Sen. Slama highlights veterans on National Purple Heart Day
Charles Ernest Henning<br/>
By News Channel Nebraska
LINCOLN – In her latest legislative column, State Sen. Julie Slama recognizes a Peru man on National Purple Heart Day.
She says Charles Ernest Henning’s story is a testament to his lifelong service and says the state Legislature has taken recent strides to improve the lives of all veterans.
Here is the senator’s column:
Honoring Heroes on National Purple Heart Day
On National Purple Heart Day, we honor the immense sacrifices made by brave men and women who have been wounded or killed while serving our country. One such hero hailing from District 1 is Charles Ernest Henning. His story is not just one of military valor, but also of steadfast dedication to his community and fellow veterans.
Born on July 30, 1924, in Peru, Nebraska, Charles was the eldest of four sons to John and Grace Henning. After completing his education from Peru Prep High School in 1942, he enlisted in the United States Army in 1944. The Battle of the Bulge, one of World War II’s most brutal conflicts, Charles was on the front lines with the 106th Division. His valiant service during this time earned him the prestigious Purple Heart, marking his courage and devotion to duty.
After his honorable discharge, Charles furthered his education through the GI bill at the University of Nebraska. His commitment to service continued as he took active roles on the District 18 School Board, the Rural Water Board, and significant roles in the VFW, the American Legion, and the Disabled American Veterans. His story is a testament to his lifelong service, both in and out of uniform.
Yet, our gratitude for veterans should not be limited to words alone. Over the years, significant legislative strides have been made to improve the lives of service members, veterans, and their families.
In 2020, the Legislature was able to pass a bill that would exempt 50% of military retirement pay from income taxes, which was then followed up by the passage of LB 387, which completely exempted military retirement pay from our income tax rolls. We also passed LB 64, which benefits all retirees by phasing out income taxes on Social Security payments.
LB 5 in 2021, established the Purple Star Schools Program. This initiative recognizes the distinct challenges faced by military families, particularly those with children who relocate frequently due to their parents’ service.
LB 77 in 2021 prohibited insurance companies from penalizing military personnel who cancel their vehicle insurance during overseas deployments.
I look forward to supporting and introducing more veteran-friendly legislation in sessions to come. These laws represent the Nebraska Legislature’s concrete efforts to both commemorate and honor those who have selflessly served their country. As demonstrated by the life of Charles Ernest Henning, these veterans continue to enrich our communities long after military service concludes. Let us remember and honor them, not only for their past sacrifices but also for the numerous ways in which they continue to contribute to our great nation.
We are blessed in District 1 to be the home of thousands of veterans. Veterans make up 7.9 percent of the population in Johnson County, 9.5 percent in Nemaha, 10.4 percent in Otoe, 11 percent in Pawnee, and 11.9 percent in Richardson. When you include the families of these brave individuals, you will find that the majority of the people in our district have close ties to service members. This is something that we should all be proud of. We should make it a priority to ensure that every service member feels our unwavering appreciation every day, not just on holidays.
Charles Ernest Henning