Last Friday night Beezers Bar and Grill located in Hillsboro, Wisconsin, hosted Dan Kouba and the Journeymen who played a gig honoring veterans both past and present, and some members of the United States Army’s 724th Transportation Company.
Those present from the Company were there in supporting the family of Army Pfc. Gregory R. Goodrich of Bartonville, Illinois, who was KIA on April 9, 2004 while serving during Operation Iraqi Freedom when his convoy came under attack. Goodrich was 37 at the time. Goodrich was the nephew of band member and lead guitarist Joe Havlik.
Dan Kouba lead singer and song writer for the band was excited to have his band play for the occasion and stated that his father was a World War II Veteran and his brother served in Vietnam. Kouba said, “It’s about time that these guys get recognized.”
Keyboardist Mary Siefert, who also writes songs and plays a multitude of instruments, shared that she was pumped to play for the veterans and noted it was also a special night because her mother was there from Mississippi to support the band and veterans and meet all the different people.
Joe Havlik aka ‘The man in Black’, who also is a veteran, was feeling uplifted to see all the veterans and some of his nephews come to support the family, and stressed that they come up every year to show their respect for his nephew.
Anchor of the band and Drummer Joe Sukana, although a man of few words but always in serious deep thought, said that he was honored to play for all the veterans.
Bassist John Guelig who referred to himself as the “new kid on the block”, stated that he felt honored to play for the veterans as well and was looking forward to the nights gig.
With no shortage with ties to the US military, the band’s sound Tom shared his connection and feeling about the gig. “Man, I love it. I have two kids; my son is Alan has been in the Navy for four years and is out to sea right now and my daughter Alyssa just graduated Highschool this last year and is currently at bootcamp in the USMC.”
Having just played the venue ‘The Shack’ at Beezers Bar and Grill a couple weeks ago, Kouba thanked them for having them back for this special occasion.
For more on Army Pfc. Gregory R. Goodrich visit Military Times.
Written and Published by DriftlessNow.com on August 25, 2019.