Memorial service started with a vision of one
Hello! The sun has just set on another service at the Iowa firefighters Memorial in Coralville Iowa. Year after year the memorial service honors our brothers and sisters that served their communities with pride and dignity. This was the 28th annual service at the memorial that began back in 1994. It’s a place that some will take for granted with no thought of how it came to be.
It all started with the vision of one and the support of many. As you walk into the Memorial there is a dedication plaque the reads “Iowa Firefighters Memorial, Dedicated April 10, 1994, Memorial Committee, Mike Reuman, David Abbas, Brian Freund, Bob Platz, Leon Abels, Richard Harman, Kirk Rice, Randy Bracken, Henry Herwig, Paul Ryan, Tom Campbell, Bud Hollar, Paul Shellhase, Roger Duello, Steve Kenkel, Don Scott, John Dvorak, Marlyn Lyons, Kendal Warne, Sculptor Rick Poldberg." These men made this dream a reality from the idea to the fundraising, construction, and the dedication, they made it a reality and every fire department in every city in Iowa should be forever grateful for what they done. The best way to show our appreciation to these men is to continue to support the financial needs of the memorial. Currently they are fundraising for another wall expansion and need our support. At your next meeting I ask that you consider donating to the memorial to make the wall expansion a reality before the current walls fill up.
Back in May Roger, Marv and I traveled to Washington DC to attend the NVFC spring meeting and to meet with our legislatures to push the NVFC agenda. This year the main topics were revenue support for AFG, Safer, VFA, Siren grants, and the newly proposed fire station grant. We also discussed the national firefighter cancer registry which is up and running and the first responder housing act. All in all, it was a productive trip with some time for some sightseeing. We toured the monuments/memorials and spent some time in the Air and Space and American history Smithsonian museums. I thank the membership for allowing us the opportunity to attend these events in support of the fire service.
While in DC we received the tragic news that my friend, and past president, Jack Runge had passed away. Jack’s funeral was held on Wednesday May 24th in Buckeye. The service was lined with red coats, honor guard, firefighters, electricians, farmers, friends, and family. Jack touched so many of us by teaching firefighting classes, serving on coop, church, and association boards not to mention just knowing he would have the answer to our questions on the other end of the line anytime we needed some guidance. My condolences go out to Terri, Charlie and the entire Runge family, as well as all his friends. We will remember and reminisce about Jack for many years to come as he will be remembered as one of the greats. Until next time serve with pride.
Chuck Raska,
President
Iowa Firefighters Association