This soldier came all the way from Tulsa to carry the flag in 2024 Veterans Parade in Poteau
Grand Marshal
Spec 4 Danny Upton
United States Army
Danny was born in 1945 to Arthur and Mildred Upton in Wister, Oklahoma. He moved to Panama at 6 years of age and attended all 12 years of school in Panama.
At 19 he was drafted into the Army. In 1966, he was sent to Fort Bliss, Texas where he stayed for about a month then was sent to Fort Riley in Kansas. He was assigned to C Company 4th/39th 9th Infantry Division. He completed his Basic and AIT training at Fort Riley.
In December 1966, he was sent to Vietnam. While there he was awarded the Bronze Star for his actions. After serving twelve months in Vietnam, he returned home in December 1967. Danny was discharged in April of 1968 achieving the rank of Spec 4.
He worked for 20 years at Southwest Rebuilders and then spent 25 years at Sparks Hospital.
Danny is an active member of Spiro VFW Post 4884.
Danny is married, has a daughter and 3 sons, 5 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.
Grand Marshal
PFC William Logan
United States Marine Corps
Bill Logan began his service in October 1943 at Camp Elliott in San Diego, CA. Soon after, he was deployed to Pearl Harbor, in what was then the U.S. Territory of Hawaii, as part of the 22nd Marine Unit that served in the Pacific. When he was drafted, a bird Colonel asked him what branch of the service he wanted to join, he said the Navy. The Colonel signed a paper and stated “You are now in the Marine Corps.” Logan said the Marines picked him not the other way around.
Logan was sent to Eniwetok Atoll, Marshall Islands, for a week. The next major battle was in the Guam Marianas after that he was sent for training at Guadalcanal. After training, Logan was sent to Okinawa. The beach landing was by Amtrak boats. Logan was wounded in the leg. After his 3-week stay in the hospital, he was sent back to combat.
Logan was in the Service from 1943 to 1946. He received a Purple Heart, a Good Conduct Medal, an Honorary Service Button and was cited for Excellent Character of Service.
When Logan returned home in Albion, he married a local young lady, Estella Miller. They were married for 72 years before her passing in 2018. After their marriage, he moved to Portland where he worked in the lumber business. When he had saved enough money, he sent for Estella. They had three children, two boys and a girl and spent many years in the log business.
Logan returned to Oklahoma where he was employed with Bureau of Indian Affairs serving the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma by building and repairing community infrastructure of 2019, he was recognized by the Choctaw Nation as their veteran of the week. He had a chance to speak at the Oklahoma State Capital. In 2024, he was recognized as the Choctaw Nation’s January veteran of the month.
Logan resides in Poteau, OK, he turned 100 in May 2025.
The Veterans Parade is November 8th in Wister this year. Line up is at 9. The parade starts at 10.am
Spiro Band plans on entering as well as Panama and possibly Pocola.
Thanks so much! The committee is excited about it being in Wister this year.
They plan on it moving to either Heavener or Spiro next year. Thanks again!
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