Hoeven Honors Service of Four North Dakota Veterans

MINOT, N.D. – Senator John Hoeven today honored the service of four North Dakota veterans at a military medal presentation ceremony in Minot. Hoeven’s office worked to secure the medals earned by World War II veteran John Rodman, Korean War veteran Douglas Beck, World War II veteran Arthur Heisler and World War II veteran Trygve Knutson.

“The veterans we are honoring today are part of our state’s proud history of military service,” said Hoeven. “These men left their homes and families to defend our nation during times of war. We can never repay them and their families for their service, but I hope these medals serve as a reminder of the nation’s deep respect and sincere gratitude for their selfless service.”

John Rodman Military Honors

John Beach Rodman served in the U.S. Army during World War II. The only child of George and Muriel Rodman, John grew up in Minot and graduated from high school in 1939. John enlisted in the U.S Army in July 1942 and was assigned to the Medical Detachment of the 95^th Armored Field Artillery Battalion. He served in battles and campaigns in Sicily, Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland, Ardennes and Central Europe. John was honorably discharged in October 1945. Following his military service, he worked for the Great Northern Railroad. In 1946, John married Audrey and together they raised their three children: Connie, Sandy and Rick. John died on January 16, 1976. Hoeven presented John’s medals, which were lost in the 2011 Minot flood, to his son Rick Rodman.

Bronze Star Medal
Army Good Conduct Medal
Presidential Unit Citation
European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with 1 Bronze Service Star and 1 Silver Service Star
WWII Victory Medal
Army of Occupation Medal with Germany Clasp
Belgian Fourragere
WWII Honorable Service Lapel Button

Douglas Beck Military Honors

Douglas Frederick Beck served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He was born May 10, 1930 in Columbus, North Dakota to Fred and Mildred Beck. He grew up and attended school in Lignite, North Dakota. In October 1951, Doug was drafted into the U.S. Army and assigned to Headquarters Company 25^th Infantry Division. He received special training in the 3^rd Armored Division at Fort Knox, Kentucky. Doug was trained in operating light trucks and jeeps and served in the Korean War for 13 months. He was honorably discharged in July 1953. After his Army service, Doug worked in highway maintenance and was a foreman for the power company for 32 years. He met his wife, Arlene, in school and they were married in May 1951. They have four children: Daren Beck, Lori Schweigert, Anita Erickson and Tami Howarter. They also have nine grandchildren and three great grandchildren with two more on the way. Doug and Arlene currently reside in Minot. Hoeven presented Doug with the following medals, which were lost in the 2011 flood.

National Defense Service Medal
Korean Service Medal with 3 Bronze Stars
United Nations Service Medal

Arthur Heisler Military Honors

Arthur Heisler served in the U.S. Army during World War II. He was born October 22, 1926 in Esmond, North Dakota to Thomas and Philomena Heisler. Arthur grew up on a farm north of Martin, North Dakota with his six brothers and three sisters. In January 1946, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and worked as an ammunition handler with the 62^nd Air Service Group at Elmendorf Field in Alaska. Arthur was honorably discharged in February 1947 after serving his country for 13 months. After his service, he worked at the implement dealer in Harvey, worked at the Farmer’s Union in Velva and managed the Farmer’s Union Station in Westhope. Art married Fern Bendickson in April 1946 and together they had seven children: Linda, Kathleen, Sandra, Cynthia, Kevin, Keith and Michael. He was a devoted caretaker of the Holy Cross Cemetery in Velva, where he was laid to rest in September 2014. His wife and daughter Linda preceded him in death. Hoeven presented Arthur’s medals, which he was never awarded, to his children.

WWII Victory Medal
Marksman Badge with Rifle Bar
WWII Honorable Service Lapel Button

Trygve Knutson Military Honors

Trygve Kalmer “T.K.” Knutson served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He was born July 6, 1924 in Tolley, North Dakota to Carl and Carrie Knutson. He lived in Sherwood and was drafted into the U.S. Navy in May 1943. He was also a United States Navy Selective Volunteer. Trygve trained as a Range Finder Operator and served abroad during World War II on the USS Samuel L Miles DE 183 in the Pacific. Trygve’s four brothers also served in the Navy. His oldest brother Gilmore was on the USS Trout and is missing in action in the South Pacific. Trygve was honorably discharged in March 1946, serving just shy of 3 years. After his military service, he was a rural mail carrier for 30 years. T.K. met the love of his life, Dorothy, at a welcome home party and they have been happily married for 66 years. They are the parents of six children: Brenda, Cheryl, Cindy, Greg, Tim and Sheri. They have 10 grandchildren, three great grandchildren and one great great grandchild. T.L. and Dorothy live in Sherwood. Hoeven presented Trygve with the following medals, which he has never received.

Navy Honorable Discharge Pin
Navy Combat Action Ribbon
Honorable Service Lapel Pin
Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon
WWII Victory Medal
Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal with 1 Silver Star and 3 Bronze Stars
American Campaign Medal.

A member of the Senate Appropriations Committee Subcommittee for Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, Hoeven continues his work to ensure our veterans have access to quality health care in their local communities. The senator is sponsoring the bipartisan Veterans Access to Extended Care Act to help veterans get extended care in their own communities. Hoeven is also cosponsoring the Veterans Access to Community Care Act, legislation that would allow veterans to seek health care services in their local communities if they are unable to receive needed healthcare services from a VA facility within 40 miles of their homes.

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