VETERAN OF THE MONTH - TOM SOUKUP

The Wagner American Legion Auxiliary Greer Unit #11 is proud to honor Tom Soukup as April’s Veteran of the Month. Soukup graduated from Marty High School in the spring of 1959 at 17 years of age. After graduating, Tom was faced with a big decision as his father offered to pay for his college education but with one stipulation: Tom could not farm. With a lifelong dream of being a farmer, Tom chose his passion of farming instead of college. In addition to farming, Tom decided to join the National Guard. In September of 1959, an enlisted Tom was sent to Fort Leonard Wood, MO for basic training. There were four other local soldiers that left at the same time as Tom, including Larry Beeson, George Houska, Dennis Koupal, and Fred Koupal. Although they left at the same time, Tom was sent to a different company. After graduating from basic training on December 8, Tom was supposed to be trained as a water specialist at Andrews Air Force Base in Washington D.C., but instead had his Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) changed to motor pool and was sent to the U.S. Army Transportation School at Fort Gregg-Adams in Virginia. With this MOS, Tom learned mechanics and how to operate heavy construction equipment.