The Ox Cart Days Veterans Recognition Ceremony, made possible by the Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Committee, will take place this Saturday, August 20, at 9:30 a.m. at the Trinity Lutheran Church. This year, the Veterans being recognized are Matt Genereux, Nick Genereux, Becky Kofoed, and Cole Perry.
Matt Genereux entered Army National Guard in Moorhead, MN, in 2002 and served active duty in Al-Fallujah, Iraq, and Camp Ta-Kum-Ta for 16 months from 2006 to 2007 and left in November 2008. While in Iraq, he was one of eight medics detached to the Bravo Infantry Unit out of Crookston, where he would travel with the patrols and take care of any injured soldiers until they could get them back to base, with the goal being within an hour. He was also a part of the clinics for the Iraqi civilians, such as helping with schools, supply issues, and getting clean water. One of Matt’s main reasons for joining the service was the attack on 9/11, and believed he had to step up to take care of the nation. “I just want to say thank you to the people that nominated and selected me to be recognized, said Genereux, “It’s humbling, and I appreciate it.”
Nick Genereux entered the Minnesota Army National Guard in 2003 and was also a medic like his brother and served for six years and four months. “I was stationed with the Bravo Company here from Crookston when we were deployed, and as a medic,” said Nick, “I went out on patrols wherever they were going for the day and was there if we were needed and to do other daily tasks for the mission that we were doing.” Nick provided medical needs if needed and assist with other tasks the soldiers were given. Nick said he joined the service to serve his country and gain some of the educational benefits offered to him during his service.
Becky Kofoed entered the United States Navy right out of high school as a part of the Delayed Entry Program in early 2000 and entered active duty in September of 2000 as an Aviation Ordnanceman on a Naval Aircraft Carrier. She served on the aircraft carrier for five years with a diverse population of about 55,000 people from around the country and worked with them to build and prepare bombs that would be loaded onto aircrafts to be delivered to their destinations. Kofoed had an uncle who also served in the Navy before her, and she heard many stories about the service from him. “I am absolutely honored to be recognized alongside the other three this Saturday,” said Kofoed, “I feel privileged to have been able to serve in the United States Navy, and I feel like this community has been incredibly supportive since the first day of my return from the military and helping me acclimate back to a civilian life.”
Cole Perry entered the US Army in Fargo, ND, on September 5, 2006. Cole’s friend Larry Tucker was his role model. He had heard what Larry had gone through and thought he should serve his country. Cole stated that it was only four years – he could handle that.
Cole entered basic training at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, with a completion date of December 2006. He then deployed to Baumholder, Germany, from January 2007 to January 2008. He then deployed to Iraq from January 2008 to May 2009. Cole returned to Baumholder until November 2009. His MOS was a Fire Support Specialist – called in for support artillery AC130 gunship. In Iraq, Cole was in the Infantry with the same platoon. He returned to the United States at Fort Polk, Louisiana, and was discharged on October 22, 2010, with the rank of Sergeant.
The Ox Cart Days Veterans Recognition Ceremony will be held this Saturday, August 20, at 9:30 a.m. at the Trinity Lutheran Church, with the event sponsored by the Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Committee.
