Hotcakes for Heroes

“I would like to send a Note of Thanks for the Pinning Ceremony on July 13th for our Dad,

Donald Christianson. Dad was presented with a Pin, Pillow Case and a wonderful Quilt.

This was such a nice observation for his service in the US Marine Corp. He is very proud of the time he spent serving his country, and this Ceremony meant a lot to him and our family. Jasmin and Cheyenne took the time to present these items to Dad as a thank you for his service. This is an acknowledgement I was unaware of, So it was an unexpected celebration for Dad at a gracious time in his life. It was a very nice recognition to attend.

Thank you Jasmin and Cheyenne for honoring Donald Christianson

Thank you Wade Christianson and Family”

“Thank you so much for the Honor for Emil. He was an avid supporter of the American Legion and VFW.

He and his brother Herbert spent lots of time at various veterans functions.

You did a very good job with Emil during the process and we could tell it hit home by his emotions shown.

That is something I haven’t seen until the last few years.

Again thanks for all you do for the veterans and their families.

James Paulus.

POA for Emil Sprenger”

“Thank you,

We were very impressed with the Veterans Pinning Ceremony given by CHI Hospice.

The pillowcase and flag pin were special and Elroy was so pleased and the Angel pin was special for me.

We were very appreciative that the pinning could be scheduled so both of our children could be present.

Linda Dockter – wife of Elroy Dockter”

“It was a really big decision and we weren’t really ready for Hospice,

but it was the best decision we could have made.

Al had a feeding tube and had been hospitalized 3 times last year for pneumonia,

due to aspirating fluid into his lungs. Twice he had been sent to a nursing home for rehab after

being discharged from the hospital, however the care he received left much to be desired.

At 88, I knew I could take better care of him than they did, so I promised him I would make

sure that he never went back and that I would keep him home with me.

Al’s doctors also said he needed to have two major surgeries but because he

was almost 90 years old, we didn’t want this wonderful husband and father to suffer and possibly

not survive either of the surgeries. So, we made a family decision and Al decided he wanted to live out the

remainder of his life with those he loved and not suffer through his remaining days.

A dear friend of ours, who is a doctor, said “If it was my Dad, I wouldn’t put him through that!

You’re not prolonging his life, you’re prolonging his death”. It made sense to us so we called in Hospice.

Hospice was incredible! The care they provided Al was beyond our expectations.

They were always only one call away if I needed help or had a question. They not only took care of

Al, they were there for me too. All I had to do was ask and it was taken care of.

The support they gave both of us was so incredible that without them, I wouldn’t have been

able to get through this. It was hard, but knowing that someone was there, really helped.

They were just awesome and they couldn’t have done more for him! They made sure he was never

in any pain and the kindness they showed was so amazing that we called them “Al’s Angels”!

Thank you Hospice and all your “Angels”!

Elaine Drake

Dee Stanley”

“Our beloved husband & father, Randy, was on hospice home care for a total of 6 weeks. It was a blessing

that Randy was able to be at home with the help of Hospice. When the Hospice staff found out that we

were a military family, Jasmine suggested the Veterans pinning program to us and we were grateful! If

I can say anything about my husband, it is this. Randy was a military man through and through. He retired

after 24 years of service. Serving as a North Dakota Army National Guard Recruiter after completing his

active Army service. He recruited all 4 of his children, 2 of which still serve. It brought great pride to

Randy to have his children pin him, along with their own pinning at our little bedroom ceremony!

Thank you, Jasmin, for caring to do this for all of us and thanks to such a great program to recognize

these veterans in their last journey.

Sincerely,

Deb Reimer & family”

“CHI Health at Home and the We Honor Veterans Program had the privilege of awarding a Quilt of Honor to John A. Schafer at his home during his Veteran Pinning Ceremony. General Jackie Huber, from the North Dakota Army National Guard, presented and pinned an American Flag on the left collar of John’s shirt. She thanked John for his service to our nation, for the sacrifices he made and the willingness to serve his country.

John enlisted in the U.S. Army in August 1948. After 1 year of active military training in Ft. Riley, Kansas and Ft. Lewis, Washington John returned home to Flasher, ND to fulfill his 6 year active reserve commitment. He was recalled to active duty in October 1950, following the invasion of South Korea by North Korea. After a refresher course in military training at Ft. Lawton, Washington. John boarded a plane for Japan, arriving in time for Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve, 1950. From there they were loaded on a rice cargo boat and sailed for Pusan, Korea, arriving in early January, 1951.

He was assigned to the 19th Infantry Regiment Love Company 3rd Platoon, Fourth Squad, as a Buck Sgt. and Squad Leader. By February 4, 1951, after his first firefight and heavy losses, he was promoted to Staff Sergeant and Platoon Leader.

John was wounded three times between May and June 1951. He was awarded the Bronze Star for Valor, the Purple Heart, with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters, Combat Infantry Badge and other battlefield citations. His last hit in June, 1951, the “million dollar wound” sent him homeward bound with extended stays in military hospitals in Korea and Japan, plus short term stays in Hawaii, California, and Illinois, while en route to the plastic surgery center at Fort Campbell, KY. John was hospitalized from June 1951 through February 1952. Following his discharge, he and his wife Ardys, moved to the family farm in rural Flasher until his appointment as a Rural Letter Carrier in 1954 when they moved to town.

John’s dad, a WWI veteran took him to his first American Legion meeting in 1952 and paid his membership dues. He has been an active member since that time, holding offices at each level of The America Legion. He continues to be an active member of Schafer-Boye-Lange Post 69 in Flasher. He is a Past Department Commander of the ND American Legion (1975-1976) and Past Alternate National Executive Committeeman (2004 – 2006).

“Mr. Schafer, on behalf of the United States and a grateful nation, thank you for your service”.”

“CHI Health at Home and the We Honor Veterans Program had the honor and privilege of awarding a Quilt of Honor to Jacob B at his residence during his Veteran Pinning Ceremony. Assisting in his wrapping were his wife MaryAnn and his sons Randy & Ben. Jacob served two years in the United States Army from August 1956 to July 1958. He completed 18 months of Foreign Service in Czech Republic, Munich and Nuremberg Germany. Jacob’s Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) was track vehicle mechanic. His rank at discharge was Specialist E-4. He was awarded Good Conduct Medal; and Expert Badge – Rifle (Rifleman). Jacob is a member of the VFW, VFW Honor Guard (for over 20 years), Amvets, Fraternal Order of Eagles, Moose Lodge, and Knights of Columbus. He faithfully drove veterans to their appointments in Fargo for over 20 years. Thank you, Jacob, for your service to this great Nation.”

“CHI Health at Home and the We Honor Veterans Program had the honor of awarding a Quilt of Honor to Duane B. Honored to be assisting in his wrapping, Marjo D., Rick S. (son) and Patty S. (daughter-in-law). Duane served six years in the United States Army from February 1962 to February 1968. He was stationed at Fort Carson, Colorado; Belvoir, Virginia; Fort Dicks, New Jersey; and Fort Chaffee, Arkansas. His primary duty was construction machine operator, 62B.10 engineer. He was awarded Mechanic Award, Proficiency US Army Engineer School in August 1962. Duane is a member of the Amvets. Thank you, Duane, for your service to this great Nation.”

“It was a privilege and an honor for CHI Health at Home We Honor Veterans Program and Missouri River Quilts of Valor to award Douglas L. with a Quilt of Valor. Assisting in his wrapping, his sister Darcy H. and his nephews Michael H, Luke H, and Jude H. Douglas served in the United States Army during the Persian Gulf War and Operation Desert Shield & Desert Storm from December 1990 to May 1991. His rank was E-6, Staff Sergeant Squad Leader and his primary duty was Military Police Officer 95B (Bravo) in Saudi Arabia. Douglas was the recipient of many awards and medals. He is a proud member of the VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars). Thank you, Douglas, for your service and sacrifice to this great nation!”

“CHI Health at Home & Hospice along with Missouri River Quilts of Valor had the privilege of awarding a Quilt of Valor to Dennis Berg at his home. Dennis served in the United States Army from 1969 to 1971 in combat during the Vietnam War doing reconnaissance. His highest rank was E-5 and his primary duty station was Vietnam and Fitzsimons Army Hospital, Denver, CO. He is the recipient of Purple Heart, Bronze Star Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, M-14 Rifle Expert, M-16 Rifle Sharpshooter, M-60 Machine Gun Second Class, and Gunny Badge. His memberships include DAV (Disabled American Veterans), American Legion, and VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars).”

“It was a privilege and an honor for CHI Health at Home We Honor Veterans Program and Missouri River Quilts of Valor to award Maynard L. with a Quilt of Valor on his 92nd birthday. Assisting in his wrapping, his daughter Darcy H. and his grandsons Michael H, Luke H, and Jude H. Maynard served in the United States Navy aboard the aircraft carrier USS Bon Homme Richard (CV-31) during the Korean War from April 1951 to March 1955. His rank was MN2 – Mineman Petty Officer 2nd Class. He worked with torpedoes, mines, and 500 lb. bomb ordinances. Maynard was the recipient of many awards and medals. He is a proud member of the American Legion and the VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars). Thank you, Maynard, for your service and sacrifice to this great nation!”

“CHI Health at Home and the We Honor Veterans program hosted a Pinning Ceremony honoring Steven B. After graduation, Steven joined the US Army. After basic training he had orders for Vietnam and came home for a visit before deporting. The day before deporting, his orders were switched, and he was sent to Alaska to serve out his 2-year Army commitment. Steven, thank you for the sacrifices you made and your willingness to serve our country. You endured hardships and you were willing to risk your life to maintain our freedom. On behalf of our staff, the VA, and CHI Health at Home and Hospice and the We Honor Veterans Program, please accept our thanks and gratitude. When you see this pin, know that your service to the nation is deeply appreciated.”

“CHI Health at Home and the We Honor Veterans Program had the honor of awarding a Quilt of Honor to Glenn S. Assisting in his wrapping were his daughter, Glenda E. and his son, Jason S. Glenn served two years in the United States Army from January 1967 to December 1968. His primary duty location was Germany and his military occupational specialty was 16B Army Hercules Missile Crew Member. Glenn was awarded the National Defense Service Medal and European Theater Medal. He is a member of the VFW in Anamoose, ND (Veterans of Foreign Wars) and the American Legion in Drake, ND. Glenn, Thank you for your service to this great Nation.”

“CHI Health at Home & Hospice and the We Honor Veterans Program, along with Missouri River Quilts of Valor had the privilege of awarding a Quilt of Valor to Emil Sprenger at his home. Emil served in the United States Army from June 20, 1946, to October 20, 1947, in Japan. His rank was E-3 (PFC). His Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) was Rifleman. Emil’s primary duty location was Japan, where he was an MP (Military Police) in Occupied Territory 669. He is the recipient of Army Occupation Medal Japan, WWII Victory Medal, and WD CIR 118-46. Emil’s memberships include American Legion – McClusky, Amvets – Bismarck where he was a founding member, and VFW (Veteran of Foreign Wars).”