Honoring our veterans

BY: Tom Blumenberg

Resident, Cedar Community Independent Living

The early years

Daniel C. Stancl was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on May 3, 1927 to Charles and Frances Stancl (nee Szolowicz). Charles’ family (his parents and his three brothers) had immigrated through Ellis Island, New York, from Czechoslovakia, when he was 10 years old. Charles eventually married Frances (“It’s some kind of Polish name!” Dan laughed) and together they had one child—Daniel. Charles labored as a shoe cutter for Weyenberg Shoe Manufacturing Company in Milwaukee. He was so accomplished at his craft that he was the only cutter retained during the Depression.

Dan’s early education took place at several schools on the south side of Milwaukee. He graduated from Pulaski High School in 1944—the youngest person in his graduating class at 16 years old. After high school, Dan worked until his parents convinced him to attend Marquette University for journalism— hoping that he would not be drafted during WWII.

Drafted

When Dan turned 18 years old, he did, indeed, receive his draft notice. Given a choice between Army or Navy, he thought his best option to “see the world” was by entering the Navy. Boot camp took place at Naval Station Great Lakes where he was astonished when, on his rst night in the barracks, he was assigned guard duty! His parents were allowed to visit him each Sunday—for which he was grateful.

On duty

Dan was eventually assigned to duty at the Naval Air Technical Training Command (NATTC) in Norman, Oklahoma—home of the recently constructed Naval Flight Training Center for combat pilots. To train naval pilots on land, runways were constructed with the same dimensions and look of the deck of an aircraft carrier.

Dan served on the re department on base and was part of a crash-truck crew, which trained to extinguish res of aircraft damaged in combat missions. While on duty, “save the pilot” was the catchphrase Dan and the crew lived by. With no special gear, the crew was required to ght the re until they could safely touch the wing of the aircraft.

In his o -duty time, Dan enjoyed dancing and movies. One of these past- times eventually impacted his civilian career choice—so it was time well spent!

Civilian life

With the war winding down and discharge on the horizon, Dan and a friend made travel plans. He wanted to see the country—speci cally the Grand Canyon. His parents sent him $500 to help him make the trip following his honorable discharge.

Dan and his friend left the base, bought a used car, and headed to Oklahoma City—staying the night with a family friend. The following day, singing, “Get Your Kicks on Route 66,” they continued to head west to the Grand Canyon, Los Angeles, and eventually San Diego.

Dan worked part-time jobs to make ends meet, and enjoyed many adventures in California. This included a meeting with comedian Red Skelton in a comedy club, among other things. Following his adventures, he decided to head for home after meeting a couple who needed a ride to Milwaukee—and he gladly obliged them.

Life goes on

Back in Milwaukee, and with no plans to return to college, Dan searched for a job and recalled one particular movie he was inspired by about an advertising agency. He took a leap of faith and was eventually connected with an advertising manager from Wisconsin Electric Power Company. He was hired and had a long and successful career.

Re ections

Dan was proud of his service, but had regrets about not being stationed on an aircraft carrier. (Join the Navy, see Oklahoma!?) He was trained and willing to serve, but he did not get the opportunity to travel and see the world. He was grateful to have the opportunity to learn about himself, nding ways to overcome his shyness, and not being in active combat.

Cedar Community

Dan resided at Cedar Community’s assisted living for six years. He passed away on November 13, 2021. Dan’s family allowed publication of this article as a tribute to Dan’s rich life. We are grateful to share his story.