Skinner's Poop Sheet August 1997
Dear Stable Able,
Heard from twelve of you since the last "Poop Sheet". Appreciate hearing
from all. Lot of folks in the outfit now that I've no word on. If you are
one of those, I encourage you to drop me a short note so I can pass the word
you're alive and kicking.
Colonel Smith advises that he and Janet will muster at San Antonio. It will
be a pleasure to meet his lovely bride and of course see Able Six again. He
also sent me a copy of the MCRD, SD, "Cheveron",which he does from time to
time. In this edition he is mentioned as the Reviewing Officer for one of
the graduation parades. Happy to see him have that honor! On the same day he
was the Reviewing Officer at SD I was a spectator at the "Posting of the
Sergeant Major" for the Eight Marines at CLNC. Sure the Colonel and I had
the same sense of pride as we watched those young Marines parading as we had
many years past.
Talked to Larry Pawelka several times and he remains pumped up for the
reunion. Stay loose Larry!!
Shiffty Shifflette visited again. I know it's not that he's so enthused to
see me but he has a summer place at Emerald Island, NC, about forty miles
from here that he and his family visit. This time a friend of mine, former
Marine and now with the base, was able to take us on a "windshield" tour on
the camp. We got to see some of the training sites at Mainside and Verona
Loop. At some of the sites we saw Marines and all seemed to be in the
standby mode, waiting for the trucks, waiting for the ammo, waiting for
range control officer, you recall all the waiting we seemed to do. Guess
somethings never change. Ended up the day eating at the "Lone Star" again.
Love their "Texas Tumbleweed" and filet mignon. Several days later I
received Email from Shiffty and it seems he lost his ID card. Last place he
recalled he had it was at the PX. I called there and was able to retrieve
and mail it on to him. Guess you know I went into the First Sergeant mode
and really chastised that young Captain! He was very repentant so I've eased
off on him. Think he has learned his lesson so no need to keep hammering at
him. He mentioned "To err is human and to forgive is devine" but I have to
remind him of the bumper sticker on my pickum up that adds to that: "Neither
is Marine Corps policy!!!" Marie and I enjoy his visits greatly. Not sure if
Shiffty will be at San Antone but sure hope he can work it out.
Received a couple of letters from Gene Merrall. Plans in the mill for Lt
Nichols to present the "Silver Star" to Gene for his bravery on 8Mar51. Gene
received the medal thru the mail after he left the Marine Corps and to
receive it in front of his shipmates would make up for that I feel.
Also received a letter from Doc Gillette but dang if I can find it now.
Remember he was faring OK but dang Doc, if you issued me any direct orders
in it then you better do it again. Hope you can make it to SA.
Made a land-line to Whittemore. He and I were in the same 7th RplDrft.
Remember how proud I was of the young fella when he received the "Bronze
Star"..
Heard from Raymond "Tex" Bauer. He was 3rd plt, FTldr, Sqdldr and Pltsgt.
Remember him well. Regret to learn his wife was in the hospital. Sure hope
she's doing better Tex. Also hope that we can see you at SA.Tex served in
Able from 19Dec50 to late Nov51.
Bill Powers sent me a copy of proposed bill, S. 973, introduced by Senators
Reed and Chaffee (former 2/7 Marine in Korea) of Rhode Island, to designate
the U S Post Office Bldg at 551 Kingstown Rd., Wakefield, RI as the "David B
Champange Post Office Bldg". David gave his life so others may live on
28May52. He received the "Medal of Honor" posthumously. Bill ask for our aid
to get this bill passed. I will send you a copy of what Bill sent me if you
or contact Bill for further info.
H.L. "Muley" Mulhausen has been heard from. Remember him well also as the
honcho for our rocket section. He joined Able from the 1st RplDrft, Nov50
and rotated 12Nov51. He remembers Jinge Sunge. He'll muster in San Antone
too.
Ken Stelzel reports that he'll have hip operation on 7Oct97 so will miss the
reunion. Hate that he'll miss 97 but maybe he can teach us old fellas how to
jitterbug in 1998. Stay dry and loose Ken!
Expected Frank LiCausie to drop by this summer but learn he has had health
problems. He hopes to be able to make the reunion.
Just today I had a nice chat with Lt Nichols ( Habit to use the "Lt" Sir)
and he's looking forward to seeing the old Marines of Stable Able One Seven.
Hate to put this in but Tex Bauer says he came off the hill to have his arm
sewn up before Thanksgiving 1951 and while he was below he received a feast
with ice cream and the word was that the troops on line were getting the
same. So Shiffty and Tex support Bob Licker, darn!! Guess I'll have to cease
the griping Bob!
Been a lot of you such as "AJ"Davidson, Bradigan, Major Hampton, Igor
Yeasted, Custer, Jim Thomas, Bob Sweeney and Keith just to mention a few
that I haven't heard from. Wondering how you fellows are doing?
Well Stable Able, break out the packboards and willy peter bags and get
ready to move out for San Antonio!! Stay low and loose!!
Semper Fi !!
Semper Fi !! Jim