Dave shares his experience with KFGO's Robbie Daniels: 

David A. “Dave” Essler
US Army
E-4

Brooten, Minnesota is where I grew up. I now live in Alexandria. I volunteered for the Army and served from January 1967 through January 1969. I spent my basic training time at Fort Lewis, Washington and then was connected to the 2nd Armored Div. where I was part of the infantry. Our unit saw time at Fort Hood, Texas; Munich, Germany; and Fort Riley, Kansas. Earning a perfect score on my physical fitness test three times was something very fun for me to achieve.

When I was through with the military, I worked in construction and installing floor coverings for many years. I now enjoy the slower pace of the retired life to the fullest.

I am a proud father of three wonderful sons, one of which is also in the military. My seven grandchildren mean so much to me, too. In my spare time I enjoy playing sports and traveling.

I am a member of the American Legion in Alexandria.

Learn more about the Honor Flight and make a donation on their website. 

Dave shares his experience with KFGO's Robbie Daniels:&nbsp;
David A. &ldquo;Dave&rdquo; Essler US Army E-4
Brooten, Minnesota is where I grew up. I now live in Alexandria. I volunteered for the Army and served from January 1967 through January 1969. I spent my basic training time at Fort Lewis, Washington and then was connected to the 2nd Armored Div. where I was part of the infantry. Our unit saw time at Fort Hood, Texas; Munich, Germany; and Fort Riley, Kansas. Earning a perfect score on my physical fitness test three times was something very fun for me to achieve.
When I was through with the military, I worked in construction and installing floor coverings for many years. I now enjoy the slower pace of the retired life to the fullest.
I am a proud father of three wonderful sons, one of which is also in the military. My seven grandchildren mean so much to me, too. In my spare time I enjoy playing sports and traveling.
I am a member of the American Legion in Alexandria.
<a href="https://veteranshonorflightofndmn.org/">Learn more about the Honor Flight and make a donation on their website.</a>&nbsp;

Veterans Honor Flight of ND/MN

May 2025 Honor Flight: Dave Essler, U.S. Army

Dennis Schumacher // US Navy // US Navy Reserve // ACTIVE DUTY RANK // E-7

Dennis was raised in Zeeland, North Dakota and now resides in Fargo. He joined the Navy, where he served from June 1968 through May 1970. After graduating basic training in Gulfport, Mississippi, he was assigned to the NMCB-58 in Davisville, Rhode Island. Dennis was a heavy duty construction mechanic, repairing all types of cranes and earth-moving equipment.

After the my active duty service, he became a civilian sailor, and went to work as a diesel tech for Cummins Diesel Sales and Service in Fargo while also partaking in the Navy Reserve for another 20 years.

Dennis is now retired from both the military and my civilian work.

He is a member of the West Fargo VFW, Harwood American Legion, Fargo DAV, and the VVA.

Dennis Schumacher // US Navy // US Navy Reserve // ACTIVE DUTY RANK // E-7
Dennis was raised in Zeeland, North Dakota and now resides in Fargo. He&nbsp;joined the Navy, where he served from June 1968 through May&nbsp;1970. After graduating basic training in Gulfport, Mississippi, he&nbsp;was assigned to the NMCB-58 in Davisville, Rhode Island. Dennis&nbsp;was a heavy duty construction mechanic, repairing all types of&nbsp;cranes and earth-moving equipment.
After the my active duty service, he became a civilian sailor, and went to work as a diesel tech for Cummins Diesel Sales and&nbsp;Service in Fargo while also partaking in the Navy Reserve for&nbsp;another 20 years.
Dennis is now retired from both the military and my civilian work.
He is a member of the West Fargo VFW, Harwood American&nbsp;Legion, Fargo DAV, and the VVA.

May 2026 Veterans Honor Flight - Dennis Schumacher, U.S. Navy

Lee Otos // US Army // SGT

Lee enlisted in the Army and began his service in August 1968, staying in until August 1971. After his basic training at Fort Lewis, Washington, he worked in communications while stationed in Germany. Earning his Sergeant rank was a huge accomplishment for him. After the Army, he moved back to North Dakota and worked in trucking for 35 years before ultimately retiring. 

Lee is a member of the West Fargo VFW and the Fargo American Legion.

Lee Otos // US Army //&nbsp;SGT
Lee enlisted in the Army and began his service in August 1968, staying in until August 1971. After his basic training at Fort Lewis, Washington, he worked in communications while stationed in Germany. Earning his Sergeant rank was a huge accomplishment for him. After the Army, he moved back to North Dakota and worked in trucking for 35 years before ultimately retiring.&nbsp;
Lee is a member of the West Fargo VFW and the Fargo American Legion.

May 2026 Veterans Honor Flight - Lee Otos, U.S. Army

James “Jim” Kloehn // US Army // E-4

Jim was drafted and off to the Army in 1971, serving through 1973. After completing basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, he became part of Co. A, 1-66 Armored (General Patton’s Original Battalion!) at Fort Hood, Texas. He worked as the BC’s driver and was very proud to have also helped some of the guys out in emergencies that the company commanders couldn’t.

After his discharge, he spent 43 years working at the BAE research and development defense contractor in the Twin Cities. After retiring, he has been working on the family farm with his 
twin brother, John.

He is a member of the American Legion in Alexandria.

________________

John Kloehn // US Army // E-4

John was drafted by the Army and served from August 1967 through December 1968. He completed basic training at Fort Campbell, Kentucky and then was assigned to the 25th Infantry Div., 4/9. He was an infantryman and saw most of his time in Germany (three months) and Vietnam (seven months). In May 1968, his unit was on a reconnaissance mission near the Cambodian border when they were ambushed. John was the only one to survive and sustained multiple injuries. He was given a Purple
Heart from Gen. James Woolnough.

After my time in the Army, he moved back to Minnesota and worked on his family’s farm. He has yet to retire and loves working outside.

John is a a 55+ year member of American Legion Post 87 and VVA Chapter 235 in Alexandria.

James &ldquo;Jim&rdquo; Kloehn // US Army // E-4
Jim was drafted and off to the Army in 1971, serving through 1973. After completing&nbsp;basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, he became part of&nbsp;Co. A, 1-66 Armored (General Patton&rsquo;s Original Battalion!) at&nbsp;Fort Hood, Texas. He worked as the BC&rsquo;s driver and was very&nbsp;proud to have also helped some of the guys out in emergencies&nbsp;that the company commanders couldn&rsquo;t.
After his discharge, he spent 43 years working at the BAE&nbsp;research and development defense contractor in the Twin Cities.&nbsp;After retiring, he has been working on the family farm with his&nbsp; twin brother, John.
He is a member of the American Legion in Alexandria.
________________
John Kloehn // US Army //&nbsp;E-4
John was drafted by the Army and served from August&nbsp;1967 through December 1968. He completed basic training at Fort&nbsp;Campbell, Kentucky and then was assigned to the 25th Infantry&nbsp;Div., 4/9. He was an infantryman and saw most of his time in Germany (three months) and Vietnam (seven months). In May&nbsp;1968, his unit was on a reconnaissance mission near the&nbsp;Cambodian border when they were ambushed. John was the only one&nbsp;to survive and sustained multiple injuries. He was given a Purple Heart from Gen. James Woolnough.
After my time in the Army, he moved back to Minnesota and&nbsp;worked on his family&rsquo;s farm. He has yet to retire and loves&nbsp;working outside.
John is a a 55+ year member of American Legion Post 87 and VVA&nbsp;Chapter 235 in Alexandria.

May 2025 Honor Flight: Dave Essler, U.S. Army

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