Personal letter reference 516th Engr Panel Bridge Company Reunion 2009

Here's another letter I just recieved from Jim Bruce, reflecting on this year's great reunion in St. Robert, MO.

For those who missed the 2009 Reunion,you missed a great time. I had the opportunity to meet a few members who were in the unit in other years than when I was there and really enjoyed them and their spouses.

This reunion was a first,because we had in attendance three(3) of our passed Company Commanders; 1st; Capt Raffaele who served 1960-63....2nd; Capt Sharkey who served 1975-77. 3rd; Capt Quensel who served 1978-80. I believe all three went on and served a career in the military, all making LTC rank. LTC Raffaele was one of my commanders and it was great seeing him. I hope that at next years reunion, we will have more officers in attendance.

At this years reunion, for the first time that I know of, we had in attendance our first Black Soldier;;Thomas Badger and his wife Evelyn. Tom was station in the 516th in 1966-68. We had some very find Black Soldiers who served in the 516th and would love seeing more of them at our reunions.

It was great touring Fort Leonard Wood and seeing the change the post has taken over the years. (I was there in 1958 for Inf and Engr training.) It was good to see our troops today are eating good and have the best of housing.

A couple of highlites of the reunion were the slide show by Bryan Kassahn, a former member of the 516th, on his assignment to Iraq, and the presentation of CHRIS Reeder on his time spent as a guard at the Tomb Of The Unknown Soldier. Chris is the son of Don Reeder, also a former member of the 516th who served in 1975-76.

The only problem I heard of was that the women did not have anywhere to shop.

I want to thank SGM Sam Peeler for outstanding work he did in getting this year reunion set up.

If the good Lord’s willing I will see you in Pigeon Forge, Tn. for 2010.
Love all you .
Jim Bruce

Personal letter about 516th Panel Bridge Co. Reunion 2009

Here's the first personal account beyond my own. Its from my dad, 1SGT Bobby C. Graham. Go on and send yours in to me.

What a reunion!!!
I was on an high all the time. With 13 members there that was there during my time as as 1st Sgt.
It was just great seeing them after 30 some years. It was great sitting around hobnobbing with them and catching up on what every one had been doing. I am really looking forward to next years reunion.
Will see y'all in Pigeon Forge.
Thanks for making my day!!
Bob Graham