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WHY DID IT TAKE SO LONG?

If I heard it once I heard it twice, "Why did it take so long to do this?" Well guess we all had our own lives to live, having kids, watching them grow up and go to school as we worked at what we were doing. Even though some of us had tried to contact some of us, it was not easy to do since you needed the exact city to locate anyone through directory assistance with the phone company.

No Computer Expert: Carl Sachjen had been after me for years to get a computer and email so we could keep in touch that way. The company I work for finally hooked me up to the internet last year and gave me email. Now, I’m certainly no computer expert so during the lunch hour I would try searching on the net and see how it works.

Had Kept In Touch: I had kept in touch with some of the guys but lost track of most of them and could not find them again due to all the area codes being changed and people moving from place to place. Found this search engine that would spit out addresses and phone numbers if you entered a name and state. Searched for Neil C. Woodworth in New York state and found a phone number, called, and it was him.

--------------------

"WE SHOULD HAVE A REUNION"

Having contacted Neil Woodworth in Balwinsville, NY, just outside Syracuse, we spoke about the people we knew. Neil said that he and Susan had kept in touch with Bill Daniel in Georgia and that Don Flagg had died in 1995. Paul told Neil that he had kept in touch with Carl Sachjen, Jim Tapee, and Jimmie Tyler.

Let’s Hear It Again One More Time: Neil had said that some of the guys where he works who were in the military during the Viet Nam era had gotten together and had a reunion. Neil then said to Paul "We should have a reunion".

Was Searching Anyway: Since Paul was playing around with the computer during his lunch hour and was just beginning to search for friends from the dispensary anyway he said "I’ll see what I can do". All of this has been told before, including the very dramatic one act play called "PHONE CONVERSATION". So now we had the beginning of the reunion, even if just Neil and Paul were the only ones who would attend.

First Search Engine: The first search engine used was www.bigfoot.com and was used to located and contact Dennis & Eryn Bradley and Bob & Rose Bergrab rather quickly. They were interested in attending a reunion, and it was falling into place really well.

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DIDN'T KNOW WHAT TO SAY

Searching for people at first was easy. Located and called Terry Charter in Minnesota. He was a medic at the 761^st. He is not interested in attending a reunion. Then called a Michael Yount in Peoria, Illinois. He was the food inspector at the dispensary. Well the person who answered the phone was a Michael Yount and when I explained the reason for the call he said "That was my father" and that his father had passed away. Well I was so shocked I really didn’t know what to say. Neil Woodworth had said that Don Flagg had died, but it never really occurred to me that some of our friends would be deceased.

Made A Few More Phone Calls: Called a Marvin Black (a medic) in Philly, a Richard Beckwith (X-ray tech) in Maryland, and a Darrell Manning (X-ray tech) in Novato, California. None of them are the people we know, they just had the same name. Also called a Inahara in Fresno, California and he is Vince’s uncle but does not know how to get in touch with Vince, who was a medic.

To Start A Mass Mailing: Now searching for people was not so easy. The first names could not be found, many people with the same last name in that particular state, etc., etc. It was decided to start a mass mailing for individuals and see if any results came back that would provide a contact with our friends from the dispensary.

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MORE BAD NEWS

From the mailings made last summer, more bad news arrived. Received a fax (see the book for fax and photos) that said Bill Sugg, a company clerk in the Orderly Room at the 3^rd, died in 1995. Received a very touching letter (also in the book with photo behind the letter) from Hattie Allemore that her youngest son Gilbert , a medic who worked in the shot clinic, had passed away in 2001 a few months after his wife had died. Gil met his wife while stationed at the 3^rd General Dispensary as she was a dependant at the time. I can not remember her name but she had a sister named Mary.

First Phone Call: Then I received a call from a Cecil Pedrin in Sault Saint Marie, Michigan. He tells me that he is Jay Pedrin’s son and that Jay, a medic at the 3^rd, died in an automobile accident in 1972. Cecil said he was only two years old when his father died and that Cecil’s brother was not even born. Cecil went on to say that his mother passed away during his teens and that he was working in law enforcement. As we spoke, he mentioned that he did not have any photo’s of his dad. Was able to copy the few that I had and send them to him. I remember that Dennis Waterman, an ambulance driver, and Jimmie "Diesel" Tyler, supply room, were really good friends with Jay Pedrin. There is a photo in da book of Jimmie, Jay, and Paul Strauser smoking cigars. Also remember that Jay was really the first one who mentioned having a reunion while we were drinking beer in the bowling alley on Smiley Barracks. Does anyone remember that? You can contact Cecil with any stories you may have of Jay Pedrin at cecil@sault.com.

Second Phone Call: Another call came from New York state. A woman whose husband is a cousin of Doug "Shorty" Van Anden called. "Shorty" worked in the Supply Room. She said Doug died in 1980 of a heart attack. Shorty and I went through A.I.T. together at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio and arrived at the 3^rd General Dispensary at the same time in March 1968. Three pictures of Shorty are in da book. He’s in front of a refrigerator on one page. Two photos are on the same page, one shows him mock fighting with Ramirez (an ambulance driver) and the other he’s holding a phone.

Then in 1988 or so I was a speaker at an AMA educational program in SA. I was on Delta, and the flight from SLC to Spokane was running very late. That was the plane I needed to get to SLC, and from there to SA, and I was going to miss the connection in SLC. So Delta put me on United to SF, and from there on a Southwest flight to SA, via Phoenix. There were delays in Phoenix, and I got in at midnight for my morning presentation. In the hotel lobby (the Marriott, I believe), I was suddenly the shortest person near the elevators. That had happened to me once before, in 1967, in a hotel lobby in Boston, where I realized I was surrounded by NBA basketball players. Same thing this time--I ended up in the elevator with Kurt Rambis, and had a very nice conversation with him. He was a cult figure by then, and there had been an SI feature about him, illustrated by a photo of Lakers fans wearing geeky glasses.
Thanks for the regular updates.
Dr. Henry "Major" Berman, December 30, 2006

I was stationed at the 3^rd General Dispensary from 1988 to 1991, as a General Medical Officer. Other docs at the time included C.O. Tom Lyngholm, Joe Pafumy, Steve Kabel, and local national Dr. Tansuat. Had a great time. I served as C.O. of 761^st Medical Detachment at Gerszewski Barracks for a short time. Went back to visit in 2001 and was shocked at all the changes. Enjoyed golfing at the Army course in Hockenheim. Sgt. Tom Mathis was the NCO.
Dr. Dave Snow, December 6, 2006

We look forward to seeing all of those listed and maybe a few more sharing some good times, new and old, with everyone.
Bob "Burgie" Burgeson, October 29, 2006

You’ve done an amazing job of holding the hotel costs down. Mike found the place in San Francisco and we got lucky with the club in Chicago. I think $134 is worth the money – the entire point of being in San Antonio is to be on the River Walk.
Dr. Henry Berman, October 19, 2006

Is there a plan "C"??
Alfred E. Neuman,
a.k.a. Dale Bowes, October 19, 2006

"The Barracks Preacher" Hunter Brown’s name came into my head last night, for who knows why, and now I can’t seem to get it out. Did you ever search for him?Bob "Burgie" Burgeson, October 19, 2006

San Antonio, Yee-ha, sounds good to me. Been a long time and yes it does get hot there. April or May sounds good - but whatever. Lets just get it figured out so we can get our reservations made! Tying to talk Bob Laverick and Dawn Mulford into going, maybe able to get Pati Hoch as well - we'll just have to see.
Katie Dowling, August 25, 2006

The head of the 130th when I was there was Col. Hal Jennings he was a great leader in fact he became the Army Surgeon General before he retired . Three Stars I think. He was a plastic surgeon and even though he was CO still found the time to operate one day a week. He did reconstructive surgery and I remember sending him a young soldier with a partial facial deformity that he fixed. The change in that soldier was tremendous from a somewhat withdrawn kid to a confident outgoing young man. The head of the Dental Detachment was also an outstanding leader [I can't remember his name right now but he wrote the Textbook of Dental Pathology so is very well known]. He became a one star general--the head of the Army Dental Corps.
Dr. Donald Morton, August 12, 2006

You may say "That is all" mimicking M*A*S*H, but it is never ALL there is.
Carl Sachjen, August 11, 2006

Yes, I have some photos of Karlsruhe and as soon as I can get the new scanner set up, dig them out and scan them in I will send you some.
Gene Louden, July 14, 2006

Ah, another great edition of the PIT. Thanks, makes my whole day, reading these things in the morning.
Bob "Burgie" Burgeson, July 14, 2006

Looking for the next reunion. Enjoyed Chicago.
Charlie and Frances Miller, July 4, 2006

Those Army years were good training for me because when I left in 1966 I did a residency in radiology and practiced for thirty years as a radiologist. I am now retired and do "hands on" patient care at a clinic for people that do not have medical insurance. I only volunteer one afternoon each week but yesterday afternoon we saw about 76 patients (five doctors). I see the "easy stuff" fortunately I work with a few internists who see the diabetics and complicated patients; but, there are a lot of school and work physicals, sore throats, and a few cases of "clap" etc. that I am comfortable with.
Dr. Donald Morton, June 16, 2006

The story about the doctors at the 761^st was interesting. Times must have changed quite a bit. When I was there (from 1963 to 1966) I was the only MD. Saw all of the sick call patients that varied from 50-60 on Monday to 3 or 4 on Friday. Usually the patients on Friday were really sick and many of the Monday patients weren’t very sick. We also did 20-30 physicals two afternoons a week and a hand full two afternoons each week, the remaining afternoon I did the OB clinic at Smiley. The afternoons that we scheduled 20-30 physicals they were done assembly-line (lined up checking everyone’s ears, throat, chest etc.) with me looking and listening, the lab tech writing down what tests needed to be done, the Detachment clerk recording the results etc. It was no problem to do a large number of physicals that way. Most of them were separation physicals. On the other two afternoons we did the officer, NCO, annual physicals and the "re-up" physicals. All in all we ran a pretty efficient organization with a minimum of medics. It must have changed a lot in later years and I would like to hear more of what happened.
Dr. Don Morton, June 16, 2006

Keep up the good work. We really enjoy The ARM PIT and the news that comes with it.
Bob "Burgie" Burgeson, June 2, 2006

Keep up the good work! I was browsing the 2003 Reunion materials today. What a kick!!
Marty Bauer, April 4, 2006

Thonda Stevens was a squad leader while I was stationed at the third and was a real mentor to me as far as working hard to get promoted – I looked her up and found that she is in Columbus, Georgia – Going to try and contact her – She might also be able to help locate some others.
Katie Dowling, March 24, 2006

As usual I am impressed with your efforts toward the reunion and locating all the long lost souls. I hope I can give a clue as to the person in the photo with Annie and me. Believe his first name is Steve and he was a medic with one of the engineer units but bunked with us. Not much to go on but with your Sherlocking skill it might be enough.
Eddie Overstreet, March 13, 2006

I think it’s so neat that you have re-kindled relationships with so many people and have helped guys find guys. What a wonderful thing to do. You can’t be thanked enough.
Connie Husband, February 26, 2006

Another fine production of The ARM PIT. Keep up the great work.
Bob "Burgie" Burgeson, January 29, 2006

I truly enjoy reading your continuing issues of The ARM PIT. The old photos of Karlsruhe are really nice to see, some of them are of areas I never got a chance to see while I was there.
Thomas Radke, January 1, 2006

Thanks for the continuing news and stories.
Jack & Marianne Tolchin, December 30, 2005

I agree that Chicago was a great success. Plenty to do and a great town.
Ken Burrows, December 30, 2005

Thanks for all the help and information. I’m going to check out all the links you sent me. I’ve already marked my calendar for 2007.
Mark Chesson, December 5, 2005

Lee and I enjoyed our stay in Chicago.
Maxene Raices, December 2, 2005

Still enjoying the newsletter. Keep up the good work.
Lou Speckart, November 30, 2005

I really appreciate all of your hard work organizing the reunions and especially the PIT. It’s very interesting reading and brings back a lot of memories.
Frank Jones, November 23, 2005

Sounds like a great time was had by all. I look forward to the next one in two years.
Dr. John McMahon, November 18, 2005

Glad you enjoyed the story. I’ll muse over some others to send in and "submit to da PIT".
Logan Hyatt, November 14, 2005

Just a quick note to thank you for continuing to send me The ARM PIT. I always enjoy the photos and stories. The postings of the Gerszewski yahoo site ( http://groups.yahoo.com/group/gerszewski_barracks ) have picked up considerably lately.
Thomas Radke, November 4, 2005

Jack and I loved the opportunity to be in Chicago, loved the Union League Club, and truly enjoyed seeing everybody. Great trip!!! All of this would not have happened without your efforts. We both thank you for your dedication to continue getting this group together at fun places and organizing fun times. Thanks again and when is the next one?
Marianne Tolchin, October 21, 2005

Thanks for everything you’ve done for everyone. 
Dr. Henry Berman, October 19, 2005

Thank you once again for a great reunion. We left late Sunday morning and played the latest CD several times as we drove to Milwaukee. You did such a great job of organizing this event and the hotel was excellent…….....great location, great food, and great to see the people. 
Neil Woodworth, October 11, 2005

Can’t make it to Chicago this year. Couldn’t escape from work.
Travis Easter, September 25, 2005

I received your latest. It was pretty entertaining as usual. All the people in the photos seem a little on the "senior" side of life. Is that where we all are? It doesn’t seem possible (except when I look into the mirror).  Randy Brumund, April 23, 2005

Another great ARM PIT. I can’t tell you enough how much I enjoy getting these and hearing about the searches and the stories, etc. The pictures are great also, although some are hard to recognize after all this time. 
Bob "Burgie" Burgeson, April 22, 2005

Wow. You’ve really grown this event! I heard about it last year from Romolo and Mike Knisely. I may be able to come and just wondered what else is planned. It’s been such a long time I’d probably need name tags to recall everyone! Got the past ARMPIT issues? I’d be interested in reading them. I can’t imagine what stories you’ve been telling! It would be a real treat to see Dr. Berman, Mike Knisely, you, etc.
Maxene Raices, March 19, 2005

Each time I review your new email messages I have the Boston CDs playing. "TWICE" is now playing…Rodney on guitar, Jim on drums, Bob singing, and you recording. Great stuff! 
Neil Woodworth, February 18, 2005

Received The ARM PIT. It was entertaining. When I was looking at the photos of the Overstreets, I was reminded of the time that we were able to get together in Dallas. When you showed up in the lobby the first time, it seemed as though I was stepping back in time into one of those Rod Sterling movies. 
Randy Brumund, January 28, 2005

I’m looking forward to Chicago and I hope a lot others show up.
Lou Cisco, January 16, 2005

Thank you so much for sending copies of The ARM PIT. I really enjoy reading and sharing it with fellow colleagues at the hospital. One day when I retire, if my memory holds up, I would like to write a book on some of my experiences in Germany. 
Frank Jones, January 12, 2005

You are the perfect person to keep our memories alive and a part of our lives (you are our company clerk for life). I believe you have revitalized so many of us with the steady flow of communications and the ever expanding network of former GIs who have, at one point in their lives, served in Karlsruhe. 
Neil Woodworth, January 2005

I can’t say I know any of the people in the pictures, but BIAs (Brothers in Arms) always have a good time. I visit VFWs and American Legion Posts every place I go and have some great times. Something about having served makes most of us very proud. 
Ken Burrows, December 29, 2004

I remember those wintry days at Smiley in 1954 and 1955, especially when I walked to town, a bitingly cold New Years, carried a bottle of cognac, made a few friends if only for the moment, a street vendor, a hot chestnut vendor, an old man, or others shared their bottle to name a few. Also miss the mulled wine bought from some sidewalk cafes outdoor booths, the hot wine warmed me like a candle, and the aromas of bratwurst and cabbage being browned on a grill. Most people seemed warm and friendly. Ahhhhhhhh, yesterdays. 
Al St.Jacques, December 29, 2004 
p.s. – very few enlisted or officers had cars, we were still on a wartime footing, we did a lot of walking.

I’m really looking forward to the reunion. I know about where the place is but I am not familiar with it. Just got done talking to my daughter, who went to school in Chicago, and she said the ULC is a very nice place. It sounded as if this place is really upscale so $100 a night sounds like a real deal. 
Dale Bowes, December 3, 2004  (AP: Yes, these rooms in downtown Chicago at the ULC normally are $165 to $185)

I am planning on attending. I’m looking forward to meeting you and seeing familiar faces from the past.  Travis Easter, November 8, 2004

Please include me in your e-mail newsletter. I will try to contact other members of our group and pass the information along to you. 
Tom McKalko, October 29, 2004

I know Travis, he was a good friend of mine. I parted with a pretty expensive bicycle I gave to him as a going away gift. 
Rico Hogan, October 22, 2004

Paul! Am here in Karlsruhe with Brigitte. STOP At internet café. Any pics that I need to get, will be glad to do. STOP Hey, wait a minute this isn’t a telegram! STOP 
Carl Sachjen, October 9, 2004 
(AP: Carl, why don’t you take photos of where buildings use to be. That would be so you!)

I remember a dentist named MacTavish – I believe he had become a Mormon – had a number of children – was a bit of a strong personality – also remember a nice guy in the dental clinic who was a dental tech – can’t for the life of me remember his name but he had a degree from Creighton University in Omaha – his father was a dentist. Over and out. 
Merle Berry, October 8, 2004

I did notice a few more names on your rosters last time I looked. Travis Easter and Kim Huckabee were familiar names. 
Katie Dowling, September 21, 2004

Thanks again for all you’re doing for all of us Karlsruhe medical folks! 
Phyllis "Phyl" Rose, September 3, 2004

After giving this much thought, and staying up all night, trying to sort out all the options. I have to vote for PEORIA. NO, NO, NO!!!! My mistake, really Chicago in October would be my pick. I’m really looking forward to Chicago in a year. 
Dale Bowes, August 28, 2004

I still enjoy getting all the emails about what is going on with everyone. I hope we can get all the guys to attend the next reunion and see some that did not make it to the last one. 
Lou Cisco, August 28, 2004

Thanks for your efforts! Have downloaded the roster and will respond by email if I come up with any other info. 
Dr. G (a.k.a. Dr. Philip Gassman), July 7, 2004

Thanks for the newsletter. Do you have any recent pics of Smiley Barracks? I heard they closed it down in the late 90’s. I was there from 91-94. The dispensary was a newer building that backed up to the airfield behind the PX. Basically the 3^rd General and the 761^st were both combined to the new clinic. I was an ER medic and on the ambulance team and have been out for nine years. 
Travis Easter, June 17, 2004

The old 3^rd General! Out of the past the memories flood! 
Dr. John Bryant "Bry" Wyman, June 7, 2004

Yes, I remember Will Archer but can’t remember where he was from. I believe it was in the northeast. 
Kenneth Keys, June 5, 2004

I sent Frank Sciannameo an email today. See you next year in Chicago. 
Bob "BC" Carroll, June 5, 2004

This (Folds of the Flag sent May 28, 2004 as SOMETHING EXTRA 22) was pretty informative. I think that I will have to print it and put it where I can read it from time to time. 
Randy Brumund, June 3, 2004

I read your newsletters faithfully and enjoy reading and seeing the news of the 3^rd and 761^st. 
Phillip Leonard, May 24, 2004

Keep digging up the boys of the old Third. As I think of it, we had a crusty female nurse (Captain) but I can’t route out her name. There was also a buxom German nurse named Elizabeth as well. Perhaps someone will remember them too. 
Dr. John Bryant "Bry" Wyman, May 7, 2004

Keep up the great work on the PIT. I really enjoy it and I’m sure everybody feels the same. 
John McMahon, April 26, 2004

Doris and I would like very much to go to the next reunion. We wanted to make the last one but couldn’t. But we are planning on this one. Keep the ARM PIT aired out and coming. I look forward to each issue.  Kenny Grant, March 13, 2004

A great satisfaction when I read your bullets. Was thinking if the Iraqi mess was twenty years ago I’d be called up. 
Al St.Jacques, February 13, 2004

Please keep me apprised of the dispensary news.  Phyllis "Phyl" Rose, February 9, 2004

Thanks for the most recent issue of The ARM PIT. I always look forward to receiving them. This one seemed a little extra special with the finding of a couple more friends and the moving story from Randy Brumund, whom I don’t even know but now feel like we share a lot in common. 
Bob "Burgie" Burgeson, January 30, 2004 
(The ARM PIT: The story from Randy that Bob is referring to is the one of Randy’s experiences immediately after September 11, 2001 when Randy, who is a Border Patrol Agent in San Diego, worked at the Newark International Airport screening passengers).

You continue to amaze me. Thank you for your efforts in finding all of this info and photos. You should have been a detective. 
Joe Aresco, January 16, 2004

You really are a detective! One of your notes lists a Cisco. We had a Bob Cisco as a Pharmacist. I believe he was there when I arrived in October 1960 and was still there when I left two years later. 
Dr. John Bryant "Bry" Wyman, January 12, 2004

What a great job you are doing. Can you put out a trace for John Boyle who was Supply Sergeant for the 3^rd from perhaps 1959 to 1964? Then there were CWO3 or 4 Gerald McCoy and CWO3 or 4 Hub Hulsey who ran the place when I was there. Phil Trinko was in X-Ray and he was living in Shawano, Wisconsin. I visited him there in the 1970’s but have not kept in touch with him. 
Dr. John Bryant "Bry" Wyman, January 9, 2004

Out of the blue came your documents on the 3^rd General Dispensary which was at Smiley Barracks when I was stationed there from October 1960 to October 1962. Would enjoy more information on the old place so please keep me on the mailing list. 
Dr. John Bryant "Bry" Wyman, January 6, 2004

Chicago sounds good for a possible reunion in 2005.  Dr. Donald Morton, December 31, 2003

Jack did speak with Dr. Bruce Fishburn in Billings and will try to talk him into coming to the next reunion. I hope it will be in Chicago as that is where Jack was born and he keeps promising to show me the town.  Marianne Tolchin, December 30, 2003

Keep up the good stuff about the 3^rd and the 761^st. They are fond memories! 
Dr. Donald Morton, December 29, 2003

Thanks for all of the newsletters.
Jimmy Redd, December 24, 2003

We received this (the Gerszewski info that was put together by Bruce Christman) and found it very interesting. There was a ton of stuff there that I never knew or ever would have found out. Hell, I feel like they’re almost neighbors now, being from North Dakota and all. Thanks for sharing this with us.  Yours friends from the tundra,
Kath and Bob Burgeson, December 24, 2003

Wanted to let you know I got in touch with Jimmy Redd, by phone, I felt like I was in a time warp after 30 years. We are in the early stages of planning a road trip together, no date has been set, but we are only about 400 miles apart. I want to tell you how much I appreciate your efforts in all these areas. It is a real service to all the former members of the 3^rd. 
Alfred E. Neuman, November 27, 2003

Neil and Susan Woodworth were in Karlsruhe when I first arrived in Germany. Had many good times with them but just never kept in contact. What a waste.   Jimmy Redd, November 18, 2003

ARM PITS are great!!! 
John McMahon, November 12, 2003

I’m looking forward to getting in touch with many other old friends, as well as making some new ones. 
Dale Bowes, November 6, 2003

It sounds as though people really enjoyed themselves. 
Randy Brumund, October 28, 2003

We had a great time in San Francisco. It was fun to see all the guys after 35 years. Maybe we can do it again in Chicago or wherever? 
Mr. & Mrs. Marty!!!!!, October 20, 2003

It looks like you had a great time. 
Connie Husband, October 10, 2003

It sounds like you guys had a good time getting together again after all this time. Keep me on your mailing list and let’s try to get together for a cold one soon. 
Eddie Overstreet, October 10, 2003

It is apparent that we really missed a great time in San Francisco. 
Neil Woodworth, October 10, 2003

I’m not sure I can wait two years to do it again. 
Bob "Burgie" Burgeson, October 6, 2003

I had a great time! 
Romolo Maurizi, October 2, 2003

That Saturday night dinner was the best meal my wife and I have ever eaten! 
Bob "BC" Carroll, October 2, 2003

I just find it hard to believe that after all these years, I would be reading about people who I had known 30 plus years ago. 
Randy Brumund, July 30, 2003

You should have been a detective or a bounty hunter…………..that was wild about Gerszewski. 
Joe Aresco, July 22, 2003

It is great to hear from you and make some of the old connections from Army days. 
Gene Louden, March 17, 2003

You are certainly churning up the memories. 
Dr. Henry "Major" Berman, February 2, 2003

I was originally stationed in Heilbronn just north of Stuttgart, but they needed a Lab Tech at the 761^st so they sent me TDY in October 1965. By December I had been PCSd. Initially I bunked at Gerszewski Barracks and then when my family arrived I lived in Military Housing over at Smiley. I worked part time at the 3^rd General Dispensary as they were short of Lab Techs and I volunteered to work there two to three days a week. The odds are better than 50/50 that I will be able to join you in San Francisco. Just let me know the details so I can plan. 
Phillip M. Leonard, January 7, 2003

Is the Third General Dispensary the descendant from the Third Medical Dispensary, Karlsruhe Germany? Was stationed there 1953 – 1955. Was a medical tech (MOS 1123) and retired as a 91B5H MSG. If not the same group, good luck with the reunion. 
Al St.Jacques, December 31, 2002

Lets just party down. 
Lou Cisco, December 28, 2002

I’m really looking forward to 2003 for this reunion of our friends we made in Karlsruhe. I truly hope that it comes to pass and all are able to attend that want to. 
Bob Burgeson, December 26, 2002

I’ll be looking forward to this week’s ARM PIT. 
Bob Burgeson, December 12, 2002

I appreciate all the e-mails, will not be able to attend reunion, but still enjoy all the news. We have a daughter getting married this summer and that limits our activities at this time. 
Terry Brenneman, December 10, 2002

All the best to all you friends. 
Darrel Manning, December 10, 2002

Thank you so much for sending us all the newsletters and updates. Lou loves reading all the news. Your newsletters always put a smile on his face. Lou and I are looking forward to the next get together. Lou was sorry to read that Bill Weidner had died. He has fond memories of him. 
Lou and Cris Cisco, November 11, 2002

I find it hard to believe how many have passed away already. That’s gotta be really hard on you to get that close to contacting someone and get that news. Frank Motz and I were pretty close while there and that news really hurt. 
Bob Burgeson, October 31, 2002

I am enjoying your communications. 
Bill Daniel, October 19, 2002

The reunion sounds like a lot of fun. 
Dr. David Kentsmith, October 18, 2002

It was a blast from the past talking to you! 
Frank Sciannameo, August 31, 2002

It was really great talking to you again. It’s hard to believe how much time has passed since we last talked. I’m looking forward to the newsletter and hope to find some time to go through some things that might be helpful in locating some of our other friends from that time. 
Bob Burgeson, August 12, 2002

Would like to be part of next get together in San Francisco. 
Jack Tolchin, August 10, 2002

Thanks for the memories. 
Eddie Overstreet, August 2, 2002

That was definitely a good time.
Romolo Maurizi, July 20, 2002

I would be very interested in participating in reunions.  Dr. Murry J. Cohen, June 20, 2002

Will definitely plan on seeing you next year. 
Merle Berry, June 4, 2002

It looks like you all had a delightful time. I’m sorry I wasn’t able to join you. 
Connie Husband, May 29, 2002

Word’s not adequate to describe "The mash re hash". Shame and pity on those who almost made it, but for various reasons, didn’t. Déjà vu, so good you can’t say, a fondness shared, all facets so fine, frog’s hair, large money’s and nirvana pale by comparison! 
Snidely Whiplash, May 28, 2002

Seems everyone is still buzzing over our reunion in Boston, including me. 
Joe Aresco, May 24, 2002

Looks like everyone had a great time at the reunion, sorry I missed it. Hope to catch the next one. 
Jimmie "Diesel" Tyler, May 23,2002

We still cannot tell all of you how much Diane and I enjoyed seeing everybody, it was GREAT!! Again, it was really great seeing everybody. Hopefully more will be able to attend the next installment. 
John and Diane McMahon, May 23, 2002

I can only say that I agree 1000% with the others, WHY DID WE WAIT Soooooooo LONG????? LET’S DO IT AGAIN. 
Carl Sachjen, May 21, 2002

The reunion was a definitive BLAST!!! I can’t describe it any other way. It was something to look forward to and now to remember for a long time. Or until the next one.  Carl Sachjen, May 19, 2002

Already looking towards the next one. 
Bob Bergrab, May 19, 2002

I’m still searching for the words to describe the feelings…… Maybe there aren’t any…………..unbelievable?????
Joe Aresco, May 15, 2002

My wife and I had a great time – thanks for the Medic shirts!
Henry and Louisa, May 13, 2002

Wish we could have stayed longer. We played the CD on the way home several times and talked about the two days at length. Can’t wait for the next one!!!
Neil Woodworth, May 13, 2002

..………...Mr. & Mrs. Marty Bauer have put their house up for sale in Tempe, Arizona and are planning to move to Nashville, Tennessee so that they can be closer to their grandchildren……………Nashville? That sounds like a great place for a reunion one day too!…………..but first, 2009 - Find out where? (maybe) in the next issue……….did I tell you? Janet Carroll won a trip to Munich, Germany! She and "BC" will be going in late September just in time for the Octoberfest……………...last of the red hot salsas handed out at the 2007 San Antonio reunion was Kinky Friedman’s Black Hat Edition Black Bean & Corn Salsa. Kinky says "Great as dip straight from the jar, as a topping on baked potatoes, casseroles, or you could let your culinary imagination run wild. Thank you very much"……………. …………...ok, ok, ok, ok. So you have heard this before – and then Neil Woodworth said "We should have a reunion." Well how about five of them? It’s been Boston 2002, San Francisco 2003, Chicago 2005, San Antonio 2007, and now we begin planning our fifth reunion for next year. Wow!……Mr. Marty Bauer had quintuple by-pass surgery in October 2007. He’s doing really great reports Mrs. Marty Bauer………for those of you who were unable to attend the 2007 San Antonio Reunion we did give out another door prize at the Saturday night banquet. No it wasn’t a car this time, it was a FREE hunting trip with Dick Cheney - http://www.joeydevilla.com/2006/12/14/texas-monthlys-january-2007-cover/ ….. …and guess who won? None other than Mr. Conservative himself – Mike Knisley.……. once the final destination for the 2009 reunion is known we will need a few volunteers to serve on the Hotel Committee (to decide what hotel/motel we will stay) and for the Banquet Committee (to decide the Saturday night banquet menu), if you are interested in serving let me know – otherwise I’ll be "drafting" a few good people…..……..The Christmas Market in Karlsruhe opened its gates November 29th at the Marktplatz. During daylight hours, you can see some images under http://www.ka-news.de/webcams/marktplatz.php4…..how many of you received Kinky Friedman’s Private Stock Politically Correct Salsa and Dip? Kinky says he has seen liberals using it conservatively and conservatives using it liberally..…have presented all of the 2009 reunion locations given to me, does anyone have any other locations that they would like to nominate before winter arrives?…"and I fell out of bed, bursting my head, from things that I said" .……who wants to go back to Karlsruhe?………here is a link to photos of the Statdfest at the Karlsruhe Marktplatz on October 6, 2007 by Regis Shields,-
http://picasaweb.google.de/regis.shields/StadtfestKarlsruhe06102007E …...Kinky’s asking how did you like his salsa?….…a portion of the proceeds from the sale of Kinky Friedman’s Private Stock products is donated to the Utopia Animal Rescue Ranch in Medina, Texas (www.utopiarescue.com)……Kinky says "Money may buy you a fine dog, but only love can make him wag his tail."……and wagging her little tail is Sophia the Wonder Dog who won in the Who is Cuter contest - The Results: Sophia 8 - Michael Knisely 1………yeah, Mike ALMOST got snookered again……remember, you can ALWAYS read the complete San Antonio 2007 Reunion story and A War by Any Other Name story from the beginning as well as many other stories that have appeared here in the PIT from 1969 to present by clicking on the web site http://3rdGeneralDispensary.BraveHost.com/ ………have received many POSITIVE comments from the first SOMETHING EXTRA 101 sent out back on June 22^nd that had Tom Paxton singing his Talking Vietnam Pot-Luck Blues………..AND that means Daniel Gerszewski has volunteered to be the Musical Producer for The ARM PIT …….you can expect to hear various songs from time to time attached to your copy of the newsletter…….also received San Antonio Reunion photos from "Burgie" to share soon…………is it a coincidence? Chicago 2005 – The White Sox win the World Series………San Antonio 2007 – The Spurs win the NBA Championship ………maybe we need to auction our reunion location off to the highest bidding city that wants to win a championship eh?………...but then again – we ate at that place in Chicago that had been opened for nearly 100 years and they closed right after we left………NOW those thank you emails to O’Neills Catering who catered our reunion banquet in San Antonio were bounced back to me as undeliverable. Maybe we put them out of business also after we attacked the "Open Bar" at the San Antonio banquet?…………..speaking of Ken Burrows, how many of you at the reunion received his WEST TEXAN CLUB card? It says he is President and only Damn Member. His WEST TEXAN CLUB card also says Retired: Know everything AND have plenty of time to tell you about it!……...ATTENTION GUYS! – Was informed in San Antonio that some of you are not passing the PIT on to your wife. They may also want to read and/or see the photo’s that are attached. Gentlemen, if you are not sharing the PIT with your significant other please ask them if they want the PIT emailed directly to them and it will happen if you send me their email address…………………………….DON’T TOUCH THAT DIAL! We have bunches of stuff sent in and many things to report on that will be appearing here in The ARM PIT soon. Such as two or more Fort Sam Memories, a few first hand accounts of life on Smiley Barracks, also the PIT gets inside information on the Walter Reed Army Medical Center, as well as a email message from the Secretary to the Garrison Commander of Fort Sam Houston, and believe it or not - a phone call from THE WHITE HOUSE as well as some very, very important veterans information…………..Whew,………….and of course the complete 2007 San Antonio Reunion story!…….like I say, don’t touch that dial……...received two excellent stories on Fort Sam to appear here in the PIT soon…..God Bless You, Mr. Vonnegut….….just as we did in Chicago, having a very special door prize (A NEW CAR!), we will have a special door prize for one lucky winner at the San Antonio Reunion banquet – a hunting trip with Dick Cheney (insurance not provided)….…...we have lost a few readers of the PIT as I sent out a "Re-Up" for another year of The ARM PIT notification to people I haven’t heard from since they were first contacted. I do not want to be a pest and be accused of sending out Spam, Spam, Spam, Spam, Spam, Spam, Spam, Spam. Wonderful Spam wonderful Spam.…….yes someone did win the new car that was given away at the Chicago Reunion!………I can ALWAYS use any photos you may have from Karlsruhe………..how does one of our medical units have a connection to Jessica Lynch? ……………..guess you will just have to read about it in a future issue when will play that old TV game show called TO TELL THE TRUTH..……......and how did you like the collision of The Time Machine with the USS Enterprise at

WARP SPEED

 that was in "da third book"…….…...one of the things I have had in the back of my mind to do is to list the units that were stationed at Smiley Barracks and Gerszewski Barracks and the years that they were there and estimated troop strength for both places for any given year. That would be a task and a half and guess maybe I’ll tackle that when I retire….………...………how many of you remember the drownings that would occur during the summer months in Karlsruhe from guys swimming and diving at rock quarries?………from Carl H. Sachjen – the woman who operated the bowling alley on Smiley Barracks was Frau Karcher………R-E-S-P-E-C-T is earned, you can not give an order to respect someone…….this just in from The ARM PIT news wires - if you do a Google search for the "3rd General Dispensary Smiley Barracks" the 3rd General blogspot will come in at # 1!, try it…...For sure? For sure Karcher!.…..…………in our 3^rd Round voting - San Antonio and Williamsburg were NOT the only locations receiving a half of a vote, in fact Williamsburg received THREE half votes, and Branson received TWO half votes. How did this happen you ask? Well it seems some of the spouses wanted to voice their own preference AND the PIT sure didn’t want to get in trouble with them did we…..as mentioned at our reunions – Today’s Army would not tolerate dismal leadership with the group we had to endure and they would be asked to resigned.….float like a butterfly and sting like a bee……………..to save you the trouble of having any identity theft problems from the recent Veterans Administration SNAFU, the PIT has decided to change each and everyone’s identities (you should know that I can do that right here from this computer) and Dennis Bradley will now be Bill Lokay, Bill Lokay is now Rodney Johnson, and Rodney Johnson is now Major "Mama" Cash, etc, etc………mmmmm, did Doc "Whatever you think is best" Sanders REALLY sign those letters of commendations for Tommie Parker or did someone we know in the Orderly Room sign them?....let me know if any of you want to join Jimmie and Vila Tyler for a round of golf at the next reunion……..always thought the folks in the Orderly Room had it pretty good, after all they worked behind a closed door and no one else ever wanted to be in there…for those of you who never met Montgomery, think of Humphrey Bogarts Lieutenant Commander (Captain) Philip Francis Queeg in The Cain Mutiny, that’s how insecure the Turd was (I have two statements from witnesses that I think will stand up in any court – "Why yes, Parker was "badmouthing" Sanders." Heck, we all know THAT is a court martial offense isn’t it?)……and the beat goes on, la de da de da…..…from Thomas Radke - here is another link some of you may want to check out sometime, the American Library at Smiley Barracks website: http://www4.karlsruhe.de/kultur/bibliotheken/stadtbibliothek/amerikanische_bib.en ……….unable to contact Curtis Meadows, Michael Bennett, and Robert Boone through the classmates web site…….yeah, with Fishburn, Wash, and Husband as the CO’s and XO it was a real joy to be at the 3^rd. When they rotated and Sanders & Montgomery (and Major "Mama" Cash also) came in about October 1969 is when things soured……..…...and if you were scoring at home, Williamsburg had 20 points, Charleston 15, Las Vegas 12, San Antonio 10, Branson 9……….if you haven’t voted you have until June 15^th to let me know which city you prefer for our 2007 reunion location. You can vote again if the city you voted for is no longer under consideration or you can change your vote if you desire, just let me know…...….Doc "Whatever you think is best" Sanders had a hard time making decisions while Montgomery handed out Article 15’s like candy canes……..........so Why Don’t We Do It In The Road?.....…..glad we were able to have a meal at The Berghoff Restaurant in Chicago, if you opened the link given in the last issue they have closed after being in business for 108 years!......here’s the link to Kenny Grants web site, enjoy - You can listen to GREAT RADIO programming at our Internet Radio Station AIR Jax. GO TO www.kegrant.com and click on LISTEN TO AIR Jax………. ………..starting in the next issue, the PIT will reprint (in eight installments) the complete story about the 3^rd General Dispensary that was published in The Overseas Weekly on July 19, 1970 and was inserted into "da third book" that was handed out at Chicago……..……..recently tried to contact LeRoy Hairston once again from my work email, the email did go through but I haven’t received any response.…….Travis Easter, medic at the 3^rd from 1991 to 1994, is now a Systems Project Manager with Johnson Controls….having found Dr. Don Bodeau we can now name someone who served at the 3^rd for each year from 1953 to 1995, no missing links even if some of us DO look like the Missing Link!…..everyone has a story, send me your bio……..the attorney who represented the Cook Brothers and interviewed Dr. D and medics at the 3^rd was Melvin M. Belli(http://www.smartlegaladvise.com/Belli.html).…for those of you who missed this link the first time it was in the PIT, here it is again http://www.knielingen.de/wbb2/thread.php?threadid=1180& ……………just a reminder – many will show up at these reunions not knowing anyone but since we have so much in common, that of serving in the U.S. Army, that of being in the medical corp, AND being stationed in Karlsruhe it is very easy to make friends quickly….…...kind of surprised that Cleveland, New Orleans, or St. Louis weren’t nominated……..Dales Bowes and Janet Giddens, who both attended the Chicago 2005 Reunion, were married February 22…….…guess the PIT will just have to have a episode of The Newlywed Game (http://timstvshowcase.com/newlywed.html ) soon…… .....believe they replace Gerri and myself as the newlyweds in our group (Gerri and I will celebrate our 17th wedding anniversary this year)……………..noticed a Kimberly (Ates) Davis, who was at the 3^rd General Dispensary from 1989 to 1993, on the classmates.com web site…..………she is the 300^th name added to our "Unit Roster"…..……..IF, everyone who has attended a reunion shows up in 2007, 44 people will attend!...................the Stagedoor Playhouse on Smiley Barracks was in the old EM Club next to the bowling alley. The military built a new EM Club off base in the early seventies……..........and speaking of the bowling alley, will include photos of Kasha who operated the bowling alley here in the PIT soon………and yes the military also built a new bowling alley off base to replace the four lane alley on Smiley…….………where do I get this stuff I put in the PIT? Why I get it from each of you! Stories, web sites, photos, ideas, thoughts, and leads about people we knew on Smiley and Gerszewski Barracks in Karlsruhe. Keep the stuff coming into the PIT, many folks enjoy reading and seeing what you may know or what you may have. Share it with us, and……"Open the pod bay doors HAL"……..……a few have mentioned that attending a reunion during the fall is not good for them so maybe we should meet next time during the spring or some other time…..photos from the Chicago reunion have been posted to the 3^rd General Dispensary site on www.classmates.com ……the common denominator for all of us was mentioned in Dawn’s bio  "have never met such great people since leaving (the 3^rd General Dispensary in Karlsruhe)"……….how about this web site: http://stadtplan.karlsruhe.de that has detailed maps of Karlsruhe…..geez, where do I get all of this stuff?....…….How many of you remember Anneliese left Germany and came into the states in 1971 with a cast on her arm?.........also have extra copies of the CD MORE SONGS FROM THE BARRACKS if anyone wants one....…Neil and Susan Woodworth have moved back to New York state……………………………………Dr. Stanley Rosenblatt furnished two leads - Dr. Gerald "Jerry" Glantz in Encino, California and Dr. Alan and Sheila Minster in Lake Forest, Illinois. Did call Dr. Glantz and left a message on his answering machine and had previously mailed Dr. Minster a search package when Dr. Donald Morton provided a lead for him some time ago………………….speaking of Dr. Morton, Charles Miller promises to provide a photo of Dr. Morton wearing a cowboy hat…………called Dr. George Krye (another name provided by Ken Burrows) in Littleton, Colorado on June 24, 2005 and left a message on his answering machine but have not had a response to date....…………………….I’ll start taking nominations for the 2007 reunion location now until January 31, 2006 and announce them in a February issue of the PIT………………...Merry Christmas and here is your Christmas gift from the PIT, click this http://www.ka-news.de/webcams/marktplatz.php4 .......…..who used the ULC athletic facilities? That bird told me that Brian Carroll, Neil Woodworth, and Marianne Tolchin did……….start thinking of places to nominate for the next reunion location. I’ll ask for them early next year……….do you remember My Lai…….have a few copies of "da 3^rd book" remaining should anyone want a copy………...Carl Sachjen identified the photo from the last issue KARLSRUHE TOUR as the end of one of the wings to the Schloss……...always thought the XO’s had it pretty good, after all they could always say "I have to go check (fill in any place here) out" and no one would miss them for the rest of the day…………so there I was, the first day being a medic after working in the Orderly Room for two years. This guy is bleeding all over me in the Emergency Room and I ask Dr. Sanders what should I do? I had forgot NOT to ask that of him. Of course Doc Sanders replied – "Whatever you think is best"..…………..do you remember being paid once a month and then "poof" your money was gone?.…….…….click on this for a brief Gerszewski Story - http://www.knielingen.de/wbb2/thread.php?threadid=1180& ………….Oh Lord won’t you buy me a Mercedes Benz….…..recently contacted ten of our friends once again who have not been heard from in quite a while asking them to RE-UP for another year of receiving the PIT…………….Travis Easter responded and do hope that he will be able to join us at our next reunion……………….yes, that’s right, we will have another reunion as that was talked about in Chicago as to when and where we may meet again….….did receive many places to consider and I’ll start talking more about the next reunion soon……………have started to make monthly mailings of the PIT once again to those without computer access……...those of you with a computer should check out the 3^rd General Dispensary blog at http://3rdGeneralDispensary.BlogSpot.com/ since the Smiley Barracks Tour is being told there as well as the search process that started during the summer of 2001…Jimmie Tyler and Bill Lokay gave me some photos that I will have scanned soon and share with you……..we also need to thank Dr. William H. Marshall, Dr. Henry Berman’s friend, who allowed us to stay at the Union League Club of Chicago as his guests …………always thought the medics had it pretty good, at least until Sanders caved in and let us be placed on the Smiley Barracks KP and Guard Duty rosters.…..….what was it that the officers said after they walked into a room and one of us would say attention? CARRY ON……have you checked out the web site for the 3^rd General Dispensary at http://3rdGeneralDispensary.BraveHost.com/ and also the blog spot at http://3rdGeneralDispensary.BlogSpot.com/ …I see that Carl Sachjen, Katie Campbell, Phyllis Rose, and Dale Bowes has joined http://Groups.yahoo.com/group/Smiley_Barracks (the Smiley Barracks yahoo group)………Dr. Henry Berman says we may not recognize him since he lost weight using the "Atkins Diet"…...and Paul Strauser says you may not recognize him either since he has lost an ounce and a half using the "Rumble Diet" (you don’t eat your next meal until your stomach starts rumbling)……….Bob "Burgie" Burgeson said he was going to loose some weight before the next reunion, we shall see.………Marty Bauer has retired and moved to Tempe, Arizona with wife Marty…….…seems as if we have waited for ever for this reunion…….…93 pages were in "da book" for the Boston 2002 Reunion, 132 pages were in "da book – da sequel" for the San Francisco 2003 Reunion, and I count 127 pages for "da 3^rd book" for the Chicago 2005 Reunion…..which reminds me, seen on "eBay" was "da book" from the Boston 2002 Reunion with a high bid of XXX....and this from Scott Bloom – the Stagedoor Playhouse was located on Smiley Barracks in 1973 and plays were produced by Frank Chapin using military personnel, dependents, and locals. The PIT has learned that this facility was located in the old EM Club on base and that a newer EM Club was built off base. Guess that was done to reduce the possibilities of having the performers visit with the ever friendly medics in the barracks…..if any of you are interested in participating in a "live" on line email chat one night, just let me know and I will try to set it up……………...how did you like the Lenny Kravitz remake of AMERICAN WOMAN…..heard from the Pope recently. Says he’s not going to be able to join us at the Chicago reunion but he does want to be on the distribution list of the PIT. Seems he likes the Karlsruhe Tour photos………………. …………..and since Lee Sanders reminded many of you of Frank Burns on the television series M*A*S*H, didn’t the officer in STRIPES played by John Larroquette remind you of 2 Lieutenant Montgomery?…………always thought the pharmacist had it pretty good, after all it was like having a fox guard the chicken house wasn’t it?……………..always thought the X-Ray Techs had it pretty good, after all they could hide in the developing room whenever they wanted to.……Can you dig it? Wouldn’t it be something if we did get the Pope, the President, and Governor Arnold to attend our reunion!….do you remember reading CATCH 22………HAPPY TRAILS to you until we meet again……...and a BIG hello to Frank Jones and all of his friends at Fort Eustice, Virginia (hope that does get the Prez’s attention to visit y’all!)………Back in the sixties the PIT found it’s way from Karlsruhe to other military installations in Mannheim, Heidleberg, Berlin, stateside, and Nam. The ARM PIT now reaches to Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin as well as to Israel…..………will have our final V.I.P. invitee in the next issue….……getting closer to finding out who turned out the light for the last time at the 3^rd…………our reunion announcement was in the April issue of The AMERICAN LEGION MAGAZINE, maybe we will pick up a few more from the 3^rd General Dispensary and/or the 761^st Medical Detachment for the reunion……..always thought the Sergeants had it pretty good, they only had to avoid the Officers while we had to avoid the Officers AND the Sergeants……do you remember counting down the days to leave?……always thought the Optometrists and their assistants had it pretty good, after all they didn’t have to pull any night duty did they!……will eventually tell you about the time when a group of us went to the Minuteman Theater one Saturday night to see Robert Altman’s film called, ah what was it again? Oh yeah, M*A*S*H……..do you remember Woodstock?…………..do you remember LBJ saying "I shall not seek, and I will not accept, the nomination of my party for another term as your President…….…Volume IV of The ARM PIT was a single issue in 1971 or 1972 when we tried to have a reunion in Miami (does anyone remember that?).……….…do you remember polishing your shoes and getting a haircut only when told to do so for the third time?………….haven’t found anyone who served at the 3^rd during the years 1984 to 1986 – must be the "lost years"…..do you remember playing pool and ping pong in the barracks?….…always thought the nurses had it pretty good, after all they were either Officers or civilians weren’t they!…

..That is All.

(Due to Technical Difficulties and/or Operator Error the remaining Under the Arm Pit that was once here from 2002 to 2004 has been erased.  This section will see future construction attempting to reconstruct shortly.  Please Stand By or take a seat.)