Veteran

A veteran is someone who at one point in his / her life wrote a blank check payable to "The United States of America" for an amount "up to and including his / her life."

                                    -Veterans Day 2017

• “Memorial Day isn't just about honoring veterans, its honoring those who lost their lives. Veterans had the fortune of coming home. ...

• “The willingness of America's veterans to sacrifice for our country has earned them our lasting gratitude.” -Jeff Miller

• Only two defining forces have ever offered to die for you, Jesus Christ and the American Veteran.

• One died for your sins and the other died for your freedom.       -  Unknown

• 
  

Veterans Dinner 2019 Richardton American Legion Richardton North Dakota

I would like thank everyone for coming. Thank you for your support and being here. Janet would have been here today, but as we speak, she is knee deep in the Badlands Art Association art show being held this weekend. I invite you to the Ramada Inn Grand Dakota Inn though tomorrow.

When Ron called and asked if I would speak today, and he said you all would like a local Richardton veteran to speak. After teaching for 41 years, watching over 1000 students walk across the stage for graduation.... Many of them yourselves, parents of some.... I don't know if I qualify. I am honored to be here.

First, I would like to mention, Happy 244th Birthday to the United States Marine Corps, tomorrow November 10th

Let’s also include ……

US Navy, 13 October 244 years 

US Army 14 June 244 years

US Air Force 18 September 72 years

US Coast Guard 4 August 229 years

The American Legion....

March 15-17 - Members of the American Expeditionary Force convene in Paris for the first American Legion caucus.

May 8-10 - "The American Legion" is adopted as the organization's official name. The Legion's draft preamble and constitution are approved. At the St. Louis Caucus

June 9 - The National Executive Committee adopts the Legion emblem.

Sept. 16 - Congress charters The American Legion.

Nov. 10-12 - First Legion convention convenes in Minneapolis. The Constitution and preamble are adopted. Delegates vote 361-323 to locate the Legion's national headquarters in Indianapolis.

THE AMERICAN LEGION STRIVES TO PROMOTE A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF THE PRINCIPLES OF DEMOCRACY AND TO TEACH AMONG ALL PEOPLE A HIGHER APPRECIATION OF THE BENEFITS OF AMERICAN CITIZENSHIP, TO SERVE THE NEEDS OF ALL VETERANS AND THEIR FAMILIES, AND TO FULFILL OUR COMMITMENT TO COMMUNITY, STATE AND NATION.

Happy 100th anniversary to the American legion.

This Richardton American Legion Post 180, 14 April 1946, 73 years

I'll also mention other veteran organizations…

AMVets 10 December 75 years

VFW 29 September 120 years

Veterans Day originated as “Armistice Day” on Nov. 11, 1919, the first anniversary marking the end of World War I. Congress passed a resolution in 1926 for an annual observance, and Nov. 11 became a national holiday beginning in 1938. President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed legislation in 1954 to change the name to Veterans Day as a way to honor those who served in all American wars. The day honors military veterans with parades and speeches across the nation and a remembrance ceremony takes place at the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va. The ceremony honors and thanks all who served in the U.S. armed forces.

I would like to speak to you today about veterans and their family. 

I mainly wear two ball caps. My navy service vets cap and my ships cap. Jan and I just returned from a trip to Nashville. On the way home... Jan said she lost count the number of handshakes and thank yous, high fives I received from strangers and other vets. Some because of the caps, some because of the mustache.

 I'm a part of a veteran family... 

This veteran’s family began with a strong foundation. Followed by a span of over 75 years and continuing. 

My father, Winton Rohwedder a navy veteran from 1943-1946 assigned to the USS Typhoon which transported the 2nd Marines and participated in the capture and occupation of the Gilbert Islands, including the Tarawa Atoll. The occupation of the Marshall Islands including the atolls of Kwajalein (qua-u-lien), Majuro, and Eniwetok, the capture and occupation of Saipan and Guam. Capture and occupation of the Southern Palau Islands. The assault and occupation of Okinawa Gunto. The Typhoon would have continued with the invasion of Japan if needed. Dad and his shipmate’s efforts earned the USS Typhoon 3 battle stars.

He and my mother were fortunate to be able to support us boys and their grandchildren by traveling to basic training graduation celebrations, sad deployments, and joyful returns.  I was able to go on three family cruises with my parents on the Coral Sea, Sacramento and the Lexington. Listening to dad reminiscing about his time on board the Typhoon was a joy to listen too.

 I' m fortunate to have my folks still with us, dad is 94.

Janet's Grandfather, Dr. Charles J. Meredith, a Canadian citizen served during World War 1 in England and France during his medical internship. After his discharge, he completed his degree and in 1926 Dr. Meredith practiced medicine in Marion ND and then Mercy Hospital in Valley City.

Janet's father, the late Dr. Donald C. Meredith Army Veteran, waiting for deployment, served as a military policeman at Fort Lewis Washington shortly before VJ Day. 

The late Dr. John Jacob (Jack) Heimark Navy Commander, Graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis; World War Two Veteran of the South Pacific Jack served aboard the destroyer USS Schroeder DD-501. The Schroeder was a busy ship. Providing bombardment support for the 2nd marines at Tarawa, Wake Island, Gilbert Islands, Kwajalein (qua-u-lien), Maloelap (ma-low-lap), Wotje (wet-gee), Kavieng (ka-ving), New Ireland, the Marianas and Guam. With the 501s efforts it was awarded 9 Battle Stars.

    All four, part of our greatest generation and true heroes.

My older brother, Mike Rohwedder a navy veteran, served 1968-1973 aboard the USS Coral Sea CVA-43 serving in the Tonkin gulf and Yankee Station

Cousin, Roger Rohwedder Navy veteran, served in the pacific, The Philippines, he served about the same time in fact they were in boot camp together in different companies. Roger retired after 20+ years.

Best buddy in high school which I have lost contact with...

Bernie Stringer Marine veteran, enlisted 1969.

Then it was my turn, 1970-1974 I was assigned to the Fast Combat Support Ship USS Sacramento AOE-1. I reported aboard December 1970. I was assigned to 3rd deck division. Working with general maintenance, winch operation, signalman, sound powered phone operator, cargo handling, ordinance handling, liberty boat and captains gig crew.

The deck division was a fine place for me.

On 8 January 1971, leaving Bremerton Washington, the "Sac" as it was nicknamed, namely we were a floating supermarket, full of stores, supplies, bombs, JP fuel, black oil, and diesel. We sailed south to Long Beach, Seal Beach, San Diego, and San Francisco for sea trials.

 In February, she returned to Washington to load stores for her seventh Westpac deployment. She departed Bangor Washington on March first. With a stop in San Diego to complete out armament of 2 CH-47 Chinook helicopters, and entered Subic Bay on the 20th. Four days later, the Sacramento exited Subic Bay on her first line swing of four, this tour.

She sailed back and forth between Subic Bay and Yankee Station.  We replenished a total of 301 units of the 7th Fleet, off the coast of Vietnam, for the next six and one-half months. Serving the strike group of the.... 

United State aircraft carriers:

USS Ranger CV-61

USS Enterprise CVN-65

USS Forrestal CV-59 

USS Bonhomme Richard CV-31

USS Kitty Hawk CV-63

USS Oriskany CV-34

USS Midway CV-41

USS Hancock CV-19

On July twenty eighth, we transferred the 100,000th bomb to the Oriskany.

The Sacramento was nominated for ship of the year.

For the Sacramento's efforts, we were awarded a Unit Commendation. 

Finally departing from Subic Bay on August fifth, when she got underway for Sasebo, Japan, on the first leg of her voyage back to the United States. After return stops at Long Beach, Seal Beach, San Diego, and San Francisco.  On September the second she finished out 1971 on the west coast. Our last Unrep was with the USS Hancock on October 21st. The Sacramento entered her home port, Bremerton, Washington. Commencing overhaul at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard dry dock beginning December the ninth.

The Sacramento was commissioned 14 March 1964 and Decommissioned 1 Oct 2004 … 40 years 6 months and 17 days of service.

Eventually leaving the family of shipmates; proud members of the Seventh Fleet and Yankee Station, some, the Bluewater Navy, some the Tonkin Gulf Yacht Club, .... too numerous to mention.

It was good to be home with my family.

Prior to my return my younger brother.... enlisted 

The late Martin Rohwedder, Navy veteran, served stateside 

We were primarily a Navy family, Dad, older brother, younger brother and myself,

Some years later, my daughter ....

Teresa Rae Rohwedder decided that the army was for her. She served stateside, in support of the 82nd Airborne at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. She had an early marriage to an aviation bos'n mate serving aboard the USS Lexington CV-16. At the time the Lex was used as a navy training ship for navy airmen stationed out of Pensacola, Florida.  Normally staying close to stateside. I marveled at the mahogany wood flight deck on the "Blue Ghost".

My older brothers’ family, my niece....

Kristel Rohwedder Amundson, Army veteran, Iraq, Honduras, Korea, North Africa. She continues to serve today. Kristel's husband, Shane Amundson North Dakota Air Force Guard, served stateside and is still on active duty. Kristel and Shane, with their children Destiny, Charity, and Asher, they were chosen, North Dakota military family of the year in April, 2014. They all reside in Fargo.

My nephew, Mike Rohwedder Jr. North Dakota Air Force Guard, continues to serve stateside on active duty.

Families are formed outside of personal families. And I have a few of them....

My friends from Job service North Dakota through the employment of my late wife Kathy, I must mention.

Art Wanner, Army veteran

Keith Kilber, Army Veteran

 I'm part of a coffee group that meet on a daily basis at Country Kitchen, known today as the table of knowledge, where most of the world’s problems are solved or created. Among this group are veterans....

Erv Van Veldhuision, Army Veteran, served in Germany

The late Richard Johnson Navy veteran, served in the Pacific, along with a world tour aboard the USS Stormes DD780.  

The late Milo Anderson, Navy veteran, Korea. Served aboard the USS Buck DD761.

The late Cecile Hammers, Army veteran

The late Jake Boomgaardner, Air Force veteran, served in the WWII European theater. When Jake joined our group, we referred to him as the rookie. Jake passed at 92. I wonder if Jake still buys the coffee on Thursday.

A 41-year career at Richardton High School, I have known and worked with a number of wonderful effective veterans.

The late Almer Isaak, North Dakota National Guard veteran

The late Ray Sigl, Army Veteran

The late Keith Anderson, Navy Vietnam veteran, assigned to the Kitty Hawk CV-63

Gerald Hoff, Army, Vietnam veteran

Peter Krieg, Army veteran, served in Kuwait, Iraq

Marvin Messer, Army veteran served stateside

Ron VanDorne, Air Force veteran, served stateside and Guam

Jerry Aluise, Air Force veteran

Tom Kennedy, Army veteran

John Kopari, Army, Vietnam veteran

Harvey Tibor, Marine, Vietnam veteran

Ralph Wisenberger, Army veteran served in Germany

Allow me to mention a few former students that have served and some still serving. I apologize to the many I have missed

Carey Gress, Marine veteran

Greg Wilz, Army veteran

Gigi Wilz, Army veteran

Peter Baer, Navy veteran

Shawn Gjermundson, Army veteran

Tim Hanson, Marine veteran

Carrie and Justin Zent, Air Force Veterans

Dillon Baer, Army veteran

Aaron Gjermundson, Navy veteran

Darren Messer, Army veteran

Chet Westin, Army veteran

Gabe Vaagen, Army veteran

To those former veteran students…. Well done

Of the group that I enjoy several weekends of upland game hunting in the fall.... 

Big John Roberts Marine veteran served with US embassy security. 

Ken Kaylor Army Vietnam veteran.

What is the definition of a veteran? The best one I have ever read was in the local newspaper last year and I do not know who wrote it is … A veteran is someone who at one point in his / her life wrote a blank check payable to "The United States of America" for an amount "up to and including his / her life."

They say there are somewhere around 18.2 million of us, including 1.6 million females.

No matter when, how, or where you served, no matter how significant your job was, you are blessed, and we all should be proud to be a part of this family called veterans,

To all our soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines past and present, God bless

Thank you very much for your time. and God bless America.

Veterans Day 2017 DSU Beck Auditorium

I would like thank everyone for coming. It is great to see so many young faces. Family members, wives, significant others, friends, children, grandchildren thank you for your support and being here.

First I would like to mention, Happy 243nd Birthday to the United States Marine Corps, yesterday (November 10th).

I would like to speak to you today about veterans and their family.

I'm apart of a veteran family... This veterans family began with a strong foundation. Followed by a span of over 75 years and continuing.

My father, Winton Rohwedder navy veteran from 1943-1946 assigned to the USS Typhoon which transported the 2nd Marines and participated in the capture and occupation of the Gilbert Islands, including the Tarawa Atoll. The occupation of the Marshall Islands including the atolls of Kwajalein (qua-u-lien),  Majuro, and Enewetok, the capture and occupation of Saipan and Guam. Capture and occupation of the Southern Palau Islands. The assault and occupation of Okinawa Gunto. The Typhoon would have continued with the invasion of Japan if needed. Dad and his shipmates efforts earned the USS Typhoon 3 battle stars.

He and my mother were fortunate to be able to support us boys and their grandchildren by traveling to basic training graduation celebrations, sad deployments, and joyful returns.  I was able to go on three family cruises with my parents on the Coral Sea, Sacramento and the Lexington. Listening to dad reminiscing about his time on board the Typhoon was a joy to listen too.

 I' m fortunate to have my folks still with us, dad at 93.

Janet's Grandfather, Dr. Charles J. Meredith, a Canadian citizen served during World War 1 in England and France during his medical internship. After his discharge, completed his degree and in 1926 Dr. Meredith  practiced medicine in Marion ND and then Mercy Hospital in Valley City.

Janet's father, The late Dr. Donald C. Meredith Army Veteran, waiting for deployment, served as a military policeman at Fort Lewis Washington shortly before VJ Day. 

The late Dr. John Jacob (Jack) Heimark Navy Commander, Graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis; World War Two Veteran of the South Pacific Jack served aboard the destroyer USS Schroeder DD-501. The Schroeder was a busy ship. Providing bombardment support for the 2nd marines at Tarawa, Wake Island, Gilbert Islands, Kwajalein (qua-u-lien), Maloelap (ma-low-lap), Wotje ( wet-gee), Kavieng (ka-ving), New Ireland, the Marianas and Guam. With the 501s efforts it was awarded 9 Battle Stars.

    All three, part of our greatest generation and true heroes.

My older brother, Mike Rohwedder a navy veteran, served 1968-1973 aboard the USS Coral Sea CVA-43 serving in the Tonkin gulf and Yankee Station

Cousin, Roger Rohwedder Navy veteran, served in the pacific, The Philippines, he served about the same time in fact they were in boot camp together in different companies. Roger retired after 20+ years.

Best buddy in high school which I have lost contact with...

Bernie Stringer Marine veteran, enlisted 1969.

Then it was my turn, 1970-1974 I was assigned to the Fast Combat Support Ship USS Sacramento AOE-1. I reported aboard December 1970. I was assigned to 3rd deck division. 

I wanted to serve in the submarine service, the problem that I had was,  I like to sleep with the windows open. 

The deck division was a fine place for me.

On 8 January 1971, leaving Bremerton Washington, the "Sac" as it was nicknamed, namely we were a floating supermarket, full of stores, supplies, bombs, jp fuel, black oil,  and diesel. We sailed south to Long Beach, Seal Beach, San Diego, and San Francisco for sea trials.

 In February, she returned to Washington to load stores for her seventh WestPac deployment. She departed Bangor Washington on March first. With a stop in San Diego to complete out armament of 2 CH-47 Chinook helicopters, and entered Subic Bay on the 20th. Four days later, the Sacramento exited Subic Bay on her first line swing of four, this tour.

She sailed back and forth between Subic Bay and Yankee Station.  We replenished a total of 301 units of the 7th Fleet, off the coast of Vietnam, for the next six and one-half months. Serving the strike group of the.... 

United State aircraft carriers:

USS Ranger CV-61

USS Enterprise CVN-65

USS Forrestal CV-59 

USS Bonhomme Richard CV-31

USS Kitty Hawk CV-63

USS Oriskany CV-34

USS Midway CV-41

USS Hancock CV-19

On July twenty eighth, we transferred the 100,000th bomb to the Oriskany.

The Sacramento was nominated for ship of the year.

For the Sacramento's efforts, we were awarded a Unit Commendation. 

Finally departing from Subic Bay on August fifth,  when she got underway for Sasebo, Japan, on the first leg of her voyage back to the United States. After return stops at Long Beach, Seal Beach, San Diego, and San Francisco.  On September the second she finished out 1971 on the west coast. Our last Unrep  was with the USS Hancock on October 21st. The Sacramento entered her home port, Bremerton, Washington. Commencing overhaul at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard dry dock beginning December the ninth.

Eventually leaving the family of shipmates; proud members of the Seventh Fleet, Bluewater Navy, the Tonkin Gulf Yacht Club, and Yankee Station .... to numerous to mention.

It was good to be home with my family.

Prior to my return my younger brother....enlisted 

The late Martin Rohwedder, Navy veteran, served stateside

We were primarily a Navy family, Dad, older brother, younger brother and myself .... 

Some years later, my daughter .....

Teresa Rae Rohwedder decided that the army was for her. She served stateside, in support of the 82nd Airborne at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. She had a early marriage to a aviation bos'n mate serving aboard the USS Lexington CV-16. At the time the Lex was used as a navy training ship for navy airmen stationed out of Pensacola, Florida.  Normally staying close to stateside. I marveled at the mahogany wood flight deck on the "Blue Ghost".

My older brothers family, my niece....

Kristel Rohwedder Amundson, Army veteran,  Iraq, Honduras, Korea, North Africa. She continues to serve today.

Kristel's husband, Shane Amundson North Dakota Air Force Guard, served stateside and is still on active duty.

Kristel and Shane, with their children Destiny, Charity, and Asher, they were chosen, North Dakota military family of the year in April, 2014. They all reside in Fargo.

My nephew, Mike Rohwedder Jr. North Dakota Air Force Guard, continues to serve stateside on active duty.

Families are formed outside of personal families. And I have a few of them.....

My friends from Job service North Dakota through the employment of my late wife Kathy, I must mention.

Art Wanner Army veteran

Keith Kilber Army Veteran

I'm  part of a coffee group that meet on a daily basis at Country Kitchen, known today as the table of knowledge, where most of the worlds problems are solved or created. Among this group are veterans....

Erv Van Veldhuision Army Veteran, served in Germany

The late Richard Johnson Navy veteran, served in the Pacific, along with a world tour aboard the USS Stormes DD780.  

Milo Anderson Navy veteran, Korea. Milo now resides in Fergus Falls MN.

The late Cecile  Hammers Army veteran

The late Jake Boomgaardner Air Force veteran, served in the WWII European theater. 

When Jake joined our group, we referred to him as the rookie. Jake passed at 92. I wonder if Jake still buys the coffee on Thursday.

A 41 year career at Richardton High School, I have known and worked with a number of wonderful effective veterans.

The late Keith Anderson Navy Vietnam veteran, assigned to the Kitty Hawk CV-63

Peter Krieg Army veteran, served in Kuwait, Iraq

Marvin Messer Army veteran served stateside

Ron VanDorne Air Force veteran, served stateside and Guam

Jerry Aluise Air Force veteran

Tom Kennedy Army veteran

John Kopari Army, Vietnam veteran

Harvey Tibor Marine Vietnam veteran

Ralph Wisenberger Army veteran served in Germany

Of the group that I enjoy a weekend of upland game hunting in the fall.... 

Big John Roberts marine veteran served with US embassy security. 

John, I'll be out in field in about two hours. See you soon.

What is the definition of a veteran? The best one I have ever read was in the local newspaper this year and I do not know who wrote it is …

A veteran is someone who at one point in his / her life wrote a blank check payable to "The United States of America" for an amount "up to and including his / her life."

They say there are somewhere around 18.8 million of us.

I'm blessed,  and we all should be proud to be a part of this family called veterans, 

Thank you very much for your time. and God bless America,

Memorial Day and Veteran’s Day

People often confuse Memorial Day and Veteran’s Day. So, I’d like to distinguish the difference between both days. Veteran’s Day, November 11, celebrates the service of all U.S. military veterans. That is a day to honor and thank our service men and woman for their selfless service to our country. There is also Armed Forces Day, which was established as a holiday for citizens to come together and thank our military members for their patriotic support of our country.

Memorial Day, however, is a day to remember and honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. Memorial Day became a national holiday in 1971, observed the last Monday of May, and is a day in which we honor, reflect, and remember service men and women who have died serving our country in war.

The “National Moment of Remembrance” resolution was passed in 2000 which asks all Americans at 3 p.m. local time, “To voluntarily and informally observe in their own way a moment of remembrance and respect, pausing from whatever they are doing for a moment of silence or listening to taps.”