Steve Thomas

TEXAS STATE GUARD by William C. Wilkes and Mary M. Standifer https://tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/qqt01 In the 1950s the Signal Corps of the TSGRC embraced 500 radio stations statewide. These provided valuable communications assistance to civil authorities and the Red Cross in times of natural disaster. In 1961, during the Berlin Wall crisis, the Forty-ninth Armored Division and other nondivisional units of the Texas National Guard were called into federal service for a year, leaving seventy-one National Guard armories vacant. The oversight of these armories was consigned to 148 officers and 365 enlisted men in the TSGRC, who were called to active duty and formed into seventy-one Texas State Guard Security Units. The guardsmen served in this capacity until August 10, 1962, when they resumed their TSGRC status. In 1965 the Texas legislature abolished the TSGRC and reestablished the Texas State Guard, with Maj. Gen. John L. Thompson, Jr., as commanding general. Facebook posting by an unknown author. https://www.facebook.com/TexasStateGuard/posts/1576889535692221 “How about a little bit of HISTORY of the Texas State Guard? With the advent of the Cold War, The Texas State Guard Reserve Corps (TSGRC) was given additional duties — those specific to statewide radio communications and civil defense. By 1951, the TSGRC had 50 fixed radio stations and over 100 automobiles throughout the state – almost all were funded at the personal expense of the operators and heavily used during many natural disasters. With the federalization of the Texas National Guard during the Berlin Crisis in 1961, 71 Texas National Guard Armories were left vacant and a great amount of state property unprotected. To address this, elements of the TSGRC were organized as Texas State Guard Security Units. These units were assigned to the 49th Armored Division and the 11014th Transportation Company, manning their respective armories until these units were returned to their state mission one year later.” So, was it 50 stations, or 500 stations? Statement by Colonel John W. Mayo, Chairman of City-County Civil Defense and Disaster Commission at the Dedication of the Emergency Operations Center at Fair Park. http://www.civildefensemuseum.com/fallout/docs/may241961a.jpg This Statement appeared on the Civil Defense and Disaster Commission letter head co-signed by Boise Smith, WRR transmitter Building at Fair Park. WRR was a city-owned radio station. In the Batchelor's Exhibit CE5002 https://www.history-matters.com/archive/jfk/wc/wcvols/wh19/pdf/WH19_Batchelor_Ex_5002.pdf Boise Smith is listed as a Deputy Chief of Police (along with Lumpkin, Stevenson and Batchelor) and as the Director of the Civil Defense and Disaster Commission. As such, he reported directly to Curry. Boise Smith was also linked the 4150th ARSU Army Reserve Training School in Dallas. See this statement by Mayo decrying the artists being displayed at the Art Museum http://washingtonbabylon.com/bunker-command-center-jfk-assassination-merely-worlds-interesting-basement/ "In March of 1955, Col. John W. Mayo, commander of the Dallas Metropolitan Post No. 581 of the American Legion, sent a communication to the Trustees of the Art Museum decrying many of the Museum’s policies and saying that the Post objected ‘to the Museum patronizing and supporting artists … whose political beliefs are dedicated to destroying our way of life." In this same website, it says, " An online exhibit by the Dallas City Hall provides the following historical summary of WRR, the station-of-choice for Dallas-Fort Worth highbrows since 1964, when it switched to an all classical format. Until the departments had their own internal support, WRR supplied and maintained all radio equipment for Police, Fire, Park and Recreation, Water, Public Works, and the former Health Department. At its peak it furnished dispatching services for Dallas County, Cockrell Hill Police Department, and private ambulance services (in the days before 911). WRR discontinued these adjunct services in 1969." Steve Thomas

Paul, It might not make it false, but the flip side is that the truth of the 488th existence cannot be proven just because Crichton said so. http://jfkcountercoup2.blogspot.com/2014/03/acsi-assistant-chief-of-staff-for.html “Brandy served the 1959 session of his annual active duty at the Pentagon in the Office of the Army Chief of Staff, Intelligence (ACSI), working under his first ACSI “Big Brother,” Colonel Bob Roth, in the Collection Division….This duty marked his change from Mobilization Reserve to a career over the next eighteen years of working directly for ACSI, sometimes on active duty, and at other times, after retirement, on a strictly unpaid and voluntary basis. Over that time, the officer to whom he reported at ACSI would change almost every two years. In the ACSI office, continuity was provided by Mrs. Dorothe K. Matlack, a long-time civil servant and chief of the Exploitation Section of the Assistant Chief of Staff-Intelligence (ACSI-CX). Dorothe (pronounced Dorothy) personally knew Brandy and other officers who worked to supply a continuing stream of good quality “humanit,” or human intelligence. Brandy could continue the work of “eyes and ears” that he had begun under Ridgway, knowing that his “Big Brother” in Washington, whoever he would be over time, would receive his reports and that they would at least be considered and reviewed properly. Brandy’s standard operating procedure was to contact only one officer, his “Big Brother” from ACSI, thus protecting himself from possible exposure…” The author of this Countercoup web site really ought to do a better job citing his sources, and giving credit where credit is due. “Meanwhile, he kept in touch with Colonel William Rose at the Pentagon office of the Assistant Chief of Staff-Intelligence. Rose arranged for Brandy to be assigned for training on weekend duties to the 488th Strategic Intelligence Team in Dallas. He contributed to a study of the capability of the Soviet oil fields, working with oil and mining engineer Colonel Jack Crichton, MI and U.S. Army, ret., who was later to explore the oil and gas reserves in the former Soviet Union during the 1990s….” Brandy, Our Man in Acapulco, 1999. p. 158: https://books.google.com/books?id=QLdqgDsVio4C&pg=PA158&lpg=PA158&dq=%22Assistant+Chief+of+Staff+Intelligence%22+Rose&source=bl&ots=_PHl-3whdc&sig=ACfU3U1NwgRrYsqjepWNuegmhCGoRLP3IQ&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjJrtWDmZDhAhWm2YMKHQ9NBTAQ6AEwAnoECAkQAQ#v=onepage&q=%22Assistant%20Chief%20of%20Staff%20Intelligence%22%20Rose&f=false So, was the 488th a Military Intelligence Detachment, or a Strategic Intelligence Team? There is no such thing as a “Strategic Intelligence Team”; at least so far as I have ever seen. I had no idea that this book cost so much. Brandy, Our Man in Acapulco. Used copies run from $700 to over $1,300.00 on Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/1574410695/ref=sr_1_1_olp?keywords=9781574410693&linkCode=qs&qid=1553067737&s=books&sr=1-1 My impression is that the Assistant Chief of Staff's office was passing the buck in order to get rid of him. Brandstetter contacted Rose for a job, and Rose told him to call Matlock. Matlock told him to call Sam Kail, and Kail suggested he call Crichton. “humanint”? “Big Brother”? “Contacting only one officer to protect himself from possible exposure”? With no paper trail to back it up? To me, that's no better than just plain gossip. As I've said to you before: I've never seen a single piece of paper, of any kind, with the 488th's name on it; and, I've never read someone ever claiming to belong to it. Until that happens, I will remain skeptical. Steve Thomas

Larry, Thanks, but the articles I cited were from 1964, when Crichton was running for Governor.

https://en.wiktionary.org Attributed to various military leaders, including Bernard Montgomery, Dwight Eisenhower and Douglas MacArthur, the quotation has existed in various forms since the Second World War but was fixed in its present form and popularized by the 1987 movie The Princess Bride. “Never fight a land war in Asia”. JFK understood history. Steve Thomas

B.A., The one thing I would caution about is that these newspapers are reading like a press release from somebody. For instance: Longview Texas. April 9, 1964: " Now with the rank of colonel, he is commanding officer of the 488th Military Intelligence Detachment, U. S. Army Reserve." Bryan, Texas. October 15, 1964: (Crichton) “is now Colonel and commanding officer 488th Military Intelligence Department, US Army Reserve”. The articles are six months apart, yet the wording is almost exactly the same. Are they coming from the same source? Steve Thomas

Jim, The one take-away that I took-away (hey, I like that line. I think I'll store it away somewhere), is that the CIA is not a monolith. It's not enough to say, "The CIA did this", or "The CIA did that". I don't think the author or authors of this position paper held the same world view as someone like a George Kennan. The other thing I came away with is the idea that the only thing constant in life is change. If the idea behind JFK's assassination was to maintain U.S. hegemony in the world, it didn't work. U.S. dominance in the world in the 1950's was not the same as the U.S. position in the world in the 1970's. The authors of this paper felt the same way. From page 20: The line about Coca Cola came from the paper itself. (See page 12) I think I agree with the authors when they said that smaller nation-states like Scandanavia, aligned together based on mutual self-interest seem to work the best. (see page 30). They are better able to cope with and adjust to rapidly changing conditions, where change is the only constant in life. I think our Founding Fathers had the right idea of a confederation or republic of states bound together by mutual self-interest. (I kind of like the idea of driving from North Dakota to South Dakota without needing a passport). I agree with you wholeheartedly that Richard Nixon could not have been elected without JFK, RFK and MLK having been eliminated first. But the gain was a short term one. Steve Thomas

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If JFK was assassinated because he was soft on Communism; and to maintain our dominance in world affairs vis a vis post World War II, did it succeed or fail? It all depends on whether you measure success by how many people drink Coca Cola. "The Soviet Union seems to have survived the Chech invasion very well indeed". Read the secret CIA World Situation Report given to Richard Nixon in 1970. https://www.muckrock.com/news/archives/2019/mar/13/cia-world-report-1970/ Steve Thomas

Check out the Vincent Van Gogh, the Japan, and the Atelier des Lumieres Exposition videos. Now that's a Museum! https://www.atelier-lumieres.com/fr/lieu/histoire-atelier/videos#prettyPhoto Moderators. If you want to take this thread down, that's OK. I understand. Steve Thomas

Longview News-Journal from Longview, Texas April 9, 1964 page 5 https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/186118616/ Crichton Blasts 'Police Power Bill During Visit Gets Award attributed widely to the oil and gas publications. Gov. George C. Wallace's heavy vote in the Wisconsin primary Tuesday showed that the people in the North as well as FORT WORTH ... Crichton of Dallas, unopposed candidate for governor, declared Shreveport. He is a committee chairman in the Dallas County Civil defense set up and holds - - publican leaders and others. Crichton said, ' He has been active in Republican circles in Dallas many years, and he occupies downtown offices as an Independent oil executive, and engineer. Crichton was educated at Byrd High School, Shreveport, and was awarded various petroleum and engineering degrees from Wichita Institute of Technology and SMU. His career as a geologist and engineer was interrupted by World War II, in which he served as a field artillery intelligence officer and special agent of the OSS. Now with the rank of colonel, he is commanding officer of the 488th Military Intelligence Detachment, U. S. Army Reserve. Lubbock Avalanche-Journal from Lubbock, Texas · December 5, 1967 Page 16 https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/6092576/ What little is in that abstract reads: DALLAS (API — Col. Jack A.:, Crichton. commanding officer of) the 488th Military Intelligence Detachment, was awarded the Legion of Merit Monday night on' his retirement from the Army- Reserve after 30 years of service. The medal was presented in a ceremony by Col. Robert D. Of-; fer, commander of the VIII U.S. , Army Corps at Austin. An oil man and petroleum consultant, Crichton organized his Reserve unit in 1956 and has been its only commander. The award cited him for "exceptionally outstanding service" as commander and for the preparation of a series of military intelligence studies. (the name of the awarding colonel is garbled in the OCR rendering). Crichton also wrote a book entitled, The Republican-Democrat political campaigns in Texas in 1964 Author: Jack Crichton Publisher: [Texas] : J. Crichton, 2003. Edition/Format: Print book : English Database: WorldCat https://www.worldcat.org/search?q=au%3ACrichton%2C+Jack.&qt=hot_author Someday, I would like to read this book. Steve Thomas

Paul, Where did you see this? Do you have a url? Steve Thomas

No, Paul. The City of Dallas sold them some property on the E. Northwest Highway and they moved from their headquarters at Love Field. Steve Thomas

Colonel. B.B. Smith (B.B. Smith was also a Deputy Chief of Police of the Dallas P0lice Department and Director of the Civil Defense and Disaster Commission) https://www.aarclibrary.org/publib/jfk/wc/wcvols/wh19/pdf/WH19_Batchelor_Ex_5002.pdf It looks like the 4150th was housed at Love Field up until the City of Dallas donated property on the E. Northwest Hwy to it in 1956. Daily Palmer Rustler October 14, 1954 page 2 https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth782328/m1/2/ The 4992nd U.S. Army Reserve, Control Group (Reinforcement): https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/agency/army/usar-irr.htm "The Individual Ready Reserve (IRR) consists of soldiers assigned to control groups (Annual Training) and (Reinforcement). These different groups provide for the control and administration of soldiers not assigned to the Selected Reserve (TPU, IMA and AGR). Control group (Annual Training) consists of non-unit Ready Reserve soldiers with a training obligation. They may be assigned to units or required to perform other appropriate training deemed necessary by their career manager. These soldiers must take part in annual training when directed. Control Group (Reinforcement) consists of all other non-unit Ready Reserve soldiers not assigned to other control groups. They may, or may not have completed their military service obligation (MSO) and have no mandatory training requirements. Soldiers credited with three or more years of active duty and who have a remaining MSO are assigned to this Control Group." Steve Thomas

https://apps.dtic.mil/dtic/tr/fulltext/u2/a236572.pdf Training and Organization of the US Army Reserve Components: A Reference Text for Total Force Trainers and a Guide to Other US Military Services 1988-1989. published 1991 Page 73 Fifth U.S. Army (19 USARF Schools) 4150TH USARF SCHOOL 10031 East Northwest Hwy (214) 346-6678Air Defense Artillery Dallas, TX 75238-4399 There were two reserve training centers in Dallas. Muchert Reserve Center 10031 E. Northwest Highway, Herzog Reserve Center at 4900 S. Lancaster. Jules E. Muchert Army Reserve Center 10031 E. Northwest Highway This Property was a part of the original boundaries of White Rock Lake Park. The City of Dallas sold the Property to the Federal Government in 1956 for an Army Reserve Training Center Site. http://www3.dallascityhall.com/committee_briefings/briefings0607/QOL_061107_muchert.pdf Steve Thomas

From page 106: “The MI career branch was charged with nominating MI officers for division and higher G2 positions, worldwide. An extensive education program within the Continental Army Command's service schools on military intelligence was ordered, leading to assignment of MI officers to these schools as instructors and branch representatives.” And here is where the 4150th Training School in Dallas comes in. Steve Thomas

David, Thanks for this. I agree it's a pretty good read. From page 104 of the document: page 121 of the pdf file: https://fas.org/irp/agency/army/evolution.pdf “Cryptologic support paralleled that just described. In Europe, the 7th Army was supported by the 507th ASA Group, which in turn had the 318th and 319th ASA Battalions each supporting a corps. In Korea, the 508th ASA Group supported 8th Army.” Dennis Offstein worked with Oswald at Jaggars-Chiles-Stovall On December 6, 1963 Thomas Crigler was interviewed by the FBI. He said that he met Ofstein “accidentally” on the street. See FBI interview of Crigler December 6, 1963: CD 205 p. 478 https://maryferrell.org/showDoc.html?docId=10672#relPageId=481&tab=page Thomas H. Crigler, Jr., 1705 McAdams, advised he is currently a Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army Security Agency, Field Representative, assigned to U.S. Army Recruiting Station, Dallas. He advised that he and Dennis Ofstein were assigned to the same U.S. Army branch in Europe and that he knew Ofstein from about June, 1960 to December, 1960 purely as another person attached to the same unit with him. He said that he had never become socially or well acquainted with Ofstein at that time. He said the caption of their group was the 507th USASA Group, Heilbron, West Germany.” However, he said later in his FBI interview that about a week after meeting Ofstein in the street in August, Ofstein and his family came to Crigler's house, and that twice more he and his wife visited Ofstein at his (Ofstein's) house. Steve Thomas

Paul, The Mexia Daily News from Mexia, Texas · Page 1 November 7, 1957 https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/11876796/ Mexia Man Receives Appointment Earl McKeilh, (center) is pictured with L. Robert Castorr, of Dallas, Southwestern division manager of the National Federation of Independent Business, and Si N. Meadow, district manager of the organization from Austin. “Earl McKeith was coming out of a local bank Tuesday and came face to face with a man who was one of his fellow Army officers in the early thirties. Earl didn't recognize him but L. Robert Castorr, of Dallas, immediately grabbed Earl's arm and said "I know you." Mr. Castorr. who is now a- colonel in the Active Reserve serving as inspector and advisor to the 90th Division in Texas., and Mr. McKeith, a Reserve. Army captain, were first lieutenants when they served with each other in the Second Infantry Division. They last saw each other in 1930. Col. Castorr served with Merrill's Marauders in Burma during World War II.” “Mr. Meadow was accompanied to Mexia by L. Robert Castorr, the Southwestern division manager for the National Federation of Independent Business. Mr. Castorr formerly served in the U. S. Army with Mr. McKeilh.” From David Boylan in the Education Forum May 18, 2006 http://educationforum.ipbhost.com/topic/6807-john-singlaub-and-the-chinese-connection/?page=2 “And the Burma connection. I had some info (but lost it ) that Nestor Sanchez was also in Burma. Here's some notes on two others that were in Burma: Harold Weisberg’s Grand Jury testimony on the History matters website. – Col Castorr. Harold describes Castorr as “political agent who is keeping the Cuban people stirred up.” And “Father McChann tells the Secret Service that Col. Castorr’s actions are consistent with that of an intelligence agent.” Castorr was L. Robert Castorr of Dallas, Texas and Arlington, Virginia (and Maryland) Harold also noted that “Col. Castorr who was a friend of General Walker told a mutual friend that he was involved in a sideline of running guns to Cuba – a profitable sideline – and this is all part of the Odio story.”” Remember the Colonel who was present during Nancy Perrin Rich's testimony to the WC? I think it was Castorr. Steve Thomas

Bill, They weren't. If I understand this right, the 316th was on a temporary duty assignment attached to the 112th around the 1963-1964 time period. I've seen a reference to them being sent over to Thailand in the later 1960's. US Army Units in Thailand http://www.geocities.ws/jackscorner2001/index2.html# 316th INTC Detachment No dates given Thailand-Laos-Cambodia Brotherhood http://tlc-brotherhood.com/wp/guestbook/ May 15, 2015 at 1:08 am Peter Lucier "Just found this site. Served with 316th INTC Det from April 1966 to Jan 1968. Love to hear from former members. Served as NCO IC for Joint US/Thai military intelligence training program." On the other hand, I've seen references to the 4150th Training school in Dallas from as early as the 1950's to as late as the 1990's. Steve Thomas

Paul, As weirdly coincidental as it is, these were two different men. William A's wife was named Ann. William R's wife was named Anna. (Like I said - weird). Obituary of Ann Westbrook March 8, 1942 - January 29, 2018 http://www.bmmfh.com/memsol.cgi?user_id=2066490 Floyce Ann Westbrook, age 75, of Italy passed away Monday, January 29, 2018 at Baylor Scott & White, Waxahachie. She was born March 8, 1942 in Lubbock, Texas to Lendon Truman and Wanda Frances (Blagg) Irwin. Ann was affectionately known by her grandchildren as “Memy” whom she adored. Ann married the boy next door, William A. “Sandy” Westbrook in Post, Texas on December 30, 1961. She earned her PHT (Putting Hubby Thru) degree from Texas A&M. Left to cherish memories are her loving husband of 56 years, William A. “Sandy” Westbrook... Ann was a longtime member of Central Baptist Church in Italy, where she lived out a life of serving by teaching children Funeral services will be 3pm Saturday, February 3, 2018 at the Central Baptist Church in Italy with Pastor Joseph Barrett officiating. (Italy is 44 miles south of Dallas). William R. (Ralph) Westbrook http://reopenkennedycase.forumotion.net/t698-capt-william-r-westbrook Dallas Morning News, The (TX) - February 21, 1996 Deceased Name: Rites set for William Ralph Westbrook Services for William Ralph "Pinky" Westbrook , a retired Dallas Police Department captain, will be at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday at Go Ye Village in Tahlequah, Okla. Mr. Westbrook , 78, died Monday of cancer at his home in Tahlequah. His wife, Anna... Steve Thomas

Bill, I started one on 2/18/19, but put it aside until I could do more research. I'll be happy to plug in what I've come up with so far, if you'd like. Steve Thomas

Bill, Here are some names I have picked up in my research. I cannot say they were there at the same time Lumpkin was Commandant of the 4150th. I can give you the reference for each if you want - but mostly the reference says, "he attended the 4150th", or "he graduated from the 4150th" as part of his educational background, but doesn't say when that was. One small note: I just learned that ARSU stands for Army Reserve Service Unit, not U.S. Southern Command, as I posted on February 8th. I never could figure that out. I guess you learn something new every day, huh. B. David Hinds Adam W. Wenclewicz Col Robert Parker Andrews USAR Col. B.B. Smith Lt. Col. Oscar Long Colonel Denzil E. Hutson Lieutenant Colonel Milton Wade Johnston Herchel Eugene Lynch Colonel John C. Cole Major James R. Manis Westbrook, William A. (Sandy) 1968 4150M Dallas USAR Staff Officers School Roster Photo==Photo text: "General Staff Officer Course Phase X 4150th Dallas USAR School Section 3 Classes 68-3 Fort Levenworth, Kansas 21 July - 2 August 1968 http://ns2.petpeoplesplace.com/petstore/1968-4150m-Dallas-Usar-Staff-Officer-School-Roster-Photo-Leavenworth-worldwide-_123579497213.html The link below is to a 1966 Richardson (Texas) Daily News article that describes George Lumpkin as “Commandant of the 4150th ARSU Dallas United States Army Reserve School”. https://newspaperarchive.com/tags/george-lumpkin/?pc=24581&psi=94&pci=7&pt=23960&ob=1/ This was a 1966 newspaper article, so it's conceivable that this 1968 roster cited above would include people who were there at the same time Lumpkin was Commandant. An earlier 1962 newspaper article describes Lumpkin as the Commandant, so he was there as Commandant from at least 1962-1966. Winston Lawson told the WC that George Whitmeyer "taught army intelligence", so I'm assuming Whitmeyer taught out of the same Muchert Reserve Center 10031 E. Northwest Highway, Dallas, TX training center where the 4150th was housed Training and Organization of the US Army Reserve Components: A Reference Text for Total Force Trainers and a Guide to Other US Military Services 1988-1989. published 1991 https://apps.dtic.mil/dtic/tr/fulltext/u2/a236572.pdf Page 73 Fifth U.S. Army (19 USARF Schools) 4150TH USARF SCHOOL 10031 East Northwest Hwy (214) 346-6678Air Defense Artillery Dallas, TX 75238-4399 Steve Thomas

David, Obituary of Owen J. “Duke” Darnell https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/news-journalonline/obituary.aspx?n=owen-j-darnell-duke&pid=14533660 A celebration of a life of service for retired U.S. Merchant Marine Capt. Owen "Duke" J. Darnell, 84, South Beach Street, Daytona Beach, who died Monday, July 11, 2005, at The Regency House, will be 11 a.m. Saturday, July 16, at the chapel of Pinello Funeral Home, 1036 Derbyshire Road, Daytona Beach. A reception will follow. Born July 27, 1921, to Joseph and Ethel (Pender) Darnell, Capt. Darnell was born in Cripple Creek, Colo., and moved to this area in 1984 from New Orleans. Capt. Darnell's father had been a gold miner in Talkeetna, Alaska, before the young couple moved to Cripple Creek where his father supervised several silver mine operations. Owen was only 15 years old when his father died of silicosis. In 1994 when his wife of 40 years died, Capt. Darnell characteristically found a way to help others coping with similar problems and loss. He became a speaker advocate for Alzheimer's caregivers and wrote a booklet, "A Room Without Doors," and was published in 1996 by the Volusia/Flagler Chapter of the American Alzheimer's Association. Capt. Darnell sailed in various unlicensed capacities on tankers, freighters and troop transports in North Africa and in the South Pacific. During World War II, he retired as a captain from the Merchant Marines. He then went to work with the Lykes Brothers Steamship Company and retired as a corporate level manager. He loved jazz, a good cup of coffee, big hugs, boxing, football, and poetry, but most of all, he loved people and helping people. He is survived by his companion, Patricia Bays; brother, Dr. Frank and Frances Darnell; three sisters, Minnie Perry, Mary Wank and Laura and Richard Murphy; 10 nieces and nephews, Sara McGee, Ann Hunter, Julia Archer and Sarah Robicheaux and Carol Guerrero-Murphy and Gail Coray, Richard Murphy, Joe Darnell, Al Darnell and Steven Owen. Capt. Darnell was predeceased by his wife, Esther, and his older brother, Richard. Capt. Darnell wishes were to be cremated and his ashes scattered in the Atlantic Ocean. Arrangements and services entrusted to Pinello Funeral Home, Daytona Beach. Army Intelligence considered him as a "source lead", rather than as a primary source of info. Steve Thomas

David, Thanks. Steve Thomas

David, First: Where is Owen Darnell mentioned? I'd like to add that to my Lykes Steamship file. Second: Veciana: Posted by James Richards on July 11, 2007 (edited) in the Education Forum http://educationforum.ipbhost.com/topic/10469-sam-kail/ "In 1960, he was stationed in Havana and according to Antonio Veciana, Maurice Bishop sent Veciana to meet with Kail regarding official support. Kail said they would speak in more detail in Dallas later. I'm not sure if that meeting ever took place but Veciana felt that Kail and Bishop were well acquainted." Third: Oswald's passport. On September 4, 1959, Oswald applied for a passport to attend the Albert Schweitzer College. He said that he would be leaving on the Grace Lines. A week later, he booked passage on the Lykes Lines. Why? Fourth: Lykes Steamship: Orest Pena WC testimony: http://mcadams.posc.mu.edu/russ/testimony/pena_o.htm Mr. LIEBELER - When did you leave Cuba? Mr. PENA - I left Cuba in September 1946. Mr. LIEBELER - Have you been back to Cuba since that time? Mr. PENA - Yes. Mr. LIEBELER - Would you tell us when? Mr. PENA - Oh, many times I went to Cuba. My last time I went to Cuba was about 8 months, I believe, after Castro took over, but before, I used to go very often because all my family is in Cuba, my mother, my father-- before my father died, I used to go to Cuba many times. I was a seaman, too. I used to ship out with the United Fruit Co. and the Lykes Brothers Co. That's before Castro took over. Mr. LIEBELER - You stopped working as a seaman in 1957? Mr. PENA – Yes. And you mentioned George DeMohrenschildt. OBITUARY of Frances Whitmeyer: Whitmeyer, Frances Raby was born February 21, 1922 and passed away April 4, 2009. Frances was born in Athens, Alabama to S.W. and Donna Raby. She graduated from Alabama Women's College in Athens. She moved to New Orleans and worked for the Lykes Steamship Co. and also for the City of New Orleans helping to translate French law into English. She later married George Whitmeyer and they moved to Germany where he was stationed after the war. They moved to Fort Worth in 1961 and then to Dallas in 1963. Interesting confluence of people. Steve Thomas