WWII Vet helps the next generation of Vets

No, this is not a picture from a John Wayne movie. This is Paul Putnik, a member of the Marine Corp League, VFW, American Legion, and the Lutheran Concordia Laymens League.

This picture is displayed in the lobby at the VA Outpatient Clinic in Akron, with several other Veterans.

The picture below is Paul now, helping the next generation of Vets to utilize the assistance programs available to them. In his hands he holds the tools of his trade. With brochures from the Summit County Veterans Commission along with other local agencies he embarks on his mission. One item of interest is the Akron Street Guide that lists numerous charity organization in Akron. It shows the schedule and location of soup kitchens so a person can get a hot meal every night of the week in Akron.

Summit County has approximately 87,000 Veterans. Most vets are not aware of the assistance that is available to them. Paul, driven by his passion to help his fellow veterans has personally signed up 11,000 Veterans for assistance with the Summit County Veterans Commission.

Paul himself is a WWII Veteran who served from 1943 to 1946 as a cook. He was stationed in the Pacific Theater serving on several islands: New Caledonia, New Hebrides, Guadalcanal, Bogansville, and Mantas.

For about twenty three years Paul has been volunteering and helping others. He spent two years with the Red Cross; fifteen years with Mobile Meals in the Kenmore area of Akron; and the last six years here at the VA Clinic.

Years ago, Paul began volunteering at the Lutheran Concordia Church in Akron. I saw men parking cars for people and I said to myself, I can do that. Seeing more opportunities along the way he continued to become a relevant part of our much needed volunteer community.

When asked for an interesting veterans story Paul became quiet for a moment. You could see the pain of those real life stories on his face and in his heart. He was not able to discuss them. He has seen hundreds of men and women broken physically and emotionally from the ravages of war. These unsung heroes stood up to the plate for freedom and now years later, many are suffering with health and financial issues.

Paul said that most Vets are very good people; not bitter or angry; but very grateful for the help. Many wear jackets, hats or patches showing the branch of service or unit they belonged to. These badges of courage proudly worn seem to encourage the comradery you see as you walk through the facility. They greet each other with warm smiles, handshakes, and sometimes share their experiences with each other.

Pauls heart goes out to every Vet he sees. He pointed to one elderly vet severely bent over shuffling slowly through the lobby with his cane. The look on Pauls face could only be described with one word; REVERENT. After a moment of silence and observing this man, Paul said, That could have been me. This explains Pauls passion to help veterans; being a vet himself he deeply appreciates the sacrifice of others.

The Lewis Stokes Cleveland Department of Veteran Affairs Outpatient Clinic is located at 55 West Waterloo Rd in Akron, Ohio just off the South Main Street exit on State Route 224.

Terry Wells  Email responses to twells@Ourtown.com For more stories go to http://www.ourtown.com/crestonoh/organizations/veterans/