Not only did our early day legionnaires have a strong spirit of patriotism, but those who follow also share their strong feelings of patriotism and service to our country. While we are not aware of others, three families of recent years are noted. These families grew up in the Clark area and have had three or more members in the military during the same period of time. They include the families of Walter Lewis, Bruce Brekke and Robert McGraw. All three of these men have held membership in the post at the time.

Walter Lewis was a Marine Corporal during the Korean Conflict. Three of his four sons chose careers in the military including Lieutenant Colonel Darin Lewis, Colonel David Lewis and SSGT Jayson Lewis (Rank held at time of writing). A display honoring the family has been placed in the hall with pictures of all four veterans, a citation along with the flag that flew over their headquarters while in Iraq, and a brief biography of each of them.

First Sergeant Bruce Brekke and his two sons had a unique experience not usually shared by a father and sons. Staff Sergeant Joel Brekke and Captain Ryan Brekke followed their father into 2nd Bn, 147th FA, South Dakota Army National Guard as members of the same unit. In December 2003 they were activated and served 14 months in Operation Iraqi Freedom II at Camp Cedar and Talill Air Force Base, Iraq. 1SG Brekke oversaw the Headquarters Battery with 119 unit members. Captain Brekke headed the communications mission for the Battalion’s 458 members at different locations throughout southern Iraq. SSGT Brekke traveled to the various Battery sites installing and repairing communication systems. Part of their duties made it possible to communicate back home both with telephone and skype/computer access. 1SG Brekke and SSGT Brekke returned to the United States in February 2005. Captain Brekke returned in late March after a follow-up mission in Kuwait. 1SG Bruce Brekke retired in 2008 with 38 years of service and SSG Joel Brekke retired in 2010 with over 22 years. Captain Ryan Brekke, now Major Brekke is still active.

Staff Sergeant Robert McGraw, son Sergeant Chris McGraw and brother Sergeant Reed McGraw, all members of Headquarters/Headquarters Service Battery (HHS), 2nd Battalion, 147th Field Artillery, SDANG of Watertown, SD were activated in December 2003. The unit trained in Fort Sill Oklahoma and was flown to Iraq. Their plane was the first commercial jet to fly over Baghdad since 1990.
SSGT Rob was a communications systems supervisor responsible for maintaining all equipment to communicate with troops in the field destroying confiscated enemy ammunition, which was made up mostly of mortar and artillery rounds. Rob spent time at 7 different camps during his tour with temperatures ranging from 146 degrees to 28 degrees. Sergeant Chris was charged with setting up the satellite systems for internet
communications. These systems were the life line for the troops in the field as well as for the families back home. Chris spent the latter half of his tour with his dad.
Sergeant Reed ran the maintenance shop for all communications equipment. Other units in the area soon learned that they could bring their equipment there, rather than send it away.
SSGT Robert McGraw retired from the guard in December 2005 with 30 1/2 years of service. His brother Reed is still active and son Chris was discharged in 2008.

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