Like me, you have perhaps enjoyed reading historian and guest writer Owen Wiese’s occasional articles on local members of our community. Owen keeps telling me he is going to be retiring and I should write some articles for our local paper. Knowing no one can fill his shoes, I won’t even try. But I must admit that helping local vets tell their stories was a most rewarding project. Unfortunately, over half of those folks have since passed away. So I’m thinking that there are elders in our community who have stories that should also be told before they too are gone. So if you have some old time memories or know of someone who might be willing to share theirs, give me a call and we will see what we can come up with. I know the owners of our local paper are always interested and willing to consider printing. Thanks
These articles would not have been possible if it were not for the men and women who were willing to tell me their stories and allow them to be published. At the risk of leaving many out, there are some who need to be mentioned. My wife Karen (who is an excellent proof reader) was a great help. Many of these would not have been told if it were not for long time Post 23 Historian, Owen Wiese, who gave me leads of who to talk to. The Garretson Weekly has been most generous in offering front page coverage of many stories. Garrick has gone above and beyond and even submitted my name for recognition in SD Newspaper Best Feature Series Competition. Bob Sanders, of Sanders Printing who helped put this together at a very affordable cost (and gave me access to fragile copies of the Garretson Weekly going back before WW I). Last but not least, I thank ‘God and Country’ for the freedoms we have.
-Marty Luebke
