East Idaho Times

Washington, D.C.--U.S. Senator Mike Crapo of Idaho has recently completed his fourth year of honoring Idaho veterans and servicemembers through his social media campaign called "Military Monday." Since Veterans Day 2019, Senator Crapo has recognized 50 Idaho veterans and currently-serving members of the U.S. Armed Forces who have demonstrated exceptional military service.

The campaign, which expanded in 2023 to include Idaho heroes Missing in Action (MIA), aims to show appreciation and respect for the sacrifices made by Idahoans in service to their country. Senator Crapo expressed his admiration for Idaho's military and veteran heroes, stating, "Idaho's military and veteran heroes have gone above and beyond both in service to our nation and in service to their local communities."

Among the honorees in 2023 were Bill Mullen, a retired veteran from Mountain Home, who served in the U.S. Air Force for over 20 years and now works for the U.S. Department of Defense. Mullen is also a dedicated member of the American Legion and has played various roles for Post 101, including Commander.

Another honoree was MIA servicemember Frank P. "Bud" Hayes, a First Lieutenant who joined the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II. Unfortunately, Hayes did not return from overseas and is still classified as Missing in Action. The latest update on Hayes' status can be found on Senator Crapo's website.

Retired veteran Mark McClure, who served in the U.S. Navy for 21 years and deployed multiple times, was also recognized for his service. McClure currently serves as the Clark County Sheriff in Idaho.

Other honorees include Samantha Martinet, a veteran who served in the U.S. Marine Corps for 13 years, and John Nanninga, a World War II veteran who enlisted in the U.S. Navy and deployed to Pearl Harbor.

The campaign also recognized Darryl Heisey, a retired veteran who served in the U.S. Army for 20 years, including as an Army Chaplain Activities Specialist. Heisey later served as a Veteran Service Officer in Idaho.

Commander Roderick Mayer, a Navy officer and pilot who flew over 80 missions, was honored as an MIA servicemember. Although his radio intercept officer was released as a Prisoner of War, Commander Mayer remains unaccounted for.

The campaign also recognized the contributions of Corporal William Mostoller, who served in the U.S. Marine Corps as a light armored vehicle mechanic and received the Navy Achievement Medal with a V for Valor for his actions during combat operations against the Taliban.

MIA servicemember Ray Frank Jardine, who served in the U.S. Army Air Corps and the U.S. Air Force, is also among the honorees. Jardine went missing during a bombing mission in 1951, and extensive searches have yielded no trace of him or the aircraft he was on.

Other honorees include Army National Guard veteran Katrina "Tea Jay" Adams, retired veteran Damon Darakjy, and retired veteran Denine V. Moyer Miller, who served in the U.S. Army Nurse Corps for 20 years and achieved many milestones in her career.

These individuals have graciously allowed Senator Crapo to share their biographies and photos as a way to honor their service. Longer-form biographies can be found on Senator Crapo's website.

Senator Crapo's "Military Monday" campaign is a meaningful way to recognize the dedication and sacrifice of Idaho's veterans and servicemembers. By sharing their stories, Senator Crapo aims to remind these individuals how much they are respected and appreciated.

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Click this link to access more information: https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases/crapo-recognizes-fourth-year-of-militarymonday-honorees