's wife, Adele; Henry Hunter's 43 year-old daughter; Mary (Mrs Phil) Weltzel's brother-in-law; Bennle Singletary's wife, Francis, (Gene Farrow attended the funeral); Gerald Franklin's daughter-in-law; Bill Welch, husband of Bea Anderson-Welch and Walter Rutherford's daughter. Our sincere condolences to each family. There's no shortage of heartaches. SICK CALL: Again, plenty of this to go around. Those ailing are Bob Howell; Ed Kolokzik's son critically Injured in an auto accident, but making great recovery; Mayer Fetter; Laverne Connell, chronic pulmon- ary disease; Bill Carlsen’s wife; Carl Martin, Alzheimer, and in a health care center; Bob Adams dealing with equilibrum condition, and glaucoma; V. G, Cooper's wife; Ginny (Mrs Charles) McIntyre, eye im- plants leg veins by-pass surgery; Frank Gale, double knee-Joint re- placement, and also wearing heart pacemaker; Bob Hartung's wife; Marian (Mrs Jim) McIntosh, afflicted with neurological disorder which affects her balance requiring the use of a cane; Joe Terpak, 6 heart vales by- pass surgery; Bob Brockman, knee surgery; Frank Look, besides being in- jured ina fall, has been hospitalized numerous times suffering with both leg and back conditions; Mary (Mrs Leon) Brock suffered a broken hip from a fall in her home on the morning that she and Leon were scheduled to leave for the '99 Reunion; Bill Hewgley was treated for a heart attack which he did not, and released; Art Weyant, rotor cuff surgery; Louise (Mrs Bernard) Gutschewski 3 major surgeries in a span of 17 months; both Adam and Vi Serpa battling major health problems. Claude Blanton, successful corneal implants; Ben Williams, gallbladder surgery; Shug (Mrs Bob) Zinn gallbladder surgery; Charlotte (Mrs Don Gothard fighting a severe asthma condition. While on a November trip enroute to Myrtle Beach, SC, she suffered an attack at Beckley, West Virginia, and was hospitalized there for 7 days. Had the trip to Myrtle Beach materialized, we had plans to see Claude/Margaret Blanton in Wilmington, NC, and Bob/Mary Kern at Little River, SC. OTHER NEWS ITEMS: No 749ers were adversely affects with the recent heavy flooding in North/South Carolina although Bob/Mary Kern, who live at Little River, SC, did go to higher ground just to be on the safe side. Thanks to a home generator, The Blantons (Wilmington, NC), fared very well during a long electrical outage in that area...Three couples have observed their 60th wedding anniversary--Frank/Ruth Look, George/Helen Scott, and Leon/Mary Brock...The Military Railway Service, a Ww II veterans organization composed of a number of WW II railroad OVERunits, has folded for lack of interest. we were invited to be a part of the MRS years ago, but we declined desiring to be on our own.... How many of you knew that 749er John Wenckelium is an ex-CID agent serving on Luzon at the sametime we were there? Hugo Lackman is com- posing a book on his long railroad career. Hugo is no longer working as an engineer on the Georgetown (Colorado) Loop Scenic Railroad.. Our Korean member, "WABASH", wrote a letter to us from Saipan where he and wife were sightseeing...The teen-age daughter of John B. Wilson, Jr was physically assaulted by an unknown assailant near the Wilsons's London, England home. She is recovering...Gene Farrow and companion took a sightseeing trip to China...Elgin Koen has re-married as has Howell Brannon. Congrats to both and their new wives...Stanley Moore our ex-battalion sergeant major, is a full-time volunteer in the Philadelphia, PA Association for the Blind. How's that for an 89 year-old 749er? To the best of our knowledge, Joe King, who resides in Sun City Center, Florida, is the lone surviving commissioned officer of the 749th ROB. Following his WW II service, Joe also served in the Korean War. Contributions are still béing sought for the construction of the WW II Memorial Monument to be built in Washington, DC. Ground is to be broken in 2000. Contact me for details on contributing. The 749th Club has already donated $1,000, and many club members has made per- sonal donations. It's a great cause for all ww II veterans The 2000 Reunion of the Ole 749th is just beyond the horizon, and you should be giving that some deep thought. our reunion city is Tulsa, Oklahoma, and the dates are July 26-27-28-29. The chairperson is Howard Newman who resides next-door to Tulsa, so he knows all the "ropes" in an around Tulsa, and that guarantees a grand reunion. So. schedule the above dates onto your 2000 travel plans. More later. FLASH-FLASH-FLASH: For you who have not paid your 2000 membership dues in the 749th, let this be a reminder of our need for your support. Dues have not been raised from the present $6 for decades, and that is mostly due to the loyalty of the membership. We've been able to make it without dues increases. Operating expenses--postage, supplies and equipment are ever on the increase, so we need the continued loyalty and support of every one of our 225 members. If your present member- ship card expiration date does not read Sept 1, 2000, or a newer date, your $6 membership dues are now due. So please, do it now. Send your $6 to Donald L. Gothard, 4173 Dixie Ct., Columbus, Ohio 43228. Believe me, we will be grateful. We welcome our newest members--John B. Wilson, Jr., Grace Ewing, Mary Brown, and Eleanor Harris.. We're proud to have you. From all of us to all of you, A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS, AND A GREAT 2000. Ao frathad DON GOTHARD Secretary-TreasurerNEWSLETTER 749TH RAILWAY VETERANS CLUB March 1, 1999 Greetings 749ers... Time for another news up-date on the 749th Club. As always it is sad to report the deaths of 749ers, spouses, and family members. Member deaths are James Donato, Donald Farmer (charter member), Ralph Ryan and Walter Statterwhite. The 749th death count 1s now 360. Other deaths are Anna Orsino, spouse of Dominic Orsino; Elgin Koen's wife, Bill Luedtke's wife, T. J. Brown's daughter, and Al Eden, brother- in-law of Phil and Mary Weitzel. Al, and his wife, attended many 749th Reunions with The Weitzels. Our condolences are extended to the families of each. SICK REPORT. George Scott 1s making a good recovery from his heart by-pass surgery late in 1998...Ken Powers reports that is wife 1s doctoring for an angina condition....Olen Orr still has lingering discomfort from a severe auto accident 2 years ago...Bernie Judware's son has completed another round of chemo treatments...Louella Franklin escaped serious in- juries from a fall in her home...Francis (Mrs Ben) Singletary taking cancer treatments. Bennie has had surgery for a blood clot in his arm...Charlotte Gothard hospitalized this past Jan with a bout of bronchitis and asthma...Bill Gouldin has had hernia surgery....Claude Blanton an on-going battle with a blood loss condition. Transfusions on a regular basis...Bd Kolodzik wearing a heart defibrillator. Was hos- pitalized in Nov...Helen (Mrs Roger) Daniels not well...Frank Look hospitalized twice in Dec with a bladder infection. After that he was in an auto accident totalling his vehicle. OTHER NEWS. Welcome to 2 new members--Thera Farmer, widow of Donald Farmer, and Elda Leonard, daughter of Dominic and Anna orsino, both deceased. Pleased to have you...The Mayer Fetters both have celebrated their 85th birthdays...Clayton and Norma Odom celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary as has Club President Gerald and Louella Franklin. Carl and Lu Radiger celebrated their 55th anniversary recently...Rusty Evans reports seeing Paul Crawford, Ray Roper and Paul Shel- ledy, all Springfield Mo residents...Greetings from Ova and Nellie Childers, John sytsma, Mary (Mrs Ed) Wilson, David Wells, and Stan Moore, ex-sergeant major in battalion Hq Sam Pees wonders if a group visit to the Philippines and on to Korea is possible...Palmer McNeely says he'll see us in Northern Kentucky (1999 Reunion site) 1f his wife's diabetic condition permits her travelling...The Fred Dieners wintering at Tucson, AZ...Virgil Richardson, Penryn, CA wrote a very interesting history of his war-time association with our late Club Recruiter, Jim McIntosh, and how grateful he is to Jim for getting he (Virgil) sign-up as a 749th Club member. There is a lot of 749th Club members we can thank Jim for bringing into our organization. Jim's widow. Marian, informed us re- cently that, after years of waiting, his Philippine Libera~ tion Medal was received...The A. W. Garrets took an extended OVERtour of several European countries...Club President Gerald Franklin was the "official" santa Claus for several functions in hls Perry, OK hometown this past Christmas...P. H. "Gib Gibson an instructor at Forsyth Tech School in Winston-Salem NC. Presently, Gib, who is 79, 1s enrolled as a student learning silver smithing, and lapidary. He also presented the 749th Club with a goodly supply of steam locomotive portraits which will be available at our '99 Reunion. .Ken Bartlett collects cigarette lighters, and especially WW II vintage lighters. Anyone that has any, Ken would like to hear from you. Time 1s growing closer for our big 1999 Reunion in Northern Kentucky, just 5 miles south of Cincinnati, Ohio. The dates are July 28 thru July 31. We've got a great location, and an even greater program planned. Bring yourself, family mem- bers and your friends. All are welcome. Headquarters will be In the Drawbridge Estate at Fort Mitchell, KY. Reunion details will be mailed in May, so be on the lookout Funds are still be sought for the construction of the World War II Memorial Monument in Washington DC. The estimated cost is 100 million dollars, and all has to come from the private sector--no government money. Ground breaking is scheduled for Veterans Day 2000. The 749th Club has already donated $1,000 ensuring the 749th Rwy Opn Bn a place on it's honor roll. Any size donation is welcomed. If you'd like details, contact me. We'll also have the forms at our Northern Kentucky Reunion. Donors of $35 or more receives a very nice lapel pin, certificate as a charter member, and a colored sketch of the Memorial. Last but certainly not the least is your dues payment. If you have not paid your 1999 dues, please do so. Dues-money is OUR ONLY SOURCE OF OPERATION FUNDS. Currently we have some 31 members delinquent for the period 1994 and 1997, and a much larger number for 1998 and 1999. Despite the recent increase in postage, dues have not been increased--still just $6 per year, but we surely do need an increased response from the membership to sustain the organization. We've never had a policy of aggresively attempting to collect back dues, and that's still the situation. Regardless of how long it's been since payment has been made, $6 will bring you current. We do not want to lose one 749er for there are no replacements. We firmly believe that the 749th is one of the very best World War II veterans organization in existence, and thanks to a very loyal and dedicated membership, we've had a long and active life. We have no plans to fold, but we all are fully aware that we have a limited life, but lets make the most of what we have remaining. Please, send your $6 today. Mail to Donald Gothard, 4173 Dixie Ct., Columbus, Ohio 43228 We're anxiously looking forward to seeing you in July. DON GOTHARD, Sec/Treas749TH RAILWAY VETERANS CLUB November 14, 1998 Greetings 749ers... There’s much to report, so here we go. First of all, our 1998 Reunion in Omaha was another great one. Joe Amate and wife Marge, put on a super 4-day pro~ gram for all the 127 persons present starting with day one right thru Saturday Night's Windup Banquet. We enjoyed good food, an interesting sightseeing tour that included the world famous Boys Town, and the U.S. Air Force’s Strategic Air Command’s Museum, and a very comfortable and convenient hotel headquarters. So, a big "tip of the cap" to Joe and Marge for their 12 months of dedication in all our behalf. The Club officers make-up remained unchanged, and they are Gerald Franklin, President; Dick Likens, Vice President; Don Gethard, Secretary-Treasurer; Bob Zinn, Historian, and Frank Couch, Chaplain. The office of Recruiter was permanently re~ tired due to the untimely death of long-time Recruiter, Jim McIntosh. TAPS: Death has claimed 5 more 749ers making our known de~ ceased count read 359 individuals. Latest ones are Harold Eyres; James Grant; James McIntosh; Phil Weitzel, and Helen Kenyon, the 97 year-old widow of Captain John Kenyon. The sudden death of Jim McIntosh, June 1998, left a tremendous void in our Club. For many years Jim was our highly success~ ful and intensly dedicated Club Recruiter. His “dogge searches located scores of “lost 74ers", and signing up most of them into the membership of the 749th. In recognition of Jim MeIntosh’s many feats to the 749th as it’s first and only Recruiter, members at the Omaha Reunion voted to "retire" the office of Recruiter in memory of Jim McIntosh. A national fund raising campaign, chaired by former U.S Senator Bob Dole, and a World War II purple heart holder, is in progress to secure funds to build the World War II Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. Construction is to be~ gin soon, Cost is set at 100 million dollars, and the 749th will help. Members voted at the Omaha Reunion to donate $1,000 from our Club treasury toward the building of the Memorial. With this donation, the 749th Railway Operating Battalion’s name will be entered into the Book of Remember~ ance within the Memorial. The 749th identification will be there for generations to come as a World War II unit whose veterans played an active roll in determining the outcome of World War II. We should all be proud of that. SICK REPORT: Dave Nelson's ability to talk has been restored thanks to the insertion of a tiny micro chip into his voice box which was damaged by aneurysm surgery 17 months previously...Palmer McNeely, in addition to prostate prob- lems, was plagued with a broken ankle...Gus Carlsen spent 10 days in hospital for surgery...Adam Serpa and wife Viy both OVERwith serious ailments. Adam with esophagus reflux comli- cations,, and Vi diagnosed with cancer of the lymph glands Howard Payton continues to recover satisfactorily from open heart surgery...John Systma has had triple by-pass heart surgery following a heart attack while on the job as the photographer of a Salt Lake City area fire department. Bill Carlson's wife coping with new knee joints, a hip re~ placement, and now tumor surgery...Club Chaplain Frank Couch hit with a heart attack, and prostate surgery...Earl Brown is making a good recovery from hip replacement surgery. ..George Scott has had a four-valve heart operation here in Columbus this past Oct...Ginny (Mrs Charles) McIntyre’s youngest daughter battling lupus with chemo treatments... Louise (Mrs Bernard) Gutschewski hip replacement...Henry Williams has had open heart surgery...Both Anson and Haze Ewing treating heart ailments...Joe Amato, back surgery.. Ova Childers, prostate cancer, and wife Nellie a stroke Bernie Judware’s son been receiving chemo treatments...Von Tripp recovering from a five vale heart by-pass procedure. Bill Collings has visited Von...Lafaette Gable poor eyesight in both eyes. Still able to drive and care for his lawn, but reading difficult...Claude Blanton receiving on-going treatments trying to stop his blood loss condition. It's plain to see that "time" is a major player in most of our membership’s health status. This is a sad state for back in 1944-45, when we were all young and full of vim and vigor, we never gave thought to what was "down the road". OTHER NEWS ITEMS : Sam Pees and J. B. McQuaig are the latest recipients of the Philippine Victory Medal and Presidential Citation Badge, both Filipino awards. J. B. and wife Doris will both reached 80 in Nov...The current Club strenath is 225 members...Bob & Shug Zinn celebrated their SOth Wed- ding Anniversary this past Spring. Speaking of The Zins, one of their daughters competed in the Boston Marathon this past Spring...Frank Look has sold his Wiscensin cottage which was situated on a picturesque lake...Our Korean member, Mr. Ahn II Hwan (Wabash), has retired from his position at the Swiss Grand Hotel in Seoul. His new mailing address is 947-19 SinJung Deng, YongChon-Ku, Seoul, Korea Post No. 158~ 074. He'd enjoy hearing from his 749th friends whom he sends his best wishes to everyone...Captain John Wilson and wife Eleanor, have relocated to the Good Samaritan Ctr., 412 W Kennedy, Algona, IA 50511...Welcome to new members Lorna Eyre (Mrs Harold), E. H. Hancock, Reading, CA., Luis Navarette, Colton, CA., Mary Weitzel (Mrs Phil), and Marian McIntosh (Mrs Jim)..:Paul Flynn has a new address. It is 3230 Arm strong, Hayden, AL 35073. Olen Orr also has relocated. His new address is PO Box 231, Sunsites, AZ 85625. Letters of greetings to all 749ers have been received from Marie (Percy? Alg, Steve Lewis, Joe Nicholas, Ormond Baldridge, Geraldine (Mrs H. I.) Crist, Mae Hesselarave (Mrs Loren), and Lillian (Mrs Dave? Macleod.THE 1999 REUNION: The 1999 Reunion, #52, will take place in Northern Kentucky. This is that area south of the Ohio River opposite Cincinnati, Ohio. The actual location is Ft. Mit- chell, 5 miles south of Cincinnati adjacent to Interstate 75. Our headquarters will be in the Drawbridge Estate, a large convention complex right off the interstate. Free vehicle parking, and free airport limo service. The confirmed dates are July 28-31. Much more details on this later, but for an immediate update on the area, see the enclosed information sheet. The Reunion Committee is composed of Don/Charlotte Gothard, Dick/Mary Kathryn Likens, and Bob/Ginny Farrell Cincinnati residents. This committee met at the Drawbridge Nov 3 far some preliminary planning. It's not too early to start your thinking toward July 1999. You'll find a whole raft of appealing attractions in this area including the big Drawbridge Estate itself. Qur guaranteed per night room rate is $75 plus local taxes, single or double It's dues-paying time once again, and your response will be very mich appreciated. Still just $6 per year, and the an- nual dues is our ONLY SOURCE OF INCOME in which to operate the Club. Postage, which increases Jan 1, 1999, supplies printing/folding, maintenance of our computer, printer, copying machine, and other incidentals are on-going ex~ penses necessary for us to function. Our membership count stands at 225, and scant hope of increasing numbers, so we need the support of EVERY MEMBER. So, please, send your $6 today. Make your check payable to 749th Railway Veterans Club, and mail to Donald Gothard, 4173 Dixie St~, Columbus, Ohie 43228-2109. We-re not on the internet, but my phone number is (614)279-3026. Current year’s dues expired Sept 1 1998, HAPPY HOLIDAY SEASON TO ALL OF YOU DON GOTHARD Secretary-Treasurer We've enclosed a 1999 calendar with the dates and location of our 1999 Reunion so you'll have a constant reminder of Re~ union #52.749TH RAILWAY VETERANS CLUB May 15, 1998 Greetings 749ers... Reunion #51 is just a few short weeks away and we are pleased to send you the final details for the 1996 Reunion of the 749th, July 22, 23, 24 & 25 in Omaha, Nebraska, heartland of the USA, so read on. Joe and Marge Amato, Omaha residents, have put together a super four-day program that’s bound to keep you occupied fed, and pampered. Jo@ and Marge are seasoned reunion veterans and know what it takes to please the 749th Family. Briefly, here’s the program. The lid-lifter will take place WEDNESDAY EVENING with a tasty and filling buffet meal pre-- pared and served by Amato’s Deli (Joe's son) right in the hotel. THURSDAY, noon to 3 PM, registration will take place Thursday Evening we're being bused to "Mr. C’s" for an even- ing of food and entertainment. FRIDAY AM we're off for a bus sightseeing tour of Omaha that will include famous Boys Town, and the U.S. Air Forces, Strategic Air Command Museum. We!l make a lunch stop before returning to the hotel. The rest of Friday is "free time". Casino gambling is nearby if that excites you, optional of course. SATURDAY Morning we'll gather for a full course buffet break— fast followed by our annual business meeting. The balance of Saturday afternoon is your time to do as you choose. But, be well rested for the Saturday Evening Grand Wind-up Banquet featuring a world-renown Omaha steak dinner. The wind-up banquet is always the highlight event of the reunion. It is also that final time to be with old friends for farewells until another year rolls by. Reunion Headquarters will be in the Clarion Hotel-Carlisle located in the downtown area. The per day sleeping room charge is but $65, plus tax, for single or double room. Ve- hicle parking is free as is the limo to and from the airport. The hotel also provides a complimentary continental breakfast each morning. Please use the enclosed room reservation card to make your room accommodations. The card requires twenty~ cents postage. You will also find enclosed the Reunion Registration Form. If you plan to attend, and we certainly hope you are, complete and return the form without delay. We, the hotel, and the bus service needs to know how many to plan for. Com mitments have to be guaranteed for meals, buses, and museums. This year’s reunion will be another SOth Anniversary Cele~ bration for it was in 1948, in St. Louis, that the 749th was founded. While last year was our S0th Reunion, this year we will observe the S0th birthday of the 749th Railway Veterans Club. The 749th has enjoyed 50 glorious years. We've been to all parts of the USA (some more than once), and seen some of this country’s greatest sights and sounds, and best of OVERall, it’s been with just about the finest group of people on this earth. If you've never attended a 749th Reunion, it’s never too late. Don't pass up another golden opportunity to renew friendships with that "special friend" you had in WW II, Sadly our ranks are thinning and "time" is our greatest enemy. Werre all in the twilight zone but you'll be amazed how a 749th Reunion will be a rewarding experience. There are no strangers among us, so don’t be concerned that "you won't know anyone". That status will last about 60 seconds, or less. Come to Omaha and find out. Remember the dates now, that’s JULY 22, 23, 24 and 25, 1998 in OMAHA, NEBRASKA. We need a location for our 1999 Reunion, and urge interested Persons to put an invitation together. Club rules requires that nominations for a reunion site be first submitted to the Search Committee for it’s evaluation. The committee wil then present nominations to the members in attendance at the business meeting for a vote. Persons wishing to present a nomination (location) should send nominations to any one on the Search Committee. Committee members are Don Gothard, 4173 Dixie Ct., Columbus, Ohio 43228; Robert Brockman, 803 Tam 0” Shanter, Kansas City, MO 6414, and Haywood Taylor 401 Jackson PL, Alexandria, VA 22302. Want to host a re union and are a little vague on the procedures, contact any one of the above fellows and they will assist you But, you must do this before the reunion SEE YOU IN OMAHA, DON GOTHARD, Secretary-Treasurer Columbus, Ohio 43228-2109 Phone (614)279-30262008 REUNION REGISTRATION 749" RAILWAY VETERANS CLUB JULY 23-26, 2008 PARTY cost AMOUNT CLOSED Member & Spouse/Guest........ 8 284 s Member Only.cscccscssscnnennne M2 Couple, non-members. 284 ees Single, non-member. 142 gees Child, 4-12 years. 1 ama! TOTAL AMOUNT ENCLOSED = §____ REGISTRATION INCLUDES: Wed Eve Early Bird Dinner; Thursday “Evening Under The Arch”, Lewis & Clark's “Great Journey West” movie and dinner cruise; Friday visit to Forest Park and Anheuser-Busch; Saturday Eve banquet Please complete and mail Registration Form, along with your check payable to 749 Railway Veterans, Club, to: DONALD GOTHARD PHONE: (614)279-3026 44173 Dixie Court EMAILidleegothard@aol com Columbus Ohio 43228 CANCELLATION DEADLINE: July 12,2008 NAME __ SPOUSE/GUEST NAME: STREET = _=cirvistareizir cone. PHONE = EMAIL NAMES OF GUESTS _ z ok ARRIVAL DAY (CIRCLE): TUES WED THUR FRI SAT