March 2004
Dear Bill: It's been 100 years of partnership and there's still only one Crossroad of the world.. The Panama Canal. The U.S. adopted Panama, and in many domesticated us, to a stage of U.S. level of education and culture, in systems and dealing with the obvious... You were born in the Canal Zone, and I a retired Panamanian, am still living on the beautiful memories we cherished on the Isthmus of Panama. Like many others, I studied in New York and returned to Panama, before taking up permanent residence in the U.S.A. I am a free lance writer, and even now I can say with confidence that you can go as far in America as your abilities will take you. A fine example - Arnold Scwarzenneger, Governor of the golden State of California. As a former member of the Panama-Balboa Knights of Columbus in the 60's, I enjoyed the Brotherhood Dinners and charitable affairs we had with the Canal Zone Masonic Abou Saad Temple, at the Tivoli Hotel in the Canal Zone, and the Panama Hotel in Panama, etc.. The Knights of Columbus and the Canal Zone Masons started a "new world ecumenical community" as a showcase of democracy at work - on the Isthmus in those days, and I must say that during the few years that I worked with the U.S. Southern Command, I was privileged to meet some of the nicest and most dedicated men in uniform, and zonians in general during my span of life and travel abroad. I have read so many nice compliments written by Zonians about Panama - which is also their country - and sometimes we should make our souls heard also for the benevolence and tutorship given us by Uncle Sam over the years.. Of course there are good and bad in all groups, however, I think our neighbors in the Canal Zone, were the greatest, and together - after 9/11/01 - I think we can enhance that image of the past, as neighbors - living and working together for the attainment of common good.. Even today VALLE ESCONDIDO RESORT in Boquete, Chiriqui - is rated the Best Place in the Western Hemisphere to Live Abroad by AARP’s Modern Maturity Magazine. As a matter of fact, there is an estimate of almost 20,000 former U.S. zonians living in Panama today. As General Omar Torrijos said at the signing of the Panama Canal Treaty in Washington D.C. - "Our home is your home and together, we can still make it happen." Thanks for the memories Bill, and may God always bless America and Panama, and the chosen few zonians that shouldered with us in good times and in troublesome times, to make the Isthmus of Panama, the "Showcase of Inter-American Democracy in the world." Arturo Hassan Arcadia, California
My family and I were stationed at Howard AFB from 1968 through 1970. A very short time, but one that has given us many fond memories, including a son that was born at Gorgas hosp. I hope to go back someday and renew some of the old memories..if anything remains as it was. Would love to walk the beaches of Kobbe again.
STATIONED AT ALBROOK FIELD 1971 TO 1973
Fantastic...........I am the sister of Rick Doubek and visited Panama for the first time in 2003. Now I know why he never left.
Enjoyed the photos. Stationed at the Tropic Test Center from 7/69 to 8/70. Would like to go back and see the old sites some day. This is as close as it gets for now.
I love the site. It sure brought back memories of all my years in Panama and memories of friends from BHS and beyond! Getting ready to retire soon, and guess where we are looking......
My Father's parents came over from Spain to work on the canal. They died in the process and my Father was raised in Panama by a kind couple. I have been trying to get more information on my grandparents and when they came from in Spain. I do not know who I should contact. Thanks Guille
Great site! I was an Army dependent on the Atlantic side for two tours - 69-72 and 74-77. I went to Cristobal HS, graduated (barely :-)) in 77. My dad was stationed out on the Sturgis (near Gatun Locks).
Esta muy bonita la web-site, yo soy Panameña tambien. Soy profesora de español en la High School.
Searching for Panama Canal worker Edward F. Slayback. Mr. Slayback died in 1914 and his remains were shipped to his home in Lowell, AR. He is buried at the historic Goad Springs Cemetery.
Hi Bill, I remember you from school. I lft the CZ in 1976. Lived there for 23 yrs. Just recieved an e-mail from Tom Griffin an old friend and neighbor who just returned from a visit to Panama. Say's he is going to send me some recent pic's of my old stomping grounds. I still have family living there and they keep me up to date on things there but it's just not the same as being there yourself. You have an excellent web site-keep up the good work. Anyone out there that knew me, Please write.