We have been invited by the family of Dennis L. Salts, 76, to be present as he receives his military honors. We are privileged to do so.
Dennis Salts was drafted into the Army on Valentine’s Day in 1966, during the Vietnam era. On being drafted, he was flown with the many other recruits from LAX to El Paso, Texas, to the Fort Bliss Induction Center. It was his first time flying. Once inducted, he was transported in a bus crammed with recruits to Fort Hood, where he joined the first of the 50th Infantry, 2nd Armored Division, US 4th Army.
Dennis was promoted to E2 after boot camp. He was assigned to the 142nd battalion, 2nd Armored Division, Radio Section, after which he was sent to Fort Dix, New Jersey signal school and trained as an 05B radio operator. He then returned to Fort Hood serving on field maneuvers with the 2nd Armored Division. His next training was in Augusta, Georgia at the Fort Gordon, South Eastern Signal School, from which he graduated as an 05C Radio Teletype Operator with Crypto Clearance. Once, he was assigned to the Steep Hill Alert team to protect Lyndon Johnson at his ranch. He also served as a midnight requisition specialist. Dennis spent the bulk of his time in the Army as a Radio Teletype Operator at Fort Hood, his home base. He received an Honorable Discharge in January, 1968.
During his time of service, Dennis was given a one-year Safe Driver Badge, National Defense Service Medal, and Expert Rifle recognition.
As a veteran, Dennis was especially proud of his great-nephews, Aaron and Michael. Aaron served as a US Marine Corps Sergeant and did two combat tours to Iraq. He was a Helicopter Crew Chief on the CH-53E during his service from 2003 to 2008, and was a seven-time air medal recipient. Michael is currently serving in the US Marine Corps as the Executive Officer at the 3d Low Altitude Air Defense Battalion.
Once out of the Army, Dennis spent 40 years working in the grocery business, 27 of those years as a Store Director with Boys Markets, which was eventually acquired by Ralphs. Retired in 2002, he joined the local Buena Park Rotary Club and served many years working with other service club members on community projects, especially mentoring youth.
For 13 years, he was a Trustee with the Centralia Elementary School District, where he enjoyed speaking to the students, often saying to them: "Never give up. Every day, be the best you can be." To other adults, his motto was: "It's not just your kids or my kids, it's ALL the kids."
Dennis also served until the end of 2020 as a Buena Park Library Trustee, having been a faithful supporter of Library programs since first living in Buena Park in the early 1970's. He loved telling people about "his" library and how awesome the programs are for children as well as adults.
Dennis often said: "I'll do as much as I can for as long as I can." He lived that motto every day of his life.
Dennis is survived by his spouse, Christiane Salts; daughters Carrie Wight and Tracy Clarke; and sister, Mary Alyce Ador. He is also survived by grandchildren, Bexley, Huntley, and Waverley Clarke; nieces, Sheryl Jacobellis, Erma Trent, Yvonne Brannon, and Sally; nephews, Fritz Oliver III, Don Brunssen, and Henry Avila; great-nephews, Aaron Avila and Michael Jacobellis; and great-niece, Stacy Ballard. He also leaves behind his mother-in-law, Victoria, and one sister-in-law, Uta.
NOTE: This mission posting is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this Military Veteran. For those interested, and all PGR members are welcome, this is a flag line only (FLO) mission at Riverside National Cemetery. For those who would like to participate, please see the timetable and we will meet you there.
TIMETABLE FOR TUESDAY, 18 OCTOBER 20221030 - Stage: Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Blvd, Riverside, CA (Lemay Blvd next to the restrooms).
https://goo.gl/maps/fvHUrGy2uQWp9aAN61045 - Mission briefing.
1130 - KSU to assigned shelter for military honors.
R/C Clint "Smurf" Martin
lltk@sbcglobal.net
(951) 505-6362Do not follow where the path may lead...Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.-CourageYou do not have to be a veteran or a motorcycle rider to attend this mission. All PGR members are welcome. We encourage those who do not ride to attend in your car. If this will be your first mission go to the initial staging area and you will be briefed there by the Ride Captain (RC). Dress for motorcycle riding or dress casually if you are driving a cage (car). Please feel free to attend any portion of this mission you can. Please ride/drive safely.
Please remember that our mission is to stand tall and silent, and with honor and respect for our Heroes. No talking, smoking, or cell phone use during the flag line or service. Please keep radios off and engine noise to a minimum. Observe the 15 MPH speed limit. Remember, cemeteries are hallowed ground. Show respect to all who are there, not just the ones we are honoring.
