Fair warning! This old bird, formerly known as the Resident Shrink and Shrink in Exile of this rag, now the proofreader, intends to again make her annual pilgrimage to the Sierra County seat to see “her vets.” Although not a real vet herself, she did accompany her husband, John Johnsen, United States Military Academy ’56, around Army posts for 20 years but definitely not on his two tours in Viet Nam. For many years she has served that West Point class as a terminal illness and grief counselor, a role that is currently very active. There she is known as the “USMA ‘56 Hug Queen”.

From his military family, the Johnsen’s son, John Wm. Johnsen, Lance Corporal, USMC (1958-1985) died in an accident at his base, El Toro Marine Air Station, CA. Another son, Erik M. Johnsen, retired from the USAF with 20 years active duty as a pilot and now serves as the test pilot in the simulator training for C-5 pilots at Travis AFB. Mary’s father served in both the Navy and Coast Guard. John wore Army (CA Cadet), Air Force (ROTC), and USMC Reserve uniforms before entering the USMA and his Army service.

So why the Sierra County vets? Well, quite a few years ago, from her perch up Oxford Mine Road, Mary noted that there was no formal local recognition of those people who left Sierra County to serve both here and abroad, so some folks got busy. John Funk (WWII-USN) made a flag stand and poles for the colors of each service, Carole Marshall put out the word, Bernie Stringer (USMC) led the ceremony, Nancy Carnahan (USAF) got Sierra County Vet baseball caps, Frank Lang fit into his Public Health Service uniform (and still does), Don Potter hosted luncheons, the Downieville Fire Department made sure the bell could toll for the deceased vets as their names were called out, and Sheriff’s deputies posted the notices throughout the county. Thus a traditional community event was born and matured.

In 2013 the ceremony featured the Governor’s Honor Guard, US Army soldiers who did the impressive rifle salute and flag folding ritual. Mary received John’s flag with her sons and several of John’s West Point classmates in support. Darcy White covered it all with her camera keeping the memories of that year well documented. At the luncheon Jim Johnsen spoke about his dad and being an Army brat.

The 2013 Sierra County vet roster had 54 Army, 29 Navy, 26 Marine, one Coast Guard, one Public Health Service and 20 Air Force vets for a total count of 130 county wide. By 2018, 28 of those were deceased while 15 had moved out of county so the roster listing dropped to 87. Faces, alive but missing in the formation in 2018 included Chuck Ervin (USA), Brandt Larsen (USA), Liz Fisher (USA), Cai Sorlien (USA), Pete Prince (USN), Richard Nourse (USA) all of whom could have been expected to give Mary Johnsen a hug. She was watching for Scott McDermid (USMC) too!

Now, another ten years later, other vets and spouses of vets have stepped up to keep the tradition alive of honoring the Sierra County vets on Veterans Day. And hugs are still important! Of course they don’t have to be restricted to Veteran’s Day. How about when you spot a vet, shake his or her hand, enjoy a hug if possible and appreciate what these wonderful people did, what a selfless contribution they made. Finally, don’t be surprised to see an old Army wife hugging away on November 11, 2023 at the bell tower’s noon ceremony.