Veterans Corner opens

By Elise Franco | August 17, 2011 at 12:01a.m.

Austintown

The Austintown Senior Center continues to expand and diversify by creating a haven for local veterans.

The senior center opened its Veterans Corner on Tuesday morning with a ceremony by the American Legion Post 301 and tables displaying unusual war memorabilia.

Ron Borngesser of Austintown is a member of Post 301 and said he got plans for the Veterans Corner started.

“There are a lot of seniors who are veterans but don’t belong to any veterans groups,” he said. “We feel they’re missing out on a lot, especially benefits they’re not aware of.”

Borngesser, an Army veteran who served in Germany during the Vietnam War, said each Tuesday between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. members of the American Legion will be available at the senior center to discuss any questions or issues veterans may have.

Lisa Oles, township trustee, said this new service is not only a positive way to bring more seniors into the center but also to keep ties with veterans and the community.

“It’s wonderful for our veterans to be visible like this,” she said.

John Prochak, of Austintown, brought items from Nazi Germany to display during the opening, including a Nazi flag and a German Army uniform.

Prochak, who served in the Army for 24 years, said he was a prisoner of war and took the items upon his release in May 1949.

“I figured it would be interesting for the other veterans for look at,” he said. “I doubt many people have seen an original Nazi flag.”

Borngesser said he thinks the Veterans Corner will be successful because of the sheer number of vets in the area.

“A lot of guys who come to the senior center already are vets, and many aren’t affiliated with any organization,” he said.

For more information or for Senior Center hours, call 330-953-1416.