Michael Mars
My name is Mike Mars. I believe Ken and I were in basic training together. He was an awesome guy. We stayed in touch for a few years and then lost rack of each other. From time to time over the years would try to find him but never did until today when I was directed to the Dawson County Veterans office. They didn’t have much information but from the help they offered was able to locate this link. Can you confirm he did do basic training at Ft Leonardwood?
I was the platoon guide for our company and Ken one of the squad leaders. We both had responsibilities with the guys and would have to take care of our personal stuff after we had everyone bunked down for the night. One night I was outside the barracks polishing my boots when some of the guys that didn’t appreciate my leadership decide too jump me. They we upset because I treated them the same as everyone whereas the former platoon guide was their friend and didn't make them do any duties like everyone else. They threw a blanket over me and started to beat me up. As I was struggling, and yelling, Ken happened to be walking to the showers and heard the noise. He quickly ran to help and thanks to him they ran off. He saved me from a pretty bad fight and maybe serious injury.
On another occasion, we both got pulled out of the days duties to go to the CO’s office. He treated us like we were special and neither of us could figure out why. The he told us that we both qualified for prep school based on our test scores from reception camp. If we did well in that year of prep school we would qualifying for West Point officer training. We were shocked. Both of us took a deep breath and respectfully responded, at the same time, ‘no thank you sir.’ Which didn’t make him very happy. This the end of the special treatment and promptly sent us back to regular duties with everyone else.
I have such fond memories of Ken and which I would have been more diligent in searching for him. He was a very special man and one that I will never forget. I hope some day when we both get to heaven I will be able to find him and hear all about his life and have many days of friendship with the lord.
Please let me know if I have found the right Kenneth Gene Volkman. I can be reached by mobile phone at (515)208-4329 or by email at [email protected]. I would love to connect with any of his family to share personally how special he was and what a great friend he was in our brief time together. God bless Michael d. Mars, Ken’s ‘very good friend,’ as he would sign in his letters!
