By Lori Ehde
Luverne's Warren Herreid has his name etched in stone in Camp Ripley's Court of Honor Military Museum.
He traveled to northern Minnesota Sunday for the honor.
According to the ceremony brochure, the Court of Honor was established at Camp Ripley "for the purpose of permanent memorialization of those individuals who have, through dedicated service to State and Nation, attained uncommon prestige or who have performed otherwise highly distinguished service over an extended period of years."
Herreid's name appears on a monument next to several others he's come to know and admire.
"That made me feel really good to see my name along side of these people I've respected through the years - almost all generals are on this list," he said. "It's kind of an awesome honor.
Herreid was nominated for recognition by the Camp Ripley Memorialization Board, which is comprised of decorated colonels and generals, mostly retired.
"I really am very proud to be able to represent Luverne and my National Guard family from Luverne," Herreid said.
"Luverne is a very strong Guards town, and I'm proud to represent my generation of that family with this honor."
Sgt. Maj. Warren Herreid began his career with the Minnesota National Guard in September 1939 with Headquarters Company, Second Battalion, 205th Infantry in Luverne.
During his military career which spanned two wars, Herreid earned the Combat Infantry Badge, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, European Africa Middle Eastern Theater Service Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Theater Service Medal, American Defense Service Medal with Bronze Star, World War II Victory Medal, Minnesota Commendation with Pendant, four Overseas Service Bars and Minnesota Service Ribbon with clasp, First C1 Gunner.
Herreid's nomination to the Court of Honor stems largely from his role in developing a military leadership weekend course after he became operations sergeant of the G-3 in the mid-1970s.
His book, "The Professional Military Leader," was the preface of a teaching manual used in the course, which became the precursor to training later conducted by the Minnesota Military Academy.
Since his retirement in 1980, Herreid continues to contribute to the National Guard in numerous volunteer roles.
"Luverne is a great town. I have a lot of military comrades and friends here," he said.
"There's something special about the Guards family that help you through life. Also, the women of the Guards are very important. It takes you away from your family a lot, and my wife (Joyce) has been very supportive."