Since the publication of the February 2009 Newsletter we have learned of the passing of Two of our members.

Roy Abel (CPT, USA SC Ret) (17th 56-59) passed away on August 28th, 2008. His children reported that
Roy was buried, with full military honors at the old post cemetery, Fort Huachuca AZ. He served with the
3rd Infantry Division in WWII and with X Company in Korea. He did not talk about the wars much, but he
did talk a lot about the great soldiers who served with him. He has now joined his command. Dorothy is
now living in Mesa Arizona and would love to hear from the 17thOffers. Please contact her at 8058 E Lindner
Ave, Mesa AZ 85209, email sunlandabel@g.com or call at 480-982-6229.

Eugene Bruce Rhodes, MSG USA (Retired) (102nd 57-61) wrote to tell us of the passing of his Italian
sweetheart and wife of 40 years, Teresa DeAngelis Rhodes. Teresa passed away in her sleep on New
Years Day 2009 after a long illness. Her family and extended family were by her side.

Bob Stewart (17th during WWII.42-45) passed away Feb. 15, 2009 after a long fight with cancer. Bob
family wrote Thank you for all the love and support you gave Dad and Mother over the years. Your
friendships were very important to them.. Bob wrote the 17th Signal Operations Battalion Newsletter for
many years and provided a lot of historical documents and photos to the Association.

Carrie Fruwirth, wife of Lawrence Fruwirth who served with B Company Motor Messenger
Company in the 17th Signal Battalion from November 1959—May 1961, passed away
in February 2009.

Joanne Butler, wife of former CSM William D Butler (CSM 17th 60-64) who preceded
her in death in 1993. Joanne and William attended the 1990 reunion and held member #233.
We learned of Joanne’s passing from a returned Newsletter in the summer of 2009. No other
information available.

Joseph Palensky, T-4, ACS 3352 Signal Service Battalion, passed away on 3 June 2009 in
Omaha NE. Joe was in the Army of the Occupation in Germany from October 45—August
1946. His 12 man team installed radio guidance systems for airfield run ways. Joe provided
the Association with some photographs of his equipment set up on German runways and was
very excited to have found this group back in 2008. His wife, Catherine, would like to continue
receiving the newsletters in order to keep up with this group.

Sergeant First Class (USA Signal Corps Retired) Clinton Coomer passed away in September
2009. Clinton served with the 29th and the 69th from 59-62. He and wife Neriman
have been loyal supporters of the Association. Clinton served as President from 96-98 and as
Board Member. Clinton and Neriman attended every reunion from 1990—2006.

CSM Bud Barney USA SC Retired (passed away after a brief illness on 29 June 2009. Bud served with
the 17th from 53-56 and was buried in Vero Beach FL. He was preceded in death by his loving wife,
Carol, in 1990.

Robert E. Halsey who served with the 17th from 58-60 as a SP4, passed away on June 30th, 2009. His
wife Mary, found a few things from when he was in the service such as a couple editions of the 17th
Dots 'N' Dashes, 17th Signal BN newsletters May 1 & 15, 1960 - 3 menus and some other things which
she has donated to the Battalions historical files.

Emmett R. Reynolds, BG US Army Retired. CO 17th Signal Battalion 1958-1959

Emmett Robinson Reynolds November 21, 1919 - November 18, 2009 COLUMBUS, GA— Brigadier General (Ret.) Emmett Robinson Reynolds, 89, of Columbus, GA died Wednesday, November 18, 2009 at his residence. A memorial service will be held at a later date at the United States Military Academy Old Cadet Chapel in West Point, NY according to McMullen Funeral Home 3874 Gentian Blvd. Columbus, GA 31907. Gen. Reynolds was born November 21, 1919 in Union Springs, AL son of the late Emmett Reynolds and Minnie Lou Sims Reynolds Herring. He was a graduate of Clayton High School in Clayton, AL and graduated in January 1943 from the United States Military Academy, University of Illinois, and George Washington University. He had received a BS degree in Electrical Engineering, MS degree in Electrical Engineering, and a MS degree in Business Administration. After 30 years of service, Gen. Reynolds retired from the United States Army. He was a member of the Officers Club, Army-Navy Club in Washington, DC, The Retired Officers Association, 17th Signal Battalion Association, United States Military Academy at West Point Alumni Member, and Orchid Society Member. He received the Legion of Merit with an oak leaf cluster, the Distinguished Service Medal, Bronze Star, Joint Chiefs of Staff Medal, and numerous military honors and awards. He fought in the South Pacific during WWII and also fought in the Vietnam War. Gen. Reynolds was preceded in death by his wife, Betty June Baker Reynolds and his brother, George Henry Reynolds. He is survived by his daughter, June Reynolds Wood and son-in-law Richard of Columbus, GA and a granddaughter, Anne Reynolds Wood of New York, NY. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial contributions be made to the charity of your choice. Those who wish may sign the on-line guest registry at www.mcmullenfuneralhome.com.

Comments from his Daughter June Wood. Daddy died in Columbus,GA at Spring Harbor, a retirement community, well-cared for and well-loved. He died of complications from pneumonia (from aspirating particles of food and drink), and of course, I am sure his MS contributed.
He regretted not being able to get to his 17th reunions nor his West Point ones. He did, though, go on an Honor Flight, Columbus' first, to DC, for the day, with 100 WWII vets and their guardians, to view the WWII memorial, among other things.
He survived his wife, Betty by 5 years and 2 mos., and did pretty well, although confined to a motorized wheelchair. He was a wonderful, wonderful person.

Sergeant Major Russell Painter (USA SC Retired) of South Shore KY, died 4 December
2009. He was a veteran of WWII, Korea and Viet Nam. Russell served as the 17th Signal Battalion
Command Sergeant Major from 56-60. He asked that in lieu of flowers, donations could
be made to the Special Operations Warrior Foundation in Tampa FL. His son Russ tells us I
know there are many photos of Dad and Mom enjoying themselves while serving with the 17th.

George Calhoun

George H. Calhoun, LTC, Retired U.S..A.., age 72 passed away Sunday, January 17, 2010 in San Antonio, Texas. He was born on November 10, 1937 in San Antonio, Texas to George and Wanda Calhoun. George is preceded in death by his wife Geri Calhoun and his parents. He leaves behind his daughter Julie A. Calhoun; son, George D.. Calhoun and wife Suzanne; granddaughter, Cady Lois Calhoun; his brother-in-law Ronald McNiel; his nephew Darin McNiel; his niece Kara Coffey and grandnephews Conner and Cullin. He will be greatly missed by many other loving family members and numerous friends. George attended Thomas Jefferson High School and after graduation married his beloved Geri in 1957. He completed a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration at Texas A&I University at Kingsville, Texas, where he was the ROTC distinguished military graduate and later earned a Master's Degree from Central Michigan University. Upon graduation he was commissioned in the Army traveling all over the world and serving his country during tours to Vietnam and Thailand. Upon retiring from the Army in 1979, he worked for Satelco, ClayDesta Communications and created start up companies of his own. George loved his family and friends and made positive and lasting impressions on many people. Visitation will take place at 11:30 a.m. with a Memorial Service at 12:30 p.m. Monday, February 1, 2010 at Sunset Funeral Home Chapel with Chaplain Robert Gibbs officiating. Innichement will follow with full Military honors at Fort Sam National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the National Scleroderma Foundation or the American Cancer Society . Please visit www.sunsetmemorialparkandfuneralhome.com for an on-line memorial and tribute.

COL (USA SC Retired) Fred Knipp recently passed. Fred served with the 17th from 53-
56 in the Wire Company and with the 447th and was a Charter Member of the Association.

Gary Alton, LTC, Signal Corps USA Retired. Gary was 75 when he passed away on March 10, 2010.
He was a founding charter member of the 17th Signal Battalion Association and is survived by his wife Ruth.
Funeral will be in Arlington, Ft. Meyer Old Chapel on June 23, 2010.

Knauss, David Schelly, 78
David Schelly Knauss departed this life on January 29, 2011 in Ocala, FL. He was a Lt. Col. In the U.S. Army for 27 years and served in Vietnam. He was a life member of Military Officers Association and the 17th Signal Battalion Association. E received his MBA from the University of Connecticut and was a member of the Master Army Aviator Land Alpha Fraternity. Mr. Knauss moved from Willamantic, CT. to Ocala, FL in 1991. He is survived by his beloved wife of 56 years, Virginia B. Knauss of Ocala, FL and daughters Deborah Scarpa, Willamatic, CT, Donna Hewitt, Alexandria, VA, Jennifer Tonnesen, Norwich, CT, sister Judith Calper, Middletown, CT, 6 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild. Funeral Services will be on Friday, February 4, 2011, at at Hiers-Baxley TimberRidge Chapel, 9695 SW 110th Street, Ocala, FL with inurnment at Florida National Cemetery with Military Honors provided by Angela Santos VFW Post #4781. Condolences may be posted to hiers-baxley.com

WE EXTEND OUR SINCEREST CONDOLENCES TO THEIR FAMILIES