–Ceremonies were held across the area Monday in observance of Memorial Day, paying tribute to those who have given the ultimate sacrifice for their country. Hundreds of area residents packed the Whittemore Community Center for a ceremony that featured a member of the Army Ranger Hall of Fame as the guest speaker. Jeff Struecker is a native Iowan who served in five different conflicts around the globe during his military career.
A native of Fort Dodge, Struecker told those in attendance that the Midwest work ethic stands out among members of the military.
Struecker began his military career in 1987 and was involved in the “Black Hawk Down” incident in Somalia in 1993. He says despite recent conflicts, he remains confident in the strength of the American soldier.
When his enlisted service ended in 2000, Struecker attended seminary and was commissioned as a chaplain, serving multiple tours in Iraq and Afghanistan in that role. When he retired from the military in 2011, Struecker began working as a Pastor in Columbus, Georgia. Along with his work as a member of the clergy, Struecker has published 6 books over the last 20 years.
