The other day I was shopping for our store during the 4th of July holiday. I had to make a stop at Kmart in West Branch, then drove across the parking lot to Glen's, our local supermarket. It was quite a crowded day with lots of people milling about and I noticed a vending truck set up not too far from the entrance. Hmmm, I thought, looks good, for I hadn't eaten breakfast. But nonetheless did not stop because I had chores to do.
On my way out, I looked over again, and waves of hunger were still rumbling. No I exclaimed, no fattening hotdogs this noon. Go home! 
So I placed the groceries in my the back of my car, and proceeded to drive off. But, in the interim there had been a change of scenery! As I neared the hotdog truck on my way to the driveway, something caught my eye. Hey wait, that wasn't there a couple of minutes ago. It was a BEAUTIFUL WWII jeep. But wait there's more. I saw the words on the front bumper, Cmbt Eng.
So I pulled past and saw three older gentleman sitting around a table. I HAD to stop. I jumped out of my car, ran over to them and said, "Good afternoon gentleman, who's taking me for a ride in the jeep?" Boy did that get their attention. They were all smiles.
"Hey, my name's Marion and my dad was a WWII vet. In fact he was a combat engineer!"
And thus began new friendships. A great group of vets. We talked for several minutes and had a lot of fun. The one gentleman owned the jeep and told me about it's restoration process and that he was a combat engineer too. They asked about my dad and I handed each of them one of my cards. I'm writing a book about the VI Corps vets, I said. The 36th, 39th and 540th. Then one of the other guys really perked up. That's my regiment he said. The 36th. I couldn't believe it. Wow. Another coincidence? Marion, I said, you were meant to be here today.
Well, I told them I had to run, but would have loved to stay longer. We exchanged names and phone numbers, etc. They invited me to come out to the fair in a few weeks and see the new memorial. Told me to bring my dad's photo there and they would add it in. A great day.
On the way out I shouted, "Now remember, next time you're taking me for a ride in the jeep!" 
Proud Daughter of Walter (Monday) Poniedzialek
540th Engineer Combat Regiment, 2833rd Bn, H&S Co, 4th Platoon
There's "No Bridge Too Far"
