Veterans discuss military service for radio broadcast

Six military veterans gathered recently at Roselle American Legion Post 1084 to make an audio recording of reminiscences of their time in the service.

Leading the discussion was John Russell Ghrist, a longtime Chicago-area radio personality. Ghrist currently hosts "Midwest Ballroom," a show featuring local dance bands broadcast on College of DuPage's WDCB-FM 90.9. The show is heard 5 to 7 p.m. Saturdays.

Each Veterans Day and Memorial Day, Ghrist's show departs from its usual format to devote time to veterans' comments and concerns.

"I do this because my dad was in World War II," Ghrist told the group. "He was a medic. He served in Belgium. His job was to go into the battlefields and grab people and bring them to safety."

Seated around a roundtable at the post on Maple Avenue, the veterans - Gene Mikulecky of Wood Dale, Bernice Murphy of Addison, Ed Kaye of Schaumburg, and Bob Benko, Brian McGehee and Joseph Devlin of Roselle - shared their experiences with Ghrist. The interviews aired as part of Ghrist's Nov. 7 program.

Devlin, 93, former mayor of Roselle, said that while he served in the U.S. Army Air Corps from 1941 to 1946, he became a prisoner of war in Romania after being shot down during a bombing raid on the oil fields. He was held captive for six months, he said.

"We escaped when the Germans started to retreat because the Russians were invading the Balkans," Devlin said. "The guards just walked away from the prison camp and we just walked out."

Ghrist asked the group how they got started in the military.

Devlin said he enlisted at age 21 after spending time in college at what was then known as the Carnegie Institute of Technology in Pittsburgh.

Benko, the post's senior vice commander, said he was in college studying civil engineering before his military career began. Benko served in the U.S. Army in Korea in the early 1970s.

"I spent 13 months in Korea," said Benko, adding that he later joined the reserves. "I really did miss the camaraderie of the military."

Murphy, a master sergeant with the Illinois Air National Guard, said she'd been a billing clerk before joining the guard. She found herself traveling extensively after joining.

"We went to Spain, Okinawa, Alaska," she said.

Kaye said he was in high school when he enlisted in 1955.

"Instead of waiting to be drafted, I volunteered," he said, adding that he served in the Army infantry.

"I was actually a college student when I enlisted in the National Guard," McGehee said.

McGehee, 53, said he later went into the U.S. Army and has spent a total of 29 years in military service, retiring in 2011 as a lieutenant colonel.

Mikulecky said he was a naval aviator stationed in Glenview. He served for 12 years and currently serves as the American Legion post's chaplain.

Ghrist asked the group about their experiences with the Veterans Affairs.

McGehee said that while there is a lot of "red tape" paperwork involved with getting medical care, the care itself is excellent.

"It's top-notch," he said.

"I do have friends that go to the VA (hospital) and they have no complaints with it," Murphy said.

"I have the greatest respect for the VA. My experience with the VA has all been good. They do a great job for me," said Devlin.

Ghrist asked the veterans whether they think organizations such as the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars are still needed.

"Absolutely, these two organizations are a crucial part of the community," McGehee said. He said they give veterans a place to gather in their hometowns and meet with others who have shared similar experiences.

Murphy agreed.

"Yes, they're very much needed," she said.

She said the legion and VFW not only provide a meeting place for veterans, they carry out community services, such as hospital visits.

"There's a lot of community service going," Benko said. "People want to be in contact with their ex-military friends and buddies. This is work that needs to be done and needs to be continued."

Benko said the Roselle American Legion post has more than 260 members.

He added that veterans' organizations, including the American Legion, also provide scholarships to students.

"Even after retiring, military people serve others for the rest of their lives. They always are giving," said Benko's wife, Joyce.

"This post travels to Hines (VA) Hospital the Wednesday before Christmas every year," said Mikulecky. Post representatives deliver around 200 gifts and provide fellowship.

The group also was asked about the state of patriotism in America today.

"I think people are patriotic today," said Benko. "Back in the days of Vietnam, nobody separated the policymakers from the policy enforcers. I think the American public has got a much better understanding."

"People say, 'Thank you for serving,'" Mikulecky said.

Ghrist wrapped up the session by asking the group to reflect on their military careers.

"It's been a lifelong goal of mine to serve the country," McGehee said. "Even though I'm retired, I would do it again."

"I loved being in the military and I would do it again," Murphy said.

"I really am a proud American," Mikulecky said. "I really am so pleased I was born in this country. God bless America."

"Serving this country has got to be one of the greatest honors," Benko said. "Yes, in a heartbeat, I would serve again."