On this Memorial Day my thoughts have been around the military service of my own family.  In my father’s family there were seven boys and one girl.  The four oldest boys served in the military during and after World War II and all returned home safe to their families.  His father served in the Air Service in WWI and was on duty in England that the time of the Armistice. 

I also have a brother who retired from the Air Force just a few years ago after completing more then a 100 missions during the conflict in the Middle East.  This holiday has found me reflecting on the service of many others.  I spend some time today looking on FamilySearch where I found records of 20 men just a few generations back that were drafted into the military during both WWI and WWII. 

My father served in the Air Force and was stationed in Germany shortly after the war (WWII).  I included a quote from my father’s history of his experience that completed his time of service.

“On 21 November 1957 my student, Captain Weltzel and I were flying formation with Captain Weltzel in the back seat.  He had already been trained as a pilot in the T-33 and was now in the instructor course.  Lt. Von Gorhen and his student were in the lead aircraft.  Captain Weltzel was at the controls in the back seat.  I was enjoying the flight and relaxed with my arms upon the sides of the cockpit.  We had completed our descent from 20,000 feet and were coming in over a radio beacon at 1,500 feet to enter GCA when the lead aircraft signaled they were lowering the speed brakes.  Captain Weltzel didn’t recognize the signal so as we were advancing on the lead aircraft he pulled back all the way on the throttle and stop cocked the engine.  I lowered the speed brakes and we slowed down.  By the time we needed thrust, there was none there. 

“A pilot should not be able to stop cock the engine from the back seat in the T-33 but later it was found that some of the planes were defective and the detent was worn and this could happen.”

“Without power, we started descending.  I took over and tried to restart the engine by gang loading the fuel switch and turning on the air start switch.  The cloud ceiling was 500 feet and when we broke out under the clouds I picked out a plowed field and headed for it, reflexively pulling up to miss some power lines and we landed with gear down which is recommended in this circumstance.  There were trees a short distance ahead so we were fortunate to reach the ground in time.  The hard landing caused my student and I to suffer compression fractures of the lower thoracic and upper lumbar spine.  I apparently bumped my head and was knocked unconscious.  Two German nationals, Gotgried Grad and Ludwig Siebenhutter were nearby and pulled me from the wreckage.  Captain Weltzel was able to get out on his own.  Apparently, a few minutes after they got me a short distance from the plane it went up in flames.”

My father had guardian angels watching over him that day.  He had a purpose, a family to raise, and the Lord’s errand to complete.  He was spared that we might learn from him. 

I’m so grateful and proud of all those who have risked their lives for the freedoms that we all enjoy.  There are many in our ward who have also served in different branches of the military and a few who are actively serving.  Thank you for your service to our country and community. 

As the isolation of this pandemic is ending, there are many who are still concerned with the lasting effects of the COVID-19 virus.  I ask that everyone be respectful of others, reach out in support of those in our neighborhood.  Find ways to connect with those that you hold dear. 

Please let me know your individual concerns so we can sensitive to your needs as we start coming back together. 

We look forward to the day when we all feel comfortable with coming back to church in person.  Continue to uplift and support each other. 

We miss you all and want to see you,

• Bishop Jeff Anderson
• Highland 28th Ward
• 801-372-2072
• [email protected]
• Ward Blog: www.highland28th.org
• Dave Summers, Ward Executive Secretary
• 801-361-9224
• [email protected]
• “Stay Humble, Work Hard, & Be Kind”