By FRANK SOJAK
The Tribune-Democrat
June 22, 2008 10:08 pm
—
The Cambria County War Memorial was built in 1951 as a living memorial to those who risked and gave their lives for their country.
Warren McKinney is keeping the memory of those heroes alive.
Whenever the War Memorial hosts a Chiefs game, concert or other event, McKinney opens the doors to the Veterans’ Memorial Museum, located in the lobby of the arena.
A volunteer curator since 1998, McKinney shows visitors artifacts from wars from the Civil War to the current war on terror that were donated by servicemen and women from Cambria County or their families.
The museum has items such as military uniforms and photographs and even boasts two rare Civil War discharge papers, McKinney said.
“I love the military,” said McKinney, a veteran of the Gulf War who retired from the Army as a staff sergeant in 1995. “As long as I am able to, I will stay as manager of the museum.”
The Brownstown Borough resident said it’s important to have the museum to honor veterans.
He said the country is at war now, but when wars are over, it seems that the warriors are forgotten.
“This is one way I can help to keep them alive and keep alive what they did for our country.
“I enjoy doing what I’m doing. I am making people aware that what they have now, they got because of the veterans.”
Visitors are impressed with the museum, he said.
One visit he will never forget is that of a Massachusetts man who was at the War Memorial two years ago to watch his grandson play hockey against the Chiefs.
The visitor, John Toffey IV, saw maps that pertained to the Sicilian campaign during World War II. Toffey noticed that the route drawn on the maps was the same one that his father, a commander, had led troops.
Certain that the veteran who donated the maps must have served with his father, Toffey wanted to meet the man.
McKinney then arranged a meeting between Toffey and the owner of the maps, Andrew Balaschak of Coopersdale.
McKinney, a member of the Conemaugh Valley Veterans, which sponsored the World War II Recognition Ceremony last month at the War Memorial, was instrumental in that event.
He also helps to organize the Veterans Day Parade in Johnstown each year. The event is sponsored by Conemaugh Valley Veterans.
As a member of the War Memorial’s Veterans Committee, he helps to take care of the Veterans’ Memorial outside the arena.
For his efforts, McKinney is the Person of the Week.
Retired Army Col. Marty Kuhar, a member of the War Memorial Authority, said McKinney does a great job as curator of the museum.
“People like him,” he said.
“He’s sincere, and he’s interested in the visitors.”
“Our area is blessed to have people like Warren because it makes it easier for the rest of us,” he added.
Peggy Martinec, an employee at the state Department of Public Welfare, Johnstown, where McKinney works as a part-time security officer, said McKinney is sincere. His thoughtfulness makes life better for everyone, she said.
Another employee of that office, Joanie Mesteller, signed up her father and father-in-law for the World War II Recognition Ceremony last month and McKinney wanted to do something special because of Mesteller, Martinec said.
“Warren made special arrangements to be the veterans’ representative who would place the medals on her family members,” Martinec said.
“He wanted to personally thank them and salute them for their heroic service during World War II.”
McKinney and his wife of 46 years, Carol, have three children and six grandchildren.
Tribune-Democrat editors select a Person of the Week from nominations made by readers. To nominate someone, call 532-5058, 24 hours a day.
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