The official blog of American Veteran Magazine, the national quarterly publication of AMVETS.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Happy 110th Birthday, Frank Buckles
Frank Buckles, the last surviving American veteran of World War I, celebrated his 110th birthday today at his home in Charles Town, W.V.
AMVETS leaders were honored to join Buckles for a special reception in his honor in 2008, where Past National Commander John P. "JP" Brown III presented Buckles with a plaque acknowledging his uniformed service in WWI and his leadership as a captured American prisoner in World War II, along with an American flag to fly over his ranch in West Virginia.
Last month I received a very nice letter from Evelyn Thunell, informing me her husband Ernie has passed away in November. She wrote to thank me for the Christmas card and to let me know how much they appreciated my efforts to keep the history alive.
Ernie was a S/Sgt and was wounded in action at Anzio. He was 30 years old when he was drafted in 1942.
Farewell Ernie. I enjoyed our correspondence over the last few years, but am disappointed we never got to meet in person, even though we both lived in Michigan.
My condolences to Evelyn and all his family and friends.
Here's an old photo from one of the 540th Reunions. I've had this for a while, but it was rolled up and I completely forgot about it.
A note on the back says it's from the mid-sixties, but I have much doubt. For one thing, the average GI would have been in his early twenties in 1945. If so, that would make these men in their early forties, and I find that hard to believe. So for me, the date is in dispute.
However there are a few people named in photo:
Ernie Joy is 6th from left in front row. Ann Joy is the lady behind him in dark glasses.
Edward Stephens in in the middle of 3rd row with tan suit, and dark glasses. Margaret Stephens is in front of Edward.
I scanned the large image and had to do it in two parts. I then pieced it back together, so if you look close, you can see the PASTE.
Well some areas got off easier than expected, though it's still bad everywhere in lower Michigan with very strong winds and extremely cold temps, but here in Alger, it's worse than we expected! They've upgraded our area from Warning to Blizzard this morning. And this being out in the country, it's bad!
Here's a photo taken at our house at 7:00 AM. I dared to open the front door of our house and stick the camera out for a very quick shot. Look at how it's blowing. You can't see the steps either.
If you don't have to go out, don't. You can bet people will be pulling up to the store to buy a POP! Come on people, use your heads!!!!
Blizzard warning remains in effect until 7 pm est this evening,
A blizzard warning remains in effect until 7 pm est this evening.
Impacts,
Slick and snow covered roads.
Near zero visibility at times in blowing and drifting snow resulting in hazardous driving conditions, especially along the lake huron shore line.
Wind chill readings as low as minus 10 degrees.
Hazardous weather,
An additional 3 to 5 inches of snow accumulation expected by this afternoon, with locally higher amounts possible.
Snowfall rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour possible.
Northeast winds increasing and gusting to 40 mph creating blowing and drifting snow.
Precautionary/preparedness actions,
A blizzard warning means severe winter weather conditions are expected or occurring. Falling and blowing snow with strong winds and poor visibilities are likely. This will lead to whiteout conditions, making travel extremely dangerous. Do not travel. If you must, have a winter survival kit with you. If you get stranded, stay with your vehicle.
