Veteran remains in uniform in Mifflin County
Trending
LEWISTOWN -- When it came to serving proudly his country, Charles "Bump" Angney gladly put his life on the line to protect the freedoms that Americans enjoy today.
He has dedicated his life to his country.
The United States Air Force veteran served two tours in Thailand during the Vietnam War. The Lewistown native was discharged as a staff sergeant in May 1971.
Now age 74, Angney still serves his community as a part-time deputy for the Mifflin County Sheriff's Department.
"I grew up in an era where my father and uncles all served in World War II," Angney recalled. "I didn't really know what I wanted to do when I graduated from high school. I just didn't want to be drafted. I wanted to have some sort of choice, so I enlisted in the Air Force."
Friday is Veterans Day, when Americans from coast to coast take a moment to honor military veterans, who have sacrificed their time -- and many their lives -- by serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.
In addition to their brave actions, defending their country and others, these service members have proven to be a valuable resource to their communities.
"After honorably serving his country, 'Bump' has been providing high-quality service to Mifflin County's citizens for many years," Mifflin County Commissioner Kevin Kodish said.
"After working as a deputy for the county's sheriff for over a decade, he retired in 2014 and became a part-time security guard for the county. He still serves us today and he does an outstanding job. We appreciate his efforts."
Angney graduated from Lewistown-Granville High School in 1966. He was afraid that if he didn't enlist and was drafted, the government would assign him to any branch of the military and a job that he might not like.
Angney enlisted in July 1967 then was deployed for his first tour in Thailand from May 1968 to May 1969. He returned for his second tour in May 1970 to May 1971.
"Back then I really didn't understand the Vietnam War and what was going on," he said. "The Air Force gave me discipline, commitment and respect."
Without hesitation, Angney said he would enlist again.
Angney served as a crew chief for the Air Force fighter bombers which flew around Hanoi.
Conditions in Thailand were unbearable as "it was hot and humid," Angney said. "We had winters where the temperatures dropped to the 70s. During monsoon season, there was continuous rain."
On the flight line where he was stationed -- the area of an airfield, specifically the parking area and maintenance hangers, where aircraft are onloaded, offloaded and serviced -- temperatures averaged 120 degrees.
Angney returned home, saying, "I wasn't sure what I wanted to do." He attended Penn State for two years and worked in the polyester plant at the American Viscose Co.
He eventually worked in law enforcement, serving the Mifflin County Regional Police Department for 25 years before retiring in 2004.
Angney then worked for the Mifflin County Sheriff's Department as a full-time deputy until his retirement in 2014. Since then, he has worked as a part-time sheriff's deputy responsible for security and transporting prisoners at the Mifflin County Courthouse.
With all his years of service, Veterans Day holds special meaning to him.
"It's nice," Angney said. "We should be honoring the veterans from 1776 to present. It's something that is needed for the veterans. It shows that they are appreciated."
Recently, Angney and his wife, Nina, attended an oldies show in Lancaster County where veterans of each military service were honored. Veterans of the Coast Guard, Navy and Army were asked to stand, but none were in attendance. Angney stood when the Air Force's turn came,
"When I stood up, the entire theater was clapping, and the lead singer shook my hand," he said. "He said, 'Welcome home!' I stood there with tears coming down my cheek.
"That just blew my mind, I never had a feeling like that in my life," Angney added.