Tank McNamara had a chance to visit with Jerry on their first stop at the The National Museum of the United States Army.

Gerald W. “Jerry” Anderson
US Army
E-5

I was born and raised in New York Mills, Minnesota and still call the area home today. I was drafted by the Army and served for two years (1970 through 1972). After graduating from basic training at Fort Lewis, Washington, I was assigned to Bravo Btry, 3rd of the 82nd, 396th Infantry Brigade. I was an artillery section chief and saw most of my Army time stationed in Da Nang, Vietnam. Earning a Bronze Star and the Non-Commissioned Officer of the Week were real highlights for me.

After my active duty service, I returned to the Upper Midwest and worked as a mechanic, later in insurance sales, and finally in manufacturing. I’ve been retired for several years, now.

I am extremely proud of my four wonderful children and 14 incredible grandchildren.

I am a member of VFW Post 3289.

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Tank McNamara visited with Curt and his son Kyle who is currently serving at the National Museum of the United States Army.

Curtis F. “Curt” Knutson
US Army / North Dakota National Guard
E-5 / E-8

I grew up in Alby, Minnesota, and am proud to now call the Fargo, North Dakota area home. I joined the Army and served from 1969 through 1971. I was stationed with B-5 46th Engineers, but also spent a year in service in Vietnam. After my time in the Army, I continued to serve with the Happy Hooligans based in Fargo, North Dakota. I retired as an E-8 after a full career.

During my days as a civilian soldier, I also farmed for many years. I’m now also retired from civilian work.

My terrific wife, Tammy, and I were married in 1978. We proudly raised three wonderful boys who have given us 12 incredible grandchildren. In December 2020, I lost my dear Tammy to COVID-19 and miss her terribly.

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Tank McNamara had a chance to visit with Roger Lomstrom at the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial on day 2 of the Honor Flight.

Roger F. Lomstrom
US Army
SP5

I grew up in Zim, Minnesota. I now call Henning home. I was drafted by the Army and served from 1965 through 1967 and completed basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, and specialized training at Camp Zama, Japan. I was a medic, taking care of the wounded coming out of Vietnam. Earning a letter of Commendation during the Tet Offensive and promoting to SP5 in record time were both very proud moments for me.

After my time in the Army, I drove over-the-road trucks for 14 years, then went back to college, earned my RN degree, and then went into the medical field to take care of patients.

I married my sweet wife, Sandy, as soon as I got my orders for Japan. It was the smartest thing I ever did! I also have a brother who served in the 101st Airborne and nearly was killed after I discharged.

I am a ride captain in the Patriot Guard Riders, Alexandria chapter.

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Tank McNamara had a chance to visit with Larry Steckler and his son Scott, who is a military veteran as well at the World War II Memorial on day 2 of the Veterans Honor Flight.

Hilary L. “Larry” Steckler
US Navy
MM3

I grew up in Valley City, North Dakota and am proud to still call the area home. I volunteered for the Navy and served from November 1963 through November 1967. After completing basic training in San Diego, California, I was stationed aboard the USS Constellation CVA-64. I worked as a machinist’s mate, making liquid oxygen and nitrogen, and manning the deck edge elevators. I was very proud to serve my country.

After the Navy, I moved back to my hometown and began working as a farmer and truck driver. Now retired but sure enjoyed the work I did for so many years.

In 1966 my incredible wife, Irene, and I got hitched. Our three children have made us endlessly proud over the years. We are the proud grandparents of eight wonderful children and two greats. I really enjoy boating, fishing, and playing pinochle.

I am a member of the American Legion.

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Tank McNamara had the opportunity to visit with Richard A. Deschene at the World War II Memorial on day 2 of the Veterans Honor Flight.

Richard A. Deschene
US Army
CPL

Argyle, Minnesota is where I come from and where I’m proud to still call home. I was drafted by the Army and began my service in January 1952. After graduating from basic training in Fort Jackson, South Carolina, I spent time with the 65th AMD in Korea. I worked as a light duty mechanic on Jeeps and 2.5-ton trucks, was a Jeep driver and became a supply clerk in the motor pool. Receiving Korean Service Medal with three Bronze Stars, National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, United Nations Service Medal, and a Meritorious Unit Commendation were all very proud moments for me. My time in the military came to an end in December 1953.

After the Army I farmed in the spring, summer, and fall. During the winter months, I worked for American Crystal Sugar.

My lovely wife, Lorraine, and I got married in 1951. We raised five children who gave us our promotion to grandparents four times. We are also great-grandparents to many. I come from a very militarily-involved family … six of my brothers and I all served as young men.

I am a member of the Argyle American Legion.

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Tank McNamara had the honor to walk with Terry along the Vietnam Veterans Memorial on day 2 of the Veterans Honors Flight. The two sat down after the walk just outside the Lincoln Memorial.

Terrance L. “Terry” Teiken
US Army
E-5

I was born and raised in Ogema, Minnesota and happily call the Detroit Lakes area home today. I was drafted by the Army and in November 1970, I was off for basic training. Upon completion at Fort Lewis, Washington, I was then assigned to the 269th Signal Group, working in crypto-secure communications in Bien Hoa, Vietnam. Serving my country and earning an honorable discharge were my two favorite accomplishments.

Upon my discharge in November 1971, I went to work as a high school teacher, coach, and eventual athletic director.

My beauty, Jeanne, and I were married in 1975. We have raised an incredible daughter and now have two wonderful grandchildren. I love spending time with my family the most.

I am a member of the VFW and the American Legion.

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Tank McNamara and Jerry, two familiar faces, walked through the National Archives Research Center together, reflecting on Jerry’s military service and discussing the Veterans Honor Flight

Gerald O. “Jerry” Anderson
US Marine Corps
CPL

I grew up in Farwell, Minnesota, and now call Dilworth home. I joined the Marines and served from October 1968 through May 1970. After graduating from basic training in San Diego, California, I was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 12th Marines as an operations chief of a 3.2 mortar battery. We were based out of San Diego and saw time in Southern Vietnam, I was very proud to serve my country. Very proud.

After my discharge, I went to work for Flint Advertising in Fargo, North Dakota. I worked there for many years before then moving on to other career opportunities. I am now retired.

My wonderful wife, Jane, and I married in 1967. We have two incredible children who have blessed us with four grandchildren. I love watching them participate in their activities. It brings me such joy.

I am a member of American Legion Post 21 in Moorhead.

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It takes an incredible team to make an Honor Flight possible, and this trip was no exception. From bus captains and medical staff to respiratory therapists, wheelchair assistants, and stair helpers, every volunteer played a vital role in creating a once-in-a-lifetime experience for our veterans. Among them was Dr. Andrew Stasko—a veteran himself—who served on the medical team. Near the end of the trip, Tank McNamara sat down with Dr. Stasko at the United States Navy Memorial to talk about his service and the medical team's role on the Honor Flight that helps keep the veterans safe.

Andrew Stasko, MD, MBA, FACS is the Interim Director of the Fargo VA Health Care System

After an extensive career in the Air Force that included roles such as Chief of Surgery, Surgical Flight Commander, Chief of Staff, and Wing Inspector General, Dr. Stasko turned to private practice in 2003. Dr. Stasko is board-certified in Surgery and has served as Deputy and Chief of Staff at CHI St. Francis in Breckenridge, MN.

Following his passion to serve Veterans, Dr. Stasko came to the Fargo VA as the Associate Chief of Staff for Surgical Care in April 2021. Dr. Stasko is also the Clinical Champion for the Fargo VA at the center of VHA modernization efforts to transform into a High Reliability Organization (HRO).

Dr. Stasko graduated from the of Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences in Bethesda MD in 1988 and later commissioned as a Medical Corps Officer in the United States Air Force later that same year. He separated at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

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