Local veterans take part in Western North Dakota Honor Flight

For Larry Nelson of Watford City and Harold Larson of Arnegard, military service took them far from home. This fall, both veterans took part in the Western North Dakota Honor Flight, joining fellow veterans in recognition of their service.

Western North Dakota Honor Flight is a nonprofit organization that brings veterans to Washington, D.C., at no cost to them to visit the memorials honoring their service. The trip gives veterans an opportunity to reflect and remember those they served alongside while sharing the experience with fellow veterans.

In honor of Veterans Day, McKenzie Electric Cooperative is sharing a look at their time in uniform and the lives they built after returning home.

U.S. Army veteran

Larry Nelson

  • U.S. Army
  • 1970 to 1971
  • Sergeant
  • Watford City
Larry Nelson, left, in Washington, D.C., during the Western North Dakota Honor Flight
Larry Nelson, left, in Washington, D.C., during the Western North Dakota Honor Flight.

Larry Nelson married his wife on June 27, 1970. Just 10 days later, he left for Vietnam.

Larry served in the U.S. Army from February 1970 to October 1971, attaining the rank of sergeant. He completed basic and advanced training at Fort Lewis, Washington, where he trained as a combat infantryman before serving with the 1st Cavalry Division in South Vietnam.

One of his most memorable experiences was watching the Bob Hope Show on Christmas Day at Long Binh. The show offered a welcome way to celebrate the holiday during the war. In February 1971, Larry and his wife were able to spend time together in Hawaii while he was on rest and recuperation leave.

Larry still keeps in touch with one of his fellow service members. After his discharge, he returned home to farm and ranch. He and his wife have spent the past 56 years working on his family's 125-year-old homestead, raising a son and daughter along the way. Today, they have seven grandchildren.

Looking back, Larry is grateful for the life he has shared with his family and the experiences he has had.

U.S. Air Force veteran

Harold Larson

  • U.S. Air Force
  • 1972 to 1976
  • Sergeant
  • Arnegard
Harold Larson, right, at the Air Force Memorial during the Western North Dakota Honor Flight
Harold Larson, right, at the Air Force Memorial during the Honor Flight.

Keeping an Air Force base running requires supplies to reach the people who need them. As a material facility specialist, Harold Larson helped make that happen.

Harold served in the U.S. Air Force from January 1972 to September 1976, attaining the rank of sergeant. After basic training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, he completed specialized training at Lowry Air Force Base.

His first assignment was with the Supply Squadron at Randolph Air Force Base. There, he received and organized incoming supplies, then helped deliver them throughout the base, including to the flight line. He later transferred to Elmendorf Air Force Base in Anchorage, Alaska.

Some of his favorite memories from Alaska involve the people he served alongside. One evening, six to eight of them piled into a friend's Volkswagen for a ride to the chow hall. Another memorable undertaking was building a 10-foot snowman.

After leaving the Air Force, Harold worked as a butcher in Montana before returning to North Dakota. He continued working in the meat business and spent nine years with Cash Wise before retiring.

At 53, Harold married his wife, Bekki, and became a stepfather to her three sons. One of them, Joseph, also served in the Air Force. Harold and Bekki now have six grandsons.

Harold's service continued at home through the American Legion Carl Rogan Post 29 in Watford City and the Arnegard Rural Fire Department, where he served as chief for many years. He also enjoys a daily mile-long walk with his much-loved Cowboy Corgi.

This Veterans Day, MEC thanks Larry and Harold, along with all veterans in our communities, for their service.