Honoring Veterans: A Conversation with Marshall Rhea

Nov 11

2 min read

All content in this blog is derived from my interview with Marshall Rhea, Oakley VFW Auxiliary Member and NRA Certified instructor

A Legacy of Service

Marshall's family has a long history of military service dating back to the Civil War. His granddad served during World War I, his father fought in World War II as part of Patton's Third Army, and his son served in the Army's military police with three tours of duty. Growing up in Oakley, Kansas, Marshall was surrounded by veterans and their stories, fostering his deep respect and support for the military.

VFW and VFW Auxiliary

Marshall explained the difference between the VFW and VFW auxiliary. The VFW consists of military personnel who served overseas in conflict zones, while the auxiliary is comprised of family members of these veterans. The eligibility for the auxiliary extends two generations up and down from the veteran, allowing family members to participate and support the organization's mission.

Getting Involved

Marshall's lifelong interest in the VFW was shaped by his childhood experiences and the stories of veterans. Despite not serving in the military himself due to health reasons, he has always supported the military. He emphasized that anyone interested in supporting veterans can get involved by contacting their local VFW or American Legion, participating in events, and contributing to fundraisers. These activities, such as chicken fried steak nights and gun raffles, provide financial support for veteran programs.

Veterans Day Events

The VFW in Oakley has several events planned for Veterans Day, including a flag retirement ceremony and a parade. The flag retirement ceremony, held on November 12th, teaches the proper way to retire an American flag. This event, along with a program by fifth-grade students sharing stories about their grandparents' military service, aims to educate and engage the community.

The significance of the Veterans Day parade in Oakley, held at 11:00 AM on November 11th, commemorates the signing of the armistice that ended World War I. The day also includes a taco bar fundraiser and various raffles, bringing the community together to honor and support veterans.

Preserving History and Educating the Next Generation

Marshall encourages people to explore the Bill of Rights and learn about the freedoms and rights secured by the forefathers. Events like the fifth-grade program in Oakley, where students research and present stories about their ancestors, help preserve history and inspire future generations to appreciate and honor veterans.