Category Archives: In Memoriam

A tribute to our soldiers this Memorial Day

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I put together a little video tribute for Memorial Day late last night. I was moved to do so by something President Obama said in his speech at the Arizona State University commencement this year:

“…we’ve become accustomed to the term ‘military superpower’… forgetting about the qualities that got us there. Not just the power of our weapons, but the discipline, and valor, and the code of conduct of our men and women in uniform.”

At first I was really bent at the way this radical leftist spoke. I interpreted his words as meaning that the military had forgotten those qualities! What an awful thing to say! However, in the spirit of letting my temper cool down before going at it, I took another listen and decided to give the President the benefit of the doubt.

I looked at his words in a different light. In this context I took it to mean that, among the other things he denigrated his own nation for, the American people have forgotten the qualities of our heroic military men and women. That’s still a slap in the face to America, albeit a somewhat less offensive one to our soldiers and their loved ones. And, I figured, something that’s quite far from the truth.

On this of all holidays, I reasoned, it was especially important to let the soldiers who see this website know that we have not forgotten them. We have not forgotten their character. We have not forgotten their loyalty to their nation and their mission. We have not forgotten that their families and loved ones sacrifice by their side, saying goodbye to Mommy or Daddy, spouse, child, or friend for months at a time as they serve in harm’s way. How dare you, Mr. President, even insinuate such a thing?

I stand by my interpretation of the President’s words. I tried to read the actual text by Googling it online, which was interesting – the version on the Huffington Post stripped this part out! Perhaps they’re afraid of others making the same interpretation as I initially did. In any case, like I said, I’ll give the President the benefit of the doubt…and that ain’t pretty, either.

Like millions of Americans, I pray for our soldiers. I’m ever aware of the fact that somebody, somewhere is putting their life on the line for my freedom and the safety of my family. I’m also aware that somebody who loves that soldier is without them right now as they serve. It’s a humbling thought, and it’s one that provokes instant anger at the thought that anyone thinks we’ve forgotten them. On that note, here’s the meager tribute I assembled:


If you don’t see playback controls, move your cursor over the video window.
If you or someone you love serves in our military, I want to convey my thanks to you on this holiday weekend. Please give no weight to the words of the President (or his teleprompter, it’s hard to know who decides what escapes the President’s lips) or people like him whose goal is to deride this nation and remake it in their own twisted image. The people who hold America and its core values dear are mindful of your commitment and thankful on this day and every day.

Farewell, Gentleman Wade (Updated with tribute)

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I got the call tonight…Gentleman Wade Westin has passed away. I still don’t know the nature of the mysterious ailment that took him so suddenly. All I know for sure is there are a LOT of people who are going to miss this great guy and who have fond memories of the times they spent with him. I had the honor of joining over six hundred Facebook folks who joined the Wade Westin Family Prayer Team overnight in seeking God’s hand in this situation. I rest assured that the Lord didn’t let those prayers go unheard. His will is beyond our understanding, especially at a time like this.

I’ve known Wade since he joined KFYR back in the 1990s; since then I’ve had many noteworthy memories, even though our opportunities to see each other grew farther and farther apart. Guys get busy, you know…that’s just how it goes. I wish it wasn’t so. It seems like just a short time ago that Wade and I met up at Taco del Mar and chatted it up about what we’ve been up to, fatherhood, and that kind of thing. In reality it was months ago. That’s the last time I got to spend time with Wade.

We did a commercial for a furniture or mattress store many years ago, one where Wade played a guy who snuggled in under the covers of a comfy new mattress. It took a while for the nickname “Snuggly” to wear off. I had a printout of that shot somewhere in my souvenir box, but in my search for it tonight I came up empty handed. Bummer.

The photo above was from the Medora Musical on my honeymoon trip with my wife. I’d booked front row center tickets of course, planning a Medora weekend on our way back from a week in the middle of nowhere back in my beloved Rocky Mountains. We drove past the turn to Wade’s home near Grenora, ND and it prompted me to call his cell phone and say hi. When he heard we were coming, he arranged the VIP treatment and a backstage tour for us, and we got to chat with him and his family briefly before he left to prepare for the night’s show. He then congratulated us during the show. That’s just the kind-hearted, generous guy that Wade’s friends will all remember.

We used to hit the China Wok restaurant in Mandan on Sunday evenings, striking a friendship with the owners over time. When their visas came up for renewal, Wade took it upon himself to get his friends from the Sunday night dinners to sign testimonials to aid in their renewals.

As a guy in my late 30s (ahem), and a new Daddy to boot, it’s a shocker to have a friend and fellow family man snatched away so suddenly and so early. Of course one tries to make sense of it, but there’s no sense to be had. What we can do is take comfort in the message from his CaringBridge page: “Thank you for your love, support and prayers. Wade is at peace with God His Father and Jesus His Savior in the healing presence of the Holy Spirit.” The Bible talks about a peace that passes all understanding…I pray for that peace for his family and everybody who misses Gentleman Wade.

Updated: I remembered that I had a copy of a TV commercial Wade did for KNDX (Channel 26) back when they first went on the air. It was a “dance contest” making fun of contestants with the numbers of other local TV channels. It features Wade being Wade. I attached a brief tribute at the end. It isn’t much, but it’s a token of my respect for a friend. The music is a portion “In the Sweet By and By” performed by my friend Sarah.

I know there are lots of people out there who are touched by Wade’s passing as they were by his personality. Hopefully this will trigger some of your best memories as well.

Prayin’ for Gentleman Wade

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My friend Wade is in need of prayers right now. He fell victim to a very serious, sudden, and mysterious medical complication and it’s uncertain what the future holds. I know many of you enjoyed Wade’s performances as Gentleman Wade in the beloved Medora Musical in years past. He’s truly the nicest guy I’ve ever met, a distinction echoed by everybody I know who’s ever met or worked with Wade.

I don’t feel it’s my place to discuss a friend’s medical details, especially when things are so serious and the time so grievous for his family. If you’re a Facebook user, there are a couple of Wade Westin prayer groups set up where you can receive updates and voice your support. I know they’d appreciate your support on his behalf.

November 11th, 11:00 am. 11-11-11. Where were you today?

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Today wasn’t very sunny, so one of the features that makes this memorial at the state capitol grounds so special was hampered by weather this year. I was at work anyway, and ran errands over lunch, so I missed it. November 11th is always Veteran’s Day, and this memorial is designed for something special at 11:00 am on 11/11 each year. Here’s how I featured it last year:

I don’t know how many of you folks have looked far back enough to see this post about the Veteran’s Memorial at the state capitol grounds, but this year marks the first time I actually made it to the memorial on Veteran’s Day. As noted in my original post, this monument has a unique feature that displays itself on Veteran’s Day.

On Veteran’s Day at 11:00am, the sun sweeps a path across the metal globe in the middle of the monument. Judging by the number of people waiting to catch a glimpse of this once-a-year happening, I can see it’s no secret.

North Dakota is raised on this globe, and polished. When the sun comes across the globe, the great state of North Dakota shines. It was dull when I inspected the site on Saturday, so I rubbed it furiously to try to shine it up. You’d think someone would have thought of that already, but I guess not.

This is the base upon which the globe sits. Note that the inscription says “the eleventh hour of the eleventh day.” That’s important…

…because I got there late. I mistakenly thought it would be at 11:11. The significance of all those elevens, by the way? World War I ended at 11:00 on 11/11/1918. I mistakenly thought there would be a fourth eleven in the time that the sun was centered on North Dakota. That’s why it’s off-center in the photo above.

Here’s the tube through which the sun shines to reach the globe in the middle of the memorial. It casts about a four-inch circle of light on the globe when fully aligned at 11:00. It appears to have some sort of reflective inside, although I don’t know if that’s true. While the sun is coming through it, it’s hard to look at.

I’d like to pass along a belated thanks to all veterans. Closest to me are my friends Reed and Tony, although I’ve met many others and owe my freedom to millions of ’em. Military service is not something to be taken lightly. The memorial at the state capitol bears the names of North Dakota soldiers who lost their lives in service to their country. If you haven’t inspected this memorial, which has a new parking lot and is just south of the State Library building, please pay it a visit. Once again, the original blog post can be seen by clicking here.

Memorial Day 2008 in pictures

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I was able to attend the ceremony at the Veteran’s Cemetery out near Fort Lincoln today and brought back some photos for those who were unable to make it. I had wool socks and long johns on, because it was cold enough to see my breath when I first got there and started swapping lenses. I’d even tanked up on hot cappuccino before getting out of the truck. There isn’t really much to say about the sacrifice of our military personnel that hasn’t already been said, and far more eloquently than I’m able, so I’ll let my photos do the talking.

The flags were ordered half staff in the morning. As this day is one of pride as well as solemnitude, they would soon return to full position at the end of the ceremony.

Penny Ripperger, 119th Wing, ND Air National Guard. Master of Ceremonies today. Note the ND state capitol building and Blackhawk helicopters in the background…the view from out here is remarkable.

Lots of motorcycles and cars. I got there early, but as I left I saw cars parked along Highway 1806 for nearly a mile in addition to the parking set aside for them. Number of North Dakota Peace Coalition bumper stickers spotted: zero.

Patriot Guard Riders were in attendance. I was lugging camera gear so I used four-wheeled conveyance this morning. Plus, my bikes don’t have cupholders.

Flyover by the UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters based in Bismarck.

Major General David Sprynczynatyk. One of the few people with a last name harder to spell than mine. His wife is a city commissioner in Bismarck.

109th Congress. House Resolution 891, declaring that the USA will prevail in the Global War on Terror. Resolution includes: “honors all those Americans who have taken an active part in the Global War on Terror, whether as first responders protecting the homeland, as servicemembers overseas, as diplomats and intelligence officers, or in other roles; … declares that the United States will prevail in the Global War on Terror, the noble struggle to protect freedom from the terrorist adversary.” This man, Earl Pomeroy, voted NO. But he never misses a photo op.

Vice Admiral Jeffrey L. Fowler, Bismarck High School graduate and current Superintendent of the US Naval Academy. His parents got to see him address the ceremony as keynote speaker today!

The color guard from Standing Rock. The brave Native American warrior is NOT a thing of the past.

Following the rifle volley, the cannon salute. The cannon was fickle today, but the crew performed admirably. Only those of us close up could probably see a few finicky rounds being unloaded. In true North Dakota and Bismarck-Mandan Blog fashion, there’s a windmill in the background.

Flags returned to full staff. We don’t just mourn our fallen military personnel, we rejoice in the honor of their service…and not just those who have given the ultimate sacrifice. Anyone who wears the uniform is a true American hero for their service. I for one am grateful for the freedoms I enjoy due to their steadfast defense of our nation.

That’s pretty much it. I have other photos as well, but these tell the story of the day pretty well. All this typing has also helped me regain feeling in my fingers; working a camera with gloves on isn’t very realistic! I hope you enjoyed this look at the ceremony and I ask that you take a moment to consider the brave men and women who carry the safety of our nation and our freedom on their shoulders.

Some gave all

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You can find a copy of this poster on the North Dakota National Guard website by clicking here. This weekend, as we honor the sacrifices of all soldiers who died defending our freedom and our nation. the loss of several North Dakota soldiers in the modern war on terrorism is particularly fresh in memory.

As far as I’m concerned EVERY soldier who ever served receives my honor and respect, and not just on Memorial Day. Does a soldier have to die in battle to sacrifice? No, sir. For instance, the day they enlist they give up a lot of their freedom so that they can be prepared to protect ours. They give of their time. Their families do, too. They pay the toll in injuries in training and on the battlefield, many of them career ending. And, yes, many pay with their lives. How great a cost they pay for our freedom!

There are two memorial ceremonies being held this weekend. For a program of the events taking place at the Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery out near Fort Lincoln, click here. Patriot Guard Riders and other riders will be participating. Vice Admiral Jeffrey Fowler, superintendent of the US Naval Academy, will be the keynote speaker.

It doesn’t have to be Memorial Day for a person to reflect on the sacrifice of US military personnel. Having a day to devote to their memory, however, is a special opportunity to make sure that we express our gratitude as a nation. Oh, and hopefully the flag is flying at the North Dakota State Capitol this year. That was pretty embarassing last year.

Little Lexi passed away this morning

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For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.

Alexis Vogel died this morning. She was the daughter of my wife’s sister, and I’ve never known a sweeter little girl. Earlier this year, Lexi was diagnosed with an inoperable tumor at the base of her brain. Nothing could stop the tumor from slowly putting a stranglehold on this wonderful little child, and now her battle against it is over. With the Bible as our authority, we can know that she’s in heaven today…but it’s a sad day for all who will miss her.

Lexi lost a little brother a couple of years ago. Little Dominic survived less than an hour after coming into this world. As a new dad I can’t imagine the God-given strength her parents must have, to make it through such a situation…not once, but now twice. They’ve trusted in the Lord to take care of their family and been an amazing testimony for Him all the while. At a time when no human means can deliver any answers, they’ve glorified their God.

This picture is how I choose to remember Alexis. She, like pretty much every little kid that comes to visit, loved Scooter. I imagine it was a pretty big thrill when he flew over and landed on her head! That’s nothing compared to the unimaginable happiness she must be feeling in heaven now. It’s hard for that to be a consolation to those who miss her, but it’s good to know that there’s no sickness, no pain, no parting with her Savior in heaven.

Inspiration for the rock

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Earlier this month I stumbled upon this painted rock northeast of Bismarck with a patriotic message on it. Thanks to Mike G. for emailing me to let me know that this was likely inspired by another well-known painted rock near Greenfield, Iowa.

This rock is painted annually with a different patriotic theme by a young man named Ray “Bubba” Sorenson. More pictures of the rock and a brief description are given here.

In my opinion, both rocks are inspiring. It doesn’t matter if one resembles another, and I doubt Bubba would be offended. The bigger picture is that people are taking the time to put their patriotism out there for all to see and remind the rest of us as well.

“Bubba” has a website promoting his artwork at www.bubbazartwork.com if you’re interested. It doesn’t feature the rock as prominently as the other site, but it does showcase other work he does.

If anyone’s interested, I can post directions to the rock I found here in Bismarck. That is, if I can find it again. I don’t remember which road it’s on exactly, but its GPS coordinates are 46 degrees, 52.023 minutes north by 100 degrees, 42.242 minutes west.

A promise should be kept

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This is a picture from 1948, when tribal chairman George Gillette wept after signing away the best of the reservation lands to the Corps of Engineers. They were paid a paltry sum for the land, denied mineral and shoreline rights, and promised a health care center that never materialized. Sounds consistent with our track record of keeping promises made with indigenous peoples, doesn’t it?

This picture has always stuck in my mind because it illustrates an important point: when we think of treaties broken before the ink was dry, or other consistent mistreatment of the Native American people, we tend to think of the US Cavalry dealing with people still living in tipis or earth lodges. As you can see, that isn’t so. My parents were alive when this last one happened…maybe some of you were as well.

I got the opportunity to work with Tex Hall again this week, who’s the chairman of the Three Affiliated Tribes. I asked him about this health care center that was supposed to be built, and he indicated that Senator Dorgan actually pulled some appropriations strings to get the ball rolling. Like Chairman Hall told Senator Dorgan, this isn’t an appopriations priority…this is a promise. A promise made almost sixty years ago.

I can only think of a few ways in which I’m not proud of my country, and its broken promises are one of them. This is one that hopefully will be rectified in the near future. A promise should be kept.

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On Saturday the Patriot Guard Riders and their supporters gathered to support the second of two families grieving the loss of young soldiers. We had a rider’s meeting at 8:00 am, well before the funeral, for people to gather and for protocols to be set. We easily had two or three times as many bikes as on Thursday, likely because more people could make it than on Thursday. There were trucks with coolers full of water and ice tea for the riders, and it quickly got warm enough for us to need it; after all, leather’s pretty toasty.

We were briefed by the Patriot Guard leaders and instructed to just ignore the protesters if any showed. Our primary mission is to support and honor the fallen soldier, his family, and the community. I’d like to think we did just that.

Protesters? What protesters? We were not there to acknowledge any. Again, our mission is one of patriotic support. We kept our flags held high and kept our back to anyone who might have a different motive, as we were allowed to be in front of the public or anyone else who might decide to show.

This line of supporters was a block long and pretty deep. Many veterans were in attendance. I saw local officers I know, wearing their Blue Knight colors. I also saw a few friends who are active duty Guard members. We had a diverse crowd again; sportbikes, Harleys, import cruisers, sidecar rigs, Gold Wings…the works.

It’s that unity that makes this day even more special. There were a few times I was greeted by a friend I hadn’t seen forever…Sid Hardt, one of my favorite all time DJ’s; Gary, an old riding acquaintance and teller of tall tales; some of the guys from Mandan PD. If you want to talk about diversity…come hang out in this crowd. This isn’t the kind of “diversity” that divides people; rather, we were united. And that in itself is an emotional experience.

Even the youngsters were there on their rides! They didn’t have any leather jackets or chaps though. Give them a few years, maybe they’ll grow up to be Patriot Guard riders! These kids apparently were from the neighborhood, not part of our riding group…lots of people other than that Patriot Guard Riders came to show their support.

Whenever a uniformed soldier went past to enter the church, the crowd applauded. Most of them were tearful at the display of support for them and their mission; they’re modest about what they do. We don’t underestimate their bravery and commitment, and it’s great to have the opportunity to applaud them and their service.

The Governor was there, of course…he and Mikey thanked the people gathered to support Travis’ family. Rep. Earl Pomeroy was there as well, only one day after he voted NO on a bill in the US House declaring “that the United States will prevail in the Global War on Terror, the struggle to protect freedom from the terrorist adversary.” You’re not fooling anyone, Earl.

Again, no images from the ride; but I can sum it up for you:

Today, as expected, there was an even greater showing of support along the procession route. There were a lot of people with homemade signs applauding Travis, his family, our military forces, and our country.

Officers and military were all along the route, sharply saluting as the flag and procession went by. There were many soldiers in uniform along our route, lined up in uniform. I saw a lot of flags. A LOT of flags. Many were homemade. Taking the time to sit down and make a sign or a flag to come and stand in the heat and show support is not an impulsive thing; these people are patriots.

It was good to see employees of businesses along the route lined up as well. The median along Memorial Highway in Bismarck had a lot of people standing on the grass. The crews from the car dealerships were there. The fellas from Schwan’s quick lube building were out, hands over their hearts, as the flag went by. The staff of Roughrider Harley-Davidson were lined up tightly along the road in front of their dealership; they were busy with an annual charity day for the Muscular Dystrophy Association, but stopped the festivities as the procession went by. The most beautiful woman in the world was standing there too, looking on in a spring dress…she doesn’t really understand why I’m such a motorcycle and speed enthusiast, but she understands that I am.

All the way to the Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery we saw cars pulled over with people standing in support. There was a crane with the flag held high above the boom. People young and old, clean cut and otherwise all took part in this day. As Travis’ loved ones look back on this day I hope that’s the memory that they keep with them.

I can’t imagine that lonely ride down Highway 1806, knowing that their beloved soldier isn’t coming back. But hundreds, probably thousands of people stood with you that day. As most of the homemade signs said, “God Bless America” and “God Bless Our Troops!”