1st Lt - 8th Air Force1942-1944 (killed in action in 1944)
Thomas D. Deitsch
AIR FORCE Rank: Airman 1st Class Served 4 years
Roger B. Winslow
U.S. Army 9th Infantry Armored DivisionArmored Personnel Carrier – machine gunner - Rank E 5 - Vietnam War 1966-1967
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Charles Kantak
Army 1941-1945 PFC
Silver Star recipient
Jack Frimodig
Vietnam 1967-1968, U.S. Army, E-5 Sargeant
John C. Adams
Branch: US Navy
Rank: Lieutenant
Yrs. of service: 1972 - 1978 and 1983 – 1987
Christian Krotzer
U.S. Coast Guard
Martha Luis
U.S. Army.
Served in Desert Storm
Robbie Bliesener
Navy - E-620 years of service
Charles W. Finney
US Navy
ET2Electronics Technician 2nd class Petty Officer August 1956August 1960
Darrell Lambert
Edward J Maxson Army 2nd Lieutenant 2.5 years after 5 years in the Army National Guard
Paul Spencer
He is the best uncle anyone
could have.
FAQ ABOUT VETERANS DAY
Paul Ross
My dad was a medic in the Army during the Vietnam War, he helped the wounded vets. He handled those who didn’t make it as well. He will always be My hero!
Richard J. Hackman
Branch of Service: U.S. Navy, Medical Service Corps
Rank: Commander Years of Service: 1983 - 2003
Each November, millions of people recognize the service and sacrifice of military veterans on Veterans Day. Initially commemorated as Armistice Day but renamed Veterans Day in the United States in 1954, the holiday is a federal holiday throughout the country.
The first Armistice Day was observed in 1919. Despite that lengthy history, the general public may still have questions about Veterans Day.
When is Veterans Day observed?
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs notes that Veterans Day is always observed officially on November 11, regardless of which day of the week that happens to be. In 2024, Veterans Day is Monday, November 11.
Why is November 11 so significant?
November 11 is a significant day in world history because it marks the signing of the armistice between the Allies of World War I and
Germany at 5:45 a.m. on November 11, 1918. Though the formal peace treaty, the Treaty of Versailles, was not signed until 1919 and hostilities between the sides continued for hours after the armistice was signed, the day is still viewed as the end of World War I.
What distinguishes Veterans Day from Memorial Day?
The VA notes that Veterans Day honors all those individuals who served honorably in the miliary during both wartime and peacetime. Memorial Day is a day to honor and remember military personnel who died in the service of their country, particularly those who lost their lives in battle or as a result of wounds sustained in battle.
What is the significance of red poppies?
Red poppies are ubiquitous on Memorial Day, but they’re also visible on Veterans Day. Though it’s not taboo to wear red poppies on
Veterans Day, it’s a tradition that aligns more with Memorial Day. That’s because the poppies are typically worn to honor fallen military personnel. A 1915 poem written by a Canadian Lieutenant Colonel named John McCrae referred to the fields of poppies growing around the graves of World War I soldiers in Flanders.
Do other countries honor their military veterans?
Many countries across the globe honor their military veterans, and many do so on November 11 as well. For example, Canadians and Australians observe Remembrance Day in honor of their nation’s respective veterans on November 11. Great Britain observes Remembrance Day on the Sunday nearest to November 11.
Veterans Day is a day to honor and commemorate the brave men and women who have honorably served in the U.S. military during wartime and peacetime.
Millions of people make considerable sacrifices to protect the freedoms of their fellow citizens. According to the Pew Research Center and data from the Department of Veterans Affairs and the U.S. Census Bureau, there are currently more than 18 million living veterans in the United States. The 2021 Census counted 461,240 veterans in Canada, according to Veterans Affairs Canada.
The term “veteran” refers to a person who served in the active military, naval, air service, or space service and was discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable. In the U.S., there are actually five types of protected veterans, according to the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974. Under VEVRAA, a veteran may be classified as a disabled veteran, recently separated veteran, active duty wartime or campaign badge veteran, or Armed Forces service medal veteran.
Veterans deserve respect and admiration all year long, but also get their own holiday each November. Veterans Day celebrates veterans’ patriotism and willingness to sacrifice and serve. This Veterans Day, people can consider these eight unique ways to honor the veterans in their community.
1. Attend events. Organize
8 WAYS TO HONOR VETERANS Roger Stowell
or participate in local Veterans Day celebrations, such as parades and ceremonial events.
2. Get involved with veterans’ affairs. Support veterans by volunteering with organizations that assist them, such as the VA, local veteran’s groups, VA hospitals, or charities dedicated to veteran services.
3. Petition for veteran speakers. Reach out to schools, scout troops or other groups and arrange opportunities for veterans to share their stories and contributions. Learning about the sacrifices these men and women made can heighten individuals’ appreciation for veterans.
4. Support the families of veterans. Reach out to veterans’ families, who also must make sacrifices and concessions. Anything from shopping, babysitting, doing chores, or making a meal can help the families of veterans.
5. Make a donation. If finances allow, make contributions to reputable charities that provide services for veterans like those that offer mental health counseling or job placement services.
If there isn’t a charity that fits with your vision, begin one.
6. Hire veterans to work. If you are a business owner or hiring manager, consider hiring veterans for open positions at your company. It can be challenging to re-enter the workforce after service, so make it known that your firm welcomes veterans.
7. Offer personal acknowledgements. Take the time to speak to veterans and thank them for their service. If possible, when dining out, ask the server if you can pay for the meal of a veteran who also is dining that day.
8. Don’t forget the fallen veterans. Although Memorial Day is designed to honor those who lost their lives through military service, people still can honor the fallen veterans on Veterans Day by sharing stories or placing flags at veteran cemeteries.
Veterans Day is celebrated on November 11, marking an opportunity to express one’s gratitude and support for the scores of veterans who have served honorably.
U.S. Marine Corp
CPL E-4. 1957-1963.
3 Years Active. 3 Years Reserves.
Arthur Rehkopf
Art has spent over 20 years serving our country.
HOW TO SHOW YOUR SUPPORT FOR VETERANS
Supporting veterans is a worthy endeavor at any time of year, though such efforts tend to be more prominent in November. Veterans Day is celebrated annually on November 11 in honor of the millions of individuals across the United States who are military veterans. The day coincides with holidays such as Armistice Day and Remembrance Day, which are celebrated in other countries and also honor military veterans. There’s no denying that veterans need the support of the people whose freedoms they protect. According to a 2021 study from researchers at Brown University’s Watson Institute for International and Public Affairs, the percentage of veterans with disabilities is significantly higher among post-9/11 veterans (40 percent) than it was with veterans from previous eras (25 percent for Gulf War I veterans and 13 percent for veterans of previous wars). Veterans can benefit from support legislated by elected officials in Washington, D.C., but there’s also many things ordinary citizens can do to show how much they appreciate the sacrifices veterans and their families have made and will make in the years to come.
•Visit wounded veterans.
The United States Census Bureau reports that more than one-third of the near -
ly 3.8 million men and women who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces since September 2001 have a service-connected disability. Many of these individuals are fighting to overcome physical injuries sustained while on active duty. Individuals who want to show their support for veterans can contact their local VA facility to arrange a visit to wounded veterans. Such visits can lift veterans’ spirits and reassure them that their sacrifices are both acknowledged and appreciated.
•Support legislation that supports veterans. Though it might seem like a no-brainer, legislation to support veterans often faces an uphill battle to get passed. By supporting legislation that ensures veterans get the support they need, individuals can send a message to veterans that they haven’t been forgotten and that the very democratic principles they fought to protect are alive and well. Citizens can write letters to their elected officials, urging them to support veteran-friendly legislation, and raise awareness of bills and laws through social media.
•Help raise awareness about homeless veter -
ans. Data from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development estimates that approximately 40,000 veterans are homeless on any given night. But that figure doesn’t tell the whole story, as the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans notes that, over the course of a year, roughly twice that many veterans experience homelessness. The NCHV believes that programs to assist homeless veterans should focus on helping them reach a point where they can obtain and sustain gainful employment. In addition, the NCHV feels that the most effective programs are community-based, nonprofit, “veterans helping veterans” groups. Individuals can offer their support to such groups through financial donations or other means so they can continue to ensure no veteran sleeps on the street.
Veterans Day is a time to show veterans that their service and sacrifices are not taken for granted. Visiting wounded veterans and supporting efforts to ensure veterans get what they need to live full, healthy and happy lives is a great way to send the message that veterans are appreciated.
Colon Laney
Outstanding, honorable man! Still helping vets today.
PFC Lewis John Meekhof
US Army ( Served during WWII)Years of Service: 1944-1946
Commander
Steven Bailey
30 years of service with the US Navy.
HOW TO HELP AGING VETERANS
According to data from the Department of Veterans Affairs, surveys from the Pew Research Center and the U.S. Census Bureau, there were more than 18 million living military veterans in the United States by the end of 2023. Seventy-two percent of those veterans are age 50 and older, and many served during wartime.
Military personnel make significant sacrifices to protect the freedoms Americans enjoy each day, and it’s vital that those efforts are never forgotten, even if it’s been decades since service personnel have been on active duty.
Thirty-seven percent of living veterans are age 70 and older, and these brave individuals must face the challenges of aging as well as some, including chronic injuries, that might be traced to their time in the military. That
makes helping aging veterans an especially worthy endeavor, and those interested in doing just that can consider the following ideas.
•Offer your expertise free of charge. Working professionals can help aging veterans by providing advice or services free of charge or at steep discounts. For example, accountants can offer to prepare and file aging veterans’ tax returns free of charge or, if the returns are complicated, at steep discounts. Financial advisors can visit a local veterans hall or home and speak to members or residents about managing money after retirement.
•Invite veterans over for special events or gatherings. The Department of Veterans Affairs reports that veterans who
served in the last 30 years make up the largest number of living veterans. Though there are still plenty of veterans who served prior to 1994, they may no longer have extensive social networks as more and more aging veterans pass away. Social connections are vital to long-term health, and researchers at the Center for Healthy Aging at Penn State University found that adults between the ages of 70 and 90 who reported more frequent, pleasant social interactions exhibited improved cognitive performance in the ensuing days. Individuals who want to help aging veterans can invite them over for special events, such as game watches, holiday gatherings or even weekly family meals.
•Pitch in around the house. Whether they suffered injuries during their time in the service or not, many aging veterans face the same physical limitations as others approaching or past retirement age. Offer to help aging veterans around the house. Mobility issues can make it hard to mow a lawn, tend to a garden or clean the interior of a home. Such tasks are made much easier when others pitch in, and these gestures can be a great way for families to show their appreciation to the brave individuals who protected the freedoms Americans enjoy each day.
There’s no shortage of ways to help aging veterans, many of whom could use a helping hand as they navigate their golden years.
Brent Sieggreen
Brent is a United States Marine corps veteran. He’s a hard-working father of two wonderful children! He’s also a local chef at one of the most popular hotels here in Midland, The H hotel. Brent goes above and beyond to me everybody’s needs. He is always putting everyone first and making himself last. Brent is proud that he served in the united States Marine corps. Unfortunately his time was cut short due to a head injury he sustained in Iraq. I am honoring Brent because I’m very proud of how he
gets up and continues with life everyday. He’s a hard worker and a wonderful father. He is loved by many people especially his children. He is there for them and will continue to be there for them always. A big thank you to Brent for serving and protecting our country, just remember we love you!
Joe Fernette
He runs Midland Local and works with a lot of locally owned businesses. He grew up in Midland and now is starting his own family in Midland.
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I believe Joe Fernette should be honored because he is a Veteran who does outstanding work within the Midland Community. He dedicates his time to become involved in the community with his own business, and also brings other businesses together as well.
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Joe is a Marine Corps. veteran. He was part of Operation Enduring Freedom, serving two tours in Afghanistan. He now owns Midland Local, a site that helps the community and local businesses be seen and flourish.
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Joe is an outstanding member of the Midland community and goes above and beyond to bring Midland together
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Joe is a Marine Corps veteran. He served two tours in Afghanistan, one in which he selflessly made the decision to stay back instead of returning home when he was needed. Joe was born and raised in Midland, he returned to Midland after his service in the Marines. He is now the owner of Midland Local, a business that strives to grow the Midland community by supporting local businesses. I am nominating Joe because he is one of the most selfless and hard working people I know, with putting all of his time and effort into this community and by raising his son to know the same values. We love you!
MSG (Ret) Ted L Bookless
For over 25 years of service in the U.S. Army, Special Forces. After graduating the Special Forces Qualification Course (SFQC) with class 03-84 on 27 July 1984, at the age of 18, and the rank of PVT2 (E-2) he went on to work in Special Operations for the duration of his career including 3.5 years as a breacher in a forward deployed counter terrorist unit, 3.5 years in DELTA Forces as their SERE NCO, 3 years as an instructor for the USASOC Mountaineering and Rescue Instructor Training Course, and several years as Regional Survey Team (RST) member, conducting Embassy Security Surveys. In 2003, SFC Bookless was on the first aircraft going into Iraq via Turkey and as the, “Blue Prong” commander for Operation Viking Hammer, fighting with the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) troops
to clear a terrorist faction out of 21 PUK villages so the Kurds would fight with 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne) soldiers against Sadam Hussain’s regular troops. His actions during his tour in Iraq earned him; Combat Infantry Badge, (CIB) a Bronze Star, combat shoulder sleeve patch, Iraqi Campaign ribbon with Arrowhead Device, Expeditionary Medal and a Meritorious Service Medal. By the end of his career, MSG Bookless had worked in 33 countries, co-authored a classified manual (The CIF Commanders Guide) and trained hundreds of troops, both foreign and domestic. MSG Bookless was medically retired in 2010.
Brad Blanchard
His service to all of the tri city’s community should not go unrecognized! His nonprofit Great Lakes Bay Veterans Coalition helps so many vets and so much more.
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Brad Blanchard is a veteran and has worked with multiple local employer veterans organizations (including Dow and SK, for example) and is the founder of the Great Lakes Bay Veterans Coalition. He has collaborated with local Boy Scout and Girl Scouts to help veterans, the VFW and local schools for flag etiquette training, flag ceremonies, and so
much more! He has impacted the lives of so many veterans, their families and engaged with non-veterans in the community to help veterans in need. I know I’m not even beginning to touch on the smallest portion of what Brad does but want to make sure his name is submitted based on my personal interactions with him at different points over the last 10+ years.
William “Bill” Kocks
Celebrate WWII Veteran Bill Kocks’ 100th birthday on June 6th, 2024!
Please help me in celebrating this remarkable man, who I am honored to call Grandpa. Grandpa Bill will be marking an extraordinary milestone on June 6th, 2024, as he celebrates his 100th birthday.
A decorated World War II veteran and former POW, he demonstrated unwavering courage and resilience during his service.
Upon his return home, he took on the selfless responsibility of singlehandedly raising six wonderful children, instilling in them the
values of honesty, compassion, love and loyalty. His legacy continues to inspire and guide his family and community to this day. Many call him a Hero.
Celebrate Grandpa Bill Kocks’ 100th birthday on June 6th, 2024!
To show appreciation for his service and remarkable journey to 100, his family is asking to mail him a birthday card. A surprise he will certainly treasure and appreciate.
Mary Lucille Ranph, R.N.
U.S. Army, “Single Parent” Serving Serving and Raising Captain Stephen H. Randolph and her 1st son Steven Randolph in Detroit, MI. Her Husband was overseas in Germany serving as a combat surgeon in the U.S. Army Medical Corp.
Captain Stephen Herbert Randolph, M.D.
Combat Surgeon in Germany. U.S. Army Medical Corp. 1943-1945
General Surgeon in Midland, Michigan for 30+ years
Tom Manary
Tom is known for working for Midland County in the County Building doing his own job there and helping everyone he can with their jobs too. He helps with the parades, the Santa arrival & house, the court house, the display of flags through our the city during holiday times. He helps out the elderly and Pinecrest nursing home. If you need help, call Tom, he will be there to help you out!
WILLIAM D. MEEKHOF
Entered service-January 14, 1942, Branch of serviceArmy.
Trained at-Fort Riley, Kansas; Fort Fredia, California. Embarked-April 27 1944 for European Theatre EngagementsNormandy; Northern France; Rhineland; Ardennes: Cenh”al Europe.
Tom is a great guy who works nonstop. He helps anyone that needs help! He will be missed being a well known fixture sitting in a chair behind a desk at the county building after he retires in February 2025! It will be hard to replace Tom!
Returned to StatesNovember 14, 1945.
Discharge StationIndiantown Ga.p, Pennsylvan.io.. Date of Discharge-November 18, 1945.
