Sending happy thoughts to the surviving members of the 101st who landed in France 65 years to the date. Blessings go out to Major Dick Winters, Sergeant Bill Guarnere, Frank Perconte, Don Malarkey, and Lieutenant Buck Compton and special prayers for Shifty Powers. Oceans of love to them and those that are no longer with us. May their memories and those of all the brave men who fought on that day of days never be forgotten.

May I extend these thoughts to all who took part in D-Day, including the French people who had been suffering for 5 years?

Nathalie

Many thanks to all for their sacrifice especially those that made the ultimate sacrifice. What is the Wally Parr quote? "They sacrificed all of their tomorrows so that we can have today."

I watched the heads of Canada, The US, and Great Britain speak at the ceremony today. The President mentioned Easy Company. There were a lot of Veterans on the main stage. Thought I saw some I recognized. I hope some of the Men from Easy made it over there. I'm dedicating my day to the memory of all who fought and died there with a new garden in my back yard, and hope others are remembering and honoring them as well.

Can anyone tell me how Shifty Powers is doing?

Especially, the French underground who stood up against horrible odds. And special blessings to the brave people of Le Chambon-Sur-Lignon.

Can anyone tell me how Shifty Powers is doing?

Yesterday I also thought about all the men who fought on D-day and i also saw the ceremony on Omaha beach. After the broadcast I thought it was a good idea to call Shifty and see how he is doin on this special day. Now, most of you already know
Shifty's health has not been good lately. When I called, his son Wayne picked up the phone and told me that Shifty and his family have gotten bad news last week.
There is no way I can bring this in a nice way but it looks like Shifty is in the last weeks of his long life. His spirit is still strong but his body is tired of the long struggle with his declining health. Wayne put the phone next to Shifty's ear and I had a chance to talk with him for a couple of minutes.......
It was an emotional conversation cuz we both knew this was probably the last time we spoke..... I told him how much I loved him and how honoured and proud I felt to be friends with him, how much I appreciate the fond memories we made together like the days we hung out together in Bastogne, visiting the Alamo during the reunion in Texas, how he taught me how to shoot an M1 at his house in VA.... too many too mention here.... Basicly..... we said our goodbye's.... I told him; "Shifty, No matter what, we'll see eachother again". He replied with; "Yeah boy".
That's the last thing my friend said to me.

Everyone who ever had the pleasure to meet Shifty knows what he great man he is and I know you are thinking of him...

Please keep Shifty and his family in yer thoughts and prayers in these difficult times...

Respectfully,



Ruud, Eindhoven Holland.

This is very sad news indeed...

Let's hope Mr Powers won't be in too much pain and that he'll go peacefully if such is his destiny.

Love and hugs to him and his family,

Nathalie

Having just walked this walk with a dear friend, I agree with Frenchie. May Shifty's final jump be peaceful without pain or fear. It is wretched what we humans go through sometimes. Thank you for letting us know. I figured it was just a matter of time. Nevertheless, you never get use to the passing of people you admire, let alone loosing your friends. My sympathies to all who know and love him.

Shelia B

Sad news, sorry to hear of Mr Power`s declining health.

Thanks Rudd . God Bless our sweet friend Shifty. I pray for a peaceful journey for him. Please call when you can..

"Pathfinders report that the drop zone is clear with no cross-winds reported!"

Mr. Powers,

Thank you so VERY MUCH for what you have done for our Country as well as our WORLD!! Your's was truly the "Greatest Generation" and you have set the bar HIGH and challenge us to follow your lead! May God richly bless you and yours and may He welcome you home as you make your final Jump!

The Commander will give you your Jump Order in His own time: "Stand up! Hook up!" and will "walk point" as you complete a perfect PLF! May you find His Peace as you greet your Savior and close ranks w/ those who have gone before!

May your loved ones draw comfort and peace knowing you have "Finished the Race" and "Fought the Good Fight"!

"Well done good and faithful Servant!"


Very Respectfully-

Chris Moore
USS Bowfin

I wish I had gotten into the History of WWII a little sooner in my life.

I've became a huge "Band of Brothers" fan and have followed the stories written by the men of Easy Co.. I have read all of their books; all of the ones written by Easy men, and searched for them on the internet. I wish I would have had the pleasure, time, and money to have traveled to meet some of the men from Easy. After you read and watch them for so long you feel like you do know them personally and you end up developing a bond within yourself with these iconic individuals. I live in Arkansas and had I just developed the passion a few years earlier I would have made an effort to go visit Denver "Bull" Randleman.

My prayers go out to Shifty, I pray that he feels no pain in his remaining days. And to all of the remaining members of Easy, I hope they realize how their lives and glorious actions in the war have changed the lives of so many around the world. They are all truly influential individuals.

Chris

Chris, The WW2 veterans are still with us, in ever diminishing numbers. Seek out the oldies in your area. There are scant few of them who did not serve in some capacity in those years. They didn't all serve in combat, but they all have stories to tell and have earned our respect and attention. The Easy boys are always mindful that they are stand-ins for so many who served in combat.

There is so much to know about WW2. The study of the heroism and sacrifice of a couple of generations in the 20th century will continue for years and years. Jump in. It's far more than just a hobby. It is the foundation of our knowledge of who we are as Americans. BK

Agreed! I was in the Navy for 4 years and got out for all of the wrong reasons. Anyways, I have since matured into a man of 35yrs young. I have made an effort to seek out some of the older Vets in my area and have also joined some associations such as the American Legion, and AMVETS. I love to talk to those guys who were in the war and who participated with keeping the War effort up back home. I have a great love for the "Greatest Generation". I will continue my efforts towards learning more about WW2 until the day I pass. I am and will always be proud of our American Veterans.

Chris