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Honoring the Heroes of our Community

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PAGE 2 LECENTER PROFILES Wednesday, August 14, 2013

By JESSICA BIESjbies@stpeterherald.com

A year and a half after its release date, “Memorial Day,” a movie � lmed at various locations around Le Sueur County and in Le Center, is still drawing strong reviews.

O� cial pick at 2012’s Minne-apolis St. Paul International Film Festival, Fort Myers Beach Film Festival and the sixth Annual GI Film Festival, the � lm is undoubt-edly a fan favorite.

Co-executive producer Jeff Traxler, 50, owner of Traxler’s Hunting Preserve in Le Center and a Legionnaire who served from 1981 to 1993 as an Army Reservist out of Mankato, said the � lm is thought provoking and deep, but even better the second time around.

For veterans especially, it strikes a familiar chord. Meant

to encourage them to share their own experiences, the � lm talks

about the bene� ts of remember-ing con� ict and talking about it.

“� e vets take away the real-ism and the stories,” Traxler said.

“That’s what we wanted … We want the vets to share their sto-ries, not die with them.”

Two generations. Two wars. One story.

The movie itself focuses on just-returned-home Army soldier, Kyle Vogel. Wounded in Iraq, Kyle is sent to a trauma center where

he meets Kelly Tripp, a female lieutenant fascinated by his pen-chant for taking souvenirs from battle — the latest of which is a piece of shrapnel that hit his leg.

When Tripp asks Kyle why he collects so many objects, he

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Take two”Memorial Day,” a movie to watch twice

Je� Traxler, who came up with the idea and story for the movie “Memorial Day,” appeared in the � lm driving this WWII-era truck. (Courtesy of Je� Traxler)

GET ‘MEMORIAL DAY’Visit http://amzn.to/13N3kxV to get your own copy of

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See MEMORIAL Page 3

Wednesday, August 14, 2013 LECENTER PROFILES PAGE 3

launches into a story from his youth. On Memorial Day in 1993, when Kyle was just 13, he discovered a beat-up footlocker in a storm cellar at his grandparents’ Minnesota farmhouse.

When presented with the foot-locker, Bud Vogel — a veteran of the 82nd Airborne during World War II — initially refuses to talk about the objects inside.

He eventually lets Kyle choose three objects and tells a story about each, talking about friend-ship, loss, triumph, regret and acceptance. Over the course of one a� ernoon on a quiet farm-house porch, viewers are treated to scenes not only from Bud’s incredible experiences in World War II, but also of Kyle’s experi-ences as a Minnesota National Guard Red Bull Infantry Division.

A story that needed to be toldTraxler, who collects war arti-

facts of his own, � rst got the idea for “Memorial Day” when hosting Living History Days — historical

re-enactments of various military con� icts — on the preserve.

“I had a guy down to � lm the re-enactments for me and though about doing a � lm,” Traxler said. “But I needed a story.”

Soon a� erward, a friend fa-miliar with Traxler’s fascination for war artifacts, brought him an unique gi� . While tearing down a house, he had discovered an old military footlocker in its garage. He brought it to Traxler with the idea he could add some of the items it contained to his collec-tion.

But when Traxler li� ed the lid of the chest, he discovered more than just a few old war relics.

“I opened it up and found a guy’s life in there,” Traxler said.

He had also found his story. Teaming up with Kyle O’Mally, and old friend and fellow Le Cen-ter High School graduate, he set out to write “Souvenirs” the story that would later become known as “Memorial Day.”

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James Cromwell (second from the left) talks to extras during shooting on the Mankato set. (Submitted photo)

MEMORIAL: “Souvenirs” the story that would be known as “Memorial Day”From Page 2

See MEMORIAL Page 4

PAGE 4 LECENTER PROFILES Wednesday, August 14, 2013

Traxler contacted Twin Cities-based director Sam Fischer of 185 Media with the idea of bringing “Souvenirs” to life. To raise money for the filming, the men sold it as an “adventure” rather than an investment. Approaching friends, family and local veterans they set about � nding supporters for its creation.

Fischer helped bring in Twin

Cities-based screenwriter Marc Conklin to work on the script. Craig Christiansen of Perspective Films was also brought on board as a producer.

Traxler and O’Mally set about � nding locations to � lm, contact-ing local re-enactors and asking to borrow equipment and costumes. Fagen Fighters, an aircra� resto-ration company based in Granite Falls, � ew in a P-51 Mustang and a P-38 Lightening to use in WWII

scenes.“1953 was the last time a P-38

had been even used in a movie,” Traxler said.

Members of the Mankato Na-tional Guard unit the Red Bulls, recently returned from overseas, acted as extras in the � lm, using their own equipment and � ying in on helicopters. Traxler and O’Mally appear in the movie as well, in the background and in uniform.

Cast members included James Cromwell, who was nominated for an Oscar for his role as Farmer Hoggett in 1995 box o� ce smash “Babe,” and his son John Crom-well, who has lived in Minnesota the past couple years.

Jonathan Bennett, who has had roles in such recent � lms as “Mean Girls” and the TV series “Veronica Mars” also stars in the � ick.

Now available on DVD, the

� lm aired on the CW during this past May. Never to hit the big screen, Traxler said the � lm was nevertheless a success.

A multi-generational story, the film is written for a broad audience, consisting not only of older veterans, but younger ones and their families, Traxler said.

� e father of a National Guard member himself, he emphasized the need for veterans of all ages to talk about their experiences and

learn to live with them.“O’Mally and I are very glad

for what we did, because the story needed to be told,” Traxler said. “Anyone can relate to this, wheth-er they were in WWII, Vietnam or Iraq. It’s an American story about those that had to � ght.”

Reach reporter Jessica Bies at 507-931-8568 or follow her on Twitter.com @sphjessicabies

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Je� Traxler, owner of Traxler’s Hunting Preserve in Le Center, oversaw shooting of a scene for the then-called movie “Souvenirs.” (Photo courtesy of Je� Traxler)

Kyle O’Mally (left) and Je� Traxler (right), appeared as extras in the movie “Memorial Day,” the story for which the two men wrote. (Courtesy of Je� Traxler)

MEMORIAL: An American story about those who had to fi ghtFrom Page 3

Wednesday, August 14, 2013 LECENTER PROFILES PAGE 5

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By JAMES STITTjstitt@lecenter.com

Although every celebration or event in and around Le Center is different, there is always one constant — the Le Center Color Guard.

Whether it is a parade down Minnesota Street in Le Center, or a celebration in Elysian, the Le Center Color Guard will be there, proudly presenting the American flag and honoring those who have served in the na-tion’s armed forces. Those who move in the color guard move as a unit, standing with great poise and dignity, each step measured and precise. � ey do not march in parades for recognition, nor do they walk through huge crowds for admiration, they only serve in the guard to honor others and to honor the � ag.

“We are there to honor veter-ans, past and present,” said Ser-geant at Arms LeRoy � elemann.

� elemann was a heavy equip-ment operator in the U.S. Army and served from 1953-55. Now he continues to serve his country by proudly displaying its colors, and honoring other veterans.

� elemann’s partner in the Le Center Color Guard and fellow Sergeant at Arms Ken Sinclair also served in the U.S. Army (1954-56), and Sinclair also proudly honors all veterans. Even though the two are both Army veterans, there is no distinction in the color guard between branches of the military. A veteran from any branch of the armed services is

welcome to be a part of the color guard.

“A veteran is a veteran,” said Sinclair.

Even though the color guard is seen most when walking in parades, they perform their duty more often in private. Another part of the color guard’s respon-

sibilities is the honor guard.� e honor guard attends the

funerals of veterans. Each time the Le Center Honor Guard re-ceives a call about the passing of a veteran, more than 100 mem-bers are called to bring the group together. On average, around 35 members will be in attendance

at a funeral, but there have been some where they have gathered upward of 70 members to send o� their fallen comrades.

“� ere is a lot of camaraderie,” said � elemann. “Nobody wants to be le� out.”

� e guard also does other be-hind the scenes work as well. � ey

act as caretakers of the � ag and maintain several of the � ags � own throughout Le Center. � ey raise and lower the � ags, make repairs, and participate in the retiring of the � ag.

The guard is made of many members, and it is not only lim-ited to veterans. Auxilliary mem-

bers as well as wives of veterans participate in the guard also.

“If you don’t have the women you don’t have the men,” said Sin-clair.

The dedication of the guard has no boundaries, and even though they are based in Le Cen-

Le Center Color Guard continues to serve

The Le Center Color Guard marches in the 2013 Memorial Day Parade. (James Stitt/Le Center Leader)

See COLOR GUARD Page 6

PAGE 6 LECENTER PROFILES Wednesday, August 14, 2013

507-357-4787 • American Legion Post 108 • Le Center, MN

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LeRoy Thelemann (left) and Ken Sinclair (right) served in the armed forces, and now serve to honor others.

COLOR GUARD: Travels all across Minnesota to participate in events

WHERE TO FIND THEM

Parades• St. Patrick’s Day — Le

Center• Memorial Day — Le

Center

• Cherry Creek Days — Cleveland

• Independence Day Parade — Elysian

• Le Sueur Giant Days — Le Sueur

• North Morristown

Parade — North Morristown

• Independence Day Parade — Elysian

• Holidaze Parade — Le Center

Funerals (around 15-20

a year)Flag retirement

ceremoniesFlag raising

From Page 5

ter, they will o� en travel through-out Le Sueur County. � e guard marches at out-of-town events like the Giant Days Celebration in Le Sueur and the Fourth of July Parade in Elysian. � e guard also travels all across Minnesota to participate in events and attend funerals for veterans who have passed away, as they o� en travel to Fort Snelling, and have gone to events as far as Sleepy Eye.

� at dedication that is shown by the Le Center Color and Honor Guards is reciprocal with other guards as well. Color/hon-or guards from other cities like Montgomery, Cleveland, among others, help the Le Center guard when needed. � e groups o� en march together at big events, and the Le Center Color Guard gath-ers other guards from across Le Sueur County to attend Relay for Life at the Le Sueur County Fair-grounds.

� e color and honor guard is important to those who have been involved in it. Those who have moved away from Le Center are still members of the guard. Some members live in other cities across Minnesota, and some live as far away as the west coast, and even though they are not in Le Center, they will come back from time to time to join the guard once again.

Being a part of the color and honor guard is not a source of personal pride. � ose who march do not display the nations colors and the military garb for self-sat-isfaction, they participate in the guard to honor others.

“We are proud of it, we are extremely proud of it,” said � e-lemann.

“We are proud of what vet-erans stand for,” said Sinclair.

Reporter James Stitt can be reached at 931-8572 or follow him on Twitter @LCL_j_stitt.

Wednesday, August 14, 2013 LECENTER PROFILES PAGE 7

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By PAT BECKpbeck@stpeterherald.com

There are not many people more fitting or deserving than Charlie Voit to raise the flag at the Minnesota Twins game Sept. 14 at Target Field.

Ten days a� er graduating from Cleveland High School in 2011, Voit went directly into the Army as an infantryman. He served front-line ground combat eight months in Afghanistan from No-vember 2012 to July 2013. He did basic training at Ft. Benning, Ga.; and has been based in Ft. Camp-bell, Ky., since October 2011.

Voit enlisted for three-years in the Army and is set to complete his stint in October 2014. He went into the Army as a private and has made his way up to a specialist. He will be on block leave Aug. 24 for one month and then will make his way back to Kentucky to � nish out his time.

“I’m taking a couple of months to consider my options,” Voit said. “If I stay in, it will be the same job. Otherwise, I plan on getting out into active duty with the National Guard and earn a college degree. I’d like to be a full-time � re� ghter or sheri� or deputy.”

Voit said raising the � ag at the Twins’ game is the greatest honor he’s ever received.

“� e reason I joined the infan-try is just for the pure adrenaline rush of being there � rsthand to see it all happening and knowing a� er it’s over that our country is that much more safe,” Voit said. “I love serving our country and knowing if my life is on the line, then my family, friends, and com-munity can do what they need to

do day in and day out without worrying about protecting them-selves.”

Fighting in Afghanistan has been di� cult just because of the terrain, and that it’s hard to see the enemy fighters, Voit said. “When we did see them, they would be wearing clothing that blended in with the terrain, and they usually travel in � re teams usually three to four � ghters. We

got into some fights with them where we would return � re with our machine guns, and then we would get communications with the Apache helicopters, or even better A-10 � ghter jets that usu-ally would end the � ght.”

In addition to serving his county, Voit is a baseball player and fan.

“Besides football, baseball is my favorite sport to play,” Voit

said. “It’s fun to be out on the � eld with the rest of the team. Pitching was my favorite position. You’re more in control of the game.”

Voit played baseball from third- through 12th-grade. Since high school, he has played pick-up games, but has not played on an organized team. “I’d like to get into a town team,” he said.

Voit has been a Twins fan for years, watching games and attend-

ing many in the Metrodome, but this will be his � rst time at Target Field.

“It will be be pretty cool to watch them here,” he said. “I kept following them throughout my school years till I le� for Afghani-stan. Once you watch them, you get used to watching them.”

His dad, Brad, sent an email outlining why his son should be chosen for the honor. And his

mom, Angie, is organizing the bus trip going to Target Field. � ey have a section reserved behind home plate on the � rst deck.

While playing baseball is not easy, it’s far from as dangerous as serving in front-line combat.

“We are the � rst and last de-fense as far as fighting and de-fending territory the enemy tries to take over,” he said. “We walk up mountains to sit on Observation Posts (OP’s) that are Afghan Na-tional Army (ANA) occupied and just make sure they are handling themselves well, and we try help-ing reinforce their security. We also � y in as a Quick Response Force (QRF) for other friendly troops in our area if they are in need of reinforcements or sup-plies.

“The infantry is the back-bone of the Army and is the most adrenaline rushing job in the Army. My daily schedule includes

Cleveland vet to raise the fl ag at Twins’ game

Charlie Voit (right) serves in the biggest platoon of 32 soldiers in Afghanistan. (Submitted photo)

See VETS Page 8

IF YOU GOWhat: Charlie Voit’s

raising of the � ag at Minnesota Twins game.

When: 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 14.

Bus leaves: Cleveland School at 3 p.m.

Cost: $23 ticket for behind the plate upper deck. Bus is free, but donations are being taken for Beyond the Yellow Ribbon.

For tickets: Call Angie Voit at 507-381-6201 by Aug. 2 deadline.

PAGE 8 LECENTER PROFILES Wednesday, August 14, 2013

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Pitcher Charlie Voit picks up a grounder playing for the Le Center/Cleveland Coyotes high school baseball team. (Richard Rohl� ng/St. Peter Herald)

Charlie Voit serves as a machine gunner in Afghanistan. (Submitted photo)

a three-day schedule. My platoon would be on QRF for three days, ready for anything to happen and we would roll out within an hour of the call for assistance. � e next three days would be sitting in our head quarters building using a high powered camera scanning the mountains for enemy � ghters and taking care of the radios mak-ing sure we always have commu-nication with everyone that was out on mission. The final three days would be a new mission ev-eryday, just depending on what needed to be done, from walking up a mountain or driving to the nearest district center and con-

ducting a meeting with the local nationals.

“We were working out of Cop Monti, Afghanistan, the northern most U.S. forces base in Afghani-stan. Cop Monti was located in the northern Kunar Valley. We went into villages such as Dangum, Shegal, Asmar. Dangum is one of the more Taliban run villages that is just a couple minutes away from the Pakistan border. Shegal was where the district center was located that we took our trucks to and had meetings with our lo-cal national and ANA partners. Asmar was where COP Monti was located, and we conducted quite a few missions around there, just walking through the village or

walking mountains near by to check on OP’s surrounding us.”

Reach Sports Editor Pat Beck at 931-8566, or follow him on Twitter.com @SPHSportsPat

VETS: Cleveland vet will raise fl ag

From Page 7

Wednesday, August 14, 2013 LECENTER PROFILES PAGE 9

38 years of service as your American Family agent in Le Center.

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By ERIN O’NEILLeoneill@lesueurnews-herald.com

When Denny Blaschko gradu-ated from Le Center High School more than 40 years ago, he was met with the same choices as any high school graduate: Get a job, attend college or join the military.

But with the dra� snatching up young men left and right, Blaschko could see the writing on the wall and decided to enlist in the Army on his own terms.

“I joined the Army right out of high school,” said Blaschko. “I grew up on a farm and I never le� the place. I was 18 years-old and it was a chance to get out and ex-plore a little.”

In 1966 when Blaschko enlist-ed, he had just � nished 12 years of formal schooling and was look-ing for some adventure. But, little did he know the real learning was only just beginning.

A� er completing basic train-ing stateside, Blaschko and the other newly trained soldiers were to be sent overseas to one of two locations: Vietnam or Korea.

“I thought they would send me

to Vietnam,” said Blaschko.As fate would have it, Blaschko

was given orders to complete a year-long tour in Korea, separat-ing him from some of the friends he had made since enlisting. � en, just days before he was to � y out, life sent him another curveball when he contracted pneumonia that kept him grounded while the others in his unit le� without him.

A week later, Blaschko was well enough to travel and was sent over to Korea to join his com-

rades. Having never ventured far from Le Center, he was about to experience a completely differ-ent country and culture — all by himself.

“When you’re 18 years-old go-ing to another country, now that’s a shock right there,” said Blaschko recalling the apprehension he felt when he touched down halfway across the world.

It was apparent upon arrival that Blaschko wasn’t in Minnesota anymore.

“Everyone was on a bicycle and lived in huts,” said Blaschko. “It was amazing to see the di� er-ent culture. We were right in the middle of the rice paddies.”

Not only was he surrounded by a landscape and culture com-pletely di� erent from his own, but Blaschko also shared barracks and equipment with Korean soldiers. Koreans who served under Ko-rean military leadership were of-ten treated very poorly, so many actually paid to serve in units with Americans.

Though Blaschko found it hard to communicate with the soldiers because of the language barrier, he kept busy working as a mechanic, driving trucks, fetch-ing water and responding to the occasional � re � ght.

“When you hear that siren go o� , it gets you going,” said Blasch-ko. “Not knowing what you are going to do or what will happen – it gets your blood pumping.”

A� er completing his tour in Korea, Blaschko � nished out his remaining two years of service stateside, training and working at posts in Colorado, Alabama,

Washington and Wisconsin.While stationed in Colorado,

he had the good fortune of meet-ing his wife Evie at a local dance hall.

“I met her there and that was it,” said Blaschko.

� e couple soon married and moved to Le Center, where they have been living ever since.

� ough he admits that he has no interest in returning to Korea, Blaschko is grateful for the experi-ences his military service allowed him to have, the skills he gained and most of all the people he met along the way.

“� e friends that you make is what really sticks with you,” said Blaschko.

Reach reporter Erin O’Neill at 931-8576, or follow her on Twitter.com @LNHeoneill.

Military service allowed Le Center veteran to experience the world outside of Minnesota

Denny Blaschko and his wife, Evie, share a laugh after a hard day’s work at Evie’s Soups & More in Le Center. (Erin O’Neill/Le Sueur News-Herald)

MEET DENNYHometown: Le CenterEducation: Le Center High SchoolFamily: Wife, Evie, and kids Chad, Missy and Denelle. Denny also has � ve grandkids, including Jadan, Grace, Eben, Ezra and Chase.Military Service: Served in the U.S. Army from 1966 to 1969 in Korea and stateside.Work: Helps out Evie at her cafe Evie’s Soups & More in Le Center.Hobbies: Woodworking and riding horses

PAGE 10 LECENTER PROFILES Wednesday, August 14, 2013

Hospital & ClinicMerging Streams of Health Care

RIVER’S EDGE CLINIC - LE CENTER

200 E Bowler Street • (877) 355-8450www.riversedgehealth.org

Dr. Michael Sparacino, D.O.Medical Director • Family Medicine

Dr. Sparacino practices Family Medicine and received his Doctorate of Osteopathy from Kirksville College of

Osteopathic Medicine in Kirksville, MO, And completed his Residency in Family Medicine at Scott Air Force Base, IL.

In his spare time, he enjoys writing and recording music, medical and

nonmedical writing, history, wood working, martial arts, and outdoor sports, especially archery and target shooting.

“We partner with and advocate for our patients’ needs.”

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By JAMES STITTjstitt@lecenter.com

When some people want to help others and they join a club or organization. Don Hayden has joined more than several.

Hayden, 73, is a member of more than 10 clubs and orga-nizations, and his involvement ranges from the the local, state, and national level. The groups he is a part of are diverse, his membership extends from the American Legion, to St. Mary’s Catholic Church. His dedication is unwavering, and when there is a job to be done, Hayden will step up and get it done.

“� ere is no job he is afraid to tackle,” said his former American Legion Commander Roger Olson. “If you have a concern or a ques-tion, he’ll � nd the answer.”

Hayden, a Le Center native, got his unflappable work ethic while he was in the Navy. A� er Hayden had entered college on a partial scholarship for football, he felt unhappy, so one day he made

up his mind to join the Marines. On a Monday he walked down to the recruitment o� ce, but there was no one there. Hayden, with his mind set on joining the mili-tary, walked a few doors down to the Navy recruitment o� ce where he promptly joined the service. � e next Tuesday Hayden was in boot camp.

Hayden spent the next four years as a medic in the U.S. Navy, performing surgeries and healing wounds. In his time in the service, he found that it was best to keep his head down and do what he was told.

“Your life wasn’t your own,” said Hayden. “� ere was always someone above you, telling you what to do.”

A� er Hayden � nished his time in the Navy, he went back to col-lege and got his degree from the University of Minnesota. It wasn’t until years later when he came back to Le Center that he joined the Community Club.

As a part of his work, Hayden spent a lot of time on the road.

When he found out the Commu-nity Club met on Fridays at the Little Dandy, he decided to join, and take a little Friday break from the road. He built a home south

of town and was asked to take a economic development job in Le

Center, and Hayden � nally came o� the road.

Hayden moved back to Le

Keeping his head down brought Hayden to the top

Don Hayden gives the 2013 Memorial Day Address in Le Center. (James Stitt/Le Center Leader)

See HAYDEN Page 11

Wednesday, August 14, 2013 LECENTER PROFILES PAGE 11

City of

Le Center10 West Tyrone St.

357-4450www.cityoflecenter.com

Mayor ~ Josh Fredrickson

Council Members ~Bob Emmers

Christian HarmeyerGary Meidlinger, Jr.

Dennis Woelfel

Administrator ~Chris Collins

Building Inspector ---------------------507-420-6574Police Department Dispatch -----------357-4888Pool ----------------------------------------------357-6344Library -------------------------------------------357-6792Chamber of Commerce -----------------357-6737

Municipal Liquor Store --------------------357-4451Public Works Superintendent Curt Roemhildt ---------------------------357-4450Planning/Zoning -----------------------------357-6737

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Hwy 99 - Le CenterHwy 99 - Le Center

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The Le Center Color Guard joins Don Hayden as he throws out the � rst pitch at the Metrodome in 2003. Hayden said the dedication and the camaraderie of the Le Center veterans is unparalleled. (Photo courtesy of Don Hayden)

Don Hayden and Dan Ludwig were a part of a district team that had the most members go on to be State Commanders of the American Legion. Photo was taken in 1996. (Photo courtesy of Don Hayden)

DON HAYDEN’S INVOLVEMENT

American Legion Post #108

• Commander 1993-94• Vice Commander 1991-

93• Club Committee 1994-96• Executive Committee

1991-94 American Legion County

Commander 1994-96, 1998-2000

American Legion District #3

• Commander 1996-97• Vice Commander 1994-

96

• Executive Committee 1994-1998

American Legion Department O� ces

• Commander 2002-03• Public Relations

Committee• Membership Chair 1998-

99• Convention Corporation American Legion

National O� ces• National Vice

Commander 2007-08• Internal A� airs

CommissionOther Military

Organizations• Voiture #281 — Mankato

• U.S. Navy LeagueOther Organizations• Chamber of Commerce

Executive Director• Community Club• Lions Club• Knights of Columbus• Hiberians• St. Mary’s Catholic

Church• Queen of Peace Hospital• Region 9 Development• Commission Revolving

Loan Chariman• Southern Minnesota

Initiative Foundation

HAYDEN: Dedicated to keeping his head down and doing what he is askedFrom Page 10

Center in 1991, and immedi-ately became an integral part of the American Legion. He kept his head down, did the jobs that were asked of him and eventually he was named Post Commander. When he inherited the position, the membership of the post in Le Center was beginning slip. The post’s membership had dropped below 300 a� er an all-time high of around 325. Hayden began to work on getting new members, and by the end of his � rst year, there were 47 new members. � e Le Center American Legion’s membership continued to climb to over 400, and now sits around 380.

Hayden credits the boom in membership to door-to-door re-cruiting and face-to-face interac-tion. His outgoing and friendly attitude helps him build bonds with others, and he has developed a bit of a following. Because of Hayden’s rapport with those he’s met, people will o� en seek him out.

“He’s the guy people look to when they want to run for o� ce in the legion,” said Olson. “� ey want him to give the nomination speech.”

What begun as a membership to one club, has blossomed into a huge devotion. Hayden has dedi-

cated his life to keeping his head down and doing what he is asked. He said that it is best to keep a low pro� le and refrain from making waves, but his refusal to say no to any task has gotten him to a point where he is making himself stand-out. He has turned into the go-to

guy when a task needs to be done.“If I got the time I’ll do it,” said

Hayden. “If there’s a job to do, I’ll do it.”

Reporter James Stitt can be reached at 931-8572 or follow him on Twitter @LCL_j_stitt.

PAGE 12 LECENTER PROFILES Wednesday, August 14, 2013

Honoring the...Honoring the...Honoring the... Best & Bravest Best & Bravest Best & Bravest Best & Bravest Best & Bravest Best & Bravest

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For their courage, hard work and dedication

to their country we salute the men and women of our Armed Forces past and present. It is because of

their sacri�ce that America remains the land of the free, and we thank

them for protecting our Citizens and our Country.

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