Alan Leonhardt of Winona spent three weeks volunteering at Fort McCoy and shares a few special moments below.
“Almost everyone was so grateful to be safe. One man said it was like living in a dream. I said I hoped it was a good dream. He smiled and said, “Yes, the American dream!”Most were anxious to start life over in the United States. They wanted to work. One math teacher wanted very badly to teach math again. We had doctors and others with a great deal of formal learning. We hoped they would get to use their education and experience again in helping others.When asked by one of the IRC (International Rescue Committee) staff why I was here doing this work, I said, “My great-grandfather came here in 1880 from Germany and there were those who helped him when he arrived – just 20 miles west from this fort. I am here to help pay it forward by helping others.”
Alan was inspired by his time at Fort McCoy and continues to pay it forward by working with WASN to help sponsor a family in Winona.