MOKANE, Mo. - The story of Harold Boone is one that could be told in movies or books - if you ask any members of AMVETS Post 153.
Originally from Mokane, Boone has 26 years of service - 13 as a naval officer. The 90-year-old veteran did tours in World War II and the Korean and Vietnam wars. His tale is a good, old-fashioned rags-to-riches story, according to his friend Sheldon Hartsfield.
Hartsfield served in Vietnam, and now regularly serves with the local AMVETS post in St. Peters. He also contributes to the Central Missouri Honor Guard. Hartsfield and Boone have grown close in the past decade. Hartsfield said he cherishes the friendship between the two is one
"One of the things I love, after my 20 years of serving in AMVETS, is meeting guys like Harold," Hartsfield said. "I've literally met people that they've written movies and books about, and he's one of them."
The high opinion of Boone is shared throughout the AMVETS family, and during the Son of AMVETS' 12th annual Frogs and Hogs event last weekend, his presence was greatly appreciated. Veterans, bikers and cadets alike gathered to hear his stories and to meet the 90-year-old war hero.
Boone said he makes it his mission to return annually for the event, just as it is AMVETS' to formally invite him every year.
"I've been to just about all of them. I like all the dedications and memorials to the veterans," Boone said. "My time in the wars has made me greatly appreciate days like this. Just to see the red, white and blue throughout a small town like Mokane - it's something else."
The promise of hundreds of motorcycles, decked-out show cars and tender frog legs has a way of bringing thousands together to celebrate. But the patriotism displayed and the presence of veterans such as Boone is what gives the event its staying power.
Boone and Hartsfield were quick to point out how the show of unity can help former soldiers escape the darkness that often follows them home from tours of duty.
"I think it does help us a lot," Boone said. "I think its relieves some people, brings back memories for others and, overall, it's just a great get-together for us."
The effect is even more profound for Hartsfield, who makes the nearly 100-mile journey from his post in St. Peters not just for Frogs and Hogs, but anytime his sister post needs him.
"I fought my demons for many, many years; and it took organizations like this to bring me out of my darkness," Hartsfield said. "Being involved in these programs, helping kids and other veterans, and plus the camaraderie of being among other service members that experience what you experienced, helps to fight those demons."
Post 153 and AMVETS have adopted a family mantra that provides a strong support system for veterans in need of assistance. AMVETS has no stipulation regarding type of military service required for membership as long as a veteran was honorably discharged.
"I've been in other organizations like American Legion, but I know more people across the state now through AMVETS than any other organization," Boone said. "It's because of all of the closeness of every post throughout the state."
Boone, who was a lieutenant, made it clear he was proud to call the women and men of Post 153 his brothers and sisters in arms, and likewise every post in Missouri calls Boone one of their own.
"This man might arguably be the most respected man in the entire state of Missouri, and I might be biased because I love the man and I know him," Hartsfield said. "But he comes to every meeting, and they make him stand up for an ovation every time. It's all based on his service alone. At his age, out here kickin' it with us guys - it's amazing."
Boone is always happy to visit the Mokane post and visit with local children and sea cadets, many of whom worked last weekend's event.
With his military experience and travel to a multitude of countries and continents, there isn't much Boone hasn't seen, he said. When he speaks, a crowd is normally not too far behind.
"I just explain my enlisted status, how I spent 13 years enlisted and another 13 as an officer," Boone said. "I always describe the ships I've been on, the places I've been to and some of the things I had to do to make it last."
The chance to hear a war veteran deliver wisdom and guidance is an invaluable for the sea cadets working the event, they said. Cadets helped clean up the grounds, assisting vendors and providing security.
"We've been here for two days just helping make sure things run smooth," said cadet instructor Levon Ingram. "We pick up trash, do police calls and were able to even do some things with the color guard. Basically, we do all of these things so that the AMVETS don't have to."