Kermit Morrison provided friends, family, and fellow members of Post 735 VFW with a brief autobiography on March 17, 2021.
Kermit grew up in Buhl, Idaho, graduated from High School in 1963 and was immediately drafted for a physical in Boise, Idaho. He was then sent to Fort Ord, California where he underwent US Army basic training and progressed to Fort Rucker, Alabama where he qualified as an aircraft mechanic for the twin-engine Caribou. At Fort Benning, Georgia, the 92nd AVN Co was assembled for Vietnam.
The Caribou aircraft was very popular in Vietnam has it had a 6,000 pounds payload and could negotiate unimproved and short runways. Acting as Crew Chief for one of these aircraft, Kermit was instrumental in providing ammunition and other supplies to Special Forces and Green Beret outposts.
On completing his tour of duty in Vietnam, Kermit returned to Travis AFB, California where Vietnam protesters were burning US Flags and spitting on and yelling at returning servicemen. Moving on to Fort Eustis, Virginia, he successfully wrestled in the US Army internal program for his remaining term of enlistment.
He returned to Pocatello, Idaho where he attended ISU, became licensed as an Aircraft Mechanic, and wrestled for ISU for 2 years while working for Rowland’s Dairy. After ISU graduation, Kermit has remained active in local athletic programs and various other community activities. He is currently an active member of Post 735 of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
Kermit displays a quilt representing the milestones in his life.
Exemplary Citizen Award
Post 735 of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States has created an award to recognize unsung heroes of our community.
Mr. Darwin Morrison is shown with Richard Hollingsworth, Commander of Post 735 VFW.
Mr. Darwin Morrison is the first recipient of this Exemplary Citizen Award. The award was presented to him on March 17, 2021 to recognize his unselfish contributions to the welfare of our community. His willingness to put others needs before his own makes him a model Good Samaritan and an example of citizenship for us all.
On Saturday, December 19, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 735 had the honor of assisting the Civil Air Patrol in placing Wreaths Across America at the Mountain View Cemetery at the Veterans Memorial. The Civil Air Patrol members, placed over 400 wreaths at military burial plots. Veterans of Foreign War members, Ms Debra Harman, Mr Owen Buffaloe, Mr Clint MacLeod, and Mr Richard Hollingsworth provided the firing of the volleys and taps was sounded.
December 12, 13, 14
Covid 19 restrictions eliminated our Awards Banquet this year so 4 members of VFW Post 735 delivered Voice of Democracy and Patriot’s Pen Awards to our winners.
Richard Hollingsworth
John Dannunzio
Kurt Camerud
Owen Buffaloe
Eddy Crowder
First Place
Voice of Democracy
VFW Post 735
Second Place
Voice of Democracy
VFW Idaho District 7
Ruby Jordan
Second Place
Voice of Democracy
VFW Post 735
Zoe Zufelt
First Place
Patriot’s Pen
VFW Post 735
First Place
Patriot’s Pen
VFW Idaho District 7
Cooper J. Powers
Second Place
Patriot’s Pen
VFW Post 735
Bridget E. Joyce-McMahon
Third Place
Patriot’s Pen
VFW Post 735
One of VFW’s Core Values:
Serve our community
November 6, 2020
Members of VFW Post 735 produce a stack of winter firewood for a single mom.
14 year-old Elesha had difficulty reaching her front door, even with the help of her two younger siblings. The steep ramp required an adult to push her wheelchair. Members of VFW Post 735 gathered to build Elesha a new longer ramp so her sisters could push her. While building the ramp, the Veteran’s Mobility Corps was contacted. They investigated the situation, measured Elesha for an electric wheelchair and will deliver one first week in November. Link to video: https://youtu.be/9G0m5_YrXyc
Pocatello’s Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post #735 heard from a special guest last night (October 21) at their regularly scheduled monthly meeting. Idaho VFW Commander Melanie Foster of Buhl, the first female state commander for the VFW in Idaho history, attended their regularly scheduled meeting and spoke to those assembled. Buhl served three years in the Army and was deployed to Iraq, serving as a combat engineer during Operation Iraqi Freedom.
September 29, 2020
Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #735 and Pocatello Veterans Honor Guard were asked to present and post the colors at the opening ceremony at the Pocatello Regional Airport on Monday, September 14th, 2020 at 11 a.m.. Commander Richard Hollingsworth of the Veterans of Foreign Wars post 735 was the Master of Ceremonies. The posting of the colors was done by the VFW Post #735 and the military branch flags were presented by the VFW and the Pocatello Veterans Honor Guard. The National Anthem was sung by Konnie Kendell and the guest speaker was Pocatello Mayor Brian Blad. The speaker was Mr. Bob Taylor “Maid in the Shade” crew member and crew chief.
Crew Members: 1st Roll Left to Right are Mr. Bob Taylor, Mr. Jerry Washburn, Mr. Pepitone, and Mr. Tim Thorstad. Those standing from Left to Right are Alan Evans, Brian Yerka, Harvey Richardson, Owen Buffaloe, Don Roth, Stan Brangham, Clinton MacLeod, Colonel Breshears, David Platt, Major Breshears, Richard Hollingsworth, Ken Medley, Kermit Morrison, Anthony Sonnier, Capt. John Rogers, Ron Chatterton, Kay Freis, Capt. Bill.
Left to Right,
David Platt
Owen Buffaloe
Richard Hollingsworth
March witnessed several Eagle Scout transition ceremonies.
9 January 2020
VFW Department
Mid Winter Conference
Left to right, Air Force Brig. General Tim Donnellan (Air National Guard); Richard Hollingsworth,Commander, VFW Post 735; Maj. General Michael Garshack (TAG); and Chief Hal Boniovi.
McKelle Robinson is escorted to receive the 2nd Place Voice of Democracy award.
Zoe Zufelt is escorted to receive the 2nd Place Patriot’s Pen award.
November 29
Pocatello Parade of Lights led by the Pocatello Veterans Honor Guard
Jim Loechel (White Rifle), Ron Chatterton (American Flag), Wes Jones (Idaho State Flag), Clinton Macloed (White Rifle), and David Platt (giving the cadence, and commands)
The parade started at 6:30 pm with snow on the ground.
November 11
Holy Spirit Catholic School
VFW members and Pocatello Veterans Honor Guard posting colors with Troop 315
Ken Medley, Richard Hollingsworth, Capt. Dan Greaser, David Platt, Sven Berglowe, Clinton Macloed, Robert Dawson (Clinton is behind Robert) and Owen Buffaloe.
Farm Bureau Patriotic Essay winner, standing with his grandfather, reading his essay to the gathered audience.
Sven Berglowe presents the essay winner with a VFW dogtag medal.
November 11
Ninth Annual Salute to Idaho Veterans
Opening Ceremonies with the
Pocatello Veterans Honor Guard.
Mr. Owen Buffaloe, VFW Post 735; Major Priscilla Giddings, VFW member; Mr. Issac Heiner Pocatello Veterans Honor Guard.
Master Chief Ed Reese PVHG, Mr. David Platt VFW, Major Pricilla Giddings VFW, Mr. Richard Hollingsworth VFW, Mr. Ken Medley PVHG.
PVHG preparing to fire volley.
Pocatello Veterans Honor Guard Rifle Squad and Sabre salute.
Farm Bureau Salute to Idaho Veterans ceremony followed by a luncheon.
Ron Chatterton and Owen Buffaloe unveiled the Veterans Honor Wall as Sven Berglow read the names, rank, and branch of service of the honorees.
August 24
Pocatello Zoo
Tour and picnic.
The Pocatello Veterans Honor Guard provides Military Rites for deceased veterans.
Pocatello Veterans Honor Guard
Phone: (208) 221-0077
Patriot Guard Riders receive recognition by Post 735 VFW and the PVHG.
August 22
Thunder Mountain
Pot Luck Dinner
4 pm, members and family erected the TeePee.
Kermit Morrison and Nelda Morrison provided a delicious Dutch Oven Dinner.
July 4
4th of July
Pocatello
Veterans Honor Guard
Leads the
July 4, 2019 Parade
June 8
Family Fun Day
Portneuf Wellness Complex
Children at Family Fun Day recited the Pledge of Allegiance and were given a United States Flag and a Certificate.
Sven Berglowe, Kurt Camerud, and John Dannunzio represented Post 735 of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
