In Loving Memory of Veteran SGT. MILAN JOSEPH ZDRAZIL

In Loving Memory of Veteran 

SGT. MILAN JOSEPH ZDRAZIL

SGT. MILAN JOSEPH ZDRAZIL

APRIL 29, 1922 – MARCH 6, 2010

Another of the Greatest Generation has gone to the great beyond. Sgt. Milan J. Zdrazil served his country proudly and with honor for many years.

Raised on a small farm outside of Silver Lake, Minnesota, as a young boy, he cultivated wheat, corn, and oats and raised chickens, hogs, and cattle for market and family use. 

He entered the Civil Conservation Corps under Franklin Delano Roosevelt's Administration at age 18 training and working as a truck driver and cook. He was honorably discharged May 21, 1942 for "urgent and proper call" to join the Army Air Corp. He served two years in the Panama Canal Zone as a cook in the Coastal Artillery. After returning to the States he was stationed at Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, Ms. as a cook instructor. He was honorably discharged on November 2, 1945. He was in the Army Reserve and finally the Air Force Reserve until 1952. His certificate from the Army Air Forces read in part, " …the ties that bound us under stress of combat must not be broken in peace time. Together we share the responsibility for guarding our country in the air. We who stay will never forget the part you have played while in uniform. We know you will continue to play a comparable role as a civilian… as our ways part, let me wish Gods speed and the best of luck on your road in life… Our gratitude and respect go with you. Commanding General of the Army Air Forces...”

He did continue to play a comparable role as a civilian. After a variety of jobs, he helped build many boats as a sheet metal worker, two of which he received a citation for: the USS Spruance (DD963) November 1973 and the Paul F. Foster (DD964) February 1974. This was at the Ingalls Shipyards in Pascagoula Mississippi where he later retired.

Milan J. Zdrazil was not only a great patriot and veteran, he was described by those who knew him best as a sweet and guileless man; a gentle soul who never raised his voice and was an anchor to his children, Gene and Kimberly -- always there with a smile and love. He always loved. There can be no greater commendation than this.

 Almighty Father, eternal God, hear our prayers for Your son MILAN JOSEPH ZDRAZIL whom You have called from this life to Yourself. Grant him light, happiness, and peace. Let him pass in safety through the gates of death, and live forever with all Your saints in the light You promised to Abraham and to all his descendants in faith. Guard him from all harm and on that great day of resurrection and reward raise him up with all Your saints. Pardon his sins and give him eternal life in Your kingdom. 
May You Rest In Peace

MILAN JOSEPH ZDRAZIL

THE AIRMAN’S CREED

This is the Airman's promise to country and colleagues.

I AM AN AMERICAN AIRMAN.
I AM A WARRIOR.
I HAVE ANSWERED MY NATION'S CALL.

I AM AN AMERICAN AIRMAN.
MY MISSION IS TO FLY, FIGHT, AND WIN.
I AM FAITHFUL TO A PROUD HERITAGE,
A TRADITION OF HONOR,
AND A LEGACY OF VALOR.

I AM AN AMERICAN AIRMAN,
GUARDIAN OF FREEDOM AND JUSTICE,
MY NATION'S SWORD AND SHIELD,
ITS SENTRY AND AVENGER.
I DEFEND MY COUNTRY WITH MY LIFE.

I AM AN AMERICAN AIRMAN:
WINGMAN, LEADER, WARRIOR.
I WILL NEVER LEAVE AN AIRMAN BEHIND,
I WILL NEVER FALTER,
AND I WILL NOT FAIL.