The Peru Gazette

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Waterville, Maine: The North Atlantic Conference (NAC) announced today that SUNY Cobleskill sophomore men’s cross country runner Nik Recore, Peru, N.Y., Peru High School, has been named the NAC Men’s Cross Country Runner-of-the-Week for the week ending October 8, 2023.

The Fighting Tiger team captain was the team’s top finisher at the 2023 Hamilton College Invitational on Saturday placing 17^th overall in a 77-runner field by covering a soggy 8000-meter course in a time of 28:38.6 to lead Cobleskill to a fifth place finish in an eight-team field at the event.

Cobleskill will next be in action on Saturday October 14 when they travel to Springfield, Ma. to compete at the 2023 Golden Bear Invitational hosted by Western New England University beginning at 10:30 a.m.

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The Alexander String Quartet stands among the world’s premier ensembles, having performed in the major music capitals of five continents. The quartet is a vital artistic presence in its home base of San Francisco, serving since 1989 as Ensemble-in-Residence of San Francisco Performances. Widely admired for its interpretations of Beethoven, Mozart, and Shostakovich, the quartet’s recordings have won international critical acclaim. 

Founded in New York City in 1981, the ensemble quickly captured attention, initially winning the Concert Artists Guild Competition in 1982, and then becoming the first American quartet to win the London (now Wigmore) International String Quartet Competition in 1985. The members of the Alexander String Quartet are recipients of honorary degrees from Allegheny College and St. Lawrence University, and Presidential medals from Baruch College (CUNY).

The Alexander String Quartet has performed at Lincoln Center, the 92nd Street Y, the Metropolitan Museum, Jordan Hall, the Library of Congress, and appeared as guests at universities including Yale, Princeton, Stanford, Lewis & Clark, and UCLA. Numerous overseas tours include the U.K., Czech Republic, Netherlands, Italy, Germany, Spain, Portugal, Switzerland, France, Greece, Republic of Georgia, Argentina, Panamá, and the Philippines. Their visit to Poland’s Beethoven Easter Festival is beautifully captured in the 2017 award-winning documentary, Con Moto: The Alexander String Quartet.

The Alexander String Quartet performs at the historic Saranac Methodist Church on Route 3 in Saranac on Sunday, October 15 at 3:00 pm.  The program features masterpieces from the first half of the 20^th century: Jean Sibelius’s String Quartet in D minor, Op. 56 “Voces Intimae” (1908-9) and Dmitri Shostakovich’s String Quartet No. 2 in A major, Op. 68 (1944) plus a contemporary work by British-American composer Tarik O’Regan: Gradual (2016, rev. 2022).

General admission at the door is $20; seniors and students $15; children under 12 free; family rate available.  Current public health guidelines are followed. For further information telephone 518-293-7613, e-mail ambrown.hillholl@gmail.com or visit hillandhollowmusic.org

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Election Day is Nov. 7

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26-second video 

Peru – CVPH Donor Center Blood Brive, Monday, October 9, from 3 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., at St. Augustine’s Parish Center, 3030 Main St. in Peru. 

All blood collected is utilized in our local trl-county region.  Your neighbors appreciate and need your support. 

The blood drive is coordinated by St. Augustine’s Knights of Columbus Council 7273. 

Biographies compiled by Honor Flight Operations Director Janet Duprey

Stanley Bilow – U.S. Air Force 1964-1967 Vietnam

Encouraged by a buddy, Stanley enlisted a month after him. Stan’s basic training was at Lackland Air Force Base, followed by Air Police K-9 training. Stan was assigned to Plattsburgh Air Force Base, working on the flight line. Stan was then sent TDY to England, where he worked on missiles.

Ordered to Vietnam, Stan’s first dog was sent before him, as Stan arrived with a different dog. By chance, Stan met up with his buddy, who was leaving. Stan was off duty one night when a rocket hit in front of the barracks claiming the life of a friend. Some memories last forever.

David Blades – U.S. Marine Corps 1963-1967 Vietnam

David enlisted and chose the Marine Corps because he liked the sexy uniforms.  At basic training, Dave and a high-school classmate were assigned to 241st Platoon. Dave went on to Infantry Training at Camp Lejeune, then to Cherry Point Marine Air Group Logistics.

Sent to Vietnam, Dave, a Logistics Specialist, joined the Helicopter Air Group 16, continuing that support in Diago, Chile. Dave’s last assignment was a “Casual Company Unit” at Parris Island.  Dave traveled to Pearl Harbor and received several commendation medals for his service.

James Devan – U.S. Marine Corps 1967-1968 Vietnam

Jimmy had basic training at Parris Island, Infantry Combat Training at Camp Lejeune, and Jungle Warfare Training at Camp Pendleton. Sent to Vietnam, Jimmy, a rifleman, joined the 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Charlie Company. Headed to Hill 10 in Da Nang, Jimmy was wounded on patrol. A booby-trap explosion destroyed Jimmy’s eyesight and inflicted severe injuries, requiring many back-and-forth transports between the Da Nang Hospital and the USS Sanctuary.

Jimmy received a Purple Heart and several awards for his valor, saying he’d do it all over again.  Jimmy’s wife says he helps at home but can’t weed-whack near her flowers.

Deborah Flagg – U.S. Army 1962-1968 Vietnam

Debbie’s father served 21 years in both WW II and Korea, leaving a powerful impression on her. As an ‘Army Brat’, Debbie learned to adapt to change and take advantage of youthful experiences. Before basic training, a local paper printed a photo of Debbie and her father.

At Fort Benjamin, Debbie trained in finance and accounting. Debbie went to California and then enjoyed Germany. Debbie traveled to Spain and France and loved the people, food, and beer! Returning to Fort Benjamin, Debbie trained as a legal clerk. At Fort Gordon, a compassion transfer ended Debbie’s hope of a military career.

Samuel Gangi – U.S. Marine Corps 1966-1968 Vietnam

Sam and a friend, Joe, planned to join the Navy. Sam developed “white coat disease’; when doctors took his blood pressure, it went way up. A nurse, no ‘white coat’, took his pressure; it was accepted. Joe was in the Navy; Sam joined the Marines. Sam had basic training at Parris Island, on to Camp Geiger for Infantry and Mechanic School training. After leaving Pearl Harbor and Okinawa, Sam was sent to Vietnam to serve with the 2nd Division 8th Battalion. Sam keeps his memories private.

Enlisting, Sam asked his father about marriage; his dad’s advice was ‘wait until you return.” While in service, Sam got a tattoo named Loretta whom he married when he returned home.

Ralph Hartmann – U.S. Air Force 1968-1988 Vietnam

In 1970, Ralph was deployed to Ubon Royal Thai Air Force Base. It was a busy base with jets taking off and landing as the ground crew worked 12-hour days, 6 -1/2 days a week.

Ralph was a Parachute Rigger and Ejection Seat Specialist. A pilot used Ralph’s parachute to eject the seat and release the parachute. The grateful pilot presented Ralph with a bottle of Jim Beam – a nice gift.

One of Ralph’s favorite memories is attending the spectacular 1971 Bob Hope USO Christmas Eve show.  Ralph retired from Plattsburgh Air Force Base after 20 years of service to our Country.

Winfred (Butch) Hodil – U.S. Air Force 1966-1974 Vietnam

Winfred, known as Butch, enlisted at 18, went to basic training at Lackland Air Force Base and set his path in Fireman training. Butch served as a Fire Protection Specialist and Fire Protection Supervisor at home and in the military.

Butch had a scary encounter in Vietnam as he jumped to safety, avoiding being shot by a Vietnamese guard. Back stateside, Butch went to a Navy Base in Maine, California, Niagara Falls, Alaska, finishing his military career at Plattsburgh Air Force Base.

Stephen Lavier – U.S. Army 1965-1968 Vietnam 

Influenced by his father’s 27-year military career, Steve, age 18, graduated from high school in New York City and enlisted.  After basic training at Fort Dix, Steve went to Fitzsimmons Army Medical Center, Denver, where he trained as a Medical Equipment Repairman. Then, at Fort Leonard Wood, Steve worked on a mobile hospital setup, responsible for keeping every piece of equipment running.

Sent to Vietnam, Steve’s prior training was essential as he joined a MASH Unit that kept Steve very busy fixing equipment due to power surges caused by big generators.

Reinaldo (Ray) Lizardi – U.S. Air Force 1955-1980 Vietnam

Leaving the University of Puerto Rico, Ray, 18, enlisted. Ray completed training and positions: Security Police Tactical Course, Electronics Fundamental Review Course, Airborne Recon Specialist, and Security Police Superintendent. Ray served at Air Bases in Georgia, Plattsburgh, South Carolina, California, and Arizona, and abroad in Panama, Libya, Thailand, Vietnam, and, least favorite, Turkey.

Ray retired after 25 years of service to our Country. Stationed at Plattsburgh, Ray met the love of his life. On September 17th, 2023, Ray and Judy celebrated 63 years of marriage.

Kenneth Marshall – U.S. Navy 1970-1974 Vietnam

With a draft number of 13, Ken enlisted. Completing basic training at Great Lakes Naval Station, Ken says it was the most fun.

With no assignment aboard a ship, Ken had on-the-job training, learning from Plane handlers to Crash Crew, Fireman training, and Welding School.

Ken boarded the USS Forestal CVA-59, traveling to Malta, Greece, Turkey, Italy, and Africa, where they rescued people from a typhoon. The ship supported Vietnam with medical facilities for rescue and body returns. Ken spent most of his service on foreign seas, saying every day on a ship deck is hazardous.

Richard (Marty) McCalvin Jr. – U.S. Army 1964-1966 Vietnam

After two years of college, Marty was drafted. At basic training lineup, a casual question: who has a dog at home? Marty was sent to Military Police Training and assigned as a Dog Handler.

The dog handlers arrived in Vietnam with 250 dogs; no one knew they were coming. A tent area was set up for the dogs. Soldiers were told to find their own place to sleep.

Marty stepped on the dog’s paw on guard duty with his dog, too dark to see. The dog bit Marty in the crotch. Marty continued to walk his post for 4 hours with blood running down his legs. OUCH.

John McDonald – U.S. Marine Corps 1961-1967 Vietnam

At 17, John’s parents refused to sign enlistment papers. John was assigned as a Machine Gunner at Parris Island a year later. After basic training, John attended sea school aboard a ship and learned to fire the big guns.

John served under three and 4-Star Admirals and a 3-Star Marine General at a top-secret base. He was sent to Cuba to guard the perimeter fence line and then sent by ship to Santo Domino Harbor during an uprising to protect American lives and property in the Dominican Republic. Assigned to a NATO ship, John traveled to England, Ireland, Norway, Sweden, and Germany. One night, while singing the Marine Corps Hymn in a barroom, John was arrested. As fate would have it, in civilian life, John became a New York City Police Officer.

John Nailor – U.S. Marine Corps 1964-1967 Vietnam

John enlisted, went to boot camp at Parris Island, and trained as a Field Radio Operator.

In Vietnam, John joined the 5th Battalion 7th Marine Regiment. John was assigned to Emergency Medical Evacuations of wounded and killed-in-action soldiers requiring quick in and quick out action. John, at 5’5″, was assigned as a tunnel rat. With a rope tied around his ankle, John entered the tunnels, told to destroy tunnels, gather intelligence, and kill or capture the occupants, often in close combat. The tunnel conditions were extremely dangerous.

In Guam, on his way home, John had $1,500. He ordered steak and enjoyed five pineapple drinks. In the morning, John had 15 cents in his pocket and no shoes. John was told he had a good time.

Joseph Purtell – U.S. Marine Corp 1965-1967 Vietnam, U.S. Air Force 1967 -1991

Three generations of his military families inspired Joe. Joe went for basic training at Parris Island; the drill instructor said, “95% of you will be dead in a year”.

Leaving the Marine Corps, Joe joined the Air Force, receiving advanced management and accounting training. As a Financial Management Service Supervisor, Joe set up base operations. Every two weeks, Joe flew to Egypt. Although he was not the highest-ranking officer, the Egyptians would only work with Joe, the ‘money guy.’ Joe was awarded many commendations when he retired after 26 years of service to our Country.

Biographies compiled by Honor Flight Operations Director Janet Duprey

Gary Barcomb – U.S. Air Force 1958-1962 Cold War

Suffering the death of his brother in a car accident, Gary, age 17, enlisted. In basic training at Fort Dix, Gary joined the Security Detail guarding Elvis Presley. Gary trained at Fort Gordon in Military Police and Security.

Sent to Germany, Gary met his future wife. Needing approval to marry took six months of red tape, including a letter to the Pope. On their wedding day, Gary and Gisela had three ceremonies: Catholic, Base and Burgermeister. That’s really getting married as they celebrate 65 years of marriage. Returning stateside, the Cuban Missile Crisis delayed Gary’s discharge by two weeks.

Lawrence DeGroff – U.S. Air Force 1966-1970 Vietnam

At age 19, Larry enlisted, completing basic training at Lackland Air Force Base. Assigned to Cape Charles Air Force Base Station, Larry trained in welding, a skill that served him well in civilian life.

Larry mainly worked at night when sent to Da Nang Air Force Base in Vietnam. Larry’s memories remain private about his time in Vietnam. Larry recalls a sergeant and two Privates shot on their way home. Larry remembers Vietnamese kitchen workers used their hands to pull garbage out to feed their families. Larry completed his service at Whiteman Air Force Base. Larry said cherry bombs at 20 cents each couldn’t get him in trouble.

Thomas Forgatch – U.S. Navy 1965-1969 Cold War

Tom enlisted in the Navy, going to basic training at Great Lakes. Upon recovery from two months of pneumonia, Tom went to Norfolk Naval Base for Air Carrier Deck Experience on the USS Independence. Tom volunteered for the ‘best duty’ patrol squad in Brunswick, Maine.

Tom alternated between Iceland (cold) and the Azores (warm) for almost three years. On ten 12-hour shifts, Tom documented icebergs tracking nuclear submarines and ships. Once, his aircraft received a warning that the enemy had “locked on” his aircraft. The plane descended within 200 feet of the water to avoid enemy missile strikes.  

Ronald Fox – U.S. Air Force 1963-1967 Cold War

Enlisting at age 17, Ron had basic training at Lackland, followed by Aircraft Mechanic Training in Amarillo, Texas. On the second day, the base locked down when President Kennedy was assassinated.

At Sheppard Air Force Base, protesters fired rounds into the base. Ron was a B-52 Assistant Crew Chief at Plattsburgh Air Force Base. In Operation Chrome Dome, flying over Alaska, Ron was in a B-52 Strategic Bomber Aircraft armed with thermonuclear weapons.   The Chief shut down TV and lights out at 10 p.m. Ron put a horned toad in the Chief’s bed; a scream followed. The next day, they spent cleaning the flight line.

Richard Godfrey, Jr. – U.S. Air Force 1947-1953 Korean

Richard enlisted and was sent to Lackland Air Force Base for basic training in refrigeration, gas, oxygen, and acetylene generators.

Ordered to the Philippines, Dick was sent to Korea. With no work assignment, the Air Force searched for him in the Philippines. Dick was in a tent three miles from the front line. One night Dick was hungry, so he walked a mile to the mess hall. Upon return, Dick found the tent destroyed by mortar explosives, killing his mates.

In temporary barracks, a 2nd Lieutenant arrived. He and Dick took off in a B-25, lost an engine, and soon lost the second engine. He grabbed a radio and located the raft in the Pacific in 4 to 5-foot swells. Finally, at his assignment, Dick, riding in the back of a truck hit by machine gun fire, threw him into a rice paddy, severely injuring his legs.

Dick’s best adventure in the Philippines was meeting and marrying his beautiful wife, Sally.

Lincoln King – U.S. Army 1959-1962 Vietnam

Lincoln enlisted in the Army to avoid the draft to keep his feet on the ground. Of course, the Army sent him aboard ship for 24 days.

Lincoln traveled by bus, train, and plane a day after leaving home. On the way to basic training, he met a couple of locals. While on leave, the group missed a flight to Fort Lewis; Lincoln, Private First Class in charge, had to make up a day.

Sent to Korea, Lincoln also traveled to Japan. Returning stateside, Lincoln served the rest of his time at Fort Devens. Lincoln’s best day was October 26, 1962, discharge day. But Lincoln said the salmon missing in Seattle get an honorary mention.

Walter Kotzur – U.S. Air Force 1963-1992 Vietnam

Ordered to Vietnam, Walter told his bride he’d see her in a year. In his first year, Walt flew over 200 missions as all his MOS assignments were with bombs: Weapons Mechanic, Gunner, Weapons Maintenance Technician, Weapons Maintenance Superintendent, and Aircraft Armament Manager. In Jungle Survival Training, Walt was dropped with a parachute, canteen, and manchette; given 12 hours to avoid capture by Negrito natives; capture was not an option; on his way back to base camp, he slept in a tree. Walt trained in a Prisoner of War camp for survival, evasion, resistance, and escape.

Walt received high-level awards: Distinguished Flying Cross with Two Oak Leaf Clusters, Air Medal with Eight Oak Leaf Clusters and too many to mention. For years Walt did not allow Vietnam material in his home until his son Eric found a 1966 Time Life magazine and asked his dad if that was his picture. Eric is proud to be the guardian of his dad on today’s flight. At the Wall, Walter, with a special place in his heart, will honor 87 veterans, including 42 killed when they served together in Vietnam.

Robert Manchester – U.S. Air Force 1968-1988 Vietnam

Robert enlisted and was assigned to aircraft maintenance. Leaving Loring Air Force Base, Bob volunteered for hazardous duty in Thailand.

Bob and his family were stationed in Guam during the evacuation of Vietnamese who lived in Quonset huts in a fenced-in area. They stared at blond, blue-eyed children.

After time in Spain and England, Bob reenlisted while in Maine, moving on to Plattsburgh Air Force Base. Bob’s duties were towing, refueling, fixing engines, and working on the alert pad. For five years, Bob’s family celebrated Thanksgiving dinner on the runway.

Paul McGee – U.S. Navy 1955-1958 Korean

Paul was hungry and decided to join the Navy. Paul took his oath two hours before the war ended. At boot camp in San Diego, Paul slept on an Army cot in a gymnasium. Assigned to the USS Philip, Paul had on-the-job training. Assigned to the USS Fechteler, the 7th Fleet cruised in the Far East, serving the Taiwan Patrol, a carrier task force radar warning ship.

After the USS America, Paul finished with the USS Gurke. Paul traveled the world, including the Hawaiian Islands, Midway Island, Japan, Okinawa, Formosa, Hong Kong, Guam, American Samoa, Acapulco, Panama, Lima, and his favorites, New Zealand and Chile. On leave, Paul rented a surfboard to catch the big wave. Instead, he caught a mouth full of sand as the board beat him back to shore. Paul ended his surfing career and headed to the safety of a bar.

Joseph McNichols – U.S. Air Force 1970-1996 Vietnam

Joe graduated from college and was drafted. After Officer School, Joe attended C-130 Pilot basic and specialized Mission Training, followed by Survival and Jungle Schools.

Joe was assigned to Tan San Nhut Air Force Base, Vietnam, as President Nixon pulled 10,000 troops, sending Joe to Taiwan. After 330 hours of flight time in Vietnam, Joe had a day or two in Tawain. Joe landed in “places that didn’t exist and situations that never happened.” Sent to pick up Marines, B-52s bombed both the airways; the plane landed, and the Marines jumped on.

Assigned to fly Bob Hope, Joe regrets his roommate flew Rachel Welch, Suzanne Pleshette, and Joey Heatherton. Doesn’t seem fair!

After 18 ½ years at Plattsburgh Air Force Base, Joe spent two years in D.C., consolidating 13 federal agencies into the National Intelligence Agency. Joe landed in Vietnam when his daughter turned five months old. Jennifer is her proud dad’s guardian.

Amos Ploufe – U.S. Army 1955-1958 Korean

Amos, known as Gus, left school after 8th grade and worked in the mines. Gus enlisted, went to basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, then infantry training at Fort Dix. A bad knee kept Gus from his desired airborne division.

Gus went to England, France, and Germany. In Newberry, England, with the 801st Engineer Aviation Battalion, Gus participated in rebuilding the airbase. While in England, Gus met his future wife, Sandra. Gus needed Army approval to marry, and approvals were rare. With access to the CQ stamp of approval, Gus got around the red tape. No one noticed the marriage license had no signature. Gus lost a stripe, but Gus and Sandra celebrated 66 years of marriage this year. After returning home, Gus served 27 years in the National Guard, retiring at the age of 60.

Donald Thornton – U.S. Army 1955-1957 Cold War

Don’s friend Bob Duquette said, “Let’s join the Army.” Don wanted a different direction in life and was on board.

At Fort Knox, Don completed basic, tank and intelligence training.

Don volunteered for an assignment in the Far East. Stationed at the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) with the 21st Infantry Regiment, a group of tanks ran into a North Korean outpost. Don, on the last tank, quickly turned around and got out. After a year of running through rice paddy fields, Don had no appetite for eating rice. Six years later, Don was notified to prepare for a Cuban invasion. Thankfully, it was averted.

Robert Wolstenholme – U.S. Army 1966-1972 Vietnam

After graduating from college with a degree in Biology, Rob was drafted into the Army. At Fort Dix, Rob scored 3rd out of 1,000 on a science exam and was assigned to Fort Baker, 6th Army Medical Lab Division.

In the Lab, Rob processed specimens, including animals, urine, and blood.

A crew would go to a Russian “fishing vessel” to provide medical care, ignoring communication equipment to be addressed by another division.

Rob was influenced by his grandfather, a State Assemblyman. The meanest person Rob met in the military was the Selective Service lady.

Stephen Wood – U.S. Air Force 1968-1988 Cold War

Stephen went to basic training at Lackland and AIT at Chanute for missile technician training. Steve was the ‘Rocket Man’!

Steve moved around the country assigned to Air Force Bases: Grand Forks, North Dakota (twice); Ramey, Puerto Rico; Ellsworth, South Dakota; Robins, Georgia; Pease, New Hampshire; ended in Plattsburgh.

Steve deployed for two TDY simulations in Missouri and Texas. Steve flew as a B-52 simulation crew member using a bare base for training and preparations. Retiring after 20 years of service, Steve said, “I’m packing up and heading south;” instead, he stayed in the warmth of his family.

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The UPS driver was Peru native and resident Corey Howe 

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October 5, 2023 – Ausable Chasm’s autumn colors are muted this week, but the Chasm is always a great place to visit. Two busloads of Saranac Lake students arrived about 10 a.m. They’ll have a great time!

The 11th Annual Octoberfest is on October 14, 2023 at the Peru Fire Dept.  Courses changed this year – it’s a 5K, 10K, and 20 mile bike.  Along with a free 1/2 mile kids fun run for 10 and under (pending enough participants). The Octoberfest is In loving memory of Robert “Chip” Hamilton and proceeds to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation

The bike starts at 8:30am, the kids 1/2 mile fun run at 8:45am (just after the bike departs) and 5K and 10K at 9am.

There is a post-race party with a live band – All Without The Bass along with a bounce house, face painting, food and drinks and an assortment of silent auction items.

Packet pickup is Friday, October 13, 2023 from 5-8pm at the Peru Fire Dept and race morning, Saturday, October 14, 2023 from 7-8:15am

For more information or to register visit – runoctoberfest.com

October 5, 2023 – Ausable Chasm’s autumn colors are muted this week, but the Chasm is always a great place to visit. Two busloads of Saranac Lake students arrived about 10 a.m. They’ll have a great time!

Peru, NY October 5, 2023 – If there is a perfect day for kitesurfing in the area, today had to be it. Ausable Point activity is pictured here, but undoubtedly, other areas were busy, too. At 3 p.m., it was 78 degrees with a steady, moderate wind.