BY: Roger Kasa, Plainsman Online

IROQUOIS — American military personnel serving in Iraq and Afghanistan deserve the same treatment as those who fought in World War II, Gov. Mike Rounds said here Saturday.

Addressing the 60th anniversary celebration of the Bensley-Rounds American Legion Post No. 280 in Iroqouis, Rounds said today there are young men and women struggling “on our behalf” in Iraq and Afghanistan.

“They deserve our full support, just like those who died and fought in World War II,” he said.

Rounds was one of two featured speakers at the two-hour program in the Iroquois School gymnasium.

The other featured speaker was National American Legion Chaplain Stan Gruneich of Flandreau.

Gruneich, who serves the Second Presbyterian Church in Flandreau, said the military “taught me discipline.”

He said 300,000 injured servicemen came home from World War I in need of care, but there was little available.

But when the American Legion was founded and became involved that began to change, he said.

He said South Dakota is one of two states with the highest per capita death toll in Iraq and Afghanistan.

“I know we have problems in our VA hospitals,” he said.

He told about a Brookings man who lost his job because he was called to serve in Iraq.

“When he came home, his employer didn’t want to rehire him because he felt he would be recalled again,” he said.

However, that kind of treatment isn’t what is happening locally, in communities like Iroquois, he said.

“We need to understand the veterans,” he said. “That’s what the American Legion is all about.”

One Iroquois American Legion member, Marvin Whites, was honored for 60 years of membership. Others who received certificates were Al Schoenfelder, 57 years; Tenis Snyder, 52 years; Robert Biever, 51 years; Myron Zeeck, 50 years; and Dale Kopplin, 49 years.

Jeff Tschetter was honored by the post as Fireman of the Year for 2006 and Delores Royal was cited as the Legion Auxiliary Member of the Year.

The Legionnaire of the Year was Bob Blue. Descendants of the Bensley and Rounds family were all given special recognition.

The Sons of American Legion recognized Joseph Peskey as Son of the Year for 2006, with honorable mention going to Brent Matter. Certificates of appreciation also went to Annette Dunham and the Carl and Linda Matter family.

Amber Misar, Iroquois music teacher, and three of her students, Kaylie Watters, Seth Soderman and Megan Keating, sang three songs, including “God Bless America” and a tribute to the various branches of the military.

South Dakota American Legion Commander Gunner Baatrup of Huron said March is the month “we celebrate the birthday of the American Legion.”

“The first duty of the American Legion is to see that all veterans get a square deal from the government they fought for,” he said.

Colin Royal, Iroquois American Legion commander, was master of ceremonies. David Owens Sr., department area vice commander for districts 2, 5 and 6, introduced the speakers.

Jim Hulbert, city council member, brought greetings from the mayor and fellow council members.

Two local newspapers, the De Smet News and Huron Plainsman, received certificates of appreciation.

Photo: From left, Iroquois music teacher Amber Misar and three of her students — Kaylie Watters, Seth Soderman and Megan Keating — provided special music at the 60th anniversary celebration for the Bensley-Rounds American Legion Post in Iroquois Saturday.