Who is aware of Joe Foss?

2015-01-29T16:19:05-05:00

I'm working on a client project and I want to poll my brothers and sisters in arms:

1. Have you heard of Joe Foss?
2. Have you heard of the Joe Foss Institute?

Response by CSM Charles Hayden Passed 7/29/2025 made Jan 29 at 2015 4:23 PM

2015-01-29T16:23:59-05:00

CCMSgt, Joe Foss, WW II, CMH Awardee, fighter pilot, from So CA. Joe Foss Institute, no knowledge.

Response by TSgt Joshua Copeland made Jan 29 at 2015 7:39 PM

2015-01-29T19:39:57-05:00

CCMSgt Chuck Wooten, I know of Joe Foss (PDG of course, plus extra reading) but not the institute.

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 29 at 2015 11:04 PM

2015-01-29T23:04:10-05:00

I've heard of Joe Foss, but not of the Joe Foss Institute

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 29 at 2015 11:40 PM

2015-01-29T23:40:03-05:00

Unfortunately CCMSgt Chuck Wooten, I cannot say that I have.

Am I sheltered and missing out?

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 30 at 2015 12:16 AM

2015-01-30T00:16:34-05:00

Joe Foss, Major, USMC, MoH recipient. Got his by being a squadron commander of a Marine Fighter Unit (the Cactus Airforce) that protected Henderson Field, Guadacanal island, 1942-1943. Joe Foss tied the record for shot downs (held by Eddie Rickenbacker - 26) while leading his squadron. Later became Governor of South Dakota.

His institute sorry, not sure what it's about. I assume that its aviation oriented.

Response by SPC David S. made Jan 30 at 2015 12:52 AM

2015-01-30T00:52:32-05:00

Yes, Best Ace Marine fighter pilot of WWII. Also Medal of Honor recipient.
Have no clue as to what the Institute does.

Response by TSgt Bret Whitmore made Feb 19 at 2016 7:00 PM

2016-02-19T19:00:37-05:00

Being a 'naturalized South Dakotan' I have absolutely heard of Governor Joe. Of all the amazing accolades he earned by hard work and fortitude throughout his life, all the profound achievements the rest of the respondents here have already mentioned, one that hasn't yet been said was what a genuinely straightforward and nice gentleman he was. Personable as he could be to all, he'd go out of his way to meet and greet a fellow veteran every chance he got. He was also the national president of the NRA from 1988-1989, which (despite the political demonization that group receives from the oft-under-informed in today's society) is in itself a hallmark of deep and abiding trust. I have heard numerous wonderful stories about him from life-long South Dakota natives. I only wish I could have met the man personally.

I have heard of the civics-instructive Joe Foss Institute, but I'd certainly love to hear more about it. Obviously with the word not having reached very many of us veterans here, the Institute could perhaps do with a bit more effective promotion!