STURGIS, S.D. – It’s military appreciation day Tuesday at the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.
This year’s honored veteran is Walter Staubers. He joined the South Dakota National Guard in High School and graduated from Black Hills State Teachers College, before joining the Navy. He worked his way up the ranks to Captain and worked as an instructor at the U.S. Naval Academy having commanded three ships. Mayor Mark Carstensen says Walt remains active even in retirement.
“Walt has served on several committees for the city of Sturgis and has helped supervise parking for the Knights of Columbus during the rally. He has also helped deliver Meals on Wheels for the community.”
Staubers says he’s thankful for the honor.
“I would like to thank all my fellow veterans and most of all the City of Sturgis, for allowing me to be at home here and taking good care of me.”
Staubers was also awarded the Adjutant General’s coin by the South Dakota National Guard.
The Budweiser Clydesdales were also on hand for Military Appreciation Day as a representative from Folds of Honor was on hand to give out information about the non-profit and a custom wrapped Street Glider that they and Budweiser are giving away.
Kelli Campbell spoke at today’s event. She’s a Gold Star Folds of Honor recipient. She is the wife and widow of Marine Major Shawn Campbell.
Shawn Campbell was running a routine night mission in Hawai’i when his CH-53E helicopter crashed.
Folds of Honor has allowed Kelli to provide a quality education for her 4 children while navigating her loss. Campbell spoke about the Folds of Honor program.
“The Folds of Honor helped me put my kids through school, and that’s all I needed. I just needed that first step. And it was like they shined just enough light on the path in front of me that I could take that step. And from that, I found a home, a new church, new friends. It changed a whole family.”
Folds of Honor, a 501(c)(3) non-profit, provides educational scholarships to the spouses and children of military members who have fallen or been disabled while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.
Harley Davidson joined in the cause and generously donated the 2021 Street Glider to be given away to help raise funds and support for Folds of Honor and families of wounded and fallen soldiers.
Following the presentation, an Ellsworth Air Force Base B-1B Lancer flew over Sturgis Main Street.
