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Brooklyn Ruritan Club honors veterans with special program
Southeast Iowa Union offers audio versions of articles using Instaread. Some words may be mispronounced.
BROOKLYN — A special event for veterans of all branches of service was held at the Michael J. Manatt Community Center in Brooklyn Wednesday, Nov. 12.
Hosted by the Brooklyn Ruritan Club, this year’s event drew an estimated 150 guests, including veterans, their spouses, family and friends, for an evening of recognition, camaraderie good food and remembrance.
Veterans came from Brooklyn, Victor, Malcom, Grinnell, Montezuma and Deep River. The Brooklyn Ruritan Club has been hosting this annual veterans event for more than 15 years.
The guest speaker was Matt Stutzman, better known as the armless archer.
Stutzman, who was born without arms, shared his journey from being adopted as a baby by a Mennonite couple from Kalona, to learning to shoot a bow and earning a gold medal in archery at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.
Stutzman battled the number 1, 2 and 3 ranked archers during single elimination and secured his gold medal by setting a Paralympic Games record by shooting a 149 out of 150 in the final match.
Stutzman shared stories of growing up and learning to milk a cow with his feet. He shared a story of the time he unsuccessfully tried to become a bull rider with the help of his brothers using a shocker on the family bull.
“I got up and dressed like a cowboy,” he said of that day.
After that failed bulling riding attempt at age 12, Stutzman decided he was going to be the best at something in life.
“My parents taught me how to adapt to the world,” he said.
Stutzman learned at an early age to have the mindset of what it takes to be the best and to lead by example. He said he wouldn’t want his life to be any different.
Stutzman said he bought his first bow with his last $300 and learning how to shot it in two days. He talked about trying to get a job to provide for his family and, because he had no arms, no one would hire him.
He used his bow and shot a deer.
“I finally figured out how to provide for my family,” he told the gathering. “It made me feel good.”
He also touched on the importance of family to him.
Stutzman drag races and has hit 216 miles per hour in his 1968 Camaro at the Eddyville Raceway. He even built his own racecar.
Stutzman closed his presentation by thanking the veterans for their dedication and service to the country.
A traditional Thanksgiving meal of ham and turkey with sides was prepared by the Brooklyn Ruritan Club and served to the guests during the program.
Five Brooklyn veterans were recognized for their longtime membership in Brooklyn American Legion Post 294. Those honored were Ron Clayton, 60 years, Navy; Danny Griffith, 60 years, Army; Charlie Ormiston, 60 years, Navy; John Morton, 50 years, branch of service unknown; and Bryan Beaderstadt, 50 years, Army.
Clayton was the only veteran present to receive the honor in person. The other men will receive their membership recognition at a later date.
Don Lastovka led in the singing of “America,” Rusty Clayton recognized guests and Guylain Yumba, minister of Brooklyn’s Grace United Methodist Church, provided the invocation.
Roger Van Ersvelde, explained the Fallen Soldier Table stationed at the event. Launa Judge, a Ruritan rising senior, gave a patriotic reading, and Emma Toman, a freshman at BGM and Ruritan Club member, led the gathering in the Pledge of Allegiance.
At the close of the evening, nine veterans were awarded Quilts of Valor. They were John Meyer, Army; Rodney Horrigan, Marines; Jack Hall, Army; Bob Collum, Army; Robert Ryan, Army; Gary VanTomme, Army; Gary Hash, Army; Daryl Brau who was received a quilt on behalf of his dad, Don, an Army veteran; and John Banzoff, Air Force.
Harold Nevehoven, an Army veteran, was honored with a Quilt of Valor at the BGM Veterans Day program at the school Nov. 11.
Two other Brooklyn veterans slated to receive Quilts of Valor at a later date are Dennis VerCande, Army; and Jack Lang, Army.
“It’s a great event that’s put on to honor our veterans,” said Greg Thompson, a member of the Brooklyn Sons of the American Legion in memory of his dad, Steve Thompson.
“We really enjoyed listening to the guest speaker, Matt Stutzman and hearing his story about growing up with no arms, overcoming so many things, then going on to becoming the 2024 Paralympian Gold Medalist in archery.
“We got to meet him, get a picture with him and hold his gold medal. What a great inspiration Matt is.”
“I attended the Veterans meal with my husband, Greg and I have to say … it was an honor to be there,” said Angie Thompson. “You’re surrounded by so many amazing veterans from all different ages and branches of the military.
“Hearing some veterans talk to each other about their own experiences they had when they were in the service, or what war they were in, made me think of my Dad, Glenn Stevenson,” said Angie. “My dad was in the U.S. Navy, based on the USS Freestone Ship, and fought in World War II. In a way, being there with all these Veterans, made me feel like I was honoring my dad, by showing support for all the veterans that were there. It really is a great event that’s put on for our local veterans every year.”
“This is a great event for the veterans,” noted Justin Prior, a member of the Brooklyn Sons of the American Legion. “The Ruritans and the American Legion 294 do a good job honoring the local and area veterans. It’s always a good time being a part of this program.”
“We enjoy it every year,” said Jim Zigler, a U.S. Army Veteran. “The Ruritans do a great job.”
“This is an outstanding event,” said Ed Evans with the Deep River American Legion. “Every town’s Veterans Day event should be exactly like this.”
“The Ruritans have outdone themselves in honoring the veterans of the wars of the United States,” said Rodney Horrigan, a U.S. Marine veteran and trained F8 fighter pilot during the Vietnam War.
“The Ruritan Club does a nice job honoring the veterans,” said Tom Ryan. “It is very much appreciated. It gives veterans a chance to see people they haven’t seen in a while.”
