"I was in Iowa in April of 2006.  My friend and I were exploring an antique store just south of Sioux Falls, S.D.  My friend found this photo hanging in one of the antique booths. I was several booths away from her but she stepped out and summoned me to come. She thought she had found something I would be interested in.  She recognized it as a photo of a LeMars, IA, military group.

I was so excited when I saw what it was!!  Camp Faber was formed at LeMars in 1917, I believe….for Co. K., before they were sent to Camp Dodge and then on to France.

This group became part of the 168^th Infantry Famous Rainbow Division. 

I grabbed the picture off the wall. I was sure I would find my Grandfather.  And I did.  He is standing back row, eighth soldier from the far right. And on top of that, the first soldier, far right, back row is my Grandfather’s younger brother, Albert Ewin.  Albert died in France.  Our family through the years had possessed some of these long military photos.  But we had never had this one.  I called my sister long distance….and was stammering into the phone about my find.  She was laughing at me and asked, “Did you buy it?”  I said, “of course, do you think I was going to let Grandpa and Albert hang on some strange wall in Sioux Falls?”  I paid $69 for the photo, which is in fine shape and in an original old grey frame.  This is one of my most prize family artifact possessions now!  And I am the one in the family that has an original of this!!"