Page 26 - Valley Life & Health

26 SATURDAY, MAY 25, 2019 THE MORNING CALL

honoringourheroes

Harry Steely, Jr.
U.S. Navy
Vietnam War
A hero is someone who ignores their fears to help those in need – and luckily
for the United States, someone who serves their country. This describes Harry
Steely, Jr. – beloved husband, father, grandfather.
Harry was in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War and was stationed on
a Pearl Harbor destroyer. He was at sea when his first child was born – one of
many sacrifices understood and accepted by military families.
In his civilian life, pride for having served the United States never wavered.
He wore a Navy hat – triggering countless conversations with people from all
walks of life, who just wanted to shake his hand and thank him for his dedication.
Harry’s love of country and family gave strength and purpose to all he
touched – a common thread in those who serve. His silent heroism extended
well beyond his military time, whether comforting his four daughters or sitting
with his wife during her chemo treatment.
Sadly, Harry was taken way too soon. But it was fitting to have the “Navy
Blue” extend a final salute to their brother in arms, as well as supporting his
family. It undoubtedly put a smile on Harry’s face.
Staci Steely

Howard F. Ganssle
U.S. Navy
World War ll

My father, Howard F. Ganssle, was only 19 when he entered the United States Navy.
He was a Water Tender, 3rd Class and served during World War II, 1944-1946. My
father did not talk a lot about his time on the ship, but through the years he would
tell a story or two about his times when he was in the Navy. I remember one story
he told me which involved one of his first shellings of an island. He remembered
standing near the cannons on deck and how loud the cannons were when they were
loaded and fired. After the shellings stopped, he could not hear for the rest of the
day. Dad was a wonderful father and my hero. I thank him and all our veterans for
their sacrifice.
Jane Ronyack

Bernard Reck John “Scotty” Thompson
Air Force Army, Private First Class Medic,
Vietnam War 140th Tank Battalion #4
Korean War
Honoring the hero Bernard Reck who served in
Vietnam from August 1966 – March 1970. He was a I only knew John “Scotty” Thompson for a short time. He was a
SGT in the Air Force, stationed at Tan Son Nhut Air medic assigned to the 140th Tank Battalion in the Korean Army. My
Base in Saigon. He served in the K-9 unit, protecting tank was so heavily hit with mortar fire and grenades that it was
the perimeter of the base with his German Shepherd rendered helpless sitting in enemy territory. I tried to close the hatch
(Barron). He re-enlisted for a second term to save of the tank but when I reached outside I was hit with enemy fire.
Barron’s life because the K-9 dogs were trained and My helmet blew off and I dropped to the bottom of the tank. I had
attached to only one person. If the soldier was killed banged my head and was stunned and dazed. Scotty jumped over
or discharged, the military euthanized the dogs. For me and also tried to close the hatch of the tank to protect the other
the rest of his life, Bernard always had a German crew members in the tank. Unfortunately, John was killed. The Korean
Shepherd in his home. soldiers pulled his body, along with their dead soldiers back to their
He was diagnosed with cancer on January 21, lines. John gave his life to save the other crew inside the tank . To this
2016 and after a three-year struggle, he passed away day I do not believe his body was returned to his family or back to
on February 1, 2019. His disease was a result American soil. In my eyes, he was a true hero.
of Agent Orange. Sergeant Robert Vogel
Darlene Reck 140th Battalion of the Korean War