Swan Valley Residents Offer Heartfelt Words

SWAN VALLEY - Swan Valley American Legion Post #63 Commander Rick Ferguson spoke to those gathered at the Veterans Day ceremony Nov. 11 held at the Swan Valley Community Hall. He urged those present to remember and honor those who served and who presently serve their country and those who gave the ultimate sacrifice.

Ferguson said, "It seems the United States never runs out of wars. "We step up to keep our freedom and preserve what we have."

Those in attendance spoke of those who fought in past wars and those who have served more recently. Others spoke of those who stayed at home and took care of families.

"It is stressful for those at home. Everyone changes, those at home and those who serve," said Swan Valley resident and veteran Ed Klassen.

World War II veteran Mike Milochik, who will be 92 years old Nov. 17, was in attendance. Ferguson told those present that while serving in the South Pacific, a kamikaze pilot narrowly missed Milochik and took out an airplane hanger. Ferguson said that Milochik had a bracelet made of the engine parts for his wife.

Late Swan Valley resident Herb Styler was recognized for his part in the World War II Battle of the Bulge. Styler was a tank commander in the lead battalion. Styler received a purple heart when he was hit by shrapnel from a German bomber.

Ferguson said Styler would have been proud to see so many gather and speak about those who serve.

Resident and navy veteran Jim Van Fossen remembered three classmates of his from a small Montana town who were killed in Vietnam. He remembered another acquaintance who was killed more recently by a suicide bomber. "He will be forever 24 [years old]" said Van Fossen.

Van Fossen continued, "It makes me humble to think of the young men and women who are willing to be put in harm's way. They are the best and brightest of us."

Resident Bob Korn who served in Korea said he read a story about those who volunteer or who were drafted are writing an open check on their lives to the United States. "Sometimes the check is cashed. I am grateful to [all of them]," Korn said.

Resident Gina White whose husband served in Desert Storm said both their fathers served in Vietnam. She said that she wanted to remind the younger generation to participate and speak about their experiences so the rest of us don't forget. "We don't want to forget," she said.

Resident Patricia Busby spoke of an acquaintance of hers who is a future fighter pilot and another who trained with the C 5130 aircraft. They graduated from the Air Force Academy. She said that her 14-year-old grandson is interested in the navy and wants to fly planes. Even though some have lost patriotism there are some in the younger generation who are proud of and want to serve for the United States Busby said.

Ferguson said he was pleased so many people wanted to express their feelings. He ended the ceremony with the words "God bless America."