Visit from old friends….
…but a little younger than I am.
Gisela and Kurt Volkert have been an important part of my life since 1967. That’s when I was assigned to Viet Nam by CBS News. Kurt and Gisela, newlyweds, were new to the war, too. Kurt was one of those brave but anonymous combat cameramen who made CBS coverage of Viet Nam so noteworthy. I kept my head down and provided the words later.
Kurt is now an artist living in Germany but the Volkerts are regular visitors to the States, not so much because of the quality of my conversation but because they have a baby granddaughter living here. Visitors, old friends, none of that makes any difference. Anybody who wants breakfast still has to work at Thistle Hill.
Electric fence has to be moved so the cows can have their breakfast, too. And our expensive, backlash and jam proof reels are no respecter of international reputations. Kurt not only has to put up with my non-stop enthusiasm for cattle but has even forgiven me for telling him not to worry….”that wire isn’t hot”. We also have a new expensive, high-powered fence energizer that sends 12,000 volts down the line.
Incidentally, these pictures, and those on the home page and those in the post below, were taken by Gisela, who has now put up with Kurt and me for 44 years!
7 Comments
Bill Hudson
Sir,
I’m Bill Hudson, a retired U.S. Army officer. I was once a Search and Recovery Team Leader at the U.S. Army Central Identification Laboratory, Hawaii. In 1992 I led a team to search for and return 5 journalist captured and executed by the Khmer Rouge in 1790. We recovered four. It was only due to Mr. Kurt Volkert’s diligence that the operation was possible. I just became aware of his book, A Cambodian Odyssey: And the Deaths of 25 Journalists. Haven’t gotten my hands on a copy yet, but I know the 1992 Search and Recovery Operation is covered in the book. I’d really like to contact Mr. Volkert. I’ve often fondly remembered him and his utter dedication to those he worked and served with in Cambodia. Could you please pass him my email address? I can provide a mailing address and phone numbers too. We’re all getting older and feel compelled to take advantage of this opportunity. Thanks.
sue johnson merriman
I worked at the alta lodge with Gisela in 1965 when she met Kurt who was filming an avalance training film for the army. I would love to get in touch with them as I will be traveling to Germany in sept. please pass on my email. thanks!!
sue johnson merriman
where is thistle hill farm?
David
Thistle Hill is located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Fauquier county, Virginia. If you’d like more specific directions, let me know. We’re always happy to have visitors.
David
It has been done. And I’ve included your email address. (small world)
Marilou Kaufmann- (Van Marx)
Hello,
Would anyone know how to reach Kurt Volkert? I knew Holly and Felicity Miller (daughters of Gerald Miller) in Rome. I just hope he would know how to contact them – just want to touch base and say hello after many, many years!
Thank you so much.
Marilou
Maria Montgomery
Marilou – remember me? From Rome, from Paris. Would love to re-connect after many, many years.