A salute to a World War II veteran

I offer this letter as a salute to my uncle, Ernie Weaver, who recently passed away at the Montana Veterans Home in Columbia Falls at age 87. Right up front, you need to know that Ernie lived most of his life as a veteran. He served in World War II, and it was there at the front lines that he became left-handed for the rest of his life.

The story I recall as a young boy was that he was struck by friendly fire because he was so close to the enemy lines. I don’t know if Uncle Ernie suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder or not. That diagnosis was not given back then, but he always seemed to be a happy and productive member of his community.

He married Jan Anderson and they had two sons, Ron and Kenny. Some of my recollections of my uncle was how he dug a water well “single-handedly” at his home in the rock-infested soils of my small western Montana home town of Rollins. He also built the small house on that property, mostly by himself. I remember he took special training and became a parts specialists for a heavy industrial parts supply company in Kalispell.

Just a few years back, Uncle Ernie came to Ketchikan, Alaska, for a visit with his son and grandson, Ron and Gregg. We were fortunate to catch a few king salmon in Clover Pass that June, and I recall Ernie fashioning a strap around his neck and fishing pole and landing a 25-pound king.

Back home in Montana, he and his wife volunteered to deliver food with the Meals on Wheels program. I have no doubt that most of the “clients” Ernie and Jan delivered to were younger than them at the time.

Ernie also enjoyed the game of golf. Even with just one arm, he had a wicked drive, mid-range and short game. His life was full and rewarding with the family he had that included grand- and great grandkids. He and Jan had recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary.

So I salute my uncle, and in so doing I offer him up as an example to other veterans who may be returning from Iraq or Afghanistan as wounded veterans. There can be a full life ahead of you by maximizing your potential and minimizing the effects of your war wounds. I also encourage communities to embrace these returning vets and helping them with educational, social and economic opportunities.

Rob Holston lives in Ketchikan, Alaska.