This year, U.S. Senator for Idaho Mike Crapo honored 15 Idahoans with the 2024 Spirit of Freedom: Idaho Veterans Service Award. Senator Crapo created the award in 2002 to recognize Idaho veterans and volunteers for their outstanding service to our country and its veterans. Since the award’s creation 22 years ago, 400 Spirit of Freedom Awards have been bestowed. The following biographies for each of the recipients highlight their significant contributions to our country and its veterans.

Dan Gandy, Pocatello: Bannock County Veterans Services nominated Dan Gandy, who served in the U.S. Marine Corps for eight years as a Field Radio Operator and Small Computer System Specialist earning the rank of Sergeant. Dan was born in Texas, where much of his family still resides. The recognitions he earned for his honorable service include the National Defense Service Medal, Meritorious Mast, two Sea Service Deployment Ribbons and two Good Conduct Medals. Dan has worked in many fields since his separation from the military, including working as a cell tower technician, engineer at the Idaho National Laboratory and in management at Pacific Steel & Recycling. He now is a blacksmith, licensed real estate agent and loan officer. Dan loves spending time with his wife Tracy and daughter Hope. Dan and Tracy have nine wonderful children and visit Texas often to see Dan’s parents, siblings and nephews.

Dave Howerton, Boise: Veteran Readiness & Employment (VR&E) nominated Dave Howerton for his service to veterans. Dave served our country as a Bradley Fighting Vehicle Specialist and Track Vehicle Repairer in the U.S. Army and the Army National Guard, and now serves fellow veterans as a VR&E Specialist. Dave served in Operation Just Cause, Operation Desert Shield/Storm and Operation Southern Watch, that included his deployment to Kuwait. Dave was born in Herington, Kansas, and grew up in a railroading family who moved often. At the age of 17, he joined the Kansas National Guard before going on active duty with the Army. He later attended college in Utah and worked for Walmart, transferring to Idaho. Dave, who has two grown children, two grown step-children and one grandson, took a year to be a stay-at-home Dad until his son turned one. Dave was a Disabled Veterans Outreach Program Specialist with the Idaho Department of Labor for 17.5 years before moving to his current position. Dave has earned a number of honors for both his service to our country and his fellow veterans that include five Army Achievement Medals, the National Defense Service Medal and the Nation’s Outstanding Disabled Veterans’ Outreach Programs Specialist Award from the Disabled American Veterans. Dave shared that he found his calling serving fellow veterans writing, “Over the years I can’t even count how many veterans I have worked with. I always seem to bump into a few now and then and it is great to see so many doing well.”

Donald (Don) Lawrence, Lewiston: The Idaho State Veterans Home-Lewiston nominated Donald Lawrence. Donald was born in Helmer and grew up in Deary, Idaho. At the age of 18, Don was drafted into the U.S. Army and served from 1944 to 1946 in World War II. His service included his deployment to England, and he was later sent to serve as reinforcements for troops fighting in the Ardennes Offensive during the Battle of the Bulge. He earned a number of honors for his service that include the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Combat Infantry Badge, Victory Medal, Good Conduct Medal and more. Don noted that basic training could only do so much to prepare him for what he faced in World War II. He was injured by shrapnel and frostbite, and thankfully returned home to Idaho where he bought his father’s business, Deary Mercantile, that he and his wife Carley owned and operated for 43 years. Don and Carley have been happily married for 72 years and have three children, numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Don has a positive outlook on life and shared, “I have always been really lucky with everything I have done.”

John M. Martinez, Twin Falls: The Idaho Army National Guard Chaplain Corps nominated Chaplain (Major) John M. Martinez, who is Chaplain for the Idaho Army National Guard and at Hospice Visions. Nora S. Wells with Hospice Visions, LLC noted that John is always the first to answer calls for help, whether it is lending a hand moving, or a soldier needs someone to talk to in the middle of the night or a fellow hospice employee needs their car pulled out of the snow. John was born and raised in New Mexico, where his adopted family instilled strong military pride. His father was a veteran of the Korean War, and John served three years in the New Mexico National Guard while in college. He served in youth and music ministry for several churches in New Mexico and Idaho for the past 37 years. But, John found his true calling when he was approached to consider becoming the Chaplain for the Idaho Army National Guard. John and his wife Shari have been married 37 years and raised their two daughters, Jessica and Julia, who are the joy of his heart. John earned the rank of Major and many honors, including the Meritorious Service Medal and Army Commendation Medal, for his military service that has included serving in Kuwait, Iraq and Syria.

Benjamin McDonald, Kuna: Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4000 of Meridian nominated Ben McDonald, who served our country in the Vietnam War and continues to serve his fellow veterans, military families and through other community efforts. Ben was born in a small town in central Pennsylvania and joined the U.S. Army in 1969 as a Communications Specialist. His service also included serving as Operations Chief of all communications units in northern Germany. He earned the rank of Sergeant and multiple honors, including the National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medals and Meritorious Unit Citation with an Oak Leaf Cluster. After his military service, Ben founded BenchMark Learning International, a leadership development firm and with his wife, Sidney, published three books related to leadership development. Ben has four adult children and seven grandchildren. Ben has served his fellow veterans in many capacities that include his help in raising funds to construct the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., and later helping to bring a replica of the Wall to the Treasure Valley. He knew how visiting the Wall had helped him cope with the trauma of the war and wanted to provide that opportunity to local veterans and their families.

Chad Rohr, Boise: Mission43 nominated Chad Rohr for his devotion of his personal and professional life to serving the military families of Idaho through his work as the Engagement Director of Mission43 and his support of countless veterans initiatives. Dan Nelson, Director of Mission43, wrote, “Chad is an exceptional role model for military veterans, one who is proud of their service but not defined by it. Chad is one who actively seeks to accelerate opportunities to continue serving our Idaho communities, in part, to maintain a healthy amount of purpose that derives from being a servicemember.” U.S. Navy Chief Petty Officer (RET) Chad Rohr was born in Minnesota and served 24 years in the Navy serving on the USS New Jersey, USS California and in the U.S. Navy Recruiting Command. His honors for his service, that included his service during the Gulf War and Global War on Terror, include two Navy Commendation Medals and three Navy Achievement Medals. Chad has devoted his post-service career to engaging military veterans and their spouses in outdoor recreation, social networking and leadership development activities. Chad, who is married to Kim Rohr, has two sons and one daughter, and he is characterized as a veteran who other veterans look to and seek out due to his exceptional disposition and follow through on providing fellow veterans support.

Ed Samuel, Boise: The Idaho State Veterans Home-Boise nominated Ed Samuel, who not only served our country in the U.S. Army from 1965-1969, achieving the rank of 1st Sergeant, but also has served his fellow veterans as a volunteer at the home for more than 20 years. At the Home, he plays pinochle and cribbage, sells snacks at the canteen and has joined baseball outings. JoAnn Daron, Volunteer Services Coordinator for the Idaho State Veterans Home-Boise, wrote, “Our veterans enjoy his sense of humor and dedication to the activities he’s signed up for.” Ed, who was born in Boston, Massachusetts, and grew up with two younger brothers, received military honors for his service in Cambodia and Laos in the 101st Airborne. After his military service, Ed worked at the Winterland Ballroom in San Francisco reviewing acts, including Janis Joplin, the Grateful Dead, the Rolling Stones and Jerry Lee Lewis. Upon marrying the love of his life Rose, Ed became an instant father to four children from Rose’s previous marriage. He has nine grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

Spencer Sawyer,Meridian: The Idaho Veterans Assistance League (IVAL) nominated Spencer Sawyer for his service to veterans at the Idaho State Veterans Home-Boise, where he made the canteen a reliable haven for the Home’s residents and a place to go that was “safe and fun.” Lyle Gessford, with IVAL, wrote, “It was a comfortable place to take a breather. His time in keeping it open each week was a gift.” Spencer also gave his time to assisting with fishing trips, bingo and other outings and events. One fun day of note was when Spencer joined his fellow students of the Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine on a group activity, known as the famous “Mentos and Coke Science Experiment,” that Lyle characterized as exciting and messy. Spencer, who grew up in a small town in Northwest Ohio and earned a Bachelor of Applied Health Science degree at Bowling Green State University, was commissioned into the U.S. Navy in 2022 and is in the Individual Ready Reserve as he is a third-year medical student at the Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine. His Father also served in the U.S. military as an infantry Marine attached to a small boat company.

Bobby Doyle Tettleton, New Plymouth: Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Past District 5 Commander Matthew Biggs nominated Bobby Doyle Tettleton, who was born in Arizona and served in the U.S. Navy for nearly 13 years, earning the rank of Gas Turbine System Technician Petty Officers 1st Class, before serving in the U.S. Army National Guard for another nearly five years, earning the rank of Staff Sergeant. He served three deployments in Operations Desert Shield/Storm and also served in Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom, earning many honors for his service that include the Army Commendation Medal, Navy/Marine Corps Commendation Medal and two Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medals. Bobby is married to Shalimar Tettleton and was a small business owner dedicated to employing veterans following his retirement from military service. Bobby has also served his fellow veterans and military families extensively through serving in a number of leadership roles for veterans service organizations. He was the first father-son duo VFW Department Commander with his son Joseph serving as VFW Auxiliary Department President. He also serves on the VFW National Council of Administration, served as VFW Idaho State Commander 2022-2023 and is a member of the Military Intelligence Corps Association to name just a few of his many involvements on behalf of veterans and servicemembers.

Earl Coffman, Pocatello: Bannock County Veterans Services nominated Earl Coffman for his service to veterans through second chance employment opportunities at his restaurant, Elmer’s. Earl grew up outside of Detroit, Michigan, and had an early career making tools. He later served in the U.S. Air Force before getting married, having three daughters and working at a dinner restaurant, called Elmer’s, in Palm Springs, California. Earl’s passion for people, business sense and work ethic are well suited for the restaurant business. He continued to grow as a leader and operator, quickly becoming the kitchen manager and eventually the general manager of the Palm Springs location. In the early 2000s, Earl had the opportunity to go into business for himself and relocated to Pocatello, where he has supported hiring veterans and helps with the Folds of Honor supporting the dependents of servicemembers killed in action or disabled by military service, among the many volunteer projects he supports. Earl shared that he enjoys seeing people go on and do good things in their lives.

Mike (MJ) Jennings, Boise: Mission43 nominated Mike Jennings who has used his skills as an engineer and mechanic to serve veterans for more than 10 years, volunteering with the Challenged Athletes Foundation Operation Rebound and the Idaho Outdoor Fileldhouse in support of Mission43. When nominating MJ, Dan Nelson, Director of Mission43, wrote, “He is a perfectionist who spends hours of his personal time resolving any issue a veteran may have with their outdoor recreation equipment. It is remarkable to see the joy it brings MJ when he delivers a product back to a veteran or adaptive athlete, and he teaches anyone willing to listen how to independently fix future issues. I have never met a more generous, hardworking, and skilled volunteer. MJ is a blessing to the Idaho Outdoor Fieldhouse, Mission43, the Challenged Athletes Foundation, and the entire veteran community of Idaho.”

Tammy Sue Mikan, Boise: The Idaho Veterans Assistance League nominated Tammy Mikan, who has volunteered serving veterans at the Idaho State Veterans Home-Boise since 2021. Tammy has dedicated more than 600 hours to running the Home’s canteen, where she is recognized for bringing her considerable skills to the benefit of residents as she has helped keep the canteen staffed, stocked and well run. Tammy feels that she has always been surrounded by military service, which contributed to her deep respect for our military personnel and their families. Her Father served 20 years in the U.S. Air Force. Her brother also served in the Air Force; nephew served in the U.S. Army; and husband served in the U.S. Navy. Tammy shared that she enjoys visiting with the residents and families, and it makes her feel good to be able to provide them with a service that makes them happy and allows them some independence.

Travis Polek, Asotin, WA: The Idaho State Veterans Home-Lewiston nominated Travis Polek for the years and countless hours he has dedicated to making a difference in the lives of local veterans. Travis started the Theon Flag Raising Ceremony in 2016 and continues it annually to honor local veterans. Funds from the event are donated to the Idaho Veterans Assistance League and have benefited veterans residing at the Idaho State Veterans Home in Lewiston. When nominating Travis, Larissa Dittman, of the Idaho State Veterans Home-Lewiston, wrote, “Donations have made outings, special events, meals and celebrations possible and added to the quality of life for those veterans within the home.” He also volunteers his time to helping coordinate the Veterans Day Parade every year and has served on the Lewiston Roundup Board for the past four years. Travis, who is in a military family with both his father and brother having served in the U.S. Army, enjoys seeing the happiness honoring and serving veterans brings to others.

Tom Ressler, Meridian: American Legion Post 113 of Meridian nominated Tom Ressler due to his exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment to veterans. Lupe Wissel, State Director of AARP Idaho, highlighted Tom Ressler’s role as a member of the AARP Executive Council where he leads all veterans’ work and noted, “He enjoys being around other veterans and strives to meet the needs of veterans and their families who need assistance. As a leader, he identifies needs, finds solutions and brings people together to meet those needs.” Tom Ressler served decades in the U.S. Air Force, including his service as Command Chief Master Sergeant (the highest enlisted rank attainable) of the 49th Fighter Wing, Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico. He earned a number of honors for his honorable service that include the Meritorious Service Medal with three Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters, Air Force Commendation Medal and Air Force Achievement Medal to name just a few. Following his retirement from the Air Force, Chief Ressler served as Idaho Division of Veterans Services Program Supervisor. In this capacity, he oversaw the Idaho Office of Veterans Advocacy that assists Idaho veterans and their families with obtaining their earned benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Governor Otter awarded Chief Ressler the Idaho Distinguished Service Medal for his service to Idaho’s military community. Chief Ressler has been a staunch advocate for veterans, supporting veterans initiatives statewide for more than 40 years, including his co-founding of the Idaho Veterans Olympics that has had a 30-year lifespan and touched the lives of countless veterans and their families.

Kevin Urlaub, Boise: The Idaho State Veterans Home-Boise nominated Kevin Urlaub, who started volunteering at the Home in June 2023 as part of Micron’s volunteer program. JoAnn Daron, Volunteer Services Coordinator for the Idaho State Veterans Home-Boise noted that he has quickly become “a force of kindness, hard work and reliability,” as he has assisted with 22 outings and special events, logging 82 hours of serving veterans over the past year. Kevin shared that veterans hold a special place in his heart, he enjoys the interactions with veterans and hopes he is adding some small bit of enjoyment to their day. Kevin, who was born and raised in North Dakota, has a passion for service and planned to join the Air Force after graduating High School. His plans were altered when a wrestling injury prevented his clearance for service. He then earned a degree in Industrial Electronics at North Dakota State and worked for Hewlett Packard for 26 years before joining Micron in 2012. Kevin and his wife of 40 years, Michele, moved to Boise in 1991 where they raised their daughter Breann and two sons Nikolas and Joshua.