Honored by those he honors: John Bauercamper receives Certificate of Appreciation for his efforts in honoring local U.S. military veterans

The Tuesday, November 11 Veterans Day Observance Program at Waukon High School provided a bit of reversal of fortune during a brief break in the event. Although a vast majority of the program was geared toward what Veterans Day is rightfully meant to be - honoring those who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces, a moment was also taken to honor an individual who had not officially served but who has done a great deal to make sure those who have served get the recognition and honoring they deserve.

John Bauercamper, a district court judge in District 1A of Iowa for nearly 40 years with a strong interest in history, was honored with a Certificate of Appreciation for his efforts in honoring military veterans in a variety of ways - most recently through the newly-created Allamakee County Veterans Museum and the programs he helps create and present there. That Certificate of Appreciation came from Iowa’s U.S. Senator Joni Ernst, herself a U.S. military veteran and a member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Armed Services.

Senator Ernst had been contacted by one of Waukon’s highest-ranking military veterans, retired U.S. Navy Command Master Chief Carl Christianson, through her Veterans and Military Affairs Representative from Iowa, Brenda Safranski. Master Chief Christianson was joined by another high-achieving area veteran, U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel Master Aviator Joe Emerson, in surprising Bauercamper with the framed certificate during the traditional Veterans Day Observance Program at Waukon High School.

“Some people choose not to serve in the military because they have other priorities,” Christianson said in reference to Bauercamper. “If that is true, then I ask that they do something else to serve their community - volunteer for things, show your community you love it. It is one such person who we are here to recognize today.”

In presenting the Certificate to Bauercamper, Emerson stated the award was being given to “a very deserving individual.” He further noted that those who have attended the programs conducted by Bauercamper at the Veterans Museum have even learned about neighbors they never knew were veterans.

Emerson read the Certificate aloud, which stated, “Certificate of Appreciation presented to the Honorable John Bauercamper in recognition of his distinguished service and enduring commitment to Iowa’s Veterans and their families.” Christianson also presented Bauercamper with a sealed letter from Senator Ernst.

In reaching out to Senator Ernst, Christianson’s communication with her Veterans and Military Affairs Representative included a bullet-point list of Bauercamper’s efforts in supporting, honoring and promoting Veterans. That list included the following accolades:
• Helped organize the annual Allamakee County Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Awareness Walk.
• Main speaker for the May 29, 2005 Dedication Ceremony of the Allamakee County Veterans Memorial Monument located on the Allamakee County Courthouse lawn, which contains over 1500 memorial bricks on the monument plaza.
• Main speaker during the dedication of the flagpole at the new Allamakee County Law Enforcement Center.
• Participates in the Annual Memorial Day Observance Program, helping keep the real meaning in Memorial Day.
• Received an award for Employer Support of the National Guard and Reserve, which was presented by a Navy Commander and Navy Chief.
• He has been the driving force for the building of a state-of-the-art Allamakee County Veterans Museum in Waukon, dedicated May 28, 2022.
• Dedicates himself to presenting very informational tours of the museum to school children and other groups, including audio-visual presentations. Students beg to have return trips as he makes them feel part of the environment in the museum.
• Built an interior Memorial Wall with photos of local Killed in Action (KIA) and Missing in Action (MIA) honorees.
• Organized audio-video interviews with local Veterans to preserve for future generations and special programs in the viewing rooms of the Allamakee County Veterans Museum.
• He is considered a “walking encyclopedia” of past conflicts and historical events, and therefore adds realism to the tours he provides.
• He helped organize a state-of-the-art Genealogy Research Center in the lower level of the Veterans Museum.

In his closing summation of his reasons for wanting to honor Bauercamper, Christianson stated in his communication with Senator Ernst’s office, “John Bauercamper makes certain Veterans are not forgotten, and northeast Iowa is proud of his tireless efforts and dedication to that cause.”

Initially called upon to give a brief presentation of his own about the Allamakee County Veterans Museum to the students in attendance at the November 11 Veterans Day Observance Program at Waukon High School, Bauercamper admitted he was certainly not expecting to be part of the program’s honoring. “I was surprised and honored with the presentation of a certificate from Senator Ernst recognizing me for my service to Allamakee County Veterans,” he shared.

In his true humble fashion of wanting to give others the credit they deserve, Bauercamper also acknowledged the efforts of those who have assisted him in accomplishing all that he has in recognizing and honoring local Veterans. In a follow-up statement, he summarized his desire to not want to have the entire spotlight shine on him.

“After retiring from full-time work, I have had the opportunity to help the County Historical Society establish the Veterans Museum,” he explained. “The Society board of directors allowed me to assist by taking the lead in the work to frame the mission of the museum, set up the layout, and organize  programs. I have been fortunate to have a great deal of help and guidance from many local veterans and have enjoyed working with them to advance our mutual goals by preserving and telling  the stories of our veterans, past and present, to the community. The support of our veterans’ families and the entire community has made this project a success.”

Pick up the Wednesday, November 26, 2025 print edition of The Standard or subscribe to our e-edition or print edition by clicking here.