11/11/2025
Today, we proudly honor all who have served our country with courage and dedication. We are especially grateful for the veterans who call our community home. Their service, stories, and strength continue to inspire us each and every day. ❤️
🇺🇸 𝐌𝐢𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐞𝐥 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐧 – 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐍𝐚𝐯𝐲
Michael enlisted in the Navy in 1960, serving four years in communications. His service took him across the Far East, where he lived in Japan and welcomed the birth of his son during that time. Michael’s experiences abroad gave him a deep appreciation for other cultures and lifelong memories of his time serving at sea.
🇺🇸 𝐆𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐨𝐧 𝐓𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐮𝐦 – 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐀𝐫𝐦𝐲
Gordon was drafted shortly after graduating high school and served from 1955 to 1957, earning the rank of Specialist. Stationed in Germany for a year, he served as a Jeep driver—transporting lieutenants and captains to their destinations. Gordon’s dedication and reliability made him a trusted part of his unit and a valued member of the Army.
🇺🇸 𝐓𝐞𝐝 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫 – 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐍𝐚𝐯𝐲
Ted served proudly in the Navy for 25 months from the end of 1942 through 1945. After boot camp in Idaho, he trained in Memphis, Tennessee, and Florida before earning the rank of Second Class Petty Officer. A radio operator aboard aircraft, Ted participated in critical missions searching for submarines and reporting weather conditions from Iwo Jima. His bravery earned him three Air Medals and the Distinguished Flying Cross. Ted learned Morse Code during his service—and still remembers it to this day.
🇺🇸 𝐁𝐥𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐏𝐞𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐧 – 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐀𝐢𝐫 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐜𝐞
Blaine volunteered at just 18 years old and served two years following World War II. After completing basic training in San Antonio, Texas, he was originally set to attend jet school but was instead selected to teach maintenance courses. Blaine taught the third and fourth weeks of an eight-week program covering superchargers and magnetos, helping prepare the next generation of airmen with essential technical skills.
🇺🇸 𝐕𝐢𝐫𝐠𝐢𝐥 𝐖𝐚𝐡𝐥𝐦𝐚𝐧 – 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐀𝐢𝐫 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐜𝐞
Virgil began his service at just 17 years old, first joining the Army for four to five years before re-enlisting as the Army and Air Force transitioned into separate branches. He continued serving in the newly formed Air Force, working primarily at Offutt Air Force Base in Omaha. Virgil’s work involved handling war crime documentation and important administrative tasks. A fun fact—when his first son was born, it cost just $2, and his second son’s birth was only $3!
Today and every day, we thank these incredible men—and all veterans—for their courage, service, and sacrifice. We are truly honored to have them as part of our community. 🇺🇸❤️