SYACUSE — World War 2 veteran Charlie Garner loves to tell stories of his military experience, including his role at Omaha Beach and the people he was close to.

And that's what he was expecting when he had a private sit-down with Gov. Mike Braun last week.

Instead, the 102-year-old Syracuse resident received a Sagamore of the Wabash, a statewide honor given by the governor.

“I was so embarrassed when he handed it to me because I thought he’d just came to talk to me about World War 2 experiences,” Garner said. “I had no idea.”

I was just flabbergasted,” he added.

[caption id="attachment_121842" align="alignright" width="420"] Indiana Gov. Mike Braun, left, presents Charlie Garner with a Sagamore of the Wabash award last week in Garner's home in Syracuse. Photo provided.[/caption]

The meeting last Thursday at Garner's home in Syracuse was arranged in part by former Kosciusko County Commissioner Brad Jackson, who is running for county council in next year's election.

He and Braun ended up talking for about 45 minutes.

The Sagamore is given to individuals who have made distinguished service or significant contributions to the state. It is Indiana's highest honor, recognizing recipients for their humanity, loyalty, wisdom, and leadership. 

The award is the latest bestowed on the US Army veteran in recent years.

Earlier this year, he was honored by Congressman Rudy Yakym and spent two hours talking with the 2nd District Congressman alongside fellow WW11 veteran Bob Gast during a sitdown in a Warsaw coffee shop.

Garner lives independently in a nice home on a wooded lot in Syracuse.

He remains active, occasionally drives, and moves up and down stairs with relative ease, but wears a security alert around his neck in case he falls (it's happened a few times).

His home is clean and organized, and he made time on Monday — Laundry Day, he says — to meet with three area reporters and friends to recount the visit with Braun.

Garner who makes homemade jelly and jams presented Braun with some samples.

Garner said Braun thanked him for his service and he thanked Braun for his servicce.

Jackson marvels at how sharp Garner continues to be and considers him a walking encyclopedia on World War 2.

Garner's stories offer a sense of depth and appreciation and include personal quips about people who were part of his life during that historic era.

On Jan. 1, 1943, he married his first wife, Maybelle. In April of that year, he was one of ten students who were called up and then sent to Fort Harrison for training.

Garner left the service in 1945.

He then started a lengthy teaching career in the area.

On Monday, he remembered a moment when his military life kicked into high gear.

“I was in college down at Indiana Central at the time, and I called my (future) wife and said, ‘I think we’re gonna be called in pretty soon,' " Garner recalled. “And over the phone, we decided to get married.”

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By Dan Spalding
News Now Warsaw

WINONA LAKE — While many community leaders receive the state Sagamore of the Wabash award, not everyone receives it directly from the governor. 

But that was the case in a surprise gathering Thursday at the Heritage Room when a large gathering of friends, family and longtime colleagues watched as Gov. Eric Holcomb honored Winona Lake Town Manager Craig Allebach with what is considered the biggest state honor for citizens.

The 69-year-old Allebach, who has served as town manager for 24 years, was momentarily overcome with emotion upon receiving the award, and then confided that he’s faced health issues and is contemplating retirement.

"I'm doing well in my treatments — that's the first anyone's known about that, but we try to keep that pretty private," Allebach told the crowd.

Afterward, Allebach confirmed he was diagnosed with cancer and is receiving radiation treatment but suggested his prognosis is good.

In his speech, Holcomb lauded Allebach, who also formerly served as a police chief for Warsaw, for his roles in the community.

Parts of Winona Lake, Holcomb said,  look like it's straight out of a Hallmark movie set. At one point, he described the community as a "gem."

Allebach, he said, has been involved for decades and has been a positive influence.

“I wanted to personally say thank you,” Holcomb said.

Allebach said he was especially touched by Holcomb delivering the award.

Allebach said he's been reluctant to retire because there is much to do with ongoing projects, and because he loves the town.

He thanked everyone who has been part of his work life in Warsaw and Winona Lake.

Allebach took a light-hearted approach in his short address to those gathered, making light of the fact he was led to the event under the belief that some new source of money for the community was the reason for the meeting.

He said he was a "little surprised what all this was," and recalled, "Boy, this must be special because the police department was here so they must get getting some money," Allebach said.

"There's my family over there — good — I'm gonna get some money," he said to laughter.

While nothing has been firmly decided about his retirement — Allebach said it could happen later this year — and pledged to help in the transition.

[caption id="attachment_95910" align="aligncenter" width="890"] State Rep. Craig Snow (center) enjoys a light moment while talking with Gov. Eric Holcomb (L) and Craig Allebach Thursday afternoon. Holcomb was in town to present Allebach with a Sagamore of the Wabash. News Now Warsaw photo by Dan Spalding.[/caption]

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More than a dozen of Rucker's relatives joined Gov. Eric Holcomb and others for Monday's retirement celebration at the court's Statehouse courtroom in Indianapolis.

Holcomb presented the 70-year-old Rucker with a Sagamore of the Wabash award, calling him someone who defines the word "trailblazer."

Rucker is retiring Friday after 26 years on the bench, including nine years on the Indiana Court of Appeals. He was named to the high court in 1999 by Democratic Gov. Frank O'Bannon, becoming only its second black justice ever.

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