Page 3 - The Manning IA, MONITOR, Thursday, January 5, 2012 Two years ago, in 2009, Aaron hired Tom Maystadt as his assistant. He is a 1987 graduate of Carroll Kuemper and a very close friend to Aaron. Aaron Reflection Of Our Community had tried a couple of times to hire Tom, but the timing wasn’t right as he was by Dave Kusel - continued from last week growing his family. His wife Jennifer, a 1988 graduate of Carroll Kuemper, Upon graduation, Aaron moved to Arizona to work as a GA (Graduate is also a close friend to Aaron. Her family owns IPAC (Iowa Popcorn and Assistant) at Arizona State University, working mainly with Track and Field. Concessions) in Breda and makes the best popcorn, Snappy. After his first semester, the asked Aaron to help them out during Working with the Suns has allowed Aaron to travel all over the country the 1993 playoffs (the year they played and the Bulls for the and the world. He has gone to Germany, Italy, Mexico, Canada, China, and NBA Championship). In the summer, between school, Aaron worked for the Slovenia for training camps, competition, and ‘ Without Borders.’ Arizona Sandsharks (pro indoor soccer) and the Phoenix Smash (pro Team Aaron has developed some great relationships with both current and former Tennis—Jimmy Connors was on their team), both owned by the Suns. During NBA players and coaches. Working with athletes like , the Finals in Chicago, their owner, coach, and VP of Basketball called Aaron to and Shaquiille O’Neal has been unforgettable for Aaron. the front of the bus and asked if he would like to do this full time. They would find a replacement to cover the arena teams that Aaron had been working with. Aaron shows Coach Robert Cast an ankle After getting permission from ASU to leave his GA position, Aaron joined the mobilization technique. Suns as the assistant athletic trainer. Unfortunately, had been traded before the start of that season Aaron wrapping the ankle. to Philadelphia for , so Aaron never got to work with him. Jeff was a huge influence Aaron’s life. While Jeff and Stacy (Aaron’s sister) were dating in college, he would come back to Manning to watch Aaron in some of his sporting events, both in junior high and high school. “I know he had better things to do, but it meant a lot to have his support and encouragement. He was a role model to me and had a positive impact and part in molding me into the person I am today, both personally and professionally. You honestly won’t find a better person than Jeff. He and Stacy started dating their sophomore year of college and got married a few weeks before he was drafted by the Phoenix Suns.” Here is a list of head coaches Aaron worked with as the assistant athletic trainer; Paul Weshphal, , and . As the head athletic trainer, Aaron’s head coaches were , Frank Johnson, Mike D’Antoni, , and . The first player Aaron taped was Charles Barkley. Some of the other Airport in Slovenia, which was formerly a part of Yugoslavia. players that Aaron said he was fortunate to work with were , Aaron’s duties with the team involve assessing, treating, and rehabbing Tom Chambers, Kevin Johnson, AC Green, , , their athletes. He is also in charge of transportation logistics, including air , Steve Nash, , Rex Chapman, Amare Stoudemire, travel and hotels. Aaron handles per diem (money given to players and staff , Grant Hill, and Shaquille O’Neal. There were about 300 other when they are on the road), player tickets (both home and road), league injury players, but Aaron just wanted to list a few. reporting, and normal day in and day out events of their team. The main aspect of Aaron’s job is keeping the players on the court and able to play. Sounds Aaron reflects, “We have made the playoffs 14 out of 18 years that I have Aaron demonstrating how to test the strength of the gluteus medius (butt) pretty simple, but it is actually somewhat complex. Fortunately, Aaron has been with the team. Going to the finals in 1993 was my first major highlight. muscle with Coach Brad Benton. Negotiating my first contract as the head athletic trainer was also very been doing it a long time and has a very good system in place. memorable. It was done in Salt Lake City during summer league in 2000 with our then General Manager, . Negotiating my last contract (a year ago) with our owner was also very memorable. I have always negotiated with the GM, but this one was a little more difficult and had to be done with our owner, whose background is banking and real estate (gives me an unfair advantage, right?).” “Once we reacquired Steve Nash, we went on to go to the Western Conference Finals 3 out of 6 years. In 2009, I was named the 2009 Joe O’Toole NBA Athletic Trainer of the Year. It was great to have a lot of family to see me presented with the award, including my two young boys.”

First Communion - Back: Mrs. Iola Muhlbauer, Monsignor David Walker, Mrs. Rose Ann Nulle; Third: Kerry Bauer, Brian Eischeid, Dan Renze, Nate Bandow, John Wittrock; Second: Danny Qualters, Mike Zubrod, Aaron Nelson, Scott Kerkhoff, Kelly Croghan, Cory DeBoth; Front: Lisa Irlbeck, Kay Wieland, Sue Gruhn, Nicole Enenbach, Jackie Hinners, Michele Irlbeck, Jeff Lampman 1988 MHS classmates: Kay Wieland, Aaron Nelson, Jackie Hinners Aaron reflects back on Manning, “Growing up in Manning is something Holding a KIA Veteran’s medals that has been an important and positive part of my life. The people that I Have you looked at a Veteran’s medals? Were you allowed to hold them? have made relationships with back then, last to this day. I received a great Most Veterans are humble and few put their military medals and honors education, was able to play several sports, and we didn’t have to lock the doors on display but keep them private. They don’t want someone to think they are to our house or car. I love coming back and enjoying the blue skies, farm land, bragging or that people should feel beholding to them. brick Main Street, and all of the friendly people. I hope Manning can continue There is nothing wrong with this but we all need to encourage our Manning to grow and be a positive place for all of those who get to live or spend time area Veterans to document their service in the Manning Veterans’ history book there. Honestly, I wouldn’t change any part of my time in Manning and thank - the facts are not bragging! my mom for letting us grow up in such a great community.” Many of you may have seen a Purple Heart. Some of you may have held Aaron would like to finish his story with his favorite quote and all around someone’s medals. good advice: “Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. But it really hits home when you hold someone’s medals, scan their pictures, Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, letters, and memorabilia - realizing they died serving our country. can become great,” Mark Twain. Fortunately John Detlefsen, nephew of Heinz, has kept these wonderful During the August 20th Manning Wellness Rally, Aaron provided treasures of Heinz’s service and let me scan them. information and tips on proper care of athletes and ankle wrapping to the local This “Reflection of our community” Monitor article has become quite IKM-Manning coaches on the mezzanine at the high school in Manning. lengthy but with today’s 10 second sound bite mentality, which many times distorts the facts, I think we need to take more time to truly understand the facts and stories about our citizens. We need to “slow down the world” once in a while and appreciate more of the things and people around us - especially our Veterans. Now we begin with Heinz Detlefsen’s story. Heinz W. “Cotton” Detlefsen, ASN 0-757961, 1st Lieutenant, was inducted into the Army Air Force in January 1943. He took three months of training at Santa Ana, California, and then began pilot primary training at Ryan Field, Hemet, California, logging eighty-five hours flying a Ryan PT 22. He took his pilot basic training at Minter Field, Bakersfield, California, logging eighty hours in a BT13A. Heinz took his pilot advanced training at Williams Field, Chandler, Arizona, Back: Jay Dreyer, Keith Wagner, Cory McCarville, Brad Benton, Gene logging ninety hours on the AT-9, AT-6 and the RP 322. Upon completing Rasmussen; Front: Floyd Forman, Robert Cast, Aaron Nelson, Beth Hagedorn, his training at Williams Field he received his commission and silver wings. Joy Gross He was then assigned to the 444th and later the 329th Fighter Squadrons at Hamilton Field, Concord, California, flying P-39s. Aaron Nelson (left) receives the NBA Athletic Trainer of the Year Award Heinz was transferred to England on May 1, 1944, arriving at Wattisham before a home game in Phoenix. RAF base near Ipswich, England, on May 14, 1944. As a fighter pilot he logged The biggest highlights for Aaron, probably surprisingly, came in 1998 260 hours of combat with the 479th Fighter Group, 435th Fighter Squadron, during the last NBA lockout. Aaron met three very important people when he flying bomber-escort and strafing missions over Europe in P-38s and P-51s. went back to ASU to work as an assistant ATC. One was Dr. Tom Carter, who On November 8, 1944, Lt. Detlefsen was killed in a mid-air collision near would become the team doctor when Aaron became the head athletic trainer in Bersenbrueck, Germany, while returning from a mission. 2000. “I think he is one of the best orthopedic surgeons in the country and has Heinz received the Air Medal with four Oak Leaf Clusters, the Distinguished become a very good friend of mine.” Flying Cross, and was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart. Next was Casey Smith, who was the basketball trainer at ASU. Aaron hired In Heinz’s military collection were two books about his service. This first book him as his first assistant athletic trainer and later went on to become the head is about his time at Williams Field, Arizona, where he was commissioned and athletic trainer with the . Aaron remains a close friend with received his Silver Wings. Casey who just won his first NBA Championship. Aaron recalls meeting the love of his life, “Finally, and the most important highlight, was a swimmer on the ASU Women’s Swim Team named Jessica Zentmeyer. She had to have two shoulder surgeries performed by Dr. Tom Carter and needed some rehab. After knowing her about a year, we started dating. About seven years later, we were married in Phoenix, Arizona. My groomsmen were Eric Kelderman and Russ Sturm, both of Manning; Tom Maystadt from Carroll; Jeff Hornacek, my brother-in-law; Keith Walton of Ankeny, Iowa; and Mike Clark, originally from . As you can see, Aaron instructing Coach Keith several of my groomsmen were close friends from high school and college.” Wagner on the proper steps prior to The Gasthaus Aaron continues, “The priest who married us and baptized both of our boys wrapping the ankle. went on to become Bishop of New Mexico. So, needless to say, that lockout had a lot of positive outcomes for me. I met three important individuals in my life, but most importantly, one of the best women I know. It takes a very special woman to be able to handle the difficult schedule of someone working in the NBA, particularly the travel component. Jessica is an incredible woman and a great teacher (she taught Fourth and Sixth Grades). We have been fortunate that she can stay home with our boys. It is unfortunate for the school system because she is a terrific teacher who is passionate about her profession, but I’m lucky to have such a special person at home to help raise our children.” Need a place to stay Cover of Heinz graduation book. in Manning, IA for On page nine was an interesting picture. At first glance you might thing it One Night, was some “racy” magazine you were looking at but this picture was in the A Week or More? graduation book and below is some information about the Varga Girl. CONTINUED NEXT WEEK The Gasthaus has everything for you just behind the door!! Fully Furnished Wash And Groom Styling Home! Tina Steffes For reservations call: Owner/Groomer 712-653-3854 307 2nd Street • Manning 712-653-2132•712-830-3664 * State Inspected & Approved * Services by Appointment Only