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Y.D. Band Mail Call 

  

 

I get some interesting mail and comments that you may also find worthy of note.  I will be including excerpts from time to time right here, so check back often.

 

 

 

David Carmolli

4/26/2012 - I was a proud member of this band in the mid 50's.
The director was CWO Hall. We rehearsed on Sunday mornings in the armory (many of the members had a long drive to rehearsals and/or were busy nights playing in paid gigs)

Peter J. Lynch

7/6/09 - I thought the 26th Div.Band was history when the Division was reduced to a Brigade. It is nice to see part of it live on.
 

Terry Melim

2/5/09 - Hey there: I have some updated photos at these locations:
    Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/people/Terry_Melim/1002992271
    MSI: http://doublet.mysocialincome.com
    linkedIN http://www.linkedin.com/in/purpleberry
    Hope this finds you well! Terry Melim (formerly known as Terry Thompson)

Russ Hauser

11/4/08 - Hi Frank - Just a note to let you know I'm glad to see the website is up again.  I had some troubles about two weeks ago finding it.  That might have been the system I was on at the time.  Best wishes to all from the 26th!  For those of you remotely into numerical coincidences...my first two bands as enlisted on active duty and in the reserve were the 26th.  As a warrant officer my first band was the 62nd.  Nice chatting with Phil Foggs too online for a few minutes tonight.  Regardless, I have recently assumed command of the 82nd Airborne Division Band at Ft. Bragg, NC.  We are preparing to deploy to Afghanistan in 2009.

Harry Lear

9/6/08 - I have just enjoyed a wonderful evening at a very good restaurant, with music supplied by two 26th Division Band Members.  Frank Zarba, and Ray Cavicchio, furnished entertainment at Scola's Restaurant in Dracut Saturday night starting at 7:00 PM..  Food was excellent, and the music was top of the line.  They will be there again on Friday the 26th of September.  Found out that in order to be in the same room, reservations need to be made two to three days ahead of the performance. The room was full, and the next room was full Saturday night when we were there.  The performance can be heard in the adjoining room very well.  I strongly recommend a visit to this restaurant when Frank and Ray are there.  A menu is available on the internet by searching;     Scola's Restaurant, Dracut, Mass.     .  Address is; 101 Broadway Road, Dracut.     Telephone;  978-970-3838
 
Met one of our old friends and Band Members Manny Santos there, also saw Tommy Vento recently at a parade in Marlborough.  Have played in the same Band with Tom twice in recent months.
 
The room at the West Newton Armory is being prepared for use as the Band Office, Music Library, and Uniform Supply.  Bids have been received for work on the roof, and work on the roof should start either this November or December if all goes well. After the roof is repaired, we may be using the same rehearsal room (upstairs), that we used before the Band was retired.  Captain Zarba is planning to have rehearsals in the lunch room (downstairs) in the meantime. 
Frank has just informed me of a donation of Class A Green Uniforms which have been offered to the revived Band.  This is the uniform we are hoping to see the Band wear again. That's all for now.  Will let you know as things develop.

Frank Noonan

8/25/08 - Hi Everyone,    I put a couple of videos on youtube.      One is a duet with Jeff Dunn and myself from an informal birthday party on July 25th and the other is the Jazzlinks Dixieland Band at the Madeira Feast parade in New Bedford two weeks ago. I have a bunch of other clips from both events that I have to edit (mostly because of unnecessary footage at the beginning or end). Trouble is, I don't know how to edit! So, if anyone has any tips for me on that, I would greatly appreciate your help!
 
Once I figure out how to edit the other videos, I'll post them. Please feel free to comment. (I already know "Can't Buy Me Love" isn't in my vocal range -- but I couldn't find any one note songs!)
 
Thanks, Frank            (click here to view the video)

Bob Bean

08/11/08 - As you may know, Hillary Smyth is in Afghanistan playing with a small Air Force Rock Band entertaining the troops.  Here is a recent e-mail I received from her.

Hey Bob,

I have been in Qatar, Afghanistan and am north of there now. I have been safe, though not without concern while in Afghanistan.  This has been the most rewarding trip of my life.  The troops love us.  The Army is much more appreciative of us than the AF...probably because they have the more difficult jobs.  Where we are now we are doing community relations concerts.  We are very safe here and very comfortable.  The weather is better than New England.  Mornings are in the 60s and though it gets to the 90s it is dry and clear all day.  We have experienced very little hardship but can see the hardship that has worn into the soldiers who are in the fight.  Even though we have been relatively safe the level of attention required to remain safe is a drain on the troops that do convoys day after day.  I hope you will get to come play for the troops someday.  It is well worth the effort.

Hilary     "Murus œneus virtus" 

Bob Bean

8/10/08 - This is what we do in the New Army!!!  My new toy is an AWI, similar to the EVI I used to play.  Bob  (You Tube "Alliance - 215th Army Band)

Harry Lear

8/8/08    As an update on the West Newton Armory, Frank Zarba received the key to the Armory this past week, and plans are under way on best use of the rooms available.  We will probably use the downstairs cafeteria  room for rehearsals.  There is a small room adjacent in which music can be stored.  The roof leaks and is in the process of being repaired.  No work has been done yet, but bids are being sought.

215th Army Band

8/7/08    You are invited to the 8th Annual Cape Cod Military Tattoo on Saturday Aug 16, 2008 starting at 6PM.  This yearly event at Fuller Field, 790 East Main St (Route 28) in Falmouth will again feature The 215th Army Band as well as The Kentish Guards Fife & Drum from Rhode Island, The Stage Door Canteen Big Band, The 101st Field Artillery Ceremonial Battery, and The Massachusetts Army National Guard Ceremonial Unit Color Guard.
Admission is FREE.

Daniel Holland

7/28/08    Hello all, I was made aware of this site yesterday. 'Great times..... great memories. I thought I'd register. I'll try and dig up some pics, and forward along. ' 'Glad to hear the 26th is back

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Harry Lear

7/14/08    Went on a walk thru with Captain Zarba and others Thursday, of the West Newton Armory.  It is possible the revived 26th Yankee Division Band will be located there in the same rooms it occupied at the time of retirement of the Band.  The whole top floor is available, and after repairs are made, it looks like the Band could be back in its old home. Thought you and others might be interested in this as it was our home just previous to the unit being retired.  We should know for sure in the near future.

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Sgt Deb Dirmeir

7/13/08    I knew I'd eventually find you guys! I will be in touch. God Bless.


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Tom Johnson

04/30/07   -    I was HHC & Band CO in the mid-sixties when the unit was awarded the Eisenhower Trophy by the Dep't of the Army as the best unit in MA. Hope many of the old guard are alive and well. I'm living in Harwich Port and still active in many activities. Thanks for keeping the spirit alive.

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John Sullivan

10/30/06 - All former members and friends of the famed Yankee Division Drum & Bugle Corps are cordially invited to a spontaneous Thanksgiving Reunion at this year's Plymouth Thanksgiving Parade.  The Parade features most of the top Alumni Drum and Bugle Corps along with local and national Military Marching units.  The Parade is the Saturday prior to Thanksgiving, November 18th and begins at 11:00 a.m.  If interested please meet in front of the Memorial Hall in Plymouth right on the Parade Route.  Staff Sergeant Bill Dewitt  will attend and serve as host and unofficial Marshall and Greeter.  If possible please pass the word to any other interested former members not identified in this email.  Enclosed is the Parade Link  if you need more info. or directions and a list of the participating Alumni Drum Corps.  Spouses and Family Members are welcome. 

Link:  http://www.usathanksgiving.com/2006b/activities/thanksgiving.html

Plymouth Band
Park City Pride
St. Kevin's Emerald Knights (featuring the YD Drum Corps Lou Campadelli & Steve Bradley)
Blessed Sacrament Golden Knights
Crusaders Senior Drum Corps
Ct. Alumni
Light Brigade
Preston Scouthouse Drill Team
Hawthorne Caballeroes
 

Hilary (Smyth) Walton

10/5/06 - Dear Frank,  Having read every new comment on the site and seen all the pictures I was doubly saddened that I couldn't attend the reunion.  I will have to be at the next one!!!. When I saw Billy DeWitt I almost cried. Thanks to Billy I can cut a rug without injuring toes.

 
     A year ago I told you I had finally made E7 in my ANG Band and now I have been selected at the Band Superintendent.  I am a MSgt select and will be promoted to E8 in one year.  It is an awesome job...awesome in the magnitude of responsibility and I hope I do as well at it as Dick LaFleur did as our senior enlisted man. 
 
    October in Asheville is really beautiful. If you are every interested in seeing it, (anytime of year) you are welcome in our home...that goes for the entire YD band family.
 
Hilary

 

Gene Theroux

6/25/06 - Dear Frank, and all,  Thank you and Harry Lear, and your Committee members, for a surely memorable day. While it was a very great pleasure to meet band members whom I haven't seen for a long time, the personality I encountered that meant the most to me was the band itself.  We might have had some difficulty, initially, of recognizing band members we haven't seen for a long time (more than 50 years, for me), but there was, for each of us, the joyous, instant recognition of the voice we all remember best -- the bold, brassy, exciting sound of the band.

 
So for me, the high point of the day was the sublime enjoyment of hearing those unforgettable marches under the baton of John Shea and others who took a turn conducting the band.  What sweet sounds for an old bandsman.  I wished it could have gone on and on.  Thanks to those, not including me, who resurrected our band that day.
 
I've been happy and very fortunate in life, but I can say that there have been for me few days more enjoyable than those when, as part of that magificent music box known as the 26th Infantry (Yankee) Division Band, I helped make music under the crisp direction of our CWO Marshal Hall, or marched in parade led by our elegant drum major Syl Durbano.  I hope we can make this an annual occasion.  I suggest the Committee consider making the event a "26th Infantry  ( Yankee) Division Reunion Band Concert." Anthony's could be the location, though a larger room (perhaps at Anthony's) might be better, as I would have in mind a invitations to families (children, grandchildren, guests) of bandmembers.  To keep the cost reasonable, the food could be typical., basic band concert fare -- hot dogs, burgers, ice cream and the like. 
 
While I live too far away to serve on the Committee, I'll be happy to contribute in other ways to the next reunion.  Thanks again!  Gene Theroux, 37893 Long Lane, Lovettsville, Virginia 20180  email:  gene.theroux@bakernet.com

Elaine D'Alessandro

6/25/06 - Frank, I had a marvelous time!  Indeed, it seemed that everyone looked practically the same!  I mentioned that to someone and suggested that perhaps it was due to all the shots the Army gave us.  The response back was that it was the shots we drank!  
I especially loved hearing the stories of former members of the YD, especially from the mounted division!  The slide show was fabulous!  I'm glad we were able to play together!!  Perhaps next time we could have Bill DeWitt sing!!  I would love to play other tunes in addition to marches!  I'm sure we could manage to sound just as good!  I greatly appreciated all who participated in putting the reunion together. A lot of work and effort went into organizing and researching for this special event. The committeemen revitalized the YD once again!  In addition, I'd like to extend a "thank you" to Bob Bean's contribution to the slide show. Bob has always quietly been a strong leader and supporter of military events.   And finally, the development and dedication of the YD web-site has enabled the 26th YD Band to live on!  I'll be thrilled to attend more reunions!  If I can be of any assistance in the organizing of it simply let me know! Warmly, Elaine D'Alessandro, French Horn, Trumpet, 1985-1987

Bob Gaffney

6/24/06 - Good job all around.  I was hoping to see Gil and Pat McDonald but they didn't show up.  For one year, we could do the reunion at Fort Drum.  We could have rookie night and the horribles parade.....(just kidding).  The only thing that might not have gone over would have been the powerpoint presentation.  Most of the photos were from guys in the band during the 80's.  There were alot of guys there weren't in the presentation.  Maybe I am being too politically correct but they may have felt slighted.  For those who show up next year that weren't there this year how about they become rookies and we do rookie night as a theme for the next reunion (again just kidding).

Joseph W. Parenteau WO1, AG Ft. Lee Army Band

3/11/06 - I'm glad someone took the time to create this site...  Best wishes to all, and hope to hear from you soon.  I'm sorry to say I won't be able to attend the reunion.  I'm now Chief at the 392nd, Fort Lee, an I won't be able to get back for the party.  Not too sure if folks there will still remember me but I miss the 26 people quite a bit.  Send my best to everyone!

Russ Houser

3/11/06 - 've missed the people from this organization more than most in my Army career.  Glad we've got this webpage now.  There is not a Classmates.com organizational heading...that would be another way to attract alumnae.  Thanks for this awesome site.
 

Chuck Carroll

3/11/06 - Hi, Frank!  Its so great to see this site!!  Bob Bean forwarded me the link and the notice for the reunion.  Count me in!  Let me know if there's anything I can do to help.  Current "vitals": Living on the North Shore, in Rowley.   Married since '89 to Diane, 1 3-yr-old son, Jack.  Working as a computer systems administrator for an architectural firm in Davis Square, Somerville. 
 

Phil Foggs

3/1/06 - HI nice to see this, brings back alot of good and fond memories.  Hope all are well, I was told some of us are gone now.  My condolences to those families of the band. 

Gene Theroux

3/1/06 - John Philip Sousa would have loved this band!  I enlisted on 23 May 1955, thanks to encouragement from Bandmaster CWO Marshall Hall, who lived next door on Webster Street, in Medford, and whose son, Ken (baritone horn), who has been my friend since childhood.

Harry Lear

2/5/06 - Latest list of former Band Members names collected is now two hundred fifty.  We have located about one hundred.  Approximately 23 are deceased.  We have added about one hundred names in the last month, and are still finding new names and adding them to the list.  Many have moved since they transferred out of the Band, and without your help, it would be almost impossible to find them.  Telephone calls thus far, exceed three hundred.  If you know of anyone that is in the "looking-for" list, please call me or Frank in order that we may verify their mailing address as soon as possible.  Phone # to call is; 978-887-8103

Hilary (Smyth) Walton

10/27/05 - Hey Frank,  I know it may be difficult to put together a whole band for the reunion but if there is interest I would love to ask for Brass Quintet folks.  I know Joan and Bob could play trumpet, I could play horn and I would need a tuba and trombone volunteer.  I could get music together that would bring back memories from our days in the band.  Someone to play percussion and maybe someone to sing (Debbie) might be nice too. If we can get a band maybe we can get one of the guys who is now a WO in the Army to come back and direct us. 
     Who was the guy that played the accordion?  (He will be happy to know that I love the accordion and enjoy playing it though I really stink.  I am also learning the Dixieland Banjo and stink at that almost as badly...but music is always fun)
      My last meeting with the band was at Putty's retirement party.  I can't remember when that happened but I remember the event fondly.  It was a bitter sweet reunion knowing Putty had to give up such a special part of his life, and knowing the band would go on without him....maybe that is why the unit was deactivated?  It just wasn't the same without Putty. 
    Here is my plea for fellow YD band members:  Everyone who loved the YD band, please come to the reunion if only to preserve some fresh memories with old friends.  Lots has changed since then but I still love you all.  Hilary

Hilary (Smyth) Walton

10/24/05 - Well, after 25 years in the military I have finally been promoted to E7.  When I went active duty, after 8 years in the guard, I went from E6 to E3.  I was the only E3 in the army band field because everyone is given E4 at completion of AIT.  They forgot to send me to AIT.  I was selected for E7 right before I got out in 1996 but never pinned it on. Then when I joined the Air National Guard in 1999. I was put back to E5... Finally, I am a Master Sergeant in the US Air Force.  I enjoy my band but I still prefer Green, and I still have my YD patches.  If I had a coat worthy of them I would wear them.  Here is a link to my new unit...still new though I have been there 6 years.  http://www.572tangband.org/index.htm

Don McCuish National Secretary, YDVA

1/25/05  -  Friends of the Yankee Division:  Good News;  . The Department of the Army has authorized the soldiers of the 26th (Yankee) Brigade Combat Team (BCT) to wear the shoulder patch of the YD.  The same patch that was worn by the 26th (Yankee) Infantry Division in World Wars I and II. The 26th (Yankee) BCT is a unit of the Massachusetts Army National Guard stationed at Fort Devens, Massachusetts. A ceremony will be held at Fort Devens on Saturday,  December 10th where members of the Yankee Division Veterans Association (YDVA) will present YD patches to the soldiers of the 26th BCT. More details will be available later. Regards to all,

Harry Lear

 10/16/05 -   Very Interesting.  I still have an original march book from the Band used up to and including 1961.  I originally had two, each having different selections, which we used-to keep in the music pouch on our hip, along with the hoosegow.  Altogether there must have been well over 130 or more selections we could play at a moments notice.  The Books were used by Jim Ryer, clarinet player.  Jim and I rode together, and when I parted from the band, the books were left in my car, and slid out of sight, until I cleaned out the car in preparation for sale.
    Also, lets encourage people to bring their instruments to the reunion, if they can still play, and lets at least give a go at joining together for a few notes from the band members.  I can furnish the music needed from my collection, and will try to provide marches used in the early years, and a couple from the later years.  Emphasis should be placed on practicing their instruments early on so that we may have a decent sounding group.

 Spc. Brett Goertemoeller

10/14/05 -  I am writing to ask for help in an endeavor to honor and remember the men and women of the Army music program that have "faded into history".   I am a WW II re-enactor, who is joining the 26th Yankee.  I am also a current member of the 40th Army Band (VT ARNG).  I along with a few others in the re-enacting community, believe that music and the representation there of are lacking.  So after I return from the Mid-East in December, I will be recruiting for the purpose of starting a marching/stage/concert band based on the YD Band.   Any info on preferred music, Baldric, Mace would be much appreciated.  The group will be open to all musicians age 18 and up, who want to join.  Audition materiel will be provided for the purpose of slotting the sections.  Uniform will be service class A 1941-43 period.    As you can tell, a lot of hard work lies ahead of me, so any information or help would be much appreciated.  Thank you for your time.
Spc. Brett Goertemoeller 40th Army Band VTARNG  - brettcog2000@yahoo.com

SGT Lawrence A. Aubin (Ret)

9/17/05 - Great site...   Lot's of fond memories when I was in HHC, 2-181 Inf. (M) of the 26th Yankee (Infanty) Division. Participated in the retirement of the 26th YD colors. It was a sad event!

CWO Frank Zarba

9/14/05 - Hi Frank, The web site is wonderful. I thoroughly enjoyed reminiscing while reading the various contributions to the history of the Band. There certainly are many more anecdotes that could be included with the help of John Shea.  You will be pleased to know that John Shea was honored on the 9th of September 2005. He received a silver baton from the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company of Massachusetts for his 38 years of service as Bandmaster for the Company. John served in the South Pacific during World War II and to this date has the only dance band still performing at a formal ballroom, Moseley's on The Charles. On 8 October 2005 the ballroom will celebrate his 50th anniversary there. I hope to be present for that celebration as well.

Bob Bean

9/05/05 - It has come to my attention that 2 former 26th Div Band French Horn players are now at the Naval School of Music in the Warrant Officer Program.  Both Joe Parento who went active in 1993ish and Russ Houser who went active in 95ish are Warrant Officer Candidates in the Active Army.

Joan Branson

9/05/05 - Hi all, this is Joannie - trumpet player... Remember me??? My family was all my brothers in the YD band.  What great times we had.  Hey, email me and keep in touch. Dick, Scott (chachi), Bobby, Brian, all of you.  I never have forgotten you.
Remember GOMFB?  Watch out!!!!  Toga!!!!!!!!!! Parade!!!!

CWO Frank Zarba

8/10/05 - Former Bandmaster John Shea will be honored on 9 September 2005 at Mosely's on the Charles proceeds to benefit Camp Allen for children, USO, and other causes.   Best wishes to all !! I hope to see you at this benefit.   Frank

Anne Camelio

6/3/05 -  Mrs. "C"  - Dick Putnam called me and told me about this website.  I was glad to hear from him and eager to visit the site.  I really enjoyed seeing all the photo memories and will visit the site on a regular basis.  I would also like to thank all of you for your many kindnesses and thoughtful notes when we all lost our "MR C".  His association with all of you enriched his life in many ways long after he retired from the band.  I am proud of Nick's years of service and glad that he served with men and women of  such fine character and dedication.  Anne Camelio

Hilary Walton

5/5/05 - RE: Photo Gallery Pix "87 or 88" - Has to be before August of 87 because I left the band around that time to live in Philadelphia.
Also, my camera was stolen that Summer so it must have been before the summer.  Maybe it was 1986?
Interesting trying to remember.  Those are great photos though.  I remember going to the range and an MP unit was coaching us.  They were very surprised that we could all shoot so well.  I think I shot almost perfectly that day.  Now I have glasses and haven't shot with them yet.  I dread that moment. Hilary

Tracy Bruner

5/13/05 - Hey Frank.  I don't know if you remember me.  I was in a bunch of pictures on this site.  I was in the 26th Band from 1985-1990.  I played clarinet, bassoon, sax.  It's been a while.  I've kept in touch with Bob Bean throughout the years & would love to update you on my life.  I have been trying to get a hold of Harry Lear & Dick La Fleur.  I moved back to the SF Bay Area two years ago after being in Dallas Texas (yuck).  I work as a carreer/professional firefighter/paramedic, and loving it.  I am divorced & happily living in Napa, California.  I bought a house there 2 years ago. Let me know what else you are curious about.  I would love to send you some of the pictures from when I was in the band.  Here is a recent picture of me.  Please let me know how I can better keep in touch.  Thanks, Tracy Bruner  (See Tracy's pictures in the Photo Gallery in "Current Pix").

Y.D. Band Drum Beats Again 

4/14/05 - Dear Frank,  I talked to Rob Raney today.  The subject was about myself marching with the 26th Yankee Infantry Division Veterans Association North Shore Chapter.  This event is the Memorial Day observation in Peabody.  The Association Chapter always marches in this parade.  But this time, there is going to be a new twist.  A former member of the 26th Yankee Infantry Division Band will be playing a snare drum to march the troops that represent the former Division.  So how does these headlines sound.  After 11 years and 9 months after on August 28 1993 when the last beat from a drum from the 26th Yankee Infantry Division Band was played,  the drum will be sounded again to march troops in formation in a ceremony honoring fallen hero's of all wars again. May 30 2005 will make it the first time from the last date that the band will be represented in a formal ceremony.  I will be dressed in my old BDU's with the Division patch and boot and hat.  I am very excited about this opportunity.  I will keep you posted on this.   Skip Stewart

Dick Putnam’s Scrapbook  

4/29/05 - “Frank, let me know if this works.  I’ll do it again if I remember how. Pa.”  (Dick has sent some great pictures from his scrapbook.  You can find them on the website in the Photo Gallery under “Putty’s Scrapbook”).

 Leon Lewis In Nursing Home

4/14/05 - Frank, I called up Leon Lewis to tell him about the band website.  His girl friend told me that Leon isn't doing very good.  She couldn't go into detail.  But she said that he's on a walker, he has no operation with his hands anymore and he has limited movement with his legs.  I am including his full name and address in this e-mail.  If you have any contact with Billy Dewitt.  I know that Leon would really appreciate here from some of us.   Skip Stewart (Note: If you would like Leon's address and phone, Email the Webmaster.)

Searching For Band Members

4/14/05 - Am trying to locate Marshal Hall's son.  Found out that he works at a cereal company in Clinton.  Will contact other older members of the band. Glad to find out you received my previous message so quickly.  I remember a trumpet player (and very good piano player)  with the band many years ago, who applied for and got the job of bandmaster with the 86th Army Band in Melrose.  His name is Harold Weiss.  He lived in North Reading for many years, and I believe he is still living there.  He played piano for many years at Kitty's Restaurant, and was bandmaster at the local High School.  Another name from the past is Dick O'Shea.  He was a tuba player with the Band back in the late 1950's.  He was a Principal or Superintendent of a school system west of Boston at the time of the Division Retirement.  Will dig out some more info on this one.  Another name is Jim Ryer.  An excellent clarinet player, and excellent piano player in the band in the 1950's.  He is still playing with a Symphony Band in Maine.  He lives in the Portland area along the coast.  Will send more info on this one.  Have started playing bass horn again with the Rockport Band.  Till next time, adios amigo.     Harry Lear

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