WHO WE’VE RECOGNIZED

Don Hertz

Don Hertz is proud to be chosen as the first salute to the military for the Dacotah Speedway. Don served in the US Army from 1961-1964 and was stationed in France and Germany with the 37 Transportation Company. Don comes from a military family with a number of uncles having served in WWII, a brother that is a Vietnam Vet and another brother that was in the Army Reserve for 20 years.

The military tradition continued with Don’s two sons: Wayne Hertz is a United States Marine, having served our country for 28 years then retiring as a Sargent Major; Don’s son Rick Hertz served in the Army Reserve for 4 years, and Rick’s son (Don’s grandson) served in the military as a US Marine for 4 years.

The Hertz’s are proud of serving our great country. Don has been going the races on and off for over 40 years. The modified division is his favorite! Most recently he went to the Dacotah Speedway not only to be a fan, but to support his daughter, Jane Link,
in her role as the track promoter.

Jerome Volk

Jerome Volk joined the National Guard in 1973 as a senior in High School. He attended Basic Training and AIT training at Fort Lenord wood MO. After basic training he was in the 141st engineering battalion in Linton. In 1975 the unit needed a cook so Jerome attended cook school in Fort Lee VA. In the winter of 1978 the 141st unit was called to help the local area due to state of emergency with snow removal. The 141st and Jerome removed snow from numerous farms and towns in the Linton area helping keep the community’s safe and mobile. The duration of the of the emergency was 30 days and some areas were still not accessible until the last day. In 1986 Jerome transferred to the 164th Group Headquarters headquarter Co. in Bismarck. He was a drafting engineer until 1995 when Jerome retired with 21 years 5 mo of service. Jerome was a E6 Staff Sargent at his retirement. 

Larry Rokusek

Larry Rokusek served in the U.S. Army beginning April 4, 1967 as a Specialist 4th class. Beginning Janaury 30, 1968, he served in Vietnam starting with the 6th battalion 33rd Artillery as an ammo driver, transferring to the 2nd battalion, 94th artillery as assistant gunner and track driver. Larry was honorably discharged in January 30, 1969 earning good conduct, republic of Vietnam service and national defense medals. Following his years of service, Larry worked at Builders Supply for 39 years as a shop foreman. In his retirement, Larry keeps busy by fishing, gardening and maintaining the greenest lawn on the block. 

John Gartner Jr.

John Gartner Jr. joined the National Guard in 1995 when he was 17 years old. He went to Basic Training at Fort Knox in Kentucky. Then he went to AIT in Fort Jackson in South Carolina where he trained to be a 63 bravo which was a light-wheeled vehicle mechanic. During his service with the National Guard, he helped with snow removal in numerous small towns in South Central North Dakota during the hard winter of 1996. When the snow started to melt, John was sent to Grand Forks to help with the mighty 1997 flood. John assisted with rescuing people from their homes, he also sandbagged, built dykes and even helped the local law enforcement by enforcing Martial Law. John ended his service with the National Guard in 1999 where it allowed him more time behind the race car. Since then, John has raced numerous racing divisions, most recently piloting the #10 Hobby Stock. 

Shaun Aarhus

Shaun Aarhus enlisted with the North Dakota National Guard in 1998. He was initially with the A-164th out of Minot but later transferred to the 957th out of Bismarck. During his time with the North Dakota National Guard, he was a SGT E-5. He was deployed twice, once to Iraq and the other to Kosovo where he spent a year in each county.  Shaun received his Purple Heart in 2004.  After 14 years of service, Shaun retired in 2012. 

Edon willis

Originally from Charles City County, Virginia, Edon Willis enlisted into the United States Marine Corps in August of 2000. He went to Paris Island for boot camp, then to MCT in North Carolina and Fort Leonard Wood for his MOS training to become a Motor Transport Operator. 

He would go to his first duty station in Camp Pendleton California with 1st Combat Engineer Battalion Charlie Company. He deployed to Kuwait then shortly after America invaded Iraq as the tip of the spear being the first to go in marching all the way to Baghdad. His unit would return after several months in Iraq back home on the Bonhomme Richard Aircraft carrier, before he was promoted to the rank of Corporal there.

From many different deployments from 2000 until 2017, Edon has been all over the World protecting our country. He was awarded 5 good conduct medals, 2 combat action ribbons with a Navy Commendation Medal during a combat zone, Expert Rifle and Pistol badges with several other ribbons as well as letters of appreciation. 

Harry Heidrich

Harry served in the U.S. Army from 1969 – 1971. He started his basic training in Ft. Lewis, Washington and advanced infantry training in Ft. Sill, Oklahoma. 

Harry was sent to Vietnam in January of 1970. Private Heidrich distinguished himself while serving as assistant gunner in Battery C, 1st Battalion (airmobile), 321st Artillery. 

During combat operations on Fire Support Base Blitz, the Firebase came under an intense mortar attack. Private Heidrich immediately assumed his position as assistant gunner and initiated counter fire on the enemy positions. Although wounded, he continued to adjust the fire of his gun. 

His actions were instrumental in maintaining an intense volume of accurate counter fire which silenced the enemy positions. Private Heidrich’s personal bravery and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest tradition of the military service. 

Harry Heidrich was awarded the Purple Heart and Bronze Star of Valor for his actions. 

Harry was Honorably Discharged in August of 1971. He helped start up the Honor Guard at the Amvets Post #9 here in Bismarck as wella s serving as Commander. He has done many volunteer projects for the Amvets throughout the years.