Veteran's service began in '30s and continues today (Ed Bieganski, 87)

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.omaha.com/index.php?u_page=2798&u_sid=10181850

Published Sunday | November 11, 2007
Veteran's service began in '30s and continues today
BY DAVID HENDEE
WORLD-HERALD STAFF WRITER

CHADRON, Neb. - Every now and then, Ed Bieganski dons his old Army khaki riding breeches and shirt.

He tucks the black necktie into the shirt and slips the leather strap of his campaign hat under his chin. The acorns of his hat cord rest near the edge of the brim.

It's the typical attire - of a pre-World War II soldier.


Ed Bieganski, 87, of Chadron dons the Army uniform he wore while serving in World War II. Bieganski planned to ride in today's parade in Chadron honoring soldiers of the National Guard's 1057th Transportation Company, who returned recently from Iraq.


The old uniform and the old soldier are links to the last days of the horse-mounted cavalry and nearby Fort Robinson's role in the military history of the United States.

He's also a portrait of a generation fast fading away. His story - and the stories of millions of other veterans - are lessons in patriotism and service.

Bieganski's Army career stretched from the Great Depression to the Cold War. It took him from Fort Robinson to the Pacific Theater in World War II, on to postwar Germany and to bases across America.

FULL story at link.