The USASA
National Capital Area
Alumni News
(Online Version)

We have much to write about, so we'll get with it at once.

The 7th of August 1999 was a great day. 200 plus ASAers from all over the country gathered at Nixon's Farm near Ft. Meade for the second annual renewal of the "Vint Hill Farms" picnic. It was an absolutely wonderful day--even the weatherman cooperated. Consider this: The best comradarie ever, delicious food and lots to drink (including beer of course). As you can imagine, the lies and war stories were much embelished from previous years. Many thanks to the "Shakers and Movers" who worked throughout the year in order to bring off this great event to fruition: Jim Allis, Harry Dykes and Nels Johnson and to Eve Fischer and Sharron Dykes who ran the hospitality table. In the lessons learned area, we found that our attendence was lower than last year because "everyone" does not have E-mail. We'll know better next time. Thank you all for coming!

Have we got news for you. If you enjoyed the Spring Luncheon, wait until we tell you about the Fall Brunch menu. Put the date 15 October 1999, 1100 hours at the Ft. Meyer "0" Club on your calendars. Check this out: Fruit Juice, Fresh Sliced Fruit, Antipasto Salad, Green Salad, Smoked Salmon with Bagels, Cheese, Onion and Capers, Scrambled Eggs with Chives in Delicate Pastry Shell, Grilled Breast of Chicken, Medley of Seafood in Lobster Sauce, Potatoes, Vegetables, Bacon, Sausage, Breads Coffee and Tea!!!! All this good stuff for under $20.00 per person. So pick up your pens and fill out the attached flier ASAP but NLT 8 October. Let's make this one the biggest and best yet. See you there!!

On 27 May 1999, INSCOM conducted a solemn service during which wreaths were laid at the USASA and INSCOM Memorials in front of the Nolan Building. Maj. Gen. Noonan, INSCOM Commander commemorated the ultimate sacrifice made by USASA and INSCOM personnel. Considering the long list of names on the USASA Memorial, Gen. Noonan noted that USASA was a significant predecessor of INSCOM.

In our last letter, we mentioned the new South East Asia (SEA) group. They held a very successful reunion the third week in June. On 19 June they conducted a memorial service at the USASA monument in front of INSCOM's Nolan Building. During INSCOM's outstanding support of this event, the Deputy Commander of INSCOM, BG Alphonse Gilly, made a stirring presentation saluting our fallen comrades and those present. Thanks INSCOM! And to Hal Castle and Dick Amick who ramrodded this event: you have earned a "SUMMA CUM LAUDE."

On 6 August, INSCOM had their Annual Picnic. A busy busy day indeed. It started at 0630 and ended at 1500. Featured: a Command Awards Ceremony; feats of strength and endurance; team sports; games of chance; music (too loud); all kinds of good food and drink; and, of course lots of BEER! This was the best yet. As a spectator, it was a pleasant problem having to decide where to go first and what to watch.

On page 10 of the July-Sept 99 edition of the INSCOM Journal is a great article entitled "The Army Security Agency is Alive and Well" written by Don Cairns of Sierra Vista, AZ (Ft. Huachuca). We have included it in this letter. Thanks to Don for his efforts and to INSCOM for printing it.

FS 8611 DU will meet 4-6 Nov 99 in San Antonio, TX. For Details the POC is W. Atwell, P.O. Box 256, T. I. Park, NY 13692.

The ASA Alpiners will have a reunion in Reno, NV 30 Sept - 4 0ct 99. POC is Ralph R. Thadeus, 107 W. Pine Place, St. Louis, MO 63108-2111 (314) 367-9577. E-mail: alpiners@inlink.com. Ralph has web page info for the Alpiners and the 333rd Comm. Recon. Co. (Alaska).

USAers will have a rally in Sierra Vista, AZ in Sept. 99. POC is Dave Waldmann, 5129 E. Dead Bear Draw, Hereford, AZ 85615 (520) 378-0159.

The ASA Chitose 1999 reunion will be held In Colorado Springs, CO from 23-25 Sept. Because you will not receive this letter until long after the close out date, if you are interested, contact Roy Gettz, 3091 Blackbird Ct. Melbourne, FL 32935 chitose@prodigy.net. Their long-range plans are for a reunion in Kissimmee, FL in 2000 and Colorado Springs in 2001.

ASA Korea 1950-60 is having a reunion in Pensacola, FL 16-19 Sept 99. POC is Rev. Charles Knappenberger, 7334 Normandy La, Melrose Park, PA 19027 (215) 635-6774.

Fort Goodfellow ASAers held a reunion in San Angelo, TX on 14 Aug 99. POC for this group is Pete Weldon, (915) 651-5137 or E-mail Eweldon@wcc.net.

ASA Okinawa Association is having a reunion in Myrtle Beach, SC starting 30 Sept 99. POC is Tom Sturgeon, 15297 Baldwin Ct. #303, Cleveland, OH 44130-4871.

ASA Philippines group is having a reunion in Chattanooga, TN, 6-10 Oct 99. POC is Richard Lewis, 4154 Makyes Rd, Syracuse, NY 13215 (315) 498-8609 or E-mail asaphil@twcny.rr.com.

The 13th USASA FS will have a reunion in Las Vegas, NV 16-20 Sept 99. For info contact Dan Treloar, 305 Walnut St, Irwin, PA 15642.

Bob Zikowitz writes a very informative bi-monthly letter "2nd Signal Service Bn." Bob lives at 7605 Gaylord Dr, Annandale, VA, 22003-5430 (703) 256-6921. He can use some postage money to continue.

Doc. Legere, who is ailing these days, publishes the informative "After Action Report". He can be reached at 51 Warren St., Fitchburg, MA 01420 (978) 342-7293.

It is with the most profound regret that we report the passing of companions and loved ones:

"May their memories be for a blessing."

Hope to see you all at the October Brunch.  Warmest regards and KTF,

Len Fischer