HONORING OUR VETERANS
Brothers in arms
By Donna Thoma
Marking the end of World War One, Armistice Day each year is a reminder of those who have given their “all” in defense of our country and the liberties we hold dear.
The Korean Conflict, much like World War One, World War Two, and others, are now considered “historical events.” However, for veterans of war, that part of their lives is still a vivid memory.
Loud noises, such as fireworks or sudden awakening from sleep, may bring reactions most of us do not understand.
Many of those men and women have joined service-related organizations such as VFW, American Legion, and Amvets. These organizations help returning vets reacclimate to their communities.
Veterans who have served in the World Wars, Korean Conflict and more recently Vietnam, also may be able to participate in an Honor
Flight trip to Washington, D.C. and Arlington. To date, over 295,787 veterans have been transported during the nineteen years Honor Flight Network has been in existence. It was during an Honor Flight on October 4, 2022, when local Army veterans Staff Sergeant Melvin Fulcher and Sergeant First Class Guy Durston met and became friends. Both served in the Korean Conflict
▪ See BROTHERS IN ARMS on page 16
Ogemaw County Veteran of the Year
OGEMAW COUNTY- Earlier this year Mr. Richard Allan Ladd was named “2024 Ogemaw County Veteran of the Year” by the Ogemaw County Veterans Alliance. The Veterans Alliance, through the member organizations, represents all veterans in Ogemaw County. This award is the highest honor that the Alliance can bestow upon a fellow veteran.
Traditionally the selected veteran is honored as part of the Alliance’s “Veterans Day” activities. The Festivities will start with a flag raising ceremony at 11 a.m. on Mon., Nov. 11. The location will be at the Forward Conference Center, 2980 Cook Road, West Branch, Michigan.
advocate for many years in Ogemaw County, setting aside his personal pursuits to serve his fellow veterans and community. Mr. Ladd is an active member of the Veterans Foreign Wars Post 3775, American Legion Post 103 and Disabled American Veterans Chapter 73, and a member of the Ogemaw County Military Funeral Honors Team.
A United States Army veteran, Mr. Ladd has been a veteran’s
Ladd volunteers in conducting fundraisers for various veterans’ organizations including Ogemaw County Veterans Museum and Toys for Tots along with many other community service activities. He has been an active participant in all county veterans’ functions, and he has distinguished himself in many ways throughout the community.
Richard Allan Ladd, Ogemaw County Veteran of the Year.
Guy Durston with his Commendation ribbon and metal pendant for his service in Korea.
Brothers in arms
Continued from page 13
but in different units.
The respect, understanding, care, and honor the two men have for each other is profound. They are “Brothers in Arms,” in the sense that they know and appreciate one another because of their service.
As with many friendships, Fulcher and Durston spend time together at Veteran's Coffee Hours, one may take the other to an appointment, and sometimes they finish each other’s sentences.
Fulcher, born March 3, 1932, grew up in Southfield, Michigan. Working on his uncle’s farm from age fourteen. He graduated from high school in 1950 and was drafted into the Army on September 8, 1952, at twenty years old.
Following eight weeks of basic training in El Paso, Fulcher had additional advanced training on radar for 90 MM artillery guns. He and two others from his unit were offered to go to a guided missile school, which would have had them sign for an additional year of service. They refused to sign up for the extra year, and subsequently were sent to South Korea. Chuckling, Fulcher relayed, “those who took the guided missile training were sent to guard the Sault Locks in the upper peninsula.”
as blessings, their three sons-in-law, seven grandchildren, and seven great grandchildren.
Fulcher, for his service in two campaigns, earned the Korean Service medal with two bronze service stars: United Nations Service Medal and National Defense Medal. Earlier this year, at a ceremony in Houghton Lake, he also received a US flag that had been flown over the state capital.
Durston grew up on a farm near Ann Arbor in Dixboro, Michigan. As a youngster, he was in 4-H, and he and his brothers had the second “best” Brown Swiss cattle at the fair one year.
Durston was drafted into the Army at eighteen because “they needed bodies”. He did his basic training at Fort Leonardwood, Missouri. Following eight weeks of basic, Durston then had eight weeks of Engineer training.
'Both men believe that today's youths should spend at least two years in the military. They believe it would help our youths better understand the world and be ready for life ahead.'
Fulcher was assigned to Seoul with the 78th gun battalion to protect the K13 air base. Additionally, Sgt Fulcher was assigned to the motor pool at BN HQ and eventually sent to the front lines with A, B, C, D, batteries to help with their radar.
When Fulcher's turn came up to rotate home and they asked him to stay in for another six-month tour, he said “NO! I'm going home because of a girl I have at home.” Fulcher 92, recently celebrated 69 years of marriage with his “girl back home.” Together, he and Betty Ann have three daughters: Nancy Wycoff, Melissa Mack, and Diane Atiyeh. Atiyeh served as his chaperone on the Honor Flight. In addition to their daughters, he and Betty Ann count
As an Army Corp Engineer, Durston's unit “would put floating boats in rivers, in order to get tanks and other equipment across.”
At the time of his rotation out, Durston's captain wanted him to re-enlist, but he said, “I never asked for this.” Adding, “I did my job and got out!”
Durston received a Citation and Commendation Ribbon with Metal Pendant for meritorious service in Korea. It is one thing he kept from that time. There were some other awards he should have received however, due to a major fire at the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) in St. Louis, Missouri July 12, 1973, millions of military personnel records were destroyed, including Durston's.
Their Honor Flight two years ago was a one-day trip, leaving Grayling at 4 a.m. and returning the next morning at 3 a.m. They estimated that 40% of Veterans on the flight were in wheelchairs, on crutches or walking with canes.
Fulcher and Durston count themselves lucky to be “healthy.” Both men have had prostate cancer and a couple other issues, but at 92, they are still in better shape than many of their counterparts.
At the beginning and return of trip, the veterans were greeted by the National Guard, standing in formation as those on the flight passed by. “It was an impactful
Each veteran on the flight travels with a chaperone. Wives, unless veterans themselves, are not permitted. Durston's daughter, Kelly Pando went along as his chaperone.
Their Honor Flight memories are very special to these men. Fulcher relayed that he touched the names of two of his buddies that are engraved on the Korean Wall. One name was that of his childhood friend, Ray Dunham whose family started
Dunham Sporting Goods. VFW Post #2645 of Southfield was named in Dunham's honor.
Visiting the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery was something neither will forget. They were amazed at the precision, dedication, and respect each of the soldiers assigned to guard it has for themselves, the interred, and the
Fulcher became a Pipefitter with Local Union #636 in Detroit, Michigan. He water skied until he was 90 years old; was a member of the American Legion and Houghton Lake Eagles. He has been an active sportsman as hunter and fisherman, rode motorcycles and belonged to the Antique Automobile Club, Inland Lakes Region, where he served for three years as President. Every
Guy Durston (left) and Melvin Fulcher (right).
Honoring our local heroes
▪ Austin Romancky, Jennifer, U.S. Navy, 1999-2003, St. Helen
▪ Balhorn. Kenneth M., U.S. Navy. 1971
▪ Bartolomeo, Dominico, US Army/ Tanker Veteran 2023
▪ Bauman, Josh, U.S. Coast Guard, 2020
▪ Bramer, Corey, Marine Corps, 2021
▪ Brinn, Joseph A., U.S. Army, CW3, Vietnam 1968, A Trp, 7/17
Air Cavalry, Huey Crew Chief and Gunner, retired 1987, Oscoda
▪ Brinn, Joseph, Vietnam, 1968
▪ Callahan, Isaac, U.S. Army, SPC, 2004-05, KFOR 4A, OIF
▪ Carrick, Craig, FRG in 80-84, Wurzburg HHC 3Rd ID
▪ Cole, Sean, U.S. Army, 2010
▪ See LOCAL HEROES on page 18
Joe Brinn
Jennifer Austin Romancky
Isaac Callahan
Local heroes
Continued from page 17
▪ Constance, Mark, 82nd Engineer Battalion, U.S. Army, 12B, Bamberg, Fort Leonard Wood, 1982, Roscommon
▪ Constance, Gordon, U.S. Army, 1959
▪ Crittenden, Michael L., Retired Air Force Master Sergeant E-7, Jan. 1975 – Oct. 1995, Mio. Pic taken at Clark AFB in the Philippines. MOS 46670 (Entomology), or “The bug shop.”
▪ Dixon, Jack, U.S. Air Force, 1962
▪ Edwards, Dallas, Army National Guard, 1992
▪ Elgert, Walter, U.S. Navy, 1975
▪ Emry, Kenneth, U.S. Air Force, Civil Engineer, 1981-2004
▪ Faust, Donald, U.S. Army, IHO, Sergeant, Honorably Discharged 1965
▪ See LOCAL HEROES on page 19
Craig Carrick
Mark Constance
Local heroes
Continued from page 18
▪ Foster, Larry, U.S. Army, 2005, 95B, Formerly Houghton Lake
▪ Frank, Dennis A., U.S. Army, Vietnam, 1970
▪ Goodman, Gene N., U.S. Air Force, 1962
▪ Gordert-Jones, Tina, U.S. Navy, Hospital Corpsman, 1984
▪ Harmon, Tom, U.S. Air Force, Jet Fighter Crew Chief, 1962-68
▪ Headland, Ron, U.S. Army, 1983
▪ Herblet, Troy, U.S. Army, 2021, Germany, Georgia and North Carolina, from Grayling
▪ Hicks, Robert, 379th Bombardment
▪ Hochstetler, William, U.S. Navy, 1964-1989. Retired as an E-7 Chief Boatswain’s Mate. Served on 8 Ships and 3 shore stations. Lived in Spain (6 1/2 yrs) Scotland (2 yrs) Philippines (3 yrs). Originally from Grayling. Currently living in Richmond Virginia. but my family (2 sisters and 1 brother) still living in Michigan.
▪ Hock, J.D., U.S. Army, 26V Signal Corps, 1984-88, Oscoda
▪ Holland, Michael
▪ Hughes, Lillian, U.S. Navy, 1993
▪ Hunt, Alan, U.S. Army, 1969, 11th CAV, Vietnam,
▪ Hus, Roger, U.S. Air Force, 1967-1998. CMSgt. Duty stations: Colorado, Florida, Texas, Greenland, Saudi Arabia, Michigan, Germany, California.
▪ Ingle, Barbara Ann, U.S. Navy, 1966-1969
▪ Irwin, Bradley, U.S. Army, Vietnam
▪ Johnson, Darryl, U.S. Navy Seabees, retired, Hale
▪ See LOCAL HEROES on page 20
Local!
William Hochstetler
Mike Crittendon
Frank Dennis
Larry Foster
Donald Faust
Robert Hicks Shop
Local heroes
Continued from page 19
▪ Johnson, Josh, Active Duty, U.S. Navy, Hale
▪ Johnson, Matthew, U.S. Marine Corps, formerly of Hale
▪ Johnston, Alan, U.S. Air Force, 576th FLTS/30th MXS, 1992 –1997
▪ See LOCAL HEROES on page 21
Veteran coffee hours
Otsego County
1st Wednesday – Otsego Co. Veterans Coffee hour Gaylord Regional Airport, located at 1100 Aero Drive, Gaylord, MI 49735. 9 a.m. Info: 989-731-7575
Ogemaw County
1st Wednesday at West Branch Senior Center at 1528 S. M-33 at 9 a.m. Ogemaw County Veterans Commission members are in attendance and hold board meeting afterward. Info: 989-345-5170
Roscommon County
1st Thursday - Roscommon County Veterans Coffee hour at Blodgett Airport, located at 5218 E Houghton Lake Drive. 989-3667660, 9 a.m.
2nd Wednesday, Roscommon Senior Center, 510 South Street, Roscommon, 9 a.m.
2nd Thursday, Good Shepherd Methodist Church, 149 West Robinson Lake Road, Roscommon, 9-11 a.m. Personal care pantry available. Info: 989-275-6047.
Alcona County
1st Sunday of month 2-4 p.m. at Lincoln-Alcona High School, 51 North Varlow Road in Harrisville. Info: (989) 724-9510.
Crawford County
2nd Thursday - Crawford County Veterans Coffee, 10-11 a.m. at American Legion Post 106 in
Grayling, located at 106 S James Street in Grayling, Info: (989) 3443861
Oscoda County
3rd Monday – Oscoda County Veterans “get together” at Luzerne American Legion located at 202 Legion Street, 2 p.m., Info: 989-7860355.
Cheboygan County
4th Wednesday - Veterans Coffee at American Legion at 450 West State Street in Cheboygan. 9-10 a.m. Info: (231) 627-8833
Alpena County
Fourth Thursday at Art in the Loft in the Center Building at 109 Second Ave, Third Floor. 9-10 a.m. 989-3549671
Iosco County
Iosco County Veteran Affairs Coffee: Oscoda - 3rd Wednesday from 9-11 a.m. at the VFW, located at 240 Chrysler Road; East TawasThird Thursday at American Legion Post, 211 located 900 E. Lincoln Street; Hale - Fourth Wednesday at VFW located at 203 Ansley Street, 9-11 a.m.
Info: 362-6571 rwhitney@ ioscocounty.org.
Arenac County
First Tuesday at the Arenac Veteran's Club, located at 3221 M-76. 9-noon. Contact: 989-846-9080.
J.D. Hock
Bradley Irwin
Roger Hus
Josh Johnson
Darryl Johnson
Continued from page 20
▪ Jones, Kenny, 1976-1980, U.S. Air Force, 754th Radar Sq, Port Austin AFS, MI; 1983-1985, 1438th Engineer Det., Camp Grayling; 1985-1993, 127th Consolidated Aircraft Maintenance, Weapons Branch, Selfridge ANG Base, MI; 2000-2017, Ammunition Supply Point, Camp Grayling, MI
▪ Kirkendall, Cecil, 1944. Glandorf, Ohio. Was a casualty of World War II on Nov.17, 1944 at the age of 29. Second Army Division. Landed on Omaha Beach June 9, 1944. He is buried at the American Cemetery and Memorial Margraten in the Netherlands. He is honored and remembered by the people of Michigan and Ohio.
▪ Klatt, Lilly, USMC, 1998-2005, Mio
▪ Klatt Andrew, USMC, 1998-2022. Ret., Mio
▪ Lovell, David Howard, USMC, 1972, Vietnam, SGT, Door gunner.
▪ Luck, David, Missile Technician Second Class (E5), MT2/SS, U.S.S George C. Marshall, Discharge 1/20/94, Was Stationed at Groton, CT, Roscommon
▪ Luttrell, Jessie, USMC, 20062016, 3531 Motor T, OEF 2011, Sgt.
▪ Mathews, Gerald, U.S. Army, 1967
▪ McKuen, William, U.S. Marine Corps, 2020, Prescott
▪ See LOCAL HEROES on page 23
Area schools hold veteran events
NORTHEAST MICHIGAN –High schools in the Up North Voice coverage area a celebrating our veterans in a variety of ways. Events include:
Fairview Area Schools
Annual Veteran's Day Celebration Nov. 11. Doors open at 12:30 p.m.; lunch at 12:45 p.m. and program at 1:15 p.m.
Please RSVP to 989-848-7045.
Roscommon Area Schools
Veteran breakfast in the high school cafeteria starting at 8 a.m. Assembly to follow about 9 a.m. Ogemaw Heights High School Veteran's Day Ceremony Nov. 11. Presentation at 8:30 a.m. in
the auditorium; Breakfast in the Commons afterward.
Students can recommend a vet they know to be honored in the ceremony by contacting the high school office
Hale Area Schools
Hale will have its annual veterans ceremony at 1:30 p.m. in the school gym. The ceremony is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. and will include at flag folding ceremony led by Phil Downing and Jordan Barclay, assisted by five students.
Refreshments will follow.
Grayling High School
Veterans Day Ceremony on Nov. 11. TBA
Thank you for your service!
Cecil Kirkendall
Matthew Johnson
Andrew Klatt
Lilly Klatt
Where to Find Us in Print!
CLEAR LAKE
Clear Lake Bar
COMINS
The Woodworkers Shoppe
Fairview Eagles/Comins Eagles
Comins Market
FAIRVIEW
BP/Deli
Pines Golf Course
Club House
Mr. Bill’s Market
The Family Bookshelf
Fairview Food Market
Fairview Hardware
Fairview Family Restaurant
Fairview Library
FREDERIC
Beacon & Bridge
Frederic Inn
A Better Place Bakery
The Swamp
GRAYLING
Two River Deli
7-Eleven
Blarney Castle-EZ-Mart
Forward Shell
The Medicine SHOPPE
Old Lumberyard Shoppe
Goodale’s Bakery
Grayling Rest.
Artisan Village
Tip’n the Mitten & Flowers by Josie
Charlies Corner
Super 8
Family Fare
Crawford County Library
Walgreens
Grayling Eagles
Camp AuSable Natures Nest
Old Dam Party Store
Grayling Greenhouse
Camp Grayling Military Base
Munson Hospital
Crawford Co. Coun. Aging
Skip’s Sporting Good
LaFontaine Dealership
Gallaghers
Hidden Booknook Sellers
HALE
Corky’s Party Store
J & M County Fair Store
Forward’s (Shell)
Forward’s (Marathon)
Big Bob’s Restaurant & Pizzeria
Hale Flower Shop Rogers Bear Store
Plainfield Twp Library
Alwards Market
The Bear Store
HIGGINS LAKE
Country Corner Party Store
Cut River Grill
West Higgins Hardware
Silver Dollar
Evergreen Party Store
Bird and the bear East Higgins Lake Hardware
Town & Country Supermarket
Sports Barn
HOUGHTON LAKE
EZ-Mart
Family Fare
Becky’s Best Sewing
Houghton Lake Library
Pop-A-Top
Houghton Lake Activity Center
Lyman’s Store
Wilds True Value Citgo
The Northern Center/Fox Den
Packy’s Pets
Nesters of Houghton Lake Tourism Bureau
M.Mich. Med. Health Park
Houghton Lake Travel Park
Best Choice
Best Choice Two H.L. Lakeside Resort
Angelo’s
Randy’s Rest.
Northshore Hardware
Country Peddler
The Book Worm
LUPTON
Parkview Acres Sunoco
Sunrise Cafe’
Lowell’s Corner Store
LUZERNE
Luzerne Hardware
Blue Jay Valley
Greenhouse & Nursery
Shady Lane Footwear & Oakwood Furntire
Country Feed Supply
Country Corners Bulk Food
Echo Ridge Fabrics
Klimmek Sales & Service, across from WoodHaven
AuSable Valley Motel/Inn
PRUDENVILLE
Serenity Day Lodge
Duke’s
Kronner Pharmacy
Kiss Me Coffee
Houghton Lake Chamber
Lake House Meats
Walmart
ROSCOMMON
Fred’s of Roscommon
Ken’s Tire
Family Fare
Beechwood Rest
Smokum Hopps
SAND LAKE
Lake Breeze
Marathon
Indian Lake Trading Post
SOUTH BRANCH
Jose Lake Store & Resort
South Branch General Store
ST. HELEN
Angry Oven
Shell Station
Horizon Senior Living
St. Helen Activity Center
Shell
Luzerne Express
The Health Hub
MIO
Radisovich Farms
Paddle Inn
Tom’s Mug and Jug Family Fare
Pioneer General Store
The Farm Kitchen/ Creamery
Oscoda Co Council on Aging
AuSable River Restaurant
Family Fare
ARO
Shell
Marathon
Mio Pizza
Oscoda County Courthouse
Oscoda Co. Chamber Com
AuSable River Tobacco
Ace Hardware
Ellie’s 12 Tables
Marathon
BP Station
B C Pizza
Fifth Street Market
Up North Voice Office
Up North Coffee Shop
The Butchers Wife
Bob’s Butcher Shop
Markey Tire
Roscommon Activity Center
The Brook Retirement Center
Uncommonly Goods
Matt’s Lake Street Grill
Mid Mich Medical
Hart Ford
Roscommon Library
Munson Waiting Room
Nester of Roscommon
Gillroys of Roscommon
Shell
Bird and the Bear Lear Corp.
Rosco’s Coney
ROSE CITY
Rose City Greenhouse
Bergs Trading Post
Family Fare
Rose City Drugs
Rose City Ace Hardware
Rose City Cafe’
Fernelius Dealership
Rose Valley Winery
Terrys Gun Shop
Rose City Library Faull Inn
Hen House Restaurant Chamber of Commerce
Marathon Suds Laundry
Richfield Library
Richfield Township Building
Charleton Heston Academy
Louie’s Fresh Market
RZR Razor Rentals
The Minnow Bucket Fire House
WEST BRANCH
Green Ace Hardware
Gildner Harley Davidson
Team Hodges Auto
Fowlers Barber Shop
West Branch Collision
MidMichigan Medical
McClaren Medical Center
West Branch Chamber
West Branch Eyecare
Dean Arbour
Hart Buick
Mac’s Place
Steuernol/McLaren Fun. Home
Willards Equipment
Checker Flag
Ogemaw Eye Institute
WHITTEMORE Citgo
Local heroes
Continued from page 21
▪ McIsaac, Stacy, 2010-2012, U.S. Army, 14E Patriot Missile Operator and Maintainer, Fort Bliss, El Paso, TX
▪ Melvin, Ken, U.S. Air Force, 1967, Basic Training, Roscommon
▪ Nieman, Marilyn, U.S. Army, Journalist, 1973
▪ Peltier, Branden R., U.S. Army, 2023
▪ Plohg, James, U.S. Army, Honorable discharge 1977
A man among men
By Mark Constance
With another Veteran’s Day approaching, I’m reminded of a man I knew while serving in the U.S. Army.
It was 1982 and I was trying to hustle a few extra bucks to supplement my Spec. 4 pay. So I took a part-time job bailing hay near Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri (or ‘Lost in the Woods’ for the initiated).
Four of us bounced a few miles down an overgrown two-track in the back of an old Chevy pickup. I met with a grizzled old farmer dressed in weathered bib overalls and a white t-shirt.
After a brief discussion. We agreed on a rate of three cents a bale, shook hands and went to work.
He lived a simple life. His home was modest. It had one large room and was heated with a wood stove. He had electricity, but didn’t use it for lights, preferring gas lamps.
He told us he had the power turned on a few years earlier to operate a hay elevator because his knees bothered him “a bit.” Some of the best water I ever drank was drawn from his hand well.
His only other modern convenience was a small, black and white TV with aluminum foil on the antennae.
Over the course of a few days, I could tell this farmer was the kind of guy who had good friends and a
▪ Priest, Roger, 1st Marines, 3rd Division, Amphibious Amtrak Tractor Division, discharge date August 28, 1968. 2 tours; 2019 to current, Vol. Driver DAV for Crawford County
▪ Raymond, Daniel, U.S. Air Force, 1975
solid reputation. He was the guy who would give you the shirt off his back if he thought you needed it.
And he didn’t speak much. But when he did, people listened. Everything he said had a purpose.
After the first cutting was finished, I sat at a wood picnic table in a buddy’s yard with him and a few other guys. It was a stifling, muggy day. The air smelled like a thunderstorm was coming.
We grilled burgers and had a few beers and talked about our experiences in the service – Where we had been. What we had done.
He told us a few stories about his sergeant in basic training, and we all laughed. Every vet has a story about “that bastard.”
He also said the only thing he ever regretted about being in the service was that he never got to have a family.
A young man without kids, I didn’t think anything of it at the moment.
After the farmer left, one of the older men explained he’d been in the “Bataan Death March” during WWII.
After American troops were surrendered by Major General Edward P. King in the Philippines, Japanese troops marched 76,0000 prisoners of war from Mariveles, on the southern tip of the Bataan Peninsula, to San Fernando, 55
▪ See MAN AMONG MEN on page 24
Jessie Luttrell
Richard Ladd
David Luck
Ken Melvin
Branden Peltier
James Phlog
Roger Priest
William McKuen
Ralph Robertson ▪ See LOCAL HEROES on page 24
Local heroes
▪ Robertson, Ralph, U.S. Army, 2007-13; Afghanistan, 201202013, Mio
▪ Robinson III, Steven, U.S. Marine Corps, 2020
▪ Rollison, James C., U.S. Army, 101st Airborne, 1967
▪ Serens, Michael A., U.S. Navy, 1986
▪ Shay, Robert A., U.S. Navy Seabees, 1970
▪ Shearer, Loren, U.S. Army, 2015, Navy, 1989, Houghton Lake
▪ Shilling, John, U.S Army, 1988
▪ Shilling, Rachele, U.S Army 1986, U.S Navy, 1992
▪ Shurtz, Jon, Specialist, U.S. Army, Active 2011-2014, 7th Engineer Battalion 642nd Engineer Support Company, Fort Drum, NY, Afghanistan 2012
▪ Smith, Suzette, U.S. Air Force, MBT 1981, 190th ARW, KSANG, Communications, retired 2011
▪ Stanaway, Logan, Active-duty U.S. Army, Korea, Roscommon
▪ Stutesman, Warren, U.S. Marine Corps, E-4, 1980-84, Mio
▪ Sutter, John, 1974, Vietnam, U.S.M.C., St. Helen
Man among men
Continued from page 23
miles away, and ultimately to “Camp O’Donnel” in Mukden.
If prisoners couldn’t make the trek and fell down, they were dragged to the side of the road and shot, bayoneted or beheaded. Others were made to dig their own graves and buried alive.
Just 54,000 men reached O’Donnel. Thousands more died afterward from malnutrition and disease before the camp was finally liberated in August 1945. He survived the march itself.
▪ Urek, Gabriel, USAF, 2023, SSG, Remote sensor operator, 2017 graduate of Houghton Lake.
▪ Venable, Robert D., U.S. Marine Corps, 1958
▪ Vittitow, Ron, U.S. Marine Corps, 1969, West Branch
▪ Waltz, Glenn, U.S. Army, Spec. 4, 1958-1960 at Ford Leonard Wood, Missouri and Fort Sheridan, Illinois. Communications Engineer. Dec. 2024.
▪ Whitney, Ron, Tawas.
▪ Witherspoon, Calvin R., U.S. Army, 1974-1976, Michigan Army National Guard 1982-2009, SFC Retired Deployed Iraq/Kuwait 2004-05, Roscommon
▪ Whitney, Ron, U.S. Army (ret.), Policy, plans and actions officer the last five years as a CW5.
But while in captivity at O’Donnel, in what we might call a war crime today, his Japanese captors cut off his testicles.
Decades later, I am still humbled and honored by the experience of having met him. He asked for nothing from any man. He accepted no pity from anyone. And he lived life on his terms.
So, whenever I hear “Taps” being played, I think of this man and what he gave for his county.
And the many veterans who were just glad to make it back home –alive.
Steven Robinson III
Continued from page 23
Loren Shearer
Gabriel Urech
Dominic Bartholomew
Cards for soldiers
By Alicia Noragon
A greeting card is something we have all received but may not truly appreciate. What may be a quick note to say, “Happy Birthday”, or “Thinking of You” can end up in the trash shortly after and most of us wouldn’t really think twice. But to a soldier? This small act of sending a card can significantly improve their moral and mental state with just a sealed letter and a stamp. For Charly Matthews of Grayling, sending cards to soldiers has become an intricate part of who she is.
Coming from a family of service members, Charly herself was in the US Air Force as a Hebrew Linguist and went on to provide aircraft supply maintenance during Desert Shield. She ultimately sustained an injury after Desert Storm that grounded her. She also served in Pope AFB, NC, Hellenikon AIR Base Athens, Greece, Lowey AFB, CO, and Lackland AFB, TX. Her inspiration for joining the Air Force was her family. She also wanted the chance to get an education and travel the world.
Dept. of MI and volunteers for the Mid Michigan Honor Flight. Charly’s ultimate goal is to move up the chairs in the Legion or AUX to Dept. Level Officers.
Over 7,000 cards for soldiers were shipped overseas in late October.
Originally from Detroit, Charly moved to Grayling in 2017. Charly is married to her Veteran husband Michael, and has two daughters, Michelle and Sherry, along with five grandchildren and a great granddaughter on the way.
As a life member of the American Legion, VFW, DAV/DAVA, and AL Auxiliary, she also is the Service Officer at the AL, Service Officer and Adjutant for the VFW, Executive Board for AL Aux and District President. She is the Homeless Veteran Chairperson for the ALA
Many people know Charly for her Cards for Soldiers endeavor. Cards for Soldiers was founded to supply deployed soldiers with cards of encouragement and cards to send home to their loved ones worldwide. Hundreds of thousands of cards have been shipped since 2005. These cards help the recipient feel less alone and more socially connected. It reassures the sender that they haven't been forgotten.
This is especially significant in an era where digital communication can sometimes feel impersonal.
Thank you for your service, Charly, and your continuing efforts to make the world a better place and honor those who have served.
To be part of the Cards for Soldiers project, visit https:// cardsforsoldiers.stampinup.net/ or find them on Facebook.
For more information on this story, contact alicia@upnorthvoice. com
Upcoming vet events
There are a variety of veteran benefit affairs across the region. The events will feature a variety of resources including local and state Veteran Affairs officials, DD-214 retrieval, housing and employment specialists, veteran benefit coordinators and a variety of commercial vendors catering to vets.
Events include GAYLORD – Nov. 7 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the E-Free Church, located at 1649 M-32.
To pre-register visit michiganvbf. eventbrite.com.
STANDISH - Sunrise Side Veterans Benefits Fair. Nov. 12 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Arenac Community Center, located at 583 East Cedar.
To pre-register visit michiganvbf. eventbrite.com. Info: 989-846-9080.
ALPENA – Veteran Town Hall and PACT Act Resource Fair. Nov. 13 from 6-8 p.m.; VFW Post 2496 at 2900 Connon Street.
Eileen Oposnow (left), Charly Matthews (right), and Lily the dog at the All-Female Honor Flight last June.
