Dakota County Veterans Interviews
Wednesday, August 20, 2025
Military service experiences in Southeast Asia
Transition to civilian life and veteran integration
American Legion and Vietnam Veterans of America involvement
Missing in Action (MIA) recovery efforts and closure
Personal accounts of Army Ranger service
The cost of freedom and military sacrifice
Donation of organs after service-related death
Motivation for joining the military
Notable Quotes (3)
I found all that exciting and those were the things that when I reflect back at it, it was kind of an exciting time. I never felt I was in danger.
He wasn't a machine repair guy or engine repair guy. I honestly don't think that Rangers have what the military calls an MOS.
Someone reached for a defiill and discovered that it had no batteries in it. And then they discovered that the oxygen tank that Ben was breathing from had a service alarm going off.
People (7)
Air Force veteran who served in Southeast Asia, missile guidance and control technician.
Army veteran, clerk typist, member of MIA Hunters.
Parent of an Army Ranger killed in Afghanistan in 2009.
Parent of an Army soldier killed in Afghanistan in 2011.
Founding member of the MIA Hunters search group, passed away in 2015.
Army Ranger who died in Afghanistan in 2009 after a cardiac arrest in a medical facility.
Killed in action in Afghanistan, April 2011.
Places Mentioned
Events & Meetings (5)
- 19 January 1966 - 18 January 1968: John Michael Lane active duty
- July 2009: Benjamin Cop injury and death in Afghanistan
- June 2009: Flag line arrival at Holman Field
- May 2009: MIA Hunters missions (May 2-15 and May 14-27)
- April 15, 2011: Joseph Allen Kennedy killed in action