Memorial Day Observance honors U.S. Marine Tom Messier
The annual observance of Memorial Day by the Dubois County Veterans Council will be Saturday May 23rd beginning at 10:00 am. on the west side of the Dubois County Courthouse in Jasper at the Veteran’s Memorial and Fountain.
All Veterans Organizations of Dubois County will be represented and all Veterans who passed away this past year will be remembered.
This year’s deceased veteran to be honored is Tom Messier. Tom Messier was born on August 15th 1935 at Bourboness, Illinois. He began his lifelong reputation for service to his country at age of 19 by enlisting in the United States Marine Corps and become an artilleryman.
In August of 1965, Tom left for the jungles and hilltops of Vietnam. As an Artillery Chief, Tom directed accurate fire in support of Marines and soldiers on the ground. It is without doubt that the expert fire support provided by Tom and his teams saved countless American lives.
After twenty years, Tom retired from the Marine Corps in August 1974, having earned the Combat Action Ribbon, the Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Commendation, the Navy Unit Commendation, The Republic of Vietnam Service Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal.
Completing his service with the Active Duty Marine Corps, Tom continued to serve his country and his fellow Veterans. As an active member of VFW Post 673, Tom served numerous years on the house committee and the Honor Guard.
Tom was a life member of American legion Post 147. Tom served on the Executive Committee and over the course of 13 years, became a Wednesday night fixture in the Legion as he became THE bingo caller.
In November of 1995, Tom assisted in the startup of the Southern Indiana Leatherneck Detachment of the Marine Corps League. eventually taking over the duties as detachment paymaster and continued in that position for nearly 7 years. Tom was awarded both the Silver and Bronze Distinguished Citizen Medals, the Elected Officer Medal – 11th award and numerous letters of appreciation and membership awards from the Marine Corps League.
Tom is survived by his wife Anna Mae (Kreilein) Messier of Jasper, sons Kurt of Jasper, and Michael of Newburgh, one sister, Gertrude Dupius of Kankakee Ill.., and six grandsons. Tom was preceded in death by two brothers and 12 sisters.
The guest speaker for this year’s Memorial Day Observance is Commander Timothy Craddock base commander of NSA Crane. His past duties ashore include the Missile Defense Agency, Aegis BMD Program Office Dahlgren, VA; Missile Defense Agency in Huntsville, AL and Navy Personnel Command Millington, TN. He attended Naval Postgraduate School earning a Master of Science degree in Systems Engineering and Analysis as well as completing the Naval War College Non-resident Program for Joint Professional Military Education Phase I.
Bernie Thewes President of the DCVC will be master of ceremonies. Deacon John Huether from the parishes of Precious Blood and St. Mary of Ireland will be the presiding chaplain. The National Anthem and other Patriotic Songs will be sung by Bernie Jeffries and the Recycled Teenagers.
Keith Jones from the American Legion Riders will conduct the POW/MIA Ceremony. Dick Singer and Dan Hollinden from Navy Club Ship#90 will conduct a ritual remembering Sailors. Taps will be played by Mark Messmer of Jasper after the 21-gun salute honoring all deceased Veterans.
Jasper’s Park department will provide temporary bleachers for this event but you are encouraged to bring lawn chairs. The Monsignor Wernsing K of C 4th Degree Assembly 0251 and Boy Scout Troop 185 will be serving bottled water during the event. VFW Post 673 Jasper will host a reception for the family and friends of Tom Messier along with all those participating in this event.
In case of in climate weather all events will be held at VFW Post 673 1907 Newton Street Jasper.
