Talkeetna woman honored for patriotism, involvement

TALKEETNA -- "I think if you looked up patriotism in the dictionary, you'd find Ace and Elinore Ebling." The words of Susan Henderson were followed by a round of nods and applause from a crowd that gathered outside the Talkeetna VFW post last weekend. The event marked the official renaming of the post to the Myron F. "Ace" Ebling post, and, although there was much talk of Ace's accomplishments throughout his life -- his military history, his community involvement in the small town, and his giving nature -- the day was also about his wife, Elinore.

Climbing up to the podium with some assistance, the striking silver-haired woman wore a constant smile as she accepted the State Award for Americanism from Henderson.

Friend and neighbor, Pastor Dave Sutton said, "Elinore is a lady's lady," and many of the speakers added to those comments with various renditions of "behind every good man is a great woman." One person commented about the Ebling's love and devotion for each other, saying, "Ace always referred to Elinore as 'his bride,' right up to the day he died."

The Americanism award is usually awarded to an organization, Henderson said, but in this case the state chairman thought it fitting to give it to Elinore. The decision was made just a week before the VFW name-changing ceremony, at the annual state convention.

"She just loves her country," Henderson said, "she is a living example of patriotism."

Henderson said Elinore is constantly involved with things such as sending letters to troops, putting together fruit baskets at Christmas and Easter for veterans, teaching others, as poppy chair, and, most recently, Henderson said she organized a Sept. 11 program for local schools.

"She's really supportive of all veterans and military," Henderson said. "Of course, she met Ace during the war in Germany."

Together the Eblings also conducted an annual flag burial for retired flags, Henderson said.

Ace Ebling died on Aug. 4, 2002, at Providence Hospital after suffering from cardio pulmonary arrest, according to his obituary published at the time.

He was born Feb. 28, 1926, in Buffalo, N.Y., and came to Alaska in 1962. In his obituary his family said, "An Alaskan original, Ace loved life and loved people. As a long-time resident of Alaska and the Talkeetna area, Ace was known to many near and far. Always willing to lend a hand or offer a favor, no person could ask for a better friend."

Many of those who spoke Saturday described Ace's willingness to give, "required" dinners at the Ebling home of moose or fish cooked by Elinore, and the couple's involvement with the VFW.

Ace served 32 years in the military and was a lifetime member and past commander of the VFW post that now carries his name. At the event, Jim Okonek described the various medals and awards Ace received during his military career, including two purple hearts. Okonek said, "We don't need Ace's name on our building or our post to remember his contributions."

Key speaker at the dedication was Navajo Code Talker Sam Tso, Congressional Medal of Honor recipient, who said he met the Eblings when Ace enlisted him to come to Alaska and give a presentation.

"A lot of things I don't remember," said 81-year-old Tso, "but I remember Ace."

Editor's note: In a previous article about Ace Ebling, Sam Tso's name was mispelled. He was a Navajo code talker and a Medal of Honor recipient.