*Article from Stroll Lake Jeanette, July 2026*
As America approaches its 250th birthday, we look back at some of the veterans who have shared their stories in the pages of Stroll Lake Jeanette. Their service spans generations, branches, and assignments around the world—from Vietnam and Desert Storm to Iraq and beyond. While each story is unique, they share common themes of duty, sacrifice, leadership, and a continued commitment to serving others long after their military careers ended.
A graduate of the United States Military Academy and a retired U.S. Army officer, Joe Adamczyk devoted nearly 30 years to military service, leading soldiers and serving in assignments around the world. His career spanned roles from Infantry Officer and Ranger-qualified leader to instructor, inspector general, and senior staff officer, with deployments across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and the Caribbean. Joe credits his success to the support of his wife, Agnes, and their five children, who shared the sacrifices of military life.
A graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, Ben Sternberg served 20 years in the U.S. Army, combining leadership in military engineering, international relations, and strategic communications. His career included service with Army engineer units in France and Vietnam, teaching at West Point, speechwriting for senior Army leaders, and assignments at the Pentagon and the Office of the Secretary of Defense. After retiring as a lieutenant colonel in 1984, Ben built successful careers in business communications and accounting while continuing his commitment to community service. He remains especially proud that none of the soldiers under his command were lost in combat and credits his military service with teaching him the value of adaptability and personal integrity.
Rick Vitullo served 13 years in the U.S. Army after earning his commission through ROTC, leading tank units, serving along the Korean DMZ, completing Airborne School, and deploying to Saudi Arabia during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. During his military career, he commanded soldiers, taught joint-service logistics, and developed leadership skills that shaped the rest of his professional life. His service also led to an unexpected blessing: a pen-pal letter from Ohio teacher Elizabeth, who would later become his wife. The family’s tradition of service continues through their son, Joseph, who serves in the Air Force Reserve and has deployed to Qatar.
After joining the U.S. Navy in 1979, Phillip Sanchez built a remarkable 42-year military career that took him from Spain to Iraq and into senior leadership roles across Navy medicine. Beginning as a Hospital Corpsman and later becoming a Nuclear Medicine Technologist, he advanced to command positions while mentoring generations of sailors and health care professionals. Sanchez retired in 2021 after serving as a commanding officer and leadership instructor, but his commitment to service continues through teaching at High Point University. He credits the Navy with shaping his character, providing lifelong friendships, and instilling the values of integrity, resilience, and leadership that continue to guide him today.
Dr. Ben Bacon served four years on active duty in the United States Air Force after completing his dental training and residency. Today, he continues that commitment to service through his work as a dentist, with a special focus on providing high-quality, compassionate care to fellow veterans. Military service remains an important part of the Bacon family story, with relatives who have served in the Army, Navy, and Air Force. Ben’s dedication to veterans reflects a lifelong appreciation for those who have worn the nation’s uniform.
Afi and Stephen Parris have dedicated their careers to service—both in and out of uniform. Afi served as an Air Force communications computer systems analysis officer, achieving the rank of captain and continuing her commitment to others through a distinguished legal career that includes advocacy for veterans. Stephen served as an Air Force civil engineer and now helps improve health care access for veterans through his work designing and constructing Department of Veterans Affairs outpatient facilities across Virginia and North Carolina. Together, they exemplify the spirit of service that continues to strengthen both the veteran community and the nation they served.
