Pilot Mildred “Micky“ Axton Micky Axtons first airplane ride was in a WWI-era Curtiss Jenny biplane when she was ten years old in 1929. Micky graduated from Coffeyville Kansas Senior High School in 1936 and continued her education at Coffeyville Community College, where she took many classes in science, math and physics. After she graduated from Kansas State University, Micky was selected into the Civilian Pilot Training Program (CPT) at Coffeyville Community College. She was the only woman accepted into her CPT class. She earned her pilots license through the CPT program in 1940. Micky received a letter from Jacqueline Cochran, inviting her to join the Womens Air Force Service Pilots (WASPs). In 1943, Micky begin flight training with the WASPs at Sweetwater, Texas. She graduated from flight training in November 1943 and was assigned to Pecos, Texas as an engineering test pilot. Micky was responsible for conducting flight tests on damaged aircraft that had been repaired to ensure they were fight worthy. In March 1944, Micky left the WASPs and returned to Wichita, Kansas to work as a Flight Test Engineer for Boeing Aircraft. On May 4, 1944 Micky became the first female pilot to fly a B-29. When the war ended, Micky returned to teaching. During the war 38 WASPs died in service to their country. The Commemorative Air Force Jayhawk Wing in Wichita, Kansas, restored a PT-19 primary trainer and named it “Miss Micky“ to honor her service. She is the only WASP to have a restored W.W.II aircraft named after her. Micky moved to Eden Prairie, Minnesota in 1996 after her husband died. She is a longtime member of the Commemorative Air Force, Minnesota Wing and remains active sharing her memories as a pioneer in aviation. Boeing Frontiers - Micky Axton Video - Veterans of Eden Prairie 2008

Captain Arvin R. Chauncey Arvin Chauncey was born in 1935 in Shreveport, Louisiana. He enlisted in the Naval Aviation Cadet Training program on October 1, 1955, and he was commissioned and awarded his Naval Aviator Wings in March 1957. He flew the AD-5 Skyraider on several carrier cruises before transitioning to fly the A-4E Skyhawk. Capt Chauncey began flying combat missions in the A-4 in February 1967. On his 57th combat mission over North Vietnam, he was shot down by anti-aircraft fire, was captured, and spent the next 2,104 days as a Prisoner of War of the North Vietnamese. He was repatriated during Operation Homecoming on March 4, 1973, and then went back on flying status and resumed his Naval career. He attended San Diego State University for one year earning a Master of Arts Degree in American History. During the remainder of Capt Chauncey's 31 years on active duty, he was selected for Commanding Officer assignments three times. He commanded Attack Squadron 127 at NAS Lemoore, California; he was Wing Commander, Training Air Wing Three in Beeville, Texas; and his final assignment was as Commanding Officer at the Navy ROTC unit at the University of Minnesota. He retired on June 30, 1986, and then worked for Northwest Airlines as Manager, Aircrew Training on the Boeing 747-400 until he retired in 1997. Arvin Chauncey is married and has four sons. His 1st (of 2) Silver Star Citation reads: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity during an extremely daring escape from a prisoner-of-war stockade on 31 May 1967. Upon being shot down and captured near Kep, North Vietnam, he was taken to a series of Chinese manned gun sites and threatened. In the evening, he was turned over to Vietnamese militia with his arms bound and continually suffered severe treatment throughout the night. Awaiting the most propitious moment, he escaped into a heavy rainstorm and continued to run in the brush evading and outdistancing his captors. After the rainstorm diminished, his captors formed a hand-to-hand search line and discovered him several hours later, at about daybreak. His distinctive act of heroism in risking his life in this daring escape is an inspiration to future American fighting men. Through his exceptional courage, determination, and inspired fighting spirit, he reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Naval Service and the United States Armed Forces. Veteran Tributes - Arvin Chauncey

Captain Duane A. Cox Captain Duane Cox retired from the U.S. Navy in 1985 as the Deputy and Acting Manager of the Anti-Submarine Warfare Systems Project Office, Washington D.C. He joined the Navy in September 1956 as a naval aviation cadet and entered flight training in Pensacola, Florida, receiving his wings and commission in 1958. Over his 29 year Navy career he qualified in 16 different types of Navy aircraft: jets, turbo props and propeller driven. He specialized in photo reconnaissance, intelligence and anti-submarine warfare. His Atlantic military duties included many photo/aerial reconnaissance detachments to Europe and in the Caribbean with aerial photography of Castro after the defeat of Batista, March from Southern Cuba to Havana burning cane fields as he came. Aerial photography later was the Bay of Pigs before and after. He also flew photo recon flights, which indicated a Cuban missile build up, that later resulted in the Cuban Missile Crisis. Duane also photographed John Glenns maiden flight at 39,000 feet and also participated in many flights in support of NASA. He was involved in photographing the last in the series of the atomic bomb tests in the Pacific. In the Pacific and Far East his duties included numerous flights in support of the Cold War and Vietnam. He was the commanding officer of Patrol Squadron Forty Six (VP46) at Moffett Field, California. His major command was as Commodore Oceanographic Systems Pacific, headquartered at Pearl Harbor. His military honors include the Legion of Merit, with a gold start signifying a second award, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medals and numerous combat related and non-conflict (Cold War) medals and ribbons.

Staff Sergeant David F. Day David Day was raised in the western Minnesota town of Morris until he moved to St. Louis Park and became a police officer. Day, also a member of the Minnesota National Guard deployed to the war zone of Iraq just 12 days after marrying his longtime girlfriend, Amy Gulbrandson. Staff Sgt. Day was a member of Charlie Company in Morris. A unit of the 151st Field Artillery, 34th Infantry Division, based out of Montevideo serving in Baghdad Iraq when he was tragically killed on February 21, 2005, during a convoy mission. Staff Sgt. Day was in one of the lead Humvee's with his driver and gunner when one of the vehicles behind them somehow lost control and rolled. The small convoy stopped and did what it was trained to do, provide security around the scene and begin assisting the injured. Staff Sgt. David Day, the squad leader of most of those on the scene, did exactly what he was trained to do, take care of his men. Staff Sgt. Day had his Humvee set sideways in the road, so his driver and gunner could set a perimeter, and then he ran back to the accident and gave assistance to the injured soldiers. After a medevac was called in, the first injured soldier was assisted to a helicopter. The second soldier was being carried on a stretcher by 1st Lt.Timmerman; Staff Sgt. Day, Sgt. Lhotka, a medivac soldier from the helicopter, and two soldiers from another unit who had also stopped to provide security. As they were crossing a guard rail with the soldier an explosion occurred underneath them. Day, Timmerman and Lhotka were all killed and the two of the soldiers from the other unit were severely injured. The soldier they were carrying on the stretcher received severe injuries, however, he survived. For their actions, Staff Sgt. David F. Day, Lt. Jason Timmerman, and Sgt. Jesse Lhotka received the Bronze Star and Purple Heart. 110 police squad cars filled the town of Morris as David Day was laid to rest. David Day Funeral - AP News Military Times Story David Day - John 15:13

Lieutenant Michael M. DeMann Michael DeMann was raised in North Minneapolis and had two brothers who served in WWII. Shortly after graduation form Minneapolis North High School, Michael was called to active duty with the Minnesota National Guard for the Korean War. He was the honor graduate of the Chief Medical Aidman School at the Brooke Army Medical Center, Fort Sam Houston, Texas, in 1951. Michael served as detachment sergeant with a medical detachment attached to an engineer combat battalion at Fort Rucker, Alabama. He also received training at Fort Benning, Georgia. After two years of active duty service, Michael entered reserve status with the Minnesota National Guard until 1957, as a second lieutenant, later being promoted to first lieutenant. Michael later earned B.A., M.A. and PhD degrees in Psychology from the University of Minnesota. Post doctoral training brought him to the Veterans Administration Hospital in Minneapolis. In 1965, he established a private practice in Minneapolis until his retirement in 1996. Michael also served on the executive council of the Minnesota Psychological Association. He resides in Eden Prairie with his wife Carol.

Specialist (5th) Richard M. Foley Richard Foley was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1967 as part of the Vietnam War. After attending boot camp at Fort Campbell, KY he went on to advanced field artillery training at Fort Sill, OK. Later that year Foley found himself on the ground in the jungles of Vietnam in December 1967 for the next twelve months. Initially, he was assigned to the 25th Infantry near Cu Chi, Vietnam operating in the fire direction center, field artillery. The second half of his tour entailed the same task, but he was re-assigned to the 1st Field Force, 9th Infantry as part of a changing mission. His new assignment brought him to a location near the Mekong Delta outside Can Tho, Vietnam supporting ARVN troops with fire missions. For his service in Vietnam, Foley was awarded the Bronze Star, Vietnam Cross of Galantry (oak leaf cluster), Vietnam Service & Campaign Medals as well as the M16 Sharpshooter Medal.

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Corporal Robert R. Grant Robert R. Grant joined the Marine Corps in 1966 and completed boot camp in San Diego. After additional training at Camp Pendleton & Camp Lejune, he found himself on the ground in Vietnam by November 1967, until December 1968. His Military Occupation Specialty (MOS) was Structural Mechanic (#6341), working on the A-4 Skyhawk fighter jet. Being assigned to the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing #VMA121, Corporal Grant learned to remove and replace a jet engine in one day, a task that took most mechanics a month to complete. When the Marines were short staffed on helicopter door gunners, BG (Bob Grant) as he is known by those close, volunteered to fill this role since he knew this would save fellow Marines. Cpl. Grant has publicly told the story of being involved in heavy combat during the Tet Offensive at the peak of the Vietnam War. His personal & campaign awards include the Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Expert Pistol Medal, Expert Rifle Medal, and a Unit Citation. Grant also serves as the Vice-Chair for the Eden Prairie Veterans Memorial Committee and retired from the fire department in Eden Prairie after twenty years of service. Video - U.S. Marine Bob Grant on Vietnam 2007

Captain Michael J. Helms Captain Michael J. Helms attended the University of Minnesota where he enrolled in the ROTC program. After graduation he joined the Army in 1966. He was stationed at Fort Eustis in Newport News, Virginia until April of 1967 when he went to Vietnam as a Captain in the Transportation Corps in Cam Ranh Bay. He returned home in May of 1968 and was stationed at Fort Story in Virginia Beach, Virginia until his Honorable Discharge in February of 1969. He was awarded the Bronze Star for his service in Vietnam and currently resides in Brooklyn Park, MN.

Specialist (5th) David S. Hendricks Shortly after graduating from college, Minneapolis resident David Hendricks was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1969, during the Vietnam War. After graduation from Basic Combat Training at Fort Campbell, KY, he was sent to Fort Hood, TX. While at Fort Hood, he served as a Finance Specialist and Cashier with the 175th Finance Section, 13th Support Brigade. He also attended Fort Hoods Chemical, Biological, and Radiological School. In June of 1970, Hendricks was ordered to report to Camp Howze, South Korea, near the DMZ, where he joined the Finance Unit of the 2nd Infantry Division. He served in that unit as an Accounting Specialist until his Honorable Discharge from military service in late 1970. Hendricks and his wife live in Eden Prairie, MN.

Private Clarence H. Holt Private Clarence H. Holt of South St. Paul was drafted into the United States Army in early 1944. While in training, Holt joined the Rangers and saw extensive action during D Day and the invasion of France. He was wounded twice and convalesced in England before being sent back to the front lines in Belgium and France in late 1944. Holt was killed in action on December 18, 1944 during the Battle of the Bulge. He served with the 8th Infantry Division and the 28th Infantry. He was 31 at the time of his death and left behind his wife Agnes. Holt was awarded two Purple Heart Medals for injuries sustained during combat.

Staff Sergeant Edwin G. Holt Sr Staff Sgt. Edwin G. Holt Sr. of South St. Paul, enlisted in the United States Army immediately following the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in December, 1941. After training in California, Holt was sent to the Pacific Theater where he saw extended action in New Guinea and participated in the invasion of the Philippines. Despite contracting malaria, Holt continued to fight in the Philippines until the war ended. One of his greatest memories was returning from the Philippines by troop ship and passing under the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. Holt received the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal and the World War II Victory Medal.

Master Sergeant Edwin G. Holt Jr Master Sergeant Edwin G. Holt Jr. first enlisted in the United States Army in January, 1967. He served three years on active duty and was stationed in Germany for two of those years with the 3rd Infantry Division. In 1989, Holt returned to military service through the Minnesota Army National Guard and retired from the service in September of 2008. While in the Army Guard, Holt saw overseas duty in Panama, Germany, Norway and an extended deployment with the 34th Infantry Division's Stabilization Force 14 in Bosnia and Herzegovina as a part of a composite force of NATO peacekeepers. Among the awards Holt has received are: The Army Expedition Medal, NATO Non-Article 5 Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Overseas Service Medal, Global War On Terror Medal and several Army Commedation, Achievement Medals and the Meritorious Service Medal. Ed Holt Story Ed Holt Story - Page 2

Sergeant Jeffrey T. Holt Air Force Sgt. Jeffrey T. Holt enlisted in the United States Air Force in March of 1976 immediately after graduating St. Paul Central High School. He served at Fairchild Air Force Base from 1976 to 1979. He was then sent to Okinawa where he met his wife whom he married shortly after his honorable discharge in 1980. He and his family live in Huntsville, Alabama.

Kenneth A. Hookom Kenneth Hookom entered the Airforce Reserve in 1944 at the age of 17. He went through basic training at Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, Mississippi. He served at Okinawa during WWII. Ken was honorably discharged from the service in March of 1947.

Chief Warrant Officer Richard A. Knutson Richard A. Knutson was raised in Hallock, Minnesota, and graduated from Hallock High School in 1967. After two years of college at Moorehead State and the University of Minnesota at Crookston, he enlisted in the United States Army. He was trained as a helicopter pilot at Fort Rucker, Alabama, and graduated as a Warrant Officer. On December 3, 1973, he was deployed to Vietnam. On January 8, 1973, Richard was the pilot of a UH-IH helicopter in support of the American Senior Advisor to the Vietnam Airborne Division in Quang Tri Province. Ground troops working in the vicinity of Quang Tri reported seeing his helicopter downed by enemy ground fire. They reported that the aircraft did not burn. WO Knutson was a member of the 62nd Aviation Company (Corps). Richard and crew were reported missing in action. Although he was declared killed in action in 1979, his remains were not recovered until 1995. General John Vessey, former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, had ordered the investigation of WO Knutsons crash site. CWO3 Richard Knutson was finally laid to rest in his home town of Hallock, Minnesota, in December 1995. His sister Carol DeMann, her husband, Michael DeMann, and nephew, James DeMann, reside in Eden Prairie CW03 Knutsons medals and awards include Helicopter Pilots Wings, the Purple Heart, National Defense Medal, US Vietnam Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, RVN Gallantry Cross Unit Citation, and Expert Rifleman.

Petty Officer (AMS3) Richard A. Kubal Richard (Rick) Kubal enlisted in the U.S. Navy via the Delayed Entry Program and the Buddy Program with his best friend Chuck Luttrell while they were seniors at J.F. Kennedy High School in Bloomington, Minnesota. On August 25, 1978 they entered the U. S. Navy and received their Recruit Training in Orlando, Florida, both graduating with advancements. After graduating with top honors from Aircraft Structural Mechanic School, Rick received rigorous training in Pensacola and San Diego on his way to pursue his dream to become a search and rescue swimmer. In May of 1979 he arrived at NAS Whidbey Island, Washington as a rescue swimmer in Search and Rescue. Again, he joined his best friend Chuck Luttrell. They shared a room in Barracks 8 and life was good. As a search and rescue swimmer, Rick performed many heroic rescues. On September 11, 1980 while attempting a rescue in the North Cascade Mountains, the weather turned bad and the U.S. Navy helicopter Firewood One crashed into the rugged mountainside. Rick and four others were killed. Rick was 20 years old when he gave his life so others may live. Twenty five years after the helicopter crash that took Ricks life, his best friend Chuck Luttrell, then a Navy Commander, spearheaded the process to get the name of Barracks 8 at NAS Whidbey Island, Washington, where they both had lived, named after Rick. After a long process that included approval from the Chief of Naval Operations, Barracks 8 was officially dedicated AMS3 Richard A. Kubal Hall on August 8, 2006. Richard is survived by his parents: Harold and Patsy Kubal; sister: Mary Lee Harrell; nephews: Erik Osborne and Craig Osborne; best friend: U.S. Navy Captain Chuck Luttrell.

Chief Warrant Officer Robert A. Lambert Bob Lambert joined the Army in September of 1966 and went through basic training at Fort Polk, Louisiana. He then attended the Primary Helicopter Training School at Fort Wolters, Texas and then the Advanced Helicopter Training Facility at Fort Rucker, Alabama before being sent to Viet Nam. He served as a helicopter pilot with the 129th Assault Helicopter Company of the Second Battalion of the First Aviation Brigade at Lane Army Airfield near Qui Nhon, Viet Nam from October 1967 to October 1968. The main mission of the 129th was to support the Tiger Division of the South Korean Army whose headquarters was also located at Lane Army Airfield. He logged over 1200 combat flight hours while in Viet Nam. Upon returning to the United States he was assigned to the Primary Helicopter Training School at Fort Wolters, Texas as an instructor pilot until his discharge in February, 1970. After returning home to St. Peter, Minnesota, he attended Mankato State College where he received a B.S. in Recreation and Park Administration while serving as St. Peters first Recreation Director. He then attended University of Oregon where he received his M.S. in Recreation and Park Management, before becoming the Park and Recreation Director in Cottage Grove for four years and the Director in Eden Prairie for 29 years, retiring in 2007.

Ensign Robert E. Ledder Robert Ledder enlisted in the United States Navy in 1944. After a series of extensive tests, Ledder was among a select few to be awarded a complete college education by the United States Navy. This program was designed to develop the future Officer Corps for the United States Navy. As a result, Ledder attended Balwin Wallace College in Berea, Ohio; Notre Dame University in South Bend, Indiana; and Cornell University in Ithaca, New York. He received his Bachelor of Science degree from Cornell in 1948. Ledder was commissioned an Ensign as part of the crew of the USS Duluth. Robert Ledder received his honorable discharge on March 28, 1960.

First Class George Mallo George Mallo was born in Gundershoffen, France in Alsace-Lorraine. George came to Philadelphia on October 1, 1770. George married Elizabeth Weil in St. Michaels Church in Philadelphia December 12, 1775. Records show that George Mallo joined the Revolutionary War in 1777. He was in the Fifth Battalion, Second Company of the City of Philadelphia. His rank was First Class and he served under Captain George Nice. George Mallo died in 1779 while in the service. There are no known photos of George Mallo.

Specialist John E. Mallo 1970 was a busy year for John E. Mallo's. In August, John graduated from the University of Wisconsin: Stout, in September, he was drafted into the U. S. Army, and in December he married Cheryl Larson. Three major life changes all within five months. John received basic training at Fort Campbell, Kentucky and his advanced training at Fort Sill, Oklahoma where he trained in Fire Direction Control for Artillery and Intelligence. After advanced training, John shipped out to Zirndorf, Germany was stationed with the 1st Battalion Headquarters, 22nd Artillery, a 155 mm Howitzer Unit. He started in Fire Direction Control but finished in S3 Operations. While in Germany, John and Cheryl lived on the economy, they did some traveling through out Europe. He was honorably discharged from active duty in April of 1972. Active in local endeanors. In November 2005 John was instrumental in getting the City of Eden Prairie to adopt a policy of lowering the American Flag to half staff for any Minnesotan killed in the service, on the day of the funeral. In early 2006, John asked the City Council to build a Veterans Memorial. The City of Eden Prairie formed a Veterans Memorial Committee which John has since chaired.

Third Class Petty Officer John S. Mallo John Sidney Mallo was born on January 30, 1928 in Richland Center, Wisconsin. At the age of 17 on March 16, 1945 John joined the US Navy to fight in World War II as a GMM3, which was a Third Class Gunners Mate Missles rate. John was sent to the Philippines and spent the war on the USS LCI 528 (Landing Craft Infantry). The ship had 25 Sailors and moved fighting troops between battles in the Philippines. On March, 1947 after spending two year in the Navy, he joined the Naval Reserve. John went home to Reedsburg, Wisconsin where he met his future wife Audrey and they were married November 8, 1947. On November 13, 1950, with a two year old son John E. Mallo, John S. was called back into the active Navy. He went to Korean on the USS Bryce Canyon, a class destroyer tender, one of the largest ships in the Navy at the time. John served on the USS Bryce Canyon until February 27, 1952 when he was honorably discharged.

Manuel Mallo Manuel Mallo was born in York, Pennsylvania in 1823. Manuel married Abi Culver December 7, 1853. On March 28, 1864 he joined the 13th Wisconsin Infantry Regiment, Company G to fight in the Civil War despite having four children. He was paid $300.00 bounty for enlisting and received $13.00 monthly pay. Manuel joined the 13th Wisconsin already deployed south of Nashville guarding railways and rivers near Decatur, Alabama. The battle of Nashville, TN started the end of November, with the North out numbering the South two to one. By mid-December the badly defeated South began retreating, running into Manuel's company at Paint Rock Ridge, near Huntsville, Alabama; on December 31, 1864. Of the 126 men in Company G, 14 were killed and 36 were taken prisoner, including Manuel. Manuel was taken south to Par Camp Prison near Vicksburg, Mississippi. The conditions in prison were abhorrent Manuel got typhoid and developed diarrhea. On April 7, 1865 he was traded in a prisoner swap. On April 16 he was sent up the Mississippi River to the US General Hospital: Jefferson Barracks, St. Louis, MO. On April 24, Manuel was admitted and the next day Manuel died of chronic diarrhea, thirteen months after joining. On June 14, his family received $300.00; $100.00 in back pay and $200.00 of uncollected bounty. With the money Abi bought two lots in Richland Center, Wisconsin but in 1873 lost them for unpaid taxes of eleven dollars. With no money Abi put two of her children into the Madison Soldiers Orphanage and moved to Iowa.

Raymond Mallo Ray was born in Barron County, Wisconsin in 1887. On May 27, 1918 Ray and his brother Sid were drafted into the Army to fight in World War I. Ray operated a machine gun in Verdun, France. Ironically in Alsace-Lorraine, within 75 miles of Gundershoffen, where 200 years earlier, his ancestors had lived. On March 1, 1919 he died of influenza while on the ship coming home at the age of 29.

Corporal James K. Moran James K. Moran enlisted in the U.S. Army in January 1949 and attended boot camp at Camp Chaffee, Arkansas, also where the movies Biloxi Blues and A Soldiers Story were filmed. As a gunner in the field artillery, Moran completed a ten week advanced school at Fort Bliss, Texas before deploying overseas to fight the Korean War. In August 1950, Moran along with a ship full of soldiers and sailors departed Seattle for the two week trip across the pacific ocean onboard the U.S.S. General William M. Black, a troop carrier bound for Korea. While destine for a combat zone, the ship unexpectedly lost both engines and had to be towed with tugs to Japan after waiting three days for the tugs to arrive. Moran was assigned to the 68th Antiaircraft Artillery Battalion (90MM) and fought in the Korean Peninsula for fifteen months making personal sacrifices for an oftentimes forgotten war. He was able to return to his family in time for Christmas in 1951. Jim Moran earned the Republic of Korea War Service Medal. Video - Veterans of Eden Prairie 2008

Specialist Micheal John Parker Micheal J. Parker was inducted into the Army on October 25, 1965 following his graduation from Superior, WI Central High School. He completed basic training at Ft. Leonard Wood, MO with Company A First Battalion Third Brigade. Following a short Christmas visit with family, he completed training at Ft. Sill, OK in small Howitzers and Ft. Carson, CO in ammunition supply. On September 18, 1966 Micheal arrived in Bien Hoa, Vietman (north of Siagon). He served as a perimeter guard in this area as well as at Play Cu and An Khe (1st Platoon B Battery 29th Artillery). He was then transferred to Qui Nhon to serve with the 29th Artillery to prepare and deliver Zeon lights, for use in the field and various light positions. He manned one of the lights in Phan Rang area, west of the base camp, giving support to the 101st Airborne Division. In the spring of 1967, Micheal was transferred to Da Nang to serve with the G Battery of the 29th, attached to the 11th Marines. He manned a Zeon light on the Song Cau Do Bridge until the night of his first R & R (rest & relaxation). The bridge was blown up that night. Michael remained at the bridge wreckage site for a few days and was then assigned to Elephant Valley to give light support to 1st Recon, the 3/9 and 5/9 Marines. He departed Cam Ranh Bay on September 18, 1967 arriving in Ft. Lewis, WA with an honorable discharge that same day. Micheal said, “I am honored to have served with the people in my units and proud of those we gave support to“.

Technical Corporal Louis H. Rofidal On April 11, 1944 at the height of World War II, Louis Rofidal temporarily left his job as a police officer in Brainerd Minnesota and joined the war efforts. Rofidal's Military Occupation Specialty was a Medium Tank Crewman #2736. Upon completion of training he joined overseas forces by being assigned to the 20th Armored Division - 20th Tank Battalion, Company "B" operating in Europe. The 20th Armored Division arrived in France on February 15, 1945. Early on March 31, 1945, the 20th Armored Division, moved through France and Belgium, across the tip of Holland, and on to Aachen, Germany. After the end of the war they returned to Camp Cooke, California and prepared for the planned invasion of Japan. With the sudden end of that part of the war, most of us were home by Christmas 1945. The division was inactivated at Camp Hood, Texas, in April 1946. Louis Rofidal was discharged from the Army and returned to Brainerd, Minnesota to his wife Bernice and son Richard. He also returned to a career as a police officer and eventual police chief in Brainerd. They had a second child, Robert. Louis continued to serve as chief of police until his sudden death from heart failure in 1968.

First Class Petty Officer Kevin L. Rofidal Kevin Rofidal enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve on March 30, 2000 and completed the REBI - Reserve Enlisted Basic Indoctrination School at Cape May, NJ. Having a law enforcement background, Rofidal entered service under a direct petty officer program, beginning as a Third Class Petty Officer (E-4). He has been stationed in Duluth, Minnesota at the Marine Safety Unit since joining. TDY - Temporary Duty assignments have including counter drug and migrant interdiction operations onboard the CGC Nantucket, 110 foot patrol boat, between the southern coast of Florida and Cuba, patrols along the north shore in Minnesota & Wisconsin, as well as the Mississippi and St. Croix Rivers in the Minneapolis area. Training assigments have brought Rofidal to Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, Tennessee and Wisconsin. Rofidal's personal awards include the Coast Guard Meritorous Team Commendation Award (2), Expert Pistol, and Expert Rifle Medals, along with several unit awards.

Corporal William (Bud) C. Schwartz On July 2, 1943, three days after high school graduation in Detroit, Schwartz was drafted into the U.S. Army. He received training at Fort Riley, Kansas; boot camp and then Calvary horse riding training. His official Military Occupation Specialty was Construction Foreman #059. However, he recalled most duties involved infantry and reconnaissance. After being assigned to the 36th Combat Engineers / Company B 2826th Engineer Battalion, Schwartz was sent to fight in the European front. The 36th had already completed four major invasions of the war. Schwartz joined the group as a replacement prior to the fifth and final amphibious assault with the invasion of southern France in 1944, code named Operation Dragoon. By the time Bud Schwartz joined the 36th, it had been completely replenished three times with replacements. Their invasion time was H Hour -6 (minutes). They landed on August 15th in a Landing Craft Infantry. The Dragoon force met up with southern thrusts from Operation Overlord (Normandy Invasion) in mid-September, near Dijon, France. The 36th supported Allied units through three additional campaigns up until the end of the war; the Rhineland Campaign, the Ardennes-Alsace Campaign, and the Central European Campaign. Upon returning to the New York harbor they were greeted only by Red Cross worker. After being handed a doughnut and a half a pint of milk they were hustled down the pier to waiting Army trucks. After the war, Schwartz returned to the U.S. and eventually settled in Eden Prairie where he raised his children. He has been a lifetime member of the VFW in Hopkins, Minnesota and he was part of the original committee that created and built the Eden Prairie Veterans Memorial where he raised the American flag for the first time for a huge crowd during the historic First Flag Raising on Veterans Day in 2007. Veteran Tributes - Bud Schwartz Minnesota Historical Society - Greatest Generations Story on Bud Schwartz Veterans Day 2008 - 36th Engineer Brigade Website / Tribute to Bud Schwartz Veterans Day 2008 - 36th Engineer Brigade Story about Bud Schwartz

Captain Matthew S. Steele Captain Matthew S. Steele enlisted in the US Army in June 2001 after college graduation from St. John's University in Collegeville, MN. After completing basic training at Fort. Knox, Kentucky, Matt began Officer Training School on Sept. 9, 2001. After additional training in Arizona for Military Intelligence, he transferred to Korea for a one year deployment and then began his Ranger training upon his return to the United States. As a Ranger, he was then stationed in Savannah, Georgia for 2 years and while there, deployed once to Afghanistan and two tours to Iraq as he aspired to the rank of Captain before his discharge in December of 2005. He entered back into the military in October of 2006 and is currently stationed with a reserve unit in Omaha, NE instructi ng ROTC Cadets at Creighton University. Matt is a 1997 graduate of Eden Prairie, Minnesota, High School. Steele's personal awards include a Bronze Star Medal, 2 Army Commendation Medals, Army Achievement Medal, Ranger Tab and Parachutist Badge.

Staff Sergeant Stephen J. Steele Steve Steele enlisted in the Air Force on Feb. 3, 1969, and after completing basic training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, TX, transferred to Lowry AFB, Denver, CO. for advanced training as a weapons and munitions specialist. Subsequent assignments to munition squadrons at Tactical Air Commands included Nellis AFB, Las Vegas, NV, Eglin AFB, Ft. Walton Beach, FL, and George AFB, Victorville, CA, where he worked on F-105 Thunderchiefs. While at Eglin, he was involved with testing of very early smart bomb technology. Steve was deployed for one year to Ubon, Thialand from May '71 to May '72 where he was assigned to an F-4 Phantom squadron with a mission of air support to US troops in Vietnam and constant patrol of the Ho Chi Mien trail to undermine enemy movements. While serving, Steve aspired to Staff Sgt. (E-5) and completed his 4 year tour at George AFB, CA, and received an early-out in December 1972 to complete his Marketing degree from Colorado State University. Steele earned the Marksman Rifle Ribbon while in service and currently resides in Eden Prairie, MN.

Major Kathy U. Taylor Kathy Taylor graduated Eden Prairie High School in 1978. Joined the Army in 1983 and spent two years as an enlisted soldier before attending Officer Candidate School at Ft Benning, GA and was commissioned as Ordnance 2LT in 1985. Then assigned to Ft Lewis, Washington 9th Infantry Division from 1986-1989. Taylor was assigned to US Army Europe Headquarter, Heidelberg Germany as a Staff Services Division Officer from 1989-1991. She was sent with the Joint Operations Command for Operations Provide Comfort during Desert Storm to in the Kurdish Region of Iraq as the Protocol and Visitor Bureau Officer. After Desert Storm she returned to Germany took over command of Headquarter and Headquarter Company from 1991-1993. In 1993 Taylor returned to the US and was assigned to the Staff Service Division at the Ordnance Center and School. In 1994 I left Active Duty and went into the Inactive Ready Reserves. In November 2001 she was promoted to Major and called back to active duty in 2004 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom III and assigned to fill in a position with the deploying New York National Guard HQ of the 42nd Infantry Division being deployed to Forward Operating Base Speicher in Tikrit, Iraq. Being assigned as the Division G-4 Chief of Supply and Services, Major Taylor also volunteered for the duty as the Division's Mortuary Affairs Officer responsible for the swift movement of killed Soldier remains and their personal effect from the battlefield back to the US and their families and awarded the Bronze Star for this deployment. I returned home and back to the IRR in December 2005. Major Taylor joined the reserves in October 2008 and assigned to the 1st Mission Support Command, Ft Buchanan, Puerto Rico. Awards: Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal (2nd award), Joint Service Commendation Medal, ARCOM (3rd award), AAM (2nd award), Joint Meritorious Unit Award/National Defense Service Medal (2nd award), SW Asia Service Medal with Bronze Service Star (2nd award), Humanitarian Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with M device, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Iraq Campaign medal

Chief Warrant Officer Mark R. Tucker Mark joined the Army just two months after graduating from Eden Prairie High school in 2002. After completing basic training in Ft. Benning, GA, he underwent paratrooper training, and was subsequentally assigned to the 173rd Airborne Brigade in Vicenza, Italy. On March 26, 2003, at age 18, Mark was one of the youngest of 1,000 paratroopers to make a nighttime combat jump into Kirkuk, Iraq. While assigned to the 173rd, he served a year in Iraq, as well as nine months during 2005 in Afghanistan. In September 2005, Mark entered Warrant Officer's Candidate School in Ft. Rucker, Alabama, graduating in November of this same year. He then began training as an Army rotary wing (helicopter) pilot, and in May of 2007, earned his wings as a Kiowa OH-58 D pilot. Upon graduation from flight school, he was assigned to the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) in Ft. Campbell, KY. He was deployed to Kandahar, Afghanistan with his unit in December 2007, where is scheduled to remain until April, 2009. Mark has earned several medals for his heroism including Army Commendation Medals (3), Meritorious Unit Cititation, National Defense Service Ribbon, Afghanistan Campaign Medals (2), Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary & Service Medals, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (2), NATO Medal, Army Aviation Badge, Combat Infantryman Badge, Parachutist Badge with Bronze Star and the Army Air Medal.

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