In 2021, Montana launched the Montana Governor’s Veteran Commendation to recognize deserving veterans, veterans who have made a positive impact on their community. If you know of a worthy veteran, please go to recognizeveterans.mt.gov and nominate a veteran who has made a difference in our community. Thirty-one veterans received the award in 2021 and 51 received the award in 2020. The deadline to submit nominations is October 21, 2023. The list of recipients will be released on Veterans Day and recognized and honored in the new year. This week we salute, Earl Mortensen. Earl served in the U.S. Air Force from 1966 to 1968. In 1968, he was deployed to Vietnam. Earl went to basic training in San Antonio, TX and to Tech school in Amarillo, TX. His occupational specialty was Clerk. During his Vietnam tour, he was assigned to the 834th Air Division. He worked in the air lift control center. The mission of the 834th Air Division was airlifting duties for the 7th Air Force in support of the Military Assistance Command, Vietnam (MACV). The Division established and operated air terminals throughout Vietnam and maintained an Airlift Control Center (ALCDC) to direct and monitor SE Asia Airlift systems. All cargo flights for the U.S. Air Force went through his unit in Southeast Asia. Earl is a lifetime member of the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW). He has been a Rosebud county resident for 76 years. Have a story to share? Email or call me rosebudveteranscorner@gmail.com Phone: 406-351-9775 Dr. Irene Dickerson has a doctorate in Business Administration and is a retired Army Colonel living her best life in Big Sky Country.
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The Bell UH-1 Iroquois helicopter was known as the workhorse of the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. The original designation, HU-01 is often referred to as the Huey. The Huey production line started in 1960 and continued until the production line shut down in 1986. During those twenty-six years, over 16,000 military and civilian versions were produced. Over 7,000 Huey’s were deployed to Vietnam with 3000 lost or destroyed. The 101st Airborne Division was credited with being the first unit to use Huey’s. The helicopter was used to test a variety of weapons system. The Huey was used as a gunship, referred to as “Hogs”, the transport version was called “Slick” and the medivac versions were called “Dustoffs.” During the Vietnam War, the Huey is credited with conducting over 30 million flights. This week we salute Toby Johnson. Sergeant Toby Johnson served in the United States Army from 1971 to 1975. His military occupational specialty was as a Huey mechanic and as a OH 58 mechanic. Toby went to Fort Lewis, Washington for Basic training, Fort Rucker, Alabama for Advanced Individual Training (AIT), His first duty assignment took him to Fulda Gap, Germany where he was with the 14th Armored Cavalry Regiment (ACR), then he transferred to the 11th ACR. He was then stationed at Fort Carson, Colorado, assigned to the 10th Cavalry Regiment. Toby has lived in Rosebud county since 1962. He is married to Lois Johnson, and they have two children. His civilian career was as a Coal Miner. Have a story to share? Email or call me rosebudveteranscorner@gmail.com Phone: 406-351-9775 Dr. Irene Dickerson has a doctorate in Business Administration and is a retired Army Colonel living her best life in Big Sky Country. It was in 1919, that the Assistant Secretary of the Navy, Franklin D. Roosevelt conceived the idea of developing a Naval Station in Puerto Rico. It wasn’t until World War II that President Roosevelt was able to order the creation of the base. Named for Franklin D. Roosevelt, Naval Station Roosevelt Roads would become one of the largest naval facilities in the world. First commissioned as a U.S. Naval Operations Base in 1943, it was re-designated as a Naval Station in 1957. The main purpose was supporting land/sea/air maneuver on Vieques Island. Naval Station Roosevelt Roads was 8,650 acres, located on Puerto Rico’s eastern coast on the island of Commonwealth. It is approximately 33 miles southeast of Puerto Rico’s capital city of San Juan. Operating for 47 years, military operations were ceased in March 2004. When Rosie Roads, the nickname for Roosevelt Roads, closed, the only U.S. naval base in the Caribbean was the Guantánamo Bay Naval Base.
This week we salute Walt Tadsen II. Walt was an electronics technician in the Navy from 1965 to 1969. He went to boot camp in San Diego, California, electronic school in the Great Lakes and then was stationed at Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico. He is married to Linda, and they have two sons, Andrew Cody, and Casey Wayne. Walt is a native Rosebud county resident. Have a story to share? Email or call me rosebudveteranscorner@gmail.com Phone: 406-351-9775 Dr. Irene Dickerson has a doctorate in Business Administration and is a retired Army Colonel living her best life in Big Sky Country. Be the One to save a life. The American Legion’s top priority is to promote the Be the One program. The program is designed to destigmatize asking for mental health support, provide peer-to-peer support and resources, and educate the public how they can be that one person that saves a life. A few weeks ago, I reported the suicide rate among veterans is 22 veterans a day. The rate of suicide among veterans is 50% higher than non-veteran adults. If you know a veteran that is going through a rough time, do not be afraid to reach out and ask how they are doing. Listen to the veteran’s concerns and above all be understanding and do not criticize or downplay their thoughts. There are several resources available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. One resource is to call 988 and press 1 for help. The veteran, family member or friend can text 838255 or visit the VA crisis Line website. https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/ The veteran does not need to be enrolled in VA benefits or health care to connect with a mental health provider.
This week, we salute Dan Mees. Dan was in the US Navy from 1965 to 1970. He then transferred to the US Coast guard and served from 1970 to 1995, retiring as a Master Chief Radioman, E9. He served in Vietnam from 1965-1966 on the USS Carpenter, where he was a naval gunner. During that time, the USS Carpenter provided plane guard for the U.S. Army Rangers. Dan is married and has 2 sons. One son, Rob served in the Navy for 3 years. Dan has been a Rosebud County native for most of his life. Have a story to share? Email or call me rosebudveteranscorner@gmail.com Phone: 406-351-9775 Dr. Irene Dickerson is a retired Army Colonel living her best life in Big Sky Country The 5th Marine Regiment is an infantry regiment of the United States Marine Corps. The home of the 5th Marine Regiment or more commonly referred to as the 5th Marines is Camp Pendleton, California. It is one of the most decorated regiments in the US Marine Corps. The 5th Marines' history can be traced back to World War I. The regiment was activated in June 1917 and deployed to France. The unit was involved in an intense battle of Belleau Wood. During the unit’s deployment to France, they participated in both offensive and defensive campaigns. The regiment was relocated back to the United States in August 1919. It was inactivated on August 13, 1919, at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia. The regiment then was reactivated in July 1920, participating in mail guard duty, until they were deployed to Nicaragua in January 1927, then deactivated in April 1930. The next reactivation occurred in September 1934 at Quantico, Virginia. During World War II, they were deployed to fight in Guadalcanal, New Britain, Eastern New Guinea, Peleliu and Okinawa. In 1949, the unit was relocated to Marine Corps Base, Camp Pendleton. During the Korea War, the unit was deployed to Pusan Perimeter and were involved in fighting East-Central Front and Western Front until the end of hostilities. On March 5th, 1966, the 5th Marines, (The Fighting Fifth) deployed to the Republic of Vietnam. For the next five years, the regiment fought at Rung Sat, Chu Lai, Hue, Phu Loc, Que Son Valley, An Hoa, Tam Ky and Da Nang. John Culbertson’s book, 13 Cent Killer, the 5th Marine Snipers of Vietnam tells the reader the story of the Marine sniper teams in Vietnam. The cost of a bullet in 1967 was thirteen cents. Culbertson states that “no one gave Uncle Sam a bigger bang for his buck than the 5th Marine Regiment Sniper Platoon. I would highly recommend you read this book, and you may even see a familiar name. This week we salute Stan Watson. Three of his brothers served in the U.S. Army, but Stan chose to serve in the US Marine Corps from 1966 to 1968. He did one tour in Vietnam as a sniper. Sniper teams were integral to the daily patrols. The teams “were at the cutting edge in the art of jungle warfare, showing the patience, stealth, combat marksmanship, and raw courage.” When Stan left the Marine Corps, he returned to Rosebud county, where he has worked as a highly skilled carpenter for over forty-four years. Stan Watson is married and has two children. Hoorah! Have a story to share? Email or call me rosebudveteranscorner@gmail.com Phone: 406-351-9775 Dr. Irene Dickerson is a retired Army Colonel living her best life in Big Sky Country. The Korean War was between North Korea and South Korea beginning in June 1950. North Korea invaded South Korea following tensions between the two countries. China and the Soviet Union supported North Korea, while the United States and allied countries supported South Korea. The fight between the two countries ended with an armistice on July 27, 1953. The Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) was created to separate the two countries. Unfortunately, there was no peace treaty signed. In late 1966, Kim II Sung, the North Korean leader, began sending guerrillas into South Korea. This action set off a three-year conflict known as the “Second Korean War.” Kim thought by targeting U.S. forces as well as U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War, the U.S. would withdraw from South Korea. U.S. troops in Korea were mostly draftees serving a 13-month tour. In April 1968, the Department of Defense declared the DMZ as a hostile fire zone, entitling service members stationed in the area to receive hostile fire pay. By May 1969, the intensity of the conflicts had reduced substantially. Apparently, North Korea had abandoned its hopes of starting an insurgency in South Korea. December 3, 1969, the release of three U.S. soldiers who had been captured when their OH-23 helicopter was shot down is regarded as the official end of the conflict.
This week we salute Frank Vassau. Frank was a draftee, serving in the U.S. Army for two years. He served in the “Second Korean War”. Frank’s military occupational specialty was artillery surveyor. He became quite proficient with the T1 6, the Theodolite, a surveying tool. Frank said he grew up with running water. His mother had him run to the spring and back with water for the household. He noted a time when he felt very close to God. He was at observation post (OP) St. Barbara. Looking up into the night sky, locating the North Star and Yildun (Delta Ursae Minoris), he felt he could reach up and touch the heavens. Frank is the curator at the Rosebud County Museum. He has one daughter, four grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. Have a story to share? Email or call me rosebudveteranscorner@gmail.com Phone: 406-351-9775 Dr. Irene Dickerson is a retired Army Colonel living her best life in Big Sky Country. You would have to be living under a rock not to recognize one of the most iconic slogans of the Marines. The Marine Corps was born in Philadelphia, PA on November 10, 1775. The first recruiting headquarters was set up at Tun Tavern by Captain Samuel Nicholas. The aviation branch of the Marine Corps officially began on May 22, 1912. First Lieutenant Alfred Austell Cunningham was credited as being the first Marine aviator. World War I saw the expansion of the Marine Corps air component. At the end of the war Congress authorized 1,020 men for Marine Corps aviation and the establishment of permanent air stations at Quantico, Paris Island and San Diego. During World War II, Marine Aviators were credited with shooting down over 2000 Japanese aircraft, with 120 aces and 11 Medals of Honor. It was December 1, 1947, when the Marine Helicopter Squadron One (HMX-1) was commissioned. HMX-1 was the first Marine Helicopter squadron at Marine Base Quantico, Virginia. HMX-1 was established to test tactics, techniques, procedures, and equipment. HMX-1 is now known for the helicopter transport of the President of the United States. The designation originated when President Dwight D. Eisenhower who was on vacation, was urgently needed back at the White House. HMX-1 stepped in to fly the President back to the White House. The helicopter trip took seven minutes. From that day, September 7,1957, the main mission of HMX-1 is to provide direct support to the President of the United States. Other missions include primary Operational Test and Evaluation (OT&E) unit for Marine assault support helicopter and related equipment. The squadron also supports the Marine Corps Combat Development Command by developing helicopter tactics, techniques, and landing force equipment. Initially, the transport of the President of the United States was shared with the U.S. Army, but in 1976, the Marine Corps was assigned sole responsibility to provide helicopter support for the President worldwide.
This week, we salute Harlen Bradley, who served in HMX-1. Harlen has resided in Rosebud county for over ten years. He served in the Marine Corps from 1975 to 1987. During those years, Harlen has three different Military Occupational Specialties (MOS): 0331 Machine Gunner, Infantry; 0151 Administrative Clerk and 6123 Power Plant Mechanic. Apparently, Harlen did not enjoy being an Administrative Clerk. After many requests to go back to his original MOS, his was finally approved to become a Power Plant Mechanic. Assigned to HMX-1, he was a crew chief on the flight line. After being told he was scheduled for recruiting duty, Staff Sergeant Bradley decided to hang up his boots and work in the civilian sector. A native of New Mexico, Harlen loves living in Montana. He volunteers with the Rosebud County Fire Department. He is an active member of the Forsyth Rifle and Pistol Club, where he is the match director for the Buffalo Rifle matches. Not only that, but he has also participated in several Quigley Rifle matches. Have a story to share? Email or call me rosebudveteranscorner@gmail.com Phone: 406-351-9775 Dr. Irene Dickerson is a retired Army Colonel living her best life in Big Sky Country. It was a little over twenty years ago on March 18, 2003.that the United States (U.S.) and coalition forces initiated the war on Iraq. The Iraq war consisted of two phases. The first phase occurred from March 2003 to April 2003. The U.S. and coalition forces invaded Iraq and rapidly defeated the Iraqi military and paramilitary forces. The second phase lasted from May 2003 until December 2011 The U.S. and coalition forces were tasked with restoring law and order. Unfortunately, it was exacerbated by insurgent attacks against the occupying forces, turning into guerrilla warfare. In November 2008, the new Iraqi parliament established a timetable for final withdrawal of U.S. forces. The last combat brigade withdrew from Iraq on August 18, 2010. Approximately 50,000 U.S. soldiers remained in Iraq to act as a transitional force. At the end of 2011, 39,000 soldiers departed the country of Iraq, ending eight years of war. Many men and women lost their lives or were severely disabled.
This week we salute Alan Potter. You may know Alan as the Doughnut guy. He joined the Army when he was seventeen years old. His first duty station was in Hawaii, where he met his wife, Faith. Alan Potter was a young soldier when he was deployed to Iraq in 2004 to 2005. His second deployment to Iraq was from 2006 to 2008. Alan served six years. Both of his grandfathers were in the military. One grandfather was in the Navy and his other grandfather was in the Army, serving in the Korean War. Alan and Faith recently celebrated twenty years of marriage. They have two children, a boy, and a girl. Alan is deeply involved in Montana Warriors on the Water and is the adjutant for the America Legion Post #39. Have a story to share? Email or call me rosebudveteranscorner@gmail.com Phone: 406-351-9775 Dr. Irene Dickerson is a retired Army Colonel living her best life in Big Sky Country. The military police are similar to civilian police officers. In garrison, the military police keep law and order. Garrison is defined as a military post or installation for those not familiar with the term. While deployed or in the field, military police assist with patrols, security, discipline and enforcing laws on military property, as well as battlefield circulation. During combat operations, the military police operate under a different mandate. They are then under combat operations rather than law enforcement directives. Each branch of service has its own law enforcement division. The United States (US) Army and US Marines use the term military police (MP) to designate their law enforcement personnel. The Air Force and Space Force refer to their law enforcement as Security Force (SF). From 1942 to 1948, the Air Force used the same terminology as the US Army, referring to them as military police. In 1948, the name was changed to Air Police. This stayed until 1966 when the Air Force started calling their law enforcement Security Police. In 1997, the name was changed to Security Forces. After the American Revolutionary War, the US Navy designated their law enforcement as Master-At-Arms, and it has remained that way ever since. It is in fact one of the oldest ratings in today’s modern US Navy. The Coast Guard law enforcement is the Maritime Law Enforcement Specialist.
This week we salute someone near and dear to me, my husband of 31 years, Stephen Dickerson. Steve enlisted from his home state of West Virginia in 1983. He went to Ft McClellan for his Advanced Individual Training (AIT) to become a MP. During his ten years of service, he was stationed in Germany, Fort Huachuca, Arizona, Panama, Fort Hood (now known as Fort Cavazos), and Schofield Barracks, Hawaii. He then became a San Antonio, Texas police officer where he worked protecting the citizens of San Antonio for 23 years before retiring from law enforcement. If you ask him, he will probably tell you he couldn’t get to Montana quick enough. He enjoys shooting the Quigley every year. What he doesn’t enjoy is building. Have a story to share? Email or call me rosebudveteranscorner@gmail.com Phone: 406-351-9775 Dr. Irene Dickerson is a retired Army Colonel living her best life in Big Sky Country. A Tale of Two Submarines
If you have read Tom Clancy’s The Hunt for Red October, the USS Pogy (SSN-647) may sound familiar. The USS Pogy was a Sturgeon-class submarine. The Sturgeon class was a class of nuclear-powered fast attack submarines that the United States Navy had in service from the 1960s until 2004. The Pogy was contracted to build in March 1963. Over seven years later that the Pogy was finally commissioned in May 1971. It was one of the longest construction times for an American submarine. In August 1996, the Pogy deployed in support of SCICEX-96 experiments. Transitioning to the Bering Strait in October 1996, the Pogy collected thousands of water samples from over a hundred locations under the polar ice cap in the Arctic Ocean. The USS Pogy was decommissioned in June 1999. The USS Pogy was the second submarine with the same name. The first Pogy was a Gato-class submarine named for the pogy, or menhaden, also known as the most important fish of the sea. During World War II, the USS Pogy (SS-266) sank 16 ships. She is also famous for the logo created by crew member Hollis Larsen, but later improved upon by Walt Disney himself. This week, we salute, Vic Webb, who served six years in the U.S. Navy. Of those six years, four and a half years were served on the USS Pogy (SSN-647). He was a submariner Yeoman. Vic lives and works in Colstrip, Montana. He has lived in Rosebud county for four years. He has three daughters and one grandson, all living out of state. Vic is also a valued member of the Rosebud County Search and Rescue. Have a story to share? Email or call me rosebudveteranscorner@gmail.com Phone: 406-351-9775 Dr. Irene Dickerson is a retired Army Colonel living her best life in Big Sky Country. |
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