Stephen Anderson receives Quilts of Valor
Stephen Anderson Among Three Veterans Honored with Quilts of Valor during the Clearwater County Fair.
Anderson attended Bagley School from first through eighth grade and graduated with the Grand Rapids High School Class of 1970. Following graduation, he studied to become a lineman-electrician at Wadena Area Technical School from 1970 to 1971.
Anderson was drafted into the United States Army on Nov. 29, 1971. He served for 20 years, one month and three days before being honorably discharged Dec. 30, 1991, with the rank of master sergeant.
He completed basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, followed by training as a 36K field wireman at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. He was stationed in Nuremberg, West Germany, from 1984 to 1988 and then at Fort Knox, Kentucky, from 1988 until his discharge in 1991.
During his 20 years of service, Anderson earned the Meritorious Service Medal, four Army Achievement Medals, the National Defense Service Medal, Master Parachutist Badge, Expert Rifle Badge, Egyptian Rifle Badge and Egyptian Jump Wings.
His responsibilities included serving as communications chief for artillery battery, battalion, infantry battalion and regimental units. He also served as an assistant S-3 noncommissioned officer and as first sergeant of Headquarters Troop. Anderson instructed soldiers in radio communications, land navigation and map reading. He later became chief of the General Subjects Committee.
Following his military service, Anderson worked as an apprentice electrician in Grand Forks and Bemidji. After moving to Bagley, he worked at Hillside Lumber, Pallet Minnesota, Lone Tree Manufacturing and Bagley Hardwoods.
In retirement, Anderson enjoys camping, fishing and hunting, but his favorite moments are those spent with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He is also proud to serve as a member of the White Earth Honor Guard.
Anderson is a longtime member of Irvin Blix American Legion Post 16. A paver bearing his name is placed at the Clearwater County Veterans Memorial, honoring his many years of service to his country and community.