Iola Living Assistance, Inc. along with members of the American Legion Sheveland-Taylor Post 14 presented a Veteran’s Day program on Monday, Nov. 12.
Post 14 led the Pledge of Allegiance and members present were: Lee Bestul (World War II), Roger Peterson (Korea), Dennis Berna (Vietnam), Poster Commander Eugene Knutson (Vietnam), Charles Pederson (Korea) and Robert Nyri (Vietnam).
Greg Loeser, CEO, introduced veterans from the Iola Living Assistance facilities.
They included:
• Everett Aasen – drafted into the Army in WWII, served in Germany and other parts of Europe.
• Peter Augustinak – served in the Navy during WWII. He was stationed in the Pacific.
• Elmer Benson – enlisted in the Navy the day after Pearl Harbor. He repaired aircraft in the Navy Air Corp.
• Martin Eckhardt – served in the Navy during the Vietnam War. He was stationed in the Pacific.
• Jack Gardner – Master Sgt. in the Marines during WWII. He repaired aircraft in the Pacific.
• Morgan Huglen – drafted into the Army in WWII and served as a sergeant in the Philippines.
• Paul Johns – a Pan American Airways pilot contracted to the Navy and flew 220 crossings of the Pacific during WWII.
• Robert Klein – drafted into the Army during WWII and served as a corporal in France and Germany.
• Roy Kolak – drafted into the Army during the Korean War. He served two years stateside.
• Chet Krause – served in the Army during WWII with an Antiaircraft Battalion stationed in Europe. He has written a book on his experiences with the S6Sth AAA.
• Frank Roovers – served in the Navy and was stationed in South America.
• Robert Tock – served as an Army Ranger with the rank of sergeant during the Korean War.
• David Uselding – drafted into the Army in the Vietnam War. He served two years stateside.
• Chuck Zimmerman (ILA van driver) – served in the Navy after the Korean War.
• Elaine Krause was also recognized. She served as a welder during WWII helping build submarines in the Manitowoc shipyards.
Two songs were sung by all present including “America the Beautiful” and “God Bless America.”
The staff of Iola Living Assistance extends its appreciation to all veterans.
Iola Living Assistance, Inc. is a non-profit organization that operates the community-owned 50-bed skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility. In addition to this facility, they own and operate Butternut Ridge, an independent living apartment complex, and Living Oaks, a 24-unit assisted living facility.
For more information, visit www.iolalivingassistance.org or call 715-445-2412.