2002 Spirit of Freedom Recipients

Other Recipients:

2008 Spirit of Freedom

2007 Spirit of Freedom

2006 Spirit of Freedom

2005 Spirit of Freedom

2004 Spirit of Freedom

2003 Spirit of Freedom

Spirit of Freedom General Information

After visiting Idaho veterans and the facilities used by veterans and their family, it became evident to me that many outstanding individuals--both veterans and volunteers--needed to be recognized for their achievements and efforts. So, in 2002, I set up an award program to help recognize the important work and heroic service of a number of Idaho veterans and volunteers. Each year, The Spirit of Freedom: Idaho Veterans Service Award will be presented on Veterans Day to a group of Idahoans who have demonstrated leadership, dedication and fortitude in their efforts to assist veterans and our nation's military. This is one way to express gratitude to the many men and women who have fought so bravely for our country and for those who have given countless volunteer hours in assisting veterans throughout the state.

As I have traveled around Idaho, I have met with many veterans who are heroes and volunteers who assist them. Both deserve special recognition. The Spirit of Freedom: Idaho Veterans Service Award is a small way that we can not only acknowledge their contributions, but also let others in their communities know the sacrifices they have made to secure the freedom we all hold dear. As I have reviewed the nominees, I have been consistently impressed by their commitment to our country and its veterans, and I am very pleased to be able to honor them. I look forward to making this event a regular occurrence and recognizing more of the veterans and volunteers who bring so much to our state.

Eight veterans and ten volunteers were chosen in the inaugural year (2002) to be honored with The Spirit of Freedom: Idaho Veterans Service Award.

Veterans:

• H. Stanley Aldous, Pocatello, was working as a civilian on Wake Island during World War II when he was taken prisoner by the Japanese Army and remained a POW for almost four years. Following his release in 1945, he was granted military status through the U.S. Navy.
  
  
• Andrew E. Baker, Boise, is a Vietnam veteran who is also being recognized for his commitment to others and whose words of advice and personal testimonials have been an inspiration to many area veterans.
  
  
• Joel W. Davids, Pocatello, is a World War II veteran who served with a unit that was key in liberating the Philippines. Even after receiving shrapnel wounds, he remained with his unit until the end of the war.
  
  
• Claude R. Harris, Boise, is a World War II veteran who was serving as a medic when his battalion was captured and became prisoners of war. As a POW, he was sent to Burma to work on what has become known as the “Death Railway,” where many people died due to brutal conditions. He tirelessly worked 18 hours day as a medic to save as many lives as possible.
  
  
• Clyde Johnson, Lewiston, is a World War II veteran who distinguished himself during his entire combat tour. He served in the Pacific Theater and on an expedition in the occupation of Japan.
  
  
• Helene M. Messman, Boise, is a World War II veteran and nurse who followed the First Army through Utah Beach after D-Day. Her hospital remained on the front lines for the next two years where she helped the wounded at such places as the Battle of the Bulge.
  
  
• Carlos Smith, Lewiston, is a World War II veteran who distinguished himself in three major campaigns and earned among other medals, the Distinguished Flying Cross.
  
  
• Gordon H. Williams, Star, is a veteran of both Korea and Vietnam and continues his service to others by volunteering at the VAMC in Boise. He also gives facility tours to school children to help them understand the importance of the role veterans have played in our country.

Volunteers:

• Ernie and Irene Callahan, Lewiston, volunteer at the Idaho State Veterans Home in Lewiston. They have each donated over 1000 hours in assisting veterans at the home. Ernie holds oil painting classes and Irene helps decorate for special occasions. Both are involved with Veterans Olympics and various games and events for the residents. They have suggested many new and creative ideas that have been greatly appreciated.
  
  
• Janet Celick, Boise, has been active with various veterans service organizations, as well as volunteering at the Boise VAMC. Since 1997, she has used her own car to bring veterans to the Medical Center for scheduled appointments. She has currently given over 3,800 hours of her time and driven 18,000 miles for the program.
  
  
• Terry Dotson, Boise, is an award-winning artist and shares that talent with veterans at the Boise VAMC. He was instrumental in facilitating local veteran participation in the National Creative Arts Program for veteran artists and is responsible for the “Artist of the Month” at the VAMC.
  
  
• Ethel Hawkins, Meridian, began volunteering at the Idaho State Veterans Home in Boise in 1953. She has played an integral role in the gift shop as well as other activities and serves on the Volunteer Roundtable. She has logged over 3,300 hours at the Idaho State Veterans Home and also volunteers at the VAMC.
  
  
• Robert and Joan Potts, Malad, are volunteers at the Idaho State Veterans Home in Pocatello and have been assisting there since the home has been in existence. They participate in the “Cheer Basket” program as well as Christmas programs, arranging for local talent to perform in a “Salute to Veterans USO Show”, and a multitude of other activities to include working with school children on the local Veterans Day Tribute at the home.
  
  
• Daryl “Sandy” Sanborn, Pocatello, began his volunteer service to the Idaho State Veterans Home in Pocatello during the first year it was open. His work at the Canteen and organization of card parties and encouragement of other groups to support local veterans has been greatly appreciated.
  
  
• Jerry Bob Shafer, Boise, began volunteering at the Idaho State Veterans Home in Boise in 1988. He has faithfully delivered menus since that time as well as assisting with many other programs and activities. He has logged over 29,700 hours of service at the Idaho State Veterans Home and that does not include the hours he volunteers at the VAMC.
  
  
• Rod Wheeler, Lapwai, served as a Tribal Veterans Representative and Native American Advocate. He was nominated for this volunteer award by the VA Regional office in Boise for his work above and beyond the call of his job description. He is being acknowledged for his tireless work on behalf of veterans.