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Show Thursday, November 13, 2008 Page 8 AMERICAN FORK CITIZEN Remembering Veterans George Gross Army-Air Corp. , WWII My father served in World War II which ended 14 years before I was born. He never talked about what he experienced. experi-enced. I remember asking my Mother once why he joined because he had a deferment due to his job. She told me that he had a close friend who died in the war and then he felt that he needed to volunteer for military service. I asked her rather incredulously how she could let him volunteer and wasn't she worried that he might die in the war? She replied re-plied that she supported what he felt was the right and honorable hon-orable course of action. I David Gross Lindon The following tribute is about my brother-in-law. Michael R. Johnson was an 18- year- old boy who loved to play sports when he enlisted in the Marine Corp and was sent to fight in the Vietnam War as a combat rifleman. His life changed forever. On January 30, 1968, at the age of nineteen he suffered life threatening injuries from a land mine. He ended up losing both legs and several fingers, in addition to sustaining several other serious seri-ous injuries. He spent nine months in military hospitals and was very near death several sev-eral times. He eventually got well enough to go home but would spend the rest of his life in a wheelchair. He could have lost all hope and turn to drugs and alcohol and spent his life begging on a street corner. Instead he earned a college degree, de-gree, became a Paralympic athlete, ath-lete, a father of nine, a school teacher and basketball coach. He is an incredible inspiration to all who know him. The sacrifices sacri-fices he made in service to our country are not forgotten and the contributions he continues to make are celebrated. Emily Rowberry Highland My husband, Wendell H. Hall, is a veteran of World War II. He served in the U.S. Army, 103rd Infantry Division, 411th Regiment, which fought in France, Germany and Austria. Highlights included fighting through the Siegfried Line, liberating the victims of concentration camps ringing ring-ing Landsberg, Germany and meeting up with units pushing north from Italy at Innsbruck Austria, where the troops were wildly cheered by Austrian civilians-plus covering each other's backs with Harold Howell, from Marshalltown, Iowa, the best buddy anyone could ever have. Smoke Cigarettes, Cigars, Pipes, Loose Tobacco LOWEST n.wii.iiHHiiiHirffircin 695 North State Street PR0V0 410 North Freedom Blvd. I Bring in this ad i FREE I With a Minimum Limit one per Locally Hand Made GENUINE LEATHER GDN BELTS & HOLSTERS Pack Saddles Panniers Gun I lolsters Stoves Sleeping Bag Covers I 111. I V 1274 West 300 South Lindon, Utah 801.922.4234 t Merrill Watkins Hall Wallsburg My cousin, Dean Wiseman, Fireman 1st Class, was killed 16 days before he turned 21. During the Battle of Okinawa, two kamikazee planes flew into the bow of the USS Lindsay, Lind-say, DMS-35. They blew the bow off of the ship. Dean was in the guncrew for the forward 5" gun. His step-father, Lloyd Landro was a Chief Radioman on submarines at the beginning of WWII. Lloyd made W-4 by wars end after running Com-Sta Com-Sta Kodiak & in the Solomon Islands. Lloyd retired in 1947. My heroes. Because of them, I served a 20 year career in the US Navy Submarine Force, retiring in 1974. 1 thank them & all of the WWII generation daily for the sacrifices they made for our freedom. Fifty-four Fifty-four submarines were lost during dur-ing WWII. Sailors, Rest your oars I Kenneth L. Caye, STCM (SS), USN, Ret. Pleasant Grove My husband is an Air Force veteran. He served for 8 years stationed at several bases including in-cluding Vietnam. He worked as a communications officer decoding encrypted, often highly classified transmissions transmis-sions until he began suffering seizures and was diagnosed with a life-threatening brain affliction af-fliction that needed immediate surgery. They operated while he was overseas but were not equipped to handle such a critical criti-cal problem. He was evacuated to Texas where he underwent a nine-hour surgery and spent the next six months in therapy at the hospital to regain his ability abil-ity to walk, talk, and function without assistance, but he was left 80 paralyzed on his right side. Though it wasn't a combat injury, he was in the service of his country when it happened. His Air Force career was ended and his life was changed forever. for-ever. Undaunted, he earned a Masters in Guidance and Counseling Coun-seling and worked twenty-nine years with the Granite School District. He exercises in the gym six days-a-week, has learned to fly a plane despite his disability, and we have served a part-time local mission. "I can't" isn't in his vocabulary. He's an extraordinary man and deserves your attention for his service to his country and his community. His loving and devoted wife, Carole Anderson Cedar Hills Vance Wasden I would like to honor Vance Shop PRICES SPAtUSH FORK 84 North 100 West MMICAIUORK 106 N. West State Rd. and receive a LIGHTER 1 500 Purchase customer j teaser Wasden, my veteran son. Speaking from the perspective of both a Veteran as well as a father, I am very pleased with this son! Somewhere in the Spirit World, a loving mother mast have a smile to match ; Vance's. Vance Wasden made a personal per-sonal vow during the time he sat in a wheelchair. If he ever got out of that thing, he swore he'd make it his mission to get other disabled veterans hooked on fly fishing. "I was in a wheelchair for about two years, and I only got to go fishing one time in those two years, Wasden said. Vance and a half dozen other veterans struggling to cope with disabilities launched a new organization to enable other Veterans the opportunity to fly fish at little or no charge. "Fly fishing has been the best therapy, the best medicine," medi-cine," Wasden said. "Your mind gets a chance to wonder and where the fish inhabit it's beautiful. You get out and do something positive." Wasden, Was-den, 33, who has served three tours in the Persian Gulf and finished his last tour of duty in 1998. He has had a host of serious medical problems ever since the U.S. military gave him outdated anthrax vaccine. Despite ailments that have led to near amputations of some of his limbs in recent months, he can often be found walking his golden retriever and pet goat - sometimes with the aid of a cane. "For these disabled veterans, you've got two avenues. You can sit around and feel sorry for yourself or get motivated," Wasden said. "That's the gist of this whole program, to show there's life after being disabled." Wasden got national attention atten-tion in fly fishing magazines last spring when he organized a float trip for disabled veterans vet-erans on the Smith River in Montana. The float trip was financed by a program offered through Walter Reed Army Medical Center called Healing Waters. Wasden is currently working to design a special boat to accommodate disabled veterans in wheelchairs. Phil Wasden Lehi Foster D. Rappleye served for 4 12 years in the Air Corps in World War II. During that time his plane crashed and he was missing in action for 3 months. He parachuted to safety to a peninsula in Greece. He was shuttled to and fro in the houses of the Greek peasants peas-ants who were protecting him and trying to help him return to his military unit. In his prayers he reminded the Lord of the blessing he had been given giv-en before volunteering. The answer he received was this, "I promised that you would be safe but I didn't promise that you would not have a little adventure." It was, indeed, an exciting adventure. His family rejoiced when he was finally rescued and was able to return DEStS m man Desktops from $99 Laptops from $3 49 Brand New t 19" LCD Flat Panel Monitors from $ 1 8 5 mm MIGRAINE HEADACHES? If you are between the ages of 1 8-65 and have 2-8 migraine headaches per month, you may be eligible to participate in a research study involving an investigational medication. Participants receive study medication, study-related physician visits, lab work, and financial compensation for time and travel. For additional information and participation requirements CALL322-INFO (4636) Intermountain Clinical Research 12422 S. 450 E., Suite C, Draper www.icrtrials.com to those who had prayed so diligently for his safe return. He died in 2004 and was buried with military honors. I Avonell Rappleye Hello, My tribute Is to my fantastic fantas-tic dad. I am originally from Utah, born and bred, but I now reside in England so I don't see him much. My dad served in the army during the Vietnam "conflict". It effected a lot of people in a lot of ways, but one thing I know for sure is my dad is very proud to have served his country. He is very patriotic and enjoys being an American. A big part of patriotism is staying strong within yourself not only in the high times, but the low times as well. That is my dad and I love him. For the past few years now I have strived to phone him on V-Day to let him know I love and appreciate him. I would also like to send a HUGE thank you to all the great men and women American Ameri-can soldiers all across the world out there giving their all so we can continue to enjoy our freedoms. Thank you and God Bless the U.S.A.! I Mr. J. Hughes Pleasant Grove Eric Stevenson Air Force, Gulf War My Brother-in-Law served as a translator. His commitment com-mitment to our country has always impressed me. When he was called up, he didn't question it. He set his business in order, made sure his family was in good hands, packed his bags, kissed his devoted wife and darling toddler good-bye and headed off to serve. At that time there was no internet and long distance calling was very expensive, so communication communica-tion was limited. Letters were written with tender hearts. My sister came to stay with me and I saw how much she missed him. Everyday we would pray for his safety, and those embroiled in the war. We watched the news intently and prayed. That war was 17 years ago and our military has seen more action, than we'd like, but freedom is paid with a price. I am so grateful to those that sacrificed so much for freedom here and abroad. I say to all that will here me "Someone died to give you the right to vote, never take that for granted." May God bless America and our brave men and women at arms. I Sally Gross Lindon I would like to tell you about my loved ones that served in the military. The first is my grandfather he was a veteran vet-eran of World War II. I was named after him, which is a huge privilege. He died on Veterans Vet-erans Day a couple months before be-fore I was born. I am very sad that I did not get to met him I Laptop Li Depot know he was a great man. The 2nd is my uncle. He is a disabled veteran, after the navy. I feel honored to know him; he is a big part of my life partly because he influenced my own 18-year-old brother to join the army. My brother's name is PVT2 Mitchell Phillips. We are very close. He joined the army in February to become a combat medic. I miss him so much but I know he will be home soon. He will have to serve for the. army for 6 more years but I know I will spend all the time that I have with him. 1 love him with all of my heart and now that I will see him soon. Thank you for all that you do for my country and me, I really appreciate appre-ciate you guys. I Ciara Buchanan Lehi Our beloved Franklin Dennis Den-nis Farnsworth, Jr. has rightfully right-fully earned hero status. A Vietnam-Era draftee, he has served our country for over 35 years in the Army, finally retiring re-tiring as Chief Warrant Officer Four in August of 2001. Much of his Army career was spent as a research analyst in the Intelligence In-telligence Community. He has won numerous awards for his service, often repeatedly, such as the Army Reserve Components Compo-nents Achievement Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Army Achievement Medal, and the Joint Meritorious Unit Medal. His patriotism, devotion devo-tion to his family, and love for mankind is an example to all who know him. For all of his sacrifice to uplift and sustain our wonderful nation, we lovingly lov-ingly salute him. We fondly want to acknowledge acknowl-edge the service and dedication of our loved one, Sara Lee Smith-Aland. Enlisting in the Navy in 1997, she served until 2002. Sara was stationed on the USS Enterprise, which was part of the Enterprise Battle Group that was first to respond to the crisis of 911. Her love for her country, hard work and sacrifice have been very appreciated by her family. To us she is a modern "she-roe". I Marisa Dore and Family The veteran I would like to pay tribute to is my Great, Great Grandfather, James J. Facundus. He was a sergeant in the Infantry of Company B, Mississippi 33rd Regiment. Though he was an American he did not serve in the U.S. Army, but enlisted with the Confederate States of America during the Civil War. He fought to resist a dominant domi-nant centralized government control and an army that had invaded his home. It was basically basi-cally the same idea that other Americans stood for in 1776. He left a new wife and one small children to defend it, and stood up for what he believed in. James participated in all of the major campaigns of the south and was stricken with disease by the end of the war. He returned to a home that would never be the same; a way of life and an historic culture cul-ture that would be lost forever. After the war, those that had participated with the Confederacy Confed-eracy were never honored as veterans or even allowed to apply ap-ply for a military pension until about forty years after the war. I'm pleased to honor him today as a veteran and for the sacrifice he made in defending his home and way of life. Mark Trotter, Cedar Valley HU.lii ot Wot. M, U.tH Ho. 79, 2001 The Dark Knight: Wghtty NUwday-rrMsy 7:00 IMS pa Sftindy 3:00, 6:00, 115 pn Mama Mia! a MgMMfarfrUty 7:00 1 til Spa Sctarfoy 3:00, 5:15, 7:30 1 M5p REPLACEMENT WINDOWS & DOORS ! 33 OFF SALE HSiS uj I UTAH TOLL FREE 888-201-7135 SJ. GEORGELOCATLONJ -435-705-0435 My husband is in the National Na-tional Guard and is currently deployed to Afghanistan to be a part of Operation Enduring . Freedom. He recently met his five month old daughter while home on leave. She was born two weeks after he left. We have made many sacrifices as a family, but no one more than my two oldest daughters. My eleven year old has said, "Everyone tells me how brave lam. But I'm not brave because be-cause I didn't choose this." We chose this life for her and she didn't have much of a say in it. When Sept. 11th happened, my husband felt he needed to do something. He said, "When my kids grow up and ask me what I did, what will I say?" He enlisted in the National Guard right after that. When I asked my daughter for her thoughts on her dad, she said, "My dad is my hero because he stood up and fought for America Ameri-ca when she needed him most." His actions have spoken more clearly than words ever could. My husband and I will both tell you the same thing every sacrifice sac-rifice we have made has been worthwhile. We are incredibly proud of him! I The Chatwin family Eagle Mountain My Dad, Melvin Spooner is a hero in my eyes. He was out on his own at about 9 years old. Going from foster home to foster home, and living in boxes behind bill boards. He would gather clams for food and money on the beaches in Dana, Massachusetts. Finally, when he got older he enlisted in the military because he wanted to serve his country and also needed a place to stay and eat. He enlisted in the Army. He served in world war I and II and also the Korean war. He must have seen a lot of terrible things because you cannot get him to talk about his experiences experi-ences much. My Dad is now 82 years and old and we got to take him to Hawaii for the first time since he was there in Pearl Harbor. He was able to open up and share with us a few experiences. My Father was serving his country when I was born and he didn't get to see me or be a part of my life until I was a year old. We don't realize real-ize what these great men do for all of us and what they give up just to let out country have the Freedoms we sometimes take for granted. I know my Dad is proud to be an American, and was willing to Live and or Die for this Great Country .My husband will turn 65 in a couple weeks. My Husband also served in the Airforce, John Nelson. He served in active duty as a UHF Radio Maintenance Tech. from "62-66". He was proud to be in the Airforce and loved serving his country. He is proud to be an American, and has a love for our Country. He has a love for this country One nation under un-der God. He believes that our Fore Fathers were guided by a Supreme being and nothing happened by chance. He has great admiration for President Lincoln and many of our other great country leaders. I am proud to be married to such a man that loves his Gocf and his country. I Connie Nelson Alpine Maurice Chatwin, Vietnam War- Communications Dept. United States Marines. Called himself a "Pole Maggot" -that always made me laugh growing grow-ing up. He was like the guys on TV that carried a backpack with a phone in it and ran everywhere he would go. He said he was impressed to see the fighting and the bombs landing were "something to be seen" he would always say. The "fire for effect" stories were my favorite. I have never seen a more humble man, or more thankful person for all he has. My dad is a great guy and hero! I Becfey Wood Heber City LIMITED TIME ONLY TRIPLE COAT LOW-E FOR MAXIMUM ENERGY EFFICIENCY! 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