This Military Service Page was created/owned by
Douglas Siemonsma, LCDR
to remember
Brooks, Roger, PNCS USN(Ret).
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Contact Info
Home Town Alliance
Last Address 117 S. Country Club Ave Brandon, SD 57005
Date of Passing Oct 07, 2023
Location of Interment Hills of Rest Memorial Park - Sioux Falls, South Dakota
SOUTH DAKOTA'S VIETNAM VETERANS MEMORIAL DEDICATION
Date
Sep 16, 2006
Last Updated: Oct 13, 2013
Comments
Roger Brooks Returns from an emotional three days in Pierre.
When he was asked if it was worth it, His reply is a very definite YES! "I was able to have my family with me and my wife" family as well. Most arrived on Thursday and the remainder made it in on Friday. We were all there for the dedication on Saturday".
There was time for Roger, his wife Mary, daughter Michell and Granddaughter Kjerstin to take a ride in a Huey helicopter that actually served in Vietnam. Kjerstin" comment after the ride was "ASSAM"!!!!. It was a little windy and the crew chief told the women that this would be a hair-day like no other they have ever had. They also said they would provide a new hairdo like no other they have know "the HUEYDO" (See picture of Kjerstin).
Friday was spent looking at the "Wall", the "Quilts" the "Mussel Cars" and going to the Beach Boy Concert the evening.
Saturday was spent watching the parade from a front row seat at the home of the John and Margeret Ellifson right on Capitol Avenue. Then the dedication Saturday afternoon. During the invocation the clouds moved in and a little rain started to fall. Wallace Graham Roger and Mary's grandson ask their daughter Michell Williams if she knew what it meant when it rained like it was, his reply was "God is crying and is sad for us" Out of the mouth of babes.
Roger said that every thing in Pierre was done with the greatest of timing, placement and everyone had a fantastic time. It could not have been better.