veteran’s corner
Tom Krabbenhoft
How about this cold! Cold is part of our way of life here. It’s the weather here that makes us especially rugged and rough, compared with folks from other parts of the country. But it also makes life extra tough on those who are homeless, including our homeless veterans.
The Clay and Cass County sheriffs, Mark Empting and Jesse Jahner, joined the FM Legion Riders, VFW Post 762, AMVETS Post 7, J.R. from Veritas Cranes and Dr. Richard Arness last Friday and Saturday on a subzero sleep-out to raise funds and supplies for the homeless in our community. With help from the Moorhead American Legion and the Moorhead Business Association’s Frostival, along with the Minnesota Army National Guard, it was a big success – despite below-zero night-time lows.
The campers stayed outside in a tent to raise money, food and clothing. Most importantly, they raised awareness for Churches United for the Homeless and the Brady Oberg Foundation, which focuses on preventing veteran suicides. They stayed in a tent outside the Moorhead American Legion for 44 hours, braving frigid cold and wind. People came by to donate food, clothing and $8,000 incash. A 16-foot trailer was filled with warm clothes.
This is a very giving community. Warm, you might say!
Another Black History Month Salute
Keeping with Black History Month, I’d like to tell you about Alwyn Crandall Cashe.
Sgt. Cashe served in the Army. He was awarded the Silver Star and Purple Heart, and a campaign is underway for him to receive the Medal of Honor. Much of what he did went unheralded at the time, as the witnesses were injured and near death themselves.
In 2005, Cashe was riding in a Bradley fighting vehicle when it hit a IED. The blast ignited a fuel cell, which caused the entire vehicle to be engulfed in flames. Sgt. Cashe escaped the vehicle covered in fuel, but leapt back into the flames to save his beloved troops. Even though he was on fire himself, he saved six others. Sgt. Cashe even extinguished the flames on other people while ignoring his own horrific injuries, which ultimately took his life.
He exemplifies the highest degree of brotherhood and bravery. He truly is deserving of the Medal of Honor. Hopefully 2021 is the year.
Sgt. Cashe’s son Andrew has chosen to follow in his father’s footsteps. He completed basic training and Infantry school in 2020. What a family! We cannot ever repay them.
Veteran of the Week
Our Veteran of the Week is Kyle Diekmann. He served in the Minnesota Army National Guard from 2007 to 2013 as a 13B, Field Artillery. He deployed from 2009 to 2010 as part of Iraqi Freedom. Kyle has worked in the sheriff’s office for seven years. He is currently assigned to the Metro Street Crimes Unit. Thanks for your service, Kyle.
To nominate a veteran, email me at 11btwk@gmail.com.