Sep/Oct 2005 - Korean War Veterans Association

Deb Kiser, whose
husband SSG Charles
Kiser was killed in
action in Iraq, places
wreath at foot of the
Memorial’s bronze
statuary.
SSG Brian Jopek reads list of 41 Wisconsin men and women KIA in Iraq
and Afghanistan, as Emcee Cliff Borden (Past President of Chapter 245)
salutes the colors on the island Memorial.
The international event began with a concert by the 132d Army
Band of the Wisconsin Army National Guard. Following presentation
of the Colors, the band played the national anthems of Canada,
the Republic of Korea, and the United States of America. Precise
military protocol was observed during the ceremony.
First honors went to the 41 Wisconsin men and women who had
been killed in action in the current conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Brigadier General Bruce Schrimuf,
representing the Adjutant General,
paid tribute to the fallen heroes. Then,
the names of the KIA were read aloud
by SSG Brian Jopek, who had recently
returned from combat in Iraq with
his National Guard unit.
Main speaker for the event was
KVA-Canada National President Les
Peate, Ottawa (Life Member, KWVA), the
main speaker, addresses the crowd.
KVA-Canada Honor Party, led by National Sergeant-at-Arms Sam Carr of
London, Ontario, participates in Retirement of the Colors.
Les Peate of Ottawa, National President of the Korea Veterans
Association of Canada (KVA-Canada), who also is a Life Member
of KWVA of the U.S. Also speaking was the Honorable Ann
Charles, Canadian Consul General, representing “Official Canada.”
Acknowledging Canadian sacrifices in the Korean War was Bill
Kloster, Wisconsin Deputy Secretary of Veterans Affairs.
Highlighting the tribute to the Canadian Korean War dead was a
very moving presentation of the “Last Post,” featuring a flag-bearing
Canadian “Honor Party” with music provided by five trumpeters
from the band and a bagpiper in full dress. Following presentation
of a $30,000 check from the Village of Plover for repairs to the
causeway leading to the island memorial, recognition was given to
the Association’s past president, Dorothy “Dot” Wenzel, who recently
completed three terms as a National Director on the KWVA
Board.
The program concluded with the presentations of wreaths, a flyover
by two UH-1 Army Guard helicopters, prayers for the war
dead, the firing of volleys and the sounding of “echo” TAPS by two
trumpeters.. Association Vice President Cliff Borden served as
Master-of-Ceremonies for the occasion.
KVA’s Paul Rochon observes as KWVMAW President Laveral Pieper and
Cliff Borden, Vice President (PR), study the Program Sequence of Events.
In the background is CWO Brad Anderson, director of the 132d Army Band,
WIA~G, which performed in concert before the ceremonies. Borden, who
was Emcee for the event, is former Canada Liaison for KWV A (2003-
2004)
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The Graybeards September - October 2005