My Aunt Klavdia (Khalflova) Erickson) when she was a nurse in Russia during the war in 1915. Klavdia was born in Krasnodar (near Moscow) Russia. She was an incredibly interesting sweet intelligent lady. I recall visiting her in Bismarck, North Dakota many times and it was always an unique special time. She and Andy were an incredible couple, and to me shined in my thoughts of the family. Their daughter Zena also a great gal was part of many of these visits.

I want to thank Mark Henninger of Bismarck, North Dakota, Klavdia's grandson, Zena's son, for sending me this photograph. I will quote Mark on this tale of his grandmother Klavdia.

"My grandfather Andy Erickson and my grandmother Klavdia met in Russia when Andy went there to instruct farmers how to use and repair farm equipment. This was shortly after World War I, after Andy had served in the Air Corps with the 101st Aero Squadron in France.

The Bolshevik Revolution was beginning and Klavdia received her travel papers just before Russia stopped allowing citizens to travel to Europe. With a planned meeting in Europe, Andy and Klavdia began a life together that brought them both eventually to the states. She only had two suitcases with her containing a few photos of family, some jewelry and some clothing. Just before she left, Bolshevik officers took over the family home and their lands.

Klavdia along with her parents and five sisters had only a few hours to pack up and leave. I think of the book Dr Zhivago, Grandma Klavdia lived it!!"