In partnership with the Veterans Coordination Commission, we are pleased to present the June, 2005 Veteran of the Month – Valdean H. Fuelling.

Valdean (Dean) Fuelling entered the United States Air Force in November, 1960 and was assigned to Amarillo AFB, Texas to attend Fuel Specialist training. Dean went to Bentwaters, England for his first assignment and over the next few years was assigned to various bases in the United States and England. Dean achieved the rank of E-7 Master Sergeant while assigned to Chanute AFB, Illinois. He made two more overseas tours to the Philippines and Korea and his last duty assignment at Ellsworth AFB in 1979. Retiring in 1980, Dean’s military decorations and awards include the Meritorious Service medal with oak leaf, the Air Force Commendation medal with three oak leaf, the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with cluster, the Air Force Good Conduct medal with five oak leaf, the National Defense Service medal, and the Air Force Longevity Service with four oak leaf.

After retirement, Dean was employed by Knecht Lumber and later the Rapid City School System where he retired after eighteen years. Dean is a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Disabled American Veterans, and the Retired Enlisted Association. He has held several positions with TREA Chapter 29 and is currently the president. Dean has been chairman of their building committee helping to build a new TREA building and bingo hall. He is a member of the Veterans Service Council and the SD Veterans Committee. As a retired veteran, he is an advocate of Veteran’s rights and benefits “Standing up for the Veteran” as a civilian and as a member of the community.

Dean has been married to Mary of Ipswich, England since 1963. They have two children and five grandchildren.