You might know Sgt. Michael Taapken for his days owning and operating the I Don’t Know Café in the basement of the Metals Bank Building.

He is a hard-working man who both humble and proud of the fact that he is a Marine. Sgt. Taapken became a Marine in January of 1985 and served four years. Of course, there is no such thing as a former Marine. Once a Marine, always a Marine.

The Marines were always present at the I Don’t Know Café, where you could donate to Toys for Tots year round, not just during the holiday season.

Sgt. Taapkeng also goes out of his way to honor his fellow veterans. When he sees veterans, he thanks them for their service, and he welcomes them home. That is what his latest passion project is all about — a welcome home.

Sgt. Taapken is leading the charge that will bring the Wall That Heals, a 7-and-a-half feet high traveling replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The wall will be on display at Father Sheehan Park for five days this August. It will be a time for education, a time for remembering, and a time for healing.

The wall includes the name of all 58,281 Americans who died during the Vietnam War. The list includes 267 names from Montana and 22 from Silver Bow County.

Listen into this podcast to hear why Sgt. Taapken has worked so hard to bring the Wall That Heals to town. Listen to him talk about how that healing from the project has already begun.

Listen as he talks about is days in active service in the Marines and how the Wall That Heals will likely have the biggest and best escort in the Wall has ever seen.

Listen in to hear how you can get involved and help the project. Contact Sgt. Taapken at usmc4ever@icloud.com to volunteer.

Today’s podcast is presented by Thriftway Super Stops. Download the TLC app and start saving today.