Known for his playful presence at Pizza Ranch, where he dons a badge and jokes with children about “placing their dirty dishes under arrest,” Reuer’s dedication goes far beyond lighthearted moments.

Reuer remains a driving force behind wreath sponsorship and placement efforts at Rosehill Memorial Park Cemetery, despite his doctor’s recommendation to slow down. For 10 years, he has kept a donation box and a wreath sponsorship tree at the Minot Pizza Ranch.

Reuer coordinates the sponsorship of wreaths through the Civil Air Patrol Magic City Composite Squadron, ensuring nearly 30% of all funds raised directly support local cadets’ ground activities. Presently, his campaign is 85% to his goal of 200 wreaths.

Reuer’s Gold Star Tree of Honor will be lit by the family of Pfc. David Berdahl, a helicopter crewman, missing in action in Vietnam in 1972. The public is welcome to pay tribute at the ceremony on Veterans Day, Tuesday, Nov. 11, at 1 p.m.

The Gold Star Tree of Honor and veteran tribute display are shown at Minot Pizza Ranch, where community members can pay tribute to local veterans. Photo courtesy of Robyn Stoner.

Through his efforts, Reuer ensures that the tradition of honoring veterans lives on in Minot — one wreath, one donation and one heartfelt moment at a time.

“Find a way to serve,” Reuer said in the CAP information. “Be their witness, for everyone plays a part to be an American worth fighting for. Live up to their legacy.”

On Saturday, Oct. 25, at 10 a.m., Reuer will join the local Civil Air Patrol squadron, and other long-time volunteers, at Rosehill Cemetery to assist in planting crosses at veterans’ graves before the ground freezes. On Saturday, Dec. 13, at 10 a.m., the volunteers will lay wreaths on those crosses for the Wreaths Across America ceremony, held at noon that day. Everyone is welcome to volunteer.

The donation deadline to sponsor a wreath is Nov. 28. Checks can be made payable to Wreaths Across America and mailed to CAP, 2400 N. Broadway, Suite E, Minot, ND 58703.