Special section of the Rensselaer Republican and Kankakee Valley Post News November, 2014
2 SALUTE TO VETERANS
NOVEMBER 2014
Salute to Veterans
Steve Carter U.S. Navy, E3 1981-1985 Served on USS San Jose and USS Kansas City
Arthur W. Green U.S. Army, Spec. 4 Served three years with 598th Transportation in Manheim, Germany
Arnold Braasch U.S. Army, Corporal 25th Division, 14th Tank Company Served October 1951-July 1953 Basic training at Ft. Knox, Kentucky in Tanks-Armored School Served in Korea, May 1952-July 1953
Alan McFarland Served 2 1/2 years in the British Army Infantry. This photo was taken following an all-night battle on the Han River in 1951 during the Korean War. McFarland now lives in Rensselaer.
Catherine Anne Marich U.S. Army, PFC Daughter of Daniel and Sharon Marich of DeMotte and 2011 Kankakee Valley High School graduate. Upon graduating as an Army combat medic, she served a year in South Korea and is currently stationed at Fort Benning, Georgia.
David E. Wilson U.S. Army Achieved rank of Corporal Served in Korea and Hawaii from June 1953 to March 1955
Loren Berenda 128 N. Van Rensselaer | Rensselaer, IN 219-866-8644 LBerenda@ShelterInsurance.com
Wes Morris US Navy 1963-1968 Served in Portsmouth,Va., on the USS Grant, 6th Fleet;Transferred to USS Uvalde stationed at Little Creek,Va.
We support our local heroes because they’ve always supported us.
Greater Lafayette Honor Flight to Washington D.C. - WWII Veterans REMC member John Wilkerson Remington
REMC member ken alberding francesville
REMC member Walt Nagel rensselaer
REMC member charlie banks wheatfield
403 N. Front St. • Rensselaer, IN 219.866.5151 101 East Beaver St. • Morocco, IN 866.587.5151
Veterans Day.indd 1
10/29/2014 4:47:25 PM
“Construction Solutions for the Future”
2627 N. McKinley Ave. Rensselaer, IN 888-866-4652
SALUTE TO VETERANS 3
NOVEMBER 2014
Salute to Veterans
Robert V. Monfort Lt. Col. USMC (Retired) Served 24-year career as helicopter pilot and squadron commander in Marines. Initially trained as a 2nd Lt. Infantry Officer during Vietnam era then went to flight school and served in Desert Storm/Desert Shield.
Anthony R. Bell U.S. Air Force
Paul O. Cochran U.S. Army, Sgt.
Capt. James Paulsen U.S. Navy CAG (1983-2012) Bronze Star recipient Made 1,000 carrier-arrested landings on decks of aircraft carriers in FA-18s. Logged over 5,000 flight hours.
Lt. Curtis M. Paulsen U.S. Navy Served in World War II (1944-46), Korea (1950-52) and Vietnam (1968)
Robert Y. Brown
Our Veterans, Our Heroes Thanks, veterans. We salute you for your extraordinary courage and dedication to your country.
THANK YOU TO THOSE WHO SERVE
Schultz Auto Sales
DOUGLAS GUTWEIN
318 S. Halleck St., DeMotte, IN 46310
STATE REPRESENTATIVE DISTRICT 16 ‘Your Voice at the Statehouse”
219-987-3700 or 219-987-3702 Great Prices and Service Since 1963
Serving Jasper, Pulaski, Porter, Newton & Benton Counties
Ph: 765-427-8579 Email: douglasgutwein@yahoo.com P.O. Box 341 • Francesville, IN 47946
800-243-6139 HeyWaterMan.com
With Gratitude to our Veterans Long’s Gifts
from the “Needle’s Point” and
Raymond J. Claussen Charles G. Claussen Lucille Claussen Kanney Charles E. Claussen Paul L. Dunlap W. Lee Emerson Claussen Equipment Co. 1531 N. McKinley Rensselaer, IN
Boundary, Lot Surveys, Subdivision, Topography, Elevation Certificates, Construction, Wetland Easements, and more...
MICHAEL G. KINGMAN Professional Land Surveyor 106-A West Washington St. • Rensselaer, IN Phone: (219) 866-2101 Fax: (219) 866-2104 Cellular: (219) 869-8599 mk@jclss.com d/b/a: Jasper County Land Surveying Services
Let’s Put Our Hands Together for Our Veterans For their service and their sacrifice, we salute America’s brave veterans. Thank you for your dedication to this great country and our values as a nation. Your courage and conviction make us proud to be Americans.
1850 N. McKinley • Rensselaer 866-3009 www.macallisterag.com
4 SALUTE TO VETERANS
NOVEMBER 2014
Salute to Veterans
Earl Bretzinger U.S. Army, PFC Served in Guam and the Pacific during World War II, 1941-45
Ed Bretzinger U.S. Army, Spec. 5 Served in Vietnam 1966-67
Wayne Bretzinger Air Force Staff Sargent Served in Vietnam 1966-67
Ronald Larry Jones U.S. Army, Spec. 4 Served in Germany, August 1956-58
Lewis Clifford Jones 1931-2014 Served in U.S. Army in Japan from August 1953-August 1955
Johnie Pinkerton Served with the Union Army during the American Civil War.
Ernest W. Bretzinger U.S. Army T-5, Tech Sargeant Served in World War II from 1941-1945
Robert Bretzinger U.S. Army Spec. 4 Served in Vietnam from 1970-72. Received the Bronze Star and Purple Heart.
Russell K. Saltwell U.S. Marines Achieved rank of corporal. Served from 1951-53.
Thank You For Your Service
Frazier Funeral Homes & Cremation Services
621 S Halleck • DeMotte, IN 46310 219-987-2323 507 N Market St. • Monon, IN 47959 (219) 253-2323
All Work Done on Premises
Fine Jewelry, Full Service Repairs & Much More
PANDORA, KARISMA, STEELX & NEW FINELLI BRIDAL DESIGN ~ WE BUY GOLD ~ 329 N. Halleck St. • DeMotte, IN 46310 • 219-987-3400 oakridgejewelers.net
For your insurance needs, see us at
We wish to thank all who have and are now serving our country.
Scott Hermanson Wheel Alignment Bunkum & Airport Rd. Rensselaer
219-866-7205
Jasper County Veterans Council Thanking those who have done so much for so many
866-4901
novotny Insurance, LLC Wheatfield 219-956-2371 Francesville 219-567-2211
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November 2014
Salute to Veterans
1st. Lt. Joshua J. Risner U.S. Army, Aviation Pilot in Command, Blackhawk Pilot Photo on mission in Afghanistan, returned to U.S.A. on Oct. 17, 2013. Family: parents, Terry and Darlene Risner of Rensselaer.
Keith Pfledderer U.S. Army, Spec. 4 Served 2 years, 18 months of which were served in Germany.
Sharon Stanfield U.S. Air Force Stanfield is a Wheatfield native and is still active in the Air Force. She is the granddaughter of Rensselaer veteran Marvin Courtney.
Ray Jonkman U.S. Army, 1951-1953 Served in Korea Spouse: Marilyn Jonkman Served in Army Reserves from 1953 to 1957
Marvin D. Courtney U.S. Army Served from Aug. 11, 1948-Nov. 16, 1951 Courtney's was a Rensselaer resident.
Jim Saltwell U.S. Army Air Corp Achieved rank of Tech Sargeant. Served from 1942-45.
Ensuring Our Freedom Join us in remembering our nation’s heroes who served, fought and died to preserve our freedom. We can never repay the debt of gratitude owed to our nation’s Veterans. Thanks for your services and a job well done!
Irvin Courtney Jr. Served in Europe 1942-43
Walter Courtney Served in Europe 1941-1946
I am proud of your service and commitment to Our Country, Thank You
Albert Courtney Served in South Pacific 1937-1946
SENATOR BRANDT HERSHMAN Majority Floor Leader Indiana State Senator, District 7
217-232-9400
We Support and Honor Our Troops!
Remember our Veterans
Thank You For Your Dedication & Service
Boersma Funeral Home Serving You Since 1998 6218 Work St. DeMotte, IN 219-987-6715
Andy Boersma, Ph.D. Funeral Director Veteran of the U.S. Army
90 E. Grove St., Wheatfield, IN
219-956-2220
aboersma@boersmafuneralhome.com
Pay tribute to the gallant men and women who have served and are serving our country so well. Without their courage, freedom would only be a dream.
DREES
& ASSOCIATES
Tax & Accounting Services
815 S. Halleck St. • DeMotte (219) 987-2929 or 987-2984
113 Lane St. • North Judson (574)896-5543
6 SALUTE TO VETERANS
NOVEMBER 2014
Letters from a Soldier Henry H. Obermeyer Jr. enlisted into the U.S. Army in 1917 to serve in World War I, or the "War to End All Wars." Between September of that year to July 1918, Obermeyer sent a total of 12 letters to Louise Klumpe, a close friend of his in Lafayette, Indiana. These letters depicted his experiences of camp life, training, and traveling by boat and train across the U.S. and finally across the Atlantic Ocean to France. Obermeyer would be killed in action at the Battle of Soissons in France in 1918. These letters are shared by Mary Chesak of Rensselaer. Letter 1 Camp Taylor, Kentucky Sept. 23, 1917 Dear Friend Louise, I arrived at the camp which is located about 12 miles beyond Louisville, Ky. about 6 o'clock last evening, as it was growing dusk. We certainly did have a great time on the way down as, at almost every principal station great throngs of people were present to greet us, and bid us goodbye. We had our heads out of the car windows almost all the time, and we were standing in the doorways and on the rear platform of the train so that we could wave and yell at all the people in sight. We really owned the train as we were everywhere except on the top of the cars. I was standing on the rear platform with a good bunch of boys for about forty miles of the way as it was grand to watch the country and small towns being rapidly left
behind. It was a grand sight to look down along the side of the train as there were flags fluttering to the breeze from the windows all along. I certainly had about one of the greatest times that day I ever had and as long as I live will I never forget that day. Upon arriving at Camp Taylor the first thing we had roll call after which we had to set up our cots, then supper was served after which we had to fill our bed ticks with straw. As we were pretty dusty from the days trip quite a few of us took a good shower bath, as everything in modern, I might say equal to our "Fowler" at Lafayette. I seen you Sat. morning. Standing along the Sharp building and I said goodbye, but there were so many people an so much noise you probably could not hear me. The fornoon we were at Mass at the K. of C. Hall on the grounds. The priest had a very good sermon, about a dozen boys with uniforms went to communion, the K. of Cs have a nice large hall. I met the Douglas boys, and all of us boys together are indeed happy. Well I must close for this time, not knowing your home address I will address to the Sharp building. Hoping these lines will reach you well and happy I remain. Yours sincerely, Henry H. Obermeyer Jr. Letter 8 Camp Shelby, Mississippi Oct. 28, 1917 Dear Louise, I received your most
I also enclosed a bristle of long leaf yellow pine. I myself am very busy most of the time and have to shorten my letters and I imagine you are very busy and you needn't write often if you haven't the time, but believe me I will greatly appreciate all letters I receive from you no matter how short they may be. I will have to close this little note remaining Sincerely, Henry Letter 12 Coutres, France with American Exp. Forces July 4, 1918
Henry H. Obermeyer 1891-1918 U.S. Army, Pvt. 1 Class, Infantry Division Killed at the Battle of Soissons, France welcome letter last Fri evening the 26th, and truly it was welcome, being the first letter, together with one from my brother at home, that I received at Camp Shelby. It was the first mail I got since the 17th, the day I left Camp Taylor. By reading your letter, I could conceive, how terrible it must have been for you and your parents to bear the anguish caused by the sad fate of your brother. I could also see that your tried to stand it bravely and courageously, and although I am many miles away, almost a thousand, I remembered your brother in my prayers at Mass today. Wish that I could
have been there to witness that beautiful sermon rendered by Fr. Ernst. It must have been grand. This afternoon I together with Joe Hatke took a walk in the country outside our camp. I plucked some cotton direct from a cotton field, and we ran across some holly in a woods. I packed three little boxes tonight one I am sending to a friend at Indpls (Indianapolis), one to my sister, and one to you. Your box, if you receive it, contains two cotton bunches, one bud not opened yet, and a sprig of holly, the berries or whatever they are called are not yet red as they are at Christmas time.
My Dear Louise, No doubt you thought you'd never hear from again since it was such a long time since I last wrote you, just before I left on my over seas trip. Well we were traveling just about a month from the time we left Shelby, June 4th. Today we celebrated July 4th here in France. We are stationed in a small town of 2,500 population living in upstairs and attics which we reached by ladders from outside. They have no inside stairways here. All buildings are made of stone, brick, etc. including barns and all. All roofs are tile or slate. No wood is used in building purposes whatsoever. Well that was soem trip across the great ocean, we were on the water about 13 days. It grows tiresome in a few days, as it is the same thing everyday, nothing but water all around us as far as one can see.
The ocean was pretty rough some days but in general in twas calm. We were certainly glad when we came in sight of land again, after being so long on the water. We landed in some port in England then stepped on soil again the next day; which was quite a relief. Took a days train ride through England on the old and curious trains the British have. We certainly went through some of the most beautiful country I ever saw. We stopped a day and 2 nights in England then crossed the channel one night. Being very tired, I bought a private cabin with 2 berth and with one of my pals invited to share it with me. I slept soundly all night, little did the thought of submarines bother me, although it is claimed to be the worst place to cross. The next morning I awoke and we were in a French harbor. Stayed at a camp near there a few days, then took a train ride through part of France and arrived near here. I am now in C0 A 162 Inf. and the 1st Lieut of this C0 is from Tippecanoe Co. which was quite a pleasant surprise to me. Well Louise, this is all the time I have now as it is late, am well and sincerely hope the same of you. O.K. J.R. McKey 1st Lieut. 162 Inf. Pvt. Henry Obermeyer Co. A 162 Inf.
The late Glenn Kingman (third from left), World War II veteran with his three sons, from left, Steve Kingman (U.S. Marines), Pat Kingman (U.S. Army), (Glenn) and Michael Kingman (National Guard).The sons have lived in the Rensselaer area their entire lives.
Kimberly Ann Gay (Sprague) served for 21 years in the Navy, and retired as Chief Petty Officer weather forecaster. she earned many awards for her forecasting during Desert Storm, while she was stationed in Rhoda, Spain. Lori Robyn Sprague, served in the Air Force as a fuel systems specialist. She served for six years, and had to leave the service for medical reasons that stemmed from her work on F-16s. She left the service as an Airman first class. She now works at the University of Idaho, arranging for veterans to get the benefits in which they are entitled.
WE SALUTE YOU!
We honor all of you who serve our country!
Bob’s Hairport 208 15th St. • One the Curve DeMotte 219-987-4313 Bob Bormann • Lee Tillema OPEN 6 DAYS MON.-SAT.
Happy Veterans Day!
We Appreciate your Dedication and Sacrifices for our Country - Thank You!
On November 11 All Veterans Eat for Free (limited menu) if in uniform or with I.D. STEAKS • CHOPS • SEAFOOD Lake Holiday Plaza DeMotte/Roselawn 219-270-8071