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MHS Class of 1966 classmates Roger Bishop, Ellen Smith Grebe and Tom Erickson created a tri-fold poster honoring classmates and other Midlanders who died while serving in the Vietnam War.
Roger Bishop speaks at the Midland High School Vietnam plaque ceremony on May 6, 2022 at Midland First United Methodist Church.
Greg Purtell speaks at the Midland High School Vietnam plaque ceremony on May 6, 2022 at Midland First United Methodist Church.
Steve Schuman speaks at the Midland High School Vietnam plaque ceremony on May 6, 2022 at Midland First United Methodist Church.
Guests attend the Midland High School Vietnam plaque ceremony on May 6, 2022 at Midland First United Methodist Church.
A plaque commemorates 14 Midland High School alumni who died during the Vietnam War.
Judy Bishop speaks at the Midland High School Vietnam plaque ceremony on May 6, 2022 at Midland First United Methodist Church.
Greg Purtell presents a plaque to Steve Schuman at the Midland High School Vietnam plaque ceremony on May 6, 2022 at Midland First United Methodist Church.
Guests attend the Midland High School Vietnam plaque ceremony on May 6, 2022 at Midland First United Methodist Church.
Fourteen Midland High School alumni were killed in action during the Vietnam War. Over 50 years later, their memories were honored on Friday with a plaque presentation and dedication service.
The endeavor to honor these fallen soldiers began in 2015, when MHS class of 1966 classmates Roger Bishop, Ellen Smith Grebe and Tom Erickson created a tri-fold poster listing the names of the 14 young men – ranging from MHS classes 1964 to 1967 – who died in the Vietnam War.
The poster was displayed at several MHS class reunions as well as the school’s Veterans Day celebration in 2018.
While talking with MHS administration, Bishop expressed a desire to have the poster permanently displayed. He was put in contact with history teacher Connie Steger, who then worked with Bishop and others to put a plaque together. Together, they found Geri Horsley to engrave the inscriptions and Jon Horton to craft the sign’s wooden back.
In constructing the plaque, the decision was made to use the men’s high school pictures instead of their official military pictures for a more personal touch.
“When we saw (their high school pictures), everybody knew who they were,” Bishop said. “That’s the reaction we wanted.”
Meanwhile, Bishop conducted research on the men, reaching out to their families – with the help of MHS classmates – as well as local resources when the touring Vietnam Wall came to the region.
Bishop, who went to school with each of the 14 fallen soldiers, knew about half of them personally and a handful very well.
“I’ve always said that everything about this is for them,” Bishop said. “It’s something they never got and the family never got.”
The finished plaque honors 14 young men who attended Midland High School, served in either the Army or the Marines, and were killed in action during the Vietnam War:
On Friday, about 150 people attended a dedication service for the plaque at Midland First United Methodist Church. Guests included representatives from local veterans’ organizations, MHS alumni from classes 1964-1968, and family members and friends of the 14 fallen soldiers.
“May this plaque serve to remind us all to live courageously, make and keep commitments, and to serve, even if it calls for sacrifice,” said the Rev. Jeffrey Maxwell during the opening prayer.
Ashton Bortz, district chief of staff for U.S. Rep. John Moolenaar, and Steve Tracy, a Vietnam War veteran and member of the Midland American Legion Post 165, read the names of the fallen while a bell was rung. Dave Selley played taps on his trumpet.
The plaque, which Bishop originally intended to hang in Midland High School, is currently on display at American Legion Post 165 on Hedgewood Drive. It was officially presented by Vietnam combat veteran Greg Purtell to Steve Schuman, commander of Sons of the American Legion at Post 165.
“This is one of the greatest honors of my life,” Purtell said. “I appreciate Roger (Bishop) asking me to do this.”
“For me, this plaque is a reminder of both the 14 who did not come back as well as their families,” Schuman said. “I pledge that I and everyone at the Legion will honor their memories.”
After the ceremony, guests were invited to take a closer look at the plaque before heading to the American Legion for dinner.
Among the family members present were Donald and Debra Sherwood of Midland, representing Debra’s cousin, Michael Cox. Debra was 4 years old when Cox was killed, but remembers attending his funeral.
Ron Sexton of Midland and Terry Beehr of Mount Pleasant came to honor their good friend, Alan Groom.
“They did so much for us and did everything they could for their country,” Beehr said. “We appreciate it.
“Terry and Alan stood up with me in our wedding. Less than two months later, I was (Alan’s) pallbearer,” Sexton said. “It was tough.”
“It means a lot for the plaque to be at the American Legion because Michael’s dad was a Marine in the Korean War and my dad was in the Navy in World War II. Michael’s brother, Chris, was also in Vietnam in the Army,” Debra said. “It’s very special.”
“It’s been a long time coming and I’m glad it all came together so well,” Donald said.
Victoria Ritter grew up in Midland and after earning a degree in English at Grand Valley State University, returned. She joined the Daily News as its newsroom clerk, and eventually began editing obituaries, and in 2016 wrote her first article. She loves the arts, from reading and creative writing to catching a movie or singing in her church choir.
