2 — The Sentinel
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The Sentinel — 3
TABLE OF CONTENTS:
THE GREATER GOOD IS NEEDED MORE THAN EVER Each year, as we put together this magazine paying tribute to the brave m e n a n d women in our a r e a w h o h a v e s e l f lessly BRIAN COX served Managing editor in our nation’s armed forces, I am reminded of humanity’s overwhelming desire to make an impact. With a challenge the likes of which hasn’t been seen since the nation joined the Second World War, being reminded of that now is more important than perhaps it has ever been. Most civilians have been asked to sacrifice some-
thing and some have been asked to sacrifice more than others, all in the name of the common good. But nothing can truly compare to the sacrifices borne each day by those willing to wear our country’s uniform and their families left wondering if they’ll return home safely. In this magazine, you’ll read stories of a family in which military service runs, how one of our writers still views his late grandfather as his hero and even how one local veteran was impacted as a youth by a local Civil War veteran. We hope you enjoy reading this and hope that veterans everywhere will take it as a small token of our gratitude that is too big to put into words.
¯Military service runs in Steinbach family ... Page 4 ¯How you can give support to military stationed abroad ... Page 10 ¯Local woman recounts father being honored by 2 former senators for Korean War service ... Page 12 ¯Writer’s ‘Pap’ was (and still is) his hero ... Page 15 ¯Last surviving local Civil War veteran made huge impact in life of WWII veteran ... Page 18 ¯Non-citizen military members, veterans can now apply for naturalization online ... Page 20
This publication is a special supplement to:
The Sentinel
352 Sixth St. Lewistown, PA 17044 (717) 248-6741 www.lewistownsentinel.com Publisher: Ruth Eddy
¯ Managing editor: Brian Cox ¯ Advertising director: Matthew Bolich ¯ Circulation manager: Ed Williams
¯ Production manager: Matt King ¯ Mailroom manager: Glenda Silks ¯ Composing manager: Sue Kline
4 — The Sentinel
IT RUNS IN THE FAMILY Military service is deeply rooted tradition for Steinbachs By KYLE BRADY
Clockwise from top: At Army basic training graduation at Fort Jackson, Jeff Steinbach (left) and his ‘battle buddy’ Micah Milligan stand at ease; 2016 Christmas at the Steinbachs’ home was the last the family was all together: from left, front, Logan, Cameron and Preslee; back: Tyler, Rachael and Xander; Jeff holds his then infant son Cameron in 2003 in Gainesville, Georgia. (Photos courtesy Steinbach family)
At one point or another virtually everyone has heard the phrase: “it runs in the family.” Sometimes it is said regarding the physical appearance of relatives, and other times it is used to point out a personality trait that has been passed through generations. For the Steinbachs, who hail from Reedsville, that “it” is about military service. Jeff Steinbach enlisted in the Army was he was 26 and grew up with a father who was in the Air Force Reserve. Rachael Steinbach, Jeff’s wife, was also raised in a family with military ties. Her father, grandfather and stepgrandfather all served, in addition to multiple members of her extended family. The couple got married and have five kids — two of whom have enlisted in the Army and two more who have expressed interest in joining. The oldest, Tyler, is currently based in Korea while their second oldest, Logan, is at Fort Sam Houston in Advanced Individual Training School. Needless to say, life for the Steinbachs has always involved the military in one form or another and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future. When Rachael was growing up, her grandfather would talk about the time he spent on base in Germany during the Korean War and all of the memories he made in his four years overseas. “He would talk about being disappointed that he wasn’t actually sent to Korea,” Rachael said. “But he did enjoy his time while he was in Germany. He talked a lot about how beautiful it was over there and he enjoyed visiting the beer gardens — he actually collected beer steins.” While some of Rachael’s family members talked about their time serving the country, others kept their experiences to themselves. Nevertheless, Rachael’s family was conscious of the military lifestyle and revered those who were dedicated to the sacrifices that came with it. “My upbringing and family had only the utmost respect for those that served or who have served. Some family members were more reserved in discussions of their time of service while others were more willing to share their experiences. Overall, they were proud of their service and duty to our country,” Rachael said. “Enlisting in the military is not what would be
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The Sentinel — 5
WE ARE PROUD ---
We are proud of our veterans, and thankful for those who serve our country. We are proud of the many veterans from our area who gave their lives to serve and protect our country. Without them, life would not be what it is today. For this, we are extremely grateful and say thank you.
We are the land of the free BECAUSE of our brave - we honor our veterans.
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6 — The Sentinel considered a job, it’s more of a lifestyle.” Rachael doesn’t consider herself a “military brat” because her childhood was not like that of a typical military child. Her parents divorced when she was young and her father made the decision to join the Navy when she was 6 or 7. Unfortunately, while training to be a surgeon’s assistant, Rachael’s father was diagnosed with leukemia and was discharged. Instead, her more traditional military life began when Jeff decided to enlist in the Army after graduating from college. “It was something I thought I wanted to do. There were opportunities to further my education — do something different,” Jeff explained. “When I got out of college, I graduated and was in a strange place where I was working in a warehouse and was making more money than I would getting a job with my degree. I couldn’t get out of the warehouse because I couldn’t take a pay cut, and no one would give me a shot at a job that would make more than I already was making.” This was an option that Jeff considered when he looked at all the benefits joining the Army had to offer that came along with the pride one gets from serving their country. Jeff enlisted and one of the perks attached to his commitment to the military was financial aid from the Army in the form of student loans. The Army covered his expenses while he furthered his education in pursuit of getting his master’s degree. Jeff also got necessary experience in the supply chain, which helped him land a job in his field after he left the military. In May 2001, Jeff headed to Fort Jackson in Georgia to begin his basic training. During their time apart, Rachael was back in
Jeff, left, and Tyler Steinbach at Christmas 2016 at the Steinbachs’ home in Reedsville. (Photos courtesy of the Steinbach family) Pennsylvania taking care of her infant son, Tyler, and newborn son, Logan. Despite acting as a single parent while Jeff was working toward a stable future, Rachael had help from friends and family who assisted her in taking care of her two young sons. “I had Tyler who was just about to turn 3, and Logan was 2 weeks old when my husband left. So that was a very difficult
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From left, Jeff, Rachael, Tyler (3) and Logan (7 months) at Hereford Manor, Harmony, Pa. right before they moved to Gainesville, Ga. for PCS (Permanent Change of Station).
The Sentinel — 7 time for me,” Rachael said. “Fortunately, we lived near our family and friends, so I had that support system. But it was a different time — that was 19 years ago. We didn’t have cellphones and communication was a lot different.” Currently, communication with those in basic training or serving in any capacity is limited, but with the recent upscale of technology, military families across the world are able to use applications such as FaceTime and Zoom to video chat and see their loved ones’ faces — a luxury not available around the turn of the century. “We used to wait by the phone on Sundays because if he was allowed to call, that would be the day that he called. I remember that if we missed those phone calls, how sad and devastated we would be because that was our only form of communication, besides letters,” Rachael said. The two wrote constantly to each other during the time that Jeff was in basic training and they have saved all of those letters to this day. The time apart was formative for the young couple, but they used this time to strengthen their bond knowing that the other was doing their part to support the family. “It was a very pivotal time in our lives and it definitely shaped us, but it’s something that, while it was hard, was one of
At Fort Jackson, Ga. for Tyler's basic training graduation in front of the Artillery Museum. From left to right: Cameron, Logan, Preslee, Tyler and Xander. (Photos courtesy Steinbach family) the best experiences of our lifetime,” Rachael said. “We’ve had many challenges throughout his enlistment. We learned many hard lessons but looking back, these days were some of best memories that I share with my husband and kids.” Oddly enough, some of the memories the couple reminisces about were the
Jeff Steinbach during a field training exercise, on Sept. 11, 2001, right after he and his unit learned about the attacks in New York and Washington.
times when things did not go as expected — something that became the norm for Rachael and Jeff. On multiple occasions, Rachael packed up her two sons and headed down to Florida to visit her husband during his scheduled time off, only for their plans to fall through the cracks. “I visited Jeff at basic training graduation in Fort Jackson. I drove him to Fort Lee and got to spend 24 hours with him until he started AIT. That was probably the first time I learned that it’s best not to make plans. He was supposed to have the weekend free to spend with his family, but when he went to sign in, he was told he would not have this (free) time, rather he would begin his training,” Rachael said. “It happened again when he hurt himself in jump school at Fort Benning. I drove down to pick him up for the 10-day leave to prepare to move to our first duty station. I booked a hotel for the weekend, drove down with the babies and learned that his orders were taking longer than expected.” Due to extenuating circumstances, one of them being the injury he suffered at Fort Benning, Jeff was unable to complete jump school like he had originally intended and was reassigned to the nondeployable Ranger school unit in Dahlonega, Georgia, during December 2001. “The unit I was stationed with was the Mountain Phase of Ranger school — it’s the second phase of Ranger school at a remote camp in Dahlonega,” Jeff said. “Since it’s not a deployable unit, we supported Ranger training. So, Ranger
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8 — The Sentinel students would come through on the path to getting their Ranger tab (which is received upon completion of Ranger school and worn on a soldier’s uniform). We were one of the stops on their journey.” Rachael and her family moved down to Georgia to meet up with Jeff as he started his new venture. It was here where Jeff would bring his first born, Tyler, to work with him, opening the young boy’s eyes to the world of the military. “When he went to work with me, he was 6 or 7 years old. Of course, for him, it was awesome. He would go and see the helicopters and get to see all of the Army guys walking around,” Jeff said. “The highlight of his day was going down to the arms room and getting to eat oatmeal in the arms room, sitting next to all of the machine guns.” Four years after beginning his new role in Ranger school, Jeff and his family moved to Mifflin County when Jeff got a job working for New Holland in Belleville. After leaving Ranger school, the chapter of being a military couple came to a close, but the chapter of becoming military parents was just beginning. “Tyler said from the moment that we moved (to Mifflin County) that he was going to join the military. Then in ninth grade, he was adamant that he was going to join. But it was his junior year where he really wanted to talk about it,” Rachael said. As they closed in on graduation, Jeff and Rachael wanted to make it clear to their kids that they needed to do something after high school, whether that be furthering their education or entering the workforce. Tyler stayed true to the words he told his parents years earlier and decided to enlist. “I don’t believe in pushing my kids in one way or another. I instilled in my kids that they had four choices. They could either go to college, they could go to trade school, they could go to the military or they could get a job. I wanted them to pick something that they were going to do, and not just sitting at home doing nothing. That was their choice to join the military,” Rachael said. “I also wanted them to know that with them going to the military, there are a lot of opportunities ... if my (kids) decide to make a career out of this, by the time they are 38 or 39, they could retire and they would get full military benefits which includes monthly pay, health care and all kinds of other benefits. Plus, they could still continue to work.” Despite all of the positives serving could offer her son, Rachael knows some of the ins and outs of serving in the military and after seeing what her husband endured, she was hesitant, almost in denial, that her son’s claims coming to fruition was a real possibility. It was a hard pill to swallow, but Rachael knew her son’s heart was set and there wasn’t anything she could do to change it. She even suggested that Tyler explore other options before making his commitment to the military. “As a mother ... I just wasn’t ready to hear it. I kind of regret that a little. I wish I would have listened to him more when he was in 11th grade because I think he would have had different opportunities available,” Rachael said. “I tried to push him to stay home for a year, consider trade school, college or just get a job until he knew exactly what he wanted. He knew what he wanted; I just wasn’t ready to accept this. I knew what this meant, I lived this, and I knew I wouldn’t get to see him like those parents whose kids leave for college.” While sending a child off to college is difficult for many parents, there is an extra layer of emotion that comes with sending a child off to the military. At college, students and their parents, with the use of smartphones, can stay in constant communication with each other. Students can also return home during breaks and holidays. When Tyler left for basic training in 2016, Rachael was proud of her son, but also was saddened by the sudden absence of her firstborn. “It’s a scary thing and it is different than a child going off to college. ... I don’t have a guarantee that he’s going to be home for Christmas, I don’t get to see him on his birthday. He’s currently serving in Korea, so I won’t see him for at least a year. ... It’s just a
Logan's Basic Training graduation at Fort Sill in Oklahoma. Cameron is on the left and Logan on the right. (Photo courtesy Steinbach family) different experience when your child is joining the military (rather) than leaving for college,” Rachael said. “It’s very bittersweet — on one hand you’re thrilled that you raised young adults who turned out to be genuine, good people, respectable and driven, but on the other hand your role as a parent has changed.” Rachael learned from her experience with Tyler and it didn’t take
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Thank You to all military personnel for your service.
The Sentinel — 9 long before the family had to go through the process again. Three years after sending Tyler off to basic training, their second-oldest, Logan, also expressed his intent to enlist. Rachael made sure that she and her husband took Logan’s plan seriously and started helping him with the process early on. Rachael and Jeff gave Logan the resources that he needed to score well on his Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery, or ASVAB, which is a timed, multiple-choice test that acts much like the SAT and ACT do for colleges. The better a student scores on his or her ASVAB, the more opportunities are available to that student. “Not that Tyler didn’t score well on his exam, but by the time he was able to take his test, the opportunities weren’t as (plentiful) as they were for Logan,” Rachael said. In the military, all of their needs are paid for, so Rachael told her sons to start investing their money. Being a teenager and receiving paychecks of substantive quality, Rachael wanted to make sure her sons did not spend all of their income, in hopes that they will plan for the future and take care of their money while they don’t yet have a cost of living. “Tyler works in system satellites, so he works on satellites. Logan is in AIT and is a biomedical equipment technician, so he’ll have a job working in a hospital. It’s a great opportunity for them if they decide to come
out into the civilian world. There will be a good job and good pay waiting,” Rachael said. With two sons enlisted, Jeff and Rachael don’t have too much time to catch their breath as their 17-year-old son, Cameron, and 15-year-old daughter, Preslee, also have expressed an interest in serving. Cameron, a junior in high school, is working toward attending the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, New York, after graduation. The couple also has a 7-year-old son, Xander, who is years away from considering his future. Within the next decade, Jeff and Rachael could have five children who are serving or have served their country, making them “military parent experts” and more than qualified to give advice to those interested in joining the armed services and their parents. “My advice would be to take a breath, step back and listen to your child. You’re going to have conflicting emotions going through you — you’re going to have that regardless since your child is a senior and ready to leave. That’s a big ordeal for parents, but even moreso when everything seems uncertain. ... Do your own research ... and know exactly what they’re getting into before signing up for it,” Rachael offered to future military parents. From his time in the Army and seeing his two oldest sons enlist, Jeff also knows what it takes to make the best decision possible for one’s military future. The sooner one
can get started, the better off they will be. “Start planning early. The earlier you get with a recruiter, the more choices you have because you can steer the ship at that point. You’re not trying to enlist at the last minute. Plan your future because you take your ASVAB and you have your choice of Military Occupational Specialty,” Jeff said. “Of course, the sooner you book your slot, the more likely you are to be able to continue down that road. If you’re coming in wading through the scraps, waiting for people to drop out of basic training, then you don’t have that much of a choice.” With all of the perks and prestige that come with serving, perhaps the most important factor in it all is that Tyler and Logan are enjoying what they are doing, something that their parents have noticed and are overjoyed by. “They love it,” Rachael said. “It’s funny. They were 18 when they left, and as their mother, I looked at them, and they looked like little kids. When I went to and saw them graduate from their basic training, they looked like men. They talked like men. And they’re happy. They have so much self-confidence. It’s exactly what you want as a mother. You grow them, you raise them and that’s your job — to develop adults that are capable of being out there in the world. I know they’re happy and that’s what matters to me the most.” r
10 — The Sentinel
SHOW YOUR SUPPORT FOR SERVICE MEMBERS Any Soldier Inc. one of many organizations helping civilians send care packages to U.S. military Author’s note: I was blessed with peacetime service in the U.S. Navy and lucky to have plenty of people back home send me small gifts, especially when we were on extended deployment. All of us on the USS South Carolina were quick to share our bounty, especially with those who were less fortunate. Sending a gift to anyone in the military — literally, anyone — is a great way to show your support for our troops. It was the height of the Vietnam War, and advice columnist Abigail Van Buren received a letter from a soldier in Southeast Asia, asking for something from back home at the holidays. What eventually was given the name “Operation Dear Abby” lasted for 16 years, briefly existing as an email-only JEFF FISHBEIN program after terrorist attacks on our nation and its postal system made it diffi- U.S. Navy veteran cult to continue the practice; the volume of participants in the email version was stressful to the systems carrying the load. Still, the tradition continues. Just as Dear Abby’s program was coming to an end, another one started. Any Soldier Inc. has its roots in Operation Iraqi Freedom, when Sgt. Brian Horn, a member of the 173rd Airborne Brigade, parachuted into northern Iraq. His father, 20year Army veteran (and Philadelphia native) Marty Horn, expanded the regular shipments of care packages to the other members of his son’s unit. By 2004 the organization was a registered nonprofit operating out of Maryland. Four years later Any Soldier had served more than a million members of the armed forces. That total is now more than 2.5 million troops. They are online at www.anysoldier.com. Any Soldier is actually any member of the military — they have information to send care packages to soldiers, sailors, Marines, airmen, even the Coast Guard. There are a small number of recommended items, although the organization makes it clear that the No. 1 item is your support — a letter, a card, just a warm greeting from home. Any Soldier also offers advice on what not to send — the things that are problematic and
could prevent your gift from ending up with the intended recipient. The website explains the process of sending a package, including the need to have it addressed to a real person (again, all that is explained online). You’ll know what that unit needs, and how many of its members are male and female. Any Soldier is one of several organizations and support groups still in existence as a conduit to the military. Others, and their specific missions, are: ¯ Books For Soldiers (booksforsoldiers.com) is operated as a ministry of the non-denominational, interfaith Order of the Red Grail in the United States. BFS collects paperback books — mostly used — and sends them to troops in war zones. ¯ Operation Shoebox (operationshoebox.com) is similar to Any Soldier, although it collects and centralizes donations. ¯ Soldiers’ Angels (soldiersangels.org) provides aid and comfort to the men and women of the United States Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, their families and our growing veteran population. Missions are overseas and at home and include family support. ¯ Fisher House (fisherhouse.org), sort of like Ronald McDonald Houses, provides lodging for families of military and veterans at no charge while the servicemember is hospitalized. Pennsylvania has one Fisher House, in Pittsburgh; others are located in adjacent states.
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The Sentinel — 11
We Honor Those Who serve Our Country
PAST PRESENT
&FUTURE
12 — The Sentinel
BROTHERS IN ARMS Local woman recounts father being honored by two former U.S. senators for service in Army during Korean War By SARAH HURLBURT As Kathy Kauffman was recently going through some things belonging to her 90-year-old father as they prepared to put him in an assisted living home, she was reminded of her father’s military service. She found the papers from June 2000 where her father, Charles W. Brothers, was honored at an observance of the 50th anniversary of the Korean War and given recognition by former Sens. Arlen Specter and Bob Dole for his service. Brothers was a sergeant first class in the Army with the second infantry. Brothers went to Korea in 1950 and served for 18 months and even received the UNSM — a United Nations Service Medal, which is an international decoration awarded by the U.N. to service members in member nations for participation in joint international military and police operations such as peacekeeping, humanitarian efforts and disaster relief — and a Korean Service Medal for his efforts there. When Brothers returned home, he became an electrician
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The Sentinel — 13
They sacrifice so much every day, from spending months away from their families to facing peril on the battlefield. They are our nation’s heroes, the men and women who serve in our armed forces. We commend them on their service and salute all who have died in the name of freedom.
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14 — The Sentinel
and worked as a member of the International Brotherhood of United Electrical Workers his entire career. While working as an electrician, Brothers would have to travel at times and during one of those trips, he met his wife, Nancy. Sparks weren’t just flying on the job and connections were happening over dinner, Nancy was a waitress in a little diner and would give Brothers free pie when he came in and 60-some years later, he still adores her. They married in the early 1950s and the Brothers family began shortly after. Three boys and three girls made up the family and Kauffman said, “Dad would always joke and say, ‘all you sisters are Brothers’ since our last name was Brothers, and that always made us laugh. “My dad is a very emotional person and when he talked about the war, he was immensely proud to have served his country but was also very emotional about some of the things that happened,” Kauffman said. “One thing he used to talk about was how a very old woman was sitting and he was told to pick her up and throw her across a fence and he refused and gently picked her up and sat her down on the other side of the fence. Things like that, they showed how respectful he was. It was a difficult time for him, but Dad is a really proud American.” Sadly, as the impacts and new regulations of COVID-19 are still in full effect, Brothers is isolated from his family and having been diagnosed with dementia, this has all been exceedingly difficult on him and his family. “It’s just so sad three weeks ago we had to go and just drop him off at the door and it was really emotional,” Kauffman said. “It was hard. But we knew it was necessary for his safety.” Brothers is a member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5863 in Mifflintown and was very active in the post starting in the 1950s until recently. He was a commander and served many positions in the VFW and participated in every parade and funeral he could during his years of service to the VFW. r
Charles W. Brothers was awarded a United Nations Service Medal and a Korean Service Medal for his efforts during the Korean War.
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The Sentinel — 15
‘PAP’ WAS (AND STILL IS) MY HERO Late grandfather’s military service helped shape his life, that of his family Raymond Lee “Jiggs” Harris Jr. was born and raised right here in Juniata County, and if he isn’t an example of a hero, I don’t know what the word means. At age 17, when many of us were worried about who we were going to take to the prom, he enlisted in the Army to fight in World War II. The year was 1943, and the war was in full swing. I’m proud to call him my grandfather, though he would’ve preferred “Pappy Jiggs” or just “Pap.” Raymond was born at home KIER HARRIS in 1926 to parents Helen and Raymond Sr. in a long-vanished house between Port Royal and Mifflin on Route 333. Raymond Sr. served in the Army in France during World War I. Helen was a full-blooded Native American of the Susquehannock tribe, heritage Pap wore with pride, and he was prone to say, “If this keeps up, you’re going to see a mad Indian!” if you got him angry. He fought on the Pacific front in the war, hopping from island to island in the Philippines and fighting in famous battles such as Okinawa, Peleliu and Leyte Gulf. Raymond received two purple hearts: one for when a shell exploded nearby and ruptured his ear drum, and the other for a shrapnel wound in his thigh. He also received the Soldier’s Medal, the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal and the WWII Victory Ribbon for his service. His brother Charlie served in the Navy during the war, but was sent home after the battle of Midway. His ship was struck by a shell, and Charlie fell two stories down an elevator shaft, breaking his back. Both he and Charlie belonged to an unbroken line of men who served in armed U.S. conflict, dating back to the Revolutionary War. When Pap returned home, he saw two men beating up on someone he didn’t know. Without a second thought, he sat down his duffel bag jumped into the fight to help the person who was outnumbered. He was still wearing his Army uniform.
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A young Raymond Harris Jr. poses for his Army photo in 1943, shortly before shipping off to war. (Photo courtesy Kier Harris)
16 — The Sentinel That’s how he and my grandma Betty met. She worked at the transportation depot that ran the bus he had just ridden. She told my aunt many years later, “That’s when I knew he was the one.” He moved back into the house in Juniata County and began courting Betty. She lived with her parents on Hawstone Road between Mifflin and Lewistown, and since Pap didn’t own a car, he walked to see her every single day. He was the strongest man I knew. He built things with his hands, like his garage or the many DIY additions to his home. He always seemed invincible. I remember sitting in his lap in the funeral home after Grandma Betty died. I was bawling my eyes out because it was the first time someone close to me had died. He’d just lost his wife of 52 years — the woman he loved so much he’d walked 10 miles daily just to see her — and he was still being strong for me. After grandma passed, Pap’s life became entirely about his grandkids, and my brother and I spent every weekend at his house in Licking Creek for years. He took us to movies, taught us to bowl, took us on trips and I’m pretty sure we won every stuffed animal Walmart put into their Lewistown location’s claw machines during for half of a decade in the 2000s. Pap actually built a shelf that ran around the top of his living room, which we filled to the brim with our stuffed bounty. He poured a concrete patio in his front yard so my brother and I could play basketball and ride our Razor scooters around. He taught me how to play chess, Chinese checkers and pool, and I taught him how to play video games. He was obsessed with Croc, Spyro and Crash Bandicoot for PlayStation until the day he died. He told me plenty of war stories. He talked a lot about how after the Allies took over an island, the fight still wasn’t over. The Japanese would hole up in the caves that dotted the jungle, and Pap was part of the crew who went through with flamethrowers and cleared them out. But my absolute favorite story was the one about the wild monkey he fed and befriended. After getting some of his rations, it decided to follow him around from island to island throughout the war. According to Pap, he and his war buddies all fell asleep from exhaustion in the same machine gun nest one night, and while no one was awake, Japanese soldiers were creeping up on their position. The monkey, much like a guard dog, woke Pap and the others up, and they were able to fight off the
‘Pappy Jiggs’ beaming at a just-barely-1-year-old me sitting in the driver’s seat of his truck in 1992. This is exactly how I remember him. (Photo courtesy Kier Harris) enemy soldiers. After the war, Pap would have been permitted to bring the monkey home with him, but I’m sure you can imagine the red tape involved, so he decided to release him back into the jungle. He was always an amazing storyteller, and it’s one of the reasons I went on to become a writer. The way peoples’ eyes would light up and grow big as saucers as they were totally enthralled, hanging on every word he said, I wanted to be able to make people feel that way. I still do. It’s a beautiful gift to be able to share. Pap died in Brookline in 2010, surrounded by family who loved and adored him. I will never stop being grateful for the fact that I got to say goodbye, tell him that I loved him, and hold his hand as he went. So many people don’t get that. When he died, I was 18. I remembered what he did for me at Grandma’s funeral so many years before, so I spoke about him in front of what seemed like the whole town at his own funeral. I wasn’t trying to be brave or a hero or anything like that. I didn’t have
anything prepared. I just wanted to pass the buck forward and be what he had been for me to someone else that day. It’s exactly what he would have wanted. My childhood wouldn’t have been the same without him, and I wouldn’t be the man I am today if he didn’t help raise me. I have the utmost respect for those who serve in our armed forces because of him. But beyond that, he instilled a system of values and honor in me which I strive to live by today. He showed me what love really is, and how a romantic relationship is supposed to be. He taught me to always go out of your way to help others and to use your strengths to do the most good you can do in this world. And he taught me that even though nobody is perfect, we can always do better than who we were yesterday. When I look in the mirror, I see pieces of him looking back at me. I don’t know any better way to honor one of the greatest men I have ever known. r ¯¯¯ Kier Harris can be reached at kharris@lewistownsentinel.com.
The Sentinel — 17
In Honor and Memory of those who have and \g kY[jaÚ[] kg em[` kg o] [Yf Z] kY^] Yf\ ^j]]&&
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18 — The Sentinel
SENTIMENTAL JOURNEY Last surviving local Civil War veteran made impact on future WWII vet as a child Submitted by THOMAS FLETCHER Lewistown When I was a lad, 10 to 12 years old, I was fascinated by an old Civil War veteran who lived a few doors away from the First Methodist Episcopal Church in Lewistown. Every year on Memorial Day, he would faithfully wait in full dress blue uniform, while leaning on his cane, for the touring car that would transport him and two other Union Army veterans in our traditional small-town parade. The parade ended at the First Methodist’s “Lind Memorial Cemetery” where wreaths were laid on graves of the local Civil War veterans. He and his comrades would feebly walk to place the wreaths appropriately. I have never forgotten my fascination and yes, “passion” as it were, of a young kid and an old veteran. Later in life, my sister and her family would reside on the second-floor apartment of his original dwelling. Can’t recall if it was an apartment when he was alive or a single house. In retrospect, this was an unforseen “commonality” between he and my family. Many years have passed and I’ve often thought of our “informal” relationship. Only in 2019 did I learn of his name, Newton C.
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RIGHT: At right, Newton C. Harmon, of Lewistown, the last surviving local Civil War veteran, who died in July of 1939 in his home on Dorcas Street.
ABOVE: The first portion of an article that appeared in the Saturday, July 29, 1939, edition of The Sentinel, although some lines of text were lost between sections 2 and 3 of the article. The continuation of the article on the death of Newton C. Harmon, of Lewistown, the last surviving local Civil War veteran, can be found on Page 19.
The Sentinel — 19 Harmon, a result of my gleaning Mifflin County Historical Society records and microfilm storage of local newspaper articles. I was blessed and happy to have proven the accuracy of my memory of dates, places, ect. He was in his very late 80s and died at age 90 on July 22, 1939. I was 13 years old. He lived to attend the 75th anniversary celebration of the Gettysburg campaign at the historic battlefield in July 1938. He personally was not a survivor of that battle, but was a participant of other conflicts of the era. The anniversary was considered “the” celebration for every Civil War soldier to attend. Also, in Mr. Harmon’s case, its close proximity to Lewistown. I ponder the possiblity if admiration and age difference between us equates to my present age (93) and present day
lads’ age (10 to 13) and their thoughts of me as an old WWII veteran! I pray that their image of me is as admirable as mine of comrade Harmon! He was always neat in his dress and wise in his appearance. At times I perceived him as “frightening” only because aged folk could appear “grumpy” to many kids. Mr. Harmon passed away in the night hours of July 22, 1939, neatly dressed in his normal daytime clothing. Being missed the following day by his neighbors, one such neighbor and classmate of mine investigated and found him deceased. The first to know! Surely a shock to a 13-year-old girl! I feel lovingly obliged, yes, even compelled, to remember Mr. Harmon in whatever ways I can. Thus, a “rubbing” of his name and military unit affiliation on the Colonel
Huling’s GAR (Grand Army Republic) Post 176 Monument. He was the last remaining Civil War veteran in the three Central Pa. counties (Mifflin, Juniata, Perry). He was also the 30th and last soldier to be buried in the prominent GAR Circle, a circle which he personally visited in honor and respect every Memorial Day, a location where he would also rest in peace — no more battle cries, “swords beaten into plowshares”! There is a present-day saying among veterans: “We don’t leave anyone behind!” Surely that same camaraderie was in play during those tragic years of comrade Harmon (1861 to 1865). Ironically, both Union and Confederate defenders are revered by loved ones as Americans. Simply put, an era of human travesty!
LEFT: The continuation of the article on the death of Newton C. Harmon, of Lewistown, the last surviving local Civil War veteran. some lines of text are missing. The article appeared in the Saturday, July 29, 1939, edition of The Sentinel. (Courtesy Thomas Fletcher)
Thank you to all veterans and to all who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms. We are eternally grateful. County Observer (717) 248-6741
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20 — The Sentinel
SERVICE LEADS TO CITIZENSHIP Non-citizen military members, veterans can now apply for naturalization online With federal agencies closed, the path to citizenship has gotten harder. But, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services will now allow U.S. service members and veterans to file Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, online. The United States military has welcomed eligible non-citizens into its ranks since the Revolutionary War. Today, roughly 35,000 members of the armed forces are non-citizens, with upwards of 8,000 joining each year. To join the U.S. military, non-citizens must be living permanently and legally in the United States. Non-citizens must also have permission to work in the United States, possess an I-551 (Permanent Residence Card), have obtained a high school diploma and speak English. By allowing electronic filing of some documents, the door is opened for those who have served, or are serving, to travel down the path to citizenship more efficiently during this difficult time. Online filing allows aliens to submit forms electronically, check the status of their case and receive notices from USCIS. USCIS is using innovation and technology to meet the needs of applicants, petitioners, and employees. Regardless of the paper or electronic format of an application or petition, USCIS is committed to ensuring a secure and efficient process for all. “We’re excited to offer our service men and women the convenience of filing their naturalization application online,� USCIS Deputy Director for Policy Joseph Edlow said. “USCIS has always been committed to supporting the immigration needs of those who currently serve or previously served the United States in the armed forces. Citizenship is the one of the distinct privileges our nation bestows and we are proud to naturalize those who put their lives on the line for our country.� Those currently serving or who have served in the armed forces may be eligible to apply for naturalization under special provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act. Under these special provisions, the naturalization application fee is waived for military members and veterans, as are some of the requirements. Until now, U.S. service members and veterans
filed a paper Form N-400. Provisions of the law extend some immigration benefits to the family member of a service member. See the agency website at www.uscis.gov for additional information.
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The Sentinel — 21
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services now allows U.S. service members and veterans who are not citizens to file Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, online. According to the Immigration Forum, non-citizen service members wishing to naturalize must demonstrate 1) good moral character; 2) knowledge of the English language; 3) knowledge of the U.S. government and history; and 4) attachment to the U.S. and allegiance to the U.S. Constitution. Non-citizen service members may waive residency requirements necessary for naturalization, according to the forum. For those who serve during peacetime, non-citizens may qualify for naturalization so long as he or she has served honorably in the U.S. military for at least one year, have legal permanent residency and file for naturalization while in service or within 6 months of service. For those who serve during wartime, noncitizens who meet the general requirements can immediately file for naturalization.
The United States also offers posthumous citizenship for non-citizens killed in combat. For biometrics requirements, USCIS may use previously submitted biometrics if available. If U.S. service members are stationed outside the United States, they may submit two properly completed FD-258 fingerprint cards and two passport-style photos taken by
the military police or officials with the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. embassy or U.S. consulate. Individuals can file 10 USCIS forms online: ¯ Form AR-11, Alien’s Change of Address Card ¯ Form G-639, Freedom of
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Thank you to all veterans and to all who have made the ultimate sacrifice to defend our freedoms. We are eternally grateful.
The Sentinel (717) 248-6741
22 — The Sentinel
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services now allows U.S. service members and veterans who are not citizens to file Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, online. (Photo by Israel Palacio on Unsplash) Information/Privacy Act Request ¯ Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card ¯ Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative ¯ Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status (Form I-539 is the first online application filing that uses USCIS’ eProcessing strategy. Check your eligibility for online filing of this form at uscis.gov/i539online.) ¯ Form N-336, Request for a Hearing on a Decision in Naturalization Proceedings (Under Section 336 of the INA) ¯ Form N-400, Application for Naturalization ¯ Form N-565, Application for Replacement Naturalization/Citizenship Document ¯ Form N-600, Application for Certificate of Citizenship ¯ Form N-600K, Application for Cit-
izenship and Issuance of Certificate Under Section 322 To file these forms online, individuals must first create a USCIS online account at myaccount.uscis.dhs.gov. This free account allows them to: Submit and track the status of their forms; pay their fees; track the status of their case; communicate with USCIS through a secure inbox; and respond to requests for evidence. USCIS still accepts the latest paper version of all forms by mail. To better serve the military, USCIS offers a toll-free military help line, 877-CIS-4MIL (877-247-4645, TTY: 800-877-8339) and e-mail address at militaryinfo@uscis.dhs.gov exclusively
for current members of the military and their families as well as veterans. Representatives are available to answer calls Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., excluding federal holidays. Service members and their families stationed in the U.S. or overseas may access the help line using the tollfree number through their base telephone operator or using the Defense Switched Network. Additional information is available on the agency website. For more information on USCIS and its programs, visit uscis.gov or follow them on Twitter (@uscis), Instagram (/uscis), YouTube (/uscis), Facebook (/uscis) and LinkedIn (/uscis).
ALL GAVE SOME. SOME GAVE ALL. This Memorial Day, we remember everyone who has given the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our nation.
The Sentinel — 23
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24 — The Sentinel
HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY from First Quality. In honor of those who have VHO½HVVO\ JLYHQ DQG YDOLDQWO\ VHUYHG our Nation - we thank you.