Robert E. (Bob) Brekhus

• Lance Corporal
• Served: January 7, 1966 – January 5, 1968
• Vietnam War – Supply Battalion in Da Nang
• Truck Driver
• Awarded: National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Rifle Sharpshooter Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal

Bob’s military service began a year after high school graduation, when he was drafted and joined the U.S. Marine Corps. After finishing boot camp at Camp Pendleton, he married Millie, his high school sweetheart while on his first leave home. When he returned to California, he was shipped out to join forces in Vietnam. Stationed in DaNang, he drove fork lifts and 5-ton trucks to deliver supplies to ground forces. Immediately upon his return to the United States, his younger brother went to serve in Vietnam.

Bob inspired two nieces and a nephew to join the service. Christine, Chief Petty Officer 1stClass, served 18 years in the Navy, Cyndi, Buck Sergeant served 5 years in the Air Force, and Tom, Sergeant First Class served 26 years in the Army, including Baghdad, Desert storm, Germany and Korea.

Shortly after retiring to the Northwoods, Bob discovered he had developed Parkinson’s Disease which was attributed to exposure to agent orange. The VA treated his symptoms and gave support to his family until his death at age 68 on January 24, 2014. He is interred in Evergreen Cemetery in Presque Isle, Wisconsin. Semper Fi, Bob.