Short stories and photos shared with humor and love
Earl and James Des Jardins left their family farm in Wisconsin more than 80 years ago, and never returned. But, thanks to the efforts of a nephew neither lived long enough to meet, their memory lives on. The two brothers each enlisted and served as WWII fighter pilots following the Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbor. [...]
Our friend Doug wore his honor consequently in the steel of his clear, blue eyes and the incorruptible straightness of his spine. But, he neither mentioned nor displayed the medals that honor earned him. A World War II veteran, he served with distinction in General Patton's Army. He earned an Oak Leaf Cluster, Victory Medal, [...]
Kevin Oelhafen wasn’t thinking about glory as he made his way 120 feet down into the frigid waters of the Atlantic Ocean 25 years ago. He was thinking about the 230 victims of TWA Flight 800 and their families. He’s still thinking about them today. “I have been asked about writing my story, but, out [...]
In honor of Veteran's Day, let's give the residents of the Wisconsin Veteran's Retirement Home at King a fitting tribute by sending as many cards and letters as we can muster. Covid-19 has found its way to the massive campus. According to Commandent Tammy Servatias' Nov. 5 update, 73 people (35 residents and 38 employees) [...]
When Fred Rogers famously told scared children to “always look for the helpers,” he was talking about people like my friend Steve “Bronco” Broniarczyk. I knew Bronco was a helper the day I met him, in journalism class at Marquette University more than 30 years ago. He read my articles, offered friendly feedback and gave [...]