releases: https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/op-eds?ContentRecord_id=98871505-93AB-41BF-8D89-E94D54F1639A
Data license: MIT · Data source: dwillis/congress-press
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| https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/op-eds?ContentRecord_id=98871505-93AB-41BF-8D89-E94D54F1639A | Heroes On and Off the Battlefield | 2017-11-08 | 2017 | 2017-11 | Democrat | House | ND | Heidi Heitkamp | H001069 | www.heitkamp.senate.gov | legacy | Imagine being thousands of miles from home in a foreign country, huddled in a snow bank during a blizzard as bullets whiz past you. Private First Class Lynn Aas lived through this frozen hell for 45 days during the Battle of the Bulge in December and January of 1944-1945, when Allied troops held firm against a ferocious German offensive. And through it all, Lynn was motivated to survive by the desire to come home to North Dakota and make a difference in his community. This Veterans Day it is important to remember that heroes walk among us, and Lynn Aas is one of them. I had the privilege of being in Minot last month to attend a ceremony at which Lynn was presented with the Knight of the Legion of Honor medal, the highest honor that France can bestow, for his heroism during that critical World War II battle that saved France – and Europe – from the advance of Nazism. Lynn has received numerous other recognitions for his military service, including the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart. But it’s Lynn’s work to build up his community and make North Dakota a better place for future generations that really inspires me. Lynn did not rest or retreat from service when he made it home. He served his community in a number of ways: as an active member of his church community, as a member of the North Dakota Legislature, as a supporter of Minot State University, as a member of the United Way Board of Directors, and in countless other ways. The stories of World War II veterans like Lynn – who made it home and dedicated themselves to building our nation – need to be told over and over again. These days, when it’s easy to take for granted the hardships endured by the Greatest Generation to make our country great, our next generations need role models like Lynn who have embodied self-sacrifice for the betterment of their communities. As a nation, we owe veterans like Lynn a deep debt of gratitude and respect – not just on Veterans Day, but every day by making sure they can access the resources they need and deserve. In the U.S. Senate, I’ve been fighting for the care and services our servicemembers in North Dakota ought to have, and to make sure our communities are prepared for veterans returning home. From the VA answering my call for a Vet Center in Grand Forks and working toward reforming the Veterans Choice program, to helping Congress pass strong support for veterans’ mental health resources, I’ll keep fighting for our veterans each and every day. Putting on a uniform and fighting for our nation, and then taking off that uniform and fighting for a better community and country – that’s the kind of heroism that we need more of. This Veterans Day, I’m thankful for the contributions and sacrifices of heroes like Lynn Aas and every servicemember who embodies the sense of duty to country – on the battlefield and off. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z |