Cheers for Volunteers

Jack Dunne volunteers at the Stumptown Historical Society's Whitefish Museum. Upon meeting him, you will quickly learn that he is a native Montanan and raised "Butte Irish," that his wife Audrey is deceased, and that he has three daughters, six granddaughters and three great grandchildren, the last of which is "finally a boy."

Jack is a decorated World War II veteran, with 31 combat missions over Japan as a tail gunner on a B-29. On one occasion, his plane was so severely crippled by enemy fire that they were forced to land at the nearest friendly field.

After service, he spent four years as a smoke jumper and then began his teaching career, which culminated in retirement after 31 years teaching sixth grade in Whitefish. He was an avid outdoorsman and a serious woodcarver.

Jack likes people. He regularly sends newspaper clippings to friends to "keep them in the loop" on local activities.

He likes working at the Museum because it gives him the opportunity to meet new people and to make sure they have "the same good view of Whitefish and surrounding area as I have." In his words, "I thoroughly enjoy it."

The Museum is a huge asset to our community and is staffed by volunteers, of whom Jack is representative. He speaks highly of his co-workers and of Jill Evans, the Historical Society's executive director. He describes her as a "powerhouse" and jokingly states that they get along so well because "in the military she was a captain and I was a sergeant, so when she says jump, I ask how high."

Jack, your country and your community owe you a debt of gratitude, and we thank you.

This column is dedicated to those who give freely of their time and energy to worthwhile community projects, but whose efforts often go unnoticed. If you know such a person, please e-mail jheckathorn@centurytel.net.