Patriot Day – Veterans and first responders honored at annual event

By Mike Mallow

Editor, Grant County Herald

It has been a quarter century since the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. 

On that day, firefighters, EMS crews and police officers risked and gave their lives to save and protect those in harm’s way.

In the days and months that followed, military personnel were put into service to ensure a day like Sept. 11 never happened again.

The day after the anniversary, Beyond the Yellow Ribbon of Grant County held its 7th annual Patriot Day event. It is held in a different Grant County City each year on the first Saturday after Sept. 11. This year, the event was held in Barrett, at Barrett Lakeside Pavilion.

The morning began with a Sept. 11 tribute and moment of silence, along with an invocation before breakfast was served.

The first speaker was Dawn Wiedewitsch with Patriot Assistance Dogs. The non-profit group trains rescued dogs as service dogs for veterans with PTSD at no cost to the recipient.

Along with Wiedewitsch, veterans with service dogs spoke about how the organization helped them.

The day was broken up with an auction by Auctioneer Jerome Hanson. The fundraising from the event supports veterans and first responders as requested when needed, according to Beyond the Yellow Ribbon of Grant County Chair Sue Kulbeik.

“We have contributed over $32,000 to things like rent, mortgage, utilities, phone service, gas and food,” Kulbeik said. “We also support all three school districts in Grant County—Ashby, Herman and West Central. We have given out $30,000 in scholarships.”

Following the first round of the auction, Grant County Sheriff Jennifer Vipond spoke.

Certificates and awards were given to emergency personnel reaching milestones this year. Awarded certificates for serving 10 or more years were Chris Lohse, Tony Lien, Renae Lien, Matt Allen and Logan Engebretson.

Scott Beech was awarded for being a new member of the Barrett Fire and Rescue.

Individuals honored for having 20 or more years in emergency services were Jade Gehrke with Elbow Lake Fire and Rescue, Jason Puchalski with Barrett Fire and Rescue, and Heidi Huntley with Hoffman Ambulance.

Local veterans were next honored. Receiving the 2026 Veteran Community Impact Award were Pete Amundson of Ashby and Gay Ekberg of Herman.

 According to the description, Amundson is an Army National Guard veteran who “dedicated his life to community service, supporting local projects, Ashby Appreciation Days, and youth safety.

Ekberg was described as a “remarkable leader with over 50 years of community service.” She was a naval reserves veteran selected as one of only 15 women nationwide for the junior officer candidate program.

Ekberg was also a speech pathologist, is a co-founder of Lawndale Farm, a local historian, and a member of the American Legion.

Susan Frykman of Quilts of Valor in Fergus Falls presented a quilt to Paul Schuler of Elbow Lake.

The mission of Quilts of Valor is to cover service members and veterans touched by war with “comforting, healing quilts.”

Schuler served for six years. He was stationed in Vietnam for two years as a combat engineer with the 818th Engineer Battalion. He earned a Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, overseas bars, and was honorably discharged at the rank of E5.

The Patriot Award, which is not given out every year, was awarded to Hanson for his many contributions to veterans, including conducting the event’s auction.

“His live auctions have raised tens of thousands of dollars—our primary funding source—to help with our programs and services,” Robert Larsen said.

Lastly, Larsen was surprised with a certificate of recognition from the governor. He was previously surprised with recognition during a WNBA game on Aug. 2 at the Target Center, but the certificate was held until Saturday’s event, and presented by his wife, Tammy.