Military family visits memorial

Military Family Visits Memorial Located at VFW Post 3656 and adjacent to Lake Massena, the Wake Island Memorial found its home in Bristow. It remains the only one of its kind in the United States. Due to its uniqueness, the memorial attracts hundreds of visitors annually. Visitors come from a multitude of backgrounds and may be interested in history, honoring those who served, or simply exploring. Recently, a remarkable service family visited.

As Auxiliary members tended to the flower beds, a cheerful family visited the memorial. The Auxiliary members and family chatted, but what might have ended as a simple introduction quickly bloomed into a surprise honor. While chatting, Auxiliary members learned that Jake Elvik is an Oklahoma City fireman and EMT as well as a Navy veteran. His wife and the mother of his two sons, Augusta or “Gussy,” is an Army veteran. Although Gussy stayed at home in Norman to study that day, her mother, Stacy Edwards, accompanied Jake and the boys. Stacy’s family consists of many veterans. Our story today focuses on her daughter, U.S. Army PFC Augusta Elvik, and son-in-law, U.S. Navy ATAN Jake Elvik.

Although Jake lived in Moore and Gussy in Sapulpa, they dated throughout high school after being introduced at a track meet. Each of them enlisted following graduation and completed basic training before getting married in 2013. Jake and Gussy started a family and continued to serve. They moved between California and Oklahoma a few times, remaining committed to God, country, each other, and their growing family. Gussy never deployed but served in the U.S. Army for six years as a petroleum supply specialist. Jake served in the U.S. Navy as an aviation electronics technician for more than four years, deploying in 2015 aboard the USS Harry S. Truman.

After serving, Jake trained to become an EMT at the Indian Capital Technology Center in Stillwell. Gussy attended Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, earning her degree in psychology. Today, the Elvik family lives in Norman. Jake continues his work as an Oklahoma City fireman and EMT while Gussy continues her education in the grad program, working to one day be a psychotherapist as a licensed professional counselor. She will graduate in December 2021.

As for their children, the boys easily garnered smiles and promptly received treats from the Auxiliary members during their visit. The Elvik’s eldest son at seven years of age, “Sheriff ” Wyatt, maintained order as he inspected and patrolled the memorial. Everyone in attendance intently listened to the Sheriff as he calmly introduced himself in a low, matter-of-fact tone, pointing to the cowboy hat resting upon his head. The hat indicated his position of “Sheriff ” Wyatt lest anyone forget. Large blue glass frames adorned his serious face, and he wore a black tie to complete his look. Jake and Gussy shared that Sheriff Wyatt enjoys playing with his toys, hats, ties, and glasses, using them with his vivid imagination to be anything he so desires. He is quieter and more reserved, like his dad. On the other hand, his little brother is his opposite.

Walker, the Elvik’s youngest son, seemed very shy while perched atop one of the guns until the cookies appeared. At only two years of age, Walker climbed all over the equipment with ease, excited to explore and move. Jake and Gussy later revealed that he is quite the athlete, enjoying sports and physical activities. He can already hit a ball tossed to him and dribble a soccer ball with both feet. He shares his mom’s competitive and physical nature but is quite the charmer as well. Walker will attempt any task the adults in his family tackle. He loves fishing, sports, and performing gymnastic and acrobatic feats.

When asked about the future, Jake and Gussy expressed a desire to continue living in Oklahoma to raise their sons. Jake was born and raised here, stating “Home is where my family is.” Gussy responded similarly, saying “I want to travel and see more places, but I don’t know if anywhere will feel like Oklahoma. You can shake hands or hug and say ‘hello’ without it being abnormal here.” While they may travel, Oklahoma is their home. They promised to visit again, perhaps while visiting Stacy in Kellyville. We hope they do. Meeting their family honored our community.

Please take a moment to thank a veteran for his or her service. You never know who you may have the honor of thanking.