Recent News - 2021

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  Black contractor's career born of kindness in war tragedy

  Posted on Wednesday, September 13, 2023

  Martin Culpepper didn't stand for injustice. Not for an Army buddy killed in Vietnam, nor for others of color in Culpepper's chosen trade. In fact, it was because he stood up for his fallen friend - Michael Mullen, killed by friendly fire - that Mullen's folks, Gene and Peg Mullen of La Porte City, arranged for Culpepper to be trained as an electrician and eventually go into business on his own.

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  Vietnam vet from Greene finally feels gratitude, relief

  Posted by Pat Kinney on Wednesday, August 9, 2023

  Tom Johnson left a widowed mother to go serve in Vietnam in 1969. When he returned after two years in combat 8,500 miles from home, his reception was a cold shoulder from a staff of eight flight attendants on a half empty plane home. He was the only passenger wearing a uniform.

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  Iowa soldiers fought, died in first integrated units in Korea 70 years ago; many still missing.

  Posted by Pat Kinney on Tuesday, July 11, 2023

  Many Iowa soldiers served at the confluence of some historic events this month. Some laid down their lives for their comrades in the process. Many are still missing. This month marks the 70th anniversary of the signing of the armistice ending the fighting in the Korean War. It is also the 75th anniversary of President Harry Truman signing Executive Order 9981, desegregating the U.S. military.

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  Christening of USS Iowa submarine may be viewed at Grout June 17

  Posted by Pat Kinney on Thursday, June 1, 2023

  A new U.S Navy vessel named for the state of Iowa will be christened Father's Day weekend, supported by the granddaughter and grandniece of five Waterloo brothers killed during World War II and a retired submarine officer from Cedar Rapids.

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  Voice for racial justice rose from Rath '48 strike tragedy

  Posted by Pat Kinney on Monday, May 15, 2023

  This month marks the 75th anniversary of one of the most tragic and violent episodes in Waterloo's and Iowa's labor history

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