Korean War Veteran Al Lemieux Passes
Another Marine has reported for duty to guard the streets of heaven.
It is with great sadness that the Missouri Korean War Veterans Memorial Board of Directors shares the sad news of the passing of one of its founding board members and great friends, Al Lemieux.
Al was instrumental in the creation of the State of Missouri Korean War Veterans Memorial in Kansas City, Mo.
Born in Missouri in 1932, Lemieux enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1950 and by January 1951 sailed from San Diego to Korea, arriving February 14, 1951. Lemieux served as a Rifleman with the 3rd Battalion 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division facing action in the Korean War, especially in the Punchbowl area – the site of his last mission. Lemieux was wounded in the Punchbowl battles in September 1951.
Lemieux dedicated many years of service to leading Korean War Veterans Associations and developing memorials to ensure those who served in the “Forgotten War” are not forgotten. He was the Commander of the Kansas City, Mo. Korean War Veterans Association.
“The legacy of the Korean War for me, I had a part in the memorial that was built in Kansas City across from Union Station,” Lemieux told the Korean War Legacy Foundation. “It’s very important we support Korea in every way because there’s a fella up there in the north that’s a danger to Korean people and the world.”
We were honored to work with you, Al.
SEMPER FI, MARINE!
Al Lemieux - A Marine’s Legacy By Nancy Champlin
My father, Al Lemieux, Papa, as I called him, IS and always will be my HERO. Dad was extremely proud of serving his country in Korea and being a Marine. He often stated, ‘the Marines made a man out of me, and my fellow veterans will always be a part of my me.”
My everyday has been shaped by the things Papa taught me directly and indirectly from his time as a Marine. He has always been my moral compass as I steer through my life, both personally and professionally. His love and devotion to family has also been my first priority in life.
I taught my children love of God, family, and country because Papa modeled this in every word and action he took, from the garbage collector to the mayor. I use the phrase, “Thank you for my Freedom,” because Papa shared that what we have is all due to the valor of those who gave the ultimate sacrifice.
I always spoke of my father in every interview I conducted in my business because of my focus on honesty and integrity, being the best I could be, and striving to do that for the clients with autism that we
served. I put a face with those words and showed potential employees his picture on my phone to demonstrate who I am, what I stand for, and
what they could expect from me.
Because of Papa, I begin each day planning on how I can be a blessing to others, whether it is in my family of three children and 12 grandchildren or in my community. Papa taught all of us to never to do anything half-assed, and certainly do not ask someone to do something that you have not done or are not willing to do. Yes, I have definitely heeded these words and set the tone for high expectations in my family and work.
I sent him Father’s Day cards every year thanking him for being my Hero and for all the things he taught me and how he positively impacted and influenced me and my family. I reflect daily whether I am being the individual he would be proud of, so I can continue to honor this magnanimous man.
He was so humble, never seeking accolades for what he had accomplished, and I think of my community service work and how I can do in kind and represent him well because I strive to continue to be a representative of his deeds across every person I meet. Always faithful, through one generation and continuing on.
