19 minute read
Features
from November 2020
Freedom Flyer
By: Jaime Cline
Lieutenant Colonel Lauren “Laurie” Lengyel was born in 1935 in Waterbury, Connecticut. He dreamed of flying planes and becoming a pilot. His older brother was a Naval pilot and he had several friends who were pilots as well. He shared that he saw heroic pilots in movies with planes soaring through the sky and it just seemed like the absolute coolest thing to do.
“It’s all I wanted to do,” he said.
Lengyel started college but he just wasn’t happy or fulfilled. He kept wishing he was in pilot school instead, so he took a leap of faith and left college to pursue flying. He took some entrance exams and joined pilot training, but unfortunately, at that time, the Air Force wasn’t commissioning a lot of pilots. Then with a sheer stroke of bad luck--Lengyel had a freak accident and fell off a roof causing injuries which would cost him a year’s worth of recovery time before he would be able to requalify for the Air Force.
“At that time, the Air National Guard knocked on my door and said if I’d sign up, I’d be in the cockpit flying within a year,” he shares.
“I signed up that day.”
Lengyel enlisted in the Aviation Cadet Program on January 24, 1957, and was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the
Massachusetts Air National Guard. Shortly after he was awarded his pilot wings on July 23, 1958, at Greenville AFB, Mississippi. He never forgot his end goal though—to join the Air Force. He flew with the National Guard for six years, during which time he was activated during the Berlin Crisis and deployed to Phalsbourg Air Base in France.
Lengyel finally went active duty with the Air Force on April 17, 1964, serving first as a gunnery instructor at Nellis AFB Nevada. When asked about his time at Nellis, he fondly recalls it as a “fun” assignment.
“I got to fly 2-3 times a week, which I loved. The more time in the air, the happier I was. The weather was great, and it was my first assignment in the Air Force.”
Lengyel got to fly his self-proclaimed “favorite” plane during that time, the F-86 Sabre, sometimes called the Sabrejet. The Sabrejet is a transonic jet fighter aircraft and is best known as the United States first swept-wing fighter that participated in high-speed dogfights in the skies of the Korean War—fighting in some of the earliest jet-to-jet battles in history.
“Those were beautiful airplanes. Handled so well and lots of fun to fly. They took good care of me for sure.”
Then in June of 1967 Captain Lengyel began flying combat missions in Southeast Asia with the 16th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron in the Republic of Vietnam. During his 40th combat mission, Lengyel was forced to eject over North Vietnam on August 9, 1967. He was immediately captured and taken as a Prisoner of War where he spent 2,044 days in captivity. Lengyel recalls long periods of solitary confinement, limbs being bound together by rope, severe beatings, and interrogation.
“We experienced terrible conditions. They wanted us to give them military intelligence and sensitive information.” Years of uncertainty, bad food, disease, and incarceration followed.
The silver lining though? The POWs power in numbers and faith in each other.
“We figured out ways to be able to communicate with each other. We used a ‘tap code’ to share information, stay together, and ultimately defy our captors.”
The punishment for that defiance was harsh though.
“We lost every freedom…and not the freedoms you hear about on TV,” Lengyel shared. “You could only do what they told you to do.”
After spending almost 6 years in captivity, Captain Lengyel was released during Operation Homecoming in March of 1973. He was briefly hospitalized to recover from his injuries but was back in the air again quickly, this time flying C-141 Starlifters at Travis AFB in California. During this time, Lengyel was one of only two former Vietnam POWs to return to the country and resume combat missions, during the Fall of Saigon.
When asked what fueled that drive to get back in the cockpit— after his experience as a POW most people would have turned in their discharge papers and sought out a nice safe desk job-Lengyel continued to serve his country for another 17 years in the Air Force.
“After that experience, there is a fellowship. A comradery. You are together with those men for 24 hours a day and dependent on
continued on page 34
Freedom Flyer continued from page 33
each other. There were times we were sharing medicine because it was so scarce, and the other person needed it more than me. We took care of each other and became a family. We’re bonded for life and I wasn’t ready to let them down yet. I couldn’t see myself living another way or doing anything else with my life,” Lengyel said.
Lengyel attributes much of his success in the military to the support he had from his wife, Margaret.
“She handled everything like a pro. I couldn’t have had the career I did without having the support at home. We really depended on each other and being separated made us appreciate the times we were together even more special. I made a really good choice though— we’ve been married for 61 years.”
Laurie and Margaret’s four children grew up with an intimate view of the military. The family knows the meaning of service, sacrifice, and separation. Margaret and Laurie have four children—Joe, Greg, Dan, and Toddy. Two of his son’s followed in their father’s footsteps and relate it to stepping into the “family business.”
“Both of my boys wanted to fly fighter jets together,” Lengyel shares with a laugh.
His son Joseph Lauren Lengyel joined the Air Force like his father and transitioned to the Air National Guard after 10 years of active duty. He spent part of his time as a pilot for commercial airlines while balancing the requirements for the Guard before he migrated back to active duty with the Air Force. Joseph Lengyel is now a retired United States four-star general who last served as the 28th chief of the National Guard. He has more than 3,000 flying hours as a command pilot primarily in the F-16.
His son Greg joined the Air Force in 1985 and he is a career special operations pilot. He spent 33 years in the Air Force and retired in 2018 as the Deputy Commanding General of Joint Special Operations Command. Maj General Gregory Lengyel has over 3, 900 flying hours, mostly in military helicopters such as the UH-1 and the TH-55.
His son Daniel is a coach at Samuel Clemens High School in Schertz and their daughter Toddy lives with them in Schertz.
Lengyel and Margaret moved to Schertz after he retired from the Air Force as a Lieutenant Colonel in July 1990. The quiet community, with its close ties to the military and support for military families such as their own, sold them on the location. They have seen tremendous growth in the area over the years though.
“When we moved here, FM 3009 was a country road!” he laughs.
The couple enjoyed going out to eat (his favorite spot is Salt Grass Steakhouse) and playing golf pre-COVID but spend most of their free time now with their children and grandchildren.
“Family is everything,” he said.
REMODEL FOR THE HOLIDAYS
ASK US ABOUT OUR VETERANS SPECIALS! Free Estimates / Design Services Quartz • Granite Counter Tops • Custom Solid Wood Cabinets • Safe Showers
SCHERTZ, TX
WALK IN/ROLL IN SHOWER VA/ADA APPROVED
Receive $1000 off any full kitchen or bath remodel
Carl Berghofer
Mark Browne
Christopher Blain
Amy DeFonce
Honoring Our City's Veterans
On November 11, we pause to express our deep gratitude and sincere appreciation to our Veterans for their brave and selfless service to our country. The City would like to offer heartfelt thanks to every City employee who has ever worn the uniform of the United States Armed Forces. We hope you enjoy learning about those who served our country and are now dedicated to serving the residents of the City of Schertz.
MARK BROWNE
CITY MANAGER Branch: Air Force Rank: Colonel Length of Service: 26 Years 10 Months What Being a Veteran Means to Me: Being a veteran means that I served my country faithfully, did my duty, and felt honored to do so.
CARL BERGHOFER
FIRE DEPARTMENT Branch: Navy Rank: Data Systems Technician Petty Officer 3rd Class Length of Service: 5 Years What Being a Veteran Means to Me: Being a veteran reminds me that some wars are far and abroad and some are local. Some are like the COVID-19 pandemic but someone must put on the uniform and go do it.
CHRISTOPHER BLAIN
ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT Branch: Army Rank: Staff Sergeant Length of Service: 9 ½ Years What Being a Veteran Means to Me: To me being a veteran means making the ideals this country was founded on – freedom, equality, and justice – the foundation of my life and being willing to put them on hold for myself to defend them for someone else.
SHAWN CEEKO
POLICE DEPARTMENT Branch: Marine Corps Rank: Corporal Length of Service: 4 Years What Being a Veteran Means to Me: Earning the title of United States Marine was a great honor and was a privilege to serve our great country, as many others past and present have done. It was my single greatest individual personal achievement. Semper Fidelis.
AMY DEFONCE
POLICE DEPARTMENT Branch: Army Rank: Sergeant Length of Service: 13 Years What Being a Veteran Means to Me: I joined due to the events of 9/11. I believed it was my duty as an American to serve my country during wartime. I retired as a combat veteran and I would do it again.
MELISSA FLECK
POLICE DEPARTMENT Branch: Army Rank: Sergeant (E-5) Length of Service: 8 Years What Being a Veteran Means to Me: Being a Veteran means so much to me. My entire family is military, all the way up to my great grandpas on both sides. Serving my country was the least I could have done for future generations. I am grateful to all who have served, past, present, and future.
Shawn Ceeko
Melissa Fleck
Bryan Jackson
BRYAN JACKSON
IT DEPARTMENT Branch: Navy Rank: Chief Petty Officer Length of Service: 20 Years What Being a Veteran Means to Me: I am proud to be a veteran. It means that I had the honor and privilege to serve my God and my country. Serving my country instilled, in me, a true sense of pride for my country and ingrained in me the values of integrity, honesty, courage, perseverance, and respect. While in the service, I met my wife and we started our family. At this point, my service was to also do everything I could to protect them and their freedoms and liberty. Serving my country was one of the best things I’ve ever done and I would gladly do it all over again if I could.
MICHAEL JERNIGAN
EMS DEPARTMENT Branch: Navy Rank: Boatswains Mate 2nd Class (E-5) Length of Service: 8 Years of Active Service and 4 Years of Reserve What Being a Veteran Means to Me: I served during the Gulf War, both Desert Shield and Desert Storm, and understood this is what I had signed up for. We do the job the best we can, fall back on our training and come home. You will always have a void in your heart for those who fell and a shadow will always follow you of some sounds and smells that will take you back. But, you will always have pride knowing you did what you did when it needed to be done. A veteran is someone that has been ready and will always be ready to serve their country or community.
CHARLES KELM
ASSISTANT CITY MANAGER Branch: Air Force Rank: Colonel Length of Service: 21 Years 7 Months What Being a Veteran Means to Me: Service. We, as one nation, are entitled to the blessings of liberty because of those who are vigilant in its preservation.
ANNA KRAFT
POLICE DEPARTMENT Branch: Air National Guard Rank: Flight Medic E-4 Length of Service: 8 Years What Being a Veteran Means to Me: Being a veteran has a lot of meanings for me. I joined the military for the education benefits, the traveling, and keeping a family tradition. I walked away with more pride for my country, lifetime friendships, and the job skills that carry over to my civilian job. I'm not only a Veteran, but I'm also a military spouse. I've seen both sides and it brings greater joy to my heart.
CHARLES LILES
EMS DEPARTMENT Branch: Air Force Rank: Master Sergeant (E-7) Length of Service: 24 years What Being a Veteran Means to Me: Being a veteran means that I voluntarily took an oath to defend the US Constitution against all enemies, foreign and domestic. That oath is still a large part of my life and how I move through the only life I have. It means I respect the flag and I respect the rights that I, and many others like me, have fought for over the years.
KADE LONG
FIRE CHIEF Branch: Navy Rank: Petty Officer Length of Service: 6 Years What Being a Veteran Means to Me: I am proud to have worn the uniform and served the country. I loved the camaraderie.
Kade Long Anna Kraft
Charles Liles
Charles Kelm
Michael Jernigan
Honoring Our City's Veterans
CONTINUED
RYAN MCCOSH
POLICE DEPARTMENT Branch: Army Rank: Specialist SPC E-4 Length of Service: 4 1/2 Years What Being a Veteran Means to Me: It means serving something bigger than yourself.
JERRY MCFARLAND
PURCHASING & ASSET MANAGEMENT DEPARTMENT Branch: Air Force and Air Force Reserve Rank: Senior Airman and Tech Sergeant Length of Service: 4 Years Active and 6 Years Reserve What Being a Veteran Means to Me: It means that I served my country and gave to her a piece of my life. I did what a very small percentage of citizens do, make sacrifices for the good of the country that I am very proud of. I got to see parts of the world that most people don't. Northern Italy, South Korea, the Philippines, Panama, etc. My father was in the Army Air Corps serving in the Pacific Theater from January 1942-1945. My oldest son currently serves in the A.F Reserves at Lackland AFB. He has served Tours of Duty in Afghanistan, Germany, and Kuwait. So I guess that sort of makes us an Air Force Family. Entering the Air Force is how I discovered Texas. And that's why I am now a Texan today.
MICHAEL MCGUIRE
POLICE DEPARTMENT Branch: Marine Corps Rank: Sergeant Length of Service: 8 Years What Being a Veteran Means to Me: It means protecting and defending the Constitution of the United States of America. It means serving my country and my fellow citizens, protecting their individual liberty, rights, and freedoms. It means giving up my freedom for a time to defend theirs. Semper Fidelis and God Bless America.
JOAQUIN MONTES III
POLICE DEPARTMENT Branch: Air Force Rank: Master Sergeant Length of Service: 22 Years What Being a Veteran Means to Me: A Veteran to me is someone who put themselves last and did what a very small percentage of the US population does. They left their family, friends, homes, and civilian lives behind to be apart of something bigger than them. That is to be a Soldier, Sailor, Airman, or Marine. They knew the risks of being sent overseas and possibly not returning. The risks of moving every couple of years. The risks of being on call 24/7 and to be ready when duty calls, anywhereanytime. Veterans did it NOT for the fame or glory, not for the recognition, not for the pay, but to keep Old Glory waving free in the wind. I can assure you they'll do it again.
Hannah Morales
Ryan McCosh
Jerry McFarland
Michael McGuire
Joaquin Montes III
Patricio Wilson
HANNAH MORALES
EMS DEPARTMENT Branch: Marine Corps Rank: Sargent Length of Service: 8 Years What Being a Veteran Means to Me: Being a veteran means to me the opportunity to protect and defend our great country so that others can enjoy it and continue to live free.
BRYAN SALGE
EMS DEPARTMENT Branch: Army Rank: Lieutenant/ Field Training Officer and Sergeant First Class Length of Service: 10 Years What Being a Veteran Means to Me: I am honored to be a veteran and be part of a community of individuals who all had a desire to serve. I am fortunate that I get to continue to serve as a paramedic for the City of Schertz.
DAVID SCAGLIOLA
CITY COUNCIL Branch: Air Force Rank: LtCol (Ret) Length of Service: 26+ Years What Being a Veteran Means to Me: Being a veteran means I have proudly followed in the footsteps of others, and done something to protect the rights and freedom of Americans and our allies.
ROBIN SMITH
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT Branch: Army Length of Service: 8 Years What Being a Veteran Means to Me: Serving GOD and the COUNTRY!
CRAIG STARR
FIRE DEPARTMENT Branch: Marine Corp Rank: Corporal Length of Service: 4 Years What Being a Veteran Means to Me: I take my prior service as a great honor and privilege. I was able to both serve my country, while also growing and maturing into a productive member of society. I was able to journey outside of my childhood home and see places I never thought possible. I made lifelong friends that I am still able to call my brother/sister today. While some are able (or capable) of heading into college out of High School, I was able to gain life experience and serve my country while wearing the uniform of a U.S Marine. Being a Veteran means Semper Fi.....(The Marine Corp motto) "Always Faithful".
PATRICIO WILSON
FIRE DEPARTMENT Branch: Navy Rank: E3 Length of Service: 2 Years 10 Months What Being a Veteran Means to Me: I take pride in having the opportunity to serve my great country. Being a veteran means to me that I have had the honor of protecting and defending our constitutional rights, as well as, our nation just as my brothers and sisters before and after me have done and will do.
Robin Smith Craig Starr
David Scagliola
