USTDC

Photo of USTDC courtesy of Les Duffin

Thursday, June 20, 2013

The Prodigal Plaque

Military units often present plaques or other mementos to those who depart for other assignments.  When I was at USTDC, most of us received a plaque and maybe a medal or two.  Unfortunately, during one of my moves from one assignment to another over the years, my TDC plaque was lost.

Some time ago, Army LTC Scott Ellinger casually asked me for the dates of my tour at TDC and, after doing a bit of digging, I managed to come up with them.

A few days ago I received a package from Scott that contained a plaque exactly like the one I lost.  Actually, the engraved plate is a bit more fancy than the brass plate that was on the original, but otherwise they're identical.

I spoke with Scott this week and he explained that he purchased several items from the estate of the late Navy Vice Admiral Phil Beshany, who was the Commander of TDC while I was there and this plaque was among them.  The brass plate was missing but the plaque itself was undoubtedly presented to VADM Beshany upon his departure from TDC a few weeks ahead of me.  That makes it even more special to me.

Thanks so much, Scott.  It was very thoughtful of you and I sincerely appreciate it.



6 comments:

titojohn said...

Don,
I'm happy for you. You greatly deserve this plaque. You have done more than anyone in keeping the memories of USTDC alive. Thanks to LTC Ellinger for his kindness.
John Quinn

Anonymous said...

Good on ya, Colonel!

Scott said...

Don, Look on the USTDC blog May 15, 2012 posting. Posted are the two plaques that I purchased from the VADM Beshany estate.

Scott (LTC, ret.)

Anonymous said...

What a nice and generous thing to do. Well done, Scott, like so many of your efforts these last few years. And no one deserves it more than you, Don.

Anonymous said...

Would love hearing anything anyone might remember about my Dad: Jack Lester Casselberry. We were stationed there in 56/57/58 (I remember a story about he and others putting communications thru the mountains and a fire and his skin came off with his socks) and again in 67/68/69. When he retired out of Fort Benning (Georgia) in 1973/4 ish, He was a Lt. Col. He died in 75/76. Wife Betty. Sons Jack and Jamie, and Daughter Angela. You can reach me thru LucelWings@aol.com Thanks

Anonymous said...

An amazing gift and people working together here, all this time right under my nose. Glad you left a trail. Thrilled of the history you all have been preserving, and paving the road for others to follow. Slowing down to smell the roses. My dad used to say "Good on ya!" all the time. Rory O'Neil