I met Marlen Ueltzen at a Goodwill on January 23 while shopping for a school spirit week event. As I was looking at the flannel shirts, I noticed a blue hat with the airforce patch and word veteran sewn across the bill. I shook his hand, thanked him for his service, and he told me his story as if it were written on the back of his hand.

Marlen Ueltzen joined the Airforce in 1957 as an aircraft mechanic and served a six year term which ended in 1963. Ueltzen left the Airforce with an acquired rank of an E-6, or otherwise known as a Staff Sergeant (SSgt).

On August 6, 1945, Enola Gay became the first aircraft to drop the atomic bomb called “Little Boy.” The Enola Gay was a Boeing B-29 Superfortress which was named after the mother of the pilot, Paul Tibbets. Paul Tibbets was the man who inspired Ueltzen to enlist into the airforce.

Shortly after Ueltzen left the Airforce, he decided he still wanted to serve his country and later became an officer for 10 years in Missouri.

Marlen Ueltzen was a great man who gave his service to our country, and while we say our pledge during the day, and sing our national anthem before games, we not only show respect and pride for the country but as well as the great men and women like Marlen who watched over us as the generations go by.

I feel like a lot of veterans in the U.S. do not get enough recognition for the sacrifice and risk they put upon themselves to make our country as powerful as it is today. Anytime I see a man or women dressed in uniform, decorated in medals, or wearing an article of clothing that explains his service, I believe they should be thanked and treated with respect.

You can view The History of Our Heroes Blog to follow up with veteran stories across the district.