Vietnam veteran, Dave Groe, honored at medal ceremony

BY BONNIE KAY BALDWIN
LAKE MILLS GRAPHIC
Friends and relatives of Vietnam Veteran David Groe, Lake Mills, and area community members, as well as students, gathered in the LMHS gymnasium Friday morning, Aug. 24, to honor him in a medal ceremony recognition with former Iowa Governor Terry Branstad in attendance.
Principal Jim Scholbrock opened the ceremony after the flags were posted, Otto Chose Post #235 had filed in, and grandchildren of Groe’s led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Charise Schwarm introduced the former governor, who then spoke about Groe’s military service. Groe and Branstad have shared a special relationship as friends, neighbors and fellow veterans.
The medals (which have yet to arrive) that Groe is due include: National Defense Service Medal, Presidential Unit Citation, Vietnamese Campaign Medal, Vietnamese Service Medal (with 2 stars) and the Rifle Marksman Badge.
American Legion Color Guards that attended were from Lake Mills, Leland, and Forest City.
Overwhelmed by the support from the area Legions, family, friends and community, Groe commented on what the day meant to him.
“Well, it’s real important, not just for me, but for all veterans that are here today, there’s a lot of them. You don’t know these people until they stand up and get recognized. Yeah, it’s a big deal,” said Groe.

 

After the ceremony, Dave Groe posed with family and members of the American Legion Color Guard.

Lake Mills Graphic

204 N. Mill Street
Lake Mills, IA 50450

Office Number: (641) 592-4222
Fax Number: (641) 592-6397

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