For this Memorial Day, Access Home Care and Hospice would like to memorialize the many veterans that have served our country. Over the years we have had the privilege and honor of caring for many men and women who have sacrificed for the cause of freedom around the world. Whether it was in Iraq for Desert Storm or on the war torn beaches in Normandy during World War II, the patients of Access Home Care and Hospice have experienced extraordinary courage and valor both at home and abroad. As a demonstration of gratitude to those who have done so much to protect and defend our freedoms and liberties, Access would like to highlight some of the men and women we have previously or are currently caring for. Please join us this Memorial Day in saying THANK YOU to our nation's veterans.Ernest "Coop" Cooper
Ernest Cooper lives in Grace, Idaho and served in the Army during WWII under General Bradley, then later under General Patton. He was part of a heavy artillery gunning crew that stormed Utah Beach one day after D-Day (June 6th, 1944). His crew was credited with taking down 12 enemy bombers. Although enlisting at only 16 years old (his parents signed a waiver), he participated in four key campaigns - Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland, and Central Europe. His unit was also involved in the Battle of the Bulge and he also drew Military Police duties where he was assigned to guard German SS troops at a liberated concentration camp. He tells of an amazing story where he was caught alone in a field while a low flying German fighter plane came over the hill right in front of him. He made eye contact with the pilot and pulled up his rifle and shot into the cockpit. The plane kept flying until it eventually crashed and blew up a few miles away. He wasn't sure if it went down solely because of his shot, but he likes to think so! Ernest was honorably discharged in 1945 and later awarded various medals of honor, including the most prestigious accolade given to Native American soldiers.
Harry Klee
Harry Klee lives in Ogden, Utah and served as a Staff Sergeant in WWII. He was stationed in Northern Africa, Cicily, and participated in the battle of Anzio Beach in Italy. He ended the war in Berlin after being shot in the leg. While in France he tells of a story when his unit found and slaughtered a cow for fresh meat. What a soldier would do for fresh beef! He was later awarded the Purple Heart for being wounded in combat.
John and June Dudunake
John and June Dudunake of Inkom, Idaho both served in the Marine Core during WWII. June served as a Marine Corporal, stationed in New Jersey. She was parachute rigger and also rigged other safety equipment for pilots.
John served in the South Pacific, 1st Offensive Action, in the Solomon Islands. Charged with the duty of overtaking the"unmanned" island of Gavutu, John's battalion came under heavy Japanese fire as their boats approached the shore. His battalion received the nickname "The Battalion of the Damned," as they were outnumbered by the Japanese 4-1 (A book has been written on this battle, go here to see more). Over 80% of the entire battalion was killed and John was shot in the neck by an exploding Japanese bullet. He was counted as dead because of losing consciousness due to the loss of blood and was even put on a boat with other dead marines. He was later found to be alive and was sent to New Caledonia and New Zealand for treatment. Subsequently, John's mother was notified of his death and his family held a funeral service in his home town. John went back to the states and had more surgeries on his neck and surgeons eventually gave up on removing all the metal (he still has pieces in his neck today). He wanted to return to the South Pacific after his wounds healed but his Commanding Officer would not allow him and stationed John in New Jersey where he met his wife, June. John received many awards for valor and commitment to the US Marines - Purple Heart, Presidential Citation, Citation for 1st Offensive Action, 2 stars for oversea service, among many others.
To see great videos honoring our veterans, visit our last year blog by going here.
- The Access Home Care and Hospice Team
John served in the South Pacific, 1st Offensive Action, in the Solomon Islands. Charged with the duty of overtaking the"unmanned" island of Gavutu, John's battalion came under heavy Japanese fire as their boats approached the shore. His battalion received the nickname "The Battalion of the Damned," as they were outnumbered by the Japanese 4-1 (A book has been written on this battle, go here to see more). Over 80% of the entire battalion was killed and John was shot in the neck by an exploding Japanese bullet. He was counted as dead because of losing consciousness due to the loss of blood and was even put on a boat with other dead marines. He was later found to be alive and was sent to New Caledonia and New Zealand for treatment. Subsequently, John's mother was notified of his death and his family held a funeral service in his home town. John went back to the states and had more surgeries on his neck and surgeons eventually gave up on removing all the metal (he still has pieces in his neck today). He wanted to return to the South Pacific after his wounds healed but his Commanding Officer would not allow him and stationed John in New Jersey where he met his wife, June. John received many awards for valor and commitment to the US Marines - Purple Heart, Presidential Citation, Citation for 1st Offensive Action, 2 stars for oversea service, among many others.To see great videos honoring our veterans, visit our last year blog by going here.
THANK YOU TO ALL THOSE WHO STAND AND FIGHT FOR FREEDOM
- The Access Home Care and Hospice Team
