5 more area veterans presented Quilts of Valor in ceremony

Published 8:00 pm Tuesday, November 21, 2023

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Members of the Albert Lea American Legion Auxiliary presented quilts Friday to five more veterans in the area with Legion members.

Receiving recognition were James Balk, Larry Beck, Lynn Berven, Larry LaRue and Orrion Roisen.

Quilter Catherine Roberts started the Quilts of Valor movement in 2003 when her son was deployed in Iraq. Since then, over 362,000 quilts have been awarded. The mission is to honor service members and veterans who have been touched by war with comforting and healing Quilts of Valor.

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Balk served in the U.S. Navy from 1968 to 1972. He completed his basic training in Pensacola, Florida, where he served as a pilot. He was also a primary flight instructor and ground safety officer there and in Corpus Christi, Texas.

After his discharge, he farmed in Nobles County and then worked at Bridon Cordage.

Beck served in the U.S. Navy from 1963 to 1967 and completed his basic training in Great Lakes, Illinois. He was stationed at Long Beach Naval Station aboard the USS Brinkley Bass DD887 as a gunners mate.

He served two tours in Vietnam, and after serving, he worked 23 years at Wilson & Co. and 15 years at Fleet Guard in Lake Mills.

Berven served in the U.S. Navy from 1969 to 1973 and completed his basic training at the Naval Training Center in San Diego. While stationed, he was aboard USS Vreeland DE 1068 and USS W.S. Sims DE 1059 as a cook. He also served at the Naval Air Station in Jacksonville, Florida.

After his discharge, he went to Riverland and worked in retail.

LaRue served in the U.S. Army from 1965 to 1967, completing his basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. He was stationed in Fort Lewis, Washington. When in Vietnam, he was a cook, medic and also did water purification. He received the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Overseas Service Bar and Expert M-14 Rifle.

After serving, he did carpentry work with his dad and went to school for welding. He worked at Holmsten Ice Rinks, Vasco, Pro Manufacturing and SAR Manufacturing.

Roisen served in the U.S. Army from 1955 to 1957 and then until 1965 in the National Guard. He completed his basic training in Fort Carson, Colorado, and was stationed at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri; Fort Devens, Massachusetts; and Fort Drum, New York as infantry squad leader. He received the good conduct medal.

After discharge, he worked for the Albert Lea Co-op Creamery and the Albert Lea Fire Department from 1960 to when he retired as chief in 1997.