Reminder of sacrifices

FOSTORIA — Veterans Day offers a special moment to reflect on the sacrifices and service of our nation's heroes. This year, three residents of Good Shepherd Home, all of whom served in different branches of the military, shared their stories of bravery, duty and dedication. A Lifelong Commitment to Country Thomas Kiesel remembers his time in the service with a sense of pride and patriotism. Born and raised in Green Springs, Kiesel enlisted in the United States Air Force on Jan. 11, 1954, and served until his discharge on Oct. 27, 1957. His time in the service was spent with the 40th Bombardment Wing, part of the Strategic Air Command (SAC)—a pivotal component of U.S. military strength during the Cold War. "I was part of one of the original groups in SAC," Kiesel explained. He said that the SAC evolved from what was formerly the Continental Air Forces in March 1946. Kiesel's training took place at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland in Texas, and as an aircraft mechanic, his duties kept him on the move. "We got done what we needed to get done and we went home," he says with a laugh, reflecting on the camaraderie of his fellow service members. For Kiesel, military service wasn't just about the tasks or duties—it was about learning what it means to be an American. "It taught me how to be an American, which is exactly what I am," he says. "I'd do it all over again in a heartbeat." From Dairy Farm to Marine Corps Al Crandall has been a resident of Fostoria since he was 40 years old. From early in his life, Crandall was raised on the concept of hard work paying off. "I grew up on a small dairy farm and spent most of my younger days working for my uncle on the farm," said Crandall. He shared that he would go on to graduate from Woodville High School in 1956. When asked how he got into the service, he said, "At that time there was the draft- so I decided to join before they could draft me," joining the service immediately following graduation. Crandall noted that he originally had an interest in joining the Navy but ended up joining the Marine Corps. "I went off to train at Parris Island, South Carolina and later went back there to go to Field Music School," he said. Unfortunately, a broken ear drum due to a swimming injury forced Crandall to change course. Not letting this get in the way of serving his country, Crandall said he remained in service performing various jobs where he was needed. "I learned how to type in high school, so I began to work as a clerk for recruitment," said Crandall. "Then when that was over, I served as a member of the Military Police (MP)." Anyone thinking about joining the service, Crandall encourages them to follow in his footsteps. "Our country and freedom will always need someone to protect them. Today, there is more incentive than ever to join, with programs offered such as the college (Military Tuition Assistance) program and others," said Crandall. Serving Through a Time of Crisis Bill Schnaak's path to service was unconventional. Originally from Toledo, Ohio, Schnaak left school at 16 but returned later in life, earning his diploma at age 37. His military service began during a rather tense period in U.S. history: the Cuban Missile Crisis. Schnaak served as a member of the 606th Ordnance at Fort Dix, New Jersey. "I can't remember exactly when I enlisted but I was in the service just over two years, right around the time of the Cuban Missile Crisis," Schnaak recalls. Despite the global tension, Schnaak found comfort in the close-knit nature of military life. "I didn't get to travel as much as others, but that was fine with me," he says. "I was where I needed to be, doing the job I was called to do." Schnaak made the difficult decision to leave earlier than he had planned to as a result of his father's declining health but shared he has no regrets about his time in uniform. "I would have stayed in longer if not for my father being sick," Schnaak says. "But it was important to be there for him."