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Mike Reynolds is VFW Post 1383’s go-to guy
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| H&N photo by Todd E. Swenson Mike Reynolds was named this year’s Oregon “Mr. VFW.” |
July 2, 2007
Warren Griffith knows where to get help when he needs it.
The Pelican VFW Post 1383 commander regularly relies on longtime VFW member Mike Reynolds.
“Since I’ve been post commander he’s been my right hand man steering me the right way,” Griffith said. “He’s a real asset to the VFW.”
To say Reynolds is willing is an understatement. He is involved in two dozen VFW committees or projects, including serving a second term as District 5 commander covering the Klamath Falls, Malin and Lakeview posts. He was honored as an All-American Post Commander in 2003-04.
It’s no wonder he was named “Mr. VFW” for Oregon during the recent state VFW convention.
“It was a real honor,” Reynolds said. He added modestly, “There are a lot of people just like me. I’m not unique.”
He was born in 1943 in Fremont, Mich., and graduated from high school there. His next step was to enlist in the U.S. Air Force, which stationed him at Kingsley Field as an air policeman.
Reynolds saw temporary duty in Europe in 1963 and in Southeast Asia from 1964-65, where he helped guard air bases. He came back to Klamath Falls in 1965 to begin a career with the Klamath Falls Police Department, retiring as lieutenant after nearly 37 years.
The police job was a goal during his Air Force days, Reynolds said, and military service prepared him well. In retirement, he’s filled his days with duty to VFW causes.
Many duties
He’s post chairman for Operation Uplink, a national VFW program that provides phone cards for veterans overseas and in military hospitals.
He’s post and District 5 services officer, helping vets apply for benefits.
Reynolds is a van driver for Disabled American Vets, taking veterans to medical appointments at the VA hospital in White City.
He was elected senior vice commander for Post 1383 for 2007-08, and is a member of the dinner and breakfast committees.
Reynolds also is a member of the Klamath County Military Affairs Committee.
As District 5 commander, Reynolds helps posts by approving budgets and “making sure all the posts are doing what they’re supposed to do.”
Reynolds also serves as chaplain for the VFW color guard. The organization appears at about 180 military funerals a year, plus military holiday events.
“There are a lot of vets in this county,” Reynolds said. “At last count, there were about 12,000.”
He’s proud of the local VFW post’s vitality, pointing out it’s the largest in the state with 1,247 members.
“And it’s growing,” he said.
Reynolds chuckled when recalling his earliest days in the Air Force.
“I left mom and hearth for basic training in Texas,” he said. “Those flight sergeants down there didn’t want to be my mom.”
Medals earned
Reynolds earned nine ribbons during his Air Force years. They range from the American Defense Ribbon to the Vietnam Service Medal. Asked which he’s most proud of, he answered quickly, “I’m proud of all of ‘em.”
He’s proud of all military service personnel, too. That’s why he spends so much time on VFW activities. Reynolds’ stepfather was a World War II veteran, and his son, Rob, ” a patrol sergeant for the Klamath Falls Police Department ” saw action in Desert Storm in 1991 as an air assault soldier with the 101st Airborne Division.
His daughter, Michelle Boyle, is married to an Army Sgt. First class at Fort Riley, Kan., who is awaiting his fourth tour of Iraq.
Respect and thanks
To Reynolds, everyone who puts on the uniform deserves respect and thanks.
He considers VFW programs “a commitment for all the veterans in our country. I enjoy doing what I can in that regard. There’s a VFW motto ” ‘We honor our dead by serving the living.’ ”
- By Steve Kadel
Warren Griffith knows where to get help when he needs it.
The Pelican VFW Post 1383 commander regularly relies on longtime VFW member Mike Reynolds.
“Since I’ve been post commander he’s been my right hand man steering me the right way,” Griffith said. “He’s a real asset to the VFW.”
To say Reynolds is willing is an understatement. He is involved in two dozen VFW committees or projects, including serving a second term as District 5 commander covering the Klamath Falls, Malin and Lakeview posts. He was honored as an All-American Post Commander in 2003-04.
It’s no wonder he was named “Mr. VFW” for Oregon during the recent state VFW convention.
“It was a real honor,” Reynolds said. He added modestly, “There are a lot of people just like me. I’m not unique.”
He was born in 1943 in Fremont, Mich., and graduated from high school there. His next step was to enlist in the U.S. Air Force, which stationed him at Kingsley Field as an air policeman.
Reynolds saw temporary duty in Europe in 1963 and in Southeast Asia from 1964-65, where he helped guard air bases. He came back to Klamath Falls in 1965 to begin a career with the Klamath Falls Police Department, retiring as lieutenant after nearly 37 years.
The police job was a goal during his Air Force days, Reynolds said, and military service prepared him well. In retirement, he’s filled his days with duty to VFW causes.
Many duties
He’s post chairman for Operation Uplink, a national VFW program that provides phone cards for veterans overseas and in military hospitals.
He’s post and District 5 services officer, helping vets apply for benefits.
Reynolds is a van driver for Disabled American Vets, taking veterans to medical appointments at the VA hospital in White City.
He was elected senior vice commander for Post 1383 for 2007-08, and is a member of the dinner and breakfast committees.
Reynolds also is a member of the Klamath County Military Affairs Committee.
As District 5 commander, Reynolds helps posts by approving budgets and “making sure all the posts are doing what they’re supposed to do.”
Reynolds also serves as chaplain for the VFW color guard. The organization appears at about 180 military funerals a year, plus military holiday events.
“There are a lot of vets in this county,” Reynolds said. “At last count, there were about 12,000.”
He’s proud of the local VFW post’s vitality, pointing out it’s the largest in the state with 1,247 members.
“And it’s growing,” he said.
Reynolds chuckled when recalling his earliest days in the Air Force.
“I left mom and hearth for basic training in Texas,” he said. “Those flight sergeants down there didn’t want to be my mom.”
Medals earned
Reynolds earned nine ribbons during his Air Force years. They range from the American Defense Ribbon to the Vietnam Service Medal. Asked which he’s most proud of, he answered quickly, “I’m proud of all of ‘em.”
He’s proud of all military service personnel, too. That’s why he spends so much time on VFW activities. Reynolds’ stepfather was a World War II veteran, and his son, Rob, ” a patrol sergeant for the Klamath Falls Police Department ” saw action in Desert Storm in 1991 as an air assault soldier with the 101st Airborne Division.
His daughter, Michelle Boyle, is married to an Army Sgt. First class at Fort Riley, Kan., who is awaiting his fourth tour of Iraq.
Respect and thanks
To Reynolds, everyone who puts on the uniform deserves respect and thanks.
He considers VFW programs “a commitment for all the veterans in our country. I enjoy doing what I can in that regard. There’s a VFW motto ” ‘We honor our dead by serving the living.’ ”
- By Steve Kadel
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Tina N. O. wrote on Mar 16, 2009 2:54 AM: