Honoring Minnesota Veterans

We have the high honor in Inver Grove Heights of hosting Minnesota’s official Veterans Day Program again this year. It’s has been a great privilege for our community to host the official program more often than any other city in the state.

While we’re honoring veterans across Minnesota, we’re certainly not forgetting our local vets — both active and retired, young and old, those still with us, and those who have passed away.

Some of you may have heard me tell the stories of some of our local veterans, but they bear repeating, and like the lives of all of our veterans, they should be remembered.

Al Millinczek was a WWII vet who passed away in 2008 at the age of 94. A stalwart in our local American Legion Post #424, Al provided decades of service to our community long after his time in the armed forces came to an end. Without Al’s commitment, leadership and efforts, and that of his fellow American Legion Post #424 members, the Inver Grove Heights Veterans Memorial Community Center would not exist. A couple years ago, I wrote a column telling the story of how Al supported the community center and our meeting at his kitchen table.

Al’s family asked me to deliver his eulogy, and to this day there is no honor that has ever meant more to me than paying tribute to a man from whom I learned so much.

A few days ago, we lost another of Al’s generation, fellow WWII veteran Don Bohrer, who in his 86 years gave his all in service to his country and community.

Army Spc. Joe Kennedy, 25, a Simley grad, never got the chance to come back and serve his community the way Al and Don did, because Joe made the ultimate sacrifice.  He was killed in combat in Afghanistan on April 15, 2011. Joe’s memory and his service continue, however, through the efforts of his family and friends, who have fought through their own grief to help other soldiers and their families.

Like Joe, Cola Jensen, 19, never got the opportunity to come back home. A 2011 Simley grad and a key part of four state championship wrestling teams, Cola enlisted in the Marines but developed pneumonia while going through advanced infantry training. He died unexpectedly on June 13, 2012.

Though I watched Cola wrestle dozens of times over the years, I remember him mostly for the active role he played at St. Patrick’s. Cola ushered at church and frequently carried the cross at the beginning and end of Mass. 

Kyle Anderson, also a Simley grad like Joe Kennedy and Cola Jensen, was a state champion wrestler. A gregarious, engaging young man who enlisted in the Marines after graduating, Kyle was also my next-door neighbor and a good friend.

On October 11, 2004, as a result of an IED explosion in Iraq, shrapnel pierced Kyle’s helmet, crushing the back of his skull and causing massive head injuries.  Kyle came home, unable to speak or walk on his own. He needed specialized care and lots of support.

With the help of a lot of folks, and a lot of hard work by Kyle, he has made amazing progress. In fact, Kyle has made such strides that he made a movie about it, offering hope to other injured veterans and their families.

For Al and Don, consider volunteering your time toward something important here in IGH.  If you are a vet, join our local American Legion Post #424. 

For Joe, volunteer or donate to the Tribute to the Troops, a cause taken up by Joe’s family that raises money to help the children of fallen veterans advance their education.

For Cola, think about playing a more active role where you worship.

For Kyle, think about supporting the Fisher House Foundation, which is special to Kyle and his family. Or support the Beyond the Yellow Ribbon campaign, an effort that supports our vets and their families.

Regardless of what you do, please take some time to remember the service and sacrifice of Al, Don, Joe, Cola and Kyle, as well as their families, and all of the veterans their stories represent. Keep them in your thoughts and prayers, not just on Veterans Day, but throughout the year.