NEW PLYMOUTH — Joseph Katancik, a 97-year-old veteran of World War II, Korea and Vietnam, is alive and well and loving it.
Katancik joined his beloved Army Air Corps in May 1945. When the Air Corps became the U.S. Air Force in 1947, Katancik continued his service in the Air Force until 1967.
Katancik, who still walks around with his wife, Midge, and their dog, Daisy, told the Idaho Press on Thursday he credits his long life to three priorities:
“The first in my life is God. God is first in my life,” Katancik said. “My wife is second, but then, country.”
For 22 years, Katancik sacrificed for his country as a member of the military. But he’s done so much more since his enlistment came to an end.
On Thursday night, he was the star of the show at the New Plymouth VFW Post 9036 as Chris Hanson, District 4 Commander, and Owen Spurling, benefits advisor, bestowed to Katancik a Lifetime Achievement Award for all of the years he’s served his country, both in the military and as a civilian.
“Wonderful,” Katancik said of receiving the award.
“It’s been such a pleasure serving in the military for all those years,” Katancik said. “It’s been an experience, and people, so many of them say ‘thank you’ wherever you go. I like to wear my ball cap with insignias on top. I said, ‘It was my pleasure to serve our country.’ But I always add, ‘You know, if us older men would not have served, you would never have been born.’ I like to tell them on the West Coast, you would have been speaking Japanese; on the East Coast, you’d be speaking German.”
EARLY ENLISTMENT AND A LIFETIME OF ACHIEVEMENTS
Katancik joined the Army Air Corps in 1945 at 16 years old. Spurling read the words of Brian Harris, Post 9036’s commander, which shares some of Katancik’s active duty military service.
“Joseph had the opportunity to serve in many locations throughout the United States and around the world. (He) even received a special citation from President (John F.) Kennedy for installing the first Minuteman Missile system in Montana,” Harris’ words read.
“He served as a special vehicle operator, heavy equipment operator and mechanic, motor pool supervisor, missile transport erector, and aircraft maintenance person. Joseph’s time in the service (saw) him spend two years in Japan, one year in Korea and five years in the Philippines.”
Katancik’s successful career in the Air Force led to a long list of medals, which includes:
- The Army of Occupation Medal — WWII
- Korean Service Medal
- Vietnam Service Medal
- United Nations Service Medal — Korea
- Good Conduct Medal
- Air and Space Longevity Service Award
- Ambassador for Peace Medal, from South Korea
Katancik, a Veterans of Foreign Wars member since 2012, has also been a member of the American Legion since 1958, when he joined while stationed in the Philippines. He is the New Plymouth VFW Post 9036 chaplain.
“To say no one does more for veterans than veterans embodies what Joseph believes and does each and every day,” Harris’ speech stated. “For 47 years, Joseph has been a commissioned chaplain, a service and calling he does not take lightly. For 21 years while in Kodiak, Alaska, he operated a food bank, providing assistance to thousands of local community and veteran members.”
Katancik continued that work in 2016, when he and Midge moved to Fruitland. They set up a food bank out of their home. Joseph also volunteered for three years at Heart and Home in Fruitland, where he was able to visit with many veterans in their final days.
Katancik spoke about what he loves to do and what keeps him going.
“My wife is 85 years old; we’ve been married 57 years,” Katancik said. “I’ve been blessed with a wonderful, wonderful (woman). I don’t want to call her a caregiver, but that’s what she is. When I put my shoes on, she straps them shut, and she buttons my shirts.”
The caring Midge keeps her eye on her best guy. He seems to realize how well he has it with his best girl.
Katancik loves talking to schoolchildren. His love of serving the community is a quality his father instilled in him.
“He always talked about helping people,” Katancik said.
His father would care for the indigent.
“He would bring him home with him, feed him and give him a place to stay for the night,” Katancik said. “Sometimes they would stay for weeks on end and help on our farm.”
Katancik said he learned from his father if he sees someone in need, help them.
“That is my pleasure in life, helping other people,” Katancik said.
The couple worked with a ministry called Transport for Christ, out of San Jose.
“It’s truckers for Christ,” Katancik said. “We had a mobile chapel; we’d seat 40 people in the back.”
They traveled all over the West. Their daughter joined them when she was 13.
“That was probably one of the highlights of our career, that mobile chapel,” Katancik said.
For the Katanciks’ friends, they’re not leaving Fruitland anytime soon. Katancik said he loves his Idaho home.
BEST FRIEND
Katancik spoke about his best friend, Donald Clingenpeel, with whom he served in the military.
“We were buddies together all the time, where we were stationed,” Katancik said. “We got out of touch after a while. He lived in Illinois, and I lived in Alaska. I procrastinated way too long to call him, and I had no idea what his phone number was. All we knew is he lived in Illinois.”
Midge took it upon herself to help Joseph try to contact his friend.
“The operator really worked with her to get ahold of Donald Clingenpeel,” Katancik said. “I called the number she gave us. I said, ‘Are you Donald Clingenpeel?’ He said, ‘Who am I talking to?’ I said, ‘This is Joseph Katancik.’”
Katancik said Clingenpeel didn’t recognize Katancik’s name, as he was Donald’s nephew. But, according to Katancik, Clingenpeel asked where Katancik knew his relative. Katancik answered “The Philippine islands.”
“That was my uncle,” Clingenpeel said. “He passed away five years ago. I’m his nephew. I have the same name, Donald Clingenpeel.”
“So, my wife, she taught me a lesson: Don’t procrastinate; don’t wait for a long time to do this or that.’ But we all do that, you know?” Katancik said.
Another lesson Katancik wanted to spread to the younger military members and veterans is to take advantage of the benefits from military service. Use the Veterans Administration for healthcare and medication.
At 97, Katancik is glad to live his life how he’s lived it.
“Healthwise, I’m 97 years old, my back hurts, my leg hurts,” Katancik said.
The physical pain that comes with age doesn’t seem to bother him much. While Katancik has a cane, he prefers to use it sparingly. He’d rather not use it at all. It’s a good thing he’s got Midge by his side.
FIFTY-SEVEN YEARS OF LOVE
Midge, who showed off the biggest smile in the room, doesn’t have a great poker face when speaking about her husband. The love is clear.
“I’m very proud of my husband,” Midge said. “My husband is a wonderful man. He goes over and above in everything he does and he just loves people. He wants to help people, ever since we were married — 57 years. And he has always been like that. That’s just the way he is. I’m very proud of him.”
Midge’s eyes glistened as she continued to speak about Joseph.
“He’s a very caring man,” Midge said. “He loves people. He loves the Lord. He serves the Lord and loves the Lord with all his heart. And he’s a wonderful provider, always has been for our family. He’s just great, I think I like him.”
After 57 years, the bond’s grown stronger.
“I’m more in love with him now than I ever was before,” Midge said.