A Memorial Day with a special meaning

Published June 1, 2009
By By Tech. Sgt. Tammie Moore
52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs Office

SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- For many people Memorial Day was just another day off from work -- a day to sleep in and relax -- but that was not the case for a Civil Air Patrol officer here.

First Lt. Frank Schuler, Spangdahlem Cadet Squadron NHQ-OS-126, traveled to Normandy American Cemetery at Omaha Beach to pay tribute to those who fell during World War II.

While traveling on a bus from Spangdahlem Air Base the aerospace education officer met Bill Rossvlet, another CAP member, on the bus ride to the ceremony. Mr. Rossvlet landed in Normandy, France, June 7, 1944, D-Day plus one.

"It was fascinating to hear Bill share his story when he saw the place where he was 65 years ago," Lieutenant Schuler said. "We did an extra tour with him to downtown Saint-Lô, and he knew so much to say and was really back in 1944."

This was Mr. Rossvlet's first visit to St.-Lô since the war, a place he vividly remembered as a bombed-out town, the way he last saw it.

"He was happy to see so many young people attended the ceremony and interested in hearing his stories," said Lieutenant Schuler.

Lieutenant Schuler and Mr. Rossvlet had no time to swap CAP stories that day.

"I think this tour was so interesting because Bill was on board," Lieutenant Schuler said. "He was talking about his experiences in Normandy helping us to understand the enormous efforts and sacrifices these soldiers made and how difficult it was on D-Day and the following days for a free Europe."

For Lieutenant Schuler, the event was also a chance to honor fallen Civil Air Patrol member, Frederic Schifferle. The lieutenant learned about Mr. Schifferle while researching the CAP involvement with the Army Air Corps in World War II.

Mr. Schifferle joined the CAP Coastal Patrol Base, N.Y., in 1942. A short time later, he joined the U.S. Army and was sent to Normandy where he was killed in action June 18, 1944.

"I thought that it would be an honor to salute at his grave," Lieutenant Schuler said. "I didn't know him and haven't seen his picture, but he got me thinking about our members today. When they go down range, they might not come back.

"I also thought about all of the tributes and efforts they made to the squadron and their courage of going to war, fighting for liberty and freedom for others," he said. "I am proud to be a part of the same service he was, and grateful for the opportunity to thank him for what he did 65 years ago. The price for our liberty today was his life."