82nd Engineer Combat Battalion

The annual business meeting of the 82nd Engineer CombatBattalion Association, held in conjunction with the Association’s 26th reunion, was called to order at 10 a.m. May 30 (Saturday) by Commander/ Treasurer Edward (Doc) Molloy. The meeting was held at the Marriott Hotel, Saratoga Springs, N.Y.

The invocation was given by Edward Husted, in absence of chaplain, Mike Drabik. Jack Gallagher and Lloyd Kenyon conducted the presentation of the flag, and Murray Lehrer led the pledge of allegiance.

Recent deaths of Company A members were recognized, followed by Taps. Listed were: Capt. John R. Davis, Virgil R. Cooper, Curt Cressman, and Dorothy Shanley, wife of 82nd member, William (Bill) Shanley.

Molloy noted that member Fred Schneider, who lives in Baltimore, made every attempt to attend the ceremonies for Davis at the Arlington Cemetery, however Schneider was unable to arrive until after the service. Molloy also pointed out that Bill Shanley a resident of the Chicago area, was recovering from successful surgery.

In further comments, Molloy said Cooper, a former medic, had gone on to become actively involved in politics, was a former school superintendent, and had authored several books.

Nine members were present at the roll call, conducted by Membership Chairman Buol Hinman, including: Carl Bodek, Jack Gallagher, Hinman, Husted, Lloyd Kenyon, Murray Lehrer, James Mattina, Molloy, and George Pursiano.

Molloy introduced first-time reunion visitors, Monty Montegue and Sylvester Lantz from the “new” 82nd Engineer Combat Battalion Association. Molloy said visitors also included Stephen Smigielski, and his son, the grandson of a former Association member, the late Francis Smigielski of Company A.

The high school teenager has taken a great deal of interest in his grandfather, World War II, and the 86th Battalion, Molloy said, and the young man was looking forward to spending time with members of Co. A.

The commander then welcomed members and guests and expressed appreciation to associate members Patti Martin daughter of George Pursiano, and Pat Gallagher, son of Jack

Gallagher for planning and arranging the reunion. “They have done a fine job, and we’re all grateful to them for making this gathering possible,’’ Molloy said.

In his report, Molloy read a message from former commander, Robert (Bob) Fugler, of Fullerton, Calif. who explained health problems were continuing to keep him homebound and unable to travel from his California home. In addition, the commander reported that Al Goodeau of New Orleans was no longer mobile.

Bodek reported that Drabik of Pittsburgh, Pa., also is unable to travel and Pursiano said he had learned that Frank Oriole of Wanaque, N.J., was ill with cancer.

Molloy profiled a brief history of the 82nd Engineer Combat Battalion Association, which he said had been spearheaded by a small group of the World War II 82nd veterans including Drabik, Pursiano, Andy Palco, Bill Preston and Bodek.

Pointing out the first reunion had taken place in Pittsburgh in 1983, the commander commended Hinman for his “tremendous effort” over the years in reaching other 82nd veterans, including Molloy who said Hinman had contacted him about 15 years ago. Thanks to Hinman, Molloy said, about 80 percent of those involved, or more than 500 names had been accrued.

Hinman called attention to one member of the Association --Dr. Frank Braden of Coraopolis, Pa. -- who had celebrated his 100th birthday. The former Battalion surgeon was still practicing medicine, said Hinman, noting the “doctor always had a special place in his heart for the 82nd.’’

Molloy ended his report with information on the February snowbirds’ luncheon. Noting that each winter, a few members of the Association who are vacationing in Florida and others who live there, meet for a mini-reunion. He said 10 members from the “new” 82nd (organized some time after the World War II Battalion) had attended the luncheon.

Molloy said the visitors had presented special plaques to each of the Association members who had attended the event. He said he had learned the “new” 82nd Battalion organization includes about 200 in its ranks.

In his financial report, Molloy said that after paying reunion and other Association expenses, he anticipated a balance of $1,651.68 as of June 1, 2009.

In addressing new business, Molloy said the Association membership faced a big decision. “The current officers are tired,” he said, “and as of today, we quit, which means that at this meeting, members must decide on where we go from here and who you want as officers.” Molloy said the group could decided to end the Association, or join the new 82nd group. Those are two options...’’

Molloy and Hinman both indicated they were determined to step down. Indicating he had faced some serious health problems over the past year, Hinman-- membership chairman and editor of the Association newsletter -- said he concurred with Molloy. “Like Doc said, we’re tired,’’ he said.

Molloy pointed out that at the 2008 reunion, only 14 members attended, and even fewer had turned out for the 2009 gathering.

York State, home for a number of members. However, he said, the turnouts remain low. For some members, he said lack of participation could relate to costs, and for many it’s a matter of health problems and aging. Associate members have taken over arrangements for the most recent reunions, Molloy said, but member participation levels still remain low.

Sylvester Lance, said the new 82nd was planning a reunion in 2010, which is scheduled at Myrtle Beach. Hinman said that perhaps the Association could participate in that reunion, but as a separate group.

Jack Gallagher said he thought the Association should just continue on... “We could get together once a year, and let it go at that...”

James (Jim) Mattina of Buffalo, said he was strongly opposed to joining the new 82nd group. “We have only a few members compared to that group,’’ he said “We would be overwhelmed...We would get lost in the shuffle. And, we’d lose our identity.’’

Patti Martin said that group had not discussed the possibility of taking over administrative aspects of the Association. However, she said the Associates would be willing to go on helping in whatever way they could, and would continue to take care of reunion arrangements.

The first to address the group was Patti Martin. “We listened to you earlier at the meeting, and we realize you are trying to preserve your legacy,’’ she told the group. “First, we think that ultimately merging (with the new 82nd) is a great idea, however, we don’t know enough about this group, at this time,’’ she said. “We believe you should take another year to see how this would work. A lot more information is needed, so we recommend you take this next year to fully evaluate that possibility. Meanwhile, the Associates will continue to do everything necessary for another reunion next year.’’

Pat Gallagher said the Associates would not take over other Association duties, such as sending flowers in case of deaths. “We will deal only with reunion plans and arrangements,” he said.

During the break, Mattina said, “we learned that unlike our Association, the new 82nd is not really organized...They have no officers, only a Web site. We need time. We can’t jump into this.’’

Ed Husted called for volunteers who would be willing to carry out assignments. Mattina called for Molloy and Hinman to continue as officers for another year, “until we can make up our minds what we want to do.” “We can’t,” Molloy said. “I’m done...we’re both done. I just can’t do it for another year. We need volunteers to take over.”

It was also pointed out that volunteers--at least two Association members-- would be needed to work with the new 82nd to learn more about what would be involved if the two groups were to merge.

Murray Lehrer volunteered to serve as treasurer. Associate member, Todd Husted volunteered to work with Pat Gallagher and Mrs. Martin in connection with the 2010 reunion.

Todd Husted also recommended that Molloy continue on for a year as president emeritus, with financial responsibilities to be taken over by Lehrer, and other administrative duties to be taken over by volunteers.

Ed Husted made the motion that during the next year, work on restructuring the Association be undertaken and that Molloy act as coordinator in regards to establishing relations between the Association and the new 82nd. The motion was carried upon a second by Gallagher. Husted also called for Lehrer to be selected treasurer, which was approved after a second from Mattina.

In turn, Hinman agreed to “get out” one more newsletter. “Members need to know about what happened here,’’ he said. He urged those present to send him information and news for the publication.