Spirit of Freedom 2016
This year, 19 Idahoans were honored for their efforts in military service and volunteering through The Spirit of Freedom: Idaho Veterans Service Award. The following biographies for each of the recipients highlight their significant contributions to our country and its veterans.
Veterans:
Lloyd Kent Brown, Garden City: The Boise VA Medical Center nominated Lloyd Kent Brown for this award for his immense service to our nation. Colonel Brown, who was born in Pocatello, served in the U.S. Army for 26 years from 1965-1991. During his military career, Colonel Brown was entrusted with notable responsibilities, which include his service on the staff of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in the Pentagon; his assignment as Commander and District Engineer of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in New Orleans; command of a Basic Training Battalion at Ft. Jackson, South Carolina; and command of engineering companies in Germany, Korea, South Vietnam and Ft. Carson, Colorado. He also served as Assistance Professor of Government and Economics at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. Colonel Brown earned many honors for his distinguished service. They include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, four Meritorious Service Medals, Vietnam Service Medals (four campaigns) and the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal.
In addition to his military career, Colonel Brown is a graduate of West Point and the U.S. Army War College, and he earned a Master’s Degree in Civil Engineering and Economics from Stanford University. Colonel Brown worked as Manager of the Engineering Department at the Ada County Highway District for 17 years, retiring in 2008. He continues to serve as a Planning and Zoning Commissioner in Garden City and as a Disabled American Veterans Volunteer Driver for the Boise VA Medical Center. Kent and his wife, Sherry, have been married 49 years and have three sons and five grandsons and granddaughters. Colonel Brown has devoted so much of his time and talents to serving our nation and he continues to assist his fellow veterans. I thank Colonel Lloyd Kent Brown for his extraordinary level of commitment through honoring him with the 2016 Spirit of Freedom Award.
Henry W. Clark, Boise: Henry Clark, known as Hank, is receiving a 2016 Spirit of Freedom Award for his service to our nation and his fellow veterans and their loved ones. When nominating Hank for this award, James Earp, Administrator of the Idaho State Veterans Cemetery wrote, “Hank is a dedicated volunteer who leaves a lasting impression of professionalism, patriotism and compassion.” Hank’s selfless contributions “to provide honorable and dignified burial services that pay tribute to the sacrifices and courage of our Veterans and their families” are greatly valued at the cemetery, where Hank has been volunteering since July of 2015. Also, Hank is active with the Patriot Guard Riders, helping to pay tribute to veterans.
Hank’s experience as a service member and veteran gives him a profound perspective in reaching out to the veterans community he assists. Hank joined the military in 1970 and served as a Corporal in the U.S. Marine Corps. He served in active duty during the Vietnam War serving in the 3rd Marines, 4th Division Headquarters and Service Battalion and was assigned to the U.S.S. Tripoli off the coast of Vietnam. His service recognitions include the Vietnam Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal and a Rifle Marksmanship Badge. He also served in the Marine Corps Active Reserves and the U.S. Navy in active duty with the Seabees before ending his military service in 1976. His career then spanned many civilian trades, specialties and occupations, including service with the Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Forest Service and the Bureau of Reclamation, before his retirement from government service. Hank and his wife of 39 years, Mary, have three children and three grandchildren. Hank Clark not only stepped in to serve our nation, but also steps in to see to it that veterans are appropriately honored. His efforts are commendable, and I am honored to recognize Hank Clark’s devoted service with the 2016 Spirit of Freedom Award.
Charlie A. Hollenbeck, Lewiston: The Idaho State Veterans Home—Lewiston nominated Charlie Hollenbeck for this honor for his service to our nation. Charlie was born in 1920 in Anatone, Washington, joined the military in April of 1942, and served more than three years in the U.S. Army Air Corps. He earned the rank of Corporal serving in the 358th Infantry in World War II. Charlie attained many honors for his service. They include the European African Middle Eastern Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, American Theater Service Medal and Bronze Star. Charlie also earned a Combat Infantry Badge and Sharpshooter Bar.
Charlie served our nation with distinction, participating in pivotal world events and helping to bring freedom to those experiencing unthinkable atrocities and then returned home and literally helped build up our communities. Charlie recalled meeting up with General Patton after the Battle of the Bulge, and his regiment liberated the Flossenb?rg Concentration Camp. After his return to the U.S., he worked as Superintendent for a building supply company, helped build Joe Hall Ford, worked as a Forman on St. Joseph’s Hospital building, built several houses, worked for Northwest Construction and helped build the Carnation plant in Moses Lake, Washington. Charlie also assisted fellow veterans by helping with the construction of the veterans home. Charlie’s wife, Ora Mae ‘Pete’ passed away in 2003, and he has two sons, Lanny and Lonny. I commend Charlie Hollenbeck for his distinguished service to our nation, and welcome the opportunity to honor him with the 2016 Spirit of Freedom Award.
Bud Kelly, Pocatello: The Idaho State Veterans Home—Pocatello nominated Bud Kelly for this award for his service to our nation noting that, “Bud is a shining example of an American Hero who loves and honors God, Country and the Flag.” Bud Kelly grew up on a farm in Rockland, Idaho, and joined the U.S. Army right after graduating from high school. As Bud describes, he “had a high school diploma in one hand and an order to report in the other.” Bud Kelly has contributed directly to our nation’s achievements and our freedoms, participating in momentous events and overcoming unthinkable difficulties. He served in the U.S. Army 513th Parachute Infantry Regiment during World War II and fought in the Battle of the Bulge during which he was taken as a prisoner of war, and as he explained, nearly froze and starved to death. After being liberated, he returned to the U.S., and he earned a number of honors for his service. These include the European African Middle Eastern Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Victory Medal, Purple Heart, POW Medal and Bronze Star.
Upon returning home, Bud married his high school sweetheart, Gen. They were married 45 years before Gen passed away in 1990 and were blessed with two children—daughter, Vicki, and son, Mike. Bud’s six grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren are his pride and joy. Bud also attended San Francisco College of Mortuary Science, worked in American Falls as a mortician for 40 years and served as Power County Coroner. Bud has been a lifetime member of the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars in American Falls. He also was a Foster Grandparent for American Falls Elementary and spent 12 years working in his daughter’s classroom assisting children with reading. We are very fortunate to have Bud Kelly among us as an Idahoan. He not only served our nation with distinction, but has given immeasurably to the community. I commend Bud Kelly for his service, and welcome the opportunity to honor him with the 2016 Spirit of Freedom Award.
Timothy James McBride, Fruitland: The Military Order of the Purple Heart nominated Timothy James McBride for this award for his exemplary service to our nation. Timothy McBride served in the U.S. Army from June of 1967 to March of 1970, serving in Germany during the Cold War and Vietnam during the Vietnam War. He earned many recognitions for his distinguished service. These include the Silver Star; Bronze Star for Valor; Purple Heart; Army Commendation Medal; Good Conduct Medal; Vietnam Service Medal; and Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross.
Following his military service, Timothy worked as a machinist, teacher, college instructor, miner, computer system analyst, electronics engineer and publisher. He has also assisted fellow veterans through helping out as a military honors volunteer and veterans service officer. Timothy and his wife, Donna, have three sons, Bret, Brian and Scott, who have carried on the tradition of service. Bret and Brian have served in the military, while Scott serves as an Emergency Medical Technician and Volunteer Fireman. Thank you, Timothy McBride, for your extraordinary dedication to our nation. It is an honor to recognize your outstanding service with the 2016 Spirit of Freedom Award.
Ned Mickelsen, Pocatello: The Idaho State Veterans Home—Pocatello nominated Ned Mickelson for this honor for his dedicated service to our nation. He is recognized as a great example of an American hero for our youth today and is described as truly knowing what it means to be “proud to be an American.” Ned was born and raised in the Blackfoot area where he worked on his family’s farm with his six brothers and two sisters. Ned credits the education from work and discipline he gained on the farm to helping him handle later challenges. He was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1944, served on the front lines in Iwo Jima in World War II and earned numerous recognitions for his service. These include the Combat Infantryman Badge, Good Conduct Medal, Victory Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Service Medal and rifle qualifications. He stated, “I got back to the states on March 27, 1946 and it was wonderful. I was proud of my service. The 147th was a great outfit and we battled in a lot of tough places.”
Following his military service, Ned returned to farming and ranching, married his first wife and had two children, Linda and Mike. After their divorce, Ned cared for his children as a single father and then married his current wife of 47 years, Delma. She had six children from a previous marriage, they finished raising their children together and have enjoyed dancing, snowmobiling and taking drives together. Ned is also an accomplished fisherman and enjoyed belonging to the Blackfoot Elks Club. Additionally, Ned has given a number of talks to junior high school classes regarding the war, patriotism, education and the need to recognize the sacrifice of our veterans. Recognition of Ned Micklesen’s committed service to our nation with the 2016 Spirit of Freedom Award is well-deserved.
Jacob D. Sattler, Boise: The Idaho State Veterans Home—Boise nominated Jacob Sattler, known as Jake, for this recognition for his service to our nation and his ongoing commitment to fellow veterans. Jake not only completed 30 years of honorable service in the U.S. Marine Corps, but also has volunteered in the canteen of the veterans home for several years. He is known for always being willing to take an extra shift for others and for his pleasantness with fellow veterans. Idaho State Veterans Home—Boise Administrator Rick Holloway wrote about how the other veterans look forward to Jake being in the canteen and miss him when he is out of town. Rick wrote, “The veterans have a good time when he is there, just passing time and telling stories . . . Jake is well deserving of this very special award.”
Jake, who was born in 1939 in Grand Forks, North Dakota, enlisted in the Marines in 1957 and earned the rank of Master Gunnery Sergeant. He served in food service, corrections and as a designated project officer in research and development. His service included serving in the Vietnam War, and he earned many recognitions for his distinguished service. These include the Navy Commendation with Combat “V,” Combat Action Medal, Sea Service Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal with six stars, Vietnam Service Medal with four stars and Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross. In 1986, Jake and his family moved from Fredericksburg, Virginia, to Boise. He worked as an Idaho corrections officer for 11 years and spent four years as an Idaho Fish & Game Camp Host. Jake is married to Ann Marie Sattler and has one daughter, Jennifer Reimer. Jake’s level of commitment to our nation and veterans is beyond commendable. Recognizing Jacob Sattler’s dedicated service with the 2016 Spirit of Freedom Award is an honor.
Erin Smith, Boise: Sergeant 1st Class Erin Smith, of the Idaho Army National Guard was recognized with the 2016 Spirit of Freedom Award for breaking new ground for women in the military as the first female armor enlisted soldier in the nation to graduate from the U.S. Army’s M1 Armor Crewman School and the nation’s first female armor enlisted soldier. Through her leadership and continued dedication to serving our nation, Sgt. 1st Class Smith represents Idaho’s Spirit of Freedom.
Sgt. 1st Class Smith’s graduation is another accomplishment in her significant service career. Sixteen years ago, Erin Smith, who has lived in Weiser and Boise, enlisted in the Idaho Army National Guard as a combat medic. She has served in two deployments. This includes a tour in Bosnia in 2002 with the 183rd Aviation Battalion and a deployment to Iraq in 2004 with the Idaho National Guard’s 116th Brigade Combat Team in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom III. Recognizing Erin Smith with the 2016 Spirit of Freedom Award for her exemplary service to our nation is an honor.
John A. Spurny, Mountain Home: The Idaho Military Division nominated John Spurny for this honor for his devotion of his professional career to serving his country, his fellow service members and their families. John Spurny served in the U.S. Air Force for 28 years and earned the rank of Chief Master Sergeant. He was deployed in support of Operations Southern Watch, Provide Comfort and the First Gulf War. In making the nomination, Idaho Military Division Executive Officer/Legislative Liaison Brigadier General Richard Turner noted John’s outstanding achievements while serving in the aircraft maintenance career field as a squadron first sergeant and family support program superintendent. This includes his 1983 selection as Tactical Air Command’s Aircraft Maintenance Professional of the Year. Among his other awards and decorations are the Meritorious Service Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters, Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Achievement Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, Air Force Good Conduct Medal with seven Oak Leaf Clusters and many more.
After his military service, John served 14 years as the Idaho Air National Guard Airman and Family Readiness Program Manager, providing support to members of the 36th Wing and their families during more than 15 deployments, and enhancing family readiness and resilience. In addition to his career of serving his country and fellow veterans, he has volunteered his time developing Operation Warm Heart to assist Air Force families needing financial assistance during difficult times. He has also devoted more than 29 years as a key member of the Idaho Veterans Olympics Committee and served for the past eight years as one of Governor Butch Otter’s Veterans Affairs Commissioners. John and his wife, Dani, have two children, John and Megan, and three grandchildren. Brigadier General Turner wrote, “John Spurny’s many lifetime distinctive accomplishments make him a deserving candidate for award of the 2016 Spirit of Freedom Award.” I could not agree more and welcome the opportunity to present John Spurny with the 2016 Spirit of Freedom Award for his devoted service to our nation and its veterans.
Irving Tyrrell, Jr., Boise: The Idaho State Veterans Cemetery, where Irving, known as Irv, Tyrrell has volunteered for the past two years, nominated him for this award for his service as a veteran and volunteer. At the cemetery, Irv’s kindness, dedication and leadership of services welcoming and consoling families are greatly valued. Idaho State Veterans Cemetery Administrator James Earp characterized Irv as “the image of the silent professional” who “displays strength and compassion with a great sense of duty, service, and initiative” and described how his help providing honorable burial services “pay tribute to the sacrifices and courage of our Veterans and their families.” Captain Irv Tyrrell served in the U.S. Air Force for nine years with assignment in Germany and appointment to the Operations and Intelligence, Director of Operations Staff of Headquarters United States Air Forces in Europe. He also served stateside assignments during the Vietnam War and in support of other military actions. He earned many recognitions for his distinguished service. These include the Air Force Commendation Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Combat Readiness Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Master Weapons Controller Badge and many others.
Following his military service, Irv obtained a computer science degree from the University of South Alabama, which led to a 25-year career in laser printers culminating at Hewlett-Packard Co. in Boise. Irv and his wife of 46 years, Jaunice, have two daughters and a grandson. The Tyrrell family retired and have made Idaho home since 1994. Irv serves as the service officer for American Legion Post 2 and assists local veterans with U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs benefits questions and issues. Irv Tyrrell’s support of our nation and ongoing support of his fellow veterans are commendable. Recognizing him with the 2016 Spirit of Freedom Award is an honor.
Douglas E. Welch, Lewiston: The Lewis-Clark Valley Veterans Council nominated Douglas Welch, who served in the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, Army and Idaho National Guard, for this recognition. During his 41 years of military service, he had many distinguished responsibilities and honors. His most recent assignment was his service of three years ending in 2014 as the Deputy Medical Advisor to NATO Headquarters Allied Joint Force Command in the Netherlands. He coordinated with 50 nations to provide medical support and casualty evacuation to International Security Assistance Force coalition forces and assisted in the improvement of Afghanistan Security Forces medical care systems. Prior to that assignment, Captain Welch served nearly 4 years as the Director of the United States Nothern Command’s Joint Regional Medical Plans & Operations Division where his duties included leading the division of 17 Army, Navy, Air Force and Air National Guard Joint Regional Medical Plans and Operations Officers and coordinating and deploying medical relief and evacuation operations for hurricanes, earthquake, fire and other natural and man-made disasters.
Captain Welch served in Iraq and Afghanistan. He served as Plans, Operation and Medical Intelligence Officer/Deputy Surgeon at Camp Fallujah, Iraq, where his duties included coordinating support to and operations of medical treatment facilities. As Senior Plans, Operations and Medical Intelligence Officer for the Office of the Fleet Surgeon, U.S. Atlantic Fleet he coordinated medical support to Fleets units afloat and ashore for deployment exercises. He coordinated medical planning, manning and logistic support requirements at the fleet level in direct response to the terrorist attacks on the U.S.S. Cole, the Pentagon and the World Trade Center. Captain Walsh also served five years as an Army Combat Medic in the Idaho Army National Guard in the 16th Combat Engineer Battalion while attending Lewis-Clark State College. The awards he has received for his distinguished service include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with three gold stars, Joint Service Commendation Medal and many more. In addition to his extensive military career, he has devoted considerable time to serving in various veterans and other organizations that include the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Fleet Reserve Association, Marine Corps League, Idaho State Veterans Home and many others. Captain Welch and his wife, Nini, have two sons, three daughters, two grandsons and five granddaughters. I welcome the opportunity to express gratitude for Douglas Welch’s exemplary service through presenting him with the 2016 Spirit of Freedom Award.
Joseph H. Whilden, Nampa: The Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) Idaho State Council nominated Joseph “Joe” Whilden for his honorable service in the U.S. Air Force from December 1962 until May 1965. During his service, he attained the grade of Airman Second Class. Following his military service, Joe continued his service as a Peace Officer in Idaho for 30 years. He also led fundraising efforts to support the Idaho Special Olympics. Joe is recognized for his instrumental role in the completion and Memorial Day 2016 dedication of the Vietnam Veterans memorial located in Veterans Memorial Park in Boise.
Joe is a member and former president of Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 1025, in Meridian. When making the nomination, the Vietnam Veterans of America Idaho State Council noted that “Joe worked tirelessly for two years manning tables at the mall and shopping centers to raise about $20,000 to build the memorial.” Then, under his leadership as President of VVA Chapter 1025 in 2015 he renewed interest in the memorial and helped raise the remaining $100,000 in donations. Robert C. Seal of the VVA Idaho Council wrote, “Joe is a proud and active veteran and patriot, and is well deserving of Senator Crapo’s Spirit of Freedom Award.” It is a privilege to recognize Joseph Whilden with the 2016 Spirit of Freedom Award for his service to our nation and ongoing dedication to ensuring that the service of his fellow veterans is honored.
Volunteers:
Barbara Gehring, Pocatello: The Idaho State Veterans Home—Pocatello nominated Barbara Gehring for this honor for her committed service on behalf of veterans. As a wife of a veteran who served nine years in the U.S. Marines with tours in Vietnam and Japan and mother of a son who served 23 years in the U.S. Air Force, Barbara has a profound understanding of service and love for veterans and our country. The joy brought to others and the joy received from seeing the happiness of those assisted are some of her enjoyments of volunteering.
Barbara has officially assisted at the veterans home’s canteen for three years, but previously spent many years visiting veterans where Barbara is considered to be an amazing volunteer. In making the nomination for the award, Carrie Leavitt, with the Idaho State Veterans Home—Pocatello, wrote, “The Veterans love when she is in the canteen, they can always count on a great visit with her. Her love for Veterans shows in the way she goes the extra mile to give them a great quality of life.” She helps shop for the canteen, helps with displays, assists other volunteers and stops in for visits. In addition to assisting at the home, Barbara has been a member of the American Legion Auxiliary Unit #3 for 13 years and has held many leadership positions, including Unit President for six years, District President for four years and Department President for two consecutive years. Barbara was raised in Pocatello. She and her late husband, Ronald, were blessed with two daughters, Hope and Charity, and son, Gary. Barbara’s pride and joy are her six grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Barbara Gehring is an asset to the community, and I thank her for the love and joy she shares with veterans. Her dedication helps honor their service, and recognizing her with the 2016 Spirit of Freedom Award is a privilege.
William A. Hamilton, Nampa: The Department of Idaho Military Order of the Purple Heart nominated William Hamilton for this honor for the dedicated assistance he provides fellow veterans. Commitment to service runs deep in William, whose father served in three wars, and he has brothers and uncles who also served our nation. William served in the U.S. Army with the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, Air Cavalry Troop, as a Crew Chief/Door Gunner on a UH1-C Huey gunship in the Vietnam War. As a Vietnam Veteran, William expressed a sense of duty to make certain that we never again allow a veteran returning from a combat zone to receive the same treatment he and other Vietnam Veterans received.
William has volunteered extensively for more than 6 years with veterans groups. This includes his service as Commander of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, Chief Joseph Chapter 509 of Eagle, Idaho; Senior Vice Commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2738 of Payette; Member of the Treasure Valley Honor Guard; Committee Member of the Payette County Veterans Memorial Monument; Joint Forces for Idaho Veterans; and Missing in America Project of Boise. William wrote, “There is nothing more humbling, satisfying, or joyful, than helping veterans.” He cherishes the conversations he has had with fellow veterans and considers the time spent helping veterans to be an “honor and privilege.” Helping shuttle World War II Veterans to an event, escorting them to their places, conversing with them and honoring them has been a highlight of his volunteer service. Another highlight has been when he met a World War II Veteran who was a Medal of Honor recipient who gave William his Medal of Honor challenge coin. William has many interesting experiences and is helping to bring happiness to his fellow veterans. William Hamilton’s giving spirit is greatly valued, and presenting him with the 2016 Spirit of Freedom Award is a fitting tribute to his ongoing service.
Boyd L. Pedersen, Lewiston: The Idaho State Veterans Home—Lewiston nominated Boyd Pedersen for this award for his service as an outstanding veteran volunteer. Boyd served our country for more than forty-one years from 1951 to 1992. His last assignment was serving as State of Idaho Command Sergeant Major for the Idaho Army National Guard from 1988-1992. His other major duty assignments include serving in the Korean War, serving as Line Unit First Sergeant for five years, serving as Battalion Communications Chief for three years, serving as Battalion Operations Sergeant for three years, serving as Battalion Sergeant Major for two years and serving as Command Sergeant Major for 21 years. The many awards he earned for his exemplary service include the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, U.S. Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal and Idaho Distinguished Service Medal.
Sergeant Major Pedersen has not only devoted considerable time to serving our nation, but also he has continued to serve the veterans community through his leadership roles in veterans organizations and his assistance to fellow veterans. He served as both the Chairman of the 148th Korean Mobilization Reunion in 1996 and Chairman of the 148th Korean Mobilization Veterans Coffee Group for the past 20 years. He has served on the Lewis-Clark Valley Veterans Council for the past eight years. He also served as Idaho State Veterans Home Memorial Chairman for nearly a decade from 2007-2016. I also commend Boyd’s wife, JoAnne, and family, including his five children and four step-children for the support they have given our nation as a military family. I am honored to recognize Sergeant Major Boyd Pedersen’s faithful service to our nation and veterans with the 2016 Spirit of Freedom Award.
Wayne Sall, Boise: The Boise VA Medical Center nominated Wayne Sall for this award, as Wayne served our nation in the U.S. Navy and continues to serve his fellow veterans and the Boise community. In making the nomination, Boise VA Medical Center staff characterized Wayne as “extremely reliable” and wrote, “his pleasant personality and solid work ethic have made him a most welcome addition to the Endoscopy Team.” Staff emphasized that his way of connecting with anxious patients puts them at ease. Wayne has been assisting veterans at the medical center since he filled in for a friend 18 years ago. He enjoys volunteering and says that he gets more out of it than anyone. Staff described how Wayne finds connections with the veterans who he meets, stays with the veterans in pre-op and converses with them until nursing staff are ready for the patient.
Wayne, who was born in Nebraska and raised in Oregon and Idaho, entered the Navy in 1952 and spent two years removing WWII defense fortifications on Kodiak Island, Alaska. He then went to Electronics Technician A-School and served on the U.S.S. Renshaw DDE-499. Wayne then returned to Idaho, graduated from Boise Junior College and worked for IBM for 12 years and Boise Cascade for 35 years before taking an early retirement. Wayne Sall is a true asset to the community, state and nation, and presenting him with the 2016 Spirit of Freedom Award is an honor.
Brett Waters, Shelley: The Vietnam Veterans of America Idaho State Council nominated Brett Waters for the 2016 Spirit of Freedom Award for the support he has given veterans most of his adult life. His love of our country and patriotism inspires his volunteer work on behalf of veterans. Brett has been instrumental in founding and supporting the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 972 Wheel Chair Program, which locates and refurbishes powered wheelchairs, and distributes them to veterans and family members of veterans. Brett, who has an auto body shop, has been recognized for his direct involvement in repairing, restoring and painting 86 wheelchairs that have been delivered to date. He also transports the chairs, stores them and delivers them.
When nominating Brett for this award, Robert Seal with the Vietnam Veterans of America Idaho State Council noted that, “Brett and his entire family have always stepped forward when a veteran is in need,” and wrote about the family graciously providing the materials and labor at no charge. One of the most inspiring elements of Brett’s nomination is that in addition to the enormous amount of time and resources he gives to this effort, he is also exemplifying this giving spirit that is taking root elsewhere, especially in his children. As Robert Seal detailed, “Brett’s unselfish and patriotic attitude has been handed down to his family, recently while scrubbing wheelchair parts with a tooth brush his 12-year-old son said, ‘I really have to do a good job on this, it’s for the veterans!’” The wheelchair program that Brett supports is expanding, as chairs have been delivered throughout Idaho, in Utah and Wisconsin. Robert Seal wrote, “His efforts are giving a life and mobility back to America’s Heroes.” I understand one of Brett’s enjoyments of volunteering is the sense of joy he gets when he sees the face of a veteran who has regained his freedom and mobility. Thank you, Brett Waters, for giving your time, resources and talents to serving veterans and for your leadership through example. Hopefully, Brett gets a sense of the gratitude for his exemplary support of our nation’s veterans through the 2016 Spirit of Freedom Award.
Rita Weber, Boise: The Idaho State Veterans Home—Boise nominated Rita Weber for this award, as she is a long-time, outstanding volunteer. Rita, who considers the veterans themselves to be what she enjoys most about volunteering, clearly has a very giving heart. She devotes considerable time to helping others. At the veterans home, she is credited with helping to develop outstanding one-on-one programs that greatly assist the home. She is known for going out of her way to help those veterans who have little interest in group activities, and she has been helping with many other activities over the years that have made the home’s Saturday bingos a great success. When making the nomination, Phil Hawkins with the Idaho State Veterans Home—Boise wrote, “She is someone I can always count on, no matter what may be going on with her own physical problems. She is most deserving of this award.”
A fond volunteering memory Rita shared is when she was helping out veterans at the Caldwell Night Rodeo and it began pouring rain when the veterans arrived. However, they were still able to make it a joyful event when they improvised using garbage bags as rain gear, and the residents talked about “that warm, rainy rodeo!” In addition to her volunteer work at the home, Rita has volunteered for years with schools, the YMCA and various other activities assisting children. She has donated 20 dozen cookies per month to City Light for women and children and helps in the kitchen at a daycare. She shares her cooking and gives rides to those in her apartment complex when needed. Rita also has eight grandchildren. Rita Weber’s volunteer efforts help honor veterans for their service to our nation, and I welcome the opportunity to express gratitude for her immense efforts to bring joy and lighten the loads of others through presenting her with the 2016 Spirit of Freedom Award.
Jim White, Lewiston: The Lewis-Clark Valley Veterans Council nominated Jim White for this award due to the more than 13 years he has spent assisting veterans. Jim also served our nation for more than 20 years in the U.S. Marine Corps and earned many recognitions for his distinguished service. This includes receiving the Good Conduct Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, letters of appreciation, recognition and commendation and more.
Jim has expressed that he enjoys being able to give to veterans what they deserve for their service, and he is recognized for his enjoyment of helping veterans’ families. He has devoted unmeasurable hours over the past 12 years to leading the council’s “Toys for Tots” program, and he helps with the 50 to 100 veterans funerals the council assists with each year. He also assists with fishing trips for veterans and helps with many other veterans activities with the Marine Corps League. Thank you, Jim White, for your committed service and the immense amount of good you are doing. The kindness you give is greatly appreciated, and presenting you with the 2016 Spirit of Freedom Award is an honor.
