Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/916449
Winter 2017 | wyoea.org 8 poster while he still possessed that opportunity. Ms. Hastert quickly promised that he would have a sign this year. Ms. Hastert then got together with three other GREA members—Scott Taylor, a Navy veteran; Scott Gaffey, an active Air Guard member; and John Lee, a longtime Veteran's Day Program organizer. They asked for and quickly received two student volunteers to make a poster for Mr. Krause. In fact, these students made two posters: one to present to him after the program and one to keep so that it can be used in next year's Veteran's Day Program. Although a private man, Mr. Krause wants people in general, and students in particular, to learn from his experiences, so he has opened up and wants to pass on some advice to others in hope that it will help. Mr. Krause led a life that was not as fortunate as some; however, he has never allowed this to interfere with his goals or make him a bitter man. At the age of three, Mr. Krause lost his mother to an alcohol-related incident. His father remarried, and Mr. Krause was raised by his father and step-mother. At the age of 16, Mr. Krause lost his father, also to an alcohol-related incident. Mr. Krause then lived with his step-mother and a step-father, which did not turn out to be an ideal situation for Mr. Krause. He then went to live with another family, who treated him with dignity and respect. However, Mr. Krause decided that it was time to become an adult and take care of himself. Prior to obtaining the high school diploma he would have received in 1964, Mr. Krause joined the army and was sent to Korea from 1964 to 1965. He then spent 1966 to 1967 in Vietnam. Mr. Krause served his country honorably during this time and then returned to Wyoming in order to find work. After his return, he was told that he should obtain his GED; however, Mr. Krause did not want to go this route. He felt that it was important for him to earn his high school diploma, so he returned to high school in 1967, three years after he would have earned his high school diploma in 1964. While working full time, Mr. Krause worked days and studied nights and graduated from Laramie High School in 1967 with his high school diploma. There were two issues that Mr. Krause felt it important to pass on to the readers of this article. He stated, "Education is very, very important. I talk to my grandchildren about how important education is. All communities should value their students and their teachers." Although there is nothing wrong with obtaining a GED, this value in education is the reason that Mr. Krause chose to go back to school, several years after he would have graduated at 18 years old, in order to obtain his high school diploma. The second issue Mr. Krause wants to impress upon everyone, but especially our young citizens, is that peer pressure is a very powerful force. "Do not let someone pressure you into doing something that you do not want to do and know that you will regret later. I lost both of my parents to alcohol, and I do not want to see that happen to anyone. I cannot tell you one good thing that alcohol or the abuse of drugs has done for anyone." The students and staff at MIS participate in community events each and every year, and they do not do it for the pat on the back; they do it because it is the right thing to do. However, it is heartwarming to hear a story of a Green River community member who has overcome overwhelming adversity and has asked only for a poster with his name on it to honor the service and commitment he has provided to our country. Danny Krause still fitting into his uniform 50 years later. "Education is very, very important. I talk to my grandchildren about how important education is. All communities should value their students and their teachers."