PASSING IN REVIEW

40TH + OR - REUNION IS HUGE SUCCESS

The 40th + or - Reunion of the 33rd Army Band in Albuquerque during the weekend of July 11-13 was a never-to-be-forgotten gathering for 28 former members of the USAREUR Headquarters Band of Heidelberg, Germany, and their wives, family, and friends. A total of 54 people were in attendance at the Fairfield Inn and Albuquerque Hilton Inn, and without doubt all who were there had a wonderful time.

The proceedings got underway hours before the scheduled registration time of 7 p.m. on Friday. As numbers of the band members began arriving in Albuquerque in the morning and early afternoon, the registration area during the afternoon hours became a beehive of activity. Loud, enthusiastic greetings, laughter, and talk, talk, talk resonated in the Fairfield hall and the room set aside for the display of photo albums and countless black- and-white prints from that time some 40 years ago in the land of beer and pretzels, schnitzel, and fine pastries.

Host Frank Schlatter, assisted by his aide-de-camps Beth Rhodes-Fresquez,, Donna Tempero, and Carole Schlatter, had booklets on hand containing biographical data of members of the 33rd and some historical notes provided by Dee Tonning and Frank. Also provided at the registration area were colorful squeeze balls, a gift for the occasion from Dave Yoshioka. In addition, the festivities were punctuated with the sounds of the 33rd Army Band of 1958 playing "Dem Basses" in Arnheim--the tape provided by Tom Kolbe, who couldn't make it to the Albuquerque gig. (Thanks, Tom!) The boom box on the site also provided some oom-pah-pah music from Deutschland.

The excitement continued through the Happy Hour in the patio area of the Hilton, where those in attendance enjoyed fajitas and meatballs and a drink or two, while renewing acquaintances and establishing new friendships with 33rders and the others who were there. The first night of fun and pleasure ended about midnight--or was it later?

In the morning we gathered near the lobby of the Fairfield Inn for a continental breakfast and then, between 9:30 and 9:45, we boarded a bus for our visit to Albuquerque Old Town. Was it Dave Yoshioka who said: "That's fitting. We took buses everywhere in Germany, and now we're getting back on the bus!"?

On the bus Frank had a grand time calling the roll--a job he never had the opportunity to do when with the band between '56 and '58. Did somebody mention that we should have had two buses just to make sure that we had a contingent from the band that made it to Old Town?

In Old Town we dispersed throughout the plaza, some venturing away from the square to go to one of the nearby museums. The morning in Old Town provided those in attendance with the opportunity to purchase gifts for family members who had been left at home. It was also a time for some of us to observe a wedding in progress in the center of the plaza. (No, Frank claims that he did NOT arrange for that to happen!)

Lunch for the entire group was a festive affair in a single large room of La Placita Restaurant on the plaza, highlighted by flashes of cameras, more talk, and a style show from a nearby clothing establishment.

We all made it back to the bus before two in the afternoon, so that, after dropping a few of the reunion participants back at the hotel, most of us could travel out to the Sandia Tramway for a ride to the top of the mountain, where we spent a couple of hours, wandering about, shooting pictures, and watching the hang gliders take off and soar high over the rugged area.

After our return to our hotel and just prior to the evening banquet we posed for our official group photos, first a series of shots by a professional photographer of the band members and then a second series for the guys and the wives in attendance.

The evening meal was preceded by a prayer in which those who were no longer with us were remembered, and then, after the food, Dick Tolley led the assemblage in a sing-a- long of songs from the 50's. While the sing-along was in progress, Frank set up two slide projectors and a screen, and we then had a stream of reminiscences as various members of the 33rd showed their slides from that earlier time--most of them of the guys in the band, but numbers of them of Heidelberg and other locations where the band had had gigs, including trips to Lebanon and France.

Probably the highlight of highlights for the day came after the slides, when the band adjourned downstairs and, using march music provided by Dick Hays (thanks much, Dick!), those who had brought their instruments performed. It was wonderful! (Just ask the wives, friends, family members, and bandsmen who didn't have their instruments as well as those of us who were doing something we probably had never dreamed we would be doing again--playing with the other members of the band.)

The "concert band" portion of the program ended with a special arrangement of "Peoria" ("How I wish I was in Peoria...") developed by Bill 'Woody' Woodworth for the occasion-- since Frank Schlatter, the coordinator for the event, was born and reared in Peoria. The dance band members closed out the memorable day with a series of songs that were fitting for the gathering.

On Sunday morning, we met together in the Garden Room of the Hilton for breakfast and a business meeting to discuss future possibilities for the 33rd. At the breakfast commemorative mugs that had been sent to the reunion by George Masche were provided to the guys in attendance and to Donna Tempero and Richard Schlatter, both of whom had done much to insure the success of the reunion, Donna locating a set of drums and a bass for use during the previous evening's gig and Richard for his computer assistance. The commemorative mugs were beautifully etched with the USAREUR insignia and the words "33rd Army Band 1997 Reunion." All of us were--and still are--delighted with such a marvelous memento for the occasion. (Thanks, George!)

Most of the band members and their families departed for home on Sunday, but some of us remained behind to do some sightseeing in the region, a number of us traveling to Santa Fe and vicinity. One snapshot that was forwarded to the coordinator after the event shows Ken Stickel, Ray McCallister, and Phil Jones at the Fairfield--and though they don't have their musical instruments in hand, they claim to have closed the reunion a couple of days later with either Auf Wiedersehen or Taps.

SOME COMMENTS ABOUT THE OCCASION FROM THOSE WHO WERE THERE

Gene Karjala: "It was a gas!....Wanted you to know that I'm still around and feeling good things about our reunion."

Phil Jones: "What a wonderful time Donna and I had with you in Albuquerque!!...a superb gathering of old friends from the 33rd! We enjoyed every minute of our time there with everyone. There were many highlights for us--the Old Town visit on Sat. and, of course, the Sat. eve dinner and opportunity to play music together afterwards--Great fun! "I must say that one of the most appreciated few minutes at the Sat. eve. dinner was your remembrance prayer for those no longer with us..."

Tom Kerkman: "It was great!! Looking forward to the next one -wherever."

Gabe Villani: "I will from this day on refer to you [Frank] as 'Miracle Man'. I can't tell you how much I enjoyed the reunion....It couldn't have been better than it was...You can count on me for any help you need for the next one or with anything you need to do with it."

Dee Tonning: It was great seeing you and some of our old "family" again. I was amazed when I walked into the room and was able to recognize most of the guys, even after 40 years. "Now that this thing has got off of the ground, we've got to keep it going. I'm certainly looking forward to another get together in two years, and hope we can locate some more of the AWOL members. "This reunion is something Bonnie and I will treasure forever."

Frank Schlatter: "It was such a kick for my family and me to get together with the rest of you and to share that special time together. If there is such a thing as a 'Rocky Mountain High', that entire weekend was one extended 'Rocky Mountain High', a high that for me and mine will be truly unforgettable. Indeed, that experience was all the reward I could ever want for my efforts in arranging the event! However, with a special acknowledgment of Alma and Bill Steiden who coordinated the effort, I do wish to thank all of you who contributed funds for a special memento in my honor.

"But you gave too much! So I want you to know that I've insisted on the bulk of the funds being placed in the account for the next reunion, which is also sure to be a booming success!"

When we'll meet again...

As noted in the reunion report we discussed future possibilities for the 33rd. We knew that we did not want to wait another 40 years--that we couldn't wait that long--to get together again. And because there were numbers of our buddies who had wanted to come to this reunion but were unable to do so, and because we anticipated finding more members of the band who also would want to get together, and because most of us really didn't want to wait for an extended period of time for another gathering, we decided to meet in two years.

Where and which months...

Originally, there had been some talk of having the next reunion in Germany, but since some of those in attendance had returned to Heidelberg at another time and had experienced some disappointments in the changes there, thus marring some of their previous memories, they suggested that we might wish to reconsider a projected tour of Germany. An additional factor for having the next reunion here in the states was the expressed desire of those present to make the trip as affordable as possible for all who wanted to attend. It was suggested that we meet on the East Coast, and Washington, D.C. was given as one of the top choices. Thus, Washington, D.C. is now being projected as the site for the 1999 reunion, to be held either in the spring (April or May) or in the fall (September or October).

And in the interim...

So that everyone can be kept apprised of the activities of former 33rd Army Band members and the scheduled get-together, we decided to have a newsletter put out four times a year and supported by voluntary annual contributions of $10 each from those receiving the newsletter. It was decided that Frank Schlatter would produce the newsletter and that the $10 contributions would be sent to him to defray the expenses.

Please note: When you send your $ to Frank, please include the dates you were with the 33rd and the instrument(s) you played! (For our official records!)

We also called for volunteers for a committee to trace individuals who have not yet been located. At the meeting those who expressed a willingness to help included Lee Brooks, Dick Hays, Marvin Schatz, Dee Tonning, Bill Woodworth, and Ray McCallister. Then, too, there was some talk about setting up a webpage for the 33rd on the internet, but no formal action was taken on the matter. (If it happens, it happens!) _________________________________________________________________________________

(Website Editor's Note: The following segment about "Our Flag"--Passing In Review--pertains to the logo that is in current use with the hardcopy newsletter. It is not the flag that appears with this website copy.)

Lest anyone think that the editor of the newspaper is also skilled in developing fine graphic designs, he'd be the first to say "Ain't so!" He will admit to coming up with the name, but the actual design is the work of Frank Gomes. Thank you, thank you, Frank! As to the name itself, there are a couple of thoughts that came to mind when it was decided upon. First, is there anyone in the band who does not remember that "Passing in Review" was one of our major activities in the USAREUR Headquarters Band? (And, oh, weren't our lines always wonderfully straight?) Second, the idea of our sharing stories from our past and present also is a form of "Passing in Review"--and it is one of the basic reasons for our newsletter. (Hint...hint: Your stories are welcome here, one and all!)

This is YOUR NEWSLETTER, guys and gals (I'm including wives and significant others because they, too, are members of our extended family), so feel free to submit your views to the following address: Frank Schlatter, 3111 Futura, Roswell, NM 88201, or send a fax to 505-622-1611 or an e-mail to: obfusa@rt66.com.

SOME NEWS SINCE THE REUNION...

Actually, the news was developing during the reunion, for Bill Casey in London was faxing information to us at the Fairfield regarding 33rders we should be able to locate in addition to the ones who had already been found. And Bill was right! Within a week seven other 33rders were found, and not too long after that came number eight.

The no-longer AWOL members include:

*Richard Ernsting, kfg36a@prodigy.com (drums)

*Searle H. Carson, Jr.

*Frank Shaughnessy, (tuba - Apr. 59-May '61)

*Richard Prato (drums - 60-61)

*Joseph T. Haba (tuba - Feb. '60 - June '62)

*Phil Vawter

*Fritz Schaufele, fritzs9@idt.net (tuba -59-63)

*Fred Boots, fredboots@juno.com (C.O.)

Of those who have been "found", we have received an autobiographical sketch for Fritz Schaufele, who, subsequent to being at the U.S. Army School of Music beginning in Nov. of 1958, became a 33rder in March of 1959. (While stationed there he served as Director of Patton Barracks Soldiers Chorus, Proficiency Pay Evaluation Board, Rehearsal Conductor, and Drum Major.)

Since the reunion, Frank Schlatter has had an e-mail exchange with Fred Boots, who was the commanding officer of the 33rd following J.P. Cochrane. Fred says he prefers the USAREUR designation to the number, "unpronounceable as it was." The former C.O. indicated that for a dozen years or so he and his wife Pat have been attending the USMA Band reunion each June, saying: "We always enjoy the weekend, but it hurts a lot to find people missing who were there last year."

He stated that he would be glad to help us as much as he can in our efforts to put together the next reunion in the Washington, D.C. area. However, he noted that he cannot do the job alone. Frank assured him that there were those from the band, individuals who live on the East Coast plus others who would be willing to travel to Washington D.C., who would help make the arrangements.

Fred and his wife both have had experience in making physical arrangements for at least three ABA conventions in Washington.

In a message of 2 August, Fred noted that "the new Department of the Army Staff Band Officer is none other than LTC Finley Hamilton who, I believe, was both Staff Band Officer in Europe and CO of the 33rd." He had seen the former 33rd CO at a retirement ceremony for another DA Staff Band Officer.

It is hoped that between now and the next newsletter we will have more information concerning our projected plans for the next reunion of the 33rd Army Band.

In the meantime, reach out and contact another 33rder, and then tell Passing In Review what you talked about! If your experiences are anything like those the editor has had, you'll have much to share with the rest of us--including your current personal activities. Mail Call was always a special time in the 33rd, and getting mail today from select friends is also very special. So do remember to write! --F.D.S.

Did you fail to get a booklet that contains information on the members of the band? Do you want one? If so, send a check for $7 to: Frank Schlatter, 3111 Futura, Roswell, NM 88201.

The official reunion photo for the 1997 Reunion of the 33rd Army Band shows the following individuals, from left to right.

Seated: Bill Steiden, Bill Woodworth, Dick Hays, Dee Tonning, Dave Yoshioka, Frank Gomes, Ken Stickel, Ray McCallister, Frank Schlatter

Second Row: Don Meyerson, Phil Jones, Charles Nier, Gene Karjala, Gabe Villani, Mike Lara, Dick Tolley, Lee Brooks, Jim Kracmer, Marvin Schatz

Third Row: Lowell Skabo, John Tauber, Dick Prestage, Roger Dickerson, Greg Miller, Tom Kerkman, Doug Youra, Ernie Fields, Dennis Hoeppner

For those interested in obtaining a copy of the picture, and/ or of the photo showing the guys of the 33rd and those wives attending the reunion, they are available from Image Masters, 8510 Montgomery NE, Suite A1D, Albuquerque, NM 87111. The cost is $16 a picture, or for both, $26, postage included. For additional information regarding the pictures, you can contact Image Masters at 505-271-1239.