Military Salute - Vilas County News-Review
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
A Special Publication of the Vilas County News-Review and The Three Lakes News
Military
2019
Salute
freedom is not free
Memorial Day Preview
Soldiers’ Stories
Veterans Services
Active-Duty Military Profiles
PAGE 2 MILITARY SALUTE VILAS COUNTY NEWS-REVIEW/THE THREE LAKES NEWS WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 2019
We salute and support
America’s veterans and
active military personnel!
VISIT US SOON
Depend on the people at Nelson’s for all your needs
• Hallmark Cards • Lawn & Garden Supplies • Automotive Supplies • Cleaning Supplies
• Hand & Power Tools • Great Battery Selection • Greenhouse • Propane Filling
• Plumbing & Electrical Supplies & Fixtures • Keys Duplicated
Nelson’s
Open 7 days a week to serve you
Hardware
ACE IS THE PLACE
606 E. Wall, Eagle River
715-479-4496
WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 2019 VILAS COUNTY NEWS-REVIEW/THE THREE LAKES NEWS MILITARY SALUTE PAGE 3
Memorial Day services will be held in communities across the North Woods Monday, May 27, giv- and visitors are invited to attend the ceremonies that will include Armed Forces songs, guest
ing honor to men and women who died in military action for their country. North Woods residents speakers and rifle salutes. —NEWS-REVIEW PHOTO
Memorial Day services announced
Men and women who died in military ac- semble at 10:45 a.m. on the grounds. In the will be another cannon salute from the 8th perior Street to the Three Lakes cemetery.
tion for their country will be remembered event of rain, the program will be held in Wisconsin Artillery Company, followed by a The ceremony at the cemetery will begin
during Memorial Day services in communi- the new courthouse addition. moment of silence. at 10:15 a.m. American Legion Post Com-
ties across the North Woods. The program will be opened by Deborah The Northland Pines choir and band will mander Mike Silber will be master of cere-
Veterans, area residents, government of- Eicher, Veterans Service Office, followed by perform “America the Beautiful,” followed monies, with music by the Three Lakes
ficials and North Woods visitors are wel- the Northland Pines High School band and by a Color Guard rifle salute by Veterans of High School band. Speakers will be retired
come to attend all the ceremonies. choir performing the national anthem, and Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 8637 and the U.S. Navy Capt. Terry McCloskey, and
Veterans organizations in Eagle River, then the 8th Wisconsin Artillery Company playing of taps by the band. There will be Three Lakes High School students Kathryn
Three Lakes, Land O’ Lakes, Phelps, cannon salute. The Rev. Peter Coofal will another cannon salute, the benediction by Fath, Hadley Miles and Samuel Welhoefer.
Rhinelander and Woodruff have provided lead the opening prayer. The band will per- Coofal and the choir will sing “Amazing The names of military killed in action will
the following details of Memorial Day form a medley of armed forces songs. Ma- Grace.” Eicher will close the program. be read, followed by taps, three volleys by
weekend programs: rine veteran Timothy Allison will be the For more information, contact the Vilas the Legion Firing Squad, and raising the
guest speaker. County Veterans Service Office at (715) cemetery flag to full staff. The public is en-
Eagle River Other highlights of the program will in- 479-3629. couraged to attend.
The Eagle River Memorial Day cere- clude the placing of poppies at the Tomb of
In the event of bad weather, the program
mony is scheduled for Monday, May 27, at the Unknown Soldier by Eagle River area Three Lakes
will be held in the Three Lakes School gym-
11 a.m. at Veterans Monument (front Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, a reading of the Memorial Day in Three Lakes will be ob-
nasium at 10 a.m. For more information
grounds of the Vilas County Courthouse) in names of the fallen by students Colton served Monday, May 27. The program will
about the program, contact The American
Eagle River. Clure and Emily McGee, and Allison and start at 10 a.m. with a solemn procession on
Ceremony participants are asked to as- Eicher laying a wreath at the tomb. There foot from the Three Lakes Winery down Su- Turn to SERVICES, Pg. 6
PAGE 4 MILITARY SALUTE VILAS COUNTY NEWS-REVIEW/THE THREE LAKES NEWS WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 2019
Caleb M. Rockafield Jesse E. Shady
Caleb is a 2018 graduate of Northland Pines High Jesse is a 2012 graduate of Oconomowoc
School, where he participated in the U.S. Army Future Sol- High School. He joined the U.S. Air Force in his
dier Training Program, enlisting and qualifying for Airborne junior year. He graduated basic training and A
(jump school) while still a student. School at Lackland Air Force Base in San Anto-
Boot camp was successfully completed in August 2018, nio, Texas. He successfully completed Survival
at Fort Jackson, S.C. Construction Equipment Repair train- School in the state of Washington, then to be
ing conducted at Fort Leonard, Wood, Mo., immediately fol- stationed in Warner Robins, Ga., with J Stars.
lowed. His last phase of training prior to receiving his first
assignment was Airborne training conducted at Fort Ben- He has completed two tours in the Middle
ning, Ga., which was completed in December 2018. East and has flown over 80 combat missions,
He is currently stationed at Fort Richardson, Anchor- receiving two flight medals. His current rank is
age, Alaska, serving with the 6th Brigade Engineer Battal- staff sergeant.
ion (Airborne). He has successfully completed jumps from
both C-130 and C-17 aircraft. Jesse is married and lives in Georgia with his
Caleb is the son of Mark and Diane Rockafield of St. wife, Kyra. Jesse is the son of Lori Schubring
Germain, Wis., brother of Jordan and Ruth, Rebekah, and stepson of Brian Schubring of Eagle River,
Ezekiel, Josiah and Lyla Rockafield. His family lineage in- Wis.
cludes military members from the Civil War, World War II
and Vietnam, as well as peacetime service.
Will Starke Michael T. Busha
Cadet Will Starke is a 2016 graduate of Three Senior Master Sgt. Michael T. Busha is the
Lakes High School, is an SMP (simultaneous First Sergeant for the 325th Maintenance
membership program) Cadet at St. Norbert Col- Squadron, Tyndall Air Force Base (AFB), Fla.
lege, meaning he is both enlisted in the Wisconsin
National Guard and contracted with ROTC. Senior Master Sgt. Busha enlisted in the Air
Force in December 1998, and completed Intel-
He enlisted at 17 during his junior year of high ligence Operations technical training at Good-
school and went to basic training that summer. Af-
fellow AFB in August 1999.
ter graduating from high school, Will went to Fort
Huachuca for 10 months of AIT as a 35T. He then He has deployed in support of Operations
enrolled at St. Norbert College, where he is study-
Southern Watch, Northern Watch, Enduring
ing Psychology. He contracted with ROTC in Octo-
ber of 2018, and continues to drill with the National Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.
Guard Aviation branch and will drill with them as a
Major awards and decorations: Meritorious
cadet until he goes to flight school after graduation
and commissioning as a 2nd Lt. He will then return Service Medal, Joint Commendation Medal, Air
to Wisconsin to be an Army Aviator. Force Commendation Medal with five devices.
His parents are Kim and Virginia Starke of Ea- Senior Master Sgt. Busha is the son of
gle River. Thomas and Jeri Busha of Eagle River.
Lonnie Roy Adam J. Schubring
Lonnie Roy, Capt., Army National Guard, com- Adam is a 2018 National Honor Society grad-
pany commander of HHC 2-127 Infantry out of Ap- uate of Waterford High School. He joined the
pleton, Wis. He is currently deployed to Afghanistan U.S. Navy in his junior year.
in support of Operation Freedoms Sentinel.
He started his basic training at Great Lakes
Lonnie graduated from Wabeno High School, Naval Station and earned a Sharpshooter rib-
Wabeno, Wis., then obtained a bachelor’s de- bon for pistol shooting. He graduated in the top
gree in Business Administration from UW- 3% of his class, earning a ribbon and ranked up
Oshkosh, where he joined the ROTC program for outstanding achievements. He successfully
and graduated as an officer in the Army National completed Electrical Engineering and A School.
Guard. In 2018, he graduated from Captain He is being ranked up to Petty Officer 3rd Class.
School in Fort Benning Army base in Georgia.
When Lonnie is not deployed, he lives in Ea- Adam will be shipping out to Dahlgren, Va.,
gle River, Wis., with his wife, Alexis, and 1-year- for C School for Spy, which is high-powered se-
old daughter, Raelynn. He is the son of Lenny cret radar.
Roy and stepmother, Kelly Roy, and Lona Nor- Adam is the son of Brian Schubring and step-
ris and Bob Norris, stepfather. His brother, son of Lori Schubring of Eagle River, Wis.
Jeremy, also is currently serving in the Army Na-
tional Guard.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 2019 VILAS COUNTY NEWS-REVIEW/THE THREE LAKES NEWS MILITARY SALUTE PAGE 5
A lifetime of service
Dr. Workinger retires to St. Germain after career in U.S. Navy
___________
BY WALLY GEIST
SPECIAL TO THE NEWS-REVIEW
___________
Dr. Robert T. Workinger is a retired U.S. medical and dental screening. The Navy
Navy Lt. Cmdr. living in St. Germain. He career put him aboard the USS Mars
came to the community with a lifelong his- (AFS-1) where he conducted a program of
tory of leadership and service to those restorative and preventive dental care and
around him. aboard the USS Constellation (CVA-64)
Workinger, 75, keeps a number of performing dental and medical tasks.
scrapbooks which show a history of per- Naval officers also find themselves on
sonal engagement and leadership. The dry land during their service, so
scrapbooks make telling his story very dif- Workinger was sent to the Naval Station
ficult because a writer can only include so at Subic Bay, Philippines, and then to
much information in the article. United States Naval Hospital in San
The story, however, begins with Diego, Calif. At both facilities, Workinger
Workinger as captain of his Madison West treated Naval personnel and their depen-
High School football team and an article dents.
clipped from the local newspaper pro- His decorations include Naval Defense
claiming the team’s undefeated season un- Service Medal; Vietnam Service Medal;
der his leadership. Philippine Presidential Unit Citation, as
Obtaining a Bachelor of Arts in mathe- well as numerous letters of commenda-
matics from Colorado College, Colorado tion.
Springs, Colo., he moved on to the Univer- Following 20 years of service to this na-
sity of Minnesota School of Dentistry in tion, Workinger spent two years serving
Minneapolis, Minn., and then on to a Ro- children’s dental and orthodontic needs in
tating Dental Internship at St. Anthony the Canton of Geneva, Switzerland, where
Hospital in Denver, Colo. preventative dentistry is carried out
A doctor’s education is never finished. within the school system.
Workinger added a certificate of profi-
His private practice of orthodontics in
ciency in orthodontics from the University
Marshfield, Wis., allowed him to apply
of Illinois in Chicago, Ill., and courses in
previous studies in cleft lip and palate
the National Institute of Dental Research
treatment. Being on staff at St. Joseph’s
(Maxillofacial Disorders) at UW-Madison
Hospital includes fabrication of speech
to his credentials and finally a Master of
prostheses, treatment of temporomandibu-
Science degree from the Graduate College
lar dysfunction and other neurological
at the University of Illinois in Chicago.
speech disorders.
Workinger finished the academics and
He is also licensed by the state of Wis-
then asked, “Do I want to start my own
consin Department of Public Instruction
private practice?” He answered the ques-
and substitutes in area classrooms. He is
tion, “There’s a practice waiting for me in
currently working on an informational
the U.S. Navy.”
The Navy provided Workinger with no Turn to WORKINGER, Pg. 14
Cell Phones for Soldiers offered
Cell Phones for Soldiers is a 501(c)(3) non- each week. A $10 donation warrants 600
profit organization that provides cost-free minutes of talk time; a $50 donation gives
communications services to active-duty mil- 3,000 minutes of talk time; and a $100 dona-
itary members and veterans. tion provides 6,000 minutes of talk time.
The organization was founded in 2004 by In 2012, Cell Phones for Soldiers
Robbie and Brittany Bergquist, then 12 and launched its newest program, Helping
13 years old, with only $21. Heroes Home, a program that provides emer-
Cell Phones for Soldiers relies on donors gency funds for returning veterans to allevi-
for cash contributions and funds raised by ate communications challenges as well as
the recycling of used cellphones. physical, emotional and assimilation hard-
Since 2004, Cell Phones for Soldiers has ships.
provided soldiers with more than 300 million Since July 2012, Helping Heroes Home
minutes of free talk time and distributed has assisted more than 4,500 veterans and
more than 3.2 million international calling their families with emergency funding.
cards. And since 2004, more than 15 million There are more than 3,800 public collec-
cell phones have been recycled, reducing the tion points for Cell Phones for Soldiers across
impact on landfills. the nation. A collection box is located at Ea-
Cell Phones for Soldiers distributes min- gle River Veterans of Foreign Wars Post
utes of free talk time with calling cards. The 8637, located at 418 W. Pine St. in Eagle Surrounded by citations, Naval mementos and diplomas, Dr. Robert T. Workinger has retired
program mails about 1,500 calling cards River. to a home in St. Germain. —Photo By Wally Geist
PAGE 6 MILITARY SALUTE VILAS COUNTY NEWS-REVIEW/THE THREE LAKES NEWS WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 2019
Allyson M. Borak
Services
FROM PAGE 3
Allyson is a 2018 graduate of Lakeland Union
High School. She joined the U.S. Air Force in
Legion at (715) 546-3431.
July of 2018. She completed basic training
at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio,
St. Germain
Texas.
The town of St. Germain will hold its
Memorial Day services Sunday, May 26, at 1
Allyson is currently stationed at Whiteman Air
p.m. at Veterans Memorial Park, located on
Force base in Missouri. She has completed
the corner of highways 155 and 70.
training in Security Forces with Heavy Weapon
The Memorial Day service will include
training. Her current rank is Airman 1st Class.
the changing of the flag at the memorial and
a veteran will give a speech. For more infor-
Allyson is the daughter of Stephen and Jen-
mation, contact the St. Germain Area Cham-
nifer Borak, and sister of Jacob Borak.
ber of Commerce at (715) 477-2205.
Conover
The Rev. John Kuziej of Pioneer Lake
Lutheran Church will conduct a community
Memorial Day service Monday, May 27, at 10
a.m. at Hildegard Cemetery, located three
miles east of Highway 45 on Highway K. Ser-
vices will include a 20-minute prayer service
for veterans. For updated information, call
the Conover Chamber of Commerce at (715)
479-4928.
Charlie Starke Land O’ Lakes
There will be a Memorial Day service at Area veterans are invited to Memorial Day
Charlie Starke is a 1st Lt. in the U.S. Army, the Land O’ Lakes cemetery Monday, May services in the North Woods.
currently stationed at Fort Hood, Texas. Upon 27, at 11 a.m. with a light lunch to follow at —NEWS-REVIEW PHOTO
graduating from Three Lakes High School in VFW Post 8400. Call the Land O’ Lakes
2012, Charlie was accepted in the U.S. Military Chamber of Commerce to confirm the service Newbold Cemetery at 8 a.m., Northland
Academy at West Point. He graduated from as the date approaches at (715) 547-3432. Memorial Park at 8:30 a.m., Forest Home
West Point in 2016, with a degree in Physics,
Cemetery and Nativity of Our Lord Ceme-
and commissioned as a 2nd Lt. in Air Defense Phelps tery at 9 a.m.
Artillery. After five months of Basic Officer Lead- There will be a Memorial Day service in Memorial Day services will be held at
ership training at Fort Sill, Okla., he was sta- Phelps Monday, May 27, at 1 p.m. at the Rhinelander High School beginning at 11
tioned at Kunsan Base in South Korea as an cemetery. There will be a roll call for the dead a.m. Remarks will be made by Navy veteran
Executive Officer. and flags will be presented to families of de- Brian Bennett, Rhinelander Mayor Chris
In January 2018, Charlie returned to the ceased service members. Frederickson, Oneida County Board Chair-
U.S. to Fort Hood. He is currently a Battery Ex- Following the service, Phelps Historical man Dave Hinz and the guest speaker will
ecutive Officer with 69th Air Defense Artillery Museum will host its annual open house be Rep. Rob Swearingen.
Brigade and is scheduled for promotion to Cap- with complementary sloppy joes with chips, For more information about the court-
tain this fall. beer, wine and soda. For updated informa- house and cemetery ceremonies, contact the
His parents are Kim and Virginia Starke of tion, call the Phelps Chamber of Commerce Oneida County Veterans Service Office at
Eagle River. at (715) 545-3800. (715) 369-6127.
The Oneida County Veterans Council in-
Rhinelander cludes members of The American Legion,
The Oneida County Veterans Council will American Veterans, Disabled American Vet-
host a Memorial Day service Monday, May erans, Marine Corps League and Veterans of
27. Cemetery ceremonies are planned at Foreign Wars.
Hunter J. Raatz
Hunter is a 2014 graduate of Three Lakes High
School. He is also a 2015 graduate of Nicolet
Area Technical College Welding program. Military
2019 Salute
He joined the U.S. Navy and graduated from
boot camp at Great Lakes, Ill., in August 2015.
He successfully completed his A-School train-
ing as an EM (Electrician). He then went for fur-
ther training in San Diego, Calif.
He is currently stationed in Sasebo, Japan, VILAS COUNTY
serving on the USS Patriot. He recently re-
ceived an award from his ship for Outstanding
Dedication and Work ethic. His current rank is
NEWS-REVIEW Published by Eagle River Publications, Inc.
P.O. Box 1929, 425 W. Mill St., Eagle River, WI 54521
e-mail: erpub@nnex.net vcnewsreview.com
Eagle River Vindicator Established 1886
PO2, Petty Officer 2nd Class. Phone 715-479-4421 • Fax 715-479-6242
Eagle River Review 1890 Vilas County News 1892
Hunter lives in Japan with his wife, Heather
Raatz. He is the son of Terry and Johna Schulz Publisher KURT KRUEGER Photo Technician DAVID WERNER
of Three Lakes and Jon Raatz of Edgar, Wis., Editor GARY RIDDERBUSCH Circulation Manager ELIZABETH SCHMIDT
and brother of Mitchell Raatz, Valentine Schulz Asst. Editor / Lifestyle Editor MICHELLE DREW Accounting Manager TERRY POSTO
Production Manager JEAN DREW
and Will Raatz.
Asst. Production Manager ELIZABETH BOULDEN Advertising KURT KRUEGER MARY JO ADAMOVICH
Production Technician TONI RUTHVEN JO DANIEL DOUG ETTEN CHRIS BOONE
WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 2019 VILAS COUNTY NEWS-REVIEW/THE THREE LAKES NEWS MILITARY SALUTE PAGE 7
A final resting place for vets closer to home
National cemetery at Cassian on track for fall opening
___________
BY DEAN S. ACHESON
SPECIAL TO THE NEWS-REVIEW
___________
HARSHAW — Burial of a U.S. veteran nearest the road. It will include a committal
in a national cemetery is a time-honored shelter, said Roeser. The second phase,
tradition. But for some surviving families, sometime in the future, will simply expand
long trips to visit the grave can be daunt- the grounds for more internment sites.
ing, especially for an aging spouse living in Roeser said an official ceremony would
a rural area. mark the opening of the cemetery, with rep-
But now there’s a national cemetery resentatives from the National Cemetery
closer to home for many in the North Woods Administration (a division of the Veterans
of Wisconsin. Administration), state and local officials at-
In October 2015, the Department of Vet- tending.
erans Affairs (VA) officially established the In the initial review process, VA officials
“National Veterans Burial Ground” in the held three information meetings in the
Oneida County town of Cassian, across area. Attendees submitted names for the
from the Veterans Memorial in Union new cemetery. Officials in Washington, D.C.,
Grove Cemetery, Lakewood Road, Harshaw. will determine the cemetery’s name.
The yet-to-be-named cemetery is nearing One full-time employee will oversee the
completion and will begin accepting burial cemetery, with various maintenance and
requests in late fall of this year, according to grave openings/closing services contracted
an official from Fort Snelling National out. The new rural national cemetery in Cassian will have above-ground columbarium niches
Cemetery, which is overseeing the develop- Until the Cassian site is officially (pictured in progress), in-ground casket burial sites, in-ground cremation burial sites, a
ment. opened, the closest open national cemetery memorial wall, flagpoles, a memorial walkway, roads and other infrastructure.
“We don’t have a hard date (for the open- is Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Min- —Photo By Dean S. Acheson
ing),” said Robert Roeser, supervisory pro- neapolis, about 220 miles from Eagle River.
gram and management analyst for Fort Wisconsin’s only national cemetery, Wood cerned people in Harshaw, including the son Army, manning tanks in World War II un-
Snelling National Cemetery. The final date National Cemetery in Milwaukee, is closed of a highly-decorated Army soldier, saw to it der Gen. George Patton and then in the Ko-
will depend partly on how the weather af- to first interment casketed and cremation that they were not forgotten. rean Conflict. He was awarded a Silver Star
fects work, he explained. burials. It all started on Memorial Day 1998 af- for his heroics at Inchon, Korea. (See re-
But in that recent interview, he said they The three open VA-funded state veterans ter Rick Smith’s father — retired Master lated story.) Originally from Phelps, he
were pleased with the progress being made cemeteries in Wisconsin are located in Sgt. Dewey E. Smith, a veteran of World moved to Harshaw upon his retirement.
by the contractor awarded the $3.4 million Union Grove, King and Spooner, the latter War II and the Korean Conflict — was Rick Smith, of Rhinelander, was born
project. about 145 miles from Eagle River. buried at Union Grove Cemetery. The elder and raised in the military, but he is not a
Smith had died on Veterans Day, Nov. 11, veteran.
Phase 1 underway Honoring veterans 1997. Assisted by local and surrounding com-
Musson Bros. Construction of Before the Cassian national cemetery “From sunup to sundown, no one else munities and contributions from people liv-
Rhinelander is the primary contractor. Con- became a reality, there was another turning came,” recalls his son of that day, to honor ing in other states, the Harshaw group
struction will take place in two phases. point that honored the veterans buried at the 44 veterans buried there.
The first will be to develop the area Union Grove Cemetery. A group of con- His father had served 23 years in the Turn to CEMETERY, Pg. 8
VA national cemetery eligibility requirements
Being buried in a Veterans Administra- the same manner and with the same honors serves who only have active duty for train- At the time of need, your family would
tion (VA) national cemetery is something as casketed remains. ing and were never federally activated, are contact a funeral home, which would then
many military veterans in the United Eligibility for burial in a VA national not eligible. assist with making burial arrangements at
States hope for, but there are a number of cemetery includes: Unlike a state veterans cemetery, you the national cemetery. You may wish to
requirements that must be followed for that • All members of the Armed Forces who cannot preregister and reserve a burial make pre-need arrangements with a fu-
to happen. have met a minimum active duty service re- plot. You can file for pre-need determina- neral home. To schedule a burial: fax all dis-
To honor their service, the U.S. govern- quirement and were discharged under tion, which tells you whether or not you, charge documentation to the National
ment provides special burial benefits for other than dishonorable conditions. your spouse and your dependent child or Cemetery Scheduling Office at 1-(866) 900-
them at no cost to the family. • A veteran’s spouse, widow/widower, children are eligible to be buried in a na- 6417 and follow-up with a phone call to 1-
Burial in a national cemetery includes minor dependent children and under cer- tional cemetery. The VA determines eligibil- (800) 535-1117.
the opening and closing of the grave, a tain conditions, unmarried adult children ity determination for burial in a VA
For information about this and all na-
grave liner, perpetual care of the grave site, with disabilities. national cemetery in advance of need.
tional cemeteries, including the predetermi-
a grave headstone or marker, a burial flag • Eligible spouses and children may be VA form 40-10007 for pre-need is avail-
nation form, go to the National Cemetery
and a Presidential Memorial Certificate. buried even if they predecease the veteran. able at county veterans service offices. They
Administration’s website: cem.va.gov.
The grave markers will all be upright • Members of the National Guard or Re- can be faxed, but it’s recommended they be
markers either made of white marble or serves who die while on active duty or ac- mailed, according to Oneida County Vet- For local assistance, contact your county
gray granite. tive duty for training or who were eligible eran Service Officer Tammy Javenkoski. veteran service officer. In Oneida County,
Some veterans may also be eligible for for retired pay may also be eligible for Supporting documentation such as dis- Javenkoski at (715) 369-6127; Vilas County,
burial allowances. Cremated remains are burial. charge papers and a marriage and/or birth Michael Biszak at (715) 479-3629; and Iron
buried or inurned in national cemeteries in Members of the National Guard or Re- certificate are required. County, Erick Nasi at (715) 561-2190.
Cemetery Dewey Smith, a Phelps native,
PAGE 8 MILITARY SALUTE VILAS COUNTY NEWS-REVIEW/THE THREE LAKES NEWS WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 2019
FROM PAGE 7
was awarded Silver Star in 1951
formed the Veterans Ceremony — Union
Grove Cemetery, Inc., a nonprofit group One of America’s heroes is buried at
that each year organizes a fitting Memorial Union Grove Cemetery in Harshaw in
Day ceremony that goes beyond a few Oneida County.
speeches. Dewey E. Smith, a Phelps native, spent
They built and dedicated in 2001 the 23 years in the Army. For his gallantry in ac-
Veterans Memorial, which honors veterans tion during the Korean Conflict, he was
from all branches of the Armed Forces. awarded the Silver Star.
Work has resumed this spring on the Na- The citation that accompanied the award
More than 100 veterans are now buried at tional Veterans Burial Ground in Cassian.
Union Grove Cemetery. included the following remarks:
Once completed, it will serve approxi-
“The first year, there were six (visitors); mately 23,000 veterans.
the next 30,” said Smith of those first two Headquarters
—Photo By Dean S. Acheson 3rd Infantry Division
Memorial Day observances. From there it
has grown substantially and now includes a “The Union Grove Cemetery’s Veterans General Orders No. 546
motorcycle honor procession and flyovers. Memorial was an inspiration to the federal November 30, 1951
The 2019 Veterans Day ceremony is officials in their decision on selecting the
scheduled for May 25. For more information site,” Smith said. “The President of the United States of
about the event, visit veteransceremony.org. “This National Veterans Burial Ground America, authorized by Act of Congress July
will help us reach veterans in rural parts of 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Sil-
Bringing it home Wisconsin who have not previously had rea- ver Star to Master Sergeant (then Sergeant
In August of 2012, Jim Lillis told Smith sonable access to a national or state veter- First Class) Dewey Edward, Smith United
about a notice in a local paper announcing ans cemetery,” said Secretary of Veterans States Army, for gallantry in action while
the VA’s desire to build additional burial op- Affairs Robert McDonald at the time. serving with Heavy Tank Company, 9th In-
tions in rural areas across the United The VA purchased six acres for the fantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division, in
States, specifically “where the unserved vet- cemetery from the town of Cassian for action on 24 April 1951.
“On that date, the Heavy Tank Company DEWEY E. SMITH
eran population is 25,000 or less within a $24,000. It’s designed to accommodate
75-mile radius.” 24,300 in-ground casket burial sites, in- and the infantry units it was supporting
On behalf of the nonprofit group, Smith ground cremation burial sites, above- were fiercely attacked by an estimated 1,000 “While maneuvering during the defense,
contacted Wisconsin Department of Veter- ground columbarium niches, a memorial enemy troops while occupying defensive po- his tank was partially disabled by an enemy
ans Affairs Secretary John Scocos, as well wall for those whose ashes were spread sitions near Taejon-ni, Korea. Heedless of the artillery shell but he, with great skill, drove
as town officials, to gauge interest in Cas- elsewhere, flagpoles, a memorial walkway, intense hostile fire sweeping the area, his vehicle over two miles through the
sian becoming a candidate for the VA’s new roads and other infrastructure. Sergeant Smith fearlessly exposed himself treacherous darkness of the enemy-infested
initiative, “VA Expanding Burial Options in Once the first phase is done, the ceme- as he manned the tank’s deck machine gun, terrain; yet, in spite of these extreme hin-
Rural Areas.” tery at 4520 Lakewood Road, Harshaw, will utilizing it with great effectiveness and ma- drances, he placed the wounded and other
VA representatives visited the Cassian provide sufficient burial space to last 10 terially contributing to repulsing the foe’s friendly troops on the tank, bringing all
site in September 2013. years, according to VA projections. initial assaults. Through sheer weight of through to the safety of friendly lines.
numbers, the third wave of enemy soldiers “The gallant initiative and superb
overran the infantry positions and Sergeant courage displayed by Sergeant Smith reflect
Smith covered friendly withdrawals until he the highest credit upon himself and the mil-
Thank you to all the brave men and women who have served or are currently serving in the U.S. military. found himself cut off behind enemy lines. itary service.”
• Hoists & Piers:
Pier Pleasure,
Porta Dock Rogers Bar salutes all veterans and wishes to
• Dock Removal, express our gratitude for their service and
Install, Repair
sacrifice for the greatest nation in the world!
• Boat Winterizing
& Storage
ROGERS BAR
FOOD & SPIRITS
E19605 Old US2 W
Watersmeet, MI 49969
SINCE 1939 (906) 358-4435
HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
WE SUPPORT OUR TROOPS!
Complete Landscaping and Thank you for supporting us, so we can support those who served our great country.
VFW
Full-Service Garden Center
Now open Mon.-Fri. 9-5; Sat.-Sun. 9-1
Stateline VFW Post 8400
www.northernlakeslandscaping.com 4492 County Hwy. B, Land O’ Lakes, Wis.
V E T E R A N S O F F O R E I G N WAR S 715-547-3314
Rod & Jill Croker
1075 E. Pine St.
Eagle River Proud sponsor of the landscaping
(715) 479-5852 at the 2012 Vietnam Veterans
Wall Memorial
HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 2019 VILAS COUNTY NEWS-REVIEW/THE THREE LAKES NEWS MILITARY SALUTE PAGE 9
Never Forgotten Honor Flight
was a moving day for Air Force vet
___________
her husband and three small children,
BY JAMES R. LYNN passed out near our bus. Our medic got off
SPECIAL TO THE NEWS-REVIEW
___________ the bus and treated her for heat exhaus-
tion.
In 1959 when I graduated from Cass
Tech High School in Detroit, I had two Welcome home!
choices, go work in a factory or join the mili- Our return flight to the Central Wiscon-
tary. I chose the military and spent the next sin Airport at Mosinee on Monday night
eight years in the U.S. Air Force. was on time, during which we had a “Mail
During my return from Pakistan, I was Call” where each veteran received letters
harassed by a protester shouting “baby from friends, loved ones, all the state politi-
killer” while I was waiting for my luggage cians and about a dozen “thank you” letters
at Detroit Metro Airport, and again while in from northern Wisconsin school children.
a college class I was repeatedly insulted by After landing there was a spectacular
an English literature professor calling me a homecoming! The veterans were welcomed
“baby killer.” This was ironic since as an Air home by a band and each vet was an-
Force surgery tech, I helped deliver babies. nounced to over 1,000 cheering, flag- and
For 35 years, I didn’t really feel my ser- sign-waving friends and relatives. The cele-
vice was appreciated until the Desert Storm bration included an indoor parade of veter-
Parade in Chicago. I’ve always felt that I ans from the gate to the front door. The
was glad for what I did, but hoped to never cheers, salutes, handshakes, high fives,
have to do it again. signs, hugs and kisses from both sides re-
Since I retired and escaped from sulted in my tearful pride in these people.
Chicago, I have lived up north near Eagle I’ve never been so honored before.
River and I have appreciated the annual
Veterans Day ceremonies at Northland Getting involved
Pines High School, especially when the The Honor Flight’s mission is to “trans-
third- grade students give carnations to the port America’s veterans to Washington,
veterans. These acts have helped to restore D.C., to visit those memorials dedicated to
my sense of pride in our children and have honor the service and sacrifices of them-
almost made everything I’ve gone though selves and friends.”
worthwhile. The Never Forgotten Honor Flight flies
However, my going on the 35th Never about 100 veterans at a time during April,
Forgotten Honor Flight has topped every- May, September and October to Washing-
thing! The Never Forgotten Honor Flights ton, D.C. Currently there are 1,040 Korean-
Veteran Jim Lynn of Eagle River recently went on a Never Forgotten Honor Flight to Wash-
from northern Wisconsin have sent 35 and Vietnam-era veterans waiting for fu-
ington, D.C., and received a big welcome home. —Photo By Dave Junion
flights with more than 3,250 northern Wis- ture flights. Some of the notable local spon-
consin veterans to see their memorials in for the rooms. At the World War II Memorial, there was sors of the Honor Flights are the Ghidorzi
Washington, D.C. After a meet-and-greet, receiving our a special service for the two vets who died family, Junion Photography, Greenheck
Of the 132 Honor Flight groups in 42 gold shirts and meeting our green shirt while waiting for this flight. At the Iwo Foundation. First Weber, Nicolet Bank, Bull
states that have taken over 200,000 veter- guardians (our Honor Flight colors were Jima Memorial, there was a really sharp Falls Brewery, Kinziegreen Marketing,
ans to Washington, D.C., the Never Forgot- Packers green and gold), and having our U.S. Marine Corps silent precision “Queen Marathon Cheese, Kwik Trip, Hodag Coun-
ten group is rated as one of the best. With photos taken, we and our guests were Ann” drill team with M-1 rifles and bayo- try Fest, American Legion and VFW posts,
more than 100 volunteers in Wisconsin and treated to a banquet with entertainment nets. After the drill, the really young-look- Northland Pines School District, Lakeland
D.C., this group is one of the best managed from a choir called the Center Stage ing Marines with medals came over to talk Union High School and various area
and organized groups I’ve seen in a long Singers, and a music group, Trillium from with the veterans. churches.
time. I have nothing but praise for the blue Minocqua. Most of the day it was bright, sunny, and The Honor Flight Network is a nonprofit
shirt management, the red shirt local vol- Also, on the day of the flight, our spouses 79 degrees with the cherry blossoms, mag- organization created solely to honor Amer-
unteers and the appointed green shirt were treated to breakfast and then a lun- nolias and dogwoods in full bloom; however, ica’s veterans for all their sacrifices. A top
guardians — especially for the way they cheon and tour at the Leigh Yawkey Wood- at the Tomb of the Unknowns, very fittingly priority is given to the senior veterans —
carefully, delicately and respectfully han- son Art Museum. Later, our spouses and there was a light rain during the 5 p.m. World War II survivors, along with those
dled the wheelchair vets on and off the guests returned to Central Wisconsin Air- changing of the guard. That was followed by other veterans who may be terminally ill.
plane and buses. port for the joyous “Welcome Home” cele- the solemn tour through the Arlington Na- To contact, donate, or sign up for an Honor
For my guardian, Mark Turkiewicz, who bration. tional Cemetery grounds with the all-too- Flight, visit the website neverforgotten-
has worked on 33 of the 34 flights since many gravestones of the real heroes. Our honorflight.org.
2009 as a volunteer, this flight was his first Memorials were special last stop was the new Air Force Memorial. I wish to thank the Never Forgotten
trip and special for him since his father Before dawn on Monday, April 8, 102 During the tour while going between the Honor Flight, the Tiny Tap and their pa-
Wayne was on this flight. Also, I was thank- northern Wisconsin veterans and 60 airport and all the memorials, we had a trons who sponsored me, the Eagle River
ful to the management that allowed me guardians boarded a Sun Country Airline lights and sirens police escort taking our American Legion and VFW posts, and all
some quality time with my brother Roger Boeing 737-800. Following a foggy 25- four huge tour buses nonstop through the the other sponsors.
(who is a retired 32-year U.S. Air Force vet, minute delay and a bumpy ride over Lake Washington, D.C., traffic. The next flight will be May 5-6. The cost
and lives near D.C.) to join the tour at Rea- Michigan, we arrived at Reagan National Also, I would like to applaud the red cap for every veteran and guardian on a flight
gan National Airport as an honored vet- Airport on time. medics who kept an eye on us and did well- is about $500 and I would greatly recom-
eran. Before each visit to the D.C. memorials, ness checks on the vets. A special applause mend donating time or dollars to the Never
On Sunday afternoon, April 7, we our tour guides told us the background and should be given to the medic on my bus. Forgotten Honor Flight program. I hope it
checked in at the Wausau Hilton Garden history. At most of the memorials, the flight While we were reboarding at the Lincoln will make you feel as good as I do following
Inn. The Ghidorzi family, hotel owners, paid planners had scheduled special events. Memorial, a woman tourist, who was with my flight.
PAGE 10 MILITARY SALUTE VILAS COUNTY NEWS-REVIEW/THE THREE LAKES NEWS WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 2019
Freedom-loving patriots sacrificing for America
___________
turn for only enough land to bury our rice paddies of Vietnam. And that same
BY REP. ROB SWEARINGEN fallen. spirit lives on today in places like Fallujah
34TH ASSEMBLY DISTRICT When the totalitarianism of commu- and Kandahar, where brave Americans
___________
nism threatened to engulf the world, have selflessly given up their lives so that
Our great nation was forged in an Americans again selflessly answered the we can live in peace.
armed struggle because freedom-loving call, fighting in Korea, Vietnam and other For many, Memorial Day often means
patriots sought a future where we as distant lands far from home, in defense of family barbecues, pontoon boat rides and
Americans could chart our own destiny. freedom. summer baseball games, but let us not for-
Since our founding, the United States On Sept. 11, when radical Islamic ter- get why we are able to enjoy these free-
has stood as a shining beacon of freedom rorists tried and failed to instill fear in our doms. I would encourage everyone to
and liberty for the entire world to see. It hearts, a new generation of American pa- attend a parade ceremony or visit a ceme-
was our nation that defeated the subjuga- triots would embark in the War on Terror, tery or memorial to truly understand that
tion of monarchy, the tyranny of fascism taking the fight to those who seek the de- freedom is not free.
and the oppression of communism. struction of our way of life.
To all those who have suffered through
Today, the United States stands in soli- Our nation has faced many struggles,
the immeasurable pain of losing a loved
darity with all freedom-loving peoples but through the eternal sacrifices of our
one in defense of the country, I hope you
against the evils of radical terrorism. heroes, we have known triumph. The story
can find comfort in knowing that their
This Memorial Day, I urge all citizens of America is the story of our fallen. Brave
sacrifice will never be forgotten, and that
to reflect on the sacrifices of those brave men and women from every corner of this
their legacy will continue to live on, for-
men and women who so selflessly gave great nation, of every generation, color,
ever interwoven in the story of America.
their lives in defense of the freedoms we creed and religion have sacrificed in de-
all enjoy today. fense of the United States and the princi- To the military families who so over-
In the darkest days of our history, ples for which it stands. To sacrifice your whelmingly shoulder the burden of war,
Americans have always answered the call life so that your fellow countrymen can know that a grateful nation will always
of duty. When the United States was delib- live in freedom is the embodiment of the stand behind you. Understanding that
erately attacked at Pearl Harbor, hun- American spirit. Memorial Day is a time to remember the
dreds of thousands of Americans enlisted It was that spirit that willed young fallen, I would also like to extend my sin-
in our armed forces. The Greatest Genera- Americans to storm the beaches of Nor- cere gratitude to all our active duty armed
tion would go on to defeat Imperial Japan mandy and the black sands of Iwo Jima. It forces members and retired veterans for
and Nazi Germany, liberating Asia and was that spirt that followed courageous your selfless service to our country.
Europe from the grips of true evil. Amer- Americans as they fought amongst the God bless you all, and God bless the
ica did not come to conquer, asking in re- snowcapped mountains of Korea and the United States of America. ROB SWEARINGEN
We thank our veterans &
servicemen and -women
for keeping America free!
FIND WHAT YOU NEED AT
Visa, MasterCard & Discover
are considered cash.
Gaffney-Busha
Hwy. 45 N., Eagle River 715-479-6408 www.lampertyards.com
“We support those who defend our freedom”
WI Master Plumber MI Master Plumber
225915 8110692
YOUR FAMILY-OWNED HOMETOWN BUSINESS SINCE 1970
Our Mission: To exceed our contractors’ and owners’ expectations
LICENSED • INSURED
3883 Hwy. 70 East, Eagle River, WI 54521 715-479-7012 • Fax: 715-479-7013WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 2019 VILAS COUNTY NEWS-REVIEW/THE THREE LAKES NEWS MILITARY SALUTE PAGE 11
FALLEN VETS REMEMBERED — Communities across the North Woods host
Memorial Day programs to honor veterans who served their country and to remem-
ber those killed in military action. These are scenes from the ceremonies in 2018,
including a color guard marching (above); a veteran honoring fallen soldiers with
a wreath (right) in Three Lakes; veterans placing a wreath at the Vilas County Vet-
erans Memorial (lower right); and the 8th Battery Wisconsin Artillery firing a can-
non salute (below) in Eagle River. —NEWS-REVIEW PHOTOSPAGE 12 MILITARY SALUTE VILAS COUNTY NEWS-REVIEW/THE THREE LAKES NEWS WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 2019
Humbly honoring those who have served.
715.479.8484
Member FDIC | Equal Housing LenderWEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 2019 VILAS COUNTY NEWS-REVIEW/THE THREE LAKES NEWS MILITARY SALUTE PAGE 13
Northern Lakes Landscaping
would like to honor all military, past and present.
“We are proud of your
SGT Zalewski accomplishments and your SPC Justin Wald
vogel
12 Bravo dedicated service to your 11 Bravo
Team Leader country. We love you!” 19 Infantry Divis
ion
r
Combat Enginee Hooah U.S. Army
U.S. Army
“I just want to say thank you to all of our servicemen “We would like to thank every service member for
and -women! I also want to give a special thank you to my what they do to protect us and all of the sacrifices they
wonderful husband, SGT Zalewski. I appreciate every- make. We are especially thankful for one of our own,
thing you do for us, and I am so proud of you. I love you!” SGT Zalewski. Everyone here is so proud of what you
Samantha Zalewski have accomplished and will always support you. We miss
you dearly, and thank you from the bottom of our hearts!”
MarLi’s Bar and Grill
r n L a k e s
Northe aping We salute our soldiers,
Landsc er
a r d e n Ce nt America’s best!
v i c e G
Full-Ser Hours: Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sat. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Owners:
Rod & Jil
Located at 1075 E. Pine St., Eagle River, WI 54521 715-479-5852 Croker
l
www.northernlakeslandscaping.comWorkinger
PAGE 14 MILITARY SALUTE VILAS COUNTY NEWS-REVIEW/THE THREE LAKES NEWS WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 2019
FROM PAGE 5
program for the students in Phelps School
about finances and employment following
graduation.
Workinger also has visited the St. Ger-
main Elementary School All American
Kids Club career day, where he fascinated
the students with stories from his scrap-
books.
Workinger is a good example of some-
one who has taken advantage of his edu-
cation and service in the Navy, where he
also obtained a pilot’s license.
Making his way to St. Germain,
Workinger has become a Department of
Natural Resources (DNR) hunter safety
education instructor; DNR wingshooting
instructor; instructor and coach in the
Scholastic Clay Target Program; served on
the Marshfield City Common Council as
an alderman; and was an elder in the
First Presbyterian Church of Marshfield.
Workinger maintains membership in
the Boulder Junction Shooting Club, the
Sayer-St. Germain Fish and Wildlife Club
and the Easy Eagles Club of Eagle River.
Discussions around the Workinger
household must be very interesting as
Bob’s wife, Marilyn, holds a Ph.D. (CCC)
in speech therapy, with an emphasis on
helping patients with cerebral palsy. Her
professional title at the Marshfield Clinic Dr. Robert T. Workinger regularly attends Memorial Day and Veterans ementary School All American Kids Club career day, fascinating the
Research Center is emeritus researcher. Day commemorations in St. Germain. He also visits the St. Germain El- students with his stories. —Photo By Wally Geist
The Workingers also have a son,
Charles, who with his wife, Claire, just nities accepted lead to a full and meaning-
finished four years in the U. S. Marine ful life. For Robert Workinger, service to
Corps. They are musicians and will con- this nation during a time of war, and a
tinue their musical careers with the U.S. time of peace, has improved the well being Christopher Andres Paez was born
Air Force. of many places and the people who live in on March 8, 1996, in Atlanta, Ga. He
Opportunities presented and opportu- them. moved to the Northwoods at the young
age of 9 months; he is truly a North-
Program offers diplomas
woods boy through and through.
Christopher loves the outdoors and
to vets who left high school
the game of soccer. He was often spot-
ted spending time on the water hang-
ing with his friends after work at the
Braywood Resort.
The state of Wisconsin has a program He graduated from Northland Pines
under Statute 120.13(37) to provide high and immediately entered the Air Force.
school diplomas to veterans who left high He joined for a six-year tour and has
school for wartime military service. traveled to over 10 countries.
The Northland Pines, Three Lakes and He is currently a Senior Airman sta-
Rhinelander school districts are looking for tioned in Okinawa, Japan.
area veterans, age 65 or older, who left a
Wisconsin high school to enter the service, His proud parents are Julie Winter-
were honorably discharged and currently Paez and Andres Paez.
live in the Northland Pines, Rhinelander or
Three Lakes school districts.
The law also applies to those older than 888 W. Pine, P.O. Box 1058
55 with a service-connected disability and Eagle River, WI 54521
who also satisfy the above conditions, ac-
(715) 480-4333 Office
cording to retired U.S. Navy Capt. Terry
McCloskey, a member of the Three Lakes northwoodspropertypros.com
School Board.
“Anyone who qualifies and would like to office that they live in,” said McCloskey. Proud Supporter of all the brave men and women who
be included as part of the next graduating
class of either the Northland Pines, Rhine-
This law also applies to anyone who has
a general equivalency diploma, meets the have served or are currently serving in the U.S. Military.
lander or the Three Lakes school districts other requirements and wishes to join their
may contact the applicable school district respective area graduations.WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 2019 VILAS COUNTY NEWS-REVIEW/THE THREE LAKES NEWS MILITARY SALUTE PAGE 15
Seaman 1st Class Orville Marks recalls
experiences on tug in World War II era___________
BY SHARON GIFFORD
PHELPS CORRESPONDENT
___________
Orville Marks, 91, served in the Navy He was excited to notice that I was a
as a Seaman 1st Class from 1944-’47. He baker. He ran around the ship announcing
lives with his son in Hartland and spends that I was a baker. It seems that the first
time with his daughter in Phelps. class cook on board didn’t know how to
Marks was born to Andrew and Lydia make bread. This of course terrified me,
in 1927 in Milwaukee. He had eight sis- being a Seaman 1st Class fresh out of
ters. His father worked as a welder at A.O. Cooks and Baker School,” said Marks.
Smith, a large factory that made car “Luckily, the Navy cookbook I used in
frames. school was on board. That night, I took
“We moved a number of times during over the galley and proceeded to make 15
the Great Depression, but every house we loaves by hand. The loaves overflowed the
rented was always better than the last pans and were the highest I had ever
one,” said Marks. “We were poor, but seen. It made a hit with the captain and
thankful that Dad had a job. We always the crew of 70.”
had clothes on our back, shoes and food in Since cooks and bakers were usually 24
the root cellar. I remember the first car we hours on, 24 hours off, and only one cook
had. It had side windows that we would on board, Marks had to cook on a 24-hour
snap on. To start the car, Pa had to crank shift.
it in the front and run back fast to keep it “I baked enough for two days and
running. Flat tires and running out of cooked for one day. I learned how to cook
gasoline were a sure thing.” by following directions in the cookbook.
Not bad for an 18-year-old,” said Marks. “I
When he turned 16, Marks was diag-
remember that the stove I used was
nosed with rheumatic fever and the doctor
rather primitive, using fuel oil to provide
told his parents he would not live more
the heat; one step up from the wood stove
than a year.
my mother and grandmother used on the
“At 91, I’m still going,” he said. farm. Also, because the ship was always
At age 17 during World War II, Marks listing to port or starboard, when baking I
worked at Allis Chalmers in Milwaukee. had to prop up the pans, especially the
Since he had two relatives in the military, sheet cakes and pies.”
he decided he also wanted to sign up and At times, the USS Abnaki would tow a
his parents gave him permission to join war-damaged ship out to sea to use as tar-
the U.S. Navy. get practice for the fleet. On at least two
In July 1944, Marks left Milwaukee for occasions, the USS Chicago lobbed an 8-
eight weeks of boot camp, followed by inch projectile way too close for comfort di-
three months of Cooks and Bakers School rectly over the ship’s bridge.
in San Diego. “On another occasion, we went to Yoko- Orville Marks of Hartland and a regular visitor to Phelps, served aboard the USS Abnaki, the
Marks was diagnosed with arthritis in hama to rescue a barge that had broken lead ship in a fleet of tugs in the U.S. Navy. —Photo By Sharon Gifford
his legs and transferred to a Naval hospi- loose from a ship that was being repaired.
tal. In May 1945, he was transferred to a We left in a such a hurry that some of the
Naval convalescent hospital in Banning, crew was left ashore. My guess is, they
Calif., to recuperate. At Banning, the Red didn’t care,” said Marks.
Cross kept him busy working in a theater; Marks also recalled a trip to Shanghai,
doing chores for the captain and working China, towing a PVE (patrol vessel escort)
in a small restaurant. to give to Chiang Kai-Shek.
In May 1946, he was transferred to “At that time, several ships were an-
Camp Elliott and transported to a chored in the middle of the Whangpoo
Japanese Navy Base in Yokosuka, Japan, River, as were we. Small rowboats, usually
to board the USS Abnaki (ATF-96), the with a Chinese male and a little child,
lead ship of the Abnaki class of fleet ocean would come alongside to beg for food,
tugs in the U.S. Navy. Her mission was to which we found out later on that they
provide towing service in Japan and would sell on the black market. I had
China waters. Commissioned in 1943, the given them my leather combat boots that I
Abnaki had the displacement of 1,500 tons didn’t need,” said Marks.
and was equipped with four sets of electric After leaving Shanghai, the Abnaki
drive diesel engines. Developing over went north to Tsingtao, China, to tow tar-
3,000 horsepower, she could cut the sea at gets for the 7th fleet.
16.5 knots. She was designed primarily for In October, The USS Abnaki departed
forward combat area assault such as tow- Tsingtao headed for Guam via Okinawa
ing disabled ships, towing ships into firing with an ARD 31 in tow. ARDs are floating
position, stringing buoys and even bom- dry docks, 500 feet long and weighing
barding the enemy with her 3-inch guns 5,000 tons. The crew and tug continued on
and deadly ack-ack fire. This was a placard from the fleet tug USS Abnaki. The tug provided towing services in Japan
“The gangway guard took my orders. Turn to MARKS, Pg. 16 and China waters during and after World War II. —Contributed PhotoPAGE 16 MILITARY SALUTE VILAS COUNTY NEWS-REVIEW/THE THREE LAKES NEWS WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 2019
Vilas County Veterans Marks
NAMES OF THE FALLEN FROM PAGE 15
CIVIL WAR WORLD WAR II (Cont’d)
course for Guam on Nov. 14, but had to
change course in an effort to avoid a storm.
Samuel Odell Chancy A. Rogers “On Nov. 17, we hit a typhoon dead cen-
Clayton O. McLain ter. I remember that we took a maximum
WORLD WAR I Harold E. Evenson roll of 65 degrees at the height of the storm.
Lyman E. Barnes Norman E. Wegner We all had our life jackets on and a few be-
Emil H. Gherke Joe Skye longings in our pockets. Not sure what good
Olaf Thompson Edward B. Kalous that would of done if we sank or capsized.
John S. Chicog William E. Jolly We kept sending an SOS out, but it was too
Joe Grazis Lyle W. Hawks rough for any outside help.
Frederick J. Walsh Joseph C. Trinka
Willow Trapp Herbert H. Walbruck “At one time, the towed ARD was coming
Albert C. Goranson Martin L. Bloom up alongside of us. The wind was pushing it
George Micholowski Joseph C. Rowinsky ahead of us. It was so close the captain or-
Nilo J. Albertson dered the crew to the opposite side of the
WORLD WAR II Norman C. Schlarp ship. At that time, the motor room crew was
having a difficult time keeping the engines
Edward A. Weber Robert F. Sayner
going and we couldn’t make any headway.
William C. Ament
Ervin Matteck
KOREAN WAR It seems the cooling water intakes on
Earl M. Esque Roland W. Kubinek the bottom of the hull were out of the water
Arnold E. Simon Charles W. Newberry so much that the engines would shut down.
Robert E. Brooker Carlton C. Valliere It was hard for the compressors to keep
enough air on top to restart the engines.
William A. Manbeck VIETNAM WAR “That evening, I remember hearing the
Heino F. Busch Jr. Paul S. Gee
William L. Neumann James H. Page message sent to the ARD that we were go-
Careld J. Blackburn Chester A. Myers Jr. ing to let them go, but the skipper on the
William J. Wepfer Larry S. Jensen ARD had seniority over our captain and re- ORVILLE MARKS
Harry E. Karwoski John A. Mietus layed a message that in no way would we
William H. Weber Sheldon J. Burnett release the cable since they had no engines in his young life, he was introduced to his
Reynold Soquist or way of navigating through the storm,” brother-in-law’s cousin, Betty, at a birthday
Cecil S. Snow PANAMA said Marks. “Our captain ignored the order. party, They married in 1949.
Louis R. Hall John M. Price He ordered the bosun to set the brake on Marks soon got a job with his father-in-
George E. Strong the cable drum. The bosun told the captain law as a carpenter apprentice, earning 75
Walter R. Hermanson WAR ON TERROR that the tow cable would part if he did that. cents an hour. He retired as a construction
Edward A. Croker Tyler Kritz The order was repeated. The cable parted. supervisor 50 years later, having built Mc-
We should have capsized in that storm. It Donald’s restaurants around Wisconsin,
was a miracle we didn’t.” Illinois, Michigan, Indiana, Iowa and Cali-
In the morning, because of the huge fornia. He and his wife have four children,
Chiropractic: Safe. Affordable. Effective. swells, Marks said it took seven tries to re- Sharon Gifford of Phelps, Jim, Al and Tom,
What healthcare is supposed to be. We connect to the ARD.
“After repairs, we continued on to
eight grandchildren and 11 great-grand-
children.
WE ACCEPT
VETERANS CHOICE CARDS
Salute Saipan to retrieve a Jeep for the captain.
On Jan. 27 while heading for Manus Is-
During his lifetime, he enjoyed fishing,
golfing, gardening and camping. His activ-
Dr. Stephen J. Borak Those Who Serve land, we crossed the equator. Many of the
crew including myself were initiated in the
ity became limited when he was diagnosed
with macular degeneration in 1996. Today,
in our Military –
mysteries of the deep by the ‘shellbacks,’ he enjoys listening to audio books and is an
190 Hwy. 70 • St. Germain crew members who had previously crossed avid sports fan of the Packers, Brewers and
Call (715) 479-3261 the equator. We arrived at Manus Island Badgers.
Online appointment scheduling at T hank You! and began hooking up sections of floating
dry docks to six Liberty ships that were go-
Every year since 1988, the crew from the
USS Abnaki are invited through the Ab-
www.borakchiropractic.com Proud parent of Allyson Borak, USAF Airman 1st Class
ing to tow them back to San Francisco. naki Courier newsletter to a ship reunion.
Heading for Pearl Harbor, we escorted the This year will be their 31st gathering. At
six ships and their tows, arriving 35 days the 2018 reunion, with at least 30 attend-
later.” ing, was held in Nevada. Marks also en-
The USS Abnaki was taken out of com- joyed another special trip.
Proud Supporter of Those mission in 1978 and transferred to the
Mexican Navy. Marks was honorably dis-
charged in November 1947.
“I was invited to go on the Stars and
Stripes Honor Flight Operation Resolve in
November 2011, flying out of Milwaukee.
Who Serve Our Country! After returning home to the States,
Marks passed the GED test, earning his
My son Tom was my guardian on that
flight. When we got back to Milwaukee air-
“An Attitude of Excellence” high school diploma. He than took a course port that evening, we were greeted by thou-
in architecture, finding out later there were sands of people. It was a trip I will never
633 N. Railroad Street no jobs available. During this same period forget.”
Eagle River – (715) 479-4491
or at
121 Sutliff Avenue
Rhinelander
715-365-4800
Serving Vilas, Oneida, Florence, Forest, Lincoln, Federally
Langlade & Price Counties www.ripco.org Insured
by NCUAYou can also read
