2019 Spring Luncheon Meeting

            On 15 May 2019, our Association held its Spring Luncheon Meeting at The Swan Club in Roslyn, New York.  The weather was sunny, and the event was enjoyed by 19 members and nine spouses and guests.  As usual, the schedule began with a cocktail reception with passed hors d’oeuvres, which was followed by a served luncheon.

            During the luncheon, President Louis H. Sudholz, Jr. conducted a brief business meeting, and reported regarding recent Association activities and plans for the rest of the year.  He also read to the attendees a “State of the Brigade” report from COL Jake S. Kwon, Commander, 77^th Sustainment Brigade.  COL Sudholz added that he, and our Directors MG William Terpeluk, COL Ivan Cornielle and Mr. Malcolm R. Schade, had attended a Deployment Ceremony on 11 May 2019 at Fort Dix, New Jersey, for elements of the Brigade, led by COL Kwon, which are being deployed to the Middle East.  

            President Sudholz called upon our member, COL Anthony P. Moncayo, to introduce our special guest, 2LT James G. Plackis, now aged 94, who at age 19 became a B-24 “Liberator” co-pilot in the 867^th Bombardment Squadron, 494^th Bombardment Group, Seventh Air Force, during World War II.  Later in the meeting, COL Moncayo delivered remarks about 2LT Plackis’ distinguished career as a bomber pilot and later as an FAA test pilot for 38 years.  Among other exploits, on a mission on 25 December 1944, after his plane was badly damaged by enemy anti-aircraft fire during a bombing run, 2LT Plackis made a successful emergency landing at Taclobon, Leyete, Philippine Islands, and was cared for by elements of the 77^th Infantry Division for ten days.  Our Director, SGM Anthony A. Filosa, also read the citation for the Distinguished Flying Cross awarded to 2LT Plackis in 1945 for heroism and extraordinary airmanship during that mission.

            On behalf of the Association, COL Sudholz also recognized our newest member, COL Stephen A. Labate, and presented him with a box containing the customary “Statue of Liberty” Division etched glass and lapel pin.  COL Labate, who formerly served in the 343^rd Military Police Detachment, Fort Dix, currently is assigned as Military Assistant, Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army (M&RA), at the Pentagon.

 

            President Sudholz also recognized our Director, COL Thomas P. Sullivan, and announced that COL Sullivan will be assuming command of the 1179^th Transportation Surface Brigade at a ceremony scheduled for 8 June 2019 at Fort Hamilton, New York.  All members of our Association have been invited to attend this event.

            Next, COL Sudholz reported that our Association has purchased a “shadow box” display of 77^th campaign medals for addition to our sponsored display of 77^th memorabilia in Kaine Memorial Hall in the Ernie Pyle USAR Center, Fort Totten, New York.  (Click here to view an article and photos on this web site regarding Kaine Memorial Hall.)  He showed the boxed medals to the attendees at the meeting, and expressed gratitude to our Director, LTC Joseph Schroder, who was unable to attend the meeting, for initially suggesting and arranging for this acquisition. 

            The luncheon concluded with a very popular raffle of ten donated prizes conducted by CW4 Bernard M. Kaplan, Director, the proceeds of which will go toward funding our memorial services and other activities.

            In attendance were: MG George E. Barker; COL Lawrence M. Bellman, Director; COL Ivan Cornielle,  SGM Anthony A. Filosa, with 2LT James G. Plackis; SGM Leonard Finkelstein; COL Kevin F. Harrington; COL David E. B. Husing; CW4 Stephen C. Josephs, with his son, Mr. Steve B. Josephs; CW4 Bernard M. Kaplan; COL Seymour Kaplan, Director, with Mrs. Harriet L. Kaplan; COL Frank J. Koegl; COL Stephen A. Labate; CSM Daniel J. Mari; COL Anthony P. Moncayo; CW5 Robert Neglia; LTC Pamela M. Niosi; SFC Ronald I. Peters; Mr. Malcolm R. Schade, with Mrs. Cherie Schade; CSM Julius C. Stein, with his daughter, Ms. Peck Stein; SGM Stephen Steinbaum; COL Louis H. Sudholz, Jr., with Mrs. Joan L. Sudholz; and COL Thomas P. Sullivan.

To view additional photos of this event, click here to go to Photo Albums on this web site.