Sarasota, FL Mini-Reunion Monday, Dec 16, 2013
On December 16, 2013 a 106th ID Mini Reunion was held at the Der Dutchman Restaurant in Sarasota, Florida. There were 33 in attendance with 12 of them members of the 106th. Also, Jim Edwards K/423 and William Busier K/423 did not make it due to transportation issues. Mr. Busier was snowed in in Vermont. A great family style meal was enjoyed by all. Also in attendance was Mark Stolzberg representing his father Seymour Stolzberg of M/423 and Josh Fleicsher representing his grandfather Bob Eldgridge G/422. It was also announced that Leonard Turgeon L/423 who attended the mini reunion for many years passed away in March.
The guest speakers were Randal West and Kat McLaughlin from the “Ride Home.” It is an organization that has an annual gathering in Andersonville, Georgia and sponsors hundreds of former POWs and MIAs and their families for a four days event to honor them. They also spoke about the plight of Sargent Bowe Bergdahl who was captured June 30, 2009 in Afghanistan and is still being held.
Teresa Welke, wife of Brian, gave each of the 106th veterans a pinecone that she collected in the Schnee Eifel this past summer with a thank you note attached.
Also, Bernard Mayrsohn spoke to the group about the 106th Infantry Division Association and the annual reunion. He encouraged all to attend. Next year’s Mini Reunion is scheduled for December 16th.
Group picture:
Back row L-R Everett Howland H/422, Boris Stern HQ/424, Don Scholten G/423, Lester Helmich HQ/424, Raymond Twardzik Div. Sig. Co., Clarence Buckman Div. Art.
Front row L-R Dr. Vance Jennings Div. Sig. Co., Glenn Beville K/424, Jay Carmichael E/423, Bernard Mayrsohn CN/423, Fred Parks K/423, Stanley Colby 99th ID
Not in picture but attended Sidney Auerbach H/424. After wards several of the attendees visited Bob Eldridge, who was restricted to bed, at his home and took him some of the great food that was served.