Gary Wilhelmi

We want to proudly announce the Center Point Legion Veteran of the Month for February, Mr Gary Wilhelmi.

Mr Wilhelmi is a Vietnam Veteran serving 1969-1970. He was in the Army with the 101st Airborne. Mr Wilhelmi was a infantryman that unfortunately like others saw more action than they needed to or should have. A big part of his assignments were search & destroy missions.

One particular time that stands out was an ambush that took place on to fellow soldiers where Mr Wilhemi was awarded an Army commendation for protecting his brothers.

While Mr Wilhelmi does not like to talk much about his time. If you look at the picture of his shadow box of medals. You will see the Bronze Star.

Gary you may or may not like to hear this in this forum, however sir you are a hero, an American Hero. Thank you, for us of a younger generation that wore the uniform, your foot steps are the ones we try to live up to, make proud and do right by. Including RnR trips to Hong Kong, but that's where that story ends.

Special part of this is Mr Wilhelmi has been married 52 years, hope I got that right, 2 kids and 6 grandkids. His daughter Jenny and son Glenn have been friends with a few us since childhood. Greg Kirk, Legionnaire, took a very special interest in this being childhood friends with Glenn.

After serving his time, Gary came back and went to work for Cargill. Working in maintenance he retired out after 35 years. While he doesn't get out as much as he used to, Gary has been an avid hunter, with deer hunting as his favorite. I actually remember in 5th grade going through hunters safety, he was one of the volunteers for the program. A great asset to our community.

Please join me in thanking Mr Gary Wilhelmi for his service to our country, our community and to his family.

Welcome home Gary