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Home ›Midwest Veterans of America to honor area Veterans at event this Saturday in Waukon celebrating February 1 National Freedom Day

Midwest Veterans of America will be hosting a special recognition event this Saturday, February 1 at AJ’s Bar & Grill in Waukon to celebrate National Freedom Day, which is observed February 1 each year honoring the signing by President Abraham Lincoln of a joint House and Senate resolution that later was ratified as the 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. President Lincoln signed the Amendment abolishing slavery February 1, 1865, although it was not ratified by the states until later.
An awards presentation will begin at 1 p.m. recognizing 28 U.S. Military Veterans from the local area, with the full menu available to order from as well at the event location. A featured speaker from the La Crosse, WI USO (United Service Organization) and a fundraising auction will also be part of the event.
The public is invited to attend the event. Those who have further questions may call 563-568-5275.
Veterans who were nominated by local residents for honoring at this Saturday’s event include the following (as reported by Midwest Veterans of America):
* Robert Bente, U.S. Army (1963-1965)
* Scott Brown, U.S. Air Force (1973-1977)
* Courtney Berg Chapman, U.S. Army (2009-2014); U.S. Army Reserve (2014-2020)
* Patrick Downey, U.S. Army (2002-2024)
* Staff Sergeant James Emerson, U.S. Army (2004-2019)
* 1st Lieutenant Melynda Emerson, U.S. Army National Guard (2009-2017)
* Stan Grandberg, U.S. Army (1970-1972)
* Laura Jones, U.S. Air Force (2006-2010)
* Scott Landsom, U.S. Army (1986-1990)
* Allen Meiners, U.S. Navy Reserve (1965-1968)
* Dale Mohs, U.S. Army (1969-1971)
* Brent Parker, U.S. Army National Guard (2000-2012)
* Steve Radloff, U.S. Army (1988-1991); U.S. Army Reserve (2003-2006)
* Randy Reicks, U.S. Navy (1989-2002)
* George Salzman, U.S. Navy (2025-Current)
* Jim Sess, U.S. Navy (1969-1973)
* Randy Sickles, U.S. Army National Guard (1982-2004)
* Carver Smerud, U.S. Navy Reserve (1968-2000)
* Corey Snitker, U.S. Marines (1989-1997); U.S. Army National Guard (1997-2010)
* Jacub Dean Steiber, U.S. Marines (2024-Current)
* Saige Denise Steiber, U.S. Marines (2023-Current)
* Dick Sullivan, U.S. National Guard (1966-1972)
* Allan Troendle, U.S. Army (2012-2016)
* Nick Troendle, U.S. Army (2009-2015)
* Richard Troendle, U.S. Army (1989-2011)
* Ted Troendle, U.S. Army (2009-2013)
* Tyler Troendle, U.S. Army (2014-Current)
* Robert Vobora, U.S. Army (1969-1971)