A day of honor: Veterans Day ceremonies pay tribute to those who have served

PALMER — Combat veteran and Mat-Su resident Kelly Rogne provided the keynote address at this year’s Veteran’s Memorial at the Wall of Honor.

Rogne was born in Colville, Wash. in 1976 and enlisted in the US Army in October of 1994. He served for more than 20 years before retiring in November of 2014. During that time, he was deployed in Afghanistan for one year or more three times. There, he defused more than 300 improvised explosive devices (IED’s). Rogne is a lifetime Veterans of Foreign War (VFW) and Military Order of the Purple Heart member. He has been awarded five bronze stars, two golds with valor and two Purple Hearts.

“It’s overwhelming to be given the opportunity to speak to you on this important occasion. In my eyes, all veterans are heroes because a small percentage of Americans are willing to sacrifice it all for so little,” Rogne said in his introduction. “There are so many times I’ve wondered why I was the one given the opportunity to come home.”

He said God is the only one who can answer that question.

“Our community is filled with heroes that live here, work here and attempt to make it a better place. They come in several uniforms, such as business suits, biker coats and casual wear,” Rogne said.

Now that he has retired from the military, Rogne said he has a little more time to see what’s going on from the sidelines. He said he was amazed, sadly, at how little the media focuses on the good the Armed Services does as compared to the battles waged by politicians in our nation’s Capitol.

“Today our young families and friends continue to make the sacrifice and continue to put their lives in harm’s way. Hopefully, like us in other small communities, Americans are gathering to pay gratitude to our service members,” Rogne said.

Rogne told the audience he wanted to say something different. When he enlisted in the Army, he said he wanted to wrestle, which led to his service as a member of the Airborne Rangers.

“I was young and full of spirit,” Rogne said. He said training involved many days of suffering and sleep deprivation. “But once I put that uniform on there was a feeling of belonging that sunk deep in my skin...

“I chose to stay in it as a career because of my brothers and sisters in arms.”

He said he struggled walking away from the military and trying to return to living a normal life.

“Memories are carried in two separate bags in my life. One small backpack filled with the joy of coming home and reuniting with my family,” Rogne said. “But I also have the large duffle bag. This bag is unique as it carries individual memories that are not as glamorous. “

Rogne said the battle is not only fought in combat, but there is also a struggle to become the person you were before departing for service. He said despite having to battle everything that goes on inside, those who chose to serve still have the desire to sacrifice.

He asked the audience to remember veterans that have made a huge sacrifice. He said all are aware of Memorial Day celebrations where America’s war dead are honored. He closed by asking that a few minutes of silence be taken to honor those veterans.

Prior to his address, proclamations were read from President Barack Obama, Senator Dan Sullivan; along with representatives from offices of Senator Lisa Murkowski, Congressman Don Young, and Governor Bill Walker’s office. Mat-Su Borough Mayor Vern Halter along with Palmer Mayor Edna DeVries and Wasilla Mayor Bert Cottle finished with local proclamations to mark the day.

Presentation of Colors were made by members of the Alaska National Guard. Brianna Richmond sang the Nation Anthem. Following the annual Presentation of Wreaths ceremony, where almost two-dozen were placed at the wall by military, veterans, civic organizations and individual family members; the Valley Honor Guard provided the ceremonial gun salute.

The event wrapped up with Hank Hartman playing Taps and a closing statement from lifetime AmVets and VFW member JR Hackett who emceed the program.

Contact reporter Chris Ford at 352-2270 or chris.ford@frontiersman.com