Veterans Supper Held at Mazeppa American Legion 11/08/2014
Eighty people attended the Annual Veterans Supper at the Mazeppa American Legion, Saturday, November 8th.
Post #588 Commander Leroy Goranson and Auxiliary Unit #588, 1st Vice President Sherry Miller shared information on the past year events and upcoming activities.
Commander Goranson recognized members for their consecutive years of membership; including John Befort for 62 years, Ivan Frank, Martin Meerkins, Walt Schulz and Bob Tri for 61 years.
Special Guest and Keynote Speaker, Phillip Goplen, retired LT Colonel US Air Force, spoke about some of his most interesting military career experiences, covering pre-WWII through the Cuban Missile Crisis . LT Col Goplen joined the Army Air Corps after graduating from Wanamingo High School in 1940. He had hoped to become a airplane mechanic and and prepare himself for a job with NW Airlines after his hitch was completed. Plans changed with the start of WWII which resulted in Goplen making the Air Force a career spanning 1940-1965. Goplen served with Ralph Welch on 33 European bombing missions during WWII and more can be learned about their experiences by reading Welch's book titled WOW! Two copies are available at the Zumbrota Public Library or you can order your own copy on line at WOW-Book.com.
Post Chaplin Gary Hager gave the the opening prayer and benediction. As tradition warranted, the program ended with all present joining together in singing "GOD BLESS AMERICA".
Post #588 Commander Leroy Goranson and Auxiliary Unit #588, 1st Vice President Sherry Miller shared information on the past year events and upcoming activities.
Commander Goranson recognized members for their consecutive years of membership; including John Befort for 62 years, Ivan Frank, Martin Meerkins, Walt Schulz and Bob Tri for 61 years.
Special Guest and Keynote Speaker, Phillip Goplen, retired LT Colonel US Air Force, spoke about some of his most interesting military career experiences, covering pre-WWII through the Cuban Missile Crisis . LT Col Goplen joined the Army Air Corps after graduating from Wanamingo High School in 1940. He had hoped to become a airplane mechanic and and prepare himself for a job with NW Airlines after his hitch was completed. Plans changed with the start of WWII which resulted in Goplen making the Air Force a career spanning 1940-1965. Goplen served with Ralph Welch on 33 European bombing missions during WWII and more can be learned about their experiences by reading Welch's book titled WOW! Two copies are available at the Zumbrota Public Library or you can order your own copy on line at WOW-Book.com.
Post Chaplin Gary Hager gave the the opening prayer and benediction. As tradition warranted, the program ended with all present joining together in singing "GOD BLESS AMERICA".
