Richard (Dick) Wendorf grew up in rural community southeast of Tekonsha, Michigan, and graduated from Quincy High School. His father, a farmer, taught Wendorf the value of hard work, as he often helped on the family farm. Wendorf married Janet Orr in 1966 and raised three children while living in the Mason area.

Wendorf stayed close to home throughout his early years and in doing so, received a great deal of mentorship from members of his family, which included nine uncles, all veterans, on his mother's side. 

Wendorf began working at a construction company as a laborer in 1957 and was drafted into the U.S Army in 1961, serving in the 34th Armor Regiment as a tank driver. This unit supported the 4th Infantry Division, in Fort Lewis, Washington. Aside from providing Wendorf the experience of traveling to places like Kentucky and Washington, he sharpened his marksman skills and was selected as a member of the Fort Lewis Post Rifle Team and competed in competitions representing Fort Lewis, against both civilian and military competitors.

Serving in the U.S. Army gave Wendorf a true understanding of how courageous veterans are for their personal sacrifice to the United States. "I have such a passion for veterans and what they've done for us, they deserve much more, attention, respect and to be welcomed back," he said.

After serving, Wendorf returned home in 1963 and began working immediately at the same construction company, T. A. Forsberg Inc. in Okemos, MI. His superiors noticed his work ethic and intuition to learn from others, he was soon promoted to the position of Foreman, Superintendent and eventually General Superintendent.

In 1997, after years of successfully managing the operations at Forsberg Construction with the unwavering support of his wife, Janet, Wendorf purchased the company from his partners. He holds this professional accomplishment in great significance. In 2012, Wendorf retired from the business and passed the company to his children.

Through the successes of his career, Wendorf has always kept his affinity for veterans of the armed forces, and in doing so, established an endowment in his name at Michigan State University with the Heroes to Hives Program and has also supported veteran initiatives through the College of Nursing at MSU. In 2023, Wendorf has established another endowment through the Student Veteran Resource Center to provide timely assistance to those who face financial barriers on the path to graduation.

In 1966 Lou Bender was drafted into the US Army, 1st Infantry Division, better known as the Big Red 1. He served his nation in Vietnam with honor and distinction, garnering two Bronze Stars and the Purple Heart.  He was honorably discharged from the Army in 1968, and has been active in Veterans affairs throughout the remainder of his life.

Bender earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Michigan State University in 1971, and was elected to Excalibur, an honorary society that yearly recognizes Thirteen Outstanding Senior Men.  He earned his Masters of Arts degree in Communication Arts and Sciences from Michigan State University in 1974, and was honored with the Excellence in Teaching Award, presented to an outstanding graduate student each year.  In 1987, Michigan State University honored Bender with its prestigious Outstanding Alumni Award, in recognition of his distinguished career.

Lou Bender passed away on February 24th, 2019

“Bud” Doane, Jr. graduated from MSU in 1948 with a degree from the College of Business. Bud loved airplanes as a young boy. During WWII he enlisted in the Army Air Force Pilot Training Program. When he graduated from high school, while awaiting active duty orders, he studied engineering at MSU which helped later when dealing with aircraft. After the war, he returned to MSU and finished his degree in Business on the G.I. Bill. Following graduation, Bud re-entered the Air Force for four more years, flying several airplanes in several places, including Korea. After the war, Bud returned to East Lansing and met and married Dorothy M. “Dottie” Doane. Bud then joined the International Programs staff, and the Doanes traveled extensively for MSU to help establish the MSU presence in Nigeria, Pakistan, Nepal, and other places. Bud retired from MSU as Director of the Office of Overseas Support.