When John Cornelius signed up in 1940 to fight in World War II, he never expected to be working as hard as he does to help his fellow veterans 67 years later. He does not mind.
Larson Newspapers
When John Cornelius signed up in 1940 to fight in World War II, he never expected to be working as hard as he does to help his fellow veterans 67 years later.
He does not mind.
After a visit last year to the Bob Stump Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Prescott, where he gets treatment, Cornelius, 89, noticed that some of the other patients were a little low on comfort items beyond the basics for their health care.
The former infantry platoon commander then planned an operation.
That battle resulted in a victory last year when he raised approximately $7,600 for his brothers in arms.
Cornelius planned this year’s campaign to be twice as successful. He is seeking to raise $15,000 by raffling off an impressive list of prizes.
The list of prizes includes a two-night stay at the Pinehurst Golf Resort in Pinehurst, N.C, including airfare for two people.
Cornelius was a first lieutenant in the U.S. Army and worked as an infantry commander and a staff intelligence officer. During WWII, he served in Europe, Africa and the Middle East until his separation in November 1945, a five-year stint.
Although he is unlikely to ever mention it, he received the Bronze Star twice.
One medal was for when he shot a sniper before the sniper was able to shoot anyone else, and a second medal, for the time he and his platoon sergeant took out an enemy fortification.
Both had caused the advance of his and other units to grind to a halt south of Rome in 1943.
New campaign
Labor Day weekend, Friday, Aug, 31, through Monday, Sept. 3, will find Cornelius at the Oakcreek Country Club selling raffle tickets for the Pinehurst trip and more than 80 others prizes at last count.
His work in civilian life as a golf pro has helped him obtain golf packages at resorts all over Arizona, including green fees, dinner and lodging in many cases.
Use of proceeds
The money raised will go to buy toiletries, clothes and supplemental food for patients at the VA Medical Center in Prescott.
The drawing will not be held until Dec. 11, 2007. The tickets are $10 each or 3 for $25 and are available at Weber’s IGA Supermarket in the Village of Oak Creek. Cornelius will be at the store on Veterans’ Day, Sunday, Nov. 11, selling tickets.
He will have a big display of World War II memorabilia and personal photos there.
He is also in the process of scheduling other ticket sales locations around Sedona after the Labor Day kick off. For more information, call 204-0603.
Mike Cosentino can be reached at 282-7795, Ext. 128, or e-mail to tmidkiff@larsonnewspapers.com
