After the Army:
After leaving the service I worked in the farm machinery business, where I retired at end of 1998 after 36 plus years.

Current Occupation:
Retired

Degrees/Schooling:
Luther College
Moorhead State College

Most Memorable Moment at Tomb:
As Tomb Guards I would guess that all of us have a special memory of our time on the "Mat."  For me it was on a summer day in 1961. 

A mother and her son approached the Tomb. I guessed her to be in her mid to late thirties. She was obviously very emotional as they came closer. When they got to the chains she dropped to her knees. The young man stood beside her with his hand on her shoulder.  I figured that he was fifteen or sixteen years old. You can do the math. The war was over in '45.

This all took place in the 21 seconds I was facing south and I had to walk.  When I faced north again they were gone. 

I don't know anything about who they were or where they were from but it was easy to see what an impact this place had on her. The WW II Soldier could have been her husband, could have been that young man's father, a father who may never have seen his son.  As much meaning as the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier has for me, just imagine what it must mean to someone like this mother and her son. 

What an honor for me to be able to stand guard for a short time over the loved ones of people who have had to live the rest of their lives wondering, waiting, worrying and hoping.  The Unknown Soldier will never be forgotten.