West Bend, WI – Who do we know that is a longtime Interfaith Volunteer, a Vietnam War Veteran, and traveled to Washington DC with the Stars & Stripes Honor Flight Mission 69? The answer is…Bob Reischel.
Bob was nominated by his daughter Jenny for the Honor Flight. Once selected she accompanied him to Washington DC on June 17, 2023; a wonderful adventure that they were able to share.
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Bob’s day began with a 5 a.m. check in. His flight left out of MKE airport at 6:30 a.m. He said they started with a good breakfast. In addition to great food and a wonderful send off, there were non-stop activities throughout the day, including the Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, WWII Memorial and of course, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.
He returned to Milwaukee at 8 p.m. to an overwhelming reception of family (kids, grandchildren) and friends. Bob was touched at the effort all had made to rearrange schedules to be there and be part of this special occasion.
Bob served during the Vietnam War from January 20, 1966 – January 9, 1968. He had been drafted in October of 1965, and was shipped out to Baumholder, Germany for training in January. He remembered the people in Germany enjoyed and appreciated having them there, happy that WWII was over.
After a successful 42-year career as an Electrician, Bob’s service wasn’t complete. Sherry encouraged him to volunteer. He enjoys getting to meet people and loves to share history and stories. When we needed assistance with Interfaith build outs and h.e.l.p. Corner, he thought his electrical and carpentry experience might be helpful. He was right.
Bob has been driving clients to medical appointments and helping out with numerous projects, since 2010.
Bob says that his sense of service come from his parents, both were from Northern Wisconsin.
When asked, what did he gain most from being in the service? Bob said, “a never give up attitude” and the nickname “Percy, as in perseverance.”
We are honored to know Bob and more than appreciate all that he has done and continues to do for us here at Interfaith. If you haven’t met Bob, a pleasure awaits you and when you see Percy, remember to thank him, as we do, for his service.” We love you Bob.
I am a donor to Interfaith Caregivers as its mission of providing rides to the handicapped, sick and elderly is very needed in Washington County. I heard about it last year in an article that, like this one, was in the Washington County Insider.