The USASA
National Capital Area
Alumni News
(Online Version)

Happy 2001! The New Year has come and gone and, darn it, we can't tell the difference. We wish you all a HEALTHY year so that everything else will fall into place. We now have a new pacemaker which was supposed to solve all problems---well--- we have to admit it did solve some problems but provided us with a whole new set of problems. (Aside from that, Mrs. Lincoln, how did you enjoy the show?) However, it is now the middle of January and that means that we are in the middle of the planning for the Spring Luncheon.

Our hostess with the mostess, Alice Buttleman, has a new challenge this year because the club manager she had been doing business with has departed and now she has to "break in" a new manager. She has an appointment with him next week, but we just have to "get the show on the road" if we expect to get this letter out in a timely fashion. I'm sure that Alice will be able to negotiate the best menu at the most reasonable price possible. NOW, it's up to you to support her efforts. Mark your calendars: Our 15th Spring Luncheon will be held on 20 April 2001, starting at 1100 at the "O" club at Ft. Myer, VA. Don't let the fact that the luncheon will be catered at the "O" club spook you. It's just another place to have a nice luncheon. All of you INSCOM folks are invited too. After all-you're all sort of our "grandchildren." We expect the price to be somewhere in the neighborhood of $23.00 per person. We would point out that the club has not raised the cost of the brunch menu to us for the past three years while costs have risen. (OOPS-Alice just called from the "Club" where she negotiated a terrific menu for $23.10. You just send $23.00 and we'll all be friends!) So come to the luncheon and spend part of your grandchildren's inheritance. They'll never miss it!!! We will miss Naomi Ray who left us on 8 Jan. She and daughter Juanita attended all of our events. Our most profound sympathy to you, Juanita.

USASAERS are the reunioningest (new word) people in the entire universe. As the "mailbox" for the D.C. area ASA group, we receive reunion notices from some of the ASA units that conduct reunions on a regular basis. It's kind of mind boggling considering the planning, expense and effort that goes into the mere effort of participating. We are delighted to present the information on the reunions we have.

· The FASAF Reunion 2001 goes on the top of the list. They have been putting on super super reunions for the past 26 years. We run out of superlatives to describe their 25th reunion held last year. We feel sure the planners for their 2001 reunion will be playing "Can you top this." It will be held in Kissimimmee, FL on May 4-6 with a hospitality suite open at 4:00 PM on the 3rd for the early arrivers. It will be in the Ramada Plaza Hotel & Inn, Gateway. They have a great program planned. The primary "Gansa Macher" is Burt Slesinger (We know that there are a lot of you involved but we feel like giving Burt "Le Business". (POC) He can be contacted at 722 Wing Foot La. Melbourne, FL 32940 Phone: (321) 254-2134. Email: slesingerburt@spacey.net

· The 24th Annual Augsburg Reunion attended by approximately 150 of those who served within the U.S. Military Community Augsburg (ASA, NSG , AFSS and MI Brigade units) met in Blobs Park, MD (Near Ft. Meade) on 28 Oct. Good comraderie, good food and an all around good event. The POC is John Hobgood (703) 904-5089. We're sure they will have another goodie this coming October. We'll give you a heads up when we get it.

· The ASA Alpiner group which includes ASA/ Signals Intel Svc forces in Germany and Austria have an Ambitious, active, tour laden reunion planned for the D.C. Area 17-20 May 2001. They will meet in the Hyatt Regency Crystal City Hotel in Arlington, VA. The Virginia. POC is Frank Morris 703-256-9661. Also contact Ralph R. Thadeus 107 West Pine Place, St. Louis, MO 36108-2111 Phone: (314) 367-9577. E-mail: alpiners@primary.net

· The ASAPAC Honeybucket Brigade (Those who served in HQ ASAPAC 1946-1952) had their year 2000 in Arlington VA. The same time we had our Fall luncheon. Our wonder woman, Martha Schuchart-Sachs (With everything she's involved in she still has time to hyphenate her name!!!!! She makes a great role model for all of those 85 and older) was the hostess. It was a very successful event. Jack LaDove, San Francisco's contribution to the group and some others were welcomed at our luncheon. (Actually, they were all welcome to attend but found other things to do.) Their 2001 reunion is planned to be held in Covington, KY. No dates yet. And speaking of long range planning, Scotsdale, AZ in 2002 and Oklahoma City in 2003. We don't know how they do it. We don't even buy green bananas any more.

· The 102nd ASA Alumni Association sez "Shame on all of their members who missed their 2000 reunion in San Antonio, TX. Which was a very successful affair and included a memorable trip to Mexico. They will allow you to make up for your oversight by attending their 2001 reunion which will be held in the Marriott Inn located in the Inner Harbor, Baltimore May 24-28, 2001. POC is David H. Peper, 1725 Morse Rd. Forest Hill, MD 21050-2025 Phone: (410) 557-7550.

· We know that the 12th USASAFS Alumni had a terrific reunion in Kissimmee, FL this year attended by 240 people including 20 friends from Chitose, Japan (See our last news letter) As soon as we find out about their next reunion, we'll let you know. Roy Gettz is the POC for this organization 3091 Blackbird Ct., Melbourne, FL 32935 Phone: (407) 259-7039. Email: chitose1@prodigy.com. Incidently-He is a source for ASA patches, pins, caps et al.

· Last year from Oct 13-18 a group from the 13th USASAFS went back to Menwith Hill in Harrogate, England where Pres Bill Garner and COL Christine Marsh unveiled a bronze plaque that tells visitors that "we were there and we were the first." For 2001, the 12th is having a reunion in the Holiday Inn-Chattanooga, TN on Sept 14-16. For additional info contact the 13th USASAFS Assn, 53303 La Pradero, San Antonio, TX 78233. Email: menwith@texas.net

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

May their memories be for a blessing.

See you at the luncheon.

Warmest regards and KTF,

Len