OSMOND — The annual Veterans Day program in Osmond will take place on Tuesday, Nov. 11, and will pay tribute to those who gave time to defending the country and maintaining its freedom. The program will take place at 10 a.m. in the Osmond Community School gym. The address will be given by Dan Kuester.
Arrangements for the program have been coordinated by Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 7838 in cooperation with Osmond Community School. Assisting are members of American Legion Post 326 and auxiliaries of the two service organizations. VFW Commander Dan Wieneke will introduce the speaker.
Students from all Osmond schools will be in attendance and the public is welcome and encouraged to attend.
Dan Kuester
Daniel G. Kuester was born and raised on a family farm south of Clearwater, Nebraska, to Art and Margret Kuester — both proud veterans who served during World War II. Growing up as the seventh of 11 children, Dan learned early the values of hard work, teamwork, and service to others.
He graduated from Elgin Public High School in 1975 and went on to attend Wayne State College, studying mass communications.
His interest for the Armed Forces led him to enlist in the United States Army, where he retired in 2002 after 23 years of loyal service: 19791980, Ft. Carson Colorado Infantry; 1980-1982, Ft. Myers VA, (The Old Guard); 1982-1985, Ft. Richardson, AK, Combat Leadership Instructor; 1985-1987, Ft. Stewart, GA, Platoon Sergeant; 1987-1992, Marshall, Austin, Owatonna Station Commander; 1992-1995, Dallas, TX, Director of Training; 1995-1997, Lincoln, NE, First Sergeant Recruiting Company; 1997, Retired. He retired with the distinguished rank of First Sergeant.
During his military career, Dan completed numerous leadership and professional development schools, shaping the foundation of his lifelong commitment to service and mentorship.
Dan married Carla Wattles of Clearwater, and together they raised four children — Shera, Ryan, James, and Michelle — each born in a different state as the family moved with his military assignments. The Kuesters now make their home in Norfolk.
Following his time in the military, Dan built a distinguished civilian career centered around communication, leadership, and helping others succeed. His experience includes roles such as:
• Communication Specialist, Curtis and Associates
• Veteran’s Employment Specialist, Workforce Development
• Director of Training and Develop- ment, Affiliated Foods
• Director of Risk Management and Service Excellence, Faith Regional Health Services
• Professional Speaker, Midwest Speakers Bureau Dan continues to share his passion for leadership, teamwork, and service through speaking engagements across the Midwest. His message to students and communities reflects a lifetime of dedication — to country, to family, and to the belief that each of us can make a difference when we choose to serve.
Monday’s Program
At Monday’s program, service groups will enter the gym to “Royal Processional” played by the Osmond Junior and Senior High School band, directed by Christalin Ginn. Colors will be presented by the VFW and Legion posts, their auxiliaries and the Sons of the American Legion. After the senior high school band plays the “Star-Spangled Banner,” Osmond elementary students will lead those present in repeating the Pledge of Allegiance, which will be followed by the invocation by Rev. Brian Tuma of Immanuel Lutheran Church.
The winner of this year’s Voice of Democracy contest, a member of the junior class, will then deliver their presentation.
During the program, the 7-12 band will perform “United States Armed Forces Salute,” during which Shannon Wiseley will announce each military group when their song is played so they may stand and be recognized.
The 7-12 choir will perform “America The Beautiful” and grades 4-6 will sing “On Veterans Day.”
The program will conclude with the benediction by Pastor Tuma, the recessional with “Military Escort” played by the 7-12 band, and retiring of The Colors by the service groups.
Meal to Honor Veterans
The school has extended an invitation to all veterans, spouses and auxiliary members to join students for lunch following the program. This is the 21st year that school officials and students have hosted a meal to show their appreciation to the veterans.
Dan Kuester
