Korean War veteran ‘happy to see’ students celebrating patriotism

COLLINS — Felipe Senquiz celebrated his 90th birthday the same day that Western Reserve Elementary School held its tribute concert for veterans.

The Korean War veteran’s great-grandson is second-grader Brentin Adams, who sang in the concert.

“My grandfather came over from Puerto Rico to serve in the Army at 26 years old and afterwards has been in Lorain, Ohio ever since. He’s been married for 64 years on July 4 and is a retiree from Ford Motor Company in Lorain,” said Senquiz’s granddaughter, Jillian.

“Puerto Rican men also have to register for Selective Service when turning 18. Three years after registering, I was drafted at age 21,” Senquiz said.

After serving in the Army, Senquiz planned to take advantage of the GI Bill and further his education.

“But an unexpected opportunity arose at the Lorain Ford plant. I met my wife, Ida, and started a life and family in Lorain, where I still reside today,” he said.

In the Army, Senquiz was an assistant gunner. His responsibilities were to retrieve ammunition and get the gun ready to fire.

“Initially, I was trained to be (in the) infantry and be on the front lines, facing the enemy. While enroute to Korea, we were stationed in Japan and I was transferred from infantry to artillery,” he said.

Being in the Army taught him maturity, among other things, as a civilian.

“It teaches you to respect others and to value your life. It teaches you to love honor and respect the Constitution of the United States. You take an oath that stays with you for a lifetime. Taking this oath affects me even today. When I hear the news about what’s going on in Ukraine, I want to be there, because I still want to help — if I was at least 20 years younger,” Senquiz said.

What are important things that everyone should know about the Korean War?

Second-graders from Western Reserve Elementary School salute during their “Thank You, Veterans” music program May 26. CARY ASHBY/HCVSO

“We are a nation of love and freedom. People may wonder why we were fighting so far away from home. In those days we were fighting communism and we were fighting for a nation that wanted to be free from communism,” Senquiz said.

One memorable experience during the war meant he went without any supper.

“It was 5 or 6 o’clock in the evening and we were in the chow line waiting for food when a call came in to get behind the gun. We all had to leave everything behind, get behind the gun and spent that night without eating,” he said.

Senquiz appreciates seeing his great-grandson perform in a patriotic show. Western Reserve music educator Deb Henry, whose late father was a veteran, has directed the performance for many years.

“Teaching the youth to appreciate their country and those who have fought for it is important and appreciated. Teaching them to have love and respect for their country through a patriotic show is something I am happy to see,” Senquiz said.

U.S. Army veteran Felipe Senquiz (back right) celebrates his 90th birthday with his family during the “Thank You, Veterans” music program May 26 at Western Reserve Elementary School. From left are his granddaughter, Jillian Senquiz, his wife Ida and his great-grandson, Brentin Adams. CARY ASHBY/HCVSO