Veterans Way Honorees

Sergeant First Class William A. Kopf served in the U.S. Army. He attended Basic Combat Training at Fort Benning, Georgia, and then completed Advanced Individual Training at Fort Gordon, Georgia, where he specialized as a Signal Support Systems Specialist. After his initial training, he completed Airborne School at Fort Benning, GA, before being assigned to the 2-82nd Aviation Regiment. He served in the 82nd Airborne Division until 2006. SFC Kopf was then transferred to Smith Barracks in Baumholder, Germany, and served in the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division. He was forward deployed to Iraq for 18 months in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. During this time, he earned the Combat Action Badge for assisting in the evacuation and treatment of injured teammates following an incident involving an improvised explosive device (IED). In 2012, SFC Kopf continued his military career by joining the Active Guard Reserves. Over the years, he has held several positions including Squad Leader, Training Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO), Communications NCOIC, Platoon Sergeant, Advanced Individual Training Instructor, Small Group Leader for the Advanced Leadership Course, and currently as an Active First Sergeant. He is now forward deployed in support of Operation Inherent Resolve, where he serves as the Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge (NCOIC) of Joint Network Operations. Operation Inherent Resolve (OIR) is the U.S. military’s operational name for the international campaign against the Islamic State (IS or ISIL) in Iraq and Syria. The campaign aims to “degrade and destroy” the organization and involves a multinational military coalition. SFC Kopf is originally from Waterloo and is married to Ashley Kopf. Together, they have three children: a son, Coen W. Kopf, and two daughters, Kira Rae Kopf and Kyla Mae Kopf.

Born Waterloo, IA, June 17, 1960. His parents are Junior Brooks (Army Veteran) and Shirley Joyce.

Born October 24, 1929, Chuck Haaf grew up near Britt, IA. Chuck entered the U.S. Navy after graduating from High School in 1948. He was stationed in San Diego, CA for his one year of service. He graduated from the Navy’s Metalsmith program specializing in welding. Chuck married Marion Prohaska in 1949 and raised 8 children. The family moved to Waterloo in 1961 where Chuck finished out his career as a trained machinist for John Deere. Chuck passed away October 20, 1995 at the age of 65.

James “Russ” Walker served in the United States Army during the Korean War 1951-1953. He was stationed at the Aberdeen Proving Grounds in Maryland. He then transferred to the Army Reserves and was honorably discharged in April 1953. Born and raised in Sumner, Iowa. Lived and worked in Waterloo at the Altstadt & Langlas Baking Co. 1948-1986.

Jim Sullivan joined the United States Navy at the age of 17. He served actively from 1958 to 1962 and served in the Navy Reserves from 1985-1991.

Gary served in the US Army from 1969 to 1971 in the 1-133d Infantry Regiment Iowa Army National Guard. In Vietnam he was deployed with airborne artillery. He returned with a disability due to agent orange. Gary was Post Commander of Becker Chapman Post 138 from 2014 to 2018. He and his wife, Jan, were often seen in the kitchen whipping up weekly meals. To commemorate the couple’s contribution, the Legion unveiled two plaques marking the kitchen as “Steen’s Kitchen.” The dedication brought tears to both of their eyes. “It’s an honor,” Gary Steen, a man of few words, said. “Unexpected.”

Arthur was drafted into the U.S. Army during the Korean War Conflict and honorably discharged in 1953. He was born in 1928 in Denver, Iowa. He married Daphine Staack in 1950, and they lived in Waterloo their whole lives. Arthur retired from the Waterloo Wood Bearing Company after 43 years in 1990. Arthur was a lifetime member of Legion Post #138. He loved to hunt and play cards. He passed away in 2007, and his wife preceded him in death in 1998.