Air Force Veteran Continues Fighting by Lyman Stucky - City News Group, Inc.

Community Calendar

FEBRUARY
S M T W T F S
01 02 03 04 05 06 07
08 09 10 11 12 13 14
15 16 17 18 19 20 21
22 23 24 25 26 27 28
View Events
Submit Events
directory

Air Force Veteran Continues Fighting

By Lyman Stucky, Community Writer
November 16, 2015 at 12:28pm. Views: 27

What does a “retired” military veteran who wants to keep fighting for what’s right do with his time? Far more than just joust windmills like Don Quixote did. No mere shadow boxing for Marv. Marvin Shimel is one of millions of faithful Americans who have served his country and retired with an Honorable Discharge. However, unless you’ve had a long military career, retiring from the military doesn’t bring in enough to completely retire. So, after his tour of duty was completed, he worked in Civil Service and other jobs until he had saved up enough to retire. Now what does he do? Nicknamed ‘Smiley’ by many, Marvin loves to laugh but also has a serious side. He continues to fight for America in his 80's. He keeps current with the biggest scandals by mail and email. Most TV ‘reporting’ he finds quite biased. If the pen is mightier than the sword, he might yet free some captives from the chains on their minds. Three times a week, he meets to consult with a locally-based scriptwriter who is developing a script for Hollywood. “It’s a military, World War II movie, but not like any you’ve ever seen. Can’t say anything more at the moment,” and his wink closes the topic for now. Every week, rain or shine, he drives to Riverside National Cemetery to visit and take flowers to the grave site of his late wife, Virginia, who passed away in 2013. Several times a week, he sits down at his computer and vents, trying to communicate his grievances to appropriate people in ways that leads to solutions. His pet peeves range from typographical errors in print all the way up to treason and un-American talk and behavior, which he says “…should not be tolerated—the Constitution requires appropriate treatment of this sort of thing.” One recent letter to a local official was about a minor local ordinance, while another was to a U.S. Senator about stopping illegal immigration. “People here are starting to realize that allowing non-Americans to vote and have taxpayer-paid benefits here is crazy—stupid—and unconstitutional. We’ve got to inform people and fast.” He’s traveled to some 30 different countries, many of these during his military tour of duty. As a cameraman for what became USAF Combat Camera, he documented many ceremonies and celebrities entertaining and honoring the troops overseas, as well as technical documentation. He has documented many of the most interesting in his memoirs, available from Amazon Kindle at http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00LBHIWNS/. Marvin is glad to come speak to local school and civic groups at no charge. He can be contacted via his new website and blog at www.MarvinShimel.com or by mail at P.O. Box 131, Colton, CA 92324.

Related Articles

Photo Courtesy of: Beasternchen

By Jonah Whitman, Community Writer

February 18, 2026 at 05:30pm. Views: 146

When love is rooted in faith and commitment, it becomes a story that never fades with time.

Photo Courtesy of: Pexels

By MedLine, Community Writer

February 18, 2026 at 05:30pm. Views: 141

When pressure builds, your body keeps score, pause, breathe, and take back control before stress takes more than it should.

Photo Courtesy of: Leopold Boettcher

By Samuel Everly, Community Writer

February 18, 2026 at 05:31pm. Views: 127

A simple thumbs up can shine brighter than you think, lifting someone’s spirit with just one small gesture.

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By Anthony Romano, Community Writer

February 18, 2026 at 05:31pm. Views: 168

Crispy, salty, and surprisingly addictive, these baked kale chips turn a simple green into a guilt-free snack favorite.

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By Lena Brooks, Community Writer

February 18, 2026 at 05:31pm. Views: 129

Wrinkles don’t stand a chance when you know these quick closet hacks that smooth your look in minutes.

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By Patrick Boone, Community Writer

February 18, 2026 at 05:31pm. Views: 129

Stop the drip and save the day, sometimes a simple tighten-and-seal is all it takes.

Photo Courtesy of: Planet Fox

By Ellis Greenwood, Community Writer

February 18, 2026 at 05:31pm. Views: 150

From sandy stretches to clay-heavy ground, Southern California soil tells a story every gardener should learn to read.

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By Paige Mercer, Community Writer

February 18, 2026 at 05:31pm. Views: 151

Bright washi tape patterns turn everyday light switch covers into playful design accents that instantly refresh a room.

Photo Courtesy of: Geralt

By Graham Holt, Community Writer

February 18, 2026 at 05:31pm. Views: 473

Hydrogen-powered cars offer a glimpse into a future where clean energy and long-distance driving finally meet.

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By Lucas Hart, Community Writer

February 18, 2026 at 05:31pm. Views: 145

Children can learn and have fun at the same time with this cool science project!

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By Margie Miller, Your Realtor, Community Writer

February 18, 2026 at 05:31pm. Views: 135

Offering both visual appeal and emotional resonance, well-staged homes not only sell faster, but they also sell smarter.

Photo Courtesy of: Melanie West

By Titan Mom Elvira & Cisco Valenzuela, Community Writer

February 17, 2026 at 07:19pm. Views: 347

TME Athlete of the Week: David Gusta with his mom.

--> -->