Last evening I called and spoke with a dear old friend and my next-door neighbor from back in the day, Erling Jonassen of Duluth, Minnesota.

A Norwegian Minnesotan, from Duluth, no less… Imagine that!

Erling is now 95 years old. He remains sharp of mind, in remarkable shape for his age, and as always, wonderful and interesting to talk with.

He was one of a handful of American soldiers who chose not to surrender to the Japanese (thus avoiding the Bataan Death March) during WWII when General Douglas MacArthur left the Philippines.

Erling spent the next several years of the Japanese occupation living in the jungles of the Philippines trying to avoid capture, among other things. Sick with malaria and dysentery, and although he could have left for the safety of Australia by submarine several times, Erling chose to remain in harm’s way, harrassing the enemy, coast watching and collecting and communicating information on troop movements, enemy ships and other intelligence needed for MacArthur to ultimately retake the Philippines successfully.

For the history buffs among us, these activities were part of the mission of the organization patched together by Colonel (and self-appointed General) Wendell Fertig during the Japanese occupation of the Philippines.

Enough of the history lesson. Those interested can read more here:

http://minnesota.publicradio.org/displa … hillipines

When I think of words like hero, courage and sacrifice this Veteran’s Day, I think of Americans like Erling Jonassen. I am blessed and privileged to have known this man and other Veterans who set the standard for how I measure values, conduct and moral compass.

From this context, it might be easier to see why I and many others are frustrated and fed up with the harm being done to the United States by our politicians… 😥

But that is a whole other story…

Thanks to everyone for taking the time to read this. On Veteran’s Day, join me in taking a moment to think of and give thanks the American heroes who have put themselves in harm’s way and given their lives so that we can enjoy things like practicing our shots and giving it to the casinos.

Special prayers to our troops who remain in harm’s way and to our friend and colleague Missouri (Afghan) Rick. Stay safe, all!

Timmer
United States Air Force Veteran (AFCS)

😎 😎 😎

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