Meet Our Heroes
This page is dedicated to our special heroes.
Honoring a Hero
Thank you to the City of Olathe, KS, for honoring our FISH and Vietnam veteran, Terry Enright.
Terry is a lifelong Olathe resident who served our country honorably in Vietnam — but when he came home, there was no fanfare, no welcome home.
Specialist 4, Infantry (11 Bravo), U.S. Army, Robert “Terry” Enright proudly served in the U.S. Army from 1966 to 1972 as a Specialist 4 in the Infantry. He completed basic training at Fort Ord, California, and advanced training at Fort Polk, Louisiana.
After a brief 20-day leave in his hometown of Olathe, Kansas, Terry deployed to Vietnam for a 12-month combat tour from 1967 to 1968. He served with the 1st Cavalry Division, 5th Battalion (General Custer’s 7th Cavalry), operating throughout the Central Highlands and later near the DMZ. His service took him through many key areas, including An Loa Valley, Kontum, Bong Son Valley, Dak To, Chu Lai, Quang Tri, Hoi An, and Hue.
After Vietnam, Terry served six months at Fort Hood, Texas, before returning home to Olathe, Kansas.
Nov 4th, 2025, The City of Olathe recognized Terry with a well-deserved Proclamation, honoring his service, sacrifice, and love for his community.
We’re so proud of you, Terry. Thank you for your service and for inspiring all of us. served our country honorably in Vietnam — but when he came home, there was no fanfare, no welcome home.
Tonight, that changed. The City of Olathe recognized Terry with a well-deserved Proclamation, honoring his service, sacrifice, and love for his community.
And thank you to the Kansas City Army Recruiting Command for your support.
We’re so proud of you, Terry. Thank you for your service and for inspiring all of us.
Rising Stars: Meet Orion Mata
Story taken from https://voyagekc.com/interview/rising-stars-meet-orion-mata-of-parkville-mo/.
Today we’d like to introduce you to Orion Mata.
Hi Orion, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I was born and raised in Michigan and at age 17 I left home and joined the ARMY after graduation. I served as a Military Policeman for eight and a half years and have remained in public service since then. This July, I will celebrate 27 years working in law enforcement.
I have a beautiful and supportive wife who put up with me putting a CNC machine in our sub-basement. I have four wonderful children and two extremely cute grand-babies. I started the Police, Fire, and Military Motorcycle Club called the SHEPHERDS in 2012. Our club has raised tens of thousands for First Responder and Veteran charities.
Our most successful ride was to Washington DC where we raised just over $20,000 and were able to fund three service dogs through Friends In Service of Heroes (FISH) a local Veteran’s charity. Last year FISH helped me get my first book published. Our Friend Abe is a story about my family who befriends a gnome named Abe who lives in the forest by my mom’s cabin.
I’ve always had a knack for creating things and working with my hands. I worked construction jobs with my dad who had his own handyman/remodeling business. Both of my brothers work construction to this day and one of them also has his own business, Arrowhead Remodeling out of Belton, Missouri. I look at something and think, I can build that, or if I built that I’d do something a little different. Professionally my life has taken a much different route than my father and brothers but I started my small hobby/business and absolutely love creating personalized pieces for people.
My grandfather on my mother’s side was a woodcarver and created some awesome pieces. He specialized in totem poles but also did a lot of animal carvings. He was extremely talented and I always loved going to his house to see the totem poles in the yard and to see what else he was working on. I remember watching him in his shop working and my grandmother outside painting the pieces he created. My step-dad took over the business and he was extremely talented at carving as well. He made some truly awe-inspiring pieces with a realism that my grandfather never mastered.
About four years ago my friends opened a bar in Lee’s Summit. They wanted some saloon-style doors made and got a quote from another carpenter that was completely outrageous. I offered to make the doors for them for the cost of materials. They also asked me to design and build a display case for their mug club. I took that and ran with it and created a beautiful and functional piece for their bar. After that, I thought why not do this to make a little extra cash on the side since I’m getting a lot of exposure at their bar. I created my logo which is a homage to my Native American heritage and my family.
Since I started my business, I’ve been honored to make some meaningful pieces. Two of the most important pieces I designed and made were Legacy Benches for two WWII Marines that I met through FISH. I love it when my customers give me a sketch or send me a picture they pulled from the internet and ask me to make it for them. I’ve been privileged to work with great customers who have recommended me to others. I’ve run a few ads here and there but for the most part, my business relies on word of mouth.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Since I started my small business I’ve run into several obstacles and challenges.
One of them is making a mistake on a project and having to start over. The other challenge for custom carpentry work is accurately estimating the time it takes to complete a project. Some projects go smooth and I have no issues getting them done in the time I estimated. Some take much longer than expected and even though I’m still making money, I don’t make nearly as much as I should have.
I also have found that people want custom work at Walmart prices. Doing bids takes time especially on a complicated project. I have to draw it up and then determine a material list and estimate my time. Sometimes that takes a few hours to figure all that out and then when I send out the quote I either get nothing back at all or the “Oh my” response. I really try to be reasonable and I don’t mark up my material costs at all.
Since COVID, lumber prices fluctuate so much that I’ve had to guarantee quotes for only three days. I understand the pressure it puts on my customers but I can’t see another way to operate right now.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I love taking people’s ideas and turning them into tangible products.
Doing this work allows me to express my artistic side which I don’t get to do much in my regular line of work. Last year during a charity ride I visited the Crazy Horse Memorial. I was very impressed with the museum and ran into the curator who is also from Kansas City. I was inspired by the museum and wanted to create a piece to donate. I am very proud of that piece which I called “The Tale of Two Wolves” and it is on the agenda for the committee to consider it for donation.
A few other pieces I am particularly proud of are the Legacy Benches I made for two WWII Marines. It means a lot to me that FISH entrusted me with those projects, knowing they will tell the story of those two great men.
Recently, I was asked to make a coin holder for Blaize Madrid-Evans who was the Independence Police Officer who was killed in the line of duty. I put a lot of time and effort into making a piece for his mother. I was extremely proud of how that turned out and the reaction I got when I delivered it.
I think what sets me apart from other people is that I want to get to know who I’m making things for and exceed their expectations. I try to take every detail into account and make sure my customers know they got their money’s worth when they see the final project.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
Success is a very subjective word and not that easy to define. When I think of success I think of my children. My three boys all work hard and have a great work ethic.
I have been able to provide everything they needed and most of the stuff they wanted, so that’s how I define success. If I can do something I love, make a difference in people’s lives and support my family then I am successful. I don’t need a bunch of money, a big house, or a fancy truck, I just need to be able to provide a comfortable life for my family.
Contact Info:
- Email: matacustomwoodworking@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/matacustomwoodworking/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Matacustomwoodworking/
In Memory of William Robert Marsh
William Robert Marsh, 94, died Friday, January 19, 2024, in Independence, Missouri. He was born in Cresco, Iowa, to William A. and Marietta Marsh on November 24, 1929. Bill’s growing-up years were spent in Lamoni, Iowa and he graduated from Lamoni high school in 1947. Bill attended Graceland College for two years where he met his wife, Patricia DeLapp. The couple were married in September of 1950 just as Bill was drafted into the U.S. Army.
He served in the Army Signal Corps until his honorable discharge in March of 1953. By that time, he and Pat had a daughter, Ardyce. Bill used the GI Bill to return to college at the University of Missouri and graduated with a degree to teach Vocational Agriculture. By that time, they had two more children, Margaret, and James. Bill’s teaching career covered more than 35 years in Iowa and Missouri. His influence on the lives of many of his students is still fondly remembered.
He also drove 18-wheelers over the road and taught in local trucking schools. Bill was a convert to the RLDS faith where his wife was a member. They later affiliated with Independent Restoration Branches, and most recently, Bill joined the Everlasting Church of Jesus Christ in the Latter Day. Bill was an ordained minister and carried his Elder ID cards in his wallet until his death. He was also an avid outdoorsman who loved hunting, fishing, camping, and gardening. One of his favorite later years memories was a wild boar hunt with two adult grandsons.
After his wife passed away in 2013, Bill continued to attend the Senior Center Lunches in Buckner where he met Vicki West. They enjoyed a 10-year friendship, traveling and helping each other with the challenges of aging. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, 2 sisters, his wife, Patricia, his son, Jim Marsh, and one nephew. He is survived by one brother, John Marsh, his daughters, Ardyce Nordeen (Craig) and Margaret Marsh, daughter-in-law, Brinda Marsh, 6 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, 12 nephews and nieces and many special family friends, including Vicki West and Betsy Taylor. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made to the Everlasting Church of Jesus Christ or to the FISH Veterans Organization.
Robert Douglas Barker - Loving Memory of Our FISH Friend and Patriot.
Robert Douglas Barker went peacefully to be with the Lord on January 3, 2024. Bob was born in Kansas City, Kansas to William Patrick and Patricia Marie Barker on September 5, 1963. He attended school in Bonner Springs, Kansas and graduated in 1981. Bob met Julie Knight in October of 1982 and married her on June 4, 1983. Their son Robert Jon was born on December 28, 1990. Bob is preceded in death by his dad, William Patrick Barker; grandfather, Jon Pack; grandmother, Marie McCollum; stepdad, Jack Frost; his mother, Patricia Frost; his brother, William Patrick Barker, Jr. (Bill); and his Aunt Florine McCollum. His in-laws (although they considered him a son), Darrel & Peggy Knight.
Bob leaves behind his wife Julie (Jules) and son Robert Jon; two cats, Rennie and Griswald; brother Kenneth Brian Barker; sister-in-law Paulene Barker; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, David & Gena Knight; sister-in-law Tricia Knight; 3 nieces, 5 nephews, 6 great-nieces, 7 great-nephews and another on the way; his loving church family at Bent Knee Cowboy Church; and countless kindhearted loyal friends.
Bob had a long career in parts management, starting at J&J Cycle in Kansas City, Kansas, O’Reilly Auto Parts and Western Auto, and then into the Mopar parts business at Bud Brown, Keystone and Bob Hoss. He moved on to Coleman Equipment, Inc and then to IFF in Gardner. He met so many people over the years and so many of these people became friends. Bob was a simple man, jack-of-all-trades, fix-it man. ‘Bob, Bob, the fix-it man, if he can’t fix it nobody can’ was a phrase often used in our household.
Bob had several hobbies that included, tinkering in the garage, fishing, wood-working and working on his 1930 Model A truck he helped Jack build in 1982. He also enjoyed going to the annual car show in ONawa Kansas, RC cars and disc golf with his son. Bob loved looking for those bargains in their stores, antique stores, estate sales and garage sales and on-line auctions – he prided himself in always finding those good deals. Bob was a born-again follower of Christ who had the strength to not allow pancreatic cancer to ruin Christmas, his son’s birthday or New Year’s Eve for his family. Bob was an honorable man, loyal and dedicated to his wife and son. He truly loved us. He was his kiddo’s hero. A Celebration of Life service will be held at Hollis Renewal Center, 11414 Kansas Avenue, Kansas City, Kansas 66111 on Friday, January 19, 2024, at 6pm.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Bent Knee Cowboy Church, 3601 S 142nd St, Bonner Springs, KS 66012 or FISH – Friends In Service of Heroes, 122 N Water Street, Suite B, Olathe, KS 66061
Michael Ty Kettenhofen - In Loving Memory
Please take a moment today, walk outside, look toward the sky, in remembrance of Sgt. 1st Class Michael Ty Kettenhofen – U.S. Army Golden Knights. He graced us during Armed Forces Celebration KC 2022 and is now aloft. Keep his family, his team, and his service branch family in your thoughts.
Max I Deweese - In Loving Memory
Max I. Deweese completed his life of Service to Others on July 9, 2022 in Port Charlotte, FL. Max was born March 20, 1921 in Los Angeles, CA to Charles and Emma Deweese. They moved to Kansas City, Kansas in 1937.
Max enlisted in the Marine Corp in January 1942. Assigned to the 2nd Marine Division he was in the first company to land on Japanese soil, on Tulagi in the Battle of Guadalcanal. He also was in campaigns on Tawara, Saipan and Tinian. He received Purple Hearts on Tawara and Saipan.
He married Sue Farrell on November 8, 1946, and they were married 69 years. He was called back to duty for the Korean War and served at Camp Pendleton. He continued in the Marine Reserves until retirement in 1967. They had two children, Rebecca Sue born 1952, and Donald Max born 1954. Max became Comptroller for the Kansas City Athletics when they move to KC in 1955. In 1962 he moved to A.D. Jacobson and became Secretary/Treasurer until he retired in 1987.
This is when he and Sue began traveling extensively: China, Europe, Canada and various parts of America. He also started his second career: Service to Others. He began delivering Meals on Wheels, a role he filled for 35 years, only retiring in March of this year. He was also involved in: Stephens Ministries, Salvation Army Bell Ringer campaigns, tutored 3rd grade math students, Marine Corp League Toys-for-Tots, Friends In Service of Heroes (F.I.S.H.) and was a Colonel in the Commemorative Air Force.
He was a member of Country Club Christian Church since 1947, singing in the choir, was a Life Elder, Treasure of the Board, and on the Regional Board of Disciples of Christ Church.
His leisure passion was golf which he took up in 1987 and played until March 2022. In later years he could shoot his age. He loved to speak to school groups about his experiences to help them understand the sacrifices others have made for them to have the freedoms they enjoy today.
He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Mary Kay Kussman, wife Sue (Farrell), daughter Rebecca Sue Love. He is survived by his son Donald Max and his wife Pat, grandson Erik Peterson, great grandson Max Peterson and son-in-law Bill Love.
Memorial services to celebrate Max’s life will be held at Country Club Christian Church at 10 am, Saturday, July 30, 2022. Reception to follow in the church parlor at 61st and Ward Parkway. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to F.I.S.H. (Friends In Service of Heroes). We will miss Max so much but know he is exactly where he wants to be, in heaven with his beautiful Sue. Love you Max.
Jerry Ingram - In Loving Memory
Friends say Ingram is without question an American hero. Paul Chapa with Friends in Service of Heroes, or F.I.S.H., says he feels like Jerry knew it was his time to go. “Pearl Harbor was attacked at 7:55 a.m. Jerry passed at 7:50 a.m. Dates meant a lot to Jerry and it’s a date that we’ll never forget,” Chapa said. Ingram felt a duty to his country after Pear Harbor that would lead him through the rest of his life. His friend and Navy veteran, Rick “Doc” Pustka, said Ingram is Marine through and through. “There’s two important days in a Marine’s life. One is when he’s born and the other is when he realizes why he was, and Jerry knew why he was,” Pustka said. When Ingram went to Iwo Jima he left with a team of men, but came back alone. “In Jerry’s unit he was the only survivor,” Chapa said. “Tinian was one of the worst battles in the South Pacific and he was the last tank standing. But that was all behind him. All he was about was giving back,” Pustka said. A Final tribute to our friend Jerry Ingram
Harlen Fletcher - In Loving Memory
We said goodbye to our brother; Harlen Fletcher. Harlen retired from the US Air Force and was continuing to serve as the American Legion Commander and Riders Director in Paola and the Chaplain in 40&8.
Riders from Paola, Overland Park, Olathe, Lenexa, Fort Scott, Gardner, and Leavenworth escorted Harlen to his final resting place at Leavenworth National Cemetery. Harlen’s daughter, Tammy ‘George’, led the procession on her dad’s Gold Wing.
Continued prayers for Glenna and all of Harlen’s family and friends.
We will miss you, Harlen. Rest In Peace… we’ll take it from here.
