GERALD ERNEST ARNO
Personal Life:
Gerald (Gerry) was born July 12, 1949 in Hudson, Michigan. Gerry attended North Adams High School and graduated in 1967. Gerry returned from his tour of duty because this is where his family was. Gerrys family includes a son Ernest, a sister Linda, two brothers David and Roger and most importantly, Vicki his loving wife. Gerry attended night school at Jackson College and earned his Master Electrician license from the State of Michigan and an Associate Degree in Industrial Technology.
Military Life:
Gerry was drafted into the United States Army right after high school and trained as a 62B20 heavy equipment repairman. Gerry achieved the rank of Specialist 4. He said his fondest memory was “while stationed in Neu-Ulm Germany, I travelled to Berchtesgaden to work on a piece of equipment. We were in the process of making a new ski run for the German people and accidentally bulldozed some dirt that opened up into the tunnel system that the Nazi Army had used. We went inside with flashlights and explored the tunnels. It was amazing to think that we might have been walking on the same ground that Hitler had walked on so many years ago.”
Awards and Decorations:
National Defense Service Medal
Community and Service Organizations:
Mayor Jonesville Michigan 4 years
Jonesville City Council….20 years
Headwaters Recreational Authority Chairman
Jonesville American Legion Post 195 Member 45 years majority of those as Adjutant
Chaired Memorial Day Committee since 1990
Jonesville First Presbyterian Church Currently serving as Church Session
Elks past member
Little League Baseball and Girls Softball Coach City of Litchfield
Gerry still enjoys camping, boating, playing cards with his friends, motorcycle riding and classic cars. His favorite hobby is playing golf and fishing while in Florida. Gerry still finds time with his American Legion family volunteering for roadside trash pick-up, US 12 Yard Sale, Fair Raffle, and Kayak Raffle. Gerry said he also enjoys participating in the church pancake breakfast and spring clean-up.