Speech in Waterloo for Veterans, August 10

Monday, June 17th, 2019 | Speaking

Fred Becker graduated from East High School in Waterloo and in 1916 became the very first All-American football player at the University of Iowa. He signed up to fight in World War I and lost his life on July 18, 1918, in fierce fighting in France. He is buried in Fairview Cemetery in Waterloo. In 2013 the newest school in Waterloo was named for Fred.

Mike will be the featured speaker at a special event being held in Waterloo to recognize the 100th year anniversary of the American Legion all across our great country. The event will be held at the Electric Park on August 10, beginning at 5 p.m. Mike will talk about Fred Becker and Carl Chapman, two Waterloo legends who lost their lives fighting in World War I.

In 1916, Becker, an East High graduate, became the first All-American football player in the history of the University of Iowa and two years later, on July 18, 1918, he was killed in heroic action in France. Chapman was a standout athlete at West High before attending Amherst College in Massachusetts. He was the first Iowa aviator to die in the war, being shot down in heavy action on May 3, 1918.

Mike has written extensively about Becker’s heroics and has been on numerous radio talk shows to tell about his career. He was also the catalyst behind the naming of Fred H. Becker Elementary School in 2013. Mike has a new book coming out soon called “Stars in Waterloo” that talks about Becker and Chapman, as well as many other famous citizens of Waterloo.

The event is sponsored by Becker-Chapman A.L. Post 138, with all proceeds going to the post. The cost is $25.00 and includes a catered meal by Randall’s of Hudson and live music. For more information, call the Becker-Chapman AL Post at 319-234-8511.

Tags: ,

No comments yet.

To comment on the story, leave a comment below.
To contact Mike, go to the contact page

 
Receive Updates by RSS

or by email:

Upcoming Speeches and Appearances

  • May 9, 2024 – Ben Petersen Speech - Newton, IA
  • May 16, 2024 – "Voices of Inspiration" Speech - Newton, IA
  • June 12, 2024 – Jasper County Museum "Brown Bag Lunch" Speech - Newton, IA
  • June 22, 2024 – Martin "Farmer" Burns Memorial Plaque Ceremony - Big Rock, IA

Wrestling Tough, 2nd Edition – Now Available!

The 2nd edition to the popular Wrestling Tough, this new book is loaded with stories of many current stars and many behind-the-scene stories of legendary figures from the sport of Wrestling. As Dan Gable wrote, “Wrestling Tough is much more than learning about being successful on the mat. It’s for all who would like to dominate or develop a passion for any sport. Incredible reading! Get energized and be entertained at the same time!”

Order today by calling Culture House at 641-791-3072 or online through Paypal by clicking the button below




 

Journey: Reflections on 50 Years of Writing, Wrestling, Weightlifting, and Heroes – Order Today!

Order today by calling Culture House at 641-791-3072 or online through Paypal by clicking the button below

Super Book of Wrestling Trivia – Order today!

Order today by calling Culture House at 641-791-3072 or online through Paypal by clicking the button below





Blog Categories