Kenneth’s Story
Kenneth Schnick, 91, served 17 months in Korea and 28 months in Vietnam. He was in combat during the Korean War, often coming under daily shelling while directing front-line bombing and strafing missions. “We got shelled every day,” he said. “We directed the front-line bombing and strafing. They didn’t like us because we sent too many planes over there… they tried to wipe us off.” His unit, the 606 ACW, received a Presidential Unit Citation from both the United States and Korea.
Kenneth first heard about Catholic Charities through his church, Sacred Heart. “They sent me over because I don’t have any teeth. They said they’d help, and they did,” he said. He had lost all his teeth many years ago, and while the VA would provide a partial denture, Catholic Charities made sure he received the dental care he needed.
Beyond dental care, Catholic Charities helped Kenneth with home maintenance and emergency support. During a Day of Service, volunteers redid his entire backyard, even painting his lawn chairs. “You should have seen it when they got done. It was beautiful… everybody that came in said, ‘Whoa. Who’s your lawn people?’ I said, ‘I don’t have lawn people. Catholic Churches came down here and had a whole group of people.’”
When a large tree limb knocked a power line off his house, Catholic Charities arranged for him to stay temporarily at the Best Western Motel while repairs were underway. “I said, ‘I spent seven years in the Far East, and they don’t have air conditioning. I’m still alive,’” he laughed. “But they took me out, put me in the Best Western… someday I’ll be back home.”
Kenneth’s personal life is a story of love, family, and resilience. He met his wife while serving in the military, and they married in Reno, Nevada, shortly after dating. “I said, ‘You know what we ought to do?’ She said, ‘What?’ I said, ‘I want to get married to you.’ She said, ‘You what?’ I said, ‘I’m going to get married.’ She had to think about it, but a week later she said, ‘We get along real good. I like you and you like me.’ We borrowed my buddy’s car and drove to Reno.”
They started their life together in a small garage apartment near the base. Together they had two daughters, who later gave them nine grandchildren. Those grandchildren have now given them 19 great-grandchildren, with four more on the way. “We had 72 wonderful years together. She passed away a year and a half ago,” he said. His family and his service are a testament to resilience, love, and the long arc of life after service.
Catholic Charities provided not only practical help but also emotional support, helping Mr. Schnick maintain dignity and independence. From dental care to home repair, he received the resources he needed to live safely and comfortably.
