veteran’s corner

Les Bakke

Five years ago, I was asked to write a weekly Veterans Corner column for our Moorhead Extra. I thought I’d do it for a year or two, however, it’s been five years already. It is time to retire so this will be my final column and I am both happy and sad. Writing a column every week takes a lot of time and I won’t miss that. I will miss the interaction with Tammy, my editor. She has been very supportive over the past years, offering encouragement and topic suggestions. Of course, I also got to write about my home town, Moorhead which The Extra serves.
Years ago, there was a billboard along I-94 proclaiming Moorhead, Home of Colleges, Commerce and Culture and I always thought it was a good description. I’m proud to have been a part of Moorhead since my discharge from the Air Force in 1968, as a student, resident, employee and volunteer. Even though we go to Arizona each winter, Moorhead is our permanent home and when I get tired of driving, we will be here full-time. That Moorhead is a home for colleges is obvious with both public and private higher education offered. We reap the benefits of having students in Moorhead, along with college employees. They bring us new ideas and keep us young as a community. Commerce in Moorhead is strong with international companies headquartered here, but the real strength is our small businesses, supported by Moorhead Business Association. Cultural activities in a community are an essential part of making us vibrant. We have the Rourke Art Museum, the Historical and Cultural Society of Clay County, Theater B, music and theater productions at MSUM, Concordia and Moorhead High. Our public library is awesome with a great staff.
Why do I say this is retirement number four? Retirement number one was from MSUM, number two was from the City of Moorhead, number three was from Moorhead Public Service Commission which makes this number four. Normally, I have a party for each of my retirements. Of course, the pandemic makes it very difficult to have a real retirement party this year.
I thank all who offered suggestions on column topics over the years. I especially thank my Sweetie, Bev Lake who proof read every column I wrote.