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Lest We Forget is headed up by a dedicated Board of Directors. Each is dedicated to veterans' causes and honoring those that served our nation and those that serve us today.

LEST WE FORGET Board of Directors with Affiliations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

• Donald Alsbro, President; Colonel US Army (Ret). Don served two tours in Vietnam and received a Doctorate in Education from Wayne State University. He has since retired from Lake Michigan College as health and physical education professor, developed a national health program called "Dump Your Plump" and is President of Rainbow Wellness, a health promotion business. Don is a co-founder of Lest We Forget and the originator of the award winning WWII, Korea and Vietnam "Lest We Forget" documentaries. For his many volunteer activities and role in community leadership, Don received the Liberty Bell Award from the Berrien County Bar Association-2008 and the Margaret B. Upton Volunteer Leadership Award-2009.

• James Brinkmann, Treasurer- 1st Lt. Korean War (51-53). Jim was assigned to US 40th Div. and The Republic of Korea (ROKA) 2nd Infantry Div. as a Forward Observer, and later Survey Office, then Director of Fire Direction Center (FDC) for 980th FA Bn.(Bronze Star Recipient); BS in Business Administration (51) & MBA (55), Xavier University. Jim is retired Whirlpool Executive (Director Finance & Information Technology); a Board member of The Salvation Army; VP of New Territory Arts Association; Treasurer and Finance Committee Member of Heritage Museum and Cultural Center; and most recently was elected Chairman of the City of St. Joseph's Lakeland Hospital Finance Authority Board after serving in various capacities for several years.
• William Langbehn, Communication Officer - Vietnam Era veteran ('70 - '74) with the US Air Force as an Air Intelligence Specialist, E-5. Assigned to the 48th Tactical Fighter Wing at RAF Lakenheath, England, Bill's duties involved working closely with air crews in briefings, aircraft recognition, threat analysis, and escape and evasion strategies. He received his education at the University of Wisconsin-Madison earning a BS in Communication Arts Education ('76) and an MS in Instructional Technology ('78). Retired from Whirlpool Corporation as Director, Creative Works, Bill started his own business--Langbehn Communication Services, which specializes in producing video, photography, and event management. He volunteers for community organizations such as Habitat for Humanity, Lest We Forget, Southern Michigan Christian Students, and his Church.
• Dale Jeffers, Board Member - US Army, 1950 - 1952, Corporal, Korean War and Japan Occupation. Dale graduated with a BSME ('47) from Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology. He is a registered PE MI and OH, received his MBA ('71) at Michigan State University. Jim is the Former Director of Quality Control for Whirlpool Corp; the retired owner and operator of the Western Auto Store of Niles, MI; Past President, St. Joseph and Howard Township Lions Clubs; Past President Blossomland United Way; Member of St. Joseph Lions Club and Southwestern MI Chapter of Korean War Veterans.
• Lew Burchard, Board Member - After 2 years' active duty in US Army and 20 years in Michigan National Guard, Lew served in leadership positions such as a Battery Commander, Company Commander, Battalion Commander, and Brigade Commander when he retired as Colonel. He was a Michigan educator for almost 40 years with 31 years serving as a school administrator. Sixteen years were spent as a high school principal and fifteen years as a school superintendent. As a Rotarian, Lew served as President on three different occasions and is a Paul Harris Fellow. Additionally, he served on various state-wide organizations such as Michigan Association of School Administrators Board for six years and the School Equity Caucus for 14 years. He was president of that organization for two years. Lew has a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration and a Master's Degree in Counseling and Guidance both from Western Michigan University.
• Arden Pridgeon, Board Member - Served in the U.S. Army from 1943 to 1946 with the 96th Infantry Division as a Staff Sergeant and squad leader for the Leyte, Philippine Islands and Okinawa Invasions. He was awarded the Purple Heart, Bronze Star and Combat Infantryman's Badge. Arden has a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering (49) and MA in Business (61), both from Michigan State University. He was employed by Benton Harbor Malleable Industries as an Engineer and Supervisor for over 16 years. After that he became an Associate Professor in Engineering for 24 1/2 years at Western Michigan University until his retirement in December, 1989. He is a Past President of the Local Jaycees and the Professional Engineers Society. He is a Member of the Knights of Columbus and Past Grand Knight of Council 1120 and Past Navigator of the Father Baroux Assembly. Arden is a member of DAV and recently joined the St. Joseph Lions Club. He is a Volunteer Minister for the Berrien County Jail and is active in his church.
• Ken Mckeown, Board Member - Chief Photographer.  Ken attended Illinois State Normal University majoring in business. He worked in the financial industry for Dun & Bradstreet in Illinois, Indiana and Michigan. After 40 years with Credit Bureau of Benton Harbor & St. Joseph and Merchants Credit Bureau, Inc., Ken retired as Operations Manager. Ken served as President of Associated Credit Bureaus of Michigan from 2001-02 and has been a member of St. Joseph Kiwanis since 1964. He served as President from 1993 to 1994. Ken has been a member of the Twin City Camera Club since 1971, serving as its President in 1980, 1991, 1997, 1998. He has been President since 2004. Ken has always been interested in photography and serves as Chief Photographer for Lest We Forget.
• Marvin Abott    (details coming)