May 24, 2007 (Stars and Stripes / Kevin Dougherty) -- Count "Dracula" as being among the best monikers ever bestowed on a military base in a war zone. But then what would you expect from a bat-talion from Transylvania?

Ron Chaney's hillside home near Palm Springs doesn't look much like a haunted house, but he always looks forward to getting it ready for Halloween. Chaney is, after all, a descendent of monsters.

Party till you drop
Temptress make those men swoon
Until dawn don't stop
Send them to padded tomes
Your face they will see forever and day
Your devlish form they seek to lay
In there minds it will play

Then when there young bodies become frail
With times resounding bell
You will come and take their breath
With your deadly last caress

Michael
February 23, 2002