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Isaac named AFAD Grand Marshal
Larry Ashcraft, the 2004 Air Force Appreciation Day Grand Marshal, told Mountain Home Chamber of Commerce members that he has long been impressed with the outstanding citizens of the community selected by past Grand Marshals for the honor.
This year's choice certainly fit that description.
Art Isaac was clearly surprised as he heard his name being announced. He was almost speechless as it sunk in.
Born in Mildred, Kan., Isaac came to Idaho by way of the Army Air Corps when he was stationed at Gowen Field during World War II. It was while he was serving in the Army Air Corps that he was shot down on his 26th mission. Art spent the remainder of the war in a German prisoner of war camp.
After the war, he returned to Idaho to go to school at Boise Junior College. It was there he met his wife, Pauline.
In 1954, Isaac came to Mountain Home, working with the old Mountain Bell Telephone Company. Determining Mountain Home was the place to raise his family of four, he decided to go into business for himself. He and Pauline opened a Western Auto Store on Main Street and there they stayed for 26 years.
During that time, he was a member of the Chamber of Commerce, serving on the board of directors. From 1971 to 1981, he served as commissioner for the Mountain Home Highway District.
In 1981, acting governor Phil Batt appointed Isaac to fill the vacancy left in the Idaho House of Representatives by the death of Virgil Crouch.
Isaac retired in 1987, but continued to be active in the business which his daughter, Alaine, had purchased and renamed, Lane's Appliance.
"When his health failed, he slowed down, but he hasn't stopped yet," said Pauline. "He may use an electric scooter to get about, but watch out!"
In March of this year, Isaac became an author, telling his story of being a POW in Nazi Germany during the war through the oral transcription project sponsored by the Elmore County Historical Foundation.
On Sept. 10, Isaac will assume the place of honor as he serves as this year's Grand Marshal of the Air Force Appreciation Day Parade.