March, 2012 - The American Legion Department of North Dakota

North Dakota Legion News March 2012 Page 11
Memorial Service Held At ND Legion Winter Conference
MRS. DEBORAH KENNER AND FAMILy during the Memorial Service.
MRS. LANA SLEEPER AND FAMILy during the Memorial Service.
The Memorial Service held during
this past North Dakota American Legion
Winter Conference, has brought to light the
importance of our families in support of the
servicemen, Peace Officers and others that
dedicate their lives to their communities
and country. The NDAL recognized two
ND Peace Officers who made the ultimate
sacrifice during the line of duty, Sergeant
Steve Kenner, Bismarck Police Department.
and Deputy Bryan Sleeper, Burleigh County
Sheriff’s Department. Their families
were invited to be recognized during our
Memorial Service. Department Chaplain Al
Gaines presided over a very moving program
of prayer, recognition of responsibility, and
other various facets of our lives.
Pastor Al organized a very enjoyable
mix of music, Gwen Damlo, provided
beautiful vocal leadership in guiding the
congregation through the hymns. A small
group of musician from the North Dakota
American Legion State Band played the
prelude to the service and following the
presentations to the families a very moving
trumpet trio of “Alleluia.”
Our National Commander Fang Wong,
presented the families with the North Dakota
Department American Legion Distinguished
Service Awards for the service and sacrifice
of the fallen officers Sleeper and Kenner.
The plaques were similar in format and read
the following;
It is a distinct privilege and honor
of the ND Department of The American
Legion to recognize Sergeant Steve Kenner
posthumously for his service and duty as
a peace officer with the Bismarck Police
Department. The Legion Family extends
its gratitude and respect for the ultimate
sacrifice for which Sergeant Kenner gave
in line of duty. His personal sacrifice
was for the benefit of his community and
the protection of his family, friends and
neighbors. Therefore, be it resolved: That it
is our extreme pleasure to present Sergeant
Kenner, posthumously this Distinguished
Service Award for his personal dedication,
service and sacrifice.
Department Commander Robert Krause
read Letters of Recognition presented to
Lana Sleeper and Deborah Kenner,wives of
the fallen officers. The letters were similar
in format and read the following;
It is our privilege and honor to
recognize Lana Sleeper for her dedicated
service in the support of her husband, the
late Deputy Sheriff Bryan Sleeper. Deputy
Sleeper served as a
peace officer with
the Burleigh County
Sheriff’s Department.
The ND Department
of The American
Legion extends its
gratitude for your
selfless service to your
husband and family,
allowing Officer
Sleeper to perform his
duties professionally
every day. The duties
of a spouse, whose
partner has served
the common good, are
never more evident
than during these most
personal of times, you
as an individual also needs to be recognized
by our leaders and citizens. Therefore, it
is our extreme pleasure to present to you
this Letter of Recognition, for your personal
dedication, service and the sacrifices you
have made with the loss of your husband.
Take comfort knowing your husband is with
his Band of Brothers and has reported with
honor to his “Final Roll Call.”
MEMBERS OF THE North Dakota State Band
during the Memorial Service.
Following the service, several local
media programs interviewed both National
Commander Fang Wong, and Department
Commander Robert Krause regarding the
importance and appreciation of the North
Dakota Legion for including these Officers
in the Memorial Service Program.
Remember your Fallen Commrades with a generous Memorial Donation to the
North Dakota American Legion Foundation Department Headquarters,
The American Legion
Box 5057,
West Fargo, ND 58078