Rudolf George Grunewaldt (Rudy)

Woonsocket, SD

1935, 793, Hill City, F-9, Exchange Stewart
1937-39, 791, Lightning Creek, F-14, Mess Stewart

The following is fro the Lightning Flashes camp newspaper from October 1939.

"Rudolf Grunewaldt has been outstanding in the performance of his duties." So reads the recommendation of the Commanding Officer of the company from which "Rudy" Grunewaldt was transferred to Company 791. It seems that this Commanding Officer was not only considering the past, but also the future; because this single sentence is as true and direct today as it was at that time.

Before Rudy ever came to Company 791, he knew the "ups" and the "downs." He had lived in a CCC camp for some time and had been Hospital Orderly at Camp F-16 and Exchange Steward at Camp F-9.

When Rudy came to this company, it did not take long before he was acquainted and had well established himself. His term here has not been one of leisure and self-satisfaction. Rudy has put out. His long experience in the kitchen fitted him for the position he now holds, and that experience was filled and earned by sweat. When the time came, however, for the appointing of a different Mess Steward, it was not unwise to promote Rudy from the status of a member directly to that of Leader. He handled his job the very same day in much the same manner as he does now, knowing that certain work should be done, how to do it, and then doing it.

In order to find another man like Rudy, a man as generous and a man as good-hearted, you would have to go a long ways. Nothing is too good, nothing too precious, nothing can mean enough to him if he can give it to others, knowing that it will help them. Who takes over the Cooks' job when they are gone? Who tells a member of the kitchen force to take a few moments' rest and that he himself will finish his work? There might be quite a few, but we do know that Rudy is that type of fellow who will fill this description . . . generous and good-hearted to the nth degree.

In the field of athletics, Rudy is never "rained out." It is he who rounds up the athletes of the camp and composes baseball, softball, and basketball teams. During many games, and in various sections of the country, Rudy has been the official umpire. He is admired for his square dealing and for his extensive knowledge of the official rules.

Our hats are off to you, Rudy. You have been an inspiration and are an ideal enrollee. You help make life what it is in our camp and have added to its distinctive spirit.

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