Dean Markuson coordinates the Beyond the Yellow Ribbon effort … and more

He works in the background, shying away from any publicity. But Hastings resident Dean Markuson is the force behind the Beyond the Yellow Ribbon community effort in Hastings.

He served in the military, retired to civilian life, but still works endlessly to serve the current and retired military people and their families in the community.

He was born in Edgeley, N.D, and raised in Ellendale, N.D. He volunteered for the draft in February 1970. He attended basic training at Fort Lewis, Wash., and then proceeded to Fort Benjamin Harrison for training in personnel administration. He was then deployed to the Republic of Vietnam (36th Engineer Battalion).

When he returned from overseas duty, Markuson went to Omaha, Neb., and Fort Sheridan to perform administrative duties in the United States Army Recruiting Command.

“Being promoted out of my position, it was time to volunteer for Germany (V Corp in Darmstadt and Frankfurt),” he said. “My two daughters, Elizabeth and Ruth, were born and I just happened to receive a very plush assignment in Combat Development at Fort Benjamin Harrison on how to survive without a computer and a military personnel records jacket (use a stubby pencil).

“Being promoted to Master Sergeant, I was seeking more responsibility and volunteered for Korea (2nd Infantry Division), with subsequent assignments at Fort Carson (4th Infantry Division), Germany, VII Corp-Ansbach), and finally the Big Bad One, Fort Riley, Kansas (1st Infantry Division),” he said. “After deciding that my family needed some permanent stakes that they could call home, I decided to retire in April 1990.”

They moved to Hastings and stayed. Markuson joined the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 1210 and served in the positions as post service officer, adjutant, assistant gambling manager and commander.

In 2003- 2004, he was elected as the Second District commander and received All-American Honors. Upon the retirement of the American Legion Service officer, Markuson decided to become the overall community service officer. He is a life-time member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (38 years); Disabled American Veterans (20 years) and an annual member of the American Legion (20 years).

He became very interested in assisting other veterans; therefore his appointment as the Beyond The Yellow Ribbon community coordinator was a natural fit in October 2008.

“This is not an easy ordeal and sometimes very grueling and overwhelming,” Markuson said. “I give my thanks to the community citizenry that combines generosity and self-giving to others.

Among Markuson’s honors are the Army Lapel Button, Army Service Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal (sixth award), NCO Professional Development Ribbon “Advanced NCOS,” National Defense Service Medal, Army Achievement Medal (second Oak Leaf Cluster), Army Commendation Medal (fourth Oak Leaf Cluster), Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with two Bronze Stars, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with palm and the Marksman Rifle M-16.

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