1 Prospect Valley High School REUNION NEWS This is the Start of Something Big American Legion Post 180 “The Moving Wall” Memorial at Keenesburg” “The Moving Wall” a half-sized replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, DC, that serves as a sol- emn reminder of the more than 58,000 lives lost between 1956-75 in that Southeastern Asian country, arrive in Keenesburg on June 5th. Ceremonies begin June 6th at 9am and June 8th at 7pm. This honored visit is hosted by the American Legion Post 180, 595 Railroad Ave. Keenesburg, Colorado. The Ameri- can Legion Post 180 was a POW camp for German prisoners of WWII. One of the buildings used during that time is used as the kitchen at the Post. “The Moving Wall” is a half-sized replica of the Washington , DC, Vietnam Veterans Memorial and has been touring the country for more than twenty years. When John Devitt attended the 1982 dedication in Washington, he felt the positive power of “The Wall”. He vowed to share that experience with those who did not have the opportunity to go to Washington. John Devitt, Norris Shears, Gary Haver, and other Vietnam Veterans volunteers built “The Moving wall”. It went on display for the first time in Tyler, Texas in October of 1984. Two structures of “The Moving Wall” now travel the USA from April through November, spending a week at each site. (Source: The South Weld Sun) 7/4/08 # 8
Transcript
1
Prospect Valley High School
REUNION NEWS
This is the Start of Something Big
American Legion Post 180 “The Moving Wall” Memorial at Keenesburg”
“The Moving Wall” a half-sized replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, DC, that serves as a sol-
emn reminder of the more than 58,000 lives lost between 1956-75 in that Southeastern Asian country, arrive in
Keenesburg on June 5th. Ceremonies begin June 6th at 9am and June 8th at 7pm.
This honored visit is hosted by the American Legion Post 180, 595 Railroad Ave. Keenesburg, Colorado. The Ameri-
can Legion Post 180 was a POW camp for German prisoners of WWII. One of the buildings used during that time is
used as the kitchen at the Post.
“The Moving Wall” is a half-sized replica of the Washington , DC, Vietnam Veterans Memorial and has been touring
the country for more than twenty years. When John Devitt attended the 1982 dedication in Washington, he felt the
positive power of “The Wall”. He vowed to share that experience with those who did not have the opportunity to go to
Washington.
John Devitt, Norris Shears, Gary Haver, and other Vietnam Veterans volunteers built “The Moving wall”. It went on
display for the first time in Tyler, Texas in October of 1984. Two structures of “The Moving Wall” now travel the
USA from April through November, spending a week at each site.
(Source: The South Weld Sun)
7/4/08
# 8
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Reunion Committee
FOR THOSE NOT ATTENDING REUNION
I was talking to Rene Zimbelman Kaelber the other day and
she had a great idea. This is what we came up with.
If you are unable to attend the reunion, we would like for you
to write something for our “Unable to Attend Book”. Just jot
down, on an 8 ½ X 11 sheet of paper, what you have been up
to since attending PVHS, using both sides if necessary. Pic-
tures are also welcome. Remember to put your name
(maiden if applicable) and year of graduation/attendance.
This book will be available at the reunion for all those attend-
ing. Marilyn Sargent Haffner
Marilyn
Sargent
Haffner
Treasurer
Sherry
Sargent
Stickle
Secretary
George Davis
Chairman
http://www.prospectvalleyreunion.com (Donated by Hans & Lucile Arnusch)
Over 2200 visitors
Reunion Meeting Class Reps
&
Interested
Members
August 1st
10AM
Prospect Valley Fire Station
Contact
Sherry or Marilyn
Registration Update Thanks to all of you who have sent in your registration forms.
From the looks of the response, we will have one fun reunion.
If you are like me, one of those who procrastinates, well have
no fear. You can still send them to me and I will add you to
the list. So just start digging for that red form and send it in.
Or contact me by email or phone and I will fill one out for
you.
We do not want to leave anyone out. Marilyn
The Moving Wall” Memorial at Keenesburg
Mark
Kauffman
serving as
Master of
Ceremonies
Leonard
Roscop,
originated
the event
(left).
Mark K.
Color Guard
marching in front
of the Wall.
Loyd
Sargent &
son Lee.
(Father &
Son
(very cool)
Reunion
September
13 & 14th
3
TAPS TAPS DECEASED
PVHS VETERANS Richard Erker, USN
Howard Tegtman, USN
Sylvester Tegtman, USN
Richard Smith , USN
Veloy Vigil, USMC
Gary Baumgartner, USMC
Donald (Sonny) Zimbelman, USMC
Edward Dyess , USAF
Jean Sirios, USA
Elvin Huwa, USA
Richard Reagan, USA
Bertha Greve, USA
Unknown Deceased
PVHS Members
The first fold of our flag is a
symbol of life. The second fold is a symbol of
our belief in the eternal life.
The third fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veteran departing our ranks who gave a portion of life for the defense of our country to attain a peace throughout the world.
The fourth fold represents our weaker nature, for as American citizens trusting in God, it is to Him we turn in times of peace as well as in times of war for His divine guidance.
The fifth fold is a tribute to our country, for in the words of Stephen Decatur, "Our country, in dealing with other countries, may she always be right; but it is still our country, right or wrong."
The sixth fold is for where our hearts lie. It is with our heart that we pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the re-public for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
The seventh fold is a tribute to our Armed Forces, for it is through the Armed Forces that we protect our country and our flag against all her enemies, whether they be found within or without the boundaries of our repub-lic.
The eighth fold is a tribute to the one who entered in to the valley of the shadow of death, that we might see the light of day, and to honor mother, for whom it flies on Mother's Day.
The ninth fold is a tribute to womanhood; for it has been through their faith, love, loyalty and devo-tion that the character of the men and women who have made this country great have been molded.
The tenth fold is a tribute to father, for he, too, has given his sons and daughters for the de-fense of our country since they were first born.
The eleventh fold, in the eyes of a Hebrew citizen, represents the lower por-tion of the seal of King David and King Solo-mon, and glorifies, in their eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
The twelfth fold, in the eyes of a Christian citizen, represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in their eyes, God the Fa-ther, the Son, and Holy Ghost.
Herman Huwa‟44 Now & Then Loyd Sargent‟48 Jim Davis”52 Robin Greenhagan‟63 Ken Vogel”56
Gene Calvert”58
Other Soldiers Not Pictured
Walter Huwa
Frank Tegtman‟60
Jack Schmidt‟63
Floyd “Scott” Erker‟64
Jim Shoenemen
Louis Rodriguez Robert Zimbelman‟48 Ed Suppes‟63 Pete” Okada‟48
Jean Sirios”59 Albert Becker”45‟ Don Vogel‟51
Bertha Greve‟44
Ed Ewertz Charles Lott‟52 Dennis Becker‟63
James G. Smith, Jr.‟55 Jack Gould‟40 Charles Quimby
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UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS
PVHS MARINES
Other Marines Not Pictured Ron Bertram‟60
Larry Weickum
Robert Klausner‟64
Robert Mallory‟46 George Davis‟60 Ted Zimbelman‟61 Dick Shuler‟60 Veloy Vigil‟52 Gary Baumgartner‟60
Gerald Wagner‟63 Mark Kauffman‟64 Edwin Weickum‟61 Herb Weickum‟58 Donald “Sonny”
Zimbelman‟54
John Roth‟56
George Duffield‟39 Duane Bilslend‟41 Jim Figg‟63
with nephew Robert Sargent
Elmer Becker „51
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UNITED STATES NAVY
PVHS SAILORS
Other Sailors Not Pictured
Paul Scheid’60
Don Schwartz
Sylvester Tegtman Robert Tegtman‟49 Howard Tegtman‟51
Marvin Zimbelman‟56 Glenn Murray
Charles Mallory‟57
Raymond Becker‟47 Raymond Yeager‟49
Chuck Sargent‟63 Kenny Pierson‟57 Jack Zimbelman
Gene Abbott‟49
Pat Mallory‟51
Lee B. Cobb, Jr. „63 Larry Erker‟60
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UNITED STATES AIR FORCE
PVHS AIRMEN
Gene Eisenarth‟50 John Sauer‟60 Richard Gobel‟48 Jack Gobel‟49 Edward Dyess „63
Gean Abbott I attended Prospect from 1945 thru
1948, my junior year, and then went to
Brighton High School where I gradu-
ated in 1949. I then attended CSU from
1949 thru Dec. of 1950. At that time I
joined the U.S. Navy along with Ray
Yeager, Bob Tegtman, Lyle Smith, Max Smith, Ken
Bosky, Don Voght and Bill Marrow. We all attended
Boot Camp in San Diego, CA. After Boot Camp I
went to Radio School. Upon completion of Radio
School, I was assigned to a ship, The USS The Sulli-
vans DD537. Our homeport was in Newport, Rhode
Island. We went to Korea in 1952. When we com-
pleted our tour of Korea, we took a world tour, which
consisted of Hong Kong, India, the Philippine Islands,
Suez Canal, Italy, Portugal, Turkey, France and then
back to Newport. I was discharged as a Radioman
Second Class.
I reenrolled at CSU and received a Bachelor‟s
Degree in 1958. I taught school in Brule, Nebraska
from 1959-1963, as a science teacher. In 1963 I
moved to Wiggins, CO teaching science until 1966. In
1966 I was given a chance to be an Elementary School
Principal.
In 1986 I received my Masters Degree. I moved to
Brighton, CO and was an Elementary Principal in
two different elementary schools. I retired in 1980
and still reside in Brighton with my wife, Sally. Our
son, Gean and daughter-in-law, Donna, along with
our two grandsons, Nathan and Allen, all live in
Brighton
Bertha Greve by Shrley Kuhrt
Bertha Greve graduated from Prospect Valley High
school in 1944. She was the daughter of Bill and
Mollie Baumgartner Kuhrt. She
moved to Prospect either in 1942
or 1943 from Crook, Colorado.
After graduating she went to Den-
ver and attended Barnes School of
Business after which she taught
high school for one year in Keenes-
burg. I can remember her telling about finding mice
and snakes in her desk drawer. Because she was
younger than some of her students, they would be
ornery every chance they had.
She also taught one year in Sterling. After this she
joined the Army to see the world. She never left Vir-
ginia, which is where she was stationed. Bertha met
her husband, Harold Isenberg, while in the Army
and moved to Cleveland, Ohio, after she was dis-
charged from the Army. They had four (4) children
and three (3) grandchildren. Bertha passed away in
November of 2001.
Jim Davis
The Straight
Arm
Of the
Law!
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Once a Marine, Always a Marine
Two and half years ago Leonard Roskop, a member of the American
Legion Post 180, took it upon himself to invite the “Moving Wall” to come to Keenesburg. December
2007 dinner meeting at the American Legion, Leonard announced The Wall was coming early June 2008.
We immediately had volunteers to be part of the planning committee.
I shared this with you hoping to gain your understanding of the following article about the Vietnam War
Veterans. I salute all Veterans from 1776 to the present. However, the Vietnam War was my war. The
Committee felt the best way to honor the 58,243 killed or missing, was to read their names.
173 volunteers were recruited to read 58,243 names in 59 hours. The largest number of readers came
from the Weld Central High School. 986 names per hour. On each page there are 48 names.
The “Moving Wall” has 70 panels going east and 70 panels going west. The east and west walls are at a 90
degree angle. Members of my platoon are on 7th and 8th
panel going east. I joined the United States Ma-
rine Corps in January of 1966. Eight weeks of boot camp and 4 weeks of ITR (infantry training), had us
convinced that we were a MEAN GREEN FIGHTING MACHINE. Looking back now I am in awe of the
drill instructor. They received 80 kids from all different backgrounds and turned us into Marines.
First part of May 1966, I left the Marine Corp Base El Toro and 18 hours later I arrived in Okinawa. I
spent 3 days for processing, received orders, and was C130 to Da Nang. The next day I was C130 to Chu
Lei. At Chu Lei, I was told my company was out on an operation. While waiting for the company to re-
turn to battalion CP (command post), I was a typical FNG (new guy). The sights, sounds, and smell of a
war zone were all encompassing. The oppressive heat and humidity in Vietnam had me questioning
whether I would survive my 13 months. When the company returned to battalion CP, I was told I was not
on their replacement list. I was C130 to Pu Bai, where I became a member of 3rd squad, 3rd platoon, ho-
tel company, 2 battalion, 1st Marines. A day later we were trucked to Dong Ha. Dong Ha is just south of
the DMZ. Gave the impression we were staged for the assault on Hanoi and Ho Chi Mein. Second battal-
ion conducted operations around Dong Ha and along the DMZ. My mind is a buzz of what to tell you. I
am thinking of a lot of events right now. I am not sure of what to say in this article. Let‟s just say that I
was not a FNG anymore.
September 66 second battalion was transferred to Quang Nam province south of Da Nang. While up
north we fought the NVA (North Vietnam Army). Now we are fighting the Viet Cong. Knowing that we
were the best trained and had superior fire power has left me bitter. Instead of bringing this all to bear
against the enemy we fought with one arm tied behind our back. In 4 years the United States defeated
Hitler‟s Nazism, Mussolini‟s Fascism and Tito‟s Imperialistic Japan. In Vietnam the United States never
had a plan to win, but continued to send young men to die.
I am sorry that I did not keep a journal as to exact dates and some names have escaped me. Reviewing
slides after my return “Home” I was surprised to find the part of a roll of film of Michael D‟Angelo and
myself in a hotel room in Tokyo, Japan. We were taking our R&R (rest and relaxation) there. After
spending more than 8 months in the bush, the twin beds and clean white sheets, and hot and cold water
were the best thing this side of Heaven.
I talked earlier of the oppressive heat, but it was not so during the monsoon season. The temperature
hardly dipped below 75 degrees. It rained every day or night, and mud everywhere. 75 degrees is cold in
wet conditions. From the start of the monsoons in mid November to the end of February, there wasn‟t a
dry pair of socks to be found. On patrols it was easier to walk in the rice paddies rather than the on the
paddy dikes. A grunt isn‟t much good without healthy feet. So at CP we were always barefoot to give our
feet a chance to dry out or at the least air out. The mud would be washed out of our socks and on our way
back out, yesterday‟s almost dry socks would be worn.
I am proud of being a United States Marine Veteran. I am proud of all Veterans. Without Veterans we
would not be living FREE today. I want to thank the good Lord in bringing me home safe and in one
piece. Mark Kauffman, Class of 1964
9
Duane Bilslend‟41 He graduated in 1941 ac-
cording to George Bush
(‟42). We are not sure
where he served. Duane is
related to the Lewton
family.
Don Vogel I was drafted into the Army in 1956. After
basic I was sent to Abrdeen Proving Grounds
Maryland to “metal working school”. I re-
turned to Ft Lewis and later was awarded a
Recovery specialist MO. I drove a 5 ton
wrecker where I pulled power packs out of
tanks., gun tubes out of artillery pieces, towed
and recovered all kinds of vehicles. I really
enjoyed what I was doing as long as it kept me
away from playing soldier! I was honorably
discharged in 1958 (picture). I returned home
to get back to farming. I served two more
years in the active reserves and four years in
the inactive reserves completing my military
obligation in 1964. They tried to send me to
Vietnam! I won my case to
stay out because of my inac-
tive status. It took an act of
Congress to send me there.
Ruby and I were married at
that time with one child, our
daughter. It would have been
tough. I lost two cousins in
Vietnam. I had a lot to be
thankful for..
P.S. I had a specialist rating equal to sergeant
when I got out of the military. I believe it was
in 1957 where we were put on a “Red Alert”.
We started packing our equipment for a trip
to the Middle east. That was kind of a scary
time.
Tusyoshi “Pete” Okada, M.D.
I graduated from Prospect Valley High
School in 1948. After internship, I was
drafted into the U.S. Army in August
1957. The first two months was “Boot
Camp” at Fort Sam Houston, San Anto-
nio, Texas. After that I was assigned to
Japan.
I was on active service duty from August
1957 to March 21, 1961. The Korean War
had already ended when I got in. However
the Vietnam War began on February 28,
1961. So I am considered a Vietnam vet-
eran.
I served in the U.S. Army Reserves from
March 1961 to October 1963 at which time
I was honorably discharged.
Sorry, can‟t make the school reunion as I
am still working full time at the age of 77.
Coach Sam Turner In a letter to Don & Ruby Vogel, Sam men-
tioned serving 33 months in the military. He
also disclosed that he was a P.O.W. in
Germany. Sam was
awarded two (2) Purple
Hearts.
This is probably a little
known fact by the people
he coached. We never
know when heroes walk
among us!!
Raymond E. Becker
I was in the Navy from
1947 to 1955. I joined IBM
in 1955 and was with Fed-
eral Systems Division in-
volved with our Air De-
fense until I retired in
1985. After I retired, I
moved to Spring Valley
Lake, CA. I now live in
Victorville, CA and live
close to two of my daugh-
ters. One lives in Modesto,
CA and the other is a Doc-
tor of Veterinary Medi-
cine.
I know the reunion is Sept
13&14th. I will try to
make it.
George H. Bush(‟42)
provided the picture of
Jack Gould on the left.
Jack graduated in 1940.
He served in the Army
and fought in the Battle
of the Bulge, was
wounded in France and
was awarded the Purple
Heart. He worked for
the U.S.P.S. in Denver
for 30 years.
George Duffield‟39 George Duffield lived with
the Bush family during his
senior year at PVHS. He
joined the Marines and
became a paratrooper. He
broke an ankle and trans-
ferred to a different division and spent
all of WWII in the South Pacific. He
died 5/16/81 during his second heart
surgery. We are not sure if he was
wounded during the war.
We salute all veterans
who received the
Purple Heart.
Lots of memories for me. The most interest-ing was being a member of the 1st US Marine Corps Drill Team. It was 1947 where it started and was commissioned the next year. We performed for a lot of local stuff, plus the Salt Lake City Centennial. I have pictures of the team and we spent one whole day perform-ing for RKO pictures. These were used in the old Newsreels that were always showed before the feature picture. Robert (Bob) Mallory ‘46
Reunion September 13 & 14th Registration In ????
10
THE MILITARY GAVE PVHS VETERANS
A GREAT EDUCATION!! The military gave us the best “Reality Based” education available in the world. We have reaped the re-
wards of this education throughout our lifetimes. The military taught us absolute standards: “tell the
truth”, “don’t give up”, “don’t whine or make excuses”, “do your best”, “choose a difficult right over an easy
wrong”, “look out for the group and judge others by their actions, not their words or their race”.
The military taught us lessons taught centuries ago by ancient Greek philosophers: “don’t pursue happi-
ness, pursue excellence”. Another belief that was instilled in us was; “knowledge is power, and power is
victory”.
We were pushed harder than we‟ve ever been pushed. They made us go beyond our self-imposed limits.
Those experiences created an esprit de corps or camaraderie among members. By subordinating our
needs to those of the group, we all emerged with a stronger sense of self.
We were taught that integrity was honorable. This is a powerful alternative to the alarming distrust that
seems so widespread in our society today. The military discipline stresses “brotherhood”. It stresses that
people of different backgrounds can learn to work together for a common cause. The military approach
to leadership is: “concentrate on doing a single task as simply as you can, execute it flawlessly, take care
of your people”. We were taught that we could do anything if we had the right “ can-do” attitude.
The military not only prepared us for battle, but it shaped us into self-reliant, hard-working and honor-
able members of a team. The military molded and is still molding ordinary people into effective leaders
and honorable citizens.
The military has done a better job teaching teenagers the right way to live than does the average Ameri-
can school. I have seen this first hand as a teacher, school administrator, unit and battalion commander in
the National Young Marine Program headquartered in Washington, DC.
Semper Fi, George Davis‟60
Several people have asked me over the last year “How and why did you get interested in starting this PVHS Reun-
ion”. I must admit that this reunion has a direct relationship to my military experience, allow me to explain.
In February 1960 I joined the Marine Corps on their 120 day delay program. Thirteen days after high school
graduation, I along with 63 other young men were standing tall! On Flag Day, 1960 my entire life changed and was
transformed into what I am today and how I think and operate. I met a man named Roger Maggart. My first im-
pressions of this dude were that he was mean, arrogant and right down disgusting. Over a period of thirteen weeks
this man controlled everything I did both night and day. He was the last person I saw at night and the first person I
saw in the morning. He was everywhere! At night I tried to think of my previous life in Prospect Valley and the fun
I had in high school. Thoughts of driving my white 1953 Ford convertible (which I regret selling) danced through
my head. My dreams quickly turned to nightmares thinking about this Maggart Guy. He was so controlling and
demanding and soon he would be yelling at the top of his voice “EVERYBODY OUT OF THE RACK, BE OUT
FRONT WITH YOUR SHEETS AND PILLOW CASES FOR ROLL CALL IN TWO MINUTES, MOVE, MOVE
MOVE!!!”.
Finally, on September 20th, 1960, boot camp came to an end. This Maggart Guy accompanied our platoon to Den-
ver to perform at various ceremonies. You see, our platoon was called, the Colorado Old Glory Platoon of 1960.
