Veteran’s Corner

Jason Hicks | Commander United Patriotic bodies
Fargo Memorial Honor Guard

Greetings to all. Its been a very busy and eventful couple weeks since I last wrote.
We were finally able to speak directly to representatives of the National Cemetery administration regarding the building project. The conversation was great and informative. We even were introduced to Jon Lauder- VA Senior Advisor to OCLA , he is also the ultimate deciding authority regarding our donation. It was very obvious that he is fully on board with our project/ concept. I must say after all the pushbacks, it is refreshing and invigorating to hear such positive words. Besides the nuts and bolts of the project, we were able to see the “Master Plan” for the future of the Fargo National Cemetery. We will have something to be very proud of for generations to come. Another bit of key info, the Fargo National Cemetery will no longer be considered a “rural initiative” cemetery, but, a normal National Cemetery per se. Which means more funding and improvements. On kinda a funny and bureaucratic note one item was there are 7 parking spots for honor guard members. I informed the group that there are ten of us who show for every service. Where did the number seven come from, NCA regulation blah blah blah. When I asked is it possible to amend? The response was its an NCA regulation. So okay, just one of the many quirky little items on this list. We will do our best.
This Past Saturday I returned to my roots and attended the Buffalo days parade in Sunny Buffalo ND. What made it special for me is that My uncle, Cousin and I are Veterans and helped lead the parade in my cousins genuine Deuce and a half Army truck, many a mile had been spent in that loud and uncomfortable form of Army transportation. It was great though. They had a great turn out from their American Legion post.
As I’ve said numerous times summer is incredibly busy for us at the National Cemetery, this week we are there every day of the week, sometimes for multiple burials. As word travels about this benefit for Veterans more and more people are taking advantage of it. The most stand out thing about it is its “Free” because that price has already been paid by the Veteran whom we put to rest. A check written years ago to Uncle Sam can be cashed by eligible Veterans.