Veterans honored in Hill City

By: 
Carol Walker
Veterans of all ages filled the folding chairs on the floor of Gins Gym last Thursday for the Veteran’s Day program, but one man had the special distinction of being the only World War II Veteran in attendance.
Brett Distel, guest speaker for the event, commented that World War II veterans are rapidly diminishing, and when he asked if any were in the crowd, Fay Marsh, age 95, raised his hand.
Marsh grew up in Hill City, was in the Army Airborne division in the Philippines during World War II and now lives in Rapid City. He was the center of attention after the program as many stopped to talk to him and thank him for his service.
Distel, who was in the Air Force for 23 years, retiring as a Master Sergeant, has been a middle school math teacher at Douglas for 15 years and a referee for several sports for 26 years. He told the audience last Thursday that the Constitution, written 245 years ago, has been backed up by our nation’s military.
“Everything these men and women learned in the military they carried over to civilian life. They took into the community their compassion, honesty AND work ethic,” said Distel.
He challenged young people in the crowd to take time to listen to their stories because they had a lot to teach them. All were encouraged to thank Veterans for their service to our country.
As has been the custom each year, the Remembrance Candle was lit, the POW/MIA poem was read, elementary children presented thank you cards to veterans and patriotic music was provided by the Hill City High School Band and Choir as well as the middle school choir. Also, in keeping with tradition, Heart of the Hills Quilters presented red, white and blue quilts to six local veterans.
Lori Comer, representing the quilters, announced the six recipients as other members of the quilt group draped quilts around their shoulders. Jeff Nobel has served in the Air Force for 15 years, has been deployed five times and is currently a tech sergeant in the Air Force Reserves.
John Schave has been in the Army National Guard for 20 years, served three tours in a war zone, has been a medic and Black Hawk pilot and has no plans to retire.
Paul Buscher joined the Army in 1989, has been deployed five times, serving for a total of 15 years, and is a member of the Signal Corps in communications and radio operation. 
Bill Kasube joined the Army in 1968, went to Vietnam for a year serving as a crew chief for helicopters and later was in the National Guard, serving in the military for 21 years. 
David Spear joined the Marines in 1953 and went to Camp Pendleton in San Diego, Calif., where he spent three years in diesel mechanic school, demolition school and machinist school, using his skill to build roads.
Finally, David (Buzz) Grover joined the Army in 1968 and served four years, spending one year and 29 days of that time in Vietnam working on tanks and Army vehicles.
Refreshments for the veterans were served in the lobby following the program, and many veterans made their way to the Little White Church for a ham dinner provided by Hill City Senior Center. About 45 were in attendance.
Tim Goodwin, District 30 representative to the South Dakota Legislature, spoke briefly, honoring those who served in the military.
Veterans Day proved to be, not simply a holiday, but a day to thank the many who have served our country in the military, risking their lives and fostering freedom.
 

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