Army Officer Returns Home to Wayzata for 30-Year H.S. Reunion

Lieutenant Colonel Romney Andersen joined the U.S. Army soon after graduating from Wayzata High School in 1981. This weekend he is back home for his 30-year high school reunion.

As he walked with his dad carrying a 12-pack of Leinenkugel’s out of Wayzata’s municipal liquor store Thursday afternoon, Lt. Col. Andersen said Wayzata would always be home—even though he can’t get back as often as he’d like.

“I just landed and stopped at the muni with my folks to see what it’s like these days,” Lt. Col. Andersen said. “It’s a little nicer than when I was in high school and when it was a little rougher crowd. I think the last time I was at the muni the drinking age was 18. It looks a lot better.”

A member of the 3^rd Ranger Battalion, Lt. Col. Anderson is the Chief of Orthopaedic Surgery Service and Chairman of Orthopaedic Surgery at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, MD. He primarily oversees the surgical procedures needed by troops returning from combat zones.

“We operate mostly on wounded warriors,” he said. “It’s rewarding. There are some great kids we’re taking care of.”

Lt. Col. Andersen is a fellow with the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgery, a diplomat on the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery and the Military Chair of the Orthopaedic Trauma Association.

He heads back to Walter Reed after an extended weekend home with family and friends.