Following a bit of a “frothy” Bull column last week, of which I won’t apologize for as I won’t ever take a step back from what I write in my personal column each week. That’s part of living in a country that does, and will continue to, support free speech, I turn to a big change up this week and a little more than just a bit of fresh air.
I hated missing the biggest of events last week at the state capitol, as Ong’s own Jerry Lobeda was honored on the 80th anniversary of the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day. Thirteen of Nebraska’s World War II veterans were honored by Governor Jim Pillen and the Nebraska Department of Veterans’ Affairs Directory Jon Hilger, as well as the Nebraska National Guard Adjunct General Major Craig Strong. The trio presented Jerry and 12 others medals, including Trumbull’s Ray Arnold, of which I was unaware of until a release from the oovernor’s office late last week.
Jerry and, of course, his lovely and compassionate wife, Arlene, became quick and caring dear friends of mine after moving to Clay County late May 2009.
The Lobedas have always been a strong and supportive couple of not just of what I do at the Clay County News, but of what everyone who has passed through the front door of the CCN since I came to Clay County.
I remember very well, sitting in the Lobedas kitchen one weekday afternoon doing a feature on them for a special section we used to do, called the “Senior Living” section. It featured seniors who have had and continue to have a lasting impact on life, living and supporting it to the fullest throughout their lives.
That story was featured in and around the 2013 to 2015 timeframe, I believe. But, I distinctly remember driving up their driveway for a morning interview, opening the door to my vehicle and there was Arlene and Jerry, waiting for my arrival. We sat at their kitchen table, Arlene beside me and Jerry across the table. Of course, a light breakfast was ready, small talk going on, and then the first question for the two of them...” How do your batteries let you keep going?”
At the time, Jerry and Arlene still worked Husker football, volleyball, basketball, and baseball games as “ushers/helpers.” They made trips to Lincoln non-stop to “usher,” but also enjoyed Husker events. They also worked state high school events for the university, and were present at Sutton’s 2012 state football championship game with Aquinas Catholic, as well as Sutton’s 2013 state basketball championship game with Southern Valley. They equally love high school activities, as I’ve seen them so many times at Sutton and Sandy Creek activities over the last 16 years or so years that I’ve been with CCN.
So when I received word that Jerry was going to be honored by the state for his service during World War II, I was immediately bummed that my personal schedule was already full. Thankfully, Karla Fehr’s daughter, Megan, was able to attend and cover this.
I was extremely ecstatic how this all came together to honor Jerry for his service to our country, but more importantly that his service, as you will see this week, is the feature highlight of the Clay County News this week, as it should be.
We had graduation for all three schools this past weekend, but Jerry (and Arlene) your service to Clay County, Nebraska, and our country, that’s a far bigger of a feature this week.
Thank you BOTH for your undying support for me and our CCN staff, but more importantly, Jerry, congratulations on an honor that has been such a long time coming.
Thank you so deeply for your service to YOUR country and OUR country. God Bless such an amazing couple and an amazing man for protecting and securing our rights as individuals, families, and country.
Thank you!
