John was overseas for 3 years and 1 day. The skills, comrades and stories are a treasure for generations!! Grandpa has attended an Honor Flight to Washington DC and had a full parade upon his return that evening!! Thanks to our Veteran- John Rottinghaus!!
-Izak John
I knew Mae as my Grandma Mae in the twilight of her years. I am proud of her service and what she did as a woman. Living in Des Moines and knowing she served and trained other women at Ft Des Moines makes me feel close to her. She loved her country and served honorably. I love my country. I appreciate every person that has served, does serve and will serve to preserve the freedom I enjoy. God Bless the USA 🇺🇸!
-Heather Mylan-Mains
Mae was a capable woman. She had graduated from the University of Nevada and was teaching P.E. when the U.S. entered WWII. She was the first woman from Nevada to enlist in the WAC. She went to Fort Des Moines for her training where she met a widower Charles W. Howe before going into duty. She served for over 2 years in Africa, Italy, France and Germany. She was known for and loved for making weddings a joyous event for the women who served with her during a time of wartime scarcity and uncertainty. She ended her career in the Army back at Fort Des Moines where she married my grandfather Charles in Jan. of 1946. I don't know any other details of her service and although she was not my biological grandmother she was the only grandmother I knew. I admire her for her sacrifice and as an example of a capable and courageous woman.
-Susan W Griffin
I grew up knowing that my great great grandfather Capt. Clarence M. Howe served in the Civil War. His service was a source of family honor and pride. He wrote of his years in the Civil War in fairly great detail because he lived to be old enough not only to be honored, but to emphatically write letters to the Federal Government regarding pensions for Civil War Veterans. He was present at the siege and eventual taking of Atlanta and was wounded there. When I read his letters and memories I am humbled by the toll and human sacrifice of our men who served in that gruesome war. I honor his sacrifice and all those who fought so valiantly for principles they held dear.
-Susan W Griffin
I appreciate Victor's service and love my country!
-Heather Mylan-Mains
I got to play with the coolest toys!
-Victor E Rottinghaus
Carol is my hero! She has faced many challenges in life including her service to her country. She enlisted in 1985 and served until 1994. Her Iowa guard unit (The 134th Med Ambulance Company) was activated November 1990 through June 1991 for Desert Storm. While there she was in a tent near a burn pile. She has experienced many health problems as a result. She continues to seek help through the VA and remains positive and grateful. I admire Carol for her perseverance and love for her country. I appreciate her willingness to approach life with a love for people and serving others . She also is a champion for animals and loves to help them however she can. Her willingness to serve when called is a testament to the American spirit and what makes our country great. I know freedom isn't free, thank you Carol for your service. You are loved and appreciated!
-Heather Mylan-Mains
Lloyd, my Grandpa, served in the army as a cook during WWII. He is pictured above with my Grandma, Maxine Mylan.
-Brandi Battles
He was a hard worker, but he loved his family, and country the most!
-Shanna M Harker
My uncle Donnie served several deployments in Desert Storm and loves his country. He had a double lung transplant because of agent orange. He served and loved his country. He always supported me and helped me when I needed it. He is my hero to me and his kids
-Shanna M Harker
Paul Carl Spencer enlisted in the U S Navy on March 21, 1931, and served for 13 years; he was a flyer for 12 of those years, piloting the PBY (patrol bombers) in the war years. His family was notified 27 May 1943 that he had given the ultimate sacrifice for his country. His heroic service, like that of many others, secured for us the freedoms we enjoy today.
-Jolene Spencer
Roger loved his country. He fought to protect her freedom in Korea. I do not remember the dates as I was really young... however, I do remember him always wearing his hat, and his Navy tattoos always fascinated me. I remember his eyes would become glossy when he talked about his times over seas, almost as if you could feel the hurt. Roger was a distant cousin of mine and every Easter we would all get together at my parents' ranch. Every year a whole bunch of us would play the most intense game of basketball. Roger would always sit and watch. We would always ask if he wanted to join but his reply was always, " I've already been to war, you're not playing basketball, that's a war zone out there". It was that light hearted humor and kind spirit that drew everyone to him. Roger passed away february 2020. After his salute at his funeral I helped pick up the brass, there was something so final about it. But the love he had, the kindness he shared, will forever be in our hearts
-Sylvia Ebner
This is my grandfather who served and is honored every 4 of July. Not only for his service but it is also his birthday! I’m honored he fought for our country and was a part of history in our country
-Jessica Chapman
