The Paths of Honor and Love

Mayland Klevgard’s life is marked by distinguished service in the U.S. Army, spanning two separate enlistments from 1953 to 1957 and again from 1962 to 1970. His military journey is a tapestry woven with dedication, courage, and a profound sense of duty, seeing him through various significant and sometimes perilous assignments.

Born in 1933 in Chimney Rock, Wisconsin, Mayland grew up in a family dedicated to hard work. His father worked as a carpenter while his mother stayed home, looking after Mayland and his three brothers. Shortly after he was born, the family relocated to Mondovi, Wisconsin. It was here that a pivotal moment in Mayland's life occurred. He remembers being nine years old when he watched a new family move in across the street. He saw Alice, the girl who would become the love of his life, step out of the vehicle. Reflecting on that moment, he would later say, "she was like a doll to look at." Alice and Mayland quickly became inseparable. Throughout their school years, they walked to school together, attended football games, and went to other social gatherings side by side.

Mayland left school after the 8th grade to work with his dad as a carpenter, developing skills that would serve him well later in life. He later moved to Eau Claire and began working for Northwest Railroad as a brakeman. However, larger plans awaited him. In 1952, at the age of 19 and anticipating a likely draft, Mayland chose to join the military: "I knew I would be drafted, so joining was what I did," he said.

His military career officially began at Fort McCoy, where he found himself even before his basic training started. During this time, with limited tasks available, he was often sent home on weekends—a small respite before the real training began. Basic training took him to Fort Riley, Kansas, presenting him with the rigorous challenges designed to prepare soldiers for their duties.

Following basic training, Mayland was stationed at Fort Carson, Colorado. His time at Fort Carson was followed by six weeks of specialized training at Fort Irwin. Upon completion, he returned to Fort Carson, refining his skills and further preparing for future assignments.

In a significant transfer, Mayland was stationed at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, spending a little over a year there. His journey then took an international turn when he was sent to Germany, stationed at Henry Kaserne.

After his time in Germany, Mayland returned to the U.S., stationed at Fort Leonard Wood. It was during this assignment that he became well-acquainted with Major General John K. Stoner. The two shared many conversations, and General Stoner recognized Mayland's exceptional skills and leadership. In one such conversation, General Stoner tasked Mayland with a crucial mission: "I need you to go to Vietnam and straighten up the cooks in Quy Nhơn." Mayland, whose Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) was originally titled Cook, had gained the MOS title of 94B by this stage in his career. This new designation recognized his expert culinary and leadership skills.

Accepting the mission, Mayland was deployed to Vietnam. Stationed at Quy Nhơn, he faced the constant threat of combat but remained dedicated to his role. He ensured that the soldiers were well-fed, a task vital to maintaining morale and effectiveness in such challenging conditions. His culinary expertise and leadership were instrumental in transforming the quality of food service for the troops.

Between his two service periods, Mayland experienced a break due to uncertainty about his life’s direction. However, his return to the Army underscored his dedication and commitment to serving his country. He earned a Bronze Star while in service.

Mayland transitioned into civilian life, working at Samsons Air Conditioning in Hickston and embracing the life of a farmer. He balanced his professional career with farming, demonstrating the same dedication and work ethic that marked his military service.

Mayland is a family man, blessed with 11 grandchildren, five sons, and a daughter. His personal life is equally remarkable. The relationship between Alice and Mayland, which had begun in childhood, blossomed into a nearly 72-year marriage. They had grown up as neighbors, a youthful romance that stood the test of time. Alice was 18 and Mayland was 19 when they married in November of 1952; he even had to get permission from his parents to marry her, though Alice did not need such consent.

Mayland and his family remember taking many trips throughout their time while Mayland was in the military, from trips to Italy, to touring the Leaning Tower of Pisa, and visiting Rome. Mayland looks back and states, “I am glad I did what I did in my life.”

Though Mayland lost the love of his life, Alice, in June of 2024, his legacy of courage, commitment, and the profound impact of his military service and familial love endures. His story exemplifies a life well-lived, marked by devotion to his country, his family, and the principles he holds dear.