Words From The Warden

Each year, on November 11, we pause to honor the men and women who have served in the United States Military through the observance of Veterans Day. Our country has a long and complicated history regarding the treatment of its veterans, which has often fallen short of what these individuals deserve. This unfortunate pattern dates back to the Revolutionary War, when soldiers did not receive the bonuses that had been promised to them. The struggles of veterans continued throughout American history. For instance, after World War I, veterans camped in Washington, D.C., demanding their due payments, only to be met with military force led by George Patton, resulting in the deaths of several veterans. Promises made to Black veterans who served in World War II were not fully kept, as they did not receive all the benefits extended to their white peers. Those who returned from serving in Vietnam faced ostracism from the American public, and it is only in recent years that many Vietnam veterans have begun to receive the thanks they are due for their service.

In light of these realities, I would like to introduce a few of my personal heroes—individuals who are either veterans or currently serving in the military.

Two noteworthy members of St. Luke’s are Mike Fisher and Fred Karaffa. Mike Fisher served in the United States Navy, spending many months at sea and eventually attaining the rank of Lieutenant Commander. He was always an impressive figure in his dress whites. After his military service, Mike pursued a distinguished career in physics, teaching at Ohio Northern University and conducting research at Battelle.

Fred Karaffa left Ohio Wesleyan University to serve as a navigator in the United States Air Force Strategic Air Command, earning the rank of Captain. After his service, he returned to complete his studies at OWU. During a particularly harrowing mission, Fred made a promise to God that, if he survived, he would dedicate the rest of his life to helping others. He kept this promise by attending medical school and serving the Granville and Licking County community as a physician for 25 years. Dr. Karaffa truly honored his commitment. He died in 2014.

I am also grateful for the service of some younger heroes: Joseph Anthony Parini (age 34), US Army Special Forces (Stationed in Colorado) and Gabriel Paul Parini (age 30), US Air Force Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician (Stationed in North Carolina). Matt Zaborniak is a Senior Master Sergeant in the Ohio Air National Guard and is currently on his fourth deployment. 1st Lt. Ryan Staats is Iva Joyce-Miesse’s son and serves in the Ohio Army National Guard. All are balancing full-time employment and family responsibilities alongside their military service. Their sacrifices and dedication to their fellow Americans are deeply appreciated.

Larry Boucher (Lexington, KY), Ken Kaiser (Elyria, OH), Don Amicon (Springfield, OH), and Ric Bryant (Columbus, OH) all served in Viet Nam during the war. Sergeant Boucher received a Bronze Star for his service. Ken Kaiser was a decorated Navy Corpsman, and Don Amicon was a decorated infantryman. After their military service, they returned to civilian life: Larry became a state employee and an outstanding basketball official; Ken worked in the intramural department at Ohio State University and was also a respected high school football official; Don became a small business owner and collegiate football official. All but Ric Bryant are still living. Ric, a decorated U.S. Air Force Staff Sergeant, returned home to a career in IT, eventually starting his own business and transforming it into a multimillion-dollar enterprise. He was one of the finest multiple sport officials and passed away in November 2020. His absence is deeply felt. Despite their many differences, these men shared enduring traits of love and loyalty, making them true heroes in my eyes.

My father, Hank Sr., served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He turned seventeen on December 3, 1944, graduated from high school a week later, and began his basic training shortly thereafter. He served as a Machinist Mate on a light cruiser and was discharged after sixteen months, at the end of the conflict. My dad remains my hero to this day.

During my childhood, our family lived in Johnstown, Ohio, from 1965 to 1969, where my dad served as the school superintendent. One memorable day, while working on the local baseball diamond, my father pointed out a man leaving the field, telling me, "Henry, there goes a real hero." That man was Don Jakeway.

Don Jakeway, a lifelong resident of Johnstown (born in 1924 and passed away in 2019), served in the 82nd Airborne as a parachute infantryman. He was deployed in France behind enemy lines just days before D-Day, and his military service saw him participate in D-Day itself, Operation Market Garden, and the Battle of the Bulge. Sergeant Jakeway received a Purple Heart, Bronze Star, Presidential Unit Citation, and a Combat Infantry Badge. He was listed as missing in action and presumed dead for thirty days. In Johnstown, the intersection of US 62 and SR 37 is named in his honor.

Mr. Jakeway and my father worked closely together to provide the best possible experiences for the students at Johnstown-Monroe Schools. My father, a first-generation American born in industrial Lorain, Ohio, was a lifelong Democrat with a broad worldview. Don, raised in rural Johnstown, was a lifelong Republican whose perspective was shaped by his local community. Despite their differing political views and backgrounds, they came together to make a positive impact on their community.

If we can recognize the presence of Christ in one another and agree to work together, then we can make life better for all. Only through unity and shared purpose can we truly honor the sacrifices of those who have served.

Peace,
Henry Zaborniak, Senior Warden