Veterans Honor Flight of ND/MN

Derek Hanson had a chance to catch up with one of his former teachers Mick Bauman, for DGF Superintendent Bernie Lipp and his seatmate on the "Black Bus" Duane. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dennis Schumacher // US Navy // US Navy Reserve // ACTIVE DUTY RANK // E-7

Dennis was raised in Zeeland, North Dakota and now resides in Fargo. He joined the Navy, where he served from June 1968 through May 1970. After graduating basic training in Gulfport, Mississippi, he was assigned to the NMCB-58 in Davisville, Rhode Island. Dennis was a heavy duty construction mechanic, repairing all types of cranes and earth-moving equipment.

After the my active duty service, he became a civilian sailor, and went to work as a diesel tech for Cummins Diesel Sales and Service in Fargo while also partaking in the Navy Reserve for another 20 years.

Dennis is now retired from both the military and my civilian work.

He is a member of the West Fargo VFW, Harwood American Legion, Fargo DAV, and the VVA.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lee Otos // US Army // SGT

Lee enlisted in the Army and began his service in August 1968, staying in until August 1971. After his basic training at Fort Lewis, Washington, he worked in communications while stationed in Germany. Earning his Sergeant rank was a huge accomplishment for him. After the Army, he moved back to North Dakota and worked in trucking for 35 years before ultimately retiring. 

Lee is a member of the West Fargo VFW and the Fargo American Legion.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

James “Jim” Kloehn // US Army // E-4

Jim was drafted and off to the Army in 1971, serving through 1973. After completing basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, he became part of Co. A, 1-66 Armored (General Patton’s Original Battalion!) at Fort Hood, Texas. He worked as the BC’s driver and was very proud to have also helped some of the guys out in emergencies that the company commanders couldn’t.

After his discharge, he spent 43 years working at the BAE research and development defense contractor in the Twin Cities. After retiring, he has been working on the family farm with his 
twin brother, John.

He is a member of the American Legion in Alexandria.

________________

John Kloehn // US Army // E-4

John was drafted by the Army and served from August 1967 through December 1968. He completed basic training at Fort Campbell, Kentucky and then was assigned to the 25th Infantry Div., 4/9. He was an infantryman and saw most of his time in Germany (three months) and Vietnam (seven months). In May 1968, his unit was on a reconnaissance mission near the Cambodian border when they were ambushed. John was the only one to survive and sustained multiple injuries. He was given a Purple
Heart from Gen. James Woolnough.

After my time in the Army, he moved back to Minnesota and worked on his family’s farm. He has yet to retire and loves working outside.

John is a a 55+ year member of American Legion Post 87 and VVA Chapter 235 in Alexandria.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

LuDean C. Bruer // US Army // CPL

LuDean joined the Army in February 1952 and served through February 1954. After graduating from basic training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, he worked as a driver for the for the colonel, big truck and Jeep maintainer, driver’s training instructor, and regimental dispatcher with HHC 28th Inf. Div. 112th Reg. He saw time at Fort Heilbronn, Germany. Colonel Robertson was a father-figure to
LuDean and is proud he was able to drive him around so much.

After his discharge, he moved back to Minnesota and went directly into farming.

LeDean is a member of the Morris VFW, served in many capacities at his church, was on the township board for 20 years and also served on the cemetery and Alberta Area Development Board. He is also a member of the Rural Ag Development Group.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Georgia joined the Army as part of the student nurse program and began serving in 1965. She graduated the program at Fort Sam Houston, Texas in 1967 and then was part of the Army Nurse Corps. She saw time at Fort Riley, Kansas; Quinhon, Vietnam; Fort Ord, California; and Missouri. Georgia was a Registered Nurse and worked in orthopedics, emergency, and intensive care. Before her military time was through, she became a supervisor. She really enjoyed when they could treat the local children.

Georgia hung up her boots for good in 1975. 

After the Army, she continued working as an RN for 50 years between MO, AK, MN, and WA. She was the Head ICE Nurse, Nurse Educator, Flight Nurse, and worked in public health. 

She volunteered for the Sitka Fire Department in AK and Medical Reserve Corps in WA. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oliver “Ollie” Huseby, Jr. // US Army // E-5

He calls the Fargo area home after having grown up in Pelican Rapids, Minnesota. Oliver began his Army career in June 1967. After completing basic training at Fort Polk, Louisiana, he was assigned to the 76th Eng. in Korea. He worked as a heavy equipment mechanic. His fondest memory of serving was seeing the USS Pueblo crew being released after their near-year of captivity.

Upon his discharge, he moved back to the Upper Midwest and continued in a similar line of work – automotive machinist. He now enjoys his retirement.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Robert “Bob” Bergman // US Army // SP4

Bob began his Army service in November 1968 after being drafted. He completed basic training at Fort Lewis, Washington. He was then promptly sent to Vietnam where he linked up with the 1st Cavalry as an artillery gunner. Bob made a lot of great relationships with his fellow comrades and is so thankful for all of them. His time in the military ended in February 1970. After the Army, he moved back to the Upper Midwest and went into farming. 

Bob is a life member of both the American Legion and VFW.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tank McNamara had a chance to visit with Jerry on their first stop at the The National Museum of the United States Army. 

Gerald W. “Jerry” Anderson
US Army
E-5

I was born and raised in New York Mills, Minnesota and still call the area home today. I was drafted by the Army and served for two years (1970 through 1972). After graduating from basic training at Fort Lewis, Washington, I was assigned to Bravo Btry, 3rd of the 82nd, 396th Infantry Brigade. I was an artillery section chief and saw most of my Army time stationed in Da Nang, Vietnam. Earning a Bronze Star and the Non-Commissioned Officer of the Week were real highlights for me.

After my active duty service, I returned to the Upper Midwest and worked as a mechanic, later in insurance sales, and finally in manufacturing. I’ve been retired for several years, now.

I am extremely proud of my four wonderful children and 14 incredible grandchildren.

I am a member of VFW Post 3289.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tank McNamara visited with Curt and his son Kyle who is currently serving at the National Museum of the United States Army.  

Curtis F. “Curt” Knutson
US Army / North Dakota National Guard
E-5 / E-8

I grew up in Alby, Minnesota, and am proud to now call the Fargo, North Dakota area home. I joined the Army and served from 1969 through 1971. I was stationed with B-5 46th Engineers, but also spent a year in service in Vietnam. After my time in the Army, I continued to serve with the Happy Hooligans based in Fargo, North Dakota. I retired as an E-8 after a full career.

During my days as a civilian soldier, I also farmed for many years. I’m now also retired from civilian work.

My terrific wife, Tammy, and I were married in 1978. We proudly raised three wonderful boys who have given us 12 incredible grandchildren. In December 2020, I lost my dear Tammy to COVID-19 and miss her terribly.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.