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About The Siuslaw news. (Florence, Lane County, Or.) 1960-current | View Entire Issue (July 1, 2015)
The current Board Board President – Tim Sapp (Founding Member) Founding Board member Tim Sapp has been a Florence area resident since 1983. Tim is a decorated Vietnam veteran who served two years in the late 1960s until he was wounded. He earned the Purple Heart, Bronze Medal, Bronze Medal with Valor, a Silver Star, and the very special Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross. Prior to his duty in Vietnam, he attended the Army’s Advanced Individual Training program and NCOC School. Besides his active role in the military museum, Tim is the owner of TR Hunter Real Estate in Florence. Tim is also a founding Board member of the Veterans Parade Committee of Florence. “This museum is very near and dear to our hearts. We don’t want one story to fade away, because every veteran of military service deserves our gratefulness for the part they have played in the protection of freedom. At this museum, we celebrate not war, but peace that comes from being free.” Board Vice President – Wayne Sharpe (Founding Member) Founding Board member Wayne Sharpe has been a Florence resident since 1992. Originally from New York, Wayne is a graduate of Trinity Bible College in Ellendale, North Dakota, with a Ministerial BA. In addition to Wayne having served honorably in the United States Marines from 1970 to 1972, three of his four children have also served our nation in military service. Wayne served in the ministry for several years before moving to Florence and is still an Elder in his local church, and is currently morning show host and sales manager for Coast Radio Broadcasting in Florence. Wayne is excited about being involved with the Oregon Coast Military Museum and its development because we can never repay the sacrifi ce and commitment of our Veterans, but we can make sure future generations will know why they enjoy the freedoms they enjoy today. Board Secretary – Jacquie Beveridge Jacquie is a native of Roseburg and has lived in Florence for eleven years. She is a Navy Brat as well as the daughter of a WWII Veteran. Jacquie is passionate about patriotism, which is evidenced by her service as Regent for the Oregon Dunes Chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution, and was particularly pleased that a $10,000 NSDAR Special Projects Grant was awarded to the OCMM for the Remembrance Garden. Having served on the Veterans Parade committee for two years, Jacquie is honored to now serve on the board of the Oregon Coast Military Museum as Secretary. Board Treasurer-Colin Jameson Colin joins us in the capacity of Treasurer, bringing a lot of experience needed for the cause. Entering the technical world of computers in 1957 with IBM, after a fi ve-year stint, Colin spent the rest of his professional career in a variety of system development levels specializing in accounting. He has also authored and published an industry newsletter with world-wide circulation. He recently retired and moved to Oregon six years ago, has four children and is a newlywed. Board Member – Tom Benedict NO PHOTO Tom S. Benedict is a native Iowa farm boy. Joined the USN after graduating from High School in 1964. Became an Avionics Technician and later an aircrew member on several Navy aircraft and a crewman/navigator on the KA-3B, the world’s largest carrier-based aircraft with three tours to Viet Nam between ’65 & ‘68. After 10 years in the Navy Tom joined the USAF as a fl ight engineer on C-141 transports and was in air ops until 1991 except for a 3 year Recruiting tour in ’82 to ’85. Retired to New Mexico after the Persian Gulf War. Tom’s combined career includes such awards as Meritorious Service medal, Aerial Achievement Medal, and Navy Achievement Medal. During his tenure with the Air Force, He completed two Associate Degrees, and a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Washington. Upon retirement from the Air Force, Tom pursued and completed a career in Secondary Education and a Graduate Degree from the University of New Mexico. His teaching career lasted for 20 years and Tom retired in Las Vegas NV in 2010. Board Member – Don Drozdenko Don is a Vietnam Veteran and was a USAF navigator (rank- Captain) in KC-135, F-4 and RC-135 aircraft, accumulating over 3,000 fl ying hours. His decorations include fi ve Air Medals, two USAF Commendation Medals, Combat Aircrew Medal, and the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal. After his military service, Don went on to work for E-Systems as a Test Engineer and Company Navigator, evaluating navigation systems for the U.S. RC-135 reconnaissance fl eet. After E-Systems, Don worked 22 years for Hewlett-Packard in various quality, reliability and regulatory compliance engineering positions. “I am honored to be part of the Military Heritage Museum Board. Our country owes so much to those who have served and are serving now.” Board Member – Greg Freeze Board member Greg Freeze is an Oregon coast attorney (www.RhodyLaw.com), licensed in California and Oregon. He operates with the motto, “small town law – all issues welcome.” Prior to coming to the practice of law, he had a career in software. As chief operating offi cer of a public company specializing in point-of-sale systems for retailers, he had the opportunity to work with museum gift shops, with notable names like the Guggenheim. He hopes to leverage that experience in bringing to life the Oregon Coast Military Museum. While not a veteran, Greg feels that the museum would a great way to show appreciation for the service performed by veterans while at the same time creating a draw for tourist dollars into Florence. Board Member – Sue Gilday After living in Eugene for 26 years, Sue moved to Florence in 2001. She quickly became involved in the community. In her time in Florence, Sue has been a part of Rotary, serving as President in 2005 to 2006. A proud Agent of Sue Gilday Insurance Agency, Sue has been a part of State Farm Insurance for 14 years. She loves to serve the Florence community through her agency, has an excellent staff and utilizes her team to further her involvement in the community. Her team members are involved in the Florence Kiwanis club, coaching and supporting local athletics, and Boys & Girls Club. Sue is married to her husband, Dan Gilday, of 9 years. She has three grown children. Sue’s other interest include golfi ng, gardening, and working in fused glass. Sue is excited to be a part of the Military Museum and is looking forward to serving her community through honoring our veterans. Board Member – Joe Henry Joe Henry was born in Hillsboro Oregon, raised in Washington, and returned to Oregon to attend Pacifi c University majoring in Mathematics with a later degree in Business Administration from UOP. Joe spent 35 years in the consumer fi nance mortgage business before retiring to Florence in 1999. Joe was elected Mayor of the City of Florence in 2015. Board Member - Gene Wobbe Board member Gene Wobbe is a native Oregonian. A Professional Land Surveyor and Water Right Examiner, he has owned and operatedWobbe & Associates, Inc. in Florence for over 40 years. He has served as an offi cer and board member of various organizations in the Florence area over the years. Gene is married to Cindy Wobbe and together they have four grown children and seven grandchildren. His interests include hunting, fi shing, aviation and WW2 history. It has been said “When a man dies he lives on in the hearts and memories of his friends. But when they are gone, it is as if he never lived”. Gene has a great respect for our military veterans and feels the Oregon Coast Military Museum is a wonderful way to acknowledge, honor and remember those whose sacrifi ces have preserved our freedom. 2 - Oregon Coast Military Museum Grand Opening | July 1, 2015