veteran’s corner
Tom Krabbenhoft
Greetings to one and all. I’ve spoken with many of my fellow veterans after the passing of Veterans Day. The common denominator for vets from the recent Veterans Day and throughout the year is people stating “Thanks for your service.” It’s very humbling to hear those words. With Thanksgiving here, turning the tables and thanking those that help us seems fitting.
Senator John Hoeven, he stepped in and up to end building the “outhouse” at the National Cemetery. A functioning bathroom will be built instead. He also loved the Fargo Memorial Honor Guards plan for a shelter. Senator Cramer, Congresswoman Fischbach and especially their staffers many of us know on a first name basis, have earned thanks. This is not a D or R thing either. I’ve reached out to both MN Senators about veterans issues to no avail. We would love to have them involved with our plans. If anyone can please reach out.
All the local media. Scott, Steve, Jay, Janae, Ronnie, Kyle, Tom and Big Game at the Flag 1100 and 970am. Jim, Brandon and more at KVRR. Jim Shaw has been a tireless advocate and offers sage advice. Dave,Robbie and Moose at 107.9, Darren and Dawn at the Good Life. You’ve all been the veterans shield and voice.
Businesses with their generosity financially but with resources have provided the fuel and motor that keeps us moving forward. ICON Architectural group, Veterans Testing and Inspection LLC. These companies generously offered pro bono work for the shelter at the National Cemetery.
J&S Saloon in Felton, The Georgetown Bar and The Mainline in Downer has for several years supported veterans causes. J&S and the Mainline hold annual events for veterans. Dee and her staff at Specks, Smoke My Butt BBQ.
Veritas Cranes has been one that has really stepped up recently. They have a school for CDL and Crane training. They’ve had a couple vets use their GI Bill to attend. I accidentally bumped into one of the owners JR, he asked want they could do. He built a grilling rig out of a crane. They’ve set it up a few times for veterans fundraising.
A couple of groups have went above and beyond helping the FMHG. The FM Legion Riders and Crusaders have raised 15k. The ND Legion Riders out of Larimore 5k. CVMA 42-2 has pledged a donation as well (writing about these guys soon).
So many other groups and individuals have stepped up with donations of cash or items. Personal stories of how the services the honor guard provided comforted families flood my memories.
Many want to stay under the radar. A couple won a motorcycle in a raffle, they donated the prize back. Stipulating the money goes to building the shelter. Myron V. building a rocking horse and raising over 10k. I doubted he could, you got me Hulkster.
I forgot someone I’m sure and I’m sorry.
Lastly thanks to this column and 702 Communications for sponsoring it. I’m thankful for the free hand to exercise my 1A.
People talk about veterans sacrifices. I’ve seen SO many people sacrifice something for the veterans in this community. It’s only right that the veterans remember them this Thanksgiving.
From us veterans, Happy Thanksgiving to you all.