Clark County Press, Neillsville, Clark Co., WI

November 10, 2010, Page 11

Transcribed by Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon

Stout Vets Club pays respect at Highground

Stout Vets Club alumni pose at The Highground’s Liberty Bell Oct. 15.  The Club met at

The Highground to pay its respects to fallen veterans who were their family or friends.

During the clear and wonderful evening of Oct. 15, approximately a dozen Stout Vets Club alumni met at The Highground to pay their respects to fallen veterans they knew as family or friends.

Some of the fallen veterans were past Vet Club members, while others were military club members served with or family members who were veterans.  Some names were Stout alumni who died in battle from World War I to Vietnam.

The bell was rung several times, as lists of names were read by each alumni starting with World War I and ending with personal names from several of the attendees.  Chaplain Randy Johnson of Fort McCoy assisted with prayer and led the singing of “Amazing Grace,” sung brilliantly, but humbly, by all.  Taps was played to end the ceremony.

The Highground is a wonderful, awesome and humbling place, said Stout Vets Club alumni Garry “Slick” Kroft, who added the ceremony shouldn’t take place anywhere other than The Highground; everyone is blessed by The Highground, which will hopefully always exist.

Kroft recognized The Highground staff (especially Joyce,) Captain Johnson and Ron Vine, who performed Taps, for their assistance and presence. All who participated wanted to return at future reunions and will.

Related Article:

Stout Club Vets ring Highground Liberty Bell (17 Nov. 2010)