Veteran’s Corner

Tom Krabbenhoft

Last week the Fargo National Cemetery held a well-attended open house hosted by the VA. They had several people that gave out information on burial qualifications and benefits of deceased Veterans.

It was 95 degrees that day with no wind. I appreciate the VA people that came out. I’m certain Jennifer put in extra effort to make it successful, thanks to her. Thanks too to Mr. Murphy for coming up from Ft. Snelling.

The Fargo Memorial Honor Guard was there. We are looking for people to join. It’s quite simple; you need to belong to a service organization AMVETs, VFW or other. Duties are very simple. We bestow honor upon deceased veterans. We leave the family with a memorable and meaningful ceremony to remember their loved ones. We also march in parades and perform color honors at rodeos and sporting events. You are provided with a uniform at no cost.

If you’d like to join please contact me at 11btwk@gmail.com.

August 7th was National Purple Heart day. A Purple Heart is the Medal given when one receives injuries due to enemy actions. This award is entitled and not recommended as are most awards. The Purple Heart was originally called the badge of military merit, originated by the order of General George Washington on august 7, 1782.

There has been talk of late to make PTSD sufferers eligible for the Purple Heart. A Purple Heart has never been given out for self-injury, mental health, food poisoning and many other injuries.

The most Purple Hearts awarded to a single person is 9. Staff Sergeant Adam Ireland a Marine, who served in WW2 and Korea. He lived until age 79. I wonder what his daily pain level was.

Minimizing pain is something that I’ve dived into head first. Being injured in a helicopter crash in 1992, I’ve been battling extreme pain ever since. Recently I’ve been getting HBOT (Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatments) at Swanson Hyperbarics. I’m pleased by the results and looking forward to writing more about it.

Send your veteran-related items to me at 11btwk@gmail.com