The Free Press, Mankato, MN

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April 12, 2009

Veterans to gather

‘It’s good to get together with your buddies,’ organizer says

By Brian Ojanpa

ST. JAMES — Vietnam War veteran Dennie Kline lays out some numbers:

During that conflict nine soldiers from Watonwan County were killed and one is still listed as missing in action.

“Three hundred guys from Watonwan County served in Vietnam. That’s a very high percentage because this is one of the smallest counties in Minnesota,” Kline said.

Hence the reunion in St. James for Watonwan County Vietnam vets that launched in 2003 with the intent of making it an every-other-year event.

The reunion was reprised in 2005 but skipped in 2007 due to the death of its co-founder, Paul Sandmeyer.

But it’s back this year, and on April 25 county-native vets from near and far will gather anew at the Hickory Inn.

“Dad always wanted the camaraderie, just to get the guys together,” said his daughter Connie Braaten. “He knew how much you need to have the guys around to give each other the support they didn’t get when they came home from the war.”

Reunion co-founder Kline said it took him and Sandmeyer a full year to organize the first event, which drew more than 100 veterans.

Kline expects a lighter turnout this time around.

“But whatever it is, it’s good to get together with your buddies and bond.”

The reunion will include a meal and a talk by Watonwan County Veterans Affairs Director Deb Grote, who will review the various benefit programs available to veterans.

There also will a short program honoring each of those killed or missing.

More than 1,000 Minnesotans were killed or missing in action in the Vietnam War.

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