On the morning of Sunday, May 25, Sun City World War II Veteran Paul Souchek was interviewed at Willow Creek Community Church, Huntley Campus by Pastor Todd. Using direct quotes, here are highlights of that interview presented to the church’s congregation:
Todd: In 1943, Paul was drafted. He spent 2 years, 9 months, and 6 days serving with the Men’s 36th Division. Together these men went to Africa, Italy, France, and Germany. What was one of the hardest parts of your…days away?
Paul: The worst thing was leaving my family…I was really just a kid (20 years old) when I left…. And then you make a new family.
Todd: Tell me about this new family.
Paul: As soldiers, we walked and we talked, and we got to know each other. We learned about each other’s lives; we listened to each other’s stories…. It’s like we were related like brothers. We had each other’s backs. We protected each other. Rank didn’t matter. Neighborhood didn’t matter. Nationality didn’t matter….
Willow Creek Community Church Pastor Todd Katter (left) interviews Sun City resident and Army veteran Paul Souchek about his WWII experiences. (Photo provided)
Todd: What are some of the things you learned during that time?
Paul: I learned that I wasn’t in control…in foxholes, men turn to God. And they turn to each other…. We learned patience. We learned what really mattered. We learned how to listen, to sacrifice, and to persevere.
Todd: How many times did you almost die?
Paul: Five. I was either in the wrong place at the right time or the right place at the wrong time. God spared me. I’m sitting here at 90.
Todd: I know it’s hard. Let’s talk about those who died. You carried men from your side. You carried men from the other sides.
Paul: We really didn’t see sides. We saw men. For 30 days straight, I carried bodies of the wounded. It didn’t matter which uniform they wore. They were human beings, Men…. We were Men, wounded, all of us. We never gave it a second thought. We helped where help was needed.
Todd: You’ve had chances to go to Washington, D.C. to take a flight of honor. You haven’t gone. Why not?
Paul: I knew so many men when they were alive. I had a family of brothers…some of the best friends I ever had. I don’t want to see their names on plaques. I want to remember them when they were my brothers.
