ˇ ´ VESTNIK
Volume 101 Number 1
S P J S T Benevolence
H E R A L D
★ Humanity ISSN —07458800
★ Brotherhood
January 9, 2013
Salute to a Czech Soldier — Staff Sergeant Frankie L. Milan of Lodge 154, Fort Worth
September, 1942. America was at war. Frankie L. Milan, a highly skilled, 20-yearold automobile mechanic entered the United States Army as an officer with the rank of Corporal. Frankie joined the 135 Armored Ordinance, an all-volunteer group of trained mechanics and parts men,
which was part of the 13th Armored Division. They were known as the Black Cats. The name was derived from tanks manned by the Division, which rolled on tracks. They derived their design from the great earth moving Caterpillars. They were also called Black Cats because of their fierce and destructive nature and because it was back luck to cross their paths! Frankie spent his first three months of training at Camp Perry, Ohio, where they marched and exercised to get in shape. He was as mentally and physically prepared for military service as
a young man could be. From his parents Anna and Joe Milan, he not only attained love for his Czech culture, but great patriotism for America. Joe and Anna along with Walter Hale and John Beacon founded Sokol Fort Worth. They set up makeshift gyms and practiced in their own back yards. The four Milan boys—Frankie, Joe, Emil, and Jerry—so eagerly participated that the men built a high-bar, a hrasda, behind the Milan home from two sturdy poles and an iron pipe. Mental discipline through physical discipline was the basis for a productive Sokol life. From Ohio, Frankie was sent to
By Sharron Connelly • Lodge 154, Fort Worth
Camp Beale, California, where his unit was divided into three parts: A Company and B Company were both trained to retrieve disabled tanks, trucks, and jeeps from the front lines and bring them back to be repaired. Headquarters, the Company which Frankie belonged to, were trained to repair the vehicles. Some men cleaned and repaired guns making them combat ready. After a year and a half, they were told they were going overseas. Instead, they were sent to Camp Bowie in Brownsville, Texas,
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With Thanks and Appreciation, Chester and Colleen!
In Loving Memory
SPJST State Fraternal Activities Coordinator Chester Jenke retired on December 31, 2012. He and wife Colleen visited lodges and youth clubs around Texas for the past six years. They were honored with a retirement celebration on December 27 held at Casa Sol Restaurant in Seguin. The event was attended by many friends, family members, co-workers, and SPJST members. Chester and Colleen are pictured above with their children, grandchildren, and brother. Next week’s Vestnik will include scenes from the celebration.
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Interest Rates.......................................3 Important Dates ...................................3 Bowling Tournament Information ......3 Job Posting..........................................4 Lodge Section......................................6 Youth Section.....................................28
Rosie Steinman of Lodge 154, Fort Worth is pictured with District Three Queen Reagan Langer at the District Three Fall Meeting in October. Rosie passed away on December 12, 2012. See next week’s Vestnik for a special tribute recognizing Rosie.
Inside This Week’s Vestnik
Vestnik Project ..................................30 In Memoriam ......................................32 Czech Culture ....................................36 Advertisements .................................37 Lodge Calendar .................................38 Vestnik Valentines .............................40
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SPJST retires Lodge 65, Crosby banner
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Lodge 67 Schulenburg hosts Christmas party
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Lodge 47 Seaton youth wins state award