U.S. Navy Seabee who served in Vietnam, recognized

BEATRICE - Gage County officials Wednesday honored a Vietnam War Veteran who’s played an instrumental role in leadership for veterans in southeast Nebraska.

Steven Calkins enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1966, serving until March of 1970. He earned four medals for his service. County Veterans Service Officer Scott Bates says Calkins now serves his fellow vets. "I personally want to thank Steve for his service and volunteer work that he does for the local veterans as the Quartermaster for VFW 1077 and as the District Six VFW Commander for the State of Nebraska."

Calkins has served the VFW District in this area the past twelve years, overseeing 13 VFW posts in southeast Nebraska. He said it’s been difficult finding a person to take over that post. At age 74, he’s up for reelection to the position, but would like to hand it off, to someone else.

Calkins served as a Seabee in the Navy, the construction battalion. He went to Vietnam when he was 18, first serving on an ammunition carrier, then as a truck driver.

"An officer came around and wanted to know if I knew how to type. I said, yes sir. He put me with the Seabees...I was a Bowsun's Mate. I went off the boats and went into the Seabees and I became a construction mechanic. I served in China Beach, DaNang, South Vietnam.....and it ain't like the one on TV."

Calkins was honored with some gifts and a plaque in appreciation for his service…part of an ongoing program for several years now, where Gage County officials recognize the service of the area’s military veterans.