On this Memorial Day, I am especially thankful for my family members who have served our country in the U.S. Military; Russ Bartels, John Bartels, Helen (Bartels) Patscott, Gordon Patscott, Michael Haveman(and Les Havemen & Don Lamar in the Nat'l Guard), Thank You! And to all the family from previous generations; my dad (Julius Bartels), Uncle Egbert (Vander Kooi), Uncle Dave (Vander Kooi), Uncle Tony (Bartels), and Grandpa Bartels. And then there is Great Uncle Herman (Bartels) who gave his life in 1918 during the Great War.
Regarding my Uncle Egbert Vander Kooi; check this out!
Decorations & Citations:
Bronze Star Medal
American Defense Ribbon
American Theater Ribbon
Pacific Theater Ribbon with 2 Bronze Battle Stars
Philippine Liberation Ribbon with bronze battle star
4 Overseas Service Bars
Purple Heart
This quiet, generous man was one hick of a soldier. More to follow.....
