Ronald D. Feekes has been active in his community as a teacher, choir director, writer, and event speaker.

He represented teachers on the state NCA board and helped facilitate in-service programs for other school

districts.

After visiting his daughter and son-in-law in the Netherlands, Feekes became interested in cycling and started riding his bike across Iowa on RAGBRAI. This will be his 19th ride this coming year. Canoeing into the Boundary Waters, sleeping with bears and other creatures interest him as well, along with fishing. He has found that fishing in South Dakota in a motorboat is much easier. Ron also enjoys hunting wild hogs in Oklahoma, bear in Canada, and deer in both South Dakota and Iowa with his son, son-in-law, and a Navy buddy.

Feekes has been married to his wife, Heidi, for 52 years. Together, they have 13 grandchildren, making life rewarding and meaningful. The past three years, they have been contacting those mentioned in this book to acknowledge their significance to the story being told. Some are in nursing homes, others in assisted living, and those who have already passed away, Ron and Heidi have met with their families.

Ron and Heidi have concluded that all author proceeds and other donations will be directed toward veterans in need to offer hope for a brighter tomorrow. Proceeds will be sent to the Feekes Veteran Benefit Fund for redistribution.