The Mail-Journal, Volume 29, Number 5, Milford, Kosciusko County, 14 March 1990 — Page 6

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THE MAIL-JOURNAL —Wed., March 14,1990

Community corner

Army Rangers offer challenge for WHS graduate Sgt. Rick Pena

. By MARY JANE LORTON Staff Writer As Sgt. Jesse R. Pena sat in the livingroom of his grandmother’s house, in Milford, talking about his experiences as an Army Ranger, it was hard to imagine that just a little over two months ago he was parachuting into Panama. And unlike the 50 plus times he had made a jump before, this time there were real bullets coming at him. This time it was not a simulation. This time it was real. A 1983 graduate of Wawasee High School, Rick followed up this education by attending Indiana University. “I went to IU for about two years. I wanted to start paying for my own things, so I joined the Army.”

Profile

In his search for the hardest thing to do in the Army, Rick decided to join the Rangers. ‘ The Rangers would challenge me the most mentally, and physically,” explained Rick. Rick described Ranger School as one of the greatest challenges he has had to face. With only two hours of sleep a day, for 50 days, Rick said the school helped him to learn how to react in crisis situations. He added, the school was a fine preparation for his experience in Panama. While stationed at Fort Louis in the state of Washington, Rick said his battalion went on a number of practice missions prior to the Panama drop. The Panama mission itself was in the works for two years, Rick explained, giving the Rangers ample time to rehearse. The Rangers’ last practice mission was in Florida where Rick said the terrain was similar to that of the place they were to jump into in Panama. “We came home December 18 and 12 hours later we were sent to Georgia, and in less than 24 hours we were in Panama,” Rick said. Rick said they did not know they were going to Panama until they were in the plane on their way there. At the same time, he said he had an inkling that they would be going somewhere soon. “I told my little brother in November that I had a feeling we'd be going somewhere,” Rick remarked. And the way things were going in Panama, Rick said it was just a matter of time before the United States sent troops. “Noriega was thumbing his nose at the United States,” Rick commented. Rick’s battalion, the Second Battalion, 75th Regiment, jumped into Rio Hato, the location of Noriega's beach house and a training compound for Noriega’s elite fighting force that had helped put down an earlier coup attempt. “My battalion had the mission of securing that airfield there,” Rick explained. "My company was supposed to attack his troops,” he added. With the mission of seizing, capturing and destroying all enemy in that area, Rick said they made the jump after a seven hour long plane ride from Georgia. , “We had already taken fire when we jumped,” said Rick, which leads he and others to believe that the Panamanians had learned of the mission beforehand. “It was really dark. " Rick commented, “and it was hard to see who was shooting.”

nu COUPLE EXCHANGES VOWS — Laurie Kaufman, daughter of Gary and Karen Kaufman, and Troy Graham, son of Arthur and Laurel Graham, exchanged wedding vows Dec. 3, 1989, aboard the yacht “Sea Gem” anchored in Miami, Fla. Performing the ceremony was David E. Weston, a local charter captain. Serving as best man was Chuck Medlock and as matron of honor, his wife Lynne, both of Syracuse. Laurie, a 1988 graduate of Goshen High School, is employed by Liberty Homes of Goshen. Troy, a 1985 graduate of Wawasee High School, has also attended Purdue University, and is employed at Liberty Homes. The couple now resides on Lake Wawasee.

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IN UNIFORM — Sgt. Jesse R. “Rick” Pena is home visiting family in Milford following a 20-day December mission in Panama. A graduate of Wawasee High School. Rick lived in Milford for 20 years prior to joining the Army. (Photo by Mary Jane Lorton) Everything about the mission was similar to what the Rangers had gone through in training with the exception of the layout of the compound said Rick, and the fact that this mission was real. Because of their previous training, Rick said “everyone knew what to do, everyone did their job.” Before deboarding the plane, Rick said the troops were instructed where to jump and what direction to go. When the green light came qn, indicating it was time to go, Rick said the only thing on his mind was getting out of the plane safely. “It didn't cross my mind I’d get shot at,” he commented. Carrying what they were to use on their backs, Rick noted they were ready to fight for three days at peak efficiency. “The first night was the hardest,” he commented. The adrenaline rush experienced with the jump is what kept them going, said Rick. “We didn't eat for two days,” said Rick. The hardest combat was on the first day and for the next two days Rick said, “the enemy was just harassing us.”

Meals for Older Americans

Meals for Older Americans are served each day at the following locations: The Scout Cabin, Syracuse, 457-2631; Pierceton Community Building, 594-5632; Mentone Community Room in the fire station, 353-7555; Retired Tigers Center, 320 W. Main, Warsaw, 269-3130; Free Methodist Church, Winona Lake, 269-6695; Tippecanoe Township Community Building, 834-1193; Silver Lake Lions Club Building, 352-3238. and Milford Community Building, 658-9702. Meals for Older Americans is for persons 60 years or older and Milford Seniors hold dinner Milford Senior Citizens enjoyed a potluck dinner in the Milford Community Building on Sunday, March 11. The tables were decorated in keeping with St. Patrick’s Day and several Were dressed in keeping with the “Wearin’ of the Green” theme. The afternoon’s entertainment was provided by members of the Covenant Quartet as it presented many old-time gospel songs for its audience. Following the entertainment, a short business meeting was held. “Happy Birthday” was sung to those celebrating March birthdays: Kate Antonides, Bernice Kreider and Isabelle Carwile. Hostess for the April 8 meeting will be Erma Chambers and Barbara Carwile. A potluck meal will be held and games will be played for entertainment.

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is a chance to meet new friends and enjoy hot, nutritional meals. The sites are opened several hours each day including noon for programs. Meals for Older Americans is not associated with welfare but is for the promotion for better health for the older population. Because of present cutbacks in programs, participants are asked a suggested donation of $1.50. The number of meals is limited but will increase according to increased donations. The site directors request all persons planning on attending the meals to make reservations by 1 p.m. the day prior to attending. Phone 457-2631 for Syracuse transportation and reservations. March 15-21 THURSDAY - Apple juiix, breaded chicken fillet on bun w/lettuce and mayonnaise, pea salad w/cheese, chilled stewed prunes, milk, tea, and coffee FRIDAY — Tomato juice, Irish stew w/potatoes, onions, stewed cabbage, Barmbrack (raisin bread) w/margarine, apple puddeny-pie (apple crisp), milk, tea, and coffee MONDAY — Pineapple juice, Swiss steak in gravy, scalloped potatoes, steamed carrots, whole wheat bread w/margarine, chocolate pudding, milk, tea, and TUESDAY— Apple juice, baked chicken quarter w/paprika, mashed potatoes w/gravy, threebean salad, soft dinner roll w/margarine, blackberries, milk, tea, and coffee

After successfully parachuting down, Rick says he waited until about 10 men from his company had gathered together before they moved on to their mission. Given he was the high ranking officer, he took command of this small company. Prior to his battalion’s landing at Rio Hato, a couple of 2,000 pound bombs were dropped on the area, preparing it for Rick’s battalion. Rick said it was questionable whether or not bombs would be dropped because at first they were not certain if Noriega was at his beach house. When it was discovered that he was not there, bombs were dropped. Rick is thankful that the bombs were used because he said they would have suffered a great many more casualties without them. Moving on toward the compound, Rick said they were trying to clear the buildings of all enemy. While the gunships had been helpful in this area, Rick says there were still people alive in the buildings, but at the time they were unaware of this fact. “We came upon one building and two squads were sent up to the building,” said Rick. As soon as the squads were sent, the enemy opened fire on them from the building. Rick said there was also a sniper in the surrounding jungle who also opened fire on the squads. Within 10 feet of Rick, a close friend was struck in the throat and killed instantly. Several other soldiers were wounded. Following their mission at Rio Hato, Rick said they were sent to Howard Air Force Base. From there they were sent to a small town north of Panama City where their mission was to go and secure the town by bringing back law and order, gathering information, and collecting any enemy arms. For the first few days in this small town, Rick said the situation was pretty tense. The people were very suspicious of the soldiers and did not trust their presence. Rick explained a lot of this had to do with the fact that Panamanian soldiers were reknown for their mistreatment of Panamanians. Seeing these uniformed men, while from the United States, made people wary of what might happen to them. Rick suggested the troops remove their camouflage in an effort to relieve this tension. “They (the Panamanians) were more receptive to us after that,” he said. “They liked Americans,” Rick added, “and there were a lot of civilians against Noriega. ’ ’ Back in the United States, Rick said his battalion was treated with a warm welcome home. “They (people of Washington) were supporting us all the way,” said Rick. The fact that Noriega was so into drugs made that in and of itself a good reason to take him out, said Rick. And Rick found out a number of other things about Noriega after his battalion had secured the beach house property. Rick described some of the items found in the house, and they indicated that perhaps Noriega was into cult or satanic type activities. Pornographic materials were also found in this house. Rick’s entire experience has made him reflect on his life and rethink a lot of things. “It makes you think about what you want to do with your life and what you get out of it,” Rick commented. Rick added some of the men who went on the mission have suffered some symptoms of post-traumatic syndrome, such as having nightmares. Rick’s wife, Karen, is very happy to have Rick back home and safe. While Rick was in Panama, he said all of the wives were gathered together and were told what was going on. “They always let the wives know where we’re at,” said Rick, “it helps keep them from getting depressed.” With three years left in the Army, Rick said he has college money waiting for him when he leaves the service. He has plans to get a degree, but no specific time frame in mind. For now, he is enjoying the time he has with his family in Milford.

WEDNESDAY - Cranberry juice cocktail, turkey a la king over rice, spinach w/vinegar on

'lreland' is topic for the Wednesday Afternoon Club

The Wednesday Afternoon Club met March 7 in the parlor of St. Andrew’s Church, Syracuse. The meeting was called to order by the club’s president, Margaret Freeman. Roll was called by Gene Bender with 15 members responding. She then read the minutes of the last meeting. After a short business meeting, Priscilla Rhode, program chairman, called on Helen Jones, who gave the book review of “O Come Ye Back to Ireland,” written by Niall Williams and Christine Breen — their story of their first years in Claire County. Williams, a native of Dublin, and Breen, born and raised in New Jersey, met at the University College in Dublin. They married and were employed in New York City. Agreeing they did not want to raise a family in New York, the couple decided to move to Ireland in the 200-year-old cottage where Christine’s greatDiet tip It seems I am forever dieting and when dieting, it is important to drink eight to 10 glasses of water a day. This was always difficult for me. I mean, who actually likes to drink that much water? Certainly not me I So, to try to help, I bought my very own special glass. It is very attractive and I use it all the time. Whenever it is empty, I refill it. It serves as a constant reminder of how great I’m going to look Rita J.,. San Antonio, Texas.

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side, cracked wheat bread w/margarine, pineapple, milk, tea, and coffee

grandfather lived, now owned by her father. It is a story of their trials and tribulations their first years and how they overcame them and were accepted by the people of Kiltumper — he as a farmer and author, and she as an artist. After the review, refreshments carrying out the Irish theme were served by the hostesses, Helen Bunnell and Alice Stefanski. The club’s next meeting will be held March 21 in the parlor of St. Andrew’s Church. All members are asked to be there by 1 p.m. Hostesses will be Helen Schmedler and Arlene Sloan.

Happy 73rd “Kathryn Bgbe” My* ■ ■ > ' ARV i You Only Look 60! Love, Your Family

CALENDAR Week Os March 14 To March 21 WEDNESDAY Goodwill Club 1:30 p.m., House of Friendship Syracuse Fire Department, Fire Drill 7 p.m., Syracuse Fire Station Lakeland Eagles Auxiliary Meeting Aerie 3760 7 p.m., Lakeland Eagles, 404 Sycamore St., Syracuse North Webster Town Board 7 p.m., Town Hall Alcoholics Anonymous Wawasee Group 7:30 p.m., Episcopal Retreat House, South Shore Drive, Lake Wawasee, Syracuse. Closed meeting Alanon 7:30 p.m., Saint Andrew’s United Methodist Church, Syracuse THURSDAY Wawasee Community Toughlove 7 p.m., Lakeland Youth Center, Syracuse. Parent support group for parents troubled by their teenagers behavior Milford Volunteer Firemen 7 p.m., Milford Fire Station North Webster Lady Lions 7 p.m. Adult Children of Alcoholics 7:30 p.m., Bowen Center, Warsaw North Webster American Legion Auxiliary 8 p.m., Legion Hall FRIDAY Milford Kiwanis /AU 6:45 a.m., Milford Community Building VFW Post #1342 6 p.m., Syracuse. Everyone welcome Alcoholics Anonymous Carl Sheperd Memorial Group 7:30 p.m., C.A.R.S., Inc., SR 13, Syracuse. Open meeting SATURDAY Wawasee Kiwanis 7 a.m., Gropp’s, Syracuse Turkey Creek Senior Citizens Carry-in Dinner Noon, Syracuse Scout Cabin SUNDAY S.A.L.T. (Single Adults as Living Testimonies) 9:30 a. m., North Webster Church of God Alcoholics Anonymous Fireball Group 10 a.m., North Webster Fire Station. Open meeting “Twice Pardoned” 6 p.m., second part of film on ex-con, Wawasee Heights Baptist Church, Syracuse Alcoholics Anonymous Sunday Night Recovery Group 8 p.m., North Webster United Methodist Church. Closed meeting Alanon, Sunday Night Group 8 p.m., North Webster United Methodist Church. Closed meeting MONDAY Lakeland Kiwanis 6:45a.m., North Webster Church of God meeting room Syracuse EMS 7 p.m., Syracuse Fire Department Syracuse Primary Mothers 7 p.m. Milford Lions ■MrA 7 p.m., Community Building North Webster Chamber of Commerce 7 p.m., Palace of Sports, North Webster Alanon Milford Family Group 7:30 p.m., Milford United Methodist Church Alcoholics Anonymous Milford Group 7:30p.m., Milford United Methodist Church. Closed meeting Alcoholics Anonymous, North Webster Group 7:30 p.m., North Webster United Methodist Church. Open meeting Turkey Creek Regional Sewer District 7:30 p.m., Syracuse Town Hall North Webster American Legion 8 p.m., Legion Hall TUESDAY Alanon Just For Today 9:30 a.m., St. Andrew's United Methodist Church, Syracuse Syracuse-Wawasee Rotary _ n-TV>* Noon, Gropp’s Restaurant f'fiQEE&'L Refunder’s Club 4ft 7:30 p. m. Syracuse Town Board 7:30 p.m., Town Hall Alanon ‘-i/tru 7:30p.m., Bowen Center, Outpatient Building, Warsaw WEDNESDAY Syracuse PTO Noon, Syracuse School LRC North Webster Park Board 4 p.m., North Webster Town Hall-Fire Station Syracuse Lions Club 6:30p.m., Gropp’s Restaurant Syracuse PTO 7 p.m., Syracuse School LRC Syracuse Jaycees 7:30p.m., Lakeland Eagles Twilighters Bunco Club 7:30p.m. Psi lota XI 7:30p.m. Alcoholics Anonymous Wawasee Group k 7:30 p.m., Episcopal Retreat House, South Shore Drive, Lake Wawasee, Syracuse. Closed meeting Alanon 7:30 p.m., Saint Andrew’s United Methodist Church, Syracuse EBuihrt Builders inc. Syracuse, IN (219)457-3431 Quality Construction Since 1947