. If you grew up in Stoughton, you likely knew of Odean Teigen. He is fondly remembered not only for his contributions to the community but also for his captivating stories and sense of humor, which are greatly missed.

We are extremely fortunate at Post 59 to have his daughter, Sherry, serving in our Unit 59 Auxiliary and as our Legion hall rental contact and as our monthly breakfast coordinator. Additionally, we have Arlin Teigen, Odean's oldest son, who is himself a veteran. He actively serves in the Post 59 Honor Guard and volunteers as a bartender and at our monthly breakfasts.

In compiling the biographies of the past Commanders of Post 59, it is always a treasure to discover articles written by longtime Auxiliary member Evelyn Kahl. She wrote numerous articles highlighting the service of Stoughton veterans, many of which were published in the Post 59 newsletters. This is from an article she wrote on March 8th, 2009.

Odean was born in Stoughton on June 25, 1933. He enlisted in the National Guard in 1949 at the young age of 16. At that time, the National Guard paid enlistees with $2 bills and silver dollars, which looked appealing to a 16-year-old kid. Following in his older brother's footsteps, he decided to enlist, and it also meant he could avoid two weeks of tobacco hoeing, much to his delight.

At the age of 17, he was required to re-enlist since he then qualified under the appropriate age criteria. He re-enlisted in the National Guard on June 25, 1950, the same day the Korean War broke out.

Odean served in the Army Infantry as a member of the National Guard. He completed his basic training in his hometown of Stoughton, preparing for his later years of service. He served for a total of 10 years before being sent on a troop train to Fort Lewis, Washington.

Overall, Odean served his country for 13 years. During this time, the Berlin Crisis, the Vietnam War, and the Korean War were occurring. His Guard unit was sent to Ripley, MN, for two weeks and was then released to return to Stoughton. Most of his time in the National Guard was spent in Stoughton and at Fort Lewis, WA.

Odean was called to active duty during the Berlin Crisis, reporting to Fort Lewis in 1961, but he was never deployed overseas. He was also on active duty at the beginning of the Vietnam Conflict. He served with the 32nd Division, Company I, 128th Infantry Division—nicknamed "The Red Arrow" because the infantry had pierced every enemy line encountered during World War I. Odean was deactivated in the fall of 1962.

His highest rank in the National Guard was E-6 before being promoted to E-4. His government form shows he was born in 1932 due to his early enlistment at 16. His medals included the Good Conduct Medal, MI Carbine, and VAR (Expert) in marksmanship. He was never a prisoner of war and was never injured during his service in the National Guard.

Odean enjoyed the ride on the troop train to Fort Lewis. Many stops were made along the way at small towns, where they were greeted by townspeople with fruit baskets and other gifts—though, as Odean humorously noted, there was no beer!

While stationed at Fort Lewis, his wife and small daughter, Sherry, joined him and lived off the post. They spent weekends traveling and, during a two-week leave in the spring, the family explored the entire West Coast, visiting Disneyland and Mexico. His daughter was six years old at the time.

In 1963, Odean was discharged at Fort Lewis. He purchased a car, and the family drove back home to Stoughton. He soon returned to his previous job with the Stoughton Street Department, where he worked for 43 years. Additionally, he volunteered as a fireman for 41 years, retiring as the Street Superintendent for the City of Stoughton in 1999 and as Chief of the Stoughton Fire Department in 2002.

Odean was a past Commander of The American Legion Post 59 and also served as its historian and a member of the Post 59 Honor Guard. He was a member of the Kegonsa Masonic Lodge No. 73, The Scottish Rite, and numerous units within the Zor Shrine, the Eastern Star, and the Fire Chiefs Association.

Odean passed away on September 9, 2019, leaving a void in the lives of all who knew him.