T-R PHOTO BY MIKE DONAHEY Veteran and IVH resident Larry Larson, center, receives an honor coin rack presented by Dennis Meyers of Marshalltown Friday afternoon in the Ullrey Building on the IVH campus. Looking on and holding a box containing dozens of coins is Tonia Larson of Marshalltown.

Larry Larson of the Iowa Veterans Home (IVH) had been collecting “honor” coins, which celebrate the various military branches, for years.

Thinking he had no further use for them, he gave them earlier this year to fellow veteran and long-time friend Dennis Myers of Marshalltown. Larson had no idea; however, he would be getting the coins back from Myers only this time with a handsome wooden coin rack to display them.

Larson displayed a huge smile during the surprise presentation made Friday afternoon at IVH. Joining Larson was his wife Cheryl Larson and daughter Tonya Larson, both of Marshalltown.

“I have known Larry for many years and I wanted to do something special for him,” said Myers. “Since he retired from Emerson Process Management a number of years ago, he has been a tireless supporter of Harry C. Harter VFW Post No. 839. He played a key role a number of years ago in helping the VFW find a new headquarters in the 100 block of East Meadow Lane.”

Larson, a U.S. Navy veteran, and other VFW members personally solicited funds from Marshalltown area businesses and individuals. They applied the donations to extensive remodeling expenses in the building which had previously been used by a commercial business. A large kitchen was installed among other features.

Cheryl and Tonia estimated that Larry had been active in VFW activities for 20 years, several of which included being post commander. Historically, the local VFW post had been headquartered in the former Senior Citizens Center building on East State Street. It then moved to a building on North Center Street. The roof on the latter was extensively damaged during a storm forcing the VFW to find a new home.

“Larry was also instrumental in helping several area veterans receive assistance for disabilities caused by exposure to the deadly herbicide Agent Orange – which had been used extensively during the Vietnam War,” said Meyers. “Thousands of U.S. military personnel were exposed during the course of the war.”

Meyers is currently vice-commander of the post and is active in fund raising and legislative affairs.

He served with U.S. ground forces in Vietnam and participated in combat operations.