WWII Veteran John Gualtier honored for 50 Years of Service to the Legion by Commander Ron Albright
John Gualtier started on a path that at the age of 18 he didn't really want, but at the time he thought he should sign up to fulfill his duty to his country against his father's advice. His journey wasn't at all what he expected, but the 94-year-old Army Sergeant, a veteran of both WWII and the Korean Wars, has used it to help hundreds if not thousands of veterans.
As a member of the American Legion for the last 50 years, the Legion recognized him with a plaque thanking him for his service to other Veterans. The plaque read, "JOHN GUALTIER IN RECOGNITION OF 50 YEARS OF MEMBERSHIP AND SERVING FELLOW VETERANS."
He entered World War II at age 18, but by the age of 19, he was liberating prisoners from a concentration camp. (You MUST take a few minutes to watch this video with just a snippet of what John experienced...)
As a medic, he's seen more than any one person should, but he's used his experiences to help other veterans. "His helping fellow soldiers in WWII as a combat medic was the start of his many years of helping fellow veterans. There are many veterans in Vinton as well as the State of Iowa who John helped get the benefits they were entitled to," said Ron Albright, Commander George G. Luckey Post 57, American Legion of Iowa.
To date, he has volunteered at the VA Hospital in Iowa City for more than 10,000 hours. They didn't keep track of every hour he's been there, this is the number that they have after they started keeping records.He makes a trip to the VA about every other week, putting an easy 100,000+ miles on his cars, without pay.
He's made numerous donations to the VA as well as donating 3 vehicles to local veterans.
During the flood of 2008, John volunteered by sandbagging, cleaning, moving household goods out of the way and donating usable appliances as well as housing a flood victim for 9 months.
He joined the legion in 1970, being an active member every year. He's been the Post Commander three times, served as a Post Service Officer for 37 years. He holds the distinction of being the longest to be a member of the Post Executive Committee.
John has attended more than 400 military funerals. He has signed up more new legion members and renewals than any other member.
Through the years he has covered the cost of untold low-income Legionaire's dues.
On one occasion the Post/District/County only needed two more members to join so that they would receive the Blue Ribbon Award. However, before the meeting was over, John had two more signed up.
Participating in ALL of the Post Activities, he took it upon himself when he noticed that there were not enough members for a quorum, he enticed members to attend by covering the cost of meals for a year at the meetings which brought attendance to 30-40.
By John helping to increase membership, the Legion received the Road Runner Award for 4 consecutive years.
John has received letters of recognition from Presidents George W. Bush, and William J. Clinton for his volunteer service to the VA Hospital, as well as the U.S. Presidential award for his 10,000 hours of service. He's also received two letters of appreciation from Senator Grassley also for his volunteer work at the VA. The VFW National Commander in Chief also recognized him with a Certificate of Appreciation for his 5,000+ hours of work at the VA. He's also received the Iowa State Governor's Certificate of Appreciation.
The State Legion Commander's Award was awarded for his dedication to the Legion, as well as the Val Liken's State Service Officer Award.
He's been awarded three Certificates of Appreciation for his devotion to serving Veterans by State Representatives Bill Brand and Dawn Pettengill, and Iowa State Senator Putney.
He was "sworn in" as an honorary State Senator of Iowa.
He's also received the Benton County Legionnaire of the Year award as well as a Certificate from the Iowa State HACAP Commission for his years of service on the Benton County Commission Board, and Chairman for three years.
The journey John's taken he wouldn't choose for anyone, but he's taken his experiences and poured his life into those veterans that have come after him.
Below are several links to articles and some video clips of John.
Take some time to learn about his experiences, as an area teacher said of him, "he's a gem!"
Speaking to VSHS students about war trauma and PTSD
A Hero Among us documentary see a trailer for this award, it's worth a watch video
Gualtier receives Legion Service award for second time
Concentration Camp Liberator Honored at Tri City Jewish Center
Reluctant Speaker
Nine who Care a trailer for the honor can be seen here
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