GATHER Veterans-Warriors-Heroes May/June 2022 Magazine

Michigan

May/June 2022

Marc Alarcon

In Memory of

Burley Kiracofe

31 years and 8 months ActiveDuty USCG

Time To Tell

Kenneth Disbrow

It’s an honor to wear the uniform

Ben Weber

Deputy Sheriff With Grand Traverse County Sheriff’s Office Photo credit - John Russell - TC Photos

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PUBLISHER

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EDITOR

PAMELA MCCORMICK

Contributing Photographers

Mike Banno John Russell Scarlett Piedmonte Cover By John Russell

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Gather Veterans Team “Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much.” - Helen Keller

Hannah Bouwmeester Owner/Publisher Gather Veterans

Pamela McCormick Managing Editor Gather Veterans

Pete Lathrop Contributing Writer

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TABLE OF CONTENTS May/June 2022

08

Publisher’s Note

10

Ben Weber

14

Kenneth Disbrow

18

Cone drive

20

Tight Lines for Troops - free fishing Tournament

22

Burley Kiracofe

26

Marc Alarcon

28

Buster’s Blinds

30

INSURANCE 101

32

Reunion In a Time of Loss

34

Coffee Table Coach

36

Help a Hero campaign

38

Steak Potato Rounds

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Publisher’s Note Nationalism Versus Individualism As I sat across from an Army Veteran recently interviewed, we began to discuss why the changes we attempted to make in Iraq and Afghanistan were seemingly doomed to fail from the beginning. I asked him why he thought establishing a stable government that supported the people’s desire for freedom and independence was such a difficult task. His answer made so much sense (you may agree or disagree; I share it more to provoke thought and discussion).

The consensus of our conversation is that accomplishing a nationalistic mentality in those regions is impossible due to the greater identity with religion and region as well as tribes as they are also both religious and regional.

“Iraq is a country somewhat larger in area than California. Most of Iraq’s 25 million people are Muslims, whether they are Shiites, Sunnis, or Kurds.

The Shiites and Sunnis are ethnically Arabs (that is, they speak Arabic and share a common culture). Kurds are not Arabs; they have their own culture and language. Most Kurds are Sunni Muslims. The division between Shiites and Sunnis dates to the death of Muhammad, the founder of Islam, in 632 A.D.” (February 18 et al., Iraq: Shiites, Sunnis, Kurds, Americans & problems 2014) If nationalistic pride is not present, there is no unity, and if there is no unity, well, as Mark 3:25 states, “If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand.” (CSB Study Bible: Christian standard bible 2017) This truth has played out dramatically over the last many months as our troops withdrew and a restraining presence no longer

remained in those regions. The house has fallen.

This conversation made me think about the ancient Greeks. Did you know there never was a nation called Greece in the ancient world? Rather there existed a strong nationalistic mentality among the inhabitants of this region. A robust belief in their superiority engendered a conviction that resulted in a steadfast unity. Despite the vast diversity in the people, their nationalistic pride in their remarkable accomplishments unified them under the title “Greek.” (Rawls, 2018) What about us as Americans? While our history boasts of a national pride rivaling that of the Greeks, it is the opinion of this publisher that the United States teeters on a dangerous precipice called individualism. A weakness is creeping into our country. The destructive and divisive labels and distinctions threaten our national identity and tear us apart.

I challenge all who read this to unite in the national pride of “proud to be an AMERICAN!” Let us embrace the spirit of the Greeks rather than feed the infighting that will be our nation’s downfall if we continue to pander to such individualistic ideology.

We have different beliefs, religions, and races, but we are all AMERICANS. Let’s hold space for our differences, celebrate our accomplishments, and strengthen our nation by unity in who we are rather than how we differ from one another.

Proud to be an American, Owner/Publisher

–9

Featured First Responder

Ben Weber

A Legacy of Dedication and Service to our Country

By Amanda Renkiewicz

10 –

As a fourth-generation enlisted soldier, Ben Weber continues his family legacy of service and community dedication to this day. “I grew up in a family which values duty to our God, Family, and Country,” he explains. “I’m proud of our country and was incredibly blessed to be born here.” With an inheritance of military commitment, Ben served in the US Army from June 2005 to December 2012.

Ben had multiple roles during his time with the Army. “At the end of my service I was an Infantry Sergeant in the 1st Cavalry Division,” he says.

“While at 2-8 Cav, 1st Brigade, I was a dismount rifleman and machine gunner, a HMMWV and M2A3 Bradley Driver and Gunner. As a Sergeant, I was a Mounted and Dismounted Team Leader. We conducted presence patrols, raids, route clearance missions, and air insertion missions.”

He spent an astonishing 33 months in Iraq over the course of several years.

“I was standing with the best men our country has to offer. It was part of something so much bigger and better than myself.”

– 11

Despite his impressive background, Ben firmly believes that he only did what the next guy would do.

“There are Veterans from my war who have paid and sacrificed way more than I have in terms of time deployed, blood, sweat, and tears given. My first tour to Iraq was the worst,” he recalls soberly. “We lost eight men, and 90% of the combat I saw was from this tour. This was a period known as “the surge”.

In February 2007, we lost Justin Paton to a sniper. Two days later, our Iraqi Police station was hit with a coordinated attack, including small arms fire, RPG’s, makeshift mortar grenades, and a VBIED (Vehicle Borne Improvised Exploding Device). The VBIED killed two of our men and wounded more. We were able to reorganize and fight off the attack until reinforcements from surrounding patrol bases and Camp Taji Arrived. Later that summer we were assigned a smaller area to patrol, and our sister platoon came out to relieve us so that we could rotate back to Camp Taji to refit.

Their up-armored HMMWV was struck by a deeply buried IED, killing four soldiers and an interpreter. I’d spoken to Sergeant Malone that morning, and less than twelve hours later, his family lost their husband and father.”

The sense of gratefulness to have survived has led Ben to continue service to his country as a deputy with the Grand Traverse County Sheriff’s office. “I’ve been given a lot as far as this community, but I feel I owe it to this area and the people who have been there for me, too. I have a duty to give back.

I’m proud to be here, proud to be from here, and proud to do my part.”

Ben continues, “Lots of calls we go to are dealing with people who are either having the worst day or hardest time of their life. Sometimes they’re the victim and sometimes they’re the suspect. Sometimes you make them feel safe; other times, you take them to jail. Either way, bringing peace to the families and communities in our county makes Ben with his wife and three chilldren.

12 –

me feel good.” His military training kicks in with many aspects of the job. “During confrontational situations, I feel like I’ve been able to maintain a confident and professional demeanor. Being able to go into dangerous or disgusting situations regardless of how we feel is what’s required of first responders.

The mental toughness, confidence, and teamwork I learned and developed in the Army contributes to my ability to stay focused. A lot of the work that we do is remembering the bigger picture. It’s a team effort to answer and respond to the calls for service in the county.”

Ben with Justin Paton

Ben would like to dedicate this article to his comrades who lost their lives in defense of our nation: Justin Paton, Pedro Colon, Daniel Riordan, Jimmy Malone, Montrel McArn, Joel House, Derek Calhoun, and Gwilym Newman. “I want people to remember these men’s parents, siblings, wives, girlfriends, and

their children who pay a price every day,” Ben says. “The loss of their son, brother, uncle, father, and husband...the children or grandchildren they won’t have...Those who survived get to live, love, have children, and perhaps grow old, so we better do our best to get what we can right.”

Ben is fourth-generation enlisted soldier

Featured First Responder: Do you know a First Responder who you would like to nominate to be featured in an upcoming issue? Or would you be willing to share your story? Email pam@gatherveterans.com

– 13

Featured Veteran

Kenneth Air Force Veteran and Recruiter

By Amanda Renkiewicz

14 –

Love, at first sight, is often attributed to when one person sees another (or when a man sees a cool car), but for Kenton Disbrow, he fell in love with the Air Force the moment he met a recruiter. After growing up in the Flint area, he began college with a scholarship and found the long lectures and classes disinteresting.

Without a passion for his studies, he considered different military branches.

When he walked into an Air Force office, where the recruiter wore sweatpants, a T-shirt, and a casual attitude, he knew it was the place for him. He joined

Tough Mudder Crawl

in 2009 and immediately went into the Security Forces, learning the aspects of being a type of military police officer.

From there, he was off to Germany, England, and then, of all exotic places, the great state of Alabama.

Maxwell AFB Alabama

– 15

DK5K Champions

Security Forces in Iraq

Security Forces in Afghanistan

16 –

“Being in Montgomery was like taking a trip back in time,” Kenton recalls.

“It’s the capital of the civil rights movement and has a unique history.”

He quickly learned that football was not just enjoyed by the locals, but everyone had a die-hard commitment to the sport.

While he offered Michigan State as his favorite team, he was instantly told that wouldn’t count and was forced to pick between Auburn or Alabama. He and his wife adjusted to their new life and produced Southern-style children to boot. “With my two kids born in Alabama and having red hair, there’s certainly something in the water…the crimson tide!” he laughs.

As a recruiter for the Air Force, Kenton works on quarterly goals to fulfill quotas but chases a certain type of person.

Quality over quantity is the name of the game. He notes that there’s some sibling rivalry with other military branches since so many young people are interested in the Air Force. After a few years in the South, he was given the opportunity to move and pick from a list of 84 cities. When he saw Traverse City, he knew he and his family were heading north.

where all of that is around you,” Kenton says. “You can throw a rock and hit a lake here.” While the Mitten State is indeed luxurious in its scenic beauty and offerings, Kenton had to adjust to being somewhere without a military base. “For the first time in 13 years, I haven’t had that same social support of other airmen living here. It’s strange to have fewer military members around, and it can feel very solitary. On a base, there are lots of get-togethers and functions, so it’s hard to feel separated or isolated from your peers.”

Kenton has overcome this challenge through the very definition of his job.

As a recruiter, he meets people interested in the Air Force and is the recipient of Veterans who simply come to chat and visit.

“They know where to find us,” he says. “When people want to reminisce, they come to the office.”

Michigan has brought opportunities for the Disbrow family that center around the outdoors. “We love to get out in Mother Nature and go on hikes, even in the winter. We’re blessed to be in an area

While wearing a uniform as he was grocery shopping in town, Kenton was approached by a Veteran asking if he’d ever participated in a Military Challenge 5k Mud Run. He was so intrigued by

the idea that he promised the man he would create the dream team. “I’ll bring that trophy back to the Air Force!” he swore. Three other Veterans joined him, and they won first place. Kenton believes that the hardest challenge for any Veteran is taking the uniform off: going from an appreciated, almost celebrity to a civilian. “With so many Veterans, we take the adulation for granted, and when we finish our service, we’re desperate to find that meaning again.

Through the 5k run, the men and women and I got it back. We have a lifelong friendship now and still talk to this day. It meant a lot to each of us,” he says.

“Deployments change you,” Kenton says, “and it’s an honor to wear the uniform and harder to take it off. You need to find something to fill the void in your heart. Find resources in the community and don’t get lost. Do whatever it is that resets your mind. I believe in using the skills you learned in the military to make your community stronger.” Kenton takes his own advice and finds a way to reset through physical fitness. He’s currently training for a triathlon. “I intended to run it last year, but it was canceled a week before,” he says with a laugh.

“2022 it is!”

Learn more about the Air Force through the local branch at the Grand Traverse Mall office, 3200 W South Airport Rd #130, Traverse City (989) 397-6863

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Advertorial

By Amanda Renkiewicz

Historic Photo of Cone Drive’s Traverse City Facility

Cone’s Double Enveloping Worm Gearset

There are few companies that boast as impressive history as Cone Drive, an engineering and manufacturing firm tucked into a neighborhood near downtown Traverse City. Now a division of the Timken Company, Cone Drive was founded by entrepreneur Samuel Cone, who started the business in 1925 and began its rich legacy of machining and producing gears for a wide variety of industries.

Cone Drive’s strong company reputation and differentiated products are key reasons for its lasting legacy. The company’s employees have tremendous opportunities to advance their skills and grow their careers in an exciting industry. The company is busier now than it’s ever been. And, the best news for our readers? Cone Drive is hiring and tapping into the Veteran community.

In the past the company rarely needed to recruit talent or advertise for jobs. Human Resources

Cone Drive’s Traverse City Facility

18 –

Manager Tom Bair explains proudly, “We’ve had over 40 employees with more than 40 years of employment, and a lot of multi-generational employees. We highly value our associates and strive to create a challenging and rewarding culture.” New and exciting opportunities are available at Cone Drive for early experienced and seasoned assemblers and machinists.

“We operate a high-tech business and have some of the most sophisticated drive manufacturing anywhere in the world,” President Kurt Gamelin says. “We’re as much a software company as a manufacturer because everything is driven by our own software. The work is technologically advanced, but you can come in with minimal experience and learn a highly marketable skill set as an assembler or machinist. We provide ground-up training for interesting work in a clean, safe environment. Hundreds

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of our employees have enjoyed longtenured careers into retirement from Cone.”

Veterans comprise over 10% of Cone Drive’s shop workforce, as well as leadership roles. “We find our Veterans bring a solid work ethic, structure, and ability to work collaboratively and solve problems independently,” says Kurt. “Our work requires high standards, which Veterans are used to, and we’re proud that we don’t have a repetitive environment: the work is fluid and versatile. We provide competitive compensation packages and look for people with a good work ethic, positive attitude, and mechanical aptitude.”

Combat Army Veteran Larry Church was involved in Operation Iraqi Freedom and has been a Machinist for 7 years at Cone Drive. “During my 20-year career with the Army, I learned a strong sense of discipline, attention to detail, and punctuality,” he says. “As a machinist, attention to detail is paramount. We Veterans served our country and wore the uniform with pride, and now I take pride in knowing I’m making a quality product for a wide variety of uses. What we do is unique, interesting, and yes, challenging at times.”

Larry continues, “I like the diversity of the Cone Drive portfolio. We have our products in applications as diverse as oil drilling rigs, drawbridges, revolving restaurants (the Space Needle in Seattle), as well as the military and aerospace industry. These are just some of the markets we support (and it provides both meaning to my work and job stability). Also, in some respects, the camaraderie among my co-workers is like that of the military. If you know nothing about being a machinist, don’t let that stop you. We’ll teach you how to read the blueprints and use the necessary inspection equipment!”

US Marine Corp Veteran John Bird has worked at Cone Drive for 7 years as a

Aerial view of plant Facilities Maintenance Technician and believes all the things he learned in the military made his time with Cone Drive a very natural fit. “Learning to problem solve, working together to get the job done, and learning to take constructive criticism during my time in the Marine Corps gave me the skills I use in the workplace to communicate, work with a team, and act with a level head in a leadership capacity.

I came into the company several years ago as a production employee but soon recognized that I was interested in working in facilities maintenance. After learning several jobs in machining, I transitioned to a maintenance job. My coworkers helped me learn some of the skills, including fabrication, plumbing, and basic electrical.

Everyone here is happy to help. I learn something new every day, which is true across all jobs in the shop. My current job is ideal for me because it provides the balance I need within and outside the workplace. I’ve also gained skills that I can use in projects at home.”

Army Veteran Jeff Reed served from 1988-1998 and fought in Desert Storm.

He’s been part of Cone Drive for 11 years as a Quality Supervisor and says for him, it’s about working with people who have the same ethics and inspiration to do greater things. “My passion is developing and aiding people to reach their potential.

It’s a joy to see people achieve the goals they set for themselves. Cone has a family atmosphere with a solid business structure. We take pride in what we do in the industry and community. Cone’s “can do, won’t quit” attitude correlates to the military mantra every day.”

“Our philosophy is work hard, play hard, and enjoy life in beautiful Traverse City,” Tom continues. “We’re looking for driven people who value continuous improvement. Come join us!”

Interested in learning more? Check out ConeDrive.com/Careers or call 231-929-8200

– 19

Service Provider

Tight Lines for Troops

FREE

Tournament

By Amanda Renkiewicz

Sharing the fun of fishing turns strangers into friends in a few hours.

- Eugenie Clark

20 –

Tight Lines for Troops is an all-volunteer organization with a mission to unite businesses, sponsors, and communities to provide a free fishing tournament open to all Michigan Veterans. They endeavor to build and foster new relationships, experiences, and a day of fishing by bringing these heroes together on the shimmering waters of Lake Michigan in Manistee. The tournament has helped over 2,600 Veterans from 145 different communities around the state and was the passion project of charter Captain Bob Guenthardt. Bob is a former Ogema of the Little River band of Ottawa Indians and a proud Army Veteran. His idea and desire to show appreciation to the members of the military for their dedication and sacrifice provided the foundation for this unique event.

The annual Tight Lines for Troops event has donated over $100,000 back into Veteran organizations over the last twelve years.

“The community and corporations are truly amazing supporters,” says Judy Ball, a longtime volunteer, and advocate for Veterans. “We use the donated funds to put on the event; then we select three different Veteran charities that are beneficiaries of the residual funds.”

The organization was disappointed when COVID prevented the tournament in 2020 and 2021. “We’d been receiving application forms in early 2020, so when we were able to plan 2022’s event, we contacted all of those Veterans to let them know we held their spot,” Judy explains. “One call was answered by the daughter of a Veteran on the list, who told me that her father had passed. She wanted to make it known that Tight Lines for Troops was all he ever talked about! He was a World War II Veteran who looked forward to the day every year, talked to the family about it, and considered it one of his greatest memories. The event takes a lot of time, work, and commitment, but the feedback you receive like that makes it clear it makes a difference. It really matters.”

“We have a huge amount of gratitude for our volunteers, and we couldn’t do the event without the boat captains,” Judy continues.

“On average, we have forty-five captains with a mix of charter boats and personal

boats who donate these trips and their time. We load the Veterans at the marina around 6am, the Coast Guard boat goes out with bagpipers, and they do an anthem and a prayer.

It’s projected through each boat’s radio, so everyone listens before the tournament begins.”

Many of the Veterans experience a welcome that they never had after they returned from war. Rolling Thunder Michigan Chapter 1 sets up flags and provides them for people to wave, and the Veterans come back to cheers from the community. The significance of this moving greeting is beautifully visible from the Veterans, the boat crew, and spectators who become tearful at the sight.

Sign up for the May 20-21, 2022 event and learn more about Tight Lines for Troops on their website tightlinesfortroops.com

– 21

In Memory Of

Burley Kiracofe Time To Tell

Written by Karen Rieser (with Ron Kiracofe) Photos from: 1-22infantry.org/kia/kiracofepers.htm Author’s Note: As a means of finding purpose for Burley’s sacrifice, his brother Ron has researched his journey. I sat with Ron on several occasions to hear Burley’s and the Kiracofe’s family histories.

Burley Kiracofe, one of many young men growing up in the sunshine and innocence of Middle America - Kalamazoo, and Portage, Michigan to be precise, was part of a struggling bluecollar family. His father owned his business and earned a living as a painter. His mother worked as a full-time housewife spending her days raising a family that consisted of a son from a previous marriage (her spouse had died in WWII) and four children that were products of her second marriage. By choice Burley, as the eldest of the second family, took on the role of grand protector when it came to the well-being of his younger brothers and sisters.

22 –

Although intelligent and hardworking, Burley struggled in school. It is suspected he would have been categorized with a learning disability in today’s world. Burley’s gift was realized when working with his hands. He loved taking anything apart and putting it back together again. When combined with his love for cars, this ability could have been a foreshadowing of the future awaiting.

unusual and most likely signified that the men were headed to a suspected hotspot. The mood in the camp that day was reported to be quite dark.

In 1966 Burley graduated from the first graduating class of Portage Northern High School. He went to a trade school to follow in his father’s footsteps and become a painter. In March of 1968, Burley dropped out of school and received his draft notice within sixty days.

infantryman assigned to a platoon whose primary job was to patrol designated areas in hopes of being seen and subsequently engage the enemy in a firefight. Through these actions, the military could estimate the size of the enemy’s presence and develop future actions to be taken.

Basic training began in May of 1968, lasting a few weeks longer as Burley needed to rid himself of the excess weight he carried. He received a MOS of Infantryman training at Fort Knox and received his Advanced Infantry Training at Fort Polk. Like many others, Burley volunteered to go to Vietnam, a bold move.

All went according to plan until April 5, 1969. The events of that day have been shared with Ron through one of Burley’s fellow infantrymen and his team leader. But, with information still untold, it has taken years to put most of the events of Burley’s last day in order.

In September of 1968, after a thirtyday furlough, Burley was on his way as part of the Army’s Fourth Infantry Division to the Central Highland area of Vietnam. He found himself surrounded by jungle-covered mountains just a few miles from the Ho Chi Minh Trail and the Cambodian Border.

Letter writing was not one of Burley’s strong points, leaving his family short on ideas of his day-to-day life in this foreign world. They do, however, know he contracted malaria that sent him to the rear to recover, and he maintained, what seemed to them, an unhealthy low body mass.

Burley performed the duties of an

On Saturday, April 5, 1969. Burley’s platoon was preparing to be dropped into the Plei Trap Valley as part of Operation Wayne Grey. As the team prepared for the mission, they were ordered to pack all their personal belongings in a duffle bag tagged with their ID and place it in a designated area. This order was

Burley’s platoon boarded the waiting helicopters. A few days prior, another platoon was dropped in the Plei Trap Valley and pinned down by the Northern Vietnamese Army. Orders were to go into the area, flush out any NVA they could, locate the first platoon, and bring them out. The question to be answered was how many NVA are bunkered in the hillside.

Under intense fire, the helicopter dropped the platoon and flew off. Amidst the confusion and smokey haze left by the gunfire, the team leader walked his platoon in to reach the isolated patrol. Once there, the team leader received orders to move north. Realizing this would leave his flank unprotected, he consulted with his commanding officers asking for more manpower. The request was refused.

Sadly, the leader’s evaluation proved correct, and the platoons were surrounded and under fire.

The mission was revised, and helicopters were called in for evacuation after realizing the situation’s seriousness. Amidst the major chaos of gunfire, poor visibility, and retreat, the men struggled to make their way to the hovering air support that was bombarded with gunfire as men scrambled on board. The pilot, now holding the position of the commanding officer, announced they had to depart.

The platoon’s team leader

– 23

shouted that they needed to wait for three more of his men with great distress. The pilot said, “If we wait, we die,” and took off, leaving Burley and two others behind. Ironically, the team leader received a reprimand for questioning his superiors’ orders that caused these difficulties. The reprimand was formally recorded in his file. The ironies in life can be both painful and fatally destructive.

Subsequently, the area in which Burley had been sent to patrol was determined to be extremely hot. Moreover, numerous members of the Northern Vietnamese Army had indeed bunkered in the hillside. As a result of the information collected, the U.S. military sprayed the jungle with napalm, sent in massive air support, and ordered heavy bombing.

Back stateside, the drama was beginning to unfold. Ron recalled that it was the first Monday of spring break, a holiday coveted by high school seniors as a sign of impending freedom, that the military visited Ron and his family. In a stoic and cold manner, the family was informed that Burley was Missing-In-Action. This gut-wrenching information sat with them for seven days. Ron had no sooner returned to school when he was called to the office and told he was needed at home. It was at this time the military informed the family that Burley’s body had been recovered. As the body was making its way back to Michigan, the NVA bunkered in the Vietnamese highlands had disappeared.

In reality, time cannot be bullied and will move at its own pace regardless of circumstances.

Burley and the sting of his loss remained an active component in the lives of each member of the Kiracofe family. The war may have been over, but the sense of loss remained. Each of the Kiracofe children took their own path in life and have remained close.

It didn’t take much time for the pain of Burley’s absence to make its way through the community. Several adult league softball coaches in the area arranged a memorial slowpitch softball tournament in Burley’s memory as a tribute. The Burley Kiracofe Jr. Memorial Softball Tournament was first held on Memorial Day of 1969 and continues today.

Exactly how Burley met his death is unknown, but the Army reported the cause of death due to small arms fire. Several days after the incident, Burley’s team leader went back to the area with the body recovery team, stating that these were his men, and he was going to take care of them to the bitter end. All three bodies from his platoon, in addition to four from the first platoon, were A particular point of recovered.

Burley, it has been pride for Ron, who fifty-two years, and your eventually enrolled in As with most deaths, Burley’s needs were story still brings pain for Western Michigan tended to promptly. A wake was held. Like those who knew and loved University and became most wakes for people who die before their you. But, it also brings a sense an educator, is that time, it was well attended. The family chose of purpose that is visible in in 2000 the Burley to bury their son and brother in Mt. Everest, both your life and death. Your Kiracofe Jr. Memorial a local cemetery, rather than the military spirit still touches your Tournament established cemetery at Fort Custer in Battle Creek, community and the world. a scholarship fund.

Michigan. Still struggling with the reality of Six thousand dollars is his son’s death, Burley’s father asked a friend awarded yearly to six to ten to look inside the closed casket to make sure it high school senior athletes was Burley. His friend agreed, but, in the end, Mr. seeking education beyond high Kiracofe felt this was a futile task. school, all in memory of Burley.

Posthumously, Burley was awarded the Combat Infantryman’s Badge, Bronze Star Medal with Combat Valor Device, Purple Heart, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross, and Vietnam Campaign Medal.

Once community goodbyes were complete, life for the Kiracofe family moved on a deeply scarred and wound-filled path. Burley’s mother quit her job at the women’s ward of the Kalamazoo State Hospital. His dad’s painting business staggered forward with the support of loyal employees and eventually came to be managed by his son, Ron. But, unfortunately, in their grief, Ron’s parents lost track of their children, whose paths became wobbly at best.

24 –

IN HOME CARE

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My Office Today is a nostalgic look-back of northern Michigan, with photojournalist John Russell’s love for his hometown shining through each photo.

Books are available on Amazon and JohnRussellPhoto.net.

– 25

Coast Guard Station

Marc Alarcon Retired Coast Guard Officer

By Amanda Renkiewicz

Blue Angels Fat Albert Flight

Meet Veteran Marc Alarcon, who began his military journey in 1989. While a majority of those who sign up are in their late teens, Marc was 25, working three jobs, and had a little girl when he explored the idea of serving. “I wanted better for my daughter, so I joined the USCG. I only wanted to be in for four years, then use the GI bill, but I found a niche in aviation,” he recalls. “I was fortunate to work in that department, but I enjoyed being on the water on a cutter as well. I will say that the people are what made my job fun and fulfilling.” He hoped that his joining the military would benefit his family and his own goals in education.

Feature Photo by Rachael Sherman

26 –

his marriage are creeping up on his years in the military, as he’s been married to his wife Nancy for 25 years and counting.

“I went to Purdue as part of a USCG advanced education program and earned a BS in Aeronautical Engineering Technology. I also have an AS in aviation from EmbryRiddle University,” he explains.

No one role applies to this multidimensional Veteran! During service, Marc fulfilled the following positions: Seaman on a cutter Aviation Electrician Aviation Mechanic Aviation Chief Petty Officer Aviation Maintenance Officer Aviation Assignment Officer Nacional Command Center Command Duty Officer Quality Assurance Officer Flight Mechanic (aircrew) Flight Mechanic Examiner Critical Incident Stress Management responder Command Duty Alcohol Representative On May 31st, 2021, Marc finished his career with 31 years and eight months of active duty.

1998 Sir Richard Branson and Steve Faucet Balloon Crash In the end, Marc found a family within the military. While he was fortunate not to have lost anyone where he was stationed, he did lose friends he knew. The support he felt was always strong. While he was in an over the horizon deployment (Persian Gulf), his wife was pregnant, but he returned in time to see his little girl, Amanda, born. “Good thing too,” he adds, “since she had a heart problem and we had to fly to San Diego for surgery. It was at that time that I knew that the USCG was a family and that I wanted to stay in as long as I could.” The years of

“Being in the military has become a part of me and my way of thinking. The hard part is not to bring your work persona home with you,” he says.

Another wild ride for Marc occurred in December 1998 in Hawaii. I was one of the aircrews that rescued three people trying to balloon around the world: Sir Richard Branson, Steve Faucet, and the Navigator.

The time spent in the military was something that Marc cherishes. He continues to promote Veteran support through worthy organizations like the DAV Transportation Service which provides drivers for disabled veterans in need of a lift.

Marc also advises the next generation of soldiers to “Learn what you can, experience what you are able, and always pursue an education!”

“AE” A school

Promoted to CWO2 - 2007

Last Flight on an MH65

Nancy and Marc Retirement

Photo by Rachael Sherman

Purdue University 2007-2009

– 27

Behind the Brand

Firefighter Paramedic to Business Owner

Buster’s Blinds

By Amanda Renkiewicz

It takes an experienced eye to look at both sides of safety: the prevention side and the reaction side. For Chris Peron, a full-time firefighter paramedic and the owner of Busters Blinds, that’s simply part of his jobs. “As a firefighter for almost eighteen years, I’ve been assigned a Regional Coordinator position, so that if there’s an emergency event, we have a trained, readyto-go Rescue Task Force,” Chris says. “Then for Busters Blinds, we provide safety film for windows and additional features

28 –

very passionate about keeping them as safe as possible. We’ve completed 6,500 projects and are just getting started!”

that keep others out. We’ve seen a huge shift in security needs for homes and schools, and we’re

Chris, a California transplant, was lured to the mitten state for college and never left. “Being from SoCal, I felt that this area seemed like San Diego in the summers, and in the winters, it seemed like the mountains, minus the mountains!” Chris adds with a laugh. He completed his degree at Lake Superior State University with a Bachelors in

Fire Science and a minor in Paramedic, then transitioned to Traverse City. Six months later, he met his wife and set down his roots.

Busters Blinds employs ten people and has been under Chris’ management for fifteen years. “We started with simple window treatments, but about seven years ago we became the only 3M™ window film dealer north of Grand Rapids,” explains Chris. “That accounts for 50% of our business now!”

Haven’t heard of 3M™ yet?

These window films and tints provide energy savings, sun control, privacy, and protection, improving comfort and security in your home, office, and car. 3M™ Sun Control Window Film offer the following benefits:

• Improved tenant comfort • Lower heating and cooling operating costs • Lower utility demand costs • Utility rebates • Improved aesthetics, uniform appearance • Improved safety and security • Extended A/C equipment life Busters Blinds is a strong supporter of our Veterans and Enforcement community, offering a 15% discount for these hometown heroes.

Check out Busters Blinds at bustersblinds.com

– 29

Insurance Info

INSURANCE 101

By Jeff Needham

Owner/ Multi-Line Agent Needham Insurance Group / Farm Bureau Insurance So you are sitting in your chair looking out over the water, thinking I should rent out my house for part of the summer and make a little extra cash.

STOP!!! And PLEASE LISTEN (READ THIS) Many home owners have the thought of renting out their house in our area, but you need to be mindful of a few things before you go and do that.

1) make sure you read your mortgage documents, if you have a mortgage. Some banks want to be notified of such an idea and some will consider it a default on your mortgage agreement.

When protecting your Auto, Home, Life, Business, Farm and more, the

EXPERIENCE MATTERS. Call Needham Insurance Group today!

(231) 499-5209 | MyAgentSchedule.com 803 West Front Street, Traverse City

2) DO NOT rely on the AirBnB insurance, as it is not an insurance policy. It is not regulated by any state. It is actually a contract which can be terminated at any point for any reason. Be sure to read the fine print on this. It also states that they will rebuild the ROOMS rented on an ACV basis if they find it to be a covered loss. They also DO NOT consider the common areas to be part of the AirBnB. VRBO rents an entire house, NOT AirBnB. AirBnB is a marketing company to help rent your house, NOT an insurance company to protect it. Some insurance companies such as Farm Bureau Insurance of Michigan offer an endorsement to provide coverage for when you do engage in short term rentals.

Understanding the risks of renting out your whole house or part of your house are imperative. There is not much worse than loosing your house to a fire because the renters accidentally left the burner on, but only to find out none of it is coverage because you didn’t have the right insurance and the bank finds you in default and takes their money. You would be left standing there with a major mess and possibly no coverage. Insurance can be frustrating at times; however having an agent you can sit down with and discuss options and allowing them to be an advisor is huge.

Always feel free to call our office to sit down over coffee and discuss all your insurance needs.

You can schedule your own appointment at: www.MyAgentSchedule.com Or call/ text us at: 231-499-5209 Tune in for up coming Radio Shows on AM580 NewsTalk Radio: Tuesday May 24th at 10:00AM Tuesday June 21st at 10:00AM Tuesday July 19th at 10:00AM Tuesday August 16th at 10:00AM

Auto | Home | Life | Business | Farm | Lake Estate

®

30 –

More shows posted later.

Today and every day, we offer our sincere thanks to our nation’s veterans.

Questions about burial, cremation, prearrangements or veteran’s benefits?

Call us today at 231-947-6347

 Homeownership  Home Repair for American Veterans

231-941-4663 x321

HabitatGTR.org – 31

Reynolds Jonkhoff

Reunion In a Time of Loss

By Brandon Lohr, Veteran Benefits Specialist Sometimes reunions can happen in the most unlikely of places. Shawn Lowe, one of the Funeral Directors at Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home, was recently able to facilitate a reconnection between two friends separated for many years. Shawn served the family of a WWII veteran nicknamed Mickey and received the following letter shortly after the funeral service took place:

Dear Sir/Madam, I recently attempted to contact an old comrade and found out that he died in September 2021. I looked up the obituaries and by chance found your website in Traverse City. I attached a couple of pictures and condolences to the obituary and attempted to locate his wife, Evelyn, or his son Craig.

Mickey and I served together in the Air Force. I enlisted in the Army Air Corps right out of high school for WWII but didn’t meet Mickey until returning to the states. He had the same career path so we had a lot in common. Returning to the states we both ended up at Bolling AFB in Washington DC working as air traffic controllers. Our happy-go-lucky attitudes attracted many friends who became like a “band of brothers” at work and during our leisure.

During this assignment, Mickey and I met two girls from Flint, MI who had been recruited to work in Washington DC as secretaries. There was a very strong attraction and the fact that the two girls, Margery and Evelyn, were from Flint was a plus.

Mickey was from Detroit so I was the outsider from Massachusetts. As it turned out Margery and I became a couple as did Mickey and Evelyn. We did everything together for two years.

I married Margery while stationed at Bolling with Mickey as my best man and Evelyn was Margery’s maid of honor. I was mustered out of the Air Force in March 1949. When Mickey was mustered out, he and Evelyn returned to Detroit where he joined

32 –

Our WWII veterans and members of the greatest generation are becoming fewer, so to even play a small part in giving them a hand in any way, shape, or form is a true honor. the fire department. He and Evelyn got married and had a son named Craig. When Margery and I would visit Margery’s parents in Flint we would always get together with Mickey and Eve to reminisce about the good times we had in Washington DC. When Mick and Eve moved up north to Atlanta, MI we no longer had personal contact.

We exchanged e-mails and phone calls occasionally but the interval between contacts grew longer with time. Learning of Mickey’s passing has energized me to find out if Eve is still alive and if so, I would clearly love to chat with her to see how she is doing and also to make contact with Craig. I lost my beloved Margery in January 2015 after a 68-year marriage. She is interred in my gravesite in Arlington National Cemetery.

If you have any information on how I can get in touch with Eve or Craig, I would appreciate it very much if you let me know. Mickey died at 93. I will be 94 next month so it would be a blessing to find out if Eve is still alive and doing well.

Sincerely, Paul

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Shawn remarks, “Funeral directors like me and my team members here at the funeral home work hand in hand with death, grief, and loss every day, which comes with a whole set of unique challenges.

When something like this happens, it casts light and joy in a place where those are not always seen.

It was refreshing and life-giving to be able to be a part of something so human and relatable. Our WWII veterans and members of the greatest generation are becoming fewer, so to even play a small part in giving them a hand in any way, shape, or form is a true honor. It was a humbling experience, to say the least.”

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- Winston Churchill Thank you to our Michigan Veterans

– 33

Inspiration

Coffee Table Coach Weapons of Mass Destruction

By Hannah Bouwmeester

One can only imagine what was coursing through U.S. Army Col. Paul Tibbets’s mind on August 6, 1945. As he sought to get Dimples Eight-Two into the air with its 9700-pound cargo weighing heavy in the haul, Col. Tibbets must have wondered what destruction would result as he faithfully executed his mission high above Hiroshima 6 hours later. Upon arriving above the targeted area hovering 30,700 feet high, Col. Tibbets conducted the drop of “Little Boy” from the bomb-bay doors. Exactly 44.4 seconds later, the bomb exploded with such destructive wrath that it laid waste to nearly 5 square miles. The image of the infamous mushroom cloud forever imprinted on the minds of those then and now blotted out the shimmering morning sun and signaled the death knell of both the city and hundreds of thousands of people ultimately.

The intense heat of the blast equaled that of 10 suns and burned alive all that stood in its path. (Jerry Wilkerson Special to the Arizona Daily Star, 2021) As you envision the details of the mass destruction described above, I want to challenge you with a thought:

You may be guilty of wielding weapons of mass destruction on yourself.

What do you mean, Hannah?

WORDS. Col. Tibbets was adept at his job of dropping bombs and never allowing the consideration of the destruction that followed to keep him from faithfully executing his orders. Many of us continue to drop word bombs on ourselves. These dangerous thoughts lay waste to our self-confidence, joy, effectiveness, and the impact we could be having on our world and sphere of influence. I am stunned when clients share some internal dialogue that runs on a loop through their minds. Here are just a few: 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

“You don’t have what it takes.”

“You are ugly.”

“You are so fat.”

“You are a failure.”

“You are guilty of murder.”

“Nobody wants you.”

“You would be better off dead.”

As you read that list, maybe you can relate to that sort of destructive monologue running unabated through your mind day in and day out. The demons that chase you use your own voice to condemn you. The

words you speak are like that deadly atomic bomb ripping through your life and leaving the death of dreams, relationships, and opportunities in the wake of the barrage of negativity. You would never speak this way to others; why do you speak to yourself this way? You do not have to continue to allow this destruction.

I want to encourage you today. You can shift from weapons of mass destruction to weapons of mass construction!

There is no magic bullet to change the paradigm. Like me and many others, you probably have become so adept at this destructive self-criticism that it is a well-engrained habit. But you can rewire your brain to stop the crazy cycle of criticism and create new processes of empowering belief. I have found two of the most effective ways to do this. One is what Napolean Hill called auto-suggestion in his book Think And Grow Rich. In a nutshell, it suggests a new story and framework through which to view your life experiences.

It’s simple, but it’s not easy. It takes work. The second is understanding the root of why you believe the things you think that make you say the things you say. Clients are shocked to discover where their beliefs and mentalities first formed and how quickly they can begin to shift their mindsets once they have that knowledge and understanding.

Knowledge is power.

Want to learn more? Email beautifulbalancecoach@gmail.com for a free consultation and begin the journey of healing and transformation today.

34 –

Featured Veteran Supporter

Help a Hero

By Amanda Renkiewicz

36 –

Supporting our heroes takes on dramatic new meaning with the unstoppable force that is Sport Clips and their Help A Hero campaign. They’ve raised over $10 million dollars in more than 2,200 scholarships that are awarded to both active duty and Veterans coming from all five branches of the military. These scholarships provide up to $5,000 of assistance per semester per family to help cover the cost of tuition and fees, and some 637 schools have been represented since the scholarship program began.

“In this past year’s Help A Hero campaign, our Traverse City store raised $6,396, which was number four in the nation out of 1,800 Sport Clips locations. This was an increase of $650 over last year’s total,” says owner Rick Ohle proudly.

“Our manager, Laurie Bolton, passionately led the store effort to raise funds for Help A Hero, along with the support of our Assistant Manager Sarah and all of our stylists.” Over the past 6 years, the Traverse City Sport Clips store has raised a total of almost $20,000 in donations to the Help a Hero campaign. Rick also noted the amazing generosity of their clients and business partners who have donated, including Centre Ice Arena, Dickey’s BBQ, Home Depot, SRS Building Supply, Lake Life, Traverse City PitSpitters, and Sportsman’s Warehouse.

Through donations from clients, team members, businesses, and vendor partners, this year Sport Clips nationally raised a record-breaking $1.55 million for the VFW. In addition to raising funds for the scholarship program, the Traverse City Sport Clips also provided financial support to local veterans. In May 2020, store manager Laurie Bolton and owner Rick Ohle presented a $2,000 donation to John Lefler and the Grand Traverse Area Veterans Coalition, a group of service organizations that promotes veterans’ services, memorials, and recognition programs.

“This is my third year involved in fundraising, and it’s been really rewarding,” manager Laurie says.

“The surrounding businesses are so supportive and more than willing to donate items that we can raffle off to raise money. The community donates as well. We all want to help these Veterans transition from active duty to civilian

We are eager and excited to do the Help A Hero campaign again this coming October and November!

-Billy Graham life, and these donations and scholarships help them continue their education in post-secondary or trade school,” she explains, stressing their importance.

Donating is straight-forward and done in the store. “We do raffles,” Laurie explains. “When clients come in, they see a whole table displayed with a flag above, and there are buckets to put their

tickets in to try to win an item or service. I personally have been inspired by my uncle, a Vietnam Veteran. He fought for our freedom, gave so much, cares so much, and values our way of life. I view this campaign as a way to say thank you to not just him, but all our Veterans, who are so deserving.”

Laurie adds, “We are eager and excited to do the Help A Hero campaign again this coming October and November! And keep in mind that throughout the year, our Traverse City store offers a 20% discount on all services to Veterans and active military.”

In Traverse City, Sport Clips is located at 2508 Crossing Circle, across from Home Depot just off Airport Road.

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– 37

In the Kitchen

Steak Potato Rounds

By Kirsten Kubert

(comfortablydomestic.com Mother of an Active-Duty Military Son) Steak potato rounds have the taste of a loaded baked potato in a two-bite appetizer. Bake sliced yellow potato rounds to tender perfection, then smother them with steak sauce, aged cheddar cheese, crisp bacon, and chives.

Ingredients YIELDS 30 - Serves 5 • 2 tsp. light olive oil • 4 small (½ lb.) yellow potatoes, scrubbed and sliced into ¼-inch rounds • 2 Tbs. A-1 steak sauce (or preferred brand) • 1/3 C. aged sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated • 3 slices of bacon, cooked until crisp and crumbled • 2 Tbs. chopped fresh chives • Sour cream or plain yogurt, optional

38 –

Instructions 1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Place a rectangular baking stone or a half sheet pan lined with aluminum foil in the oven as it comes to temperature.

2. Once the oven comes to temperature, remove the prepared half sheet pan or baking stone from the oven. Brush the potato rounds on both sides with olive oil, and place them onto the baking stone (or pan) about ¼-inch apart. Bake the potatoes for 12 to 15 minutes or until tender.

3. Remove the potatoes from the oven and brush the tops with the steak sauce. Sprinkle the potatoes with shredded cheese and bacon. Return the potatoes to the oven and bake them for an additional 3 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted.

Remove the potatoes from the oven and sprinkle with fresh chives immediately prior to serving.

4. Serve immediately. If desired, serve Steak Potato Rounds with a side of sour cream or plain yogurt.

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