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Family honors 98-year-old veteran of WWII

Valenta’s family says he means a great deal to those who know him. They say he is extremely honorable and did not wait to get notice to join the Army, he volunteere
Credit: Frank Joseph Valenta

JARRELL, Texas —

Although Veterans Day may be over this year, it is important to honor our veterans every day. 

Frank J Valenta, 98,  is a veteran of WWII. He served in Patton’s 3rd Army, The 347th Combat Army Engineers. This group is known as “Hulen’s Hitchhikers.”  

Valenta’s family says he means a great deal to those who know him. They say he is extremely honorable and did not wait to get notice to join the Army, he volunteered immediately after Pearl Harbor. He served from 1941-1945.

Valenta was a skilled mechanic, welder, driver, and sharpshooter and lives in Jarrell, TX. 

He is not the only person who served in his family. John Anton Valenta, US Army WWI, Adolf Frank Valenta, US Army WWI, Joe Igneceous Valenta, US Navy WWII, Daniel Valenta, US Army WWII, and Frank's son Donald Frank Valenta, National Guard, who served from 1971-1977.

Credit: Frank Joseph Valenta

They family says they are so grateful for “grandpa's patriotism, love, hard work, and his sense of humor. He has set examples that his family follows today such as hard work, assistance to others, and kindness to all.”

“He is definitely the Patriarch of our family and we do our best to make him proud,” Valenta’s family said.

Credit: Frank Joseph Valenta

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