Delano Herald Journal

Serving the communities of Delano, Loretto, Montrose, MN, and the surrounding area

Christmas in January



DELANO, MN – Rebecca Barros’ husband is serving overseas.

Lee Raskin’s husband is, too.

They were two of the women invited to take their children to the Delano American Legion Sunday afternoon for a belated Christmas event.

Mike Klaphacke joined his wife, Kristy, and daughters, Avery, Emery, and Aniston, at the event.

He was deployed in September and returned in November.

“I had to come home,” he said. “Kristy had a brain tumor . . . I came home for a couple days for the surgery. Things got worse, so I put in a hardship request and came back.”

Kristy’s health has improved, but the road to recovery continues.

Mike said he is grateful for the support his family has received, including being invited to Sunday’s event.

“The outpouring of support from the community, the Legion, and others has been unbelievable,” he said.

Raskins said it was good to get together with other military families “and just let the kids have some fun.”

Barros was appreciative of those who organized the event.

“It’s really just nice to know people are thinking of us when my husband is deployed,” Barros said.

Her son, TJ, agreed and became emotional thinking about the past six months and the four months remaining until his dad returns.

Legion Commander Troy Kriesch stepped in to comfort him.

“It’ll be alright,” he said. “You’re the man of the house. You don’t always have to be. It’s OK to be a boy.”

Kriesch admitted he didn’t quite know what these kids were going through.

“We’ve all been away from home on the holidays,” he said. “As adults, we know what it feels like. As a kid, I don’t know what it feels like.”

His goal, along with others like American Legion Auxiliary President Tracy Gurneau, was to help them think about something else.

Grins on the children’s faces were proof that it worked.

“Those smiles are what make our days,” Kriesch said. “ . . . It looks like they all had fun.”

Adding to the fun was an appearance from Santa Claus, who distributed gifts – including two baby cradles handmade by Bernard Dyreson – to the children. Delano Snowstormers provided rides in side-by-sides in addition to s’mores on a fire outside. Though the lack of snow prevented them from giving snowmobile rides, they still gave each child a small snowmobile replica.

Back inside, the families were treated to complimentary food and drinks, and the mothers were given gift cards and an invitation for babysitting services.

Kriesch wanted them to know how much their husbands’ service and their sacrifice means to everyone at the Legion.

“On behalf of the Delano American Legion family, we want to thank you for your husbands’ service,” he said. “You moms are as strong, if not stronger, than your husbands. We appreciate that. We’re here for you any time. Just call us. We can act very fast.”

A total of 14 kids from six families were invited to the event.

Kriesch intends for Sunday’s event to start a tradition.

“This was the first time,” he said, before adding with a smile, “This won’t be the last time.”

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