PB patriot bridges gap between wars

The Poplar Bluff Museum tells many unknown tales of our community. I want to tell you some of those hidden tales found within the museum walls.

Fred Crook was a native of Poplar Bluff. In 1966, he enlisted the Navy. Crook was trained as a construction apprentice for service with the Navy’s Construction Battalions (CB), nicknamed the SeaBees. His first duty stations were the Boardman bombing range in Oregon and Port Hueneme in California.

In 1968, Builder 3rd Class Crook was deployed to Vietnam. Although stationed at Camp Faulkner and Camp Haskins, he traveled all over the war zone. Crook built everything everywhere for the Americans, Vietnamese and other allied forces.

Some of his projects included a Marine airstrip at An Hoa, a Navy bridge cargo ramp at Da Nang, and barracks at Freedom Hill. Crook contributed to many civic projects for the local population, including training the Vietnamese Army. After a year in Vietnam, he returned to Port Hueneme and Camp Pendleton for additional training and a promotion.

With a promotion and advanced training, Builder 2nd Class Crook was deployed again. He shipped out and built everything for the Navy and Marines from Okinawa to Guam. In 1972, Crook was discharged from the Navy and returned to Poplar Bluff.

Still a dedicated patriot, Fred enlisted in the Missouri National Guard.

In 1979, he joined the 1221st Transportation company in Dexter. Crook was able to keep his rank, now an Army Specialist 5. He deployed many times again, including to Honduras.

With another promotion to staff sergeant came another deployment.

In 1990, the 1221st was activated for service in Saudi Arabia. It was assigned to the Army’s 22nd Support Group. Staff Sgt. Crook’s unit directly supported both the 1st Infantry Division and the 101st Airborne division in combat during Operation Desert Storm. He retired in 1996 after 21 years of service.

Crook’s military career was unique. He not only served in both the Army and Navy, but he spanned the generation gap between the Vietnam veterans and the Desert Storm veterans. Staff Sgt. Crook’s dress green uniform and SeaBee patch are on display in the Hall of Heroes. It includes his medals from Vietnam and Desert Storm.

The museum is handicap accessible and open free of charge from 1-4 p.m. Sunday at 1010 Main St. Tell them Mike sent you.

Mike Shane is a veteran, Poplar Bluff resident and board member for the Poplar Bluff Museum.