Spirit of Freedom 2022
In this 20th anniversary year of the creation of the Spirit of Freedom: Idaho Veterans Service Award, U.S. Senator Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) is awarding 21 Idahoans with the 2022 Spirit of Freedom: Idaho Veterans Service Award.
Crapo created the award to recognize Idaho veterans and volunteers for their outstanding service to our country and its veterans. There have been 371 Spirit of Freedom Awards bestowed since the award’s creation in 2002. The awardees represent the many deserving Idahoans who lift up others with their gifts of service and thoughtful care.
The following biographies for the 2022 award recipients highlight their significant contributions to our country and its veterans.
Veterans:
Greg Bryant, Twin Falls: The Twin Falls Veterans Council nominated Greg Bryant, who served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War, and is a faithful Council member who can be counted on to help assist veterans and their families. Greg earned the rank of Captain during his more than four years of military service. Greg has also been a member of the Twin Falls Veterans of Foreign Wars for 13 years and has helped ensure his fellow veterans receive the honor they so deserve through his service in and leadership as Commander of the Magic Valley Honor Guard. This is a remarkable commitment, as the Magic Valley Honor Guard provides honors for approximately 85 funerals a year throughout the Magic Valley. Also, since 2009, he has dedicated approximately 20 hours per week during the summer to maintaining the Rock Creek Veterans Cemetery, and has managed the Cemetery since 2021. He is married with three children and had a 32-year career as a carpenter/general contractor.
Jinny (Virginia) Cash, Grangeville: The Crea-D’Haven Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3520 of Grangeville nominated Jinny Cash, who dedicated 30 years to serving our country. She enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1975, spending three years on active duty before serving in the Idaho and Texas Army National Guards, Army Reserve, Individual Ready Reserve and Retired Reserve. Her military career included service in Idaho, Texas, Germany, Utah and in Operation Enduring Freedom. She retired from the Army Reserve in 2015 with the rank of Major, having earned many honors for her distinguished service that include the Bronze Star, three Army Commendation Medals, Army Achievement Medals and many more. She was instrumental in the establishment of the Idaho County Veterans Outreach and Community Center and is active in veterans services and outreach throughout Idaho as a commissioner with the Idaho Veterans Affairs Commission and as the Immediate Past Department Commander for the Idaho American Legion. She also serves the community as secretary of the Board of Supervisors for the local Soil and Water Conservation District.
Miguel Dominic, Pocatello: Bannock County Veterans Services nominated Miguel Dominic, who served in the U.S. Army and Army National Guard, including his service in Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2004-2005. Corporal Miguel Dominic was awarded a Purple Heart after being struck by an improvised explosive device (IED) in 2005 and a Combat Action Badge after returning fire on an individual that fired on his convey during night patrol. He earned many other honors for his service, including the Army Achievement Medal, Good Conduct Medal and the Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal. Miguel remains devoted to his community. Since 2002, he has served as historian for the Bannock County Veterans Memorial Building. He wrote the book “Bannock County Veterans Memorial Building: Lest We Forget” that was released in August and provides historical background about this building that has stood in Pocatello for nearly 100 years, paying tribute to veterans, hosting veterans organizations meetings, community events and more. Miguel gives considerable amounts of his time and expertise to operation of the museum housed in the building and other efforts. Miguel’s two sons, Miguel and Anthonee, have also followed in his military footsteps.
Alison Garrow, Boise: Mission43 nominated Alison Garrow, the Education Director for Mission43, where she works to create meaningful educational opportunities that align with Idaho’s growing economy for military members, veterans and their spouses. Alison served in the U.S. Air Force from 2003-2008 in the 391st Fighter Squadron, earning the rank of Staff Sergeant and deploying in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Mission43 Director Dan Nelson shared, “As a prior military member and active-duty military spouse, she understands the importance of education as it leads to personal and professional advancement. She believes that members of the military community are ideal community leaders, and that quality education should be both accessible and available to help them reach their full potential. Alison is an expert resource, leader, and advocate for Idaho military families in pursuit of continuing education, industry certifications, and professional development.”
Walter O. Lindsey “Walt,” White Bird: American Legion Post 152 nominated Walt Lindsey, who served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1988 to 1990, earning the rank of Lance Corporal and serving as a member of the Marine Corps Security Forces Battalion. Walt earned the Good Conduct Medal, the Rifle Expert Qualification Badge and Pistol Marksman Qualification Badge. Walt and his wife, Danielle Lindsey, who is also a veteran of the U.S. Navy, have dedicated a considerable amount of their time to helping their community. Lucky Gallego, Adjutant for American Legion Post 152, wrote, “Walt comes from a military inspired and involved family. Walt’s mother was also a US Marine and raised him with a lot of knowledge, understanding, and discipline to keep doing the right things that mean a lot in having a family. Walt has been a driving force in creating our Veterans Memorial Park, as well as organizing other volunteering projects within the area.”
Jay Dovet Romlein, Boise: The Idaho State Veterans Home--Boise nominated Jay Dovet Romlein, who served in the U.S. Army from 1973-1976. Jay’s service included his deployment with the 3rd Battalion, 16th Field Artillery, 8th Infantry Division, U.S. Army in Baumholder, West Germany, serving as a NATO contingent force. Jay is a distinguished graduate of the 8th Infantry Division Noncommissioned Officers Academy, and he earned Expert Marksmanship and the National Defense Medal. He also is part of a military family heritage, with family members having served in World War II, Korea, Vietnam, the Diplomatic Corps, during the Cuban Missile Crisis and at the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD). Following his military service, Jay had a career as a telecommunications designer and Registered Communications Distribution Designer.
Robert L. Skinner, Idaho Falls: The Southeast Idaho Chapter the Military Officers Association of America nominated Robert L. Skinner, who served in the U.S. Navy on active duty from 1968 to 1976 before serving in the U.S. Naval Reserve from 1978 to 2007. His extensive service included serving on the USS Paracutin AE-18 in Vietnam. He earned the rank of O-6 Navy Captain and many medals and awards for his service that include the Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal (two awards) and Navy Achievement Medal. He dedicated 26 years to working at the Idaho National Laboratory at various management positions before his retirement in 2006. He also has been very involved in various veterans-related activities that include serving as American Legion Post 56 Commander and on the National Executive Committee; American Legion Boys State Director and Counselor; and Chairman of the Southeast Idaho USS Idaho Commission Committee. Robert and his wife, Julieann, have six children, thirteen grandchildren and one great-grandchild on the way.
Gordon Souza, Caldwell: When nominating Gordon Souza, Vietnam Veterans of America, Idaho State Council President Vernon Peterson wrote, “He is tireless in his efforts to improve the lives of veterans of all eras - this is his primary focus in life. In the words of many who know him, ‘Gordy is everywhere, doing everything.’ Not a day goes by without Gordy being actively involved in providing service to the chapter, other veteran service organizations, or the veteran community in general.” Gordon enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1963. He retired in 2004 after eight years of active duty, 23 years active reserve duty and 10 years Fleet Reserve. He earned the Rank of Master Gunnery Sergeant throughout his service that included serving in Vietnam from 1968-1969 and the Persian Gulf in 1990. Gordon earned a long list of honors for his distinguished service. Gordon owned a farrier business, worked for several private security companies and the U.S. Postal Service, from which he retired after 22 years. He is a widower with two sons, two stepdaughters and three granddaughters. Gordon’s honorable, stated goal is to “continue volunteering to help veterans and their families until the Good Lord calls me home.”
Ivan R. Ulmer, Lewiston: The Idaho State Veterans Home--Lewiston nominated Ivan R. Ulmer to recognize his many accomplishments: his distinguished service in both the National Guard and Air Force; his dedication to helping others both as a nurse and social worker; and his many years of volunteerism with his local community’s veterans organizations. Ivan is a valuable member of the community and to our nation’s veterans. Ivan, who was born in Grangeville, began his military career in 1977 in the Idaho Army National Guard as a Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic. After leaving the National Guard, Ivan enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1986, and his service included serving as a Medical Technician and Recruiter. After his military service, Ivan returned to Lewiston and earned degrees in Nursing and Social Work. Ivan worked as a Registered Nurse at the Veterans Home in Lewiston. He has been an active member of the American Legion for 16 years and the Disabled American Veterans for 28 years. Ivan also worked as a Case Manager at Regence Blue Shield until his retirement in 2003. He and his wife of 40 years, Shelly, have one son, Andrew.
Delores Walk, Lewiston: The Idaho State Veterans Home--Lewiston nominated Delores Walk to honor her passion, commitment and dedication to our nation as well as her outstanding service as a United States Navy WAVES, Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service. Delores was born in 1924, and on her 20th birthday, the very day she was eligible, Delores was sworn into the U.S. Navy WAVES. According to the U.S. Department of Defense, WAVES was
“a division of the U.S. Navy created during World War II to free up male personnel for sea duty.” Delores was stationed with the Bureau of Aeronautics and Chief of Naval Operations in Washington, D.C. She then served with the Naval Air Transport service (NATS) in Moffett Field, California, as a flight orderly aboard the Constitution and a Mars seaplane. She earned the rank of Yeoman First Class, the Good Conduct Medal and the World War II Victory and American Theater Campaign Ribbons. In July of 1948, Delores was honorably discharged from the U.S. Navy Reserve and enlisted in the U.S. Navy. Delores married her high school sweetheart, John, and was discharged from the U.S. Navy when she was pregnant with the first of their three children. She spent their childhoods as a stay-at-home mother and homemaker. When her children were grown, Delores worked as a secretary for the Clarkston School District, then the Asotin County Health Department until her retirement.
Volunteers:
Eugene D. Brown, Hazelton: The Marine Corps League Detachment 1030 nominated Eugene Brown, who has been volunteering to help his fellow veterans for nearly 20 years. Eugene is a retired Marine Gunnery Sergeant with worldwide service in the field of aviation ordnance. He retired in 1998 after 21 years of service and settled in Idaho. His volunteer work with the City of Hazelton resulted in his promotion to Public Works Director until he retired again in 2018. Eugene has been a member of the William L. McCauley/Magic Valley Detachment 1030 since 2014. After joining, he volunteered to be the Detachment Paymaster. He has held that position since, in addition to serving as Adjutant for the past three years. He has streamlined duties, digitized systems and increased efficiencies while also being instrumental to various events. In addition, in July 2022, Idaho Governor Brad Little appointed Eugene to serve on the Idaho Veterans Affairs Commission, and he has served in various leadership positions for the American Legion. Gary W. Davis, Commandant of Marine Corps League Detachment 1030 wrote, “Whenever the Detachment needs a project done, we call upon him to ensure every aspect is handled with the utmost professionalism and attention to detail. Eugene Brown has become a critical component within the Detachment.”
Monique Chadwick, Kuna: Sergeant Devin Daniels Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7019 nominated Monique Chadwick, the coordinator for Go Team Therapy dogs. Volunteering with her two therapy dogs, Solo and Lacie, she visits veterans at the Boise U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center and assists with other events in support of veterans and military families throughout the Treasure Valley. Tina Bailey with VFW Post 7019 wrote, “Monique is a very loving and giving individual . . . She goes above and beyond to bring peace and love to all she meets.” The service of her father and grandfather helped inspire Monique’s volunteer work serving veterans. Monique’s father served two tours in Vietnam in the U.S. Army, and then went on to serve as a National Guard recruiter for many years. Her grandfather also served in the U.S. Air Force. Monique and her dog, Solo, joined the Go Team in March 2019 after losing her father to cancer. The week after he passed, she was dropping off food donations for the hospice floor at the VA where she ran into the Go Team. Today, she is giving back to the people who did so much for her and her father and spends her time bringing peace and comfort to veterans. Monique is a semi-retired stay-at-home mother. She worked at Micron for 10 years, then was a real estate agent for 10 years. Her and her husband of 23 years have three daughters.
Susan Elle, Meridian: The Idaho State Veterans Home--Boise nominated Susan Elle, who JoAnn Daron with the Veterans Home characterizes as a delight since she started volunteering at the home in 2021. JoAnn wrote, “Our residents enjoy her charm and spunk each week as she helps with Bingo, organizing residents’ rooms, and on outings.” Susan’s nursing career has spanned over 40 years and includes the specialties of orthopedics, cardiovascular, critical care and hospice. She shares the experience of serving in Vietnam with many of the veterans at the Home, as she served as a medical missionary in Vietnam from 1969 to 1971. Susan volunteers at the home in honor of her father’s memory. Her father, Phillip Chaperon, served during World War II, and he was a Prisoner of War in Austria. He was a resident at the Veterans Home in The Dalles, Oregon, for the last two years of his 100-year life. Susan shared, “He was honored for his WWII service and given loving care. I would like to be a part of a team that provides a home for veterans and honors their military service.”
Jan Gilbert, Twin Falls: The Twin Falls Veterans Council nominated Jan Gilbert, the Council’s most active non-veteran volunteer and committed member of the Council for the Twin Falls Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Auxiliary. Jan has assisted with many projects in support of veterans and military families, including serving as past president of the Twin Falls VFW Auxiliary. Jan’s, husband of 51 years, Steve, served in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Vietnam War and was active in helping his fellow veterans and their families before he passed away last year. Jan has given generously of her time and talents to carry on this committed service leading the Twin Falls Veterans Fair Booth. Jan has shared that she enjoys talking with veterans and hearing their stories. She enjoys the smiles on their face when she is able to help or direct them to help. She is proud to assist those who have sacrificed so much for our country. Jan has two sons and two grandchildren. She also dedicates her time to volunteering for events with her church.
Kay Jones, Twin Falls: American Legion Post 47 nominated Kay Jones, a life-long member of the American Legion Auxiliary in Filer, Idaho. She began her membership as a “Junior Member” at 2 years old and has spent her life working on behalf of veterans, the families of veterans and active duty military. Kay has many family members who have served our country, including her husband, Ralph Jones, who served with the 101st Airborne in Vietnam, and her father, who served in World War II. Kay has served in an extensive list of leadership positions that include serving as the Filer Auxiliary’s President for several years; the American Legion Auxiliary 5th District President twice; and American Legion Auxiliary President for the state of Idaho. Her efforts driving outreach to forgotten veterans has resulted in gift packages being given to more than 120 veterans in 14 care centers, and this is just one of the many projects Kay has fueled. Kay, who is often the first person to say “I will,” has shared that bringing individuals together to work toward a common goal of serving veterans and their families through volunteer efforts is a personal reward that provides lasting satisfaction.
Richard Nota, Boise: When nominating Richard Nota, Craig Hoyt, President of the Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) Chapter 1025, wrote, “Rich Nota is the quintessential embodiment of a selfless volunteer. His actions are solely to improve the lives of veterans in need and to enhance the veteran community in general.” Rich, who served in the U.S. Army from 1968-1970, is the current Vice President of VVA Chapter 1025, has held other leadership roles with the chapter and has assisted with numerous service efforts. These include him leading efforts to fund specialized pedals for recumbent bicycles to help in-patients with prosthetic limbs at the Boise VA Medical Center (VAMC). Volunteering weekly assisting VAMC patents with their appointments and understanding how to work with the VA are among his many efforts on behalf of veterans. Rich volunteers so much of his time at the Boise VAMC because it allows him to enjoy the camaraderie of other veterans. He shared, “Working with the patients as an escort or meeting them while attending the front desk allows me to be a ‘Vet helping a fellow Vet’ a motto Veterans live by.”
Jack S. Paulsen, Grangeville: When nominating Jack (Scott) Paulsen, Crea-D’Haven Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 3520 of Grangeville Commander Lucky Gallego wrote, “When you need someone at a moment’s notice to help out somewhere-Scott Paulsen is someone you can count on.” Further, Lucky shared that after retiring from the U.S. Army and the Idaho County Sheriff’s Department, Scott has been volunteering to do things that bring pride and respect to the Post, as well as the veterans community. Scott is known as someone who is truly selfless when someone needs a hand or a ride somewhere, or someone to talk to. For example, Scott was a great assistance making himself available to drive veterans to their hospital appointments, and helping out with other duties that others could not perform due to sickness during a recent variant of COVID-19. In addition to assisting the veterans community at the VFW Post and the Idaho County Veterans Outreach and Community Center, Scott gives his time and talents to a long list of projects and programs that include Applied Suicide Intervention Systems Training and the Camas Prairie Honor Guard.
Molly Severe, Cottonwood: American Legion Post 152 nominated Molly Severe, who has volunteered serving veterans and her community for more than 20 years, beginning as a military spouse and continuing on after the death of her husband, a U.S. Marine Corps Veteran. Molly is always willing to lend a hand. She has been instrumental in the formation and operations of the Idaho County Veterans Outreach and Community Center since its inception in 2016, and she has been invaluable as a kitchen manager and cook. She also volunteers as a Chairman of the Christmas Gift Table at the Idaho State Veterans Home--Lewiston. A noble volunteer experience for Molly occurred at Christmastime 2021, when she came up with a creative way to enable the Christmas Table, which needed to be carried out without volunteers coming into contact with the residents at the Veterans Home, by framing photographs of the veterans in patriotic frames and sending them to the veterans’ families. Lucky Gallego, Adjutant for American Legion Post 152, wrote about it being a hit with the families. He also highlighted how no job is too big or too small for Molly stating, “She truly enjoys helping others,” and, “Molly’s caring and positive attitude inspires those around her.”
Hayley Slaughter, Mountain Home: Donor Outreach for Veterans (DOVE) nominated Hayley Slaughter, who donated her kidney earlier this year to Candice Martin, an active member of the U.S. Army. Candice is now back to full duty status, as Hayley continues to volunteer with DOVE to save more lives. Hayley is recognized as a compassionate person who has chosen career paths and volunteer work that support the vulnerable and underserved. She has been a military spouse to veteran Travis Slaughter, who served in the U.S. Air Force for 20 years, and she worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant for several years and cared for patients in hospice and memory care facilities. Since the birth of the first of their three children, Hayley has been a stay-at-home mom. She is also an active church member, now serving as head of missions for her local church. Hayley has mentored other donors and started a program to stay connected with veterans as they await transplants to help ensure they do not feel alone. Sharyn Kreitzer, Executive Director of DOVE, wrote, “Hayley has boundless energy and a warm, embracing personality that makes all in the DOVE community feel good. How Hayley can do all of this and balance being a mom to three young and active children is remarkable!”
Honoré Storms, Idaho Falls: The Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA), Idaho State Council, nominated Honoré Storms, who has supported and advanced veterans through her influence as a teacher, for the past approximately 33 years. Vern M. Peterson of the VVA Idaho State Council, wrote, “Her drive to ensure that students understand that the Freedoms of their Great Country are not Free, but are fought for by Veterans and their families, is highly commendable and far too uncommon.” Honoré has invited World War II and Vietnam Veterans to her classes to help students better understand their service. In 2022, she also worked with the local VVA Chapter 972 and facilitated her college (dual enrollment) U.S. History class completing seven interviews with Vietnam Veterans for the Library of Congress’s Veterans History Project. She shared that she has always appreciated what it means to be a veteran. Growing up, her Mother told stories of her seven brothers who fought in World War II and the impact of those years on her grandparents who joyously welcomed six sons home and mourned the loss of one for the rest of their lives. Honoré’s Father also served in World War II. Honoré enjoys knowing she is instilling pride and recognition of veterans, their service and sacrifices in today’s youth.
Fred T. Wyneken, Meridian: When nominating Fred Wyneken, Idaho Veterans Assistance League, Inc., Secretary Russell Dodd wrote about how Fred has been a dependable volunteer at the Boise Veterans’ Home canteen for more than 22 years, “but his return to us after the pandemic has been the most impactful. He’s jumped in with both feet to keep the canteen open for our residents, and we are deeply indebted to him.” Fred retired in 1996 from the federal government after a 36-year, multi-faceted career in law enforcement, and he then operated his own high technology consulting business in the Silicon Valley and in Idaho. He and his beloved wife of nearly 60 years, Bonnie, moved to Idaho in 1997, and he has been assisting weekly at the Veterans’ Home due to his desire to honor the veterans who have so valiantly and unselfishly served our country. Fred considers his service at the canteen to be a true blessing in his life. He also shared that most of all, he enjoys talking to the veterans and hearing of their great service, especially visiting with the increasingly few World War II veterans he encounters. In addition to his service at the Veterans’ Home and involvement with his church, Fred has also been a volunteer for the past 22 years with Prison Fellowship. Fred has conducted numerous weekly Bible Study and Life Skills classes for Prison Fellowship.
