“Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected and handed on for them to do the same.” — Ronald Reagan
My husband and I, along with hundreds of others, had the honor of attending Col. Richard W. Kucksdorf’s military retirement party recently at the Menominee Casino Resort and Convention Center in Keshena, celebrating his 34 years of service with the United States Army. It was a grand, formal affair, with servicemen and women in full military dress blues. An impressive, humbling sight indeed, making my heart swell with gratitude, as they stood for outstanding service to our country.
As we entered the convention center, we approached the receiving table to announce our arrival and pick up our meal choice marker. Much to my surprise, I was handed a single white rose. These roses would later be explained, to the delight of the many recipients. The auspicious evening’s beginning set the tone for the entire night.
We made our way through the receiving line and I introduced my husband to Rich and his wife, Connie, Connie’s daughter and her husband, and Rich’s mother. Hugging Connie we reminisced briefly of her mother, Rose Wolff, whom I worked with years ago and grew to love as a second mother. I came to know her children through their dear mom and every one of them (three girls and two boys) were in attendance, to support and honor their sister and brother-in-law.
Mingling in the reception hall, presently we heard an announcement instructing everyone to take their seats. Honored family members were then escorted by military personnel to their respective places at the head table and other prominent tables. Each one was introduced as they walked in amid rambunctious applause.
After the posting of the colors and the “Star Spangled Banner,” we were seated. The proceedings continued with a brief but moving speech by Pastor Timothy Shoup followed by an invocation. The evening began and ended with prayer, the name of our Lord Jesus was spoken with reverence and thanksgiving.
A small but obvious table for one was set in a place of honor. This table was the Army’s way of symbolizing the fact that members of their profession of arms called POWs or MIAs are missing from their midst. The Army calls them brothers and sisters. The table set for one was small, symbolizing the frailty of one prisoner alone against his oppressors. The white tablecloth symbolized the purity of their intentions to respond to their country’s call to arms. A single red rose at the table represented the families and loved ones of their comrades-in-arms who keep the faith awaiting their return. A red ribbon symbolized continued determination to demand a proper accounting of their missing. A lit candle is the light of hope that lies in hearts to illuminate their way home. A slice of lemon on the bread plate reminds one of their bitter fate. A pinch of salt is symbolic of the families’ tears. An inverted glass signifies they cannot toast with us this night, and one empty chair is to remind us that they are not here.
There were several toasts made and time after time each was followed with a resounding, “Here! Here!” At one point all the ladies in the room were asked to be seated, while the men remained standing. At that time a toast was pronounced in appreciation of all women, but especially those who kept the home fires burning, maintaining in the face of adversity and who remained faithfully committed to their husbands serving our country, thus all of the female guests received at least one single rose.
Promptly at 19:30 hours, the meal was declared fit to eat and we proceeded to enjoy a delicious dinner. We were seated at a table with a brigadier general who was a delight to chat with, very humble and unassuming despite the many decorations displayed on his uniform. At evening’s end we shook his hand, respectfully thanking him for his dedication and service to our country.
Many times throughout the night, Col. Kucksdorf referred endearingly to his “lovely Connie Lou” and “favorite son and daughter” (he has one of each). Presenting them, as well as his mother, with gifts brought tears and awe from the crowd. The women important to Rich were given beautiful rose bouquets, but Connie, along with receiving a diamond necklace from her husband, was presented with 34 brilliant red roses, one for each year of her husband’s service. The bouquet, encircled with red, white and blue netting, also included two white roses, one for each one of their children.
After the meal there were many brief, but powerful speeches given and esteemed awards presented. Over and over Col. Kucksdorf was recognized for the way in which he conducted his military service life, based on honor, integrity and dedication to others. Rich’s motto, as he stated later that evening, is “Mission first, people always.” His enthusiasm and energy for life is palpable, his attention to detail, impeccable. One decorated fellow officer, voice cracking with emotion, stated, “Rich is the absolute epitome of one of the best officers I’ve ever had the privilege to serve with.”
It struck me then, how amazing the human spirit is and what one can accomplish when one puts his mind to a task. Rich came from humble beginnings; his parents farmed and he attended one-room schools until he entered junior high school in Shawano. He was told, because he was a farm kid, that he was not as smart as a city kid, and he believed the lie. Instead of trying, therefore, he became the “class clown” and did as little as possible.
Joining the military fresh out of high school, he slowly realized his potential and began working toward a goal. He mentioned the military is a laboratory, does not care what you accomplished in high school, does not care who your mom or dad is. They care about what you can do. So in basic training he began to take leadership courses and advancing his education. Rich, a farmer’s son, went on to become and eventually retire as a colonel in the United States Army.
My mind returned to the celebration where his brother-in-law was speaking. Moving me to tears with his quiet, impassioned speech, he reiterated the fact that we all live in America, land of the free: “These men and women fight for our freedom. On Memorial Day, many Americans get the day off, sleep in, grill a hot dog and drink a beer. It is so much more than that. The flag stands for veterans that gave the ultimate sacrifice for each one of us. Why? They believed in freedom, they believed in America and they believe in God in Whom they trust.”
Also, Shawano County Sheriff Randy Wright presented Col. Kucksdorf with a gift as well as gave a moving address, including quotes from the Bible. It was a profound speech mixed with humble simplicity and sincere respect for everything Rich stood for, good and proper, commending Rich on how he handled himself during his time with the Shawano County Sheriff’s Department. He also brought up carrots in the holster.
During that segment, Connie was presented, accompanied by a standing ovation, with the prestigious Molly Pitcher Award. “The Artillery Order of Molly Pitcher recognizes individuals who have voluntarily contributed in a significant way to the improvement of the field artillery community,” according to Wikipedia. In other words, Connie stood by her man in exemplary fashion, supporting him in every way possible so that he could accomplish his work. This is an esteemed award.
Threaded throughout the entire evening, Col. Kucksdorf stressed the importance that those in attendance take time to thank his family members for their personal sacrifice and dedication so that he, in turn, could concentrate on the duties at hand so far away from home. The evening centered around not only Rich’s many endeavors and accomplishments, from the United States Army, United States Army Reserve, the Shawano County Sheriff’s Department to the United States Postal Service, but there was also a conscious appreciation of the dedication and self-sacrifice of the military families.
Speaking with Connie’s sisters that night, they recalled many times when Connie would be at the end of her rope and just then a neighbor would come through, or she’d receive an uplifting phone call or offer of help from family or friends. God intervened, nudging ordinary human beings to be His arms, His legs, His hands and His feet.
I would like to thank Rich for his service to our country, for his courage, sincerity of heart, strength, fortitude, enthusiasm, his attention to detail, love of country, love for family and his love for the Lord. We sincerely thank you, Col. Richard W. Kucksdorf! May our Almighty Father bless and keep you, now and forever.
(“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.” Philippians 4:8)
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