HONOR our Heroes in History 2019

HEROES IN HISTORY

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HONOR our

GREATER LOVE HAS NO ONE THAN THIS, TO LAY DOWN ONE’S LIFE FOR HIS FRIENDS. JOHN 15:13

God Bless Our Veterans!

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West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn.

CLIFFORD ANDREEN NAVY

DAVID AHLQUIST NAVY

ALBERT ARDOFF NAVY

CARL ARDOFF ARMY

DAVID ARDOFF ARMY

DOUG ARDOFF NAVY

GEORGE ARDOFF ARMY

GREGORY ARDOFF ARMY E 5

TIMOTHY ROBERT BAILEY ARMY NATIONAL GUARD SPECIALIST E4 1986-1992

NORMAN BAKER ARMY

EARL BANKS ARMY

DARYL BARKER ARMY E-4 SPECIALIST

JOHN BARTON

HERB BAUMANN

SGT SCOTT BECKLER ARMY NAT. GUARD 22 YR OF SERVICE DEPLOYED IRAQ 05-06 KUWAIT 09-10

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As we enjoy our freedom we thank all Veterans for securing it for us.

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Thank you for protecting our Freedom.

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Saluting all who have served.

We are proud of our Veterans.

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PFC ELLSWORTH BJORK ARMY PFC

MICHAEL BLOCK NAVY

HARRY BRICKHEIMER AIR FORCE 1933-1970

LEONARD DEGREE US ARMY

JOHN DILLEY

MATTHEW DINESEN MN NATIONAL GUARD SERGEANT

ARDELL ENGWALL ARMY E-5

DAVE ENGWALL ARMY NATIONAL GUARD KOREA

RICHARD FERGUSON U.S. NAVY

SCOTT R. BUTTERFIELD US NAVY E5

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Thank you Veterans.

We honor your service to our country.

Proudly saluting our Veterans.

320-235-2633

MAHLON CAYLOR NAVY

LARRY R. DOYLE ARMY WARRANT OFFICER, 25, WAS KILLED IN ACTION ON DECEMBER 29, 1968 IN SOUTH VIETNAM, QUANG NAM. LARRY WAS A HELICOPTER PILOT AND VETERAN OF 18 MONTHS SERVICE AND HAD BEEN IN VIETNAM SIX MONTHS. HE WAS POSTHUMOUSLY AWARDED THE DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS, SILVER STAR, BRONZE STAR AND AIR MEDAL WITH “V” DEVICE AND FIVE CLUSTERS FOR HEROISM. HE WAS CITED FOR FLYING HIS ARMED HELICOPTER AT REPEATED LOW LEVELS AND MAKING ROCKET ATTACKS ON ENEMY EMPLACEMENTS. LARRY WAS A 1960 GRADUATE OF NEW LONDON SPICER AND ATTENDED AUGSBURG COLLEGE. HE SERVED AS A 062B AND ATTAINED THE RANK OF WO/ W1. YOU CAN FIND LARRY HONORED ON THE VIETNAM VETERANS MEMORIAL ON PANEL 32E, ROW 92.

WE HONOR ALL WHO HAVE SERVED AND THOSE WHO CONTINUE TO PROTECT OUR FREEDOM.

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D4 Saturday, November 9, 2019

ROLAND FROELICH ARMY WWII

SERGEANT MATTHEW GAUER MINNESOTA ARMY NATIONAL GUARD

ELDON HAUSER ARMY

VETERAN’S DAY 2019

Thank you Veterans!

The City of Spicer honors you for your service.

We will forever be grateful.

DALE HENKELMAN ARMY

ELARD GILBERTSON ARMY CPL

West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn.

KNUTE GJERDE NAVY

MARVIN L HEY MN NATIONAL GUARD, MAJOR DATE OF SERVICE. 2/1/60 - 12/31/81

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FLOYD HODGE

HONORING OUR VETERANS

West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn.

Saturday, November 9, 2019 D5

KRIS HOLIEN Senior Chief Kristofor M. Holien’s career started in 1997 at Navy Recruit Training Command in Great Lakes, Illinois. His first assignment was to the USS Cushing homeported in Yokosuka, Japan from November 1998 to December 2000, where he qualified as an Outboard Operator. There he completed numerous deployments and was designated as an Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist and advanced to Second Class Petty Officer.

After a successful tour onboard the USS CUSHING, Senior Chief Holien received orders to Naval Security Group Activity (NSGA) Denver from January 2001 to November 2003.

There he served as the Personal Communications Systems NCOIC and was promoted to First Class Petty Officer.

In November 2003 he reported for duty serving alongside the Royal Navy through the Personnel Exchange Program. There he qualified as a COBLU instructor and provided “C” school equivalent training to junior Royal

Navy Sailors prior to their sea duty assignment. He advanced to Chief Petty Officer in September 2005.

In February 2006 he reported to Navy Recruiting District (NRD) Minneapolis. He served as Recruiter in Charge (RinC) of the recruiting station in St. Cloud, Minnesota. In December 2007, he served as the Recruit Officer Training Coordinator for NRD Minneapolis, which encompassed seven states.

Senior Chief Holien graduated from Survive, Evade, Resist and Escape (SERE) School in Coronado, California, and Analysis and Reporting School at Goodfellow Air Force Base in San Angelo, Texas, and reported in September 2009 to Naval Special Warfare Support Activity Two in Virginia Beach, Virginia. There he served as the Leading Chief Petty Officer (LCPO) for the Analysis and Targeting troop and deployed to Special Operations Task Force Southeast from April 2011 to March 2012 and received both his Expeditionary

WE HONOR THOSE WHO SERVE.

and Information Dominance warfare qualifications.

Receiving an assignment to Cryptologic Support Group European Command in October 2012, Senior Chief Holien served as the LCPO for the Sailors assigned there. In July 2013, he was promoted to Senior Chief Petty Officer. In April 2015 he assumed the interim role of Senior Enlisted Leader for JAC Molesworth.

In October 2015 he reported to his current assignment as N3S Department LCPO at Navy Information Operations Command Georgia and is retiring after 20 years of faithful service.

Senior Chief Holien has been awarded the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (3), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (4), Navy and Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal (6), as well as various unit and campaign awards.

He is married to Alessia Holien.

Thank You

to All Who Served 

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West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn.

RON MACKEDANZ Ron Mackedanz served in the US Army from May of 1968 until May of 1970. He went to Fort Campbell, KY, for basic training, and then to Fort Lewis, WA, for Advanced Infantry Training.

Ron served in Vietnam for one full year with the 1st Infantry Divisions, 16th Infantry Regiment.

Wounded in action twice.

Ron received two Purple Hearts, the Army Commendation Medal and the combat Infantryman Badge during his yearlong combat duty.

Five years ago, Ron was awarded the Silver Star for Valor in combat actions which took place on August 12, 1969.

Ron remains active,

working with and for other veterans. Helping them to navigate their way through the often difficult VA system.

Ron served as Ride Captain with the MN Patriot Guard for three years, escorting several of our area servicemen and women home from their deplyments and several fallen servicemen and women to their final resting place.

Ron has authored and published a book about his Vietnam experience entitled “Drafted: Greetings - You Have Been Selected By Your Friends and Neighbors.” Books may be purchased directly from Ron.

With a grateful heart, we thank you.

Our Veteran-Focused Community Based Services DayBreak (VA Coverage) Adult Day Wellness Programs Office: (320) 235-4891

With honor, we serve you.

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Proudly serving our nation’s heroes since 1897.

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Outpatient Therapy Physical, Occupational, Speech Office: (320) 214-5619

West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn.

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Saturday, November 9, 2019 D7

BRET KASEL US ARMY, 13TH PSYCHOLOGICAL OPERATIONS BATTALION DEPLOYED TO IRAQ IN 2003 AND 2006 TO 2007

FLOYD H. JOHNSON ARMY AIR CORP CAPTAIN

ERVIN KALLSTOM ARMY

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AL KELM CURRENT COMMANDER – VFW POST 1639 WILLMAR. US ARMY 1968 – 1971, SERGEANT E-5 RADIO (MORRIS) CODE OPERATOR, COMMUNICATIONS CHIEF. SERVED 18 MONTHS ALONG THE DMZ IN KOREA WITH THE 2ND INFANTRY DIVISION.

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As our Armed Forces fight to protect our freedom abroad, we're reminded of the sacrifice made by so many brave soldiers before them. On Veterans Day, we pause to recognize and thank all of the veterans who have served our country. We are eternally grateful for their dedication and service.

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West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn.

BRUCE A. KLAASSEN ARMY SPEC 5 1968-1971

JIM KLUEGEL ARMY CORP

JOE KOCH ARMY PFC

GERALD LAPATKA ARMY

JEROME ALLEN LEE USAF SGT

RONALD LINN ARMY

GARY LOCHER AIR FORCE

BURT LUNDBERG ARMY SGT

BURTON MCBROOM MARINES WWII

LT. ART MIDDLETON SERVED IN WWII

Saluting All Fellow Veterans-Past, Present and Future

WE SALUTE OUR VETERANS

We thank and honor all Veterans.

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West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn.

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SGT. 1ST CLASS PETER MIDDLETON PRESENTLY SERVING IN THE U.S. ARMY RESERVE

SGT BRIAN MUNDAHL

GARY NELSON ARMY SPC 4 VIETNAM WAR

VERNON NORLING ARMY

LTC DAN O’MEARA

PFC GERALD H. OLSON ARMY PFC ALEUTIAN ISLAND CAMPAIGN 1943-1944

PHILLIP OLSON NAVY

CARL HOWARD PETERSON NAVY

KEN PETERSON

VERNON PORTER AIR FORCE

In honor of Veteran’s Day, take a moment to thank all Men and Women who have and are serving this great country!

Thank youVeterans!

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West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn.

A SENTIMENTAL JOURNEY

Story continues on page D11

A Day to Remember. A Day to Honor.

HONORING

ALL WHO HAVE ALL SERVED WHO HAVE HONORING

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West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn.

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Saturday, November 9, 2019 D11

Frank Wilkins US Army Dates of Service 1942-1945 Military Achievement Purple Heart Combat Infantry Badge Good Conduct Medal Bronze Star

TO ALL OUR U.S. MILITARY SERVICE MEN AND WOMEN, AND THEIR FAMILIES, PAST AND PRESENT, WHO HAVE SERVED AND SACRIFICED SO MUCH SO WE CAN ALL LIVE FREE..

Thank You!

D12 Saturday, November 9, 2019

PAUL RAMPAART US NAVY EN-3

HONORING OUR VETERANS

PETER RAMPAART US ARMY MAJOR

ROBERT RIPLEY ARMY

West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn.

MELVIN ROONEY

LAWRENCE SCHMIDT

ALEC SCOFIELD ARMY RESERVES SPECIALIST ALEC IS A 2013 LITCHFIELD HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATE AND A 2018 UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA GRADUATE IN COMPUTER SCIENCE. HE IS AN ACTIVE MEMBER OF THE U.S ARMY RESERVE 644TH BRIGADE RSG OUT OF FORT SNELLING.

SSG GREGORY C. SCHMIT US ARMY E-6

VETERANS

SGT. JOSHUA A SCHMIT US ARMY E-5 KIA IRAQ 4/14/07

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RICHARD SCHROEDER ARMY

Thank you

to all Veteranspast, present and future.

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Thank You For Your Service

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Saluting all Veterans!

Thank you for your service to our community.

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West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn.

Saturday, November 9, 2019 D13

JUDY SCHULTZ AIR FORCE & ARMY SERGEANT

WALLY SJOGREN

CLIFFORD SMITH ARMY KOREA

ERIK SORENSON AIR FORCE

ELWOOD SORENSON NAVY AND ARMY

ADAM STALEY, SSG U.S. ARMY NATIONAL GUARD

ALAN STALEY, SFC U.S. ARMY NATIONAL GUARD

CLYDE STREGE ARMY NAT. GUARD

RAYMOND SUTTON MARINES

WALTON J. SWART ARMY SPEC 4

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Active Military and Veterans

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320-796-5542 God bless the men and women who have served, and those who continue to do so. We thank you.

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D14 Saturday, November 9, 2019

West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn.

UNCLES INSPIRED WILLMAR MAN TO JOIN THE AIR FORCE Story by David Little Reprinted from West Central Tribune’s Living Heroes in History section, April 1, 2009

Jim Dokken, 73, of Willmar credits relatives who served during World War II for inspiring him to join the military. military.

“I had two uncles who were really very positive influences in my life,’’ said Dokken, an Air Force veteran.

“They believed in the land of the free, the home of the brave. One was a Marine and the other was a bombarJim Dokken dier. That kind of keyed my interloves the Air est.’’

Force and Dokken was 17 and a junior appreciates at Willmar High the ethnic School in 1953 when he joined diversity of the Minnesota the many National Guard and served in the people he Viking Division worked with. for almost two years. After high school, he worked at Olson Tire and Battery in Will-mar, but he said the job wasn’t the best for a 19-year-old.

Then the Air Force recruiter approached Dokken about joining the service. Dokken took the tests and did very well. He went on active duty in 1955 and stayed in the Air Force for 20 years. He served as a draftsman at bases in the United States and overseas and rose through the ranks, retiring in 1975 as a senior master ser-geant.

Dokken loves the Air Force and

appreciates the ethnic diversity of the many people he worked with. He took advantage of special assignments and received a num-ber of honors and promotions.

Among Dokken’s many photos, awards, patches and mementos is the “slick sleeve’’ that designated him a squad leader during basic training at Parks Air Force Base in California.

“If you did well in basic training, you got to be one of the leaders and I got to wear a slick sleeve. I keep a lot of things, too much really,’’ he said as he smiles looking at the memorabilia covered table.

The Air Force told Dokken it needed security policemen and survival people, but Dokken said he wasn’t interested.

“I wanted to be in aerial photog-raphy. I don’t like flying, so I don’t know Tribune photo by Gary Miller how back in 1955 being an aerial photographer would have been, because I Jim Dokken talks about his years in the military at his home in Will-mar. Among Doklike photography. I always have.’’ ken’s many photos, awards, patches and mementos is the “slick sleeve’’ that desigInstead, Dokken successful- nated him a squad leader during basic training at Parks Air Force Base in California. ly completed a bypass specialist test, which allowed him to skip THANK YOU tech training school and proceed as VETERANS “permanent party’’ to his next base.

FOR SERVING OUR Dokken said he did well in drafting, COUNTRY. thanks to instruction he received from WE OWE YOU GRATITUDE high school drafting teacher Bill HanAND RESPECT. son.

“Due to the drafting skills I learned from Bill Hanson in high school, that prepared me for a vocation that was very rewarding for me,’’ he said.

Growing Creativity Since 1976 Dokken was assigned to Edwards Air Willmar Force Base, Mojave, Calif., where all 2801 30th St SW, Willmar 320-235-4320 new aircraft go through phase testing.

For all who serve, and have served, Thank You.

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DOKKEN: Page D16

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West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn.

HONORING OUR VETERANS

Saturday, November 9, 2019 D15

PROLOGUE FROM ‘CORPSMAN BULLETS AND BANDAGES’

By Dell Allen Forty-eight years ago on a day in May. I returned to my family from the Republic of South Vietnam.

I also returned to antiwar protesters walking in the streets and on college campuses. Soldiers, Marines, Sailors, and Airmen bought the freedom for them to voice their opposition to the conflict in Vietnam.

Veterans either melted into society or displayed the slogan of the day AMERICA – LOVE IT OR LEAVE IT High School buddies were still driving up and down main street, USA looking for a little “action.”

There was a sense of urgency. Life had nearly passed me by. I felt I was living on borrowed time and there was no time to waste.

I returned to a Human Resources Director who had graduated from college with military draft deferments.

“What are your qualifications young man?”

“Well, I can treat diarrhea and gonorrhea, give injections, cure infections, save lives and take lives, hand out salt pills, cook ham & mothers in a can and sterilize your water with iodine so you don’t get the squirts.”

VERDELL

I could have said diaries were for school girls, but the truth is, I never gave it a thought. I did not perceive my service along with my father’s legacy may interest future generations of sons and/or daughters.

The process began slowly. Uncovering the past has its consequences and I did not know what they might be.

That part of my life had already been reconciled and the wounds had finally healed. Was picking at the scab all that necessary?

Hesitation evolved into an endeavor.

The following events are true to the best of my memory, how I felt at the time, and my interpretation now of those experiences.

Some I served with are not as vivid as they once were and some names have been changed to protect their privacy, or have faded over time.

As a Navy Hospital Corpsman attached to the Fleet Marine Force, I could only hope I would serve them well. I will always remember the Marines who gave their last full measure of devotion.

They will remain forever young.

BJERKETVEDT USN/USMC E-4 Corpsman Pen Name: Dell Allen



“Sorry. We’ll be sure to call when we have another war. “ I returned with a maturity that is gained by being exposed to the dynamics of life and death. The average Third World family lived day to day in huts with dirt floors. The plight of Mama-sans and baby-sans who would treasure everything we as Americans tend to complain about on a daily basis.

Destiny became my friend.

I had an ambition to get on with life. Destiny also became my demon and the demon’s name was guilt. There must be a reason I had survived when so many around me did not.

Will the decisions I make in life, when I have more than one option, be the right path to follow?

Please tell me it doesn’t really matter.

My son asked me if I kept a journal about my experiences while I was attached to the 1st Marine Division.

I had not.

Dell served as a Navy Fleet Marine Force Hospital Corpsman. He served with Alpha Company, First Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, during the VietNam Conflict.

We salute our Veterans and thank them for our Liberty.

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D16 Saturday, November 9, 2019

West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn.

materials for high-rankcareer field could choose their ing officials who came assignment. Dokken applied for and received an assignthrough, including French From Page D14 ment at the radar base in FinPresident Charles de Gaulle. land, Minn., where he spent The charts were large — 30 the remaining two years of his Dokken worked on three-view drawings inches by 40 inches — and career. While at Finland, he in Edwards’ huge drafting section, where were all hand-lettered or received the Meritorious Sermechanically-lettered on the staff sergeant “who was the king’’ vice Medal for addressing perheavy paper. sat up on a riser at his desk. sonnel problems on the base.

Dokken developed “When you needed to go to the latrine, Dokken wanted to stay in a 35-mm slide proyou raised your hand and he’d say 5,’’ the Air Force for one more Dokken remembers. “It was a very struc- jection type of briefyear, but the Air Force said he tured environ-ment, but we learned how ing presentation that “provided versatiliwould not receive any more to be very skillful on three-view and ty, expression and visuspecial assignments. In March perspective drawings.’’

1975, he retired and the famHis next assignment was Vandenberg al emphasis to otherwise ily moved to Willmar. Dokken Air Force Base, Calif., where he spent routine briefings, and attended Willmar Community 10½ years at two different times. During considerably lightened the for two years and graduated the first stint, from 1957 to 1960, he workload of the Graphics Presentation Branch.’’ at age 40 with an AA degree in worked as a draftsman and graphics Submitted photo illustrator in engineering and analysis, For his efforts, Dokken Air Force Sgt. Jim Dokken, right, works on changes to a radar social services.

He worked for a short time drawing parts and prototypes for aircraft received the Air Force map with members of the French, German and Canadian air ser- at Kandiyohi County FamiCommendation Medal. and the early Thor missile.

“It was a great assign- vices at Ramstein Air Force Base, Germany, in the early 1960s. ly Services and worked eight “We did a lot of charts and graphs, ment,’’ he recalls. years as a district sales supersome engineering drawings. You just did was located four blocks from the elevisor for the Minneapolis Star Tribune.

While at Ramstein, Dokken met his what the Air Force said and you had to be mentary school and was close to ameniIn 1991, he was treated for a brain tumor wife, Hilde. adaptable,’’ ties. The family was active in Boy Scouts at the VA Medical Center in Minneapolis Dokken was reassigned to McConDokken said charts were used in briefand the PTA. and became an advocate for veterans’ ings. The briefing officer would put the nell Air Force Base in Kansas, where he “It was probably the best assignment I medical care. charts on an easel to illus-trate the worked as a draftsman on the Titan misever had,’’ he said.

Dokken said he had a great Air Force problem or the mission being discussed. sile, and then successfully applied for a In November 1973, Dokken completed career.

“They were very important because it second assignment at Vandenberg.

“Being a believer, a Christian, I believe The couple and their three children a new 16-week course meant to prowas a way of communicating to people, fession-alize the first sergeant career God had that in his plan for me,’’ he said. lived on base at 615 Juniper Street from and drawings, charts and slides communicate what we’re doing and why we’re 1965 until the end of 1972. Their home field. Personnel in the first sergeant “I met so many wonderful people.’’ doing it.’’

Dokken said everything was done on the board.

“It was labor intensive,’’ he recalls.

“If we had had Power Point, I would have been in my glory. It’s so quick to Veterans thank you do things.’’

Veterans thank you His next special assignment came for your service! about when the young captain told Dokfor your service!

--ken that NATO headquarters at RamOlivia Office Thanks to all veterans past and present stein Air Force Base, Germany, needed Olivia Office 107 North 9th St for your service to our country. steveschvac@hotmail.com a drafts-man. Dokken applied and was www.kraftwalser.com 107 North 9th St --successful. In January 1960, he flew 600 Industrial Drive, Willmar www.kraftwalser.com there and was assigned to Fourth Allied 320.235.0555 Tactical Air Forces, where his colleagues www.northernstatessupply.com Offices also located in were American, German and French.

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DOKKEN

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Saturday, November 9, 2019 D17

Land mine broke his back, not his patriotism Did he feel that things would go badly ever after?

“You’ve got to look on the positive side,’’ said Ryan. “Or the negative will just eat you up.’’

Ryan had grown up in central IlliStory by Tom Cherveny nois and went to Vietnam like so many Reprinted from West Central Tribune’s Living other 19-year-old men: Apprehensive Heroes in History section, April 1, 2009 about what was ahead. He had expected Bill Ryan was 3½ months in country to end up in Vietnam before the draft and 1½ hours behind the rest of his notice from Uncle Sam arrived, and by patrol when he hopped atop an armored the time he reached basic training Ryan personnel carrier for a ride to the Cam- said there was no longer any question bodian border. about it.

That hour and a half was all the Viet He reached Vietnam at the end of Cong needed to mine the trail and end 1969 well informed of the dangers he Ryan’s time in Vietnam. would face.

The explosion catapulted him 60 feet But he said nothing could have preinto the air. He landed on his back, pared him for the utter poverty he saw, and was sent home paralyzed from the smelled and tasted. “It overwhelmed waist down. me. I had never seen poverty like the Forty-two years later Ryan is still way these people lived,’’ said Ryan. talking about the gifts he’s received in He was trained to fire howitzers as life, and how much our country means part of the 1st Battalion, 8th Artillery, to him.

25th Infantry Division. He was based at Ryan resisted the urge to feel sorry Chu Chi, South Vietnam, about 75 miles for himself through a full year of recov- northwest of what was then Saigon. He ery in the Great Lakes Naval Hospital in was made a radio operator for a forward operating unit, which also made him an Illinois. inviting target in combat.

“No future in that,’’ he said.

Vietnam veteran remains thankful for the gift that is America

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I Pledge Allegiance To The Flag Of The United States Of America, And To The Republic For Which It Stands,One Nation Under God, Indivisible, With Liberty And Justice For All

Ryan and his box-like radio were completely atop the armored personnel carrier when the land mine exploded near Tay Ninh on March 4, 1967. His buddy next to him had his legs dangling over the side and lost both of them.

Ryan said his injury was probably hardest of all on his mother: She suffered a series of mild heart attacks after the officers arrived at their home in Illinois with the news.

Ryan said there really was no feeling sorry for himself at the Great Lakes Naval Hospital. He just had to look around him to see men with far more serious wounds.

He had family to support him. And, he said the medical care and the help he received from the chaplains was all that he could have asked.

He had suffered abrasions to his spinal cord and damage to his vertebra, but he was fortunate: A time came when he could wiggle his toes. “You’ve got a chance,’’ the doctor told him.

He is able to walk today with the aid Tribune photo by Tom Cherveny of a cane. His disability has never prevented him from continuing his life- Bill Ryan recovered from Vietnam with a broken back that had initially paralyzed long passion for fishing and hunting.

him PM QS Veterans Day Ad.qxp_Layout 1 10/15/19 3:18 PMfrom Pagethe 1

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waist down. He was able to walk again after a year of rehabilitation.

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But the injury certainly changed the direction of his life. After his year in the hospital he returned home to a job as a parts manager with an implement dealer.

Ryan said he saw where agriculture was headed and decided he needed a new direction career-wise. He gave classes a try at a local junior college.

While he still had a few years left on the G.I. Bill, he quit his job and enrolled full time at Illinois State University, Normal, to be an educator.

He described his choice of education as “kind of a coin flip’’ at the time, but one that ultimately worked out better than he would ever have imagined.

Ryan said he retired after a 27-year-career as an agricultural and vocational education instructor with the Paynesville schools, having loved every minute in the classroom.

Minnesota had more than 80 openings for the teaching skills he possessed when he began his job hunt in 1978.

Paynesville was an easy choice for him.

It offered a friendly school and community with a wonderful environment for his outdoor passions.

HONORING OUR VETERANS Ryan and his wife, Pat, who had been his pre-war sweetheart, readily set up home in their adopted community and were soon the parents of three boys.

These days, Ryan is a familiar speaker at events to commemorate veterans. He emphasizes the life-long friendships he developed while serving, his appreciation for country and the importance of honoring those who have served. He tells too of the heartbreak and sorrow of losing friends in combat.

Ryan said he has never forgotten the poverty and suffering he witnessed in Vietnam, especially among its children.

He has used his experiences in Vietnam to let his students know the gifts they enjoy by growing up in this country, and how important it is for them to show their patriotism and be willing to serve their country in return.

Ryan said he and other troops were sent to Vietnam to stop the spread of Communism. It was with mixed emotions that he watched the fall of Saigon and our withdrawal.

His assessment of it all today comes with the perspective that saw him through his own injury.

He pointed out that a few years ago the Paynesville schools hosted an exchange student from Vietnam. She spoke of a life that was far better than

that of the children he once saw foraging in garbage dumps for food.

Life has improved for the children of Vietnam, and that is what matters to him.

“I don’t want to go back,’’ he said

West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn.

when asked if he ever planned to return to the country. He has seen the traveling Vietnam Veterans Memorial and etched the names of friends he lost — and plans someday to make the trip to the memorial wall in Washington D.C.

Submitted photo

Ryan served in Vietnam during late 1966 and early 1967. He was riding atop an armored personnel carrier on the way to the Cambodian border when a land mine detonated below the vehicle and cat-apulted him 60 feet into the air.

THANK YOU, VETERANS AND YOUR FAMILIES

for your sacrifices and courage

West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn.

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PROGRAMS FOR VETERANS AND THEIR SPOUSES: Dental and Optical if you qualify by income Hearing Aids In Home Health care for the Veteran Healthcare for the Veteran

NEW NEWS FROM THE VA: The community care act, you can receive local health care but must get it pre-approved by the VA. Blue Water Navy Veterans, if you served off the coast of Vietnam then you can possibly enroll in the VA. If you have any diseases associated with Agent Orange you can also file a claim for the condition.

Free Coffee for Veterans: • Every 1st and 3rd Monday from 9:30am-11:00am • Every 4th Monday evening from 6:00pm-8:00pm at the Willmar Community Center

If you are in need of assisted living for nursing home care there is possible help

For more information on these programs contact: The Kandiyohi County Veterans Office at 320-231-6226 To find your County Veterans Service Office call 1-888-Linkvet