Greetings, I'm Shari Parkhill......I live on Ascension Island, South Atlantic Ocean, a British Off-shore territory. I live and work on the USAF base here. Ascension is a small (34 sq mile) rocky island, halfway between Brazil & Africa and just south of the Equator. On March 30th, 1942, the men of the 38th Engineer Regiment, Combat, arrived at Ascension. It was a top-secret mission (even the men did not know their destination) code-named "Agate" with instructions to carve an airstrip out of the volcanic rock, a seemingly impossible task. They did, in less than 3 months! This was a spectacular achievement considering the environment and the problems and privations they had to deal with. When complete the 38th departed to build more airfields in Africa, leaving behind an off-shoot, the 898th Engineer Aviation Company, to maintain the airfield and the base. Thousands of planes transited through Wideawake Airfield on their way to Africa and beyond. The airfield served a vital role in the success of the Allied mission, but even today, its existence and importance are barely known. I am the president of the Ascension Island Heritage Society, and my special mission since I joined in 2007 is to increase the awareness of the contribution of the Americans. The island was first inhabited by the British when they exiled Napolean to St. Helena, 700 miles to the SW. No one wanted Ascension prior to this due to its rocky terrain and lack of water. Even today, it is a closed island, the 850 people who inhabit the island are only here to work on either the USAF and RAF bases, or for the local government. For a small island with a very diverse history (it was also very important in communications - and remains so to this day) it is fascinating. The Americans left in 1947, but returned in the late 1950's as a downrange tracking station for the missile program, then as a NASA base. We remain a tracking station for the 45th Space Wing, and are a detachment of Patrick AFB in Cocoa Beach, FL. We have amassed a considerable amount of information about the history of the Americans here during WWII if anyone is interested! My father was a veteran of the Canadian Army & my Grandfather as well! I am currently hoping to organize a 70th anniversary of the arrival of the 38th for next March 30th. These brave men deserve to be recognized, remembered and honoured for their efforts! If anyone would like to touch base! Thanks.

Marion's note: removed email addy from post. If anyone needs to reach her, please post or send a private PM after you login.

This was sent to me by Karrie Bennett:

Here's a part of her letter regarding this:

I think I mentioned to you that I located a veteran (Floyd) from the 106th/424th, he was in a different company, and didn't know my grandfather personally, but is an invaluable resource, giving you insight you can't find in a book. For 89 years old he still works at a PC company that started in 1979, he emails, contributes on the 106th message boards, and is on Facebook! Here is a link to the awards ceremony they had for him yesterday, thought you may enjoy it.

http://www.galesburg.com/editors_pick/x940621205/World-War-II-Korean-vets-get-their-medals

Major Todd found some oldies but goodies.

Naval Aviation News Magazines - 1943-1949

http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1940s/1940smain/1940smain.htm

NOTE: If you missed the interview, you can now listen to the mp3 directly from our site:

Radio Interview

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Oct 17, 2011 Interview

Hello friends:

Just a quick note about my upcoming radio interview to be conducted on

Monday, October 17, 2011 at 9:00 AM

On the Mary Beth Wells Hour radio show

As stated on her webpage:

"The Mary Beth Wells Hour is a talk radio show where we reach out, reach deep and talk about topics of substance. We'll cover points of interest such as WWII, the Holocaust, the Vietnam War, the planets and the oceans, sky diving, rock climbing and much and much more. Join me every Monday @ 9:00 am EST as we delve into and discuss fascinating subjects. It's a program to pique your interest for sure!!!"

My friend, Professor David Ulbrich, who works in the history department at Fort Leonard Wood, recommended me to Mary as a possible guest, after he was offered a chance to be interviewed earlier this month. Thank you David; it was a real honor to be considered.

Mary Beth and I will be discussing my research, website, the important role the engineers played in WWII and much, much more.

You can catch it live by visiting her home page and clicking the LIVE ON AIR button near the top of her page. If you miss the interview Monday morning, don't despair, for you can hear it later in the RECENT SHOWS section on the right hand side of her site. I will also place a link on my website, once it becomes available.

While I have your attention, I would also like to wish everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving and thank you for your friendship and your participation in my website/forum.

Warmly,

Marion