May, 2015 Dear Friend, Memorial Day is a time to recognize the heroes in our lives. We all have heroes. Mine are my parents who sacrificed for me, and my wife who gave up a promising career to focus on being a great mom to our children. They are also my teachers who inspired me and a boss who took time to mentor me. My heroes also include the staff at Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch who selflessly devote themselves to the incredibly challenging job of helping troubled children. But most of all, my heroes are the brave men and women who died defending us. We Remember YBGR Alumni Dennis Wear Who Gave His Life for Our Country On September 10, 1968, Dennis Wear was killed in Vietnam. He died in enemy action while serving in the U. S. infantry. He was 21 years old. action while serving in the U. S. infantry. He was 21 years old. Dennis had a difficult life before coming to what was then Yellowstone Boys Ranch. He thrived at the Ranch for six years and while in the Army, remained in close contact with the staff until his death. Word of Dennis’ death came during a staff meeting at the Ranch. Superintendent Bob McFarlane had to stop the meeting as tears came and his voice broke. Dennis had written Mr. Mac (“the only father I ever knew”) the month before his death saying, “Bob, I am really happy, not in the way most people think of being happy. This is something different, more of a satisfied happiness. Maybe being over here does give me a different look at what things in life really are and something to fight for.”
2050 Overland Avenue, P.O. Box 80807 • Billings, Montana 59108-0807 • Phone (406) 656-8772 • www.yellowstonefoundation.org