Just acquired a copy of the "History 280 Engr C Bn, from Ebay. Delighted to have it within my collection. Of course, I will try and scan it later (in on my long list of things to do) and share it will all. I have to be careful though for it's old (as you know), so will take my time to make sure I do not injure the book.

Well my dear forum members, many of you will be saddened to hear, that long time member, Joe Fournier, alias J3rdinf, has passed away.

Many wrote to ask what happened to Joe and I was finally able to find some info, upon sending him a Christmas card. And a few hours ago, I received a voice-mail from a woman, letting me know that Joe passed away on August 1, 2013. She thanked me for writing and being concerned.

Farewell 'ol friend. You were one of the very first vets on this site and we loved your contributions. You were quite a character and well loved by all. Shall miss you. Rest in peace, buddy.

I think Santa claus had the right of way ;

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So here is my first "Then and Now" entry. You don't get to do a lot of these in the Pacific because so much of the buildings, emplacements, etc. were not made to be very permanent (e.g. made out of coconut logs) or were built over as in the case of Betio Island. Here is a Shisa that was made famous by a picture taken US Marines around its base during the Battle of Okinawa. You can still visit on its heavily vegetated hill in the south of the island. All my pictures are here.

Here are some phots that I took in August of Vimy Ridge .

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