Many of you recall that our friend and classmate Bob Connor died this past Sept 30th while on vacation with his wife Nanette in California.
Only after several of us attended Bob’s funeral service did we find out about Bob’s many connections to military service and veteran’s organizations.
After visiting with several people at Bob’s wake we realized letting the guys in the class of 63 know about Bob’s significant contributions would be most appropriate. Joe Schufman was anxious to get this info out to all the guys in the class of 63 not just in one memo but on a spotlighted feature on the Class of 63 web site.
I then called Bob’s wife Nanette and asked her what she thought of the idea. Nanette was pleased to contribute some of Bob’s involvement with military service and veterans’ organizations and was anxious to share it with his Cretin Classmates.
Following you will see what Bob’s wife provided to share with the class.
Tom Troskey
I am including the information related to Bob’s service and his involvement with military fraternal organizations for possible inclusion in his entry on the site. You have my permission to add it to his entry as you see fit. I have probably included too much information, but it was easier for me than editing it would have been.
Bob served in the U.S. Army as a First Lieutenant in the position of a basic training officer and as a combat platoon leader. He was awarded the Vietnam Service Medal, Purple Heart and Combat Infantry Badge. He was wounded on March 27, 1969. His injuries from his wounds included a shattered knee cap, severed nerves in one foot and residual shrapnel in his face, arms, torso and legs.
In 1972 Bob became a life member of the Disabled American Veterans (DAV); The DAV is a congressionally chartered organization dedicated to obtaining benefits and care for disabled veterans, their widows and dependents. He served as National 4th Junior Vice Commander, National Executive Committeeman, State Judge Advocate, State Legislative Coordinator and State Commander and Commander of his local chapter at various times. He also served on the Board of Directors of the Minnesota DAV Thrift stores.
Bob was also a life member of the Military Order of the Purple Heart. He was very active in the organization, serving both local chapter and state level positions. Bob served as State Adjutant for 16 years and had recently assumed the position for a second time.
He also held membership in the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign War.
As a member of the DAV and the Military Order of the Purple Heart, Bob represented their legislative goals at both the State and National level. He enjoyed following the legislative and congressional action and in being actively involved in lobbying efforts. But his most satisfactory involvement was on a personal level of interaction with other veterans. Bob was always available to listen and give advice and comfort to his fellow veterans. He was the go-to guy when a veteran needed a ride, he volunteered at the VA hospital and the Hastings veterans’ home. Bob also served as the Viola Chairman for the Military Purple Heart organization, managing the production and national distribution of the fundraising viola supplies for the organization.
Nanette Connor