Thomas Daschle: “this Veterans Day, members of the Rapid City and Ellsworth Air Force Base communities will gather to honor Everett…”

“this Veterans Day, members of the Rapid City and Ellsworth Air Force Base communities will gather to honor Everett ``Ep'' Howe for his lifetime of dedicated service. Today I salute the life and work of one of South Dakota's finest patriots. For nearly 70 years, Ep has dedicated himself to serving his community and his country. He began his career in the public service, joining the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1921, and serving as Park Ranger and U.S. Border Patrol Officer before joining the military in 1944. He proudly served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1944 to 1948, including a tour with the 9th Marine Aircraft Wing during World War II. Discharged as a Marine Sergeant, he returned to Rapid City, his wife, Grace, and a career in construction. To say that, in many ways, Ellsworth Air Force Base is ``The House That Ep Built,'' is no measure of hyperbole. Not only has he donated land and raised money for the base, he actually contributed to the construction of some of its buildings. Throughout his life, Ep has been a tremendous supporter and friend of the military.”