Local Veteran Remembers World War II |

His name is Paul J. Muzychenko, and service is runs in his genes.

"My father was a draftee," said Muzychenko.

Muzychenko was in the Navy during World War II. He enlisted in the late 1930's.

"We signed up for 6 years," he said. "It was a tough one. People don't' realize it was six years. It had a lot of pluses and minuses."

During that time he fought in 17 engagements, including the Battle of Midway in 1942, which was a crucial naval battle between the U.S and Japan. It was a turning point in the war in the pacific.

"We used to go out, enduring maneuvers, and fight battles," said Muzychenko.

Muzychenko is now 93 and lives in a Sparks retirement home. After leaving the Navy, he went on to a very successful career which included working for the jet propulsion laboratory in Southern California-- he even designed the parachute that NASA used on one of the Mars missions.

"We really need to take care of those who have sacrificed so much," said Bernie Stolzman, a friend of Paul and an Army veteran himself.

Stolzman is Vice President of Reno's Chapter of the Association of the United States Army.

"We're not talking a foreign language in this country because of them," said Stolzman.

Thanks Paul and Bernie, and all the veterans!