Joel Heitkamp is on the Veterans Honor Flight in Washington, D.C., and sits down with Don Heit to talk about his service and the trip. 

Don is from Grand Forks, ND and joined the Army in 1968 and served through 1970. He completed basic training in Fort Lewis, WA and was part of the 4th Inf. Div. while working his way to platoon sergeant. He spent a year in Vietnam and earned both a Purple Heart and Bronze Star with V Device. 

After getting out of the army, he worked for 38 years as an electrical lineman. He is a member of the Military Order of the Purple Heart in Loughin, Nevada. 

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Ryan Janke from KFGO News gets the opportunity to talk with Steve Hammond while on the Veterans Honor Flight in Washington, D.C. 

He joined the Navy and began his service in 1968. After basic training, he was assigned to VAW-111 at North Island, California where he worked as an aviation electronics technician on E1-B aircraft. His time in the Navy concluded in 1973. 

After the military, he was a law enforcement officer for many years. 

He is a member of American Legion Post 30 in Fergus Falls and AMVETS.

Learn more about the Honor Flight and make a donation on their website. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

During a little down time on the shuttle bus, KFGO's Robbie Daniels had a chance to catch up with Bobby:

Robert A. “Bobby” Johnson
US Marine Corps
CPL

I was born and raised in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota – the only place I’d ever like to live! I joined the Marines and served from 1959 through 1962. When I was finished with basic training at Camp Pendelton, California, I was assigned as a field radio operator for the artillery, and manned at 105 Howitzer, with the 3rd Marine Div. 2nd Marine Div. in both Okinawa, Japan and Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Graduating boot camp was one of the proudest moments of my life!

After my discharge from the Corps, I worked hard and eventually worked my way up to being the district manager for a bread company. I now enjoy the slower pace of retired life.  

My darling wife, Dianne, and I wed in 1963. We raised two children who would later give us five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Over the years I have loved playing golf and going bowling. 

I am a member of American Legion Post 15 in Detroit Lakes.

Learn more about the Honor Flight and make a donation on their website. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

KFGO's Robbie Daniels & Her Husband, who was a volunteer, shared some great conversations with Leon. If you're wondering why he sounds so horse, Leon spent hours chatting with is fellow Veterans! Here's Robbie's conversation with Leon:

Leon D. Schultz
US Army
PFC

Leaf Valley, Minnesota is were I was raised and now I live just a stone’s throw down the road in Garfield. I volunteered for service to the Federal Reserve … and then it was off to the Army I went, serving from December 1957 through January 1959. I completed basic training at Fort Carson, Colorado and then was attached to the 281 Sub. Sup. Co. 7th Army. I worked in the warehouse in Heidelberg, Germany, receiving and distributing rations for our troops. I was the first person in my family to serve in the military. I’m forever proud of that.

For the 40 years that followed my time in the Army, we were dairy farmers. We’ve now left the milking to others since we’re retired.

My precious wife, Caroline, married me in 1964. We raised two incredible daughters and are now grandparents to six. In my spare time I enjoy fishing and hunting.

I have sat on numerous boards and committees, both in my church and throughout Douglas County.

Learn more about the Honor Flight and make a donation on their website. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jerry and Sherry met, fell in love and got married while serving for the U.S. Army at Presidio Army Base in California. They were never able to have a First Dance. But thanks to a quick-thinking volunteer for the Honor Flight, they finally got their dance. Here's what they shared with KFGO's Robbie Daniels about that 1st Dance: 

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Ryan Janke from KFGO News sits down with Rob Power while on the Veterans Honor Flight in Washington, D.C.

Rob is originally from Hunter, ND, and now calls West Fargo home. He joined the Marines in February 1974 and stayed until February 1976. After his basic training in San Diego, CA, he spent time in the 3rd Marines, 9th Division in the 10B platoon. He was located in Okinawa, Japan. 

After the Corps, he attended college at NDSU, graduated, and worked for Nodak Insurance. He was an agent there for 37 years before retiring in 2019. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dave shares his experience with KFGO's Robbie Daniels: 

David A. “Dave” Essler
US Army
E-4

Brooten, Minnesota is where I grew up. I now live in Alexandria. I volunteered for the Army and served from January 1967 through January 1969. I spent my basic training time at Fort Lewis, Washington and then was connected to the 2nd Armored Div. where I was part of the infantry. Our unit saw time at Fort Hood, Texas; Munich, Germany; and Fort Riley, Kansas. Earning a perfect score on my physical fitness test three times was something very fun for me to achieve.

When I was through with the military, I worked in construction and installing floor coverings for many years. I now enjoy the slower pace of the retired life to the fullest.

I am a proud father of three wonderful sons, one of which is also in the military. My seven grandchildren mean so much to me, too. In my spare time I enjoy playing sports and traveling.

I am a member of the American Legion in Alexandria.

Learn more about the Honor Flight and make a donation on their website. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

KFGO's Robbie Daniels spoke with Wayne about his time spent in Italy:

Wayne H. Sheilds
US Air Force
MSGT

I come from Grand Forks, North Dakota and call the Moorhead, Minnesota area home today. I served in the Air Force from 1972 through 1992. After graduating basic training at Lackland AFB, Texas, I in USAF Missile Maintenance as a supervisor/technician and ground launch Cruise Missile supervisor at Grand Forks AFB, North Dakota; Vandenburg AFB, California; and Comiso AS, Italy. Being assigned to the 3901st Strategic Missile Evaluation Squadron Headquarters SAC was a favorite time for me. 

After my time with the Air Force was through, I worked in the automotive industry for many years. I am now retired.

My darling wife, Donna, and I were married in 1975. Our two children have blessed us with seven grandchildren to spoil. I love fishing, camping, and working around the yard.

Learn more about the Honor Flight and make a donation on their website. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

KFGO's Robbie Daniels, chats with Dennis. Dennis wants to Thank YOU! Listen why now:

Dennis L. Cassatt
US Air Force // SD National Guard
E4 // E5

I come from Rogers, North Dakota and now call Lisbon home. I enlisted in the Air Force and served on active duty from February 1955 through June 1959. I spent basic training at San Antonio, Texas and would later link up with the 91st Air Wing where I worked in fire control and radar maintenance for the B-47 aircraft. I saw time in Colorado and overseas in Morocco. I loved all the activities in the Air Force and really enjoyed the work.

After active duty, I went to college at Spearfish Teacher’s College, then earned my master’s degree from Northern Arizona University. I went on to earn my juris doctorate from the American Law College. For 31 years after, I taught law courses at the high school level before retiring. During that time, I was also a part of the Guard.

My lovely wife, Lucy, and I raised four fantastic children. We’ve also been named grandparents seven times, great-grandparents nine times, and great-great-grandparents three times. I am a widower now and sure do miss my girl so much. In my free time I have very much enjoyed traveling, hosting discussion groups, and reading.

Learn more about the Honor Flight and make a donation on their website. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

KFGO's Robbie Daniels chats with Boyd, who has a great story about dancing: 

Boyd L. “Ope” Oppegaard
US Navy
E-4

Erskine, Minnesota is where I was born, raised, and continue to live. I was originally drafted but chose to enlist in the Navy. I served for three years from July 1971 through July 1974. After completing basic training in San Diego, California, I was stationed aboard the USS Haleakala (AE25), porting out of Concord, California. I worked on the low- and high-pressure air compressors, hydraulic powered units, forklifts, and after steering watches while out to sea. I was very proud to have served my country and especially enjoyed sailing to other countries. 

After the Navy, I returned to Minnesota and spent most of my working years with BNSF Railroad. I also continued to farm in my civilian years. I am now happily retired.

My incredible wife, Julie, and I married in 1986. We have raised three children and are now grandparents to three more. I enjoy hunting, trapping, fishing, traveling, and putting on fish fry events at our local American Legion.

I am a member of that same fish fry holding American Legion club, out of Gonvick.

Learn more about the Honor Flight and make a donation on their website. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.