Marion honors eight of its returning military veterans with a Saturday reception.

Written by Patty Decker Tuesday, 21 February 2012 14:35

Marion Mayor Mary Olson welcomes home Master Sgt. James Schlehuber, with the 134th Air National Guard stationed in Afghanistan during Operation New Dawn, and his 1-year-old son, Sam, at the Saturday afternoon reception at the Marion VFW reception. Also attending the reception with Schlehuber was his wife, Heather, and their other children Elise, 10, Gabriella, 8, Maggie, 6, and Isaac, 4.

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. James Schlehuber gets a hug from Audrey McLinden, American Legion Auxiliary Post 22 president and American Legion Rider vice director, at Saturday’s Welcome Home reception in Marion.

Eight service members were honored at a welcome-home reception Saturday afternoon in Marion with representatives from the American Legion, American Legion Riders and VFW hosting the event.

The military men and women recognized were James Schle­huber, returning from Afghan­istan; Tracy Winter from Kuwait; Chad Winter from Kabul, Afghanistan; Tyler Mermis from Ejibouti, Africa; and Josh Fruechting returning to Afghanistan.

Matt Williams, Gerred Helm and Bronson Shipman were unable to attend the event.

More than 75 people joined the celebration at the VFW in Marion with guests expressing their gratitude to those serving.

Kevin Hoffer, the American Legion Post 22 commander, said he appreciated the sacrifices these service men and women have made to make this a better country.

“We go to bed at night and wake up in the morning thinking we need to get gas (for our vehicles) or that we don’t have any bread or we are out of milk,” Hoffer said.

“We are anxious about when we get up, but these guys have a different set of concerns.”

Hoffer said military members overseas might wonder what is going to happen to change their lives from one day to the next.

“They have stood up and answered a call,” he said.

Gary Chaput of Marion, American Legion post adjutant, thanked the returning military members on behalf of a grateful nation.

Another speaker, Kansas State Rep. Bob Brookens said it is always good to see the service men and women of Marion County come home—whether it is for a two-week leave, at the end of a first tour or after the fifth or sixth tour.

“We have the opportunity not only to say, ‘thank you,’ but welcome you home, too,” he said. “It doesn’t matter the length of time for us, we are just glad to thank you and say hello and glad you are here.”

Chaput talked about the gratitude he had for the Marion community in showing its support to the troops through donations for care packages.

“We have been sending care packages to our troops for the past five years,” he said. “We thought we would do this for six months, but it’s been five years.”

Chaput said when they were running out of supplies for the packages, “God re-blesses it,” with the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts donating money toward keeping the project going and through the support of not only the Marion and Hillsboro organizations, but also the Florence and Peabody posts as well.

The Legion, Legion Riders and VFW organizations either gave certificates of appreciation, challenge coins, banners, or in one case a Support Troop flag to Josh Freuchting who is on leave and will be returning to Afghanistan Friday, Feb. 24. He will return home in July.

“We hope Josh remembers this day and brings the flag back home with him,” Chaput said.

Army Specialist 4 Freuchting is a member of the 583 Medical Company, 74th Delta CBRN Unit, Fort Hood, Texas.

Veterans attending the event were also reminded about a book that is being compiled in Marion County. Hoffer said the book is an opportunity for veterans to insert their information into it and be remembered.

Although the dates have not been set as yet, two days will be set aside in the near future for veterans to bring pictures and photos to either the American Legion Post 22 or VFW Post 6958.

Also helping in the celebration was Karen Chaput, American Legion Post 22 Auxiliary vice president, secretary/treasurer of American Legion Post 22 and an American Legion Post 22 Rider, and Audrey McLinden, American Legion Post 22 Auxiliary president and American Legion Post 22 Rider vice director. McLinden also is a member of VFW Ladies Auxiliary Post 6958.

Three other service members who will soon be returning home from overseas tours are Molly Holub, Brandon Kimbrel and Isaac Leihy.

“We also ask that everyone keep them in their prayers and when they return home, we will do (a welcome home reception) again,” Hoffer said.