KENOSHA, Wis. — Not every Army veteran’s birthday party draws a Navy admiral, but Julius Mianecki is not just any Army veteran — and he knew exactly whom to call.
The American Heroes Café at Festival Foods in Kenosha marked Mianecki’s 95th birthday Friday with a special celebration that included a prayer and remarks from Navy Rear Admiral Chaplain Peter Muschinske.
Muschinske is married to Mianecki’s niece, Katie Muschinske, and the couple traveled from their home in Rice Lake, Wis., to help celebrate the milestone birthday.
“I did it for a purpose,” Mianecki joked of inviting the admiral. “I was going to watch and see how many Navy men stood up. I thought it would be kind of a jovial type of thing to see a Navy guy who’s probably never seen an admiral before.”
The admiral received a warm welcome from those in attendance, as did Mianecki, who is a regular at the Friday Heroes Café gatherings honoring local veterans.
Still sharp at 95, Mianecki recalled his Army service from 1952 to 1954, including being stationed on a remote island off the coast of Siberia, where he endured frigid conditions during the early years of the Cold War.
After his military service, Mianecki built a career in construction and devoted countless hours to veterans’ organizations throughout the Kenosha and Racine areas. He said he has volunteered with the Stars and Stripes Honor Flight organization since its beginning.
“I’ve been on many flights,” Mianecki said, adding with a smile, “and I may get a couple more in.”
The celebration also came at a meaningful moment for Muschinske, who is set to retire in September after roughly 36 years of commissioned service in the Navy reserves.
“It’s a great privilege to be here,” Muschinske said.
5 Responses
What a great story!!!! Thank you to all Veterans for your service! Awesome job Covering this one!!!!!
Great story!
95 going on 65. Guy looks great . We should all be so lucky.
Happy 95th Birthday! What a wonderful celebration. You are one-of-a-kind in all the most amazing ways. Here’s to you and making 95 look good! With love, Virginia, Amelia & Cole
Well, what can I say? At least I have the claim of being his 1st born nephew. Niece’s came later. ;–) So I’m just hoping to be able to keep up & measure up to my uncle Julius.