I suppose we all know you can’t choose your relatives. Holt Haga married my daughter Katie 7 years ago and for the second time in new relative additions, we lucked out. We got to briefly know Holt’s father, Dr. Tom, his twin brother Winn and their mother Nancy. In this fortunate union of relationships were Holt’s grandfather and grandmother, Bob and Dot. Bob is a WWII war veteran and retired businessman and Dot was an accomplished Concert violinist. The elder Haga’s best define growing old gracefully, you could not meet nicer people. They lived in multiple places around the country but settled in Boise nearer family. Bob lost Dot in October after 74 years of marriage.
Bob served in the Navy, enlisting at 18, for love of country, against his mothers wishes. Two months of training at Bainbridge base he was shipped out to the European front on a minesweeper, the Chickadee. For several months Bob and crew swept mines from the English Channel and up and down the French and Spanish coast lines. They were later dispatched to clear the path along with sister ship, the Osprey, for the invasion at Omaha Beach. Bob can tell you amazing stories from those fateful days before and during the invasion. Early on, as Bob watched from the deck of his ship, the Osprey exploded into the air, breaking up amidships, and sinking into the sea. The crew of the Chickadee picked up the survivors and took those injured to the hospital ship.
Thursday night the Captain of the USS Idaho (SSN-799) with his Chief Officer and some crew were at the Steelheads game and honored for their service and new Idaho connection. The Idaho is a state of the art Virginia Class stealth submarine. The keel was laid on August 24, 2020 at Quonset Point Facility in Road Island and will be completed and commissioned in 2023. The boat will cost $2.6 billion and will serve as an integral part of our national defense. The nuclear power plant at completion will provide fuel for 30 years.
Under the leadership of former Governor Dirk Kempthorne, the USS Idaho Commissioning Committee has exceeded the original goal of raising $799,000. The interior of the submarine will be Idaho themed and the student scholarship funding helps forge a lasting relationship with the Captain and crew.
Now you know the background. Bob thought he was there to celebrate his 96th birthday with the family. That was true, but there were a few other surprises in store. Our great friend Debbie arranged for Bob to be the Hero of the Game as the Steelhead Mascot arrived to high five Bob on the big arena screens, the announcer told Bob’s story, and entire audience cheered for our war veteran. It brought a tear to Bob’s eyes.
A bit later in the game Bob received honored visitors, Captain Nicholas Meyers, his Master Chief, Governor Kempthorne, Dennis Johnson, and Captain Richard Colburn. The group came to meet Bob, thank him for his service, visit about his experiences and celebrate his birthday. The look on Bob’s face was truly priceless and he asked more than once if we would pinch him, “this must be a dream.” Captain Meyers presented a coveted Challenge medal to Bob, “the coin signifies the blood, sweat, and tears of those in the military. For Bob who served during war time the coin signifies he made it out alive. The coins are often considered priceless in value to those that receive them.” A gift Bob will always cherish. Our sincere thanks to everyone who conspired to make it a most memorable day for Bob.
Bob’s daughter in law, summed it up well. “An incredible, memorable evening…. “
Visions of commanders, governors, mascots, grandchildren, family and hockey pucks must have whirled in Bob’s head all last night.” A memory we will all treasure.
Thanks for wearing your masks and getting vaccinated and boosted. We are back in crisis standards of care and the hospitals are caring for so many people who should not require ICU beds.
Esto perpetua. Mike