By Marise Boehs

I’ve been an avid trail bike rider for a number of years. I’ve ridden long miles over multiple days on trails across the US. In April of this year I retired from my daily newspaper job so I could ride as much and whenever I wanted.

Over Labor Day Weekend I went to a Kansas trail with some of my younger cousins to ride. About 15 miles in on the first day I got severe cramps and light headedness – so bad I had to call the EMTs to come get me off the trail. Two bags of IV fluids and a couple of hours in the ER and I was up and going again. Fortunately I did not damage myself physically.

This was a wakeup call for sure. I was about to have my 75th birthday. I was 30 pounds overweight and not very strong. I knew I had to change or give up riding trails and long distances.

When I got home, I hired a personal trainer and got to work. Four months later, I am two thirds to my weight goal and much stronger. I’ve learned new nutrition habits, how to stand up straight and breathe and how to rest and recover.

It’s an ongoing journey I’d like to share.

Back Story

I have struggled with weight loss and gain most of my adult life. Through 30 years of alcohol abuse and drug addiction my body has been sickly thin at times and bloated beyond comfort at others. In May of 1988, after two treatment centers and years of AA meetings, I decided to give sobriety a chance. What followed was emotional and economic stability leading to steady weight gain.

In the fall of 1997, at 180 pounds I was the heaviest I’d ever been. I tried Weight Watchers, and within a couple of years, reached my lifetime goal of 135. Having achieved the goal, I was tired of counting points and tracking steps, consequently over the next couple of years my weight crept up 20 pounds. Then I discovered the joy of trail riding on a Road Scholar trip to the Katy Trail in Missouri.

Sadly, I was too heavy to do the 30-50 mile days in the program, but they had a SAG wagon. When I couldn’t ride any further, I could get in the van. I came from that trip absolutely in love with trail riding.

I knew I was too heavy to successfully ride the miles scheduled on any trip I looked at. So once again I began to diet and exercise. This time I ate a keto diet and rode my bike for training. This worked, and I was fairly quickly back to my weight goal. In September of 2017, I flew to Pittsburg and met a Road Scholar group again. We rode from Pittsburg to Washington D.C. on the GAP and C&O Canal. Up on over the Continental Divide. A ride of a lifetime!

I’ve since been back to the Katy Trail twice and have ridden the Mickelson Trail in South Dakota and the Flint Hills Nature Trail in Kansas several times as well.

Wake Up Call

Saturday morning, September 2, was a beautiful, bright, sunshiny day with hardly any wind in Ottawa, Kansas. I was waiting for some of my riding family to arrive to ride with me for the day. We had planned this trip for months and were all excited for the day to arrive.

I was fat again and eating low carb food. That morning I ate low carb cereal and drank protein coffee, filled my two water bottles and was ready the ride.

We rode out and enjoyed the trail, stopping every mile or so to marvel at the beauty and sip some water. About 15 miles into the ride, cramps hit both of my legs in the inner thighs. I was in pain and unable to pedal. I got off my bike to ease my legs and nearly passed out. I knew I would need help getting off the trail.

I called 911.  Shortly the EMTs where there in a pickup truck. They sat me in the front seat and carefully backed out of the trail to the ambulance. As soon as I was stabilized, they started IV fluids, and the cramps began to ease.

New Plan

I came home, joined a gym, and hired Blake Mullen as my personal trainer. I was greatly intimidated and really really did not want to do any of it. The first day with him was September 11, and the gym was having a 9-11 Step Climbing Event. He put me on a huge, scary Stairmaster and it was not fun. But I did it and went through the other exercises he had for me. Then I went back in two days to do it again. And again in couple of days. Now I am at the gym 4 days a week.

I track my food on a phone app, trying to eat 900-1200 calories with 50% of those calories coming from protein. I walk at least 10,000 steps a day and burn enough calories to leave a 500 deficit between calories eaten and calories burned. (It takes 3500 calories to burn a pound of fat.) Being mindful each day is the key to success. Today I am 9 pounds from my goal.

What’s Next?

June 2, 2024 I will be back on the Katy Trail for a 6 day, 230 mile ride. All the miles, every day is the goal! I have a blog if you wish to follow my story. (www.mariseboehs.com/blog)

Side note: Thankfully, sobriety has not had the same on again off again scenario as weight loss. I have been clean and sober since May 11, 1988. Blessed and grateful.

Marise Boehs is a freelance writer, photographer and graphic designer. Recently retired from 25+ years in the newspaper arena, she fills her days with walks around her quiet Norman  neighborhood, bike riding, working out at the gym, all the while looking for new and interesting work projects.

By Nick Thomas

Born 109 years ago this February, glamorous actress Ann Sheridan (1915-1967) was destined for branding as the “Oomph Girl” following a mock contest organized by the Warner Brothers publicity department in 1939.
Stunning on-screen and becoming a favorite pin-up girl of World War II troops, Sheridan could play any character – tough or tender, funny or flirty, sassy or seductive. She delighted audiences with her witty wisecracks and clever comebacks. While she certainly possessed an abundance of entertainment oomph, her feelings were mixed about the public label throughout her life.
The Texas native starred in some memorable films of the 40s such as “The Man Who Came to Dinner,” “Angels with Dirty Faces,” and “I Was a Male War Bride,” but never really landed a lead role in a true Hollywood blockbuster in her more than 80 feature films.
In declining health at just 50, Sheridan ended her career in the little-remembered TV comedy western “Pistols ‘n’ Petticoats” that ran for one season in the 1960s. Co-starring with Carole Wells, the former “National Velvet” series actress was one of the last to work with Sheridan and played her daughter in the CBS show.
“I’d never met her before that,” Wells told me in 2020. “In fact, I didn’t really know who she was – she had been a star before I was born.”
The two first met the first day on set.
“We sat around a big table and read the script with the producers, writers, and director, and she was very charming but rather quiet,” recalled Wells. “We would do this every week before filming and she was always just a down-to-earth sort of person.”
Wells says the two chatted often but never became very close during the months they worked together.
“I’d see her in the mornings in the make-up department and give her a hug and say, ‘How ya doin’ Annie?’ And she’d say something like ‘wish I felt as good as you sweetie’ – she called everyone sweetheart or sweetie. She was never well from the beginning of the series.”
In the mornings Sheridan was usually okay, according to Wells, but by noon usually couldn’t work.
“It took a lot out of her and she would have to go back to her dressing room,” said Wells who would spend lunch hour learning Sheridan’s lines that would be rewritten for Wells to work into the script if Sheridan couldn’t make it back to the set. “But I didn’t care because I knew she was ill.”
Wells also remembers Sheridan as a chronic smoker.
“As sick as she was with cancer and emphysema, she was never without a cigarette in her mouth except while filming,” said Wells. “She was very frail and thin and kept getting thinner as the series progressed. Basically, I watched her die in front of me. But with all she was going through, I never heard her complain and she was always very kind and respectful to me.”
Sheridan struggled through most of the series but was too ill for the final half-dozen episodes.
“I knew she wasn’t going to be around much longer,” said Wells. “One day she was on the set, then the next day she wasn’t and we never saw her again. When we heard she had passed away, the cast had a lunch to memorialize her.”
Wells believes doing the show was good for Sheridan who still bravely displayed plenty of ‘oomph’ despite her failing health.
“Before the series started, she had a facelift and got herself together,” says Wells. “I think being part of the show might have helped her live a little longer.”

Nick Thomas teaches at Auburn University at Montgomery in Alabama and has written features, columns, and interviews for numerous newspapers and magazines (see https://www.getnickt.org/).

SENIOR LIVING TRUTH SERIES BEGINS NINTH YEAR OF EDUCATING

Story by Eddie Roach, contributing writer

Senior Living Truth Series is gearing up for its ninth year of offering free monthly seminars intended to educate, equip and empower mature Oklahomans as they enter new and often uncharted territories. This year, the series will focus more on a person’s stage in life rather than on a person’s age.
The 2024 series began on January 11 at 10 a.m. in the Atrium at Crossings Community Church with the “The Truth about Longevity: Stage Versus Age.”
“In a world where age often defines one’s abilities and limitations, this seminar challenges these stereotypes and encourages attendees to embrace the full spectrum of our life’s journey,” said series organizer Dr. Nikki Buckelew, PhD.
Buckelew is a native Oklahoman and nationally recognized speaker, educator, and coach known for her ability to deliver tough topics with enthusiasm and candor.
She said the first seminar will set the tone for coming sessions and will help attendees gain a better understanding of the distinction between lifespan (an age concept) and healthspan (a stage concept).
“Three people, all seventy years old, while the same age, may not have the same needs,” Buckelew said. “We have to be sensitive to this and share information that meets everyone at their unique stage in life.”
She highlighted topics for the first quarter of 2024. The remainder of the year’s schedule is available at www.seniorlivingtruthseries.com.
The February 8 topic is “The Truth about Staying Purposeful at Every Stage of Life.”
“Whether you’re planning to retire (or already have) or considering an alternative path, this discussion promises to offer fresh perspectives and truths often not shared,” Buckelew said.
The March 14 topic is “The Quest for Truth: Medicine, Healthcare, and Aging.”
“While we may not have all the answers, our seminar aims to empower you by providing key questions and trusted resources,” she said. “Join us for an enlightening discussion that navigates the complexities of healthcare, challenges the status quo, and points you in the right direction for informed decision-making in your unique stage of life.”
About a dozen education partners work with the Senior Living Truth Series to ensure a broad range of input to meet attendees’ needs. Education partners donate time, money, space, and resources so that programming can be provided at no cost to participants. While targeted toward mature adults in various stages, anyone is welcome to attend.
“We welcome anyone who believes the information would be valuable to them,” Buckelew said. “If you are not a senior (yet), but are seeking information to navigate your own stages in life as you mature, please join us.”
Thanks to Crossings Community Church which provides space for the 90-minute seminars held on the second Thursday of the month at 10 a.m. in the Atrium at Crossings Community Church, 14600 N Portland.
Pre-registration is available at https://seniorlivingtruthseries.com/ or by calling (405) 563-7501.

The Metropolitan Library System is pleased to announce the annual Friends of the Library Booksale, scheduled to take place on February 24-25 at the Oklahoma Expo Hall Building, located at 3213 Wichita Walk within the OKC Fairgrounds. Running from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm on both Saturday and Sunday, this free and public event will feature an extensive collection of over 500,000 books, music, DVDs, Blu-rays, audiobooks, and more.
The sale will be divided into two rooms, with a general room offering $1 paperbacks and $2 hardbacks, and children’s items at half the price. The Better Books room will showcase items in better condition, with individually priced books starting at $3. Due to limited building occupancy, attendees are encouraged to dress appropriately for the weather.
The Booksale serves as the primary fundraiser for the Metropolitan Library System’s Friends of the Library, a 501c3 organization that, in collaboration with the library system’s 19 branches, has raised $6,000,000 in gifts over the years. These funds have supported various initiatives, including scholarships for library staff, technology for homework help, games, toys, supplies, and diverse library programming.
This year, proceeds from the Booksale will be combined with funding from the Library Endowment Trust to establish a sustainable fund for early childhood literacy outreach in Oklahoma County. The focus will include supporting the popular Dolly Parton Imagination Library book gifting program for preschoolers. For more information on this program, visit https://imaginationlibrary.com.
Members of the Friends of the Library will enjoy an exclusive members-only event on Friday, February 23, from 1:00 pm to 7:00 pm. This special preview is a token of appreciation for their ongoing support. Membership sign-ups are available at –
https://supportmls.org/fol/membership until 5:00 pm on February 21. No memberships or tickets will be sold at the event.
Becoming a Friends member is not only a commitment to fostering literacy but also a meaningful way to give back to the community. Volunteers are invited to register or find more information at https://supportmls.org/fol/volunteering. To express gratitude to our volunteers, they will receive an early shopping opportunity on February 22 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Their assistance in setting up, customer service, book stocking, and more is invaluable to the success of the event.
Teachers and nonprofits interested in claiming leftover items at the end of the sale on February 25 from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm can register at https://metrolibrary.wufoo.com/forms/w1hn7kl51k5zgiq.

Friday morning, January 12th was a cold and windy day in Norman.  Would the Elvis Day Event at the city’s Adult Wellness and Education Center be postponed? When I got there around 11 a.m. the parking lot was nearly full. Inside classes where in full swing and members where milling around, playing cards and billiards, watching TV or simply sitting and chatting.
Aging Services was preparing to serve lunch in the Multipurpose room. Velvet Elvis paintings were in progress in the Dry Craft Room and a few members were working out in the Fitness Center. All of that before lunch!
During lunch Elvis performed on stage!!
Later that afternoon I talked with Katherine Leidy, Healthy Living Norman Branch Manager. I asked her if it was usual for the parking lot to be full as it was when I arrived.
“I would like to think that more people came for the Elvis Day Event but in truth if you come here any day between 11 and 1 it will be full. Aging Services serves lunch during that time,” she said.
But lunch certainly wasn’t the only thing happening there  that day. The gym had people working out on the equipment and walking the indoor track. Others were in the pool exercising and relaxing in toasty warmth during this frigid day.
“Membership is $35 a month. But we do have a sliding scale for those with lower incomes. We also accept Silver Sneakers and Renew Active, which cover the monthly membership fee,” Leidy explained.
Membership includes access to the gym and pool as well as all activities and classes. While some classes may have a fee for materials, entry is included. For instance, during the Elvis Day Events, the painting classes had a small fee but the Cooking Class: A Healthy Twist on Elvis’ Favorites did not. Neither did the Elvis Movie Marathon or Jeopardy: Elvis Edition.
This is an awesome new center geared to 50+ persons to encourage  health, wellness and camaraderie. If you want to just check it out they have a day pass for $10. Check out the schedule of events at www.healthylivingnorman.com.

PS I heard a rumor about Beatle Mania in February!

The National Institutes of Health has awarded the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation $5.8 million to work toward easier diagnosis and better treatment options for Sjögren’s disease, an autoimmune condition.
In Sjögren’s, immune cells attack moisture-producing glands, causing painful dry eyes and mouth. It can result in irreversible tissue damage, neurological problems, lung disease and cancer. There is no known cure, and current treatments address only the symptoms.
OMRF scientists Joel Guthridge, Ph.D., Darise Farris, Ph.D., and Christopher Lessard, Ph.D., received a four-year grant through the Accelerating Medicines Partnership in Autoimmune and Immune-Mediated Diseases Program (AMP AIM). The team’s goal is to develop less invasive clinical tools to diagnose patients more effectively and identify new targets for future treatments.
“This disease is notoriously difficult to diagnose,” said Lessard, who’s been studying Sjögren’s at OMRF since 2007. “It shares features with many autoimmune diseases and lacks effective diagnostic markers, which makes studying it challenging. This grant provides us with technology to analyze the salivary glands of people with Sjögren’s in a way that wasn’t possible previously.”
The researchers will use blood and biopsy tissue samples donated to OMRF by people with Sjögren’s to better understand different patient sub-groups’ genetic and molecular characteristics.
“This knowledge should help clinicians diagnose the disease more easily and determine who may benefit from different potential therapies,” Guthridge said.
Most studies of Sjögren’s have focused on patients who test positive for certain autoantibodies in the blood. However, a significant percentage of people with the disease test negative for those autoantibodies. In those cases, diagnosis requires an invasive biopsy of the salivary glands.
“Of the more than 600 people seen in our research clinic who met the criteria for Sjögren’s, about 40% tested negative for these autoantibodies,” said Farris, the Alvin Chang Chair of Biomedical Research at the OMRF. “This positions us to study the molecular issues unique to that particular Sjögren’s patient group.”
AMP AIM is a nationwide public-private partnership aimed at developing more effective treatments for autoimmune diseases. The partnership involves the NIH, Foundation for the National Institutes of Health, nonprofit disease foundations, biopharmaceutical and life-science companies, and 52 research institutions. OMRF Executive Vice President & Chief Medical Officer Judith James, M.D., Ph.D., is chair of the more than $60 million program.
The AMP AIM Sjögren’s research is funded by grant No. 3UC2 AR081032-02S1 from the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, part of the NIH. Farris and Guthridge received support from the Oklahoma City-based Presbyterian Health Foundation for experiments preceding the NIH grant. Additional support came to Farris from the Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science & Technology and to Guthridge from the Oklahoma Center for Adult Stem Cell Research.

For more information about ongoing Sjögren’s research at OMRF, visit https://omrf.org/patient-studies/sjogrens-disease/sjogrens/.

Mess Attendant 1st Class Ralph Boudreaux, born in New Orleans, Louisiana September 14th, 1941, who died during the Dec. 7 attack on Pearl Harbor, will be buried on Jan. 29 at 11:30 a.m., in the Southeast Louisiana Veterans Cemetery, Slidell, LA.
Mess Attendant 1st Class (Matt1c) Ralph Boudreaux’s duties included responsibility for the feeding and serving of officers. The Messman Branch was a racially segregated part of the U.S. Navy. The branch was composed almost exclusively of African-Americans recruited in the U.S., as well as Filipino, Chinese and other foreign nationals recruited overseas. This attracted criticism from civil rights leaders, and some steps were taken throughout the war.
Promotions include Mess Attendant 3rd Class upon enlistment, Mess Attendant 2nd Class 02/16/1941 and Mess Attendant 1st Class.
Awards and Decorations include the Purple Heart Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, American Defense Service Medal (Fleet Clasp), Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal (Bronze Star) and World War II Victory Medal.
Duty Stations: USS Oklahoma (BB 37): 02/17/1940, Naval Training Station Norfolk, VA: 11/27/1939.

How many daily steps do we really need for optimum health? Ten thousand steps seems to be the gold standard in most of what we read to keep diabetes and high blood pressure (as well as several other conditions) at bay. And how do we keep track of all our steps?
Before you decide on a target number of steps per day, call your medical provider and ask how many you should be doing. You might learn that with an otherwise active, healthy life, several thousand steps per day might be enough, rather than the whole 10,000.
How to count those steps is the tricky part. I have several of those little clip-on step counters, and unfortunately, they all come up with different results. I have no way of knowing which are accurate.
There is a popular tracker called Fitbit, a fancy step counter that looks like a watch. Each model has pros and cons, per thousands of online reviews. Some do more than just count steps; they also keep tabs on your location with GPS, your pace and how far you’ve walked, your sleep profile, your heart rate and your stress level. They can be pricey, especially if you want to unlock all the features and sign up for Fitbit Premium to see all your data on the dashboard.
Your best bet is to Google “best step counters for seniors” and wade through a few dozen choices. You’ll find Apple Watch, 3DTriSport Walking 3D Pedometer, Garmin Vivofit 4 activity tracker and so many more. If you have a subscription to Consumer Reports, check their reviews on activity trackers for seniors.
Before you opt for an expensive tracker, visit a store where they are sold and try them out. A watch font might be too tiny to read, or a clip-on might not stay clipped on.
Bonus: Several Medicare Advantage plans provide either free or reduced-cost Fitbit devices.

The Oklahoma Hospital Association (OHA) presented Excellence in Quality awards to four hospitals during its recent annual conference. This award recognizes exceptional efforts to improve outcomes in clinical quality performance practices, capabilities, and results, and represents the highest level of professional acknowledgement from the OHA Council on Quality & Patient Safety.
Award applications from OHA hospitals across the state were scored based on their story of a clinical project specific to improving patient safety within the hospital, creating innovative interventions that incorporate evidence-based best practices, demonstrating measurable and quantifiable results, sustaining/spreading the success within the hospital, and stimulating learning for others. Four award categories based on number of beds were recognized.
“The goals of the awards are to recognize outcomes in clinical quality performance practices, capabilities, and results, share best clinical practices, challenges, and successes among Oklahoma hospitals, and stimulate innovation, knowledge and learning in achieving clinical quality and safety in health care among member hospitals,” said Patrice Greenawalt, OHA vice president of quality & clinical initiatives.

2023 awardees for Excellence in Quality are:

Critical Access Hospital and Under 25 beds: Rural Wellness Anadarko. Project Title: Reduction of Falls for Patient Safety. Submitted by: Rachel Stephens, chief nursing officer

26-100 beds: Select Specialty Hospital Oklahoma City. Project Title: Reducing Central Line-Associated Blood Stream Infections. Submitted by: Tami Kirk, director of quality management

101-300 beds: Comanche County Memorial Hospital, Lawton. Project Title: Reduction of Hospital-Acquired Clostridioides difficile. Submitted by: Melissa Alvillar, RN, chief nursing officer

More than 300 beds: Norman Regional Health System. Project Title: Hip Fracture Morbidity and Mortality. Submitted by: Cathy Snapp, orthopedic program administrator

By Eddie Roach, VillagesOKC media

Commitment. Discipline. Effort. Pride. Toughness.
Those are the character traits which are inscribed on the base of a monument to 1st Lt. James Robert Kalsu that will be unveiled March 29, Vietnam era Veterans Day, at the Del City High School stadium, which bears his name. On the same day, a documentary will premiere about the football star who gave up a promising career to honor his commitment to the U.S. Army and lost his life in service to his country in Vietnam.
“Uncommon Character – the Legacy of James Robert Kalsu” is a film about Kalsu, a stand-out student and Del City High School football star, an All-American at the University of Oklahoma, and Rookie of the Year for the Buffalo Bills, who became the only active professional athlete killed in action in the Vietnam War.
Documentary producer Gary Banz, director of Veterans Initiatives at VillagesOKC, says, “This story is important for many reasons. Foremost is that each new generation needs to know their own history and appreciate the sacrifices which have been made so they can live free and enjoy the benefits of that freedom.” He hopes it will inspire future generations of Del City students and motivate them on the field, in the classroom, and in life.
“The statue is a constant visual reminder of James Robert Kalsu’s personal story,” Banz said. “The documentary expands the audience of the Kalsu story. After more than 50 years, the public at large has become more open to reversing the manner Vietnam Veterans are recognized for their service.”
Kalsu’s story of humility, character, and valor has been told several ways over the 50+ years since a mortar round took his life in July 1970. Now, a documentary by local filmmakers explores the Robert
Kalsu story and how his life impacted so many – in sports and in service. Former teammates and battle buddies were interviewed for this project. All spoke of Kalsu’s character.
Kalsu was born in Oklahoma City with deep Czechoslovakian immigrant roots. His boyhood home was located on Southeast 59th St. in the Mid-Del school district. During his developmental years, he attended Townsend Elementary, Kerr Junior High, and Del City High School and considered Del City his home. His character traits were shaped by a strong extended family, a Catholic faith tradition, and his teachers in the Mid-Del school district.
Nearby Tinker Air Force Base, established during World War II, was the place of employment for thousands including Kalsu’s father, Frank. It was the perfect setting to raise a young man of character destined to become an All-American Hero. As a constant companion with his father who coached little league baseball teams, young Kalsu embraced serving others.
He was recruited in 1963 by legendary coach Bud Wilkinson at the University of Oklahoma, but
Wilkinson retired before Kalsu could play for him. By the 1966-67 season, the All-American Kalsu led the Sooners to a 10-1 (7-0 in Big Eight Conference play) season and a win over Tennessee in the Orange Bowl. Team Captain Kalsu earned the respect of his teammates. Former teammates said his no-nonsense, team-first approach was loved by all and made an impression on players and coaches.
Teammate Steve Owens, future Heisman Trophy winner, said Kalsu was a natural born leader. “When he talked, we listened.” Team quarterback Bob Warmack said he was a little kid in a big man’s body that led by example. Coach Barry Switzer, offensive coordinator, remembers him as quiet and on time, and a mature leader well liked by teammates and coaches.
Kalsu was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in 1968. He started nine games that season and was voted as the rookie of the year by his teammates. While at OU, Kalsu was a member of the school’s Army ROTC program. After graduating, he was commissioned as a second lieutenant but was not called to active duty. However, not long after the Bills 1968 season ended, the call came. At the time, numerous pro athletes were eligible to be drafted but opted for the reserves, or because of their high profile careers managed to avoid the draft with deferments.
In November 1969, after additional artillery training at Fort Sill in Lawton, 2nd Lt. Kalsu found himself assigned to the 101st Airborne Division “Screaming Eagles” and leading soldiers operating Firebase Ripcord high in the mountains of central Vietnam. At the time, Kalsu and his wife, Jan, had an infant daughter, and she was pregnant with their second child. In the early months of his tour of duty, Kalsu was promoted to first lieutenant. In May 1970, Kalsu joined his wife in Hawaii for a brief R&R retreat.
By late July, Firebase Ripcord was besieged by North Vietnamese Army soldiers who had surrounded the base. For days, the NVA frequently mortared the base, which kept Kalsu and his troops primarily in their bunkers. On July 21, 1970, Kalsu was killed by a mortar round that landed a few feet from him. Two days later, Jan Kalsu gave birth to their son, James Robert Kalsu Jr., in Oklahoma City.
When enlisted soldier Alfred Martin, who experienced combat at Firebase Ripcord with Kalsu, was asked to describe his commanding officer, he replied, “a gentleman in officer clothing.”
Dedication Day for the Kalsu monument is Friday, March 29, with a revealing ceremony at 1:00 p.m. at the stadium site. At 1:30 p.m. in the Del City Performing Arts Center (PAC) there will be a Vietnam-Era Veteran pinning ceremony and premier of the documentary. A reception will follow in the PAC lobby.
“Uncommon Character” is the second documentary written and produced by Banz which honors Veterans. It is the third the 78-year-old retired educator and former Oklahoma State Representative has produced with his grandson, Nathan Livingston, a 25 year-old cinematographer. The Robert Kalsu Legacy Group is the idea of Navy Capt. John Keilty (retired), a Junior Naval ROTC teacher at Del City High School and includes other community leaders. They are raising funds for the monument. Midwest Trophy Manufacturing of Del City and Willowbrook Construction are building and erecting this project.