Jerry Sigwarth

When the LST 325 came to Dubuque, IA, in 2018, my family and I toured it. We were approached by one of the guides and struck up a conversation, and when he found out I was a mechanic, he said, “We need mechanics!” When I left the ship that night, I said to my wife, “I want to try that!” The following spring, I went to my first Spring Work Week, and I’ve been volunteering ever since.

I was born, raised, and currently live in Balltown, IA. I have been married to my wife, Angie, for 11 years, and I have 3 kids. We live on 22 acres, which was my grandparents’ farm, and the farm I grew up on. I graduated from Kirkwood Community College with an Ag Mechanics degree. I worked for a hydraulic shop and an implement dealer for a few years after college, and in 1991 I started my own business, Jerry’s Tractor & Small Engine Repair.

My community is important to me. Since 1997 I have been continuously elected as a director of the Dubuque County Fair Association, serving on the executive committee and as Board President. I was also a member of the Dubuque County Zoning Commission for 8 years, serving as Chair for 1 year. All of that experience could be channeled to the LST Ship Memorial if elected.

My first work week in the Spring of 2019 in the engineering department was spent learning the layout of the ship and the location of the numerous systems of the ship. With that information, I determined that I could be an asset to the crew. I was also pleased at the willingness of the crew to teach, and their willingness to learn from you.

About 2 years ago, the ship developed a coolant leak in the port engine. I was part of the team that diagnosed the problem, which was that the exhaust manifold was leaking coolant into the engine. We removed the manifold and had a new one built and put it back on the engine in time for the yearly cruise. From fixing the ship’s crane, to helping fix the brakes on the Deuce and a Half, to running the bilge evaporator, to doing maintenance on generators, to replacing a radiator on the number 4 generator, I feel I’ve been a big part in making sure the ship is well maintained and functional.

As a board member, I would also like to help with the ship’s marketing and social media presence. I use social media to promote my own business, and these things can be directed to the ship. The use of video is something that has helped me successfully keep my business growing, and as a volunteer I have posted several educational videos on the ship to social media as well.

I would appreciate your support and vote as I run for the USS LST Ship Memorial Board of Directors. My volunteerism on boards within my community and volunteering on the ship over the past several years qualify me as an asset to the ship’s Board. I want to make sure the ship will live on, not just as a static display, but as a cruising museum, for future generations.

Thank you for your consideration.

Jerry Sigwarth