Clark County Press, Neillsville, WI

October 7, 2009, Page 4

Transcribed by Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon

Staff Sgt. Edmond Schmid visits

Neillsville Retirement Community

While on leave from Iraq, Staff Sgt. Edmond Schmid (left) visited the Neillsville Retirement community. Clayton Boon (right) also served in the military during World War II.  (Contributed photo)

While home on leave for two weeks from Iraq, Staff Sgt. Edmond Schmid paid a visit to the Neillsville Retirement Community. The residents asked him many questions about his tour in Iraq.  One question was “What was one of your most heartfelt moments while in Iraq?”  Schmid answered, “When the soldiers handed out pencils and paper to all the school children, one little girl held up both of her thumbs with a great big smile on her face looking at the American soldiers as if to say ‘thank you.’”

The residents really enjoyed and appreciated Sgt. Schmid’s visit.  One resident, Clayton “Duke” Boon, also served in the military – in Europe during World War II.  Jean Skavlem said having Sgt. Schmid visit renewed her patriotic spirit.

Sgt. Schmid is serving his second tour of duty in Iraq.  He is a member of the “Charlie Company,” 1^st Battalion, 128^th Infantry.  His tour ends January 2010.