MEMORIAL DAY

Minn. political leaders emphasize democracy, bipartisan support for veterans

Regina Medina / MPR News — Mon, 26 May 2025 21:37:11 GMT

MINNEAPOLIS — Minnesota leaders and the public honored veterans Monday, May 26, at the Memorial Day Program at Fort Snelling National Cemetery.

U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar paid tribute to Minnesota veterans, including Master Sgt. Max Beilke, reportedly the last combat soldier to board the last plane out of Vietnam. He was later killed inside the Pentagon on Sept. 11.

“We remember the courage of those who made the ultimate sacrifice and the heroic strength of their loved ones,” Klobuchar said. “So let’s carry their stories in how we live our lives, how we care for our veterans and how we uphold the values they gave their lives to defend.”

Beilke, a Minnesota native and graduate of Alexandria High ��, served in Korea and Vietnam.

As the 34th Infantry Division “Red Bull” Band played Monday, members of the public dressed in red, white and blue visited graves. They also attended speeches by state leaders.

Gov. Tim Walz said Minnesota prioritizes funding for veteran issues across party lines.

“That expectation is the reason you gather today,” he said. “The sense of gratitude, the sense that you don’t have to be asked to agree with someone, but the one thing we can agree upon is those who are willing to lay down their lives so that we can have a democracy, is why we gather here.”

Walz in recent years signed bills into law for funding for veteran homes, cemeteries and the National Guard.

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This story was originally published on MPRNews.org.

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‘We must not forget them’: Annual Memorial Day program held at Bemidji’s Greenwood Cemetery

Annalise Braught — Mon, 26 May 2025 21:28:22 GMT

BEMIDJI — In a pleasant turn of events from the rainshower that falls on Memorial Day nearly every year, the sun and warm early-summer temps greeted attendees as they gathered at Greenwood Cemetery on Monday morning.

Hosted by Ralph Gracie American Legion Post No. 14, the annual memorial ceremony pays tribute to those who have given their lives in service to their country.

Starting with the presentation of the colors by members of the Ralph Gracie Honor Guard and Junior ROTC, Post No. 14 Commander Steve Jewett then led attendees in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.

“I would like to thank you all for attending this Memorial Day service as we honor all veterans who gave their lives to serve and protect our country from those who may wish to destroy our way of life,” Jewett said in opening. “It’s their sacrifices that have preserved the freedoms we now have today.”

The crowd, with hands over their hearts, then joined musical guest Don Papreck in singing “The Star-Spangled Banner” before a POW flag was posted to honor the lives of prisoners of war and those unaccounted for in all wars and conflicts involving the United States.

“We are gathered here together to memorialize, to remember, to honor those who have given their lives in service to our country,” Chaplain Ken Glidden said during his opening invocation. “May it never depart from our heart, deep within us, the sacrifice they've made, and help us to never take it for granted. Lord, freedom is never free. Help us to remember that.”

A life of sacrifice

Jewett then welcomed guest speaker Richard Cross, a retired U.S. Army Command Sergeant Major who served in Vietnam during 1970-71 and many other U.S. conflicts.

“He has also been a member of the American Legion for over 42 years and has served the Legion as national, state and District 6 Commanders and in many other Legion posts,” Jewett added.

Cross used his time at the microphone to recount the many kinds of heroes celebrated in American history.

“Society likes to use the word hero,” Cross said. “There are sports heroes, action heroes, political heroes, but is there any group more deserving of the title than more than one million men and women who have sacrificed their lives in defense of this nation?”

Cross then shared the story of Jack Lummus, who was a professional football player for the New York Giants before he fought and died in the Battle of Iwo Jima during World War II.

“It was as a Marine that Jack would go from sports hero to genuine American hero,” Cross said. “He has since been inducted into the New York Giants Ring of Honor, but that is just a small part of his story.

“On Feb. 19, 1945, Jack Lummus was among the first to land at Iwo Jima. A leader of a rifle platoon, First Lt. Lummus, slowly but relentlessly advanced with his men against entrenched enemy forces. He disregarded wounds inflicted upon him by grenade shrapnel and other small arms fire.

“He neutralized enemy soldiers positioned in three pillboxes before eventually stepping on a landmine. Jack attempted to stand even though his legs and lower torso were badly mangled. Rushed to surgeons who attempted to save his life, Lt. Lummus said, ‘Well, Doc, the New York Giants lost a mighty good end today.’

“He died on March 8, 1945, and America lost a mighty good hero. For his actions at Iwo Jima 80 years ago, Jack was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. Lt. Jack Lummus was one of the most famous heroes of one of history's most famous battles. But there are so many others that we can also remember. People who have died while fulfilling their military mission.”

Cross then went on to tell the stories of U.S. Navy aviators Lt. Commander Lyndsay Evans and Lt. Serena Wileman, who both earned multiple combat medals for their actions in the Middle East against terrorists in 2023 and ‘24.

“On Oct. 15, 2024, the two trailblazing pilots lost their lives when an EA-18G Growler jet crashed during a training exercise in Washington near Mount Rainier,” Cross said. “Even within the safety of the United States, the military is an inherently dangerous profession comprised of professionals willing to sacrifice for us.”

Another hero’s story recounted by Cross was Army medic Calvin Bouknight, who was killed in 1965 while shielding and protecting four of his fellow soldiers in Vietnam. He was posthumously awarded the Silver Star.

“A native of Washington, D.C., Specialist Bouknight lived only 24 years, but his legacy is still remembered 60 years after his passing,” Cross said.

He added that while the heroes mentioned had earned prestigious awards and military decorations, countless veterans have not been recognized for their bravery due to a lack of surviving witnesses who could document their final acts — but they are no less heroic.

“The heroes we honor today are not exclusive to any gender, race or religion. They come from all economic classes and backgrounds. They hail from all 50 states. Some have migrated from other countries,” Cross said in closing. “They are a diverse group wedded to the belief that America is a nation worth dying for.

“We are gathered so that we can remember their sacrifices and celebrate the fact that throughout our history, this great country has remained through such men and women of honor; we must not forget them.”

‘Proud to be an American’

Following Cross’ address, Glidden read off a list of Ralph Gracie members who have died in the last year. Auxiliary member Kathy Ramos then read a list of those from Beltrami County who died in action during World War I.

The initial part of the program closed with Papreck leading attendees in singing "America the Beautiful," followed by the firing squad conducting a rifle salute and Bemidji High �� trumpet players Brayden Dougherty and Mehgan Johnson playing "Taps."

Attendees then migrated to the Grand Army of the Republic Memorial to honor those who died during the Civil War with another rifle salute, Jewett reciting the Gettysburg Address and the trumpet players performing an additional round of "Taps" to officially wrap up the ceremony.

“I would like to thank all the speakers and volunteers who helped make this Memorial Day program a success,” Jewett said in conclusion. “Thank you all very much for your attendance. It's really good to see it turn out like this. It makes me proud to be an American.”

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Detroit Lakes war veteran reflects on memories of combat, traumatic brain injury and returning home

Vicki Gerdes — Fri, 23 May 2025 11:00:00 GMT

DETROIT LAKES — Like many young men and women living in the U.S. during the early 21st century, Detroit Lakes’ Phil Krabbe felt the call to defend his country in the wake of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

“I was very upset and angry that we got attacked,” he recalled, “and I did not want somebody else going (to war) in my stead. I wanted to serve my country and do my part, basically.”

So with the support of his wife, Melissa, Krabbe enlisted with the U.S. Marine Corps in November 2002, as an infantryman with Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, a unit of the 1st Marine Division that was headquartered at Camp Pendleton, California. Within his first four years of service, he had been deployed overseas three times.

“The first two were with Marine expeditionary units,” Krabbe said, adding that basically, “you get on a ship and just float around until something happens and then you respond. And with both of those (deployments), we ended up in Iraq.”

In the winter of 2004-2005, a tsunami hit the Indonesian coast and his unit was sent to respond. “We were sent to provide security for infrastructure, and just help however we could.”

His third trip overseas was a combat deployment to Al-Karmah, Iraq, just outside of Fallujah. When he got there, the Marines were just about to strike Fallujah.

“They surrounded the town and gave the non-combatants time to get out,” Krabbe said. “So the smart terrorists, they left Fallujah so they could fight another day.”

Many of them ended up in Al-Karmah, Krabbe said. “We dealt with them non-stop. I can’t tell you how many gunfights I’ve been in.”

And then there was the time he got blown up by an improvised explosive device, or IED.

“I have a traumatic brain injury (TBI) because of that,” Krabbe said, adding that it was his last combat deployment, though he did not leave the Marines until four years later.

His second four-year stint with the Marines ended up being stateside.

“For my second four years, I was a combat instructor for the �� of Infantry at Camp Pendleton,” he said, adding, “I taught infantry tactics, and firearms, and everything to make an infantryman ready” for their first job assignment, or military occupational specialty.

The �� of Infantry has two divisions: Marine Combat Training, or MCT, and the Infantry Training Battalion, or ITB. Krabbe was an instructor for the latter.

“I did that for four years, and then I got out of the military and moved to Minnesota,” Krabbe said.

It wasn’t his first time in the Land of 10,000 Lakes, however. His wife, Melissa — whom he refers to affectionately as “Missy” — is from West Fargo, and used to spend her summers in Detroit Lakes, at her family’s lake cabin.

“I met my wife on the internet in 1998,” he said. “When I graduated high school (in Ridgecrest, California, which is his hometown), I moved up here to be with her.”

After he finished his eight-year stint with the Marines in November 2010, Krabbe decided to leave the decision of where they would live up to his wife. “She had followed me wherever I went, throughout my career and all the things I had done, so it was important to me to give back to her. And her mom lives in Detroit Lakes, so she said she wanted to go there. So I said, ‘OK, let’s go!’”

That was when the Krabbes brought their oldest son — Thomas, who is now 24 — to Detroit Lakes, where they have remained since, though they didn’t purchase their current home on Sunset Road until 2013. Their youngest son, Nicholas, who is now 11, was born here.

Krabbe’s transition back to civilian life wasn’t all smooth sailing from there, however.

“When I got out of the Marine Corps, I had a lot of trauma, PTSD, depression, anxiety, all that stuff,” he said. “And then, at the end of 2011, I started contracting with the (U.S.) State Department.

“I was doing security,” Krabbe continued. “I was basically a bodyguard for diplomats and ambassadors that go overseas. I did that off and on for 10 years.”

Having that job to focus on helped him through a lot of things, he added. “It kept me focused,” he said, adding that ironically, his PTSD may have helped him do his job a little better.

One of the symptoms of PTSD is hyper-awareness and “just always being on guard,” Krabbe explained, which is actually an asset in the diplomatic security field.

“I had nightmares, I had migraine headaches, and all the stuff I was struggling with, I managed it — because my mind was occupied,” he said.

So instead of dwelling on all the things he was struggling with, “ I used it to my advantage, and it served me well.”

Up until it didn’t. In 2019, during a trip to Mogadishu, Somalia, as part of the ambassador’s security detail, Krabbe experienced heat stroke for the first time.

“I was in great shape,” he said, adding that it was one of the requirements for his job. But he hadn’t accounted for how hot it would be when he went out for a five-mile run as part of his workout routine.

“So I had a heat stroke, and they evacuated me out of Somalia (for treatment),” he said. “That’s when all of my issues kind of flared up, because the heat stroke had made my TBI worse.”

His headaches, anxiety, depression and other issues were also exacerbated, in part, because “I felt that I had let my team down.”

Krabbe said that he started having issues with alcohol after leaving the Marines. While he didn’t drink while working in his security job, he would imbibe quite heavily when he was sent back home.

“My rotation was 135 days deployed (with the State Department), and then 35 days at home,” he said. “During those 35 days that I was home, I was in the bottom of a bottle.

“That really started my fall from grace, and it just got worse and worse.”

Now unable to work a full-time job because of his disability, Krabbe said, “my nightmares came at me like a freight train. They were happening every night.”

The nightmares were so vivid and so real that Krabbe actually began to fear them.

“I was a Marine Corps infantryman … there’s not much that I’m afraid of,” he said. “I was terrified to go to sleep.”

And so he began taking amphetamines to stay awake. “I would stay up for three or four days,” he said. “And all three or four of those days, I’d be drinking the whole time (in addition to the amphetamines). Your body can only take that for so long before it says enough is enough.

I was very, very tired. I was tired of running from the issues that I had, I was tired of dealing with them. I was just emotionally and physically exhausted.

“That’s what happened to me,” he added. “My body started to break down; I started having physical problems.”

It got so bad that Krabbe began to experience suicidal ideation for the first time. “I was very, very tired,” he said. “I was tired of running from the issues that I had, I was tired of dealing with them. I was just emotionally and physically exhausted.”

Though he had previously been “very against suicide,” counseling his fellow Marines to ask for help when they began to experience such thoughts, before they became overwhelming — suddenly he found himself on the other side of that mirror.

“On Nov. 30, 2020, I had been awake for three days straight, and I had been taking amphetamines and drinking that whole time,” he recalled.

He found himself standing in his kitchen, alone with his thoughts, which were whispering to him, “You could end this.”

“On that day, I agreed with (those thoughts),” he said. “So I grabbed my .38, and loaded it, and stuffed the barrel in my mouth, put some pressure on the trigger.”

Suddenly, Krabbe was hit with the image of what would happen if his youngest son was the one to find him after he pulled the trigger.

My rotation was, 135 days deployed, and then 35 days home. So those 35 days that I was home, all 35 days, I was in the bottom of a bottle.

“He was seven at the time,” Krabbe said. “I didn’t want him finding me dead in my kitchen.”

So instead of pulling the trigger, he put the gun away and got straight into his vehicle, driving to the Fargo VA hospital.

“That started my very, very long, hard road to recovery,” Krabbe said. “I’ve been sober four and a half years now. And Missy helped me through all of that.”

Krabbe refers to his wife as “my guardian angel.” While he had a team of people helping him on the road to recovery, it was Missy who was beside him for every step, forwards and backwards, along that road.

At one point, Krabbe relapsed into severe depression at the thought of all his wife had gone through to help him. “She did all of it on her own,” he said, noting that Missy did not have a team of medical professionals to help her on the way. “It broke my heart.”

The Wounded Warrior Project was a big part of his recovery from that depression, Krabbe said.

“I had joined the Wounded Warrior Project in 2019, because one of my Marine brothers told me to,” he said.

But nothing came of it until after his aborted suicide attempt. “They reached out to me,” he said. “And that started a great relationship. The things they have done for me are incredible.”

Krabbe said that he has probably taken advantage of every program that the nonprofit had to offer. “Once I finished one of them, they would say, ‘OK, this is the next step,” he said. “I put all my faith and confidence in them, and they guided me and got me to where I am today.”

Today, Krabbe is on the Wounded Warrior Project’s national campaign team, as a volunteer speaker. “I go all over the country, telling my story and telling veterans how Wounded Warrior Project can work for them, if they allow it,” he said.

I go all over the country, telling my story and telling veterans how Wounded Warrior Project can work for them, if they allow it.

Allowing it is the tricky part, Krabbe added. Veterans tend to internalize their issues, rather than letting anyone see any hint of vulnerability.

“They don’t want people to know their issues,” he said. “When you tell somebody about your issues, speaking from experience … I felt like a failure. I felt weak and vulnerable.”

But sharing those stories can be really cathartic, Krabbe noted. By sharing them with other veterans, it can also help them feel less alone — and maybe impart an important lesson or two along the way.

“Our World War II veterans, Korea veterans and Vietnam veterans, we’re going to lose them, “ Krabbe said. “And how can we learn from them, from their experiences, if they won’t talk to us?”

Besides his wife, and the Wounded Warrior Project, Krabbe also credits his service dog, Cal, with helping him get his life back. Cal, who was paired with Krabbe as part of the Detroit Lakes-based Patriot Assistance Dogs program, had himself been acquired from the Wadena Humane Society — in keeping with the PAD program's motto, "Rescued dogs rescuing veterans."

“He changed my life overnight,” Krabbe said of Cal, who is a black lab. “He really allowed me to function in society and feel a part of things again. So to give back, I serve on the board of the Patriot Assistance Dogs.”

He also serves on the board of directors for the Wings of Valor Lodge in Parker, South Dakota, and recently helped to launch Battle Borne Outdoors, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that “provides therapeutic outdoor experiences for veterans.”

And as if all that weren’t enough, Krabbe recently participated in the filming of a documentary for Prairie Public, called “Wounded,” which had its premiere in Detroit Lakes earlier this month, and first aired May 22 on the Fargo-based public broadcasting station. Currently, it is available for viewing on Prairie Public’s YouTube channel.

“It was an honor,” Krabbe said of being part of that project, one of two veteran-focused documentaries produced by Matt Olien for Prairie Public. "I felt very fortunate to be asked to do that. It's a great platform. ... I have no doubt it will end up saving a veteran's life."

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Memorial Day hours for Beltrami County solid waste facilities, offices

Pioneer Staff Report — Thu, 22 May 2025 20:11:00 GMT

BEMIDJI — In observance of Memorial Day, all Beltrami County Offices will be closed on Monday, May 26. The Sheriff’s Office Records and Court Divisions will also be closed.

All staffed Beltrami County Solid Waste Facilities will be closed on Saturday, May 24, and Monday, May 26. Normal operations will resume on May 27.

Essential 24/7 and emergency services will remain operational through the holiday.

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Memorial Day events scheduled around the Bemidji area

Pioneer Staff Report — Fri, 16 May 2025 16:56:18 GMT

BEMIDJI — Memorial Day services are scheduled at various locations around the Bemidji area on Sunday, May 25, and Monday, May 26.

This list will continue to be updated as events are submitted. If you'd like to have your event added, email news@bemidjipioneer.com.

Annual Memorial Day service set at Greenwood Cemetery

BEMIDJI — Ralph Gracie American Legion Post No. 14 will host its annual Memorial Day service at 10 a.m. on Monday, May 26, at Greenwood Cemetery.

The program will include the presentation of the colors, a keynote address from Richard Cross, the playing of "Taps" and more. All are welcome to attend.

Laporte American Legion to host Memorial Day service

LAPORTE — The American Legion and Auxiliary of Laporte Post 462 will be honoring the service of veterans this Memorial Day with a program on Monday, May 26.

The day will start at 9 a.m. with a brief program, a rifle salute and "Taps" at Evergreen Cemetery in Kabekona. The event will continue to the Laporte Catholic Cemetery, 695 First Ave. NW.

At 10 a.m., there will be a program featuring speakers, music and "Taps" at the Laporte ��, 315 Main St. W.

Services will continue at the Garfield Lake Landing and will conclude at the Lakeport Cemetery in Laporte.

Attendees are encouraged to wear a poppy to honor fallen members of the armed forces, a release said.

Following the events, the Lions Club will be offering a meal that is free for veterans and a free-will donation for other attendees at Trinity Lutheran Church in Laporte, 150 Second St. NE.

Buzzle Osterdalen Church to host annual memorial service

BUZZLE TOWNSHIP — Buzzle Osterdalen Church will hold its annual memorial service at noon on Sunday, May 25.

A business meeting will follow the service, and then a potluck lunch will be served. Members, friends and neighbors are all welcome.

For more information, call Marlyce at (218) 751-1996.

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'Honor them and their memory': Annual Memorial Day program held at Greenwood Cemetery

Carley Swanson-Garro — Mon, 27 May 2024 19:24:02 GMT

BEMIDJI — Despite a steady drizzle, around a hundred community members gathered together on Monday morning at Greenwood Cemetery for a Memorial Day ceremony to honor those who have died while serving their country.

After the presentation of the colors by members of the Honor Guard and junior ROTC, Ralph Gracie American Legion Post No. 14 Commander Steve Jewett led attendees in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.

Past Commander Joe Vene then sang "The Star-Spangled Banner" before a POW flag was posted in honor of the many prisoners of war and those unaccounted for in all wars and conflicts involving the United States.

"Father, we're gathered here together to honor the memory of those who served and those who gave their lives in the line of duty," Chaplain Ken Glidden said during an opening prayer. "Father, we thank you for their service. Help us to always remember and live our lives accordingly so that we, too, may dedicate ourselves toward the calling that we had."

Jewett welcomed attendees to the service before introducing guest speaker, Todd Haugen, who is a former KB101 radio announcer and school board member and host of "Lakeland Currents" on Lakeland PBS.

Haugen shared the history of Memorial Day, which was originally established as Decoration Day on May 30, 1868, to honor the over 600,000 casualties in the American Civil War.

The holiday became Memorial Day in 1971 and was expanded to include American soldiers killed in every war.

"We have many holidays that are celebrations, though to me, Memorial Day is not one of them," Haugen said. "Every one of those Americans killed in battle would have loved to live out their life in the happiness of the freedom that we enjoy that they, and our other veterans, made possible.

"Knowing that so many of them had to die to make that possible doesn't make me want to celebrate, but it does make me want to honor them and their memory in any way I can."

Haugen spoke about his father's service in the military as a highly decorated Marine who led a squadron of bomber pilots in the Philippines in World War II.

"Some of our veterans die from their battle wounds many years after the end of their military service," Haugen explained. "Such was the case with my dad."

His father is one of many veterans no longer living who made great sacrifices for their country. After a relapse of malaria contracted in the Philippines, he died by suicide in 1965 when Haugen was 7 years old.

Haugen ended his speech with a call for attendees to remember and honor the service of veterans killed in battle every day, not just on Memorial Day.

"Let's keep in mind all of our veterans who are no longer with us," Haugen said. "There would be no United States of America without veterans' service, living or not. ... I'm sure that they would want to know that they, and their sacrifice, are remembered."

Following Haugen's address, Glidden read off a list of Ralph Gracie members who have died in the last year. Auxiliary member Kathy Ramos then read a list of those from Bemidji who died in action in the Korean War.

The initial part of the program closed with a rifle salute, Bemidji High �� trumpet players Ryan Maki and Braeden Dougherty playing "Taps," and Joe Vene singing "America the Beautiful."

To wrap up the service, everyone moved to the Grand Army of the Republic Memorial to honor those who died during the Civil War with a rifle salute, reading of the Gettysburg Address and playing of "Taps."

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94-year-old Bemidji veteran makes it his mission to clean headstones

Dennis Doeden — Sat, 25 May 2024 12:15:00 GMT

BEMIDJI — You could say that every day is Memorial Day for Luvern “Ike” Eickhoff.

The 94-year-old Korean War veteran spends his time and money cleaning headstones at cemeteries all around northwestern Minnesota, not just this month, but most of the year. He keeps a bevy of supplies in the rear of his vehicle, making sure to adhere to National Cemetery Administration procedures.

“You can harm the stone if you’re not doing it right,” Eickhoff said during a recent cleaning session at Bemidji’s Greenwood Cemetery. “I do it for the families and people who can’t get back to the cemetery.”

Eickhoff’s respect for cemeteries goes back to his childhood in tiny Graceton, Minn., which is located midway between Baudette and Warroad. His father cut grass in the Graceton Cemetery with a sickle bar behind a team of mules. In later years his mother spent some of her retirement money to put a fence around that same cemetery to prevent vandalism.

Eickhoff has cleaned dozens of gravestones at Greenwood over the years but also travels to cemeteries in Clearbrook, Warren, Hallock and Oslo, where his wife Avis is from. He is meticulous in his cleaning process, using water, brushes and hand-carved wooden scrapers, then finishing off each job with a coat of a special treatment called Spray & Forget. He buys all of the products himself.

“I don’t spend money on cigarettes or alcohol,” he said. “That’s for anybody else. I’ve never smoked and I’ve never drank.”

He also carries a supply of American flags to place on graves.

“If I come to a place where there’s a veteran buried and there’s no flag, I put one there,” Eickhoff said. “Veterans are important to me. They’ve given their lives.”

He nearly gave his own life in the Korean War.

After graduating from Williams High ��, Ike moved to Bemidji and enrolled at Bemidji State College along with his twin brother, Loran. The twins were forwards on the Beaver basketball team. But during his sophomore year, Ike was drafted into the U.S. Army.

He was trained to be a radio operator in Morse code and spent nine months on an island off the coast of North Korea. The 22-year-old was put in charge of a group of guerilla fighters who were taken ashore for a week at a time to gather intelligence on the North Koreans. On one occasion, Eickhoff was the only survivor when the transport boat was hit by enemy fire.

“I lost at least 30 men during my time there,” he said.

Eickhoff returned from the war and completed his studies at Bemidji State. He taught and coached basketball at Stephen, Minn., for seven years before joining the industrial technology faculty at the University of North Dakota. He earned a Ph.D. in research and evaluation at Iowa State. He retired after a 30-year career at UND. That gave him more time to spend with Avis and to tend to cemeteries.

Bill Batchelder, volunteer caretaker at Greenwood Cemetery, does not take Eickhoff’s contributions for granted.

“At his age, he has an absolute zest for life,” Batchelder said. “He has the same vigor for cemeteries that he had as a little boy. I’m just impressed with his health and his stamina. The (Greenwood) Cemetery Association is extremely appreciative of what he does.”

Eickhoff will be the guest speaker at a Memorial Day service at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lake George. He will share stories about his faith and service. He has written a memoir called “Korea: My Story 1952 and 1953.” The service will begin at 9 a.m. on Monday, May 27.

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Commentary: Tips for helping veterans who may be struggling

Michael Leach, Addicted.org — Sat, 25 May 2024 11:50:00 GMT

Drug and alcohol addiction and mental health issues are common problems that many veterans struggle with.

Without adequate treatment or support, these issues spiral quickly out of control. Unfortunately, too many slip through the cracks and never get help.

While there are many reasons for this, it is often a lack of early intervention, stigma with addiction, and, in some cases, inadequate drug education.

Early intervention remains the best initial approach, involving conversations and even drug education. While it is challenging to know how many veterans have substance use disorders and mental health problems, it’s safe to say there are many struggling in silence.

However, we can reach those close to us and those in the community, have conversations, provide drug education and break down the stigma.

According to census data, in 2022, 6% of the adult population in Minnesota were considered veterans. Many of these veterans are affected by factors related to substance use, such as pain, suicide risk, homelessness and trauma.

Per the National Survey for Drug Use and Health, 3.6 million veterans had a past year substance use disorder in the United States.

Alcohol use disorders, for example, are common, affecting many within the state. According to the Minnesota Department of Health, the state had one of the highest binge drinking rates in the nation in 2021, with 17.9% of adults reporting binge drinking. The number of binge-drinking adults has not changed much since 2011.

Nationally, veterans ages 18 to 49 were the most likely to struggle with addiction. Yet, few veterans seek treatment. An estimated 2.7 million veterans, or 95.4% of the 3.6 million, did not perceive a need for substance use treatment, and only 0.3% sought drug rehab per national data.

You can begin helping a veteran by discussing substance use and prevention with them. Do not avoid conversations about substance abuse; they could be the turning point that convinces them to get help.

For instance, when you begin the conversation, focus on sharing your feelings.

Tell them you have noticed they have been drinking more than usual and wondering if everything is OK. You could also tell them you have noticed they have been acting differently and have not seemed like themselves lately. Make a point of checking in with them, calling them, inviting them out, visiting them, and demonstrating that you are there to support them.

Once you’ve begun the conversation, ask questions such as when they first started feeling this, did something happen that made them feel like this, whether they have been using drugs or alcohol to cope with negative feelings, and whether they have thought about getting help or searching for support.

During these conversations, it is critical to listen without judgment, be supportive, and not come across as disappointed. If you feel concerned, contact the Veterans Crisis Line by dialing 988 and then press 1. Other professional resources include SAMHSA and the Veterans Affairs Resource Locator.

This practical approach can help support our veterans who are struggling. Early intervention remains a critical part of helping anyone battling addiction and mental health problems.

Michael Leach has spent most of his career as a healthcare professional specializing in substance use and addiction recovery. He is a Certified Clinical Medical Assistant and the Public Relations Officer at

DRS.

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Commentary: A Memorial Day message to all our service members and veterans

U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar — Sat, 25 May 2024 11:30:00 GMT

It’s been said that "the nation which forgets its defenders will itself be forgotten." We tell the world who we are as a nation by how we remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice for the freedoms we hold dear.

Memorial Day is a time to remember these fallen heroes and do right by the veterans and service members who are still with us.

That’s why today, I’m thinking about the countless Americans who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.

I’m thinking of Quentin Gifford from Mankato, who was on the U.S.S. Oklahoma when it was torpedoed during the attack on Pearl Harbor.

I’m thinking of John Anderson from Willmar, whose ship was struck by an explosive enemy shell on D-Day.

I’m thinking of Larry Gosen from Bingham Lake, whose plane crashed during combat in the Gulf of Tonkin.

And I’m thinking of Charles William Nelson and Archie Stein, who made the ultimate sacrifice in World War II and are laid to rest beside my father at Fort Snelling National Cemetery.

Their sacrifices — and the sacrifices of so many others — ensured a future where freedom prevailed over fear and liberty triumphed over tyranny. We get to live in that future.

That’s why it’s on all of us to honor the fallen. One way we do that is by taking care of those who follow in their footsteps.

This means guaranteeing that veterans can get their disability claims processed. It means ensuring that they can access their G.I. benefits. And it means making sure that they get quality health care when they need it.

That’s why I fought to ensure veterans exposed to toxic burn pit exposure in Iraq and Afghanistan get the care they need.

And as of this year, thousands of Minnesota vets are eligible for care up to eight years earlier than expected. You no longer have to file a disability claim to receive this care — if you were exposed to toxins or served in the Vietnam War, the Gulf War or any combat zone after 9/11, you are eligible to enroll in VA health care today and will have access for life.

My guiding principle is this: when our veterans and service members signed up to serve our country, there wasn’t a waiting line. When they need a job, housing or health care, there should never be a waiting line in the United States of America.

To all our service members and veterans — and to all the families remembering loved ones today — we honor you on Memorial Day and every day. You represent the best of America. Thank you for your service and devotion to our country.

Amy Klobuchar is an American lawyer and politician and has served as a U.S. Senator representing Minnesota since 2007.]]>

Beltrami County announces Memorial Day solid waste facilities, office closures

Pioneer Staff Report — Thu, 23 May 2024 17:56:00 GMT

BEMIDJI — In observance of Memorial Day, Beltrami County Offices and services will be closed on Monday, May 27. The Sheriff’s Office Records and Court Divisions will also be closed.

All staffed Beltrami County Solid Waste Facilities will be closed on Monday, May 27.

Essential 24/7 and emergency services will remain operational through the holiday.

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