In partnership with the Veterans Coordination Commission, we are pleased to present the May, 2006 Veteran of the Month – Ron Kock.

Ron Kock was born in Sioux Falls, South Dakota and joined the United States Marine Corps in June, 1965. After Basic Training, he was sent to Viet Nam as an Infantryman. Ron served two tours in Vietnam plus two years in Japan. He was Honorably Discharged in January 1972 with the rank of Staff Sergeant after two additional years of service at Camp Pendleton, California.

Ron’s awards and decorations include: Combat Action Ribbon, Presidential Unit Citation, Navy Unit Commendation, Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal w/Bronze Star device, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation, Republic of Vietnam Civil Actions Unit Citation (sponsored by an orphanage in Vietnam) and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.

After Ron’s discharge, he lived in Sioux Falls, South Dakota where he obtained an Associates Arts degree in Business. As a result of mortar round activity received in Vietnam, Ron received a 100% disability.

Ron and his wife, Kathy Kruse have three daughters – Shelly (John) Olson, of Rapid City. Nicole (Michael) Krazen of Houston, Texas and Amber Kock of San Francisco, CA.

Ron is a Life Member of the VFW as well as Past Commander, Past Quartermaster and is currently Chairman of the VFW Honor Guard. Ron is a Life Member of the Vietnam Veterans of America Firebase 463, Past Chairman of the VVA Reunion held in Deadwood, 2005 as well as Chair for the upcoming reunion to be held in Rapid City in May, 2006