Banners are displayed along
Veterans Lakeshore Drive • Rice Lake, WI from:
Memorial Day May 25th, 2022 -
Patriot Day September 11th, 2022
Each year, honorary banners will be draped along Veterans Lakeshore Drive, showing support for service members with local ties.
​
Nominations are collected yearly, and names are drawn to select each years honorees. If a nomination was not drawn, that nomination will go back into the list of future draws.
​
Due to the outpour of support for the
Rice Lake Freedom Walk from volunteers, nominations, and financial assistance, there is no cost to the service family/member to be a part of the project.
We invite you to enjoy a walk along beautiful Veterans Lakeshore Drive, and honor our hero's from the past and present.
2022 SERVICE MEMBERS
ERIC W SOWA, US ARMY
2002 - 2007
"The true solider fights not because he hates what's in front of him, but because he loves what is behind him."
-G.K Chesterton
MICHAEL KERBER, US AIR FORCE
2007 - CURRENT
TSgt Michael Kerber joined the Air Force in 2007 out of Rice Lake. He has completed tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, and was recently selected for recruiting duty. His mission is to give some of the best opportunities that the Air Force has to offer to fellow local Wisconsinites. Aim high. Fly-fight-win!
RAINER J BIDINGER, US NAVY
1942 - 1948
Rainer J. Bidinger was born July 1, 1922. Upon graduation from High School in Morton, MN, Rainer “R.J.” Bidinger entered the U. S. Navy and served from 1942 to 1948 as a Pattern Maker 1st Class. He then married and raised a family in Hampshire, IL. He and his wife, Doddie, then moved to rural Rice Lake, WI and retired. There R.J. enjoyed many years of deer and bear hunting. He died February 26, 2019. His service in the Navy was always an important part of his life.
BENJAMIN JOHNSON, US MARINE CORPS
2005 - 2009
Former Rice Lake High School graduate, Ben Johnson enlisted into the United States Marine Corps in 2005. After serving through Operations Iraqi Freedom campaigns 6-8 and others, Ben was discharged honorably. Ben went on to graduate from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire with a Bachelors of Science in Psychology. Ben currently resides in Rice Lake with his wife and children. They enjoy camping, boating, and being outdoors.
- All Gave Some. Some Gave All. Gone, But Never Forgotten -
MICHAEL SIMPSON, US ARMY
2004 - 2008
Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. - John 15:13
KEVIN LESHKO, US AIR FORCE
1990 - 1998
Coming from a military family I feel honored to have continued the tradition of serving my country wearing the Air Force blues. I served in support of Desert Storm in Saudi Arabia serving numerous tours from 1990-1998. I will continue to keep fighting for our nation’s freedom in the past, the present and the future.
-SSGT Kevin A Leshko USAF
ADAM KRAHENBUHL, US ARMY RESERVES
1999 - 2002
Adam R Krahenbuhl
8 24 1979 – 10 11 2002
Weapons Specialist
322 Maintenance Company
US Army Reserve
Adam committed to the US Army Reserve in a delayed entry program while still in High school. He signed official paper work on January 21, 1999 and reported for basic training on February 04, 1999 to Fort Benning in Georgia. He graduated in April of 1999 from CHARLIE 1-38 Infantry 2nd Platoon.
Adam’s Advance Individual Training was done at Aberdeen Proving Grounds in Maryland as Small Arms/Artillery Repair Specialist. He reported for duty in Arden Hill, Minnesota to 322 Maintance Company for his home base and committed to six years.
Adam loved being in the military. He didn’t share much, but what he did share was with much pride love for his unit and fellow men. He loved guns of every kind and was a superior marksman. He and his brother often competed with each other as Andrew was a police officer and also a great shot.
Adam became a father in March of 2001 to a beautiful little girl named Ali Theresa. She became a new love for him and he was just starting to enjoy the toddler stage when his life ended. He was taken from us on October 11, 2002 while riding his motorcycle at the age of 23.
I think what he loved the most about the military was the adventure and that he was really doing something for our country to make a difference. I also believe he would have made a career of the US Army Reserve as he took on teaching extra weapons instruction classes at a nearby military base. He was all in.
His sense of humor, love of life and adventure and love of family is what he is remembered for.
RICHARD E SCHULTZ, US MARINE CORPS
1950 - 1955
Richard E Schultz
Sargent US Marine Corps
3rd Marine Division, 3rd Regiment, Weapons Company
​
Richard enlisted into the Marines January 2nd 1952. He went to Camp Pendleton for boot camp in California then on to training in Quantico, Virginia to Armor school. He returned home on leave December 31, 1952 to get married on January 10th. He returned to California on January 13th then to Hawaii for training until July 53, then back to California for more training for a month.
He then was off to the Korean War and half way there the war ended. They were then routed to Japan where they spent 11 months. He returned to California in June of 1954 until he was discharged January 1st of 1955 where he ended his service of duty in the Marines.
He received the Korean Service Medal, United Nations Medal, National Defense Medal and Good Conduct Medal.
Richard had a very deep faith. He always quoted from the service “We always had each other’s back no matter what”
LYNN TRIPP, US ARMY & NATIONAL GUARD
1966 - 1968 & 1977 - 1985
Lynn Edward Tripp was born in 1946 in Chicago, IL. He moved to Wisconsin in 1958 and graduated from Rice Lake High School in 1965. He was drafted into the US Army in 1966 and served until 1968. He served in Vietnam from 1966-1967. Lynn was married to Sandy Parker in 1969 and worked at the Haugen Feed Mill for many years. They had three daughters, the first in 1974, the second in 1976 and the third in 1981. In 1977 he joined the US National Guard and served until 1985. Lynn and his family eventually moved to Cumberland, WI and Lynn was a Lead Supervisor at Seneca Foods until he retired from there. Since then, he has moved to Spooner, WI where he is enjoying his retirement. Lynn was a 3rd generation service member with his grandfather Harvey Tripp serving in WWI, his father Guy Tripp serving in WWII and then Lynn serving in Vietnam.
JOHN G MARCON JR., US AIR FORCE
1966 - 1970
After graduation from Rice Lake High School (Class of '64),
I attended Barron County Teachers College, graduating with a 2-yr Associates Degree in Elementary Education. I entered US Air Force in 1966 and was at Duty Station in Florida from '66-'67. I then was stationed at Clark Air Force Base in the Phillipines from '68-'69. In 1970, I was discharged from Edwards Air Force Base in California.
While in the Air Force, I learned about Aviation Security and Law Enforcement, guarding the Jets and C130's. Upon returning to Rice Lake, I was hired by Chief Jimmy O'Brien as a Police Officer for the City of Rice Lake. I was proud to serve RLPD from 1971-2001.
My dad taught me to respect people, always treating others as I would want to be treated. I was proud to serve our Country, as well as my service to the City of Rice Lake for 30 years.
JAMES E KURKOWSKI, US ARMY
1967 - 1969
Jim was inducted into the Army on November 14, 1967 and honorably discharged on June 18, 1969 after serving 18 months in Vietnam. During this time Jim earned the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Army Accommodation Medal, Combat Infantrymen Badge and the Bronze Star Medal.
Jim was born in Rich City, Minnesota in 1945 and was number 3 in a family of 12. He lived in California and Idaho before moving back to Wisconsin to be near his mother before she passed.
Jim resides at an assisted living facility in Rice Lake and enjoys reading, watching old westerns and putting puzzles together.
HARVEY E HYLLESTED, US ARMY
1943 - 8/1/1944 KIA
Harvey Edwin Hyllested, a Rice Lake native, was in the 110th Infantry 28th Division of the United States Army. He landed on Normandy Beach July 22, 1944. He advanced to Percy, France where they met heavy fighting against the full strength of the Nazi army. He was killed in action on August 1, 1944 as they took the city from the Nazis.
Harvey is buried in Brittany Cemetery near Saint James, France with 4,000 of his fellow American soldiers. He was 20 years old and will be 20 years old forever. A dear friend of mine, Charlie and 3 of his good friends were vacationing in France a few weeks ago and made a special effort to visit Harvey’s final resting place and put 3 memorials there. It is the first and only time his grave site has ever had visitors. Charlie took some excellent photographs of Harvey’s final resting place. I extend a special heartfelt Thank You to Charlie and his friends. My father Don Hyllested was in France at this time and attempted to visit this cemetery but could not due to the war efforts. I am dedicating this Memorial Day to my Uncle Harvey Edwin Hyllested.
​
For more information on Harvey E Hyllested, please visit: www.honorstates.org
DAVID J RICH JR., US ARMY
1934 - 1945
David J Rich Jr. served in the US Army from 1934-1945. David served in World War ll as an E-6. He landed in Omaha Beach on D-Day and also went to battle in Bastogne with the 3rd Army. He was the oldest and longest serving American Legion honor guard.
LEONARD J JEREMY, US ARMY
1960 - 1970
God fearing patriot and soldier for life!
“If we knew the end from the beginning, we would not question the direction in which God takes our lives."
BRIAN BOOTH, US AIR FORCE
1978 - 1998
Brian Booth served in the US Air Force for 20 years,
from 1978-1998. Brian spent an approximate 10 years
in Civil Engineering outfits and another 10 years in the
Air Force Recruiting Service as a Technical Sergeant, E-6.
Although he had no time spent "In-Country" for any war, he provided logistical support for in-country units. Brian was stationed in Korea for a year and was signed into a new assignment with the 823 CESHR but was too late to be shipped to Desert Storm with the rest of the unit.
He spent over a month at Homestead AFB, FL after hurricane Andrew in support of salvage operations.
Sept 78 - Nov 82: Mather AFB, Sacramento, CA
323rd Civil Engineering Squadron
​
Nov 82 - Dec 83: Kunsan AB, ROK (Repuplic of Korea)
445 CESHR (RED HORSE)
​
Jan 84 - Dec 85: RAF Wethersfield, United Kingdom
819 CESHR (RED HORSE)
​
Jan 86 - Jan 91: Rice Lake, WI
3556 Recruiting Squadron (Recruiter)
​
Feb 91 - Dec 93: Hurlburt Field, Ft. Walton Beach, FL
823 CESHR (RED HORSE)
​
Jan 94 - Sept 98: Bloomington, MN
3542 Recruiting Squadron (Medical Recruiter)
For more information on RED HORSE, please see:
JUSTIN WIRTH, US MARINE CORPS
1999 - CURRENT
Major Justin Wirth is a 1995 graduate of Rice Lake High School. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in January 1999, attending recruit training at Camp Pendleton in San Diego, CA. He subsequently completed Marine Combat Training at Camp Pendleton, as well as Military Police training at Ft McClellan, AL prior to reporting to Ft Snelling, MN as a USMC Reserve Military Policeman. After completing his Criminal Justice degree from UW-Eau Claire, he transitioned to active duty service and attended flight training in Pensacola, FL, earning his Naval Aviator wings in January 2004.
From 2004 through 2020 Major Wirth served primarily as an AH-1W Cobra helicopter pilot at Marine Corps Air Station New River in Jacksonville, NC, with secondary assignments at Expeditionary Warfare School in Quantico, VA and 5th Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company in Okinawa, Japan. He deployed to Iraq in 2005 and 2006, to the Mediterranean Sea and Persian Gulf with the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit in 2007, back to Iraq in 2008, and to Afghanistan in 2012.
From 2020 through the present, Major Wirth has served as the Marine Corps Air Station New River Director of Safety and Standardization, as well as a UC-12W (King Air 350) pilot. He has completed over 21 years of active duty service and plans to retire from his current position in the next few years. He has two daughters, Sakura (14) and Kirari (9), and is the proud son of Judy Wirth of Rice Lake.
Major Wirth remembers fondly growing up in Rice Lake and always enjoys his periodic visits to spend time with family and friends. He has a specific appreciation for his years participating in various sports leagues and playing on numerous Rice Lake teams, and in particular acknowledges the strong leadership lessons he took from his high school football coach, Ernie Kolumbus. He also wishes to thank all current and former military members and all current and former first responders for the sacrifices they have made on behalf of the nation and their community.
LAWRENCE J SCHOTT, US ARMY
1943 - 1946 + RESERVES
Our dad, Lawrence James Schott, proudly served his country in WWII. He never spoke much about his time in the service, but we knew he trained Army troops in Italy. When he returned home he enlisted in the Army Reserves and was honorably discharged in 1960 with the title of Reserved Commissioned Officer Grade of Captain in the U.S. Army. He was an active member of Barron VFW Post 8338, holding several offices over the years, including quarter master and serving as Sgt. of the Guard till in his 80's. He was a proud patriot and Christian. Dad was a people person and loved to talk to anyone! Many times he mentioned how wonderful the Freedom Honor Flight was, and is, tearfully how everyone made them feel so special, and the emotion of seeing all the memorials. He felt so blessed to be able to do this. He would be so honored now!! This poem commemorates his love of his country.
Two of us this vigil keep
Mid summer rain and winter snow
Month by month - year by year
As seasons come and seasons go
Remember as you pass my grave
I am not dead - I cannot die
So long as you will keep the faith
We live - My flag and I
Lawrence James Schott
8/30/22 - 6/19/16
GORDON W MERRILL, US AIR FORCE
1942 - 1962
Gordon W Merrill served in the US Air Force from 1942- 1962. He became a Technical Sergeant - E6 and served in the Korean War and WWII. Gordon Merrill was a man that everyone could count on. Whether it was supporting the NRA, Legion, VFW, his local sportsman club, or helping his grandkids repair their bikes, he was always there to make sure he left the world a better place then he found it.
TIMOTHY D MARSHALL, US ARMY
1997 - 2005
Timothy D Marshall proudly served in the US Army for 8 years. Timothy joined the Army in 1997. He became a Sargent and served in the Iraq War.
LARRY E ANDERSON, US ARMY
1965 - 1967
Larry Anderson was drafted when he was twenty years old and was given the choice to join the Army or the Navy. He chose the Army and Served from October 1965 - October 1967.
On May 30, 1966 Lary reported to Vietnam to join the 173rd Infantry Brigade Airborne. Upon arriving, he was reassigned to the 1st Air Cav Division Airmobile. He spent most of his time in the central highlands of Vietnam near An Khe.
Larry returned to the US in June 1967. He ended his service to the Army in Fort Campbell, KY - home of the 101st Airborne Division - The "Screaming Eagles".
​
On October 20, 1967 Lary was honorably discharged from the Army.
Larry is very active with the Harold Nelson VFW Post 2204, having held many different jobs within the VFW organization.
Currently, Larry is the commander of the Honor Guard consisting of members from the VFW and American Legion. The Honor Guard provides military rights at Veterans funerals - locally as well as at the Northern Wisconsin Veterans Cemetery in Spooner, WI.
He is also President of the World War II Memorial located in City Park, now called Veterans Park, located on Veterans Lakeshore Drive.
He takes the WWII memorial float to many local parades as well as the Aquafest and Holiday parades in Rice Lake.
He has also arranged for the Honor Guard to post colors at all home football games.
A quote from one of Larry's speeches: "I consider my time in Vietnam as an invaluable experience and not for one instance do I regret being there. As I once said in a Veterans Day speech I made many years ago - ""But for the Grace of God, I am here and not a name on the Vietnam Memorial Wall.""
DONALD & DOROTHY VEIT
US ARMY & US NAVY WAVES
1940 - 1945 & 1943 - 1945
CPL Donald Veit, US ARMY 1940 - 1945
Don was born on August 11, 1918 in Farmington, MN and soon after his family moved to Rice Lake. In 1934, he joined the Wisconsin National Guard where he served for six years before his unit was activated into the Army on October 15th, 1940 for World War II. He was a Corporal in the 32nd “Red Arrow” Division, 128th Infantry Regiment, Company D.
Don spent the next year training with his division and participating in the Louisiana Maneuvers. Originally ordered to travel to Europe, his unit was rerouted to the South Pacific where he spent much of his time in Australia and New Guinea. He fought in the Battle of Buna and received the Bronze Star Medal for ground combat.
When he arrived back in the states in October of 1944, Don traveled to Washington, D.C. where Dorothy was serving in the WAVES branch of the Navy. On October 14th, they were married at the Anacostia Navy Base in D.C.. Don continued his service in the Army as a military police officer until he was discharged in 1945.
Y3C Dorothy (McGill) Veit, US NAVY WAVES 1943 - 1945
Dorothy was born on July 5th, 1922 in Rice Lake. She worked at Montgomery Wards in downtown Rice Lake before she joined the Navy WAVES in 1943. She traveled to Hunter College in New York for basic training and then to Oklahoma A&M College for specialized training. She received her assignment as a Yeoman 3rd Class performing secretarial duties and worked in Washington, D.C. near the National Mall. She was discharged in 1945, one week after Don.
After the war, Don and Dorothy returned to Rice Lake where they raised a family and lived their entire lives. Don worked as a machine operator for the City of Rice Lake and Dorothy went back to Montgomery Wards and then to J.C. Penny’s. They were married for 70 years and loved to travel and spend time with family and friends.
To all Current Military and Veterans:
We honor you and your families for your service. You are loved and never alone or forgotten. We were there for each other as brothers then and we are there for each other as brothers now.
- ANONYMOUS VETERAN
