The Memorial Day holiday had an extra special meaning for aLincoln County man who was reunited with an old army buddy.

With 45 years of stories to catch up on, J.C. Smith of Loyd Starand Mike Schafer of Nebraska enjoyed every second of the precioushours they got to spend together Monday and Tuesday at Smith’shome.

“My husband usually doesn’t talk much, but he hasn’t quit sincewe got here,” laughed Schafer’s wife, Lee Ann, as she watched thetwo normally shy men converse.

Smith’s wife, Peggy, tried to hide a yawn as she mentioned thatthey men had stayed up until the wee hours of the morningexchanging stories about the experiences they shared in the serviceand their lives since..

Smith, 68, and Schafer, 65, had not seen each other since theyserved together in Augsburg, Germany for several months in 1955 and1956.

Much has changed since the time they worked side-by-side asmechanics in the army’s motor pool.

Neither one was married at the time, yet both now have long,happy marriages to their credit.

Smith noted that even though many things have changed, Schaferstill seemed the same to him. Schafer quickly corrected Smith bysmiling and patting his belly, which he said was flatter when hewas 20 years old.

“I’ve put on a few pounds over the years,” said Schafer.

One definite thing that remains unchanged, though, is how muchthey still enjoy each other’s company.

“We kind of grew up with the same backgrounds, so we have alwaysbeen a lot alike,” said Smith, noting how both had lived theirlives in the the country and both had a knack for fixingthings.

Their similarities led to a wonderful friendship during andafter their daily work on army vehicles.

“Of all the people there, we just hit it off. We liked the samethings, and we had fun together,”said Schafer.

During their recent visit, they recalled their times together onthe base and when they shared adventures on its outskirts.

Their wives also had fun during the visit talking about Smithand Shafer’s time together. They were familiar with most of thestories through letters they received while the men were inservice.

“Peggy and I had never met before this, but we’ve just had agreat time talking to each other about them,” said Schafer’swife.

The overdue visit was made possible when one of Smith’s sons,David, had the notion to help his father locate his lost companionthrough the Internet about four years ago.

Once David found where Schafer was living, he gave him a call toconfirm that he was the friend he had heard his dad tell so manystories about over the years.

“When I got home from work one night, my wife told me there wassomeone on the phone from Mississippi, and I told her I didn’t knowanyone in Mississippi,” recalled Schafer. “I didn’t realized who itwas until he told me who his father was.”

After a short conversation, Schafer got Smith’s phone number sohe could call his long lost buddy the next day.

“It was a surprise to me when he called. David told me he’d beenin contact with him, but I didn’t expect him to call,” said Smith.”I’m glad he did because it brought back a lot of oldmemories.”

Since that phone call, many letters and phone call have beenexchanged, especially over the last few months in preparation fortheir visit.

The Schafers made a special effort to come to Mississippi bydriving, rather than flying, to Florida for vacation so they couldstop by the Smiths’ home.

They plan to leave today en route to their daughter’s home inFlorida, but they hope this won’t be the last visit they have toMississippi. The Smiths also plan to keep their door open to theirrekindled friendship.

“Maybe one day we’ll get to go up to Nebraska,” said Smith. “Ifwe live long enough, I’m sure we’ll see each other again.”