A note to those reading the 727th ATB Newsletters: the correspondence information and private information about the families connected to the battalion has been left out of the newsletters that are posted on the website, for privacy.
Dear Friends:
I hope this newsletter finds you enjoying the fall weather. This temperature change has been really nice. Hard to believe that the holiday season will soon be here! I don’t know about you, but I just can’t believe that when I go into a store I see Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas decorations! Oh my! Let the whirlwind time begin!
Please remember that if you have an e-mail address, to let Karen Corbin DeVictor know. Her e-mail is: kdevictor@gmail.com. You are welcome to call me any time. We will make sure and keep you informed through emails and the newsletters. It’s a great way to keep up with everyone.
JoAn Staton has sent along notes from this year’s reunion. We know that you all had a terrific time!
The 30th Reunion of the 727th ATB was held in Tiffany Spring, MO, on Sept. 26-29th of this year. Those who arrived early enjoyed visiting with other early arrivals until registration began on Thursday. The Memorial Service was held on Friday morning, with the business meeting taking place on Friday afternoon.
Terry Sorenson, our Battalion Historian, graciously presented slides of members of the 727th gathered from files he had located at the Eisenhower Museum in Abilene, KS. He suggested that the members might wish to visit that museum next year during our reunion. (Yes, it was agreed that we WILL meet again next year-if enough folks show up.)
Friday evening we had a “country” style meal of pulled pork, chili, etc., followed by a big BINGO game. Some really great prizes this year.
Saturday was pretty much a free day until the catered banquet that night. Again followed by BINGO. We reluctantly said our goodbyes once more, with the hope of meeting again next September.
We are so thankful to have Terry Sorenson! The 727th website: www.727atb.us. He is continually locating information and links to newly released video clips and information. You need to take time to look through everything on the website, and revisit it so you will see the new information as it is added. How thrilled we are to be learning new information and connecting with the past. This time around has really been interesting because of everything Terry has located and the emails that have been received from relatives of 727th ATB veterans. (terry@olmstednationalbank.com) THANK YOU!!!
Terry has made updates to the website. Look at the Photos and Documents page. He has broken this down into the different places. Check out all the new information and pictures.
In an email that was sent out by Terry, he listed several websites that have videos for you to see. He is going to review these before putting them on our website.
http://www.awm.gov.au/collection/F01975/ This is a Public Domain video on Australian War Memorial. This is downloaded and attached to OBOE TWO page. The link is at the bottom of the page. The video shows LVTs from Merritt Corbin’s Platoon forming. You can see the marking on LST-457 that they were coming out of and you can see the LVT names Platypus II. This LVT is the one that Dave Windmeyer said at this year’s reunion that he was on!
OBOE SIX-Labuan: http://www.awm.gov.au/collection/F07224/
OBOE ONE-Tarakan: http://www.awm.gov.au/collection/F07213/
KING TWO-Leyte: http://www.awm.gov.au/collection/F01704/
Terry has been reviewing naval records with battalion members listed and cross-referencing the names with the lists provided at the last reunion. He has uncovered some previously unknown members. This list has been included in this newsletter.
Following is the correspondence since the last newsletter:
Aug. 8 658th ATB newsletter arrived-General Elmer Hallen. Their website is: www.658amtrac.org.
Aug. 12 I called Lorraine Jurczak. She had called and left a message about Mike Walko. He will be 96 in a few weeks.
Aug. 12 Email correspondence with Joan Peterson Moore. She is the daughter of Roger Peterson. She wanted everyone to know that her father passed away April 23rd of this year. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and all of your family.
Aug. 17 I received an email from my sister, Karen DeVictor, that she had received an email from Betty Navone. She informed her that Jerry Pawlowski passed away July 7th. This is Sigmund Pawlowski’s son.
Aug. 19 Received a note from Becky Jack. She wanted us to know that her mother, Mrs. James R. Conrod passed away a couple years ago.
Aug. 26 I received a nice letter from Francis Carroll. He, like so many others, would love to be able to attend the reunion, but it is just too difficult for him.
Sept. 5 Karen received an email from David Roehn. He said he was happy to find our website. His grandfather is Joseph Magnago (changed his name later to Joseph Danver). He was in A Company. They are from Pennsylvania. He died in April 2010 and he has been researching his old things about the war.
Sept. 28 I called Francis Carroll and we talked about the reunion going on and how we were thankful for those who were able to attend this year. He is now 88 and still drives some.
Oct. 1 Received the 658th ATB newsletter from General Elmer Hallen. He mentioned that his brother Einar had just written a book titled, “A Boy Growing Up During the Great Depression”, and it was available on amazon.com. He also mentioned that Jim DeLong had been in touch with the National WWII Museum and had donated some items to them: the book “The Amphibians”, the book “The Black Gang (LST’s)”, the book “I’ll Be Home for Christmas, and the book “On the Homefront”, along with paperwork pertaining to the ATB’s. He said if you have any pictures or other memorabilia that you feel would be important for the museum, contact Archival Technician, Lisa Werling at lisa.werling@nationalww2museum.org or call 504-528-1944 ext. 293 and she would be happy to talk with you. I wanted to just send this information along to you. The 658th ATB website is: www.658amtrac.org.
Oct. 10 Karen Corbin DeVictor received an email from Robert Curry. He is the son-in-law of Don Nelson. He has some pictures that Don Nelson carried around for many years. He does not know who the other people are, but believes these pictures were taken on New Guinea. He would like to learn more. Terry Sorenson will be adding these to the website. Please contact Terry if you have any information.
Oct. 24 I received an email from Jon Acello. His grandfather was Alexander Pirie. Jon was 7 years old when his grandfather died in 1984. He has been going through some family photos and found one with a 727th billboard and through his searching, he found the 727th website. He has around 80 photos that he has already scanned and sent along to Terry S. I found his grandfather’s name on the website under the Lost Members page. He is listed in the Illinois section and as Headquarters. His name is not listed on the Found Members page that Terry has located, so that is one more previously unknown member that we now have new information.
Nov. 1 Terry Sorenson has now added photos that David Roehn provided regarding Joe Magnano. Terry has made other edits to the photo pages. He wants you to know he can add your wartime photos, so please send copies to him.
Best Wishes for a blessed holiday season!
Love and God Bless you all,
Ann Corbin Edwards and the entire Merritt Corbin Family
Phone number is: 864-836-3436
Dear Friends:
I have had a hard time writing this newsletter because we have lost more of our veterans since the last newsletter. At the same time, we have our 30th ATB Reunion just around the corner and it’s time to get ready!
Please remember that if you have an e-mail address, to let Karen Corbin DeVictor know. Her e-mail is: kdevictor@gmail.com. Please call me any time. I will make sure and put information in the next newsletter. It’s a great way to keep up with everyone. Website: www.727atb.us
727th Amphibian Tractor Battalion
30th Annual Reunion
September 26-28, 2013 (checkout on Sunday, Sept. 29)
If interested: send an email to JoAn Staton
Following is the correspondence since the last newsletter
Mar. 28 I got the strangest phone call today. The person said they lived in Cleveland, SC. Somehow the Post Office mailed the last 727th newsletter for Earl Lay to the correct street address, but the wrong city, state. This man contacted me to let me know the mistake so I would know to resend the newsletter. That’s a first!!!!
Apr. 4 Received the 658th ATB Newsletter from General Elmer Hallen and his wife, Betty. They mentioned our 727th annual reunion and gave contact information for anyone
interested in attending.
Apr. 29 Joe Sigfrid passed away this past Saturday evening
Apr. 30 I had a phone call from Howard Christianson! What a treat! He talked about the reunion coming up and wanted to make sure he had the information. He hopes to
have someone lined up to come with him this year.
May 11 Received the 658th ATB Newsletter from Elmer and Betty Hallen
May 22 Received card from Don and Elizabeth Yates. They have moved.
Jun 19 JoAn Staton now has a new address and phone number.
July 11 Howard Jessen passed away
Love and God Bless you all,
Ann Corbin Edwards and the entire Merritt Corbin Family
Phone number is: 864-836-3436
Dear Friends:
JoAn’s information for the 29th Annual 727th Amphibian Tractor Battalion Reunion!!!!! is in this newsletter. It is important that you get your reservations for the meal on Friday, the banquet on Saturday and the hotel reservation by July 6th. Please remember to bring your BINGO prizes. The theme this year will be “Christmas in July”. JoAn has asked for everyone to bring a gift (or re-gift or “white elephant”) to be exchanged in a “fun” game. Mail your Meal Reservation and check to JoAn. Make your hotel reservation!
Karen has been forwarding 727th information from Terry Sorenson. His dad, Wilbur Sorenson, was in Company A. He has been collecting information about the 727th. Here is his email address: terry@olmstednationalbank.com
I have listed several different attachments of information that he has sent along to share with the 727th ATB through emails. If you have any questions or you are interested in the files he has sent to those on the email list, please contact him. He is more than willing to forward information along to you.
1. Leyte After Action Report
2. 727th ATB History
3. links to pictures and other information.
(a) https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/records/awm52/ (Australian War Memorial)
(b) https://cgsc.contentdm.oclc.org/cdm/ (Luzon Operation Information)
(c) http://6thinfantry.com/downloads/
4. 6th ID_PalmerReprot_Ch 1-3 OCR
5. Operation Order No 1 (Tarakan Island): Pre-Invasion Tarakan Part 1, Part 2, and Report
6. Memo 5-29-1945 by HQ 9 Aust Div on 727ATB
7. OBOE 6-Lutong Operation-there are several downloads of this information
Love and God Bless you all,
Ann Corbin Edwards and the entire Merritt Corbin Family
Home phone number for Tommy, Ann, and Ruth is: 864-836-3436
Dear Friends:
JoAn has included information for the 29th Annual 727th Amphibian Tractor Battalion Reunion!!!!!
Mark the last weekend of July 2012 in your calendar book now and start saving your BINGO prizes! Yippee!
Love and God Bless you all,
Ann Corbin Edwards and the entire Merritt Corbin Family
Phone number is 864-836-3436
Dear Friends:
I hope this newsletter finds you well and enjoying the fall season. The leaves here have been beautiful and we are enjoying them.
What a terrific time we had at the 28th Reunion of the 727th ATB, held July 28-31, 2011 in Kansas City, MO, same place as last year!!!! It was wonderful to be able to see many of you this year and our thoughts and prayers were with those who were unable to attend this time.
We had a great time!!!! Most arrivals were on Thursday and it was fun just to sit in the lobby and watch as they showed up. Such a joy to be together again! Everyone spent lots of time just catching up on everything that had gone on over the past year. We got a big crowd to go over to Cracker Barrel for supper Thursday. The Hospitality Room was the gathering place the entire reunion.
We had the 727th Memorial Service on Friday. Ted Turner read the names of the known deceased. After the Memorial Service, the Merritt Corbin family had a special Memorial Service. The Karen DeVictor Family and the Ann Edwards Family would sincerely like to thank each and every one of you for sharing in this service for dad. This meant so much to all of us. The rest of the day was free to just hang around and mingle. The cookout last year was such a hit, that JoAn’s family held it again. The weather actually cooperated and cooled off enough for us to enjoy being outside. Perfect!! Then off to play BINGO! We had some really unique prizes this year. Such fun to see what shows up for the prizes.
We had the Business Meeting on Saturday. We all plan on continuing the reunions as long as possible. The banquet was great. Food was super! We had a huge crowd. Lots of family and friends came to the reunion and banquet. Entertainment was terrific! Ladies Choral group did a terrific job singing. We enjoyed every minute and found ourselves singing along quite a bit. Then off to play BINGO until all the prizes were gone. A perfect evening! Always difficult to see the evening end because we know that everyone will be heading back home.
Many were able to enjoy breakfast together on Sunday morning before leaving. Blessings to each and every one that was able to come this year for the reunion and to each and every one that was able to attend “in their hearts”. We missed those that were not able to come, but we are a close-knit family and will keep in touch with each other as best we can throughout the year.
I sent an email to Arthur Dyer at Ft. Benning that asked the questions we discussed at the reunion. Here are his responses.
1. Do you know that has happened to the Monument Garden at Ft. Knox? Will it remain there or be moved?
Answer: All the monuments beside the former Patton Museum of Cavalry and Armor were left there as part of the Armor Legacy of Ft. Knox, and will remain there. The Ft. Knox museum is not the General George Patton Museum of Leadership, and has a different mission and collection, and is not connected with the Armor Branch.
1. Do you know if the pavers are still in place at Ft. Knox? The 727th ATB has pavers with their name on them and they want to know if they were still there, removed completely, or moved to Ft. Benning.
Answer: As with the monuments, all the pavers were left there also, as these were purchased through the Patton Museum Foundation, not the Museum.
I told him that the 727th ATB did not want to be lost and forgotten. I said that there was an official flag, an unofficial flag, and some money set to go to Ft. Knox when the group no longer meets. The men were thinking about what they would like to do with things now that Ft. Benning will be housing the historical items. I sent a picture of each flag. I said that you had lots of pictures and information about the 727th ATB that would be of value to someone. I said that you would like to know if Ft. Benning would display your things in some way and that when the time came for the museum to be ready for collecting things, would they be interested in your information. I said that the 727th ATB was proud and honored to have served in WWII and that you would like to be remembered in some way.
His response: The renamed Armor Collection (National Armor & Cavalry Museum), down at Ft. Benning, is the U.S. Army’s museum on all elements of the Armor & Cavalry Branch, this includes tanks, amphibious thanks & tractors, tank destroyers & anti-tank units & USMC armor. We would be glad to include any archival documents & photographs or artifacts that cover the 727th ATB’s history and personnel. Combat related pictures, with names of the campaign, time and personnel have the greatest historic value. The PoC for archive & artifact donations will be Lindsey Williams, curator of the armor collection (706-545-1787)
I hope this information was helpful to you.
Love and God Bless you all,
Ann Corbin Edwards and the entire Merritt Corbin Family
Phone number is: 864-836-3436
Dear Friends:
I hope this newsletter finds that you are having a good year. We are all doing fine and plan to be at the reunion in July. Hope that you will make it, too.
727th ATB’s 28th Annual Reunion
July 28-31, 2011
Information packet is included in this newsletter.
Please note that hotel reservations must be made by July 7th. There is also a page titled “Meal Prices”. Please mail this back to JoAn by July 10th. Her address is: 9107 W. 73rd St.; Merriam, KS 66204. SEE YOU IN JULY!!!
Here is the list of things to do in KC. Additions to the list are listed1-5.
1. Harley Davidson factory tour. This is a free tour. Tours are between 9am and 1:30pm. Reservation can be made if there are 10 or more people attending.
2. T-Bones is a semi-pro baseball team. They play on Friday, July 29th at 7:05pm. I know this is the night of the Luau, but you could possibly go after dinner.
Dear Friends:
I hope this newsletter finds that you have had a good start to the 2011 year. I realize that I am writing a few things that those of you with e-mail accounts already have this information. I just wanted to make sure that everyone was informed. If you have an e-mail address, please let Karen Corbin DeVictor know. It’s a great way to keep in touch quickly. Her e-mail is: kdevictor@gmail.com.
727th ATB’s 28th Annual Reunion
July 28-31, 2011
Information packet is included in this newsletter.
We are thrilled to have our reunion all in place!! Thank you JoAn and the entire Staton family for all you do!!! Please note that hotel reservations must be made by July 7th. There is also a page titled “Meal Prices”. Please mail this back to JoAn by July 10th. Her address is: 9107 W. 73rd St.; Merriam, KS 66204. SEE YOU IN JULY!!!
The Patton Museum of Calvary and Armor closed Sept. 6, 2010, because of a congressional mandate to move the US Army Armor School to Ft. Benning, GA. This was because of the BRAC Act of 2005 (Base Realignment and Closure)
They are moving the armor school and the museum is part of the school, so it will move with them. Over 10,000 items are moving and less than 1,000 will remain at Ft. Knox. 90% of museum is moving. They will not have any other memorabilia there.
Here is where the confusion comes in: The new tenant at Ft. Knox is called the US Army Accessions Command. They decided to create their own museum, called the General George Patton Museum of Leadership. The shortened title is The Patton Museum. Ft. Knox still has a little of the armor and they may leave some tanks there, but the bulk of everything is moving to Ft. Benning. They keep claiming they are the original Patton Museum, but they are not. They are Human Resources, where they tell about recruiting within the different divisions in the Army. They will have the actual personal belongings of Patton, but not the tanks, books, archives, guns, uniforms, etc., that we would expect to see there.
The National Armor and Cavalry Heritage Foundation is where everything will be moved to. This new museum has not been built yet. This new museum was to have money allocated to it by the government, and this has not taken place. Donations are being taken. Any donation of $25 or more will have your name placed in their booklet for publication of donors. You can go online or you can make your check out to: The Armor and Cavalry Heritage Foundation.
Mail to: Armor and Cavalry Heritage Foundation
c/o Law office of Robert Poydasheff
924 2d Avenue
Columbus, GA 31901
Here is the information for the new museum:
National Armor and Cavalry Heritage Foundation at Ft. Benning, GA
http://www.armorcavalrymuseum.org/
Contact person: Chris Golden 617-413-5787 email: chrisgolden@rcn.com
I have talked with Mr. Golden and he hopes that we will spread the word about the changes.
You are welcome to call and talk with him at any time.
The National Armor and Cavalry Heritage Foundation
1775 Legacy Way
Columbus, GA 31903
Arthur Len Dyer is the Director of the new museum.
For more information, you can also contact:
Charles Lemons phone: 502-624-2365 charles.lemons1@us.army.mil
They are very interested in collecting any pictures that you might have. Pictures need to be 600dpi, so they can print off very clear pictures, even if they enlarge them. Please call for other information. I tried to keep my notes going as I talked to them, but I’m sure there is much more to be learned or clarified.
Here is a website for you to check out about the Patton Museum-now changed:
http://www.radclifftourism.org/pattonmuseum.shtml
There are several deaths to report at this time.
Love and God Bless you all,
Ann Corbin Edwards and the entire Merritt Corbin Family
Phone number is: 864-836-3436
Dear Friends:
Season’s Greetings.
It is with much regret that I share our sad news with you. Dad passed away on October 17th. Fall started out well and we hoped for a good year. He made the brave decision to have his left knee replaced. Surgery was on Sept. 27th. The surgery went well and he had moved to a rehab facility. A number of small incidents were too much for him to overcome in his weakened condition and led to his death in the hospital. We did celebrate mom’s 92nd birthday, Oct. 11th at the rehab facility, along with Tommy and me. Dad had a wonderful life. He loved looking forward to the 727th reunions each year. Each of your phone calls and letters throughout the year meant so much to him. He loved keeping in touch with everyone and hearing about your lives. He is greatly missed, but we know he is in a much better place where he can be with our Lord, his family, friends, Army buddies and play with his favorite dog. Mom is doing fairly well. Not easy after 68 years of marriage, but she knows that everyone is thinking and praying for her. Your kind phone calls and letters have meant so much to all of our family. You are our extended family and we hold each and every one of you in our hearts.
I will try my best to continue with the newsletter and keeping in touch with you. Dad was so committed to keeping everyone informed throughout the year. Our family plans on being at the next 727th Reunion in the summer of 2011; we hope you will, too. If you have any news, information, or just want to chat, please give us a call. Karen is great at keeping up with everyone that has an email address, so you can send her all your notes. We’ll compile everything and put it in the newsletters for you. Karen’s email is: kdevictor@gmail.com. Her home phone number is: 785-842-8216.
The 27th Annual 727th ATB Reunion was held in Kansas City, Sept. 9-12, same place as last year. What a great time we had! There were 7 veterans and 2 widows that made it this year: Howard Jessen, Louis Gross, Bennie Torrez, Ed Kitchens, Joe Sigfrid, Dave Windmeyer, Merritt Corbin, Cora Alvarez and JoAn Staton. We started off on Thursday with most everyone arriving. It was a great time to see each other since the ’09 reunion. Friday was a free day, but many went to the NASCAR track for a tour. The Hospitality Room was the gathering place the entire time and a perfect place to talk and catch up with each other. The cookout last year was such a hit, that JoAn’s family held it again. Then off to play BINGO!
On Saturday, we had our Business Meeting and we had our Memorial Service. Candles were lit by Bennie Torrez, Dave Windmeyer, and Louis Gross. Joe Sigfrid read the names of all the known deceased. The afternoon was a chance for more BINGO. We couldn’t pass up the chance to win the prizes that everyone brought to share. What rare and unique surprises!!! Several went to see the Jazz Museum and the Negro Leagues Baseball Hall of Fame. The banquet this year was a BBQ buffet. Great! I think there were over 40 people in attendance. It’s wonderful to have family members and friends of the veterans to celebrate our time together. We were entertained by the playhouse group with JoAn. They were great and enjoyed by all. Lots of goodbyes by those leaving early on Sunday. Many were able to enjoy breakfast one more time together Sunday morning before heading back home. Karen and Frederick took the 3 of us to the airport for our return to South Carolina.
There are several deaths to report at this time.
Richard Hill passed away on October 10th.
Norman Ahlstrand passed away on November 14th.
Paul Aragon passed away on November 5th.
Donald Nelson passed away on November 10th.
Our family wishes you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. We know that your thoughts
and prayers will be with us during this holiday season. You will all be in ours as well.
Love and God Bless you all,
Ann Corbin Edwards and the entire Merritt Corbin Family
Phone number is: 864-836-3436
Dear Friends:
I haven’t done a very good job of keeping track of correspondence. But first, our reunion is “GO” for September 9-12 at the same hotel at KC Airport as last year. Attached, you’ll find a letter from JoAn regarding how to make hotel reservations and other information. At the end of this letter you’ll find a form regarding reservations for Friday evening meal, Saturday dinner buffet, and tours. Please inform JoAn the information requested as soon as possible.
God Bless you all,
Merritt M. Corbin
Corresponding Secretary and Treasurer
Dear Friends:
Greetings from South Carolina. It’s been cold at night, and warms up some in the daytime. We've had a lot of rain and some snow.
Karen and Frederick really surprised me for my 90th birthday party. They flew down from Kansas, during the winter storm in our area. They got to Dallas, TX and got stuck. Couldn’t get a flight to the Greenville-Spartanburg Airport, so they went to Atlanta and tried to rent a car. That didn’t work out either, so they ended up finally arriving by train! What an experience! Karen, Frederick, Tommy, and Ann had our church friends get together for a nice birthday party on Saturday, January 30th. Then the 6 of us went out for dinner on February 2nd. Sure made my birthday great. Had phone calls and gifts from all the grandkids. I had a great celebration. I sure received lots of birthday cards from all of you. It was nice of Karen to send out a note to everyone to surprise me with cards.
These are a couple websites that have been found that tell about the 727th ATB:
The Battle of Tarakan: http://www.diggerhistory.info/pages-battles/ww2/tarakan.htm
The World at War-Labuan: http://www.diggerhistory.info/pages-battles/ww2/tarakan.htm
The good news is that our reunion is set for Sept. 9-12, 2010 at the Courtyard by Marriott Hotel,
near the Kansas City International Airport. This is where we met last year. Mark your calendars!
More information will be coming.
Love and God Bless you all,
Merritt M. Corbin
Corresponding Secretary and Treasurer
Dear Friends:
Season’s Greetings. Ruth and I are now bonafide residents of Pickens County, South Carolina. See our address and phone number above. I have South Carolina drivers’ license good until 2014. Ruth has a new SC ID card. Our car has a new license plate “WWII Veteran; WW130”. We both have voter registration cards. We sold our Florida home. The deal was closed in September.
In October, a mystery was solved. If you remember I told you about a program on the history channel showing the rescue of American and Philippine civilians in a Japanese Los Banos Interment Camp on Luzon, south of Manila, near a lake. I have seen this movie twice. I hope you have seen it. It was a coordinated rescue put on by American ground forces, parachute drops, and amphibian tractors. I well remember that one of the amtraks had the name “Impatient Virgin” on it. I knew that B Company had a tractor with that same name but nowhere in our history does it mention this operation. Mrs. George (Florence) Haney solved the mystery. She sent me an article out of “The Capitol”, Annapolis, MD newspaper, dated September 29, 2009. A copy of the article is enclosed. I telephoned the veteran, Marion Titus, 504 Kent Ave.; Pasadia, MD 21122. Phone 410-647-3571. He is 86 and pretty good. We did some reminiscing. They had 11 vets at a recent reunion. I phoned Florence Haney to thank her for the article. She is 84 and quite well. Lives in a great retirement community, “Heritage Harbour”.
On September 5, the 4 of us flew to Kansas City airport. Grandson’s wife, Jennifer, picked us up and took us to a motel. That evening we attended granddaughter’s, Karen Frederick’s daughter, rehearsal dinner. On Sunday, September 6th, we attended the wedding of our granddaughter, Darcia, to Brent Boyle and their reception afterward. What a great time we had! On Monday, we went to Karen and Frederick’s home. Tommy flew home Tuesday, as he needed to teach at Furman. We saw grandson, Christopher, wife Jennifer, and their family, including great-granddaughter, Cecelia, who was 2 in October. Grandson, Cameron and his girlfriend, were there from California. On Thursday, September 10, Karen took us to the Marriot Hotel, near the KC Airport.
The 26th annual reunion of the 727th ATB is history. There were 11 veterans and 3 widows present: Francis Carroll, Howard Christianson, Merritt Corbin, Walter Feigel, Lewis Gross, Don Johnson, Howard Jessen, Charles Jordan, Joe Sigfrid, Bennie Torrez, Dave Windmeyer, Cora Alvarez, JoAn Staton, and Bev VanKirk. There were many spouses, children, grandchildren, and other relatives there. There were over 60 at the Saturday evening banquet.
Most everyone arrived Thursday, Sept. 10. Everyone was happy to see those they hadn’t seen since the ’08 reunion. Friday was a free day. The hospitality room was open nearly all day and evening. At 6pm we had cookout and music. We played Bingo.
Saturday we had breakfast in the hospitality room. At 10:00 we had our Business Meeting as usual and at 11:00, our usual Memorial Service. Candles were lit and Francis Carroll read the names of all the known deceased. Charles Jordan gave the prayer. The afternoon was free to visit and play Bingo. The banquet was served at 7:15pm. We were then entertained by a group, including JoAn. They put on a funny skit. There were many goodbyes by those leaving early Sunday, but many ate breakfast together in hospitality room. Karen and Frederick took the 3 of us to the airport for our return flight to South Carolina.
I haven’t talked to anyone since the reunion. Hope to get to making phone calls now that Ruth and I are
settled into SC.
Ruth and I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Love and God Bless you all,
Merritt M. Corbin
Corresponding Secretary and Treasurer
Dear Friends:
Greetings from South Carolina. Ruth and I left Florida and arrived at our daughter’s on April 30. We don’t know when we will return to Florida. Sometime ago a man asked me what I was going to be doing next week, and I told him I didn’t even know what I was going to do tomorrow.
The good news is that our reunion is set for Sept. 10-13 at the Courtland by Marriott Hotel, near the Kansas City International Airport. There will be more particulars later.
Healthwise my biggest problem is my knees and 2nd problem is my hearing. I tell people I’m deaf in one ear and can’t hear out of the other one. I still drive and think I do a pretty good job. I don’t receive any complaints. Ruth’s biggest problem is her navigation but she also has seeing problems and hearing problems, but we do go out to eat 3-4 times a week.
God Bless you all,
Merritt M. Corbin
Greetings from Florida:
After spending the holidays at daughter’s in South Carolina, we returned to Lakeside Ranch on January 8. We had a very nice Christmas. Grandson and granddaughter were home. Had a wonderful brunch with Tommy’s brother’s family.
I’ve had a couple requests for Battalion History Book, so I had several copies made. I now have a couple copies on hand, including the following: Battalion History Book, Brief History of the Battalion, Where, Oh Where Did the ATB’s Go?, Top Secret, and July 2008 roster. I will not have any more copies made, so if you want a set contact me immediately.
Ruth and I hope you have a nice summer and await your letter or phone call. Ann is typing this letter on her computer while I dictate it to her on the phone. She will fax it to us Monday. Ruth and I have the envelopes all addressed and stamped. As soon as the newsletter is received from the printer it will be sent to you.
God Bless you all,
Merritt M. Corbin
Corresponding Secretary and Treasurer
Dear Friends:
Greetings from South Carolina where it gets cold at night (in the high teens and low 20”s), then in the daytime it gets up in the 40’s and 50’s and the sun shines most of the time. It’s been very dry here. Lakes are low. We had a couple days of rain but not very much.
Ruth and I plan to spend Christmas and New Year’s in South Carolina and return to our Florida home in early January. We want to come back to South Carolina in May when our grandson gets his doctor’s degree. We have our granddaughter, Darcy DeVictor, getting married Labor Day weekend, and we hope to attend the 26th 727th Army Reunion.
I wish all you people that I could not reach by phone would contact me somehow.
We wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a healthy, happy New Year.
God Bless,
Merritt M. Corbin
Corresponding Secretary and Treasurer
Dear Friends:
The 25th annual reunion of the 727th is history. Our hosts were Gerry and Karen Feigal, son and daughter-in-law of Walter and Josephine Feigal, and what great hosts they were! Everything was wonderful and the Hospitality Room was amply supplied with eats and drinks and prizes for Bingo. I tried several times to get a bill(s) from Karen, but she said everything had been donated. We all had a terrific time!
There were 12 veterans present, along with Cora and JoAn, but at the Saturday night banquet, there were 65 in attendance, including spouses, children and grandchildren.
Those in attendance at the reunion were:
Merritt & Ruth Corbin Howard Christianson
Dennis & Donna Windmeyer Craig & Sheryl Christianson
Ed Kitchens Cora Alvarez
Gay Hall, Kay Smith, Karen Fuller Henry & Celia Vega, Dan Lopez
Walter & Josephine Feigal Donald & Jessie Nelson
Gerry & Karen Feigal, John Feigal, Pam Rhiel Sandra Skog
Howard Jessen Francis & Eloise Sigfrid
Ted & Cheryl Turner JoAn Staton
Bennie & Christine Torrez Francis & Katherine Carroll
Donald & Elizabeth Yates
Thursday evening at 6:30, everyone assembled at the hotel for an ice cream social. We also celebrated Francis Carroll’s 83rd birthday.
On Friday, we boarded at bus at 9am and went to the VA Administration Building. We assembled in a glassed-in room. There you could see the WWII Memorial and in the background-the State Capitol. If you looked the other direction you could see the St. Paul Cathedral. The WWII Memorial included many monuments listing events that occurred with the Pacific section on the left and the European theater on the right. Very nice!
Karen Feigal welcomed everyone to Minneapolis and then the guest speakers. Carol Molnau, Lt. Gov. of Minnesota, gave a very heart-felt, inspirational talk. Michael Pugliese, Dept. Comm. of the Minnesota Dept. of Veterans Affairs spoke. Jerry Kyser, Chm. Of US Veterans Legislative Council, Exc. Dir. of Vietnam’s Charity and Pres. of the Twin Cities Honor Flight, also spoke. We all went outside to tour the WWII Memorial and the other monuments. We watched as two WWII planes did the “fly over”. What a thrill to see!
We had a very nice lunch, served by Boston Market. The Memorial Service then followed. The colors were presented by Minnesota National Color Guard. Corbin led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance. Cheryl and Ted Turner led the National Anthem. Ed Kitchens gave the Invocation. The three candles were lit by:
David Windmeyer-Headquarters and Service Company
Howard Christianson-A Company
Bennie Torrez-B Company
The names of all the known deceased were read by Francis Carroll. Taps was played. A moment of silence was observed in remembrance of all those deceased. Ed Kitchens gave a closing prayer. The candles were extinguished and the colors were retired. Due to the late hour, the Business Meeting was reset for Friday evening, before we played Bingo.
Corbin called the Business Meeting to order. Karen Feigal welcomed everyone and gave information about the Saturday evening Banquet. Corbin then related communications since the last newsletter. Veterans introduced their guests. JoAn Staton read the minutes of the 2007 Reunion. Motion to accept was given and 2nd unanimously. Corbin gave the Treasurer’s Report that was accepted as read. There was no old business. A motion was made to re-elect the present officers, which was passed. A 2009 Reunion was discussed and everyone agreed that we should have one. JoAn Staton volunteered and said that her family agreed to host all future reunions. This offer was unanimously accepted and is greatly appreciated. Howard Jessen conducted a collection of funds for the treasury. He collected $506. Ed Kitchens gave a closing prayer. Following the Business Meeting everyone enjoyed Bingo and the antics of the two Howard’s and Ted Turner.
Saturday was a free day. At 5:30pm we assembled for social time and at 6:00pm, enjoyed a great dinner. Following the dinner there was a musical program. Don Fadell played the keyboard and honored us with lots of songs. We had a really enjoyable time. After the entertainment, we all returned to the Hospitality Room for some more Bingo and laughs.
Most everyone gathered for breakfast Sunday morning, before heading home.
Ruth and I are pretty good for our age. Ruth has navigation problems and her eyesight has failed. My biggest problem is still my knees and I’m told that I’m too old to have surgery. So with that, I guess I will sign off.
Our daughter, Karen, has worked to compile a Family Directory. A copy is in your newsletter. If there are others that would like to be included, please contact her.
God Bless you all,
Merritt M. Corbin
Corresponding Secretary and Treasurer
Dear Friends:
Just had a phone call from Karen Feigel. She would like to receive your reservations for the reunion. I know the cutoff date is June 23, but if you can, get your reservation in early.
Ruth and I are leaving here, June 24, for our daughter’s home near Greenville, SC. Our granddaughter is getting married on June 28 in the Chapel at Furman University. Our daughter, Karen, and all her family will be at the wedding, so we will have a big family reunion. We will stay at our daughter’s until all four of us fly out of Charlotte, NC for Minneapolis on July 17. Daughter Karen and her husband plan to be at the reunion, too.
Ruth is getting new glasses that we hope will improve her vision. She uses a walker nearly all the time now. My biggest problem is my knees, they just don’t work right.
Ruth and I hope to see at least some of you at the reunion.
God Bless,
Merritt M. Corbin
Corresponding Secretary and Treasurer
Dear Friends,
Thanks so much for all the Christmas cards and donations. Ruth and I enjoyed reading your notes. We hope you all had a Merry Christmas and enjoyed family get-togethers. Ruth and I drove to South Carolina to spend Christmas and New Years with our daughter and family. Had a great time. Saw our grandson, now in 3rd year of medical school at MUSC in Charleston, SC and our granddaughter, who teaches 5th grade in a nearby school and is working on her master’s degree in night school at Furman University. We were gone 15 days. Came home to a large pack of accumulated mail.
Martha Prior phoned and said that Fred died Feb. 19th. He had been sick a long time. Our sympathy goes out to Martha and their family.
I recently met a man who was in the Infantry at the Battle of the Bulge. I told him I was sorry for the cold and snow he suffered and that I was glad I was in the South Pacific. I often see a man who was on the Indianapolis when it was sunk by a Jap sub. It had delivered some of the atomic bomb material to Tinian and was returning to Pearl Harbor. He is one of a small number of survivors and was only 18 years old. He now uses a walker and is in worse shape than me.
Somehow I failed to note the receipt of information that Jack R. Brayton had passed away 10-27-07. My
apology to Bonnie.
++++++NEWS FLASH+++++++++++NEWS FLASH+++++++++NEWS FLASH+++++++++++++++
Remember our ’08 Reunion is July 17-20 at the Holiday Inn Select Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota; 3 Appletree Square; Bloomington, MN 55425. For reservations, call: 1-800-465-4329 and reference the 727th ATB Reunion. Rate: Standard is $95 (1 king/2 double) Suite: $120 (living room, sleeper sofa, fridge, microwave, 1king/2 double) HOSTS: Gerry and Karen Feigel. Their address is 7293 Terra Court; Lino Lakes, MN 55014.
Phone: 651-783-7807. A newsletter with details will be sent the first of May.
We are enjoying warm weather, a little rain once in awhile. The nights are a little chilly, but in the afternoon the temperature gets up to the near 80’s.
Hope you have a Happy Easter. God Bless.
Merritt M. Corbin
Corresponding Secretary and Treasurer
Dear Friends,
Greetings from sunny Florida. The citrus trees are loaded with bright red oranges, grapefruit, tangerines, and lemons. We hope you had a nice Thanksgiving. We did. We have lost another faithful vet, Lester Rector, on September 26th. Our sympathy to the family.
No doubt many of you watched "THE WAR" television mini series by Ken Burns. A 32nd division veteran, Joseph W. Howe, wrote a Personal Review of the war that expreses my feeling 100%. I enclosed a copy in the newsletter that was sent to you.
NEWS FLASH------
2008 Reunion will be held July 17-20 at a Holiday Inn. Hostess is : Gerry and Karen Feigel. Their address is 3060 Centerville Road; Little Canada, MN 55117. Phone 651-787-7227. More information will be forwarded later.
God Bless,
Merritt M. Corbin
Corresponding Secretary and Treasurer
414 Lakeside Ranch Circle
Winter Haven, FL 33881
Phone: 863-422-5969
Dear Friends,
The 24th Annual Reunion of the battalion in history. 11 vets had registered, but only 9 were in attendance. Ed Kitchens had to cancel due to a sudden illness. Sadly, Franklin VanKirk was hospitalized on July 6th and passed away August 5th.
Thursday evening we all went by vans to Furman University to a concert by the Spartanburg Jazz Ensemble. They played big band songs from the 30's, 40's, and 50's and had a good soloist. Walter Feigel won a door prize! The Hospitality Room was open the entire weekend, and BINGO was the big hit-as usual. Howard Christianson and Howard Jessen were in charge and we all had a great time!
Friday AM, we boarded the vans to tour Milliken and Company. They are one of the largest privately held textile and chemical manufacturers in the world. We expecially liked the new Army uniforms and fatigues made with the fabrics they produce. We had two men give informative presentations, a wonderful lunch, and we were treated like royalty.
Saturday morning at 10AM we held our business meeting. The veteran's families were all introduced. The 2006 minutes and the treasurer's report were read and approved. Walter and Josephine's son and daughter-in-law invited us to the Minneapolis, St. Paul, MN area for the 2008 reunion. We all look forward to the chance to be together, if able.
After the business meeting, we had our Memorial Service. 5 member of the American Legion Color Guard, Post 3, did a beautiful job of posting the colors. We repeated the Pledge of Allegiance and sang the National Anthem. Ted Turner gave the invocatoin. 3 candles were lit by David Windmeyer for Headquarter and Service Company, Howard Christianson for A Comany, Bennie Torrez for B Company. Tom Huston read the names of all the known deceased. TAPS was sounded by the honor guard. A moment of silence was observed for the fallen and their families. The candles were extinguished and the color guard retired the colors.
Saturday evening we had family and group pictures taken. Our banquet was a country buffet. 32 people attended. Entertaniment was by Collage, Barbershop Quartet, and by the Greenville in Harmony Show Chorus, Sweet Adelines. There were lots of teary goodbye hugs before retiring.
For those of you who haven't researched, there were 30 Amphibian Tractor and Tank Battalions activitated. 18 battalions went to the South Pacific, and 6 went to the European theater. That's 800 amphibian vehicles available over there; I do not understand why they were not used for landing on France on June 6th. All they used them for was to cross rivers and to anchor pontoon bridges.
Go Bless,
Merritt M. Corbin
Corresponding Secretary and Treasurer
Dear Friends,
You will find in the mailout lots of information about the reunion. Get your hotel reservations made and return the trip and banquet sheet before July 20th.
There are many of you that I have not heard from in over a year. PLEASE-will you, or someone in the family, report death, illnesses, or whatever? Just drop me a postcard. I just want to hear from you.
Ruth and I look forward to going to Greenville, SC for the reunion in August, and getting the chance to see everyone. Please call if you have any questions.
God Bless,
Merritt M. Corbin
Corresponding Secretary and Treasure
Dear Friends:
The sad news is that we have lost several to the "Grim Reaper" since our reunion report.
Ruth and I hope you all had a blessed Christmas and we wish you a healthy and Happy New Year. Please look for information coming in the mail about the 2007 reunion. You can also look on the website in the Reunions section.
God Bless,
Merritt M. Corbin
Corresponding Secretary and Treasurer
727th AMPHIBIAN TRACTOR BATTALION ASSOCIATION
414 Lakeside Ranch Circle
Winter Haven, FL 33881
Phone: 863-422-5969
Dear Friends:
Hope you had a nice Thanksgiving with lots of turkey and all the trimmings. We did.
The 2007 reunion plans have started. Here is the information about the
hotel. You can also find it on the website's "Reunions" section.
Marriott Greenville; One Parkway East; Greenville, SC 29615. Phone number is
1-800-228-9290. August 9-12, 2007.
Cost for rooms: $99 per night (plus taxes) for a king bed or two double beds.
You can also choose to have a rate of $112 per night (plus taxes) that would
include a buffet breakfast for two. You can request a handicap room that has
a walk-in shower area with railing, or a handicap room with a bathtub and railings
throughout the bathroom area. July 20th is the cut-off date for the special
price for the rooms. More details will come later. This advance information
will give
you time to plan ahead. Fly-in's will go to the Greenville-Spartanburg Airport
(GSP). The hotel is 5 minutes from the GSP Airport.
We hope you all have a SSAS Holidays. That's Safe, Sane, and Sober. I said that to a store clerk one day and she replied, "Don't you want me to have any fun at all?" Ha!
Ruth and I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. God willing we hope to see many of you at the reunion.
God Bless,
Merritt M. Corbin
Corresponding Secretary and Treasurer
727th AMPHIBIAN TRACTOR BATTALION ASSOCIATION
414 Lakeside Ranch Circle
Winter Haven, FL 33881
Phone: 863-422-5969
Dear 727 ATB Family and Friends:
We had a great 23rd reunion, thanks to the work of Eva Roudabush and her sister, daughters of Les and Eunice Rector, and Janice Richardson, daughter of Dallas Pohlmann. There were 17 veterans in attendance plus many relatives and friends. There were 66 at the Saturday night banquet. The vets were: Norman Ahlstrand, Saymon (Poncho) Alvarez, Francis Carroll, Howard Christianson, James Conrod, Merritt Corbin, Fred Eacret, Walter Feigal, Louis Gross, Howard Jessen, Charles Jordan, Dallas Pohlmann, Lester Rector, Joseph Sigfrid, Franklin VanKirk, David Windmeyer and Donald Yates.
The sad news is that James Conrod passed away August 29, just 12 days after the runion. Then I received word Irvin Carlson and Andy VanHeest had died. Our sympathy to all their families.
The reunion started Thursday, August 17 when everyone arrived. The Hospitality Room was the gathering place and everyone had a good time. Friday, August 18, we all boarded a bus for a trip to a pier, then boarded a cruise ship for a luncheon cruise on Puget sound. In the evening, the 2 Howard's ran a Bingo game and told jokes in the Hospitality Room. Had lots of fun! The Hospitality Room was always very active and well suppplied with food, candy, and drinks, thanks to the Rectors and Pohlmann's daughters, and others. Saturday, August 19, at 10am we held our business meeting. I called the meeting to order, each veteran introduced their guests. The hostesses were recognized. JoAn read her minutes of the '05 runion. Motion was made and 2nd to approve as read and carried. I read my treasurer's report. Copies were passed out. Motion made and 2nd to approve, passed. There was no old business. We had a recess and then held a Memorial Service. I called the service to order. The 2 Howard's advanced and presented the colors, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Three candles representing the three companies were lit by a member of each company. David Conrod, our Historian, son of James Conrod, read the names of all the known deceased and played "Taps" on his harmonica. A moment of silence followed to remember our deceased comrades and their families. Charles Jordan offered a prayer and the candles were extinguished. That afternoon, the 2 Howard's ran Bingo games again. At 6pm we had our Banquet. Good food and lots of it. Cameras were flashing constantly. We elected the same officers and announced that next year's reunion will be held in the Greenville, South Carolina area. We were then entertained by the beautiful singing voices of Ted and Cheryl Turner, daughter and son-in-law of Howard Jessen. After tearful goodbye hugs, everyone retired. Many ate breakfast together Sunday AM, before heading home.
Please inform me of address and telephone changes. Also, please inform me of health situations and deaths.
God Bless you all.
Merritt M. Corbin
Corresponding Secretary and Treasurer
727th AMPHIBIAN TRACTOR BATTALION ASSOCIATION
205 Lakeside Ranch
Winter Haven, FL 33881
Phone: 863-422-5969
Dear Friends:
Good news! The 2006 reunion plans are set. The dates are August 17-20, at the Holiday Inn, Seattle SeaTac Airport; 17338 International Blvd.; Seattle, WA 98188. The hotel reservations department may be reached by phoning 877-573-2822. Rooms are set aside for us-single $94, double $99, triple $109 plus 12.4% tax. Reservations should be made by August 1st. Deposits will be refunded if cancelled 3 days prior to arrival date. Rates are valid 3 days prior to, and 3 days after the reunion. The rooms come with free breakfast buffet, free shuttle bus to and from airport, fitness facility, pool, internet access, and shuttle service to a mall and nearby restaurants. Hosts are: Mrs Janis Richardson (Pohlmann) and Eva Roudabush (Rector). More information will be provided later.
I hope you are receiving the newsletter. Much information about the men and their families in our battalion is written there. Please contact me if you are not receiving your newsletter. God willing and the hurricanes don't bother us, Ruth and I plan to see everyone at the Seattle reunion.
God Bless,
Merritt M. Corbin
Corresponding Secretary and Treasurer
727th AMPHIBIAN TRACTOR BATTALION ASSOCIATION
205 Lakeside Ranch
Winter Haven, FL 33881
Phone: 863-422-5969
Dear Friends:
22nd Annual Reunion of the 727th Amphibian Tractor Battalion
Association is Sept. 15-17, 2005 at the Holiday Inn
in Olathe, Kansas. The address is: 101 W. 151st St.; Olathe, KA 66061. Phone:
913-829-4000. Fax: 913-829-8165.
You should have already received notice and reservation information about
the Reunion, thanks to our Secretary, JoAn Staton.
I know everyone will have a good time, so get your reservations made. It
sure would be nice to see some new faces and I
know you would enjoy reminiscing with all of the others present.
The sad news is that the Grim Reaper has called many members
home to join the Heavenly Battalion. Since the last Reunion,
I have learned of the death of:
The following are available: Battalion History Books for $12.00 each, a few
"Top Secret" booklets, a few pictures of the Holbrook, a few
copies of "Where Did the ATB's Go?", a few copies of the "Brief History of
the BN", and a few window decals.
I am still waiting to hear from many of you. Just drop me a note, a post card,
or a phone call if you want to remain on the Mailing List.
Please report changes of address, change in telephone number, and deaths.
God Willing and the creek doesn't rise, I look forward to seeing many of you at the Reunion.
God Bless You All,
Merritt M. Corbin
Corresponding Secretary and Treasurer
727th AMPHIBIAN TRACTOR BATTALION ASSOCIATION
205 Lakeside Ranch
Winter Haven, FL 33881
Phone: 863-422-5969
Dear Friends:
22nd Annual Reunion of the 727th Amphibian Tractor Battalion
Association
Sept. 15-17, 2005 at the Holiday Inn in Olathe, Kansas. More
information will come to you soon.
The Dec. 2, 2004 newsletter was mailed to 142 names on the
list. I have trimmed that to 131 this time and plan to trim it more unless
I hear from a number of you. I have kept several on the list even though
I haven't heard from you since Dec. 2nd. Please keep in
contact with me.
In early January, I came across a letter to the editor of our
newspaper. The heading was "WWII's Alligator LVT, Lakeland",
written by Karl Roebling, Altamont Springs, Florida, asking information for
a book he is writing, "Florida's Alligator-LVT in WWII".
I phoned him. He is a cousin of the designer of the early LVT. We had a
long talk and I sent him a history book and all the other
material I had. He is trying to get specific information on numbers of LVT's
produced by Food Machinery Corp. in Lakeland, FL.
I do not have that information, only total production by model in US.
Hope to see many of you in Kansas next September: God willing and the hurricanes stay away.
God Bless,
Merrit M. Corbin
727th AMPHIBIAN TRACTOR BATTALION ASSOCIATION
205 Lakeside Ranch
Winter Haven, FL 33881
Phone: 863-422-5969
Dear Friends:
We survived three hurricanes that crossed right over where
we live. We managed to get to the Orlando Airport and Karen and Frederick
met us at the Houston Airport.
We had a great Reunion. 22 vets along with many spouses and
family members attended. I believe there were 58 people at the
Saturday night Banquet. The vets attending were: Walter and Josephine Feigal,
Howard Jessen, Howard Christianson, Lester and
Eunice Rector, David and Getty Windmeyer, Arthur Matson, Charles and Katherine
Jordan, Fred and Martha Prier, Donald and
Elizabeth Yates, Ed and Peggy Kitchens, Don and JoAn Staton, Frances and
Kay Carroll, Pancho and Cora Alvarez, Bennie and
Christine Torrez, Tom and Ella Huston, Joe and Eloise Sigfrid, Franklin and
Beverly VanKirk, Jim Conrod, Don and Pearl Johnson,
Louis Gross, L.C. Steward, and of course, Ruth and I.
The Kitchens family did a wonderful Reunion for us. A big "Thank
You" to Kay Smith and Ed and Peggy 's family. They took care of
all the flyers at the airport, took them to the Hotel, drove them to places
they wanted to go, and took them back to the Airport.
The Runion Agenda-the Hotel served a light buffet Thursday
evening and Friday morning breakfast, then we took a bus to a dock,
boarded a paddlewheel river boat and cruised a large lake to see the manions
on the lake front. We had a nice buffet lunch and
entertainment. That evening we went to local restaurants for dinner.
We had a nice Hospitality Room with lots of goodies and soft
drinks. Iwas always occupied by a large group when there were no
other activities.
Saturday morning, we had our usual Memorial Service. Kay Smith
gave a welcome to everyone attending the Reunion, the colors
were posted, I led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance, Ed Kitchens gave
the invocation, a member from each Company lit the
three candels, Tom Huston read the names of all the known deceased and David
Conrod (Jim's son)( played taps on his harmonica.
It was beautiful. This is always a very solemn time as we remember our Comrades.
Ed Kitchens always offers a very meaningful prayer.
After a brief break, we had our business meeting. I called
the meeting to order, some introductions were made, I read the latest
communications, JoAn Staton read the minutes of last year's Reunion, which
was approved. I gave the Treasuers Report, Tom Huston
gave his Audit Report, both of which were approved. Howard Jessen rerported
that we need new Battle Ribons on the Bn. flag. This
was approved. The present officers were re-elected by a unanimous vote.
JoAn Staton then invited us to Kansas City for the '05
Reunion. Our daughter said she and her husband would help. Donations were
collected: $540 plus $30 frrom sale of Decals and
$22.61 food profit from Saturday noon Pizza Party. Dave Conrad reported
on his experience in Iraq and Kuwait. The meeting ended
with a closing prayer by Charles Jordan.
Saturday evening at 6:00pm,we had a Texas Bar-B-Q Banquet.
Great food and fellowship. Entertainment was a "Sing-a-Long" with a
great piano player. Eveyone had the words to all the songs. Then I showed
the Marine LVT Training film. I think everyone enjoyed it.
There was lots of picture taking and tearful farewells. We had a Continental
Breakfast the next morning and everyone headed for home.
I wish you all a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS and a HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Merritt M. Corbin
727th AMPHIBIAN TRACTOR BATTALION ASSOCIATION
205 Lakeside Ranch
Winter Haven, FL 33881
Phone: 863-422-5969
Hello to all 727 Amphibious Tractor Battalion veterans and greetings from Houston and the family of Ed Kitchens:
We are very busy planning your reunion this year. It will
be held in the Houston area. The dates are September 30th through
October 2nd. Most of you will arrive on Thursday, September 30th and depart
on Sunday, October 3rd.
We wanted to give you some advance notice for those of you
who will be traveling by air. If possible, please arrange to fly
into Houston Bush Intercontinental airport. This will put you about 20 minutes
from our hotel. Our family will provice transportation
for you from the airport. You will need to give us dates, times, and airline
you will be flying as soon as you have this information.
Also, please provide me with your cell phone number, if you have one.
The other Houston airport is Houston Hobby. It is located in
the far southern part of Houston about an hour from the hotel. If you
have to come into Houston Hobby, you will need to take the shuttle to Intercontinental
and we can pick you up from there. Let us
know if this is a problem and we will try to work with you. Our goal is
to make this as easy and fun for everyone as we can.
We are staying at the Homewood Suites in Shenandoah, TX, locate
on I-45 about one block north of the Woodlands, TX. This is a
great location and the hotel has given us great rates for your reunion. Each
room has a separate bedroom with a king size bed or 2
queen beds, and a sitting room with a sofa that makes into a queen bed and
a table and chairs, microwave and small refrigerator.
These room will be great for sharing if you want to.
On Thursday night there will be dinner provided by the hotel
for all guests. There is also a free hot breakfast served each morning.
Please call the hotel direct to make your reservations. Let them know you
are with the 727th ATB and they will give you the $72
rate. A block of rooms are reserved for us, but you should probably get
your reservations as soon as possible. The direct number
is 281-681-9199.
If you are driving in on I-45 from thr North you will take
exit 78-Research Forest. If you are coming from the South you will
take 79-SH242. Loop under the bridge and return south on the service road
about a mile and a half.
The hospitality room will open as soon as the first veterans
arrive. Our first planned activity will beon Friday morning. We will
travel by bus to Lake Conroe where we will board the Southern Empress boat
for a wonderful 2 hour tour of the lake plus a
buffet lunch and entertainment. Cost of this trip is $45 per person. This
will be the only planned activity this year since most of
you indicated that you would rather just visit. The boat is wheel chair
friendly for those of you who need this. This is a fun activity
which shouldn't be too tiring for anyone.
The rest of Friday and Friday night you are on your own. The
hospitality room will always be open and we will be available to take
you to the malls, or to one of the many restaurants in the area.
Saturday from 10-12 we will have the memorial service and business
meeting. Again, lunch is on your own. However, ther is a
great place to shop called Old Town Spring, and if some of the ladies would
like to go there we will be happy to take you. There
are several tea rooms and lots of other intersting shops to browse. There
is also a wonderful mall about 2 blocks from the hotel
with many stores and restaurants close by. We can decide these things after
you arrive.
Saturday night the banquest will be at 6:00pm. WE will have
a Texas Bar-B-Q, so bring your cowboy boots and ten gallon hats
and leave that fancy stuff at home! The cost of the banquet will be $30
per person.
I hope this letter answers some of your questions, but if not
please feel free to contact me at any of the following numbers at any time.
The final deadline for getting in your money to me is Sept. 1st. However,
the boat has requested that we pay half of the total fee by
August 1, so if you know that you will be coming and don't mind sending your
money early it would be greatly appreciated. Please send
before August 1st. The hotel rate is $72 per night plus tax.
We are looking forward to seeing you Sept. 30th.
Kay Smith
Please read your newsletter for information about contacts made since the March 15th newsletter.
The Secretary at our Club House recently gave me an E-mail
she received regarding the WWII Memorial. The person who sent
it says "On the Pacific side of the memorial, a group of us gathered to read
the words President Roosevelt used to announce the
attack of Pearl Harbor, "Yesterday, December 7, 1941 - a date which will
live in infamy - the United States of America was
suddenly and deliberately attacked...With confidence in our Armed Forces,
with the unbounding determination of our people, we
will gain the inevitable triumph"". They omitted the rest of his statement,
"So help us God." I don't know about you, but I think it is a
terrible omission. I plan to write our Senators and Representatives to complain.
God Bless,
Merritt M. Corbin