Quilts of Valor awarded to 15 local veterans

By Robert Williams

Editor

United States Marine veteran Allyn Stoltz stole the show at the annual Veterans Appreciation Dinner and Quilts of Valor ceremony held at the Frazee Event Center Wednesday, Nov. 19.  

¶  After being awarded the first Quilt of Valor of the night, Stoltz grabbed the microphone from emcee Janelle Lotzer and related the tale of how he found out about the dinner and ceremony.  ¶  “I was sitting in my living room here about a month ago, just minding my own business, trying to be good, and that’s a job,” he said. “Anyhow, I got this phone call. I answered the phone and this voice said, ‘Is this Allyn Stoltz?’ and I said, ‘yeah, this is me.’ She gave me her name and she says, ‘We want you to come to Frazee on November 19.’ I said, ‘What’s going on?’ And of course, I can’t hear very good either. We went on and on and finally I agreed. I suppose I can. She said, ‘Okay, thank you.’ And I said, ‘Wait a minute, wait a minute!’ I said, ‘Are you married?’ And she says, ‘Yeah, I’m married.’ I thanked her then and all the rest of that day I kind of forgot why this married woman was calling me for a date in Frazee.”

The next day Allyn’s daughter told him what November 19 was all about.

“So, wow, what a letdown!” Stoltz said to an eruption of laughter and applause from the capacity crowd.

Stoltz was the first of 15 veterans honored Wednesday night with 13 present to accept their quilts. His humorous take on the ceremony is one reason why the popular dinner is always sold out and the Event Center is filled to capacity. On a night that has many instances of heartfelt sincerity, remembrance and honor there is always a near equal amount of humor. Much of the latter is due to the talents and service-related jokes shared by emcee Dennis Breitzman.

After Stoltz brought the house down, Breitzman said he was willing to give up his duties for Allyn to take over running the night at next year’s event – to more laughter.

The local color guard presented the colors and was joined by Frazee-Vergas High School Band Director Brian Selander and members of the band in the playing of the branch medley of songs. Selander also concluded the festive night with a solo playing of “Taps,” prior to the colors being retired.

The event also has an information booth section where guests can learn more about the Honor Flight of North Dakota and Minnesota, Linda Wiedewitsch’s Patriot Assistance Dogs, Project New Hope, Quilts of Valor, and the ever-changing Veterans Memorial Park in Vergas.

Keynote speakers at the event were Becker County Veterans Service Officers Anthony Mastin and Jason Coalwell, along with Otter Tail County Veterans Service Officer Jim Bakkila.

The office serves Becker County veterans and their families with dignity and compassion and to be their principal advocate in ensuring that they receive medical, educational and financial benefits, social support and lasting memorials. As advocates for veterans and their families, we are committed to providing the very best services with an attitude of caring, courtesy and respect. Both Otter Tail and Becker County services share the vision of promoting the well-being of veterans and their families through assistance in obtaining medical care, benefits and social support.

Not all of this year’s quilt-makers were able to attend. Those who were in attendance handing out this year’s Quilts of Valor and hugs were: Barb Gerold, Barb Gietzen, Pam Krieg, Deb Larson, Denise Schellenberg, Mary Ann Strauch and Janelle Lotzer.

The “hug” is a part of every year’s ceremony. The quilts are intended to be a literal and figurative hug, bringing comfort and a sense of being appreciated and loved to recipients who may have never been truly thanked before.

The dinner also allows for information on other veterans programs in the area to be disseminated, like the Honor Flight of ND/MN, Patriot Assistance Dogs, Project New Hope, Quilts of Valor, and the Veterans Memorial Park in Vergas.

Next year’s event will again be hosted by the local Lions Clubs, including Vergas, Frazee, Wolf Lake and Four Corners, along with the Frazee-Vergas Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7702.

Quilts of Valor awardees:

ALLYN STOLTZ #380413-Allyn served in the U.S. Marines from 1952-1954 during The Korean Conflict. His duties were communications for telephone equipment. He received an award for expert sharpshooter.

CURTIS LISTUL #380555-Curt served in the U.S. Army from 1953-1956. He was deployed to Germany during the Korean War. His duties were patrolling the borders. Ranked specialist 4th class. Received bronze star of valor.

ROBERT WALDE, JR. #380886- Bob served in the U.S. Air Force from 1958-1962. He was deployed to Guam. His duties were Mechanic for F86D fighters used in Korea.

JOHN CHYLE #378517- John served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War. He served from 1959-1977. He served on the USS Mazama and Independence Newport and was deployed to Turkey, Greece and the Mediterranean area. He was a Senior Chief Petty Officer. His duties were stenographer for admirals. Received Meritorious Award of Commendation.

JOSEPH JAROSZEWSKI #389543- Joe served in the U.S. Army and Army Reserve 1959-1965. Joe was deployed to Germany. He was in the Signal Corps working the country’s communication system.

DAVID NUSTAD #378524- Dave served in the U.S. Navy from 1966-1970 during the Vietnam era. He served on the USS Pueblo. His duty was taking care of auxiliary equipment on the ship.

ROBERT EARLEY #382975- Bob served in the U.S. Army from 1970-1994 during the Vietnam era through Desert Shield. He was deployed for 11 years to Germany for  two tours as First Sergeant. His duties were in vehicle maintenance. Rank ended Master Sergeant.

KAREN DORAN #371462- Karen served in the U.S. Army from 1970-1971 during the Vietnam war as lieutenant and then captain. She was an Intensive Care Unit nurse taking care of injured Vietnam veterans.

THOMAS WETZEL #374620- Tom served in the U.S. Air Force from 1979-2003. He served as a missile maintenance technician and then trained to become a Precision Measurement Equipment laboratory tech. He served in Germany, Guam, and Saudi Arabia. He was discharged as a Senior Master Sergeant. He received a Purple Heart, Meritorious Service medal, Air Force commendation medal and achievement medal with valor.

SCOTT HALL #370451- Scott served in the U.S. Air Force from 1979-1999. He was stationed in Japan and Lajes Azores. He worked with deployed troops receiving military and travel pay. He also briefed troops serving during Desert Shield and Storm.

MARY LOU WETZEL #374636-  Mary Lou served in the U.S. Air Force from 1983-2007. She served in South Korea and Guam. Her duties were electronic calibration tech, manpower and organization chief in the 388th Fighter Wing. She Received 3 meritorious medals, AF commendation and achievement awards. Discharged as Chief Master Sergeant.

KEVIN LITZAU #374806- Kevin served in the U.S. Army from 1988-2008 in the Middle East, Iraq, Kuwait, Germany, Bahrain. His duty was as a signal intelligence analyst. Served Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.

ROBERT WAGENMAN #378624- Robert served in the U.S. Navy from 1993-2018. He served in Operation Enduring Freedom in The Gulf, Italy, and Greece. His duty was Hospital Corpman. He received navy commendation awards. His rank was Senior Chief Petty Officer.

NATHAN PRELLWITZ #376843- Nathan served in the U.S. Navy from 2000-2004. He served in Operation North and South watch During Operation Enduring Freedom. He was also deployed to Japan. His duties were AD Aviation Engine Mechanic.

JUSTIN NORDQUIST #376852- Justin served in the U.S. Army during Operation Iraqi Freedom from 2000-2010. He served in the 134th Brigade Combat. His duties were base defense and vehicle mechanic and maintainer.