This edition of Coffee House Ramblings is in honor of two men who recently left their mark on Greenfield and Hancock County. Oddly enough their lives are entwined via the United States Navy.
Recently it was my privilege to do some volunteer work. I was able to help in a small way at the Commemorative Air Force’s “Wings over Indy.” These events are held periodically. The events are free to the public. The CAF relies on a lot of volunteers to honor our brave men and women who risk their lives so that you and I can enjoy our freedom.
I am not a veteran, but allow me to share a story about two of my friends. I first met Carl Prine when he was a “cub” reporter for the Greenfield Daily Journal. Carl covered the news at the Hancock County courthouse. In 1997, I became the Sugar Creek Township Trustee. I served a total of 12 years. Through politics, Carl and I became friends. This was back in the days of Sheriff Nick Gulling, Auditor Joe Settles, and Hancock County Commissioner Roger Wilson. The present Hancock County Annex would be built later. The commissioner’s court was still being held in the Hancock County courthouse.
Even as a young man in his early 30s, Carl was tenacious. He didn’t mind asking the “hard ball” questions. The interesting thing about Carl was that he was a Marine before he was a journalist. He saw firsthand the horrors of war in Iraq. According to Matthew Felling’s article, “Journalist/Soldier,” in 2005 Carl decided to re-enlist. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion of the Pennsylvania Army National Guard. He and his unit were assigned to Ramadi and Fallujah. I have read of some of the “horrors” that Carl and his fellow soldiers endured.
Carl later covered battlefield situations. They include many nations, from Liberia to wars in Sierra Leone. Thank you to Carl and his fellow soldiers for protecting our freedom. Carl’s story doesn’t end there. He went on to become a “highly” acclaimed investigative reporter. Carl’s work has been featured on “60 Minutes.” He has been a correspondent for The Christian Science Monitor. Carl has investigated problems from chemical plants, The Federal Railroad Administration, and the National Football League. Carl worked for the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. He left Pittsburgh for San Diego and was just named editor of the Navy Times. Way to go Carl. Thank you for your service to Greenfield, Hancock County, our country and journalism. I believe that time will mark Carl with the great journalists such as Bill Mauldin, and Indiana’s own Ernie Pyle.
The next young man that I am fortunate enough to call my friend is a young man by the name of Hart Summier. In May of 2011, Hart, at the age of 18, ran in the Republican primary for mayor of Greenfield. Hart did not win, but he showed his “fighting spirit.” The late Greenfield city councilman John Patton introduced me to Hart. Like Carl Prine, I knew Hart was destined to “climb” up the ladder.
When Hart left Greenfield he enlisted in the United States Navy .He went on to win many awards including the Military Excellence Award for being first in a class of six hundred and thirty seven. His career would later take him into the rigorous Navy Seal training. He was also chosen to be an honor guard for then-President Barack Obama.
This is time of year when we freedom-loving Americans enjoy our fireworks, and our backyard barbecues. While we do this, please thank God Almighty for the men and women from this country who fought and died for our freedom. A special thanks to Carl and Hart.
C.O. Montgomery of New Palestine is a former teacher, Sugar Creek Township trustee and co-director of the Hancock County Character Council. Send comments to [email protected].
