Veterans Town&Gown 2016

Town&Gown’s Salute to Veterans

Inside: Adam Hartswick’s “True Grit” Michael Murphy’s father remembers his son Profiles of Centre County veterans

Explore Pennsylvania’s Connections CONNECT W ITH US:

pamilmuseum.org (814)466-6263

Proud To Recognize And Thank All Centre County Veterans for their service and sacrif ice, Including two members of the W.R.Hickey Beer Distributor “family”.

William H. Hickey,

Army Air Corp William H. (Bill) Hickey, only child of W.R and Edith Lu Hickey, was born in Danville in 1925, and moved with his family to State College in 1930. An accomplished athlete, Bill graduated from State High in 1943, and enlisted in the Army Air Corps, where he served in the 2nd Army Airways Communication System, 12 Air Force in North Africa and France until 1946. In 1965, after the death of W.R., Bill replaced his father as President of the business, and in 1966 became co-owner. He held that position until his death in 2009.

Charles Abramson,

Army Air Corp Charles (Charlie) Abramson was born in Harrisburg in 1919, to Harry and Sarah Abramson. The family moved to State College in 1928, and owned Abramson Auto Wrecking. In 1939, Charlie joined W.R. Hickey’s as a driver. He enlisted in the Army Air Corp. and served from 1941-1945 as Master 1st Sergeant in North Africa, England and Italy.

In 1946, W.R. offered him a partnership, which Charlie accepted. Charlie remained co-owner of W. R. Hickey’s until 1990. He died in 2004.

Let Us Serve You

I would like to take a moment to introduce you to the Veterans Affairs Office of Centre County. My name is Brian Querry and I am the Director for our office. Roger Elling, my assistant, also works in our office. As Centre County employees, we are tasked with assisting county veterans. We are both veterans and accredited Veterans Services Officers, which means that we go through annual training on the VA claims process and benefits.

As a veteran you may be eligible for benefits. The vast majority of benefits depend on your active duty as verified by your discharge papers. The most common form that documents your active duty is the DD 214, which the military started using in the 1950’s. It is important that you have/maintain a copy of your discharge papers because many benefits depend on the type of active duty and the length of active duty identified in your discharge papers. If you cannot find your discharge papers, we can help you obtain them.

The VA provides a myriad of benefits that cover: • Life Insurance

• Education Benefits • Burial Benefits

• Pension/Survivor Pensions,

(available only to Veterans of war time.)

• Compensation payments Assistant Roger Elling

Director of Veterans Affairs Brian Querry

• Health Care

Additionally, as a veteran, you may be eligible for state and county benefits.

If you are a veteran or the surviving spouse of a veteran with war time service, give us a call (814-355-6812), so that we can thank you for your service and to let us serve you!

4

Town&Gown’s Salute to Veterans 8 Letter from the Publisher 10 True Grit Now more than three years after losing both of his legs, Adam Hartswick has maintained a strength and determination that allows him to live an independent life • by Adam Hartswick 28 The Protector Penn State alum Michael Murphy had wanted to be a lawyer, until he found his calling to dedicate — and give — his life in service of others • by Daniel Murphy 34 Higher Education Help for Those Who Served Penn State continues to rank among the best military-friendly schools in the country • from Penn State’s Office of Veterans Affairs 36 After the “Date which Will Live in Infamy” As America’s involvement in World War II began, Penn Staters prepared to do their part for the war effort • by Lee Stout

28 5 The Threads of Helping Others Inspired by his father’s service, a Penn State retiree sets up fund to help military members and their families • By Chris Buchignani 42 Q&A with Brian Querry, Director of Centre County Veterans Affairs

Special Advertising Section

15 Profiles of Veterans from Centre County

10 Published by Barash Media.

Address inquiries to: Barash Media, 403 South Allen Street, State College, PA 16804-0077, (814) 238-5051 or 800-326-9584. © 2016 by Barash Media. All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form except with written authorization from the publisher.

5

Town&Gown’s Salute to Veterans

Publisher Rob Schmidt Founder Mimi Barash Coppersmith Editorial Director David Pencek Creative Director Tiara Snare Operations Manager/Assistant Editor Vilma Shu Danz Art Director/Photographer Darren Weimert Graphic Designer Cody Peachey Account Executives Kathy George, Debbie Markel Business Manager Aimee Aiello Administrative Assistant Lana Bernhard Interns Tine Liu (editorial), Jackie Taylor (marketing) Distribution Handy Delivery

To contact us: Mail: 403 S. Allen St., State College, PA 16801 Phone: (814) 238-5051, (800) 326-9584 Fax: (814) 238-3415 dpenc@barashmedia.com (Editorial) rschmidt@barashmedia.com (Advertising) We welcome letters to the editor that include a phone number for verification.

Back issues of Town&Gown are available on microfilm at Penn State’s Pattee Library.

Facebook.com/townandgownsc @TownGownSC townandgown.com 6

We proudly salute

Veterans & thank you!

Like us, you are a Team you can count on.

Through battles at home and away, your courage and determination have helped protect our freedom and safety.

A Team You Can Count On! VANTAGE:

offers a comprehensive approach has access to 9,000 mutual funds & to investment management.

350 institutional money managers. emphasizes versatility and customization in the structure of client portfolios.

INVESTMENT • ADVISORS, L.L.C.

allows clients continuous access to information on their accounts through its website, www.vantageadvisors.com.

1375 Martin St., Suite 200, State College, PA 16803 Ph: (814) 867-2050 FAX: (814) 867-2063

CONTACT: Robert R. Thomas, CFA, CFPÂŽ (rob.thomas@vantageadvisors.com)

or Jill W. Sutt

(jill.sutt@vantageadvisors.com)

Town&Gown’s Salute to Veterans Sense of Service across Generations Though they never met, a grandfather and grandson share a special connection Several years ago, my son, Bryan, became intrigued with learning his ancestry. He was especially interested in his late grandfather, a career naval officer who served for 27 years. I told him his grandfather, like many veterans, was a humble man who rarely spoke of his service. Much of what I learned was from family members or others who had served with him.

In the spring of 1941, Henry Schmidt was commissioned an Ensign in the US Navy and sent on his first tour of duty at Pearl Harbor.

He was heading out for a round of golf on that sunny December morning when the Japanese planes pulled off a surprise attack that changed the course of history. The 90-minute battle crippled the Pacific fleet and claimed 2,403 American lives. My father, a gunnery officer on the destroyer USS-Dewey, helped direct the downing of two kamikaze planes short of their intended target. Fortunately, my father’s ship sustained no damage and within hours was underway patrolling the Pacific.

It is hard to imagine today the anguish families went through in the aftermath of the attack. For nearly four months, my father’s family in Boston anxiously waited and prayed that he had survived. Finally the ship returned to port in late March. My father quickly sent a telegram that simply read, “I’m OK,” followed a few days later with a letter chronicling his experience.

More than 12 million US servicemen were sent to battle in Europe and Pacific, and 400,000 gave their lives. My father saw combat in fierce battles, including Midway, where he earned the Bronze Star. Later, he served in the Korean conflict, commanded ships in the Pacific, and retired as a captain in 1967.

In civilian life, he worked as freshman admissions director at Penn State until retiring with my mother to Cape Cod, Massachusetts, in 1984. Every single morning he raised a full-size American flag on a large flagpole in the front yard. He demonstrated his patriotism every day, not just on holidays.

8

Left, Henry Schmidt served in the US Navy during World War II. His grandson, Bryan, whom he never met, is now an officer in the Navy.

On the following pages of Town&Gown’s Salute to Veterans, you will read about just a few of the many local veterans who have proudly served our country. Thanks to the support of advertisers and individual sponsors for this special publication, we at Town&Gown will be donating $5,000 to help kick off the fund-raising drive to bring the traveling Vietnam Memorial Wall to Centre County next October. We salute the men and women who have served our country and preserved our freedom.

Twenty-five years ago, my father passed away from pancreatic cancer. During my last visit with him, I found a man who was very much at peace.

“I have lived a good life,” he said to me. “I married your mom, raised a family. Many of the boys I knew did not get that chance.”

He told me his only regret was he wouldn’t get to see his 3-year-old granddaughter, Kelley, grow up; nor meet a grandson who was on the way.

The grandson he never met is now an officer in the United States Navy. Bryan graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 2014, and this month he will graduate from Naval flight school in Pensacola, Florida.

I know there’s a Navy captain who would be very proud.

Rob Schmidt Publisher rschmidt@barashmedia.com

Inside: 2010 Penn State football preview

Town&Gown AUGUST 2010

FREE

townandgown.com

Victory!

As nation marks 65th anniversary of the end of World War II, local veterans share their stories and memories

IF IT’S HAPPENING IN HAPPY VALLEY, IT’S IN TOWN&GOWN

Town&Gown salutes all those who have served or are serving our country!

Thank you!

10

Darren Andrew Weimert

Compared to my previous deployment to Iraq I come from a long line of military service on in 2011, this was a different place entirely. both sides of my family, at least as far back as the That is to say, in 2011, Iraq wasn’t the active Revolutionary War. With the stories of both my grandfathers’ service in World War II ringing in my engagement that it was in previous years and ears, it is no wonder that I pursued a career in the that Afghanistan was and still is today. As most Army. Grandfather Max Hartswick fought in the Pacific people will tell you, 90 percent of a deployment theater with the fabled Americal Division. Grandfather is sheer mind-numbing boredom. The other 10 Malcolm Hummel landed at Normandy Beach with percent can be simultaneously awesome and the 28th Infantry Division and terrifying — not to mention continued his trek through life-changing. the European theater. My For the most part, childhood set me up for this was a routine the military. deployment: manning As an only child in a the aid station of our joint-custody divorce, COP, dispensing meds there was no getting to soldiers, keeping away with anything tabs on soldiers’ as far as my parents health, and treating were concerned. Both the occasional local my mother, Morgen national. The men of Hummel, and my father, A Co, 3-41 Infantry Sean Hartswick, had had become my family. high expectations for me Like any family, there to succeed academically are times of hardship, and physically. conflict, and strife.

Now more than three years after losing both Travelling between But your family loves of his legs, Adam Hartswick has maintained a households, I learned you anyway. In this strength and determination that allows him to early on that there brotherhood, we were live an independent life was nowhere to hide willing to fight and and no excuses for any die for each other. behavior. Accountability Especially on May 14,

By Adam Hartswick and follow-through the day we fought to were essential to my keep each other alive. childhood.

One of our dismounted From this seemingly (on foot) patrols ended chaotic upbringing came my flexibility, up in an IED (Improvised Explosive Device)adaptability, and some excellent improvisational related ambush in a small village within the Zhari talent — a great skill set for a soldier. I joined district of Afghanistan. Initially, I was on guard the Army at the age 17 with my parents’ consent. duty at the COP when I heard over the radio that our patrol was being ambushed. I quickly I was an unruly child for my parents, an average gathered my gear and weapon, grabbed my student and a pretty good athlete in school, and I had a facade of a “perfect angel” to the outside designated replacement for the guard tower, and world — another good skill set for the Army. A jumped on the nearest truck heading out with our QRF (Quick Reaction Force). When I arrived good soldier and warrior gets along with whom he on the scene with the QRF, three of my brothers serves, but it always pays to be defiant in the face of impossible odds. Especially when facing death. had been killed already, including Specialist Cody May 14, 2013, started out like any day on Towse, a platoon medic whom I was directly in deployment on our isolated Combat Outpost (COP) charge of. The other two were Specialist Mitch in our remote region of Afghanistan. I had been Daehling and Specialist William Gilbert. Between in the Army a little more than three years and was the ensuing chaos and gore, we were able to set on my second combat deployment. I was 22 years up a Casualty Collection Point to treat the injured old as an infantry company’s senior medic. I was and gather the fallen. responsible for the professional development of While waiting for the EOD team (Explosive four platoon medics and the medical well-being of Ordinance Disposal, “bomb squad”) to start its the entire company of 80 men. interrogation of an IED to clear a path, the team

True Grit H

11

leader, SFC Jeff Baker, reassured me “we are gonna save our brothers.”

He stepped away to defuse an IED and disappeared in a cloud of dust and shrapnel — the blast floored me and the guys nearby. The platoon leader (PL) helped me to my feet, refocused, and reassured me that we would treat our wounded and retrieve our fallen. We got to work. Concerned for Baker’s well-being — either alive or dead — I had to look for him, telling everyone, “I’m going the [expletive] Hartswick with the rest of his infantry during his first deployment down there!” and moved to Iraq in 2011. toward the river, where he was assumed to be. As I ran to continue my treatment at Walter Reed National down the path to the river, I “zigged” when I should Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland. The have “zagged” and stepped on an IED. The blast first seven weeks back on American soil are fuzzy threw me in the air, and I landed on my stomach. at best. I had 11 surgeries in the first two months Dazed but still conscious, I struggled to stand and a total of 21 surgeries altogether. up. The PL saw my condition and shouted to me Rehabilitation at Walter Reed is a blur. Physical to stay down, but I couldn’t feel any pain and therapy after traumatic amputation of both legs above thought myself invincible. I flipped myself over, the knee is severe, to say the least. Unlike any other only to realize that I was definitely not invincible fitness routine, the goal isn’t “stronger hammies” or and that my legs had become hamburger meat. “toned quads” — mine are gone. This was completely I thought I was going to die, but then realized I different and totally trying. Sure, I had my share of didn’t have to. Tearing the tourniquets from my physical activity growing up. It was hard to maintain vest and starting to wrap my thigh, I realized my interest in computer and video gaming as a kid the blood on my hands was from my missing with parents like mine. They were role models of right index finger and partially severed thumb. physical activity. It was tough keeping up with I struggled to tourniquet myself when the PL them, but I did. My main sport became wrestling. approached and said, “Doc, tell me what to do.”

So between my wrestling background and various I told him, “Tourniquets high and tight,” an easy military training, including lots of ruck marches and phrase for us to remember, as it also is a reference running, I became an adapt athlete, and I learned to our military haircuts. We had drilled so much how to endure. I learned the meaning of “grit.” on tourniquets that he knew what to do. He Between the surgeries and the heavy finished applying my tourniquets and comforted medication, my first trip to a physical-therapy me, exuding a confidence that made me feel I was appointment was like a DUI drive in a clown car. in good hands and I was going to be okay.

Even with my parents and medical personnel Coincidentally, Dustoff 68, a medevac guiding me in my (then) electric wheelchair, I helicopter, had been on station to retrieve bounced off hospital walls and ran into doors. the original wounded from the initial attack. The My first attempt to move onto the PT table was crew had made the courageous decision to land in hilarious. Jumbles of IV tubes, wound-vac drains, that IED minefield, which made our rescue almost and good-old imbalance thwarted me at first. instantaneous. Dustoff 68 earned the coveted Having lost one-third of my body weight, I was Silver Star and Medevac of the Year for 2013. weak and needed to regain strength throughout my By the end of the first week after my injuries, I core and upper body before ever having the power was stabilized and flown back to the United States I would need to move prosthetic legs. The crew at Walter Reed were the most caring, compassionate 12

medical professionals I have ever met. Their warmth and firm coaching pushed me and helped me to push myself in new ways. I found strength in their and my parents’ support. I grew stronger and my mind cleared every day. After seven weeks of inpatient stay, I was moved to the on-base housing for wounded service members at Walter Reed.

I continued my rehab there for almost another two years. Over time, after a wide variety of exercises, I regained self-confidence as the staff at Walter Reed put me through the paces.

Rehab with other wounded service members nearby is nothing like anything you can imagine. There are countless variations of the battlefield injury, some you can see and some you cannot. Missing hands, feet, hands and feet, above-­the­-knee and below­-the-­knee amputations, blindness, deafness, traumatic brain injuries — they’re all there; men and women of all branches of the US military and, occasionally, soldiers from allied nations, too.

There’s no avoiding the usual cross­-service rivalry, as shown by the shouts of encouragement and coaching. There are call-outs and challenges from everyone in the gym. Personal goals are met in every step, or rep, or race around the track. We recover our strength, our sense of self­-reliance, and our confidence in our revised bodies in the midst of the mayhem of the PT facility. I know I did.

I grew strong again in the Army. Still a soldier, my new duty was to recover. With the unconditional support of my parents and the expertise of the staff and volunteers at Walter Reed, they got me through the early days of being

Hartswick in a stryker during predeployment training in California in late 2012.

an amputee and helped get me on the way to a “new normal” with a wheelchair and prosthetics.

I medically retired from the Army in April 2015, with an honorable discharge, and moved home to the State College area. I work for Techline Technologies, instructing battlefield medicine to law enforcement, EMS, fire, and military personnel. It’s a traveling job. I especially enjoy it because I have a vehicle with hand controls that provide a great deal of independence, which is key to my life. I plan to attend Penn State in the near future.

This story is incomplete without addressing Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and veteran suicide. Yes, a lot of battlefield stories include PTSD. Just because someone suffers a traumatic brain injury, which I did, doesn’t mean you’re going to have PTSD. It’s a matter of perspective, treatment, and mental outlook, as well as having a strong support group there to catch you when you fall. Sure, my injuries and the events of that day will always run through my mind. I miss my four brothers and think of them often.

Of course I have bad memories. I’m not saying PTSD isn’t real, I’m saying that it can be overcome. I’m also saying a lot of people also claim to have PTSD and actually don’t or suffer from something else entirely. This happens because of its broad definition that needs revised so people can get proper treatment.

False claims and/or misdiagnosis takes help and resources away from those who need them the most. Sadly, many veterans don’t seek or receive the help they need. As a result, 22 veterans commit suicide every day, according to a Department of Veterans Affairs statistic in 2013. Every day. That’s 22 too many. Reach out to your friends and community. Get them the help they need, be the listening ear, the shoulder to cry on. Get them to a professional who can help.

Fellow veterans, there are no excuses, we leave no one behind. Take any opportunity you can to help and don’t stand idly by wondering what to do.

Take action. This is my call to help out and to put an end to veteran suicide and to put an end to the overuse and misuse of the “catchall” PTSD. T&G Adam Hartswick, 25, graduated from State College Area High School in 2009, started in the Army in January 2010, and medically retired from the Army in April 2015. He lives in State College and is now an instructor of battlefield medicine for Techline Technologies.

13

Town&Gown’s Salute to Veterans

Profiles of Centre County Veterans

Special Advertising Section

In Memory Of

THOMPSON S. BECHDEL, JR.

Thompson Bechdel, Jr., was born and raised on a farm in Blanchard. He attended Lock Haven High School and was peddling milk at 6 cents a quart for his uncle Max Bechdel’s dairy farm when he was drafted into the Army at age 18 during World War II. Thompson traveled by train from Eagleville to Harrisburg for his induction but was briefly called back for the funeral of Max, who died in a farm accident.

Branch: U.S. Army

From late 1943 to 1946, Thompson served as a combat engineer and T5 truck driver in the 1253rd Combat Engineer Battalion. His battalion left New York with a convoy of about 65 ships, headed for the D-Day invasion of Normandy, France, in June 1944. After landing in Le Havre, the battalion was constantly on the move, most of the time sleeping in the field in tents. Thompson saw the bloody waters of D-Day, the rubble of bombed buildings in Germany, and the sky filled with planes during the Battle of the Bulge. He and his fellow combat engineers built bridges while under enemy fire and took out minefields. One project in particular — a huge floating Bailey Bridge — allowed Allied tanks and troops to cross the Rhine River at Wesel, Germany. At war’s end, he helped build a hospital in Bremerhaven before heading home to Blanchard in 1946, having earned two Bronze Stars.

Thompson got a job as a butcher at the Winner Packing Co. in Lock Haven; in his off hours, he pitched for the Blanchard baseball team, proud of his 94-mile-an-hour fast ball. At one game, he met a Howard High School student named Jane Confer. He invited her to go roller skating at Hecla Park in Mingoville, and a year later, they were married, on June 21, 1947.

Over the years, Thompson went on to work at Crissman’s Packing, Piper Aircraft, and Champion Rebuilders.

Meanwhile, he and Jane raised three sons — Tim, Jed, and Roger. Thompson passed away in 2015 at age 89.

Sponsored by The Joel Confer Family

In Memory Of

SY BARASH

On April 24, 1944, Sy Barash left behind his Penn State studies to enlist in the U.S. Marine Corps and do his part in bringing an end to World War II. After being trained as a rifle marksman and clerk typist, he headed for the Pacific theater of operations that November. He fought against the enemy at Okinawa, and later participated in the cleanup after the August 9, 1945, nuclear bombing of Nagasaki, Japan.

In July 1946, Barash left the Marines with the rank of corporal to earn his advertising degree at Penn State. He applied the leadership skills he had gained in the military, becoming chapter president for Beta Sigma Rho and an ROTC cadet sergeant first class. He married fellow Penn Stater Mimi Ungar in 1954, and in 1959 they opened their advertising agency and billboard company in the basement of their home. Morgan Signs and Barash Advertising grew to include offices in State College, Johnstown, Philadelphia and Altoona.

Sy Barash was well known in the community as a man who would do anything to help others. He volunteered countless hours to organizations including the United Way, the American Cancer Society, and the Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts.

In 1975, he lost a two-year battle with lung cancer. Doctors speculated that the disease may have been sparked in the lifelong non-smoker by exposure to radiation during his service at Nagasaki.

For many years, the community gathered at the annual Sy Barash Regatta, which benefited the American Cancer Society while honoring his memory and community service.

Branch: U.S. Marine Corps

Sponsored by Lion’s Gate Apartments Stephen D. Barkin

In Memory Of

In Memory Of

MILTON “MICKEY” BERGSTEIN

ANGELO BIGATEL

Mickey Bergstein grew up during the Depression, raised in Monessen by an aunt and uncle who left Hungary following World War I. After graduating from Penn State in 1943 with a political science degree, he served in the Pacific with the 2nd Battalion, 28th Regiment, Branch: U.S. Marines 5th Marine Division — the famed battalion that raised the flag on Iwo Jima.

Bergstein missed that historic moment after being wounded on the first day of the invasion, but received five commendation medals and the Purple Heart for his service. After returning to State College, he was WMAJAM general manager, a noted Penn State football radio analyst and play-by-play announcer, and Smeal College of Business instructor, and was honored as Penn State’s Renaissance Person of the Year in 1988.

Bergstein passed away in 2012.

Ange Bigatel was a 17-year-old high school senior in Allentown when the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor, so he needed a parent’s signature to join the military. His father, an Italian immigrant who had barely survived World War I, would Branch: U.S. Navy only allow him to join the Coast Guard, since that seemed safest. Ange served from 1942 to 1946, transporting troops to European and Pacific battlefronts under threat of u-boat and other enemy attacks. He circumnavigated the globe four times during his service and played baritone and trombone in the ship’s band.

After the war, he married Alice McCloy in August 1946 and enrolled at Penn State on the GI Bill the following month, earning a bachelor’s in architectural engineering. He worked for Penn State until retiring in 1987 as assistant vice president of physical plant. He passed away in 2015.

Sponsored by Philip Sieg

Sponsored by The Bigatel Family 17

In Memory Of

In Memory Of

BETTY CASTNER BRYANT

WILLIS “BILL” BRYANT

Betty Nehrig was a 23 year old dietician at West Penn Hospital in Pittsburgh in February 1943 when she married her Carnegie Tech beau, Lt. William J. Castner, at the air base in Sioux City, Iowa. Thirty-two days Rank: Lieutenant later he was deployed to Europe…and Branch: Army she never saw him again. On July 30, Medical Corps 1943, he was killed in action when his badly damaged B-17, Liberty Bell, crashed attempting to land in England after a bombing mission over Germany.

Following her husband’s death, she answered her country’s call and was commissioned as an officer in the Army Medical Corps. She served as the Chief Dietician, 173rd General Hospital, Nancy, France.

While stationed in France, she met and married fighter pilot Bill Bryant in a ceremony performed by the local mayor. On the advice of her father who recognized State College as a place of opportunity, she and Bill moved to State College in 1948.

She helped rear four children and was employed as a financial secretary by the Tussey Realty Company, Kissinger & Bryant Insurance, and S. Paul Mazza and Associates before her death in 2002.

Willis “Bill” Bryant was born of American parents in 1923 in Pangkalan Brandan, Dutch East Indies, and spent his boyhood there before moving with his family to southern California. At age 19 he enlisted in Rank: Lieutenant the Army Air Corps and served in Branch: Army the 9th Air Force in Europe as a P-47 Air Corps pilot—the world’s best fighter pilot, in his telling. Though he earned the Distinguished Flying Cross, he was prouder of a not-quite-military decoration, his membership in the Caterpillar Club, a “club” for people who’d saved their lives by bailing out of a disabled aircraft. In 1948, after dropping out of the University of California at Berkeley, he moved to State College for a job in the lumber yard at O.W. Houts & Son. After being recalled to service in the Korean War, he went on to join Gordon D. Kissinger in founding Kissinger & Bryant Insurance. Easily bored, he eagerly dove into a variety of other entrepreneurial adventures ranging from commercial real estate to Kosher turkeys to drilling for oil.

Though he died suddenly in 1986, those who knew him still fondly remember his larger than life personality and good looks.

Sponsored by Aaron T. Roan DMD & Associates

In Memory Of

Rank: Sergeant Branch: Marine Corps Reserve Conflict: Afghanistan

Sponsored by Nancy & Tom Ring, RE/MAX Centre Realty

WILLIAM J. CAHIR

State High Class of 1986 At State High, Bill’s swimming team training was tough, but not as tough as U.S. Marine Corps boot camp, which is where Bill was at almost 35 years of age. After having worked on the staffs of two U.S. Senators and having won awards as a Washington DC news correspondent, Bill had then applied for and received a special exception to the Marine Corps enlistment-age-limit of 29.

During two active duty tours in Iraq, Bill’s unit acted as “community organizers while carrying a pack and a rifle” in battle areas alongside infantry to establish economic development and stronger bonds with local populations. He helped the Iraqis conduct a decisive election in Ramadi, supported the remarkable Anbar Awakening, and was instrumental in obtaining funding to establish a school for girls.

In 2008, Bill lost narrowly in Pennsylvania’s 5th Congressional District primary, but he was later remembered by an oppositeparty candidate as a fair-minded and exceptional journalist, in addition to being “just a completely decent, honorable man.”

Bill redeployed to Afghanistan with his unit, where, on August 13, 2009, while on a dismounted patrol, he was killed by a sniper’s bullet. In addition to receiving six medals and ribbons, Bill was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart.

Sponsored by Nittany Settlement Company 18

In Honor Of

In Memory Of

DR. JOHN E. CARDER

FRED M. COOMBS

A graduate of Clemson University and Temple University School of Dentistry, John Carder joined the U.S. Army Dental Corps in 1974 with the rank of captain. He served at Camp Page in Chunchon, South Korea, just south of the Korean demilitarized zone. After returning to the United States, he served at Fort Meade, Branch: U.S. Army Maryland, before returning to civilian life in 1976 and starting his dental practice in State College where he continues to practice today. Dr. Carder feels that it is a privilege and honor to salute and thank our armed services for their ever present commitment and dedication to our country.

Fred Coombs was a lieutenant colonel in the Army’s 1st Special Service Force (FSSF), also known as the “Devil’s Brigade.”

Organized in 1942, FSSF was a Joint Commando Unit comprised of American and Canadian soldiers. Fred was instrumental Branch: U.S. Army in the design and implementation of the Helena, Montana, FSSF training program, where members received rigorous and intensive training in maneuvers such as stealth tactics, handto-hand combat, the use of explosives for demolition, amphibious warfare, and ski troops. He served in World War II’s Aleutian Islands Campaign.

After the war, in the late 1940s, Coombs developed what is known today as the Recreation, Park and Tourism Management Department of the Pennsylvania State University. Fred retired from PSU as professor emeritus in 1972.

Sponsored by Brooke, Carl, an d Claire Jackson

Sponsored by Thomas F. Coombs an d M ary Ann Latham(daughter)

In Memory Of

In Memory Of

CASEY CUMMINGS

WAYLAND DUNAWAY III

Casey Cummings left his studies at Penn State to join the Army Air Forces – forerunner of today’s U.S. Air Force — in 1943.

Stationed in Italy, he was the navigator in a B-24 bomber, fighting World War II in the skies above Europe.

After leaving the military in 1945, he Branch: Army Air Forces finished his bachelor’s degree in education and then taught physical education and coached basketball at State College Area High School. Before long, he joined his fatherin-law’s insurance business. In 1984, he retired from the agency that today is Frost & Conn. Cummings passed away in 2006. Cummings’ grandson, Alex Fletcher, a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, currently flies carrier based FA-18 Strike Fighter jets.

A 1928 State High Grad, Wayland Fuller Dunaway III joined the Army on April 1, 1941.

He received his basic training at Fort Meade, MD, where he was assigned to communications and was soon made a corporal.

Rank: Captain Branch: Army, Fourth In March 1942, he was sent to Infantry Division Fort Monmouth, NJ for officers Conflict: training in the Signal Corps.

Normandy, France The Signal Corps develops, tests, provides, and manages communications and information systems support for the command and control of combined arms forces. In June 1942, he became a second lieutenant and was given the assignment of defense lawyer of the Fourth Infantry Division. Soon after becoming first lieutenant, the Fourth Infantry Division landed in France on June 6, (D-day) and engaged in the invasion of Normandy.

In August 1944, he was promoted to Captain in the Signal Corps. He practiced law until his passing in November 2002.

Sponsored by Sally and Rich Kalin

Sponsored by M arjorie Dunaway 19

In Honor Of

In Honor Of

RAY FORTUNATO

LtCol JACOB GRAHAM

Three months after freshman Ray Fortunato arrived at Penn State in 1941, the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor, launching the United States into World War II. Fortunato finished five semesters on an accelerated schedule before entering Army basic Branch: U.S. Army training in 1943 and heading to Germany as a first lieutenant. His infantry company saw 127 days of combat, with 47 of about 180 members killed in action. Fortunato was wounded twice and returned home in 1946 with two Purple Hearts and two Bronze Star Medals.

He married that summer and finished his bachelor’s degree in business administration and master’s degree in music. In 1948 he began his Penn State career, retiring in 1986 as assistant vice president for personnel administration. He went on to serve as a consultant and author of human-resources books.

Jacob Graham was commissioned a second lieutenant in the Marine Corps in 1981 and received his naval aviator pilot’s wings in 1983.

He served in aviation units including Marine Attack Helicopter Squadrons 367 and 369 and Marine Helicopter Branch: U.S. Marine Corps Squadron One, Executive Flight Detachment, where he flew in support of Presidents George Bush and William Clinton.

He was a presidential command pilot for Clinton.

Colonel Graham served overseas in Japan, Korea, the Philippines, Germany, Turkey, and places in between.

He completed a joint tour with Headquarters U.S. European Command as senior advisor for U.S. NATO nuclear operations and was mission commander for the EUCOM Airborne Nuclear Command Post.

He deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom as the J-3, Joint Task Force North assigned to U.S. Central Command in 2003. Graham retired from the Marine Corps in 2007. He is a professor of practice at Penn State’s College of Information Sciences and Technology, where he teaches security and risk analysis and is director of the Red Cell Analytics Lab.

Sponsored by Nittany Valley Offset

Sponsored by Anonymous

In Memory Of

Branch: U.S. Navy

DONALD HAMER

Don Hamer was the first person in his family to go to high school. The bright young man graduated at age 16, having skipped a grade, and went to the University of Illinois to study ceramics engineering, a major suggested by his high school principal. After earning his bachelor’s degree in 1945, Hamer served in the Navy as World War II drew to a close.

In the 1950s and ’60s, he worked in the ceramics industry in Chicago and earned a master’s in business administration from the University of Chicago.

He took time off to serve as an Executive Officer in the Navy during the Korean War. In 1963, he moved to State College as chief engineer of the materials division for Erie Technological Products, a ceramic capacitors company; eventually, he was promoted to corporate research director. Meanwhile, he earned a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Penn State.

In 1969, Hamer founded State of the Art, Inc., which became the country’s leading manufacturer of high-reliability chip resistors for microelectronics in the biomedical, communications, aerospace, and defense industries. One of his proudest achievements was that State of the Art resistors were used in NASA’s Voyager spacecraft, launched in 1977. Thirty-nine years and more than 29 billion kilometers later, Voyager 1 continues its travels.

Hamer continued as chairman of State of the Art until his death last July.

Although he enjoyed being successful, he enjoyed even more giving away the fruits of his success. His extensive philanthropy supported numerous causes, particularly related to the environment and education, as well as many local human service agencies. His honors included the Teddy Roosevelt Conservation Award, PSU Renaissance Man of the Year, Penn State Philanthropist of the Year, and University of Illinois Engineering Hall of Fame.

Sponsored by State of the Art, Inc. 20

In Honor Of

DANIEL R. HAWBAKER

Branch: U.S. Army

In 1958, one year after graduating from high school, Dan Hawbaker joined the Army. He tried to get into helicopter flight school, but a hearing deficiency kept him out of the pilot’s seat. Still, he served with the 101st Airborne Division, a helicopter and small fixedwing unit based primarily at Fort Campbell, Kentucky.

As a helicopter technician, Hawbaker rose to the rank of Specialist 5th Class. The 101st Airborne was the first division to receive the Bell UH-1 Iroquois, the U.S. military’s first turbine-powered helicopter, so Hawbaker received further training on the “Hueys.” He also gained parachute jump experience.

After leaving the Army in September 1961, Hawbaker studied Public Administration at the University of Maryland, graduating in January 1966.

He then returned to State College and joined the company his parents, Glenn O. and Thelma Hawbaker, had started in 1952. In 1978, Glenn O. retired and Dan was appointed President and CEO, which offices he still holds today.

Dan actively encourages military veterans to be part of the growing GOH workforce.

Sponsored by the Central Pennsylvania Institute of Science and Technology

In Honor Of

In Honor Of

MIKE HENDRICKSON

JOHN HOMAN

State High and Penn State alumnus Mike Hendrickson enlisted in 1993 and commissioned as a Marine officer in December 1998. He was assigned as Platoon Commander for Company B, 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion at Camp Pendleton, California. In July 2001, Branch: U.S. Marine Corps he boarded the USS Comstock and sailed to the Western Pacific with the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit. Following the events of September 11, 2001, Company B conducted operations during Operation Enduring Freedom, including the seizure of the Kandahar International Airport. In 2006, Hendrickson left active service, but returned to Afghanistan in 2010 as Operations Officer of 3rd Battalion, 25th Marines. In 2012, he was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel. Currently, Hendrickson is Commanding Officer of 1st Battalion, 25th Marines, 4th Marine Division, Marine Forces Reserve. In civilian life, he is CEO of BlueWhiteTV.com, the first video-ondemand network dedicated to Penn State content.

A pilot in the 8th Air Force in England, Homan flew 34 missions and was part of the plan code-named Market G plan to drop Allied paratroopers behind the lines in Holland to capture bridges and allow the British to enter Germany from the northern borders.

He went on to advanced flight instructor training Rank: Lieutenant Branch: Air Force in B-25s for West Point graduates. By the spring of 1945, with the war in Europe ending, the focus turned to Japan. Homan was transferred to St. Joseph, Missouri, for training on the C-46. He suspected that he was going to be sent to the Pacific Theater, but before that happened, the war ended with the atomic bombs dropped in Japan. He was discharged in December 1945.

Sponsored by BlueWhiteTV

Sponsored by M ary Lou Bennett R e/M ax Centre Realty

21

22

In Memory Of

In Honor Of

WILLIAM HENRY KOLL

JIM LANGTON

As an Iowa State Teachers College freshman in 1943, Bill Koll was drafted into the Army, serving in the 149th Combat Engineers Battalion. In what he called the “most frightening experience” of his life, his unit of amphibious Branch: U.S. Army engineers battled rough seas and an entrenched enemy to land at Omaha Beach, Normandy, on June 6, 1944 — D-Day. He was 20 years old. He earned a Bronze Star for his heroic actions that day, and went on to fight in the Battle of the Bulge. From his wartime experiences, Koll gained a fierce focus that played out on the wrestling mat when he returned to college, going 72-0 in his three varsity years and winning three NCAA titles, as well as competing at the 1948 London Olympics. From 1965-78, he coached the Nittany Lions to a 127-22-7 record and six top 10 NCAA tournament finishes. He passed away in 2003.

In 1944, Pottsville native Jim Langton was inducted into the Army and sent to Fort Meade, Maryland and Fort Belvoir, Virginia, for basic training. At Camp Kilmer, New Jersey, he became a radio operator for the 18th Signal Service Company.

He served in Heidelberg and Bremerhaven, Germany, before being discharged in August 1947. After his Branch: U.S. Army military service, Langton played piano at the Necho-Allen Hotel in Pottsville and used the GI Bill to attend what was then Indiana State Teachers College. He earned a bachelor’s degree in music, followed by a master’s degree from Penn State.

He taught music for 35 years, including 21 years at State College Area High School. He and his wife of 61 years, Loretta, have six children and 12 grandchildren.

Sponsored by Galen E. Dreibelbis

Sponsored by Linda and Blake Gall

In Memory Of

In Memory Of

HERSCHEL LEIBOWITZ

DONALD RAY LUCAS

Originally from York, Herschel Leibowitz left his studies at the University of Pennsylvania to serve his country in World War II as a private first class in the Army’s 75th Infantry Division. He fought in the Battle of the Bulge in 1944-45, the Branch: U.S. Army deadliest battle of the war for U.S. forces. After his military service, Leibowitz studied at the Sorbonne in France and then resumed his psychology studies at Penn. He earned master’s (experimental psychology) and doctoral (physiology) degrees from Columbia University and in 1962 embarked on his distinguished career at the University of Wisconsin and then Penn State of teaching, research, and service. In 1977, the university named him an Evan Pugh professor of psychology, and he retired with emeritus status in 1995. Most importantly, he was a loving family man who is greatly missed by his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren since his death in 2011.

Lucas lived in Centre Hall before serving as a private first class in the 1st Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division. The 20-year-old Marine was killed on Jan. 12, 1969, while in Quang Nam province in South Vietnam.

In 2014, the state House in Harrisburg approved a proposal introduced by Rank: Private First Class state Rep. Kerry Branch: U.S. Marine Corps Conflict: Vietnam Benninghoff (R-Centre/Mifflin) that would rename a portion of state Route 144 the Pfc. Donald Ray Lucas Memorial Highway.

Sponsored by Eileen Leibowitz

Sponsored by John Walizer, State Farm Insurance

In Honor Of

RYAN J. MCCOMBIE Born and raised in Spangler, Pennsylvania, Captain Ryan McCombie graduated from Penn State University in 1970 and was commissioned an ensign in the U.S. Navy. After completing Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (Sea, Air, Land) training, he began his military career with a SEAL tour in Vietnam. He trained and served with commandos from all over the world. He was the first Navy SEAL to serve two years with the elite French Commando Hubert, and also served as operations officer of the highly regarded Red Cell Team.

Because of his knowledge of French and special operations, McCombie was selected to be the first U.S. military attaché to the nation’s embassy in Brazzaville, Congo. Following that assignment, he commanded SEAL Team Two from 1985 to 1987. He then served in high-level positions at the Defense Intelligence Agency in Washington, D.C., and finally as the senior Navy representative and faculty member at the Army War College in Carlisle.

Branch: U.S. Navy

Following his retirement from the Navy in 1996, McCombie served as an executive at two financial service firms and consulted with American, French, Belgian, Canadian, and other companies around the world. Based in State College, he is now an independent business consultant and serves on the boards of several national firms. He is the author of numerous publications, speeches, and symposia presentations for both civilian and military decision-makers.

Penn State alumni elected him to the university’s board of trustees effective July 2012. He is a member of the Penn State Mount Nittany Society and a lifetime member of the Alumni Association, serves on the board of advisors for Outreach Development, and is vice chair of the military scholarship foundation for the World Campus. He is a member of the National Eagle Scout Association, served on the Centre County United Way board of directors, and co-chaired the United Way of Caring with Col. Gerald Russell.

McCombie and his wife, Denise, have three children, two of whom are Penn State alumni, and three grandchildren.

One of their sons, Lt. j.g. Thomas Brandon McCombie, died in the line of duty as a Navy pilot in 2002.

Sponsored by Dick DeFluri, Abundance Wealth Counselors

In Memory Of

In Memory Of

DORIS BRILL MAMOLEN

DAVID GEPHART MYERS

Doris Brill taught grade school in Philadelphia public schools until 1942, when she enlisted in the new Women’s Army (Auxiliary) Corps. After basic and officer training, 2nd Lt. Brill served in Iowa, commanding the first integrated Branch: Women’s company of both black and white Army Corps women. In 1943, she was sent to Oklahoma to activate the 1st WAAC Squadron. In 1944, having been promoted to captain, she was sent to Gulfport, Mississippi, followed in 1945 by her final station, Chatham Air Base in Georgia. She left the service in December 1945 after marrying Morris Mamolen, owner of Neiman’s Department Store in Millheim. In a 2003 Stars & Stripes interview, Mamolen advised today’s military women: “Go for it. A woman has the right to do whatever she can, if she’s able, at the highest rank she can attain.”

Mamolen passed away in 2008 at age 97.

The son of Charles and Louella Myers, David Myers graduated from State College Area High School in 1961 and then from Penn State before joining the Marines and being deployed to Vietnam. 1st Lt. Myers was the aircraft commander of a Bell UH1E Iroquois Huey assault helicopter. On June Rank: First Lieutenant 8, 1967, the chopper took Branch: U.S. Marine Corps heavy enemy fire, and Myers Conflict: Vietnam was mortally wounded. After a crash landing, the three remaining crew members were rescued, but North Vietnamese control of the crash scene prevented the Marines from recovering Myers’ body. Myers was posthumously awarded the POW Commemorative Medal of Honor. He is honored on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., on Panel 21E, Line 75.

Sponsored by Central Pennsylvania Eye Physicians & Surgeons

Sponsored by D. Brent Pasquinelli

In Honor Of

JOHN J. MCQUEARY After graduating from Buffalo, New York’s South Park High School in 1959, John McQueary joined the Navy as a hospital corpsman. In October 1962, as the world watched the Cuban Missile Crisis unfold, he served on Branch: U.S. Navy the USS Plymouth Rock (LSD-29), which stood ready to dispatch troops and act as a hospital ship if the crisis had escalated.

Although McQueary left the military in 1963, his Navy experience was the springboard for his medical career. He was among the first graduates of the Duke University Physician Assistant Program and continued with the program in faculty and administrative roles. In 1981, he became chief operating officer and administrative director of Centre Medical and Surgical Associates (now Mount Nittany Physician Group). He and his wife, Anne, are enjoying retirement in State College.

Sponsored by The State College Framing Co. 24

State College Framing Salutes our Military

25% OFF

for ALL Active & Retired Military

(814) 234-7336 160 Rolling Ridge Dr State College, PA 16801 www.framingstatecollege.com

In Memory Of

In Memory Of

JACK OSWALD & MILO TORRANCE

JAMES R. PALMER

Before the United States entered World War II, Jack “Doc” Oswald studied botany at DePauw University in Indiana and received his doctorate from the University of California. Milo Torrance Branch: U.S. Navy was the second of four generations in his family to graduate from Penn State, where he was a Beta and played football for Coach Bob Higgins. In 1943, the two young men trained together with John F. Kennedy to become the first group of PT boat captains in World War II. Milo and Doc served in the Mediterranean theater — in Tunisia, Sicily, Salerno, Anzio, Corsica, and Sardinia. After the war, Milo and Betty Torrance and Jack and Rose Oswald remained lifelong friends, with Milo helping to convince Jack in 1970 to become president of Penn State, where he remained until retiring in 1983.

After earning a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Iowa State University in 1944, Jim Palmer was commissioned as an ensign in the U.S. Navy. He attended officers, pre-radar, and radar training and Branch: U.S. Navy then served as an electronics officer on a destroyer in the East China Sea. After leaving the military, he was a registered professional engineer, moving to State College in 1953 to join Haller, Raymond, and Brown. While still at HRB in 1954, he became president and CEO of C-COR Electronics Inc., an early manufacturer of cable television equipment, and in 1956 became president of Centre Video, a cable system operator.

Palmer was an honorary Penn State alumnus, founding president of Pennsylvania Centre Stage, and a member and president of the Palmer Museum of Art Advisory Board. He received many honors and appointments, including the Centre County United Way Award for Exemplary Philanthropy in 2001, the year he passed away.

Sponsored by Bill and Ellen Torrance

Sponsored by Barbara Palmer

In Memory Of

In Honor Of

COL GERALD F. RUSSELL

MURRAY SCHOENHOLTZ

A Marine combat veteran of Guadalcanal, Iwo Jima, Korea, and the Cuban missile crisis, the colonel was a tireless community volunteer for causes including Pennsylvania Special Olympics, Centre County Toys for Tots, and United Way. Rank: Colonal The Nittany Leathernecks Branch: U.S. Marine Corps honored him in 2006 by Conflicts: Guadalcanal, Iwo Jima, Korea establishing the Russell Scholarship Fund.

In 2009, as the longtime chair of the Day of Caring, he was the inaugural recipient of the Centre County United Way’s Gerald F. Russell Award, which is bestowed annually to an individual for their longterm Day of Caring efforts.

In 1952, Murray Schoenholtz was studying business at New York University when he was drafted during the Korean War. He served in Korea as a sergeant in the Army’s 2nd Infantry Division, 2nd Signal Battalion. In those pre-computer days, his work in the signal and intelligence field involved examining teletypes Branch: U.S. Army and other forms of communication and forwarding pertinent information for strategic use. After leaving the Army in 1954, Schoenholtz worked in the New York City textile industry before coming to Pennsylvania to join his father’s apparel business in Wilkes Barre, later starting his own business in Saxton. Now retired, he lives in State College with his wife, Ruth Zipser.

Sponsored by The Tavern Restaurant

Sponsored by Irving’s 25

In Honor Of

In Honor Of

BARBARA SHERLOCK

HERBERT WONG

Barbara Sherlock joined the U.S. Navy in 1972 and eventually attained the rank of commander.

Among her assignments were commanding officer of the Military Sealift Command Office in Guam and both executive officer and senior year instructor at Penn State’s Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps Unit. She also served on the Joint Branch: U.S. Navy Staff, as a consultant in the Navy’s organizational development program, and had several assignments in information systems, including management of the worldwide computer network used in joint logistics planning. Having retired from the Navy in 1995, Sherlock is the senior planning and improvement associate in Penn State’s Office of Planning and Assessment. She also is the advisor for On My Honor: Penn State Campus Girl Scouts.

Herb Wong was just 11 when World War II began, but he already had his eye on the “gung ho” Marine Corps.

Finally, when the U.S. began sending troops to fight in the Korean War, he was ready. In 1951, at age 21, he enlisted in the Marines. After training Branch: U.S. Marine Corps in California, he was shipped to Korea. As a scout and observer, he went on combat and reconnaissance patrols to obtain combat intelligence and capture enemy soldiers, using his Chinese language skills to interrogate Communist Chinese. SGT. Wong was awarded the Purple Heart for “wounds.” After returning home to Wisconsin in 1954, Wong finished his bachelor’s degree at Carroll College, went into the family restaurant business, and then in 1970 opened the first Chinese restaurant in State College. He helped found the Nittany Leathernecks Detachment of the Marine Corps League in 1974 (in the basement of the Suzie Wong Restaurant) and remains proud of all his family members who have served in the Armed Forces.

Sponsored by Nicholas Enterprises

Sponsored by Tom & Sara Songer

On Veterans Day, and every day, we are grateful for all military members and veterans who are serving and who have served our country. Your courage, strength, and sacrifice make it possible for all of us to live in freedom. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you!

Vivian Palacios

Tracy Wagner

(814)441-1666

(814)883-5114

Associate

Tom Cali, ABR, CRS, Assoc. Broker (814) 574-4345

www.StateCollegeLiving.com

26

Associate

Ellen Kline, ABR, CRS, GRI (814) 280-2088

1375 Martin St. State College, PA 16803 (814)231-8200

Marcon Roofing would like to thank all Veterans for their service including the following members of the Marcon team (from left) Jason Showers (U.S. Army), Rich Barraclough (U.S. Air Force), Alex Marcon (U.S. Marines), Ray Marcon (U.S. Army), Dave Bolton (U.S. Navy), Russ Davis (U.S. Marines), Don Kensinger (U.S. Army), John Mountz (U.S. Army)

www.rhmarcon.com

814-238-2800

27

The

Protector Penn State alum Michael Murphy had wanted to be a lawyer, until he found his calling to dedicate — and give — his life in service of others

By Daniel Murphy

28

29

N

avy SEAL LT Michael P. Murphy graduated from Patchogue-Medford High School on Long Island, New York, and attended Penn State in the fall of 1994. He completed his four-year program and graduated in the spring of 1998 with a double major in political science and psychology. He was interested in a law school education. As a freshman in 1994, he resided in Sproul Hall on the second floor. He eventually moved into off-campus housing with fellow Penn State students Craig Palmer, Tom McCann, and Marius K., among others.

During his Penn State years, he toyed with the idea of joining the military and, in particular, special operations for both the experience and to protect and preserve the American dream. Michael did not acquire the nickname in high school of “Murph the Protector” on a whim. He had a deepfelt ideology of right and wrong, which propelled him to be the best he could be and led him to Naval Special Warfare as a Navy SEAL. Of the 196 men who started in Michael’s BUD/s [Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL] class, 18 graduated from the program — four officers, including Michael, and 14 enlisted men — following nine months of rigorous training.

Michael’s story is well known now thanks largely to the best-selling story Lone Survivor by Marcus Luttrell and the Universal blockbuster movie of the same name starring Taylor Kitsch (Tim Riggins of Friday Night Lights fame) portraying Michael in the movie. Michael and his SEAL team do have the historical distinction of being the most highly decorated small

unit action in United States Naval history.

Michael also is uniquely listed as a Penn State distinguished alumni and the only Medal of Honor recipient in Penn State’s history.

His time at Penn State was the very best of times for him and our family. While he made some trips home to Long Island as he adjusted to Penn State life, those trips became less frequent, except for the holidays. When he was a sophomore and still without a car, he used to take the bus from Penn State to Long Island on Friday afternoons.

He would forego the early Sunday morning bus that returned to State College so he could stay at home as long as he possible. At about 11 p.m., he and I would take the 4- to 5-hour drive to Penn State on I-80, arriving around 3:30 a.m., when I would drop him off at his dorm and do a quick turnaround, getting back home in time to be in my courtroom by 9:30 a.m. for that day’s call of the calendar. These were the best times because Michael and I spent those hours of quality time discussing current affairs and numerous other topics of interest.

It was on one of those Sunday late-night drives back to Penn State that Michael informed me of his interests in being a part of the military and the special operations community, specifically the Navy SEALs. I was taken aback because of my Vietnam experience as an Army “grunt” [infantryman] and the serious injuries I had sustained as a part of that war. I recall asking him, “Why!? I thought you wanted to be a lawyer.” His reply was he wanted to help people. It was pure Michael — he believed the only life worth living was a life dedicated in service of others. I could not have been more proud, but also worried since I had experienced war first-hand and had returned from Vietnam with bullet wounds and shrapnel in both legs and a 40-percent disability rating.

As for Michael’s times at Penn State as a student, I know that he enjoyed taking his younger brother, John, who was 10 years younger at the time, to the campus because, as John told us, Michael used to refer to his brother as a “chick magnet.” John, at Murphy (in uniform) gives a briefing to part of his Navy SEAL team in Hawaii just prior to a training operation in 2004.

8 and 9 years of age when on campus, drew a lot of

30

attention. As for other Penn State stories on An admirer of Michael campus, as his father Murphy put this image I was less privy to together showing Dan those, so I’d leave Murphy at the White House ceremony for his son and those for the folks a photo of Michael Murphy that knew Michael taken 10 days before his best at Penn State, death. like Heather Duggan, his fiancée and Penn State graduate, and roommates Craig Palmer and Tom McCann, among others.

What many folks don’t know is that when Michael’s death in Afghanistan in 2005 was reported, the first condolence call the family received was from Hillary Clinton, campus, for the fall semester of 2017. On our who was a Senator from New York at the time, visits back to the campus with Kristen, she fell and the second call we received was from Joe in love with the staff, students, and Penn State Paterno. The next day, the Paternos sent a dozen life, and it is her first and foremost choice to white roses to Michael’s mother, Maureen. During attend Penn State. I look forward to those drives an event at Penn State thereafter, when Michael on I-80 with Kristen as I did with Michael. was being honored as a distinguished alumni of Navy SEAL LT Michael P. Murphy was an Penn State, I related this story to the audience, exceptional person, and the most recent honor which included Michael Pilato, who created the bestowed on him is the building of the LT Michael mural on Hiester Street that includes Michael’s P. Murphy Navy SEAL Museum/Sea Cadet Training image. Mr. Pilato was so moved by the story and Facility on Suffolk County parklands in West the gesture by Joe Paterno that he drew a white Sayville, New York. This building will house the first rose by Michael and connected it to a white rose Navy SEAL museum in the northeast, as well as a in Joe Paterno’s hand to signify the very special sea cadet training facility for our future leaders. bond between the Paternos and the Murphy Michael’s favorite saying was “Education will family. set you free,” and he would have been proud Michael would be pleased with the honors to be associated with a building dedicated to bestowed on him by Penn State. Not only was the the education of our citizens to the exploits of Penn State Class of 2011 gift of the Penn State our Navy special operation forces, as well as the Veterans Plaza dedicated to him, there is the Navy training of future leaders. T&G League of Central Pennsylvania, which awards the LT Michael P. Murphy Distinguished Citizen Daniel Murphy, father of Navy SEAL LT Award each October. Last year’s awardee was Sue Michael P. Murphy, served as a Sergeant in Paterno, and this year’s award went to Tom Cali. the US Army in Vietnam and was honorably There also is the Lt. Michael P. Murphy Award discharged after being wounded. He was in Geospatial Intelligence, which recognizes awarded the Purple Heart, the Air Medal, and significant achievement by a Penn State graduate the combat infantryman’s badge. He is an student who is serving or has served in the attorney in New York. He, Michael’s mother, US Armed Forces or with the US Intelligence Maureen, and son, John, started the LT Community and demonstrated exceptional Michael P. Murphy USN Memorial Scholarship contributions to the discipline.

Foundation, which now awards 21 scholarships Finally, my stepdaughter, Kristen Leechto wounded warriors, Suffolk County residents, Murphy, is a senior in high school and applying Penn State, special operators, and the crew of for admission to Penn State, University Park the USS Michael Murphy DDG-112.

32

Penn State

Town&Gown’s Salute to Veterans Higher Education Help for Those Who Served Penn State continues to rank among the best military-friendly schools in the country From Penn State’s Office of Veterans Programs

The Office of Veterans Programs (OVP), which falls under the Office of the Vice Provost for Educational Equity at Penn State’s University Park campus, has been assisting military personnel since the 1970s. Serving more than 4,500 military students worldwide, Penn State has consistently ranked high as a military-friendly school by such publications as Military Times, GI Jobs, and Military Advanced Education, and the staff of OVP would like to keep it that way.

The office is organized as a comprehensive, direct-service entity for military personnel and Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) benefits recipients. Staffed by six full-time professionals and more than 20 student-veterans who work part-time under a DVA work-study, services are provided in the following areas: outreach, certification of benefits, mentorship, advocacy, priority registration, and counseling.

The staff and students take a proactive approach in promoting, instituting, and refining programs and services for military students.

“We are continually brainstorming ideas of how we can better serve our military students,” says Mary Fisk, coordinator of Veterans Outreach.

“They are why we exist, and, just like being in the service, nothing here gets accomplished by a single person — it’s a team effort.”

Many times, that team effort involves participation on various committees or collaboration with other Penn State faculty and staff, and the latest result of that team effort is the newly instituted first-year seminar, “Transition is the Mission.” The course is open only to student-veterans and aims to help them maximize their benefit, get the most out of their college experience, prepare for postcollege employment, and adjust to life after the military.

According to Marine Corps veteran Robert Farmer, “Penn State’s new veteran’s studentorientation class is the perfect way for recently 34

Some veterans who now attend Penn State include (from left) Robert Farmer, Danielle Joliet, Elizabeth Regel, Andrew Sullivan, and Jose Perdelia-Torres.

transitioning veterans to satisfy their first-year seminar requirement and learn about helpful resources that you would have not otherwise been aware of. I took the first-year seminar for Smeal’s College of Business, and while there was great information about exploring the major, the class did not discuss any opportunities or resources available to veterans.”

Other times, that team effort involves partnering with corporations and businesses that are specifically seeking veterans for employment and/or internships.

“Every week, I am contacted by at least two to three business representatives looking to build a relationship with us and our veterans,” Fisk says. “It’s my job to facilitate that.”

At least twice per month, nearly 600 veterans receive an e-mail notification listing the latest opportunities. This notification also serves to advise them of changes to their GI Bill and inform them of any upcoming veteran-related Penn State activities.

Twelve student-veteran peer counselors reach out to military applicants, with the goal of facilitating the Penn State and VA application processes. They provide an essential connection for information on a myriad of topics: housing, recreational activities, veteran support, student

organizations, cost of living, etc. Four veteran student sponsors assist new veteran students to acclimate to an academic environment, connecting them with Penn State and community resources and opportunities for socialization with fellow veterans.

Renee Thornton-Roop, associate director of OVP says, “We are extremely proud of our sponsor program and the work that our student sponsors do to ensure a welcoming and supportive environment for newly incoming student-veterans. Peer mentoring has proven to be a crucial piece of our outreach efforts and has provided our veterans with opportunities for growth and a sense of belonging.”

Danielle Joliet recaps her experience as a mentee. “My mentor took the time to get to know me and accommodated my busy schedule with school and family, coming to my house or meeting me somewhere on campus,” she says. “I’ll never forget how she made me feel like there is space for me here, and I felt more connected to the local community. Because of her, I became a student sponsor.”

Penn State’s World Campus is a vital component

for many military students, particularly those still serving on active duty and resident students with full-time or part-time jobs. The World Campus Military Support Team is comprised of full-time staff members who facilitate student success and achievement. It offers more than 125 accredited graduate and undergraduate degrees, as well as certificates and minors. Just last year, World Campus’ undergraduate programs were ranked No. 1 in the country for veterans by US News and World Report.

Of course, support from the leadership at the top is essential, and Penn State president Eric Barron has made sure that Penn State military students know they are a priority for him.

“President Barron has really shone the spotlight on our military students and has been the impetus behind ensuring that the student-veterans have a voice here on campus,” recounts one veteran, accentuating the “all-in” initiative fostered by the Office of Educational Equity and the Office of Veterans Programs. T&G For more information on Penn State’s Office of Veterans Programs, visit equity.psu.edu/veterans.

We Take Service Seriously.

Service to Our Country.

Service to Our Customers.

Allied Mechanical & Electrical thank ALL of our Veterans, and proudly recognize members of our team who have served:

Like Us on Facebook

Ray Dershem, Navy Jim Godown, National Guard Brad Heltman, Army Mike Knepp, Air Force

State College: 814.238.0238 ( Toll Free: 800.325.0238)

Dennis Lorah, Army Todd Strawser, Army Brandon Williams, Army Mark Zendek, Navy

www.alliedme.com

35

Town&Gown’s Salute to Veterans Penn State University Archives

After the “Date which Will Live in Infamy” As America’s involvement in World War II began, Penn Staters prepared to do their part for the war effort

By Lee Stout

Each Veterans Day, our thoughts turn to the sacrifices that the men and women who served in the armed forces made to allow us to enjoy the freedom and rights we hold precious.

Veterans Day was originally called Armistice Day, to mark the end of World War I on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918.

Today, the holiday is marked by commemorative events, parades, and ceremonies, but the most commonly stirred memory is of America’s entry into World War II with the bombing of Pearl Harbor by Japan. December 7, 1941, the “date which will live in infamy,” in President Roosevelt’s words, is remembered as a day of shock and disbelief. The parents of baby-boomers could distinctly recall where they were and what they were doing when they learned of the attack on Pearl Harbor.

Exploring the news at Penn State in the immediate aftermath of the bombing, however, can give us a slightly different take on that story. The first issue of the Daily Collegian to appear after the attack came out on Tuesday, December 9, 1941, about two weeks before Christmas vacation. While basketball games, boxing matches, and fraternity-sorority socials continued, the bulk of the coverage addressed the immediate concerns of the students and staff of the college. President Hetzel issued a statement urging all to remain calm and not “act impulsively.” He told them flatly that “this is the time for us to keep our heads and to work seriously at our given assignments” until the national interest required that we do otherwise.

Needless to say, students were concerned about their military status. Those in advanced ROTC graduated with commissions as reserve officers. Colonel Edward D. Ardery reassured them that little would change.

36

Penn State students take the oath of enlistment in 1942.

Advanced students would not be immediately conscripted, although they would likely move directly from reserve to active status as second lieutenants after graduation.

Interestingly, Ardery noted there would be no immediate mobilization of students into a Student Army Training Corps, as was done in 1917. Unlike World War I, it was thought that the ROTC programs in colleges furnished enough reserve officers to meet the military’s current needs. What those needs might eventually be was unclear, but some things were obvious. Women’s editor Louise Fuoss wrote that women would be ready, and not just in traditional roles. “We’ll learn how to work in factories, drive ambulances, and maybe even how to kill people. Our chins, though trembling, will be strictly ‘up.’ ” Antiwar and isolationist editorials disappeared immediately. Although at this early date, students thought Adolf Hitler was behind the Pearl Harbor attack, most still didn’t want to go to war against the European Axis powers. That situation changed quickly when Germany and Italy declared war on the United States on December 11. As the Hawaii attack was a complete surprise, rumors of

potential German attacks on America’s East Coast were taken seriously.

Campus civilian defense planning, which had been considered “far-fetched” a few weeks before, quickly mobilized and combined efforts with the borough of State College.

Committees were established for scrapmetal drives, first aid, physical fitness, and “American unity,” among others. Blackouts and air-raid drills would follow in 1942.

Extension services staff announced it would accelerate defense-industry training classes across the state for more than 50,000 workers. “Penn State offers more research and defense training to industry than probably any other college. It’s extension services alone is responsible for one-seventh of the total national program.” Eventually, the total trained by Penn State exceeded 100,000 war workers.

For students facing possible conscription into active service or deferments to continue scientific research and technical training to win the war, uncertainty was the dominant emotion. Ninety percent of students polled by the Collegian wanted to stay in school, but most also felt the pang of conscience in this national emergency.

The paper’s editorial page summed up young peoples’ concerns: “ ‘What part am I going to play?’ was the anxious question asked by deferred students, potential draftees, and coeds. … As students, we have a job to perform, bloody, senseless, and heartbreaking as it seems. We must win.”

But students needed to attend to the tasks now assigned to them, “by staying in college and educating themselves until Uncle Sam beckons his long arm, students are helping to maintain a national equilibrium.”

President Roosevelt had told them to expect a long war. Ten million young Americans would eventually serve in the armed forces.

Their efforts and experiences would change the country forever. We can be proud that Penn Staters played their part in it. T&G Lee Stout is librarian emeritus, special collections for Penn State and writes his “Penn State Diary” column for Town&Gown.

Supports Our Veterans To thank our veterans for their sacrifice, on Veterans day (from open to close), we are offering all veterans a FREE meal.

Choose from Ground Sirloin, Fried Shrimp, Chicken Tenders w/ Stuffing, or our Salad bar.

Drink is included.

The three entrees include a hot side and the salad bar.

Where your family wants to eat!

1450 North Atherton Street State College, PA 16803 814.234.4009

37

Town&Gown’s Salute to Veterans The Threads of Helping Others Inspired by his father’s service, a Penn State retiree sets up fund to help military members and their families

By Chris Buchignani

The great stories of any age are often best understood by tracing the tiny threads of personal experience. In following these winding strands, seeing where and how they intersect, we come to understand how the collective weight of countless individual acts underpins the forces that shape our world.

On the afternoon of April 11, 1945, General George S. Patton’s 6th Armored Division, including a young soldier from western Pennsylvania named Albert Edward Matyasovsky, rolled in to liberate Buchenwald, one of the largest of the Nazi concentration camps. Among the 21,000 prisoners set free that day was a teenage boy named Elie Wiesel.

In a bustle of thousands of anonymous faces that day, the two never met. For a brief and meaningful moment though, the threads of their life stories intersected.

Wiesel, who passed away earlier this year, counted among the lucky few to survive the horrors of the Holocaust; he grew up to author more than 50 books and win the Nobel Prize. He was able to share his gifts with the world because of the sacrifice and bravery of American and other Allied soldiers. One of them, Matyasovsky, returned from the war with a lifetime’s worth of experiences, spanning Normandy to the Ardennes and beyond, fortunate enough to have come back home at all. He did not gain great wealth or notoriety in his postwar life, but as a father, he created a legacy and influence that will positively impact the lives of future Penn State students.

Al Matyasovsky Jr., who recently retired from Penn State after decades overseeing the university’s waste management and recycling programs, has established the Veterans’ Education and Advancement Fund (VEAF), a scholarship endowment with the Penn State World Campus. He and his wife, Sharon, cite their parents, particularly Al’s father and mother, as their inspiration in 38

A banner on Worthington Avenue in Clairton recognizes hometown hero Albert Matyasovsky Sr.

launching this effort, which will provide financial assistance to veterans, active-duty military, and their family members who are enrolled in the university’s online programs.

“We lived in a coal-mining town for six years, very meager surroundings. My father used to have to carry water from a community pump up to our house that we drank, bathed in, and cooked with, and I never heard him complain,” Al Jr. recalls. He absorbed the lessons of his father’s work ethic, but also the man’s oftrepeated core values: “Treat people with respect.

Be fair. Be honest. Don’t lie. Don’t cheat.”

The “American Century” that blossomed in the wake of Allied victory in World War II brought widespread educational and economic opportunities to a generation of Americans.

Despite an impoverished upbringing, Al’s commitment to following his father’s example brought on the academic achievement necessary to open those doors. As a senior, a meeting with his high school guidance counselor put him on the path to a college education.

“She said, ‘We send guys like you to college,’ and she got me all the money that I would go to college on … that changed my life. It demonstrated to me how people outside the family who have faith in you

can affect your life in a tremendous way.”

He graduated from Lock Haven University, and after a few job and location changes, he obtained a position with Penn State that turned into a long career. With more than 30 years of service, he was in charge of many of the university’s solid waste management and recycling efforts. He managed game-day operations at Beaver Stadium for a quarter century, including post-9/11 security measures, and he also implemented some of the school’s most innovative and recognizable sustainability efforts.

These include the now-ubiquitous blue recycling bags that dot the tailgating fields during football season and, probably most notably, the annual Trash to Treasure sale at Beaver Stadium, where departing students donate items they would otherwise discard that are then sold to benefit Centre County United Way. He proudly notes that, since its inception, the event has raised more than $750,000 for the charity while repurposing “stuff that was going to the landfill.”

After retiring, he sought to finally make good on a long-held ambition to philanthropically support veterans, thinking of the inspiring role his father had played during his life. While considering the creation of a new foundation, he also spoke with staff at the university about his idea. Those discussions led to the creation of the Veterans’ Education and Advancement Fund scholarship within the Penn State World Campus.

“The logic is that a veteran and their family don’t have to uproot themselves to come to University Park,” he says “They can receive a Penn State degree from anywhere in the world.”

An especially unique facet that distinguishes the VEAF, according to Matyasovsky, is the flexibility to also support family members of service members and vets.

“The love and admiration that we have for our parents is still very strong today,” he says.

“We feel that the family also deserves credit

39

Town&Gown’s Salute to Veterans for supporting the veterans who defend our freedoms and support our way of life. Our fathers were in the military, and our mothers taught us the way of keeping family together and being part of the neighborhood and so on.”

The VEAF will hold its first fund-raising event, a dinner at the Penn Stater Hotel and Conference Center, in April 2017. The fund is now a permanent part of the veterans’ support programming offered by the World Campus, which has been consistently ranked as the top online education program for veterans and active-duty military in the nation. As the lead donors, Al and Sharon are dedicated to growing the fund continually to amplify its impact.

“I’m not a hero for it,” Al says. “My father was the hero. I just did what my father and mother advised me to do. My mother used to say, ‘Being poor has nothing to do with who you are as a person.’ Both my parents told me, ‘Study hard. Get good grades, and good things will happen to you.’”

Follow the thread.

Through courage and fortitude, a generation of Americans such as Al Matyasovsky Sr. won battlefield victories that changed lives for millions, including a young Elie Wiesel. He returned home to support and inspire a son who went on to make a lasting impact on life here in the Nittany Valley, first as a long-time Penn State employee and now again with the VEAF. Motivated by the memory of veterans who so strongly influenced their lives, Al and Sharon Matyasovsky have put forth the effort that will enable the dreams of education and opportunity for future generations of America’s servicemen and women and their families. Until all is said and done, who can know how many more lives they will touch, how many more threads will cross their own and end up better for it? T&G Chris Buchignani is president of the board of directors of the Nittany Valley Society.

The Centre County Recycling & Refuse Authority would like to honor our veterans.

Kenneth Bowers ..............................Army Bill Crouch .......................................Navy Jeia Forsyth .....................................Army Rod Fye ...........................................US Air Force Al Kustaborder ................................US Air Force Wade Summers ...............................Navy

We are thankful for their service.

CENTRE COUNTY RECYCLING & REFUSE AUTHORITY (814) 238.7005 CCRRA@CENTRECOUNTYRECYCLES.ORG WWW.CENTRECOUNTYRECYCLES.ORG

40

BEST WESTERN PLUS University Park Inn & Suites 115 Premiere Drive State College, PA 16801 814.234.8393 866.840.0931 www.nittanyhotel.com

Town&Gown’s Salute to Veterans Q&A with Brian Querry, director of Centre County Veterans Affairs For veterans who live in Centre County, the Centre County Veterans Affairs office, located in the Willowbank County Office Building in Bellefonte, is a resource that can help veterans and their families on issues such as benefits, education, hospitalization, and more.

Brian Querry, who served in the US Navy for more than 26 years before retiring in 2006, became director of Centre County Veterans Affairs in 2014. He took some time to talk about what the office does and how veterans in Centre County are served.

T&G: In general, how does the Centre County Veterans Affairs office help local veterans and their families? What are some of the main aspects the office does?

Querry: The Centre County VA office has two Veterans Service Officers (VSOs). As VSOs, we maintain accreditation through annual training to assist veterans with claims for both compensation and pensions.

While we work primarily with compensation/ pension claims with veterans, we can assist veterans with a multitude of other issues. If a veteran has a question, they should call us. We may not know the answer, but we probably know who to call. Our number is (814) 355-6812.

T&G: What are some of the greatest needs for veterans and are their ways the community can help?

Querry: I believe that it is very hard to generalize the greatest needs of our veterans since we have all age groups ‌ the WWII vets are in their 90s and the Persian Gulf vets may be as young as early 20s.

Older vets probably need more assistance with health care, while the younger vets are going to school, starting families, and more interested in finding jobs. The best assistance that our community can do is to recognize those vets that need assistance and refer them to our office to give us a chance to find them assistance.

T&G: Have those needs changed over time — have veterans of some of our current 42

wars had different needs than say veterans from Vietnam or past wars?

Querry: As discussed earlier, older vets probably benefit most from additional health assistance. In some ways their problems are similar. While we have only recently started diagnosing and treating Post Traumatic Stress (PTS), veterans from all wars may have PTS issues and find it helpful to receive counseling and treatment.

However, Vietnam veterans that served in country and/or some locations in Thailand may have health issues associated with exposure Agent Orange. The advancements in medical care and high use of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) during the Gulf War has to led to a high number of vets with losses of limbs and traumatic brain injuries.

T&G: How do you feel Centre County does when it comes to helping veterans?

Querry: I believe that the county does a good job for those veterans that are identified as needing help and/or requesting help. While this is not just a Centre County issue, we need to continuously reach out to those veterans that may be too proud to ask for help or are not aware of what assistance is available to improve their lives.

T&G: Do you know how many veterans are in Centre County or how many your office serves?

Querry: There are approximately 10,000 veterans in Centre County and probably another couple thousand surviving spouses that could potentially benefit from VA programs. It is very hard for me to give you a concrete number of vets that we

Home • Auto • Business • Life • Annuities

Boyles Insurance

Thanking Our

Veterans For Their

Service & Sacrifice!

400 S. Atherton Street - State College, PA 16801

814.234.1991

11 Nichols Street - Clearfield, PA 16830

814.765.8152

www.boylesinsurance.com 43

Town&Gown’s Salute to Veterans are assisting at any one time. On average, we receive over 30 phone calls per day — many asking questions that we can answer immediately, others may require an appointment with a claim submission.

Last year, we submitted over 600 claims for benefits. At any one time, we are probably assisting approximately 2,000 vets.

T&G: Are there things in the future you’d like to see happen that can help veterans more?

Querry: Continue through articles like this to get the word out about our office and how we can assist veterans. T&G For more information about the Centre County Veterans Affairs office, visit centrecountypa.gov or call (814) 355-6812.

HONORING

All who courageously served,

And those who bravely fight today

THANK YOU!

1229 S. Atherton St., State College

(814) 234-9000

W W W.FACCIALUNA.COM

Thank you for

Protecting Our Freedom

111 Village Drive, State College, PA 16803 (814) 235-1020 · Fax (814) 235-1388 www.choicehotels.com/hotel/pa421

We Salute Veterans...

Thank you for protecting us and our freedoms.

132 Village Drive, State College, PA 16803 (814) 235-1900 · Fax (814) 234-5530 www.choicehotels.com/hotel/pa276

44

Contact Kevin McGarry or Tim Marshall (814) 234-9007 Innovation Park at Penn State www.urishpopeck.com

With Respect, Honor, And Gratitude.

Everyone at The Centre County Gazette would like to thank our Veterans. made in the usa NOVEMBER 7-13, 2013

THE CENTRE COUNTY GAZETTE

PAGE 12

NOVEMBER 6-12,

THE CENTRE COUNTY

PAGE 30

War ancestor

Local man explores history of Civil

By SAM STITZER

pennsvalley@centrecountygazette.com

people, CENTRE HALL — Like many has Centre Hall resident Philip Burlingame his own an interest in Civil War history and

family genealogy. the On Veterans Day, he will honor Capt. memory of his father, Army Air Corps War II Frederick Burlingame Jr., a World Burlveteran; his grandfather, Frederick and ingame Sr., a World War I veteran; Leroy his great-great-grandfather, Herman Civil War Burlingame, a veteran of the at the known as “H.L.� who was wounded while Battle of Gettysburg on July 1, 1863, the with defending McPherson’s Ridge 150th Pennsylvania Volunteer Regiment.

On July 1, during the 150th anniversary Burlof the Battle of Gettysburg, Philip Terry, of ingame and his two brothers, Ga., Smethport, and Michael, of Atlanta, the battlemet at Gettysburg and walked the field hour by hour to commemorate movements of their great-great-grandfa fateful ther and the 150th Regiment on that day.

Bur“We planned our trip for months,� visited all had lingame said. “Though we Gettysburg before, the 150th anniversary be to had we something was of the battle part of.� at the H.L. Burlingame was a corporal was astime of the Gettysburg battle. He Comsigned to the 150th Pennsylvania’s men pany G, which consisted of many Pennfrom McKean County in northern after the sylvania. Company G was created Buckfame and reputation of the original later the tail Regiment (Kane’s First Rifles, 42nd Regiment) had reached Washington, of War D.C., and the office of Secretary Edwin Stanton.

Twenty companies of Pennsylvania

regimen were mustered, and two more drew ments were formed, both of which Wildcat some troops from the so-called included District of Pennsylvania, which the 149th McKean County. Like those in wore disregiment, the men of the 150th The bucktinctive bucktails on their hats. and tail units were tested in many battles the in formidable especially be to proved defense of Gettysburg.

H.L. and his comrades in Company defense of G saw extensive action in the 1863. H.L. McPherson’s Ridge on July 1, and he survived the many hours of battle, Briand his fellow soldiers (part of Stone’s stave successfully to gade) fought bravely brioff the attacks of three Confederate strategades. The men of the 150th held gically important ground at McPherson’s afterRidge from mid-morning until early the battle, noon that day. Early on during “We have one of the men shouted out, stay. did come to stay!� And, indeed, they sufDuring those critical hours, they their held but fered great casualties Abner ground, permitting the rest of Gen. position Doubleday’s regiments to get into As on the other high ground of Gettysburg.the late in the regiment’s history indicates, the 150th afternoon of July 1, the men of McPherreceived orders to retreat from son’s Ridge. Lt. Col. Henry Huidekoper, that the with his arm broken, determined the canretreat was unavoidable to save behind nons of Reynolds’ Battery in place the men them. At that point, nearly half of in in the 150th had been killed or wounded the defense of that ridge. histoAccording to Burlingame family the fields ry, as the regiment moved from H.L. back toward the town of Gettysburg, who was shot by a wounded Confederate was was lying on the ground. H.L.’s wound was capnear his ankle in his right leg. He

a Confedtured at Gettysburg and taken to his wound was NOVEMBER erate prison camp where 5-11, This 2015 cauterized by a Confederate surgeon.

THE CENTRE COUNTY GAZETTE likely curtailing of the possible infection saved his leg from amputation. readLast year, Philip Burlingame was Hill and ing the book “Gettysburg: Culp’s the former Cemetery Hill� by Harry Pfanz, National chief historian of the Gettysburg discovered he Military Park. While reading, from that there was an eyewitness account named resident Gettysburg an 18-year-old how Cpl. Henry Eyster Jacobs describing in a H.L. Burlingame had been sheltered captured Gettysburg home and was later

by Confederate troops. “I was so excited about this discovery Nathat I had to travel to the Gettysburg of a copy tional Military Park to obtain archives the eyewitness account from the said.

Burlingame there,� deFrom other sources, the Burlingame from scendants learned that it was troops Jain the Georgia who found Burlingame cobs’ house. The retreating Confederate with hunPhotos courtesy Philip Burlingame troops transported him along Prison dreds of other prisoners to Libby CIVIL WAR veteran H.L. Burlingame, seated, his leg in Richmond, Va. It was there that is pictured with his son Clifford Burlingame, wound was cauterized.

By SAM STITZER was his grandson Frederick Burlingame Sr., Burlingame H.L. year, that Later oppressive jungle heat pennsvalley@centrec ountygazette.com and a a prisoner and his infant great-grandson Frederick son that dumped 120 inches record-setting monsoon seareleased from Libby Prison in home of rain on the region. war, he returned Jr., circa 1929.

Burlingame HALL — Traci Loner’s exchange. After the CENTRE Loner remembers her father, Paul Sampsell, near father sharing both good McKean Centre important Hall,County bad played an served in the and to work his farmofin stories of the war with Burlingame “H.L. during her when the Vietnamimportant War. Loner wanted to find U.S. Army battles “He’s an the village of Kasson. the most incredibly good storyteller, she was growing up. of a one way in role to honor his service whenBurlingame staying and he has an amazsheH.L. was heard of ill anand ing senseconorganization, In August 1931, of humor, which has really War,� Philip the Civil of Quilts of Valor Ac- the Foundation,inwhich helped him cope,�

East Smethport. makes and presents she said. to at a nursing home “To have had the opportunity quilts cluded. to veterans.

H.L.’s Sr.,40 OnBurlingame Oct. 18, about was to its According my brothers of Sampsell’s cording to Frederick in his footsteps website, Quilts of Valor walk family members with had friends gathered which and was founded his leg, in of us Catherine in none 2003, when the Old — one grandson, the wound on experience Roberts began the foundation a powerful Legion building life,Fort American for throughout long a presentation his Seaford, of in healed a Quilt Del. fully of Valor Her son Nathanael’s year-long never ever theforget.� willto local veteran.

Sampsell sepsis deployment entered to Iraq provided developed on the the initial He the and U.S. Army on name appears became infected.

Burlingame’s Nov. H.L. inspiration, and her desire 18, 1965, when he was 20toyears believe seeGettysburg, old.that that returning warriors to He H.L. in was trained died. There is evidence Monument for jungle were Pennsylvania fighting in welcomed home with the the New beenHethe Mexico have love of desert. and Burlinactually gratitude they deserved was deployed generations Burlingame may stone formakin Vietnam, carved to provided the rest. ing aGettysburg die battle Roberts hit upon the idea bytoship, the 22-day journey which caused last veteran ofness to see. much seasickamong his fellow soldiers. games machine quilters in a nationalthat linking quilt toppers with from his war wounds. effort could achieve her Sampsell was stationed of covering all returning goal service men and women south of the demilitarized near the village of Dong Ha, touched by war. zone. He served in many patrols, designed to draw night These wartime quilts, called enemy Quilts of Valor, would emies’ positions so Americans fire, and reveal the ena tangible reminder of be could return fire. During America’s appreciation Sampsell’s 11-month stint, and gratitude. his 980-man battalion endured Since 2003, QOVF has become a national grassroots

Local Vietnam veteran prese

Japanese. by the P AGE 29 were strafing the area, Several planes kitchen. bullets into the some spraying outside and other men ran a time Wolfe and the for cover. After dived into foxholes due to downed phone on the of great confusion arms was blown lines, the call to

By SAM STITZER

azette.com pennsvalley@centrecountyg

geneveryone in his COBURN — Like Lawrence J. Wolfe, old the eration, 100-yearrs Dec. 7, 1941, the of Coburn, remembe war the Japanese attacked Habugle. said, ‘We’re at infamous day fleet in Pearl Harbor,espe“Then the captain Wolfe.

American naval are ’� said the memories with the Japanese, man saw the Japawaii. For Wolfe, he was there.

Wolfe said a radar ing the island from cially vivid because in Spring Mills on Aug. nese planes approach his sighting to Gen. Wolfe was born and Edith to son of Clayton the south and reported worked 20, 1914, the believed the planes up in Coburn and was a Walter Short. Short bombers. After the atWolfe. He grew nt, B-17 departme was be American Feed sial move, Short refor the state highway worked at Rote’s tack, in a controver n of duty and truck driver, and the Civilian Conservain charged with derelictio .

Mill. He served nia and West Virlieved of his command and fellow Cotion Corps in Pennsylva friend Wolfe lost a Master Sgt. in ginia. in the attack. into the U.S. Army the burn resident He was drafted Virginia, was housed near after training in he was Bill Brandt, who and killed by a strafearly 1941, and West Coast, where Guard stepped harbor, was shot was sent to the plane when he California National ing Japanese to see what was to Camp assigned to a Wolfe was sent go to outside his building unit. In late 1941 island of Oahu, Hawaii, had planned to going on. Wolfe the night before, but the Malakole, on the to Battery F of to Brandt’s building he was assigned nt where he was assigned Artillery. did not go because community that assignme 251st Coastal service effort, morning attack — he believes rs theconnecting theless KP duty homefront remembe withWolfe with servicemen andwell. his life. veterans.

His base was probably saved Wolfe’s unit went Pearl Harbor onSampsell’s quilt washarbor. the made by Jean Klaiber, of the South Following the attack, with the massive from Carolina Shore kitchen than a mile help the Birds in Quilts of Valor. chapter I was of 7:30.

Wolfe Pearl Harbor to to Klaiber, who “It attended was around the presentation, on a platLater that month, standing backspoke tothey the group. cleanup said cooks, She effort.shipped out to the Fiji Isthat theQOVF with gives quilts when to kitchen all veterans, and she the the 251st andwas back of glad aft artillery thatinthat the many smoke form thisfinally Vietnam allare as an anti-aircr vets We saw nized. recog-to serve the Arizona. up noted blowingbeinglands that 125,230 blewShe washave quilts been a volcano like with by — unit.

QOVF since 2003, it looked blew us presented time in the Solomon 727 ofalmost them being awarded dur“The shock Wolfe also spent ing up,� the last Wolfe. saidtwo weeks nal, where he was ofinOctober.

Klaiber said eachIslands the kitchen.� while has a label quilt and in Guadalca affixedwe soltohad the back, off the stand fellow Japanese snipers histhe names of the once he andwith makers,Wolfe quilt- shot at by the recipient said that Japaand the date thepresentation. of the it was a supply truck. on a A local at first didn’t of therealize QOVF has been formed, driving diers chapter Wolfe came homeof his coordinated by Carolyn In April 1945, Foust, of Centre Hall. blamed nese attacking. married the love Their is a quilter, he said. “We Foust and many idea,�

30-day leave and ofhad her no family members, Rebersburg. “We in including Wingard, men.� her husband Steve, are veterans.

Air Corps life, Hester read about for 69 years, and emblem it on the (U.S) She sunQOVF in a quilting magazine the red the and became marriage has endured Wolfe saw interestedit in attack When anorganization. the was wanted to “I realized do he something to promote Quilts of Valor the planes, onsaid. ly,� she localThe Happy Valley Quilts of Valor chapter was formed, and now has about 25 members who meet month to work on the quilts. twice a Klaiber presented the quilt to Sampsell, who was very grateful and overwhelmed by the honoring gesture. don’t know what to say, “I just other than ‘Wow,’ he 500 W Pine Grove Rd. said. “A 20-year-old veteran couldn’t ask for anything more 16868 this.�

Grove Mills, PA Pinethan Loner mentioned the .3254 negative treatment that Vietnam veterans received many814.238 upon war. “The ’60s were a different returning home from the time, and a lot of people our country couldn’t separate in the soldier from the politics,� she said. “Many soldiers that came home from the Vietnam War were spat upon, cursed at and yelled at. “I want you to think of this as your welcome present,� Loner said to home Sampsell. “I love you, I’m proud to be your daughter and I’m very honored to say, ‘Welcome home, soldier.’�

nted with Quilt of Valor

We Proudly Honor Our Veterans Past and Present

VFW Post 5644 In honor of our Armed Forces you and their families we salute

SAM STITZER/For the

and daughters, Rosemary they have two in Devra. d from the Army Wolfe was discharge to Pennsylvania. returned late 1945, and Renovo, rethe railroad in Hester He worked for e engines, while Aircraft pairing locomotiv Haven at the Piper Lock in and worked moved to Coburn, plant. The Wolfes mechanic school on Lawrence attended the GI Bill.

Hall y Pike, Centre 2928 Penns Valle 814-364-9416

Oyster Feed Veterans Day on and Chinese Aucti

of Valor while standing with daughter

Traci Loner, wife Carol and son

CARTWRIGHT MARTIN AMERICAN LEGION

Troy.

SAM STITZER/For the Gazette

& Eat Shrimp

PA 16829 • 814-387-6711

Troops Memorialists you We Honor & Support Our Thank Veterans!

Past, Present and Future • Excellent Service • Full-time

s.com See all styles at www.mayesmemorial 910 Pike Street

MAYES MEMORIALS

Jodon In Memory of Sgt. Andrew R. Killed in Action May 12, 2005

Lemont, PA 16851

814-237-2352

0$<(6 0(025,$/6 3LNH 6WUHHW /HPRQW 3$

ZZZ PD\HVPHPRULDOV FRP L QIR#PD\HVPH 3HUVRQDO KRPH DSSRLQWPHQWV DYD PRULDOV FRP LODEOH

Professionalism â&#x20AC;˘ Quality

since 1880

Service â&#x20AC;˘ Full-time Memorialists

Thanks To Our Current And Past Military

Brooks-Doll-Ebling Post 33 American Legion

american made

Workmanship â&#x20AC;˘ Excellent

â&#x20AC;&#x153;In honor of all veterans, valiant service is not limited to combatâ&#x20AC;?

Tuesday: Peel Night Thursday: Wing Dinners Friday: Steak

american

Armed Forces In honor of our we salute you lies and their fami

Clarence, Clarenceâ&#x20AC;˘Road, 1171Professionalism Quality Workmanship

info@mayesmemorials.com

11 5-7:30pm

Nov. the service of our Come celebrate ide Veterans nationw local veterans and and company. and enjoy great food

Detachment 302

PAUL SAMPSELL holds his Quilt

, and later worked his current residence in Bellefonte, retiring Titan Metals (Cerro) effect in 1976. summed up the Wolfe concisely America attack had on the Pearl Harbor everyand the world. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; they changed â&#x20AC;&#x153;Them bombs changed â&#x20AC;&#x153;The whole thing thing,â&#x20AC;? he said. after that.â&#x20AC;?

er Smith Pletch Post 779 Centre Hall ion American Leg

NITTANY LEATHERNECKS Price Reductions on in-stock Memorials

Gazette

right is Hester, his Coastal Artillery. At of Battery F, 251st holds a group photo LAWRENCE WOLFE daughter Devra at rear. just a few feet from wife of 69 years, with for He opened a garage

, Dean Dunlap, Meckley VFW Post 5825

ce of all We honor the servi en in wom of the men and the military, all branches of men and especially those re County! women in Cent

627 E. Sycamore St., Snow Shoe, PA 16874 814 387-6530

American Legion Keystone Post 444 Millheim, PA

USA rbor

embers Pearl Ha

urn veteran rem

100-year-old Cob

2014

GAZETTE

American Legion 444 Keystone Post Millheim, PA

Accepting new applications and welcoming veterans since 1946.

see one of Come visit and welcoming the nicest and s in the area.

American Legion

om/ALpost779 www.facebook.c rg www.post779.o ost779.org Email: post779@p

insignias

121 E. Howard St., Bellefo nte

edam nacirema

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Veterans Serving Our Communityâ&#x20AC;?

See more content about Centre County nVeterans in our made in i edam the eht usa Veterans Day Special Feature on November 10th.asu 0$<(6 0(025,$/6 3LNH 6WUHHW /HPRQW 3$

ZZZ PD\HVPHPRULDOV FRP L QIR#PD\HVPH 3HUVRQDO KRPH DSSRLQWPHQWV DYD PRULDOV FRP LODEOH

USA

THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

ACIREMA FO SETATS DETINU EHT

USA

ASU

MADE IN THE

EHT NI EDAM

american

insignias

nacirema

THE UNITED STATES OF

AMERICA

THE UNITED STATES OF

ASU

saingisni

FO SETATS DETINU EHT

USA

ASU

ACIREMA

Stocker Chevrolet & Stocker Subaru

Proudly Salute Our

men and women in uniform.

Active military and veterans do qualify for additional discounts at Stocker Chevrolet and Stocker Subaru.* *Please contact us for discount and incentive information

Stocker Chevrolet-Subaru 701 Benner Pike 814 . 238 . 4905 â&#x20AC;˘ 800 . 473 .14 98 stockerchevrolet . com