The Newsletter of the Army Residence Community

VolumeThe 32 Number 7 Eagle July 2018

A Reunion of Dustoff Pilots, 50 Years later Al Flory Pat Brady

Inside The Eagle A Conversation with the CEO

2 – 3 A Conversation with the CEO You’ve been here a month. What’s your reaction to date? 4 Birthdays and Passings

5 New Resident Director, Board Member SF: I’m glad I began meeting Residents at floor and street meetings in April. There’s a lot of 6 – 7 A Conversation with Outgoing territory to cover, and Residents to meet. I also Resident Director Larry Luken attend the daily meetings in Health Care. It’s a great way to keep informed on changes in the 8 – 9 A Conversation with Pat Sewell, RN community. Written reports have their place, but in Director of Nursing a continuing care retirement community, one needs to see and hear what is occurring with those in our 9 Please Observe our current Dress Code care. 10 The ARC Library Any high points you’d care to mention? 11 Luncheon Remarks from DUSTOFF 55 th 12 Guy Huskerson: Still Serving SF: One is Monday, June 11 . I participated in my first Resident Council meeting. There is a real 13 World War II Poetry – Chuck Stout sense of teamwork and engagement here, both with the Residents, coworkers and leadership team. 14 - 15 Independence and Mobility: Ed and I feel positive about the process. There are both Janet Olson take a Ride on VIA success stories and problems to solve, but I’m very encouraged by the meeting. 16 Making Waves: Artist Joyce Ryan

17 – 18 July Activities This was a meeting convened on a Monday morning at 9 AM! The cultural stereotype for 19 July Movies at Lakeside Theater Monday morning is grumpy people just waking up and grousing about. But this meeting was focused 20 Luncheon Speaker: Mr. Aubrey David and energetic. My thanks to Col George McCall,

Photo at top: Philippine Independence Observance, 11 his Executive Committee, the Representatives, Committee Chairs and Residents in attendance, it June (12 June in Manila). At the Health Care Dining Room, was impressive. CEO Steve Fuller (at center) thanks the festival dancers and

Coworkers (from left to right), Angie Marshall, Racel Later that day I went to the Health Care Dining Knights, Rosa Gubio, Mira Pope, Lorrie Fassler, and Aizek Room to attend the Philippine Independence Day Nakila. observance. This was a cooperative effort of

2 The Eagle July 2018 The ‘Big Eagle’ contains three military history series by our ‘Resident Historian’ Mike Huebner. Residents and Staff. COL Frank Cheaney did an information to the residents, and work to build outstanding job as the Presiding Officer. His trusting relationships moving forward. remarks were concise and inclusive. I appreciate the sense of history in this community and the Have you made any “command decisions?” recognition of key historical events. It’s good to remember that the Philippines were once an I have been spending my first month listening to a American territory. wide group of residents, coworkers, family members, and vendors while assessing our The ceremony included several toasts, and I was operations. I did not want to come in and make happy to propose a toast, “To the Army Residence changes right off the bat before thoroughly Community, its Residents and its Employees, and evaluating what is working well and any potential for the deep affection and respect they have for course corrections we need to make. each other.” I’d like to mention that while in the Health Care Dining Room I had the opportunity to We were able to solidify two key director shake hands with COL Ray O’Neal, a D-Day positions, David Armand as the Healthcare veteran who is 99 years old, and Lt Cmdr Dan Administrator and Robert Gilley as Information Mendel, a veteran of the Battle of Leyte Gulf. I am Systems Director. I am confident both of these very sad to learn of COL O’Neal’s recent passing. leaders will contribute significantly to our future success at the ARC. Another important event was the “Blooms and

Bonnets” garden party. That was an impressive After some discussion and review we changed introduction to the gardens in healthcare for me and the policy on security deposits for pets. The current a chance to thank the many Resident volunteers policy had the potential to be a barrier for involved in the restoration of that space. It was prospective residents, which we wanted to also a successful fundraiser - a fine job by the ARC eliminate. The new policy calls for a $500 Golden Diggers. “refundable” pet deposit versus the previous

nonrefundable $1,500 amount. I understand that I also attended the ARC Angels appreciation approximately 20 residents paid the higher pet dinner on the 20th and enjoyed seeing the level of deposit. For those who paid the $1,500 previously, engagement and volunteerism among our the ARC will offer two choices, we will either refund residents. It is a diverse and dedicated group who the $1,000 difference OR I ask that residents give of themselves in service to others, an ARC consider donating the $1,000 difference to the ARC standard with which I am rapidly becoming familiar. to an area of their choice.

Yet another high point was our healthcare team’s Our team is also working with a design agency work through some very challenging regulatory and groups of residents to create our new website. inspections. It is a very difficult operating The site will have enhanced features and will be environment, often referred to as the most highly very user-friendly, with more efficient update regulated field behind nuclear energy, but our capabilities, and inclusive of the many facets of dedicated coworkers in healthcare continue their ARC life and operations. It will also integrate the tireless efforts each and every day to maintain ARCNet via a resident-portal into the new site. Our compliance and provide the best in quality of care goal is to launch the new site in October. In the and services to our residents. meantime, efforts are being made to keep the

current website and the ARCNet updated until we There has been an announcement of an can have the new site operational. increase in the rates.

In closing I wish to send a hearty thanks to Al and SF: Yes, that was announced and explained in a Lynn Hoppe for coordinating and sponsoring the Resident Update on 18 June and then discussed in Jazz Protagonists performance on June 6th. It was a town hall meeting on 25 June. Although no one as very festive and toe-tapping occasion with some likes to hear of a rate increase we wanted to of the most talented jazz musicians in the city communicate the information clearly and performing in our ARC Auditorium. It was well transparently. While it is not necessarily a attended and an energizing evening of great music pleasurable experience to stand in front of our and a chance to reminisce. Stay tuned for more resident base discussing the need and rationale for upcoming musical performances that are in the the rate increases, we felt strongly that we needed works. to put ourselves out there, communicate the

The ‘ARCNet Eagle’ is a full-color, unabridged edition at armyresidence.net. July 2018 The Eagle 3 It’s a customary to have ‘Happy Birthday’ sung to Residents on their birthdays. Here the tables are turned. Lawson Magruder reports: We surprised Joanne’s (Joanne Eichinger, see arrow) celebration in the Bistro with our granddaughter - Julia Ernst- singing two special songs. Julia is 16 and a wonderful opera and musical theater performer who just returned from Boston where she was a semifinalist in a nationwide competition in opera and musical theater. She lives in Mandeville, Louisiana. She performed for the Kiwanis Club on Wednesday, 30 May.

JULY BIRTHDAYS 13 Glenna Solley 30 Deanna Haworth 15 Nancy Joseph 30 Ross Robinette 01 Gordon Shults 16 Gloria Magruder 31 Ann Hilton 02 Nancy Cheever 17 James Millikin 02 Jerry McCarthy 17 Eloise Pregler BEGINNING AUGUST 03 Earl Williams 18 Bill Steele BIRTHDAYS 04 Dan Baumgartner 19 Teri Rigali 04 Linda Sorber 19 Rosemarie Riggs 01 Silver Crim 05 Marvin Cole 19 Frances Taft 01 Julian Ann Tunnell 05 Polly Pearis 20 Harry Carpenter 03 Pamela Anderegg 07 Phyl Bethke 21 Carol Harris 04 Sue Bushey 08 Kathleen Charles 23 Celeste Cook 04 Al Flory 08 Ken Erickson 24 Dolly Dresser 06 Ben Moberley 09 Marjorie Green 24 Fran McCaffrey 10 Frank Garver 25 Judith Creller PASSINGS SINCE LAST ISSUE 10 Dottie Hilton 26 Robert Rogers 10 Ellen ‘Jane’ Irons 28 B. J. Hall Capt John L. Smith June 8 10 Kip Wooldridge 29 George Dodds Mrs. Opal Carmichael June 16 11 Sundra Boyd 29 Dorlyne Howard COL George R. “Ray” O’Neal June 2 12 Joseph Ecoppi 29 John Miller 3 13 Eldora Criswell 30 Jim Blunt

4 The Eagle July 2018 The ‘Big Eagle’ is a full-color, unabridged edition at armyresidence.net. ARC Board of Directors Votes on include the Defense Distinguished Service New Members and Board Officer Medal, the Army Distinguished Service Medal, the Silver Star, the Legion of Merit, the Air by Grace Newton Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the

At their regular Board Meeting on Monday, Army Achievement, the Purple Heart and the June 4, the ARC Board of Directors elected two Combat Infantryman Badge. In retirement, he new Board Members and gave thanks for the spends his time as Chair of the Executive Board service of retiring Board Members, COL (Ret) of the Midsouth Evangelical Covenant Church Jesse Brewer, Lt Col (Ret) Larry Luken, and Midsouth Conference with responsibilities that COL (Ret) CEM Maxwell. include churches in the five-state region of Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Louisiana and Before voting on new members put forth by Arkansas. He is involved in many of the the nominating committee of the Board, COL activities at the ARC that include serving as a (Ret) Herb Coley, Chairman, recognized the member of the ARC Volunteer Income Tax dedicated service of the retiring Board Members Association and Tax Counseling for the Elderly, and thanked them for their dedication and hard and participating as a member of the Protestant work on behalf of the ARC Board of Chapel Sound Team. Directors and community. Mr. Germano (at left) is currently In considering new candidates, COO/Partner of Anderson the Board listened to the Marketing Group. Prior to joining recommendations presented by its Anderson Marketing Group, he Nominating Committee. The worked with KZTV (Corpus), committee's principle KCOR FM (now KQXT) and was considerations being area of Vice President, Spanish professional expertise, scope of International Network. Originally professional responsibility, from San Antonio and served in experience on other executive the U.S. Army from 1964-1966 boards, the need for candidate's and graduate of The University of specific talents on the Board, and Texas, Austin. Achievements whether the candidate was a good include President, San Antonio Ad

fit for this Board of Directors. Federation, Chairman Governor, 10th District, American MG (Ret) Philip H. Mallory and Advertising Federation, and Mr. Julius Germano were Sterling Service Award, 10th approved by the Board and District American Advertising unanimously elected as voting Federation. As former military and members of the ARC Board of involved as a businessman in the Directors. San Antonio community, Mr.

MG (Ret) Mallory (at right) is a Germano has a deep respect and current resident of the ARC. He is recognition for the military culture a U.S. Army Veteran and graduate and brings a wealth of experience of The United States Military in marketing and advertising to Academy and holds a Master of the Board.

Science in Engineering-Applied In addition to the new Board Science from the University of California in Members, COL (Ret) Thomas McGuire, existing Davis. Phillip last served as Commander of 2nd Board Member, was appointed to serve as Armored Division at Fort Hood, Texas, and Board Treasurer to replace retiring Member previously served as the Advisor to the COL (Ret) CEM Maxwell. COL (Ret) McGuire Secretary of Defense for NATO Affairs and will also serve as Chairman of the ARC Finance Director of NATO Policy, Office of the Secretary Committee. of Defense, Washington, D.C. decorations

The ‘ARCNet Eagle’ is a full-color, unabridged edition at armyresidence.net. July 2018 The Eagle 5 A Conversation with outgoing Doing the Board’s hands-on work are its Resident Director Larry Luken Committees, responsible for providing both Management oversight and making policy What’s it like to be a Resident Director? guidance recommendations to the whole LL: When I joined the Board in June 2017, the Board. I was assigned to three of those ARC felt somewhat out of kilter. The Board was Committees: Finance, HealthCare, and the Ad still reeling from lawsuits and there was broad Hoc CEO Search Committee (now dissolved). dissatisfaction with Management. The resident During the past year, the Board has community was “leaning forward” as it were, witnessed significant changes – less military in asking for more consideration and participation structure, more diverse in membership, and in ARC operations and Board actions. surely more resident-centric in its deliberations. As a new Resident Board Director, I believed Symbolic of this change, the Board is no longer my job was to help effect a realignment of self-perpetuating and has both a new Chair Board-Management-Resident relations. With and 12 new Directors. Moreover, new help from mentors and colleagues, document Committees are being formed, each with its research, and own well-defined mission and written Charter. attendance at various In short, the Board is seminars and ARC better attuned to ARC meetings, I was able to needs and concerns. share resident input That sounds very optimistic. during Board sessions. What gives you that feeling?

My sense now is we LL: There is still much to are a more resident- be done, BUT we do have focused Continuing a precedent for bringing Care Retirement about a well-planned and Community (CCRC) well-coordinated action as than before. For me, it was done by the CEO was a far bigger Selection Committee challenge than (CSC). anticipated, reminding me of a famous movie In mid-Jul 2017, the ARC line uttered by Bette learned its CEO would be Davis: “Fasten your leaving. The Board quickly seatbelts; it’s going to be Larry brought a sense of energy and a willingness to get to created the CSC to a bumpy night”. Believe the details. Although he was a new Board member, he had undertake that task. And, me, the past year has experience as a CCRC staff member and a useful and fairly by late August, the CSC long institutional memory (since May 2011) at the ARC. been very bumpy, but had a Board-approved the eventual outcome has also been rewarding. Charter establishing the CSC’s purpose, key tasks, operating principles, authorized the hire Tell me more about our ARC Board? of a national search firm, and made a 7-month

LL: Actually, there are 3 Boards: Foundation timeline for getting the job done. Residents (provides Management oversight and policy were kept well informed throughout. So, what guidance), Supporting (responsible for ARC’s might have been a divisive and contentious assets), and Beverage (handles the ARC’s exercise became a carefully orchestrated and liquor license). The Foundation and accepted CEO selection process.

Supporting entities (referred together as “the What are your thoughts as you leave the Board? Board”) share the same 14 Directors (currently 12 non-resident and 2 resident). LL: Well, my sense is we have great ARC leadership in place and needed institutional changes are in the making. With the CSC

6 The Eagle July 2018 The ‘Big Eagle’ contains three military history series by our ‘Resident Historian’ Mike Huebner. (LL: cont’d) Swimming Pool Renovation Continues model, we can avoid the sins of the recent past with a ‘Soft Launch’ of Aquatic Use and create the ARC-wide consensus to address successfully future challenges. The ARC pool needed a face-lift and it was determined that we also needed to re-evaluate our Already we see signs of that kind of water treatment program. We have maintained the Management-Resident teamwork (e.g., the necessary level of chlorine for years because that Golden Diggers, Kiwanis scholarships for was the technology first available in 1987. Several Residents asked if there was a way to reduce the employees, the Philanthropy team, etc.). Of level usage of chlorine and yet maintain the safe course, challenges remain: better nurturing level of water treatment. Many who use the pool and cherishing of the ARC’s backbone -- our daily found the contact with chlorine so often was not caring employees; attacking the three plagues healthy for their skin. of Health Care living (boredom, loneliness, and uselessness); and staying ARC-relevant with The solution was not to go with “salt-solution” our volunteering and financial support, i.e., because it too would be very corrosive on equipment “being there” for each other. and pool surfaces. We opted for an Ultra-Violet/ Oxygenation application to prevent biological In that spirit of togetherness, I extend a special contaminants. UV/O becomes the most cost- “thank you” to all my ARC family for your effective way of protecting from water-borne viruses, welcome encouragement and helpful support bacteria, molds and pathogenic disease-causing microorganisms, plus the gentlest contact with skin. during my tenure as a Board Resident Director. With this technology, there is very little added to the LL: I’d like to ask you to make a comment! water except for a slight chlorine residual to ensure the water remains safe and clean throughout the KS: First, thank you very much for your cycle. generous gift of time for this interview. We foresee a reduction to our chemical use and Next, a Resident can go to the ARCNet, click cost, a reduction to the corrosion of our equipment on the Executive Director’s Corner, and review and water surfaces, with minimal increase to the electrical usage. All this benefit and continued water the Resident Foundation Minutes and the treatment safety for an initial “capital project” of re- Supporting Foundation Minutes. Or these can plumbing our antiquated plumbing for the pool. be reviewed in the Library. Things are certainly Additional information on this water treatment can be different. The ARC is improved, and you have found on-line under “UV water treatment”. indeed contributed your part making it so. This repair was not just a “band aid fix,” we chose I’ve read that it’s a nationwide trend that very high quality “re-surfacing” product for both the residents of CCRCs are insisting on a greater pool and the deck surface. For safety and say in management operation and board appearance for the long-run, we chose to spend actions. Residents are the stakeholders. This another 10% more to get a longer lasting result. We is our home, it’s not a time-share with a bunch replaced lighting and are ordering new safety grab- of rules and assessments. This trend of bars to complete the repairs. We also are installing a completely new plumbing system for both the pool increased Resident participation is positive. and hot-tub to receive automatic chemicals rather Residents are not reluctant to share their than the old manual system. Last year we had opinions, and I’ve not heard anyone say, “Wish replaced all the cabling as a repair to the sliding roof we were back where we were a year ago.” panels. The pool is now open for daily use. Please There’s no question you represented both the come on in, the water’s fine! interests of the ARC and of the Residents. Brad Weberg is the Director of Finally, many Residents use the expression, Environmental Services. “I’ve told our kids that this (the parents moving Editor: Resident Services Coordinator to the ARC) was their inheritance.” One Laura Perry obtained this report from doesn’t do this lightly. I think many felt you Brad. My sincere thanks to both! A brought a reliable sense of stewardship to the “soft launch” is a newly available Board. Thank you for your time. amenity without the official ceremony.

The ‘ARCNet Eagle’ is a full-color, unabridged edition at armyresidence.net. July 2018 The Eagle 7 A Conversation with Pat Sewell, RN Please describe the various settings in the Interim Director of Nursing ARC where nursing care is delivered. by Carol Huebner PS: The A wing is the long-term care unit. These residents are considered more stable Pat, you arrived at the ARC quite recently. Tell and although they don’t need as much skilled us a little about your background. nursing, they need a great deal of assistance. PS: My Dad was in the Army. I was raised in The B wing consists of long-term care the deep South by my parents and residents who need skilled nursing and those grandmother. My husband was a Navy here for short-term rehabilitation with plans to Captain and a doctor. I return home. have been a director of The Oaks is the unit nursing in long term care caring for residents with since 2002, both in dementia. They require permanent and traveling a great deal of interim positions. My home assistance with daily is in Chattanooga TN. I am activities and decision nationally certified in three making. This is a areas: as a director of secure unit to insure nursing, the care of resident safety. dementia patients, and quality assurance & What trends do you performance improvement. see in long term care? You have served as an interim director of nursing in PS: Massive state and many locales. What are federal regulation and some of the unique documentation characteristics of the ARC requirements. I foresee that influence care delivery the need for increasing here? staffing levels as patient The residents, with military acuity levels increase backgrounds, are used to along with increasing things being on schedule. Pat Sewell, RN, Interim Director of Nursing requirements for But in long term care documentation of settings, nursing care is very often interrupted nursing care. The paper work imposed by by unexpected situations that arise. I find that regulators is oppressive. It takes time away the main challenge is keeping set schedules as from direct care activities. much as possible so that residents and families What are some of the priorities you have for are comfortable and confident. nursing care at the ARC? What has surprised you most? PS: There are two top priorities. The first is PS: Not much! Having been a direct care education of staff to bring them current with the nurse for many years before moving into changes in standards and regulations. The management, I had the opportunity to observe second is to complete major mandated more than one director of nursing and see the programs initiated after being surveyed and to multitude of tasks they were responsible for implement federal requirements from the while overseeing the quality of care provided. I Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. came here with my eyes wide open, knowing The Texas State Department of Aging and what to expect. Disability Services (DADS) requires us to improve care planning, certain Medicare correspondence, and documentation.

8 The Eagle July 2018 The ‘Big Eagle’ contains three military history series by our ‘Resident Historian’ Mike Huebner. Tell us about a “typical” day. nurses and certified nursing assistants. I stay directly involved in this area. PS: I usually begin my day between 6 and 6:30 What are the most important attributes an a.m. … make rounds ... get report from the effective director of nursing should have? night shift nurses … prepare for the morning clinical meeting where we review resident PS: Positive, caring and empathetic, concerns and status … meet with the unit analytical, balanced, self-assured, responsible, managers … deal with regulatory and resourceful. requirements, vendor issues, family or resident Finally, what is one word to describe you? concerns, staff concerns … make additional PS: Consistency. This helps build trust so that rounds … meet again with Unit Managers … staff members come to you with concerns, play catch up … make final rounds. issues, and ideas. A stable and trusting Many residents in Independent Living have nursing staff is the key. never visited our health care setting. What do you suggest? Pat, thank you for our conversation and for all you and the nursing staff do for PS: I would love to have small groups of 5 or 6 residents each day at the ARC. residents or family members visit so that I ------could take them on a tour and explain what Please observe the Dress Code. It applies to both Residents and Guests. Thank You! type of resident is cared for in each area and why. I would like to follow this with Smart, casual attire is recommended for noon refreshments and time to answer questions. and evening meals in the dining room. Being from the South, I feel that food helps create a more comfortable atmosphere for Appropriate attire includes slacks, collared visiting. shirts, guayabera shirts, turtle or mock turtle necks, and sweaters for men. Coats (with or You are very visible and present in the without ties) are always appropriate. Casual nursing care areas. dresses, slacks, and pantsuits for women are

PS: You cannot possibly know what is acceptable. Clean, tasteful jeans with no happening on the units if you are not out there ragged edges or holes in the knees are also making rounds, talking to residents and asking acceptable for both men and women. Tasteful, questions of the staff. I choose to see first appropriate knee length shorts, such as hand how each unit is running. By doing this, I Bermuda shorts, are acceptable at breakfast have knowledge of both the excellent care and lunch, but shorts are not to be worn to brunch or evening meals. provided and the areas we need to improve on. Being present also gives me the chance to In addition, flip-flops (shower style), T-shirts, help in any way I can. sweatshirts and men’s hats/caps may not be

You mentioned how important staff worn in the dining room. Cell phones should education is. be on ‘vibrate’ while in the dining room and calls should not be made or answered until PS: We have morning clinical meetings to leaving the dining room. review residents’ conditions and needs. We have a late afternoon clinical meeting for Those residents unable or unwilling to abide by follow-up. Education is a part of these this policy are encouraged to use the take-out meetings. We are establishing a schedule to service or use the Bistro in the Wellness Center. cover educational topics and observe competency and skills. This schedule will Residents should ensure that their guests include specific topics each month. One topic adhere to this dress policy. is how to best coordinate care. The major challenge in coordinating care is recruitment Children under age 13 are permitted to wear and retention of highly qualified licensed shorts to any meal.

The ‘ARCNet Eagle’ is a full-color, unabridged edition at armyresidence.net. July 2018 The Eagle 9 ARC LIBRARY Butterfly Gardening for the South, Geyata Ajilvsgi ZOO The Raffaeli Room 102 Favorite Audubon Birds of America, Library Committee Roger Tory Peterson ORN JoAnne Kroll, Chairman The Wonder of Birds, Glenna Solley, Co-Chairman National Geographic ORN Annette Gohlke, Scheduler Streets of San Antonio, Eric Mapes TEX 12 Rules for Life, Jordan Peterson REL NEW FICTION REGULAR PRINT The Strange Death of Europe, The Gray Ghost, Clive Cussler Douglas Murray H Beach House Reunion, May Alice Monroe The Life of Buffalo Bill, Us against You, Fredrik Backman William F. Cody B/W Something Wonderful Rogers & NEW FICTION LARGE PRINT Hammerstein’s Broadway Revolution, By Invitation Only, Dorothea Benton Franks Todd Purdum B Honeysuckle Dreams, Denise Hunter Means of ascent – the years of Lyndon Johnson, Robert Caro B To the Moon and Back, Karen Kingsbury Purple Martin, J.L. Wade ORN Shelter in Place, Nora Roberts Tribal Wars of the Southern Plains, Robert B. Parker’s Old Black Magic, Stan Hoig H Ace Atkins Dead Men Flying, Turbulence, Stuart Woods Patrick Henry Brady MIL VN Dreams of Falling, Karen White The Atlas of the Human Body, Peter Abrahams MED NEW NON- FICTION Physiology, Peter Abrahams MED The Flying Tigers, Sam Kleiner MIL WWII Three Days in Moscow, Bret Baier POL DONATION FICTION th Into the Raging Sea, Rachel Slade NF The 17 Suspect, James Patterson To Be Where You Are, Jan Karon DONATION NON-FICTION Texas Devils, Michael Collins TEX DONATION REFERENCE Tales of Texoma, Michael Collins TEX Essential Kanji, P. G. O’Neill Field Guide to Butterflies Japanese DeMYSTiFieD, Eriko Sato National Audubon Society ZOO Cacti of Texas, Del Weniger TEX DONATION AUDIO Illustrated book of Trees, Past Perfect, Danielle Steel Eric A. Bourdo Jr. HOR The Longest Ride, Nicholas Sparks The organic gardener’s Handbook of Natural The Casual Vacancy, J.K. Rowling Insect and Disease Control, The People Vs Alex Cross, James Patterson Barbara Ellis HOR

The Backyard Bird Feeder’s Bible, Sally Roth ORN DONATION DVD 13 Days of Glory, Lon Tinkle TEX The Innkeeper A time to stand, Walter Lord TEX Joan Rivers a piece of work The Vanquished, Robert Gerwarth Woman in Gold MIL WWI Chariots of Fire A Nation without Borders, Steven Hahn H The League of Grateful Sons A Building – a biography of the Pentagon, Murdock Mysteries Season 1

David Alexander B Peterson’s Field Guide to Birds of North America, Roger Peterson ORN Dead Men Flying, by our June Flying Combat Aircraft of the USAAF-USAF Eagle Luncheon speaker, VOL 1 & 2, Robin Higham MIL H Patrick Henry Brady, was donated The Wild Blue Yonder: Songs of the Air to the library by Lee Perry. Force VOL 2, Ferris - Getz MIL Thank You!

10 The Eagle July 2018 The ‘Big Eagle’ contains three military history series by our ‘Resident Historian’ Mike Huebner. Kelly died in 1964, flying a Dustoff mission, but the standards he set were carried forward. Later, in 1968, Bob McWilliam demonstrated the same sense of purpose and piloting skill in commanding the 54th Medical Detachment. Bob’s widow, Resident Pat McWilliam, attended the luncheon and the reunion was very meaningful to her, as well.

Perhaps because of the attendance of Pat McWilliam, Trisha Flory (wife of Al Flory), and Mackie Bradshaw (wife of Dustoff pilot Ed Bradshaw), Pat Brady’s wife, Nancy Brady, also attended. It was truly an occasion among friends. Other Dustoff pilots attending were Residents Ed Bradshaw, Howard Deck and ARC Board of Directors Chair Herb Coley. Other Residents who were Dustoff pilots, but who were not on campus were Bruce Furbish, Tom Jackson, and Mike Proctor. These are indeed a unique breed of soldier and aviator.

Pat Brady’s career spanned 34 years, and there were many in attendance who had some connection of service with him.

The June Eagle Luncheon Marked a ‘50-Years Later’ Reunion

On 12 June Pat Brady (MG, USA, Ret.) spoke at a luncheon here. Approximately 50 years earlier, he was a Dustoff pilot in Vietnam, and had performed actions in January 1968 which brought the award of the Medal of Honor.

The timing was especially meaningful for Al Flory, who was Pat’s “hooch-mate” (roommate) during that tour of Vietnam. The photograph on cover of this issue of The Eagle, taken by Grace Newton, shows the two pilots today, contrasted with 50 years ago in the photograph on the back cover of Pat’s book, Dead Men Flying.

During his remarks, Pat Brady spoke of his medical detachment commanders who flew as many missions as any pilot in the unit: Charles Kelly and Bob McWilliam. Kelly had to fight the Pat Brady greets fellow Dustoff pilot Howard institutional attitude that medevac units need Deck before the luncheon. In the background not have their own dedicated aircraft. Charles is Nancy Brady.

The ‘ARCNet Eagle’ is a full-color, unabridged edition at armyresidence.net. July 2018 The Eagle 11 Continuing to serve – established by retired Air Force Col., Dr. Edwin Retired COL Guy Huskerson encourages “Eli” Whitney, a cardiologist in San Antonio. local students to “never give up” Huskerson’s path led him to Dr. Whitney in by Grace Newton 2016 after a routine visit to check a pacemaker he received the year prior. The two men began talking and Dr. Whitney soon realized that Huskerson needed to share his story with children – he would be the perfect volunteer for his program.

“You know, it’s strange how everything falls in to place,” said Huskerson. “I never thought I would be doing this, but here I am, and I’m enjoying every minute of it.”

Standing in front of a student assembly at Medio Creek Elementary School in San Antonio (above), retired COL Guy Huskerson shares his life journey of going from growing up as a poor Texas farm boy to his 30-year career as a military leader. With eyes wide open, the children are amazed as COL Huskerson explains how he rode a horse to school when he was their age – and when the horse died, he walked to school without any shoes on his Since November, Huskerson has given feet. Despite his economic challenges, he multiple presentations at ten different schools. worked hard to get to college, graduate, and He usually shares old photos of his time in the receive a Regular Army commission – and they military with the students. They particularly can do it too. His presentation was part of the enjoy picking him out of the panoramic group school’s Career and College Readiness Day photo of a company he commanded in Fort on May 30, 2018. Polk, Louisiana. He also brings the jacket from “Our students face many of these same his Army uniform whenever he speaks to economic challenges,” said school nurse Kim students (above). They enjoy learning about Neatherlin, RN. “It’s encouraging for them to the uniform and ask a wide variety of questions hear these success stories – they know they including the significance of his medals. can also be successful.” Although the children enjoy hearing his story, Medio Creek Elementary is a Title I school in Huskerson’s mission is to get the children to the Southwest Independent School District. A begin thinking about their own path. “I Title I school is made up of a high percentage encourage them to find something positive in of students from low-income families. their lives that they enjoy because I want them to enjoy life now, but I also want them to start “I love talking to these kids,” said Huskerson. thinking about their future,” said Huskerson. “I want them to learn to have confidence in themselves, so they can achieve their goals.” Although the Army Residence Community is made up of retirees from all branches of the Huskerson began speaking to school U.S. military, there is a common thread that children through the program, Motivate Our ties all of them together – their willingness and Students in Texas (MOST), which was desire to always serve others.

12 The Eagle July 2018 The ‘Big Eagle’ contains three military history series by our ‘Resident Historian’ Mike Huebner. Voyage to the Firth of the Clyde

Birthed at the foot of Manhattan was the great marine machine here the first elements of the 87th boarded it - the Queen My buddy Bill and I had the vessel to ourselves for three days benign Every night we would go out on the bow and gaze the New York skyline

We were billeted in one of the main dining rooms Our bunks were racks with canvas five high like volumes Breakfast was two hard boiled eggs, two slices well done toast It was topped off with marmalade and all the tea we could drink almost

In six days we crossed the Atlantic to drop anchor in Gourock Scotland I was chosen to stevedore and see the coastland We unloaded the ship’s cargo onto barges with gusto Then boarded the little tugboats with their loads in tow

My perfect day began in the Firth of the Clyde It was a beautiful cloudless warm day that did abide Lounging on the little tugboat bow as it chugged Up the wandering river it hugged

The emerald green hills rose high above to behold All was at piece with the world – the war was untold Ancient white castles set in that sea of green Crowned the hilltops as if set there by St. Augustine

Here and there the peaceful sheep grazed The scene was pastoral I appraised It flooded over me I shall never forget The inner contentment I wondered how did God beget

Man has few perfect days To know them they amaze They bring a quiet inner happiness To become at peace with nothing but oneness

Forever after as long as I live That day I shall remember - it was effusive Whenever I remember that perfect time My heart sings a song to rhyme

A WW II Poem by Charles Rowe Stout, A-345, 87th Inf Div Editor: Chuck’s outfit, Company A, 345th Infantry Regiment, 87th Infantry Division left New York on October 14th, 1943, aboard the RMS Queen Elizabeth and crossed the Atlantic with an average speed of 26 knots per hour. There were approximately 15,000 officers, soldiers, and crew aboard.

The ‘ARCNet Eagle’ is a full-color, unabridged edition at armyresidence.net. July 2018 The Eagle 13 Randolph Park & Ride

ARC

Every line in the above diagram is a VIA bus route.

Independence and Mobility: In our trips downtown, we have found that the VIA San Antonio Traveling with VIA employees have been knowledgeable and helpful. There are several ways to plan a trip using VIA: by Ed and Janet Olson First, we used paper copies of the bus routes which we picked up at the Randolph Park and Ride, which Most of us have taken some form of public lists times and routes, but then we discovered the transportation overseas, which may have turned app, Transit Tracker - San Antonio, which is easier. out to be an exciting adventure, given language Using the app, you can list your starting location, and cultural differences. Taking the bus in San then your final destination and the app will give you Antonio doesn’t always result in the same options on how to get there. It shows route adventurous rush but the price is right, someone numbers, routes and times, plus the overall length else drives, and parking is never a problem! Unlike of time it will take for your trip. You may also call overseas, when you ask the driver questions, he or (210) 362-2020 to plan your trip or for bus she will always answer in English. schedules.

14 The Eagle July 2018 The ‘Big Eagle’ contains three military history series by our ‘Resident Historian’ Mike Huebner. If you are ready to We hopped on the #17 bus (below) for a non-stop return from the same trip downtown. We showed our Senior cards and general location where put 25 cents in the metered box. Approximately 20 you got off the bus, minutes later, we got off at the first stop, on finding the appropriate Commerce, near the Marriott and just 100 yards or stop is normally a matter so from the River Center/Macy’s. It was a short of walking across the walk from the bus stop to the River Walk, La Villita, street from your arrival or to the Alamo. point. The list of routes serviced by the stop are displayed on a sign above the stop. To catch the express bus back from downtown to Randolph Park & Ride, just look for 17 on the bus stop sign, like the one shown (above, at top left) on the corner of Market and Presa. At the top of the sign is a number you can text (52020); you enter the stop number you want, and the approximate time the bus will arrive will be displayed on your phone. When the bus arrives, your return adventure begins.

Once you figure out how to get around, you can ride the bus anywhere in town. There is even a bus stop right outside the ARC where you can catch a bus to take you to the Park and Ride on Randolph Blvd, where you can then catch the Express downtown.

I mentioned the price; if you are 62 or older, you can get a VIA reduced-fare Senior card at no cost. To get a Senior card, you will have to go to the VIA Metro Center at 1021 San Pedro, San Antonio, TX 78212 where you must present a government- issued ID with date of birth (state ID, driver’s For an example, Janet and I drove to the Via license, veteran’s ID or passport). “park and ride” just off Randolph Blvd (5031 Sherri

Ann Rd., San Antonio, TX), (above) and parked our With the Senior card car; parking is free. (at left), it only costs 25 cents to ride the bus during non-rush hours (9 AM-3 PM). If you transfer to another bus, you only need your card, original bus ticket and 7 cents. Note: The bus driver does not make change, so remember to bring change. If you want to take the bus during rush hour, it will cost $1. You must always show your card to get the reduced rates. Weekends, the bus is free, but as always, you must show your card. Several times a year, ARC Activities Director, Jane Winzeler, hosts a VIA representative who will process Senior cards for you right at the ARC. If At the Randolph Park and Ride (above), Ed you are interested, check with Jane to find out chooses a route to a downtown destination. when this is scheduled next.

The ‘ARCNet Eagle’ is a full-color, unabridged edition at armyresidence.net. July 2018 The Eagle 15 Joyce adds this statement: Imagination for my paintings come from the combination of on location sketches and the photographs I take with a 300mm telephoto lens.

I work from two small studies, one in pen- ART WALL ARTIST OF THE MONTH and-ink and one in color. I begin a painting by Joyce Ryan – Paintings establishing a highlight pattern with frisket. “Makin’ Waves” Color is initially applied wet-on-wet, because the merging colors create a strong sensation of Are you fascinated by the ocean? Can you movement. A darker wash is applied in dry sit for hours watching the waves on the shore? paper, establishing value contrast and edge If you answered yes, then you understand why variety. When dry, values and eye movement Texas artist Joyce Ryan is so captivated with are reevaluated, and adjustments are made. the ocean.

Joyce loves the ocean. She has spent many hours drawing, and painting the Texas coast, Costa Rica, California, and Hawaii. The artistic objective of her “Wavescapes” is to capture the hypnotic beauty and explosive power of the sea. She explains, “When I paint I’m like a surfer constantly searching for the perfect wave; I always find it in my imagination. I then have the pleasure and challenge of trying to capture what I see in my mind with my paints on paper.”

Exact representation is not a goal. Joyce always exaggerates what she encounters for emphasis and added drama. Joyce uses colors which create dreamlike, sensuous mood and brushwork which recreates the rhythmic, Joyce’s work has been exhibited at the undulating motion of the waves. She says, “My Tampa Museum of Art (Tampa, FL), the paintings are not a snapshot of a particular wave Sejong Cultural Center (Seoul, Korea), the at a particular beach. I want the viewer to Texas Surf Museum (Corpus Christi), the experience the emotion that watching waves Tubac Center of the Arts (Tubac, AZ), and the evokes – to sense their power, majesty, and Maryland Center of the Arts (Annapolis, MD). incredibly rich beauty.” She has also authored eight books, dealing with art, cooking, and travel.

16 The Eagle July 2018 The ‘Big Eagle’ contains three military history series by our ‘Resident Historian’ Mike Huebner.

NEW WEIGHT WATCHERS GROUP AT TUESDAY MORNING COFFEE THE ARC! The group meets weekly on DOCUMENTARY SCHEDULE Mondays at 8:30 a.m. in the Activities Every Tuesday at 9:30am Room. First Monday of the month in the in the Activities Room. Resident Lounge. Contact Jane Winzeler Coffee & pastries provided. in Activities at (210) 646-5305 for more information. 7/3/18 – Documentary “The BUNKO, ANYONE? Greatest Speeches of All-Time” A new Bunko group is forming to start meeting in Volume One (70 min.) October. If you’re interested in being a part of the FDR, Sir Winston Churchill, General group, contact Barbara Mullin at (210) 474-0522. Douglas MacArthur, Harry S. Truman,

JFK, Rev MLK Jr, Robert F. Kennedy, CONTRACT BRIDGE REFRESHER COURSE Malcom X, Richard M. Nixon, Ronald A Contract Bridge Refresher Class of ninety (90) Reagan. minutes per session will commence at 3:00 p.m. on 7/10/18 – WWII Foundation Wednesday, September 12th for 12 weeks (skipping presents “Doolittle’s Raiders: A Final Thanksgiving). The location will be in the Card Room Toast” (60 min.) The surviving on the 3rd floor of the High Rise. Room size limits the World War II veterans were about to number of class participants to 20, with a minimum of raise their silver goblets one last time eight (8) to start the course. ending a decades long tradition. To enroll, enter your name on the “Sign-Up” sheet, located 7/17/18 – NOVA Documentary on the Bridge Bulletin Board, Series “Secrets of the Mind” (55 call or e-mail Ron Jenkins at min.) (210) 651-5003 or e-mail to In this remarkable NOVA, pioneering [[email protected]]. brain detective Dr. V.S. Need a partner? Find one in Ramachandran, dubbed “The class. Need confidence? We review the basics and Sherlock Holmes of neuroscience” have lots of practices and a quiz or two. tackles four mysterious cases and The course “Primer” focuses on the Charles Goren’s delivers mind-boggling conclusions point count system. We review the basics of sorting and counting, how to make an opening bid and respond 7/24/18 –History Channel positively and accurately. We will cover the most basic documentary “The “Conventions”, which are used internationally, to find Crusades: Crescent and the compatible and or matching hands that enable partners Cross” Chapter One (90 to bid on to game level or even a Slam, in a suit or in a min.) Fought over two No-Trump contract. centuries, the conflict Participants should bring a 3-ring binder with lined between the Christian note paper and a writing instrument to take notes. Crusaders and the Muslims would decide the fate of the Numerous “Hand-Outs” to illustrate various hands and Holy Land of the Middle East. concepts that can be “filed” in your note book. Having an email address might come in handy, if you 7/31/18 – History Channel documentary “The happen to miss a class: the notes or H/O’s can be sent Crusades: Crescent and the Cross” Chapter Two (90 to you individually. Regards, Ron Jenkins min.) Continuation of documentary, shown above.

The Leading Age Texas 28th annual ArtsInspire GET YOUR ACTIVITIES CALENDAR! Contest & Exhibition is underway, and 14 ARC Stop by the Activities office by the photo wall Residents have entered their work in several of the down the hall from the High Rise mail room and 15 total categories in the visual and written arts. pick up a copy of this month’s Activities Calendar Good luck to our many talented artists and writers! and the Lakeside Theater movie schedule. Can’t

Finalists in the Visual Arts categories and winners in stop by? Call Jane Winzeler at ext. 5305 to have the Written Arts will be announced late June/ early one dropped into your mailbox. July. Winners in the Visual Arts will be announced July 12th-13th. The ‘ARCNet Eagle’ is a full-color, unabridged edition at armyresidence.net. July 2018 The Eagle 17 ARC EXCURSIONS Thursday 5th – Historical

nd speaker/entertainer Tom Jackson on Monday 2 – Lunch at “Pappadeaux” with the “George Washington and the American Luncheonaires. Bus will leave the ARC at 11:00 a.m. Revolution” at 7:00 p.m in the Monday 9th – Lunch at “Luce Ristorante & Enoteca” Auditorium. with the Luncheonaires. Bus will leave the ARC at th 11:00 a.m. Tuesday 10 – Speaker Luncheon at 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Auditorium. Mr. Aubrey th Monday 16 - Lunch at “J. Alexander’s” with the David, Assistant Director, Fort Sam Houston National Luncheonaires. Bus will leave the ARC at 11:00 a.m. Cemetery. Contact Kevin Scott for reservations at 646- Wednesday 18th –– Dinner Night Out at “Biga on the 5820. Banks”. Bus leaves the ARC at 4:30 p.m. Thursday 12th - Ice Cream Social at Saturday 21st – “Mama Mia” at the S.A Public Theatre 2:00 p.m. in the Auditorium. Cool (formerly “The Playhouse”). Bus leaves the ARC at 6:30 off courtesy of Activities and p.m. Resident Services!

rd Monday 23 – Lunch at “John the Greek” with the Luncheonaires. Bus will leave the ARC at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday 24th – “Portraits of Courage: The Paintings of G.W. Bush” (and many other exhibits) at the Witte Museum. Bus will leave at 10:00 a.m. Thursday 26th – “Designer Bag Bingo” at St. Thomas More Church & School. Bus will leave the ARC at 5:00 p.m. Monday 30th - Lunch at “Frederick’s” with the th Luncheonaires. Bus leaves the ARC at 11:00 a.m. Friday 13 - Cactus Pear Festival Youth Ensemble at 2:00 p.m. in Cheever Chapel. Each year at this time, we enjoy a chamber music performance from the very TH IN-HOUSE ACTIVITIES - THE WEEK OF JULY 4 . gifted scholarship winners of the Cactus Pear Music

Festival Youth Program. Sunday 1st - County Line Band at 7:00 p.m. in Auditorium. A special concert in honor of July 4th. Everyone is invited!

Thursday 19th - ARC Seniors of Note Variety Band at Monday 2nd - “The Building of the American Flag” 7:00 p.m. in Auditorium. Beer, wine & soft drinks presented by the Fort Houston Chapter #17 of the available for purchase. National Sojourners, Inc. Alamo Camp, Heroes of 76 at

1:30 p.m. in ARC Auditorium. Presenters will explain LAKESIDE THEATER MOVIE SCHEDULE/ how each element of the flag came to be. JULY 2018 Wednesday 4th - Army Please sign-up if you wish to attend Residence Community any of the scheduled movies on the 1st Annual 4th of July Movie bulletin board in the High Rise Celebration!! Events by the main elevators. start with Golf Cart Parade at 9:00 a.m. Lunch and full celebration begin at Friday 6th – “OCTOBER SKY” (1999) 11:00 a.m. in the High Rise. See ad in this issue for 1:30 p.m. / 1 hr. 50 min. / Rated PG details!

18 The Eagle July 2018 The ‘Big Eagle’ contains three military history series by our ‘Resident Historian’ Mike Huebner. Friday 13th - “GLEASON” (2016) 1:30 p.m. / 1 hr. 50 9:00 a.m. - Golf Cart Parade min./ Rated R. After he is and Contest on the diagnosed with ALS, former Crestway side of the professional football player Steve campus: The parade will Gleason begins making a video diary wind through every street for his unborn son, as he, his wife, on the Crestway as well as and their friends and family work to the Lakeside areas of our campus. Shaded parade raise money for ALS patients as his seating for High Rise Residents will be located in front of disease progresses. the High Rise at the flag pole. 1st, 2nd and 3rd place prizes to be awarded for the most patriotic and Friday 20th - “WHAT DREAMS MAY creative decorated Golf Carts! Winners will be COME” (1998) 1:30 p.m./ 1 hr. 55 announced starting at 12:00 p.m. in the Auditorium. min./ Rated PG-13 Must be present to win! After he dies in a car crash, a man 1st Prize: A two-night stay in Fredericksburg courtesy searches heaven and hell for his of Hoffman Haus B&B, a chauffeured wine tour for two beloved wife. Won an Oscar for to 3-wineries courtesy of Texas Wine Tours and an Best Visual Effects. additional tasting-for-two at Becker Vineyards! Saturday 21st – “MAN OF LA 2nd Prize: Dinner-for-Two on the S.A. Riverwalk MANCHA” (1972) 1:30p.m./ 2 courtesy of “Biga-on-the-Banks” and a pair of tickets to hrs.10 min./ Rated PG. The funny a concert in the S.A. Symphony 2018-2019 Concert story of elderly nobleman Don Series. Quixote who, aided by his squire Sancho Panza, fights windmills that 3rd Prize: A deluxe wine basket courtesy of Morrison are seen as dragons to save Food Service. prostitute Dulcinea who is seen as a 11:00 a.m. - BBQ Sauce noblewoman. Contest Judging: Everyone Wednesday 25th- DINNER & MOVIE will get a chance to taste featuring “I CAN ONLY IMAGINE” the BBQ sauce entries and (2018) 1 hr. 50 min./ Rated PG vote for their favorite Dinner at 5:00 p.m./ Movie at 6:15 sauce! Winner will be p.m. The inspiring and unknown announced at 1:30 p.m. Must be present to win! true story behind MercyMe's Winner will receive: An NBA Commissioner’s Party for beloved, chart topping song that 20 featuring upscale, premium tapas, beer, wine and brings ultimate hope to so many is a gripping reminder soft drinks courtesy of Morrison Food Service. of the power of true forgiveness. 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. - BBQ Picnic Lunch Buffet in Friday 27th-“I CAN ONLY IMAGINE” (2017) Matinee re- High Rise Main Dining Room and Auditorium: Seating screening 1:30 p.m. / See above for details. will be open. No reservations will be required except for large parties of 6 or more. Contact Krystal in Dining Services for large party reservations at (210) 646- 5329. Lunch buffet includes salad bar with a special dessert bar in the Main Lobby.

11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. – Live Music with The Drugstore Cowboys in the High-Rise Auditorium. This ARC First Annual 4th of July Celebration! band has been performing in the S.A. area for over 40 9:00am – 3:00pm Events: years. They are recording artists and are guaranteed to play all of your country and western favorites!

The ‘ARCNet Eagle’ is a full-color, unabridged edition at armyresidence.net. July 2018 The Eagle 19 cemetery for a memorial service or patriotic observance.

Even Residents who have grown up in San Antonio will find a visit to Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery to be a new discovery. It has been developed. Nursery Road, which used to separate the newer section from the original section, now has a bridge which allows a continuous thoroughfare.

When you make reservations for the luncheon, and if you have any questions about eligibility, benefits, or details unique to the Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, please state (or email) your question so Mr. David or his coworker can come prepared to give you, privately or within the course of the program, an answer. Reservation requests (and July Eagle Luncheon Speaker is questions) should be made with Kevin Scott, Mr. Aubrey David, Assistant Director, using the contact information below. Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery

All Residents are invited to a luncheon on Tuesday, 10 July, 11:30 AM to 1 PM, in the Auditorium. The speaker is Mr. Aubrey David, the Assistant Director (above), Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery. Reservations are required and go quickly. Contact information is provided below.

Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery is Administered by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. It encompasses 154.7 acres, and as of 2014, had over 144,000 interments. The cemetery was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2016. Executive Chef Julian Flores has created Mr. David’s presentation topic is the history another superb meal for this event. It begins of the cemetery, and the eligibility and benefits with Caesar Salad with Caesar Dressing on the regarding interment at a National Cemetery. side, followed by an entrée of Seared Basil Details unique to the Fort Sam National Cream Chicken, with sides of Parmesan Cemetery would also be mentioned. Mr. David Tomato, Cranberry Wild Rice, and for dessert, will be accompanied by a coworker who will be Chocolate Cake with Raspberry Sauce, and available to privately answer questions as well, Coffee, Iced Tea, and Water. All for an $8 if there are luncheon attendees who wish to charge to your Resident Choice account. You consult with the cemetery staff. will not find a better deal, or a better meal.

Since virtually all Residents are eligible to be Reservations are required and go quickly. interred at a National Cemetery, this luncheon Please make Reservations now, by is very worthwhile. It’s also likely that all contacting Kevin Scott at (210)-646-5820, or Residents will have the occasion to visit the email [email protected]. Thank you!

20 The Eagle July 2018 The ‘Big Eagle’ contains three military history series by our ‘Resident Historian’ Mike Huebner. HELP!

Front Desk 9-1-1 210-646-5300

ARC ARC SECURITY + NURSE

Help! When you call 9-1-1 from a cell phone or a non-ARC landline, only 9-1-1 reacts or knows the situation.

REMEMBER: When you call the 9-1-1 from an ARC line or trigger an alarm, our Front Desk staff mobilizes ARC Nurses and Security to help right away, then calls emergency responders and notifies the Front Gate to expect and direct help. Departure of the fleet from the French naval base at Toulon (near Marseilles) had been delayed for two months, and unfavorable winds had delayed its arrival even more. Had the French arrived even a few days earlier, Admiral William Howe’s outmatched British fleet in Delaware Bay might have been destroyed. And the British evacuation of Philadelphia might have been thwarted. As it was, Howe’s ships had already slipped away to New York.

Washington, of course, was clearly disappointed. But he still saw an opportunity: a combined French-American operation to capture New York City and, perhaps, end the war. He sent his aide, Colonel John Laurens, to coordinate with d’Estaing.

Washington’s plan called for d’Estaing to occupy Sandy Hook, the 4-mile long island controlling the entrance to New York harbor (see next page). With Sandy Hook in French hands, the British fleet would either have to come out and fight – and likely be destroyed – or be trapped in the harbor. Either way, the principal British force in North America would Vice Admiral Jean Baptiste Charles Henri Hector, the Comte (Count) d’Estaing be cut off and isolated. Washington’s army could be landed on Manhattan to finish the job.

“AN OPPORTUNITY LOST” But the British, too, recognized the THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION importance of Sandy Hook. General Clinton 240 YEARS AGO: JULY 1778 sent a force of 1,800 men to occupy and fortify by Mike Huebner the island. Capturing Sandy Hook would now be a major operation, something d’Estaing was [Just days after the inconclusive battle of reluctant to undertake. Monmouth Court House, the long-awaited French fleet finally arrived off the New Jersey But even more significant, d’Estaing’s officers coast. If only . . .] determined that the channel into New York harbor was too shallow for the deep-draft The French fleet – twelve ships-of-the-line French ships-of-the-line. It would be almost and four smaller frigates, along with four impossible to mount an effective attack on thousand marines – was under the command Sandy Hook, engage the British ships in those of Vice Admiral Jean Baptiste Charles Henri narrow waters, or land American troops on Hector, the Comte (Count) d’Estaing. Manhattan. Washington’s vision for a decisive D’Estaing had served as a general officer in victory was now little more than a pipe dream. the French Army in India and the East Indies before transferring to the navy. His new rank But Washington and d’Estaing were not ready and appointment to this command likely owed to give up so easily. They identified another more to his connections with the French inviting target for a combined French-American monarchy than to any real naval expertise. operation – the British Naval base and garrison Even his own officers had their doubts, often at Newport, Rhode Island. referring to him as “General.” [Next month: Disappointment at Newport]

22 The Eagle July 2018

The ‘ARCNet Eagle’ is a full-color, unabridged edition at armyresidence.net. July 2018 The Eagle 23 WORLD WAR I CENTENNIAL back to counter any breakthroughs. But CHATEAU-THIERRY: JULY 1918 DeGoutte insisted that the 3rd Division defend “ROCK OF THE MARNE” right down to the water’s edge.

by Mike Huebner Dickman chose to ignore DeGoutte’s orders. He deployed his division with two regiments nd [While 2 Division was facing its baptism of forward, along the river, and two regiments rd fire at Belleau Wood, 3 Division was marching farther back as the division reserve. The toward its rendezvous with destiny near a small forward regiments had one battalion in the front village on the Marne River – Chateau-Thierry. lines with two others in support. To placate The Marne was the last significant barrier DeGoutte, though, Dickman reinforced the between the German Army and Paris. If the forward battalions, usually at night, to give the Germans managed to breach the Marne River appearance of defense in force. line, Paris would be in danger – and the war could be lost . . .] The 38th Infantry Regiment was on the far General Jean right flank of the American DeGoutte, commanding position, commanded by the Chateau-Thierry Colonel Ulysses Grant sector, ordered Major McAlexander (at left). To General Joseph his left was the 30th Dickman (at left) and his Regiment, commanded by rd 3 Division to defend the Colonel Edmund Butts. banks of the Marne The two officers River in force. The order recognized that the key to was rather ironic. By their defensive position 1918, the French were was the high ground proponents of the “elastic defense,” manning behind the Marne. They put the bulk of their the forward lines with minimal forces while forces on those heights. maintaining strong reserve formations farther

24 The Eagle July 2018 McAlexander’s situation was critical. The French division on his right had withdrawn, leaving his flank exposed. And the German advance was now threatening both his front and his left flank, where the 30th had pulled back. He had a choice: defend in place or withdraw. He chose to stand.

For fourteen hours, McAlexander’s 38th Infantry Regiment fought off elements of the th th rd The German attack came at 3:30 a.m. on 15 German 10 and 36 Divisions. The 3 July. Despite heavy fire from the forward Division artillery fired thousands of rounds in American positions, the assault forces support. In the end, the German attack was managed to gain a bridgehead on the south stopped, but at a heavy price. Nearly three th bank of the Marne in the sector defended by thousand men of the 38 Regiment were killed th the 30th Regiment (above). or wounded. (The 30 suffered comparable numbers of casualties, although in not quite Butts, at regimental headquarters, had such dramatic circumstances.) almost no contact with his forward units and had no idea just what the situation really was. Lieutenant Kurt Hesse, adjutant of the th When he finally got a report that most of the German 5 Grenadier Regiment, wrote in his forward battalion had been overrun, he ordered journal: “Never have I seen so many dead artillery fire on their position. Some American men, never such frightful battle scenes . . . The troops still fighting were caught in their own American had nerve; we must give him credit artillery barrage. Butts ordered the survivors to for that; but he also displayed a savage fall back to the secondary line behind the river. roughness. . . Of the troops led into action on th July 15 , more than sixty percent were left Butts’ actions were later criticized by some dead or wounded lying on the field of battle . .” officers, but a post-war study concluded that Butts had made the correct decisions based on The final phase of the the information he had available. And the fact German offensive had been that the Germans failed to penetrate his halted. Paris had been secondary defensive line only served to saved. Through the efforts th th confirm that conclusion. of the 30 and 38 Infantry rd Regiments, the 3 Division But Butts’ withdrawal had put the 38th gained its illustrious Regiment in a difficult position. Under heavy nickname, the “Rock of the pressure, McAlexander ignored orders to Marne.” counterattack and re-establish contact with the Crest of the 38th 30th. Instead, he used one of his battalions to Infantry Division [Next month: Soissons – the continue delaying the Germans at the water’s Counter-Offensive Begins] edge while he built up his secondary defensive line on the high ground behind the river.

July 2018 The Eagle 25

WORLD WAR II: 75 YEARS AGO The first Allied troops into Sicily were the INVASION OF SICILY: JULY 1943 famed “Red Devils” of the British 1st Airborne “RACE TO MESSINA” Division’s Airlanding Brigade. Their towed gliders arrived off Cape Passero just after by Mike Huebner 11:00 p.m. on 9 July. Their objective was the Ponte Grande Bridge just south of Syracuse. [The Allies had employed a rather elaborate Seizure of that bridge – intact – was essential deception campaign trying to convince the for the follow-on forces, landing by sea, to Germans and Italians that the next target for capture the port of Syracuse. invasion would be Sardinia, Corsica, Greece, or even the Balkans – anywhere but Sicily. The glider-borne landings did not go well. How effective that deception was is still subject There had been insufficient time for effective to some debate, but Germany did redeploy training and coordination between the British several divisions into Greece and the Balkans, glider pilots and the tow-plane pilots of the 51st forces that might have gone to Sicily. U.S.A.A.F. Troop Carrier Wing.

The Allied invasion convoys began moving High winds and heavy fire from Italian anti- out of the North African ports in early July, aircraft batteries forced the pilots to break sailing east to reinforce the deception for any formation. Faulty navigation and the inability to Axis observers. Once out of sight of land, the identify reference points on the ground further convoys turned north to assembly areas near complicated the drops. Many tow-pilots Malta . . .] released their gliders while still over the sea.

26 The Eagle July 2018 Of the 147 gliders that departed from Tunisia, more than half crash-landed in the water, drowning many of the troops. The rest were scattered over southeast Sicily, far from their planned objectives.

Only twelve gliders landed anywhere near the Ponte Grande Bridge. Still, that small force managed to seize the bridge and remove demolition charges. Throughout the night, a few other Red Devils made their way to the bridge to reinforce the defenders. The Italians counterattacked the next morning. After seven hours of intense fighting, the outnumbered and though: the Germans and Italians were even outgunned British defenders had to surrender. more confused. Some reports to higher

[Note: the Ponte Grande Bridge was headquarters estimated that 20,000 to 30,000 recaptured by British troops from the main enemy airborne troops had been dropped! invasion force later that first day, leading many The amphibious landings in the British to question if the costly glider-borne assault sector, in the Gulf of Noto just south of had even been necessary.] Syracuse, were surprisingly successful, with

American paratroopers from the 82nd little or no resistance. By late morning on 10 Airborne Division also entered Sicily ahead of July, Montgomery had four divisions ashore. the landing forces. Colonel James Gavin’s That afternoon, a column from the Royals 505th Regimental Combat Team, just over Scots Fusiliers re-captured the Ponte Grande 3000 men, was supposed to seize high ground Bridge, opening the way to Syracuse, which behind the beachheads to block enemy access was occupied almost without a fight. But this to the amphibious landing zones in and around early success was no indication of the difficult Gela. battles yet to come.

But the American drops were just as chaotic The American landings in the Gulf of Gela, as the glider landings had been. High winds, on the southern coast of Sicily, were not as st rd th inexperienced air crews, and faulty navigation uneventful. The 1 , 3 , and 45 Infantry meant that the transport planes arrived over Divisions, along with three Ranger Battalion, Sicily in a confused jumble. Many of the came ashore with minimal casualties. But as planes were shot down; others had to take the day wore on, they began to face heavy evasive action, their paratroopers jumping far resistance. from the planned drop zones. Gavin’s combat General Alfredo Guzzoni, nominally in team was scattered all over southern Sicily. command of all Axis troops in Sicily, had

Despite the seemingly ineffective airborne planned to use his mobile forces, the Italian insertion, junior officers and NCOs gathered as Livorno Division and the Herman Goering many men as they could and went to war Division, to counterattack the beachheads. But wherever they found themselves. They due to a breakdown in communications, those discovered they were fighting against elements attacks were not well coordinated. of the infamous Herman Goering Division, a Nevertheless, a few tanks from the Livorno supposedly elite unit that was officially part of Division got all the way into Gela. But the Luftwaffe. An officer from that division later Lieutenant Colonel William Darby of the complained that American paratroopers “did Rangers managed to get an anti-tank gun into not fight fairly.” action, destroying several tanks. The Italians

The wide dispersal of the Allied glider and suffered heavy casualties and retreated. parachute landings had a positive benefit,

July 2018 The Eagle 27 The Herman Goering Division proved a Naval forces in the Gulf of Gela had been greater problem, threatening to break through under heavy German and Italian air attacks for to the beaches in and around Gela late in the two days. Anti-aircraft gunners on the ships afternoon. But intense fire from offshore U.S. were tired and edgy. Less than an hour after Navy cruisers and destroyers slowed the an especially heavy air attack, a column of low German advance. And the heavy 60-ton Tiger flying aircraft was spotted: transport planes tanks were difficult to maneuver through the with U.S. Army paratroopers from the 504th. narrow streets and olive groves. Nevertheless, But messages alerting the Navy to the the Germans came close to breaking through incoming transports had not reached all the during the night. ships.

The German counterattack resumed the next In the ensuing confusion, naval anti-aircraft morning, aiming at the junction between the 1st fire downed twenty-three of the transports and and 45th Divisions. Paratroopers from Gavin’s damaged more than thirty others. More than Regimental Combat Team, supported by two hundred paratroopers and airmen were several tanks from the 2nd Armored Division killed, wounded, or missing. [Note: the that had been landed overnight, were all that subsequent investigation assigned blame up stood between the Germans and the and down the chain-of-command, but no beachhead. But they managed to stop the disciplinary action was taken against anyone. attack. Once again, naval gunfire played a The incident raised questions, however, about critical role. the viability of future airborne operations.]

But the beachhead was not yet fully secure. Meanwhile, Montgomery’s rapidly moving Patton decided to commit the 504th Regimental columns had reached Augusta, which fell into Combat Team from the 82nd Airborne. That Allied hands without a struggle, abandoned by decision led to tragedy, due in part to poor its Italian defenders. German officers blamed planning and miscommunication. Allied success to date on the poor performance

28 The Eagle July 2018 of the Italian Army. Two additional German divisions – the 1st Airborne (Fallschirmjaeger) and the 29th Panzer Grenadier – crossed from Italy into Sicily via Messina. General Hans Hube, a veteran armor commander, arrived to take command.

With the concurrence of Field Marshal Albert Kesselring, the senior German commander in the Mediterranean, Hube (at left) elected to concentrate his defenses in front of the Mount Etna Patton comes ashore at Gela, Sicily, to direct the action massif. The defensive line would But Alexander sided with Montgomery, giving run from Catania on the coast, around the the British priority on the Vizzini-Caltagirone southern slopes of Mount Etna, to the north road. Bradley, realizing that his advance would coast of Sicily. be halted, or at least slowed, protested to Patton. Patton, too, was outraged, seeing that Kesselring and Hube were, in effect, 7th Army was being relegated to a secondary abandoning western Sicily to the Allies. They role, covering Montgomery’s left flank. had determined that Sicily could not be held for any length of time. Their objective was to Still, Patton saw the situation as an delay the Allies, hold the “door” open at opportunity. He had never been happy with Messina for as long as possible, and extract the mission assigned 7th Army: a slow, hard the bulk of the German (and Italian) forces, and slog up the mountainous center of the island. their equipment, when the time came. Until He had long had his eyes on Palermo, the that time, though, they would force the Allies to largest city in Sicily. The capture of Palermo pay a heavy price. would give him and his 7th Army the publicity he sought, open a major logistics port, and Montgomery soon found what that price present an opportunity to reach Messina via would be. Attempts to break through to the roads along the north shore of Sicily. Catania along the narrow coastal roads were repulsed with heavy casualties. Frustrated, Patton requested – and received – Montgomery proposed to Alexander that XIII authorization from Alexander to push a Corps continue to maintain pressure against “reconnaissance in force” to the west, toward Catania, while XXX Corps shifted its axis of Agrigento, to cover his left flank. Alexander advance to the west, around Mount Etna. warned Patton not to get decisively engaged or advance beyond Agrigento. But Patton The problem with Montgomery’s plan was believed success would generate opportunity. that it would put the British directly in the path of Major General Omar Bradley’s II Corps, Patton gave Major General Geoffrey Keyes which, having finally broken out from the command of a provisional corps consisting of beachhead, was advancing up the center of the 3rd Infantry Division, the 2nd Armored the island. The narrow mountain roads of Division, and elements of the 82nd Airborne. central Sicily could not support the vehicular Keyes’ orders were to take Agrigento, then traffic and logistical demands of two separate advance as far and as fast as he could toward corps. Palermo. Then, and only then, would Patton seek approval from Alexander.

July 2018 The Eagle 29 American forces entering Palermo. Photographs of the American advance into Palermo seems to show a liberating army instead of a conquering army. The fall of Palermo was a huge political defeat for Mussolini, who was then removed from office.

Most Italian immigrants to the U.S. came from southern Italy or Sicily. The chance of Americans having a “family reunion” as the invasion continued into Italy will be developed in the next issue.

The advance to Palermo exceeded Patton was not fully convinced of expectations. By noon on 22 July, both the 3rd Montgomery’s sincerity. Too many months of Infantry and the 2nd Armored were poised to British condescension and American enter the city, now abandoned by its Italian resentment had soured the relationship. “This defenders. Patton gave Keyes the honor of is a horse race,” Patton wrote, “in which the leading the troops into the city; Patton himself prestige of the U.S. Army is at stake. We must entered the city the next day, met by cheering take Messina before the British . . .” crowds lining the streets. [Postscript: The Allies’ advances in Sicily and With Montgomery’s left hook around Mount the poor performance of the Italian Army were Etna running into even heavier resistance, it the final straw for Benito Mussolini. On 24 appeared unlikely that 8th Army could take July, the Fascist Grand Council gave Mussolini Messina. But 7th Army was now in position to a vote of no-confidence, and King Victor do just that. And Patton was determined that Emmanuel, the titular head of state, demanded the U.S. Army would win the “race” for his resignation. Marshal Pietro Badoglio was Messina. named to head a new military government. While the Marshal made vague promises of For Montgomery, though, there was no honoring all treaties and keeping Italy in the longer a “race.” He had come to the reluctant war, the German high command started conclusion that his flanking attack around making contingency plans in the event Italy Mount Etna had little chance of success surrendered.] without a strong American advance along the northern coastal roads. He even suggested – [Next month: “Flawed Victory”] th to Patton’s utter incredulity – that 7 Army was in a better position to take Messina!

30 The Eagle July 2018 Inside The ARCNet Eagle, Editor’s Notebook

The ‘Big Eagle’ “If you must play, decide on three things at the start: the rules of the game, the stakes, and 2 – 3 A Conversation with the CEO the quitting time.”

4 Birthdays and Passings - Chinese Proverb

5 New Resident Director, Board Member Every month, every issue finishes the same 6 – 7 A Conversation with Outgoing Resident Director Larry Luken way. Time has run out, with more articles, announcements, or information to file and 8 – 9 A Conversation with Pat Sewell, RN format. The first full week in July has our 4th of Director of Nursing July holiday in the center. Blink your eyes and 9 Please Observe our current Dress Code it will be the 15th. There are many events scheduled in our community which don’t 10 The ARC Library receive adequate publicity if they are simply 11 Luncheon Remarks from DUSTOFF 55 mentioned in The Eagle. Those events which

12 Guy Huskerson: Still Serving lead the month will also be announced in the Eagle Extra. 13 World War II Poetry – Chuck Stout Seriously, there are articles which don’t make 14 - 15 Independence and Mobility: Ed and Janet Olson take a Ride on VIA the paper edition or the ARCNet to the degree which I’d like to position them. For now, The 16 Making Waves: Artist Joyce Ryan Eagle will continue to be 20 paper pages, monthly, with a deadline date of the 20th. The 17 – 18 July Activities deadline date has been extremely flexible, but 19 July Movies at Lakeside Theater it would be preferable, and appreciated, if we went with, “The Sooner, the Better.” 20 Luncheon Speaker: Mr. Aubrey David Finally, the Eagle Extra, sent via email to 21 Poster: What to do in an Emergency over 300 addresses, is proving to be the most 22 – 23 American Revolution Series: effective way to announce an event. Our goal July 1778: An Opportunity Lost is to make this a weekly but short highlight of a few notable events. 24 – 25 World War I Centennial, July 1918: The Rock of the Marne There is a group of Residents and Staff which began meeting to discuss the 26 – 30 World War II Series: 75 years Ago, requirements of a new ARCNet. Grace July 1943, Operation Husky, The Invasion of Sicily Newton and Robert Gilley are documenting the requirements and features this new website 31 Contents and Editor’s Notebook should have. If you have an opinion about this,

please share it with any of the officers of the Another classic front cover Computer and Technology Club. They are the by Grace Newton, our Residents well represented in the group and Director of will have no trouble expressing what your Communications. This is suggestions are. the 13th magazine-style front cover to lead you into Thank you for giving me the privilege of the monthly issue of our being the Editor. community newsletter. --- Kevin Scott

31 The Eagle July 2018