The Wagner American Legion Auxiliary Greer Unit #11 is proud to honor Tom Soukup as April’s Veteran of the Month. Soukup graduated from Marty High School in the spring of 1959 at 17 years of age. After graduating, Tom was faced with a big decision as his father offered to pay for his college education but with one stipulation: Tom could not farm. With a lifelong dream of being a farmer, Tom chose his passion of farming instead of college. In addition to farming, Tom decided to join the National Guard. In September of 1959, an enlisted Tom was sent to Fort Leonard Wood, MO for basic training. There were four other local soldiers that left at the same time as Tom, including Larry Beeson, George Houska, Dennis Koupal, and Fred Koupal. Although they left at the same time, Tom was sent to a different company. After graduating from basic training on December 8, Tom was supposed to be trained as a water specialist at Andrews Air Force Base in Washington D.C., but instead had his Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) changed to motor pool and was sent to the U.S. Army Transportation School at Fort Gregg-Adams in Virginia. With this MOS, Tom learned mechanics and how to operate heavy construction equipment.
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Rod Bartunek, 1978 Avon graduate,willparticipateinthe 2025RunForTheWall’sannual ride. Run For the Wall is the “largest and longest organized cross-country motorcycle run of its kind in the world.” This ride was established to honor Veterans and their families and friends with the purpose to raise awareness of those still missing, whether they are Prisoners Of War (POW)s or Missing In Action (MIA). The ride begins in Ontario, CA and ends ten days later at the Vietnam Memorial Wall in Washington D.C. There are three routes (Central, Midway, and Southern) that can be taken by the riders, all that begin in Ontario, CA. Riders can register to join “The Run” at different points along the way if they do not or cannot ride the entire route. The Run will begin on May 13th or 14th depending on which route they choose with all of the riders arriving at the Vietnam Memorial Wall on May 23rd. With the ride to beginalittleoveramonthfrom now, there are already over 1,000 riders registered.
Read morePierre, S.D. – South Dakota Community Foundation (SDCF) recently awarded a $5,228 South Dakota Fund grant to Pickstown and Fort Randall Museum. Funding will assist with the installation of an HVAC system in the museum’s new section.
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The Wagner Rotarians began their April 2, meeting with our prayer for our club, its members, and our work in the community. We were treated to a delicious meal from Boom’s. It was incorrectly stated in last week’s minutes that we would be having our steak meal catered by Choteau Creek Brewery. That meal won’t be until April, 16.
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DISTRICT 8 MEMBER OF THE YEAR
Read moreLOCAL BLOOD DRIVE WAS A HEROIC SUCCESS
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