U.S. Air Force Themed display installed at the North Dakota Veterans Home

  • Published
  • By David H Lipp
  • 119th Wing

Three North Dakota National Guard volunteers completed a task begun by retired Maj. Gen. Darrol Schroeder over five years ago when they installed a U.S. Air Force commemorative B-25 propeller display on the grounds of the North Dakota Veterans Home, Lisbon, N.D., Wednesday, Sept. 1, 2021.

Schroeder was member of the governing board of the N.D. Veterans home, served as Commandant and always felt there should be an Air Force display among the military equipment on the grounds. Sadly, he passed away March 3, 2019, before he could see the culmination of his efforts.

During his distinguished career, he held the position of Chief of Staff, Headquarters, North Dakota Air National Guard; the Air National Guard Assistant to the Commander in Chief of NORAD/Space Command, Colorado Springs, CO; and later to the Commander, US Air Force, Europe.

Retired Maj. Gen. Alex Macdonald, former North Dakota adjutant general and 119th Wing commander, picked up the torch and championed the cause for his friend and colleague.

Command Sgt. Maj. Eric Binstock, the N.D. National Guard state senior enlisted leader, Chief Master Sgt. Duane Kangas, the N.D. Air National Guard state command chief, and Chief Master Sgt. Chris Walberg, 119th Wing, took the task to fruition when they completed the installation along the veteran’s home drive Wed., Sept. 1, 2021. They were assisted by Shawn Mcleod, the veterans home maintenance supervisor and Mark Johnson, the veterans home administrator.

Several veterans home residents watched the installation, and Vietnam War veterans Bob Cooper, U.S. Navy, and Roger Roles, U.S. Air Force, enjoyed the display so much that they asked to have their photo taken beside it.