NATVIG

Past National Commander Orlo Natvig was born in Lawler, Iowa. He enlisted in the Army Air Corps and trained as a radio operator. He was assigned to the 91 Bomb Group, 324 Squadron at Bassingbourne, England. His B17 (Local Girl) was shot down over Emden, Germany on September 27, 1943. His crew bailed out of the burning airplane over Holland and was one of the 6 men on the crew who survived (4 died). After passing through German interrogation centers he was sent to Stalag 17B at Krems, Austria. While on a forced march he was liberated by the 13 Armored Division May 3, 1945. He was honorably discharged from the Army Air Corps in October, 1945. Orlo was married to Ruth Phillips of New Hampton, Iowa in 1945. Ruth and Orlo had 4 children, Connie Minnes, Sue Waite, Kristin Swanson, Bruce and 7 grandchildren. He was Industrial Safety Manager for White Farm Equipment Company of Charles City, Iowa and served his community as President of the Kiwanis Club, Master of Masonic Lodge, President of the NE Iowa Consistory Club and other civic groups. He was President of the church congregation in Charles City. Orlo served as an officer of The American Ex-Prisoners of War for 15 years and its National Commander for one year. While National Commander, he established the Washington National office, printed a roster of all POW members, printed VA emergency stickers for driver’s license and arranged for the first civilian POW reunion. He was President of Stalag 17B, a member of the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Disabled American Veterans. Sue Natvig Waite, 1947-1999 Sue was a Life Member of the American Ex-Prisoners of War and daughter of Past National Commander Orlo Natvig and Ruth Natvig. She was born in New Hampton, Iowa, attended Iowa State University and was graduated from Winona State University, Minnesota in elementary education. She enjoyed a long teaching career. She was President of the P.E.O. Chapters in Lompoc and Santa Barbara and President of the P.T.S.A. at Cabrillo H.S. and the Lompoc Federation of Teachers. She tutored many youth and adults and urged them to continue their education. Sue assisted a number of young women to obtain scholarships at Cotty College and the University of California. Sue died after a 3-year battle with breast cancer, she is survived by her husband of 29 years, Jack, and sons: Adam, U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, CO; Andrew, student at Cabrillo H.S., her mother Ruth and step father Lloyd Kilmer of Sun City West, AZ; sisters Connie Minnes and Kristin Swenson, brother Bruce and 7 nieces and nephews. Her father, Orlo Natvig, preceded Sue in death.