(Atlantic) The Atlantic Rotary Club hosted its annual Salute to Veterans Dinner Tuesday at the Cass County Community Center, recognizing veterans’ sacrifices and the challenges they face when returning to civilian life.
Atlantic native and Atlantic High School graduate Darrian Schwenke was the featured speaker. The son of Donna and Dean Schwenke, Darrian served as an Army Ranger and continues to support fellow veterans.
Schwenke recently completed a 375-mile walk across Iowa as part of his “Course of Action” project. Beginning at the Missouri River in early September, he carried his golf clubs across the state, stopping in five communities to play golf with local veterans and record their stories.
Schwenke said the purpose was to listen to veterans and give them an opportunity to share their experiences.
Along the way, he visited Treynor, Atlantic, Crestwood Hills Golf Course in Anita, Veterans Parkway in Des Moines, and several other communities. One memorable stop was Deep River, where he met Ed, a retired Army command sergeant major who continues advocating for veterans’ physical and mental health despite suffering a stroke last year.
Schwenke eventually reached Le Claire along the Mississippi River, where he met with more than 40 veterans and completed the journey.
Today, Schwenke works in the Intensive Care Unit at Methodist Hospital in Des Moines and hopes to pursue a flight medic position with Chopper Life Flight.
Through his military service, healthcare career, and “Course of Action” project, Schwenke continues to serve others and make a difference in the lives of fellow veterans.
