May/June 2021
Veteran Bill Monger
Supporting The Troops
In Memory of
Kevin
Steuterman Living the Unforgiving Moment
Brave Heart Estates A Place For Troubled Veterans
TABLE OF CONTENTS 14 May/June 2021
18 22 28 2 – GATHER Veterans
06
Editor’s Note
08
Vietnam War Moving Wall Memorial Kalkaska
10
Coffee Table Coach Boundaries
12
Bill Monger Supporting The Troops
14
Living The Unforgiving Minute
18
A Place For Angels
20
The Veteran Initiative Habitat for Humanity
22
Sarge Takes Action
24
Remembering The French Resistance
27
VA Update
28
The “Murph Challenge”
30
More Than A Hunt
32
PTSD - Real Life Examples
34
The Best Strawberry Shortcake
35
What Memorial Day Means to Me
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GATHERVeterans.com Resources Support Inspiration
GATHER Veterans Magazine Dedicated to serving our Veterans community with information, inspiration, and education. No one else is doing what we are doing!
4 – GATHER Veterans
Real Estate for Real Heroes Ben
illiams
PUBLISHER
EDITOR
GATHER Media LLC Hannah Bouwmeester - Owner Traverse City, MI 49696, (231) 492-7870 PAMELA MCCORMICK
REALTOR ®
SCHMIDT Realtors
522 E. Front St., Traverse City, MI 231-929-2300 Office
Contributing Photographer CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
GRAPHIC DESIGNER ADVERTISING SUBSCRIPTIONS
Bill O’Rourke
Tom Dalluge Brad Giglio Mike Kent Kirsten Kubert Pete Lathrop Amanda Renkiewicz Karen Rieser Michael Roof G. Roy
Jayden Designs hannah@gatherveterans.com Visit gatherveterans.com/ subscribe-today to subscribe. Subscription Rates: One Year, 6 issues, $19.95. Allow six weeks for first issue to be received.
231-632-7888 Ben@LakeLifeRealEstate.com
Note: Veterans can pick up a free copy at various locations. Please email hannah@gatherveterans.com for details in your area. Note: Not all areas serviced.
Copyright @2020 GATHER Media LLC. All rights reserved. Individual works also copyrighted by their originators. Reproduction in whole or in part is strictly prohibited without prior written permission. We do not assume any liability for errors or omissions. GATHER Media LLC does not necessarily endorse any of the attractions, products or services contained within.
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6 – GATHER Veterans
Editor’s Note
Murph, Memorial Day, and AMAZING Men and Women
I
remember the first time I was faced with attempting the “Murph” workout on Memorial Day weekend. The workout: A 1-mile run, followed by 100 pullups, 200 pushups, and 300 unweighted squats, followed by another 1-mile run. I thought, “Good Lord, I am going to need some supernatural help to get this done.” True to almost everything I do, I was able to do more than I thought I could albeit I did not finish the workout. I can remember very clearly as I slogged through each movement thinking, “I will not quit until I just cannot do another movement. Murph didn’t quit. This is in his honor, my effort, my sweat, my sore muscles are nothing compared to his sacrifice.” Want to know more about Lt. Michael P. Murphy, a Navy SEAL killed in action in 2005, who this workout is named in honor of, check out our Health & Wellness article, The Murph Challenge, written by CrossFit Due North’s owner and fellow Veteran, Brad Giglio. In this issue, contributor Mike Kent shares the story of how a motorcycle and a truck did what 19 years as a Marine, and 18 tours in some of the hottest war zones in the world could never do in the life of Laszlo Szalay. It humbled him to a place of great pain and suffering. Incredibly that experience led to the birth of Brave Heart Estates, a place of sanctuary and safety for veterans. Be sure to read this incredible article and consider what you can do to support Brave Heart Estates in their efforts.
If you are looking for a great book to read, check out Bill Monger’s newly published book, Support Troops: Behind The Scenes Of The Air War In Vietnam, and read his story of racing to repair battle-scarred jets when they returned from combat. Though Bill served hundreds of miles from the front lines, he had a huge impact in his service to these pilots. Finally, in honor of Memorial Day, though not lost in active-duty, we want to pay tribute to an incredible man. Kevin Jack Steuterman was a young man who had served his country as an officer for eight years on active duty in the United States Air Force. Kevin lost his life tragically in an avalanche accident and his loss has left a chasm for many to endure. I am honored to continue to memorialize the stories of such amazing men and women who have served our country selflessly and faithfully. If you know of a Veteran, active-duty military person, Veteranowned business, or Veterans service provider you would like to nominate for a feature article, please email hannah@ gatherveterans.com. Though this magazine is a Michigan based and focused magazine, we are open to any contributions for consideration. In the Trenches Hannah Bouwmeester Publisher
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Vietnam War
Moving Wall Memorial Kalkaska Photos by Bill O’Rourke
T
he 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War was commemorated in Kalkaska, Michigan, with the Moving Wall’s return in 2018. The event was organized by the Kalkaskabased nonprofit Michigan Heritage & Research Foundation. The moving wall is a half-size replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C.
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Photographer, Bill O’Rourke, visited the memorial and captured these moving images of the visitors and the engraved names of those who served our country. People of all ages gathered at the wall to read the veteran names, find their family members, touch the wall, and take a moment of silence to express their gratitude for our freedom.
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Coffee Table Coach Boundaries By Hannah Bouwmeester
I
am sitting sipping my coffee, looking out at my chicken coop. I realize that these furry friends teach me a vital life lesson as they interact with one another. You see, I have a chicken that belongs to my 11-year-old daughter.
Something happened to this speckled hen that caused her to become lame. She hobbles around the coop, carefully navigating her way from her hiding spot under the laying boxes to the food and water and back again. She is cautious
not to attempt this when the other hens are still in the coop. Why? They sense her weakness and will begin pecking at her. Because she is lame, she cannot escape their abusive behavior. So, she has learned what to do to stay safe. Let’s learn a lesson from the speckled hen. As Veterans and active-duty-military, many of you have been wounded and are affected by the wounds you carry. All of us must establish boundaries in our lives that help us navigate safely and effectively. Here are some easy steps to help you begin setting boundaries and finding safe ways to meet your needs. 1. Be Clear: Define what you want and where you are going. If you are uncertain about this, you will have no way of knowing your boundaries. 2. Be Certain: Pause and get in touch with your emotional state surrounding a
10 – GATHER Veterans
situation you may be trying to establish boundaries. What are you feeling? What is causing you concern or making you feel like you are being pecked? What do you want to change? 3. Be Courageous: Sometimes, we are more concerned about the other chickens in our coop that we fail to be direct and courageous in sharing our boundaries. If you want to experience relational safety, you must be straightforward about what your boundaries need to be.
expose yourself to unsafe situations. Wait calmly for an opportunity to venture out and find other chickens in the coop who won’t peck you. Do you want to know the cool thing about our speckled chicken? She may be injured and lame, but pretty much every day, I find an egg under the laying box while she is out enjoying the sunshine. I just love what she teaches me! Despite her handicap, she is
useful and using her God-given talents to bless my family with eggs. She does not stay under the laying box; she keeps her boundaries and ventures out when she knows friendlies surround her. Finally, she has found peace with her lot in life and her unique struggles and challenges. I am more grateful for that hen than any of the others who strut about totally unaware of their own unique “lameness” because it is not so evident to them as her broken feet are to her.
4. Be Consistent: You have to be consistent with yourself and others if you want them to quit pecking you, and YOU stop pecking you! Don’t waiver. 5. Be Caring: Start with you. Self-care is essential to strengthening your inner person to stand up for yourself and your boundaries with others. Yoga, working out, seeking counsel, hanging out with a friend, whatever gives you joy and fills your tank. Also, be caring about how you express yourself and your boundaries with others. They are more likely to honor your boundaries if they feel you aren’t trying to block or criticize them. 6. Be Calm: If someone is not honoring your boundaries, be like the speckled chicken and stay hidden under the laying box (or wherever you find safety) and not
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Featured Veteran
Bill Monger Supporting The Troops By Mike Kent
T
he Vietnam War touched Bill Monger’s life nearly every day in 1968. Though he was hundreds of miles from the war zone, his bed would rattle when fighter jets took off and landed from the flight line. He would make a mad dash to help fix the battle-scarred jets when they returned from combat. He would count the flight formations that took off in groups of four and pray they didn’t return as a group of three. He didn’t want to think that one of these pilots was shot down on the mission.
Monger chronicles his life supporting the pilots in a newly published book, Support Troops: Behind The Scenes Of The Air War In Vietnam. This book recognizes that for every soldier on the front edge of the combat spear, there are thousands of people that support the combatants. “One of the motivations in writing this book was to honor those who served during the Vietnam War,” says Monger. “Especially those who served in non-combat roles. I want to emphasize that just because you never got shot at doesn’t mean you didn’t serve honorably, with pride.” Monger’s service in support of the War effort started just before Christmas in 1967. He left his new wife and headed halfway around the globe to Takhli, Thailand. He would be gone for nearly a year. There he worked on a wide array of equipment on F-105 fighter jets. It was his job to make sure the equipment was working properly and, if not, swap out the broken parts.
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We never lost focus on the importance of supporting the pilots on their missions.
He and other crew members slipped into a life that almost became mundane. They worked regular hours and had luxuries such as regular meals, time off, and even a base swimming pool. Yet, they worked through blistering heat and kept working through the monsoon season. He says the crews developed a camaraderie that was nearly impossible to duplicate anywhere else other than in support of a war effort. Monger says they never lost focus on the importance of supporting the pilots on their missions. “I tried to imagine these guys taking off every day,” says Monger. “They were going 600 miles every day into targets with some of the most heavily guarded real estate in the world. They would have about 30-minutes of adrenaline rush (during the bombing run.) It’s tough for someone who’s never done it to comprehend it.” The year Monger joined the war effort included one of the most momentous periods in US history. During that time, Martin Luther King and Bobby Kennedy were killed. The Detroit riots erupted, and chaos surrounded the Democratic National Convention. In Thailand, he was buffered from the tumultuous period and the growing outcry against the war. “When I got back, my wife and family told me
what it was really like in that year I was gone,” says Monger. “It was hard to comprehend.” With the war now 50-years into his rearview mirror, Monger views the war as a complete mistake. “The war was an absolute blunder. It served no purpose. 58,000 American lives were lost for no good reason.” Yet Monger remains proud of the effort he gave along with others who served in supporting roles. “It was not a mistake in any way, shape, or form,” Monger speaks with pride about his enlistment in the Air Force. “The specific action I was involved in was a mistake. That didn’t mean that I wasn’t fully committed to doing my job. I was very proud of it and don’t regret it in any way.”
About William Monger
(From Amazon.Com) William Monger was born in Chicago in 1945. He’s been married to his high school sweetheart since 1967 and has two sons. He served in the U.S. Air Force as an electronics technician on the F-105 fighter-bomber from 1966-1970 with one tour at Takhli RTAFB in Thailand in 1968. After his honorable discharge, he finished an undergraduate degree at the University of Wisconsin, Stevens Point with a major in Geography and a minor in Natural Resource Management. Although his career was in technical sales, his interests have always been diverse, including art, photography, nature, aviation, fishing, golf, and woodworking. He’s always had a special reverence for the natural world and currently lives in Brighton, Michigan with his wife, two dogs and three cats, in a home bordering 5,000 wooded acres of state land, from which he draws his inspiration.
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In Memory Of
Living The
Unforgiving Minute By Tom Dalluge
Ridgefield CT cemetery Memorial Day 1991
M
emorial Day is a solemn day of remembrance to those who gave their lives in defense of our country. It serves as a day to honor all of our veterans. In 2021, Memorial Day will have a sharper edge as I contemplate the life of an old neighbor who left us far too soon. Kevin Steuterman died suddenly in an avalanche in Utah in January of 2021 at the age of 31. His passing hit me hard, and for days I found myself unable to articulate the jumble of feelings in my head and heart. Kevin Jack Steuterman was a young man who had served his country as an officer for eight years on active duty in the United States Air Force. I knew Kevin while he grew up in the house next door. He was everything parents could ask for. He
14 – GATHER Veterans
Kevin (left) leading the LSU ROTC senior year
had been born in Florida but moved as his family ascended the corporate ladder living in Connecticut, Georgia, and Germany, before settling in the Atlanta suburb of Alpharetta. From his parents, Craig and Kim Steuterman, he was endowed with a keen intellect, a superior set of values, and a strong faith. Kevin was anchored by his favorite scripture - Isaiah 40:31 – “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint”. His older brother Colin shared a challenging formative experience as elementary students in Germany, where they bonded as they struggled to learn the language. That bond would be tested as all siblings’ bonds are by the maturation process but would deepen as Colin married and had a daughter to whom Kevin would be a devoted and thoughtful uncle.
Enthusiastically Captain Kevin carving pumpkins 1997 Steuterman July 2016
Kevin was a standout high school athlete whose high school coach related would have been a highly rated offensive line recruit had he been two inches taller than his 6’2 frame. Kevin was also a natural-born leader. On the trek home from the nearby elementary school, Kevin would be surrounded by classmates and was always at the center. At Louisiana State University, Kevin joined the ROTC program much like his aunt Major General Erika Steuterman had done earlier at Purdue University. The years at LSU were marked by accomplishments and accolades. But in his sophomore year, he faced a significant challenge to his life goals. More than anything, Kevin wanted to fly jets. Top Gun had been a favorite movie growing up, and
Always a Raider 2008
Kevin with aunt Major General Erika Steuterman
while still in high school, he had begun taking flying lessons which led to a pilot’s license. Though the news was not good, Kevin had a subtle but marked color deficiency. Examining every possible angle, Kevin memorized the color test and seriously considered a gene modification procedure that offered a chance at correcting his vision. Eventually, Kevin recommitted himself to becoming the very best candidate in the program, pilot or not. He became the top-rated cadet at physical endurance tests and commanded the corps as a senior. While at LSU, Kevin became fast friends with another ROTC cadet Asa Lambert, whose life story was the opposite of his comfortable upbringing. Asa and Kevin developed a bond that would endure for the next 13 years. Asa recalled they were like
“iron sharpening iron”. The two supported each other through early career decisions and forks in the road. Later, when Asa graduated from Marine Officer Candidate School in Quantico, Kevin was a proud attendee. At graduation, Kevin was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the Air Force. The Air Force took a standout and made him even better by assigning the new officer to various cutting-edge assignments. The DSCOVR satellite, which was launched in 2015, was one of the early projects. Another early project involved working on the collaboration between the military and SpaceX on the triumphant return landing and reuse of rocket boosters. A later deployment saw him involved in the development and assembly of MOAB, the Mother of All Bombs, used in Afghanistan in 2017. Kevin
GATHER Veterans – 15
had a rare gift for bridging the gaps between technologists and military leaders and served as a human middleware in keeping parties in communication and projects on track. This experience also whetted a lingering dream from childhood of going to the moon. His aunt, General Steuterman, felt that his potential as an officer was unlimited and the lunar trip likely. The retired general described her nephew as an “old soul” who embodied earlier than most the central tenets of the Air Force Core Values – integrity first, service before self, and excellence in all we do, which he melded with a protective fierceness, intensity, and pure intent. Kevin was the complete package and possessed the widely sought “right stuff”. The intensity and drive he had brought to his studies and career developed its own second rocket stage in this period. Always intellectually curious, his quest for knowledge grew, and he read voraciously on numerous subjects. He also pressed
for personal improvement in everything. Learning to scuba dive wasn’t enough; he became a master diver. Improving his skill with weapons led to receiving a sniper level accreditation, and developing survival skills led him to become an instructor in this field. More important, he rededicated himself to friendships and deepened the bonds with close friends and family. This period of self-discovery would lead to a personal rebranding of sorts. Kevin Steuterman began going by his middle name Jack in part to honor his grandfather. As Jack, he refined and honed himself, becoming a more complete person. In June 2020, Captain Jack Steuterman retired from the Air Force and began a career as a program manager for Grumman Northrup. Grumman valued the talents he possessed and entrusted him with significant responsibility. In May 2020, Jack met Karissa, who would become his
Back country trek with Colin and Sarah Steuterman 2017
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soulmate and fiancée. Both had been through disastrous first marriages and were gun shy. But they shared a passion for spreadsheets, classical music, finance, and art. Jack met Karissa at a point in his life where he was ready and able to share himself with another person. Always a planner, Jack had developed a set of life goals and had an intermediate two-year plan. In November of 2020, Jack related to his father that perhaps his two-year plan was in for some significant modification. Jack was having his dream home built and would move in January. On January 8, 2021, Jack and Karissa, both avid skiers, decided to ski an area outside the Park City resort. They had each skied or snowboarded this run separately but never together. It would be a new bond between them. Eager as always, Jack was the first one down any slope, and on this day, he headed down on his snowboard, followed by Karissa on skis.
Kevin (right) with Asa Lambert (center) rucking on the Appalachian Trail
As they descended, the snowpack gave way, and an avalanche roared down the mountain. Karissa was spared. Jack, always prepared, was wearing a homing device which enabled rescuers to find him quickly but to no avail. Events like this have no earthly explanation and are impossible for mere human beings to understand. My initial reaction was to recall a stanza from Rudyard Kipling’s poem “If.”
If you can fill the unforgiving minute With sixty seconds worth of distance run, Yours is the Earth and everything that’s in it, And-which is more-you’ll be a Man, my son!
two names would have accomplished that dream of going to the moon, which guided his joining the Space Force Reserve program. We find limited sources for comfort when such potential is taken suddenly. We celebrate that he left us doing something he loved. I spoke with Asa Lambert on a clear, crisp Northern Michigan winter day, the sun radiating off the snow in the pasture while the brilliant cobalt of East Grand Traverse Bay shimmered. Asa related a story of Kevin speaking to him while driving to the memorial service in January. The voice had calmed Asa. As he finished, a bald eagle flew by not fifty yards away. The eagle dipped its wings reverentially. Lambert was not surprised ‘that’s Kevin; he always wanted to be an eagle.’ I remembered the verse from Isaiah and had to agree.
Over the ensuing weeks, this verse has seemed even more appropriate as friends and family have reiterated the list of life goals and completed most of the items. His life filled the unforgiving minute with more distance than many twice his age. We are left to ponder those goals not yet articulated that would have been added and also accomplished. We mourn for the family and the close friends seeking to fill a morass in their souls.
On this Memorial Day, I will help decorate the graves of Peninsula Township veterans with American flags. While many visit cemeteries to remember loved ones, I will be scanning the sky looking for the eagle, thinking of Kevin Jack, thanking him for his service, and pondering the imponderables of life. I will also remember a life that burned with energy, excitement, love of family and friends and rededicate myself to the principles he held dear. It is what he would want, and it is what we as the living must do.
We are left to wonder if Kevin or Jack – few personalities are so prominent they require
Kevin Jack will undoubtedly continue to soar on the wings of eagles.
Jack’s Squared with Grandfather Jack Steuterman
Thanksgiving 2019 from left Kim, Craig, Kevin (holding Layne), Colin and Sarah Steuterman
Kevin and Karissa Thanksgiving 2020
Kevin holding new niece Layne Marie 2019
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Service Provider Spotlight
A Place For Angels By Mike Kent
I
Brave Hearts Estate In Pellston Gives Peace To Troubled Veterans
t took a motorcycle and a truck to do what 19 years as a Marine, and 18 tours in some of the hottest war zones in the world could never do. It left the body of Laszlo Szalay of Brighton in a mangled mess. The damage was massive. He couldn’t walk, couldn’t talk, he had a brain injury that left him with seizures, depressed and unable to sleep. Laszlo was near death. “I didn’t feel calm,” Szalay says. “I felt pain, I saw darkness. I was terrified.”
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Then, Szalay says he experienced a miracle. “I saw an angel that day.” The angel gave him a choice, “Do you want to stay here or go. God still has things he wants you to do.” It was a conscious decision and not one that was easy to make. “I’m glad I made the choice to stay.” For eight years Szalay saw the angel regularly, sometimes on a daily basis. The accident triggered PTSD and brought back horrible war memories. The
angel gave him comfort and calm. That peace was eventually reflected in a place he found in northern Michigan called Brave Hearts Estate. The Estate is spread out on a 238-acre ranch that can house up to 38 people in the main house and nearby cabins. The home is open to all veterans with at least a 30-percent disability or those who have seen some combat experience. Run by Operation Injured Soldiers, Brave Hearts Estate is a respite for veterans and their families. They can enjoy a weekend of fishing, swimming, kayaking, skiing or sightseeing. Or they can choose just to hang out at the ranch and talk to other veterans. It was in those quiet talks with other veterans where Szalay found the peace he experienced with his guardian angel. “I was in a bad way,” he says. “We stayed up and talked all night. It’s a healing place. Some people go to a church and feel at ease and calm. That’s here – love, healing, comfort and respect.” Laszlo gives a
lot of the credit to the two caretakers of the Estate, Paula and Mike Brown. “They were very gracious. It’s like they’ve known you forever. The atmosphere is so calm. That comes from the love that Paula and Mike have for veterans. You can’t fake it. These folks have no agenda except to make us feel better.” Paula Brown says they mainly allow veterans to get together and talk about their experiences. She says there may be plenty of food and laughter but there is a lot of serious work that takes place on those northern Michigan getaways. “The main purpose is to bring veterans together to have someone to talk to that knows what they’ve been through,” says Paula Brown. “It makes it easy to talk and share and heal.” When not dealing with a nationwide pandemic, Brave Hearts Estate organizes a variety of activities including fishing, hunting, women’s retreats and a Color Run. While COVID-19 may have curtailed some of those activities, the Estate is
still open yearlong. During the winter months they have guests Friday through Sunday and during the warmer weather the weekends take place from Thursday through Sunday. There is no cost to the veterans or their families. Brave Hearts Estate receives no federal funding but rather is supported through fundraising, grants and support from Foundations and corporate donations. Brown says they also see a lot of support from the community. People will volunteer their time for staffing events or even just bake cookies and pies for the bigger functions. Paula Brown is convinced since the Estate opened in 2015 they are giving veterans help that lasts longer than just a weekend. “It gives them the freedom to know they can talk to someone that knows what they’re going through. I’m not alone in my thoughts and my fears.” That is exactly what Laszlo experienced. His first night at Brave Hearts Estate allowed Szalay his first full night of sleep in years. “It was comforting there.” He says it was the same comfort he experienced whenever he felt the presence of his guardian angel. “I saw her there, she wanted me to be there.” Get more information at: www.InjuredSoldiers.org.
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Behind the Brand
The Veteran Initiative
Habitat for Humanity By Amanda Renkiewicz
T Seeking to put God’s love into action, Habitat for Humanity brings people together to build sustainable homes, communities, and hope. Among the many who benefit from their outstanding efforts is the Veteran community. 20 – GATHER Veterans
hey explain, “Today, 1.4 million veterans live in poverty. Much of this is a result of the cost of housing, despite having access to VA loans and other assistance. Almost 4 million veterans pay at least 30 percent of their income toward their rent or mortgage, while over 1.5 million pay at least 50 percent. The latter represents an enormous strain on any budget.” Habitat seeks to serve the veteran community through their Veteran Initiative through the five focus areas of Building, Employment, Volunteer Engagement, Education, and Honor.
We are grateful to the men and women who have served our nation and are proud to be able to collaborate with them in various ways Many returning service men and women feel disconnected upon returning home. Habitat offers various employment and volunteer opportunities that allow them to work together with their families, other volunteers, and future Habitat homeowners, providing a sense of unity during and after the transition from the military. It also allows them an additional opportunity to support and strengthen their community. Habitat for Humanity benefits the entire community in many ways: ● Habitat Homeowners have pride in their homes. ● Habitat Homeowners are involved in their communities. ● Otherwise vacant property is added to the tax roles. ● Habitat homes are built with lowmaintenance, high-quality materials to look good for a long time. ● Children raised in stable, consistent homes do better in school and life. ● Volunteer events build community participation. “We are grateful to the men and women who have served our nation and are proud to be able to collaborate with them in various ways: Home ownership, home repair, employment, and volunteer opportunities,” says their Veteran coordinator. To become involved in their efforts and learn more, visit www.habitatgtr.org
HOMEOWNERSHIP HOME REPAIR for
VETERANS Contact Kathleen English 231-941-4663 x321 kenglish@HabitatGTR.org
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Veteran Owned Business
Sarge
Takes Action The Veteran Gift and Thrift Store By Mike Kent
A
pparently they knew the platoon was coming. On this day in 1966, the Viet Cong were ready for the American troops. The platoon walked right into an ambush. The sound of the attack was deafening but when the noise subsided, the silence shouted its impact. Seven Marines were killed and another 17 wounded. The corpsman who feverishly worked to save lives, would posthumously receive the Congressional Medal Of Honor. He was hit seven times but still tried to attend to the casualties. Bruce Douglas was one of those casualties. Medivaced to a hospital, Douglas was hit in the lung and kidney. It was catastrophic. They slipped a toe tag on him to indicate he was Killed In Action. But this was not his day to die. A chaplain was
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administering the Last Rights and with an observant eye thought he detected a sign of life. Doctors immediately listened through a stethoscope and there it was — a heartbeat — faint at first, but it was there. 27-days later Douglas woke up in a hospital in Japan and four months after that he was given a full medical discharge from the Marines. For Sergeant Bruce Douglas this was not the end of his service, it was just the beginning. It was the start of a lifetime passionately devoted to helping veterans around his Bay City home. “I try to do the Lord’s work,” Douglas says. He has volunteered with the Veteran’s Administration, served on a variety of boards, has been a member, and often part of the leadership, in seven different veteran organizations.
If a veteran needs to eat I have a restaurant that will feed them and send me the bill. At 78-years’old, Douglas is just finding his stride. You’ll usually find him behind the counter at the Veteran Gift And Thrift store in downtown Bay City. As with most thrift shops you’ll find anything from furniture, to housewares and anything for the home. The difference with this shop is that everything is donated. And all the proceeds go to support a house for homeless veterans. Douglas, with the help of his wife Maryann, purchased the home and uses it to get veterans off the street and on their feet. The home is called Veteran’s Rest and Bruce is proud to boast that since they opened two years ago they have helped 33 veterans move from the streets, find a job, then get into their own housing. “It makes your heart feel good if you help just one,” says Douglas. “It’s such a rewarding feeling.” He knows of at least 35 homeless veterans in Bay County. Even though he has room for more at Veteran’s Rest, he doesn’t worry about those who are not ready for this type of transition home. He knows that many struggle with PTSD or other physical or mental problems. He just wants to be available when they reach out.
Douglas is driven by those he helps. He mentions an early success with David* who was on drugs to manage PTSD. “Things went goofy for him. He tried suicide, got a divorce and lost his job.” Today David has become a personal friend who comes over for dinner occasionally. “He got into psychological counseling. He’s pretty stable now,” says Douglas. But not all the stories have been a success. Douglas chokes on his words when he talks about Larry*. About four years ago Larry succumbed to his demons and his young children found his lifeless body. Almost with a bitter tone Douglas sputters, “I could have helped him. If it’s only financial — I’ll help in any way I can.” Douglas is still raw when he talks about losing Larry. It’s a constant motivation to continue his work. “If a veteran needs to eat I have a restaurant that will feed them and send me the bill.” He works with other agencies in town that can help with clothing, furniture, and groceries. He won’t give them cash but he will take care of their needs. With tears in his eyes Bruce admits he has one driving force, “I love these people.”
* Due to confidentiality full names are not given.
Donations can be made to: Veterans Rest 603 E. Midland Bay City, MI 48706 Thrift item donations can be taken to: Veteran Gift and Thrift 603 E. Midland Bay City, MI 48706
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Preserving the Past
Remembering The French Resistance
“This History Belongs To All Of Us” Researched and Written By Karen Rieser Joseph, a student of European WWll military history, is deeply passionate about military events and politics of the 1940s. He strives to interact with veterans, especially WWll veterans, study historical events, attend annual commemorations, in particular celebrations in Normandy, France.
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ormandy, France holds a special meaning for Joseph. Since 2013 he has made yearly visits. His recent travels have included his wife, Stephanie. During these trips he has visited the many memorial sites acknowledging the United States, Canadian, French, and British troop efforts in Operation Overlord. Operation Overlord lasted nearly three months culminating in the liberation of France from the Germans and advancing through Europe ending World War ll. The number of museums, memorials, and monuments in Normandy honoring those known as the ‘Greatest Generation’ seems endless. Naming just a few: The U.S. Navy Monument, Omaha Beach Memorial, Utah Beach Memorial, Normandy American Cemetery, Garden of the Missing, Normandy Beaches, American Cemetery and Memorial, and the Comrades Forever Memorial. There are so many monument sites that it is prudent to contact a travel agent for information and to get you from here to there. As a scholar of European World War II history and a frequent visitor to Normandy and its many memorials and beaches Joseph has recognized an omission in the story. Where is the monument honoring the French Resistance? There are plaques found around France telling an individual story here and there, but no monument for the role that the resistance played in liberating France and ending the war. Joseph and his team hope to rectify this.
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The monument will exhibit three arms of the FFI, the Guerrilla, the Underground and the Auxiliary. Why the French Resistance? What exactly was their role in WWll that earned them the privilege of a memorial. We must look back into history. June 1940 marked the time France was taken by the Germans. This unbelievable event led to a relatively unknown Two Star General, Charles de Gaulle, escaping to Britain. De Gaulle refused to submit to occupation and continued to press on from afar leading the Free French Forces against Nazi Germany. On June 18th, 1940, in a speech from Britain, de Gaulle refused to aknowledge the Nazi Germany occupation and called for the French military and citizens to resist the takeover in any way they could. Post war, de Gaulle’s speech was considered to mark
the birth of the French Resistance. The resistance was made up of ordinary citizens from French society, academics, students, aristocrats, conservative Roman Catholic priests and nuns, Jews, and liberals. The secret community began with a few and grew to many. In the early days the resistance was referred to as the Maquis (the name of a shrub found in the area in which they met) and its operative’s Maquisards. They consisted of small unrelated groups of people meeting all over France for the purpose of supporting the Allies by interfering with the German occupation. By D-Day the Maquis, having grown in number and ability, were organized into paramilitary operations units that were provided information and weapons. They were now referred to as the French Forces of the Interior or FFI. At
the end of the war 220,000 French people were acknowledged by the French government as members of the FFI. In the early days the Maquis began by aiding Allied prisoners and soldiers to escape the Nazis and provide Jews with safe havens. As time progressed the FFI became the ‘irregular soldiers’ of France. Some of tasks performed were providing the Allies with German military intelligence, performing acts of sabotage, interfering with electrical grids, all forms of transportation and telecommunications, writing, printing, and distributing underground newspapers, and maintaining escape routes for allied soldiers and airmen caught behind enemy lines.
Ruins of houses destroyed by bombardment in the second world war French man and woman fight with arms taken from the Germans in Paris, August 1944. After Allies defeated the Germans in Normandy, Parisians revolted against their Nazi occupiers.
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Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons Prior to, during, and post D-day operations performed by the FFI were in the thousands. On D-day, to support the landings on the beaches of Normandy, seven individual operations, each named for a color, were planned and executed by the FFI. The first, Plan Verte set out to sabotage the railway system, Plan Tortue destroyed the road network, Plan Violet destroyed the phone lines, while Plan Bleu destroyed power lines, Plans Rouge and Noir attacked German ammunition dumps and fuel depots, and German Command Posts were attacked during Plan Jaune. This was an amazing undertaking requiring both bravery and expertise. It would truly be a privilege to have the opportunity to formally honor the perseverance, bravery, and determination of the French citizens of the FFI. It is therefore fitting that a monument honoring the French Resistance a.k.a. FFI to stand among the other honorees in Normandy. This is the goal of Joseph and his team. In the words of Joseph, “It is on us to make sure the story gets told.” To do so the artist-sculpture Steve Spears has been commissioned to create a monument representing the FFI. Having done other works honoring war time efforts in Normandy, (the memorial to Major Dick Winters and the U.S. Navy Memorial on Utah Beach) Mr. Spears understands the history and passion of this assignment and has designed a brilliant display. The monument will exhibit three arms of the FFI, the Guerrilla, the Underground and the Auxiliary. The Guerrilla arm of the organization is represented by a gentleman holding a Sten MKll gun passing a message onto a young woman. The young woman, sitting on a Calvados barrel (calvados is a cider brandy beverage representative of Normandy) honors the Underground as she sends or receives messages using a SOE communications radio. A young boy, signifying the Auxiliary, leans against his bike carrying a carrier pigeon in the basket, passes a message to the woman for coding. The display exhibits history in fine detail and evokes deep rooted emotion. An organization, The French Resistance-Call to Action has been created to move the story of the FFI from a concept to its three dimensional form. Now massive support is needed. In the words of Helen Patton, General Patton’s granddaughter, “Now is our chance to honor those who were there with us and for us”.
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How does one fulfill Helen’s request? Go to: www.FrenchResistanceMonument.com to learn, honor and if you can donate to this noble cause. Let’s make a date to meet on June 5, 2021 in Sainte-Marie-du-Mont for the dedication of the long awaited memorial statue to the French Resistance. Viva la memory of the FFI.
Healthy vets start with a healthy smile. Let us help! For more information or to apply today visit www.smilemichigan.com/dds or call 517-346-9455 (Southeast Michigan) or 517-346-9454 (Rest of Michigan)
Michigan Donated Dental Services (DDS)
VA Update By Michael Roof
Director, Dept. of Veteran Affairs, Grand Traverse County
As a veteran service officer, our jobs are to advocate as much as possible for veterans. Sometimes we have to speak up, even though nobody wants to hear what is going on. There is nothing better than helping a veteran get their rating approved through the VA. This usually comes after extensive work of putting together a wellcrafted case for the VA to review including the proper medical evidence, years of medical records, and a medical opinion linking it to their service. In one of the steps of the rating process, the VA requests that the veteran goes through a Compensation & Pension (C&P) exam before making an opinion. This is where a medical professional in the field of the noted disability makes an opinion based on all the evidence
submitted. This C&P exam usually holds heavy weight in the VA’s rating decision.
evidence in their claim, but Dr. Plummer ignores the burden of proof shown in the veterans’ files.
Since around 2010, there has been a Psychologist at VA Medical Center Saginaw that has been providing improper C&P exams. In 2013, he was removed due to his conduct but was brought back after a short time. Dr. Robert Plummer, Ph.D., a Clinical Psychologist at VA Medical Center in Saginaw, MI. He does most of the Compensation & Pension exams for veterans suffering from a mental illness.
His lack of following VA examination guidelines, personal judgment, and compassion lead to veterans being denied disability benefits.
The issue at hand. These C&P exams are scheduled for 2 hours and Dr. Plummer rarely takes more than 15-20 minutes. Many veterans are in treatment or counseling for several months or years and include that medical
We are asking that the VA Medical Center in Saginaw remove Dr. Plummer and provide someone who can follow VA Examinations without judgment and accuracy. We are asking veterans to reach out to Acting Director Chris Cauley at 989-497-2500 and request that Dr. Plummer is removed from his position. For more information call Michael Roof at Grand Traverse Dept of Veterans Affairs. (231) 995-6070
GATHER Veterans – 27
Health & Wellness
The “Murph Challenge” By Brad Giglio
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ach year people all over the country and even the world participate in the “Murph” workout. This workout is a Memorial Day staple for the CrossFit community and has grown into the “Murph Challenge”. What is the workout?
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● Run 1 mile ● Complete 100 Pull-ups ● Complete 200 Push-ups ● Complete 300 Air Squats ● Run 1 mile *Do all of this wearing a 20-pound vest
The “Murph Challenge” is our way of willingly putting ourselves through a physical hardship to represent and remember the sacrifice Lt. Murphy made. This workout is named after Lt. Michael Murphy, a Navy Seal (May 7, 1976 – June 28, 2005) who gave his life to signal support while the rest of his fireteam was being suppressed and attacked by enemy fighters. For these courageous acts, he was posthumously awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor. We engage in this workout as a way to say, “thank you”. Of course, this is nothing compared to what the men and women of our Armed Forces endure in their time of service and combat. Nor does it realistically represent the sacrifice Lt. Murphy made. However, what it does is honor in a unique and special way the value of one life sacrificed for another. Not just once, but yearly, we reflect on this brave soldier’s life and service and honor him with our effort. This reflects what America is and has been known for. The idea that sacrifices made for others are not only worth it but part of the very moral fabric of who we are. As American soldiers, we stand up for what is right and humanity in the face of all types of adversity. Whether on a grand scale or simple, small acts of kindness, the sacrifice is worth it, the cost unquestioned. That is what sets American soldiers apart. The “Murph Challenge” is our way of willingly putting ourselves through a physical hardship to represent and remember the sacrifice Lt. Murphy made.
This is my challenge to you. Use the “Murph Challenge” as a way to show that you are willing to push yourself and go beyond what is comfortable. You don’t have to use a vest or even do all the reps of the movements, but do something that day that is challenging to you physically. I know many of us honor the fallen in our own private ways. This year let’s do the “Murph Challenge” in honor of all those who lost their lives fighting for our freedoms. Grab a battle buddy and get moving and show everyone what it means to have the spirit of Lt. Murphy and every other Soldier, Sailor, Airmen, Marine, or Coast Guard that has made the same sacrifice! https:// themurphchallenge.com/
Need a place to do the challenge among other patriots? Visit us at CrossFit Due North and sign up to do the “Murph” with us! (231) 421-1160, https://www.crossfitduenorth.com.
As Americans, especially those who have served, Memorial Day is tough! I know many people are out to celebrate the extended weekend and enjoy BBQs and time with friends and family. As a veteran, and a person who lost many friends overseas - many within arms reach of me, Memorial Day is about deep reflection. I often wrestle with feelings of guilt and find myself asking why I survived and they paid the ultimate sacrifice. It doesn’t get any easier. Year after year I continue to see their faces and remember. I am sure many fellow Veterans reading this have endured the same hardships or worse.
GATHER Veterans – 29
The Great Outdoors
More Than
A Hunt By Pete Lathrop
“C’mon Andrew you’ve got to get out of bed!”
I
t’s not 10 minutes before the bus arrives. It’s not even 12:30 in the afternoon on a Saturday. It is 5:30 in the morning of my 13-year-old son’s first successful turkey hunt. You would think that he would be mummy-walking in a sleepy stupor, as most teenage boys would at that time of the day, but one reminder was all he needed. As soon as his feet hit the floor, he was putting on his camo and getting his 20-gauge ready. His motivation was the news I gave to him the day before. I had been turkey hunting for a few days and after the morning sit, I would get up and slowly scout for a while. I’d seen toms regularly but at a distance. From what I could see, the toms were following a group of hens through a valley. So, when the turkeys were gone, I checked out the spot and found that it provided perfect cover for a surprise ambush. So, I headed home and told Andrew. “The chances are good”, I told him. “We’ll set up before dawn
30 – GATHER Veterans
on the north side of the valley and wait.” His eyes brightened and gave me a high-five. He had been with me on turkey and deer hunts before and learned how to sit still and not to make quick movements. The excitement of seeing the game motivated him. When he turned 12, he was able to hunt for the first time. That year, nothing came close enough for a shot. Even though he was disappointed, he was determined to hunt again the next season. Turkey hunting is unique, in that you can talk out loud to your hunting partner while sitting in the blind. Turkeys aren’t adept at hearing predators, but they can see them a country mile away. If you’re sitting still, you can hold a conversation without fear of scaring birds away. It was fun to talk about where the turkey might come from or how we would call them in. But we would also talk about life. I cherished individual time with all three of my children. Conversations with my kids revolved around funny moments with friends and family, camping trips, Cedar Point roller coasters, and a myriad of other junior high interests. But sometimes, I’d hear “I love you Dad.” That’s when all other distractions fade away. Shooting a turkey instantly became insignificant. My heart, mind, and soul focused on one thing: thanking God for my family and moments like this. After a few more moments of talking, we heard a gobble. Our thoughts snapped back into keen concentration and our eyes scanned the valley. The gobbles were distant enough for me to suggest for Andrew to scoot down to the level area of the valley and hide behind a stump. The plan was for me to call the turkey from higher up the side of the valley, drawing his attention away from Andrew’s position. We were in place with plenty of time before the turkeys arrived. I kept calling and the tom roared back with thunderous gobbles. I knew he was getting closer. I kept thinking
Shooting a turkey instantly became insignificant. My heart, mind, and soul focused on one thing: thanking God for my family and moments like this.
of Andrew, hoping he be ready when the tom appeared in the meadow. I kept calling and all of the sudden…. BOOM! Andrew jumped up and waved me down to the meadow. There he was. A beautiful, big Eastern gobbler. The look on Andrew’s face was priceless. We ran over to the bird and gave each other a big hug. I realized that the time sitting together in that blind was more than a hunt. It was a connection; a strengthening of love and relationship. It was the sharing of a moment that will never be forgotten. It’s so much more than a hunt.
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D S T Peal Life R s e l p m Exa
. Roy Written By G roject ns History P ra te e V e h T om References fr life Center of lk o F n a c ri e Am (A Project of of Congress) ry ra ib L e h T
W
ars have affected many directly or indirectly. We have heard many stories of the affected soldiers. At the same time, many such voices have gotten lost with time. The psychological impact of wars on the American soldiers have been explained through statistics since the civil war. However, the statistical information does not show the real influence in terms of loss of personal lives and severe mental agony caused because of war. To understand the severity of how the war impacted the soldiers, we need to go through their stories to understand just how the wars affected their lives. The soldiers that fought in the wars since the American Civil War were not only
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some random numbers, but they were one among us. Letters Written from the Heart! A Page from the Life of George Doll The United States was involved in World War I for just a little over a year. However, the war had an astounding impact on the entire history of the 20th century. The war also profoundly affected the lives of the individuals that took part in the war. One such individual was Corporal George Doll. He was the native of Indiana, stationed in France. He was a part of the Army Transportation Corps and was one of the individuals whose life was deeply impacted by WWI.
He had exchanged almost 400 letters with his wife Blanch throughout the war and into the beginning of the 1920s. All of his wartime letters expressed his feelings for his wife, whom he described as “Dearest Honey Bunch” in his letters. His letters were full of wit and pure love for his beloved wife. George wrote to his wife in 1919 that he was waiting for his discharge from the service, and he noted that he would have to stay in New York for a few more days, but he had nothing to do there. Doll stated that he would be on his way to Indianapolis as soon as he received his discharge papers. Once there, he would get “all dolled up” and get a room for both of them.
ky The happy-go-luc to a Schultz turned in cholic n la e m d n a r e b m so person. He and his in girlfriend married oon December 1945, s d his e c n e ri e p x e e h s r afte nightmares.
All is Well? Many would have believed that they “lived happily ever after” if their letters would have ended there. However, it was found through correspondence in 1926 that George Doll was living in Los Angeles, California, while being all alone and feeling sorry for himself. He lamented that he was unable to get his mind back to normal and has been “hardly right since the war.” No One to Lend Me an Ear! Story of Arthur Bernard “Dutch” Schultz Carol Schultz’s WWII veteran father told her that people did not want to know how it was like being a part of the war. How it all Began? During the war, Dutch Schultz was dropped away from his intended landing zone, but he soon made contact with other wandering
soldiers. After walking for some distance, they came under heavy mortar fire. They also had to witness the mercy killing of a wounded American soldier who was gravely wounded. Later on, during the evening, Schultz and his peer soldiers were engaged in a fierce battle for taking control over a bridge located near a small town of Sainte-MèreÉglise. They were able to secure the bridge after the German forces withdrew from there after four days of battle. In September 1944, Schultz was in the Netherlands. He was frantically praying with his rosary at the time when his company commander died in front of him. That winter, Schultz contracted pneumonia and was treated for it in a hospital for over two weeks. Half of his regiment were killed during the Battle of the Bulge while he was in the hospital. Soon after, he was horrified by what he saw during the liberation of the Wöbbelin
concentration camp. Later on, he commented on what he saw during the liberation. He said that it was tough to distinguish between the dead and the living. War’s Over! Will the Suffering End? After WWII ended, Schultz returned to the US. However, the man who returned home wasn’t the pre-WWII Dutch Schultz. His experiences during the war had changed him. The happy-go-lucky Schultz turned into a somber and melancholic person. He and his girlfriend married in December 1945, soon after she experienced his nightmares. Schultz shouted frantically in his sleep and used to try climbing out of the window. Schultz’s nightmares remained with him for the rest of his life. The Will of the Warrior Schultz persuaded the Department of Veterans Affairs to recognize the mental trauma that he suffered because of the war and won this battle just two years before his death. He was 80 years old at the time.
GATHER Veterans – 33
In the Kitchen
The Best Strawberry Shortcake By Kirsten Kubert - comfortablydomestic.com
The Best Strawberry Shortcake layers lightly sweetened whipped cream between homemade sweet and buttery biscuits and top it with sweet, ripe strawberries for a classic summertime dessert.
Prep Time - 1 hr. 40 minutes • Cook Time - 15 min Instructions
Ingredients For the Strawberry Topping: • 1 lb. fresh, ripe strawberries • 2 Tbs. granulated sugar • For the Shortcakes: • 2 C. all-purpose flour • 1 Tbs. baking powder • ¼ C. granulated sugar • ¼ tsp. salt • 6 Tbs. very cold unsalted butter • ¾ C. half & half • 2 Tbs. unsalted butter, melted (for topping shortcakes) • 2 tsp. raw sugar (for topping shortcakes) For the Whipped Cream: • 2 C. (1 pint) heavy whipping cream • 1 tsp. powdered confectioner’s sugar
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1. Rinse the strawberries in cold water and pat dry. Remove the leafy tops from the strawberries. Slice the berries and place them in a bowl. Sprinkle a couple of tablespoons of granulated sugar over the strawberries. Stir and then wrap the bowl with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for one hour to allow the berries to macerate while preparing the shortcakes. 2. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line two rimmed half sheet pans with parchment paper or silicone baking mats; set them aside. 3. In a large bowl, whisk the flour together with the baking powder, sugar, and salt to combine. Run the cold butter through the large holes of a box grater to grate the butter over the dry ingredients. Lightly toss the butter with the dry ingredients to coat. Make a well in the center. Pour the half and half into the well. Gently stir until the mixture comes together to form a wet dough. 4. Turn the dough onto a well-floured surface. Sprinkle the dough with additional flour. Gently knead the dough by patting it into a rectangle and then alternately folding the edges in thirds toward the rectangle’s center. Turn the dough one-quarter
turn. Pat the dough into another rectangle, and repeat the kneading process twice more. 5. Pat or roll the dough into ½-inch to ¾-inch thickness. Cut the dough with 2 ½-inch round biscuit cutters and place the cut-outs onto the prepared baking sheets 2 inches apart. Piece the dough back together and repeat the process until all of the dough is used. The dough should yield 8 to 10 shortcakes, depending on the thickness of the dough. 6. Brush the shortcakes with melted butter and sprinkle the tops with raw sugar. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until golden brown. Remove the shortcakes from the oven and transfer them to a wire rack to cool slightly. 7. While the shortcakes are in the oven, whip the cream with the powdered sugar until it forms soft peaks. Chill the whipped cream until ready to serve. 8. To serve, split the shortcakes horizontally in half. Spoon a tablespoon or two of whipped cream over the bottom half of the shortcakes. Spoon a tablespoon or two of the strawberries, including the macerated juices, over the whipped cream. Place the tops of the shortcakes over the strawberries. Top with additional whipped cream and strawberries, if desired.
Notes Homemade shortcakes can be made a day in advance. Simple seal cooled shortcakes in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. Set shortcakes on the counter 30 minutes prior to serving to allow them to come to room temperature.
What Memorial Day Means to Me By Amanda Renkiewicz
M
emorial Day is a time to take a moment and recognize all of the blessings in our lives that are possible because of the freedoms our soldiers defend. Their sacrifice is a tangible part of our days, and deserving of year-round gratitude. Nathan Weemhoff, who served in the Michigan Army National Guard for seven years and had two deployments in the Middle East, discussed the holiday with GATHER Veterans and detailed what it means to him. When thinking of Memorial Day, what immediately comes to mind for Nathan is remembering the fallen and their sacrifice. “I think of the brothers that we’ve lost since coming home all connected to their time there. I think of the sacrifices they made. I take time to honor them and the many who came before as well.”
“Veterans are a symbol of what makes our nation great, and we must never forget all they have done to ensure our freedom.” -Rodney Frelinghuysen
As a current teacher, Nathan views Memorial Day through the lens of history. “Memorial Day is a special day where we as a nation take time to remember our fallen. But not only that. We also take time to celebrate the life and freedom and family that sacrifice made possible by spending time together.” He encourages people to understand the significance of Memorial Day as a time of reflection for the fallen and appreciation for what those servicemen and women sacrificed their lives for. “It is different from Armed Forces Day, and it’s not Veteran’s Day,” he clarifies. “It’s Memorial Day.” Who do you remember on Memorial Day, if anyone in particular? “I remember Jake. He was a brother, a friend, and I served with him for seven years. I also remember Nathaniel, who was a great friend and leader.” On Memorial Day and many other days each year, Nathan celebrates their lives by carrying their memories with him, honoring them for giving their all for our country.
GATHER Veterans – 35
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