Coach John Molnar's Memorial Plaque
Born in 1930 at the start of the Great Depression, John Molnar was orphaned before the age of 6 months. Growing up, he was a stand out athlete thru his youth and thru high school. With no parents, he grew up in a single room above the gym at the YMCA where he spent most of his time. His dream someday was to teach and coach young people on their own life's journey.
Following High School, he served as a Korean War Veteran, Teacher, Coach and Mentor for countless young people over his career in the Simi Valley School District in Southern California. He was beloved by his students, athletes, friends, family and all who knew him. Always quick to smile & pass on some wisdom while making you laugh, he was a rare and special man.
Prior to passing away on Jan 21, 2017, his only request was to have his name posted somewhere as a testament to having lived his life. We are comitted to fulfilling that wish with a wonderful memorial plaque in his honor at Mt Soledad Veterans Memorial Monument in San Diego, California. The custom plaque will have his name, photo and service record on it. It will be beautiful as it provides a lasting testamonial to his memory. This is a perfect opportunity for those who knew and loved him to honor his memory long after the rest of his family has also passed on. Any amount is appropriate. It's really all about showing appreciation for what Coach gave to so many. That's the underlying greater meaning in sharing this and what makes it so special.
As a soldier serving in post WW2 Japan, he was a star athlete playing football, baskeball and track for the Army. He later said, these were some of the happiest days of his life. When the Korean war broke out, he saw photos of American GI's there who had been executed with hands tied behind their backs. Seeing that atrocity, he knew he just had to go help in the fight. When high ranking Army officers in Japan urged him to stay behind and play sports for their teams, he replied, "No Thank You Sir... I need to go fight with my buddies". After 10 straight months of heavy combat on the front lines, most of his buddies had been killed. Himself wounded, he returned to the lines until his service in Korea was complete. He eventually came back to the states with a promotion, Purple Heart, 2 Bronze Stars and other combat decorations. He could have had it easy, but chose the harder path of serving his country at the risk of his own life. "Old School" all the way, he was the kind of man they talk about when they say, "They don't make em like that anymore". He will be sadly missed, but is forever in our hearts.
We invite anyone who is inspired by his story, is a fellow vetereran, knew him or was taught or coached by him, to participate in this opportunity to "give back" & honor his memory in this very special, appropriate timeless way. We are most grateful for helping make his request a reality. Sincere thanks from his surviving family.