by Dennis Dalman
The “real” heroes are not big-time athletes or razzle-dazzle movie stars; they’re people who served their country, sometimes giving their lives for it, said retired Major General Gerald Lang.
Lang, a Sauk Rapids resident, was the keynote speaker at the fifth annual “Veterans Brunch” event Oct. 22 at the Sartell Community Center. Ninety veterans, many accompanied by family or friends, were treated to the free lunch paid for by American Legion Post 277 of Sartell and donations from the Sartell Senior Connection.
The lunch was catered by Mark Larson, owner of “Creative Catering” in Rice. It included egg souffle with diced ham and cheese; grilled sausage links, fruit and pastries.
Sandra Cordie of Sartell emceed the event, stepping in for Maggie Kraemer, who had to bow out as emcee to attend a funeral.
Before the lunch, Vi Halvorsen of Sartell led the Pledge of Allegiance and followed that with a prayer. Halvorsen was in an Air Force Corps who did stateside duties during the World War II era.
Judy Morgan, also of Sartell, set up a display of military artifacts and other memorabilia in the community center for veterans and their guests to peruse and ponder. Morgan and the visitors enjoyed talking about the artifacts and reminiscing.
Mayor General Lang received rousing waves of applause after his six-minute talk whose theme was the courage, duty, hard work, selflessness and sacrifices made throughout American history by its “true heroes,” – men and women who served in the military and those who still serve.
Born in Milaca and a graduate of Milaca High School, Lang joined the U.S. Army in 1971. He did his basic training in Fort Dix, N.J., and later was commissioned as a 2nd lieutenant in 1976. He commanded at the company, battalion and brigade levels.
In 2003, Lang was the deputy commander for a brigade serving during the war in Bosnia/Herzegovina in eastern Europe. In 2009, he served in Iraq as deputy commander of the 34th Infantry Division, with his command of 18,000 soldiers during “Operation Iraqi Freedom” when he was a commander of all combat operations in nine of Iraq’s 18 provinces.
After serving in Iraq, Lang returned and served as assistant adjutant general for the Minnesota Army National Guard.
Some of Lang’s many honors include the Army Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit with one oak-leaf cluster, Bronze Star, Army Commendation Medal with four oak-leaf clusters, Iraq campaign medal with two bronze service stars, NATO Article 5 medal, Meritorious Service Medal with three oak-leaf clusters and the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal.
Lang retired in 2015 after 43 years of military service.
He has a bachelor’s degree in business and a master’s degree in strategic management. He was employed at the Knife River (construction) Corp., based in Elk River. He has held many leadership positions during the past four decades.
Lang and his wife, Ingrid, live in Sauk Rapids and have two adult daughters, Linnea and Erika.
contributed photo
At the fifth annual “Veterans Brunch” event in Sartell, veteran Vi Halvorsen of Sartell led the Pledge of Allegiance and a prayer. Retired Mayor General Gerald Lang gave the keynote speech. Ninety veterans attended the free luncheon.
