Saluting Our Heroes by Suburban Newspapers

HEROES

SUBURBAN NEWSPAPERS INC.

November 8, 2017

Saluting our American heroes

here are many ways to honor those who have served and sacrificed for their country — volunteering at the veterans home, visiting with a veteran and listening to his or her story or helping with the 2017 Nebraska’s Official Veterans Parade. Many of us know someone who has served in a branch of the U.S. armed forces. Serving and recognizing these heroes are honors next to none. As important as it is to acknowledge the sacrifices these men and women have made, their efforts are sometimes forgotten. To salute those who have served in the armed forces, head to the 2017 Nebraska’s Official Veterans Parade this Saturday in Bellevue. For more information about the parade, see Page 6. — Suburban Newspapers

VETERANS DAY FACTS AND FIGURES Veterans Day, once known as Armistice Day, was first celebrated on Nov. 11, 1919, the anniversary of the end of World War I. In 1928, the United States Congress passed a resolution for Armistice Day to be an annual observation, and by 1938, the day became a national holiday. » According to the American Community Survey, there were 19.3 million military veterans in the United States in 2014. Of those, 1.6 million were female. » California, Texas and Florida have the largest number of veterans, equaling one million or more. » Veterans consist of people who served in the military. This includes the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force and Coast Guard. Veterans serve in times of war and peace. » The word “veteran” comes from the Old English language and means “old, experienced soldier.” The first use of the word was

Differing from Memorial Day in May, Armistice Day, which would be renamed Veterans Day in 1954 under President Dwight Eisenhower, pays tribute to veterans who survived various wars. Memorial Day commemorates those veterans who lost their lives.

documented in 1789. » Although many veterans are working, and the average annual income of male veterans is $37,000, some veterans continue to be unemployed. According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the overall unemployment rate for veterans rose to 7.6 percent in January 2013. The unemployment rate of post-9/11 veterans or those who participated in the Gulf War reached 6.2 percent. » Upon retiring or being discharged, veterans may need help acclimating to life outside

Americans celebrate Veterans Day, while residents of Great Britain, Canada and Australia celebrate Remembrance Day. Those who want to learn more about Veterans Day can consider the following facts.

the military. The Department of Veterans Affairs says about 30 percent of Vietnam War veterans have been diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder, or PTSD. » Between 1971 and 1977, Veterans Day was celebrated on the fourth Monday in October. It was changed back to its original date, Nov.11, in 1975 when President Gerald Ford signed bill S.331 into law. The change went into effect in 1978. » An American soldier was buried at the national cemetery in Arlington on Nov. 11, 1921. His identity was unknown, and the

WE W E ARE ARE THE OLDEST FAMILY-OWNED D

gravesite is known as the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. A guard from the Society of the Honor Guard stands watch over the grave each year on Veterans Day, and the president or another high-ranking member of the government places a wreath on the grave. Veterans Day occurs each year on Nov. 11, marking the end of World War I. The day has evolved into a celebration and remembrance of the heroism of America’s brave soldiers. — Metro Creative Connection

NP N P DODGE DODGE

REAL ESTATE COMPANY IN THE COUNTRY

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE & SACRIFICES

VOTED THE BEST IN SARPY COUNTY FOR Property Management Company

2059982-01

HERO: A person who is admired for great or brave acts or fine qualities (Merriam-Webster)

Commercial Real Estate Company

Residential Real Estate Company

• RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE • PROPERTY MANAGEMENT • COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE

402-597-5008 | 402-293-5008 | 800-927-3314 48th & Hwy 370 | www.npdodge.com

PROUD TO SUPPORT LOCAL HEROES Ken Summerfield Agency

2059788-01

2059990-01

945 No. Adams Ste 8 Papillion, NE 68046 (402) 339-0200 ksummerf@amfam.com

HEROES

November 8, 2017

SUBURBAN NEWSPAPERS INC.

Remembering brothers that served with honor Air Force. He was assigned to an airfield in Lincoln before being sent to active duty. He was stationed at Thorpe Abbotts Airfield in Norfolk, England, as a navigator on the B17G flying fortress, “Now An’ Then.” He served as a navigator in the Eighth Air Force, the 100th Bomb Group and the 349th Bomb Squad. Bombing missions included Chartres and Brest in France, and Ludwigshafen, Berlin, Dusseldorf and Ruhland in Germany. On a bombing raid to destroy oil refineries in Ruhland on Sept. 11, 1944, his plane was shot down over Kovarska, Czech Republic. He was captured and was held as a prisoner of war in Stalag Luft I in Barth, Germany. His camp was liberated by the Russians on May 1, 1945. His personal account as a POW, “Miracles Do Happen,” was published in 2003.

2nd Lt. Arthur F. Lienemann enlisted May 23, 1944. He served in the 576th Squadron in the Eighth Army Air Force as a pilot, flying a B-24 Liberator. On Feb. 20, 1945, he and his crew were sent from the 70th Reinforcement Depot to the 392nd Bomb Group at Wendling Station 118 at the U.S. Army Air Force base in Norfolk, England. Paul F. Lienemann enlisted March of 1946 at the age 18 to follow in his brothers’ footsteps. He served in the army during the occupation of Japan at the end of World War II. He was stationed at Fort Leavenworth in Kansas and Camp Carson in Colorado before going to Japan. A Sgt. first class, he served until July 1947. — Submitted by Russ Zeeb

Patriarch Distillery honors faith, family and country before all things. Patriarch Distillers is committed to honoring those who have served to preserve America’s freedom. We GIVE BACK and We are committed to supporting these organizations.

PAT R I A R C H TA S T I N G R O O M

12251 Cary Cir, Ste 100 LaVista, NE | 402-690-3490 | soldiervalleyspirits.com

Lienemann brothers, clockwise from top left, Arthur, Herbert, Paul and Donald served in the 1940s. Submitted by Russ Zeeb.

The Preferred Credit Union of Offutt Air Force Base for over 70 years

THANK YOU FOR SERVING YOUR COUNTRY!

Better Products. Better Rates. Better Service.

That’s Better Banking. Membership is FREE and open to the communities we serve. 2059810-01

our of the five sons of Arthur and Dorothea Lienemann served in the military during the 1940s. Herbert H. Lienemann was drafted in the U.S. Army and left the Papillion train depot on Aug. 1, 1941, headed to Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, for orders that would lead him to Camp Grant, Illinois. He was assigned to the station hospital unit and worked as a clerk in the sick and wounded office. On Jan. 31, 1945, he was assigned to the hospital ship The Aleda, which would hold 778 patients. Crossings to England and France were made to pick up the wounded and return them stateside. The staff sargeant was discharged in November 1945. Donald H. Lienemann trained as a navigator at Ellington Field, Texas, graduated and was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Army

402.292.8000 | www.sacfcu.com

2059789-01

HEROES

SUBURBAN NEWSPAPERS INC.

November 8, 2017

Veterans helping veterans move forward

hen he returned from Iraq with a traumatic brain injury and several broken bones in 2009 — the result of an IED explosion while serving in the Army — Ron Hernandez never asked for a hand out. The only thing the veteran wanted after 26 years of service was restoration of his life — some semblance of what he once had and who he once was. He put in the time and hard work to learn to walk and talk again, slowly rebuilding so he could move forward. But what did moving forward look like for a veteran who could no longer serve his country in the military? What could he do to help others the way that others had helped him during his recovery? Hernandez found his next mission while he was rehabilitating at the Veteran’s Administration hospital in Omaha. During a conversation with a fellow vet, he learned that gentleman, who had been homeless for some time, was being

Ron Hernandez placed in permanent housing with assistance from the VA. But he had no furniture or other household items for his new abode. “I knew I had some furniture I wasn’t using, so I offered to give it to him to help him get started,” Hernandez said. “It gave me the idea that this guy probably wasn’t alone in needing assistance with furniture and other living necessities. It sparked a sense of purpose in me that I wasn’t sure was still there.” Using income from his own military pension, Hernandez started Moving Veterans Forward out of his home — partnering with the VA as well as several other local agencies and nonprofits to help more veterans with their new surroundings. Here’s how it works. The Veteran’s See Moving: Page 5

BELLEVUE MEMORIAL FUNERAL CHAPEL

402-291-2500

www.HikeRealEstate.com

543 MAIN ST., PLATTSMOUTH | 114 EAST 1ST ST., PAPILLION | 114 EAST MISSION AVE., BELLEVUE

Residential • Commercial • Land • Sales & Management • Rental Properties Available

United We Stand as We Salute

2059795-01

Bellevue Public Schools salutes the men, women and families of Offutt Air Force Base, military families and our veterans.

ue lev

Public Sc

ols

MORTUARIES AND CREMATORY

2202 HANCOCK ST. BELLEVUE 402-291-5000

Thank You For Your Service & Sacrifices. We Are Forever Grateful.

Our Heroes

“Our Legacy of Service Continues”

HEAFEY HOFFMANN DWORAK & CUTLER

Mike Watkins for Suburban Newspapers

Volunteers, many of them veterans, work to help other veterans get back into civilian life. Moving Veterans Forward was created by Ron Hernandez, himself a veteran.

Be l

for suburban newspapers

“The main goal is to give veterans the boost that they need to turn themselves around and to become self-sufficient.”

2054168-01

By Mike Watkins

2054167-01

HEROES

November 8, 2017

SUBURBAN NEWSPAPERS INC.

Moving: Veteran created organization to help fellow veterans get back into life Continued from Page 4

Administration out of Omaha notifies Hernandez of pending housing placements, and he begins to move them in and find the necessities they need. “A large part of our endeavors is collecting furniture, clothing and other household items,” said Hernandez, who started Moving Veterans Forward in April 2011. “The main goal is to give veterans the boost that they need to turn themselves around and to become self-sufficient.” Moving Veterans Forward relies completely on volunteers — almost all of whom are veterans who have benefitted from the organization or family members of veterans who want to help. Everything that is collected is donated from homes locally, and Hernandez rents a medium-sized warehouse adjacent to the organization’s offices where everything is stored until it’s needed. The warehouse is full of couches, tables, chairs, TVs, etc., but also houses other necessities like toiletries, sheets and blankets, dishes and silverware and pots and pans, etc. — everything someone get-

“Any assistance is definitely welcome. We won’t turn anything away as long as it’s not broken or damaged.” Ron Hernandez ting back on their feet but with nothing needs to live independently and comfortably. Hernandez said Moving Veterans Forward has assisted more than 900 male and female veterans and their families — 170 in 2017 alone — since its inception. The numbers — and need — continue to increase annually. The current and future needs of Moving Veterans Forward may include but are not limited to purchasing furniture, food, renting storage units, maintaining vehicle expenses and reimbursement of mileage — among other things. The organization recently purchased a used truck to use for deliveries and pickups and may need to expand in the future. “While we always appreciate the donations of working furniture that’s in good shape and other household items,

what we could really use help with is financial donations,” Hernandez said. “Overhead for gas to move veterans and pick up furniture as well as to lease office and warehouse space comes largely out of my pension and the few grants and donations we receive. “Any assistance is definitely welcome. We won’t turn anything away as long as it’s not broken or damaged.” One of the volunteers who spends many days working at the organization, Duane “Dewey” Myers, said he sees tremendous impact and opportunity for growth for Moving Veterans Forward. As someone who benefited from the organization two years ago while he continued his recovery from a methadone addiction that started as a way of dealing with the pain from a motorcycle accident, Myers said anything he and his fellow volunteers can do to help others is worth it. Myers said he lost everything as a result of his addiction and found himself living at the Open Door Mission before the VA intervened and put him in touch with Hernandez and Moving Veterans

Forward. “Ron helped me, so I feel like I should do something to help others who are in similar situations to what I went through,” said Myers, an Army vet of three years. “I know what it’s like to get down on yourself, when the world looks grim and nothing is going right. “If we can help a veteran and his or her family start fresh, then I’m on board. It helps my self-esteem to see our work helping their self-esteem.” In addition to helping veterans get back on their feet by providing household items, Hernandez has also established a meeting space in the organization’s main office — a space for recreation and peer therapy as well as Alcoholics Anonymous meetings for veterans. “That’s just my calling — to serve the community,” he said. To make a donation of money or household items or to volunteer, or to learn more about Moving Veterans Forward, visit www.mvfne.org, call 402-3016300 or email Hernandez at movingvetsforward@yahoo.com.

Freedom & Indepencence

Thank You For Your Service

rotellasbakery.com

Louis Rotella Sr. WWII, United States Army 1927 - 2009

Serving Bellevue since 1958

223 W. Mission Ave | Bellevue, NE 68005

402-291-2454

SINCE 1988

Elaine Milroy 402-690-3735

www.decustom.com

Custom Home Builder

Custom homes from $225,000 and up in Gretna. Papillion, LaVista Elkhorn & Omaha. Now building in Ashland, Aspen Creek and Covington 2

THANK YOU TO OUR VETERANS, ACTIVE DUTY MILITARY & THEIR FAMILES!

2059989-01

Custom Homes Inc.

WE DESIGN Unique Plans TO FIT YOUR FAMILY’S NEEDS

Salutes WWII Veterans, All Veterans of Foreign Wars, and all Men and Women serving in our United States Armed Forces. May God Bless America!

2059991-01

HEROES

SUBURBAN NEWSPAPERS INC.

November 8, 2017

Come out and honor veterans at the parade The 18th Annual “Defenders of Freedom” parade is set for Saturday at 10 a.m. About 100 entries are expected for Nebraska’s Official Veterans Parade. They will include active-duty and retired military and veterans groups, schools, floats, marching bands, businesses and elected officials. The Fraternal Order of Eagles will again serve breakfast to the public from 8 to 10 a.m. at 209 W. Mission Ave. This year, the parade will fall on Veterans Day for only the second time in its history. The parade will also celebrate the state’s 150th year. — Suburban Newspapers

Military personnel from Offutt Air Force Base march down Mission Avenue during last year’s “Defenders of Freedom” parade in Bellevue. Nebraska’s Official Veterans Parade featured active-duty military, veterans groups, schools, businesses and other organizations.

PARADE Saturday at 10 a.m. Route begins at Jackson Street and Mission Avenue and moves to Washington Park and Franklin Street. GRAND MARSHAL Cpl. Robert D. Holts will serve as grand marshal in the parade. Holts enlisted in the U.S. Army in November 1942 at the age of 18. He was sworn in at Fort Crook (today known at Offutt Air Force Base). Eventually, he became one of the Tuskegee Airmen. He served until February 1946.

MICHAEL BATCHELDER/SUBURBAN NEWSPAPERS

2 STORY, 1 1/2 STORY & RANCH PLANS Visit Our 2 Story Model w/ Finished Basment (Similar Floorplan) Located at 19302 Bellbrook Blvd, 192nd & Harrison.

Homes from $290 and above TO OUR VE TE R ANS, MI LI TAR Y P E R SONNE L & THE I R FAMI LI E S THANK YOU FOR YOUR SE R VI CE !

Model Open Daily 1- 5

www.barrhomesomaha.com • www.prolinehomesomaha.com

Bank

402-861-6499

noun

LOY-AL-TY Being there for each other.

402-670-9387

LFS At Ease Trauma treatment and therapeutic support for active military, veterans and their loved ones

GRETNA 817 Village Sq., 402.332.4261 • 168th & Harrison St., 402.895.2938 PAPILLION 1200 Golden Gate Dr., 402.339.3244 • 102 E. Cary St., 402.331.2300 611 Pinnacle Dr., 402.339.6449

pinnbank.com 2060283-01

2056333-01

Confidential Services— No one turned away based on inability to pay

11515 South 39th Street, Suite 300 Bellevue, NE · (402) 292-9105 AtEase@LFSneb.org 2059792-01

HEROES

November 8, 2017

Honoring veterans and their families remains a priority for the La Vista Community Foundation “Veterans and their family members continue to show eagerness to attend this grand event.”

The Papillion Community Foundation would like to extend our eternal gratitude for the sacrifices that our Veterans & their families make every day.

Thank you for your service to this Great Country and for protecting our Freedom. We invite all veterans who have served, lived or attended school in Sarpy County to complete an application for a plaque on the Veterans Park Honor Wall. DETAILS CAN BE FOUND ON www.papillionfoundation.org ON THE VETERANS PARK TAB AT THE TOP OF THE PAGE OR YOU CAN CONTACT THE

Papillion Community Foundation 402-331-3917.

John Yochum program possible,” Yochum said. We attract additional contributors every year, and they include: Embassy Suites/La Vista Conference Center, and American National Bank, Fitzgerald, Schorr, Barmettler & Brennan Law, Securities America, Yahoo Inc., The City of Papillion, Black Hills Energy, Rotella’s Bakery, Primrose School of La Vista, Streck Inc., Baxter Auto Group, Pinnacle Bank, Sampson Construction, DLR Group, City Ventures Inc. and Metropolitan Community College. Additional sponsors include Young Chiropractic, Papillion Sanitation Service and Suponchick Commercial Wallcovering Inc. Another Salute the Veterans Banquet will be planned for next November. Space is limited, and registration is required. For more information visit www.lavistacommunityfoundation.com. The event is free to veterans and a guest. — La Vista Community Foundation

2060279-01

o show gratitude to those who have contributed through military service, the LVCF assembled community and business leaders and organizations to present a Salute the Veterans Banquet last night at the La Vista Conference Center. Community members and leaders alike joined with businesses and corporations to fund and organize this event, now in its seventh year. LVCF Executive Director John Yochum said the event wouldn’t be possible without wide support from members of the community. “The event is known across the region,” he said. “Veterans and their family members continue to show eagerness to attend this grand event.” The event began with a cocktail hour at 5 p.m. and was followed by a program honoring the veterans and their families in attendance as well as those who gave the ultimate sacrifice while in service and those who are missing in action. Mark Dreiling, chief of staff for Congressman Don Bacon, was emcee for the event. The featured speaker was Retired Brigadier General Michael McGinnis. “We are also thankful to our generous sponsors who help make this

SUBURBAN NEWSPAPERS INC.

TO THOSE WHO HAVE SERVED, TO THOSE WHO MADE THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE, AND TO THOSE WHO BRAVELY FIGHT TODAY,

WE THANK YOU FOR YOUR DEDICATION TO OUR COUNTRY.

2059889-01

CBSHOME thanks the brave heroes who have given so much to ensure our freedom.

ACTIVE or RETIRED MILITARY?

WE HAVE A SPECIAL REBATE PROGRAM FOR YOU!

THANK YOU

Find out more at:

www.cbshome.com/MAP

for your service and sacrifice

M I D L A N D S C O M M U N I T Y F O U N D AT I O N www.MidlandsCommunity.org

774 Olson Dr, Ste 105, Papillion | 402-292-2200 | www.CBSHOME.com 2060280-01

2060000-01

HEROES

SUBURBAN NEWSPAPERS INC.

November 8, 2017

BACHELOR OF MULTIDISCIPLINARY STUDIES DEGREE

Designed especially for adults, the Bachelor of Multidisciplinary Studies (BMS) is a flexible, individualized degree program. Awarded to over 23,000 students since 1951, the BMS is ideal for adults seeking degree completion or pursuing a college degree for the first time. The adaptable nature of the BMS provides opportunities for students to design a personalized degree tailored to meet individual career goals, satisfy personal aspirations, or prepare for graduate study. The BMS is available fully online and nationally ranked among the top 25 online bachelor’s degrees.

Nationally Ranked Online Bachelor’s Degree U.S. News & World Report, 2016

Top 10 Best For Vets Four-Year University Military Times, 2017

AVAILABLE ON-CAMPUS OR ONLINE

dcs.unomaha.edu

FOR MORE INFORMATION: 207 CPACS | 6001 Dodge Street, Omaha, NE 68182 | unodcs@unomaha.edu | 402.554.2370 218 Education Center, Building C | Offutt Air Force Base | unooffutt@unomaha.edu | 402.595.2371 The University of Nebraska does not discriminate based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation in its programs, activities, or employment. 0268ADDCS1017

2054169-01