Beam Earns Veteran Award

Beam earns Fennville's 'Most Valuable Veteran' award

By Joel Morales Correspondent

February 20, 2002

FENNVILLE- Robert Beam is someone you could say believes in service above self. At 19 years of age, he was propelled into the Vietnam conflict. Having come out of it alive, he now dedicates a lot of his time to helping out other veterans and their families. On Saturday, Feb. 16, Beam received the first ever Most Valuable Veteran award for his dedication, from Fennville's VFW Post #7911 Juniors Girl Unit.

"I'm usually the one who surprises others, but this time I'm the one surprised," said Beam, who was visibly choked up over the award. "Thank you" is all he was able to muster, as he wiped away tears of emotion. His wife Lupe, sons Robert II, Richard, daughter Katrina, and daughter-in-law Jennifer were among the more than 60 people present to see Beam receive the award.

Janet Roelofs, who chairs the girl's unit, an offshoot of the Lady's Auxiliary to the Veterans of Foreign Wars called Beam's selection "a very good one" adding, "Bob is an outstanding example. If all veterans and people were like him, this world would be a better place," she said. "He helps anyone and everyone he can."

The unit, consisting of 13 girls, ages 6 to 16 are daughters and granddaughters of veterans of foreign wars, came up with the idea for the award after the National Auxiliary Program, which supports veterans of foreign wars, called on local groups last June to recognize individuals for their "Profiles in Patriotism." The award recognizes an area veteran who still serves his country though community service.

But tell Beam he is a hero, and he down plays it. "I'm very honored and humbled," he said shortly after being honored, "but I'm no different than any other veteran. I accept this on behalf of all veterans," he said. "I just do what I feel we're supposed to do," he added.

Besides taking veterans on doctor visits, Beam also assists them in filing VA claims, picking up prescriptions, and buying groceries. He has raised over $24,000 for cancer research by walking 500 miles every year during a two week period, the past six summers. Over the last two years, he's assisted in raising $2,700, which has been distributed in groceries and presents to veteran families at Christmas time. Last year, Beam raised $3,100 for an electric cart for veteran Bob Higgs, who had a leg amputated.

Beam was instrumental in World War II veteran George Zecklin of Fennville receiving his long overdue bronze star, for service in the Burma Theater of Operations in 1944. Beam wrote letters to the Military Records Department in St. Louis, Missouri for nearly a year, informing them that Zecklin had never received his medal.

"He does as much for the community, as he does for his family," said Beam's wife Lupe. "Every time I turn around he's doing something for others," she said. "Sometimes he uses our own finances, but we always get it back. Maybe not all in monetary, but in other ways."

Beam, who was part of the Air Rescue team with the 832nd Security Police Company in Vietnam from 1967 to 1968 is a recipient of the Purple Heart, the Vietnam Service and Campaign medals, the National Defense Ribbon, and the Presidential Unit Citation for involvement in the Tet Offensive of 1968 among others. He is serving his first term as a trustee of the Fennville Board of Education, and is a member of the Vietnam Veterans of America, the American Legion, the Disabled American Veterans, and the Dads of Foreign Service Veterans.

"Coming from the kids, this means a lot to me," Beam said. "It makes me feel special. I don't do it for the recognition, but it's nice that someone notices what you do and to be recognized for the work you do," he said.