Jim Slach

Jim Slach has the honor of being our first selection. Jim grew up outside of Anamosa and graduated from Anamosa High School on May 25 1967. Just 14 days later he was leaving for the Navy and basic training in San Diego CA. After basic he was trained as a boiler technician and was assigned to USS Firedrake. On the Firedrake he worked in the engine room where it was at times 130 sweltering degrees. Jim said the ship’s captain would send trouble makers down to help in the engine room because of the high temperatures. This helped “correct” their behavior. The Firedrake was a supply ship that carried ammunition to resupply aircraft carriers and destroyers that were out to sea. Jim served during the Vietnam war so they were busy keeping the ships armed. They also carried nuclear weapons so when they were in port they had to tie up as far away from anything as possible because if anything happened they’d destroy the surrounding 26 miles! Jim says he went around the world on that ship and visited many places including, Hawaii 7 times, Singapore, Thailand, Japan, Hong Kong and several trips to the Philippines. Jim left the Navy in 1971 and went to Oregon to start a new civilian life. After about 7 years Jim moved back to Iowa to help his dad whose health was beginning to fail. Back here he met his wife Carol and they were married in 1979. Now he enjoys spending time helping his brother in law with farm and spending time with their two sons and 5 grandchildren. Jim has a lot military service in his family. His father and uncle were both in the Army and has a son that retired from the Air Force. Jim has also been a member of the American Legion for 23 years! He has served in many officer positions in the local and county posts. Please help me thank Jim for his service to this great country!!!