Thank You to Our Veterans
The Rapid City Journal is partnering with the Veterans Honor Banner Project and the America 250 Project to publish stories on Saturday highlighting veterans featured on the Honor banner around Rapid City. The following is an article from The Rapid City Journal, reposted here. We're honored to show up and vote on Jan 20 to support Libertyland USA, thanks to the many sacrifices made to protect our democracy. There is simply no way to say a simple thank you for everything you have done for all of us.
Lien, a man of his word, even when it meant getting thrown in a river
SAM BRANNAN and the Rapid City Banner Project
Born of humble beginnings on a farm in Waubay, South Dakota, on a cold February day in 1925, Charles "Chuck" Holm Lien grew up as the hardworking farm boy destined for greatness. At an early age, Chuck ventured into the mining business with his father and brother in Rapid City, sharing one pickup, $100 cash investment, and a dream to grow a company strong enough to transcend generations.
With a promise made to his father back in the 1940s, Chuck spent a lifetime making sure the business known as Pete Lien and Sons to pass on to the third generation, his nine children, raised by him and his wife of nearly 65 years, Barbara Vidal Lien. Chuck believed having three careers led to a very satisfying, productive life, starting with the military. At 18, Chuck enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving in the Philippines during World War II with honorable discharge as lieutenant three years later in 1946. Assisting his father with the business and finishing his college education from 1946 to 1950, earning a degree in general engineering with an emphasis in business and business law from the University of Wyoming, Chuck was called back to active duty from 1950 to 1952 initially as a 1st Lieutenant with the South Dakota National Guard during the Korean War. He later led Company A of the 100th Engineers Combat Battalion as a captain. Chuck learned early in his career how important promises could be. By promising his men they could throw him in the Rhine River in Mannheim, Germany if they beat the record for bridge building, Chuck motivated his soldiers to a record-breaking time of 5 hours and 26 minutes, a European record that still stands for bridge construction, and kept his promise by letting them toss him in the river.
Upon his return from the Korean War, Chuck's second career commenced in earnest with Pete Lien and Sons. Through his exceptional career as a miner, his leadership style mesmerized many mentors. With a foundation of principles such as caring for others, helping with skill development, and learning through creative problem solving, Chuck developed several generations of entrepreneurs throughout the cominunity, in the state, and nationwide.
Despite challenges over the decades, Chuck and his brother, Bruce, and father, Pete, built Pete Lien and Sons to one of the largest and most successful family-owned businesses in South Dakota and in the mining industry nationwide, turning the reins over to his son Pete in 1996 as president. Throughout the decades, Chuck found time to help others along the way. Lending a hand whenever he could through his wealth of experience and success, his creative thinking and his motivational encouragement, Chuck willingly provided guidance and direction to anyone in their journey to success. Suggesting that teaching has been a third career, thousands of people throughout the company and community attribute their success at least in small part to Chuck Lien's unconditional help somewhere along the way.
Chuck is well known for his contributions to the betterment of Rapid City and as a champion of South Dakota. Possessing an honest, experienced, and thoughtful opinion, Chuck was recruited by numerous groups to serve in leadership positions. His deep love for his country and community, and for South Dakota, was profound and heartfelt. He appreciated that freedom is not free and supported every effort of our armed forces as a proud and humble veteran. His brother Bruce H. Lien joined him to serve the U.S. Army in WWII and the National Guard for the Korean War. Both men followed in their father Peter "Pete" Calmer Lien's footsteps, who joined the Army in WWII. "Rare indeed is it to meet a great man, who is also a good man," says Jeff Hurd, local attorney and friend of Chuck Lien.
Author: Sam Brannan is the chief development officer at Pete Lien & Sons, Inc.
