Photo By Heather Johnson | Dennis E. Provencher, a retired U.S. Air Force staff sergeant, continues his service...... read more read more
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OKINAWA, Japan - On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1919, the nation commemorated Armistice Day for the first time after fighting ceased between the allied nations and Germany during “The Great War,” better known as World War I. Congress changed the name from Armistice Day to Veterans Day in 1954. At that time, Nov. 11 became a day to honor all American veterans, regardless of when and where they served their country.
As years pass, the nation continues to celebrate this day; honoring all military veterans who have served their country when the nation called.
One American veteran, Dennis E. Provencher, retired after 20 years of service but continues to serve as a volunteer helping service members and their families on Okinawa.
Provencher, a Milton, N.H., native, retired as a staff sergeant in the U.S. Air Force after serving his country as an airborne and ground radio operator.
He enlisted as an active-duty airman at the age of 18 in July 1951, and retired in August 1971.
“I felt proud to know I contributed in a small way to keep our country free and the people safe,” said Provencher. “It taught me discipline and a greater love for my fellow service members and country.”
During his enlistment, he was assigned to several units giving him the opportunity to travel the world and experience countries such as Germany, France and Japan.
“I enjoyed serving in Germany because it gave me the opportunity to learn the language,” said Provencher. “It was difficult being away from home when I was stationed there, but the job and learning to read, write and speak the language took up a lot of time.”
According to Provencher, serving his country during a time of conflict in the Vietnam War from 1968 to 1969 taught him to be careful and appreciate life.
Since Provencher’s retirement, he has written two children’s books, was inducted into the “Guinness Book of World Records,” and has been a volunteer for various military organizations.
“Since I retired I have accomplished many things,” he said. “I went to school and received my associate in arts degree, was president of the Okinawa Shrine Club and chairman of the Crippled Children’s Program.”
While Provencher was in Okinawa in 2002, he donated his 28th gallon, or 224th pint, of blood and received a certificate from Guinness World Records in 2004, a title that he still holds. To date, he has donated 34 gallons and 5 pints of blood.
“I have donated every 57 days for over 40 years now,” he explained.
Provencher currently dedicates his time to the Veterans of Foreign Wars as the quartermaster for Post 9723. He is the fundraising chairman for the Camp Foster Red Cross, the finance officer for the Boy Scouts Far East Council and helps with the USO.
“I think Dennis volunteers as much as he does because he knows how important it is to have people in the community who will do work that benefits society and brings no financial reward,” said Harry W. Farmer, a friend and fellow volunteer. “Whether it’s giving blood, volunteering with the Masons, the Scottish Rite, VFW, American Legion, Boy Scouts or International Red Cross, Dennis knows the value of someone who is willing to give the most valuable commodity they have, which is their time.”
Provencher says he enjoys volunteering and giving back to service members because he knows there are people who need help every day.
“It is like a band of brothers,” he said. “No matter what branch of service, we all have many things in common and I even listen to some of the Marines tell their war stories. It’s interesting and makes them happy. I like to make people happy.”
Aside from volunteering with organizations, Provencher also spends his time visiting service members at the U.S. Naval Hospital Okinawa on holidays.
Provencher’s friends describe him as a rare individual that every community needs, but rarely finds.
“Dennis’ best quality is that he is a great man,” said Stanley Stewart, a friend of 15 years and fellow VFW member. “He’s a hard worker and a good friend.”
To Provencher, Veterans Day is a day to honor those brothers and sisters who have served and those who have given the ultimate sacrifice for our nation’s freedom.
This Veterans Day, Provencher attended a ceremony at the Kadena Air Base flag poles and ran a fund raiser at the base exchange and commissary. The collections were donated to disabled veterans.
| Date Taken: | 11.10.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 11.22.2011 19:19 |
| Story ID: | 80452 |
| Location: | OKINAWA, OKINAWA, JP |
| Web Views: | 255 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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