Mick Welding submitted this article.
On Saturday, November 9, 2019, the Morrison Community Hospital Foundation will host Tribute to Veterans, our 11th Annual Gala, at the Vista Grande, 2141 16th Street NW, in Clinton, IA. We will offer a Buffet Dinner and musical entertainment throughout the evening, by the Josh Duffee Big Band and Orchestra from Davenport, IA. Cocktail Hour starts at 5:00 p.m., as does bidding on Silent Auction items. The buffet opens at 6:00.
The band will play a musical tribute to veterans, to highlight a night where we will recognize those who served our Country. For the next months we will feature a veteran from Morrison.
This month we would like to honor Army Master Sergeant Robert Brands. Bob was delivered by Dr. Maurits in 1930, at the Morrison Community Hospital on Main Street. He entered the Army in 1951 and was immediately sent to Ft. Benning in Georgia. Four months later he was sent to Camp Cook (now known as Vandenberg AFB in California. Of interest is that Bob said Camp Cook was built by German prisoners of war. After completing training he was placed on a ship for a 17-day journey to Korea. Storms actually caused the anchor to pierce the front of the hull.
Brands first worked to rebuild vehicles that were damaged by bombs and bullets. He was then trained to serve in the 4.2 Mortar shell division. Bob served as a Sergeant 1st Class and then was promoted to Master Sergeant, which meant he gave the firing orders to his platoon. He served on the front lines with the 40th Infantry Division in the Punch Bowl conflict, Sandberg Castle, and Battle of Heartbreak Ridge. He ordered shells to be fired at the North Korean enemy soldiers. He did loose men in his platoon, but thankfully his life was spared.
After the war ended Bob returned to San Francisco, CA, on July 29, 1953. He went to work for his dad at Brands Heating and Cooling until his retirement in 1992.
Now Bob spends time with his wife, Irma. He is an avid bike rider. Since he got serious in 1994 he has logged a whopping 55,000 miles. That means he has ridden around the world over two times! Bob has completed RAGBRAI four times, riding across the width of Iowa. He is also active in the local American Legion Post 328, serving as Chaplain and on the Color Guard.
Thank you for your service, Bob Brands!
