If Billy9 will excuse my interjection -
Bill has been to the SHAA many, many times over the past 25 years or so, but family and health will probably keep him on this side of the Atlantic.
I think the question should have started "....after years of studying French (and actually learning enough to do some good!), and having spent many, many hours there myself, ......"
I'm sure most people here are familiar with Bill's work on the French War Chronology,
Above the Lines, Over the Front, C&C (US) and C&C Intnl over the years.
Hopefully I don't overstep my bounds by saying Bill is just looking for someone local who can help him complete his life-long work.
Bill, I apologize for pre-empting your reply, but I just could not help it ! If I'm off base anywhere, I'll take the lumps in the public forum.
Keep at it,
Mike