Johnson is a Veteran of the Vietnam War. In 1965, Larry enlisted with the South Dakota National Guard right after college. Larry was a part of the 137th Engineering Battalion, the first National Guard Unit in Wagner. He joined because he thought it was the right thing to do and that the National Guard was a good organization to be a part of. The fact that Larry could still live locally, continue farming and driving trucks while serving his county made the National Guard a good fit for him. Johnson completed his eight weeks of basic training and advanced individual training (AIT) at Fort Englewood, MO. For his AIT, Larry was a 91B, currently known as a 68W, which is a medic. Later in Larry’s National Guard career, he attended Fort Leonard Wood, MO to get another AIT as a truck driver. After completing his first AIT, Johnson returned to Lake Andes to help his dad farm and truck locally. He did this for fifteen years before accepting a full-time position with the Army National Guard unit in Wagner in September of 1984.

Larry’s full-time position with the Army National Guard dealt with many different aspects of paperwork and record-keeping. He oversaw and worked with medical records, student loan programs, The Keep Up Program, etc. Johnson really enjoyed his work. He believed that helping his fellow soldiers was of great importance. Larry did everything he could to help soldiers achieve their goals, encourage further training and education and help them travel and experience different parts of the United States and the world. In a unit that was approximately 90% farm kids, he did everything he could to give his fellow soldiers opportunities they otherwise might not have had. During drill, Johnson was a training Non-commissioned officer (NCO). Larry retired from the National Guard in June of 2002, serving 36 years, 8 months and 23 days. After retiring from the National Guard, Johnson was a bus driver for the Andes Central School District for nine years before he retired.

After a military career of over 36 years, Larry had many highlights. He was sent to Turkey in 1987 for almost a month where they were working with the water supply. Johnson also traveled to different states for NCO training including North Dakota, Washington, and Arkansas. While attending basic and AIT training, he became good friends with a soldier that would eventually become the General of the South Dakota National Guard.

Johnson was born in 1943 and was raised on a farm outside of Lake Andes. He attended the Ravinia Consolidated School for grades first through twelfth. After graduation, Larry attended the University of South Dakota- Springfield for four years. He majored in biology and physical education. He was not the only person in his family to serve in the military. Johnson had two brothers that also felt that serving their country was important. His brother Donny was an Army paratrooper, and his brother Rodney joined the Army as well.

On November 1969, Larry met his wife, Sharon (Peterson) at a VFW meeting. Sharon also grew up in Lake Andes and worked as a para at the Andes Central School for 25 years. They have three daughters, twins Sheila and Shelly, and Mary. They also have been blessed with eight grandchildren. Some of Larry’s hobbies include/have included playing on the Stingers softball team, hunting deer, and following all his grandchildren’s sporting events and activities. He and Sharon continue to be regulars at most Andes Central sporting events. Larry is a member of the Wagner VFW and Wagner Legion. He served eight years on the Andes Central School Board and was a part of the “chain-gang” at Andes Central football games for many years.

Johnson leaves this advice for anyone thinking about joining the military. “The service is a good opportunity, but make sure you get your college education. You will never regret it. Join the National Guard and they will pay for your college.”

Thank you, Larry, for your service and for being the August Veteran of the Month.