Progress 2022-Courage Part 1

Page 1

PROGRESS EDITION ALBERT LEA TRIBUNE | SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2022

COURAGE

Albert Lea firefighters Andy Munson and Chris Harveaux and Capt. Bart Berven stand in the fire station in late January with some of the medical equipment they use while responding to medical calls. SARAH STULTZ/ALBERT LEA TRIBUNE

BEYOND FIREFIGHTING Albert Lea firefighters utilize EMT training to respond to medical calls in the community By Sarah Stultz sarah.stultz@albertleatribune.com

A

side from their duties of fighting fires, conducting commercial and rental inspections, and leading the city’s reassurance program, Albert Lea’s firefighters are becoming increasingly known for their medical training and response. Anyone hired as a full-time firefighter with Albert Lea Fire Rescue is required to pass a seven-credit college course certifying them as a nationally registered emergency medical technician within six months of their hire date. Bart Berven, EMS captain with the fire department, said over the years the fire department has always responded if people don’t know who to call or if there are complex incidents. Berven said the firefighters have always had to have some medical training for some of their certifications, and in the 1970s, the city looked at if it wanted to be in charge of the ambulance service. Ultimately, it declined, and a private ambulance service has run the service in the years since — Naeve Ambulance,

Tribune Albert Lea

“We saw the need was there, we had the people that had the speciality training, why wouldn’t we do something?” — Albert Lea Fire Rescue Capt. Bart Berven Albert Lea Medical Center, Gold Cross Ambulance and now Mayo Clinic Ambulance. In recent years because of staffing shortages and after Mayo Clinic Ambulance consolidated services between Albert Lea and Austin, however, the fire department decided to provide additional service where they could and respond to all medical calls. “We saw the need was there, we had the people that had the specialty training, why wouldn’t we do something?” Berven said. Many of the firefighters had also previously

The firefighters carry various medical equipment with them while responding to medical calls, including burn kits, AEDs and oxygen. worked for an ambulance service. He said the timing was right with the start of Deputy Fire Chief Jeff Laskowske coming in from outside of the community, who was able to provide an outside perspective that other fire departments he had worked

with are doing the same thing. Though EMTs have some procedures they cannot do, as a whole they are certified in many of the same skills as paramedics, with the See MEDICAL, Page 2

WHAT’S INSIDE?

Meet the management team: Crystal Miller: Publisher 379-3420 | crystal.miller@albertleatribune.com Sarah Stultz: Editor 379-3433 | sarah.stultz@albertleatribune.com Krista Titus: Circulation Manager 379-3421 | krista.titus@albertleatribune.com Lisa Foley: Business Manager 379-4324 | lisa.foley@albertleatribune.com Terry Thissen: Pressroom Manager 379-9854 | terry.thissen@albertleatribune.com Offices: 808 W. Front St. Albert Lea, MN 56007 Phone: 507-373-1411 Fax: 507-373-0333 Website: albertleatribune.com Want to subscribe or moving? Call 507-379-3421 or send email to circulation@ albertleatribune.com. Postmaster: Send address changes changes to Albert Lea Tribune, 808 W. Front St., Albert Lea, MN 56007.

Meet A.L.’s new officers Eight new officers have started with the department in the last 18 months. Page 4

Helping on their worst days

Work underway on memorial

Mayo Clinic paramedic said he loves his job helping the community. Page 6

Emmons veterans memorial expected to take two to three years. Page 9


PAGE 2 | PROGRESS 2022 | COURAGE | SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2022

MEDICAL Continued from Front Page

exception of administering some medications and performing some invasive procedures, such as intubating a patient. Berven said after the first month of the fire department adding in the medical calls, everyone realized the benefit of having the fire department respond to calls. They are able to begin emergency treatment until the ambulance crews arrive and provide additional hands if necessary. The captain said responding as EMTs has also been good training for the department, helping them get into more homes and learn the floor plans of more types of houses, as well as streets in the community. It has also helped build relationships with people in the community. These are all skills that will help them in the event they have to respond to a fire at the same house. Firefighters can also bring additional skills if needed for extrication or for breaking and entering into a home, if necessary. Though they spend a lot of time on medical calls throughout their days, Berven said they remain dedicated to responding to fires and other incidents they are trained in and in keeping their skills up in all areas. “I’m just really happy with the positive impact I’ve felt we’ve made on the community,” he said, noting that combined with the police department’s quick response, the department has seen more cardiac arrest saves since starting this approach. Regarding costs to provide the services, Berven said the city tries to be good stewards of taxpayer funds. While the city purchases all of the starting supplies for the EMS portion of their calls, Mayo restocks the supplies at no charge. Berven said the department responded to 2,700 emergency calls in 2021, including medical calls, fires and crashes. This

Firefighters Andy Munson and Chris Harveaux demonstrate how a piece of equipment is used to help people who have fallen on the ground rise up to a seated position. SARAH STULTZ/ALBERT LEA TRIBUNE number does not include other non-emergency calls the firefighters are a part of, including inspections and other duties. The supplies they bring to calls include both pediatric and adult bags, burn

kits, AEDs, a glucometer, Narcan, oxygen and machines to test blood oxygenation, CO levels and heart levels. “We can do quite a bit with the limited equipment we have,” he said.

The Fire Department has a small storage space for medical supplies.

The primary medical truck the firefighters use is filled with numerous pieces of equipment, not only for medical calls but for fires and other emergencies.


SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2022 | COURAGE | PROGRESS 2022 | PAGE 3

Serving the state and nation in the Minn. National Guard By the numbers

By Alex Guerrero

alex.guerrero@albertleatribune.com

The National Guard isn’t always about members giving back. Some officers see the Guard as a means to a goal. Such was the case with Sgt. Brendan Barna, a squad leader in D-Company, 2nd Battalion, 135th Infantry Battalion. “I joined the National Guard to pay for college with the intention of later commissioning as an officer in the active duty Army,” Barna said via email. “Growing up I had always wanted to be an officer in the Army. As I progressed in life, I realized that I had other interests that changed my mind and career goals.” And while typical life changed for almost everyone when COVID-19 arrived roughly 24 months ago, some changes haven’t been as drastic as others. “Life in the Guard has been minimally impacted by the pandemic,” he said. “At the beginning of the pandemic, the Guard went a few months without drilling in-person. We had Zoom meetings and operated remotely. “After things settled down, our drills went back to normal — just with masks.” Other changes the Guard made to reduce the spread of the disease included quarantining, social-distancing and random COVID testing. Within Minnesota, soldiers and airmen were also tasked with becoming certified nursing assistants and temporary nursing assistants to help support health care workers and shortages in long-term care facilities and transitional care units. According to Barna, more than 400 guard members received that certification and have served in over 35 facilities. “I received the CNA training and I am working

2020 Year Nelson enlisted in the National Guard

2015 Year Barna enlisted in the National Guard Sgt. Brendan Barna is a squad leader in D-Company 2-135th Infantry Battalion. PROVIDED in a facility near my home,” he said. Since October, the Guard has supported community-basted testing sites and tested over 160,000 Minnesotans. But it’s not just citizens who have benefited from the Guard’s help, and Barna said the soldiers and airmen have gained new experiences and skills they can now use in their careers. The work has helped him learn to adapt to different situations and environments. “Regardless of the situation the National Guard must be ready to do whatever missions we are tasked with in our communities, state and nation,” he said. “Just like our motto, we are ‘always ready, always there.’”

‘I wanted to serve my country’

One reason people join teams is to feel like they’re part of something bigger than themselves and feel proud of. That was the reason Pfc. Nathaniel J. Nelson joined the National Guard. “I wanted new challenges in life and I wanted to serve my country,” Nelson said in an email. “I wanted new opportunities in life

1 Nine-month tour to the Horn of Africa Barna completed, serving as part of the security forces guarding the base and knew that joining the National Guard would help those opportunities for me.” But what makes Nelson’s situation different is that he’s never experienced life in the Guard without a pandemic. “My entire experience has been during the surge of COVID,” he said. So far, he admitted his experience has been similar to life outside the National Guard. “We take extra precautions to prevent the spread of COVID, especially when traveling,” he said. “Preventing the spread of COVID-19 is something the National Guard takes very seriously.” And while Nelson doesn’t have a pre-COVID timeline to compare to, he has learned a few things. “I’ve learned not to take life for granted,” he said. “Staying healthy and taking the necessary precautions to prevent the spread of COVID is very important if we want to get through this pandemic.”

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Page 4 | Progress 2022 | COURAGE | saturday, February 26, 2022

Meet Albert Lea’s new officers Ryan Bassett Family: wife and two children

When did you start with the Albert Lea Police Department? June 28, 2021 Please explain some of your background and training (where you grew up, where you got your law enforcement degree, other departments you may have worked in, etc.). Grew up in

Wisconsin; bachelor’s degree from St. Cloud State University; law enforcement skills from Alexandria Technical College; started career with Minnesota Department of Corrections as a corrections officer and then transitioned into law enforcement from 2004 until 2020. In 2020 was a parole agent for Minnesota Department of Corrections. Left the DOC in June 2021 for Albert Lea Police Department.

Why did you get into law enforcement? Excitement, something new every day. Making a difference in people’s lives.

What attracted you to the Albert Lea Police Department? Larger de-

partment with lots of training. A chance to advance to other positions.

What do you think you can bring to the department that the community will benefit from? A good work

ethic with high standards for community interaction

What shift will you be working/when can people expect to see you on duty? Evenings What district/area in the city have you been assigned? District 3

Several new officers have started with the Albert Lea Police Department in the last year and a half. In front are Officers David Huse and Robert Heard. In back are Officers Steinberg and Ryan Bassett. Provided

Robert Heard City of residence: Austin

Family: Yes

When did you start with the Albert Lea Police Department? December 2021

of your background and training (where you grew up, where you got your law enforcement degree, other departments you may have worked in, etc.).

I have lived all over the United States. I was born in Dallas, Texas, then lived part of my childhood outside of Memphis, Tennessee. The best part of my

youth and teenage years were spent in a town outside of Seattle until my father got transferred back to Tennessee just outside Nashville. I lived in Tennessee for seven years and met my beautiful wife after completing my bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Austin Peay State University. In 2015 we were blessed with our

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daughter, who despite being born 13 weeks early she made it after an extensive fight for survival in the NICU. In 2017 we decided to take an advancement opportunity in West Palm Beach, Florida, with the company I was working with at the time. We only lived in Florida for about eight months because our daughter got diagnosed

with a rare and lethal genetic disease called Hurler Syndrome, which is only found in about 1 in 100,000 births. Soon we found out that the best hospital for a bone marrow transplant for this syndrome was the University of Minnesota Masonic Children’s Hospital in Minneapolis. My wife and I knew we had to do what was best for our daughter, so we sold all that we had and transferred my job to Minneapolis. We were blessed that the transplant went well, and she has had very little complications from the transplant. In 2019, after talking to a mentor of mine with the University of Minnesota and being inspired by how much they did for us throughout our daughter’s transplant, I felt encouraged to continue to pursue my education and complete law enforcement skills training through Hennepin Technical College. The next year I was able to start a new job with Hennepin County Department of Corrections in downtown Minneapolis. I enjoyed working in the jail and the experience it brought, but I knew my passion had always been to be in law enforcement since I was at a young age. So I decided to start looking for police officer job openings. I wanted to work in a city or town outside of the metro and saw that Albert Lea had a new job posting. When I called for an interview to meet with the Director of Public Safety J.D. Carlson and Deputy Chief Hanson, I didn’t know exactly what to expect but after the interview I knew this was the department I wanted to work for and be involved in. The management structure and leaders are well-rounded leaders who have a passion to serve the community and enjoy what they do on a daily basis.

Why did you get into law enforcement?

I get into law enforcement because I wanted to be in a career that I was

See OFFICERS, Page 5


SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2022 | COURAGE | PROGRESS 2022 | PAGE 5

Luke Tuzinski and Nathan Goette are two of the eight new police officers who have started in the last 18 months for the Albert Lea Police Department. SARAH STULTZ/ALBERT LEA TRIBUNE challenged on a daily basis and have the opportunity to meet different people. There is an old expression that you don’t choose law enforcement, law enforcement chooses you, and I believe that phrase fits my situation. I have a great mentor when I first moved to Minnesota that encouraged me to pursue my passion in law enforcement and pointed me in the right direction to do so.

What attracted you to the Albert Lea Police Department?

What attracted me to work for the Albert Lea Police Department was the great standing and reputation I have heard from other officers in different departments of how well Albert Lea Police Department is great to work for.

What do you think you can bring to the department that the community will benefit from?

The benefit I could bring to the city of Albert Lea and Albert Lea Police Department is the ability to work with anyone. Working in Hennepin County allowed me the privilege to see and experience situations from a different perspective.

What shift will you be working/when can people expect to see you on duty?

I will most likely be working night shift.

What district/area in the city have you been assigned?

District Three, south side of the city

David Huse City of residence: Austin

Family: Wife, beagle

(Mr Pickles) and ducks (Mr Quackers and Rusty)

When did you start with the Albert Lea Police Department? June of 2020 Please explain some of your background and training (where you grew up, where you got your law enforcement degree, other departments you may have worked in, etc.).

Grew up in Dexter and went to college at RCTC (Rochester Community and Technical College). Graduated RCTC in 2014. Started working part time for Preston PD in 2014 and Rushford PD in 2015 part time. Became

full time Rushford PD in 2015. During that time also worked part time for the Fillmore County Sheriff’s Office. 2016 worked for Freeborn County Sheriff’s Office. 2017 accepted a position with Windom PD. 2020 accepted a position with Albert Lea PD.

Why did you get into law enforcement?

I enjoyed talking and interacting with people and problem solving. I also enjoyed working nights and having everyday being something new.

Please explain some of your background and training (where you grew up, where you got your law enforcement degree, other departments you may have worked in, etc.).

I grew up in Maplewood in the Twin Cities. I went to Minnesota State University, Mankato for my fouryear bachelor’s degree in law enforcement. I started my law enforcement career as a reserve for

I moved to southern Minnesota where my husband grew up and is currently a Steele County deputy with the Sheriff’s Office. I was looking for an agency that would be closer than the one I had in the Twin Cities. The smaller size of the department appealed to me, feeling homier. Once I did my first ride-along with an officer in the interview process, I knew this was the department I wanted to work for. The

What attracted you to the Albert Lea Police Department?

I have family that live in Iowa near Albert Lea and family that live in Austin, so I wanted to be closer to family. During my time with the Freeborn County Sheriff’s Office, I got to know the officers and supervisors who work for Albert Lea PD. I saw the employees for Albert Lea PD were great individuals who wanted to serve the community, and I wanted to be a part of a department that has community-oriented goals.

What do you think you can bring to the department that the community will benefit from?

I bring seven years of law enforcement experience and a strong desire to serve the citizens of Albert Lea.

What shift will you be working/when can people expect to see you on duty?

I work overnights usually from 9 p.m. to 7 a.m.

What district/area in the city have you been assigned?

Most shifts are varied so I am able to work all districts during the week.

Kristen Steinberg City of residence:

Southern Minnesota

Family: Husband, Theo (Hedgehog)

When did you start with the Albert Lea Police Department? Dec. 7, 2020

Luke Tuzinski City of residence: Albert Lea

Family: Wife and two boys

When did you start with the Albert Lea Police Department? December 2020

Please explain some of your background and training (where you grew up, where you got your law enforcement degree, other departments you may have worked in, etc.).

Grew up in the metro. Went to Normandale Community College for associate’s and Hennepin Tech for Skills.

Why did you get into law enforcement?

I wanted to get into law enforcement after seeing the public response to controversies and feeling like I could help change the perception of police.

the MN State Fair Police. From there, I worked as a correctional officer at the Ramsey County Correctional Facility in Maplewood for about a year. I became a fully licensed law enforcement officer with the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office as a deputy sheriff for 2 1/2 years. At the sheriff’s department, I worked in the adult and juvenile courts, transports, extraditions and Regions hospital.

Why did you get into law enforcement?

Since being a young girl, my mother said I always stood up for the kids who got bullied and had a heart for justice. As I got older, I realized how much law enforcement appealed to me and proved to be true my first year at college. The responsibility and honor that goes with this job grabbed me. I realized this job was the best way for me to impact people and be a light in the dark.

What attracted you to the Albert Lea Police Department?

people in this department are helpful, caring and go out of their way to see a person succeed. I have appreciated the thoughtfulness and respect of this department.

What do you think you can bring to the department that the community will benefit from?

Having the “gift of gab” can be a blessing in this job and one that I have had my whole life. Giving people the time in situations to explain their hardships and stories is something I care about. I hope to use my uplifting personality to lighten someone’s day no matter how rough it had been.

What shift will you be working/when can people expect to see you on duty?

I currently work the mid-shift hours, 5 p.m. to 3 a.m.

What district/area in the city have you been assigned?

I have been assigned to District 2.

What attracted you to the Albert Lea Police Department?

I wanted to work in a place where I could build relationships and not be as anonymous as in a larger city.

What do you think you can bring to the department that the community will benefit from?

Please explain some of your background and training (where you grew up, where you got your law enforcement degree, other departments you may have worked in, etc.).

I grew up in Freeborn and went to school at USC. I received my associate’s degree in law enforcement from RCTC in Rochester. I started my career in Vermillion, South Dakota, and worked there for two years before moving back to Minnesota. I briefly worked for the Scott County Sheriff’s Office before being hired by the Shakopee Police Department. I was a patrol officer for SPD for the past seven years. I spent several years on the area SWAT team and am also a bicycle officer, use of force instructor, firearms instructor and Taser instructor.

Why did you get into law enforcement?

I enjoy working with people and problem solving. It was also very appealing to me that every day has different challenges.

What attracted you to the Albert Lea Police Department?

My wife and I wanted to move back to the area to raise our children closer to family and in a smaller community. I also grew up in the area and wanted to work in a community I was familiar with.

What do you think you can bring to the department that the community will benefit from?

I have a different knowledge base and skillset since law enforcement is a second career for me.

I believe I have a lot of law enforcement experience and am passionate about helping people during the difficult times in their life.

What shift will you be working/when can people expect to see you on duty?

What shift will you be working/when can people expect to see you on duty?

Overnights

What district/area in the city have you been assigned? District 3

Nathan Goette City of residence: I live

I am currently working the evening shift.

What district/area in the city have you been assigned? District 2

Tyler Lair

in the county, west of Albert Lea

City of residence:

Family: I have a wife

When did you start with the Albert Lea Police Department? November of

and three children, 3,5,7

When did you start with the Albert Lea Police Department? I started on Aug. 9, 2021.

Glenville area

2021

See OFFICERS, Page 7


PAGE 6 | PROGRESS 2022 | COURAGE | SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2022

Andy Hanson is a paramedic with Mayo Clinic Ambulance. He has worked for the company for four years and became a paramedic two years ago. SARAH STULTZ/ALBERT LEA TRIBUNE

Helping people on their worst days By Sarah Stultz

sarah.stultz@albertleatribune.com

Despite the challenges of the last two years with the COVID-19 pandemic, Andy Hanson, a paramedic with Mayo Clinic Ambulance, will be the first to tell you he’s got the best job. “I absolutely love helping people when they need it the most,” Hanson said. Hanson, of Albert Lea, has been an EMT since 2007, first with volunteer ambulance departments in Adams and New Richland, and then joining Mayo Clinic Ambulance four years ago. After going back to school, he became a paramedic two years ago, and then last April he took the team lead position with the hospital ambulance service. Crews work 12-hour rotating shifts of partial days and partial nights. “We help people in all sorts of environments — blizzards, rainstorms, 90degree days, 45-degree days that look warmer than they are,” he said. “It’s a lot of fun — if it wasn’t, I don’t think I could have done this as long as I have.” He said they have a saying in his industry that “Somebody’s worst day is a normal Tuesday for us.” “We see all sorts of different variety of medical emergencies from traumas to respiratory issues, cardiac issues, just plain old being sick and weak,” Hanson said. “We’re kind of the jack of all trades for medicine and have to know pretty much everything that’s coming out. It’s being able to help people and do what’s the

best for the community when it’s needed.” Hanson said when the COVID-19 pandemic began, every crew member was nervous to one level or another about what they would encounter while on the job with many unknowns still about the virus.

“I absolutely love helping people when they need it the most.” — Mayo Clinic Ambulance paramedic Andy Hanson He personally didn’t want to bring the virus home to his wife and three children, especially because his middle child has significant asthma when it flares up. Because of this, he said he and his wife came up with a protocol for what would happen if he got sick, figuring that he would be the first to get it because his wife was working from home and the children were in school virtually at the time. Crew members went from only wearing gloves on a call before the pandemic to wearing gloves, a mask, glasses, a face shield, a gown and potentially a second mask for a majority of their calls — anytime a patient had a symptom of COVID-19. At first, symptoms

included things such as cough, shortness of breath and fever, but then the symptoms expanded to include nausea, vomiting, gastrointestinal issues, a headache and sore throat. “We’re supposed to protect ourselves to make sure hopefully we don’t contract it and get sick — so we weren’t out so we could still come to work and help others,” he said. He said overall the protocols have helped keep staff safe while at work, and the ambulance service still follows the same protocol for personal protective equipment. Even if a patient has no COVID-19 symptoms, crews still wear glasses, a mask and gloves. Crews have encountered a wide range of COVID in the people they have treated, ranging from people who were asymptomatic who found out they were COVID-positive from a required COVID swab, to people who had to be intubated and taken by a critical care team because their oxygen levels were so low that they were struggling to breathe. Lately, he has seen mainly shortness of breath and cough in people who have tested positive. Though he made it through the majority of the pandemic without contracting the virus, he said he ultimately tested positive five days after his 15-year-old daughter tested positive in January. Luckily, the rest of his family did not test positive. Despite the enjoyment he finds in his job, Hanson said there are sometimes

The Mayo Clinic Ambulance garage is at 109 West Ave. in Albert Lea. SARAH STULTZ/ALBERT LEA TRIBUNE

By the numbers

12 Hours Hanson and others at Mayo Clinic Ambulance each shift hard parts, as well. “Sometimes we see things on calls that stick with you for years,” he said. “It’s learning how to manage that mentally, reaching out, and getting help. We have a great support system for that.” He talked specifically about the impact of

2007 Year Hanson started as an EMT

dealing with the loss of a patient — especially younger patients and said that after critical incidents, law enforcement, fire departments and ambulance crews have voluntary stress debriefing sessions where they can get together to talk about a call they responded to.

2

Years Hanson has been a paramedic

Even with the lows, he encouraged people who might have an interest in the job to check out the opportunity. He said the ambulance service is always looking for more people, and there are multiple classes for EMTs and paramedics upcoming.


saturday, February 26, 2022 | COURAGE | Progress 2022 | Page 7


PAGE 8 | PROGRESS 2022 | COURAGE | SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2022

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Clair Dagestad, left, and Larry Rasmusson stand in front of a drawing of the veterans memorial in Emmons. Behind them are the three flagpoles, which have already been installed. ALEX GUERRERO/ALBERT LEA TRIBUNE

Work underway on vets memorial By Alex Guerrero

alex.guerrero@albertleatribune.com

Progress is being made at the new Emmons Veterans Memorial, a project that started two years and has been under construction for a few months. “We just had to go through all the paperwork to get to that level,” said Clair Dagestad, president of the Emmons Veterans Memorial Committee. “We had to get the land and all of this other stuff. That took awhile.” Other than paperwork, he said things have gone well and that there has been good response. “The community has

helped us with whatever we’ve asked,” he said. “We’ve had a lot of support [and] volunteers.” When completed, Dagestad hopes the monument will create pride in the community and its service members. “[Community members] got together one day and we talked about it for a few years,” he said. “And then all of a sudden we decided, ‘You know what, we’re going to put a committee together and see where it goes.’” Currently three flag poles with the United States, the Minnesota and the POW flags are the only things at the site. “Hopefully we get the

By the numbers

2

2-3

185

Years the veterans memorial project has been in the works in Emmons

Years before the memorial is expected to be completed

Estimated names that will go on one side of the monument dedicated to World War II veterans

silhouettes up and the monument this year yet this summer, 2022,” Larry Rasmusson said. “Then after that whenever the helicopter … it’ll probably be another year or so after that.” After that will come concrete, and Rasmusson

estimated the entire project would take at least two more years. The reason it’s taking so long, according to Dagestad and Rasmusson, is because of the granite monument, which will take roughly a year. The granite stone was ordered

last September. “We’re kind of expecting that in the mid-summer,” he said. Another problem was purchasing the land, itself a two-year project. When completed, the memorial will have a monument in the center with

a helicopter static display in another corner. It will also include silhouettes of service members from the four branches of the service at different corners of the park. World War II veterans, all 185 of them, will be on one side of the monument. The other side of the stone will have the names of veterans from Vietnam, Korea and any other conflicts including Desert Storm and Afghanistan. Rasmusson hypothesized there being a fundraiser during the next Veterans Day in November. Neither Dagestad or Rasmusson provided a cost estimate.


PAGE 10 | PROGRESS 2022 | COURAGE | SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2022

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