August 29, 2017 Volume 766This Biweekly Update is published every other Tuesday. Its purpose is to keep the Hof Reunion Association (HRA) membersinformed about events occurring between regular publications of the Hof Connection Newsletter which appears in Januaryand July of each year..

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Not Closing the Book;Just turning the Page

Margit NorwoodSecretary, Hof Reunion Association

secretary@hofreunion.org

This past year has enriched my life. There was some initial trepidation onmy part–I was wondering if I was up to the challenge of writing a newsletterevery other week. But then I decided to just relax and write about thingsthat moved me and that, hopefully, would resonate with you, too. While Ihaven’t run out of things to write about, my personal time has become alittle less flexible. Therefore, this will be the final HRA Update from me. Atthe upcoming reunion, a new HRA secretary will be voted in and the nextUpdate will come from him.

You can also expect some Update/Newsletter changes, as noted in theConstitution/Bylaws draft that recently was sent out to you for your reviewand comments. Publication of the twice-a-year newsletter will cease and itscontent will be merged with the Update. The Update, which has appearedevery other week, will be published only once a month in the future.

My business email address (secretary@hofreunion.org) will remain activethrough September 2017. After that, you can reach me at my regular emailaddress (norwoodmi@aol.com). (And I do hope that I will hear from younow and then!)

Thank you all for the support that you have given me throughout the year.A special thanks to all of you who have sent in your stories and pictures.

It has been a pleasure to have been your secretary!

Margit

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Happy August

BirthdayLamb John August 2, 1941Gelascon Richard (friend Vinson) August 3, 1929Hopper Sophye August 3, 1931Holden Darlene August 4, 1939Wible John August 4, 1941Williams Kristine August 4, 1945Bussiere Kathy August 5, 1948Nottingham Phyllis August 6, 1943Natalie Karin August 7, 1942Christenson Mary A. August 8, 1945Bales Helga August 10, 1946Gray John August 10, 1946Nelson Janice August 10, 1947Peterson Lance August 10, 1940Berry Gert August 12, 1938Riggin Jim August 12, 1939Spaeth Timothy August 13, 1946Carrico Kathryn August 14, 1947Flannery Bruce August 14, 1946Resnick Howard August 14, 1937Campbell Alfred August 16, 1946Rabidoux Alan August 16, 1946Wymard Almut August 16, 1941Novelli Doris August 17, 1940McDaniel Jim August 18, 1942Churchill Dallas August 19, 1930Cowherd Brigitte August 21, 1945Mapel Robert August 22, 1939Prince Larry August 22, 1941Bienko John August 23, 1937Murray Phil August 23, 1940Thomas Billy August 23, 1936Szyperski Mary August 24, 1926Pirozzi Rosemarie August 25, 1936Thomas Phyllis August 25, 1943Campbell Jay August 26, 1941Harland Bernard August 26, 1937Heggie Norman August 26, 1942

Knight Tom August 26, 1932Brady Sam August 28, 1937Dickson Karen August 28, 1960Bender Elisa August 29, 1946Pirozzi Pasquale August 29, 1936Smith James J. August 29, 1942McDaniel Mary August 30, 1941Campbell Karin "Schaller" August 31, 1947Eberhardt Suzanne August 31, 1946Schefft Valerie August 31, 1951

Happy August

AnniversaryFutrell Sidney & Gayle August 2, 1987Berger Larry & Donna August 5, 1967Dorsch John & Robyn August 5, 1972Murch Walter & Shirley August 8, 1964Resnick Howard & Patti August 8, 1964Tweed Dewey & Theresa August 12, 2011Niebuhr Claude & Susanne August 13, 1966Webb Marvin & Nora August 13, 1966Librizzo Jerry & Erika August 14, 1971Detzler Michael & Laura August 15, 1995McGuire Paul & Marlene August 18, 1955Atwood Ronald & Karen August 21, 1965Hall Billy & Karin August 21, 1965Combs Bill & Marcia August 23, 1958Gebhardt Rainer & Cynthia August 23, 1972Hamill Melvin & Ilse August 23, 1968Szyperski Raymond & Mary August 23, 1958Delp Richard & Shannon August 24, 1968Mapel Robert & Janet August 26, 1972Murphrey Stephen & Donna August 30, 1969Deemer Alexander & Karen August 31, 1968Murray Phil & Jo August 31, 1963

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Happy September

BirthdayHines Ursula September 1, 1939Kallas Jay September 1, 1952Tweed Dewey September 2, 1937Williams Lynn September 2, 1946Hall Billy September 3, 1942Patterson James September 3, 1930Lindquist Mary September 4, 1954Greene Leroy September 6, 1940Middendorf Jerry September 7, 1942Kallas Sherri September 8, 1966Payne Eldon September 8, 1936Scholle Thomas September 8, 1941Schwandt Rodney September 8, 1946Unger Loran September 8, 1936Niebuhr Susanne September 10, 1944Payne Margit September 10, 1940Rocha Louis September 10, 1930Hinchey Harold September 11, 1937Burton Jerry September 14, 1943Gallimore Jackie September 14, 1941Stanfield Cha-hee September 15, 1940Fry Richard September 16, 1943Samberg Cindy September 17, 1953Simonds Jerry September 18, 1945Jones Wayne September 19, 1945Tribble Walter September 19, 1948Gebhardt Rainer September 21, 1941Ruth Phil September 21, 1939Slappey Braxton September 21, 1942Emery Jo Ann September 22, 1953Henderson Hazel September 22, 1945Mapel Janet September 23, 1944Delp Shannon September 24, 1946Greer Murray September 24, 1930Wymard David September 25, 1941Ward Edie September 27, 1942

Harland Lisa September 28, 1937Mattice Renate September 28, 1946Conard Carol September 29, 1945Bussiere Michael September 30, 1942Cann Sherry September 30, 1948

Happy September

AnniversaryPoturalski Melvin & Madonna September 1, 1962Higginbotham Charles & Elanor September 2, 1961Payne Pete & Margit September 2, 1960Fontes John & Bertha September 4, 2003Bienko John & Christa September 3, 1964Sturzl Frank & Brenda September 5, 1988Gray John & Kathleen September 6, 1967Gambone Anthony & Adi September 8, 1962Riggin Jim & Traudl September 12, 1959Cann Larry & Sherry September 14, 1987Sorensen Grant & Dona September 17, 1980Spirk Donald & Diane September 17, 1966Nottingham C. Wade & Phyllis September 20, 1961Chaney Bill & Bobbie September 21, 1991

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(08/16/17 - 08/29/17)THERESA TWEED

In mid-August, we received an email from Dewey Tweed <dtweed@windstream.net>, letting us knowthat his wife, Theresa Tweed, was hospitalized from July 30 - August 15 for low blood sodium andpotassium, and chest pains. After that, Theresa was released to The Lodge, a rehabilitation center,for two weeks of physical therapy. Dewey says that prayers are appreciated.

You got it, Theresa and Dewey! I hope Theresa is doing much better now.

PHIL RUTH

Actually, Phil <afnsagdret@cox.net> is on the “Well List.” On 15 August, Phil wrote: “I got the results of myPET Scan today, and I am cancer free. I will get checked again in three months. Phil”

Whew! I know how that feels! Stay positive, Phil!

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(08/16/17 - 08/29/17)George McCorry–Obituary

Bernard George Pieper–Obituary

James Trachta–Obituary

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(08/16/17 - 08/29/17)Doris L. Kreuzer–Obituary

Robyn Dorsch–No Obituary

On 23 August 2017, we were informed by C. A. Russell <russcahof@gmail.com> that Robyn Dorsch, wife ofJohn Dorsch, had died early that morning in Dublin, GA. She had been diagnosed just a few weeks earlierwith pancreatic cancer. She began treatment, but the cancer was in an advanced stage. Ceremonies will beprivate, with remains interred in Arlington Cemetery.

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Membership Renewals(08/16/17 - 08/29/17)

Last First Dues RemarksCromer Charles $30.00 FY18

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Donations(08/16/17 - 08/29/17)

NONE

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New Find/Reconnected(08/16/17 - 08/29/17)

Last First Address/City/State/Zip Code Telephone Email

Cromer Charles (575)437-6403

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Corrections: Address/Phone/Email(08/16/17 - 08/29/17)

Last First Address/City/State/Zip Code Telephone Email

Nickerson Monika mnick12@msn.com

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New Members(08/16/17 - 08/29/17)

NO NEW MEMBERSHIPS THIS PERIOD

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Last First State Guest

Alekson Bob & Sandy FLAlexander James & Susan TXBallou Willies & Cathye TXBarnes David & Terry MT Guests, SchuetyBoggs Mike KY Guest, HoldenCampbell J.C. & Mary CACherpes Gary & Sandy MIChurchill Dallas TXClemons Mark & Peggy OKDavino Barbara FLDietz Alois & Rosie GEFahrbach Christa NYFurrow Tallie IA Friend, PhippsFutrell Sidney & Gayle TXFukomoto Francis & Jo Ann HIHall Billy & Karin AZHamill Melvin & Ilse DEHeggie Norm & Norma MAHines Norman & Ursula WAHolden Dan & Darlene KYHörath Robert & Hanna GEJones Jesse & Esther AZJones Wayne & Linda NMJuergens Ken & Briana MOKaiser MatthewKielbania Ken & Gay FLKrcma Greg & Sandy WIKreuzer Richard & Heidi MILamb John AZLittle Bill MSLuckenbill Nita AZ Friend, LambMangas Jerry PAMiddendorf Jerry & Hilde MDMikloiche Tom & Inge CTMüller Anna GEMurch Walter & Shirley CAMurphrey Steve & Donna NCMurray Phil & Jo CANatalie Karin MINelson Miles & Janice MONiebuhr Claude & Susanne MSNorwood Margit TX

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Last First State Guest

Pace John & Agnes GAPhiipps Phyllis IAPouch Heidi TXQuarterman Henry & Dorothea GAQueen Rosie DEReed DeanRichardson, Mary KS Guest, SpicerRiggin Jim & Traudl CORiverkamp Don TXRobinson Jerry & Gudrun TNScanny Dan & Carol CAScholl John MOSchuety Ramon & Elfriede MTScott Brent & Linda CAShananhan Michael ILSinchak Noel FLSorensen Grant & Dona TXSpaeth Timothy GASpicer Claude KSStankich Charles & Evi TXThompson Dean & Shirley TXThompson Francis COTiller Roy & Claudia MDTribble Walter & Margot TNWard Bill & Edie FL

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Oh, I think we are going to have fun! Our entertainment for the Wednesday and Friday functions will the ChilePi Band–John Martinez and Susan McCasland, an acoustic duo. The visitalbuquerque.org website says that“John Martinez and Susan McCasland first met and played music together in 2014. They since have becomea favorite act at restaurants, pubs, and functions in central New Mexico. Both play guitar and sing music fromtraditional to today: light rock/pop, folk, blues, country and lounge. John majored in guitar at UNM and theGuitar Institute of Technology; you can find his solo act on this website. Susan, somewhat of a gypsy, has acareer in science and engineering and concurrently has been in bands from L.A. to D.C. and locales inbetween.” Here is a video clip of the duo: https://youtu.be/mJ49vOoHfjw

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There is still time to make reservations for a balloon ride. One company that offers rides is Rainbow Ryders. Ithink that at least one of our members has already signed up for a hot air balloon ride with them. If you arethinking about trying a new adventure, you can email the company at reservations@rainbowryders.com, or callthem at 800-725-2477. Their website is rainbowryders.com.

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This is a last-minute pitch for any auction items that you might want to donate for THE HRA AUCTION–ourannual reunion event. It doesn’t have to be a new item. Most of us have things around the house that qualifyas White Elephants and, as the saying goes, one person’s trash is another one’s treasure. I will be bringingalong this crochet afghan that I have been working on whenever I had some downtime. Thirteen stripes–sevenred and 6 white, and 50 stars on a field of blue.

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THE 25TH AIR FORCE

In the last Update, I included history I had found which covered the beginning of the USAF Security Service allthe way through to the ISR Agency, 1948 - 2010. Knowing that our history did not stop in 2010, I did somemore searching and found the 25th Air Force, “All About Us” website. So set aside some time when you canrelax, and read the following documents on the “All About Us” website:

● A Continuing Legacy Magazine 1948-2015

● A Continuing Legacy Chronology 1948-2016

● A Continuing Legacy Chronology 1948-2014

● A Continuing Legacy Chronology 1948-2012

● The First History 1948-1949

● NASIC Heritage Pamphlet

● 480th ISR Wing Heritage Pamphlet

● 138th Signal Radio Intelligence Company 1942-1944

● 1st Radio Squadron Mobile (J) 1944-1945

● 6911th Radio Squadron, Mobile May 1955 - August 1956

A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE 25TH AIR FORCE

FROM THE “ALL ABOUT US” WEBSITE

The Twenty-Fifth Air Force traces its origin to 20 October 1948, when the Department of the AirForce established the U. S. Air Force Security Service (USAFSS) as a major air command at Arlington HallStation, VA. Initially, USAFSS had 34 officers, 6 enlisted members, and 116 civilians authorized to perform thecryptologic mission for the U. S. Air Force.

In January 1949, the Department of the Army transferred three radio squadrons mobile (RSM) and one radiosecurity section from the Army Security Agency to USAFSS. The units included the 1 RSM in Japan, the 2RSM in Germany, and the 8 RSM at Vint Hill Farms, VA., and the 136th Radio Security Detachment at FortSlocum, N. Y. In May 1949, the USAFSS headquarters and the 8 RSM moved from Arlington Hall Station toBrooks AFB, TX. Plans at the time called for the establishment of ten RSMs worldwide.

When the Korean War erupted on 25 June 1950, USAFSS and its 3,050 assigned personnel answered thecall. The 1 RSM began providing key intelligence support to Far East Air Forces in early 1951. Then in early1953, the command began experimental airborne operations under Project BLUE SKY by using converted C-47s from Fifth Air Force. The command’s performance in the Korean War earned it a permanent place inAmerica’s intelligence community.

On 31 July 1953, USAFSS ceased operations at Brooks AFB, and in early August the command opened itsheadquarters at Kelly AFB, TX. At the time, command strength stood at 17,143 personnel, with operating sitesat various locations in Europe, the Pacific, Alaska, and the continental U. S.

In 1958, USAFSS assumed control and operations of several overseas bases: Misawa Air Base,

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Air Force (RAF) Station Chicksands, United Kingdom; Karamursel, Turkey; and Shu Lin Kou Air Station,Taiwan. The command also claimed ownership over Goodfellow AFB and its intelligence training school inTexas.

In mid-1966 as the tempo of the Vietnam War increased, the Air Staff made USAFSS the central evaluationagency for all USAF electronic warfare activities. In early 1967, USAFSS’s Air Force Special CommunicationsCenter (later Air Force Electronic Warfare Center), took on that new mission, the first major change in thecommand’s responsibilities in years.

In 1966, USAFSS-manned EC-47s began airborne radio direction finding operations in Southeast Asia, whilein September 1967 the new 6990th Security Squadron began RC-135 operations at Kadena Air Base,Okinawa. During the Vietnam War, USAFSS personnel served with distinction in airborne and groundoperations throughout Southeast Asia.

The 1970s saw numerous changes in the command’s structure and strength as the Vietnam war came to anend. The Air Force placed more emphasis on electronic warfare by renaming the Air Force SpecialCommunications Center under USAFSS as the Air Force Electronic Warfare Center on 1 July 1975. Thechange gave the command greater visibility throughout the Department of Defense.

In early 1978, USAFSS transferred its cryptologic school training mission and host base duties at GoodfellowAFB, TX, to Air Training Command (later Air Education and Training Command). Then on 1 October 1978,USAFSS ended 20 years of base management by turning over its last four overseas bases to the respectivetheater commands. The late 1970s also saw major manpower cuts for the organization as its authorizedstrength dropped from 15,490 in late 1977 to 11,683 in late 1978.

On 1 August 1979, the Air Force redesignated USAFSS as the Electronic Security Command (ESC). ESC, withits long standing SIGINT responsibilities, took on a new mission to improve the Air Force’s use of electronicwarfare technology in combat. Subsequently, the command developed new ways to jam, confuse, or destroyopposing command, control, and communication systems.

In May 1985, ESC also assumed the computer security mission from the Air Force Computer Security Office atGunter Air Force Station, AL. A year later, ESC activated HQs Space Electronic Security Division at PetersonAFB, CO., to begin a relationship with the Air Force Space Command. ESC also played a key role inOperations JUST CAUSE in December 1989 and Operations DESERT SHIELD/STORM in January 1991. Inthe latter conflict, ESC helped the U. S. achieve operational supremacy over Iraqi forces.

On 1 October 1991, the Air Force redesignated ESC as the Air Force Intelligence Command (AFIC) toimplement a Secretary of Defense direction to consolidate existing intelligence commands, agencies, andelements into a single intelligence command. That action also brought the Foreign Technology Division (laterNational Air and Space Intelligence Center) at Wright-Patterson AFB, OH, and the Air Force TechnicalApplications Center at Patrick AFB, FL., with its nuclear treaty compliance mission under AFIC.

On 1 October 1993, the Air Force redesignated AFIC as the Air Intelligence Agency (AIA). As a Field OperatingAgency (FOA), the organization reported directly to the USAF Assistant Chief of Staff, Intelligence. Throughoutthe 1990s, the AIA focused on Information Operations. Then on 1 February 2001, AIA became a primarysubordinate unit of Air Combat Command (ACC). The Air Force also reassigned AIA’s two wings, the 67thIntelligence Wing and the 70th Intelligence Wing, to Eighth Air Force at Barksdale AFB, LA.

The Air Force redesignated AIA as the Air Force Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Agency (AFISR Agency) on 8 June 2007. As a FOA again, the organization reported to the Deputy Chief of Staff forIntelligence (A2) at Headquarters USAF. That transformation turned the AF ISR Agency into a multi-disciplinedintelligence organization, with its Distributed Common Ground System under the 480th Intelligence Wingfunctioning as a fully integrated weapons system for the Air Force.

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In late 2013, the Air Force decided to implement a 20 percent reduction in headquarters manpower andeliminate as many FOAs and Direct Reporting Units as possible. That change turned the AF ISR Agency intoTwenty-Fifth Air Force (25 AF) on Sept. 29, 2014, again as a subordinate unit to Air Combat Command. In thattransformation, 25 AF gained several new units—the 9th Reconnaissance Wing at Beale AFB, CA., the 55thWing at Offutt AFB, NE, and the Air Force Targeting Center (redesignated as the 363d ISR Wing) at LangleyAFB, VA. At the same time, the Air Force reassigned NASIC from 25 AF to the Air Staff/A2.

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AUTONOMOUS DRONES

Did you happen to watch 60 Minutes a week ago Sunday? Their program was about autonomous drones–autonomous because they are not managed with a joy stick. The drone, called Perdix, fits into a hand. Afighter jet releases the drones in a swarm, in a violent ejection process. The drones are in constant contactwith each other via radio, telling each other what they are doing and where they are at. You can watch the60-minutes piece here. Each Perdix is given a mission and they then figure out, by themselves, how to carryout this mission. Wow!

The Nato Review Magazine also carries an article on autonomous drones. It delves a little bit deeper into thepros and cons of these drones. One LIMFAC (limiting factor) is that an autonomous drone is a politicallysensitive subject.

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CYBER SECURITY

Airmen in San Antonio led Way on Cyber Security

As part of its current tricentennial celebration, the San Antonio Express News is featuring daily historicalarticles about the city and, of course, its military population. (We are, after all, the official “Military City.”)Earlier this month, a story in the paper featured the 1988 event of the so-called Morris Worm which “infectedfrom one-sixth to one-third of all computers connected to the Internet.” The incident convinced a young AirForce officer and his boss that the Air Force needed its own team to combat hackers. What happened nextwas that “Security Hill” in San Antonio gave birth to the Air Force Computer Emergency Response Team….Itrevolutionized how the military saw cyber security.”

You can read the rest of the story here.

CYBER COMMAND TO BECOME A UNIFIED COMBATANT COMMAND

Cyber security has become a subject that is in the news every day, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise that, thismonth, the Defense Department has started to initiated the process to elevate the U.S. Cyber Command to aUnified Combatant Command. The decision to make the Cyber Command a Unified Combatant Commandfollows the recommendation of Defense Secretary Jim Mattis who is also looking at the option of separatingthe Cyber Command from the National Security Agency. More details are available at globalsecurity.org.

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Currently, we have the following Unified CommandsUnified Command Plan

The Unified Command Plan establishes the missions and geographic responsibilities among the combatantcommanders.

Commanders' Area of Responsibility

United States Africa Command (USAFRICOM)

United States Africa Command (USAFRICOM) is responsible for military relations with Africannations, the African Union and African regional security organizations. It protects and defends theinterests of the United States by strengthening the defense capabilities of African nations and, in

cooperation with African governments, conducts military missions that increase security while deterring anddefeating a variety of transnational threats.

United States Central Command (USCENTCOM)

United States Central Command (USCENTCOM) is responsible for operations in twenty countriesthat fall in the “central” area of the globe: Afghanistan, Bahrain, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Jordan,Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Tajikistan,

Turkmenistan, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan and Yemen. United States Central Command utilizesnational and international partnerships to build cooperation among nations, respond to crisis, deter and defeatthreats and support development that ultimately increases stability in the region.

United States European Command (USEUCOM)

United States European Command (USEUCOM) works with NATO and other partner nations toaddress the security and defense needs of nations in Europe and parts of the Middle East andEurasia. EUCOM coordinates with these nations to find cooperative solutions in peace and wartime

alike, to plan training missions, provide humanitarian assistance and to develop strategies for promoting peaceand stability in the region.

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United States Northern Command (USNORTHCOM)

United States Northern Command (USNORTHCOM) operates in the area of responsibilityencompassing the continental United States, Alaska, Mexico, Canada, portions of the Caribbeanand surrounding waters. NORTHCOM is primarily responsible for civil support and homeland

security and also oversees the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD). It has fewpermanent forces and is instead assigned forces by the Secretary of Defense or the President wheneverrequired for the execution of its missions.

United States Pacific Command (USPACOM)

United States Pacific Command (USPACOM) oversees an area of responsibility stretching from thewaters of the United States west coast to the western border of India, and from Antarctica to theNorth Pole, encompassing 36 diverse nations. USPACOM and its partners work to promote the

development of the region while cooperating to enhance security, deter aggression, respond with force whennecessary and to provide humanitarian assistance.

United States Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM)

United States Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM) oversees an area of responsibilityencompassing 31 nations in Latin America south of Mexico, Central and South America, and theCaribbean Sea. USSOUTHCOM works to increase the security of the United States by engaging its

partners to enhance the peacekeeping abilities of the region, to promote human rights, to deter illegal activitiesassociated with illicit trafficking and to conduct multinational military exercises designed to strengthenpartnerships while developing collective capabilities.

United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM)

The United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) is responsible for planning for andconducting special operations. It offers direct action in the form of short duration strikes and small-scale offensives, special reconnaissance, unconventional warfare, foreign internal defense, civil

affairs operations, counterterrorism, psychological operations, information operations, counter-proliferation ofweapons of mass destruction, security force assistance, counterinsurgency operations and any specificactivities directed by the President or the Secretary of Defense.

United States Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM)

The United States Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM) is headquartered at Offutt Air Force Basein Omaha, Nebraska. It conducts global operations in partnership with other CombatantCommands, services and U.S. government agencies to deter and detect strategic attacks against

the United States. USSTRATCOM is responsible for command of U.S. nuclear capabilities, space operations,global surveillance and reconnaissance, intelligence, communications, computers, global missile defense andcombatting weapons of mass destruction.

United States Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM)

The United States Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM) provides the Department of Defensewith an aggregate of transportation capabilities and assets. Together with commercial partnerships,USTRANSCOM enables a diverse array of joint mobility missions.

Each one of these Unified Commands is further described on the U.S. Department of Defense website.

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HOFER GESCHICHTSWEGE(HOF’S HISTORIC PATHS)

Hof’s City Portal describes several self-guided walking tours that a visitor can take. Altogether, there are 84places on these walking tours, where you can stop and read Geschichtstafeln (historical plaques) aboutevents in history, famous persons, monuments, streets and places, and happenings in Hof’s past.

The history of these historical places was researched by the [get ready for this mouthful!] NordoberfränkischeVerein für Natur-, Geschichts- und Landeskunde e. V. (Northern Upper Franconia Association for Nature-,History- and Regional Studies, Incorporated Association). Because the association’s name is so long, it isusually referred to as the Langnamenverein (the association with the long name). Thank God!!!

There are eight historic paths: five of them in town, and another three paths in the outskirts of town. Theselast three are meant to be taken via bicycle. Each tour is estimated to take about two to three hours.

Spaziergänge durch die Hofer Innenstadt–(In Town)

● Geschichtsweg 1: Nördliche Innenstadt (ab Rathaus)–Northern Inner City (starting at City Hall)

● Geschichtsweg 2: Südliche Innenstadt (ab Rathaus)–Southern Inner City (starting at City Hall)

● Geschichtsweg 3: Das Westend (ab Rathaus)–The Westend (starting at City Hall)

● Geschichtsweg 4: Vom Hauptbahnhof zur Innenstadt (ab Hauptbahnhof)–From Main Train Station to theInner City (starting at the main Train Station)

● Geschichtsweg 5: Arbeit und Erholung (ab Hauptbahnhof)–Work and R&R (From Main Train Station)

Spazierfahrten durch Hof und die Vororte- (By Bicycle)

● Geschichtsweg 6: Der Hofer Süden (ab Hauptbahnhof)–Southern Hof (From Main Train Station)

● Geschichtsweg 7: Der Westen und der Norden (ab Hauptbahnhof)–Western and Northern Hof (From MainTrain Station)

● Geschichtsweg 8: Der Osten (ab Hauptbahnhof)–East (From Main Train Station)

The bar at the upper edge of each plaque shows Hof’scolors (yellow and black), along with the city’s coat ofarms and the number of the plaque. At the lower edge, ayellow bar shows the name of the sponsor(s). The leftside of the plaque usually shows a pictorial display, andthe text on the right side gives the history of the display.

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The Langnamenverein started Project Geschichtstafelnin 2009. According to the association’s site, the point ofcontact for this project is Dieter Busch(d.busch.hof@gmail.com).

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The original lyrics to the Deutschland Lied were written by August Heinrich Hoffmann (von Fallersleben) in1841; the music for it was taken from a hymn written by Joseph Haydn in 1797, for Francis II–Emperor of theHoly Roman Empire. It has been the anthem of Germany since 1922.

Originally, the German Anthem had three verses:

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1. Deutschland, Deutschland über alles,Über alles in der Welt,Wenn es stets zu Schutz und TrutzeBrüderlich zusammenhält,Von der Maas bis an die Memel,Von der Etsch bis an den Belt -|: Deutschland, Deutschland über alles,Über alles in der Welt. :|

1. Germany, Germany above allAbove everything in the worldWhen, always, for protection and defenseBrothers stand together.From the Maas to the MemelFrom the Etsch to the Belt,Germany, Germany above allAbove all in the world.

2. Deutsche Frauen, deutsche Treue,Deutscher Wein und deutscher SangSollen in der Welt behaltenIhren alten schönen Klang,Uns zu edler Tat begeisternUnser ganzes Leben lang.|: Deutsche Frauen, deutsche Treue,Deutscher Wein und deutscher Sang. :|

3. Einigkeit und Recht und FreiheitFür das deutsche Vaterland!Danach laßt uns alle strebenBrüderlich mit Herz und Hand!Einigkeit und Recht und FreiheitSind des Glückes Unterpfand.|: Blüh' im Glanze dieses Glückes,Blühe, deutsches Vaterland. :|

2. German women, German fidelity,German wine and German song,Shall retain, throughout the world,Their old respected fame,To inspire us to noble deedsFor the length of our lives.German women, German fidelity,German wine and German song

3. Unity and right and freedomFor the German Fatherland;Let us all strive to this goalBrotherly, with heart and hand.Unity and rights and freedomAre the pledge of fortune grand.Prosper in this fortune's glory,Prosper German fatherland.

Unfortunately, during the growing National Socialism and Hitler’s dictatorship, those holding political powerclaimed this anthem as their own, stressing the “Über alles in der Welt” words–although the poet Hoffman hadmeant these words to be the polar opposite of what they were being used for by the Nazis. Because it hadbeen glorified for bad deeds by the Nazis, the anthem was forbidden after WW II. At last, in 1991, Germanymade an official determination to adopt the third verse only as the national anthem of the reunified Germany(two years after the fall of the Berlin Wall). [www.europeanasounds.eu]

So now you know: it would be a faux pas today were you to sing anything but the third verse of the GermanAnthem!

The German Anthem: https://youtu.be/5q8xvkjqeHQ

Jerry Middendorf <j.middendorf@comcast.net> sent in this article. He’s not sure about the source of this write-up, but I’m assuming it came from an article (maybe an Update or Newsletter?) written around the time ofHurricane Katrina. The check that our organization donated to Katrina victims was pretty impressive!

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Jerry Mangas <jamangas@ptd.net> is providing a follow-up on his quest to get access to shopping online atmilitary exchanges–a new benefit for vets that is supposed to start in November. Details at www.military.com.

For background, here is a previous write-up on this wonderful? opportunity–IF you can get it:

Thousands of veterans will be eligible to shop online at military exchange websites starting on 11 November2017, thanks to a policy change by the Defense Department.

The initiative, which was first announced in January 2017, will apply to veterans who have received honorabledischarges and can verify their status by using the website VetVerify.org.

After being verified, participants will be eligible once the program launches to shop tax-free at any of the foursites operated by the Army & Air Force Exchange Service: MyNavyExchange.com, MyMCX.com,ShopCGX.com, and www.ShopMyExchange.com. (However, they will remain ineligible to shop inside physicalexchange locations. About 13 million veterans are reportedly potentially qualified to make use of the onlineprogram.)

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Chief executive Tom Shull said:

The intent is to really beat Amazon at their game because we have locations literally on the installations. We’releaning toward not just ship-from-store but pick-up-from-store and eventually deliver-from-store.

As of 10 July 2017 the site had reportedly received more than 95,000 verification requests. A U.S. Armyspokesperson, Lt. Col. Paul Haverstick, told us on 26 July 2017, that the number of requests had grown to260,000 with 120,000 applicants verified in advance of the initiative’s Veterans Day launch.

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Says Jerry on 1 August 2017: “For the record, I tried to sign up for this last night and they could not "verify"me. When I first signed up for VA Health care, they could not find me by SSN, the now required ident. I hadthe lady I was talking to use my AFSN and that worked. Tried it both ways on this system and got nowhere.Your mileage may vary?

If you find that you are NOT recognized, you will be sent here:

https://iris.custhelp.com/app/ask

And it is a real PITA for most to get thru. IT was designed for another purpose and I don't think it has beenupdated to reflect this program.”

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Secretary’s Note: SNAFU! It would almost be funny if it wouldn’t be so darn frustrating. I’ve highlighted theparagraph above because that statement begs a question: Do they think that registering 120,000 out of260,000 is a success?

By the way: Do all of you remember your AFSN? I remember Calvin’s; but only in German. At the time Imemorized it, I hadn’t started to think in English yet.

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The saga continues–it’s enough to make you weep. Jerry on 20 August 2017:

For the update....

After sending out the original information notice about a new veteran's "benefit" to perhaps a hundredpresumably honorably discharged vets that I know personally from all services and from an era that coveredthe 50's to the 80's, judging by the comments I have gotten back, this "effort" is about as well organized as theoriginal Obamacare website which was a total fiasco for months! Exactly two people, one AF, one Navy, bothdischarged on the west coast, one in the 60's and one in the 70's got thru the Vetverify process successfully ontheir first try. Some of the commentary was rather scathing including one that said he had actually gotten thruby phone and was told there were over a million veterans waiting to be verified.

I was told by the "system" that I would have a "by mail" written response in 5 business days. I'm not sure justhow long "5 business days" is in government bureaucrat time but after three weeks or so I should have had ananswer?

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● http://publicaffairs-sme.com/FamilyServingFamily/2017/03/01/veterans-online-shopping-benefit-faq/ foradditional information.

● wherein the stock answer for problems after the required apology and then the gratuity for your service isthis (all responses dated mid July):

● You can find information on what to do if you are having issues becoming verified under the FAQsection (https://www.vetverify.org/faq.xhtml) of VetVerify.org. Or call 1-844-868-8672 (toll-free).

or this:

● thanks for contacting the Exchange. VetVerify.org will only prompt for the DD214 if your record is inthe database. If not prompted for the DD214, please go to https://iris.custhelp.com/app/ask and fill outthe information accordingly. If you need additional help, please call their customer service at 800-827-1000…this is the VA – they are assisting with adding Veteran records to DEERS. Or, call VetVerifyContact Center directly at 844-868-8672 for assistance.

or more smoke:

● The Defense Manpower Data Center (DMDC) is the sole source for verification data of authorizedexchange shoppers. Veterans who are qualified to shop under the newly approved Veteran’s OnlineShopping Benefit should visit VetVerify.org in order to be verified. The website VetVerify.org is beingbuilt to enable Veterans to check their authentication status before Veterans Day 2017. VetVerify.orgwill access DEERS records and inform Veterans if their records are complete and have the properdischarge status. In cases where a Veteran’s information is incomplete, VetVerify.org will provideguidance.

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I THINK JERRY NEEDS A DAMMIT DOLL!

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For the do-it-yourselfers–here is a website with patterns for the Dammit Doll:https://www.pinterest.com/pin/156711262005269829/

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…for your membership renewals!…for your contributions to the Biweekly Update!

…for your support this past year!

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BEEN THERE?OF COURSE YOU HAVE!

ALL YOU NEED IS A PAIR OF WIENERS INHOF’S ALTSTADT, AND THE WORLD WILL BEBACK TO NORMAL.