by Joel » Wed Sep 08, 2010 9:29 am
I have no personal affiliation with the 100th BG, just a great respect and admiration for the men and what they did for our country.
In 2001, with some encouragement from Mike Faley, I traveled to Omaha for the 100th BG Reunion. I didn't know anyone, except by what I'd read in various books and no one had a clue who I was. One of the first people I recognized was Harry, sitting with his daughter and son-in-law at a nearby table. I stood there with a copy of "A Wing and a Prayer" in my hand gawking like a school boy. Harry glanced in my direction, smiled, said hello, and motioned for me to take a seat at their table. He introduced me to everyone at his table and began to talk to me like we were old friends. Glenn Rojohn was standing nearby and Harry called him over and introduced us, telling me that Glenn had a story I just had to hear. As other veterans came by to talk to Harry he made a point of introducing each one to me. Harry's daughter was going through the welcome package for the reunion and, looking at the table information for the final nights dinner. She asked Harry which of the men he might want to sit with and the first thing he told her was to add me to his group. At that moment I realized he'd adopted me into his family for the reunion. By the time the reunion was over I felt very much a part of the 100th BG family, everyone I met treated me like a long lost cousin who'd finally decided to come to the family reunion. Harry opened the door for me and I'm forever in his debt for his hospitality and friendship.
Thank you Harry.
Rest in Peace, Sir. My condolences to his family. 
