Iowa Central Community College is hosting an event next week to commemorate the release of a book that honors young men from the area who sacrificed their lives in the Vietnam War.
The event will be held at the Center for Performing Arts Decker Auditorium in Fort Dodge starting at 2pm next Tuesday, April 22nd to mark the release of “Before They Were Soldiers.” The student-centered project captures the essence of soldiers lives prior to their service, highlighting families, friendships, and the communities they once called home.
55 names were chosen for the project, including several local natives…
Thomas Carrington of Storm Lake
James Sampers of Storm Lake
Calvin Binder II of Rembrandt
Jimmy Buckley of Sac City
Billy Bull of Lake City
Henry Claussen of Palmer
Randall Freeman of Sac City
Eric Johnson of Laurens
Michael Lewis of Lake City
Gerald McKeen of Sac City
Melvin Miller of Newell
John Platt of Early
Robert Rex of Odebolt
Kenneth Roche of Nemaha
La Roy Roth of Wall Lake
Larry Smith of Sac City
Melvin Thompson of Fonda
Craig Waterman of Rockwell City
Waldo Williams of Rockwell City
Keith Wilson of Marathon
Students documented the personal history of the soldiers, bridging past and present, while strengthening community connections.
The event on April 22nd is open to the public. The program will feature a guest speaker, a presentation of the book to the families, and a military salute to recognize and commemorate the fallen heroes.
