I wish to express appreciation to the members of Co. "B" and to the Ladies Auxiliary staff for the outstanding cooperation we have enjoyed this past year. I also especially welcome Fae Eldredge as our Auxiliary President, replacing Shauna Bluemel, when the Bluemels moved to Santa Clara (where they hope to get a company started in the St. George area). With Col. Fairbourn, I went to Santa Clara to support the Bluemels and Ltc. Howard Roberts from Kanab to participate in the Swiss Days Parade. This was the first time that a color guard had participated in this parade, and the community was excited and grateful. I believe that this will aid greatly in our recruiting effort in that area.
Several years ago, while working for an international corporation, I won a sales contest which gave my wife and me a week in the Grand Bahamas, first class, all expenses paid. We had a great time! Near the end of the week, while deciding whether to take the glass bottom boat ride or the diving bell or to just lie on the beach, I ask my wife, "Are you happy?" She hesitated, then said, "Well, if only--." "If only what?" I asked. Her answer surprised me: "If only our friends could enjoy this with us." Yes! Family and friends are everything; even Heaven will not be ideal without them. How fortunate we are to be doing the things we do with our Mormon Battalion friends. And what a great way to not only enjoy our friendship but to know that we are involved in honoring our ancestors too--the original Mormon Battalion.
Santa Clara-St. George Cadre Lt. Reynolds Bluemel, Rep.
An interesting development is going on in Utah South Region, under Ltc. Howard Roberts, Jr. and Lt. Reynolds Bluemel. The Bluemels recently moved to Santa Clara, and are anxious to get a company started in the Santa Clara-St. George area. Lt. Bluemel made arrangements to supply the color guard for Santa Clara's Swiss Days, September 24-26. Ltc. Roberts agreed that Kanab would participate with him, and together they have pulled it off! This one act has put the Battalion before the public, and, it is hoped, will result in the formation of a company in that area. The planned activity did not reach The Valiant in time to advertise it in the September issue.
We are making progress on the statuary for the Ft. Rosecrans memorial. The marble has arrived from Italy! Meanwhile, we still need YOUR contribution to the fund which will make this memorial possible. The trade blanket (a brilliant idea!) is still available ($175. contribution), but if you don't want this memento, ANY amount will be appreciated. You will never regret being one of those who made this special statue possible. Call the Editor, 801-595-1448, for the address.