FALLEN SOLDIER MEMORIAL Jim Wegener

FALLEN SOLDIER MEMORIAL Jim Wegener

– by Michael Roof –

While standing in the draft line, the recruiter ordered everyone to count off one through four. Jim happened to be a four. The recruiter then said, "All fours step forward; you are now a U.S. Marine!" A guy overheard Jim say he didn't want to be a marine, so the two quickly switched places. This fateful day is the day Jim became an Army soldier. Jim served his country faithfully and was grateful the day came to return home.

In 1968, Jim flew back home from Vietnam wearing his uniform. Although he was proud to have served in Vietnam, he felt somewhat uncomfortable while walking through the airports. He had heard what people back in America thought of those serving in the war.

In 1986, Jim had been with his girlfriend Susan (now wife) for about four years when he asked her if she would like to see the movie Platoon. Susan was pleasantly surprised as Jim did not care much for movies. Since she loved going to the theater, she eagerly agreed. Fifteen minutes into the film, Jim leaned over and whispered, "I was there." Susan asked, "Did it rain like that over there?" After that, Jim did not talk to her for two weeks.

Jim helped start the Traverse City Vietnam Veterans Chapter#211 with Larry Butcher, Bill Cedar, John Lebrun, and Bill Swartout. Jim felt it was essential to get other Vietnam veterans together. The chapter organized parades and picnics, where fellow Vietnam veterans would come from all over the United States to Traverse City. The events helped others feel good about their service. Jim would also dress as Santa Claus, and the chapter would pass out gifts to needy families.

Jim was a founding member of the Grand Traverse Veterans Coalition. The GTC Coalition would grow to become the central hub for veteran organizations for the area. Jim served as a board member for the Grand Traverse County Department of Veterans Affairs. He was also a committee member for over 20 years. He stepped down in 2018 after serving his final term as Chairman.

He found great reward and healing in showing appreciation to his fellow veterans. He was responsible for putting together and facilitating the Veterans Day ceremony at Veterans Memorial Park in Traverse City and Elks Lodge #323 for over 20 years. Being a former TCAPS bus driver, Jim felt it of great importance to hold a Veteran's Day ceremony at the bus garage to honor all veterans there. He did this for 15 years. A breakfast buffet was available and paid for by Jim personally. He was a man marked by generocity and care of others. Continued....

Jim was a desirable person to have on your side. He was fiercely loyal to everyone he loved and would give the shirt off his back should the need arise. Jim was a veteran's best friend. He wanted to make sure that all veterans felt appreciated for their service and sacrifice.

Jim never wanted to travel to Washington, D.C., but after some persuasive conversations, his wife got him to go in 2010. He visited the monuments but struggled at the Vietnam Memorial. He found the names of those he served with and was moved emotionally at the memories that flooded.

Jim passed away on November 8, 2019. He had planned this year's Veterans Day ceremony at the Elk's Lodge. Jim kept a binder that held the ceremony agendas for all his Veterans Day events. This event was to be his last year as Master of Ceremonies. Jim planned on handing off the baton of responsibility to someone else to run the next leg. Within the binder was this farewell,

"As I get a bit older each year, I have begun to appreciate the freedoms that I have. We live in the greatest country in the world, due in part to the efforts of our armed forces who often put themselves in harm's way to protect our rights, freedoms, and our people. I just wanted to personally say to each of you that served that I really appreciate what you did to protect us all. God Bless You, and God Bless America."

Those words define the character of Jim Wegener. Soldier servant. Grateful and giving. We salute you, Jim, and God Bless you!