Veteran’s Corner

Tom Krabbenhoft

I’m always delighted and flattered when someone recognizes me from writing this weekly article. I’m always looking for input, criticism etc. I admit my punctuation is not the best. I’m my own worse critic there. Perhaps I’m in the “can’t teach an old dog new tricks” criteria. Shout out to Judy Johnson for the kind words. I was told 9 of them exist in the area, so maybe she is the one you know. Thanks for the input everyone good or bad.

This last weekend myself and a group of friends traveled to Camp Ripley. Camp Ripley is Minnesota National Guard’s largest training area. We went down and cooked for their family day. I was told over 1,250 soldiers and their families showed up. They had many of the weapons systems and vehicles their loved ones train on displayed. It was enjoyable to see the enthusiasm the soldiers had. Being able to show off what they use and their knowledge of the equipment really puts families at ease. Back in my day these events with family were nonexistent. The family support is the most important part of making a soldier effective. Outstanding for their leaders for grasping unto this.

A big hand to the MN soldier, family readiness specialists, whose entire focus, is the family. Your work does not go unnoticed.

You know how every generation calls the generation that follows them weak. This is especially harsh when it comes to military retirees and the soldiers that follow them. My uncle Eddie Menholt that faced Japanese bayonets reminded me how soft I and the military of my time was whenever we met. He used names I cannot use here. Admittedly I wanted to “thump” him.

When one sees questionable military recruiting campaigns it causes heart stoppage for me. One can’t help but legitly wonder if these soldiers can fight anymore. My answer is “HELL YES”I witnessed young troops that were intelligent, engaged, hardworking and respectful. They took an extreme sense of pride in their equipment and especially the knowledge possessed.

The NCO Corp I dealt with was confident, hardworking and hands on. I have seen more than one step in where a vacuum might exist.

Sitting through the SGMs briefing and traffic directing the night before was memory provoking.

he Officers I spoke with were very capable and shared thoughts, ideas and philosophies. They stressed how important the family is. I often wonder if warrior ethics has dissolved. No way! They valued soldiers of the past experiences while shaping a new more modernized soldier. This old soldier believes they are forging old and new. I’m confident a better alloy soldier will be the result.

I have to grudgingly admit the newer soldiers have several advantages over those in my day.

The Bearcats have always been amongst the best. Building better Bearcats won’t be easy. Their leaders NCOs and Officers are far on the course of doing just that.