Larry Weismiller
31st Weather Sqdn
1962-1965
Jacksonville, Fl

Great food and great times

Mike Maynard 
322nd Air Div (MAC)
@ CHAS 1964-1968

 I was very young (barely 18) when I visited Joe from Maine.   I do recall almost every GI who went off base and into town always made a stop at Joe's.  I remember the food was great...other than the cafeteria on base, it was probably the only place where you got something to eat that was  "American food"!   If you got a little "homesick" Joe's was the place to be...I can still hear the music playing...songs of the mid 60's..like "These Boots are Made for Walkin" by Nancy Sinatra...the Mamas and the Papas! "The Rising Sun"...   The  short 16 months I spent at CHAS was an incredible experience and Joe's restaurant/bar is a memory I will never forget!... I wish I had been able to have had more time at CHAS before moving to High Wycombe. All my best wishes and a special "thank you" to Joe and Janine

M

Michael P. Onder
322nd Air Div (MAC)
@ CHAS 1965-1966
Burke Virginia

I wanted to leave a short message for Joe from Maine but see that I am probably too late. I remember him with great fondness. His place was a great refuge from the base and provided a touch with home. We used to take the bus to town and went straight to Joe's for pizza. He always welcomed us with open arms and always had good things to say. Happy Birthday, Joe.

*Added Later

Jim Stevens
866th EAB
@ CHAS September 1954 to February 1956
Beverly Hills, Florida

Hi to Joe from Maine. Have been to your place several times. I was originally from Saint Paul Minnesota.

Marty Donato
1602nd Air Transport Wing & 322nd Air Division
@ CHAS 1966 to 1965

I now live in Denver Colorado but my home back then was Lynn, Mass.  so it was great to find somebody from back home in that far away place.  Always enjoyed myself at Joe's.   It was a little touch of home.

John Riddle
1602 ATW
@ CHAS 1961 - 1964
Atlanta, GA

I was the first of General Red Forman's two aides in Chateauroux. We arrived with the General in the fall of 1961, and I had just been promoted to captain. It was the beginning of a truly great three years. The night before my family returned to the US, we ate with the general and his wife, then ended the evening at Joe From Maine's. My wife was asked to dance by one of the airman in the MATS support Sqdn, who was obviously a far better dancer than I. She did and enjoyed it a lot. The next morning as we boarded the plane for Orly, her previous night dancing partner was manning the stairway and with a cool wave while standing at attention said, "Bye Linda."

Raymond Brown
1616 Support Sqdn (MATS)
1956-1960
Temple Hills, MD

As a young man from Pittsburgh, PA, my remembrance is that "Joe From Maine" was a beacon for Americans in an outpost in the middle of an unfamiliar culture.  I will always cherish those memories I have of him from my time in Chateauroux.

Elton Lee Bryant, Jr.
1616 Support Sqdn (MATS)
Jan 62 - March 65
Melbourne, FL

Greetings from sunny Florida! Joe and Jenine, I would like to thank you so very much for being there for this lonely GI. I could always count on the friendly atmosphere at Joe From Maine's and good down-home comfort food - I was especially partial to the Chili and Burgers...OH! the beer was good too.  With Respect, Lee Bryant

*Added Later

Bill Kurasz, Sr.
1616 Support Sqdn (MATS)
July 63 - July 65
Springhill, FL

Just a short note to Joe from Maine:  Joe your watering hole was the best, great food, loved the cellar, spent almost every Saturday or Friday night there or at the Frog Pond.. good times thank you.

*Added Later

Bruce Pethel
1616th Support Sqdn
@ CHAS 1962-1965   
Living in Landis, NC

Loved the food but enjoyed the hospitality even more. Thanx!!

MSGT Federic Curtiss
1992 Comm Sqdndn-- AFCS   > 1953-1956--1963-1966> Fort Walton Beach,Fl  

Joe-- My brother and I thank you.

Douglas M. Moore
1992nd Comm Sqdn
1962-1965 
Fairfield AL

Didn't know Joe but from what I hear, he was (is) a nice man.

John Tyrone
1992 AACS
Maiden, NC, USA 

Dear Mr. Gagne. I was stationed in Chateauroux from 1958-early 1960 with the 1992 AACS Sqdn.  Your establishment was a welcome reprise from the military routine----and I dated a young lady who worked at your bar for a short time. Timeframe, unknown--too many things were happening during that time of my life. I sincerely enjoyed meeting friends there, and I still quote the sign you had over the door, "Free Beer Tomorrow."   Hope life has treated you well and regret not being able to attend the "reunion." God speed!

Ron Fraese
Headquarters Personnel
1954-56
Portland, Oregon

Joe:  Thanks always for your kindness and generous hospitality in those years when many of us were far distant from our homes and families for
the first time. I often say that I have nothing but happy memories from my time in Chateauroux. You and your restaurant/bar are an important part of my collected memories. Thanks again, Joe.  “Happy memories.” Yes, apart from occasional all-night guard duty at the Déols airfield, when I was expected to defend Western Civilization against the Soviet menace with nothing but an M-1 carbine WITHOUT ammunition! 

Jim Barry
Huntington Beach, CA
7373rd Air Installation Sqdn ( Civil Engineering Sqdn. now days)
@ CHAS early 1954 to Jul 1956

I did not know Joe that well, but I ate there on several occasions.   My future wife at the time, Monique Sesboue, and Joe's wife were good friends and I would go with her when she visited Joe's wife.   Jim Barry

Sue Polston, widow of Donald L. Polston
7373d Air Installation (AIO)
@ CHAS 1951-1953
Bruceville, IN

Don told me all the stories of him and his buddies that would go to "Joe From Maine" for "hamburgers" and the camaraderie. Your place was much needed for the GI's at that time. When we were in France in 1992 we went straight away to "Joe from Maine." Don spoke with your daughter and asked about you.  Don told her of his wonderful memories of bring there.

Catherine Swanson Karlen
Daughter of Ron and Barbara Swanson
7373rd Air Installation (AIO)
@ CHAS 1951-1954

Dear Joe,   My parents (who have both since passed away) would share such great stories of their time spent at Joe's.  As I remember them saying....it was home away from home. I know that it made their stay in France that much better.  Heck, not only the best hamburgers, but the conversations they shared with everyone that would "hang" at Joe's.  Thank you for giving such wonderful memories!  

CMS Donald E. Grenier, USAF (Ret)
HQ 3130th AB Group
Jun 55- Mar 58
St. Albans, Vermont 

To Joe and His wife.   Sure do miss your good Chili and Panther Pils beer.  I did say Pils didn't I?  Good luck to you both.

Bob Owens
Air Base Group
Dec 58 thru Mar 61
Now live in Boise, Id

Note to Joe....I remember best the hamburgers, the chili and the "Cave" where I spent many nice evenings and the kindness of you and your wife. I also remember the "57 Chevy you brought back after a visit to the states. The best thing is I used to be able to take my girlfriend to Joe's, not an easy thing to find a place that you could take an American girl in 1959 and 1960. I found that same girl 45 years later and we are now married and living in Boise...Congrats to Joe and Janine...wish we could be there...

Robert R. Roeber
7322 Air Base Group (Finance division)
@ CHAS June 1964 thru Aug 1966
Lannon, Wisconsin

John Doyle
7322nd Air Police Sqdn
@ CHAS 1962-1965
Westborough, MA

Joe, How could a man such as you, still be the # 1 subject of old Chateauroux stories? It's easy, for back then, you knew us GI's better than we knew ourselves and in your tolerant style, you gave us space, freedom, advice when asked and the benefit of the doubt as we enjoyed great times downstairs. You were the best resource and friend a GI ever could have downtown. Thanks for providing that place so far away from home and for being such an unforgettable guy. Here's a big hug and lots of love to a man I admire. All the best, John Doyle

Raymond Haberman
7322nd Air Police Sqdn
@ CHAS 1962-1965
Naperville, IL

Can't make the reunion but want to say "Hi" to Joe. In my 45 months in Chateauroux, I spent a lot of time at his place in town. Glad to hear that he and his wife are still with us. Hope you have a great turnout for the reunion.

*Added Later

Rod Manning
3130th Air Police Sqdn
@CHAS 1958 thru 1960

My name is Rod Manning & I was a SSgt with the 3130th Air Police Sqdn.  I worked Town & Highway Patrol with my partner, Darryl Delanoy, for those three years & we were in Joe From Maine's at least a couple of times each 8 hour tour of duty checking on folks who might have had a few too many.  Also remember Jimmy's Club, The Frog Pond, & a few others.  I especially remember your great chili and being able to wash it down with a cold Amstel when we were off duty.  I also remember that you had a .22 caliber rifle with a silencer that you loaned us on a few occasions so my partner & I could pick off a few rabbits during those dull midnight shifts. I retired from the USAF in 1974 & went to work as a state investigator in Alabama.  Retired from that job in 95.   My wife & I were in France on vacation two years ago & visited Chateauroux for a few days.   What great memories that trip brought back!!  I hope you have a great Reunion Celebration - wish I could be there to help you celebrate.
My very best to you & yours.  Warmest Regards, Rod Manning

Ron Palmer
3130th Air Police S
Indianapolis, In
@ CHAS 1958 to 1960

Glad and surprised to hear that Joe is still in Chateauroux after all these years.  I was assigned to the 3130th Air Police Sqdndn from 1958 to 1960 as an A/1C.  My late wife, Rosemarie, accompanied me during my tour.  We lived on the economy the entire time. On occasion when one of the SSgt's was given an extra day off, I pulled both Town Patrol and Highway Patrol.  Joe from Maines place was never a problem for us.  My wife and I ate there several times a month as it was the only place that served chili in town.  It may not have been the greatest but it was the best available.  Neither one of us were familiar with Melba Toast, which Joe used in place of crackers.  It all went good with a Kronenburg to wash it down with.  I was surprised to hear that Joe was still living in Chateauroux after all this time.  I wish him well and hope your surprise is well received.

Bob "Goose" Siragusa
7322 Air Police Sqdn. 1964 to 1967
Clarks Summit, PA

Joe, You made my tour of duty enjoyable because you gave me a little bit of home. The ham sandwiches were the best. Bob "Goose" Siragusa

Arnold J. Skogstrand
7322nd Air Police
@ CHAS:  Feb. 1965 to Jan 1967
Brighton, Colorado

Marv Leman
3130th-7373rd Supply (Aircraft Refueling) POL

Didn't spend much time at the bars in Chas but I constantly heard the other boys talk about "Joe from Main" if was kind of a byword among us young and often homesick boys.  I appreciate all he did to show friendliness to the boys. 

A/1C David Bokas
3134 Warehouse Sqdn
@ CHAS 1955-1958
Southfield, Michigan  

I remember Joe from Maine..I was a scared 18 year old who had never been out of Michigan..Joe from Maine always a touch of home, always the first (and last) stop in town, always like Cheers (where everybody knew your name) and always with that pesky little kid hanging around the GIs (who later became the actor Gerard Depardieu).  Joe had the knack to speak to you as though you were the most important person in the room.  I may have been the 5000th GI he talked to at his bar..but I always felt as though I were the first...nobody..but nobody...got so jaded during their stay there... that they didn't sigh and say...this is as close to home as I will get for the next three years. 

Marshall Katz, CMS (E-9), USAF Ret

7322nd Consolidated Aircraft Maintenance Sqdn (CAMS)
Camp Hill, PA CHAS 65-66
I was very happy to see a photo of [you] on the website. You were a true friend to all G.I.s stationed at Chateauroux and are fondly remembered by all of us. My regards and best wishes.

Tom Fischer Sqdn
7322 CAMS
@ CHAS: 1963-1965
Crofton, Maryland  

Dear Joe, Thank you for contributing to the many fond memories of my days in Chateauroux. Spent many evenings in your club with lots of good times. Joe From Maine's always shared a feeling of home even though we were so far away ... and that was greatly appreciated by so many of us young GIs!  I wish you and your family all the best of good health and happiness in the years to come.   Warm regards.  

Bill Law
7322 Materiel (Alert) Sqdn
Jan 13 62 - Jan 13 66
Holley, NY

Hi Joe,

I am sorry I can't make it.  I sure would like to see you again.  I don't know if you even remember me.  It's been over 40 years.  I am very glad you are still alive and kicking.  Dave Back and I used to hang out in your place just about ever night.  When the bus passed Déols going back to the States, I cried like a baby.  Well, I better close before I keep on rambling.  God bless you and your family and may you live to 100+.  Your friend, Bill Law

Jack Russell & wife, Jackie-Chad Dependent
7373^rd Food Service Sqdn
April 1964-March 1967
Corinth, Texas

Joe,  So sorry that Jackie and I couldn’t be there.  We visited in 2001 on July 4^th at a party at Mike’s house.  It was a great time.  I will never forget your Bar/Restaurant while stationed there.  The best to you always.  Jack & Jackie Russell

S/Sgt Gordon Truax
7373rd Maintenance Group
@ CHAS Jan. 1953 to Nov. 1955
Fullerton, Ca

Hamburgers and Milk Shakes like home. I ate there many, many times.  Thanks Joe, for a touch of home.

Dave Verdi from Maryland
7373 USAF Hospital
@ CHAS 1966 to 1967
living in Indiana

I frequently visited "Joe from  Maine" and have very fond memories.  I met Joe when I first arrived in France.  I am sorry that I cannot meet him again but wish him all the best in the years ahead.  He was a part of my memories of  Chateauroux and I will never forget "Joe from Maine".

Benedetto Donatelli Medical Sqdn....Dental technicien

Cher Joe et Janine, Mille félicitations..... C'était un vrai plaisir de me distraire à votre restaurant. Je ne pouvais pas comprendre cette belle langue à ce temps là mais maintenant après une vie d'études et conversations (mon amie française était ma voisine) , je peux le faire. Peut-être , à l'avenir, je puisse visiter et retrouver ces jours de jeunesse. Bonne chance à vous et aux vôtres.

Les Hall
7373 USAF Hospital
@ CHAS: 1956-59
South Carolina

Thanks for a touch of home in such a great setting!  Vous remercier si beaucoup!

Richard (Dick) Johnson
7373rd USAF Hospital Sqdn
@ CHAS 1962 to 1965, the best years of my younger age.

I live in Four Oaks, North Carolina but was originally from Blair, Wisconsin. Been here longer than anywhere else so I guess I will stay.  Joe From Maine, what a great place to go for burgers and chili.  Joe also put some pickles with the burger.  I loved those pickles and have never found any others that tasted quite like them, I wish I had that recipe.  Thank you Joe and Janine for the best place to have a nice time and good food and I do remember going in on some slow days and having some great conversation with Joe.  What a great memory I have of you and Janine. 

David Madril
7373rd USAF Hospital
Dec 1959 - Dec 1963
Currently reside in Grand Junctin, Colorado.

I remember that we always started our "night on the town" at Joe's and hopefully were able to end it with a bowl of chili.  The chili was the one thing the Medics especially liked about Joe's.  I married a French girl and it was settled one night when I messed up and had them both meet me at Joe's one night. I'm glad one of them was forgiving. Thanks for the memories.

Vincent Pandolfi
7373rd USAF Hosp
@ CHAS 4/60 thru 4/63

Joe, I want to say that  we all have many fond memories of you and the "Joe From Maine" bar. There were many a night spent drinking Pernod & water, hamburgers, etc. With me most of these nights were my good friends Jack Robinson of TN, Dave Shively of CA. OK! And Mick Chamberlain of TX.  Bonne chance Joe & Janine.

Eldon Thomas
3134th Stock Control
@ CHAS 1955-58
Salem Missouri

Thanks for the good time, Joe!

Jerry Whitehead
3134th Stock Control
Lake Wales, Florida 

I'm certain [you] would not remember me, however, [your] wife would. She often had to kick me out at closing. I saw [your] grand daughter when I was there in 1988. Sorry I can't make it this time But who knows what the future might bring? I hope all of you have a grand time and there will be photos to look at later. Take care and God bless everyone.

Bob Bemis  
7322nd Air Base Group/DEF (Fire & Crash Rescue)
@ CHAS:  1962 - 1965
Perry, Georgia

Joe -  I had lived in Bangor and Westbrook, Maine growing up and enjoyed our many conversations, your great food, and the nights in the "cave" with friends. In June 1970 I went to LeMans with a friend and visited Chateauroux to show my friend some of the places I had spent my most enjoyable times while in France.  I had heard that you had moved to the States and was surprised to see your business was still open.  You welcomed me as if I had only been gone for a couple of weeks and brought me up to date on everything that had been happening.  I never think of my time in France without pleasant thoughts of you and your family.  I wish I could be there for the reunion visit and your recognition.  With warm regards, Bob Bemis  

7322 ABG Fire Crash Rescue

Denis Roberts
@ Chas 1963 to closing and then some
Omaha, Nebraska

Douglas Rage
7322 ABW in Personnel
@ CHAS Apr 1962 to Apr 1965
Savage MN

Hello from Minnesota, land of 10,000 lakes, etc. Fall is here, trees are changing. I had a great 3 years in France.

Phillip Bledsoe 
Hq Supply Sqdn
@ CHAS 1955 thru 1959

Joe I remember the first bowl of chili you served.  I had one of the first ones, and later supplied Chili powder.    God Bless  and thanks for the place away from home.

Bill Brown
@ CHAS 1951-53

I worked in Finance mainly with Military Payrolls and Travel Vouchers.  During May 1985, I visited Joe , however, he was not there that day.  His Daughter and Granddaughter had just arrived from the US (Albany, Ga.) to manage the business.  Of course , I had a hamburger and chili just as I had done over thirty years earlier.  We discussed old times until I had to catch the train back to Paris.     During September 2006, my wife and I toured Europe in a Volvo that I bought in Lexington, KY with foreign delivery at their factory in Gothenburg, Sweden. We visited ten countries and drove 2,300 miles winding up the trip in Nice. We arrived in Chateauroux on Sunday and because Joe was closed on Sunday and Monday, we did not get to visit because of our tight time schedule.    Please give Joe and his family my regards.