By tradition, the honored veteran for the Fourth of July parade is selected by veterans.  This year, they have selected Eric Madsen, who most will know as Rick.  Anyone who has attended public events in Malad will know Madsen as one of the most dedicated representatives of the veteran community.  His selection was accompanied by the following words from the men and women who selected him:

“It is our privilege to honor today Eric Illum Madsen, son of Reed and Elsie Madesen.  He was born June 30, 1951 in Malad.  He was raised on a farm, at the point of the mountain in Samaria, a place where he still lives today.

As a child, he loved horses, deer hunting and fishing.  He attended schools in Samaria and graduated Malad High School in 1969.  While in High School he was active in sports and represented Malad High at State Wrestling competition.

Vietnam was winding down and Eric entered the service of his country on August 16, 1971.  He was 20 years old.

Eric was sent to the Naval Training Center in San Diego, California, for Basic Training.  Eric pursued the Hospital Corp.  He learned everything a nurse learns in 16 weeks.  It was a very extensive training.

He was sent to Millington, Tennessee, where he worked in internal medicine.  He assisted in the Surgical Ward, where, in his words, “He removed a lot of lumps and bumps.”  He also assisted the doctors in their medical procedures.

It was at this hospital in Millington that the POW’s returned to after being released from Vietnam.  Many were in “very bad shape.”  Mr. Madsen states “It was a privilege to assist the POWs on their road to recovery.”

Eric then transferred to Field Medical Service School in Camp Pendleton in California.  It was there that he was attached to the First Marine Division 7th Marines in San Mateo, California.

He was then sent to Okinawa, Japan.  Eric assisted in building Regimental Aid stations.  Eric was promoted and appointed to be part of the administration and an instructor for First Aid and preventative medicine to Marines.

When Saigon fell in April of 1975 and North Viet Cong took over, Erik made sure the Marines were “fit to go.”  That means medical records were up to date and they were physically prepared with shots to go to Saigon and assist in accompanying the refuges to Guam.  Then from Guam to the United States.  

Senior Chief B.W. Margot evaluated PO3 Eric Madsen by saying: “PO3 Madsen is one of the rare individuals you come across in the Navy who is completely dedicated to detail in his medical administration duties recently were awarded by a “noteworthy” assigned by the Division Surgeon’s Inspection Team.  Never one to complain even when more work is heaped upon him, he methodically sets about to tackle the task.  He conscientiously asks questions and digs into books when in doubt about how to do his job.  He supports the Navy’s Human Goals Program.  His command of the English language, oral and written, is above average for his rate.  He is highly recommended for retention and promotion in the Naval Service.  

Eric returned home from Vietnam and married, resulting in three children: Eric Reed, Amanda, and Clint.  In June 1976, Eric bought his family’s farm, where he still lives.

Madsen is active in the American Legion and has served as Vice Commander, Historian, and Sargeant of Arms.  That means he conducts all Military Rites of those comrades who have died in Malad area and northern Utah who have served in the military.

Eric states “I’m very proud that I served my country and helped keep our people free.  This is something I have been proud of all my life.  I feel I am still a part of serving my country through service in the American Legion.  I love America and what she stands for.

Eric Madsen, we are so very thankful to you for your service in Vietnam.