American Legion Post 14 Commander Wakonabo addresses Veterans Day program

Gabriel Wakonabo knows firsthand about the sacrifices made by veterans of the United States Armed Forces.

Wakonabo shared his message about being receptive to veterans at the annual Veterans Tribute held Friday by the Paul Bunyan Senior Activity Center.

“Having the support of your community, I think that’s important,” Wakonabo said.

A self-described “hometown boy,” he never imagined life would take him to the places he’s been.

Wakonabo, a former Marine corporal and commander of the American Legion Post 14, served overseas twice. He first served in 2003, during the initial invasion of Iraq, and again in 2004 to relieve the 82nd airborne unit in Fallujah.

He understands the challenges many veterans encounter once they enter civilian life again. During the ceremony, Wakonabo expressed his gratitude for fellow veterans and all the support Bemidji has given them.

Wakonabo, 30, also pointed out that sacrifices are not only made by those in service, but also by loved ones back home.

Wakonabo’s mother, Stella, also spoke at the ceremony. She talked about her son’s experience and about the obligations of citizens to help veterans.

Stella has seen both of her sons go off to serve their country. It’s something that hasn’t been easy for her. Every year since 2003, at least one of her children has been deployed overseas.

Every time Stella hears news of a marine’s death, she holds her breath.

Her eldest son, Earl, is a gunnery sergeant with a MARSOC unit. When a Marine helicopter crashed recently, Stella feared the worst.

“My son works with those people. He’s on those helicopters all the time,” Stella said, holding back tears. “It could have easily been him. It’s a lot of anxiety and a lot of prayer.”

Fortunately, Earl was not on board the helicopter that crashed. Stella is thankful every time she has seen her son come home safely.

“This is a healing for me, too. It’s really hard having a son at war almost every year,” Stella said. “One would come home and one would go over.”

The Wakonabo family are always appreciative of the sacrifices made by those who gave their lives to their country.

Approximately 75 people turned up to celebrate Veterans Day at the Senior Center. The Third Street Senior Singers sang in support of veterans.

Among the attendees were veterans spanning several generations.

Rick Kohler, a veteran of the Vietnam War, said he joined the Air Force to follow in his father’s footsteps.

“My biological father was killed on Omaha Beach,” Kohler said. “I thought if it was good enough for him to die for, it’s good enough for me.”

Kohler appreciated the warm and comforting setting that was provided at the Senior Center to celebrate the national holiday.

Doug Coutlee, a second lieutenant in the Civil Air Patrol, came to help out with the event and to honor those who serve.

“It’s a day to show them how much we appreciate their service,” Coutlee said. “I feel extremely blessed to be able to come and help out with this event.”