Brooklyn Ruritan Club honors veterans with special program

​       Capt. William “Hawk” Albracht, a decorated Vietnam veteran and co-author of the book, “Abandoned in Hell: The Fight for Vietnam’s Firebase Kate” shakes hands with Brooklyn veteran Dave Faas during a book signing event at the Ruritans veterans program in Brooklyn on Nov. 13. Capt. Albracht’s wife, Mary, is seated next to him.

​By J.O. Parker
 
       Veterans of all branches of service filed into the Michael J. Manatt Community Center in Brooklyn on Wednesday, Nov. 13 for an evening of recognition, camaraderie, good food and remembrance.
        Hosted by the Brooklyn Ruritan Club, this year’s event drew an estimated 150 guests, including veterans, their spouses, family, friends and more.
      Veterans in attendance came from Brooklyn, Victor, Malcom, Grinnell, Montezuma and Deep River. The Brooklyn Ruritan Club has been hosting this event veterans for around 15-years.
         The guest speaker was Capt. William “Hawk” Albracht, a highly decorated Vietnam veteran and retired Secret Service agent with a career at the White House spanning 25-years.
        Capt. Albracht shared the story about his Vietnam experience leading his men while holding Firebase Kate against all odds. The story is the basis of a book that he co-authored with Capt. Marvin J. Wolf entitled “Abandoned in Hell: The Fight for Vietnam’s Firebase Kate.”
        The book has received acclaim from a number of military and civilian reviewers, and was made into a documentary. Following his presentation, Capt. Albracht, who calls Bettendorf and The Villages, Fla. home, signed and sold copies of his book to attendees.
        A traditional Thanksgiving meal prepared by the Brooklyn Ruritan Club was served to the guests during the program.
        Five Brooklyn veterans were recognized for their long-time membership in the Brooklyn American Legion Post 294. Those honored included Larry Massengale, 50-years; Gary Whitsell, 50-years; Don Brannian, Army 70-years; Don Atkinson, Army 70-years; and Gene Osborn, Army, a 75-year member of the Brooklyn American Legion.
       The evening also included the singing of “America” led by Don Lastovka, recognition of guests by Rusty Clayton; invocation by Guylain Musoya, minister of Brooklyn’s Grace United Methodist Church; Roger VanErsvelde, explaining the Fallen Soldier Table stationed at the event; and Brian Ring, American Legion Department of Iowa Commander, addressing the gathering. BGM senior members of the Ruritan Club also spoke and included Abby Smith, Lailyn Dean and Shadlee Hazelwood.
        “I think it’s an honor to be here,” said Richard “Red” Drake.
        “It was the best food and people were friendly,” said Bud Norman.
       “I thought the whole program was fantastic,” said Kathy Stanek, who was present with her husband, Terry. “It opens your eyes as to what goes on during war.”
       “It was very heartfelt and emotional,” noted Dean, Smith and Hazelwood, seniors at BGM High School who were part of the program. “We are so thankful for this gathering.”
       “It was wonderful,” said Chris Nolte, Poweshiek County Veterans Service Officer. “It was top drawer and wonderful to recognize the serviceman.”
        Notle, who spoke briefly at the program, encouraged all veterans to come see him and get their benefits.
      “I want to thank the Ruritans for all their effort in making this event happen for our area veterans,” said American Legion Post 294 Commander Ron Brown. “It was an honor for me to present the membership awards.”
       “The speaker was on point,” said veteran Corky Stuart. “He did a great job sharing his story about his time in Vietnam.”
      “I enjoy being able to share my story with other veterans,” said Capt. Albracht, while signing his books. “They then will share their story with me. I really felt a connection.”