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TAPS
IN MEMORY OF THE FALLEN SOLDIER
by Isaac Epps
The ones who went
Were truly sent
To do a Noble Deed;
When evil showed
They took the load
In Justice, they believed.
They heard the call
And gave their All
And some did not not come back.
They knew the chance
But took the stance
When Liberty was attacked.
It Speaks of Duty, Faith; and Love;
It speaks of a respect
for Country; For Others,
For the Right of Man;
To forget would be neglect.
On this Their Day
We stop to pray
Their Memory shall live;
The sacrifice they made was Life.
What more can someone Give?
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Standing Guard
Submitted by Dominic Biello
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Bill Smith
466th PFAB
Life Member of the 17th Airborne Division Association
William E. of Ardmore, Pa. On July 25, 2014. Beloved husband of 68 years to Ruth (nee McQuillin) Smith. Loving father of Michele A. Smith. Son of Robert DeBow Smith and Matilda (nee Klopfer) Smith. Brother of Thelma Smith, Jeanne Scott, Ethel Kolb, and the late George, Robert, Walter, and Samuel Smith, and Grace Scott. Bill volunteered for the Army in 1940. In 1943, he joined the paratroopers of the 17th Airborne Division, earned his jump wings and was assigned to the Headquarters Company of the 466th Parachute Field Artillery. On Christmas Eve 1944 he left England to participate in the frigid Battle of the Bulge. He took part in the largest, most successful Airborne invasion of WWII, code name "Operation Varsity" where they jumped across the Rhine onto a waiting German Army.He luckily came through unscathed.After his service, Bill went onto a successful career with Prudential Insurance Company where he was often in the top 10% of agents across the country. He was Chairman of the Catholic Charities. He was a Rotarian for over 50 years and a Paul Harris Fellow. He was a guest speaker at many schools trying to instill patriotism into the students that attended. He wrote many articles on Social Security Notch babies and the exploits of the heroic 17th Airborne division.He was a past President of that Association, chaired 3 Reunions for the association and also served on their Board of Directors.When the association finally disbanded due to age related concerns, he continued to host many mini reunions that are still being carried on today by their descendants, the Scions of the 17th Airborne. Relatives and friends are invited to his viewing Friday August 1 at 9:30 am in the Funeral Home of John Stretch 236 East Eagle Rd. Havertown, Pa. 19083 and to his Mass of Christian Burial following at 11 am in St. Denis Church 2401 St. Denis Lane Havertown, Pa. 19083. Int. St. Denis Cemetery. In lieu of flowers an offering in Mr. Smith's name to either the Catholic Charities Appeal Archdioceses of Philadelphia 100 N. 20th St. Suite 301 Phila., Pa. 19103 or to the above named church. (www.stretchfuneralhome.com)
Editors Note: Bill's daughter Michele, V.P. of the Scions, asked us to mention that those in the 17th Airborne Division Family may make a donation to the Scions Memorial Fund in Bill's memory, if they so desire. Donations can be directed to the Scions at:
Scions of the 17th Airborne - Memorial Fund
62A Forty Acre Mt. Rd.
Danbury, CT 06811
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Glenn E. Widdows
193/E
Life Member of the 17th Airborne Division Association
Glenn E. Widdows Sr. of Wooster passed away on Saturday, July 12, 2014 at the age of 92.
He was born in Cleveland, resided in Sheffield Lake and North Ridgeville before moving to Wooster 6 years ago.
Mr. Widdows was born in Cleveland, graduated from East High and attended Fenn College. He was married to Marguerite (nee Farinacci) for 56 years, who preceded him in death in 1999. He is survived by his children Carol Lee Sinclair (Daniel), Robert (Susan), Glenn Jr., grandfather of four and special “G.G.†[Great Grandfather] of nine.
Mr. Widdows was a paratrooper and gliderman with the 82nd, 101st, and the 17th Airborne Divisions during WWII. He fought in the Battle of the Bulge and the Ardennes Forest and was awarded the bronze star medal combat infantryman’s badge. He was a life member of VFW Post 9871 in North Ridgeville where he was a past member of the Honor Guard Unit.
Mr. Widdows was a Traffic Manager in the Cleveland area for over 40 years. He retired from Alcan Aluminum in 1985 and also held positions with Lubrizol, General Motors Tank Plant, Ford Motor and the New York Central Railroad.
He was a member of the Traffic Club of Cleveland, the Cleveland Transportation Club, and a past president of the Cleveland Chapter of the Delta Nu Alpha Transportation Fraternity. He was also associated with the American Society of Traffic and Transportation, the National Industrial Traffic League and a member of the Traffic Committee of the Aluminum Association, Washington, D.C.
Mr. Widdows enjoyed traveling, golf, bowling, fishing and playing with his great grandchildren.
Friends may call Thursday from 5-8 PM at the Bogner Family Funeral Home, 36625 Center Ridge Road, North Ridgeville. Services will be held on Friday at 10 AM in the funeral home. Jack Uber will officiate. Burial will be in Lakeview Cemetery where full military honors will be conducted by North Ridgeville VFW Post 9871.
In lieu of flowers, family suggests donation to the Hospice of the Western Reserve, 30080 Hospice Way, Westlake, OH 44145 or VFW Post 9871, 6508 Lear Nagle Road, North Ridgeville, OH 44039.
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Norbert J. Burger
464 / A
Life Member of the 17th Airborne Division Association
Norbert J. Burger, 90, of Lawrenceville, GA, passed away January 24, 2012. He is survived by his wife, Pearl (Wiggs) Burger, also of Lawrenceville and his daughter, Esther Whatley of Fort Myers Beach, FL. Mr. Burger was born in Pittsburgh, PA and was a decorated Army veteran who proudly served our country in World War II. He loved playing his guitar and enjoyed entertaining his family and friends with his musical talent. At his request, there will be no service. Donations to honor his memory may be made to Wounded Warrior Project, 4800 Belfort Road, Suite 300, Jacksonville, Florida 32256 (woundedwarriorproject.org). GER Arrangements entrusted to Eternal Hills Funeral Home, Snellville, 770-972-3155 - See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/atlanta/obituary.aspx?n=Norbert-Burger&pid=155755608#sthash.pOQV4xEA.dpuf
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Lloyd E. Cooney
517 SG
Lloyd E. Cooney, 90, of Yarrow Point, WA passed away, Monday, November 25th, 19 days after the passing of his wife, Betty.
Lloyd was born in Council Bluffs, Iowa to Vera Marie Williams and Cecil Everett Cooney. He graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School. Lloyd served as a Tec 5 specialist with the 517 Airborne Signal Co. of the 17th and 82nd Airborne Divisions in World War II. He received three major battle stars including the Battle of the Bulge. He earned his B.S. degree in Political Science and did post-graduate work in Banking and Finance at the University of Utah. He married Betty Louise Packard of Magna, Utah on March 4, 1946.
Mr. Cooney had a distinguished history in broadcasting, editorializing and public service. He was VP/General Manager of KSL-TV in Salt Lake City, before coming to Seattle as President/General Manager of KIRO, Inc. (KIRO-TV, KIRO Newsradio, and KSEA-FM) from 1963 to 1982. He served on the CBS Television Affiliates and CBS Radio Affiliates Advisory Boards, as Chair of the CBS Affiliates Promotion Committee, and on the board of the Washington State Association of Broadcasters.
Cooney left KIRO to run for the U.S. Senate seat of Warren Magnuson in 1982 and the seat of Henry Jackson in 1983. His positions on issues were plain, principled and conservative. Following the campaigns, he entered into consultancies with the Seattle Supersonics, the Seattle Mariners, Group W Cable, Ackerley Communications, Weatherly Private Capital, Bonneville International, Medina Broadcast Group, and Prime Sports NW.
Lloyd served in many community leadership roles, including Chairman of Seattle-King County Convention & Visitors Bureau, Public Relations Committee of United Way of King County, the Seattle Branch of the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco, and as Mayor of the town of Yarrow Point. He also served on the boards of the Salvation Army, Downtown Seattle Development Association, American Heart Association, Broadmoor Golf & Country Club, Washington Athletic Club, and Rainier Club. Lloyd's efforts contributed to raising both awareness and many donations through the Variety Club telethons. He enjoyed serving Thanksgiving meals at the Union Gospel Mission and ringing the bell for the Salvation Army at Christmas.
He joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at the age of fifty, and served in various callings including Bishop of the Bellevue First Ward and Young Single Adults Ward.
Lloyd is remembered as one who loved life. His adventures included rides covering 45,000 miles on his Harley -Davidson across Mexico, Australia, the Badlands and Canada. At 80 he sold his motorcycle, and enjoyed time at his home, as well as at his lake cabin with family, friends and neighbors. He enjoyed tending to his gardens and roses, and relished the beauty of the Pacific Northwest. So many of the family members he enjoyed, the people he worked with, the friends he rode with and those he mentored, all loved him, as he loved them. All will remember how he loved his wife, Betty, of 67 years.
Lloyd was preceded in death by his wife, Betty, and brother, Cecil 'Pep' Cooney. He is survived by sister, Suzi Breedlove, and brother, Ronald 'Skip' Cooney; children, Shauna Brenner, Kevin Cooney and Kim Cooney; grandchildren Kevin Brenner, Kimberly Nykamp, Steven Brenner, Elisa Seely, Cecily Mortensen, Megan Curtis, Caitlin Mack, Kelly Smith, Mallory King, Riley Cooney and Sean Cooney; Michael Cooney, Rachel Hoerman, Callen Lewis, and Case Cooney; and twenty-two great-grandchildren.
Viewing from 4:00 to 7:00pm, Thursday, December 5 at Sunset Hills Funeral Home, 1215 145th Place, Bellevue, WA 98007 (425-746-1400).
Funeral services will be held 11:00 am, Friday, December 6th at the Bellevue Stake Center of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 14536 Main Street, Bellevue, WA 98006. - See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/seattletimes/obituary.aspx?pid=168289684#sthash.X58yjhee.dpuf
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Franklin T. Milner
(464/HQ)
Franklin Thomas Milner the "KING" Passed away April 21, 2010 with his loving family by his side. Born February 23, 1924, to Harriet Viola Williams, and Benjamin Fayne Milner. He Graduated from South High and University of Utah before joining the U.S. Army 82 Airborne Div. as a paratrooper Feb. 11, 1943 to help defend his country's freedom. He parachuted into Normandy France on D-Day June 6, 1944, also served in Bastogne Belgium, and Wasel Germany. He received the Silver Star and a Purple Heart. He felt honored to march in the Ticker-Tape Victory Parade in New York City in 1946. He worked for 55+ years as an Ironworker 'Local 27' in Utah, Wyoming, Alaska and Greenland. His co-workers often referred to him as "The Bear" or "Samson", being short and stocky he was uncommonly strong. As kids we would sit in awe and watch him drive nails into 2 X 4's in one blow with the palm of his hand. Always the show off! Married; Laurel Leone Jones, January 1, 1959. He raised 10 children. Survived by his wife Laurel and children - Amber (Charles) Murdock, William Milner, Karen (KC) Williams, Robert Milner, Ronald (Vivian) Milner, Lorie (Kenneth) Mitchell, Micheal (Shelle) Milner, Sherry (Dennis) Brugman, and James (Genny) Milner. Brother; Ralph (Johnnie) Milner; 21 grandchildren, 30 great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild. Preceded in death by his mother and father, three brothers; William, Benny, and Raymond Milner; also, daughter, April Colleen. His slogan: "I am a Veteran; I started early and stayed late. It doesn't sit well with me to be a Hero but for a few I'd rather be a Hero. Once and for all you don't have to be a dead one." Services will be held Monday, April 26th at Garner Funeral Home, Salt Lake City, 10:00 a.m. visitation, 11:00 a.m. service. The "KING" will be laid to rest in the Salt Lake City Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to www.garnerfuneral.com - See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/saltlaketribune/obituary.aspx?n=franklin-milner&pid=142177784&#sthash.WCyRFw6m.pjUhAbDe.dpuf
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William G. Trotter
193rd GIR
Trotter, William G., Sr. Thurs., Jan. 3, 2013. Beloved husband of Colleen Trotter (nee Oliver); dear father and father-in-law of William G. Trotter, Jr., Timothy (Karen) Trotter and Bradley Trotter; dear grandfather of Angela (Scott) Solomon, Amanda (Daniel) Kurdys, Abigail, Alexandra and Timothy Trotter; dear greatgrandfather of Jack Solomon; our dear brother-in-law, uncle, cousin and friend. Services: at ORTMANN'S 9222 Lackland, Overland, Mon., Jan. 7 at 11 a.m. Interment Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery. Memorial contributions to the American Parkinson Disease Association appreciated. Visitation from 2-8 p.m. Sunday.
- See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/stltoday/obituary.aspx?n=William-Trotter&pid=162141908#sthash.LCCOpk4B.dpuf
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Victor W. Koller
194/MD
The following obituary was provided to us by Victor's son, Dave Koller
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Junior, O. Larson
193/AT
Life Member of the 17th Airborne Division Association
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17th Airborne Online Store
Sales of the items below help to support the missions of the "Scions of the 17th Airborne", to honor the veterans of the 17th, and to keep the history of the Division alive.
Send your check to:
Scions of the 17th Airborne Division
62A Forty Acre Mt. Rd
Danbury, CT 06811
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Scion Coffee Mugs
Your beverage is guaranteed to taste better
in this Scions mug than in a canteen cup!
$16 each, includes S&H in the U.S.A.
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Scions Tee Shirts
We had a sample Tee shirt made up to display at the 2012 Lancaster Reunion, and got a great response from those who attended. As a result, we can offer this 100% Cotten Tee Shirt with the Scion logo, and the motto "Thunder From Heaven" on the front and the back. Available in sizes S, M, L, & XL for $22 each, size XL for $25 each.
Checks may be made out to "Scions of the 17th Airborne",
62A Forty Acre Mt. Rd., Danbury, CT 06811-3353
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Operation Varsity Reports Available
This 57 page document was produced by the 17th Airborne staff at the end of the war. Included are maps of Drop and Landing Zones, Status of each glider load after landing, pre- arranged artillery coordinates, and much more.
8.5" x 14". Great reading.
Available in hard copy for a donation of $22 each
or on a CD for $12 each. Includes S&H in the U.S.
Checks may be made out to "Scions of the 17th Airborne",
62A Forty Acre Mt. Rd., Danbury, CT 06811-3353
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17th Airborne Challenge Coins
Challenge coins have been created by military organizations for many years.
This beautiful, high quality challenge coin was developed by Scion Jeff Schumacher and his wife Melinda as a tribute to the 17th Airborne. The coin has the 17th Airborne insignia on one side, and the Scions logo on the reverse side. These coins are another great way to foster, promote, and honor the story of the 17th. On both sides around the perimeter of the coin there is a "rope" boundary symbolizing shroud lines of a parachute and tow ropes of the gliders (on two sides because they did double tow in Varsity).The black color symbolizes "SURPRISE" and the gold is the golden opportunity to seize by surprise. Also some blue on the Airborne side of the coin representing the blue skies on 3/24/45.
Available for $15 each, two for $25. Any additional coins above the quantity of two would be $10 each. Includes S&H.
Consider donating additional funds so that we can send these to as many of our veterans as possible, or buy two and give one to your special 17th veteran!
At the recent funeral of one of our veterans, the family actually included one of these coins with the veterans remains.
Checks may be made out to "Scions of the 17th Airborne",
62A Forty Acre Mt. Rd., Danbury, CT 06811-3353
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Scion Hats and Patches
Show your pride to be a Scion of the 17th Airborne Division
The sample hats that we had made up for the Lancaster, PA Operation Varsity gathering sold out very quickly, so we had some more made up. Available in Blue, Black, or Red, these hats have our Scion patch sewn on.
A $25.00 donation is requested for each hat.
We also have additional Scion patches identical to those included in the packages sent to new members.he Patches are 3.5"H x 3"W and are available for $3.00 each.
Includes S&H in the U.S.
Checks may be made out to "Scions of the 17th Airborne", 62A Forty Acre Mt. Rd., Danbury, CT 06811-3353
Proceeds from the sale of these items help to support the mission of the Scions, to honor our veterans, and to tell the story of the 17th Airborne Division
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17th Airborne Decals
Scion Gary Stift had these great decals made up, and donated a quantity to us for sale to our members. Thanks Gary!!
Decals are available for $8.00 each, includes S&H in the USA.
Please indicate if you want the Talon Decal, or the Scion logo Decal, and the quantity requested.
Checks may be made out to "Scions of the 17th Airborne",
62A Forty Acre Mt. Rd., Danbury, CT 06811-3353
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Talon Newspapers on CD
During WWII, the 17th published a number of magazines, or newspapers under the title of "Talon". The two most well known are "Talon in Ardennes" and "Talon Crosses the Rhine". In addition we have located 14 additional issues. We have scanned these issues, and combined them on one CD, so that they can be made available to our membership. Thanks to those who have donated these materials.
Thanks to our membership, we have the funds to put this package together!
The CD is available for $10 each. Includes S&H in the USA
Checks may be made out to "Scions of the 17th Airborne",
62A Forty Acre Mt. Rd., Danbury, CT 06811-3353
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"Thunderbolt" Commemorative Book
This 118 page book, published by the 17th before deployment to Europe, has many photo of individual units, as well as photos of the training.
Two sample pages are shown below. Perhaps you can find your father, or grandfathers photo !
Thanks to our membership, we have the funds to put this package together!
The CD is available for $20 each. Includes S&H in the USA
Checks may be made out to "Scions of the 17th Airborne",
62A Forty Acre Mt. Rd., Danbury, CT 06811-3353
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Become a Member of the
Scions of the 17th Airborne !
Regular membership in the "Scions of the 17th Airborne" is open to any descendant or family member of any trooper who served with the 17th during its existence.
Our mission is to insure that the sacrifice and history of the 17th Airborne Division is not forgotten.
Distinguished Honorary Members
All veterans of the 17th are considered as "Distinguished Honorary Members" of the Scions. We exist to honor you, our veterans.
Associate Membership is available to individuals who have an interest in the history of the 17th Airborne, but are not related to a veteran of the 17th. Associate Members do not have voting rights.
We also have a great Facebook page, where there are lots of great posts by friends of the 17th in the U.S. and in Europe. Check us out on Facebook at:
17th Airborne Division Scions (Descendants).
The Scions also has a website up and running, although it is still under construction. We will have information on the history of the 17th, documents that are related to the 17th, a place to post copies of our newsletters, and other valuable information.
The website is located at: Scionsofthe17thairborne.org
Many thanks go out to Scion Danny Carter, who is assisting us in setting up the website!
Please consider passing this on to your children and grandchildren, if they are not already members. As our membership grows, we can take on new projects of value.
President
Rose Friday, daughter of Edward Friday (194th)
Vice President
Michele Smith, daughter of Bill Smith (466th)
Secretary/Treasurer
Ed Siergiej Jr., son of Edward J. Siergiej (194th)
Executive Committee:
Cindy Heigl - daughter of Tony Heigl (193rd)
Melanie Sembrat - daughter of Harry Sembrat (513th)
Robert Smith - brother of Levert L. Smith (194th)
Isaac Epps - son of Ralph Epps (194th)
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