The Newsletter of the Army Residence Community

VolumeThe 33 Number 1 Eagle January 2019

Marketing the ARC in 2019 A conversation with Dolores Saenz, Director of Marketing page 10 Editor’s Notebook Inside The Eagle This month there’s a problem which most editors January 2019 pray for: Too many fine articles to fit the page constraints. You’ll notice there’s little space 1 Front Cover: Director of Marketing, between columns and paragraphs. Dolores Saenz Shortening an article by changing the font sizes is 2 Contents one thing. Compacting one paragraph into one 2 Editor’s Notebook sentence becomes the equivalent of turning a filet 2 Cat Corner mignon into a beef bouillon cube. 3 Birthdays and Passings Chuck Stout’s World War II poetry, and his profile 3 MLK Day March and Cowboy Breakfast from mysa.com by Sig Christenson (Senior 3 Living a Bonus Life Reporter, San Antonio Express-News) is moved to 4-5 A Conversation with the CEO the ARCNet pages. Joe Hipp’s description of the 6 Meet Dr. Victor Manuel Martinez-Soria, MD ranch home of Residents Julia Carlson and Helen Pohly will appear in the February issue. Thank you 7 Golden Diggers for your patience, and for giving me the privilege of 8 Library being the Editor. -- 8 Employee Gift Fund Kevin Scott 9 New Items Purchased for the ARC 9 Tech Advisor – Mark Harmon 10-11 Interview with the Director of Marketing, Dolores Saenz 12-13 The West Point Trio 14-15 The Betty Cheever Memorial Chapel 16 Wall Artist of the Month: Joseph Webb 17-18 January Activities 18 Save the Date: Seniors of Note Variety Group 18 Monte Carlo Night 19 January Movies 20 Eagle Luncheon: Jackie Van De Walle The Eagle continues on the ARCNet with: American Revolution, 240 Years Ago CAT CORNER Artist of the Month, Joseph Webb, The ARC Cat Management Program began WWII: 75 Years Ago, European Theater in mid-November. One adult cat was trapped, WWII: 75 Years Ago, Pacific Theater neutered and returned to campus. Two kittens Chuck Stout – Profile at mysa.com have been rescued and three kittens have ------been trapped. One kitten is being fostered by This front cover Jane Mashburn and another was adopted by a of The Eagle is resident. The Animal Defense League another fine accepted the other three kittens and put them creation by up for adoption. Two of those kittens have Grace Newton, since found forever homes. our Director of Communication. Five Residents have completed TNR (trap, It features the neuter and return) class sponsored by the San Director of Antonio Feral Cat Coalition and are certified Marketing, trappers. The Management Program now has Dolores Saenz, eight certified trappers. ARC cats are being reviewing the fed at two designated sites and trapping will kitchen features resume in January. of an updated Editor: Mary Gustine leads this fine program and legacy cottage. submitted this report.

2 The Eagle January 2019 Birthdays and Passings

JANUARY BIRTHDAYS BEGINNING FEBRUARY BIRTHDAYS

01 Cynthia Benedict 01 Trema Berry 01 Gerald Ruder 01 Erika Robeson 01 Ray Palmer 01 Charlene Smith 02 Ginger Armstrong 02 Jim Brown 02 Jean Stewart 02 Alice Rolik 02 Myrtle Whitby 02 Glenn Hall 03 Paul Benedict 05 Lilas Harvey

03 Art Kanarr PASSINGS SINCE LAST ISSUE 03 Thomas Korte 03 Robyn McCarthy Nov 28 CAPT James McIIvaine 05 George Ullmann Dec 6 Mrs. Rose Marie Riggs 06 Clair Book Dec 8 LTC Morton Bregman 06 Opal Coleman Dec 11 LTC Cleveland Pratt 07 Bill Harris Dec 12 Mrs. Dorothy Starbuck 07 Gisela Fields Dec 16 Mrs. Lucille Rutledge ------07 Sharon Taylor Two January Events in San Antonio: The 07 Sue Speedy MLK Day March and the Cowboy Breakfast 07 Vern Handel 08 Connie Furbish If you can walk distances and enjoy crowds, and would like to celebrate what’s become January San 08 Kay Jones Antonio traditions, there’s two great opportunities. 08 Ronald Jenkins The Martin Luther King, Jr. Day March on Monday, 08 Sharan McCall 21 January, beginning at 10 AM, the largest in the 09 Doreen Armogida U.S., with crowds of over 200,000. Please see 11 William Herr, Jr. https://www.sanantonio.gov/MLK. 13 Elaine Older The Cowboy Breakfast is on Friday, 25 January, 14 Jo Rice 4:30 AM to 8:30 AM, in the parking lot of the 15 Barbara Steele Cowboy Dance Hall. It’s the world’s largest free 16 Patricia L. Carroll breakfast, with over 30,000 attendees. For more 17 Aurelia (Reli) Korte information, why not attend the Eagle Luncheon on 18 Meem Baumgartner 8 January? The speaker, Jackie Van de Walle, was the 2018 Cowboy Breakfast emcee. 19 Mary Gossage ------19 Shelia Hickman 23 Martha Thorpe 24 Mary Lee Stuck 25 Armon G. Grantham 25 George McCall 26 Francelle Lambertson 26 Misa Cole 28 Janet-Anne Boykin 28 Patti Jackson 29 Dave Oliver 29 Kevin West 29 Sylvia Trzaskoma 29 Jack Wold 29 Wanda Shrum Residents Glenn and Mary Nordin (left), and visitors Bob and Marilyn Riddick (right), of University Place, WA, celebrated a 31 Stainton Smith st special event this past December 10th. It was the 51 Please contact Resident Services to add or anniversary of Glenn and Bob’s rescue after their F4 Phantom Remove your name from the month’s Birthdays. was shot down in Vietnam. Since that day, Glenn and Bob have been living a “bonus life.” See story in the November 2018 Eagle. January 2019 The Eagle 3 A Conversation with the CEO

KS: The Town Hall briefing in November was well Another measure of financial stability is “days received, especially with the level of detail given of cash on hand.” Our records show it takes each topic. $76,588 per day to operate. That’s one day of

SF: I’m glad Residents closely follow how our cash. On 30 September our Days of Cash on community operates. Not every chart is quite Hand was 394. That favorably compares to as positive as I would like but we’re headed in the industry benchmark of having ideally between 258 to 332 Days of Cash on Hand. the right direction and doing a good job. KS: Does this mean the community is ahead KS: The Town Hall began with Finance. financially, and can relax because the goals have SF: Our fiscal year began in July and we have been met? had a good start. From controlling expenses, SF: In a word, no. We’re a non-profit with our current income exceeds expenditures by sound financials, but we’re also a business that $480,000. Our performance compared to needs revenue and wise stewardship to projection with entrance fee income is catching provide the services of what’s to be the premier up, and this is a positive trend. There were five continuing care – retirement community in the new “move-in’s” during October, five more in country. Every 90 days is another bond November, and one scheduled in December. payment, which takes about 44 Days of Cash We’ll begin 2019 with a sense of momentum. on Hand. Every day is another day we’re Marketing is doing a good job and we formed maintaining and improving our facility, our an internal committee dedicated to expanding standards and our services. ways to achieve greater success. KS: Could you put a number on that? The story here is our finances are “on course,” so to speak, and that’s the same conclusion SF: The Capital Expenses part of our annual the Finance Committee of the Resident Council budget is $4.2 million. The largest piece of that would also share, after their monthly reviews is almost $2.5 million for unit turnover. Every with Gordon Shoger. Frankly, anyone familiar time we make a unit ready for a new Resident, with the economics of the Continuing Care - we update it with current fixtures. All units Retirement Community industry would also need to be updated for maintainability and agree, by comparing our finances with the safety, as well as to install current designs. industry standards. We’re also replacing the fire sprinkler system in the High-Rise and making necessary repairs KS: Industry Standards such as . . . ? throughout the campus which may have been SF: Take a common financial measurement deferred. This is just the part of the budget like the operating ratio (OR), a comparison of dealing with our physical infrastructure. expenditures against the income. The current Let’s move to another topic. Your choice. Operating Ratio is 96.6. That means for every dollar of income, there’s 96 point 6 cents KS: Personnel. Reducing employee turnover. ($0.966) spent. The industry standard for this benchmark is between 98.05 to 102.24. SF: One of the goals we’ve set for our team is Gordon (Shoger) and I are working hard to to reduce employee turnover. The ARC keep the OR at or below 100 this year. The currently employees 372 people, that’s in the recent restructuring and leaving a few staff full-time, part-time, and on-call categories. The vacancies unfilled which are not tied to giving average employee tenure is 5 years. If you direct service to Residents is a factor. don’t consider first year employees, the Philanthropy is now an important factor in our average employee tenure is 8 years. And our revenue stream, so income from unrestricted average employee age is 48. donations is compared to what we spend and A couple of amazing statistics showed at the is part of the OR calculation. Town Hall meeting was the diversity of our

4 The Eagle January 2019 A Conversation with the CEO employees. Besides the U.S., our co-workers Resident and community expectations which are from Colombia, El Salvador, England, aren’t being met. This is an important indicator Ghana, Guatemala, Honduras, Iraq, Korea, that creates the first impression, and our Liberia, Mexico, Rwanda, Thailand, Ukraine, standards weren’t being fully met. and Vietnam. The principal languages are English, Spanish, Tagalog, and Thai. I’ve decided to outsource to Clean Scapes (a landscaping contractor) the irrigation of all We looked at employee turnover several ways, areas and the ground maintenance of the and the areas with the most turnover are common areas, beginning Monday, 7 January. Healthcare, Dining Services, Housekeeping The ARC will maintain a smaller crew for and Grounds. We also looked at separation by resident yards, gardens and customer service position and found those positions with high type work. This change was planned to come turnover included certified nurse’s assistant, about as respectful and dignified as possible. licensed vocational nurses, housekeepers, grounds crew, waitstaff, and dietary aides. A day before the Town Hall (28 November), Finally, we analyzed the turnover by tenure, Elida Longoria, Stephanie Villareal, and I met and found half of our employees are leaving with the grounds crews and explained the within their first year, and another third process which will take place over a month departing were employed less than five years. later beginning in January. No one will lose a job, unless it’s by choice. We’ll keep 10 co- So, we know what part of the community, what workers in Grounds, and the rest can apply for job positions, and how long the employee has the vacancies within the ARC. worked here to be relevant factors for our management team to focus on reducing We also negotiated with Clean Scapes for employee turnover. Our goal is to bring them to hire any remaining ARC Grounds turnover down to 27% this year. Last year it employees which we can’t absorb. Clean ranged from 32% to 47%. Compare that to Scapes will keep them at their current pay or other continuing care retirement communities, the pay of the position they will fill, whichever is including some in our local market area, where greater. We are also working with (CS) to the employee turnover rate can be as high as make health care insurance is immediately 85%. That’s not unusual in this field. We’re available, without the waiting period or a break doing pretty good but are determined to do in coverage. better. No employee lost their Christmas bonus, the

Let’s switch gears here. At the Town Hall I investment to the retirement plan, or their announced our current acting Director of accrued leave. I’m sure you can be proud of Human Resources is Stephanie Villareal, who the way we treated our employees even facing has been with us several years and has a a difficult decision. bachelor’s degree and an MBA with emphasis We selected Clean Scapes because of their on Human Resources, both from Texas A & M. excellent reputation. They also maintain the I’m confident she can help us meet our goals. grounds of the State Capitol in Austin, the Stephanie also benefitted from the ARC Pearl Brewery in downtown San Antonio, and Kiwanis Club scholarship program with a have won some awards for other work. Our scholarship during her MBA program. Many standard is that our campus grounds should thanks to the Kiwanis for their support of look like a resort this spring, and we’ll hold education! them to that standard.

KS: We’ve touched Finance and Personnel. How I’d like to wish everyone a New Year rich with about Grounds? the blessings of love, joy, and laughter. This has been a difficult area for years. Some areas are better, others aren’t. We have both Steve Fuller, CEO January 2019 The Eagle 5 Introducing Victor Manuel Martinez-Soria, M.D. Internal Medicine Provider for the ARC Healthcare Setting

by Carol Huebner

Dr. Victor Manuel Martinez-Soria will begin providing internal medicine services for ARC Healthcare setting residents beginning in February 2019. An interview with him provides answers ARC residents may want to know.

CH: Dr. Martinez-Soria, we’re pleased to have you join the ARC healthcare team. You have been a physician for 27 years, 21 years in Texas. Tell us about your specialty. treatment decisions. I talk with my patients VM-S: My specialty is Internal Medicine. After about choosing the safest environment for graduating from medical school at Universidad them to live in, considering their mobility, Autonoma de Nuevo Leon, Mexico, I came to health, and other limitations. I work with family the U.S in 1991. I completed my residency in members, when they are available and Internal Medicine at Sisters of Charity Hospital involved, to help with decisions that need to be in Buffalo, New York. My medical practice has made. Patients with limitations in the clarity of been hospital-based in both Mississippi and their thinking and cognitive functioning need Texas. Although I considered specializing special attention that I can provide. further, I chose instead to remain in Internal Medicine because I felt most interested and (Contributor’s Note: The American College of challenged by the broad range of conditions Physicians describes the internal medicine with which adult patients present in my specialty: “General internists are equipped specialty. to handle the broad and comprehensive

(Contributor’s Note: Dr. Martinez-Soria placed spectrum of illnesses that affect adults, and first out of 300 graduates in the 4th year of his are recognized as experts in diagnosis, in medical school.) treatment of chronic illness, and in health promotion and disease prevention—they CH: What about your professional are not limited to one type of medical organizational membership and licensure? problem or organ system. VM-S: I am a member of the American College of Physicians. I hold a full (valid, unrestricted) General internists are equipped to deal with M.D. license in Texas. whatever problem a patient brings—no matter how common or rare, or how simple CH: You have special expertise in healthcare or complex. They are specially trained to issues that seniors face. Tell us about your solve puzzling diagnostic problems and can perspectives. handle severe chronic illnesses and

VM-S: Most of the patients in my solo-practice situations where several different illnesses and hospital practice are seniors older than 80- may strike at the same time.”) years. I enjoy the close relationship I have with CH: ARC Residents who are patients each of them, as they face many co-existing themselves - or their family members - want to healthcare issues. I am concerned with be able to reach out to seek your help. How geriatric issues including frailty, falls can ARC residents contact you? prevention, polypharmacy and guiding

6 The Eagle January 2019 VM-S: I want to be contacted directly. I will Golden Diggers provide my contact information immediately by Joan Howey when I begin my practice at the ARC. My current contact information for my practice is: The Golden Diggers had a very merry Christmas with several of our projects either well CH: What underway or nearing completion. The new will the Assisted Living bed was planted with scope of perennials, bulbs, shrubs and annuals. your internal Groupings of stones and perennial grasses medicine were set into the B-Wing bed. services be?

VM-S: I will be primarily based in the skilled nursing setting, what the ARC calls Healthcare. I will provide traditional internal medicine professional services. I am currently a physician at other skilled nursing facilities and hospitals in San Antonio.

CH: What will your schedule be in ARC Healthcare?

VM-S: I will know more when I arrive in February, but I plan to be available on a regular and frequent basis in the ARC The honor stone area was greatly enhanced. healthcare setting, making rounds. Victoria Summy and Joseph Webb donated the sleek ceramic fish that are swimming gracefully CH: If an ARC resident needs to see you through the stones (above). Bruce and Connie outside of your ARC hours, how can that be Furbish planted clumps of mondo grass to add arranged? At your San Antonio office? touches of green and soften the appearance of

VM-S: Yes, and I will provide contact the bed. information for residents and family members The Health Care Courtyard has also received to contact me directly. attention. Boxwoods were planted in the area around the fountain. Annette Gohlke donated CH: Dr. Martinez-Soria, is there something day lily bulbs. Doreen Jenkins and Jill Abbee you would like to say in closing? dug some of their iris bulbs for us. If all goes well, they will burst into color in the spring. VM-S: I am very excited about providing Mulch was applied to most of the beds for winter physician services at the Army Residence protection. We received a surprise when a Community. I visited the ARC already, and squirrel, taking refuge from the cold, jumped out found it to be very beautiful. My goal is to of our storage closet. If he returns, we’ll make provide excellent and accessible internal him an honorary digger. medicine services in the ARC healthcare Jim Klar, Ray Palmer and Robert Franks setting. spent time and muscle trimming shrubs and

Editor: Carol Huebner, RN, PhD, (COL, USA, Ret.), overgrowth in a hidden area behind Assisted specialized as an intensive care nurse, and her Living. We plan to give this area some much final assignment was as Chief Nurse, Army Medical need attention in the spring. Command, Fort Sam Houston and formerly Chief, The Golden Diggers are very grateful for your Medical-Surgical Nursing at BAMC. She retired generous support in 2018. We pray that 2019 from the Army in 2001 and joined the faculty of the will being us even closer to our goal of “a lovely University of Texas Health Science Center at San view from every room in Health Care, Assisted Antonio, retiring as Professor Emerita in 2013. Living and the Oaks.”

January 2019 The Eagle 7 ARC LIBRARY DONATION AUDIO The Raffaeli Room Every Breath, Nicholas Sparks Library Committee You Don’t Own Me, Mary Higgins Clark JoAnne Kroll, Chairman I’ve Got My Eyes on You, Mary Higgins Clark Glenna Solley, Co-Chairman Annette Gohlke, Scheduler DONATION REFERENCE Birds of North America, Fred Alsop III REF

NEW FICTION REGULAR PRINT DONATION DVD Long Road to Mercy, David Baldacci Won’t You Be My Neighbor Sea of Greed, Clive Cussler The Inspector Lynley Mysteries The Colors of All the Cattle, A Very Merry Daughter of the Bride Alexander McCall Smith Wild Horses Nine Perfect Strangers, Liane Moriarty The Guernsey Literary and Potato Pie Society

Simply Stretch NEW FICTION LARGE PRINT Chair Yoga Winter in Paradise, Elin Hilderbrand The Doctor’s Workout for Seniors When We Were Young, Karen Kingsbury Alaskan Holiday, Danielle Steel 2019 Resolution? Try These! Desperate Measures, Stuart Woods Marilla of Green Gables, Sarah McCoy Dark Sacred Night, Michael Connelly

DONATION FICTION Career of Evil, Robert Galbraith

NEW NON-FICTION Leadership in Turbulent Times, Doris Kearns Goodwin H The Library Book, Susan Orlean H ------From our Residents Council Chairman, DONATION NON-FICTION George McCall: The Results of the 2018 Bullet Proof Flowers for the South, Employee Gift Fund Jim Wilson HOR Texas Wildflowers, Jan Reid HOR The 2018 Employee Gift Fund was Texas Gardening, Neil Sperry HOR $294,520.49 with an average pay-out of Flowers, Dorothy McDaniel HOR $829.64 or 52 cents per employee hour Xeriscape Gardening, Connie Ellefson HOR worked. Checks ranged from $1,081 to Heirloom Blooms, Chris Wiesinger HOR $25.00. These checks were distributed on Officially Indian, Cecile Ganteaume H Friday, 14 December, to 355 ARC employees. The Coddling of the American Mind, By comparison, the 2017 fund was $285,136 Greg Lukianoff POL with an average pay-out of $762.00 or 48 cents Artists Gardens, Madison Cox HOR per employee hour worked. The Case Against Impeaching Trump, Alan Dershowitz POL Please accept my sincere thanks to Residents Melting Pot or Civil War, Reihan Salam POL for making the 2018 fund the best ever. I’d like A Bridge Too Far, Cornelius Ryan MIL WWII to pass on that our employees were excited A Directory of Antique Furniture, and thankful for the increased amount this F. Lewis Hinckley ANT year. Labrador Retrievers, Diane McCarty ZOO Angels of the Underground, I very much appreciate everyone working to Theresa Kaminski MIL WWII make the fund successful, and we hope to continue to do better each year.

8 The Eagle January 2019 Upgrades and New Items for the ARC Introducing the Computer & Due to the recent successes of the Traveling Technology Treasures sales, the ARC Resident Council Club’s New has the highest fund balance in known history. Technical This success was due to the help of many Specialist: volunteers and the generous donations of the Mark Harmon ARC residents.

A small group of Traveling Treasures Team Mark (at right) is Leaders got together and came up with a list of a U. S. Air Force items to improve the overall appearance of the veteran with 35 ARC and replace items needing replacement. years of Information At the November 2018 Resident Council Technology (IT) Board Meeting, Gordon Armstrong, current experience. His Traveling Treasures Chairperson, suggested expertise the Council provide funding for the following includes - but is not limited to - network items: architecture, implementation, and administration; cloud computing; data backup, ➢ 4 New Bellman Carts (one shown below), systems maintenance, and business ➢ Fireplace replacement in the Main applications During his military service, Mark Lobby, provided direct IT, programming and ➢ New Storage Shed for the Pickle Ball/ communications support to the Office of the Tennis Courts, President of the United States during the terms ➢ 2 New Pickle Ball Nets, of Presidents George H. W. Bush and Bill ➢ Replacements for aging Water Aerobics Clinton. Equipment, ➢ Car Wash Equipment near the Tennis With 3 scholarships, he earned an Associate of Courts, Applied Science Degree from Palo Alto College ➢ Name Tag Holders for the Sponsor in 2016, and his Bachelor of Applied Science Program. degree in Information Assurance & Security in

Total cost is about $5,000. All of the above 2018 from Texas A&M University, graduating were approved by the Resident Council and Summa Cum Laude at both levels. Mark has should be in place soon. certifications as a Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA), Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) and CompTIA A+ Certification. He is Owner and President, Harmon Computer Services in San Antonio. Mark also has experience in working with senior citizens, helping them with their personal computer and technology needs.

Beginning Monday, December 17, Mark will be working in the Clubhouse, along with Resident volunteers, to assist our members with their computer and technology questions. Please come by the Fourth Floor, #410, Monday, Wednesday, & Thursday mornings (9:30- 11:30) to meet and to help welcome Mark! We look forward to Mark assisting us.

January 2019 The Eagle 9 A Conversation with the Marketing Director

Marketing Director Dolores Saenz and Eagle Editor Kevin Scott had KS: Was there a common reason this recent conversation. why current Residents, looking back, are glad they came here when they KS: The Budget charts showed did, or wish they’d even relocated that you have a goal of bringing in here sooner? 44 new Residents this year. DS: The daily atmosphere and DS: Goals are great for planning amenities available here create an and budgeting, and that’s what upbeat, positive setting. The we aim to achieve, but it’s better activities available here are top notch. to focus on the interests of the The military experience Residents prospective Residents, one at a share projects a good feeling of time. If we do that, the numbers teamwork and camaraderie. Of on the chart will take care of course, if you want to be left alone, themselves and will reflect our people will leave you alone. But often success. there’s a sense that people are glad

KS: Please give an example of they’re here, and there’s a pleasant focusing on the interests of the atmosphere. Employees generally prospective Residents. project that as well, a sense of cheerful courtesy. DS: This is not a one-size-fits-all situation. Every prospective KS: Months ago, you began getting Resident has unique interests copies of The Eagle to give to visitors. How has that worked out? and requirements. It’s important to listen and understand what DS: Every municipality in the San their needs and expectations are. Antonio area has a monthly or bi- Are they considering moving here monthly lifestyle-type magazine to because they have medical introduce their community: Schertz, issues to deal with, or have they Terrell Hills, Fair Oaks Ranch, and so decided a retirement lifestyle is on. It’s intended that a prospective preferable to maintaining home? homebuyer can page through the What timeframes are critical for magazine and form a positive them? Many new Residents are selling a impression of the community. The Eagle is our home, planning a move, selecting a property version of that, and it often highlights details here, and that’s a lot of balls to juggle. about the ARC a prospective Resident will

KS: Are there any common characteristics appreciate. It’s very helpful. So, keep doing what you’re doing. you’ve noticed from observing new Residents?

DS: There is one. Ask any Resident who has KS: The pool of potential Residents, that being been here a year or so, if they feel they should retired officers and their spouses, and widows or widowers, is much smaller than years ago. have waited longer before moving to the ARC? The answer is an invariably they are glad they DS: That’s true. But this is Military City, USA. came here when they did, or even wish they If you were in the Air Force, you’ve been to had come sooner. That being the case, the San Antonio. If you had an Army, Navy, or Air Marketing challenge is to introduce our Force medical specialty, you probably have community to many potential Residents and been to San Antonio. We work to become provide them the answers to their unique connected and stay connected with potential interests and situations. And find current Residents who have been to San Antonio. Residents who will share their perspective on why they came here when they did. 10 The Eagle January 2019 A Conversation with the Marketing Director

We also have made visits to JBSA-Fort Sam have decorated, or, more importantly, used the Houston, to Fort Bliss (El Paso), and to Fort space. Hood (Killeen). We’re considering some out of state destinations, too. Our national presence You can get a sense of activities here if you is from our website, armyresidence.com, and review the monthly community newsletter, The by advertising, principally with an organization Eagle, which can be emailed to you. My office like MOAA, the Military Officers Association. arranges occasional luncheons for prospective Residents which cover useful topics. If you’re KS: When a prospective Resident visits here, within the local area, this would be a great what can they expect? idea.

DS: A visitor to the ARC will discover an KS: You’ve worked at another retirement established, comfortable setting in the fastest community before coming to the ARC. What growing metro area in Texas. A retirement makes the ARC unique? community that’s financially stable and it’s competitively priced. We’ll welcome and listen DS: Characteristics are often tough to to you, and we’ll plan with you. We’ll show you describe, but easy to recognize. There are a what’s available, and what’s likely to become lot of little things which become significant. available. We’ll describe or take you through The Army Residence Community has the word the process of designing optional features into “Army” in its title, but probably has as many or an available property you may select. more Air Force Residents. There’s no service rivalry except during football season for the KS: What advice would you give prospective Army-Navy game, for example, and then it’s Residents considering moving-in during 2019? good natured.

DS: Contact us now, and let’s start the This is one of several retirement communities conversation. Moving from across the country in the U.S. which was established for retired or just a few miles away is still a lot of work. officers and their surviving spouses. But the Planning is key. Tell us what your deadlines or Residents don’t use the title of rank when requirements are so we can try to make them speaking to each other. The door plaques our deadlines and requirements, too. read “John and Mary So-and-So” instead of “Colonel and Mrs. John So-and-So.” Everyone I would recommend, when it comes to furniture greets each other. Nobody just walks past and possessions, that you decide what you can each other in the hallway. If Residents see live without. You’re someone they don’t probably moving from a recognize, they often larger home to a smaller walk up and introduce one here. Personal themselves. The ARC is treasures and keepsakes very collegial, and it’s aren’t treasures anymore also very respectful. if they’re crammed into a closet or nearby storage I’d like to conclude by unit. saying, 2019 will be a great year. Today is a If you prefer a certain good day to contact us. property floorplan, let us Either myself, or my know now and perhaps team, Esther Rush and we can arrange to show Bill Brown, will answer you both available your call or your email. properties and some Let’s start the occupied ones which conversation! highlight how Residents (Bill and Dolores at left.) January 2019 The Eagle 11 ‘All in the ARC Family’ In 1956 David Brooks was a high school graduate from the sleepy little town of Warren, Arkansas. Following graduation in June David boarded the bus for West Point to join the West Point class of 1960. After the first semester, he was “found” for deficiency in Spanish. David returned to Arkansas to study at the University to insure his passage of the reentry exam. He returned to West Point as a “recognized” plebe and joined his West Point '61 Classmates, Roommates, and now fellow ARC Residents (l to r): new class and roommates Bob David Brooks, Howard DeWitt, Bob Cairns Cairns and Howard DeWitt (above). WITHIN THE WEST POINT TRIO, Bob Cairns’ father was a career AF officer and THREE IS NOT A CROWD pilot. As military dependents, Bob and his sister, Mary Snowden Cairns (Mimi) lived in many by Karen Wallace places. At the end of Bob’s sophomore year in This is a snapshot of three West Point high school his father was reassigned to the classmates and roommates who reside at the Pentagon in Washington, DC. During his senior Army Residence Community: David Brooks, year Bob applied to the Air Force Academy, but Howard DeWitt, and Bob Cairns. not make the cut, so he entered Princeton The year was 1955 and Howard DeWitt was a University. He applied to the Air Force Academy young man living in the small Nebraska town of a second time but was turned down because he Hay Spring. After seeing the movie, A Long Gray was unable to pass the eye exam. During his Line, Howard knew he wanted to attend West Point because he could pursue a college education for free. His parents had no money for college. As with many small high schools at that time, the emphasis was not on math and science as it is today. His school was more a trade school geared to farming. When it came to the West Point entrance test Howard was deficient in math and science. To compensate he took correspondence classes and attended the University of Nebraska to insure passage of that exam. He required a nomination from a congressman. Eight times he wrote to his congressman and eight times there was no year at a neighbor of the Cairns’ who worked as answer. He became aware that his senator was a Congressional legislative liaison told Bob’s dad touring the farms around Hay Springs, so he that he knew a congressman from North Dakota followed (stalked) the senator for three days. On who had not been able to find his nominee to the last day the senator stopped walking the field West Point. Guess who got that nomination? and questioned Howard as to his purpose. Following Beast Barracks and as a “recognized Howard, replied, “Why don’t you answer my plebe” David was pleased to be able to help his letters?” roommates through their first year. The trio The two of them sat in the senator’s car while roomed together for two years, got along well, Howard told him his story. Within two days and had great fun. The third year Bob was Howard received his appointment to West Point. assigned a different room. Obviously, they created a strong bond which exists today.

12 The Eagle January 2019 ‘All in the ARC Family’ Girls? Were there no girls in the lives of the children: Todd, a retired AF colonel, and Ann Trio? Maybe there was. Terry Cairns’ father was whose husband is also a retired colonel. So that a two-term congressman from the state of “long gray line” continues in one fashion or Washington. When the congressman returned to another. Washington in 1955 after his reelection, Terry Howard met Nancy in 1989. She had an joined him. She entered Western High School in interesting career working for Ross Perot’s EDS D.C. where she met Bob. Terry finished high (Electronic Data Systems). That must have school and returned to the Northwest to enroll at been an interesting and exciting time. In 2008 the U. of Washington. However, she was not EDS was purchased by Hewlett-Packard; Nancy happy and returned to the D.C. area to work and retired in 2012. Terry told the couple about the attend college part time. She was also close ARC; they visited, retired, and moved in, but not enough that she could keep an eye on Bob at quite that quickly. West Point. Their relationship ebbed and flowed Upon graduation Howard and Bob were over the next few years, culminating in marriage commissioned into the Army while David was following Bob’s graduation in 1961. Son Chris commissioned into the Air Force. Howard and spent one year at West Point then resigned. He Bob selected artillery as their Combat Arms entered the Army as a Chaplain after his branch. For a first assignment the two suffered ordination as an Anglican priest. together while living on the north shore in Hawaii The summer following their plebe year, David and carpooling to work. Over the years it was and Bob went out to Redlands, CA where Bob’s not unusual for the two of them to be at the same parents and younger sister, Mimi, were living. assignment at the same time which strengthened That summer the boys had one thing in mind: their friendship even more. David’s first and finding girls for David. Over the four years of many subsequent assignments were to transport college, David was an occasional guest in the aircraft units. In the early 60’s David navigated Cairns’ home. Mimi must have just been the missions piloted by Dick Trzaskoma and Ron “little” sister. Mimi Ellis, both current residents of the ARC. After 5 grew up and went to years of flying, David served a year’s tour in school at Vietnam at the same time as Bob. The two Gettysburg. David couples enjoyed R&R in Hawaii at the same time. was not in her These three heroes of the 20th century had dating picture at that varied, worthwhile, and interesting post-military time. A couple of careers. Howard earned a master’s degree in times he was asked Mechanical Engineering. After serving twenty to escort her to ball years in the Army, Howard joined Lockheed games, but it Martin in Dallas, Texas. David earned a master’s sounded very degree in Civil Engineering, and with that degree platonic to this his specialty was creating major programs to “romantic-at-heart”. upgrade bases that had been languishing and During graduation decaying. David worked with top engineers, week for the Trio, architects, and environmental lawyers in the Air things obviously Force on a $3 Billion MILCON design and heated up for David construction management program. and Mimi (at left). The moving van carrying the possessions of One night, sometime during his navigator David and Mimi arrived at the ARC in November training, David dressed up in a suit and tie and 2010. After caring for an aging mother and went to the base bowling alley with a handful of looking ahead to future needs, Bob and Terry quarters; he called Mimi at Gettysburg and asked arrived at the ARC in March 2011. Terry her to marry him. Now that is a great military recruited classmates and friends. Eventually the proposal! That Christmas David went to DeWitts joined them, thus the West Point Trio Maxwell AFB for the engagement party. The was together again. They’re not attached at the wedding was set for 10 June 1962, after David hip, but they are forever good friends.

graduated from navigator training and would be Editor: This is the second of the series, “All in the enroute to Dover AFB, DE. I have lived this ARC Family,” originally compiled by Connie Furbish story! Mimi and David are parents to two and written by Karen Wallace. January 2019 The Eagle 13 The Betty Cheever Memorial Chapel design criteria and the by Bob Mesick location of the

This is a continuation and conclusion of the building. The history of how the Residents of the ARC committee designed and built their place of worship. The accepted the original installment is in the November 2018 initial work of issue of The Eagle. This piece begins with the architect Paul final two paragraphs from that installment, which Rheinlander, describes events in 1997. done in 1992,

Almost eight years into the process, Colonel as the design concept. David Presson called a special meeting of the Residents Council to address the chapel The second fund subject once more. Colonel Presson order of had done a great deal of study and lobbied business was all the members of the Council in preparation how to raise Bob Mesick for the meeting. the money

March 28, 1997 was a red-letter day. The following the Resident Council guidelines, resolution passed, stipulating that, i.e. all the money required to plan and "contributions shall be voluntary, there will construct the Chapel will be donated by not be a fund-raising drive, all the money will those interested. The plan: Contributions will be in the bank before construction starts". be encouraged through the release of timely information and a memorial gift program. End of first phase.

Phase 2 - Fund Raising and Planning Contribution plaque $1,000 Pew plaque $10,000 Raise the money and plan the building. Wait Stained Glass Window $15,000 a minute. No fund-raising drive allowed. Rose Window $25,000 Collect the voluntary contributions of those desiring to contribute. That worked. The The third task was an information plan: Use ball was in the ARC management court. the Eagle to keep the community informed, Here we had a new player. Colonel Bruce display an architect's rendition and a model Furbish had just moved into the Executive as soon as possible, prepare a slick Director’s chair. And what a player he proved brochure, continuously announce the status to be. In our first conversation about the of funds. By the end 1997 the brochure was project he ended with, "We are going to build ready. In April 1998 the ball was rolling a chapel." He and the entire ARC staff threw slowly: $43,800 in the fund. Then in September another miracle occurred. themselves into the project from start to finish. We anticipated a period of several years to

The new ARC Chapel Fund was opened in raise all the money, some said ten years, but June 1997 with $1,087. In October 1997 we knew that out there in the community there Colonel Furbish appointed two members was the potential for a large donation to tip the from the Protestant Chapel: BG Lloyd Leech balance and start a landslide. It happened. and Colonel Bob Mesick; two members from The Cheever family, a part of the community the Catholic Group: Mrs. Sue Fulbruge and from its opening, offered a large donation then Colonel Ed Kerker; and president of the estimated to be half the cost of the chapel. Resident Council, MG Judd Schulke. Colonel The Board of Directors, in accepting, agreed to Furbish chaired the new ARC Chapel Project name the chapel as a memorial to Betty Committee. Cheever. By November 20th the balance was $457,159 against an estimated cost of The first order of business was to affirm the $436,550. Construction was now a reality. 14 The Eagle January 2019 magnificent Missing Man Formation Monument at Randolph AFB and the Minute Man representing the Reserve and National Guard. When the design of the chapel was complete it was evident that a large window could be placed in a light box over the rear doors of the chapel. That brought us to twelve windows. The Cavallini Company of San Antonio was selected to design Phase Ill: Construction. and install the windows. The original size was 4 x 8. That was reduced to the size and shape The Foundation Board approved the plan and you see today. Their cost was one of the big authorized construction. There was a delay of escalations of the total cost. The committee forty-five days as modifications were made to considered four options. Plain stained glass -- the design and the plans redrawn. This was $43,815. One spiritual design -- $53,399. One caused by a major problem with the soil and a secular design -- $56,599. Two images: county fire inspector. The foundation was secular and spiritual -- $66,199. It was easy to redesigned, and a fire wall inserted between choose two images as the money was rolling the two buildings. Tiberon Construction was in. The cost of the chapel went to $571,139. selected to manage the project. This company had also built Lundys Lane and Quebec, but The Betty Cheever Memorial Chapel was their specialty was churches. They built dedicated on Friday, December 10th, 1999 at Windcrest Presbyterian and the Lutheran 3 PM. The first service for the Protestant Church on Crestway, now a Head Start center. Chapel was December 12th, 1999. It was ten Ground breaking was set for April 26, 1999. years four months - start to finish. All the money was contributed in one year, five The design of the windows was a key factor for months. The chapel was constructed in nine community acceptance and fund raising. The months. plan called for four windows on each side and circular window over the altar. How did it end Today the fund balance is $66,500. The up with twelve windows? The absolute obligation for the chapel to be no cost to the insistence of people wanting to contribute community is still there. Additions, major money. Mrs. Ann Arbuthnot volunteered to maintenance and future renovations must be raise the money for the Air Force window. In covered by the users. three days, she had pledges for more than $15,000. She asked for another window The fund is controlled by the ARC Chapel because, "she hated to disappoint potential Project Committee. Memorials and other contributors.” The Building Committee quickly contributions are still accepted. approved plans to move the two religious Editor’s Note: This series will continue with a windows to the back wall freeing up two description of the windows of the Chapel. windows. This resulted in adding the

January 2019 The Eagle 15 Art Wall Artist of The Month desiring to refrain from bragging, but did say, Joseph Webb “A beautiful brown trout.” Hand Tied Fishing Flies Fly tying goes back to the early Egyptians and Native American peoples. Their attempt to By: Alfred W. Bates match the food source of indigenous bugs Was tying flies ever relevant to spirituality in continues today, but with huge improvements the Army? Yes. During WWII, a U.S. Outfitter in the size, color, and detail of flies due to the donated tying kits to GI’s in an effort to help science of entomology. Flies are developed for them with distress, PTSD, boredom, and offer both fresh and salt-water fishing. opportunity for creativity. The outfitter knew tying flies created a mindset whereby the Joseph’s art of tying flies began several years individual has to concentrate on the detailed ago when he realized his ineptitude casting task of tying. Therefore, enabling the soldier to was costing him money by losing some pricy get his/her mind off their problem and provide commercial flies. His brother in-law, already an opportunity to think about better times at proficient in the art of tying flies, taught Joseph home, and give them spiritual hope toward the basics. After that, he was “hooked”. His recovery. Joseph Webb experiences a like kind passion for tying grew stronger as he learned of concentration, peace of mind, and relaxation more and worked his art into an enjoyable, each time he performs his art of fly tying. relaxing, and productive life event.

Using, what Joseph calls, the “recipe book,” he creates and ties four different types of fresh water flies. Dry, Wet, Nymphs, and Bead Headed Nymphs. (Examples of these are pictured in the continuing pages of this article on the ARC.net.) The dry fly is designed to float on top of the water, while the other flies are for angling underwater at different depths.

Some components used by Joseph to make flies consist of selected hooks, threads in different gages and colors, tinsel, wire, hair, feathers, and cements. A new fly pattern can Joseph – Tying a Fly take him as long as 20 minutes to make, but Seated at his workbench in the study of his when repeated it may only take 10 minutes. residence, Joseph is pictured above hand tying Although the aforementioned book details how a fishing fly, while also enjoying the birds a particular fly should be made, he sometimes feeding outside his window. He and his wife, deviates from the “recipe” to create a fly he Victoria, have lived at the ARC for 3 years. hopes will stimulate a fish to anger causing it to Joseph has been fishing over 50 years but attack. Then, the excitement of catch/release. tying flies for fewer years. Besides fishing in the lakes and streams of the United States, he Be sure and stop by the Art Wall in the Lobby has fished in Germany and France. When and enjoy Joseph’s art. See pictures and read asked about the largest fish he’s caught using more about his art in the continuing pages of one of his flies, he wouldn’t reveal the size, this article on armyresidence.net 16 The Eagle January 2019 NEW CLASSES AND GROUPS FORMING: 1/15/19 – PBS documentary “The Mayo ELECTRONIC DARTS! Clinic: Faith, Hope and Attention Dart game enthusiasts! An electronic dart Science” Part One (2018 / board has been purchased and installed in the Activities Approx. 60 min.) This Room in the High Rise thanks to Resident Gary documentary tells the Halgunseth. Reserved game time will be on Mondays story of the renowned from 1:30pm – 3:30pm. Questions? Contact Gary institution that has been Halgunseth at (210) 487-9872. called a “Medical Mecca,”

and the “place for hope ART CLASSES BEGIN AGAIN IN where there is no hope.” JANUARY! Thursdays from 1:00pm—4:00pm in 1/22/19 - PBS documentary “The Mayo Clinic” Part the Activities Room starting January Two (Approx. 60 min.) 10th, 2018 (8 classes total; Jan. 10th, 1/29/19 – BBC Video presents “Planet Earth: From 17th, 24th and 31st. Feb. 7th, 14th, 21st and 28th.) Pole to Pole, Mountains, Fresh Water” Part One (2007/ Supplies—See Jane in Activities for Maren’s supply list. Approx. 60 min.) This stunning presentation captures Cost— $144.00 for 8 classes ($18.00 each 3 hr. class). rare action, impossible locations and intimate moments Sign-up on the Activities bulletin board. with our planet’s best-loved and most elusive creatures.

DO YOU LIKE DICE GAMES? GET YOUR ACTIVITIES CALENDAR! Have you ever heard of “Farkle”? Stop by the Activities office by the photo wall down the It’s a fun and easy dice game. If hall from the High-Rise mail room and pick up a copy of you’re interested in joining a group this month’s Activities Calendar and the Lakeside to play Farkle or have questions, Theater movie schedule. Can’t stop by? Call Jane contact Resident Sigrid McShane at (210) 566-1098. Winzeler at ext. 5305 to have one dropped into your

mailbox. Christmas Decorating Committee Take- Down/ Room Closures ARC EXCURSIONS (Get details and sign-up on the Activities bulletin board.) For decoration TAKE-DOWN, note the following th closures: Tuesday 8 – Lunch at “Bangkok Cuisine” with the Luncheonaires. Bus will leave the ARC at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, 2 January – Tuesday, 8 January, the Wednesday 9th – Broadway San Antonio presents “The ACTIVITIES ROOM will be closed. Card groups, knitters, Waitress” at the Majestic Theatre. Bus will leave the sewers and artists needing supplies stored in Activities ARC at 6:30 p.m. room during this time will need to remove them PRIOR to Wednesday the 2nd. Supplies will not be accessible Friday 11th – S.A. Symphony Classics Series presents during the closure. Thank you for your help! “Brahms Symphony #4” at the Tobin Center. Bus will leave at 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, 2 January – Friday, 4 January, CRESTWAY Tuesday 15th - Lunch at “Papa Dante’s” with the AUDITORIUM will be closed. Luncheonaires. Bus will leave the ARC at 11:30 a.m. If you should decide to move your group to Wednesday 16th – Shopping trip to SAS Shoes Factory another room during the closures, please notify & General Store. Bus will leave the ARC at 9:30 a.m. Jane in Activities at 646-5305 so that a notice can Friday 18th – S.A. Symphony Pops Series presents be placed on the CIC for you in advance. “Sinatra & Beyond with Tony DeSare” at the Tobin ------TUESDAY MORNING COFFEE Center. Bus leaves the ARC at 7:00 p.m. th DOCUMENTARY SCHEDULE Sunday 20 – MBAW presents Golden Age Series Every Tuesday at 9:30am in featuring “Triptych” at the San Fernando Cathedral. the Activities Room. Coffee Bus leaves the ARC at 6:00 p.m. & pastries provided. Tuesday 22nd - Lunch at “Bracken Burger” with the

Luncheonaires. Bus leaves the ARC at 11:00 a.m.

January 2019 The Eagle 17 Thursday 24th – Dinner Night Out at “Fredericks Monte Carlo Night

Restaurant” on Broadway. Bus will leave the ARC at by Bruce Furbish 5:00 p.m. The members of the ARC Golden K Kiwanis th Friday 25 – S.A. Symphony Classics Series presents Club invite you to attend our annual fund raiser, “Journey’s End: Mahler” at the Tobin Center. Bus Monte Carlo Night, on Thursday, 14 March leaves the ARC at 7:00 p.m. 2019 from 7:00 to 9:00 in the evening in the Saturday 26th - Fort Sam Harlequin Theatre presents auditorium and the surrounding conference “Murder on the Nile”. Bus will leave the ARC at 7:00 and meeting rooms. p.m. This is the 25th year of our club sponsoring this Tuesday 29th - Lunch at “Grumpy’s Cafe” in Bracken event and 100% of the net revenues from this with the Luncheonaires. Bus leaves the ARC at 11:00 evening support our children’s outreach a.m. programs, the largest of which is our scholarship program for ARC employees and their IN-HOUSE ACTIVITIES dependents. In 2018, we funded 50 scholarships in the amount of $43,000. Tuesday 8th – Eagle Luncheon, 11:30 AM to 1 PM, In the 25 years Kiwanis has sponsored these Auditorium. Please see page 20 for details. scholarships we have helped many employees Monday 28th – ARC Nightclub Night featuring “The acquire the education needed to improve their Accidental Trio” at 7:00 p.m. in the Auditorium. This is job opportunities both within and outside the a rare opportunity to see and hear a rare live Community. Our Director of Housekeeping, performance by this phenomenal trio. They are: Jazz Elida Longoria, is an example of this upward guitarist and head of the UTSA guitar department Dr. mobility as she earned her Housekeeper Mathew Dunne, “The Jazz Voice of San Antonio” and credential through a Kiwanis scholarship. Our host of the KRTU radio show of the same name, singer Health Care Center also has many nurses who extraordinaire Joan Carroll and the incomparable Mark earned their LVN and even RN credentials Rubenstein on accordion. Beer, wine and soft drinks through this program. will be available for purchase. Made possible by Tickets are $35/each and in addition to playing Residents Al and Lynn Hoppe. Las Vegas style gaming using play money for ------real prizes you will enjoy complimentary beer, wine, sodas, popcorn and ice cream. This year we will have 29 blackjack, 3 poker, 2 roulette, and 1 dice table and 14 slot machines. There will also be a silent auction with prizes worth thousands of dollars.

Tickets can be purchased starting 1 February from designated Kiwanis and volunteer salespersons for each floor of the high-rise and each street. Family members and guests are welcome as well. Your admittance ticket starts you with $3,000 in poker chips redeemable at the first gaming table that you choose. More chips can be bought at the cashier station by the

th front stage. If you can’t attend, a tax-deductible SAVE THE DATE! Thursday, February 7 , donation (ARC Kiwanis Foundation) is another Auditorium, The Variety Group of the option to consider. ‘Seniors of Note!’ They will perform an awesome song list with “Love” as the theme. Mark your calendars to attend this special The show is titled “LOVE, or Something Like evening. I guarantee you will have a fun time It.” Evening performance, prelude to while supporting a very worthy cause. I hope to Valentine’s Day. Experience the Joy of Music! see you there!

18 The Eagle January 2019 The Straight Story Places in the Heart (1999) 1:30 PM / 1 (1984) 1:30 PM / hr. 52 min. Rated Rated PG / 1hr. 51 G. Based on a true min. / Drama. In story, this film central Texas in the drama shows 73- 1930s, a widow, with year-old Alvin two small children, Straight from tries to run her 40- Laurens, Iowa, acre farm. Winner of riding a lawn mower two Oscars: Best for six weeks to Mt. Actress (Sally Field), Zion, Wis., to Best Original reunite with his Screenplay. ailing older brother.

The World's Turner & Hooch Fastest Indian (1989) 1:30 PM. (2005) 1:30 PM. Rated PG / 1hr. 37 PG-13 / 2h 7min / min. / Comedy, Biography, Drama, Crime, Drama. Scott Sport. The story of Turner (Tom Hanks), New Zealander Burt a detective, must Munro, who spent adopt the dog years rebuilding a (Hooch) of a dead 1920 Indian man to keep Hooch motorcycle, which from being “put to helped him set the sleep” and to help land speed world Turner find the record at Utah's murderer. Bonneville Salt Flats in 1967.

Crazy Rich Asians LAKESIDE MOVIE SCHEDULE—JANUARY (2018) Dinner and a Movie, and Friday Friday, 4 January, 1:30 PM: The Straight Story. Matinee Rescreening. Rated PG-13 / 2h / Friday, 11 January, 1:30 PM: Places in the Heart.

Comedy, Romance. Friday, 18 January, 1:30 PM: The World’s Fastest This contemporary Indian. romantic comedy, based on a global Saturday, 19 January, 1:30 PM: Turner and Hooch. bestseller, follows native New Yorker Wednesday, 23 January, Dinner and a Movie: Rachel Chu to Happy Hour at 4:30 PM, Dinner in Water’s Edge at Singapore to meet her 5 PM, and Movie at 6:30 PM: Crazy Rich Asians. boyfriend's incredibly wealthy family. Friday, 25 January, 1:30 PM: Crazy Rich Asians.

Movie descriptions taken from imdb.com.

January 2019 The Eagle 19 January Eagle Luncheon Speaker is Jackie Van De Jackie Van De Walle Walle’s talk may Senior Vice President for Life include: What to San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo expect at this year’s Stock All Residents are invited to a luncheon on Show & Rodeo; Tuesday, 8 January, 11:30 AM to 1 PM, in the The youth Auditorium. The speaker is Jackie Van De education Walle (at right), the Senior Vice President for programs the Life, San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo. Stock Show & Rodeo supports; Jackie Van De Walle is a third-generation Changes in native San Antonian whose family worked and Farming and made their livelihood in farming and ranching. Ranching in She was the first female President of the Bexar County South Texas Farm and Ranch Club. and surrounding Jackie was inducted into the San Antonio area; Use of Women’s Hall of Fame in 1988 in the Horses for Category of: Ranching and Agriculture. Therapy of troubled Youth. She has served as an Assistant Vice President of the San Antonio Stock Show & Jackie is the Chairman Emeritus of the Rodeo overseeing Western Art and Public Alamo Community College District Foundation, Affairs Committees and the Speaker’s and a past Trustee of Our Lady of the Lake Committee; a member of the SALE Leadership University. Team; a member of the Board of Directors; a Executive Chef Julian Flores will present member of Cowboy Church Committee; past another superb meal. It begins with Spinach Chairman of the Ambassadors Committee for Salad with Red Onions and Berries with 22 years; a member of the Auction Committee Raspberry Dressing on the Side, followed by and Buyer; past member of Souvenir Committee Asparagus-Stuffed Pork Roulade with as well as numerous others. Blackberry Demi, Green Rice, Mozzarella Jackie has served as an Advisory Board Tomato, Chocolate Spice Cake with Brandy Member for the Texas Department of Chocolate Syrup, and Coffee, Iced Tea, and Agriculture District 6, which covers 31 counties, Water. All for an $8 meal account charge. including Bexar County. Reservations are required and go quickly. Please make Reservations now, by contacting Kevin Scott at (210)-646-5820, or email [email protected]. Thank you!

The San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo has grown to one of the largest, most prestigious single events in the city of San Antonio, with over two million visitors entering the grounds each year. The success of the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo is attributed to over 6,000 volunteers who give countless hours to the organization. With community, donor and volunteer support, the organization has donated more than $198 million to the youth of Texas through scholarships, grants, endowments, junior livestock auctions, youth western art auction, calf scramble program and show premiums.

20 The Eagle January 2019 Clinic Providers at the ARC The possibility of seeing doctors or dentists Please bear in mind that Resident Services right here on the ARC campus re- mains one of cannot schedule or cancel your appointments. our most convenient amenities. Resident Please call the Front Desk to arrange shuttle Services recently took over the coordination of transportation to Lakeside Landing Clinic. inviting local area medical and dental providers to Resident Services updates the calendar as see patients in the clinical offices on the second changes arise and post it to ARCNet under floor of Lakeside Landing. Resident Services; the Clubs & Classes bulletin To make an appointment, please contact the board near the High-Rise mailroom; and on a provider directly. The providers who come to the poster outside the clinic itself. Resident Services ARC generally have offices nearby should you also forwards a copy to the Eagle, as well as to the Front Desk to keep them current. need to see them on a different day. Physicians

MONDAYS TUESDAYS WEDNESDAYS THURSDAYS 9 AM—4 PM 1:30—5:00 PM 9 AM—4 PM 9 AM—4 PM Dentists Dr. Osborne Dr. Carey Dr. Carey Dr. Sabino TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT: CALL 210-646-3335 OR 210-832-9993

DR. MANO VALDERAZ, O.D. Doctors at Lakeside Landing In Focus Eye Care If needed, Please arrange transportation with the 210-590-3333 Front Desk, at 210-646-5300, 24 hours in Advance Lakeside Schedule: Third Wed AM

DR. TRACY BOARD, AU.D. DR. HILARY ARNAUD AU.D. Audicles Hearing Audiology A&B Hearing 210-820-0525 210-653-1722 Lakeside Schedule: Lakeside Schedule: Third Tues AM Third Mon

DR. DOUGLAS DENHAM, D.O. ABC Family Practice 210-569-9800 Lakeside Schedule: Wed PM

DR. MICHAEL LANGLOIS D.P.M. The Podiatry Group 210-650-0314 Dentists at Lakeside Landing Lakeside Schedule: If needed, Please arrange transportation with the Wed AM Front Desk, at 210-646-5300, 24 hours in Advance

DR. J. C. FLETCHER JR., D.O DR. GREGORY OSBORNE, D.D.S. Cardiology Clinic of San Antonio Oakwell Dentistry 210-967-0096 210-832-9993 or 210-646-3335 Lakeside Schedule: Lakeside Schedule: First Tues AM Mondays: 9 AM to 4 PM Third Tues PM

DR. LAURA GIVENS, M.D. DR. DYLAN CAREY, D.D.S. Oakwell Dentistry Centric Physicians 210-832-9993 or 210-646-3335 830-267-4575 Lakeside Schedule: Lakeside Schedule: Tuesdays: 1:30 to 5 PM Fridays AM Wednesdays: 9 AM to 4 PM

DR. ORLANDO KYPUROS, M.D. DR. ANTHONY SABINO, D.D.S. Alamo Wellness Alliance Oakwell Dentistry 210-468-2333 210-832-9993 or 210-646-3335 Lakeside Schedule: Lakeside Schedule: Second Tues AM Thursdays: 9 AM to 4 PM Fourth Tues AM By Appointment at Crestway HCC

Savannah, in 1778. A British force of between 2500 and 3600 troops, launched a surprise attack. The Americans fled the city after suffering significant casualties, and the British occupied Savannah until they left on their own accord in 1782. This map of Savannah is oriented to the south. The Savannah River is the northern boundary of the city.

THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION into Virginia. Such a campaign, if combined 240 YEARS AGO: JANUARY 1779 with offensive operations launched from New STARTING POINT: SAVANNAH York, might, it was hoped, end the war.

A NEW SOUTHERN STRATEGY There were other factors that made a by Mike Huebner “Southern Strategy” attractive. It was thought that the Loyalist population was significantly In late November 1778, some 3,500 British, higher in the South – and many of those Hessian, and Loyalist troops, under the Loyalists might rise up to join the British forces. command of Lieutenant Colonel Archibald And the British Army’s logistical burdens would Campbell, had sailed from New York for be considerably eased with access to the rich Savannah, Georgia. This was to be the first crop lands and livestock herds of the South. stage of Britain’s new “Southern Strategy.” With the war in the North at a stalemate, There was another factor to consider: the Britain’s leadership was looking to strike the Southern slave population. British offers that decisive blow in the South. slaves who left their colonial masters would be granted their freedom promised to add An earlier attempt by the British to prosecute significant manpower to the British war effort. a campaign in the South, starting with the As one Maryland congressman wrote: “The capture of Charleston, had ended in failure in greatest source of danger is the accession of the summer of 1776. But now, conditions strength they [the British] will peacefully seemed ripe to proceed with subjugating receive from the Black inhabitants.” Georgia, then moving up through the Carolinas 23 The Eagle January 2019 Campbell’s invasion force arrived off the path through the swamp, around the American coast of Georgia two days before Christmas. flank. Campbell launched a small frontal attack Over the next few days his troop transports as a diversion, then fell on the Americans from ferried his army up the Savannah River, the rear with his main force. It was a rout. landing them at a small plantation a few miles More than eighty Americans were killed, more from Savannah. than two-thirds of the rest captured. The British had seven killed and seventeen Brigadier General wounded. Robert Howe, (right) a wealthy North Carolina By early January, Campbell’s forces planter, was in command were fully in control of Savannah. Over of the forces defending the next few weeks Augusta and other key Savannah. Earlier in the towns in Georgia fell to the British without year he had attempted to significant combat. Most of Georgia, for all invade Florida, but had practical purposes, was in British hands. mismanaged the effort so badly that Congress had Washington, still fixated on the British voted to relieve him. As army in New York City, dismissed the loss his replacement had not of Savannah as inconsequential. Even the yet arrived, though, Howe occupation of Georgia, he opined, would remained in command. “contribute very little” to the British war Howe had fewer than 900 men, a third of effort. them poorly trained Georgia militia. The fortifications of Savannah were woefully But Southerners in Congress felt differently. inadequate, and Howe had done little to “The enemy have at length discovered our improve them. His options were limited: try to weak part,” wrote one. Washington would establish defensive positions around the city have reason to reconsider the consequences and prepare for a lengthy siege – or of Britain’s “Southern Strategy” over the next abandon Savannah to the enemy. couple years.

But there was a third option: Editor: From Brewton’s Hill, a bluff overlooking the History.com: plantation where Campbell’s force was On 29 December 1778, encamped. From there, Howe’s guns British Lieutenant could have wreaked havoc on Colonel Archibald Campbell’s forces. And, if Campbell Campbell (left) and his had chosen to assault the bluff, he force of between 2500 would have paid a heavy price. and 3600 troops, which Howe, though, chose yet a different included the 71st option. He elected to deploy his men, Highland Regiment, mostly in the open, across the main New York Loyalists, and road leading to Savannah. It was not a Hessian mercenaries, bad position, though. One flank was launched a surprise anchored on an impassable, heavily attack on American forested area, the other on a swamp. forces defending Campbell later admitted that a frontal Savannah, Georgia, a assault would have been costly. paltry force of between 650 and 900 men. But such an assault never happened. A runaway slave showed the British a

24 The Eagle January 2019 Art Wall Artist of The Month desiring to refrain from bragging, but did say, Joseph Webb “A beautiful brown trout.” Hand Tied Fishing Flies Fly tying goes back to the early Egyptians and Native American peoples. Their attempt to By: Alfred W. Bates match the food source of indigenous bugs Was tying flies ever relevant to spirituality in continues today, but with huge improvements the Army? Yes. During WWII, a U.S. Outfitter in the size, color, and detail of flies due to the donated tying kits to GI’s in an effort to help science of entomology. Flies are developed for both fresh and salt-water fishing. them with distress, PTSD, boredom, and offer opportunity for creativity. The outfitter knew Joseph’s art of tying flies began several years tying flies created a mindset whereby the individual has to concentrate on the detailed ago when he realized his ineptitude casting was costing him money by losing some pricy task of tying. Therefore, enabling the soldier to commercial flies. His brother in-law, already get his/her mind off their problem and provide an opportunity to think about better times at proficient in the art of tying flies, taught Joseph home, and give them spiritual hope toward the basics. After that, he was “hooked”. His recovery. Joseph Webb experiences a like kind passion for tying grew stronger as he learned more and worked his art into an enjoyable, of concentration, peace of mind, and relaxation each time he performs his art of fly tying. relaxing, and productive life event. Using, what Joseph calls, the “recipe book,” he creates and ties four different types of fresh water flies. Dry, Wet, Nymphs, and Bead Headed Nymphs. (Examples of these are pictured in the continuing pages of this article on the ARC.net.) The dry fly is designed to float on top of the water, while the other flies are for angling underwater at different depths.

Some components used by Joseph to make flies consist of selected hooks, threads in different gages and colors, tinsel, wire, hair, feathers, and cements. A new fly pattern can Joseph – Tying a Fly take him as long as 20 minutes to make, but when repeated it may only take 10 minutes. Seated at his workbench in the study of his residence, Joseph is pictured above hand tying Although the aforementioned book details how a fishing fly, while also enjoying the birds a particular fly should be made, he sometimes feeding outside his window. He and his wife, deviates from the “recipe” to create a fly he Victoria, have lived at the ARC for 3 years. hopes will stimulate a fish to anger causing it to Joseph has been fishing over 50 years but attack. Then, the excitement of catch/release. tying flies for fewer years. Besides fishing in the lakes and streams of the United States, he Be sure and stop by the Art Wall in the Lobby has fished in Germany and France. When and enjoy Joseph’s art. See pictures and read asked about the largest fish he’s caught using more about his art in the continuing pages of one of his flies, he wouldn’t reveal the size, this article on armyresidence.net

25 The Eagle January 2019 Continuation: Art Wall Artist of The Month Joseph Webb Hand Tied Fishing Flies

By: Alfred W. Bates Miniature Beaded Head Nymph - Wet Fly

Woolly Bugger Fly - Joseph's Favorite

Various Sizes Beaded Head Wet Flies

Blue and Purple Streamer - Wet Fly

Tools Used To Tie Flies

Mini Size Brown Fly - Dry

Small Beaded Head Nymph - Wet Fly Various Sizes of Wet and Dry Flies

26 The Eagle January 2019 Continuation: He lines old tobacco tins with green felt to Art Wall Artist of The Month present an attractive and unique packaging for Joseph Webb the donated flies. Hand Tied Fishing Flies

By: Alfred W. Bates

Various Colored / Gages of Threads, and Cements Wet & Dry Flies for Donation used in Fly Tying

Tying Vise

Besides having created hundreds of fishing flies for himself, Joseph also donates several of his flies to non-profit organizations to help Wet & Dry Flies for Donation them raise money through their silent auctions. Samples of the donations are pictured at right Joseph has also shared his knowledge of fly and usually promote bids from $30 to $50. tying with other anglers by teaching at Trout Unlimited and other local organizations.

27 The Eagle January 2019 Anzio: Operation Shingle

WORLD WAR II: EUROPE would force the Germans to pull troops from 75 YEARS AGO: JANUARY 1944 the Winter Line, opening the way for the Fifth ANZIO: OPERATION SHINGLE and Eighth Armies to break through. “A STRONG ODOR OF GALLIPOLI” But such an ambitious operation, while by Mike Huebner attractive, was fraught with difficulties. The main issue was the shortage of landing craft. As the year 1943 drew to a close, the Allies Most of the landing craft in the Mediterranean found themselves “bogged down” in the had already been redeployed to England in mountains of central Italy, some seventy-five preparation for the cross-channel invasion of miles south of Rome, unable to break through France, OPERATION OVERLORD, planned the formidable German defenses anchored on for the spring of 1944. the dominating heights of Monte Cassino. Rome seemed more elusive than ever. Eisenhower, before departing the Mediterranean theater to take command of Since early November, Allied leaders had been OVERLORD, had authorized the temporary looking for an alternative to the brutal mountain retention of some of the landing craft for the fighting. Winston Churchill proposed an Anzio operation. But, like George Marshall, amphibious “end-run” around the Winter Line, Eisenhower saw Anzio as just another example landing a force on Italy’s western coast at a of Churchill’s penchant for “nibbling” operations place called Anzio, just forty-five miles from on the periphery at the expense of the main Rome. This threat to Rome, it was hoped,

28 The Eagle January 2019 Anzio: Operation Shingle effort in France. The diversion of landing craft, Churchill’s role in the disastrous Dardanelles it was feared, albeit temporary, might delay operation of the First World War. OVERLORD. Clark’s doubts did little to bolster Lucas’ But even with the additional landing craft, confidence. “Don’t stick your neck out, there would be only enough to initially land two Johnny,” he told Lucas. Clark’s orders to divisions. Planners worried that a force of that Lucas were “to seize and secure a beachhead” size would be insufficient to secure the and, if possible, “advance on Colli Laziali,” the beachhead, defeat the inevitable high ground (the Alban Hills) between Anzio counterattacks, and still present a credible and Rome. The phrase “advance on” was threat to Rome. Some worried that the rather vague, suggesting that Clark himself beachhead itself might be overrun before Fifth was not all that confident in his own Army could break through and link-up. headquarters’ intelligence estimates and did not want Lucas to risk his corps in advancing Despite these concerns, Churchill was inland too fast if conditions did not warrant. insistent that the Anzio landings, now designated OPERATION SHINGLE, take place OPERATION SHINGLE was to kick off on 22 as planned. For Churchill, the entire Italian January. Lucas would have the U.S. 3rd Infantry campaign would be meaningless if Rome was Division and British 1st Division along with not taken. several detachments of British Commandos and U.S. Army Rangers. The U.S. 1st Armored and Mark Clark was pessimistic about the 45th Infantry Divisions would be in reserve, if probable success of SHINGLE. But, with the needed, subject to Clark’s orders. assurance that sufficient landing craft would be available, he reluctantly came around. Clark, Prior to the Anzio landings, Fifth Army would too, was obsessed with Rome, and was make a major offensive effort to divert German determined that his Fifth Army would have the attention. The objective was to pin down honor of capturing the “Eternal City.” If the German forces on the Winter Line, capture key landings at Anzio would help Clark get to terrain on the approaches to Monte Cassino, Rome, he would see that SHINGLE was and force commitment of any reserves near carried out. Rome that might be used against the Anzio beachhead. If successful, those attacks might Clark assigned even break through into the Liri Valley, opening Major General the way to link-up with the Anzio force. John Lucas (left) and his VI Corps The main component of Fifth Army’s to conduct the diversionary operation was an assault crossing Anzio landings. of the Rapido River. Clark assigned that Lucas, too, felt the mission to the hard-luck 36th Division that had force was too been bloodied at Salerno. small and had too little time for At first glance, the Rapido did not look to be training. “I felt like a major obstacle. The river was less than fifty a lamb being led feet wide, although it was ten feet deep with to the slaughter,” he confided to his diary. steep banks. But the Germans controlled all Lucas was also concerned about the the high ground on the far bank. And the intelligence coming from Fifth Army and the approaches to the river were swampy and overly optimistic assumptions about German devoid of cover. The 36th Division’s attack capabilities. “The whole affair has a strong would have to take place at night. odor of Gallipoli,” he wrote, alluding to

29 The Eagle January 2019 Anzio: Operation Shingle

Major General Fred Walker German artillery took the troops under (right) was not optimistic about fire while they were still more than a mile his division’s chances of from the river. Many of their rubber rafts success: “I do not know of a and wooden assault boats were single case in military history destroyed before they even reached the where an attempt to cross a river. Less than 1000 men from the 141st river that is incorporated into Infantry Regiment managed to get across the main line of defense has the river, but were pinned down succeeded. So I am prepared immediately by heavy German fire. The for defeat. . . We are 143rd Regiment fared little better, getting undertaking the impossible,” just one battalion across but then having he wrote. to withdraw those troops by 10:00 a.m.

Walker was right. When the British 46th A second assault late in the afternoon of the Division failed to get a bridgehead across the 21st failed as well. By 11:00 p.m. on the 22nd, river to protect the 36th’s left flank, the Texas the battle was over. Those troops still left on National Guardsmen were on their own. The the far side of the river were either dead or attack began at 8:00 p.m. on 20 January in a captured. dense fog.

30 The Eagle January 2019 Anzio: Operation Shingle Two understrength German infantry battalions were all that stood between Lucas’ VI Corps and the Alban Hills. The road to Rome was virtually open. But Field Marshal Albert Kesselring was quick to recognize the threat and muster a response. By the end of the first day, parts of three divisions were enroute to the Anzio beachhead, and four more divisions were th Wounded from the 36 Infantry Division evacuated from the Rapido River assault. on their way within twenty- four hours. By the end of The 36th Division suffered more than 2,000 day four, Kesselring had parts of eight divisions casualties (killed, wounded, and captured). surrounding the beachhead. Walker expected to be relieved, but Clark seemed to place most of the blame with some Lucas had done little to expand the of Walker’s subordinate commanders. Clark beachhead or advance inland. Some patrols himself took some criticism for ordering the penetrated ten miles or so, but pulled back attack in the first place, but strongly defended upon encountering growing German his decision, suggesting that intelligence resistance. “I must keep my feet on the ground intercepts showed that two German divisions and my forces in hand and do nothing foolish,” had been moved from Rome to the Winter Line Lucas confided to his diary. Aware of the in response to the Rapido attack. German buildup, Lucas elected to strengthen the beachhead and wait for the reserve [Note: In 1946, the 36th Division Association divisions to be landed. of Texas demanded a Congressional investigation of the “Rapido River fiasco,” Clark had warned Lucas, “Don’t stick your blaming Mark Clark for the disaster. Following neck out,” but was now getting impatient. He Congressional hearings that failed to find any radioed Lucas on the 24th: “How far have your fault by higher command, Secretary of War patrols worked? What are your intentions for Robert Patterson declared that the Rapido immediate operations?” In his own diary he operation “was a necessary one and that wrote: “Lucas must be aggressive. He must General Clark exercised sound judgment . . .”] take some chances.”

At dawn on 22 January, as the Rapido attack Not until 30 January – nine days after the was reaching its conclusion, the Anzio landing landings – did Lucas order a major advance on force went ashore against almost no the Alban Hills. It was a disaster; the Allies opposition. Both the port of Anzio and the suffered more than 5,500 casualties. Clark nearby town of Nettuno were captured intact. ordered Lucas to dig in and defend the By noon, the 3rd Division had advanced inland beachhead. If the Anzio force had diverted a nearly three miles, the British 1st Division number of German divisions, as it now almost two. By the end of the first day, 36,000 seemed, then maybe a breakthrough could be troops and 3,200 vehicles were ashore. “We achieved at Monte Cassino. achieved what is certainly one of the most complete surprises in history,” Lucas wrote in [Next month: Monte Cassino and the his diary. bombing of the Benedictine Monastery] 31 The Eagle January 2019 Red indicates border of area controlled by Japanese, blue indicates direction of Allied counteroffensives. and additional air and naval bases established WORLD WAR II: PACIFIC to support further operations against the next 75 YEARS AGO: JANUARY 1944 objective: the Marianas. NEXT STEP: THE MARSHALLS But some of Nimitz’s commanders objected by Mike Huebner to an immediate attack on Kwajalein. They With the capture of Tarawa and Makin in the noted that the atolls of Wotje, Maloelap, Mille, Gilberts, it was assumed that the next step and Jaluit had airfields well within range of would be the Marshalls. The Marshall Islands Kwajalein, as did many of the islands in the in the Central Pacific had always been a Carolinas and Marianas. Unless some of primary objective of America’s Pacific strategy. those airfields could be neutralized, an But there were questions exactly how and invasion force would be subject to continuous where to attack – or if an invasion was even air attacks. necessary. Admirals Raymond Spruance and Richmond Admiral Chester Nimitz favored an immediate Turner, along with General Holland Smith, had strike into the heart of the Marshalls island commanded the forces during the Tarawa group: Kwajalein, the largest atoll, located in operation and were especially concerned about the geographic center of the archipelago. the Japanese air threat and the defenses on Attacking the main Japanese base in the Kwajalein. But Nimitz’s planning officer, Marshalls, he argued, might force the Admiral Forrest Sherman, argued that the Japanese to commit a major part of their fleet Navy’s fast carrier task force had more than at odds favoring the U.S. Navy. And, once enough assets to neutralize those airbases and Kwajalein was secured, other airfields in the support the landings on Kwajalein. island chain could be captured or neutralized,

32 The Eagle January 2019 The 4th Marine Division, designated the Northern Landing Force, had the mission of capturing the northern islands of the Kwajalein Atoll: Roi and Namur. The Marines of the 4th Division had yet to experience combat, but they had the advantage of the lessons learned on Tarawa to guide their training. One of the main lessons was the need for additional amphibian tractors (amtracs) in each Marine division. Unfortunately, the new, more heavily armored amtracs were not received until mid-December, adversely impacting training. Still, the 4th Division would have enough amtracs to land the entire initial assault wave. Nimitz overruled his subordinates, th challenging Turner: “If you don’t want to do it, The 7 Division, the Southern Landing Force, the Department [of the Navy] will find someone was assigned to capture the main island of the th else to do it. Do you want to do it or not?” atoll, Kwajalein. The three regiments of the 7 Turner and Spruance gave in, but Nimitz had some combat experience, recapturing the th agreed that Majuro, in the easternmost Aleutians in May 1943. The 184 Infantry Marshalls, would be included as an initial Regiment had made an unopposed landing on th nd objective to provide additional airfields and a Kiska, but the 17 and 32 Regiments had secure naval anchorage to support the seen heavy combat on Attu. That experience, Kwajalein operation. “Thus,” Nimitz declared, however, was far different from what they “we get on with the war.” would face in the Central Pacific, and additional training was necessary.

Kwajalein and atolls in the eastern Marshalls The third element of the Kwajalein operation, were thought to be heavily defended, perhaps the capture of Majuro in the eastern Marshalls, even more so than Tarawa had been. As was assigned to the 106th Infantry Regiment of such, Nimitz’s commanders, having learned the Army’s 27th Division, another unit with little their lessons at Tarawa, insisted on days – not or no combat experience. But Majuro was just a few hours – of preliminary air and naval thought to be lightly defended. bombardment. And, they argued, several days of air and naval operations prior to the invasion The Joint Chiefs had initially directed might significantly “attrit” Japanese airpower OPERATION FLINTLOCK to commence on 1 throughout the Marshalls. January 1944. Nimitz requested, and subsequently received, authority to delay D- Admiral Spruance, commanding Fifth Fleet, Day until 31 January to allow additional time for would have overall responsibility, with Admiral amphibious training and aerial reconnaissance. Turner in command of the invasion task force. The delay would also provide more opportunity Holland Smith would command the actual for ground-based and naval air strikes to th invasion forces: the 4 Marine Division and the neutralize the air fields on the various atolls th Army’s 7 Infantry Division. Naval air support and pound the defenses on the islands of the would be provided by Rear Admiral Marc Kwajalein atoll. No one wanted to repeat the Mitscher’s Carrier Task Force 58. bloody experience of Tarawa.

[Next month: the battle for Kwajalein]

33 The Eagle January 2019 The First WIA

On 6 December 1944 we detrained near Longeville les Metz We were loaded on “18 and 2 ½” trucks with all our assets Those big trucks hauled 18 men or 2 ½ tons of cargo You can bet we were starting to get worried amigo

The 1st Battalion moved out of the area into battle positions Previously held by the 5th Division who held no allusions There was no front-line, we were placed in a complete surround So that we circled each of the Metz forts which were hardbound

Our enemy was encased in Fort Plappeville And we had them like in an anthill At night to capture Krauts we had to go out on patrol They had to forage for food which they stealthy stole

On 7 December 1944 - I don’t remember thinking about Pearl Harbor That night we went on patrol without an advisor While walking single file on a small trail a shot rang out A yip was heard and then the cause was found – there was no rout

One of the squad was shot through the hand His first aid kit came into play and he did withstand The patrol continued without further ado And we all returned safely to continue the next night anew

That night there was only one shot in the dark Why more were not fired was an inquiring remark There was lots of talk about a million-dollar self-inflected wound Nary a word was ever heard about him but the silence was profound

There is no dispute that some GI’s washed out of combat There were many ways to fake injury without using a brickbat A shot in the hand or the foot was always eyed closely But the opportunity for frozen feet was not an absurdity

Maybe it was better to let the few expose themselves as a copout For to depend on them in a pinch could cost a checkout I only knew one coward who chose a way out And he never came over with us – thank heavens for his dropout

Oh I almost forgot, there was a lieutenant Who knew how to hide in battle – utter amazement He went thru the war without a scratch – it was absurd He won a Bronze Star even though a coward

A WW II Poem by Charles Rowe Stout, A-345, 87th Inf Div

34 The Eagle January 2019 An article by Sig Christenson, Senior Reporter, San Antonio Express-News

In his dreams, San Antonio veteran, on a dry well — a paperweight with a teardrop- 94, relives Bulge nightmare shaped splash of crude in it.

By Sig Christenson, Dec. 22, 2018 Updated: Dec. 22, These days, he writes about the war and his 2018 6:50 p.m. comrades, Cotter and Jones in particular. They carried the Browning Automatic Rifle, a In the dream he has most often, Chuck Rowe weapon much heavier but similar in some ways Stout sees a fellow private first class, Doug to today’s M249 Squad Automatic Weapon, Jones, cut down after he rises during a firefight used to lay down suppressive fire. in the Battle of the Bulge. “All three buddies lay prone on a hill with their butts down,” he wrote in “Ode to a B.A.R. Trine,” one of 16 poems he has written about the war since the year 2000. “A sniper shot Doug Jones in the head with one round. He died before he hit the the ground. Doug was my buddy, the first to die. I couldn’t hold back my tears so I had to cry.”

Jones, a good friend, has seconds left to live. The dream lingers like an unhappy spirit, unable to move on, even 74 years later. Stout occasionally finds himself on a hill in the Ardennes Forest outside Moircy, in Belgium, with another friend, Pfc. Bill Cotter, trying to save Jones, whose helmet was in the crosshairs of a Nazi sniper scope. A last-chance German offensive, the Battle of “When you’re sleeping and you dream about it the Bulge ran from Dec. 16, 1944, to Jan. 25, and say, ‘If I do this, that wouldn’t have 1945. It was marked by huge losses — 89,000 happened,’” he said. “I don’t know whether Americans killed, wounded and taken prisoner, other guys do it, but I keep trying to make them with most accounts putting the German come out differently so one of my buddies casualties higher, up to 100,000. Cotter and didn’t get killed.” Jones were among the 19,000 U.S. soldiers killed. As he marks the anniversary of the Bulge, Stout, 94, is far removed from one of the As a final Allied victory seemed inevitable, 28 biggest battles of World War II and yet still German divisions stunned the American and can’t leave it behind. British generals by attacking along an 80-mile line from Monschau, Germany, to Echternach, He rose from enlistee to officer during the war, Luxembourg. The Nazis massed heavy tanks, went to college afterward. He had three paratroopers, SS troops and an elite Führer marriages and two kids. He’s not morose. He Grenadier brigade against six U.S. divisions. once was an investor in an oilfield drilling operation and chuckles while showing off the Germany's 5th and 6th Panzer armies overran only thing that came of the $50,000 he spent some Allied units and forced others into a 35 The Eagle January 2019 An article by Sig Christenson, Senior Reporter, San Antonio Express-News hasty retreat, pushing the front lines into a As a child in Denver, he would have been hit huge U-shaped bend that threatened to break by a car if not for the stranger who pulled him — the bulge. In bitter winter weather, the U.S. out of the way. Years later, Stout took a wrong 101st Airborne found itself surrounded, holding turn in the wee hours of the morning and fell the crossroads town of Bastogne. It was asleep, the car sliding off the road and heading relieved on Christmas as Allied reinforcements down an embankment. He woke up and began to regain the lost ground. stopped the car just in time. While surfing off the California coast, he swam further out to sea Adolph Hitler’s goal in launching the offensive to evade a series of giant, powerful waves that was to force a negotiated peace. His generals could have killed him. were against it, but if all went as planned Nazi forces would reach Antwerp to cut off and annihilate the British 21st Army Group and the U.S. First and Ninth Armies north of the Ardennes.

Resistance, however, quickly firmed up. The First and Ninth Armies shifted against the northern flank of the German punch while the British sent reserves to secure a line to the Meuse. Gen. George Patton’s Third Army rushed in from the south.

Stout and his fellow BAR men, Carter and Jones, were part of the 87th Infantry Division, It wasn’t anything he knew to do, just pure which was attached to Third Army. They were instinct, but Stout’s best luck came in the war. only six miles from Bastogne when ordered to “It was terrible; it was a nightmare. This attack a regiment of the Panzer Lehr Division, lieutenant sent us up there and he went with us an elite unit Hitler tasked to lead the Ardennes and the sergeant ask me to get my BAR and offensive. go up on the road and fire down into town, and I pulled the bolt back and it wouldn’t slide Panzer Lehr had fought in Normandy after D- forward fast enough,” he said. “It was frozen. Day and lost two-thirds of its troops to air So I went back down to the sergeant, he gave attacks as the Allied breakout began three me his rifle and (I) took it up there, … and fired weeks after the June 6 landings. It had been eight rounds real fast — bang! bang! bang! sent to the Ardennes for rest and refitting. bang! bang!

The BAR weighed 21 pounds, but that was “And it was about five minutes from then that nothing compared to the ammunition. Stout, we heard this tank squeak. I never will forget who weighed just 165 pounds, often carried up that squeak, squeak, squeak. It needed oil, the to 100 pounds of it. How he was able to do that tracks, with the snow … and it just squeaked is a story that goes back to 1941 and Beverly like hell, and it stopped on the road right above Hills High School in Los Angeles where he us.” earned letters on the gymnastics, track and football. The Panther, a medium tank, fired one round, and then another — “Wham! Wham!” Stout “Physically, I was in top shape,” he said. recalled. But Stout will tell you he was also lucky, from a A private first class bulled his way into Stout’s very young age. slit trench, saying, “‘I want in that hole with you!’ And I said, ‘There isn’t any room, Bill.’

36 The Eagle January 2019 An article by Sig Christenson, Senior Reporter, San Antonio Express-News

And he says, ‘I’m coming in anyway.’ So I says, ‘You can have it then,’ and I crawled out and he crawled into the hole.” Stout took cover behind a tree. Suddenly, a shell exploded between them. The shrapnel blinded the soldier while leaving Stout with the proverbial million-dollar wound to his right leg and buttocks. He was shipped to a hospital in

Britain, where he spent 2½ months, and then entered Officer Candidate School in France.

The blinded soldier was sent to Pasadena, Calif., near Stout’s parents. In time, they and Stout befriended the man, and later learned Sig Christenson covers the military and its impact in that he married his nurse. They had four the San Antonio and Bexar County area. Read him on our free site, mySA.com, and on our subscriber site, ExpressNews.com. | [email protected] | Twitter: @saddamscribe

Follow Sig on: https://www.facebook.com/sig.christensonsaddamscribe Senior writer covering the military for the San Antonio Express-News with more than 3,100 stories in 20 years at the paper. He embedded with the 3rd Infantry Division during the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq in 2003, and has been to Baghdad and Afghanistan seven times since. He’s also reported from Honduras, South Korea, India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Kosovo, Bosnia, children and ran a business in St. Paul, Minn. Macedonia, Italy, Germany, France, England and the — but continued to suffer mental health issues, Middle East. Mr. Christenson’s projects as military unable to fully escape the war. writer here include “Witness to War,” a special section recounting the invasion and early occupation of Iraq; Then there was his commanding officer, Capt. “The Only Retreat,” a three-part series detailing the sole William Kromer, who was headed to relieve a U.S. defeat during the Iraq invasion, and stories on cowardly lieutenant when he was killed. Stout, who modeled himself after the West Point- soldier and family stress resulting from repeated educated Kromer over 10 years in the Army, deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. He also reported salutes him in a poem. on the instructor sex scandal at Joint Base San Antonio- Lackland, and a 2009 mass shooting at Fort Hood and “In death did he renew the subsequent capital murder trial for then-Maj. Nidal “The loyalty of his men Hasan. A native Texan, Mr. Christenson holds a “They will forever sing his praise bachelor’s degree from the University of Houston, “Courageous leader of Kromer’s kadets where he studied journalism, literature and “Captain Kromer Our Captain.” anthropology.

“You don’t forget this stuff,” Stout said. “I still Photographs by JERRY LARA / Staff Photographer, fight those battles a lot, trying to make them San Antonio Express-News come out differently.”

37 The Eagle January 2019