Salvation Army volunteer learns about military history while serving others

Tiera Ausby wanted to spend Christmas in a special way.

“I just wanted to help. I’ve done other helping missions and stuff,” Ausby said.

But then she met Bonifacio Duran, a Korean War veteran.

“My son and I come for Thanksgiving and Christmas because we used to serve here at the Salvation Army for years and years,” Duran said.

It turns out, they have something in common: A naval career.

He served in the Navy from 1949 to 1953.

She will serve after high school.

“Being that we’re in ROTC, Navy ROTC, we came over here and talked to him,” Ausby said.

So instead of just serving dinner, Ausby spent the day learning about history.

“The young lady sat down and asked me some questions, then I remembered I had the cruise book in the car,” Duran said.

That cruise book brought back memories. Memories that he’s proud to tell, but are still difficult, including one about his best friend.

“They used to come up and sit on the wing while I was working the aircraft; he was 19 years old,” Duran said. “He got shot down, jumped out, got out of the aircraft, the parachute came down but he never got out from under the parachute.”

“I did not expect to get wisdom from such a wise man. He told me about his experience, I was flabbergasted by his experience,” Ausby said.

It’s an experience she says she was grateful for this Christmas, and he was happy to impart.

“It’s history for the two young ladies because they’re interested. Anyone who’s interested and I can help, I will certainly do so,” Duran said.