In their words, Veterans and their Families on Veterans Day

Robert Allsup in Germany late 1960

I always think back of those days in the Army and remember the guys in my company. We were close and had some good times. We were lucky and missed Nam by about six months. There is a certain pride about being able to serve your country. Alot of people don’t understand this, but those who have served do. Veterans Day is a day to honor the men and women who have given part of their lives to serve their country. Also remember the most important part is to remember those who gave the ultimate to keep this country’s freedoms in place for everyone. God bless them all.

Robert Allsup was a life long resident of Oskaloosa until He and His wife Connie retired to the Missouri area a few years ago.

Chris Charlebois — My father and grandfather both served. My father was Heavy Cavalry (Tank Commander) and was stationed on the front lines of the Cold War (Germany). My grandfather was infantry, served in WWII and survived two beach landings under enemy fire; Normandy and an earlier landing in Italy.

Marquee Ouellette-Meyer My daddy is a former MARINE. I’m very proud of my dad. He is a great father and wonderful grandfather. I Thank God everyday for my daddy and all the other military members. Whether they r present, former, or future. THANK U ALL SO MUCH

Chris Ver Ploeg Schippers Thank you for the opportunity to give recognition to my brother, GySgt. F.M. VerPloeg USMC, retired.

June Silvers (left) and Melvin Silvers (right) during WWII

Connie Silvers Allsup – Dad enlisted in the Army and was stationed in England where he loaded bombs on B-17 airplanes for distribution over Germany . We have a picture of him with a bomb on which he wrote ” To Hitler from Melvin, June, Connie and Carol”.

Our solders gave a lot for us such as missing time with wives, children and other family and friends. My sister Carol was born while Dad was in England. He was a great Father and I am proud of him and the others who have served our country.