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Nicole Clapp honored with “Homecoming in America’s Heartland”

American Legion Auxiliary National President 2019-2020 Nicole Clapp (center) is pictured with her Campaign Co-Chairs Past National Commander Dan Rehbelin and Ann Rehbelin of Ames. The photo was taken during the “Farm to Table” event held on the Brett and Beth Miller Farm near Gladbrook. Photo/Margaret Thomsen

Gladbrook native, Nicole Clapp, was honored by the Department of Iowa American Legion Family with a three day celebration of her being installed as the American Legion Auxiliary National President. She was installed in August as the 100th individual to lead the world’s largest patriotic service organization.

Nicole was raised in Gladbrook by her parents, Darrell and Jeanne Paustian, and has a bachelor’s and masters degree in nursing from the University of Iowa. She is a 44 year life member of Gladbrook Ehrig-McTurk Unit #127.

The “Homecoming in America’s Heartland” was held October 3-6 with the Meskwaki Hotel and Casino, Tama, IA serving as headquarters. More than 200 people from across the United States joined in the celebration.

A casual buffet dinner and trivia night began the festivities and was held at Pilgrim Heights, Montour. On Friday the group visited the John Deere Tractor Cab Assembly in Waterloo. A behind the scenes tour showcased the manufacturing process of the familiar John Deere Equipment.

Next stop was Clark & Associates, a prosthetic and orthotics facility. Guests learned how prosthetics are made. Nicole stated, “This allowed guests to see how they were able to provide assistance to our returning heroes who now face the difficult challenges of living an adaptive lifestyle.” Nicole’s emphasis is focusing on the health and well being of our veterans, military, and their families.

The afternoon and evening was spent on the farm of Brett and Beth Miller near Gladbrook. The “Farm to Table” event featured hitch-wagon rides pulled by the TF Clydesdales. A cow and baby calf, antique machinery and the latest in big farm equipment. The evening meal was catered by Tandi Davis of Hometown Foods, Spanky’s Restaurant and the Iowa Chops were grilled by the Tama County Pork Producers. Local residents and the Gladbrook Junior Auxiliary assisted in serving the meal.

Hometown evening entertainment was hosted by MC Terri Luehring and showcased the “Dueling Pianos” with Sue Koster, Chad Mussig and Samantha DeWitt on piano. The Gladbrook Methodist Church “Singing Nuns” were a delight as they entertained. Gladbrook’s own Linda Goos received a standing ovation for her rendition of “She’s Got You”.

The evening concluded with Nicole presenting appreciation certificates to those in the community who had contributed time and talent to make the event a true Iowa experience.

Gladbrook rolled out the red carpet for their hometown girl with a tour of Matchstick Marvels with creator Pat Acton present. A film was shown at the Theatre recognizing Medal of Honor recipients. The Gladbrook Sons of the American Legion hosted a fish fry luncheon at the Gladbrook Memorial Building.

Guests were welcomed by Post Commander Ron Busch, Auxiliary President Jeanne Paustian and Gladbrook Mayor Keith Sash. The Junior Auxiliary members served the meal. Entertainment included a film of Nicole’s life. This video was put together by Terri Luehring, who was Nicole’s high school volleyball team!

A semi-formal banquet at the Meskwaki convention Center concluded the day. The Iowa Military Veterans Band was the featured entertainment.

The Gladbrook Community is proud to have a small part in honoring “the hometown girl”. She will continue her ongoing dedication to serving the military, veterans and their families during her one year tenure as American Legion Auxiliary National President 2019-2020.