Veterans of the Battle of the Bulge Stveteransofthebattleofthebulge.org/vbob/wp-content/...Secretary...

St. Louis

Gateway Chapter Newsletter

Veterans of the Battle of the Bulge

P.O. Box 6503 St. Louis, MO 63125

Established 1993

November-December, 2011 Vol. 19, Issue 6

From the President’s Desk by Kent Stephens

This year 2011 is drawing to a close and want to let you all know that it has been another successful year for our St. Louis "GATEWAY" Chapter. Want to THANK all of our "GATEWAY" members who have had some part in adding to the success of our Chapter.

Over this past year we have been active in the various parades and other military functions in the St. Louis area as we have in past years.

Our Ladies Auxiliary, under the leadership of President, Gaynell Bronenkamp and Sec'y Part Mohrmann have taken over and is providing a great luncheon for those who attend the monthly meeting. Want to THANK Don and Marge Green for the super chili. The Elks Lodge is no longer able to provide the lunch as in the past. The price is reasonable and can't be beat.

The highlight has been the fact that after many years our Chapter has been able to locate folks from the Belgium Luxembourg area. MARC VANACHT who lived in Belgium and Danielle Kronsbein who grew up in Luxembourg during WW 2 are now living in the St. Louis area.

At the October 11th, meeting former US Ambassador to Luxembourg, ANN WAGNER attended the meeting and met DANIELLE. It was a great meeting and I'm sure all enjoyed meeting Ambassador WAGNER, DANIELLE and MARC.

MARC VANACHT who speaks French was able to translate a letter that MILLIE KNIZE has had for all these years. This letter was given to MILLIE’s husband EDWARD while he was in the Bel-Lux area during the war. Turns out that this letter was a prayer written by a young school girl. MILLIE was so grateful to MARC for translating this letter for her.

This next month our Chapter will be taking part in the Veterans Day parades in St. Louis and over in Collinsville. Check else where in this newsletter for the dates and times of the parades.

The Affton Elks Lodge will be serving their annual Appreciation Day luncheon to our "GATEWAY" Chapter members at the November 8th meeting. A special THANKS to the Elks Lodge for their generosity and thoughtfulness in doing this for the past several years.

Also, November 8th will be the election for the offices of Vice-President. Secretary, and Sgt at Arms. Anyone interested in running for any of these offices make your intentions known.

Friday, December 16th will be our annual VBOB Memorial Ceremony and Christmas party to be held at the Royale Orleans Banquet Hall, 2801 Telegraph Rd.

The VBOB Memorial Ceremony will start at 10am followed by the Christmas luncheon. Reservations for this event are listed elsewhere in the newsletter.

As the year 2011 draws to a close let me extend to each of you BEST WISHES for A BLESSED THANKSGIVING, A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS and A HAPPY, HEALTHLY & PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR.

GOD BLESS OUR TROOPS AND GOD BLESS AMERICA KENT

In This Issue

A Toast 2 Upcoming Events 4 Christmas Party 5 September Events 5

Regular Features

Book Order Form 8 DVD Order Form 9 Chaplain’s Information 2

Contacts 2 Ladies’ Auxiliary 2 Letters to the Editor 8 Meeting Map/Directions 7 Meeting Minutes 3 Membership Application 9

New Members 2 Photo Section 6,7 President’s Desk 1 Quartermaster’s Corner 9 The Back 0

Upcoming Events

Nov 8 Monthly Meeting Dec 16 Gala Christmas Party Jan 10 Monthly Meeting Feb 14 Monthly Meeting March 13 Monthly Meeting April 10 Monthly Meeting May 8 Monthly Meeting June 12 Monthly Meeting July 10 Monthly Meeting August 14 Monthly Meeting Sept 11 Monthly Meeting Oct 9 Monthly Meeting Nov 13 Monthly Meeting Dec 16 Gala Christmas Party

Visit our website at:

www.gatewayvbob.org

Photo Credits: Pat Mohrmann

Regular Features

Announcements by Your Editor Once again the Elks will be serving a delicious lunch of roast beef with all the trimmings

at the November monthly meeting as a token of their appreciation to our members for Veterans Day.

Chaplain’s Information by Gene Ganz Sick List: Jim Johnson, Charles Walters, Phil McKnight, Carol Johnson, Glenn Hillgartner, Wally Gaterman, Speed Barton (#12), Billy Stiegemeier, and Dick Cotter

Requiem in Pace: #687 Roy Ahlvers (AAA AW BN 559TH BN BTRY B)

If you hear of anyone who is ill or has passed on to their final reward, please contact Chaplain Gene Ganz at (636) 227-1930. New Members by Marvin Korte No new members Ladies’ Auxiliary by Gaynell Bronenkamp

FALL - my favorite time of the year. We started the fall season with a Halloween luncheon for the “Lunch Bunch”. This was followed by visiting with some very special and delightful guests. We will not be serving lunch before the November meeting as the Elks will be providing their annual November luncheon. December will be our annual Christmas Party. Our “Lunch Bunch” will resume in January, weather permitting. If you have any suggestions, please, pass them on to Pat or Gaynell.

A short meeting was held to discuss our annual Christmas donations which will be given in November. We are looking forward to the November luncheon and meeting, and also the annual Memorial Service and Christmas Party in December.

My special "THANKS" to Pat Mohrmann and all the ladies who make my job so rewarding. Also special "THANKS" to Don Korte for all the computer help and great newsletters' and to Don Green (chili man) and his wife Marge.

May you all have a very Blessed Thanksgiving, and a very Merry Christmas and a promising New Year 2012 to you and yours. If you have lost a loved one, our prayers are with you. If there is illness, we wish you better days.

God bless Gaynell

A Toast In Tribute to all who served in the Battle of the Bulge, let us drink a toast again this

year (the 14th year) on New Year’s Day. The choice of beverage is yours. The times are: 12 noon Pacific, 1 pm, Mountain; 2 pm Central; 3 pm Eastern. It is our

special way to be together again, even if only in our thoughts. We shared so much so many years ago, we should remember those who were with us and be grateful for each and every one.

Let us all join in a toast to Days Gone By, and to the future.

To All, a Happy and Healthy New Year to You and Yours Kent

Volume 19, Issue 6

Contact Us: President Kent Stephens (618) 344-1616 [email protected]

Vice-President Dave Schroeder (314) 961-7470 dbschroeder1944@ sbcglobal.net

Secretary Clyde Erb (618-939-7529 [email protected]

Treasurer Marvin Korte (314) 631-1470

Sergeant-at-Arms Don Green (314) 961-6556 [email protected]

Chaplain/Educ. Chairman Gene Ganz (636) 227-1930 [email protected]

Assistant Chaplain Don Green 314-961-6556 [email protected]

Ladies’ Auxiliary President Gaynell Bronenkamp (314) 892-1578 [email protected] Newsletter Editor Don Korte (847) 502-0408 [email protected] Web Developer Gail Keller [email protected] **************************************** Billy Stiegemeier (618) 635-3176 [email protected]

Glenn Hillgartner (314) 481-7980

Stan & Vyrlene Gibson [email protected]

Helen & Paul Keilholz [email protected]

Millie Knize (314) 892-5881 [email protected]

Pat Mohrmann pamohrmann1934@ sbcglobal.net

Monthly Meeting Minutes

Monthly Meeting Minutes for August 9, 2011 by Clyde Erb

President Kent Stephens opened the meeting at 1pm. Chaplain Gene Ganz gave the opening prayer followed by the playing and signing of the National Anthem and recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance.

Sgt.-at-Arms Don green reported 54 members and 21 ladies present. No visitors today.

Secretary Clyde Erb read the minutes of the July 14th meeting which were approved as read. Correspondence received included a letter of thanks from the USO for our monthly donation of $25 and a plea for support for “Feed My People” via the Manna Messenger which is a publication of Feed My People.

Treasurer Marvin Korte gave a detailed report of the receipts and expenditures the past month. Marvin announced that 2 new Associate Members just signed up for membership. Four Associate Members were dropped from the rolls for being delinquent paying dues.

Educational Program Chairman Gene Ganz reported 461 total presentations to date, the last being the Jim Green team presentation to the “Catawiesa Friends” on July 14.

Quartermaster Rusty Pendleton announced that he will be absent the next 2 meetings. He invited everyone to come and look at them items on his table. He still has 1 car flag remaining-these are made in the USA. Rusty thanked Pat Mohrmann for finding the flags.

Stu Piper, Chairman of the GI Statue Project reported the flags are flying in good shape. He said he needs a contractor to seal the patios before winter. He asked if someone would volunteer to donate the sealing of the patios.

Chaplain Gene Ganz reported one death, #420 Ralph Fiehler on July 9th. On the sick list are #186 James Johnson, #664 Leroy Berkel, #318 Charles Waters, #471 Phil McKnight, and #4 Dick Cotter.

No Old Business. New Business: Jack Grothe announced that on Sept 16,

17 & 18, Chester Illinois will be honored to host the historic Landing Ship, Tank (LST) 325 along the Chester Riverfront. It served during WW2 to support various amphibious landing operations by transporting significant quantities of battle ready vehicles, tanks, supplies and troops directly onto shore.

President Stephens thanked the ladies for the lunch they prepared and served again today, and also the Elks for providing free coffee and soda at a nominal price. Kent has 2 remaining maps of the BOB for $39.95 each.

Kent reminded everyone of the VBOB picnic at Jefferson Barracks Park on Sept 13. See Dee Korte 10 days prior for reservations. Also, on Sept. 10 and 11 there will be the hayrides at JB and we need for members to meet the visitors at the monument between 9:00 and 2:00.

Don Green again announced the Affton Day Parade will be Saturday Sept 17 at 10am. Members should meet no later than 9:00 at St. George Church for a shuttle to take us to the high school. Don also added that the Rock Hill Parade is October 1st and they want the half-truck and members to be in their parade. The parade downtown will be Saturday Nov 5. Don reported the Missouri State legislature will start closing veterans homes as money was being diverted from the Veterans Home Fund.

Billy Stiegemeier stated that he has the “Everyday Heroes” CDs available at $9.95.

Pat Mohrmann announced the ladies will meet today. She reported a ceremony will be held on Sept. 16 to dedicate a building at Jefferson Barracks to MIAs.

Taps was played for #420 Ralph Fiehler.

.From the October 11, 2011 meeting

Gaynell Bronenkamp (L) and Pat Mohrmann (R)

aka “The Lunch Bunch” Kent presents Danielle Kronsbien with a copy of

“Victory Through Valor”

Volume 19, Issue 6

News Upcoming Events by Your Editor

The annual St. Louis Veterans Day Parade will be held Saturday, Nov 5. Members wishing to participate should meet at the Commuter Parking lot at Reavis Barracks and I-55. We will be leaving at 9:30 am. If you want to meet downtown, we will check in at Olive and Jefferson, which is different from last year. The parade starts at noon. We have permits for up to 8 cars and need 2 flag bearers and 2 banner bearers. For further

information, contact Don Green at (314) 961-6556.

The annual Collinsville Veterans Day Parade will be held on Friday, Nov 11. We will meet at Woodland Park at 10 am and the parade will step off at 10:30. We will end up at the Collinsville American Legion with a ceremony and lunch afterwards. For more information call Kent at (618) 344-1616.

Webster Groves High School is inviting all veterans to visit the

school any time during the day on Veterans Day, Nov 11. They will be honored in the classrooms and have an opportunity to relate their experiences to the students. There will be coffee and sweet rolls from 7-7:30 and veterans will be assigned to a teacher and a classroom from 7:30-2:30. Lunch is provided. Come for all or part of the day. For further information, contact Don Green at (314) 961-6556.

Hayrides, Picnic, and Parade Mark September Events by Your Editor The annual Gateway Chapter

picnic was held on Sept 13 at the Lee Shelter in JB Park, with perfect weather and a delicious buffet catered by Nick Lehmann.

The annual Affton Day Parade on Sept 17 was well attended by Gateway Chapter members, a number of whom rode in Rod

Stout’s half-track. This year the Gateway Chapter was honored to serve as one of the Grand Marshalls for the parade. Thanks again to Rod for providing a memorable ride for our members. The halftrack is one of the highlights of the parade for those in attendance. New this year was the replacement banners

prepared by Associate Member Kevin Turner and his father. Thanks to the Turners for their hand-painted handiwork (see photo below).

A number of members served as “Living History” during the annual Living History Hayrides, which were held on Sept 10 & 11 at Jefferson Barracks Park.

Affton Days Parade, September 17, 2011

Top Right Photo by Pat Mohrmann

Volume 19, Issue 6

News

Gala Christmas Party Slated for December 16 by Your EditorThe Gateway Chapter of the

Veterans of the Battle of the Bulge will have their Gala Christmas party on Friday, Dec 16, 2011, at Royale Orleans. The festivities will begin shortly after the Memorial Service, which will again be held indoors this year at Royale Orleans and will start at 10am.

This year’s speaker will be Associate Member Ben Weber.

You may make your reservations with Dee Korte at the picnic in September, as well as at the October and November monthly meetings. Contact Billy Stiegemeier (618) 635-3176 or Marvin Korte (314) 631-1470 for more information.

Reservation Form

Annual Christmas Party December 16th, 2011 At Royale Orleans 2801 Telegraph Rd, St Louis, MO (314) 487-7006

Mail Check or Money Order Payable to “VBOB” to

Marvin Korte 9536 Dulles Ct St. Louis, MO 63123 (314) 631-1470

Payment must be received by 12/10/11

Name____________________________________________________

Number of Attendees________ X $20.00 = _______ (Amount Enclosed)

Phone Number_____________________________________________

Living History Weekend at Jefferson Barracks, Sept 10, 11 2011

Volume 19, Issue 6

Photo Section Annual Gateway Chapter Picnic, September 13, 2011

Caterers Jim Blassingame (L), Sherry Lehmann (C), and Nick Lehmann (R) Girls day out…

Guys day out A nice day for a picnic

Lunch is served Let’s eat

Awwww Another lucky winner

Volume 19, Issue 6

Photo Section Visitors at the October Meeting

President Kent Stephens (L) with Danielle Kronsbien (C) (born in Luxembourg),

and Ann Wagner (R) (former Ambassador to Luxembourg) Photo by Pat Mohrmann

Directions to the Meetings at the Affton Elks Lodge #2635, 6330 Heege Rd (314) 481-6104 All meetings are held on the 2nd Tuesday of each month, start at 1 pm and last about an hour. Note that the Ladies

Auxiliary is now doing the Lunch Bunch, so there’s always a good lunch deal to be had, plus there’s still plenty of free coffee, soda for $1, and ample parking near the front and rear entrances. Call the Elks Lodge if there’s bad weather on the meeting day.

Directions from I-255: Take the I-55 N exit- Exit 1A- toward St Louis. Merge onto I-55 N via Exit 12A toward St. Louis. Take the Reavis Barracks Rd exit- Exit 199. Turn Left onto Reavis Barracks Rd. Reavis Barracks Rd becomes Mackenzie Rd. Turn Left onto Heege Rd. Turn left into the parking lot at 6330 Heege Rd.

Directions from Downtown St. Louis on SB I-55: Take the Bayless Ave exit- Exit 201A. Turn Right onto Bayless Ave. Bayless Ave becomes Weber Rd. Turn Left onto Gravois Rd / MO-30. Turn Right onto Mackenzie Rd / MO-P. Turn Left onto Heege Rd. Turn left into the parking lot at 6330 Heege Rd.

Volume 19, Issue 6

Ideas and Opinions

Editor’s Note: In this space you will find informational articles not directly related to Gateway Chapter business, but which may be of interest to our readers, as well as Letters to the Editor. Letters to the Editor may be sent via e-mail to [email protected]. Alternatively letters may be sent to VBOB, St. Louis Gateway Chapter, P.O. Box 6503, St. Louis, MO 63125, or given to the editor at the monthly meeting. All letters must be signed and will be printed on a space-available basis. All points of view are welcome.

Letters to the Editor

No letters this time

x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x

Gateway Chapter Book Order Form Name: Order Date: Phone Number: Mailing Address:

Item Quantity (Circle One)

Unit Price

S&H Total

“Victory through Valor”, 328 pages, soft cover 1 24.99 5.01 30.00

2 49.98 10.02 60.00 3 74.97 15.03 90.00 GI Statue Book of Honor 1 12.00 4.00 16.00 2 24.00 8.00 32.00 3 36.00 12.00 48.00 4 48.00 16.00 64.00 Total Make checks payable to “VBOB St. Louis Gateway Chapter” and mail to: Treasurer, Veterans of The Battle of The Bulge Check No. St. Louis Gateway Chapter 9536 Dulles Ct Books will be sent USPS First Class St. Louis, MO 63123

Volume 19, Issue 6

Quartermaster’s Corner

We welcome members and guests to visit our display at the west side of the meeting room during our monthly get-togethers. We do not carry a large inventory, but we can order whatever you need for pickup at the next meeting. Please be aware that the green shirts are

going to be discontinued by the Army in the near future, so plan accordingly. We will continue to carry them for as long as we are able to get them. Note that we are unable to mail items to customers.

Rusty and Dot Pendleton

We usually have the following items at the meetings:

Service Caps VBOB License Plate Frames VBOB Monument Mousepads

VBOB Patches Division Patches Hat Pins VBOB Decals

VBOB Bolo Ties VBOB Note Pads VBOB Belt Buckles

************************************************************************************************************************************************************************

Order Form “Everyday Heroes of the Battle of the Bulge”

Clip and Mail with Payment to: Billy Stiegemeier 102 E. 4th St. Staunton, IL 62088-2116

Name________________________________________________________ Address______________________________________________________Phone No._________________ City______________________________State_______________________Zip Code__________________

Item Quantity Unit Price Total “Everyday Heroes” DVD 9.95

Shipping 3.55 Amount Enclosed

Mail Check or Money Order Payable to “VBOB St. Louis Gateway Chapter” to the above address

************************************************************************************************************************************************************************ Members: Please clip this application and give it to a veteran of the Battle of the Bulge, or a relative, to join the St. Louis Chapter. A relative can join the chapter as an Associate Member. The annual dues are $10.00; Lifetime Membership is $50.00. This entitles the member to attend monthly meetings, the Annual Picnic in September, and a gala Christmas Party on December 16th. Also included with your membership is this swell newsletter, published six times per year. Total Membership to Date: 828

MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION VETERANS OF THE BATTLE OF THE BULGE

TREASURER, ST. LOUIS GATEWAY CHAPTER 9536 Dulles Ct. St. Louis, MO 63123

Annual Dues $10 Lifetime Membership $50

New Member-- () Renewal – Member No.

Name________________________________________________________Birth D t Address______________________________________________________Phone N City______________________________State_______________________Zip C d

New Member Information Campaigns____________________________________________________________________________

Assigned Unit (s) between December 16th, 1944 and January 25th, 1945 Regiment___________________________________________________Battalion___________________ Company___________________________________________________Other_____________________

Signature. Mail check or money order payable to “VBOB St. Louis Gateway Chapter” to the above address

Volume 19, Issue 6

The Back Page

2012 VETERANS TOURS (please share with your family members)

PILSEN LIBERATION FESTIVAL TOUR April 29 (Arr Frankfurt) - May 9 (Dept Prague). Attend the annual Pilsen Liberation Festival. See the huge Merkers salt mines where the Third Reich's treasures were hidden, Nuremberg with its Nazi Rallies area and War Crimes Trials Palace of Justice, Flossenbuerg concentration camp and see the beautiful, historic Czech capital of Prague. OPTIONAL EXTENSION TO MUNICH May 9 (Arr Prague) - May 12 (Dept Munich) Visit Salzburg and Hitler's mountain HQ around Berchtesgaden, Obersalzberg and the Eagles Nest. Tour Dachau Concentration Camp and Munich.

106th INFD - BATTLE OF THE BULGE TOUR May 13 (Arr Brussels) - 20 (Dept Frankfurt). Follow the path of the regiments of the 106th Division,

including the POW’s long march into captivity. The tour includes St. Vith and the northern shoulder of the Bulge.

VBOB BATTLE OF THE BULGE 'MEMORIAL DAY' TOUR May 24 (Arr Brussels) - June 2 (Dept Paris). Take part in Memorial Day in Europe, followed by an in-depth Battle of the Bulge tour. Visit the American Battle of the Bulge Cemeteries on Memorial Day. OPTIONAL EXTENSION TO D-DAY NORMANDY June 2 (Arr Paris) - 8 (Dept Paris). Celebrate the anniversary of D-Day and tour Normandy in depth.

HONORING GENERAL GEORGE C MARSHALL ON THE MARSHALL PLAN'S 65th ANNIVERSARY Sept 15 (Arr Paris) - Sept 23 (Dept Paris).This tour covers Marshall's achievements in Europe- from the WW1 battlefields from Cantigny to the Meuse-Argonne to organizing the final defeat of Germany in WW2 and post-war European peace and security with

highlights of Normandy, the Battle of the Bulge and the Marshall Plan.

45th INFD - BULGE COUNTERPUNCH IN ALSACE Sept dates tba (Arr Nice, Dept Paris) Follows the route of the 45th ID's battle from the south of France to the battles in Alsace to block Hitler's Bulge counterpunch.

82nd AIRBORNE DIVISION TOUR Oct 6 (Arr Paris) - 18 (Dept Amsterdam) .A special 82nd Airborne WW2 heritage tour for 82nd AB Golden Brigade Vietnam veterans which covers 82nd AB's most famous WW2 combat operations, D-Day Normandy, Operation Market Garden and the Battle of the Bulge.

FOR MORE INFORMATION contact Doris Davis, President of VBOB Golden Gate Chapter. Email [email protected] Tel (650) 654 - 0101 (PST).

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