The Behring Senior Center in Monroe held a Veterans Day breakfast Nov. 7 along with a Quilts of Valor program. The program is a non-profit foundation whose goal is to cover all wounded service members with a freedom quilt, honoring them for their sacrifices. 

Specialist 3rd Class Robert W. Slocum

Robert joined the United States Army on January 10, 1954, and served until January 6, 1956, during the Cold War in Germany. He served 6 more years on inactive duty. “I was one of many millions of men and women serving the greatest country in the world,” Robert said. After basic training (16 weeks) in Fort Bliss at El Paso, Texas, he was shipped overseas as a member of the 7th AAA (Anti-Aircraft Artillery). Their defense was 90MM weapons controlled to fire by radar. Robert’s job was radar operator/fire control, and the unit’s job was to “keep their eyes on the skies.” In 1948, the Russians imposed a blockade and would not allow cars, busses, trucks, or trains to travel through their zone into Berlin, hence “The Berlin Airlift.” The Army’s job was to protect and defend aircraft, if necessary. “Many of us found it to be a war of nerves,” Robert said.

Robert was married to the late Diane L. Becker from 1957-2001. They have two children and two grandchildren. Robert remarried in 2004 to Lillian Larson DeNure, and his extended family includes two children, four grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren. After he was discharged, Robert worked for several companies doing sales, chemical coating, painting and wallcovering. This required being on the road and doing a lot of traveling. He is an active life member of the Brodhead VFW Post 6858, where he was past commander from 2003 to 2005. He belongs to the Cornerstone Free Lutheran Church in Argyle and is a member of the Green County Genealogical Society. From May 20 to 23, Robert went to “The Vet’s Roll” in Washington D.C. They had 10 full buses of Veterans from all over the United States.

Sergeant E-5 Ron Schafer

Ron joined the United States Army on June 22, 1970, and served until March 24, 1972. He took basic training at Fort Polk, Louisiana. He was then sent to Fort Benning, Georgia, for NCO School and Jump School. Ron was sent to Vietnam, where he was stationed at Phu Bai serving with the 101st Airborne Division as an infantryman, and then served with E14 3rd Ordinance Battalion at Long Binh working as an Ammo Dump Guard. Ron and his wife, Zona, have been married since April 14, 1973. They have two sons, Travis (Lindsy) and Wade (Delyn), and four grandchildren: Caleb, Nora, Kendall and Brolan. After the service, Ron worked with his father in construction, was a propane delivery man, and then was in metal fabrication at Kuhn in Brodhead. Now he is working part-time for Bytec in Monroe.

Ron has also been active in his community. He is a former Boy Scout Leader with Troop 115 in Monroe. Ron has been active in the American Legion, first joining in McConnell, Illinois, with Post 1225, then joining with Post 84 in Monroe, where he is a member of the Honor Guard.

SP4 Roger Michael

Roger Michael joined the United States Army on April 27, 1967, and served until April 15, 1969. He did his Basic Training at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. After basic training, he was stationed in Vietnam, south of Saigon. He was in the 1097th Transportation Company 9th Infantry Division. Roger was a straight truck driver and he delivered supplies to the troops. Roger has a daughter, Patricia Harder, and five grandchildren, Ben, James, Jacob, Joshua and Sarah Harder. After getting out of the service, Roger worked for Micro Switch in Freeport.

Staff Sergeant Frederick W. Boss

Frederick W. Boss joined the United States Air Force on June 13, 1966, and served until April 10, 1970, earning the rank of staff sergeant. Basic training was at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. After basic training was done, he was transferred to the Technical Training Center at Lowry Air Force Base in Denver to attend Technical Training School. Frederick was then sent to George Air Fore Base at Victorville, California, where he was with the 68th Tactical Fighter Squadron. From there, he was sent to the Vietnam War. In Vietnam, Frederick served at the air base at Cam Ranh Bay, working as a weapons mechanic in the 559th Tactical Fighter Squadron. Frederick is married to Linda, and they have three children, Christine, Becky and John. They also have five grandchildren.

When he was discharged from the Air Force, Frederick returned to the family farm in rural Browntown. He has been a dairy farmer in the Clarno and Cadiz Townships for over 30 years. Frederick is presently retired.

Private 1st Class Charles E. Lederman

Charles joined the U.S. Army on May 9, 1956, and he served until April 4, 1958. His basic training was done at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. He spent the next two years at Schweinfurt, Germany. The United States was at peace time, with no conflicts and no wars. Charles’ job was in the motor pool driving around military personnel. Family includes his wife, Leona, three children, Wayne, Dennis, and Dean; and three step-children, Teffanie, Tim and Tana. They also have eight grandchildren, Garrett, Larissa, Brandon, Kasie, Christina, Johanna, McKenna and Blake.

After serving his country, Charles came back to Wisconsin and started working on the family farm. He continued working on the farm until he was 85 years old. It is a 4th generation farm. 

Corporal Eugene Ellingson

Eugene Ellingson joined the U.S. Army in August 1952. He served until August 1954, earning the rank of Corporal. Basic training was at Camp Chaffee in Arkansas, and from there was sent to Korea. In Korea, he was at headquarters 2nd Infantry Division, chemical section. His job was to inspect chemical masks and the flame throwers. Eugene and his wife, Donna, have five children, Jean, Becky, Dave, Debra and Mike. They have 15 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. After getting out of the Army, Gene worked for 40 years driving trucks. He worked for the Almond Freight Company and Overnight Motor Company. Gene has kept busy with organizations in his community. He has been a lifelong member of Jordan Lutheran Church in rural Browntown, and is also a lifetime member of the Monroe VFW Post 2312 and the American Legion Zilmer Riley Post 84.

The Faith Stitchers, a group dedicated to providing Quilts of Valor to each veteran in their congregation at United Methodist Church in Monroe held a Veterans Day recognition event on Nov. 11 to honor 24 former service members.