Daughter Unlike Father

DAUGHTER UNLIKE FATHER

Don Kross

Copyright 2017 Don Kross

Smashwords Edition

To my wife for her love and support

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART 1 - JOE SLOVIC

PART 2 - LINDA

PART 3 - THE ARYAN PIONEERS

PART 4 - MILTON CITY COUNCIL ELECTIONS

PART 5 - JOE’S DEMISE AND AFTER

OTHER BOOKS BY THE AUTHOR

PART 1 - JOE SLOVIC

INTRODUCTION BY PAUL ZUKOWSKI

Maybe, you haven’t heard about Joe Slovic. However, in this part of the country Joe reached a short period of fame or rather notoriety. He became the leader of the Neo-Nazi Group, the Aryan Pioneers. I never met Joe and I don’t think he ever came to ‘River City. However, after his death, someone traced his family roots to ‘River City. His mother was a Skinner and was born in ‘River City. I know we had a common Skinner great-grandfather.

Joe was clearly a flawed individual. He didn’t smoke, drink to excess, wasn’t a womanizer, and he was law abiding, hardworking and held a welder’s job despite a poor education. Joe served in the Army with honor and was awarded the Purple Heart and Bronze Star Medals. But, Joe was a racist and prejudiced individual who never succeeded in overcoming this flaw. I don’t think he ever wanted too anyway.

However, this isn’t just Joe’s story. It’s also the story of his daughter, Linda. who clearly was not like her father. She didn’t have the racial hang-ups like Joe. However, she did inherit Joe’s vocal ability. While, I didn’t admire Joe, I had a great deal of respect for his daughter, Linda.

***

JOE’S YOUTH,

Joe Slovic was a blue collar stiff and a lifelong racist and bigot; why was this? Did some incident cause Joe to be a racist or did his parents pass on their racist attitudes to him?

Joe’s parents, Hank and Molly, were outspoken and intolerant people. They lived in a Milton blue collar area of row houses called Cherry Hill. Many people living in the Cherry Hill area shared the same warped views as Hank and Molly. These people were mostly second generation Americans, whose parents came to the United States from European countries to find fame and fortune. Very few of them, including Hank and Molly, found fame and fortune.

Born and raised in Milton, Joe’s father, Hank Slovic, lived there all of his life. A heavy man with a protruding stomach, Hank was a tough blue collar worker in a local foundry. A loud obnoxious individual, Hank never hesitated in mouthing prejudicial statements. All Jews, politicians, and blacks are nothing but a bunch of crooks. The Jews, have all the money. There’s no money left for good hard-working people like us. The Klan is right about the damn n........ . They should ship all the n...... back to Africa.

Born in River City, a small city 50 miles west of Milton, Joe’s mother, Molly, however grew-up in Milton. A tall thin severe woman with dark hair, she was a housewife and meticulous housekeeper. Molly shared the same prejudicial views as Hank. Those d... Jews and N......, will ruin this city. The Jews have all the money and the N...... live like scum and ruin the neighborhoods they inhabit.

***

Joe Slovic was born February 15, 1933. A healthy normal child, he would eventually resemble Molly -- tall and thin with dark hair.

Even as a child, Joe listened to his parents’ misconceptions of world and national events and their prejudicial views. We can’t trust that damn Roosevelt. The Jews own him, just like they own the mayor of this city.

Joe attended the public grammar school in the neighborhood. Although he was intelligent, Joe was a poor student and barely passed from grade to grade. Since neither parent completed any education beyond the eighth grade, there wasn’t any educational incentive from either parent to influence Joe while in grammar school and high school.

Joe got along with most of the kids in the neighborhood and school. He was not an aggressive kid, but would fight if provoked. Joe was loud, opinionated and made prejudicial remarks about the minorities -- traits he acquired from his parents.

June 1947, Joe graduated from grammar school. He spent the summer playing with his friends in the neighborhood and on one occasion, received a minor warning from the police.

HIGH SCHOOL

In the fall of 1947, Joe entered West High School. West High School had a large enrollment ; students from several districts attended the school. The campus consisted of blacktop playgrounds with few grassy areas and several large two and three story brick buildings, which were built during the early 1920s.

On the first day at West High School, Joe remarked to some of his friends about entering high school. I'm not sure I'm going to like this place, especially for four years. Neither my mother nor dad went to high school. They say the lousy politicians think we need all this education. Dad says, look at him, he's made a decent living and supported my mother and me, without all this education.

Without parental support, Joe wasn’t a highly motivated student -- he was intelligent and could have done better.

Because of his loud voice, Joe could talk his way out of most bad situations; most kids backed off and left him alone. Most of Joe’s friends in high school were kids from his neighborhood and grammar school.

Because his father knew the owner of a hardware store, Joe obtained a part-time job in the store stockroom during his junior year at high school.

Joe didn’t seem to have any luck with girls. His loud and offensive talk turned off most of them. Finally, he succeeded in getting a date with Heidi Abber. There were a few more dates. Eventually, Joe’s loud talk and poor attitude turned off Heidi. Joe made a few more attempts to date Heidi and other girls, but nothing came of this effort.

In his junior year, Joe did fairly well in an English Class taught by Mr. Roger Black. Mr. Black required oral reports in his class. He noticed Joe’s ability to speak, even if Joe didn’t always understand his subject.

Mr. Black decided to talk to Joe about joining the debate team. One day after class, Mr. Black approached Joe. Joe, I'd like to talk to you for a minute, if you have the time.

Joe was apprehensive. I've done most of the work you require. I think I'm doing OK.

"Yes, you’ve done the minimum that is required and you'll pass. However, I think you could do better. If you’d put a little more effort into this class and other classes, you could succeed in entering a state college.

You can speak and project your voice. You give the impression that you understand your subjects. You should consider joining the debate team. You have the ability to think and form an opinion, which is a requirement for the debate team. At least in this class, your grade would show improvement, it’s now a C. With a little effort and the debate team, you could achieve a B grade. Think about it Joe. Talk it over with your parents and let me know in a few days.

Joe mumbled, I'll think about it and say something to the folks.

Joe wasn't too sure about his discussion with Mr. Black. No previous teacher had talked to him about any ability he had; usually, it was the lack of effort in most of his classes.

At the evening meal, Joe told his parents about the discussion with Mr. Black. Neither parent responded with enthusiasm. They felt that the part-time job was more important than the debate team, a feeling that Joe also shared.

None of Joe’s friends offered any encouragement to join the debate team. Why would you want to join the debate team? You'll have to wear a suit and tie, and go on a stage and look like a jerk.

Joe decided not to join the debate team and went to Mr. Black to tell him of his decision. Mr. Black replied, I'm sorry to hear about this Joe. You can speak. The part-time job is fine. However, you should think of the future and what you’ll be doing after you graduate from high school. You should consider college.

However, if your decision is final, I won't say anything more. If, you change your mind before the end of the semester, I’ll try to get you on the debate team.

Joe never accepted Mr. Black's offer. Between the part-time job and his futile effort with Heidi, he forgot the discussion with Mr. Black. He received a C for the English Class.

September 1950, Joe entered the senior year -- during the summer, the Korean War began. At high school, there were discussions with his friends about the Korean War. Joe thought about joining one of the armed forces after graduation.

In the spring, Joe’s thoughts turned not to Korea, but the Senior Prom which was three weeks away. After several futile attempts, Joe finally had a date for the prom with Priscilla, a girl in his Civics Class.

Joe bought a corsage, borrowed Hank’s car, and picked up Priscilla at her parent's home. Everything went wrong. When he tried to pin the corsage on Priscilla, Joe poked her with the pin -- nothing serious. At the prom, he spilled punch on her. The dancing was mediocre, neither Joe nor Priscilla had a sense of rhythm. By the end of the prom, Priscilla was not in the mood to do anything else. She just wanted to go home. Joe took her home -- there were no other dates with Priscilla.

After graduating from high school, Priscilla went to college to major in Journalism. Joe never went to college. After graduating from high school, June 1951, Joe spent the summer working part-time at the hardware store. The rest of the summer he bummed around with his friends. In the fall, Joe enlisted in the army. The Korean War had been going on since June 1950.

***

LIFE IN THE ARMY

September 1951, Joe began the 12-week basic training program as a recruit in an army camp located in a southern state. Basic Training was tough; the drill instructors imposed a harsh discipline on the recruits. However, Joe adjusted to military life and in some respects liked it.

In the army, Joe was exposed to other young men from different racial and ethnic backgrounds. However, Joe associated only with other white soldiers who shared the same prejudicial views.

Despite the hard training regiment, the 12 weeks went by fast. Christmas 1951, Joe went home for a two-week furlough. Hank and Molly were pleased Joe came home for the holidays. However, they were apprehensive -- Joe was going to Korea.

On New Year’s Eve, with some friends, Joe went to a party. It was one of the few times that Joe got roaring drunk. Joe was on the way to Korea and frightened, so he poured down the drinks.

In his drunken stupor Joe roared, Well here's to you. I don't care how much I drink tonight. I'm going to Korea to get myself a few g.. d... Commies! Wait until I get over there! I'll teach those yellow bastards a thing or two!

One of Joe’s friends said, Give them hell for all of us, Joe. You’re the first one from the old neighborhood gang to go to Korea. Joe, why don't you have another drink. Maybe, we can find some women later on. That may have happened, but not for Joe. He passed out.

Noon the next day, Joe woke up with one awful hangover. He swore he’d never drink again. The following day, Joe left on his long journey to Korea.

January 1952, Joe arrived in Korea, a frightened 18 year old kid -- a long way from home. Joe was assigned to a replacement depot for combat training. At the end of March, Joe was assigned to an infantry division and sent to the front lines.

Combat was not the hero-worshiping thing, he saw in movies about World War II. It was really miserable, especially when it rained. It could be boring for long periods, then a fire fight would start and all hell would break loose. Joe was scared stiff, but somehow he managed to function.

Joe was in action three months, when he heard an incoming mortar shell. He hollered, Look out, here comes one, it’s close! There was a loud explosion. Joe was thrown to the ground and injured. He saw two army buddies blown to pieces. The medics arrived shortly and Joe was transported to an emergency hospital.

In the hospital, Joe was placed between two black soldiers. One day, Joe started arguing with one of the black soldiers. The argument became so loud, that the nurses became concerned and moved Joe to a different location in the ward.

When Joe was discharged from the hospital, he was awarded the Purple Heart and some leave. While on leave, Joe saw how the people of Korea lived. He thought: What are we doing here, this place is awful. No wonder they’re called gooks. I'll be glad to get back to the USA after this.

After the leave, Joe reported to his old outfit, in a rear area and was promoted to the rank of corporal.

Joe now struck up a friendship with a World War II navy veteran, Bert Hatfield. Bert enlisted in the army after he couldn’t adjust to civilian life. Bert was as prejudiced as Joe. They spent considerable time in the NCO Club talking about racial matters using racial slurs.

After a few months in the rear, the division was moved back to the front lines. Joe and Bert were assigned to the same battalion with Bert in Able Company and Joe in Charlie Company.

One pleasant fall night, the North Koreans launched an attack in their sector. A portion of Charlie Company, with Joe in a group of ten soldiers, was isolated from the main American line. The highest ranked person, a sergeant, was killed in a brutal exchange of gun fire. Joe was the next highest ranked person and took charge and kept the group together. By morning, a group from Able Company led by Bert broke through and rescued the survivors. Because of his ability to keep his unit together and take charge, Joe was awarded the Bronze Star and promoted to rank of sergeant.

February 1953, Joe was assigned to a replacement depot near the port of Pusan. He became a member of a team of battle hardened veterans training new replacements from the states.

***

July 1953, Joe went back to the states on a 30-day furlough. He survived the so-called police action in Korea and had the decorations to show for it. He still harbored the same prejudices. Joe was headed for home -- it couldn't come soon enough.

On a warm July day, Joe arrived at the Milton Airport and was greeted by Hank and Molly. Joe couldn’t contain himself as tears came to his eyes. I'm glad to be back, there’s no country in this world like the USA. I have to serve in the army until August or September of next year. I don’t have to go back to Korea, since there is a truce agreement with the North Koreans and the Chinese.

They picked up Joe's bags, and went back to the neighborhood. A few older people and kids on summer vacation were standing in front of the house to welcome Joe. He thought: This is where I belong. When I get out of the army, I'm coming back to find a job and that special girl. We'll get married and raise a family. We'll have a couple of sons, so I can go fishing, bowling and do all that father-son stuff with my sons.

While on furlough, Joe spent time in a local bar, Heine’s Place. Hank patronized this bar for years. Most of Hank's friends knew Joe and told him about Mayfair (an adjacent neighborhood with a sizable black population.) Joe thought about this and found it difficult to accept.

At an evening meal, Joe asked his father and mother about the blacks moving Mayfair.

Hank said, Yes, there are a number of black SOBs living there. So far, no blacks have moved into Cherry Hill. There is talk that the city is planning to build a freeway, along 24th Street -- A freeway would put a border between Mayfair and Cherry Hill.

I knew a few kids that lived there, because they went to West High. Does that mean there are blacks going to West High?

I suppose there are blacks going to West High.

Molly said, That's too bad. I talked to an old friend, Martha, who still lives in Mayfair. She said many of the married kids your age and older are moving to the suburbs.

Molly changed the subject and said, What do you plan to do when you leave the army? You can always stay here. We have plenty of room in this house. I know you have about a year left in the army.

That’s right, I have about a year to serve in the army. I’ll have about 60 days of leave coming and can take my release from the army then. I plan on returning to Milton. I've had enough of the Army life.

Hank said, Sounds good to me. You know the foundry was acquired by a company, North Central Tank, which makes steel tanks for various applications. You could get a job there, unless you’re considering going to college.

I don't know what I want to do when I leave the army. I haven't given any thought about going to college. My grades weren't that good in high school. I'd like to get a job, settle down, find a girl and get married. I'd like to have some sons, so that grandpa could take them places and offer them advice. How does that sound? Hank and Molly thought that it sounded good.

While on furlough, Joe kept thinking about leaving the army when his time was up -- he’d find that special girl, get married and have those sons.

Before Joe knew it, the furlough was over and he left for Fort Ord in California. When Joe arrived at Fort Ord, he reported to Captain Bucher.

The Captain explained to Joe what he expected from the training cadre and also asked Joe if he considered making a