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1. Nicholas A. Paraschak Coaldale Resident Retires After 32 Years In Army.
2. COMMENTS AT THE PANTHER VALLEY JROTC AT MEMORIAL FLAG RAISING ON APRIL 7, 2017 IN COALDALE, PA
by William M. Gaddes - SSGT us Air Force...B-29 Tail Gunner...Korean War

JROTC salutes area veterans with flag
Wednesday, April 8, 2015
LISA PRICE/TIMES NEWS
Few things are more stirring than watching a huge American flag being hoisted to the top of a flagpole.

Unless it's watching a World War II veteran enjoy the ceremony until its finale, the playing of taps.

"Whenever I hear that (taps) played, I think of my fellow soldiers that were lost," said Nicholas Paraschak, 93, of Coaldale.

Master Sgt. Paraschak served in the 364th Fighter Group for the Army Air Forces, where he was a flight surgeon's assistant. "I think of them with sadness but I'm proud of them, too."

Paraschak said it also made him feel proud to see members of the Panther Valley High School JROTC Batallion conduct the ceremony.

Working in teams, the students raised the flag, gave a three-gun salute, and presented the colors. The huge American flag was purchased through the efforts of Coaldale VFW Post 6982, coordinated by Paraschak.

The ceremony was held Tuesday at the Coaldale Complex.

The memorial flag raising was held to honor World War II veterans, especially those who died April 7 at Iwo Jima 75 years ago. More than 7,000 Marines were killed there.

William M. Gaddes, one of the event's organizers, said the country's veterans are counting on youngsters to take up the challenge. Staff Sgt. U.S. Air Force William Gaddes was a B-29 tail gunner in the Korean War.

"The safety and survival of the nation depends on your love of our nation, your patriotism, your commitment and your courage," he said. "We veterans and our families are counting on you."

Military pride is in evidence at Panther Valley High School.

"With 108 students in the JROTC, that's almost one quarter of the school's student population," said Maj. Gerald New, who with Sgt. 1st Class Joseph Jordan runs the program for the school.

"It (the JROTC) is a leadership course, taught in a business style, which teaches critical thought while building individual confidence we incorporate what the students are learning in their school subjects and teach them how to apply that knowledge."

Gaddes said today's military personnel are facing new challenges that didn't exist during past conflicts.

"Telephone calls were impossible and only small lightweight letters called V mail were permitted," Gaddes said. "However, they were confident in the fact that their loved ones were secure back in the United States."

Directing his remarks to the students, he told them that warfare has radically changed.

"Modern cyber technology will permit you to maintain verbal, even visual, contact with your families," Gaddes said.

"There is a disturbing downside, however cyber warfare has not only threatened our military, it has become personal and potentially deadly for the warrior's family."

He told students, "I know that you will be up to the challenge."

Coaldale Resident Retires After 32 Years In Army
March 15, 1984|The Morning Call
Nicholas A. Paraschak of Coaldale recently retired after more than 32 years service in various capacities in the Army.

Retiring at the rank of master sergeant, Paraschak was most recently a tactical communications chief at Ft. Indiantown Gap, and held a full-time position as a communications and electronics inspector with the Pennsylvania Combined Supports Shop, Department of Military Affairs, Ft. Indian town Gap.

During World War II, Paraschak served with the 364th Fighter Group of the Army Air Force in the European Theater.

He has received many awards and decorations, and most recently was awarded the Army Commendation Medal for outstanding service as a communications chief from January 1975 to June 1983. He was presented the award by Maj. Gen. James Lovell, commander of the 28th Infantry Division, during a recent infantry division review.

Paraschak is married to the former Mildred Bartol, and they have three children and six grandchildren.

The retiree was honored recently at a dinner by members of his family in the Vienesse Villa, Coaldale.

Source: http://articles.mcall.com/1984-03-15/news/2401601_1_army-air-force-coaldale-outstanding-service

COMMENTS AT THE PANTHER VALLEY JROTC AT MEMORIAL FLAG RAISING ON APRIL 7, 2017 IN COALDALE, PA
William M. Gaddes - SSGT us Air Force...B-29 Tail Gunner...Korean War

Thank you for honoring our World War II veterans, especially those who gave the ultimate sacrifice at Iwo Jima exactly 75 years ago. In April of 1945, a sign was erected at the Iwo Jima cemetery where over 7,000 young Marines were interred. It read, “WE GAVE OUR TOMORROWS FOR YOUR FREEDOMS TODAY”. This message is very relevant today.

Those young American Marines were mostly isolated from their families for long periods of time; often as long as three years.

Telephone calls were impossible, and only small lightweight letters called “V Mail” were permitted. However, they were confident in the fact that their loved ones were secure back in the United States. Barely a few years older than you, they faced horrendous combat and death with courage and honor. It was said that “Extreme heroism was a common virtue at Iwo Jima”.

When you join the military in the future, warfare has radically changed. Modern cyber technology will permit you to maintain verbal, even visual contact with your families. There is a disturbing downside, however. Cyber warfare has not only threatened our military, but it has become personal and potentially deadly for the warrior’s family. Unlike previous conflicts, even through Desert Storm and initial phases of Enduring Freedom, warriors felt that their families and loved ones were secure. Families were generally anonymous and not subject to threats or harm. This is no longer the case.

Cyber warfare has become personal and potentially deadly not only for the warrior but for his or her family. Unlike previous conflicts, loved ones at home in the USA will be subject to psychological harassment, threats, and even bodily harm. This is a new dimension to cyber warfare that you may have to face.

The safety and survival of our Nation depends upon your love of our Nation, your patriotism; and your commitment and courage if you become warriors. The challenge is more severe, more complex, and multi-dimensional than ever before. I know that you and your families will be up to the challenge. We veterans and our families are counting upon you to maintain our warrior heritage.

During WW I, a pledge was found in the House of a young soldier.

“ I WILL FIGHT CHEERFULLY AND DO MY UTMOST AS IF THE WHOLE ISSUE OF THE STRUGGLE DEPENDS UPON ME ALONE”.

This pledge can be applied to one’s tasks in life. It will herals success in any endeavor you undertake.

Thank you and God bless you all.