2022 Veterans Tab

"I'm proud to be an American, where at least I know I'm free.

And I won't forget the men who died, who gave that right to me.

Lee Greenwood, “God Bless the U.S.A.”

Gone but Never Forgotten

VETERANS DAY | 11th NOVEMBER, 2022 Veterans Day Programs

Friday, November 11th, 2022

Sauk Centre -

Sauk Centre Elementary School at the Margaret Shelby Theatre - 9:00 a.m.

Sauk Centre Secondary School at the Margaret Shelby Theatre - 9:35 a.m.

Holy Family School - Gymnasium - 10:15 a.m.

Sauk Centre American Legion/VFW Club - 11:00 a.m.

Fairway Pines - Sauk Centre - 12:30 p.m.

MelroseMelrose High School - 10:00 a.m.

FreeportSacred Heart Church- 12:30 p.m.

HoldingfordHoldingford Public Schools High School Gym, 9 a.m. A reception for Veterans and their families will be held in the High School Commons Area following the program.

Decades of Deployment

Westlund shares a lifetime of experience

“I was just upset like everyone else in the nation,” Westlund said.

Her drive and vigor led her on many missions and deployments. Westlund said she continues to work through associated trauma 10 years after being discharged.

Westlund said her first deployment in Feb. 2004 was to the Abu Ghraib prison in Abu Ghraib, Iraq. Westlund’s unit was supposed to do convoy operations but was sent to the prison instead.

Westlund said she knew from the moment she stepped foot on the site that something was amiss.

“It was the armpit of the world; it was so scary,” she said.

Westlund said they received vague instructions upon arrival and that news of the torture of inmates at the prison by American soldiers had broken in the U.S.

“Eventually, we got internet access and the unit got more information, and it started to trickle down,” Westlund said.

Once people in Fallujah, Iraq – where Westlund’s brother, Aaron, was working with the Marines – received word about what was happening in Abu Ghraib, riots began, and civilian contractors were murdered.

Westlund learned later that Aaron’s team was responsible for protecting her team from mortar attacks.

“We just got lucky that he ended up being my guardian angel,” Westlund said.

While Westlund was working in the prison, the soldiers slept inside the prison cells while the detainees were moved to outdoor tents. Westlund said she would dream she was at home and would awake to find herself inside the prison where not only U.S. soldiers had tortured people, but where hundreds of political detainees were found in mass grave sites.

“I don’t think it actually ever settled on me what a big deal that mission was until I was much older,” Westlund said.

Westlund said she thinks of the children whose parents were tortured in the prison and how that impacts their view of Americans today.

“Abu Ghraib was a catalyst, and it gave people a target and that was the United States,” Westlund said.

Westlund’s second deployment to Iraq was vastly different. This time, Westlund chose whether she wanted the detail. She served as personal security to Gen. Petraeus. She met Katie Couric, Angelina Jolie and Hillary Clinton. She also flew on Air Force One.

“(It was the) same country, and I had all these different opportunities and everything at my fingertips,” Westlund said.

Her second Iraq deployment rolled into a deployment to Afghanistan while she followed Petraeus.

Westlund spent her deployment jumping out of hovering helicopters four or five times a day as Petraeus’ helicopter would land and theirs would hover behind for security.

“My goal was to make sure Gen. Petraeus didn’t die,” Westlund said.

By SARAH COLURN Staff Writer

Westlund now lives in Albany and works in Albany and Sauk Centre. Originally from Rochester, the 40-year-old enlisted in the Army following the attacks of 9/11.

Westlund’s work earned her not only multiple Combat Action Badges for engaging the enemy in firefight but also a hip replacement at 33 from hairline hip fractures resulting from the jumps.

“I will never have a good story that doesn’t have some sort of dark twist,” Westlund said.

While deployed, Westlund lived in some of the marble palaces Saddam Hussein lived in. Westlund protected Gen. Petraeus as he set up to take over the Afghanistan operations.

Callie Westlund worked four deployments, jumped out of moving helicopters, relieved American soldiers of their duties when the Abu Ghraib prison scandal broke and protected the life of United States Army Gen. David Petraeus.

Callie Westlund rides in a Black Hawk in Baghdad, Iraq. Westlund jumped out of the helicopter multiple times a day to provide security protection to U.S. Army Gen. David Petraeus. PHOTOS SUBMITTED

“I don’t think it actually ever settled on me what a big deal that mission was until I was much older.”

Callie Westlund

“He was adamant about protecting civilians on the battlefield, to make sure you know your target and that we weren’t making more enemies,” she said.

Westlund’s last and final deployment was to Kyrgyzstan in 2011 where she and her then husband traveled to serve on a customs detail. Westlund said while they were stationed in a combat zone, she describes the job as non-stressful. As units came in and out of the country, they were tasked with checking bags to be sure people were not smuggling goods.

Under the direction of Gen. Petraeus, Westlund began non-lethal weapons training and eventually became an instructor who went on to teach other units in the Army, Marines, Air Force and Navy. Westlund taught how to break-up encounters with non-lethal weapons including rubber bullets, sound projection and vehicle disabling. The importance of the training was a focus for Gen. Petraeus, according to Westlund.

Westlund trained across the country for about seven months until she found out she was pregnant with her first son. She was 10 years into her military service and planned on serving 20, but she knew she would never

Callie Westlund, Kim Manor and Anthony Scavo pose at Camp Victory, Iraq, in 2007. Landon Nordby is on top of the vehicle.

Aaron and Callie Westlund pose for a sibling photo outside of Fallujah, Iraq. Aaron served in the infantry division of the U.S. Marines at the same time Callie was stationed nearby.

By BRYAN ZOLLMAN Staff Writer

Circle of K indness

Structure at Eagle's Nest offers a sanctuary of healing for veterans

Veterans Day is a time to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice to defend our great nation.

We stand and salute those who left their loved ones to venture to faraway lands, never to return to those same loved ones they so bravely defended. Many who did return came home with

visible wounds from their battles. And, countless others returned with invisible wounds that were just as devastating.

It is those who suffer from invisible wounds who will benefit from a new structure at the Eagle's Healing Nest in Sauk Centre: the Circle of Kindness.

Built by Vietnam veteran Scott Harrison, of

Nederland, Colorado, the structure will serve as a place where veterans and members of the Sauk Centre community can go to find peace.

"There's just a peace about it," said Melony Butler, executive director of the Eagle's Healing Nest.

The Circle of Kindness, built by Vietnam veteran Scott Harrison, of Nederland, Colorado, is a structure that will serve as a place where veterans and members of the Sauk Centre community can go to find peace. BRYAN ZOLLMAN PHOTOS

The structure is a circular bench and a call to nature. The bench is adorned with six creatures, including a grey wolf, giraffe, rhinoceros, donkey, bear and dolphin. A circular rug is set in the middle where a person can sit, pray, meditate or just be, by themselves or with others. Dozens of wooden songbirds will be perched on a large ring of brass above the bench. Each creature represents something unique. For example, the dolphin represents a joyful presence and an undeniable sense of humor. The rhinoceros sits across the circle from the visitor and offers the weight of her compassion. The Asiatic black bear is internationally regarded as a symbol of good luck and can inspire those who need the courage to stand up against adversity. Those who come are encouraged to speak to the animals, because they are there to listen.

"It is a silent space for visitors to find their thoughts, perhaps hear themselves breathe and enjoy a brief separation from the rest of their lives," Harrison said.

The Circle of Kindness took a unique journey to Sauk Centre. Harrison had previously created a Carousel of Happiness in Colorado. He found that his veteran friends loved it, but because it was a carousel, it was often overrun and busy with guests, making it difficult to enjoy in peace.

"At the time, I was part of a group of military combat veterans dealing with (post-traumatic stress disorder) issues," Harrison said. "This convergence of experiences led me to think of creating another place, quieter than the carousel environment, a sanctuary of sorts, where folks who have had trauma in their lives could come to enjoy a peaceful hour or so, and even perhaps to heal."

From 2015-18, Harrison designed the circular bench with kind-looking, large animals occupying it and looking in the direction of a spot designated for a visitor. After the structure was built, it found a home on a horse ranch that served autistic children. But a fire caused the ranch to shut down, and the council had to find a new home.

Eventually, it made its way to the Nest with the help of Russ Karasch.

Karasch owns a sawdust mill and was on a business venture to Colorado. When a meeting fell through, he ventured to Nederland where he came across the Carousel of Kindness and Harrison.

Hearing about Harrison's new project, Karasch offered to donate the wood to carve the animals and form the bench. The two have developed a friendship since.

"If there were more Scott Harrisons in the world, we would be living in a much better place," Karasch said.

The hope is the structure will be another asset for veterans. Since 2001, more than 2.8 million servicemen and women have served in the military. Research suggests between 14%-16% of those suffer from PTSD, depression or other mental illnesses. Other research suggests it can be as high as 20%, almost six times more than the general population. Those are only reported cases.

In addition, it is now believed the suicide rate for veterans is 44 per day in the United States, more than double what was previously believed because the study counted overlooked deaths such as unexplained overdoses.

Eagle's Healing Nest has served as a place of comfort, hope and healing for those veterans who are struggling. The peer-to-peer model along with

professional counseling, equine therapy and other holistic offerings has gained nationwide attention as a model that works.

The Circle of Kindness is now another option for the veterans who are looking to heal from the invisible wounds of war.

"This is a more holistic part of healing," Butler said. "What an amazing place for our veterans to have."

Currently, the structure is in one of the rooms at the Nest, but it will be placed in a new building that will be available for the community as well.

"That's what the veterans wanted," Butler said. "The community has been so supportive and accepting of them through all these years. They wanted to do something to offer and to give back."

The hope is for the project to ramp up in the spring.

"It truly is a place of healing, hope and love," Butler said. "It's all based on love."

And further proof that some gave all, all gave some, and some, like Harrison, are still giving.

"It is a silent space for visitors to find their thoughts, perhaps hear themselves breathe and enjoy a brief separation from the rest of their lives," Veteran, Scott Harrison

Kulzer and Alexis talked once a week while he was gone. Though Kulzer said they could have talked more often, he tried to balance his phone time with being present in the moment.

“When I was there, I tried to keep myself going, keep myself focused,” Kulzer said. “The more you worked, the faster you get done, the faster the days go. Keeping yourself busy helps you forget about home for a little bit and keeps you rooted in what you’re doing. The moment you have any free time though, you’re back to being pretty homesick.”

Kulzer spent much of his time maintaining and training on his equipment. He is currently considered a 19K M1 armor crewmember and works in a 71-ton tank with a 120 mm cannon on the front.

“Not many people in the world can say they’ve operated a machine that big,” Kulzer said. “I get to do things pretty much every day that most normal civilians don’t just get to go out and do. Everyday I work on these things; they amaze me.”

Kulzer works to make sure the vehicle stays in running condition.

Kulzer is a corporal, or noncommissioned officer, and as a junior leader in the guard, he will welcome his own crew and make sure they are getting the most out of their training. He will promote to sergeant following schooling in January 2023.

“It’s definitely not the safest choice for your life, but it’s definitely a rewarding one,” Kulzer said. “I’m definitely going to stay in as long as I can.”

Kulzer said first few months coming back from deployment and returning to civilian life were difficult.

“I just felt a little out of place when I got back,” he said. “I was so used to being around all of the guys.”

Kulzer said he met his best friends the first few days of training and stays in contact with them. Kulzer said he was lucky enough to be part of a unit made up of members who were mostly within driving distance of him.

Kulzer’s cousin, Michael Kulzer, inspired him to first enlist.

“He has always been a pretty strong influence,” Kulzer said.

He had two friends older than him who joined the military and two friends younger than him.

“I’ve always liked the idea of being in the military; I love my country,” Kulzer said. “It just felt like something I needed to do.”

His deployment made him appreciate civilian life in the United States.

“It makes me a little more grateful for the life that I have here,” Kulzer said. “I don’t have to really worry about all that kind of stuff.”

Before he left for deployment, Kulzer was called on to protect the peace, people and property in Minneapolis during the riots that followed the killing of Floyd

“It was kind of terrifying,” he said.

Kulzer and his crew provided support to law enforcement during civil unrest.

“It was scary to see what people can do,” he said. “It felt like we were more widely accepted when we were in Afghanistan. It was hard seeing this is in my state, my home.”

Jesse Kulzer and fiancée Alexis Tate pose for a picture at Kulzer’s graduation from Basic Combat Training.

Talking to other active military

Members of the American Legion Melrose Post 101 – Micky Kramer (from left), Gary Toenyan, Rich VanDrehle, Mike Barten, Don VanDrehle, Ron Butkowski, Dave Sieben and Linda Budde – prepare for the annual flag disposal.

Respect for military service and respect for the American flag is at the heart of the American

Long may it wave!

How to respect, honor the Red, White White, Blue

By SARAH COLBURN Staff Writer

Respect for military service and respect for the American flag is at the heart of the American Legion Melrose Post 101.

While the Legion’s building is open to the public, veterans often gather there to share stories and a meal, creating a sense of community with their shared experiences. Outside the walls of the building, members of the Legion are busy showing others how to respect the flag.

The Legion provides small flags for the Boy Scouts of America to hand out at the Riverfest parade. The group donates flags to fly over local cemeteries and provides military honors at roughly 11 area funerals a year. They also properly dispose of more than 200 flags a year.

American Legion Melrose Post 101 hosts an annual flag disposal to pay proper respect to torn and tattered flags. Flags from the public can be dropped off at the Legion building and the Melrose city offices for disposal. The flags are checked for proper disposal and then ceremoniously burned.

“It’s part of honoring our nation and honoring our flag; it’s patriotism; it’s respect,” said Linda Budde, American Legion Melrose Post 101 commander. “Most of our young people don’t realize where our country was when it was first founded. There is so much to be honored in the United States, even for the shape she’s in today.”

– When a flag is not on display, it should be properly folded and stored. Traditionally, flags are folded into a triangle shape before storing to show respect.

– Those in attendance at any event where the Pledge of Allegiance is happening should stand at attention and face the flag with their right hand over their heart. Hats should be removed with the right hand and held against the left shoulder, with the hand over the heart.

– When lowering a flag that has been flying at halfstaff, first raise the flag to the top of the staff, then lower the flag toward the ground. Always raise the flag briskly and lower ceremoniously. Never dip (lower quickly and then raise) the U.S. flag to any person or thing.

– Universal custom is to display the flag from sunrise to sunset on buildings and on stationary flagstaffs in the open. However, the flag may be displayed 24 hours a day if illuminated during darkness.

– Do not let the flag touch the ground, floor, water or merchandise.

– Never carry the U.S. flag horizontally, but always aloft and free. Never use the U.S. flag as drapery, festooned, drawn back or up in folds. For draping platforms and decoration, use blue, white and red bunting. Always arrange the bunting with blue above, the white in the middle and the red below.

– When the U.S. flag is no longer in suitable condition for display, it should be destroyed in a dignified way. Many veteran groups perform this service with dignified, respectful flag retirement ceremonies.

Here are some tips according to the United States Department of Veterans Affairs and the U.S. Flag Code:

– Contact your local American Legion or VFW Club to find out more about flag retirement ceremonies.

PHOTOS METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION

By SARAH COLBURN Staff Writer

What made you decide to take an

active role

in the military? I had just gotten out of high school and was working at a stone quarry in the pre-cast department making cement walls for buildings and fascia. It was a full-time job, my first one. I knew I was classification 1A; I knew I would be drafted. It was just something I had to do. You had no choice.

Where does your drive come from? I went to advanced infantry training and learned to be a mechanic for jeeps and Army trucks. My father was an auto mechanic, so it was in the family. He worked for Ford Motor Company in St. Peter and retired from there. I was fortunate I didn’t go to combat. Instead, I was readying the vehicles. I was in a combat engineer company and worked on deuce-and-a-half Army transport trucks, 2.5-ton Army jeeps and then got into the 5-ton and 10-ton vehicles, the dump trucks and semi-trucks. We did mostly replacement parts. Especially if you had to be out in the field to do something, it wasn’t a clean environment. We didn’t always have the tools we needed; we’d have to improvise. I had my own portable toolbox with basic tools.

What did you find most challenging about your years of service? The physical part. I was a little overweight and had some issues doing the physical things. I did a lot of running and a lot of exercises to get in shape. My primary military service was my job. Then, my secondary was infantry. I was trained as infantry but served as a mechanic.

What surprised you about your time in the service? I made new friends, and I had to learn how to adjust to different people. I had to adapt to that personality and had to be comfortable with other people. You’re a team when you’re in a battle or you’re doing something so you have to work together.

What did you learn about yourself during your enlistment? I was a little more motivated to become more outgoing.

What did you learn about the world during your enlistment? I wasn’t really thinking about anything else. I was just thinking about what I was going through. I was in a different environment, and I was told what I can and can’t do.

What would you tell young people today considering a role with the military? If the country respects the veterans, that’s the most important thing. It would be good for a lot of young people; they need the discipline. It would be a better way of life.

What was the most challenging thing for you when you left the service? Just being out of the service and getting a job. I went to school after the service. I went to Mankato Vocational School on a GI Bill.

PHOTOS SUBMITTED

Last Name

First Name Branch of Military.......Years of Service

Abeln Alois ....................................................................................N/A

Abers Cal Navy.....................................................................20 years

Achman Albert ....................................................................................N/A

Achman Ervin ....................................................................................N/A

Achman Jerome ....................................................................................N/A

Achman John ....................................................................................N/A

Achman Vernon ....................................................................................N/A

Achman William ....................................................................................N/A

Adrian Gerald John Army................................................................1954-1956

Adrian Gerald John Army................................................................1954-1956

Ahrens Anthony F. MN National Guard...............Jan. 16, 1951 - Aug. 16, 1957

Aleshire Virgil H. Army......................................................................3 years

Anderson David D. U.S. Army .........................................................1971-1973

Anderson David L. ....................................................................................N/A

Anderson, Jr. Alex (Gus) Navy.................................................................1942-1946

Andresen Arnold ....................................................................................N/A

Andrews Jack ....................................................................................N/A

Angulski Chester Navy.......................................................................2 years

Angulski Vince ....................................................................................N/A

Arnold Norman Army................................................................1945-1947

Athman John M. Army ...............................................................1954-1957

Athman Vern F. Army National Guard..............................................6 years

Athmann James L. Army................................................................1969-1971

Austin Gunther U.S. Army .........................................................1946-1948

Averill Ray Canadian Army/American Legion.....................1917-1919

Bailey Art Army................................................................1952-1953

Bailey Don Army................................................................1953-1955

Bailey Jeff U.S. Army .........................................................1974-1976

Barhorst Bernard F. ....................................................................................N/A

Barnes Charles W. ....................................................................................N/A

Barney Rick U.S. Navy..........................................................1984-1986

Barrett Patrick J. Marine Corp......................................................1963-1967

Bartels Don Army......................................................................2 years

Barten Michael Army................................................................1969-1971

Bauer George ....................................................................................N/A

Becker Frank ....................................................................................N/A

Becker Frank W. ....................................................................................N/A

Becker John ....................................................................................N/A

Becker Victor ....................................................................................N/A

Beckermann Jim Navy & Coast Guard..1963-1967 (Navy) 1971-1987 (Coast Guard)

Beckermann Joe U.S. Marine Corp. Reserve.................................1962-1968

Beckius Daniel M. Air Force...............................................21 years of Service

Bednarek Frank ....................................................................................N/A

Beilke Rudy Army................................................................1953-1955

Benkowski Roger ....................................................................................N/A

Benson David E. Navy.................................................................1944-1948

Berg Bill .........................................................................1979-2000

Berg David Air Force...........................................................1990-1995

Berg William D. Army...........................................................................N/A

Bergman Bob Navy.................................................................1969-1973

Bergner Amanda ....................................................................................N/A

Bergner Nick ....................................................................................N/A

Berscheid Arnie Navy.................................................................1966-1969

Berscheid Arnold P. ....................................................................................N/A

Berscheid Charles B. ....................................................................................N/A

Berscheid David E. ....................................................................................N/A

Betlach Richard Army....................................................................14 years

Beuning Anthony ....................................................................................N/A

Bieniek Francis L.

Bieniek George Army................................................................1956-1958

Bieniek Matthew

Birr Allen D.

Birr Richard ....................................................................................N/A

Bjerketvedt Jason Army National Guard..............................15 years - Present

Blank Alvin Army & National Guard ......................................30+ Years Blank Steven Army.....................................................21 years 7 months

Blattner Stephen C.

Blenker Ivan

Blommel Jordan

Blonigan Jerry

Blonigen

Blonigen Leander

Blue

Boecker

Boeckers

Bohlken Robert

Bohmer Wilfred

Bohne

Bohne

Borgerding

Borgerding

Borgerding

Borgmann

Bosl

Bosshardt

Boucher

Bradjan

Braun

Braun Bruce R. U.S. Navy..........................................................1967-1971

Braun Ralph Navy..................................................................28 months

Brendle John Army................................................................1942-1945

Brendle Roy Navy/US Army..............1943-1946 Navy 1946-1973 Army

Breth Dan ....................................................................................N/A

Breth Eugene L. ....................................................................................N/A

Breth Glen U.S. Army .........................................................1968-1970

Breth Jim ....................................................................................N/A

Brethorst Michael MN Army National Guard ............................1998 - Present

Brick James J. ...........................................................................................

Brick Mike Army......................................................................2 years Bristol Tom Marines.......................................................................N/A Brix Ervin ....................................................................................N/A

Brix Roman ....................................................................................N/A

Bromenshenkel Leonard .........................................................................1944-1946

Bromenshenkel Leonard H. Army...........................................................................N/A

Bronson William L. Army (Vietnam Veteran) ..................................1969-1971

Brown Eugene Army................................................................1976-1980 Brown John Army................................................................1984-1988 Brown Timothy Marines............................................................1985-1989

Buck Kenneth R. ....................................................................................N/A

Buckley Gerald“Jerry” Navy.......................................................................4 years Budde Alvin ....................................................................................N/A

Budde Cyril ....................................................................................N/A

Budde Ralph Army...........................................................................N/A

Bueckers Eugene Fred Air Force................................................Dec. 2, 1963-1969

Buerman Walter Army................................................................1953-1955

Bullock Debbie Army National Guard............................................33 years Bullock Louis Air National Guard................................................23 years

Bussmann Edward Army................................................................1957-1959

Buttweiler Edward ....................................................................................N/A

Buttweiler Werner ....................................................................................N/A

Bymers Brian Army.....................Active 1987-1989, Inactive 1989-1993

Callahan Donald Maries..................................................................13 years Callahan Rebecca Army................................................................7 1/2 years Cane Jack Army......................................................................3 years

Carbajal Osvald National Guard............................................................N/A Carroll Jim Army......................................................................2 years Castle Keith B. U.S. Navy..........................................................1964-1968 Cherne Anthony Army................................................................1966-1968 Cherne Anthony Army................................................................1966-1968 Cherne James ....................................................................................N/A Cherne James L. Army................................................................1969-1971 Chernoff Samuel ....................................................................................N/A Chilson Joshua Army................................................................1998-2003

Chock Aloys ....................................................................................N/A Christen Andy Army National Guard..............................................9 years Christen Don Army......................................................................3 years Christen Gerald Army National Guard..............................................6 years Cigelske Laverne E. Army................................................................1958-1964 Cipala Eugene R. ....................................................................................N/A Clancy Jim ....................................................................................N/A Clayton Linda Lou US Air Force..........................................................20 years Colby, Sr. Dale Army-Corporal .................................................1952-1954 Costello Jack Submarines......................................................1967-1971

Czajkowski Ronald P. ....................................................................................N/A Czech Hyacinth N.“Hydie”

Last Name First Name Branch of Military.......Years of Service

Dyrseth Gerald“Jerry” US Army.................................................................6 years

Ebnet Cyril Army................................................................1952-1954

Ebnet Cyril F. ....................................................................................N/A

Ebnet David J. Army................................................................1967-1969

Ebnet Elmer ....................................................................................N/A

Ebnet Herman Army................................................................1965-1967

Ebnet Herman ....................................................................................N/A

Ebnet Jerome Army................................................................1954-1956

Ebnet Jerome C. ....................................................................................N/A

Ebnet John ....................................................................................N/A

Ebnet Linus ....................................................................................N/A

Ebnet Mick Air Force...........................................................1958-1962

Ebnet Paul National Guard.................................................1967-1971

Ebnet Simon ....................................................................................N/A

Eggert Arthur ....................................................................................N/A

Ehlinger Albert ....................................................................................N/A

Ehlinger John ....................................................................................N/A

Ehresman Philip V. U.S. Navy Reserve....................Sept. 8, 1944-July 12, 1946

Eich Ray ....................................................................................N/A

Eichers Daniel ....................................................................................N/A

Eiden George Army................................................................1952-1954

Eiden George ....................................................................................N/A

Eisenreich Robert H. Army................................................................1969-1971

Elfering Daniel T U.S. Air Force..........................................................4 years

Elfering Donald ....................................................................................N/A

Elfering Harry US Air Force/National Guard...........1954-1963 (Air Force), 1972-1986 (National Guard)

Elfering Victor J. U.S. Air Force....................................................1951-1954

Elmes Jim Marines............................................................1965-1968

Eltgroth Richard U.S. Army ......................................................1959 to 1961

Emblom Anton Army..........................................................................WWI

Emblom Carl“Red” Army.......................................................................2 Years

Erdmann Charles F. Navy..............................................1954-1957 Korean War

Essler Richard Army................................................................1969-1971

Ethun Dean Air Corp..................................................................7 years

Ethun Dennis Navy.......................................................................4 years

Ethun Donald Army......................................................................4 years

Ethun Donald U.S. Navy Sea Bees.................................................2 years

Ethun Kenneth Army......................................................................4 years

Ethun Lyle Army......................................................................4 years

Eugene Justin ....................................................................................N/A

Faber Art Army......................................................................6 years

Fedor Lloyd F. ....................................................................................N/A

Fedor William N. ....................................................................................N/A

Feia Cyril L. Jr. ....................................................................................N/A

Feia Dale T. ....................................................................................N/A

Feia Edward ....................................................................................N/A

Feia McKayla ....................................................................................N/A

Feia Myron ....................................................................................N/A

Feia (Kuba) Myron Army................................................................1983-1988

Feitl Glenn U.S. Army .....................................................1990-Present

Feldewerd Gary Army Reserve.......................................................21 years

Felling Harvey Army & Guards.......................................................2 years

Felling James J. Army.....................................Sept. 6, 1966 - July 12, 1968

Felling Merle J. U.S. Air Force.............................................Jan. 1971-1974

Felling Mike Army......................................................................3 years

Felling Ron Army & Guards.......................................................2 years

Felling Vern Army & Guards.....................................................21 years

Fern Richard P. Navy/Naval Reserve .........Navy 1946-1948, Naval Reserve 1948-1956

Fern Richard P. Naval Reserves............................................................N/A

Fiedler Mel US Army...............................................................Vietnam

Fiedler Melvin Army......................................................................3 years

Fischer Joseph (Harold) ....................................................................................N/A

Fischer Willis T. (Tom) U.S. Coast Guard...................................................40 years

Fisher, Jr. George R. U.S. Navy...................................................................WWII

Fletcher Dennis Army................................................................1970-1971

Fowler Clarence ....................................................................................N/A

Frank Mike U.S. Navy..........................................................1943-1946

Frank Mike (Mick) Army National Guard........................................1968-1975

Frieze Leonard C. Army - NA ............................................................10 years

Froh Dennis J. U.S. Army .........................................................1969-1971

Fuchs Joseph Marine Corp............................................................2 years

Fuchs Peter J. ....................................................................................N/A

Fuchs Vernon Nicklas Army.......................................................................2 Years

Fuechtman Roman J. Army.............................................October 16, 1946-1949

Fuechtmann Aloys Navy.................................................................1960-1964

Gamble David Army................................................................1966-1969

Gamble David C. ....................................................................................N/A

Gamradt David Navy Seabees.....................................1968-1969 Vietnam

Gamradt Gary Army..................................................................28.5 years

Gangl Herman J. ....................................................................................N/A

Gasperlin Jerry Army................................................................1954-1957

Gebeke Charles Army National Guard........................................1963-1984

Gerads Clarence Army................................................................1948-1951

Gerads Daniel Charles Army......................................................................2 years

Gerads James. H ....................................................................................N/A

Gerads Joseph Michael Army......................................................................3 years

Gerads Marv Army................................................................1958-1962

Gerads Marvin J. ....................................................................................N/A

Gersch Dr. Daron Army National Guard..............................................9 years

Gertken Roger M. Army (Vietnam) ...............................................1965-1967

Gilitzer Jerome ....................................................................................N/A

Gillett Brian U.S. Navy..........................................................1981-1987

Goerdt Anthony A. Jr. U.S. Airforce ..................................................1948 – 1950

Gondringer Lenard ....................................................................................N/A

Grabmeier Richard H. U.S. Army .........................................................1955-1958

Grausam Donald Army...........................................................................N/A

Greener Glen ....................................................................................N/A

Gretsch George ....................................................................................N/A

Groetsch Kenneth Army................................................................1968-1969

Gross Eugene C. Army................................................................1959-1961

Gross Martin U.S. Army ........................................Nov. 1954 - Nov. 1956

Gross Martin J.“Joe” Army......................................................................3 years

Grove Rodney E. Air Force...........................................................1967-1971

Grubbs Leslie Army................................................................1963-1966

Gruber Brandon National Guard.............................................2014-Present

Gruenke Virgil Navy.................................................................1943-1946 Gruenke Virgil Navy.................................................................1943-1946 Grunloh Donald ....................................................................................N/A Grunloh Urban ....................................................................................N/A Grutsch Robert ....................................................................................N/A

Grythe Dennis R. Army & National Guard ..........................................4 years Guinn David Air Force................................................................26 Years Guinn Don Air Force..................................................................4 Years Guinn Kenneth Air Force..................................................................3 Years Guinn Tom Air Force..................................................................4 Years Guinn William“Bill” Air Force..................................................................4 Years Haagenson Larry ....................................................................................N/A

Hadley James ....................................................................................N/A Hadley Michael E. ....................................................................................N/A Haeny Steve U.S. Army .........................................................1960-1963 Hagen Sara Voller National Guard.......................................................7 years Hagen“Voller” Sara National Guard.......................................................7 years Hagstrom Doug Army................................................................1974-1976 Haider Gary U.S. Air Force..........................................................4 years Haider Vincent U.S. Army ...............................Dec. 14, 1954-Dec. 13, 1956

Hammarsten James F. Army & Air Force 1945-1947, 1981-1984 (Army) 1953 (Air Force)

Hammerarsten James F. Army/Air Force............................................................N/A

Hammond Jeff Navy............................................................................N/A

Hanauer Burton ....................................................................................N/A Hanauer Duane L. ....................................................................................N/A

Hanson Harry U.S. Navy..........................................................1943-1946

Hanson John T. United States Air Force .....................................1969-1973

Hargreaves Gary U.S. Navy..........................................................1967-1971 Haroldson William Enoch U.S. Army of Engineers..................................1943 – 1946 Harren Edmund Army................................................................1953-1955 Harren Edmund U.S. Army .........................................................1953-1955 Haskamp Ervin Army................................................................1950-1952 Haupt Wayne ....................................................................................N/A Hayes Victor ....................................................................................N/A Hector Charles Army....................................................................1945-47 Hegg Bruce Navy.................................................................1965-1969

Heidgerken Dennis U.S. Army .........................................................1957-1960 Heinen Danell U.S. Army ...............................................................6 years Heinen Ron Army................................................................1972-1978 Heinze Ed Army (Airborne)...............................................1957-1959 Hellermann Eric Army......................................................................4 years Hellermann Kenneth Navy.......................................................................3 years Hellman Paul U.S. Marine Corps....................................................5 Years Hennek Gabe ....................................................................................N/A Hennek Richard Marine Corp......................................................1966-1970 Hennek Roman ....................................................................................N/A Hennek Stanley ....................................................................................N/A Henry Brent Army....................................................................33 years Henry George B. Army.............................................................2 years WWII Henry Lorman C. Army......................................................................8 years Henry Richard Navy.........................................................................1 year Herges Pete Army................................................................1952-1954 Herickhoff Andrew Army......................................................................4 years Herickhoff Andrew A. Army......................................................................4 years Herickhoff Henry Army......................................................................2 years Herickhoff Henry J. Army................................................................1957-1959 Herke Debra R. U.S. Army

Last Name First Name Branch of Military.......Years of Service Last Name First Name Branch of Military.......Years

Huls Daniel ....................................................................................N/A

Huls Harold Army...........................................................................N/A

Huls Jim ....................................................................................N/A

Humbert David A USS Navy..........................................................1966-1969

Hundt Richard L. Army................................................................1972-1974

Hunter George J. U.S. Army Air Corps ..........................................1943-1945

Imdieke Sarah Army National Guard...............................................8 Years

Immerfall Lawrence ....................................................................................N/A

Ingold Amanda M. Air Force...........................................................2002-2004

Ingold Kirk A. Army Active..........................................................22 years

Jackson James E. U.S. Coast Guard.....................................................6 years

Jacobs Kevin US Military..................................................................N/A

Jacobson Louis National Guard............................................................N/A

Jansky Jim Coast Guard............................................................4 years

Jansky Pete ....................................................................................N/A

Jarmuzek Ervin ....................................................................................N/A

Jarmuzek Walter ....................................................................................N/A

Jarnot Robert Marines............................................................1968-1970

Jarnot Robert L. ....................................................................................N/A

Jennissen Clifford Army National Guard........................................1959-1965

Jennissen James L. N.G. Headquarter Co. Medical Dept....................................

Jennissen Paul M. Air Force.............................April 8, 1966-February 5, 1970

Jensen George U.S. Navy..........................................................1965-1969

Jerome Suchy ....................................................................................N/A

Job Andreas U.S. Union Army...............................................1861-1865

Job Louis U.S. Air Force..........................................................4 years

Johannes Allen P. ....................................................................................N/A

Johannes Kevin ....................................................................................N/A

Johannes Leroy E. ....................................................................................N/A

Johnson Elias Air National Guard.................................July 2017-present

Jones David Air Force...........................................................1956-1960

Jones Stephen ....................................................................................N/A

Justin Eugene ....................................................................................N/A

Kaelke Randy Army................................................................1985-1988

Kalla Joseph ....................................................................................N/A

Kalton Wiliam M. Army, Air Force.....................................................34 years

Kane Jack Army.......................................................................2 Years

Karasch Daniel ....................................................................................N/A

Karasch Ray Army National Guard........................................1959-1965

Katzer Alex Army...........................................................................N/A

Kemper Bob Army................................................................1968-1970

Kemper Bob Army................................................................1968-1970

Keppers Adam ....................................................................................N/A

Keppers Robert Army......................................................................3 years

Kerfeld Andrea MN Army National Guard ........................................8 Years

Kerfeld Harold Army......................................................................3 years

Kerfeld Leander H. Army................................................................1968-1970

Kerfeld Lee U.S. Army ................................................3 years of service

Kessler John Army.......................................................................4 Years

Kierzek Ed ....................................................................................N/A

Kierzek Edmund ....................................................................................N/A

Kierzek George Army................................................................1955-1957

Kierzek George ....................................................................................N/A

Kierzek Kenneth Army................................................................1963-1965

Kierzek Kenneth N. Army................................................................1963-1965

Kierzek Roman ....................................................................................N/A

Kierzek Tony ....................................................................................N/A

King Larry ....................................................................................N/A

King Zack Army...........................................................................N/A

Kingston Jim Army......................................................................2 years

Kirchner Robert H. Navy................................................April 1945 - Oct. 1949

Klaphake Marion Army....................................................................41 years

Klaphake Marion J. Army..................................................................21+ Years

Klasen Vernon Army National Guard............................................21 years

Klasen Vernon Army National Guard............................................21 years

Kleinschmidt Jr. Joseph S. Army & National Guard .................1951-1953, 1953-1954

Klepaida Robert ....................................................................................N/A

Klier Frank ....................................................................................N/A

Klif Richard Navy............................................................................N/A

Klinkhammer Ron Army......................................................................4 years

Kluempke David U.S. Navy..........................................................1955-1957

Kluempke Jerry U.S. Army

Klug Gerald

Klutenkamper Daniel Army................................................................2003-2011

Kluver Greg Navy.................................................................1972-1976

Knapp Dan

Knapp Ken

Knobloch Joseph

Kobylinski Dan

Kobylinski Joseph Navy.................................................................1982-1987

Kobylinski Joseph

Kobylinski Stephen M.

Kociemba Alois

Kociemba

Kociemba George

Kociemba Stanis

Kociemba Val

Koczur George M.

Koczur Ronald M.

Koehn Rich Navy.................................................................1958-1959

Koetter Dave Army....................................................................26 years

Kolb Thomas G. U.S. Marines...........................................................4 years

Kollman Gerald U.S. Army

Kollman James Army National Guard........................................1962-1966

Kollodge Norbert D. ....................................................................................N/A

Kolodjeski Val ....................................................................................N/A

Konsor Andrew A. ....................................................................................N/A

Konsor Barb ....................................................................................N/A

Konsor Jeff ....................................................................................N/A

Koopmeiners Gerald U.S. Marine Corp./National Guard........1961-1964 (Marine Corp), 1975-1981 (National Guard)

Korn Chris Air Force...........................................................1983-2003

Korn Sheila (Odegard) Air Force...........................................................1987-1994

Korn Brandon Army................................................................2009-2013

Kortan Dennis Army National Guard............................................21 years

Kortan Louis C. Army................................................................1952-1954 Kortan Mark Army....................................................................12 years

Korte Dennis United States Air Force ...........................................4 years Korte Frederick J. U.S. Air Force..........................................................8 years Korte Kenneth F. U.S. Navy..........................................June 1968-June 1972

Korte Raymond I. U.S. Navy..........................................................1942-1945

Kowski Scott Army National Guard....................................1991-Present Kraemer Ervin Navy.................................................................1960-1970

Kraker Charles P. U.S. Army ............................................................20 years Kramer Mike Marines............................................................1961-1964

Krick Justin T. Army (Purple Heart).........................................2005-2007 Krick Tom Army................................................................1969-1971

Kroska Cyril J. ....................................................................................N/A Krueger Daniel Marine Corp./ Air Force...............1963-1966 (Marine Corp) 1967-1984 (Air Force)

Krych Jerome T. ....................................................................................N/A Krych Joseph ....................................................................................N/A Kuehne Robert .............................................................................Vietnam Kuehne Robert L. Air Force...........................................................1962-1966 Kuehne Ronald H. National Guard.................................................1966-1972 Kuehne Ronand .............................................................................Vietnam Kuepers Richard L. ....................................................................................N/A Kuklok Alex Army................................................................1940-1945

Kuklok Timothy P. Army................................................................1995-2015 Kulzer Roman M. Army................................................................1962-1964 Kurtz Henery ....................................................................................N/A Kurtz Peter ....................................................................................N/A Kurtzman Henry ....................................................................................N/A

Laing B. J. Army................................................................1918-1919 Laing Bernie Army................................................................1955-1957 Laing Fritz Army................................................................1953-1955

Landberg Robert Navy Seabees.......................................................24 years Lane Robert Army................................................................1955-1957 Lane Robert J. ....................................................................................N/A

Lang Joe ....................................................................................N/A Lang Joseph Navy.................................................June 1968-June 1972 Lang Robert U.S. Navy..........................................................1963-1967 Lang Terrence Air Force....................................................May 1972-1978 Lange Adolph Army................................................................1954-1958 Lange Adolph B. ....................................................................................N/A Lange Alfred ....................................................................................N/A Lange Scott A. ....................................................................................N/A Langner LeRoy ....................................................................................N/A Larkey Lee R. ....................................................................................N/A Larson Eric Army............................................................1991-Current Larson Eric US Military..................................................................N/A Larson James Army................................................................1958-1962

Last

Maddox Jim U.S. Navy..........................................................1965-1967

Maehren Ralph ....................................................................................N/A

Maehren Robert M. ....................................................................................N/A

Magnuson Kevin Air Force...........................................................1973-1977

Maidl Ron ....................................................................................N/A

Maile Nickolas ....................................................................................N/A

Maile William J. ....................................................................................N/A

Maine Robert C. ....................................................................................N/A

Majeski Rich ....................................................................................N/A

Maleska Ted ....................................................................................N/A

Malikowski Elroy ....................................................................................N/A

Mareck Dennis Army................................................................1966-1968

Marstein Jr. Donald ....................................................................................N/A

Marthaler Alcuin U. S. Army ....................................Jan. 5 1966-Jan. 5 1968

Marthaler Arnold National Guard............................................................N/A

Marthaler Arthur National Guard............................................................N/A

Marthaler Cyril A. CW4, Army Reserve..........................................1961-2003

Marthaler David National Guard............................................................N/A

Marthaler Donald F. U.S. Army .........................................................1945-1947

Marthaler Larry National Guard............................................................N/A

Marthaler Virgil National Guard........................................6 years of service

Marthaler Wilfred A. National Guard............................................................N/A

Massman Frederick U.S. Army .........................................................1954-1956

Massmann William Army................................................................1962-1964

Mayer John ....................................................................................N/A

Mayer Richard“Rick” Navy.................................................................1988-1996

McBride Randy Rex Air Force...............................................................22 years

McCann Jennifer A. Minnesota Army National Guard.............28 Years- Present

McDonald Jean LTC (RET), United States Army 30 years, 3 months, 25 days

McLain Gary U.S. Marine Corp...............................................1983-1993

McNamara April National Guard............................................................N/A

Meagher Jr. Michael James Army National Guard............................................12 years

Meer Nathan Air Force......................................................................N/A

Meier Roman Army............................................................2004-Present

Meier Ryan J. Army............................................................2000-Present

Meissner Charlie Air Force......................................................................N/A

Meissner Katie Air Force......................................................................N/A

Melton Larry ....................................................................................N/A

Melton Larry Army (Military Intelligence).............................1965-1969

Menken Dan U.S. Navy..........................................................1985-1993

Menth Cyril Navy & Army Aircorps ......................................1942-1946

Mergen Chris Marines.......................................................................N/A

Mergen Robert ....................................................................................N/A

Messer Gary Army......................................................................2 years

Metcalf James Army National Guard........................................1977-1999

Meyer Adoph ....................................................................................N/A

Meyer Aloys Army................................................................1954-1956

Meyer Bernard Army ...............................................................1955-1957

Meyer Bernard H. Army................................................................1955-1957

Meyer David Army......................................................................2 years

Meyer David C. Army................................................................1954-1956

Meyer David C. Army......................................................................2 years

Meyer Elmer L. Army National Guard..............................................6 years

Meyer Eugene J. U.S. Marine Corp...............................................1952-1954

Meyer Gary Army......................................................................2 years

Meyer Gary T. Army................................................................1968-1969

Meyer Jerry Army................................................................1968-1969

Meyer Kenneth D. U.S. Air Force....................................................1979-1983

Meyer Loren T. US Army...........................................................1960-1963

Meyer Mark U.S. Airforce .....................................................1979-1983

Meyer Marv U.S. Army & Reserve.........................................1985-2007

Meyer Philip Army................................................................1954-1956

Middendorf Dave Army................................................................1973-1978

Middendorf Victor Army......................................................................2 years

Mikkelson Bruce Army................................................................1970-1972

Miley William J. US Army..................................................................3 Years

Miller Andrew ....................................................................................N/A

Miller Arthur ....................................................................................N/A

Miller Dean B. U.S. Marine Corp...............................................1986-1992

Miller Gene U.S. Army ...............................................................2 years

Miller Roy ....................................................................................N/A

Miller Jr. Michael W. U.S. Marine Corp...............................................1953-1956

Mills Marvin ....................................................................................N/A

Milo Timothy Army............................................................2000-Present

Minette Chad Army National Guard....................................2001-Present

Minnerath Roman ....................................................................................N/A

Moberg John Air

Moening

Mohs

Molitor

Molm

Molus

Morgel

Morgel

Morgel

Morgel

Moritz

Moritz

Moritz

Mueffelmann Gary

Musburger

Musolf Roland Navy.................................................Nov. 1962-Sept. 1966

Nathe Alfred G. Army................................................................1971-1972

Nathe Gerald ....................................................................................N/A

Nathe James H. Marine Corp......................................................1966-1969 Nathe James L. U.S. Marine Corp...............................................1966-1969 Nathe John L. Army National Guard........................................1962-1968 Nathe Kenneth C. Army......................................................................5 years

Nathe Rueben N. Air Force...........................................................1970-1974

Neal Thomas U.S. Coast Guard....................................4 years , 4 months

Neal William Navy.................................................................1968-1970

Nelson Marlo D. Marine Corp ....................................................1961 - 1965 Netter Edward ....................................................................................N/A Netter Peter ....................................................................................N/A Newell Michael Navy/National Guard ......Navy 1970-1972 National Guard 1987-2007

Nieland Dennis Marine Corp......................................................1969-1970 Nienaber Brian Army National Guard...........................Sept. 2019-present Nienaber Garrett Air Force..............................................Feb. 2014 - Present Nienaber Jason National Guard............................................2008 - Present Nienaber Roman Army..............................................Feb. 1957-March 1963

Nordine Howard“Bud” Marine ...................................................................2 years Notch Alcuin Army.........3 years active, 2 years standby & 2 years active reserve

Nugent Eugene Army................................................................1944-1948

Nugent Henry Army..........................................................Served in WWI Nummela Gary Army................................................................1973-1976 O’Brian Michael ....................................................................................N/A

Olloman Don Marine ...................................................................6 years

Olmscheid John U.S. Army ...........................................Jan. 1968-Oct. 1970 Olmscheid (Brendle) Lavina Army/Guards.............Army 1969-1976 Guards 1976-1991

Olson Everett R. ....................................................................................N/A

Olson Gordon Army/Army Reserve..........Army 1970-1972 Army Reserve 1974-1994

Olson Richard B. Navy.................................................................1966-1968 Olson Virden Air Force................................April 17, 1946-Oct. 17, 1947

Opatz Claude Army................................................................1955-1957 Opatz Claude ....................................................................................N/A Opatz Edw ....................................................................................N/A

Opatz George ....................................................................................N/A

Opatz Jackie ....................................................................................N/A

Opatz Marlin ....................................................................................N/A Opatz William A. ....................................................................................N/A

Opatz Jessica Military .......................................................................N/A

Orth Leonard Army................................................................1953-1955

Orth Phil U.S. Marine Corp.....................................................3 years

Ostendorf Raymond R. Army..................................................2/9/1960-2/6/1963

Otte Elmer MN Army National Guard .......................................8 years

Otte Sandra Gray Army....................................................................22 years

Pagel Allen Army................................................................1965-1977

Pagel Donald Army................................................................1963-1966

Pagel JoHann“John” Army................................................................1985-1992 Paggen Mike ....................................................................................N/A

Pallow John Air Force...............................................................23 years

Pallow John L Air Force...........................................................1951-1974

Pannek Alfred Sr. ....................................................................................N/A

Pannek Alois ....................................................................................N/A

Parks Clayton Alfred Army................................................................1917-1918 Parks Isaac Army................................................................1862-1864 Parks Laurel Edward Army................................................................1949-1950

Pederson Bob ....................................................................................N/A

Peleske Craig W. Army Sergeant.....................................................14 years

Perlinger Leo R. Air Force...........................................................1962-1966

Perne Alois Army...........................................................................N/A

Petermeier Edmund B. Army National Guard..............................................6 years

Peters George Army....................................June 13, 1955-June 14, 1957

Peters Jerome G. Army................................................................1952-1954

Last Name First Name Branch of Military.......Years of Service Last Name First Name Branch of Military.......Years

Posch Stephen Army................................................................1990-2011

Powers Mark Navy..................................................Nov. 1979-Aug. 1985

Prestino Adam Army............................................................2004-Present

Primus Mark P. U.S. Army & Army National Guard.3 years (Army) 19 years (N.G.)

Primus Ray U.S. Marine Corp...............................................1969-1971

Probach Kevin R Navy.......................................................................5 years

Proell Michael Army.......................................................................6 Years

Proell Tim Army National Guard............................................25 years

Pueringer Robert Army................................................................1965-1968

Pueringer Robert ....................................................................................N/A

Quackenbush Leo Army Air Corp..........................................................2 Years

Quinn Frank Army....................................................................1979-82

Quistorff Jeff Army National Guard............................................11 years

Quistorff Mike Army......................................................................2 years

Quistorff Richard U.S. Army .........................................................1974-1996

Rachey Daryl Air Force............................................................26+ years

Rachey Gerald Navy.................................................................4 1/2 years

Rademacher Chad Military .......................................................................N/A

Rademacher Gary N. ....................................................................................N/A

Rademacher Mary M. ....................................................................................N/A

Raden Lawrence ....................................................................................N/A

Raden Nicholas ....................................................................................N/A

Radtke Brad Air Force......................................................................N/A

Raeker Eugene Army................................................................1953-1955

Rahn Harvey Air Force...........................................................1959-1962

Ramseyer Christopher Army................................................................1990-2010

Rapp Jerome G. Army......................................................................2 years

Rasmusen Merlin Sylvester Army ....................................Nov. 10, 1945-May 13, 1947

Rath Manrad ....................................................................................N/A

Ratke Le J. ....................................................................................N/A

Rausch Alphonse ....................................................................................N/A

Rausch Dave Army..................................................................................

Rausch Jim Army..................................................................................

Rausch Ken Navy...................................................................................

Rausch Tom Army..................................................................................

Rausch Wendell Army...........................................................................N/A

Rausch William M. (Bill) Marine Corp. & National Guard.............................30 years

Read Harold Air Force...........................................................1963-1967

Reiling Gary P. ....................................................................................N/A

Reisdorf George ....................................................................................N/A

Reller Tom Air Force.................................................................4 years

Reuter Wayne Army.......................................................................2 Years

Ricker Ronald U.S. Air Force....................................................1960-1964

Rieland Dan Navy Seabees.....................................2.5 years in Vietnam

Rindahl  Bruce E. Navy...................................................Oct. 1965-Aug.1969

Risdal Troy Army National Guard............................................12 years

Ritter Kenneth US Navy............................................................1959-1963

Ritzer Adolph ....................................................................................N/A

Ritzer Reed ....................................................................................N/A

Roberson Mark Navy.................................................................1982-1986

Robertson Charles (Dave) Air Force...........................................................1956-1960

Robinson Timothy George Army................................................................1967-1968

Robischon Michael Navy & U.S.S. ...................................................1966-1970

Roche Frank ....................................................................................N/A

Roehl Randall D. ....................................................................................N/A

Roehrl Arthur P. Army................................................................1943-1945

Roehrl Melvin“Mel” Navy.................................................................1945-1946

Roelike Ken Army Green Beret...................................................4 years

Roerick Maria Coast Guard.................................................................N/A

Rohe Othmar U.S. Army ...............................................................2 years

Rolfes Allen National Guard............................................................N/A

Ronyak Bernard Air Force...........................................................1958-1962

Ronyak Bernard G. ....................................................................................N/A

Ronyak Robert M. ....................................................................................N/A

Rooney Mike J. Army................................................................1966-1968

Rosner Michael Army................................................................1967-1970

Ross Jim U.S. Navy................................................................3 years

Rousslang Dick

Ryan

Ryan Joe

Rybaczuk Ryan

Sabrowsky DuWayne H. Marine Corps...................................................1953-1957

Salzer Frank

Salzer Lawrence

Scegura Ludwig Army......................................................................3 years Scegura Ludwig ....................................................................................N/A Schaefer Kenneth Army......................................................................2 years Schauble John ....................................................................................N/A Scherping Donald A. U.S. Navy Sea Bees...........................................1967-1970 Schirmers Denis Army National Guard..............................................6 years Schirmers Stephen A. ....................................................................................N/A Schirmers William ....................................................................................N/A Schleicher Cory Army...........................................................................N/A Schlicht Michael U.S Navy Air .....................................................1961-1964 Schlichting Don Army......................................................................2 years Schloegl James A. Navy USN. ........................................................1982-2005 Schloegl Thomas J. U.S. Army ........................................................1983-1985 Schmainda Charles Navy Seabees.........................................................2 years Schmainda Ronald ....................................................................................N/A Schmid Donald E. Air Force.....................................Nov. 4 1940-Oct. 31 1964 Schmid Frank A. ....................................................................................N/A Schmid George A. ....................................................................................N/A Schmid Lee B Army Air Force..................................................1943-1946 Schmid Terrence ....................................................................................N/A Schmidt Elmer A. Army......................................................................3 years Schmidt Kenneth A. Army................................................................1961-1964 Schmidt Raymond G. ....................................................................................N/A Schmidt Roger F. ....................................................................................N/A Schmidt Ronald S. ....................................................................................N/A Schmiesing Lisa U.S. Army ....................................................................N/A Schmiesing SSG. Lisa A. Army...................................................1995-2016, Retired Schmit Ernie Army................................................................1971-1973 Schmit Ernie ....................................................................................N/A Schmitt Martin ....................................................................................N/A Schneider Denis Air Force...........................................................1955-1959 Schneider James Air Force...........................................................1964-1968 Schneider John H. Army......................................................................3 years Schneider Raymond Army................................................................1957-1959 Schnell Cyril (Sam) Army................................................................1971-1973 Schramel Kenneth Army................................................................1966-1967 Schreder Eugene ....................................................................................N/A Schultz Jr. Richard Army.......................................................................3 Years Schulzetenberg Joseph U.S. Navy..........................................................1944-1946 Schurman Eugene E. U.S. Air Force..........................................................4 years Schwab Terence J. Army..............................................................17 1/2 years Schwalbe Alex C. ....................................................................................N/A Schwalbe Cyril ....................................................................................N/A Schwieters Joseph A. Army................................................................1972-1974 Schwieters Nicholas US Military..................................................................N/A Schwinghamer Chris Army National Guard..............................................7 years Schwinghamer Craig Army National Guard........................................1984-2004 Schwinghamer Joseph Army National guard..............................................4 years Schwinghamer Joseph Army National Guard..............................................2 years Schwinghamer Thomas Army National Guard...........................................1.5 years Schwinghammer Roger Army National Guard..............................................7 years

Sell David Air Force..................................................24 years-present Sell Jeffrey Marine Corp.........................................................6.5 years Sell Larry Air Force/Army Guard/Air Guard.........................27.5 years Sells John Air Force.................................................................5 years Senart Rudolph ....................................................................................N/A Senger Chris Army....................................................................30 years Senger Chuck Army....................................................................13 years Shabel Duane V. ....................................................................................N/A Sherman Douglas Army......................................................................2 years Sieben Aaron Navy.......................................................................6 years Sieben Dennis U.S. Marine

years Sieben Eugene Navy.................................................................1948-1950 Sieben Oswald Army.......................................................................1913-? Sieben Paul Army National Guard..............................................2 years Sieben Robert Army.......................2 years Army 20 years National Guard Sieben Dave Army Infantry.......2 year of active duty & 24 years of army reserve duty Silbernagel John Air Force.....................................3 years, 1 month, 25 days Skwira Tyler

Sandberg

Sanoski

Sanoski

Sanoski

Sarlette

Sarlette Marty Air Force...........................................................1983-2005

Sauerer Melvin Marines............................................................1941-1945

Sauerer Michael Army................................................................1966-1968

Last

Stepan Patrick L. Marine Corp......................................................2006-2010

Stevens Michael Army...........................................................................N/A

Stiles Chris Army....................................................2006-2010 OIF 7-9

Stiller Donald S. ....................................................................................N/A

Stock Adam ....................................................................................N/A

Stock Anita ....................................................................................N/A

Stodolka Jim C. Sr. ....................................................................................N/A

Storie Jim U.S. Marine Corp.................................Oct. 1964-Dec. 1968

Straub Robert, Jr. Army......................................................................3 years

Straub Robert, Sr. Army......................................................................3 years

Streit Stanley ....................................................................................N/A

Stresnak Elmer ....................................................................................N/A

Strom Martin ....................................................................................N/A

Strutzyk Richard ....................................................................................N/A

Studer Sally ....................................................................................N/A

Studinski Albert ....................................................................................N/A

Stueve Arnold B.

Suchy Jerome ....................................................................................N/A

Sunderman James A. National Guard............................................................N/A

Sundermand Jim .........................................................................1966-1972

Sundermann Roman Army..................................................................................

Super James Army....................................................................20 years

Swedenburg Quint Navy ..................................................................10.5 years

Symanietz Stanley ....................................................................................N/A

Szczawinski Joseph ....................................................................................N/A

Tarnowski Andrew Stanley ....................................................................................N/A

Tegels Eric Marine Corp./Air Force............................................7 years

Terhaar Jack U.S. Navy..........................................................1964-1966

Terwey Arthur B. ....................................................................................N/A

Terwey Lawrence Army National Guard........................................1958-1965

Thang Everett Marine Corp...................................................WWII 3 years

Theisen James E. Marines............................................................1966-1967

Theisen Marcellus J. Army................................................................1943-1947

Thell Daniel ....................................................................................N/A

Thell David R. ....................................................................................N/A

Thell Roger B. ....................................................................................N/A

Thielen Paul U. Navy.......................................................................4 years

Thielman Delroy J. ....................................................................................N/A

Thielman James A. ....................................................................................N/A

Thielman Jerry ....................................................................................N/A

Thielman Robert Jr. ....................................................................................N/A

Thielman Sylvester ....................................................................................N/A

Thielman Theodore ....................................................................................N/A

Thome Alois ....................................................................................N/A

Thompson Laurel Gene Army......................................................................2 years

Timp Patrick Army................................................................1968-1972

Toenies Donald J. Army.............................................................1956 & 1957

Toenyan Gary MN Army National Guard .................................1971-2000

Tomsche Robert Army................................................................1955-1957

Traut Victor J. Air Force..........................................................1950 - 1954

Trisko Jerome Army................................................................Korean War

Trisko Raphael Army...........................................................................N/A

Trisko Ray Army ........................................................................WWII

Tschida Harold U.S. Army .........................................................1946-1947

Tschida Rick MN Army National Guard .................................1970-1977

Tschida Pierce Nancy U.S. Air Force....................................................1973-1994

Tucker Caleb Navy............................................................................N/A

Turner Randy National Guard.................................................1974-1997

Turner Todd National Guard.............................................1997-Present

Uhlenkamp David Army................................................................1954-1957

Uhlenkamp Donnie Army................................................................1960-1962

Uhlenkamp Ernest Army................................................................1953-1955

Uhlenkamp Lyle Army................................................................1961-1963

Uhlenkamp Randal Carl Army National Guard........................................1982-1988

Uhlenkamp Robert Army................................................................1968-1970

Uhlenkamp Roger Army................................................................1968-1970

Uhlenkamp Vern Army National Guard........................................1962-1968

Uphoff Bill Air Force ..........................................................1969-1973

Uphoff Bob Army................................................................1964-1967

Uphoff Cel Army ...............................................................1945-1946

Uphoff Jim Army Reserve...................................................1967-1973

Uphoff Virgil Army................................................................1953-1955

Uphus Sylvester Navy.................................................................1946-1947

Van Heel Robert L. U.S. Army ...................................................................Avon

Vander Heyden Jim Army................................................................1963-1968

Vanderheyden James ....................................................................................N/A

VanHeel Art U.S. Air Force.............4 years Air Force, 6 years Air Reserve

VanHeel Robert Army................................................................1958-1959

Vaughan John A. Army................................................................1965-1969

Veeder

Viehauser Kenneth G.

Voller

Voller

Vos

Vos Ralph R.

Voss Arnold F. Army................................................................1950-1952

Voss

Wagner Henry

Walker Charlie Richard Army National Guard........................................1950-1952

Walker Clifford Leroy Army National Guard........................................1950-1952

Walker Henry James“Hank” Army................................................................1944-1946

Walker Raymond George Army................................................................1943-1946

Walker Russell Harold Army................................................................1942-1945

Walter Allen Army................................................................1971-1972

Walter Dave Army National Guard........................................1959-1965

Walz Louis Army/National Guard.......................................1962-1968

Walz Roy G. Army/Army Reserve/National Guard................1955-1990

Wambeke Patrick Air Force.................................................................3 years

Wander Adam MN Army National Guard .............................2002-Present Wander Don Army......................................................................2 years

Warga Betty ....................................................................................N/A

Warga Donald Army................................................................1952-1954

Warga Donald Army................................................................1952-1954

Warzecha Kenneth ....................................................................................N/A

Watry Daniel Navy............................................................................N/A

Watry Dustin Air Force......................................................................N/A

Weber Joe Army National Guard........................................1959-1965

Weber Kaila Air Force......................................................................N/A

Wedel Joseph U.S. Navy..........................................................1969-1972

Weimerskirch John Army National Guard..............................................8 years

Weiner Dwayne Army................................................................1946-1948

Weiner Merlin Army................................................................1945-1948

Weisgram Shawn D. Army..............................................Sept. 2008-Sept. 2012

Weisser Mike Navy.......................................................................3 years

Weisser Mike Navy.......................................................................3 years

Welle Kelly ....................................................................................N/A

Weller Dave MN Army National Guard .................................1969-1975 Welters Allen ....................................................................................N/A

Wenderski Harvey ....................................................................................N/A

Wenker Roger Bernard US Army..................................Feb 10, 1960 - Feb. 9, 1966

Wenning Kenneth L. ....................................................................................N/A Wensman Robert Army National Guard..........................................39.5 years Wensman Steve Army....................................................................37 years

Wensmann Donald Army................................................................1951-1953 Wensmann Gerald Army....................................................................31 years

Wensmann Herbert Army................................................................1954-1956

Wensmann Jerome Army................................................................1954-1956 Wensmann Leroy Army................................................................1954-1956 Wentland Louis ....................................................................................N/A Wentland Louis Army................................................................1952-1954

Wessel Harold (Butch) Army/National Guard..1965-1967/1976-1979,1987-1989 West Glen R. U.S. Army .........................................................1959-1961

Westendorf Art U.S. Army .........................................................1966-1969 Westendorf Herman Navy.................................................................1945-1947 Westerbeck Todd U.S. Navy..........................................................1981-1987 Wiebolt Bernard Army................................................................1953-1955 Wielenberg Herb Army................................................................1968-1970 Wiener Julian Army...........................................................................N/A Wiener Matt MN Army National Guard .................................1924-1928 Wiener Rob Army National Guard..............................................9 years Wiener Robert“Bud” U.S. Army ....................................................................N/A Wiener Victor Navy Seabees...................................................1945-1947 Wilson Dustin Reserves......................................................................N/A

Wingate Timothy W. Navy.................................................................1968-1973 Wohletz Kevin ....................................................................................N/A Woitalla Clarence P. ....................................................................................N/A Woitalla Raymond Navy.................................................................1965-1969

No regrets Rademacher shares more than 30 years of experience

By SARAH COLBURN Staff Writer

Chad Rademacher, of Sauk Centre, likens the inside of a 68-ton Abrams military tank to squeezing three adult humans into the seat of a carnival ride like the Scrambler.

“You get to be very close with your other crew members,” Rademacher said. “You learn them very well, and they really become like part of your family.”

Rademacher has been serving his country for more than 30 years and retired from activeduty Sept. 1. Most recently, Rademacher served as the battalion commander’s primary advisor.

“I’ve learned a lot of patience,” Rademacher said. “I’ve learned that it doesn’t matter what walk of life you come from. Everybody has the ability to succeed regardless of skin color, religion, race. … I’ve seen them all succeed, and that’s the great thing about the Army.”

The Sauk Centre native has spent the last decade or so providing oversight on tank training. He guided Minnesota National Guard troops, qualifying them on the vehicle, teaching them how to go to battle with a tank and how to maintain it.

Each tank is manned by a four-person crew: the driver, tank commander, gunner and loader. While the driver is stationed in the hull of the tank, the other three work together in a space that spans roughly 6 feet by 4 feet

with the breech of a gun creeping in.

Through the years, Rademacher said the most challenging thing has been balancing his service and his career with being a good husband and father. The role requires extended time commitments.

“Regardless of whether you stay in for three years or 30 years, it will instill in you things you’ll never forget,” Rademacher said.

Rademacher attended the Army’s Abrams Master Gunner program, a course he describes as the Army’s most academically challenging course.

When he began training troops, the hours were long. Rademacher said it was not uncommon for a tank crew to be awake for 16 to 20 hours, trying to get in all their training during their weekend of service. Tanks, Rademacher said, not only require maintenance to maintain their treds and fluids, but the sheer volume of electronics on the inside of a tank take time to learn. Everything is electronic.

“There’s so much to do and only limited time to get it done,” Rademacher said. “You took naps when you could; you kept working until you got your work done.”

During many of his service years, Rademacher lived in Melrose and worked out of St. Cloud. Rademacher held many roles including training noncommissioned officer, tank commander, company master gunner, readiness noncommissioned officer and battalion master gunner.

“I loved it,” Rademacher said. “It’s not every day you get to be on, and play with, a 68-ton piece of equipment that can destroy pretty

Chad Rademacher at his first basic training in June 1988. PHOTOS SUBMITTED

much anything that’s in front of it.”

Rademacher was deployed to Kuwait from July 2011 to April 2012. There, he served as the operations noncommissioned officer who staffed and monitored convoy security teams in Iraq.

Rademacher takes pride in his position and his role within the military. He said he was proud every time he put on his uniform.

“I don’t regret a minute of it,” he said. “There were a lot of hard times. A lot of time spent away from home. I missed a lot of family stuff; I missed a lot of my kids growing up, but it was worth it. I don’t regret it, not a single day.”

That pride was something instilled in him from his father, who was also a member of Minnesota National Guard, as were two of his uncles.

“I was just following in my dad’s footsteps,” Rademacher said. “He was the utmost professional. He was proud every time he put that uniform on, and I wanted to be that way as well.”

RADEMACHER | continued page 34

Honoring those who served.

team

K&S Pharmacy in Avon includes Brian Schneider (from left), Karla Schneider, Dana Crumley and Sarah Grutsch. Not pictured: Angie Brown.

Chad Rademacher poses for a formal portrait in his dress blues.

Chad Rademacher rides a camel at Camp Virginia, Kuwait.