Every year on Nov. 11, war veterans are revered for their honor and bravery to America. When the Korean War began, there was no doubt that Massapequa resident John Volpe would not serve his country.
“I was in the Navy for four years during the Korean War,” said Volpe, who enlisted in 1952. “I enjoyed it and made some very good friends; some that I still keep in touch with.”
At the time there was a draft, but at the age of 19, a young Volpe chose to volunteer for service.
“I was young, had no place to go, no background and my whole family was in the garment district, which I didn’t like,” said Volpe. “Until I found out what I wanted to do, I went into service.”
Volpe did not have a desire to go into anything but the Navy, a decision he had already made while still in high school.
“I knew I wanted to go into that branch of the military because my brother served in the Navy in WWII, so I wanted to keep the tradition going,” he said.
Volpe’s role aboard the ship was as a “Coremaster Signalman,” in which his responsibilities included making and recording charts, flashing lights and utilizing Morse code. He had always liked the water, but it was the prospect of travel that solidified his decision to serve.
“I wanted to see the world, that’s another reason I joined,” said Volpe, who had traveled all over the Caribbean including Jamaica, Puerto Rico and Cuba.
“I also got to do one thing that many people never have the opportunity to do; cross the Arctic Circle,” said Volpe, who crossed the icy mass on an ice breaker on July 4, 1956.
“It was such an amazing experience, and when you cross a line, whether it be the equator or the Arctic Circle, there is a big ceremony,” he said. “Mine included a visit from King Neptune and drinking celebratory beers over ice.”
Volpe met his wife Janice in high school, although the two did not run in the same social circle. It wasn’t until a blind date that they reconnected.
“We were engaged while I was in the service, but I wouldn’t get married until I was discharged,” said Volpe, who got married in October of 1956; two weeks after his release from the Navy. The Volpes recently celebrated their 58th wedding anniversary with their two children; Johnny, 52, who lives in a group home in Plainview, and Jeanice, 45.
After he was discharged from the Navy, Volpe had to serve four more years, unbeknownst to him.
“I was on call if there was ever another outbreak,” said Volpe. “Even though I was released in 1956, I didn’t get my real discharge until 1960,” he continued, admitting that although he enjoyed his time in the Navy, he felt he had lost four years of his life.
“Friends of mine who didn’t serve were four years ahead of me in everything; careers and families, but I was happy with my decision and would do it again if I had the chance,” said Volpe.
When he came out of the service, Volpe’s good friend offered him a job on Wall Street at E.F. Hutton & Co., however, it did not last long.
“I had the GI Bill coming to me because I served during a time of combat, so I went to school to become a hairstylist,” said Volpe, who enjoyed working with his hands. “I bought a business and later sold it,” he continued, moving on to several other jobs including five years as a custodian, a teacher aide at BOCES and a delivery man at Tim’s Florist.
Now at the age of 81, Volpe is retired but works part time at the local golf course to keep busy.
“I’m very active,” said Volpe, who belongs to the Knights of Columbus and plays shuffle board. He also bowls and plays golf twice a week.
As a veteran, Volpe still doesn’t approve of war.
“No one likes war, but if the country calls you to serve, you go,” said Volpe.
Volpe believes the same level of respect for veterans exists now as it did back then, but he doesn’t think that enough is being done to return the favor on the topic of veteran care.
“Our country needs to take care of itself and its people. I don’t think they do enough for veterans that come back today, financially and in other ways” said Volpe. “They become utterly disabled and although they get rehabilitation and get fitted with prosthetics, these are people who sacrificed everything for their country and we can’t even begin to repay them.”
Volpe proudly hangs the American flag outside his front door year round. The flag serves as a reminder of his own service to his country, as well as the countless men and women who have lost their lives doing the same. While words will never be enough to express our gratitude to veterans like Volpe, sometimes a smile and demonstration of pride is just enough.
