The American Legion Auxiliary Greer Unit #11 is honoring Jim Bastemeyer as this month’s Veteran of the Month. Bastemeyer is a Vietnam and Cold War Veteran. Jim served in the National Guard from 1971 until 1977. The war with Vietnam ended in 1973 and the Cold War ended in 1991. Bastemeyer joined the National Guard in 1971 while he was still a junior in high school. He had six other classmates that also joined the Wagner National Guard Unit that same yer. Jim attended both boot camp and his Advanced Individual Training (AIT) at Fort Knox, KY August 10th – December 17th of 1971. He received his AIT training as a supply clerk.

Bastemeyer was attached to the Wagner National Guard 854th Water Purification Unit. Some of the greatest memories that Jim has of his service would be when his National Guard Unit was called up to help with the Rapid City flood on June 9th of 1972 for ten days. His unit traveled to Rapid City and was purifying the drinking water as the city’s water supply was out of service. The 854th Water Purification Unit was set up at several points on Rapid Creek. Not only did the unit aid in water purification but was also involved in searching for missing people. In addition to the memories, the friendships that are made while in the Wagner National Guard are highlights of Jim’s service.

Jim comes from a long line of service men and women. Both his father and uncles were in the Navy during World War II. At the same time that Jim was in the Wagner National Guard Unit, his brother was also serving the country in the Army National Guard. Jim’s son, Devin is a retired Navy Helicopter Pilot. Bastemeyer’s father-in-law, Roland Crisman was a Marine that served during the Korean War. Jim has two brothers-in-law who served in the Navy. Jim has both a niece and a nephew that are still serving in the Air Force and Army Special Forces. The long-standing Bastemeyer tradition has continued to carry on, as Jim now has a granddaughter who is currently serving in the Navy. His granddaughter will graduate in 2025 with a medical degree. She will serve in the Navy for five years and will become an Ear, Nose and Throat Doctor.

Jim was born and raised in Wagner. He joined the National Guard during the Vietnam War because he saw it as a way to give back to his country by serving and he could also still live life. Jim married Pam (Crisman) and they have three children Dan, Devin and Janelle. The couple has nine grandchildren. Pam has been a nurse for the past 48 years at the Wagner Hospital and served as their Director of Nursing for many years.

When Jim was a high school student, he began working for Pesicka Electric. After high school, he attended Mitchell Vo Tech to learn the electrician trade. After finishing at Mitchell Vo Tech, he enrolled in an apprentice program to obtain his electrical license. Jim owned and operated his own electrical business, Jim’s Electric, starting in 1993. He later sold the business in 2021 to Allen Westendorf, who renamed the business, Westendorf Electric. Jim continued to work for Westendorf Electric and is still working for the company. This June will be Jim’s 50th year of serving the Wagner and surround area as an electrician. Bastemeyer continues to have his license as an electrician because he still enjoys working and serving the community that he grew up in.

Jim has been an active member of the Wagner community. He was a member of the Wagner Fire Department for 39 years before retiring. Jim also served on the department’s Fire Protection Board. He is a member of the United Methodist Church and has served on several of their boards and held various positions. Jim also volunteered with Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts. Bastemeyer is a member of the Wagner American Legion and has received his 50 years of continuous membership certificate.

Thank you, Jim, for your service and sacrifice and for being this month’s Veteran of the Month.