On Veterans Day — and every day — we sincerely thank those who served and continue to serve so bravely, including members of our campus community.
Veterans seeking higher education and connection
By Arthur G. Austin Jr.
Veterans, regardless of branch of service, enjoy time spent in collaboration with fellow veterans who get it. The “get it” part goes beyond the multitude of acronyms we use in the service or the reflection on our service both during and post active service.
Understanding, empathy and the ability to sympathize due to like experiences can mean a lot to veterans who are no longer serving.
This kind of collaboration is important to service members seeking higher education either during or after military service. Two examples of this can be found in the veteran lounges at Jamestown Community College in Olean and the St. Bonaventure University veterans lounge. Veterans are fortunate to have both of these facilities at their disposal.
Frank Morales, director of St. Bonaventure’s Office of Veterans Services, had this to say
recently when asked about the lounge: “A student veterans lounge provides a crucial space for veterans attending college to decompress, connect with others who share similar experiences, and foster a sense of belonging. It offers a supportive environment where veterans can share their challenges, access mental health resources, and find the camaraderie that is often key to their well-being.
“This sense of community can significantly reduce feelings of isolation, making the transition to academic
life smoother while promoting mental health and resilience.”
While attending a meeting in support of St. Bonaventure Student Veterans of America (SVA), I happened upon a group of veterans having coffee at a local restaurant. These former service members based out of Allegany have been meeting weekly for the last decade or so.
Brothers Joe and David Rado (Air Force), Karl Kiffer (Air Force), Mike Crisafulli (Army), Steve Kockler (Air Force) and Jim Mostacato (Army) served
following the Korean War era through Desert Storm. They meet for coffee and to stay in touch. Now meeting at the local Perkins, the original group started with 19 members and is now down to six. One member who joins them (David O’Dell) is not a veteran but acts as their scribe to capture topics discussed and keep records of the attendees. He too benefits from collaboration and camaraderie.
at their disposal in the form of a fully outfitted Veterans Lounge. The lounge is located on the second floor of the College Center building, room 228B.
St. Bonaventure Campus, the JCC lounge also supports military aligned students (students whose parents are serving or have served in the military). An added benefit to military service, we definitely encourage student veterans and military aligned students to utilize these lounges at their respective campuses.
Although years apart in service dates, these two groups of veterans clicked immediately. The usual service jabs ensued ending in an invitation from the Bona SVA to have coffee at their lounge the next time. And so, at St. Bonaventure the following week they continued commiserating about service years, laughing over service stories and comparing notes concerning changes in service over the years.
The JCC campus has a similar resource
At the JCC lounge, my wife and I try to keep the shelves and fridge filled with snacks and refreshments while the students take advantage of computers, cable TV and reading material in between studying. I was made aware of the JCC lounge while working on other veteran initiatives at that campus. Having been a non-traditional student myself while in the service, I could immediately see the benefit of having a resource like the lounge for fellow veterans. A place to wait between classes or go to study before heading home to kids, spouses and family life. The lounge offers veterans a welcoming place to utilize in support of their new lives as students.
Similar to the veterans lounge on the
To learn more about the JCC lounge contact Don Pool, Coordinator of Accessibility Services at (716) 338-1251; Or contact Paula Snyder, Executive Director Cattaraugus County Campus on the JCC Olean Campus in office 260 for access information or to get in contact with me.
To learn more about the St. Bonaventure lounge contact Frank Morales at Fmorales@ sbu.edu; phone: (716) 375-2105.
(Retired U.S. Army Brigadier Gen. Arthur G. Austin Jr. lives in Cuba and is an advocate for veterans throughout the Twin Tiers.)
Photos provided
A group of veterans who graduated high school in Allegany in the 1950s met with student veterans in the St. Bonaventure University veterans lounge. Liz Connor, a U.S. Navy veteran and Dwyer Program coordinator, passes out pastries to the group.
The Jamestown Community College student veteran lounge was named for Fred Monicca, who was key to the establishment of the lounge.
Salamanca vet recalls time served on submarine during Vietnam War
By Deb Everts
GREAT VALLEY —
When people across the nation observe Veterans Day this Monday, they take time to recognize the sacrifices made by those who have fought and died while serving the United States.
Terry Cummings of Great Valley is among the ordinary men and women who answered the call to war and did extraordinary things. He is proud to have served his country in the U.S. Navy from 1971–77.
During his six years of active duty, he served aboard the USS BARBEL (SS-580) submarine for over four years as a Torpedo Fire Control Technician.
Cummings did his basic training at the U.S. Navy Recruit Training Command in Great Lakes, Ill. After basic, he went to the Naval Training Center nearby for advanced electronics school. From there, he went to submarine school in New London, Conn.
“I decided in New London that I wanted to go on a submarine so they sent me to sub school, which was for a specific fire control system,” he said. “When I finished, I was asked where I wanted to go and what boat I wanted to be assigned to and I picked Pearl Harbor in Hawaii on the USS BARBEL (SS-580).”
According to Cummings, the BARBEL was the first teardrop sub the Navy produced for combat. There were three of them — the BARBEL, BLUEBACK
through a lot of psychological training and evaluation,” he said. It took Cummings a year to earn the Submarine Warfare Insignia (Dolphins) distinguishing and identifying him as a qualified submariner and a member of the submarine community. He wears the Dolphins pin on his hat to this day.
and BONEFISH. He said they were the last of the diesel-electric subs, and after that came the nuclear-powered submarines.
“We had 82 people aboard the boat — 60 enlisted, 12 chief petty officers and 10 officers,” he said. “The BARBEL was among the top four subs for shooting torpedoes.”
CUMMINGS SPENT a lot of miles at sea.
During his four-plus years on the BARBEL, he traveled to all the Hawaiian Islands and visited places including Hong Kong, Korea, the Philippines, Taiwan, Guam, Okinawa and the United States Naval Base in Yokosuka, Japan where their home port was located. The BARBEL also went up the west coast of the United States visiting San Diego, San
Francisco and Seattle, as well as Vancouver and Victoria, Canada.
He said the crew never went ashore in Vietnam and the BARBEL didn’t participate in any conflicts. They did mostly surveillance and close reconnaissance near Vietnam. He said they were always listening with the sonar, which was often disrupted by whales making noise.
“Our boat was the smallest operating submarine the Navy had at the time. Blue whales were bigger than us,” he said. “They sent us in hopes that we would not be detected.”
It takes a special person to be a submariner who will experience an intense, dangerous and isolated environment aboard the boat. The Navy uses a psychological test to identify personality traits that
might make someone a poor fit for submarine duty. The recruits also undergo rigorous physical training.
Cummings said there was always the fear of not resurfacing after closing the hatch and submerging. He said the BARBEL was once submerged for 45 days, so he didn’t see any sun during that time.
“A lot of people would not be able to handle being underwater for that long. That’s why we had to go
BORN IN Salamanca and raised on Williams Street, Cummings graduated from Salamanca High School in 1971. Although he had a draft number, he chose to enlist in the Navy along with his five friends and classmates after high school.
“We all went to boot camp together at Great Lakes under the buddy program,” he said. “We joined the Navy Dec. 20, 1971, and got out Aug. 15, 1977. I remember it because Elvis Presley died the day after we got out.”
According to the Naval History and Heritage Command, the BARBEL (SS-580) received four battle stars for her service during
the Vietnam War and was decommissioned at Pearl in December 1989. Cummings attended a reunion in Norfolk, Va. a few years ago where the crew was recognized in a ceremony for serving on the BARBEL. The ceremony included a plaque marking the end of the boat’s service and the crew got a tour of Washington, D.C. After his honorable discharge in 1977, Cummings went to work for BOCES in Olean as an audio and visual equipment technician. He later worked for the state Department of Transportation. Cummings and his wife, Bonnie, have been together for 45 years. He’s a life member of the United States Submarine Veterans, Inc. (USSVI), the Salamanca VFW (John F. Ahrens Post 5296), the Salamanca American Legion (Hughes-Skiba Post 535) and the Buffalo Naval & Military Park. A Hometown Hero banner hangs on the corner of River and Main streets to recognize him for his service to his country.
Photos by Deb Everts
U.S. Navy veteran Terry Cummings is proud to have served his country during the Vietnam War aboard the USS BARBEL (SS-580) submarine. He is shown in front of the Salamanca VFW John F. Ahrens Post 5296 holding a photo of the boat he served on.
A Hometown Hero banner hangs on the corner of River and Main streets to recognize Vietnam veteran Terry Cummings for his service to his country.
Eric Lundberg of Portville enlisted in the U.S. Navy in December of 1950. On December 26, the day after enlisting, he reported to Buffalo before being sent for training in Newport, Rhode Island. After boot camp, Eric attended a Naval school in Great Lakes, Illinois. Following graduation, the sailors who received the highest marks had the first choice of shore stations and ships. Lundberg was in the middle and when it came to his turn, all the shore stations were gone. “I thought, ‘Well, what’ll I choose? If I’m going to be in the Navy, maybe I better find a ship that’s going to different places and see the world.’
That’s why I chose the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Franklin D.Roosevelt
CVB42,” recalls Lundberg.
After three cruises to Europe, the ship was going to be decommissioned in the state of Washington, and Eric was given the opportunity to travel around the horn of South America. They sailed to Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina, Peru, San Francisco, and finally anchored in Seattle where he
received his next orders — Japan. “What in the world are they sending me to Japan for? I’ve only got six months left! They’re going to put me on a boat and send me to Japan just in time for me to turn around and come home,” he thought.
Lundberg soon found out he was being flown to Japan and replacing another sailor who was getting out of the service. When Lundberg arrived, he was given the ship USS Erben DD631. During the day, they were anchored out at sea. At night, they patrolled Korea. Lundberg was in Japan for two weeks before the Navy brought the ship back to Long Beach, California where his wife, Betty, was waiting for him.
Langworthy honors 75 area Vietnam veterans in pinning ceremony
By Kellen M. Quigley
OLEAN — Congressman Nick Langworthy hosted 75 military veterans from Cattaraugus and Allegany counties Aug. 14 for a 50th anniversary Vietnam-Era Veteran Pinning Ceremony.
Held in the Cutco Theater at the Jamestown Community College’s Cattaraugus County Campus, this event was in partnership with the United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration to honor local veterans for their service and sacrifice.
“This pinning ceremony is a very special occasion. To honor and
recognize and honor a group of individuals whose extraordinary service and immense sacrifices have significantly shaped and safeguarded our nation,” the congressman, R-23rd District, said. “This national commemoration was authorized by Congress and is our way of expressing our nation’s profound gratitude for your service.”
Langworthy said he sadly realizes many of the veterans in attendance did not receive the “welcome home” they deserved, returning to the United States to face a divided nation and not receiving the respect and recognition
Joseph Leo continued from page 4
what they called, “tailend Charlie”. When extra planes were available, they would send another plane up which flew nearly outside the formation.
“One of the other planes aborted the mission. He had to go back, engine problem or something. We took his place but we had to get all the way across the formation.
So we worked our way through the planes … the overcast got higher and higher and the planes got more buried in the fog. Two planes collided in front of us. Of course it happened so fast that I didn’t see it. I was looking out the side window. Our pilot pulled the plane up, and he could have hit another plane himself.
Our navigator set a course south, hoping to get down into France so that we could land there. We came out over Frankfurt, Germany and the sun was shining. They didn’t shoot at us. That meant that they probably were going to send some fighters up to get us. But they didn’t, and I don’t know why because we were dead ducks all by ourselves over Frankfurt. So, we got over into France and found a field, but we didn’t have to land. They sent us back to England. They already had us reported as one of the planes that collided.” Towards the end of the war, the Americans made a truce with
they deserved. Hoping to right that wrong, he said these veterans’ dedication and sacrifice are the foundation of the country’s freedoms and way of life that civilians enjoy and sometimes take for granted.
“During the Vietnam War, you faced unimaginable hardships. Some of you served in dense jungles, endured harsh conditions, faced constant danger and fought an enemy that was often unseen,” Langworthy said. “Many of you saw comrades fall in battle. You carried on in their stead and you continue to carry on for them and carry them with you today.”
Germany in which they were allowed to drop food to starving civilians in Holland.
“They would let us do it but they couldn’t guarantee us that all the troops had got the message, because communications were very bad with the Germans,” said Leo. “We had to fly with our bomb bay doors open and wheels down. We were told to fly between 50 and 100 feet, and not to hold a formation. We filled our bomb bay with food and dropped it behind the lines.”
When returning home, veterans often faced new challenges, Langworthy said, having to reintegrate into a society that didn’t fully understand or appreciate what they went through. Despite their physical and mental scars, he said these veterans have gone on to raise families, build businesses, serve their communities and contribute to the nation’s strengths.
Leo flew a total of 15 missions during WWII. He later moved to Portville, New York, where he and his wife, Betty, raised their two children.
“Far and away, these ceremonies are the most fulfilling thing I’ve done in public life,” said Langworthy, who previously held pinning districts in Chautauqua County and one in the eastern end of the 23rd District for Steuben, Schuyler and Chemung counties. “It is truly my honor to be here with you — the heroes who wore the uniform and fought for our great nation.”
With Allegany County Clerk Rob Christman as emcee, the congress-
man was joined in honoring the veterans by local supporters and officials, including state Sen. George Borello, Assemblyman Joe Giglio and Olean Mayor Bill Aiello.
“I did not have the honor of serving as you did, but I want to thank all of you for your service,” Aiello said.
Giglio said his older brother served in Vietnam and he would see a lot of people who served visit his brother before they were deployed, and some of them didn’t survive.
He said those losses are something families still live with today, and the effects of the war continue to take lives all these years later. This is all stuff that you live with for the rest of your lives,” the assemblyman said. “God bless you all. God bless your families. God bless your friends. God bless your sacrifices.”
Borrello shared that
his father and uncle served during the Vietnam War, and while the war years were difficult, he said the veterans did not receive the welcome home they deserved. Looking at the sacrifices made by all the veterans in the room as well as everyone who has served since 1776 to today, Borrello said those who serve the nation are the ones who should be honored.
“I will never stop saying this to every Vietnam veteran every chance I get: thank you for your service and welcome home,” the senator said.
The 2008 National Defense Authorization Act established the U.S. Vietnam War Commemoration to honor living U.S. veterans who served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces at any time during the period of Nov. 1, 1955, to May 15, 1975, regardless of where they were stationed.
Photo by Kellen M. Quigley
Congressman Nick Langworthy pins a congratulatory pin on a local veteran, thanking him for his service during the Vietnam War.
Salamanca paratrooper jumped into Sicily, Italy and Normandy during WWII
Michael Caruso of Salamanca had only been married about a week in August 1942 when he enlisted in the U.S. Army. He finished basic and rifleman training and, in relatively short order, found himself training as a paratrooper.
He joined the 82nd Airborne Division, was sent to North Africa and on July 9th, 1943, jumped into Sicily. The 82nd then jumped into Italy in September 1943.
After hard fighting in Italy, the 82nd was sent to England to rest and refit — and to prepare for the next operation, which would be D-Day, the Allied landings in France.
The 82nd, along with the 101st Airborne Division, was dropped on Normandy
in the night before the beach landings on June 6, 1944. Most of the paratrooper drops were scattered and most units missed their drop zones.
Surrounded by Germans, paratroopers like Caruso had to spend
the early morning and much of the day on June 6 getting reorganized to reach their objectives. Many troopers were lost in the night’s confusion.
After the initial drops and landings on D-Day, the 82nd saw almost constant combat as the Allies defended against counter-attacks and attempted to increase their gains and break out at Normandy.
On the morning of July 3, 1944, Caruso and members of his platoon were ordered to try and take out German tanks with bazookas. While running across a field, Caruso stepped on and tripped a plunger mine and lost part of his right leg. Had he not been running, be probably wouldn’t have survived.
Draftees off to the Army
This photo, submitted by Timothy Smith of Salamanca, shows a group of young men who were among Cattaraugus County Selective Service registrants who made up the county’s May 1970 quota for induction in the U.S. Army. The group is set to leave Salaman-
ca May 12, 1970, for the Buffalo induction center. They are (in front, from left) Charles E. Putt of Allegany, Dennis L. Pritchard of East Otto, Merritt L. Letson of Salamanca and Smith, who was appointed group lead-
er. In back (from left) are Gregory B. Griffin of Conewango Valley, David I. Drake of Little Genesee, James D. Walterich of Portville and Andrew P. Pockalny of Portville.
A medic named Ray Kuprinski from Erie, Pa., carried Caruso about a mile to a medical aid station. He was sent back to England and then to the United States, where he recu-
perated and was fitted with an artificial leg at Larson General Hospital in Atlanta, Ga.
Among his medals, Caruso earned the Bronze Star and Purple Heart and he displayed
on July 13, 2004.
Civil War veteran’s final resting place receives historic marker in Allegany State Park
By Deb Everts
QUAKER RUN —
Down an overgrown lane, across a meadow and up on a high hill in the woods lies the Wolf Run Cemetery. Mostly forgotten until now, the historical burial ground is the final resting place of Civil War veteran Pvt. William H. Zibble and members of the Carnahan family, who were early residents of the Wolf Run area.
The Allegany State Park Historical Society (ASPHS) hosted a dedication ceremony in June for a historical marker commemorating Wolf Run Ceme-
tery, also known as the Carnahan Cemetery.
In attendance were Park Manager Christopher Tripoli; Civil War re-enactors Darin Everdyke of Groveland and Anton Schwarzmueller of Wilson; members of the historical society and Friends of Allegany; as well as Zibble’s great-grandnephew, David Zibble of Chicago.
Randal Fabritius, president of the historical society, said the two Civil War reenactors were present because Zibble is buried in the cemetery. He credited Schwarzmueller, who was instrumental in acquiring the roadside marker through the
William G. Pomeroy Foundation, for spearheading the project. Paul Crawford, president of the Friends group, said the cemetery is located about half a mile from the road. He said the foundation ruins of the Carnahan farmhouse can barely be seen at the base of the hill before going up to the cemetery.
Crawford gave a brief history of the Wolf Run community — starting with Herman Delos Carnahan, who settled at Wolf Run Aug. 17, 1863, and is buried in the cemetery.
In May 1935, almost
three battle stars. He returned to Salamanca where he and wife, Irene, raised two daughters. He passed away at the age of 87
Michael Caruso
Photo by Deb Everts
The Allegany State Park Historical Society hosted a dedication ceremony in June for a historical marker commemorating Wolf Run Cemetery. From left, Civil War reenactor Darin Everdyke, descendant David Zibble and Anton Schwarzmueller are shown at the historical marker.
C.A.M.P. marks 10th anniversary of advocating for Civil War Memorial Building
By Deb Everts
LITTLE VALLEY
— This year marks the 10th anniversary of the formation of Citizens Advocating Memorial Preservation Inc. — also known as C.A.M.P. — and it’s been a decade of uphill battles and triumphs for the organization.
In October 2013, the Cattaraugus County Legislature passed an act appropriating $125,000 in casino funds to demolish the Civil War Memorial Building, still under their ownership, that was deemed to be deteriorated beyond reasonable repair.
As a result, C.A.M.P., a volunteer-run 501©(3) not-for-profit organization, was organized in November 2014 by a group dedicated to saving and preserving the Memorial Building.
Originally dedicated Sept. 7, 1914, as a memorial to nearly 3,500 county citizens who served in the Army and Navy during the Civil War, the building was used as a museum and elections building until the early 2000s.
On Oct. 4, 2017, C.A.M.P. became the new owner of the Cattaraugus County Civil War Memorial and Historic Building and began working on restoration and reuse plans for the complex. The dedicated team of active C.A.M.P. members, along with volunteers and financial supporters, saved the historical building from the wrecking ball.
The words on the plaque above the main entrance — “to the memory of its soldiers and sailors in the War of the Rebellion, this
building is erected by Cattaraugus County” — were reason enough for C.A.M.P. members to save and reinvigorate the Memorial that is a Civil War monument.
SINCE THEN, C.A.M.P. has successfully addressed significant preservation concerns of the Memorial Building. According to the organization’s most recent newsletter, The CAMP Chronicle, a new roof was installed to prevent water infiltration of the memorial, deteriorating architectural elements have been stabilized and the group is currently seeking National Register nomination for Cattaraugus County’s only all-county veterans’ memorial.
The chronicle lists a number of events and improvements that have taken place since the group took ownership. In August 2018, CAMPers, as the members call
themselves, hosted the 33rd Annual Reunion of Descendants of the 154th New York Regiment at the Memorial Building.
On Veterans Day in 2018, they proudly dedicated a Historic Roadside Marker at the building. Funded by the William G. Pomeroy Foundation, the marker gives people information about the history of the building and its significance.
R.E. Kelley, an exterior specialty contractor, applied wrapping to secure architectural masonry features along the Memorial Building’s cornice, in August 2019. In December that year, CAMPers, volunteers and Dwyer Veterans installed a large Memorial Preservation Project information sign at the Memorial site. A new multi-layered spray foam roof system was completed on the Memorial in July 2020.
Meet a Civil War soldier at CAMP Veterans Day event
LITTLE VALLEY — Citizens Advocating Memorial Preservation (CAMP) will present Meet a Civil War Soldier from 2–4 p.m. on Veterans Day at the Cattaraugus County Civil War Memorial, 302 Court St. The free event welcomes the public to stop by and learn what a typical Union Civil War soldier wore, what equipment he carried, what food he ate and what hardships
he endured in camp, on the march and the battlefield.
Living historian Ed Brodbeck will depict a fully outfitted Union soldier and is pleased to share the knowledge of Civil War soldier life he has accumulated from years of study. The Cheektowaga resident has been portraying Civil War soldiers since 2007. In addition, Tom Place of the Echoes through Time Learning Center
in Springville will have a variety of Civil War artifacts on hand for viewing.
Members of CAMP will also be present to relate how they saved the Civil War Memorial from destruction and how they are working to rehabilitate it. About 200 Civil War veterans were on hand when the building was dedicated in 1914 as the Cattaraugus County Memorial and Historical Building.
C.A.M.P. obtained estimates for asbestos abatement work and Building Code requirements for a Certificate of Occupancy in the summer of 2021. The following year, they contracted with Clinton Brown Architecture Company P.C. for plans to utilize the Board of Elections portion of the building as offices for rental income to support the Memorial. Preliminary plans have also been drawn up to renovate the exterior of the building.
A DETAILED article about C.A.M.P.’s tireless efforts to bring the Memorial Building back to its glory was written by Mark Dunkelman, a prominent Civil War historian and author from Rhode Island.
Published in the fall 2023 issue of “Western New York Heritage” magazine, Dunkelman said C.A.M.P. finds itself at a crossroads. He said the group has saved the county’s unique Civil War Memorial from destruction and has carefully developed professional plans to rehabilitate it.
“However, more volunteers, more local support and — most importantly — more money are all still needed. Critical to obtaining funding for a successful rehabilitation is a listing on the National Register of Historic Places,” he said. According to Dunkelman’s article, the Cattaraugus County Legislature voted to award $10,000 to C.A.M.P. on March 22,
Civil War veteran continued from
500 acres belonging to several members of the Carnahan family were transferred to Allegany State Park. At the time, Frank Reitz’s family still resided on Wolf Run Road on a 214acre farm, later to be absorbed by the park.
“Families were given a year to relocate. Some left soon after while others stayed for several months,” he said.
Crawford gave an overview of the family farms, businesses and a schoolhouse that were once active in the area. He said the steps of the one-room schoolhouse, located roughly across from the connecting Brown Hollow Road, can still be seen.
page 6
“We would not be here today were it not for his making and posting of several videos of the Wolf Run area. The videos supported our grant application for this historical marker,” he said. “The installation of this marker would not have come to fruition without the undeviating support of Park Manager Christopher Tripoli.”
Schwarzmueller said the first known burial in the Wolf Run Cemetery was Herman Delos Carnahan who died Dec. 29, 1899. The last known burial was Alice B. Wilcox, a daughter of Myron Carnahan.
2023, with its purpose of assisting with securing a listing on the National Register of Historic Places for the Cattaraugus County Memorial and Historical Building. In awarding the grant, the legislature argued that “the Memorial and Historical Building has tremendous historical significance as Cattaraugus County’s most prominent and significant Civil War Memorial.”
“One thing seems certain; the dedicated amateur preservationists calling themselves CAMPers will keep striving because they see the Memorial as more than a building — they see the legacy of the Boys in Blue of 1861 to 1865, the citizen soldiers who prevented the country from splitting asunder and who helped to eradicate slavery from the land,” he said.
C.A.M.P.’s important restoration work on the Memorial Building continues. Donations will help support their next initiatives including exterior work on the building, repurposing the former Board of Education section for income for the operation of the Memorial, as well as continued architectural and masonry repairs.
People interested in restoring this important memorial that was dedicated to all Cattaraugus County Civil War Veterans may help out by volunteering and/or donating online at C.A.M.P.’s website, cattcomemorial.com.
primarily by road to Quaker Bridge and by train. The Pennsylvania Railroad had a line that ran along this side of the Allegany River before the river became the Allegany Reservoir with the building of the Kinzua Dam. Carnahan said there were 14 sawmills, two shingle mills, two lath mills, a cheese factory and a school. At the junction of Wolf Run and the railroad, there was a railroad station, a water tank to refill the tenders of steam engines on the railroad, a hotel run by Myron Carnahan and a post office.
With the creation of Allegany State Park in 1921, the state began buying land in this area to add to the park. The Carnahans sold out in 1935.
“The late Llewellyn ‘Hook’ France told me the residents of Wolf Run had to stock up on canned goods, meat and things of that nature, for the winter because they’d get snowed in for weeks at a time,” he said.
Schwarzmueller, a member of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War and longtime member of the ASPHS, read a letter of congratulations from the Pomeroy Foundation recognizing Wolf Run Cemetery and the former hamlet of Wolf Run.
According to Schwarzmueller, he was stunned to learn from a YouTube video by Paul Crawford some years ago that the cemetery existed.
“William Zibble is the only known veteran in the cemetery. He served in Pennsylvania Independent Company C (Warren’s Rifles) in the Civil War. He joined in 1862 and served for three years,” he said. “His wife was Mary Carnahan. They had two sons and a daughter.” Schwarzmueller said Zibble’s three brothers Albert, Lewis and Thomas Jefferson also served in the Civil War. He said David Zibble, who was present for the dedication, is a direct descendant of Albert.
In a 1955 article in The Randolph Register, former Wolf Run resident Frank Carnahan said about 40 families lived in Wolf Run and connection to the outside world was
Zibble thanked Schwarzmueller for taking the initiative to secure the marker from the Pomeroy Foundation. He also thanked the park and the historical society for hosting the dedication.
“My family is grateful and now that I know where the cemetery is and it’s been formalized, they will visit,” he said. The cemetery is located on Wolf Run Road about 1.25 miles off Route 280. A historical marker is at the entrance of the trailhead that leads to the cemetery .4 miles north on a steep ridge.
File photo
On Veterans Day in 2018, Citizens Advocating Memorial Preservation (C.A.M.P.) proudly dedicated a Historic Roadside
Marker at the Cattaraugus County Civil War Memorial Building. Funded by the William G. Pomeroy Foundation, the roadside marker gives people information about the history of the building and its significance. C.A.M.P. president Tom Stetz is shown to the left of the marker.
No distance too far, no weight too heavy
By Cory Angell
Eldred native Nicholas Appleby ran 26.2 miles, with a 28-pound body armor plate carrier, in memory of two McKean County veterans.
“I like to do something physically challenging every year,” said Appleby, a police officer in Colorado Springs, Colo., who also served in the Army infantry. “Last year I did a marathon in Boulder, Colo., and this year I wanted to do something slightly harder, so I added a 28-pound plate carrier, not only to challenge myself, but to honor the fallen from home.”
Province, near Ghecko, Afghanistan, when he was fatally struck by enemy small arms fire during a cordon and search mission. Maholic started his career with Company C, 1st Battalion, 112th Infantry, the local National Guard in Lewis Run.
“I couldn’t stop and chat with other runners or fans that attended
Appleby decided he would run with the names and images of two local U.S. Army veterans on his plate carrier, Lt. Col. Richard Berrettini and Master Sgt. Thomas Maholic. Berrettini, 52, of Wilcox, died Jan. 11, 2008, in San Antonio of wounds sustained Jan. 2 in Khost province, Afghanistan, when his vehicle encountered an improvised explosive device. Berrettini was deployed as an individual soldier from the Pennsylvania Army National Guard Medical Detachment, Erie. As a civilian, Berrettini was a Port Allegany High School nurse. He joined the Pennsylvania National Guard in 1984 and was a former active-duty sailor.
Maholic, a Bradford native and a 38-yearold Special Forces team sergeant assigned to 2nd Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne), died June 24, 2006, in Kandahar
but had an overwhelming amount of people snapping photographs of them,” said Appleby. “I assume they searched them to learn their stories. Some asked me who they were or just thanked me.”
Appleby said it was a great way to motivate himself through his final days of training, and the race itself. He said the lives that they led were of dedication
and commitment, and we all have something to live up to in their memory.
“I loved having the ability to share their stories”, said Appleby. “I urge anyone who doesn’t know their stories to read a little bit about them. We all should apply ourselves to our fullest capability, be dedicated, seek challenges, remember why we started what we do, and stay the course.
The 40 & 8 Society in Bradford
By Sally Ryan Costik Bradford Landmark
The Forty & Eight was formed in 1920 by American Legionnaires as a fraternal organization of Army veterans, many of whom had been transported to the battle front in France during World War I on narrow gauge French railroads inside boxcars (Voitures) that were half the size of American boxcars.
Each French boxcar was stenciled with a “40/8”, denoting its capacity to hold either forty men or eight horses. These boxcars were stubby, only 20.5 feet long and 8.5 feet wide, and carried little more than half the capacity of American boxcars. Needless to say, it was a real squeeze.
Although memories of riding in them were not always pleasant, this ignominious and uncomfortable mode of transportation was familiar to all who traveled from the coast to the trenches, a common small misery among American soldiers who thereafter found “40/8” a lighthearted symbol of the deeper service,
sacrifice and unspoken horrors of war that truly bind those who have borne the battle. (from www.fortyandeight.org history).
Later, many of these same boxcars were used
during World War II to transport troops to and from the front. In 1945, many American troops (including POWs) were transported from Germany to France for return to the States
in a rough-riding 40 and 8 — especially in November and December. Veterans’ memories of travel in the rickety, unheated cars are pretty vivid; some men even resorted to building
fires inside them to keep warm on the long, slow trips.
In June of 1939, Marguerite Shelgren, majorette in the Sons of the Legion Drum Corp, and the daughter of Mr.
& Mrs. Shelgren of Interstate Parkway, christened the newly-constructed locomotive of the McKean Voiture of the 40 and 8, “Ole Hank” in a ceremony in Bradford.
Photo courtesy Bradford Landmark
Bradford’s old 40 & 8 locomotive was transformed into a vehicle used for parades, as shown here in 1946 on West Washington Street in Bradford. Locals remember the loud boom as it came down the street, loud enough that babies would cry and folks would cover their ears.
My Hometown Hero
By Kate Day Sager
When I recently approached the Sherman and Congress streets intersection in Bradford, my breath caught in my throat as I fought back tears. It was not the reaction I expected out of myself when I first saw my dad’s Hometown Hero banner hanging from a utility pole at that familiar intersection. Adding to my emotions was the fact that the banner was hung up just in time for the upcoming Veterans Day observation and for what would have been my dad’s birthday in late October.
I had driven past that intersection for a month or so with the hope of seeing the banner I had ordered in August through the Hometown Heroes program. I admit that I was slightly disappointed and impatient each time I didn’t see the banner that would honor my late father, Robert Samuel Day, for his service during World War II.
The wait was worth
it since the people who conduct the program, under the auspices of the local VFW Auxiliary, abided by my family’s wishes and placed Dad’s banner at the intersection near his former home on Sherman Street where he and our mother, Lois, spent 52 of their years together. His banner now joins the more than 600 others that have graced utility poles around the city of Bradford, as well as Bradford and Foster townships for more than four years.
Dad never spoke of his years in the war when we were kids, and we only learned of his heroism when we reached adulthood. He had served with his unit, L Co. in the U.S. Army’s 85th Division in Italy for a couple of years and had suffered some injuries and illnesses. He also had carried a fellow soldier on his back to safety while under fire, which earned him a Bronze Medal. While he rarely spoke of this honor, or the Purple Heart he had received, he always
tried to attend Memorial Day parades to show respect for others who had served or were currently serving in the military. During the parades, he would humbly stand behind others on the sidewalk, preferring not to walk or ride in the processions. If possible, he would attend the ceremonies held in Veterans Square.
It was for this reason that my daughter
Veterans Day observances, dinners set across So. Tier
By Bob Clark
Formal observances and fundraising dinners will mark the area’s thanks to veterans for their service this three-day weekend.
Olean observances of Veterans Day — set for Monday — will move to War Vets Park, a change from previous observances at Lincoln Park. The Olean Ameri-
can Legion and Olean Veterans of Foreign Wars will lead the ceremonies, beginning at 11 a.m. The master of ceremonies will be Legion First Vice Commander and Chaplain Michael Muir, a Navy veteran. The officers of the day will be Legion Commander and Army veteran Shaun App, VFW Commander and Navy veteran Steve Calbi, Legion Second
Vice Commander and Army veteran Patt Orcutt, and Legion Sergeant at Arms and Army veteran Craig Neuland.
The ceremony will be opened by Muir, followed by color guards from Scouts BSA troops 617 and 621, and Cub Scout Pack 621 leading the pledge of allegiance. The Olean High School band will play
...continued on page 10
town Hero or military banners can be found in communities throughout the country.
“Each town has a totally different banner, although we all have the same theme,” Peterson explained. “Each town also has different qualifications” and requirements for the program.
For example, some communities hang banners only for deceased veterans or those killed in action. Peterson said the committee with the Bradford program decided to open it to all military personnel, or those considered to be heroes, past and present.
and I contacted Amy Peterson, an organizer of the program, to see if we could have a banner ordered for Dad and placed on a pole in town. I had been under the assumption that the program was only for veterans and military personnel from the community and therefore hadn’t thought of signing up Dad as he was a Warren native. Peterson, who is a member of the VFW Auxiliary in Bradford, said that isn’t the case with the Bradford program. All who live in the community or consider the area to be their hometown are welcome to sign up. Peterson said she and others with a motorcycle group first learned of the program while riding through a small community in the region and wanted to conduct a similar project in Bradford. Home-
“We felt that if you served for our country, you are a hero to us,” she said, noting her son, who had served with the National Guard, and her late father, who was a Korean War veteran, are both on a banner.
“Our program is open to everyone” including first responders and those currently serving in the military.
While there is a fee involved in purchasing a banner, the funds are used to not only pay for processing the flags but to provide cushion money for an account used for repairs of the banners that hang year-round. Peterson said Pure Tech helped with the program the first year or so, and Dan Tyger with the city of Bradford, along with cooperation from Penelec, have helped with it since then.
Heath Cousins, who makes the high-quality
banners, rounds out the program.
“The (VFW Auxiliary) committee is all volunteers, we put in a lot of hours to do it; it’s a privilege to do it,” Peterson continued. “I’ve personally enjoyed it. The people share their stories. It’s really interesting about why they want the banner and what they think of their hero.”
The organization also attempts to place the banners on poles in areas requested by families.
Hopefully, Dad wouldn’t have objected to being honored in his former neighborhood where some of his old friends still reside. My brother, Ken, who lives in Maryland had this to say:
“That’s very cool! He deserves it!” he said of Dad’s banner. “But he would have been slightly embarrassed with all the attention it would bring.”
My sister, Judy, who lives in New Jersey, had a different take on the matter.
“It is special that it is placed at Sherman and Congress streets. We always remember Dad waving to us from the porch as we turned onto Congress Street” to drive home after each visit, Judy wrote. “Special memories, indeed!” For those who want to honor a hero in their life, more information can be found on the Facebook page, Bradford, PA Hometown Heroes, or by sending emails to bradfordpahh@gmail.com.
Hometown Heroes banner of Robert Samuel Day.
File photo
Olean VFW Commander Steve Calbi (left) and then-Olean American Legion Post 530 Commander James Farmer rang the bell in Lincoln Park 11 times on Nov. 11, 2023, during the city’s Veterans Day ceremony.
Texas clinic changing veterans’ lives
By Sara Furlong
The change in one local veteran was so drastic, his children were compelled to ask, “Dad, is that you?”
The improvement in overall wellbeing experienced by this veteran and father after two weeks at Resiliency Brain Health, a center for neurological recovery and whole body wellness in Coppell, Texas, left him unrecognizable to his own family.
Another local veteran whose life was transformed in a fortnight at the Texas clinic, Rob Mitchell of Bradford, said, “What they’re doing in two weeks’ time down there is changing lives.”
So now Mitchell is on a new mission: Ensuring veterans can access its life-altering treatments.
The center, according to its website, “was founded by Dr. Scharlene Gaudet on the principle of treating the entire body when helping patients recover from neurological injury.”
“The science that she has and protocols (Gaudet) has are so phenomenal,” Mitchell said. “She couldn’t believe I graduated college with high honors with how bad my brain injury was.”
He wasn’t sleeping anyway, so why not read and reread and reread and reread the course material?
Mitchell, a Bradford Central Christian graduate, is a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving 1996 to 2015 with the 82nd Airborne as well as the
Veterans Day Activities
the national anthem.
The Rev. Kim Rossi of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church and Bethany Lutheran Church will lead the invocation. Calbi and App will then ring the bell 11 times to mark the observance of the armistice of World War I — the Eleventh Hour of the Eleventh Day of the Eleventh Month.
3rd Infantry, 1st Cavalry and 10th Mountain divisions.
In retirement he served as a peer support mentor with the Wounded Warrior Project, is active with Veterans of Foreign Wars and became involved with the Western Pennsylvania Chapter of Defenders of Freedom, defendersoffreedom.us.
Donna Cranston founded Defenders of Freedom in Dallas, welcoming troops home, sending care packages and helping veterans transition out of the military. When her son,
continued from page 9
Guest speakers include state Sen. George Borrello, R-Sunset Bay, state Assemblyman Joseph Giglio, R-Gowanda, and Olean Mayor Bill Aiello. The speakers will then place a wreath in front of the Wall of Honor.
The Olean High School chorus will sing “God Bless America,” followed by Rossi giv-
ing the benediction. A ritual team will then fire three volleys, followed by a performance of Taps. In Salamanca, the American Legion and VFW will conduct an observance at 11 a.m. Monday in front of the Legion and VFW. Wellsville area veterans and the public are encouraged to meet
a veteran of multiple deployments, began having issues she set out to find help.
“She linked up with these doctors,” Mitchell explained, “and the next thing you know they’re starting this clinic.”
Mitchell said he was introduced to Cranston at a fundraiser golf tournament the chapter stages in Pittsburgh.
“She knew just by looking at me that I had issues,” he said. “For six years she kept begging me (to go to the clinic).”
During his time in service, Mitchell recounts three IED explosions and a fall from a roof during combat, not to mention the many jumps executed with the 82nd. He served multiple tours in Iraq and was medevaced out several times.
“I personally went through all the effects of Post Traumatic Stress,” Mitchell said. “I dealt with sleeplessness, anxiety and depression as well as functional movement, balance, vision and cognitive problems. I averaged
four to five migraines a week.
“It was the same comment every veteran says, ‘There’s always someone worse than me. Get them through the clinic.’ Little did I know, I had one of the worst TBIs the clinic had seen.”
Finally relenting in early 2020, he made the trip to Texas and completed the center’s protocols, following up with their prescribed “homework” regarding things like diet and exercise.
He hasn’t had a migraine since March of 2020.
“(The clinic) was actually able to reverse (the symptoms) in two weeks’ time,” Mitchell declared. “The VA is notorious for just handing out medication to fix problems. The VA — they don’t have any program like this, nor will they fund it.”
Mitchell stated the centers’ costs range from $10,000 to $13,000, depending on the treatment required. Four to six post-9/11 veterans go through the program
on rolling two-week rotations.
“Our organization (Defenders of Freedom) is footing the bill for it, sending hundreds of veterans a year through this program,” Mitchell said. “We’re searching for veterans who have suffered from traumatic brain injuries — we want to get them down there.”
They aim to send two to three veterans from the McKean County region through the program each year.
Founder Donna Cranston shares in a video posted on the Defenders of Freedom Instagram page, “Your donations help us send veterans to receive life-changing treatment, we have seen remarkable results for every veteran that we have sent through the clinic.” The center’s website continues, “The human body is a complex, interconnected set of systems that can thrive in perfect harmony – or struggle with immense conflict when improperly balanced.”
at Veterans Memorial Park, at West Madison Street and North Brooklyn Avenue, for an 11 a.m. service Monday. Along with services, some groups have announced events into early next week.
• The Olean VFW will host a celebration from noon-5 p.m. Sunday at the post, 1238 Route 16 South, featuring Muddy Rivers Blues Band from 1-4 p.m. Free food includes Texas hots, hot dogs, burgers, meatballs and potato salad.
• The Olean Rotary Club will host a veterans recognition pasta dinner from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Allegany American Legion, 4350 Route 417. Dinner includes tomato or alfredo cheese sauce, handmade meatballs, salad, bread and dessert. Tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for those under 12 and over 65, free for veterans, or $35 for a family. Proceeds from the sale will benefit Rotary projects.
On Saturday, the
Salamanca American Legion will host the Jamboree for Education, a fundraiser with music all day to benefit the American Legion Boys State and Student Scholarships.
• The Bolivar American Legion Auxiliary will host a spaghetti dinner from 4-7 p.m. Monday. Dinner includes tossed salad, garlic bread, desserts, coffee and tea. The meal is free for veterans and $10 for the public. Eat-in and take-outs are available.
Instagram photo
Defenders of Freedom raises funds to send veterans for life-changing neurological treatment at Resiliency Brain Health in Coppell, Texas. Shown, Bradford resident and U.S. Army veteran Rob Mitchell undergoes part of the clinic’s protocols, which he states drastically changed his life.
Olean man was wounded, earned Bronze Star on Okinawa
U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Michael Kwiatkowski of 114 S. Second St., Olean, was wounded and earned the Bronze Star for heroic service during the Battle of Okinawa in the Pacific.
Wounded during fighting on Kakazu Ridge in April 1945, he was cited for courageous leadership when he organized and controlled his squad during an intensive counterattack by Japanese troops.
Major Gen. J.L. Bradley, commander of the Army’s 96th Infantry Division, in awarding the Bronze Star, stated: “His aggressive initiative and lack of regard for his own safety are exemplary of great leadership. They are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.”
Kakazu Ridge was considered the first intense combat action of the invasion of Okina-
Movember®
wa, which was the first Japanese home island to see U.S. troops land on its shore. Kakazu Ridge was the first series of defenses on what was known as the Shuri Line, as the Japanese
had allowed three Army and two U.S. Marine Corps divisions to land on April 1, 1945, and then move inland with relatively little resistance. That all changed af-
ter about the first week of the invasion, when elements of the 96th met the fierce resistance on Kakazu, which was not secured until April 21.
Kwiatkowski, also a
aims to raise awareness about men’s suicide
Each year, men across the globe grow mustaches throughout the month of November. For some, the decision may be a spontaneous gesture designed to give their faces a new look. But millions more do so in support of Movember®, an annual event that aims to raise awareness of various issues pertaining to men’s health, including suicide. Men’s suicide
may not garner many headlines, but men are far more likely than women to take their own lives. According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, men died by suicide 3.85 times more than women in 2022. Veterans Day also occurs in November, and the month is a good time to point out that rates of suicide among men who served in the
military also are a cause for concern. According to the 2023 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report, the unadjusted suicide rate of veteran men was 35.9 per 100,000 in 2021, which marked a 3.5 percent increase over the previous year. The suicide rate among veteran men was markedly higher than the rate among non-veteran adults in the United
States. Suicide rates among non-veteran adults were 16.7 per 100,000 in 2021, which is less than half the rate among veteran men in the same year. November can be a great time to raise awareness about men’s suicide, and individuals and groups looking to do so can utilize events like Movember® and Veterans Day to draw attention to the issue.
veteran of the campaign to retake the Philippines from the Japanese in 1944, was able to write a letter home to his wife, Hazel, that he had recovered from his wound and had returned to duty. He survived the battle on Okinawa, which ended on June 22, 1945, and later was honorably discharged from the Army as a technical sergeant at Camp Atterbury in Indiana. In addition to the Bronze Star, he earned the Purple Heart, Bronze Arrowhead, the Asiatic-Pacific Theater ribbon with two bronze
stars, the Philippine Liberation ribbon with two bronze stars, the American Theater ribbon, a Presidential Unit Citation, a Good Conduct Medal and the Combat Infantryman’s Badge.
Kwiatkowski’s son, David Kwiatkowski of Olean, said the WWII veteran returned to Olean and worked for nearly 40 years in the foundry at Clark Bros. (later Dresser). He and his wife Hazel also had a daughter, Karol Long, also of Olean. Michael Kwiatkowski passed away in 1987.
William M. Brown served in minesweeper
Photo provided
U.S. Army Sgt. Michael Kwiatkowski of Olean (left) is shown with Sgt. John H. Pope of Lynnbrook, Long Island, with a Japanese flag in the aftermath of fighting on Kakazu Ridge on the Island of Okinawa in April 1945.
Deb Wuethrich of Portville submitted this photo of her father, William M. Brown, who served in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Spear, a minesweeper, in the Pacific during the World War II era.
How to help aging veterans
According to data from the Department of Veterans Affairs, surveys from the Pew Research Center and the U.S. Census Bureau, there were more than 18 million living military veterans in the United States by the end of 2023. Seventy-two percent of those veterans are age 50 and older, and many served during wartime.
Military personnel
make significant sacrifices to protect the freedoms Americans enjoy each day, and it’s vital that those efforts are never forgotten, even if it’s been decades since service personnel have been on active duty.
Thirty-seven percent of living veterans are age 70 and older, and these brave individuals must face the challenges of aging as well as some, including chronic
injuries, that might be traced to their time in the military. That makes helping aging veterans an especially worthy endeavor, and those interested in doing just that can consider the following ideas.
• Offer your expertise free of charge. Working professionals can help aging veterans by providing advice or services free of charge or
Airlines offer many perks and discounts for the military community
By Tim Kinsella
I served for 33 years in the United States Military. As the former commanding officer of the Navy’s largest aviation training installation at Naval Air Station Pensacola, I know firsthand the deep relationships between military aviation and our airline industry.
The airline industry has been one of the leading employers for America’s service members, employing more than 50,000 veterans. I’ve been fortunate to fly all over the world for both military and personal reasons, but no matter where I travel, I always know I’ll be treated with kindness and dignity when I fly on a U.S. airline.
U.S. airlines offer discounts, waive fees, and provide many other perks for active duty and veterans alike. To make the most of these opportunities, active-duty personnel and veterans should check out the military benefits airlines offer before finalizing travel arrangements.
Discounted fares and vacation packages
Many airlines offer discounted fares for travel itineraries -including leisure and vacation.
Alaska, American, Hawaiian, JetBlue, and United all offer reduced fares for the military community through a partnership with WeSalute+ -- a benefits and discount program for active duty and veterans, and their immediate families. Southwest also offers lower fares not
available to the public if you call ahead.
Several airlines even offer discounts on vacation packages.
Delta Vacations offers military discounts up to $200 on a flightand-hotel package.
American Airlines, meanwhile, offers 10% discounts for vacation packages through WeSalute+.
Check extra bags for free (and bring your pets too!)
Most airlines waive baggage fees for members of the military community. Alaska, American, and JetBlue offer up to five free checked bags per flight, for example, depending on whether the flight is for duty or leisure.
Many airlines also let members of the military community ship their pets -- a benefit not typically offered to the general public. This is something we took full advantage of when we were stationed overseas in Belgium.
Active-duty servicemembers who are relocating or traveling on-orders should check airline policies to see if their four-legged friends can fly for free. Semper Fido!
An enhanced airport experience
Airports can get chaotic, especially around the holidays. Members of the military community, however, may be eligible for a little extra comfort, convenience, and relaxation.
Most airlines offer priority boarding to members of the military and their families.
Early boarding offers a chance to secure overhead storage for carry-ons and get settled into a seat before the single-file procession of other passengers starts down the narrow aisle. We sure appreciated this when we were moving overseas with two small children, two cats, and more bags than a discount shopper on black Friday!
Military travelers flying with American, United, or Alaska Airlines can enjoy airline clubs and lounges before boarding, depending on the airport and availability. Whether it’s to hang owith the family, find a nook to read, grab a snack, or grab a catnap, these lounges offer a quiet space to relax before boarding.
Know what deals, discounts, and perks are available before you book!
Traveling can be stressful for anyone.
To relieve stress and save both time and money, members of the military community should make a point of looking into the discounts, perks, and amenities available to them before they book.
Our airlines offer these discounts because they appreciate and value the sacrifices our servicemembers and their families make every day -- something a great number of airline employees have experienced as veterans themselves.
Captain Tim “Lucky” Kinsella, USN (Ret), is the City Administrator for the City of Pensacola, FL. He served 33 years in the United States Navy.
at steep discounts. For example, accountants can offer to prepare and file aging veterans’ tax returns free of charge or, if the returns are complicated, at steep discounts. Financial advisors can visit a local veterans hall or home and speak to members or residents about managing money after retirement.
• Invite veterans over for special events or gatherings. The Department of Veterans Affairs reports that veterans who served in the last 30 years make up the largest number of living veterans. Though there are still plenty of veterans who served prior to 1994, they may no longer have extensive social
networks as more and more aging veterans pass away. Social connections are vital to longterm health, and researchers at the Center for Healthy Aging at Penn State University found that adults between the ages of 70 and 90 who reported more frequent, pleasant social interactions exhibited improved cognitive performance in the ensuing days. Individuals who want to help aging veterans can invite them over for special events, such as game watches, holiday gatherings or even weekly family meals.
• Pitch in around the house. Whether they suffered injuries during their time in
the service or not, many aging veterans face the same physical limitations as others approaching or past retirement age. Offer to help aging veterans around the house. Mobility issues can make it hard to mow a lawn, tend to a garden or clean the interior of a home. Such tasks are made much easier when others pitch in, and these gestures can be a great way for families to show their appreciation to the brave individuals who protected the freedoms Americans enjoy each day. There’s no shortage of ways to help aging veterans, many of whom could use a helping hand as they navigate their golden years.
8 ways to honor veterans
Millions of people make considerable sacrifices to protect the freedoms of their fellow citizens. According to the Pew Research Center and data from the Department of Veterans Affairs and the U.S. Census Bureau, there are currently more than 18 million living veterans in the United States. The 2021 Census counted 461,240 veterans in Canada, according to Veterans Affairs Canada.
The term “veteran” refers to a person who served in the active military, naval, air service, or space service and was discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable. In the U.S., there are actually five types of protected veterans, according to the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974. Under VEVRAA, a veteran may be classified as a disabled veteran, recently separated veteran, active duty wartime or campaign badge veteran, or Armed Forces service medal veteran.
Veterans deserve respect and admiration all year long, but also get their own holiday each November. Veterans Day celebrates veterans’ patriotism and willingness to sacrifice and serve. This Veterans Day, people can consider these eight unique ways to honor the veterans in their community.
1. Attend events. Organize or participate in local Veterans Day celebrations, such as parades and ceremonial events.
2. Get involved with veterans’ affairs. Support veterans by volunteering with organizations that assist them, such as the VA, local veteran’s groups, VA hospitals, or charities dedicated to veteran services.
3. Petition for veteran speakers. Reach out to schools, scout troops or other groups and arrange opportunities for veterans to share their stories and contributions. Learning about the sacrifices these men and women made can heighten individuals’ appreciation for veterans.
4. Support the families of veterans. Reach out to veterans’ families, who also must make sacrifices and concessions. Anything from shopping, babysitting, doing chores, or making a meal can help the families of veterans.
5. Make a donation. If finances allow, make contributions to reputable charities that provide services for veterans like those that offer mental health
counseling or job placement services. If there isn’t a charity that fits with your vision, begin one.
6. Hire veterans to work. If you are a business owner or hiring manager, consider hiring veterans for open positions at your company. It can be challenging to re-enter the workforce after service, so make it known that your firm welcomes veterans.
7. Offer personal acknowledgments. Take the time to speak to veterans and thank them for their service. If possible, when dining out, ask the server if you can pay for the meal of a veteran who also is dining that day.
8. Don’t forget the fallen veterans. Although Memorial Day is designed to honor those who lost their lives through military service, people still can honor the fallen veterans on Veterans Day by sharing stories or placing flags at veteran cemeteries.
Veterans Day is celebrated on November 11, marking an opportunity to express one’s gratitude and support for the scores of veterans who have served honorably.
Allegany veteran chronicles experience serving in Vietnam
By Deb Everts
ALLEGANY —
Vietnam veteran John Thomas Williams, an Allegany man who served in the U.S. Army from October 1966 to November 1967, is being honored this Veterans Day.
As the most unpopular American war of the 20th century. many veterans would rather not talk about their days serving in Vietnam, but Williams has written a book about his experiences serving during the conflict.
“Vietnam Reflections” is dedicated to all soldiers, especially those he served with during his time as an Army Engineer in the 21st Signal Group, attached to the 362nd Signal Company. In his chronicle, he relates what he observed and did as a soldier during the 12 months he served in the Republic of Vietnam.
Williams’ grandson, who has shown interest in his pictures of Vietnam since he was a young boy, inspired him to write his book. When he visited his grandfather last October and asked to see the pictures again, they came across Williams’ little journal.
“I kept the journal in one pocket of my fatigues and a Gideon Bible they gave us on induction day in the other pocket,” he said. “I wrote down what I observed and did on a daily basis in carrying out my duties.”
Williams was among the Army Engineers who furnished electric power for the Tropospheric Scatter Communication that bounced signals from tower to tower at about 50-mile intervals.
“It was the forerunner of today’s satellite communications. Instead of bouncing off satellites, the radio waves bounced off big dishes on towers,” he said. His company had 23 different sites in South Vietnam, and his base was at Da Lat in the central highlands. He said the tower sites extended from the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), located in Quang Tri Province in central Vietnam, all the way down to the Mekong River Delta.
A 1964 GRADUATE of Allegany Central School, Williams had to report for his draft physical the
Photo by Deb Everts
day after graduation. He was accepted into the agronomy program at the State University of New York Agricultural and Technical College at Alfred and completed four semesters, but didn’t quite get his degree. He never went back because he was issued a draft notice.
In May 1966, Williams began his basic training at Fort Dix, N.J., where he qualified for Engineer School. He went to Fort Belvoir, Va., for secondary training and qualified for power generation school.
According to Williams, the recruits were promised to have at least two phases of school but, because there was such a man shortage, they were handed their diplomas and orders for Vietnam at the end of the first phase.
“I had been in the Army only five months and four days when I put my feet on the ground in South Vietnam,” he said. “In a year’s time, I made three pay grades. I went to Vietnam as an E-1 Private and returned as an E-4 Specialist.”
Williams’ good memories include the camaraderie he experienced with the young men he served with. He said they were like family and, even today, he keeps in contact with several of them.
He tries to suppress the bad memories that include spending a lot of nights in bunkers because they never knew when there’d be incoming fire. He said they’d often find snakes, rats or biting spiders in the bunkers.
“We had guys wake up to find rats had chewed on their earlobes,” he said. “We had to be on our toes all the time. There was so much turmoil and we
were always on edge.”
One of Williams’ most gruesome experiences took place when he was on a mission to repair generators in the Mekong Delta Region. While he was waiting to fly out, there was a firefight going on nearby and the helicopters were bringing in the dead and wounded.
“It was a sickening experience,” he said. “The blood was running out of helicopters as they were piling dead bodies like cordwood. It was a terrible thing.”
AFTER VIETNAM, Williams returned to Fort Belvoir to serve his final seven months of duty. He came home and got into the family oil business, Williams Brothers Oil Company, for the next 33 years.
During that time, he established John T. Williams Trucking Inc. which, at age 78, he continues to own and operate. He was also a substitute rural carrier for the Allegany post office for 25 years.
Williams is proud to have served his country. He actively served in the Army from 1966–1968 and was an inactive reservist for four years. He has health issues from Agent Orange the military used to kill the vegetation, PTSD and tinnitus due to explosions.
Williams and his wife of 57 years, Mary Linda, have one daughter, Jennifer Lynn, and two adult grandchildren.
Anyone interested in reading Williams’ chronicles can find his book at several Allegany locations including the Heritage Center, the library and Pete’s Barber Shop. Copies are also at the Olean Public Library and the Olean Point Museum at the Bartlett House.
On Veterans Day, Americans pause to honor the men and women who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. Army veteran John Thomas Williams of Allegany is being honored this year for his time served in Vietnam. He is shown at home with the book he has written about his experiences serving during the conflict.
Retired Master Sgt. Morales honored with state Veterans HOF Award
By Kellen M. Quigley
ST. BONAVENTURE
— State Sen. George Borrello honored Master Sgt. Francisco “Frank” Morales for his distinguished military service and unwavering commitment to veterans by inducting him into the New York State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame on Nov. 1.
Morales’ family, friends and colleagues attended the ceremony at St. Bonaventure University’s Doyle Conference Center. The tribute celebrated his decades-long service to the United States and his enduring dedication to supporting veterans. Morales continues his service to the community as the Director of St. Bonaventure’s Military Aligned Student Program exemplifies his ongoing impact on veterans’ lives.
“I’m deeply honored to be recognized in this way,” Morales said upon receiving the award. “Serving my country has been one of the greatest privileges of my life, and I share this honor with my family, whose unwavering
support has made my achievements possible.”
Morales said he is proud to represent not only himself but also St. Bonaventure University and the veterans of Cattaraugus County. He called the recognition a tribute to all veterans who continue to serve, whether in uniform or within their communities.
Borrello, who led the ceremony and presented Morales with the honor, praised the retired master sergeant
as a hero whose legacy extends far beyond the battlefield.
“Sergeant Morales embodies the spirit of service, both on and off the battlefield,” the senator said. “His actions in combat, especially his extraordinary bravery that earned him the prestigious Silver Star medal, and his leadership at home have made a lasting impact on the lives of so many, especially here in our district. It is my honor to recognize him for his
service and his commitment to our community.”
Morales enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1990 and served for over 20 years, rising to the rank of Master Sergeant in 2007. Throughout his military career, he completed five overseas deployments, including two tours in Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom as well as deployments in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Uganda.
Morales’ leadership during his second deployment to Afghanistan in 2006 was particularly distinguished. While serving as a platoon sergeant and acting platoon leader in Paktika Province, Morales exhibited extraordinary bravery under fire on Aug. 26 of that year. As a convoy commander, he repeatedly exposed himself to enemy fire to save wounded U.S. soldiers during a fierce enemy ambush, actions that earned him the Silver Star Medal for gallantry in action.
“One only has to be in Frank’s presence for a moment to realize how he would take
command and lead his soldiers out of harm’s way on that isolated road in Afghanistan,” shared retired Brigadier General Arthur Austin.
“Having experienced three combat tours myself, I know what it takes in an NCO to rise above his or her peers… Frank checks all the boxes.”
Following his retirement in 2010, Morales joined St. Bonaventure University as a senior Military Science instructor with the Army ROTC program, where he mentored and trained over 40 officers commissioned through the Seneca Battalion. He also earned a Master of Education in Mental Health Counseling from the university in 2013 and has remained a dedicated member of the Bonaventure community. He now serves as the Director of Military Aligned Students, advocating for veterans and military-affiliated students.
“Frank is an incredible leader, and we are fortunate to have him leading our Military Aligned Program that supports veterans and their families,” said Ber-
nie Valento, vice president for Enrollment at St. Bonaventure. “He is an advocate for all veterans and a valuable resource throughout the Southern Tier.” Morales’ military accolades include the Silver Star Medal, Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (2 OLC), Army Commendation Medal (4 OLC), Army Achievement Medal (4 OLC), Good Conduct Medal (6th Award), National Defense Service Medal (2 Service Stars), Afghanistan Campaign Medal (2 Service Stars), Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, and many more. His career is a testament to dedication, bravery, and a commitment to service that continues even in civilian life.
The New York State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame honors veterans across the state who have served their country with distinction and continue to contribute to their communities.
Master Sgt. Morales joins a prestigious group of veterans from the 57th District who have been recognized for their selfless dedication.
Photo by Kellen M. Quigley
State Sen. George Borrello presents a plaque to Retired U.S. Army Master Sergeant Francisco “Frank” Morales to commemorate his induction into the state Senate Veterans Hall of Fame.
Bradford native Lyons awarded Silver Star, Purple Heart from Vietnam War
By Marcie Schellhammer
Bradford native Patrick Lyons was 19 in 1967, and working for Dresser Industries when he was drafted into the U.S. Army to serve in Vietnam.
Now living in Muldoon, Texas, Lyons shared his story with The Fayette County Record there last year.
He had gone through basic training at Fort Dix, N.J., and advanced infantry training at Fort Polk, La. He left for Vietnam from Fort Lewis in Washington state.
“After a 27-hour flight, we landed at Cam Ranh Bay about the same time as a typhoon. We were involved in the huge clean-up and rebuilding effort,” Lyons told The Record.
His future in the Army was determined when he volunteered for a dangerous mission — “Working in sixman teams, they’d be dropped behind enemy lines. They’d wear no dog tags or anything else that identified them as American soldiers. No one would know who or what they were. If they got lost, they’d be lost.”
About 40 men stepped forward, but Lyons was the only one chosen. He started training to be a longrange reconnaissance patrol ranger with the 1st Cavalry Division, an elite group of soldiers that patrolled deep into
enemy territory. Training was rigorous and demanded excellence; anything less meant “washing out” of the program.
Lyons explained jumping out of a helicopter was part of the training — but parachutes weren’t. “With a helicopter, you use a 120-foot rope rather than a parachute to get to the ground. The helicopter holds steady at 160 feet in the air and the rope stretches out with your weight. As you touch the ground, the rope is suddenly gone, so you know you can go in shooting,” he told The Record. The LRRPs were all trained medics, as well as being trained to do all the jobs on the team.
One important aspect of being on the elite team was patience — “We’d sometimes sit in the jungle for two or three days observing North Vietnamese
and civilians and soldiers from a very close vantage point. Since we were trying to find how they were getting from Point A to Point B, for example, we were interested in how many people went by, what they wore, what they were carrying and when or if they came back from the fields.
I recall once sitting just outside a village a couple of feet apart from the five guys I was with for several days.”
After a mission, the team would have five to seven days of rest, but Lyons would have rather kept going.
“After we came back, I’d go out the next day if I could. I was a very good map reader, so different teams were willing to take me out. Since I was a radio telephone operator, I could call artillery in on us or handle communication with the helicopter. Whatever a team needed done, I could do it. I would always do what I was told.”
He described to The Record what happened when human error during Operation One Zulu in May of 1968 led to the loss of several LRRPs. Three teams had been sent out because the Vietnamese were coming over a
mountain. Lyons was on the third team, and explained his team leader accidentally walked into an open area while looking at the geography of the mountain.
“There wasn’t a noise, not a sound. There wasn’t even a bug moving. About that time, a sniper’s shot rang out, and one of our guys was hit multiple times. Three of us grabbed him and moved him off into the thick jungle. I opened up a clip or two across the mountain in front of me, but I didn’t see anything, not a thing,” Lyons told The Record. Lyons called in a medevac, which was nearly shot down before leaving the area. A gunship came in, laid down cover fire for Lyons and picked up several wounded.
“We didn’t know it at the time but that bowl was an extensive North Vietnamese complex. Although we didn’t know it then,
tunnels ran out the back side of the mountain. There were a whole bunch of people up there, maybe 100 to 400 soldiers. This was no little deal,” Lyons recounted to the Texas newspaper. “I saw the odd person run wearing a kind of blueish suit or shirt — North Vietnamese. By that point, I couldn’t see the other
members of our team. I didn’t know where they had gone. It was a weird feeling.
“Out of nowhere, the team leader showed up. I had already been wounded in my right arm below the elbow by some shrapnel from an explosion. Maybe a grenade? I don’t know.
Patrick Lyons sits on sandbags that surround a camp in Vietnam.
Photos provided Patrick Lyons’ official picture from his service in the U.S. Army.
I told him the medevac had just about gotten shot out of the sky and they’d thrown a stretcher. Then I had called for a gunship,” Lyons continued. “Instead of popping smoke to indicate our location, he put a strobe light on his chest and started flashing it at the helicopter. I told the helicopter to identify the strobe light. Then, when the team leader turned and hit the strobe light button, he was shot — bang, bang, bang. I knocked the strobe light out of his hand and pulled him down next to me. I put my hand on his chest to try and stop the bleeding.”
Lyons deployed the smoke, which the enemy soldiers targeted, and began emptying their guns at the two men. The team leader didn’t make it. The helicopter pilot
who witnessed the whole thing radioed down to see if there were survivors; Lyons was the only one. “He knew where I was because he’d seen the concussion of the rocket blow me five feet in the air. He said I bounced,” Lyons recalled. Badly wounded, Lyons was rescued and eventually sent on to Da Nang, and then Hawaii, where doctors told him his leg needed to be amputated. The wounded warrior disagreed.
He told the Texas newspaper, “I’m 19 years old and that isn’t about to happen. A doctor, who was going to make a decision about the amputation, comes in one morning. The nurse tells him I bent the bedframe with my injured leg — Well, it may have been made of aluminum. So that settled that. They put 108 steel
stitches in my leg and pulled me back together. I still have shrapnel in my back.”
If he had it to do over again. Lyons said he would still volunteer as an LRRP, but would insist that he lead missions like the one where he was injured.
Lyons was awarded the Silver Star and Purple Heart.
He graduated from Penn State University with a degree in marketing and logistics and retired after 33 years working for Shaw Industries. He is spending his retirement as a farmer, a member of the Muldoon Volunteer Fire Department, a beekeeper and a participant in the local bowling league, as well as having a large property set up for entertaining his grandchildren and other family members.
Photo provided
A Huey helicopter landing with a long-range reconnaissance patrol team to take them on their mission.