VETERANS DAY • NOVEMBER 2021
GHOST SHIP
Garfield’s Bursch served on the U.S.S. Northhampton Serving with
THE LORD A marriage made in
THE MILITARY A PUBLICATION OF THE ALEXANDRIA ECHO PRESS
r o n o o h e W e wh s o h r t o f t h ! g m u o o f freed our
We at Integrity Title salute all Veterans who have served! ABSTRACTS • TITLE INSURANCE REAL ESTATE CLOSINGS
2209 Jefferson St, Easton Place II, Alexandria www.IntegrityTitleInc.net • 320-763-3311 PAGE 2
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE: More than 7,000 names inscribed at Veteran’s Memorial Park...................... 5
The branches of the military................12
Pledge of Allegiance.................................. 7
All in the family....................................... 22
Bursch enjoyed being in the Navy........8 Douglas County Veterans Services – what does it offer..................................10
Honoring our veterans............................14 The Star Spangled Banner.................... 25 Displaying the flag.................................. 26 How to fold an American flag.............. 29 The history of Veteran’s Day................ 30
A marriage made in the military
He was in the Marines, she was in the Army
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Diann Drew, Publisher Lori Mork, Editor/designer Celeste Edenloff, Special projects lead Thalen Zimmerman, Reporter Travis Gulbrandson, Reporter Lowell Anderson, Photo editor A publication of Echo Press, October 2021 225 7th Ave. East, Alexandria, MN www.echopress.com
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Serving with the Lord
Alex grad fulfills a calling in the Air Force
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Veterans photos on pages 14-21 are from reader submissions
TO OUR VETERANS
As Veterans Day approaches and people take time to honor those who have served in the Armed Forces, it makes me reflect on my own family and all of those who have been in the military – my brothers, nephews, nieces, cousins, aunts, uncles and more. Although I am thankful and grateful to the many veterans in my family – too many to name them all – I would like to take this opportunity to give a shout out to my four brothers – Alan, Steven, Michael and Charles. They are all United States Air Force veterans. I would also like to thank the nearly 3,000 veterans who are living right here in Douglas County. This “Salute” magazine is for you and for all families of veterans. It makes me so proud to work at a company who knows the importance of honoring our military men and women. You will see the faces of many in the pages of the magazine. The Echo Press would like to thank all Douglas County veterans. Thank you for the sacrifices you made, for your valor and for defending your country and our rights.
CELESTE EDENLOFF Special Projects Lead
Thank you also for your courage, your strength and your dedication. We appreciate you and we honor you.
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the Lord
SERVING with Compton credits military for his life as a pastor
D
By Thalen Zimmerman
ane Compton of Alexandria remembers his first day of boot camp at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego, California. The drill instructor stood with his legs apart, hands firm on his hips, towering over Compton and the rest of the newly enlisted frightened teenagers of the 110 First Battalion. “You will respect me as you respect your parents and your God,” Compton, who is now 81, remembered the instructor ordering loudly and boldly. “It was kind of scary. I thanked the Lord for being with me. I was constantly praying and the Lord got me through it.”
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E-4 CORPORAL Growing up, Compton’s family was poor and they didn’t often have means of transportation, which meant they could not make it to Sunday service as often as they would have liked. Nonetheless, Compton, who went on to become an E-4 Marine Corporal, said he was raised Christian. He remembers that they prayed before eating and bedtime, and that they often talked about God and his word. “I remember my dad telling me, ‘the kingdom of God is within you.’ ” Because of his family’s commitment to God, by the time Compton was in high school, he knew he wanted to be a pastor and “use the Lord to repair people’s hearts.” Unfortunately, his family’s financial situation also made it impossible for him to go to school and study to become a pastor. Compton graduated from Clio Area High School in Michigan back in 1958, and in February 1959, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. This was during
Dane Compton, a Marine veteran, walks through the monoliths at the Veterans Memorial Park in Alexandria. Thalen Zimmerman / Alexandria Echo Press
peacetime, he said, adding that he was following in his older brothers’ footsteps. More specifically, his oldest brother, Bruce, who had also joined the Marines. “The Marine Corps builds men!” Compton stated, but noted that every branch is important. In fact, his brother Neal served in the Army and his brother Erle was in the Navy. HIS EYES WERE OPENED Adventurous, challenging and eye opening is how Compton described his time in the Marine Corps. “It was a different world than what I was accustomed to. I wasn’t used to being around people who talked the way they do in the military. My family never used the Lord’s name in vain. We always watched our words and were careful with our language,” he explained. “The sinfulness of humankind in such raw, bold, unrepentant and uncontrolled ways was an eye opener for me. My eyes were COMPTON Page 28
Veterans Memorial Park
MORE THAN 7,000 NAMES inscribed at
The Veterans Memorial Park in Alexandria is located on the corner of Broadway Street and 8th Avenue. It anchors historic downtown Alexandria on the south and welcomes visitors coming from the interstate. The park is an ideal setting for civic events and celebrations such as Memorial Day, Fourth of July and Veterans Day. The main focus of the Veterans Memorial Park is the 9-foot granite replica of the Liberty Bell placed in the center of a pentagon and star if looked at from above.
Nine flagpoles display flags of the United States, State of Minnesota, POWMIA, Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, Coast Guard and Merchant Marine. Granite monoliths are inscribed with the names of over 7,000 veterans. The park features a picnic pavilion and a heated restroom complex, and it is wheelchair accessible. For more information, visit the park’s website at alexveteranspark.org or send an email to vmp@ alexveteranspark.org.
Veterans Memorial Park is located on the corner of Broadway Street and 8th Avenue in downtown Alexandria. Echo Press file photo
“All of us at Alomere salute those that sacrificed to protect our fellow citizens. Forem most, we honor the veterans that fought for our freedom—many giving their lives. In addition, I want to highlight the he ealth care providers who bravely protected our community y during the early days of COVID. These same people continue to work long hours keeping us safe today. To everyone who stands in the gap, “Thank you.”
Carl Vaagenes Alomere Health CEO
It’s better here. SALUTE
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the military
A MARRIAGE MADE IN He was in the Marines, she was in the Army
M
By Celeste Edenloff
aurie Peterson graduated from high school on June 1, 1950. Four days later, on June 5, he enlisted in the United States Marines Corps. Being brought up by two uncles, he said he had heard good things about the Marines and that he needed something to give structure to his life. And it did, as he said he “grew up a lot” while serving in the military. He served for four years during the Korean War, and by all accounts, he shouldn’t be alive as he was part of Operation Castle. Operation Castle, according to the Defense Threat Reduction Agency, an agency within the Department of Defense, was a six-detonation nuclear weapon test series held at the Atomic Energy Commission’s Pacific Proving Ground from March 1 to May 31, 1954. The proving ground consists primarily of Enewetak and Bikini Atolls in the northwestern Marshall Islands in the Central Pacific Ocean. “It was an atomic bomb test and it went off 30 miles from our ship,” recalled the almost 90-year-old from Alexandria. “That was a surprise.”
Castle Bravo was the first in a series of high-yield thermonuclear design tests by the United States as part of Operation Castle. It was detonated on March 1, 1954 off the northwestern Marshall Islands in the Central Pacific Ocean.
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Maurie and Grace Peterson, who both served during the Korean Way, hold their military photos while sitting on their couch in their Alexandria home. Celeste Edenloff / Alexandria Echo Press The atomic bomb, code-named Bravo, went off on March 1, 1954. It was a 15 megaton hydrogen bomb that produced an intense fireball followed by a 20-milehigh mushroom cloud. It was the first in the series. Sitting on the deck of the ship, wearing shorts and a brimmed hat, Peterson said the men were told to keep their arms crossed, heads down and were warned not to open their eyes. “It was so bright, I could see through my arm,” he said. “I could see my bones.” He also said that for many years, he could not talk about the experience as it was a secret operation. “It took a long time for the government to release information on it,” he said. “Now we can talk about it.” And if you are wondering if he has suffered any effects of that day, he has. “(Skin) cancer has been popping up all over the place,” he said, pointing to his arm, neck, head, chest and several other places he has had skin cancer removed. “But I am alive.” Peterson, who was a mechanic working on military airplanes and helicopters, said that during the Korean War, he and others in his troop would fly wounded soldiers from Korea to Japan. On their
return flights, they would transport food back to the base. He served one year in Korea. SHE WAS STATIONED NEAR TOKYO Grace Peterson, Maurie’s wife, also graduated on June 1, 1950. In fact, the couple graduated from the same high school in Austin, Minnesota. However, they didn’t really hang out, according to Grace. “He thought I was a snoot,” said Grace, who will be 90 next May. “I was in all the clubs and played sports. We didn’t hang out in the same crowd.” She had thought about going to college to become a physical education teacher because she had a love of sports and was a great player. In fact, she probably could have gone to college on a scholarship. However, just like her husband, she also enlisted right out of high school. “I wanted to travel and thought enlisting was a great way to do that,” she said. Grace had wanted to join the United States Navy, but at the time, she said they wouldn’t take her because she wasn’t 21. Fresh out of high school and only 18, COUPLE Page 24
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE “I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”
Thank you for your Service and Sacrifice!
REA Salutes All Veterans. We thank you for your sacrifice and service.
SENATOR BILL INGEBRIGTSEN
Paid for by Ingebrigtsen for Senate PO Box 1325 Alexandria, MN 56308
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the
BURSCH ENJOYED BEING IN
Navy
By Celeste Edenloff
Bill Bursch, who lives in Garfield, served in the U.S. Navy for four years and was in the U.S Naval Reserve for two years. The 81 year old, who grew up in Alexandria, signed up for the Navy on his 20th birthday. He was close to being drafted, so he thought he may as well enlist. The day he got out of the Navy is a day he will never forget as it was also the day that President John F. Kennedy was shot. Bursch was on the U.S.S. Northampton, which was nicknamed “Ghost Ship,” as it would often come into port when it was dark and nobody would ever see it. He said it was also often called the Gray Ghost of the Virginia Coast as the ship often docked in Norfolk, Virginia for supplies. The ship, he said, at one time was used to transport presidents. In fact, he remembers when Kennedy was on the ship. Although, he said he never did get to meet him. While in Little Creek, a suburb of Norfolk, which is an amphibious base,
The USS Northampton, nicknamed the Ghost Ship, was decommissioned in 1970. A model of it can be found at the National Museum of U.S. Navy. Contributed photo Bursch remembers watching the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel being built. From shore to shore, the bridge-tunnel measures 17.6 miles and is considered one of the world’s largest bridge-tunnel complexes. The Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel includes 12 miles of low-level trestle, two one-mile long tunnels that go into and underneath Chesapeake Bay in the Atlantic Ocean, two bridges, almost two miles of causeway, four man-made islands and five-anda-half miles of approach roads, which altogether total 23 miles.
“It was pretty neat watching that being built,” he said. He remembers one time when it was close to Christmas and his ship was going through the Suez Canal in Egypt. The ship was docked and the sailors were allowed liberty, so Bursch said he decided to do some Christmas shopping for his family. “I thought I was buying some real special presents,” he said, noting that when he got back to the ship and actually looked at the labels, many of the items said, “Made in Japan.”
Thank you for your Service and Sacrifice!
611 Broadway, Alexandria • 320.763.4940 PAGE 8
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It was pretty neat watching that [Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel] being built. BILL BURSCH
Served in the U.S. Navy and U.S. Naval Reserve
When Bursch was on the U.S.S Northampton, his main job was as an engineman. “It was a pretty good job,” he said. He was also what is called a Master at Arms, which he said is basically a cop.
“I do wish I would have stayed in,” he said. “I had a good time in the Navy.” Prior to enlisting, Bursch did bodywork and after he got out, he owned his own shop, Bill Bursch Body Shop near Garfield. Bursch and his wife, Sharon, have two children and six grandchildren.
About the U.S.S Northampton Originally constructed as an Oregon City-class heavy cruiser, U.S.S Northampton was converted to a command light cruiser. Commissioned on March 7, 1953, at Fore River Yard in Quincy, Massachusetts, the Northampton was assigned flagship duty. For the next two years, it was the flagship (command ship) for Commander Amphibious Force and then for the Sixth Fleet. In the fall of 1955, it became the flagship for Commander Strike Force, Atlantic, and periodically served as such for the next 15 years. Following an overhaul in 1956, the ship gave the first public demonstra-
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tion of the Terrier (surfaceto-air) missile. In April 1961, Northampton was redesignated as CC-1 (battle command) and remained on duty in the Atlantic where it extensively tested and evaluated new communications equipment while hosting national and international dignitaries. Decommissioned in February 1970, the U.S.S Northampton was struck from the Naval Register in 1977. A model of the Northhampton can be found at the National Museum of the U.S. Navy in the Cold War Gallery. Source: National Museum of the U.S. Navy
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What does it offer?
DOUGLAS COUNTY VETERANS SERVICES
By Celeste Edenloff
“Just come in.” That is the advice for all Douglas County veterans from Jacob Turner, Douglas County Veteran Service Officer. “You don’t know what benefits you have unless you ask,” he said. Turner, who served in the United State Army, was on active duty for four-and-a-half years. He has two deployments to Afghanistan. While in the Army, Turner was a combat engineer and paratrooper, but ended up breaking his back and was honorably discharged. He now helps Douglas County veterans, trying to get them the benefits they are entitled to. Just come in and see us. Or, I’ll come see you. We also do house calls. JACOB TURNER
Douglas County Veterans Service Officer and Army veteran
“We can be a huge resource for veterans,” said Turner. Turner, along with the two other people in the Douglas County Veterans Services, assist veterans and their dependents in obtaining benefits from the U.S. Department of Public Affairs and the Minnesota Department of Veteran Affairs. Benefits include: Service connected disability compensation Non-service connected pension Dental and optical vouchers for both qualified veterans and their spouses Burial benefits for qualified veterans dependents and survivors pension for the surviving spouse of a deceased veteran Veterans can also receive assistance with transportation to and from Minneapolis, St. Cloud and Fargo VA medical facilities, as well as many other benefits. Turner, as well as Rhonda Fuchs, the assistant veteran services officer, are fully
Hours Monday-Friday 7:30am-5:30pm 1811 Nokomis St, Alexandria, MN 56308 320-762-8060 PAGE 10
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Jacob Turner, left, Douglas County Veteran Service Officer and Army veteran, is pictured in Afghanistan in 2013 with his good friend, SSGT Austin Brooks. Contributed photo accredited with multiple organizations. And everyone in the office has been through suicide prevention training. Turner said the best thing a veteran can do is either stop in or give them a call. “Just come in and see us. Or, I’ll come see you. We also do house calls,” he said. ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES First and foremost, veterans services officers act as advocates for veterans. They can help veterans with
the following: Filing of disability compensation claims Applying for healthcare benefits Help with non-service-connected pensions Advocate for state benefits Assist with applying for all benefits for the veteran and/ or the widow or dependents of the veteran Resources for information regarding all benefits and programs both veteran and non-veteran
To our men and women in uniform, past, present, and future, God bless you, and thank you. 220 22nd Avenue East, Alexandria, MN 320-219-7744
NUMBERS SERVED:
2021 (Jan. 1 through Sept. 25) Office visits – 709 Phone calls – 1,844 Home visits – 9 Emails – 1,001 Van riders – 48 Forms completed – 1,090
JACOB TURNER DC Veteran’s Service Officer WORKING DAYS CLAIM TIMELINE The entire claims process takes time no matter what benefit is applied for. Below are two examples of disability compensation claims with the first already being decided and the second still in the process: If a claim takes 36 days total from submission to completion then the Veteran’s Service Office has an interest in or works on the that claim for 13.5 work days. If a claim takes 98 days total thenthe Veteran’s Service Office has an interest in or works on that claim for 36.75 working days. The last pension claim took approximately eight months from application to the granting of benefits. These numbers do not reflect the appeals process should a claim be denied.
2020 (Office closed March 17 through June 1 and van rides cancelled from March 26 through June 21 due to COVID-19) Office visits – 646 Phone calls – 2,179 Home visits – 13 Emails – 1,261 Van riders – 105 Forms completed – 1,261 DOUGLAS COUNTY FACTS AND FIGURES Total population – 37,203 Total veterans – 2,720 (7.3%) Total female veterans – 186 (6.8%) Total male veterans – 2,534 (93.2) Veteran unemployment – 4.2% Source: Minnesota Department of Veteran’s Affairs CONTACT INFO Veteran’s Service Office 806 Fillmore St. Alexandria, MN 56308 Phone: 320-762-3883 Fax: 320-762-3094 Douglas County Veteran’s Service Officer Jacob Turner – jacobt@co.douglas.mn.us Assistant Veterans Service Officer Rhonda Fuchs – rhondaf@co.douglas.mn.us Office Assistant Leah Huss – leahh@co. douglas.mn.us
VETERANS SUICIDE PREVENTION The Veterans Crisis Line is 1-800-2738255. Preventing veteran suicide is a priority for the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs. Suicide has claimed more than 100 Minnesota veteran lives per year during the past five years. As this rate continues to increase, especially among younger veterans, the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs is collaborating with others to identify the root causes of veteran suicide and create an innovative, cooperative way to reverse this trend. The Veterans Crisis Line is the world’s largest provider of crisis call, text and chat services, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. It serves more than 650,000 calls every year, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Users may also text to 838255 or chat online to receive confidential crisis intervention and support.
DID YOU KNOW?
In 2019, there were 85 Veteran suicides in Minnesota, which was not significantly different from the national Veteran suicide rate, but was significantly higher than the national general population suicide rate.
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military
BRANCHES OF THE Here’s a brief overview of the six service branches of the United States Armed Forces MARINE CORPS Providing land combat, seabased and air-ground operations support for other branches of the military during a mission, the Marine Corps is part of the Department of Defense (DOD). The Marine Corps guards U.S. embassies, including the classified documents found there, all over the world. All service members are referred to as Marines and the reserves are known as Marine Corps Reserve. The Marine Corps Special Operations Commmand (MARSOC) members are know as Raiders.
ARMY Another part of the Department of Defense is the Army, which is the largest of all the military branches, handling major ground combat missions especially ongoing operations. The Special Forces unit of the Army is known as the Green Berets and wear the iconic headgear of a green beret. The Army Reserve and Army National Guard are the reserve units of the Army.
SPACE FORCE The newest service in the United States is the Space Force, formed in December 2019. This force was orginally known as the Air Force Space Command and falls within the Department of the Air Force. The Space Force organizes, provides space capabilities to the joint force and trains and equips space forces to protect U.S. and allied interests in space.
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COAST GUARD As part of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Coast Guard is responsible for the enforcement of maritime law, such as intercepting drug smugglers. The Coast Guard also manages maritime search and rescue as well as marine environment protection. Another part of their responsibility is to secure ports, waterways and the coasts. Service members are known as Coast Guardsmen, nicknamed Coasties. The reserve component is Coast Guard Reserve.
NAVY As part of the DOD, the Navy protects waterways (sea and ocean) outside of the Coast Guard’s jurisdiction. The Navy’s warships provide the runways for aircraft to land and take off when at sea. The special operations force of the Navy are known as SEALs (sea, air and land). All service members are known as sailors and the reserve division of the Navy is the Navy Reserve.
AIR FORCE Part of the Department of Defense (DOD), the Air Force is responsible for aerial military operations, as well as defending U.S. air bases and building landing strips. The reserves of the Air Force are the Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve. Air Force service members are know as airmen. Source: www.usa.gov
Salute to the Veterans Thank you for your Service
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HONORING OUR VETERANS
Adam Tracy Frederickson Army, 1992-1996
Alexander Bradjan Air Force, 2 years
Alicia Salfer Air Force, 1993-2014
Alverne “Bud” Anderson Navy, 1962-1966
Alvin Tvrdik Army Airborne, 2 years
Ann Arendt Air Force, 7 years Died 1995
Archie Danielson TEL 5, Army, 3 years Died 02/06/1996
Bill DeGidieo Navy, Vietnam War, 1965-1969
Bob Bowden Retired 1999 as Command Sergeant Major Army Vietnam, 1969-70
Brad Collins Army, 1981-1998, 17.5 years
Bruce Nelson Army/National Guard, 5.5 years
Cal Uhl Army 27 years
Calvin Abers Navy, Retired AOC 20 years
Cecil Ohren Army, 1 year Died 1997
Charles Olson Air Force, 3.5 years
DID YOU KNOW? There are six branches of service in the U.S. military: the Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, Marine Corps and Space Force. The oldest you can be to enlist for active duty in each branch is: Coast Guard, 31; Marines, 28; Navy, 39; Army, 35; Air Force, 39; Space Force, 39.
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Clyde Van Cleve Navy, 1942-1946 Died 09/25/2015
Daniel Kakac Army, Korea 3 years
Daniel Lindquist Marine Corps, 1972-1975 Died 12/30/2008
David Michaels Navy, 1982-1988
David Wosmek Marine Corps, 2 years
Dick Danielson Air Force, 3 years
Donald Nolting Army, 2 years
Dudley Van Cleve Army, 1917-1918 Died 04/15/1974
Ellsworth Holm Army, Korea, 2 years
Fred Tvrdik Army Air Corps, 3 years Died 11/24/1988
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Gary Boesen Navy, 3 years
George Schuneman Army, 2 years Died 01/23/1998
Gerald Quast Army, 3 years
Gerald Sacre Air Force, 26 years
Grant Haugen Marine Corps, Vietnam 1969-1970
George Elliot Marines, 4 years Died 09/29/1942
Harlan Campbell National Guard, USMC 5 years
Harry Wiswell Army, World War I, Died 08/05/1970
Harvey Wiswell Army, Korean War 1952-1954 Died 05/18/2011
James Norton Army, 1953-1955
Namesake for the Osakis VFW
Thank you to all our service men and women, both past and present. Also, thank you to the military families that supported those brave individuals!
2306 S. Broadway St., Suite 4, Alexandria, MN 56308 320-762-5216
Dr. Elizabeth Amundson
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Dr. Tyler Whiting
Dr. David Golke
Jane Skwira Women’s Army Corps-Medical Specialist, 1972-1974, Died 11/02/2019
Jeffrey Salfer Air Force, 1997-2017
Jenny Vangstad Army, 20 years
Jerome Peterson Air Force, 6 years
Jhane Pappenfus Army, West Germany Active 01/1986-04/1990 Reserve 04/1990-2000
John Boyd Army Died 12/16/1972
John Speirs Army Airborne 2 years
John Tesch Marines 26 years
Joseph Arendt Navy 30 years
Kari Beth Lempka Air Force 5 years
“
America’s Veterans have done everything asked of them in their mission to serve our country. Hospice of Douglas County staff understand the unique needs of veterans and are prepared to meet the specific challenges that veterans and their families may face at the end of life.
“
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Karl Lindquist Marine Corps 2002-2005
Kearney Frank Army Infantry, Korean War 2 years
Larry Simpson Army 2 years
Leander “Lee” Hens Army 4 years Died 04/22/2003
Kenneth Colgrove Army, Medical Corps 1965-1967
Lee Doering Army Infantry 24th Division WWII 1946-1947 (18 months)
Kerry Danyluk Army 2010-2014 Died 05/15/2014
Leon Schmidbauer Army 6 years
Kristin Towley Wilson Army, Nurse Corps 22 years
Mark Adams Air Force 1976-1980
Melvin Henning Army 4 year Died 08/2000
Melvin Klimek Army 2 years
Michael Garrett Navy 22 years, Retired
Michael Golden Navy 1964-1968
Mike Bartolomeo Marine Corps 3 years
Neil Garrett Air Force 4 years
Noel Rich Army 3.5 years
Norbert Olson Navy 1944-1946 Died 07/11/2021
Patrick Wiebe Army 2000-2015
Ralph Tvrdik Air Force 4 years
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Raylinn Garrett Navy, still active
Robert Hildebrandt Navy 2 years
Raymond Kallstrom Army 2 years
Robert Pappenfus Navy, Asian Pacific Campaign Active 05/1945-07/1946 Reserve 07/1946-06/1959 Died 04/2015
Raymond Wille Air Force 1968-1992
Robert Van Cleve Navy 1970-1979
Dr. Robert Arendt Army 4 years Died 1995
Robert Cordray Navy Purser WWII, Korea Died 06/29/1979
Robert Winter Marine Corps 1966-1969
Roddy Rolfe Army 3 years Died 07/09/2020
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Roger Henningsgaard Army 2 years
Ron Krueger Army, Vietnam 1968-69 Afghanistan 2005-06
Ryan Heidelberger Army National Guard 10 years
Steven Arendt Navy 30 years Died 2012
Steve Thronson Air Force 4 years
Steven Wiswell Marines, Desert Storm 1989-1993
Sylvester Lucus Air Force 23 years
Ted Lohrman Navy 2 years
Thomas Arendt Navy 4 years
Thomas Garrett Navy 4 years
Tyler Johnson Army 2003-2008
Tyler Whiting Major, Air Force, National Guard 11 years
Vernon Lorsung Navy 4 years
Vernon Norling Army 95th Infantry Division, 4 years Died 04/12/1993
Virgil Batesole Navy 4 years Died 03/22/2019
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SOLID. STABLE. STILL JOHN DEERE.
Saluting those who have served. 5005 Co Rd 82 SE, Alexandria • 320-763-4220 1710 Franklin St. N., Glenwood • 320-634-5151 www.mmcjd.com
Walter Roers Army 3 years
Wayne Dehne Navy 7/27/1970-7/28/1976 6 years
Wayne Meyer Army, Vietnam 2 years
Wayne Van Cleve Army 1942-1944 KIA 12/10/1994
Werner Schultz Air Force 1942-1946 Died 01/06/2000
Q. What is the difference between Veterans Day and Memorial Day? A. Many people don’t realize there is a difference. Memorial Day is for remembering military members who died in service to their country, especially those who died as a result of battle.
William Arendt Navy 3 years
William Bursch Navy 6 years
While on Veterans Day, all members of the service are honored for their contributions during wartime and peacetime, both living and dead, it is a special time to acknowledge all those living who have served this country, not only those who died.
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family
Several of the Arendt siblings are pictured at a 2002 family reunion. From left are Tom, Joseph, Steven, William and John. Contributed photo
ALL IN the Six members serve total of 78 years
By Travis Gulbrandson
Among the many names listed at Alexandria’s Veterans Memorial Park is that of the late Dr. Robert J. Arendt, who served in World War II. Not only is his name listed, but five of his seven children are, as well, with a total of 78 years served in the military. “I think it’s pretty amazing what the family has done,” said Robert’s son, Tom Arendt. Robert joined the Army in 1942, Tom said. After the war, Robert and his wife, Rose, came to Alexandria, and he practiced as a dentist there for many years. He died in 1995.
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“He went in as a dentist because he had just graduated from dental school and didn’t have a practice yet,” he said. Robert went to England in 1943, and went further into Europe after the Normandy invasion, serving with the same group through the duration of the war, eventually becoming one of the liberators of the Dachau concentration camp. “I think that had a huge effect on him,” Tom said. “He never really talked about it, but there were photos that we had growing up. He took a lot of photos in the war and he brought those back and did really nothing with them except leave them in a big box.
Cpt. Robert Arendt, far left, pictured with three other medics from a Tank Destroyer Unit. Contributed photo “As kids … we’d just page through those photos and couldn’t believe what we were seeing, because he didn’t want to talk about it,” Tom said. Many of those pictures are now available on a website, www.tankdestroyer.net, which is dedicated to the men that served in the U.S. Tank Destroyer Forces. Five of Robert’s seven children also joined the military.
The oldest, Joseph, served for 30 years in the Navy. “The vast majority of that was in submarines. He actually served on the second nuclear submarine built for the U.S. Navy,” Tom said. Another brother, Steven, also served 30 years in the Navy after attending the U.S. Naval Academy, eventually attaining the rank of Captain. “He flew A-6 attack bombers off the U.S.S. Enterprise in
Vietnam for a tour,” Tom said. “After that he had an issue, I think it might have been a vertigo type issue, so he got out of flying after his tour in Vietnam and went into naval intelligence.” Steven died of pancreatic cancer in 2012 and is buried at the Arlington National Cemetery. “It was an incredible ceremony,” Tom said. “The whole family and a lot of relatives went. It was an incredible, full-out, caissons and band and everything. It was pretty amazing.” The next sibling to join was William, who served three years in the Navy as a quartermaster on a sub rescue ship. “Quartermasters track where the ship is so everybody knows where it is,” Tom explained.
William went on to become a respiratory therapist in Minneapolis and has since retired. Tom also joined the Navy and served for four years. “I went into the Navy because I tried college for a couple of semesters at St. Cloud State and couldn’t get involved, and so a friend of mine I was living with at the time said, ‘Let’s go in on the buddy system,’ and so we did that,” he said. Part of his time in the Navy was served in Vietnam. “I was on a destroyer that they used as a fire station off the coast,” Tom said. “They did that with many, many ships and I was on one of them for a few months. We would just fire into Vietnam as directed.” The last sibling to join was Ann, who served seven years in the Air Force. She died in 1995.
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I think that had a huge effect on him. He never really talked about it, but there were photos that we had growing up. He took a lot of photos in the war and he brought those back and did really nothing with them except leave them in a big box. TOM ARENDT
Speaking about his father Robert’s experience as one of the liberators of the Dachau concentration camp
Tom said several members of the next generation of the family have joined up, as well. One of Joseph’s sons has already served 30 years in the Army, and two of Joseph’s grandsons are in the military, too. William also had a son that served in the Army. “There’s lots and lots of military throughout the family,” Tom said.
Although Robert Arendt never pushed his children to join the military, Tom said the fact that so many of them did join was a source of pride. “I think he was pretty proud of the situation,” Tom said. “I think he appreciated all of our time in. When you add it all up, it’s quite a bit.”
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COUPLE
From page 6
Grace said the only branch of the military that would let her enlist at that time was the United States Army. So, into the Army she went. She said her brothers were furious that she enlisted in the Army as one was in the Navy and the other was in the Air Force. They both served during World War ll, she said. Because she liked to type, after basic training, she went to eight weeks of typewriter school and her first job found her working in the Pentagon. But because she wanted to travel, especially overseas, Grace ended up on a ship with about 100 other young military women. They were headed for Japan. Much of the work she did was top secret, as she was a speed typist and would type up information regarding the Korean War.
Maurie Peterson of Alexandria was featured in a newspaper back in the 1950s. The caption under the photo reads, “Marine Corporal Maurice Peterson is a lucky guy. He received a double kiss from two of Hollywood’s loveliest actresses, Esther Williams, left, and Ann Miller, after he was named one of the best dressed men at a Beverly-Wilshire Hotel brunch.” Contributed photo
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She was stationed in Yokohama, west of central Tokyo. She spent two years living in a quonset hut with about two dozen other women. And while she was there, she even had the opportunity to climb to the top of Mount Fuji, something she will never forget as she got to see the sun rise while standing at the top of the mountain. “I just can’t describe it, it was just so gorgeous,” she said. “Oh, it was so beautiful.” She also did a lot of traveling around the area, checking out the countryside and also admiring all the temples. One visit to a temple, although memorable, wasn’t a good experience for Grace and the other women in her troop. “We got spit on by some school kids,” she said. Although their experiences serving in the military during the Korean War were completely different, Army Sgt. Grace and Marine Sgt. Maurie both have interesting and amazing stories to tell and memories that have lasted a lifetime. And both are proud of the opportunity they had to serve their country. BONDING IN JAPAN While stationed in Japan, Grace had learned about some ships that had come to port and that there were a couple of military men asking about her. One of them happened to be Maurie. He apparently found out she was stationed there and decided to look her up. Grace wanted nothing to do with him when he called her base. “I was told, ‘You have a call from Maurice Peterson’ and I said, ‘Tell him I’m not here,’ ” Grace explained, adding that she questioned why he would even be calling her because he didn’t like her. Apparently he did, she
Grace Peterson, as seen in her military uniform, served in the United States Army for three years. Contributed photo
Maurie Peterson, as seen in his military uniform, served in the United States Marines for four years, taking part in Operation Castle. Contributed photo
It was so bright, I could see through my arm. I could see my bones. MAURIE PETERSON
US Marine Corps, part of Operation Castle, a nuclear weapons test series
teased him, because he called again. That time, she accepted the call and plans were made for her to take him to a base club for an evening out. “We just hit it off,” she said, then looking at her husband of almost 68 years, smiled and said, “I’ll never forget it. I think it was the Marine uniform.” The two started dating immediately and Grace said she couldn’t wait to write home to one of her high school friends who was “sweet on” Maurie back in high school. “I couldn’t wait to write, ‘Guess who I’m dating?’ ” she said, noting that her friend is still sweet on Maurie and that they are all still good friends to day. FINDING THEIR WAY TO ALEXANDRIA While they were both on leave in 1953, they were married. It was on Oct. 3, and they were at the El Toro Marine Base in California. After they were married, she decided to leave the Army and went back to Austin to work
at the Hormel Foods plant. He remained in the Marines and was sent on a ship to the sea of Japan. Shortly after that mission was done, however, Maurie got out of the Marines. He eventually went to college and after working at several different places, he ended up being an auto mechanics instructor for 30 years. The couple moved to Alexandria in 1992, building a home on Little Latoka Lake. Maurie retired from teaching in 1994. He not only was a instructor, but also a substitute teacher in Alexandria at both the high school and the college. In his retirement, he spent 24 years delivering prescription medications for Trumm Drug. The couple, who now live in a neighborhood on Lake Winona called The Greens, have a son and a daughter, numerous grand- and greatgrandchildren and Grace said they even have two greatgreat grandchildren.
THE STAR SPANGLED BANNER O say can you see, by the dawn’s early light, What so proudly we hail’d at the twilight’s last gleaming, Whose broad stripes and bright stars through the perilous fight O’er the ramparts we watch’d were so gallantly streaming? And the rocket’s red glare, the bombs bursting in air, Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there, O say does that star-spangled banner yet wave O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave? “The Star Spangled Banner” Francis Scott Key (1814)
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Flag
DISPLAYING
the
Celeste Edenloff / Alexandria Echo Press
What is
When displaying an American flag, follow these guidelines: Display from sunrise to sunset on buildings and stationary flagstaffs in the open. When placed on a single staff or lanyard, place the U.S. Flag above all other flags. When flags are displayed in a row, the U.S. flag goes to the observer’s left. Flags of other nations are flown at the same height. State and local flags are traditionally flown lower. When used during a marching ceremony or parade with other flags, the U.S. flag will be to the observer’s left. When the flag is displayed over the middle of the street, it
should be suspended vertically with the union (blue field of stars) to the north in an east and west street or to the east in a north and south street. When placed on a podium, the flag should be placed on the speaker’s right or the staging area. Other flags should be placed to the left. When displayed either horizontally or vertically against a wall (or other flat surface), the union (blue field of stars) should be uppermost and to the flag’s own right, that is, to the observer’s left.
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Thank you for your sacrifice and serÎice to our nation.
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When displayed in a window it should be displayed in the same way – with the union or blue field to the left of the observer in the street. When the flag is displayed on a car, the staff shall be fixed firmly to the chassis or clamped to the right fender. When the flag is used to cover a casket, it should be so placed that the union is at the head and over the left shoulder. The flag should not be lowered into the grave or allowed to touch the ground. SALUTING THE FLAG When saluting the flag, following these guidelines: All persons present in uniform (military, police, fire, etc.) should render the military salute. Members of the armed forces and veterans who are present but not in uniform
may render the military salute. All other persons should face the flag and stand at attention with their right hand over the heart and remove their hat or anything covering their head. FLAG DISPOSAL/ STOWING When disposing of or stowing the flag, following these guidelines: Fold in the traditional triangle for stowage, never wad it up in a bunch. The flag should be folded in its customary manner. It is important that the fire be fairly large and of sufficient intensity to ensure complete burning of the flag. Place the flag on the fire. Individuals should come to attention, salute the flag, recite the Pledge of Allegiance and
have a brief period of silent reflection. After the flag is completely consumed, the fire should then be safely extinguished and the ashes buried. FLAG ETIQUETTE DON’TS Don’t dip the U.S. flag for any person, flag or vessel. Don’t let the flag touch the ground. Don’t fly the flag upside down unless there is an emergency.
Don’t carry the flag flat, or carry things in it. Don’t use the flag as clothing. Don’t store the flag where it can get dirty. Don’t use it as a cover. Don’t fasten it or tie it back. Always allow it to fall free. Don’t draw on, or otherwise mark the flag. Source: www.military.com
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COMPTON From page 4
opened and I saw the need for sharing Jesus.” Compton tried to remind his fellow soldiers to honor God with how they spoke and lived, which he said only resulted in mockery and them speaking even more ungodly in his presence. “I tried to be kind, patient and encouraging to them, but they didn’t accept that,” he said. A military chaplain, who Compton befriended and would help with various tasks, advised him not to confront them but instead to keep witnessing by not joining in with their bad language and way of living. Compton’s relationship with the military chaplains, civilian pastors and church members helped strengthen his faith. BECOMING A PASTOR Following bootcamp, Compton graduated from the Aviation Radio Repair Course as a radio technician. After a year and a half in California, Compton was then sent to the 2nd Marine Air Wing in Cherry Point, North Carolina. It was there he began to realize his true calling. “God’s Holy Spirit was bringing to my attention the greater need for me to help people come to repentance,”
Compton said. “Instead of learning how to repair radios, I wanted to use the Lord to repair people’s hearts.” When Compton brought his desire to be a pastor to his superior officer, however, the officer reminded Compton that his contract with the U.S. Government was not yet up. “This was no problem for God,” he said. “Working through my commanding officer, Colonel C.B. Beasley, my request was granted. Thanks and praise to God.” After three-and-a-half years in the Marines, Compton received an honorable discharge with a Certificate of Good Conduct in August 1962. With the help of the G.I. Bill, his family and Pastor James Roseman of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Havelock, North Carolina, Compton was able to attend St. Paul’s Junior College in Concordia, Missouri, for pre-seminary training. He did this between 1962 and 1964. He then attended a seminary school in Springfield from 1964 to 1968. In 1967, Compton worked as an assistant to the pastor at St. James Lutheran Church, where he met and fell in love with his wife, Carolyn. The two married in 1968, the same year he was ordained.
Dane Compton, left, and his wife, Carolyn, stand side by side at the Veterans Memorial Park in Alexandria. Thalen Zimmerman / Alexandria Echo Press Compton, his wife and their firstborn son, Paul, moved to Garfield in 1974. He served as the pastor of a threecongregation parish – St. John’s in Garfield, St. Paul’s in Holmes City and Trinity in Millerville. He has also served at Zion North Effington in Parkers Prairie, along with conducting monthly devotionals in three assisted living homes in the area. Compton and his wife were blessed with two more children – Joel and Julie. Today, Compton is retired and is a member of the Marine Corps Detachment 1409. He said they meet at the Alexandria VFW and share friendship, fellowship, comfort and encouragement. “I truly enjoyed my time in the service. Without the military, I wouldn’t have been able to
When you see someone who has served in the military, be reminded the Lord is using them to preserve your freedoms and support them with prayers. I am glad to have served and I am proud to be an American. DANE COMPTON
US Marine Corps veteran and pastor
become a pastor or meet my wife,” he said. “When you see someone who has served in the military, be reminded the Lord is using them to preserve your freedoms and support them with prayers. I am glad to have served and I am proud to be an American.”
Thank you for your Service & Sacrifice Toys for Kids Organization
Marine Corps League meets on the 1st Tuesday of each month
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American flag
HOW TO FOLD AN
With one person at either end hold the flag at waist height so the surface is parallel to the ground. Fold lengthwise, folding the lower half of the striped section over the blue field of stars. Fold lengthwise a second time, making sure the blue field is on the outside. If you’re folding a larger flag, it may have to be folded a third time. Start a triangular fold by bringing the striped corner of the folded edge to meet the open edge of the flag. The person folding the flag should take one step forward before
beginning to make it easier to fold. Next, turn the outer point inward, parallel to the open edge, to form a second triangle. Continue the triangular folding until the end is reached, with only the blue showing. If a hem extends beyond the blue field, it should be tucked inside the folds so that it doesn’t show.
Who has entered into a partnership with the VHA to support efforts toward homeless Veterans in their communities and have pledged over $5 million to help end Veteran homelessness? Who supports active military forces, retired Veterans and their family members? Who furnishes food, comfort care items, therapeutic items and gifts, hosts holiday celebrations and recreational activities at military bases and VA hospitals and stands ready to fulfill any need when called upon? • Large Deck • Full Menu Available • Dinner Specials Every Friday • Lots of Space for all your gatherings • Great atmosphere! • 6 Pull tab boxes to choose from! • ETABS Available • Bingo Tuesdays at Noon • Bargo Thursdays at 7PM
Who makes more than $45 million in contributions annually to more then 300 VA Medical Centers, Clinics and State Care Facilities? Who visits thousands of hospitalized Veterans annually who have protected our freedoms?
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Veterans Day
THE HISTORY OF Originally known as Armistice Day, Veterans Day was originally a U.S. legal holiday set to commemorate the end of World War I, which ended on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918. World War I officially ended when the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919, but the fighting had ended about seven months before when the Allies and Germany put into effect an armistice on the 11th hour of November 11, 1918. In 1926, Congress officially recognized November 11, 1918 as the end of the war and, in 1938, through an act of
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Congress, November 11 was made a legal holiday set aside to honor veterans of World War I. World War II and the Korean War then happened, so in 1954, at the urging of the veterans service organizations, Congress amended the Act of 1938 by changing the word “armistice” to the word “veterans.” On June 1, 1954, November 11 became a day to honor American veterans of all wars. Because the date of Veterans Day had also been changed, causing confusion, Congress signed the Uniform Holiday Bill in 1968, ensuring that four national holidays
would be celebrated on Monday: Washington’s Birthday, Memorial Day, Veterans Day and Columbus Day. This also gave federal employees three-day weekends. October 25, 1971 was the first Veterans Day under this new bill, which set the holiday for the fourth Monday of every October. Several states were unhappy with this decision and continued to celebrate the holiday on its original date, which was November 11. It finally became obvious that most Americans wanted to celebrate in November, since it was a date of historic and patriotic significance, so on September 20, 1975, President Gerald R. Ford signed another law returning the annual observance of Veterans Day to its original date of November 11, starting in 1978. Since then, the Veterans Day holiday has been observed on that date. Source: govinfo.gov and defense.gov
DID YOU KNOW? QWhich is the correct spelling of Veterans Day? a. Veterans Day b. Veteran’s Day c. Veterans’ Day
AVeterans Day
(choice a, above). Veterans Day does not include an apostrophe but does include an “s” at the end of “veterans” because it is not a day that “belongs” to veterans, it is a day for honoring all veterans.
2021 marks the centennial of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington Cemetery.
The Echo Press staff & their families are proud to honor all those who served. SALUTE
PAGE 31
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