In honor of Veterans Day, the Lake Minnetonka Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution will awarded Quilts of Valor to three deserving Twin Cities veterans whose lives were impacted by war. The November 11 awards ceremony was conducted at the Wayzata City Hall with former Mayor, Ken Willcox, and Chapter Regent, Gigi Hickey, delivering remarks and congratulating the honorees.
All three 2021 Quilt of Valor recipients were awarded Bronze Stars and Purple Heart medals. They currently reside in the Twin Cities area of Minnesota. The Purple Heart Medal is awarded to members of the United States military who have been wounded by an instrument of war in the hands of the enemy.
- Darrin Janisch retired in 2020 as a Lieutenant Colonel after more than 31 years of military service in the United States Army. He served in Operation Just Cause in Panama, Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm in Iraq, Operation Enduring Freedom in Iraq and Operation New Dawn in Iraq. He was awarded a Bronze Star Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster and the Combat Infantryman’s Badge with Star. He currently resides in Savage, MN.
- Harry Niemela served in the United States Army in the Vietnam War as a radio operator, ammunitions carrier, and “tunnel rat,” conducting dangerous underground operations. He was awarded the Bronze Star with Oak Leaf Cluster. He currently resides in Chaska, MN.
- Mike Kasid served as a Sergeant with the 101st Airborne Division of the United States Army during the Vietnam War, protecting fire bases under enemy attack. He was awarded the Bronze Star, Combat Infantry Badge, Army Commendation Medal with V Device, and the Oak Leaf Cluster. He currently resides in Minnetonka, MN.
Mr. Janisch and Mr. Niemela received their Quilts of Valor at the event on November 11. Due to a schedule conflict, Mr. Kasid received his Quilt of Valor privately at home.
The Lake Minnetonka Chapter DAR has a long history of supporting veterans. In addition to Quilt of Valor presentations, the chapter has hosted Veterans Day programs and a Memorial Day commemoration. Chapter members have also donated hand-crafted face masks, scarves and hats to veterans at the VA Medical Center. In November 2021, chapter members began interviewing and video recording veterans’ stories as part of the Library of Congress’ Veterans History Project.
Mike Kasid awarded QOV at home
Darrin Janisch with Regent Gigi Hickey & Chaplain Debbie Blum
Harry Niemela with Regent Hickey, Chaplain Blum and Ken Willcox, former Wayzata Mayor
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