Meet Harold "Huck" Holst from Staples, Minnesota. He’s our September Veteran of the Month! He was nominated by his granddaughter MacKenzie who had this to say about him:

"My grandpa truly inspires me everyday. He always makes time for my family and as a granddaughter he wouldn't miss very many games of my school athletics. You'll find him at the game but always talking to others. You never hear him talking about himself. It's always about his kids and grand-kids and how proud we make him. He is such a loving and deserving man and I just want him to know how important he really is to us and give him a big thanks for everything!"

Holst joined the U.S. Marine Corp when he was 18 years old and fresh out of high school on a dare. He and five of his friends signed up for the service in 1964. "It was tough. It was nothing but 18 weeks of pure Hell," Holst said. "Many times I went 'what am I doing here?'"

He served for four years in the Marines--during that time he spent a year and a half in Vietnam. "It's a beautiful country...You grew up in a hurry," Holst said.

Holst left his training camp in San Diego a few months after basic to sail to Vietnam which took 40 days. He said it was hard on everyone to get used to life at sea. He spent about 14 months overseas before coming home to the United States.

Holst said his biggest takeaway from serving his country was developing a sense of discipline.

Holst has been active with his local Staples Legion Post for 23 years. He is currently the commander Quarter Master and the vice president of Tech Veteran Memorial Park in Staples.

He is also known locally for appearing on the popular TV game shows "The Price Is Right," and "Wheel of Fortune."

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