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VETERANS 2010
C2 THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2010
THE NORTH PLATTE TELEGRAPH
11th hour, 11th day, 11th month Observance that began with WWI armistice now honors the sacrifice of all veterans By SHARRON HOLLEN The North Platte Telegraph
t was the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. It was 1918. The armistice was in effect. Hostilities had ceased. The war was over. Edwin L. James, a war correspondent, wrote: “WITH THE AMERICAN ARMY IN FRANCE, Nov. 11 — They stopped fighting at 11 o’clock this morning. In a twinkling, four years of killing and massacre stopped as if God had swept His omnipotent finger across the scene of world carnage and had cried ‘Enough.’” War correspondent Philip Gibbs wrote: “WITH THE BRITISH ARMIES, Nov. 11 — Last night, for the first time since August in the first year of the war, there was no light of gunfire in the sky, no sudden stabs of flame through the darkness, no spreading glow above black trees where for four years of nights human beings were smashed to death. The Fires of Hell had been put out.” The Great War, the war that it believed would end all wars, was over with the signing of the armistice on Nov. 11, 1918. On the first-year anniversary of the truce, President Woodrow Wilson, who issued a proclamation eulogizing those fallen Allied soldiers, would refer to the date as Armistice Day. In 1926, a Congressional resolution in recognition of the end of the first modern global conflict was passed and Armistice Day, which would eventually become known as Veterans Day, came into being. In 1938, a Congressional act declared that the 11th of November would be a legal holiday. While the day was initially set aside to honor veterans of World War I and commemorate peace in the world, the ensuing
I
years would prove that The Great War and the war intended to end all wars had not brought war to an end. By 1954, the nation had fought World War II, requiring the greatest mobilization of soldiers, sailors, Marines and airmen in the nation’s history. American forces had also fought aggression in Korea. At the urging of veterans’ service organizations, the 1938 act that had declared Nov. 11 as Armistice Day was amended to call it Veterans Day to honor American veterans of all wars. President Dwight D. Eisenhower issued the first Veterans Day proclamation seeking proper and widespread observance of the day by all veterans, veterans’ organizations and the entire citizenry. While the birth of Veterans Day came at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, there was an attempt by the federal government to change all that. With the 1968 introduction of the Uniform Holiday Bill, Veterans Day was changed to become a Monday holiday that would create a three-day weekend. The first year under the new law saw Veterans Day being observed on Oct. 25. It proved to be an action that brought on a war-like furor. The day, and specifically the date, held both historic and patriotic significance. It was, said legislators, veterans and the general public, akin to changing the date for Independence Day to something other than July 4. President Gerald Ford signed the law that returned the annual observance of Veterans Day to its original date of Nov. 11, declaring it a day to honor America’s veterans for their patriotism, love of country and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.
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Above: The World War I memorial in Washington, D.C. Veterans Day, once known as Armistice Day, is on Nov. 11, the day the armistice was signed between the Allies of World War I and Germany for the cessation of hostilities on the Western Front. Left: The Normandy American Cemetery, a World War II cemetery and memorial in Colleville-sur-Mer, Normandy, France, that honors American soldiers who died in Europe during World War II.
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VETERANS 2010
THE NORTH PLATTE TELEGRAPH
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2010
C3
Codetalker speaks at Veteran’s Day ceremony Guest speaker shares stories of childhood, war at Maywood event By MARK YOUNG The North Platte Telegraph
MAYWOOD — They were considered the best-kept secret of the U.S. military during World War II and it was years before their story was told. One of the most important keys to a successful military campaign is secrecy. While the
United States managed to break both German and Japanese codes, the enemy was never able to break the American code due to using Native Americans to deliver messages in their native languages. They were called Codetalkers and Windtalkers, the difference being that Codetalkers were Lakota Indians while Windtalkers were Navajo. Sibby LaBeau was a Codetalker during World War II for the U.S. Navy, a duty he performed after serving in a special operations unit that helped launched the invasion of North Africa. LaBeau was the guest speaker at Maywood’s annual Veterans Day
ceremony held at the Junior-Senior High School on Wednesday. “I’m proud to be here with gracious people,” he said in his native Lakota tongue. “By the grace of God, He let me live this long to tell you thank you.” LaBeau told the students of his upbringing on a South Dakota Indian Reservation, where he was taken from his parents at the age of 2, to be trained in the old ways of his people. “Every 8 years, eight boys were taken to the clan grandmothers and clan grandfathers to be taught by the remeberers because our ways and history were passed down orally,” he said. “I was one of the last to ever be chosen.” As soon as he could walk, he was being taught to run and survive in the lands he called home. By the age of 7, they were running 30 miles. One day the tribe elders told him that he must col-
lect the white hairs of a whitetail deer, without injuring the deer. “I told my grandfather what I must do and he said, ‘They don’t think you can do it. Go and live with the herd, let them get used to you,’” he said. So at the age of 7, LaBeau lived with a herd of deer for 5 weeks on his own, attempting to befriend one particular doe. He followed the doe around for weeks, “Kind of like I do my wife,” he said. Eventually, the doe became used to him and let him bed down beside her. Without effort, LaBeau was able to complete what his elders had asked of him. LaBeau said it was that training as a boy that prepared him for everything life had in store for him in the future, including his military service. He trained with a special operations unit that was a joint unit between the Army and Navy. He helped lay
the groundwork of the invasion of North Africa by clearing submarine nets and warning cables at a key entrance point. He later served aboard a naval ship and directed artillery fire that was relayed by another Codetalker on shore. LaBeau retired from the Navy as a chief petty officer. Each year, the Maywood Junior-Senior High School plays host to a Veterans Day ceremony, organized by Adrienne Johnson. Maywood Social Science Instructor Thompson Herman gave the opening remarks on Wednesday. “We are here today to honor the sacrifices of generations of veterans who have served both at war and in peace time,” he said. “Too often, we look for heroes in sports or other places when heroes exist as our neighbors who are veterans, if we only stop to hear their stories.”
Photos by Mark Young / The North Platte Telegraph
Above: World War II veteran Sibby LaBeau was the guest speaker at Maywood Junior-Senior High School on Wednesday for their annual Veterans Day ceremony. LaBeau served in special operations during the pre-invasion of North Africa and went on to become a Codetalker for the U.S. Navy.
Right: Members of the V.F.W. State Color Guard teach students of Maywood and Curtis Public Schools what each fold of the U.S. Flag means during a Veteran’s Day ceremony in Maywood. Each year the school conducts their ceremony the day before Veteran’s Day.
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VETERANS 2010
C4 THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2010
Remembering our fallen Program at Air and Space Museum will honor the memory of soldiers killed in Iraq, Afghanistan wars through photos By DIANE WETZEL The North Platte Telegraph
More than 300 family members will gather in Ashland on Sunday, Nov. 14, at the Strategic Air and Space Museum to witness the opening of a display of photographs of people with ties to Nebraska and Western Iowa who were killed during wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. The display and subsequent traveling exhibit is the creation of Bill and Evonne Williams. Evonne Williams is interim director of SASM. “I had read an article in the Omaha World-Herald about Lonnie Ford, whose son Joshua was killed in Iraq,” Evonne Williams said. “He talked about how people gradually drew away from him. I thought we really need to do something.” The Williamses were the founders of the Heartland Honor Flight, celebrating veterans of World War II by
taking 1,500 WWII veterans to Washington, D.C., to see the World War II memorial. They also organized last month’s “Salute to Women on the Home Front” event, featuring the North Platte Canteen. The exhibit, titled “Remembering Our Fallen,” will stay at the museum until the end of the year. In January it will be at the Capital rotunda in Lincoln, then travel across the state to hometowns of the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice. “We hope the display will remind people of the cost of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan,” said Evonne Williams. “The Afghan war is now the longest in our history.” Response from family members has been overwhelming, Evonne said. “We have received RSVPs from more than half of the family members,” Evonne Williams said. “People are traveling here from all across
Time and Temperature 532-6007 YOUR SOURCE of news & information in North Platte and West Central Nebraska since 1881
the state which reminds us of how important it is to remember.” Lt. Governor Rick Sheehy will join Omaha World-Herald reporter David Kotok and World-Herald photographer Jeff Bundy for a program scheduled to begin at 1:30 p.m. There will be a private viewing of the display for families at 11 a.m. “When my son Ben was deployed in Iraq my co-workers stopped asking me about him because I would cry,” Evonne said. “That hurt even more. If you lose a child and no one speaks their name, it doubles the loss. “It helps to know people remember,” Evonne added. “We cannot ignore these men and women who lost their lives in service for our country and their families’ sacrifices.” SASM and the Williamses have partnered with the World-Herald, who has provided photos and other content for the display. Sunday’s event is free to Iraq and Afghanistan veterans and their families and will also feature a performance by comedian Tim Clue. Kotok and Bundy were embedded with the Nebraska National Guard Troop A, 1st Squadron, 167th Calvary and other units for 45 days in 2005. Members of the public will pay general admission to the Museum, with a portion of the proceeds going to the Wounded Warrior Project. “This is our way to thank as many of the current generation of servicemen and women as we can,” Evonne said. “For a parent who has lost a child, the sweetest sound in the world is their name. We must speak their names.”
THE NORTH PLATTE TELEGRAPH
VA begins payouts for new illnesses By HEATHER JOHNSON The North Platte Telegraph
The first wave of disability benefits are being doled out to Vietnam veterans who suffer from B-cell leukemia, Parkinson’s disease and ischemic heart disease linked to Agent Orange exposure. The illnesses were recently added to the Department of Veterans Affairs list of those compensation is available for. “The joint efforts of Congress and VA demonstrate a commitment to provide Vietnam veterans with treatment and compensation for the long-term health effects of herbicide exposure,” said secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric Shinseki. According to the VA, up to 200,000 Vietnam vets may be eligible to receive disability benefits for medical
conditions associated with Agent Orange, and the VA has launched a series of new initiatives in preparation for an increase in claims. Lincoln County veterans service officer Paul Cooper said that anyone who served in Vietnam and has a “presumed” illness does not have to prove there’s a link between the illness and their military service. Coopers said it takes about four months to process claims, so anyone hoping to receive benefits should file soon. Claims can be filed at the Lincoln County Veterans Service Office at 311 North Vine Street, Suite 2. The office is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. It serves approximately 3,500 vets in Lincoln and McPherson counties.
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★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
John R. Feeney
Alex M. Feeney
U.S. Army 1951-1953 Korea
U.S. Army Military Police Ft. Cambell Kentucky MEDALS & HONORS: Air Assault Badge, Expert Rifle, Expert Pistol, PT Badge, Company Coin
★
Leland M. Warner U.S. Navy Korea 1948-1953 Medals & Honors: Good Conduct Medal, Japan Occupation, China Service, Korea Service, United Nations
Joel W. Phillips
V. Ray Mullen
Marine Corp 1980-1991 Hawaii, Japan, Philippines, China Helicopter Pilot - Captain
U.S. Army Engineer 1966-1968 Vietnam Medals & Honors: Sharp Shooter; 18th Engineer Brigade; Certificate of service Republic Vietnam
★ Brad Rosno
Phil K. Martin
U.S. Army 2007 to Present 2008-2009 Iraq
U.S. Army 1963-1967 Korea
Floyd Hinrichsen
Dean E. Gottula
U.S. Army Korea 1951-1953
U.S. Navy WW II 1941-1945 Torpedo Man
Kenneth H. Schmid
★ Rollo Harvey
Rick Harvey
Chris Harvey
Jase Harvey
U.S. Marines WWII 1940-1945
U.S. Navy 1965-1972
U.S. Navy 1990-1996
U.S. Navy 2010 to Present
U.S. Army 83rd Division WW II 1941-1945 Ardennes Rhineland; Central Europe Medals & Awards: American Defense Ribbon, Combat Badge; Presidential Citation European battle ETO Ribbon with 3 battle Stars
★
Mark Young
Gerhart Martin “George” Kruse US Navy April 1942-1945 Washington D.C.
★
Robert R. Kruse
Floyd Kruse
Herbert F. Kruse
US Army, 23rd Infantry August 1942- December 1945 England, Germany & France MEDALS & HONORS: Bronze Star, Oak Cluster, Good Conduct Medal, Battle Stars, Ardennes Rhineland, Central Europe, Carbine Marksmith
US Army PFC February 1942-1945 Belgium MEDALS & HONORS: Good Conduct Medal, Carbine Marksman, Anticraft Gunnery
US Army February 1942-1944 France MEDALS & HONORS: Purple Heart, Bronze Star, Good Conduct Medal
U.S. Army 1982-1985 Basic Training and Advanced Infantry Training; Ft. Benning Georgia Jump School; Ft. Benning Georgia Ranger Indoctrination Program; Ft. Lewis Washington 2nd Battalion, 75th Infantry; Ft. Lewis Washington 3rd Battlalion 60th Infantry; Ft. Lewis Washington MOS: 11B1P; airborne qualified, expert qualification in M-16, .45 pistol, M-60 machine gun, Expert Infantry Badge Temporary Duty Stations: California and Central America
★
Robert L. Hanneman S-SGT Thomas K. Rayburn
Oliver K. Rayburn
Thomas K. Rayburn, Jr.
United States Navy 1967-1972 USS Proteus USS Westchester County LST Guam, San Diego, Coronado
United States Navy 1942-1947 San Diego, Hawaii, New Hebrides, Corpus Christi
United States Marine Corps 1996-2001 Air Framer-Sgt. KC-130 Ft. Worth, TX, Pensacola
James Ivan Miller U.S. Army Served 1918 - 1919 WWI
Vernon M. Rayburn United States Army World War I
U.S. Army - Ord Mos-1965 Signal mos-1641 1950-1953 Korea & Ready Reserves to 1959 MEDALS & HONORS: Good Conduct Medal -United Nations Medal- National Defense MedalKorean Service Medal-Republic of Korean War Medal - Sharpshooter M.I. Rifle Medal - 1-U.S Army Accommodations Award
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
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★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Robert L. Powers
★ ★
★
U.S. Army 3rd Brigade 25th Infantry Division 1966 –1968 Vietnam Medals & Honors: Combat Medic Badge; Purple Heart; US Army Commendation Medal; Republic of Vietnam; Cross of Gallantry with Palm; Republic of Vietnam Civil Action Honor Medal (1st Class)
★
C6
Thurston Allen
Robert Michaels
U.S. Navy Korea 1952-1956
U.S. Navy 1952-1956 Korea
★
Dennis Miller
Jeffrey Miller
U.S. Navy 1966-1970 USS Franklin D. Roosevelt Taipei; Taiwan Medals & Honors: National Defense; Vietnam Service & Republic of Vietnam
U.S. Marines 1997-2001 Camp Lejuene, North Carolina Medals & Honors: National Defense; Navy Achievement; Good Conduct & Meritorious Service
★
★
Charles John Tilford US Navy March 1949 - November 1953 Korea Destroyer
Eugene Horst U.S. Marines July 1939 - Aug 1945 Guadacanal, New Zealand, Temian, Iceland, Saipan Medals & Honors: Good Conduct, 3 Presidential Citations
Clyde Nichols U.S. Airforce 1954-1974 Medals & Honors: Vietnam Service Medal and 10 other awards
★
Lloyd C. Farmer U.S. Army 1950-1952 MEDALS & HONORS: Purple Heart, UN Service Medal, Korean Service Medal with 3 Bronze Star
★
SGT. Donald S. Biggs U.S. Marine Corps WW II 1941-1945 Medals & Honors: American Campaign Medal; WW II Victory Medal; Good Conduct Asiatic Campaign Medal
Robert L. Shanahan
Chuck McCarty 1966-1968 U.S. Army B Btry 6th Bn 82nd D Btry Tulsa, USAR Con GP Anl Tng, USAAC St Louis, Vietnam Awards: National Service medal, Vietnam campaign, Vietnam Service
Chief Petty Officer U.S. Coast Guard Long Range Navigation 1939-1946 Marshall Islands (South Pacific), Curtis Bay, MD, Westport, WA, Port Stevens, OR, New London, CT
★
LCpl Colby G Robinson
Captain Tyler B Robinson
U S Marine Corps Enlisted July 2008 Currently serving in Afghanistan 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Division, Lima Company Participated in the Battle for Safar in southern Afghanistan
U S Marine Corps Commissioned May 2006 Currently stationed at MCAS Miramar near San Diego CA HMH-465 Warhorse Squadron Helicopter pilot for CH-53 Super Stallion
★
William H. Friesell
Ernest H. Friesell
Former SSGT-USAF United States Air Force 1969-1973 Korea, Vietnam, Thailand U.S. Army National Guard 1974-1975 MEDALS & HONORS: Vietnam Service Ribbon Good Conduct medal Armed Forces Expedition medal Crew Chief of the month NCO Leadership Academy
SPC. 4th Class U.S. Army - Regular Army 2007 - to present (Active) Fort Sill Army Base Fort Drum, New York Kabul Army Base Afghanistan MEDALS & HONORS: Marksman-M-16 Honor Graduate, Ft. Sill, Oklahoma
Grant L. Remus
Ronald L. Bourne
CPL INF U.S. Army 232nd Infantry, 42nd Division 1944-1946 2 years Rhineland, Central Europe MEDALS & HONORS: WWII Medal, POW Medal, Purple Heart, Bronze Star, Good Conduct Meitorious Unit Award American Theater, Victory Ribbon, EAMET Ribbon Combat Infantry Badge
Captain U.S. Army 1966-1969 Vietnam April 1968 - April 1969 3rd Surgical Hospital Must Unit - Dong Tam 9th Infantry Division
★
John Bates U.S. Army MEDALS & HONORS: Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Joint Meritorious Unit Award, USN “E” Ribbon, Army Good Conduct Medal, Navy Good Conduct Medal, Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Non-Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Ribbon, Armed Forces Reserve Medal,Navy Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Nebraska National Guard Emergency Service Ribbon, Nebraska National Guard Service Ribbon, California Counter Drug Ribbon
Ira W. Chesley
Dustin B. Schrag
U.S. Army July 1944-1946 World War II: Europe Helped secure the Ludendorff RR Bridge at Remagen on March 7, 1945 MEDALS & HONORS: EAMET Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, Victory Ribbon
U.S. Navy SeaBee 2004, Iraq 2004 - Present, San Diego
★
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
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★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
★ ★★ Coming Home
Dennis Leighton
David Leighton
U.S. Navy 1961-1964
U.S. Army 82nd Airborne 1999-2002
★ ★ Ivan Gutherless
John E. Henry
U.S. Army 1950-1952 Korea Conflict
U.S. Coast Guard 1940-1946
Ervin McGregor
Harry R. Spohn
U.S. Army Air Corps WW II 1942-1945 Northern France, Rhineland, England, Germany, Belgium. Medals & Honors: (4) Overseas Bars: (2) Bronze Battle Stars: European, Africa, Eastern Ribbons
U.S Navy & U.S. Navy Reserve 5 years Terr of Hawaii - U.S. Japan - Korea MEDALS & HONORS: Korean Service WWII Navy Good Conduct UN Korea Service Medal
★ ★
Cpl. Charles “Ed” Saulsbury U.S. Army June 1953 - April 1955 Salzburg Austria, Germany National Defense Army of Occupation
Don W. Smith U.S. Army 2nd Armored Division WW II 1942-1945 Europe Medals & Honors: Bronze Star; Purple Heart; Good Conduct
★
★
Dennis E. Hansen
SGT Thomas R. Wuehler
GY. SGT. Tony Bergner
U.S. Army Spec 5 1966-1968 Vietnam
U.S. Army 2003-2007 Iraq
U.S. Marine Corps 20 Years Served 1988-2008 Gulf War
Norb Liebig
PFC Dwight L. Larson
Steven E. Effenbeck U.S. Air Force 1990-2010 Desert Storm, Freedom Iraq, Kuwait. Awards & Medals: Liberation Medal, Mauritius Service Medal
★
U.S. Army 1966-1969 Vietnam Awards: Air Medal with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters Good Conduct Award, Vietnam Service Award
Charles W. Easton
Edwin Easton
George Dorst
Harlan D. Baustian
US Army WW II 1942-1945 Germany, France Korean Conflict 1951 Awards: Purple Heart
US Army WW II 1942-1945 Aleutian Islands
US Navy WW II 1943-1946 Norfolk VA, Pacific Theatre
US Army - 304 Sig. Opn. Btn. Nov. 1950 - Nov. 1952 MEDALS & HONORS: Good Conduct Medal, Korean Service Medal
U.S. Army Infantry WW II 1943-1946 France Medals & Awards: Combat Infantry Badge; Purple Heart
Richard L. Heglin, SR. US Marine Corps. 1973 MEDALS & HONORS: National Defense Medal, Good Conduct Medal
Wilbert L. Agler
Daniel H. Agler
Daniel V. Agler
James C. Agler
John A. Agler
U.S. Army CO.6, 106F 1917-1919 - Germany 34 Div. Signal Battalion 34th Division
1st LT U.S. Air Force 1942-1947- Philippines WWII 1952-Korea
U.S. Marines 1968-1972 Airwings Iwakuni, Japan and Cubic Point Phillipiness
U.S. Marines 1972-1976 Aviation VM203 North Carolina, US
LT Col U.S. Army 1980-2008 Germany; US 2007 Afghanistan
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
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★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
★
C8
★ ★
★
★
Dwight Livingston US Air Force Sgt., Military Police 1968-1972 Vietnam 1970-1971 Gunfighters of Da Nang, 366th Tactical Fighter Wing 1971-1972 Colorado Springs: NORAD
CPL Nick Muhlenkamp U.S. Army 1952-1954 TK Co. 12th Regiment, 4th Infantry Division Germany Medals & Honors: Good Conduct Medal; Occupation Medal; National Defense Service Medal
★ Juan P. Nila U.S. Army Korea 1945 to 1946
U.S. Army 20 years - Vietnam- Korea- Germany
Richard C. Stevens
US Army 810th Military Police October 1942 - November 1945 Hawaiian Islands (Oahu) MEDALS & HONORS: Good Conduct Medal, Sharp Shooter Carbine, Pacific & Asiatic Theater
US Army, 23rd Infantry PVT March 1951 - October 1951 North Korea, Heartbreak Ridge MEDALS & HONORS: Sharp Shooter, Purple Heart, Good Conduct Medal, Killed at Heartbreak Ridge
★
U.S. Navy 1967-1971 San Diego, CA Medals & Honors Letter of Accommodation
Sgt. Sam Miller
Sgt. Dwight Miller
Cpl. David Miller
U.S. Marines 2005-Present
U.S. Marines 1972-1979 Vietnam
U.S. Marines 2001-2005 OIF-Fallujah
★
Our Commander “Dad” Dave Engbrecht
★
William Kenneth (Kenney) McKean U.S. Army 1943-1946 WW II 1950-1951 Korea Conflict England, France, Belgium, Austria, Korea & Germany
Left
CPL Charlie Anderson U.S. Marine Corp 2005-2009 3/5 H & S Camp Pendleton & Iraq Medals & Honors: 13 Decorations, Medals, Badges, Citations & Campaign, Ribbons, Awards or Authorized (all periods of service) Certificate of Appreciation; Navy & Marine Corps Achievement Medal; Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal; Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (w/1 star); Iraq Campaign Medal (w/1 campaign Star); Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; National Defense Service Medal; Navy Unit Commendation; Rifle Marksmanship Badge
★
James E. Ruffing
Edward Peter Stevens
Chuck Anderson
Middle
Right
CPL James Engbrecht
CSM David Engbrecht
SP4 John Engbrecht
1981-1983 West Germany
Retired 25 years
1982-1985 Korea
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
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★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
★ ★
Arvid V. Jackson David L. Jackson U.S. Navy USS Pitt APA 223 WWII 1944-1946 All over the Pacific
★
PFC Russell Dean Needham U.S. Army 101st Airborne Division 1966-1967 Medals & Honors: Silver Star; Purple Heart; Bronze Star
U.S. Navy: Air Force 1868-1971 Phillipines, Japan, Korea
★
★ ★
Jim A. Jackson U.S. Army - Artillery 1970-1972 Vietnam
★
SFC Nicholas Brand 1997-Present National Guard Iraq
Lisa Brand
★
1st Lieutenant 2003-Present National Guard Iraq
Brad Peltier U.S. Army 2000-2006 Korea; Iraq Medals & Awards: Purple Heart; Army Accommodation for Bravery; 2 Achievement awards, Expert Marksmanship metal
★
Victor L. Janecek US Navy Electronic Tech. ATR3 USS Saratoga Ship
1962-1966 Navy Air Station Sanford Florida, Mediterranean
★
Jack E. Freiberg End 1 Navy 1943-1945 Pacific 1950-1952 Korea MEDALS & HONORS: American Campaign -Asiatic Campaign Awards: World War Occupation ServiceChina Service-National Defense
SGT John B. Main WW II 1943-1946 Pacific Theatre; Guam
Burle L. Newth U.S. Air Force 1941-1945 European Theatre Awards DFC & Air Medal 3 Oak Cluster
★
★
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Dean Walter Dailey U.S. Army 134th Company D-35th Division 1940-1945
This Veteran’s Day we honor the heroes we have lost, and rededicate ourselves to the next generation of veterans by supporting our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen as they return home from duty and continue to serve our nation. Whether they are our fathers, husbands, uncles, mothers, wives, or our friends, we must keep our solemn promises to these brave men and women and their families to remember their unwavering devotion to the American people that has preserved our freedom and protected our country. Whether serving in times of peace or war, they have shown indomitable courage and spirit. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
VETERANS 2010
C10 THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2010
Hastings parade honors veterans
Legion members in Ashland lend a hand to veteran By SUZI NELSON Ashland Gazette
By HAROLD REUTTER The Grand Island Independent
HASTINGS — The Veterans Recognition Parade in Hastings couldn’t be more aptly named. Nov. 6’s annual parade began with five veterans, who represented each branch of the U.S. military, and who served as parade marshals. As each vehicle neared the viewing stand, the announcer recited a brief summary of each veteran’s military career and service to his or her country. This year’s parade marshals were Jerome W. Kolbet, who served in the U.S. Army; Russell A. Bramble, who was in the U.S. Navy; Harold Kelley, who was in the U.S. Marines; Gordon Muller, who was in the U.S. Coast Guard; and Mary Salmen, who served in the U.S. Air Force. Each veteran received applause after his or her military biography was recited by the announcer, who also included some of that veteran’s family and civilian work history. The applause typically followed the veterans as they stepped out of their vehicles and were escorted to the reviewing stand where they could take a seat to watch the remainder of the parade through downtown Hastings. But the five parade marshals were not the only veterans who were recognized. Other military veterans who were chauffeured in other vehicles, or who rode on parade floats, or who drove their own cars in the parade often received a brief narrative of their military careers, as well as warm applause from the many people standing and sitting along the downtown sidewalks and curbs. As the announcer noted of all veterans as the parade began its procession on Saturday morning, “Veterans served so we didn’t have to. They sacrificed so we didn’t have to. The only thing they ever want to hear is, ‘Thank you for protecting our freedom.’” Music was a big part of Saturday’s parade, beginning with the Chorus of the Plains, who sang “The StarSpangled Banner” while people along the parade route stood with hands clasped over their hearts, with many in the crowd singing along. The Hastings College Marching Band played “The Battle Hymn of the Republic,” while the Hastings
THE NORTH PLATTE TELEGRAPH
Laura Beahm / The Grand Island Independent
Veteran Jimmy Meers waves during the Veteran’s Recognition Parade in Hastings on Saturday morning, Nov. 6. Adams Central Band played “Anchors Aweigh.” The Hastings High School Marching Band was honoring veterans with its appearance in the parade, while the Harvard High School Marching Band played “God Bless America” to help recognize veterans. Many of the other entries in the Veterans Recognition Parade are part of what makes a community a community: Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, businesses, churches, the Disabled American Veterans, the Daughters of the American Revolution, police officers, firefighters and Tekama Shriners. All might be proud of their own role in Hastings, but they were also there to pay respect to veterans. Four of the parade marshals gathered inside the Masonic Temple, where they could stay sheltered from the strong winds blowing in Hastings early Saturday morning. When asked, each could clearly remember their military service. Kelley said he served from 1952 to 1955, joining the U.S. Marines when he was only 17. “Because I was just 17, I couldn’t be in a combat area,” he said. But after turning 18, Kelley said, he was on his way to serve in the Korean War, when the shooting stopped. As a result, he ended up stationed in Japan. He still nearly saw military action, though, when the French became trapped by Vietnamese troops at Dien Bien Phu in Vietnam. Kelley thought the Marines might be dispatched on a rescue mission, but the order never came down. Salmen, who was born in Hawaii, joked that she saw “overseas” duty by joining the Women’s Division of the U.S. Air Force and serving from 1953 to 1956. Her “overseas” duty included serving at Barksdale Air Force Base in Shreveport, La., where she worked in the weather
service for the Air Force. Although she did not mention it at the Masonic Temple, Salmen was personally touched World War II when she saw a Japanese plane that was part of the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941. The parade announcer recited that portion of her life, quoting Salmen as saying that Dec. 7 is a day she will never forget. Kolbet recalled having a harrowing journey on a troop transport ship that took him and others in the U.S. Army to the European Theater. Kolbet said he and his fellow troops were ordered below decks as they were being hunted by a German submarine. He said he finally climbed stairs so he could see outside, where he could see depth charges that were being discharged in an effort to sink the submarine. He said the submarine was eventually sunk before the troop transport made its destination. He also recalled being shot at by German troops one night. Kolbet said he can recall seeing a U.S. flag illuminated by a light on a base. But he said it took him 3-and-a-half hours to be able to evade the German troops and work his way to safety on the base, a journey that required him to ford water three times. Bramble said he served on a Navy destroyer in the Pacific theater as the destroyer worked its way through the Philippines, Iwo Jima and Okinawa. He said he earned a Purple Heart when Japanese suicide pilots hit the destroyer, causing him to get tossed overboard. He was picked up by a mine sweeper. Because of his injuries, he first had to recuperate and even got some leave back in the U.S. But he said he was once again deployed, only to have the Japanese surrender as he was on his way to Japan. — WorldHerald News Service
ASHLAND — A group of veterans and local American Legion members are helping one of their own. Volunteers have been working at the home of Norm Dion in recent weeks, cleaning up inside and out to help their friend and coworker. Dion has been manager at the Ashland American Legion Club for five years. The Vietnam veteran is a friend to many in the American Legion Post 129 organizations in Ashland, including the main chapter, its auxiliary and the Sons of the American Legion. So when Dion needed help, they were there for him. Dion was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Surgery removed about 70 percent of the tumor, said his friend, Karen Fox. Shortly after the surgery, he developed pneumonia. Dion also suffered from a seizure. In all, these health issues left Dion with some challenges to overcome, including mobility and speech. While Dion has been staying with friends during his recovery, members of the Legion decided to help out their friend. They have been working on the inside of the house, removing carpet and preparing for some more upgrades. On the outside, the yard was in need of some maintenance Dion had not been able to do in recent months. For example, an old ash tree in the front yard had seen better days. Now, instead of shading Dion’s, the dead tree loomed over the small house like a hammer ready to fall. Enter Matt Grell and his crew from Asplundh Tree Expert Co. Grell, a member of the Sons of the American Legion
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squad, is a general foreman for the company, which is a utility contractor specializing in tree trimming. Grell and his crew offered to come in on their day off and take care of the trees in Dion’s yard. “He needed some help,” said Grell. “We thought it would be good to give something back to someone who gives so much for us.” Grell said Dion has always been there for other American Legion members in the past. “I know he’d do the same for me if I needed help,” said Grell. Fox said Grell has wanted this work done for some time. “He’s happy about it,” she said. In addition to tree removal by Grell and his crew, Legion members also removed leaves from the gutters, picked up in the yard and cleaned out Dion’s garage, said Marvin Morrow, commander of the Sons of the American Legion squad. “We’re just cleaning it up to help him out because he’s helped us,” said Morrow. Morrow said Dion was made a permanent member of the American Legion Post 129 and has done a lot to help the organization and the club, including initiating the Wednesday hamburger nights and Sunday brunches. “We are here to give support,” said Morrow. “Norm has done so much for the Sons of the American Legion.” Dion served the Air Force and was stationed at Offutt Air Force Base at the fire department. While Dion had difficulty putting the words together, his friend knew exactly what he wanted to say to those who had done so much for him. “God bless Matt Grell and his crew,” Fox said. — World-Herald News Service
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