My family takes pride in our strong military service. My grandfather Lester battled as apart of the 6th wave to storm the beaches of Iwo Jima. My grandfather Robert served in the Navy as an Admiral's Aid during the height of WWII . My step-grandfather Elbert was based in Okinawa after WWII. My uncle Mike voluntarily went to serve in Vietnam as a helicopter pilot. My uncle Eugene was based home in Oklahoma. My uncle Reed was based in Fort Bragg and later served in special forces as a Green Beret. My cousin Jared served in Afghanistan.
Often I am told stories that have been passed down from my Grandpa Ernest Aufderheide from his experiences in World War II. It makes me so proud to hear about his heroic service in the Navy. My Grandpa served as a member of the Navy in the Pacific Islands, he spent a full two years at sea with only land visits being brief stops at Island Atolls. He was involved in big battles such as Iwo Jima, Peleliu, and Okinawa. I have enormous amounts of respect for any veteran, I think it is very courageous to serve in the military. I thank my Grandpa Ernie and all veterans for their bravery and service to our country.
A retired Vietnam veteran who later succumbed to cancer of the liver due to exposure during the war.
Ernest Benjamin was my Grandpa, he served as a Master Sergeant in the United States Air Force. Ernest was active and deployed during the Bay of Pigs invasion in Cuba and he served stateside during the Vietnam War. My Grandpa worked with computers in the Air Force and eventually became an instructor teaching others. Being in the armed forces made an indescribable impact on my mother and her family while they grew up. Their family moved around, sometimes as often as every two years. Ultimately my grandpa decided not to reenlist to give his family a more stable and consistent home. My grandpa died in 2006 and was honored at his funeral with a gun salute. My grandpa is my hero for more reasons than his service but I am and will forever be grateful for his time served for our country.
My Uncle Jim served for 30 years in the United States Navy, retiring in 2013 as a Sonar Technician Submarines Master Chief Petty Officer (STSCM), which is the highest rank a non-commissioned officer can obtain. Jim was deployed on his first mission aboard the USS William H. Bates submarine, he spent time briefly on another submarine named the USS Tunny before he was accepted into a very specialized naval intelligence program called ‘The Acoustic Intelligence Program’. The program required completion of a highly strenuous two year qualification process. My uncle was the 131st sailor in the entire US Naval history and 41st submarine sailor in the navy history to have qualified. He retired to go on and work for John Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory conducting the same sort of research and analysis that he did in the navy while in uniform. Being deployed for up to six months at a time took a great toll on his family, moving many times including raising his daughters in Honolulu and his son in Connecticut and Washington DC. He was able to travel to 25 foreign countries and meet many lifelong friends. The US Navy and in particular the Acoustic Intelligence program were a great honor for him to serve and be part of, an honor that still humbles him today.
David Bird is my Great-Grandpa. He served during World War Two translating because he spoke French. I know he was one of the only family members that I know of that served in the Armed Forces. He died right before I was born, but I have learned a lot about him through pictures and family. Even though I didn't really know him, I feel proud that he was in the Armed Forces and that he served our country.
My dad served a tour in the Vietnam War when he was 19 years-old. This experience shaped the course of his life. A number of students know his story. He has been selflessly volunteering to tell MWHS juniors his story for the last 17 years as a part of our The Things They Carried Vietnam War unit.
Hank enlisted into the Navy three days after he graduated high school because he didn’t want to be drafted. SeaBees (also known as ACB1) Construction Battalion and Electrician. He was stationed in Coronado, CA. My grandpa’s best friend in the Navy was my now grandma’s brother. My grandfather and my grandmother were pen pals for two years. During training, he had to hike up a mountain and played war games. He helped built airports and route electrical overseas.
Jim served in the Navy during a time of great violence and his service is one reason why we have the freedoms we do today. I have great pride in my Grandpa's service and his contribution to our country's proud history of service.
He is an officer that coordinates the missions for the other guys to do. He is a really good role model for me and my family. He will do anything for the family and country when it comes down to it.
Clifford served in the 772nd Tank Battalion from 1943-1945. He saw action in the Battle of the Bulge and at Mannheim. He died before I (Marc) was born, but his service lives on.
My grandpa is a marine corp veteran. He served for our country in the Vietnam War. My grandpa and many others risked their lives just for our country, and that's why he is my hero.. Many died along the way which makes me realize how much courage it would have took to even consider joining the armed forces. This is why we should all take a moment today to honor all that served.
My brother Dallas enlisted after high school, he went into to the Navy and he is now stationed in New Jersey. He is a dog handler and they are very valuable to the U.S military because there is so little of them, My brother Dallas has a female dog named Betty. Dallas has already been promoted three times and now is an E-4 which is a Petty Officer Third Class and everyone is proud of him.
Lt. Colonel Mike Erickson served our country for 38 years and has selflessly been on countless missions and deployments. His main priority is to ensure his children have a safe and secure life. Sam is very proud of his dad and Ian talks of all the fun experiences he has had in the military airplanes. We are all very proud of Mike and are thankful he has helped provide the freedom we experience every day.
Jim served on bombing missions in the final months of World War II. He later relocated to Minnesota and worked for 3M.
My Great Uncle Donald A. Fillipi is my Grandma Ellen's brother. He served 20 years in the US Air Force as a Special Agent with the Office of Special Investigations. He was assigned overseas: Korea and the Philippines. He also served stateside postings as a Special Investigator for the Department of Defense. He dedicated most of his career life to his country and his family made sacrifices.
Ernie Fillipi is my Great-Grandfather's brother. Ernie fought in the Korean war and was captured by Communist North Korea. He was a prisoner of war for 27 months. POWs' experienced torture, poor diet, and solitary confinement. My Grandma Ellen remembers standing on a chair, listening to the radio broadcast that went on for several nights calling off the names of US prisoners of war. She said that it went on for several evenings and she was waiting for Uncle Ernie's name to be called. Ernie returned to the US and was given an honorable discharge from the Army.
Started as an airmen. Calibrated and repaired equipment used in aircrafts for desert wars and storms. Finished career as a first sergeant where was responsible for all enlisted people assigned to a unit. Was deployed twice one to desert shield desert storm. Where he missed his sister's wedding and learned that you need to sacrifice family for serving your country. He served a second time in Djibouti Africa. Currently works for the air force now even though he's retired just isn't on active duty. Has friends all over the word because of his time in the military, and he's gotten to travel to 8 different countries while serving in the military, most in the middle east.
My grandpa, Paul Grymala, is an amazing person. He served in the Air National Guard from the year 1968-2000. He is still with me today. My family history from both sides go far back into war. My grandpa here did not go into, or was apart of a major war, but he did serve our country to the very best of his abilities. For that, I thank him. It gives me good pride to say that he help us, and it gives me joy to call him my grandfather.
My brother Andrew began his military service after graduating from college. He enlisted in the Army Reserves and started in an officer program. After completing the OCP, he spent the next several years serving as a Lieutenant for a unit in Duluth. When his unit was called on to be deployed, he knew he couldn't stay behind so he decide to go full active and be deployed with his company. He was deployed in April and is about halfway through a year long deployment to the middle east. He was recently commissioned as a captain. I have always respected those in the military for their service, but attending the deployment ceremony highlighted the sacrifices these men and women are really making. For a year, they put their country and service first missing important events and everyday moments in the lives of their family and friends. Until this year, I always considered my brother a kid who looked up to me, but now it is me who is looking up to him!
The Wallace family has a long connection to the military and service. Both our Grandfathers served in WWII. Mike’s Grandpa, Ike fought in the Pacific and Kristin’s Grandpa, Orlowe in Europe. Both were decorated war veterans who rarely spoke of their service and only with humility. Kristin’s father, Tim served in the Army Reserves for six years and her brother is currently a captain in the army reserve. We know the sacrifices our families have made both in combat and at home to fight for america’s freedom. We couldn’t be more proud to recognize and celebrate them.
My grandpa Jonas fought on the front line in Germany during World War 2. I remember him telling me a story of his time in the war. When he was walking across a bridge in Germany, him and one other person from his group got across it blew up right behind them. After he told me this story, I realized how hard it must have actually been to be there. Because of his constant bravery in the war, he ended up getting many awards. Later on he got injured, but the symptoms of his injury didn't show up to him, or anyone else until a few years later. He ended up having shards of stuff from the gun in his face like a lot of people ended up getting from shooting the guns. 50 years later, he finally got his purple heart award. My grandpa sadly passed away in 2005 but he was truly loved while he was here.
My great uncle, Waino, served in World War 2. He is currently 96 and in amazing health. He has told me his entire story, but the one thing that stuck out to me was that he was on a boat to go fight in Japan when we dropped the Atomic Bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. He didn't know anything about it. If the war hadn't ended, he would have fought there. Things could have been so different.
My dad is currently enlisted in the Army. He joined at the age of 17 and ever since served our country. When I was 7 years old, he was deployed overseas to Afghanistan to fight in the war. He spent a total of 1 year in Afghanistan, and all throughout that time my entire family was worried sick. It was the toughest year of my life, and the longest. I am proud of what my father does for this country, and more than happy and proud that he is my father.
Ms. Strother's maternal grandfather, Joseph C. Henning, was a second-generation American of full German descent. He served as a Private in the US Army in the European theater during World War ll. Color blind and flat footed, he should have been disqualified from the infantry but a friend helped him memorize the color test beforehand. He completed basic training in 1942 at Camp Wolters, Texas. Based on a photo marked June 5, 1945, he was in Recklinghausen, Germany, less than a month after the German surrender, most likely as part of the post war occupation. He received an honorable discharge and returned to Minnesota. His younger brother Walter lied about his age to enlist and died during the Invasion of Normandy on June 6, 1944 at age 17. A third brother Robert was wounded in the same battle and waited three days on the battlefield for medical assistance.
My whole life I have been the child of someone in the Air Force. Just recently I became the child of a veteran. My dad has always been a huge role model for me. The most important thing he taught me was his sense of humor because he is alway poking at me. Being a military brat I got to travel all over the world with my parents and that had to be the coolest part. Being the child of a veteran will always be very important to me.
My dad served as an Army Specialist from 1968-71 and then worked his entire career as a Recreational Therapist at the VA Medical Center in St. Cloud, MN. Even in retirement he continues to volunteer at the VA Medical Center once a week and on an annual deer hunt for veterans. My siblings and I are so proud of his service. He teaches us through example the importance of selflessness, dedication and service to others.
Tom Lenz is my father, Thomas Kenny is my maternal grandfather
Ralph is my father who served at the Naval Base in Coronado, California as a PO3 Petty Officer.
My son, Anson Kuznik, entered the United States Air Force Academy in June of 2016 after graduating from Mound Westonka High School. He recently flew home on a break from school for a visit. I went to pick him up at the airport and I was excited to see him in his full uniform (he is required to travel in his uniform). As we were leaving the airport, Anson was continuously stopped by people who wanted to shake his hand and to thank him for his service to our country. I am so impressed by the dedication and camaraderie of our current and former military personnel. I am also so appreciative of the outpouring of support for the members of our armed forces. We should never be too embarrassed or shy to stop someone in uniform and thank them for their service. Their sacrifice and dedication to our country is great and support from the community is very much appreciated -- a simple "thank you for your service" is all it takes.
He was my great grandpa, he served my country on world war 2, and at the end of the war he got a brain injury but survived and kept fighting and got an award for that I don't know very much details though
Brock is a 2015 graduate of Mound Westonka High School, he enlisted in the Marine Corps a year after high school, wanting to do more with his future. Brock was stationed at the Goodfellow Air Force base in Texas where he completed his training and there he became a Lance Corporal. While at Goodfellow, Brock trained as a firefighter for the Marine Corps. He hopes to use his training from the Marines as he continues on his path with the United States military. Semper Fi!
I served as an Infantry Officer and am a veteran of conflicts in Lebanon and Iraq/Kuwait. I am very proud of my service in the Marines. More than any other thing in my life it taught me personal character attributes like integrity, loyalty, judgement and courage. These are all very real things that became guiding principles in my life; the Marine Corps demands these things and I try to live by them every day of my life. The bond that exists between Marines and former Marines is lifelong and unbreakable. "Once a Marine, Always a Marine! Semper Fi!"
My step-father Matthew Manocchio served in World War II. He passed away 2-years ago at the age of 91. He was assigned to the 146th Field Artillery Battalion in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater and was awarded a sharp shooter medal. Matt drove a 2 1/2 ton truck transporting both personnel and equipment, often in canopy under blackout conditions at night. He served in the Southwest Pacific Theater of Operations in the Philippines and served overseas in Japan to restore order. He was awarded a Bronze Service Star for serving in the Philippines. In 2012 Matt had the honor of raising the flag at a Minnesota Twins game. He loved the Twins and always wished he could attend a game. My husband John arranged to have him and the family attend a home game. Many people thanked him during the game for his service, making it one of the happiest days of his life. We are all so proud of him and miss him.
Our great grandpa was part of the Navy during World War II. He was on a Destroyer Tender and spent many years on ¨The Milwaukee". He was also involved in the shipping of nuclear bomb testing. Also, the specific flags that they have for signaling, he was very good at that as well. He ended up retiring as a Chief Warrant Officer.
He was stationed doing various things in Central America, South America, Somalia, Germany, and Fort Bragg
My grandpa was in the army during the Korean War. He spent his army days in Japan and learned some Japanese from the people who lived there. He worked with the sports section (TDI) and entertained the other army members.
Dan is my big brother and is the typical Marine, disciplined and has big muscles! Dan has served six tours of duty all within Iraq and Afghanistan, specializing in communications. He is married with a one year old boy and continues to travel on special forces missions throughout the year. I am so proud of his service for our country. He plans to retire as a U.S. Marine.
He served in WWII in the South Pacific and was also stationed in New Zealand and Hawaii after the war. He never talked much about the war, but was very proud of being a Marine and kept in touch with his fellow Marines for the rest of his life.
Jason Graham Pautsch is my hero. Jason was born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa in 1988. He lived in Iowa until graduating school a semester early to enlist in the Army and assist in the ongoing Iraq War. Jason was a cousin of love, care, and compassion. Jason was a world changer and difference maker, however, on April 10, 2009, during a routine patrol in the city of Mosul, Jason's convoy encountered a suicide bomber. He and four members of his platoon were killed instantly when the truck exploded. Jason’s legacy lives on in the hearts and minds of every life he touched. Over 2,500 people attended his visitation and over 600 people attended his funeral, showcasing the community's love for a life taken too soon. Jason is and forever will be my hero. I will never forget the sacrifice he made for this family and this country.
My father Steven Peterson served in the Army from 1970-2006. He was a paratrooper in the Vietnam War and when he returned he continued to serve in the Army until 2006. One of my favorite memories as a kid was seeing my dad in in uniform.
My father Mike Priefer attended the Naval Academy from 1985-1989. From there he served in the military for eight years by flying helicopters, and once he saved a man’s life. Veterans’ day is a holiday we annually celebrate in my house because of the twelve years my father served. My mother, siblings, and I all respect and appreciate everything he has done for this country. He has always taught me to respect our soldiers and take pride in America.
My brother Wilson attends the Naval Academy where he is broadening his education while being apart of the military. There are no words to describe how proud I am of my brother and the passion he has for the military and America. Since day one he has been my best friend and one of my role models, and he continues to inspire me everyday with all of his hard work in school and through the military. Wilson makes my family and I proud through everything he endures during his service.
Jessica is my mom’s cousin, I think she’s an awesome role model for girls, she gives a whole new meaning to serving your country and community. Jessica joined the National Guard because her father was in the Guard for over 20 years. She enlisted right after High School, around the same time she was crowned Miss Robbinsdale. Jessica than ran for Minneapolis Aquatennial, even though she knew she would be deployed to Iraq for a year. Jessica was crowned Queen of the Lakes, and wore the crown for 6 months before she had to give up her crown to be deployed. While in Iraq, she was a diesel generator mechanic, she also learned how to be a helicopter gunner. How many girls go from fixing generators to wearing a crown!!!
My grandpa served in WWII and in Vietnam, he was a science teacher, a geologist, and a great grampa. He told me many stories of when he was in duty, he once told me this story about how in vietnam during the night when he was sleeping a person woke him up by choking him but then he felt his dog tags and let him be, if it wasn't for the dog tags he would be dead. My grandpa died in 2011 from old age he left me his rock picaxe from when he was a geologist and I am very thankful for that. My family is very proud in his service he also traveled the world witch encourages me to travel like him.
I would like to recognize the service of my Uncle, Petty Officer 2nd Class Scott Reisenauer. Scott enrolled in the U.S. Navy after graduating high school at the age of 18 and served as a submarine nuclear reactor operator. During his enlistment he was stationed on the USS Arkansas and served in various locations including the Philippines, Thailand, Dubai, Australia, and in the Persian Gulf. He was enlisted from May 1988 to July 1994. I am incredibly proud of my Uncle. He made a huge sacrifice to help protect our country and I couldn’t be more grateful for his service.
Delbert Rudolph was my Grandfather and a United State Navy Veteran and served in WWII. He wanted to serve his country so badly that he was only 17 when he enlisted. Because he was a minor he had to get permission from his mother to enlist. He was very proud of his service and this was echoed by his pride for America in everything he did. He has been one of the biggest role models in my life. He taught me to have pride in my country and everything I do. He taught me that no matter what you do, always do your best and give your best.
My grandpa served in WWII in the Air Force and then joined the Army National Guard and served in that for 33 years. He was a 2nd LT pilot and flew a B17G. His B17G was named the “Out House Mouse” and had some pretty great nose art on it. Grandpa Bill flew 9 successful combat missions in WWII in the European Theater. When he was in the National Guard he flew both helicopters and airplanes. He retired with rank of Major. He was a really soft spoken man, and shared very little of his service life to myself and my siblings. The two things I remember most are seeing a poster of the plane with the “Out House Mouse” on it and wearing the hat he wore when he flew in Europe. I heard many stories of him doing “fly-bys” of my mom’s house when she was growing up!
Carol was a payroll clerk she had to go to the bank every morning and get cash to pay the soldiers.She enlisted with her two sisters who were all mound graduates.
My father served in the army during WWII. At 17, he left high school, enlisted in the army (using a wrong birthdate to make him 18), and headed for the Guadalcanal campaign. While in Guadalcanal, his assignment was to keep a runway open for planes. He drove a bulldozer while a gunner sat on top for protection. When the war over, he was discharged and headed for home. He never shared his story with any of our family until close to the end of his life. I never knew he hadn’t graduated from high school until then. I will always be proud of the service my father provided our country, his sense of responsibility to all, and his love for his country and what it represents. He always taught us to respect our flag and the people who serve it.
Ms. Strother’s paternal grandfather, Archie Oscar Strother Jr. was born in Texas on May 19, 1914. He graduated from high school at age 15 and received a BA in English from the University of Texas. Archie’s plans to attend Columbia Journalism School in the fall of 1941 were dashed when he was drafted as an officer candidate into the Army Air Corp on December 27, 1941, 20 days after the attack on Pearl Harbor. Archie was stationed in White Horse, Yukon, Canada to provide intelligence and transportation support. He met his wife Mary at a dance in White Horse, where she was a teacher. Mary lost every one of her male high school classmates to the war. As difficult as the war was, it created a fortuitous introduction of a young Canadian teacher from New Brunswick and a young Army Captain from West Texas.
My grandpa was a Tank Unit Commander in Company A of the 706th Tank Battalion. He received the Bronze Star Medal, Asiatic Pacific Ribbon with 4 Bronze Stars, Philippine Liberation Ribbon with 1 Bronze Star and the American Defense Medal. He kept a journal during his service as well as all of the letters he and my grandma sent to each other. In all of his writing he never complains, always reminding my grandma that so many others she and her siblings to complain, but that they had to focus on what they did have (and not what they didn't have). This gratitude shared by my grandparents shaped who my mom is and how she and my dad raised us, and for that I am truly grateful!
Vietnam Era Veteran. As a Fighter Pilot, flying The A-7 Corsair, our mission included Close Air Support and Search and Rescue assisting with location of a downed aircrew member and protective cover. World wide deployments working with NATO forces.
After getting in a motorcycle accident at the age of 17, he insisted on recovering to the person he was before. He joined the Navy and served for eight years while participating in Ironman races in his spare time despite the doctors saying that he'd never be able to run again.
My Dad enlisted in the Naval Reserve in 1950 and became Active Duty in 1954. He served as Cadet Engineer on the USS Caperton DD650. When not at sea, He was stationed in Providence, Rhode Island. While on the ship, he traveled to many places such as: Ireland, Haiti, and Jamaica. He received two medals while in service - Naval Occupational Service Medal and National Defense Service Medal. He was proud of his service and always wore his US Navy Veteran hat wherever he went!
My Great-Grandpa LaRoy was a gunniman for the navy. His ship transported air carrier and marines and it was his job to make sure marines made it to land safely. LaRoy received the Medal of Honor. Met my Great-Grandmother while he was stationed in San Diego, California and they were married after my great-grandfather was done in the military. After my great-grandfather served, three generations of my family joined the navy.
He left in 2017 for his service and training.
Stating with the beginning, I have many ancestors who have fought in countless wars, one even dating back to the Revolutionary War. My Grandpa, Mark Wells, served for a total on ten years. He joined the Army at the age of 16. He never fought in a major war, but he did serve this country. I am proud that I am able to say that I have another family member to say served for this country, and everyone in it. I would like to say thank you to all my family who have served and died for this country. I am proud.
My grandfather, Carl Yonker was in the air force specifically the strategic air command during the Korean War. He flew B-29's and B-52's that kept nuclear bombs in the air 24/7 as a deterrent to war with the Russians. This concept is called Mutual Assured Destruction.