I'm so excited. Got invited to speak at the 101st Airborne Luncheon in Farmington Hills, MI. Just got off the phone confirming plans with George Koskimaki, Signal Corps, 101st Airborne WWII. George played a pivotal role in helping me down the "right roads" when I first began my research several years ago.
When I called him today, he asked "are you going to be there tomorrow?" I told him that I never got a confirmation call back, and he told me the fellow who invited me and left a voicemail, has been out of town. He said they are featuring part one of my documentary at the luncheon. Wow, I am so honored and so thrilled.
George said he and his buddy got to watch No Bridge Too Far and he was so complimentary. Told me what a magnificent job I did and said it was so professional. He asked if I had every done this sort of thing before. No, George, it was my first attempt. He was just bubbling with enthusiasm. Can't tell you how much it means for me to hear this from a famous WWII author.
I am picking up my sister-in-law Anne and we are going together. I can't wait to see George again, for it's been a while. Thank you for this great opportunity!!!
I AM GEEKED!!!!!!!! 
Marion J Chard
Proud Daughter of Walter 'Monday' Poniedzialek
540th Combat Engineer - H&S Company
Very cool, Mar! Get some good pictures!
Maj Todd O. USMC, Retired
Grandson of LTC John O'Brien
The next thing we'll probably hear is that M-1 is parachuting onto the luncheon site! You Go Girl!
Hugs,
Dogdaddy 1
Whoa, no. Now that's one thing I WON'T DO. Me like me feet on da ground. Remember I'm the daughter of an combat engineer. Me no jumping from da planes!!! Me stick to jeep!!!
Marion J Chard
Proud Daughter of Walter 'Monday' Poniedzialek
540th Combat Engineer - H&S Company
M1 the honour bestowed on you reflects the high esteem you are held in by all involved in keeping the memory of WWII alive. None more than than all the friends and members here. How are you going to top this !!!
Best wishes for a successful sortie with the 101st.
Colin. 
(Geek you aint baby!)
You really deserve this Marion. I am so happy for you. I hope you had a great time with the veterans.
Best wishes,
Frank
We are paratroopers. We are supposed to be surrounded.
Captain Winters in Bastogne 1944.
Liberation of Noorbeek and Roy Booher tribute:
Anne and I had so much fun with the guys. The lunch was delicious and the fellowship was wonderful.
George gave me a glowing review and then we watched part one, chapter one of No Bridge Too Far. It was very well received and several approached me for copies of the documentary. I was also invited back next month for the showing of chapter two. How very exciting.
It also gave me great impetus to get my arse back in gear and complete part two. It's been way too long.
It really made me feel good when George addressed the crowd and praised my work. To have that come from an esteemed author (and my mentor) was a real boost.
While there a gentleman inquired if I would like to attend an event in Indiana in October. Heck yes. If I can make it, I would be honored to attend.
Marion J Chard
Proud Daughter of Walter 'Monday' Poniedzialek
540th Combat Engineer - H&S Company
Here's a pic of my teacher. He plays in a Civil War band. He's in the middle behind the drum. Very cool Gene!
Marion J Chard
Proud Daughter of Walter 'Monday' Poniedzialek
540th Combat Engineer - H&S Company
Went back this week and chapter two was shown to the group. After the presentation, they presented me with an award. What an honor!
Marion J Chard
Proud Daughter of Walter 'Monday' Poniedzialek
540th Combat Engineer - H&S Company
We are all proud of you Marion. You don't get invited to events like this because you are lucky. You have earned the right by all that you do to honor WWII Engineers and ALL other veterans of that conflict. (That doesn't mean I'm not jealous 
!)
Dogdaddy 1
Loved reading your post this morning. It was great to see it first thing.
It made me smile and laugh!
Marion J Chard
Proud Daughter of Walter 'Monday' Poniedzialek
540th Combat Engineer - H&S Company
Photos from March meeting. Thanks to Jim Lynn. Great meeting your father too! Great guy!
Bill Davidson 82nd AB - Dave Lynn 11th AD with me
Jim Lynn - Dave Lynn 11th AD with me
Dear Marion,
Attached you will find some pictures taken at the last Lunch Bunch meeting. Number 4208 came out very well and shows you with Bill Davidson 82nd AB and my father Dave Lynn 11th AD, both WWII veterans.
Thanks for helping to entertain my dad, he thoroughly enjoyed himself and had some nice things to say about you afterwards. We thought Part 2 of your video was great and I look forward to getting a copy from you so I can send it to him so he can view Part 1 and share it with some fellow WWII buddies at the Masonic community he lives at.
Next month's raffle at the Lunch Bunch meeting promises to be a good time as you never know what will show up as prizes. Our ar friend George Koskimaki always brings things of interest and I usually donate 5 or 6 books so it should be fun. We will look forward to seeing you then!
Best regards,
Jim
Marion J Chard
Proud Daughter of Walter 'Monday' Poniedzialek
540th Combat Engineer - H&S Company
Dear Marion,
I received the Spring 2012 issue of the 101st AB magazine The Screaming Eagle yesterday and was delighted to see that our good friend George Koskimaki had some favorable comments about you in his column. George had told me that he was going to do another "K's Korner" for the magazine and this is the first for a long time. As I am sure you know George has done this column for the magazine for many years but was forced to stop some time ago because of failing vision and other health problems. I have attached a scan of this page for your perusal.
I will save you a seat at the upcoming Lunch Bunch!
Best regards,
Jim
Spring 2012 issue 101st Airborne Newsletter - George discusses No Bridge Too Far.pdf
Marion J Chard
Proud Daughter of Walter 'Monday' Poniedzialek
540th Combat Engineer - H&S Company
