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10th edition December 1996 (Steve Greef - editor) Mechra bel Ksiri The small town of Mechra bel Ksiri, which is approximately five miles south of Site # 5, is typical of the small towns in French Morocco. Until 1930 the land in this area was swampy, being only slightly above sea level and having poor drainage. The French however, began a systematic drainage and planting of forests to retain the water and provide for irrigation. Land in 1930 was selling for 200 francs an acre.That the effect of draining the land was rewarded is evidenced by the citrus groves and fields of wheat studding the area. Mechra bel Ksiri has slowly grown in the midst of such activity. Some French and a great many Arabs make up the population. The French supply limited medical care. The doctor, one nurse, and three nurses' aides comprise the staff. They frequently treat as many as 400 cases a day, and on market day the total may jump as high as a thousand. The town has a hardware store which stocks many items and is generally reasonably priced. Several small bars are available where the French occasionally enjoy an evening of drinking and talking. These are strictly community affairs with a relaxed air. (This article was submitted by our Sqdn. Historian, JimTurner.) ======================================== Edition 14 November 1998 Malfunction Junction Somewhere in French Morocco Just West of Hell Dear Civilized People, From the middle of the semi converted desert located near the Arab village of Mechra bel Ksiri, Morocco comes this historical announcement. Very soon now your Airman will be in your midst once more. In making preparations to welcome him back to society you must make certain allowances for the crude environment which has been his miserable lot for the past year. Although he is still a member of the human race with freedom and justice for all, he is going to be Daffy, Dehydrated, and Demorolalized. In other words he is a little "jungle jolly, conac coo-coo, sand silly, rack happy, and suffering from the Site 5 shakes. We ask your indulgence to show no alarm if he prefers to squat on his haunches, andto keep cool if he puts gravy on his ice cream, insists on mixing peaches and mashed potatoes or prefers to walk across the top of the table rather than ask to pass the beans. Be tolerant if he wants to sleepwith his head on a rock or takes his mattress off the bed , throws it out the window and sleeps on the front lawn. Pay no attention if he wears a sheet like arrair and carries a basket full of bread and a jar water. Do not be shocked if he suddenly bellows 'No Compri' or 'Wa Ha' when asked to do something. Refrain from ridiculing him if he breaks out the old bicycle without motive and rides down the middle of the road yelling at the people driving cars. Padlocks should be installed on all containers holding fresh milk and home made cookies, cooked cakes, pies, etc. Caution must always be excercised to not allow subject Airman to come in contact with any sand whatsoever! Never ask why the boy down the street was able to make higher rank than he did or remark as to how nice the uniform and why he doesn't wear it more. He will go stark raving mad at the slightest mention of re-enlistment in his presence. Above all, never ask why the son of your neighbor was stationed in the States for a full four years as this might lead to the most violent chain of severe events. For the first few days, before he becomes house broken, be especially careful during the time he is in the companyof women, particularly young and attractive specimens. After seeing beautiful women in the movies for the past year, he now considers himself a master lover and his intentions will be undoubtedly dishonerable, but sincere. Keep in mind that beneath that course, sandy, wind-burned skin, there lies a heart of gold, kept in a state of preservation by the best rubbing alcohol and bath tub gin that money can buy. With kindness, tolerance, and an occasional quart of good liquor, you can rehabilitate the poor wreck. Send no more letters, packages,and over due bills to the 735th ACWRON in North Afirca. In other words, put all of the beautiful women out of sight, get the kids off the street, and get the civies out of the moth balls. We are sending this babbling idiot from whence he came. YOUR AIRMAN IS COMING HOME !! Sincerely Yours, UNCLE SAM (someone unknown to me sent this to the editor some time ago. Thanks to the donor for this contribution) +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ From edition 38 -- Aug 2007 (Steve Greef -- Editor) The 735th AC/W Sqdn. Says Goodby to CMSgt Robert A. Ewing It is our sad duty to report the passing on June 4, 2007 of one of our founders of the 735 AC/W's Reunion group, Bob Ewing. "The Chief". As many of you know, Bob served as our Search Chairman for several years and sent out thousands of letters of inquiry to those people he thought to be members who served with the 735th in Morocco.It is due to his dedicated and unrelenting efforts that we have as many found members today as we do. The Chief's health has been deteriorating for the past few years and has limited his participation in some of our reunions, but his interest and input have remained strong. As a veteran with over 28 years of service in the USAF, Bob and his family spent time in many locations, but I believe his favorite was Morocco. Now we must bid farewell to our comrade in arms, which is never easy for us. We send Bob's wife, Jacky, and their children our sincere Prayers and condolences,as we do for all the familiesof our organization who have lost love ones. We will remember the good times, the laughter, and the pleasure of being reunited with old friends after nearly a half a century has passed. The chances to meet some of the wives and children of our members has been wonderful. Our heartfelt thanks go to Bob for his help in making these things possible. Goodby, my Friend.
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