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Robert Cowing (1965)
“Memorial Day observed with quiet grace in Woodland”,
by JIM SMITH-DAILY DEMOCRAT, 05/29/16
Guest speaker Scott Graf of Winters, a U.S. Army veteran and member of the Green Berets
who served in Vietnam speaks about his experiences during Memorial Day services in Woodland.
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Vince Olvera rings a bell for the 16 member of American Legion Post 77 who died over the past year.
On a day when many across America seem content with firing up the backyard barbecue, watching baseball or taking the boat on the water, the efforts of service members past and present were recognized.
At Memorial Day services held at the Woodland Cemetery under the supervision of American Legion Post 77, around 300 people shaded themselves from the hot sun as a light breeze blew through the trees overhead to hear about the sacrifices of those in the military.
The services were held in the veterans’ section of the cemetery, where people were surrounded by hundreds of flags on gravesites as well as an “Avenue of Flags” inscribed with the names of families who provided them in memory of a family member. In all, there are 2,300 flags placed on the graves of veterans in the cemetery.
Guest speaker Scott Graf, a U.S. Army veteran who served as a Green Beret in Vietnam, told the small audience that his speech wasn’t about him and his experiences — or the post-traumatic stress that he’s suffered over the years — but about those who gave their lives in the service of the country to preserve individual freedoms.
“Memorial Day isn’t a celebration,” he said, “it’s an observance.”
The selection of Graf came with the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War by the American Legion.
This commemoration recognizes all men and women, who served on active duty in the Armed Forces during the U.S. involvement in Vietnam, which took place from Nov. 1, 1955, to may 15, 1975. About 9 million Americans served in Vietnam with about 7.2 million still living today.
Graf said considering the way some military personnel have been treated over the years — particularly those returning from Vietnam — it’s important to remember the sacrifices made.
Graf said that today with so much polarization, both politically and socially, where there are red states and blue states, it’s important to remember that people have the right to speak out, to worship as they please and to vote, because people volunteered, or stepped up to defend the principles and ideals on which America is based.
“ . . . the people who fight those wars deserve the respect of those who did not, or at least a “thank you.”
“If you see a veteran in a Starbucks,” he noted, “buy him a cup of coffee.”
For himself, Graf said he spent years suffering through the after effects of his service, noting that he wasn’t alone, that many veterans — regardless of how they felt about war — stepped up and “did our duty” regardless of the risk or the sacrifice.
The speech had an effect on the audience, which stood — or sat silently — as Graf related his service in Vietnam. While many veterans nodded in silent assent during the speeches, prayers and singing, others like Solomon Evanston signed silently for his deaf, twin brother Teo.
In addition to Graf’s presentation, Legion member Gary Leach also made a presentation of a different sort to Woodland ARCO AM/PM owner Robert Takar, who provided support earlier this month when the “Fallen Hero Cart” passed through Woodland as part of the “Fallen Soldiers Cart Project.”
As Leach explained, the cars are customized baggage containers — decorated with the American Flag and emblems of the various military branches — that are used by airlines to transport the remains of fallen service members. One of the carts came through Woodland on its way from Seattle, Wash., to Ontario, California, on May 15 with an escort provided by the Rolling Thunder motorcycle club. Takar’s ARCO AM/PM provided refreshment to those involved in the effort.
For that service, Leach honored Takar for his assistance and presented with a certificate of appreciation.
Other highlights of the Monday ceremony including opening and closing prayers by Air Force veteran chaplain Ted Hillyer, the singing of “God Bless the USA,” and “Where the Stars & Stripes and Eagles Fly” by Jim Hunter, a recitation of the story behind May being Poppy Month by Silvia Hillyer, president of Auxiliary Unit 77; and closing remarks by Ton Hernandez, who served as master of ceremonies.
Hernandez, noting that many veterans — such as him — struggled with wounds of mind and body, there was still strength of unity and purpose.
“We struggle with a quest for understanding,” Hernandez said of veterans, but it’s hoped that the sacrifices of “each person will leave a mark on this Earth.”
In recognition of those members of Post 77 who died in the past year, Vince Olvera of the Legion rang a bell each time a name was called out and could not answer. Called “Post Everlasting,” those people who have died include:
Alan Brassington - US Marine Corp from 1943-1951
John Combs -
Evelyn Desendorf - US Army, Moody Field, Georga 1940's
Ronald Gee - US Army
Donald Goodner - US Navy
James Hull - Enlisted in the Army in 1941. He spent most of World War II in the South Pacific including combat in New Guinea and The Philippines where he was awarded two Bronze Stars and other medals. In 1950 he was activated from the Army Reserves, promoted to Officer, and sent to the Korean War. He remained on active duty and was stationed in Germany, Eritrea, Yolo County, and France among other locations. During this time he traveled extensively throughout the world. Jim retired from the Army in 1967.
Hugh King - Served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War on the USS Tingey.
William Kuznik - While he was in high school he served as Cadet 2nd Lt. in Cadet Corps.
He enlisted in the United Sates Marine Corps July 26, 1950. He served in the Korean War following bootcamp and was discharged Jan. 19, 1952. Bill worked at the Benicia Arsenal.
James Lingberg - Served four years in the Navy during the Korean War on the Destroyer, USS Tingey. While home on leave, Jim's sneaky Aunt Jean (who is only three years older than him) and her friend Joan (Barbara's older sister) conspired to introduce Jim to his future wife, Barbara Lemon. Jim was honorably discharged from the Navy in 1954.
Roy May - He served in the US Army for two years in the South Pacific.Enenlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1942.
Robert McGriff - Bob served his country during World War II as a heavy machine gunner. His motto was: Once a Marine Always a Marine, never an ex-Marine.
Phil Rosasco (WHS 1962) - Joined the California National Guard in 1962.
Jack Santos - Jack was in the Army for our United States of America in the Korean war in 1951 transporting our army tanks in Korea.
Joseph Schwarzgruber (WHS 1935-36) - He served in the Air Force during World War II where he was stationed in England with the 93rd Bomb Group between 1943 and 1945.
Warren Meyer - He served in the US Navy from Feb. 1943 until March 1946.
R. Stephen Waldeck (WHS 1965) - He joined the US Air Force in 1970 and received a regular commission in 1973. He flew helicopters for 11 years and piloted: Hughes 300, Bell H-12, Bell UH-1 and instructor-pilot on the CH-3 (Jolly Green Giant).
Steve's last 3 years of active duty assignment was with the 1st Helicopter Squadron of the United States Air Force based in Washington, D.C. His Squadron was charged with flying the Executive Branch, members of the Cabinet and foreign dignitaries.
After resigning his commission in 1978, at the rank of Captain, he returned to California and continued flying helicopters with the Air Force Reserve, assigned to the 129th Air Rescue Squadron out of Hayward, CA until 1981.
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