Charlie LaFrenz

Hi Sandy!  Thank you for responding.  You asked what I was doing in Thailand.  In 1966, I ensisted in the Army Security Agency.  After basic training I was sent to the Defense Language Inst. in Montery Calif.  for 6 months of French, and from there to Ft. Devens Mass. for traffic and crypto analysis.  Our government, having a great sense of humor, gave me a top secret security clearence.  I was then sent to Bangkok and worked a Cambodian problem.  I extended my assignment in Thailand until my enlistment was completed.  I left in January 1970.  To say the least, my time there was intoxicating!  I was very lucky to be able to emerse myself into a different language and culture.  Being in your position in Saigon, I'm sure you were aware of what was going on in Cambodia.  Seems like yesterday!  Also, I do understand your decision ro resign and go to law school.  I haven't looked, but if you haven't already done so, it would be  wonderful if you would tell us about your life since 1961 in the Bio. section.  

     Janet and I go to D.C. at least twice a year to see her daughter and our grandchildren.  If you live close to the city,  it would be wonderful if we could meet for lunch.  Is that possible?

      Best regards,  

       Charlie, a.k.a. Chastacles

Alexandra Keith (Flanagan)

Hi Charlie,

Wow your experience sounds fascinating.  It also reminds me of my first foreign service tour.  I was being sent to Saigon so I asked if they would train me in Vietnammrse.  They refused saying well you know French so you don't need Vietnamese.  Of course, most everyome I met in the consular section did not speak French, the language of the elites.

We would be delighted to meet up with you and your wife when you are in DC area.  Do you have email address?  Mine us abkeith91@gmail.com  Let me know when you're in area next.

Sandy 

Charlie LaFrenz

Hi Sandy!

Actually, there wasn't much of a WOW factor in what I was doing, it was pretty routine, but could be interesting.  Janet has a conference in D.C. usually the 2nd week of Feb., and our 2nd trip is pretty random. .The kids go to the Cathedral schools, Jada is in the the  girls school, and Jacob attends St. Albans, so we sometimes go for grandparents day.  Our email address is, fifelafrenz@gmail.com, and we  look foreward to seeing you in D.C.

Today is probably the hottest day of the year, and Janet wants to do yard work.  WOPPEEEE! 

Charlie

Cyndy Day (Savage)

now let's not give Janet any grief, she is a terrific hostess and lovely person, though HOT is REAL. Here in the KC metro it has been like July/Aug.  I know you two are workers, your home and yard are stellar as are the occupants there of.

Charlie LaFrenz

Cyndy, you are, and will always be that cat;s P.J's.  However, Janet, even though she is a size 6, is strong like bull.  And I, having had a heart valve transplant, intend to use it as an  excuse whenever the need arises.  Also, since I am loaded with charm, (and humble about it) I still have the jewelry store on speed  dial in case of emergencies,  Actually, I did cut up and bag some branches. Do you think I should be cannonized?

Sandra Buckley (Matthews)

Charlie,  I love the funny "banter" going on between you and some of our classmates - keep it up, as I find it so entertaining !!!  Bill and I are certainly looking forward to this year's reunion - even though I believe we will be a smaller group than in years past, we will make up for it in quality personalities having a FUN TIME !!!!!  Your old across the street neighbor at 2419 Avenue G, Sandy Buckley Matthews

Charlie LaFrenz

Ah Sandra, those were the days!  Remember when that cop shot a dog in our front yard?  You were in tears as were most of the neighbor kids.  Please forgive this downer, but it just came to mind,  Thanks for commenting

Charlie

Cyndy Day (Savage)

Charlie I have always wanted a friend who has been cannonized so I vote Yes and I can take that off my bucket list; yea

Charlie LaFrenz

Actually Cyndy, I have about as much chance of being cannonized as I do being drafted by the Green Bay Packers, so put that back on your bucket list.  You've probably heard this story before, but many years ago when Janet and  I were in Rome, I got to shake hands with Pope John Paul II.  As he moved down  the line of people, he was either mumbling prayers or his shoes were too tight.  When he took my hands, his head moved back as if he felt something.  In that instant I thought,  "HOLY C--P, he knows something!"  Later his service was fantastic, and his voice made Charleton Heston sound like Barney Fife.  So, after that experience, we can determine my chances for cannonization are non existent.  The fact that I'm still good looking, (and humble) for a pot bellied balding geezer, does not play into it.  However, if you want to fill out an application for my sainthood, I'm sure Janet would be happy to sign it.

Nan Nelson (Hays)

Charlie...I think you could be without a doubt...a standup comedian! Love the dialog! 

Charlie LaFrenz

Thank you Nancy.  Would you be my agent?  Actually, if I had to go on stage in front  of people, I would probably wet my pants.

Cyndy Day (Savage)

Charlie LaFrenz

Wow!  So, baldness becomes a solar panal for sex drive.  Mine seems to be causing dementia, if I remember correctly.  

Last evening, we we went for a boat ride with friends, then to their home overlooking the river for a Cuban dinner.  Great evening, but too hot on the river.  

Cyndy Day (Savage)

Charlie is the river still as pretty from the Keokuk side as it is from Ft. Madison?  Nauvoo has gotten so much foilage the river bank has all but disappeared I was told.  We were at a funeral reception a few years ago at the Keokuk Marina I believe it was and the river on your shore was absolutely beautiful. We didn't get to go because Jack has recently had another cranial bleed and we are homebound and doing therapy 6 times a day but he is progressing,  but the rest of his siblings were at a family wedding and his brother from Colorado (solar panel brother) stopped by to visit for a couple of hours to cheer Jack up and his wife had a beautiful picture of the river  taken in Ft. Madison.  She was raised in West Point and they visited her family there after the wedding and came through Ft. Madison; she certainly took a beautiful photo of the river there.  I always thought one of the best views in the tri state area was from the point by Chief Keokuk.

Incidently, I would never BET against your mind, I think it is just fine.

Charlie LaFrenz

Yes Cyndy, it's still a beautiful sight.  During certain seasons we can see the river from our bedroom windows.  And during the winter, we can see the eagles.  We are not on the river side of Grand Ave.  Also, when David Schleidt died, his family and  I  took some of his cremains and scattered them over the bluff accross from our house over looking the river.  It was a beautiful day.  His family gave me his class ring, and it looks like it has never been worn.  

Cyndy Day (Savage)

That experience w/David had to me both heart warming and sad at the same time, so much of life is.  I know that my family knows I want my ashes in the Mississippi, right there at home. I envy your view but am so happy you and Janet have it, you are generous w/your home and that is who then should have it.  Jack was raised on the bluff, a similiar location and view only in Burlington so we are river rats.  I am trying to get him on his feet enough for a drive up home in the fall; it is a work in progress

Charlie LaFrenz

Hope all goes well and you two are able to travel.  If there is time, we would enjoy having something here at the house again.  Looking foreward to seeing you!

Jack Sears

Amazing some of us were in the same part of the world around the same time, so far away from Fort Madison Iowa. I was stationed at Army Finance in Long Binh, sorta a suburb of Saigon, 1967-1968. Glad we made it back. 

Charlie LaFrenz

Jack, did you take R&R in Bangkok?

Jack Sears

Hi Charlie, yes R&R in Bangkok and Manila. 

Marcia Conley (Davis)

In response to Sharon's update today on the Reunion, I hope this isn't the LAST Reunion.  It is my only excuse to come back to Ft Madison.  My parents are buried at the Cemetery on the West side of town and my sister lives in Burlington but coming back for a reunion is very important to me.

I know it is a lot of work and really requiires someone in the Ft Madison area but I don't want the reunions to cease.  Does't anyone want to say they attended their 60th, 65th or even 70th High School Reunion?  I am sending a plea out to someone to take over from Sharon for the future reunions.

Have a safe July 4th Holiday!

Sharon Tincher (Scholl-Nabulsi)

Please would you all say some prayers for Patsy Cordray VanPelt as she is undergoing chemotherapy for Large B-Cell Lymphoma. I spoke with her last night and she has a very positive attitude and she is hoping to make it to our 55th Reunion. You all can go on the "message forum" or click on her name on 'classmate profiles' and find her name and send a private message to her it you prefer. I know she would love to hear from any or all of her classmates.

God Bless Patsy and know that we are praying for your healthy recovery. God Bless her family to as they are right there beside you. 

Love,

Sharon

Linda Kirchner (Schrader)

My dear Patsy called me the first wk. of June. She & Bob have been keeping me up-to-date since. When I talked to Bob last wk., he told me her blood work was real good, Dr. was pleased. Patsy is a very strong lady & like Sharon said, very positive. She has family & friends for support. Had planned to drive up, but will go later after her treatments. We need to pray for her whole family. If anyone woud like to send her a card, their address is:  3650 75th. St. E; Inver Grove Heights, MN 55076.

Cyndy Day (Savage)

I will sure keep Patsy in our prayers and send a card, she is a peach and yes; strong.  We went to Ft. Madison last week briefly for Aunt Charlotte's funeral.  Did not get to see anyone as Jack still isn't really good enough for in and out. Sunny went with me to help then he came home on the train and Jack and I came by car, I was able to get him in the back seat and with the walker in to Aunt Charlotte's house,  Back to Patsy, I am so thankful for this forum so we can keep in touch and the Mississippi looked wonderful, makes you feel like you are home

Marcia Conley (Davis)

Prayers for Patsy and her family as they go through chemo.  Stay strong during the healing process and always keeep your faith in God.

I hope to see Patsy and her husband at the Reunion this fall.