Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
Roger Shaffer almost didn’t go Tuesday morning to the Kosciusko County Commissioners meeting to be recognized as the October 2026 Veteran of the Month.
“After my quiet time this morning, around 7 o’clock, I decided I wasn’t going to come this morning. Then I talked to my sister-in-law and she said that I should just do it in honor of those people that served who couldn’t make it home,” he said after receiving the framed certificate. “My (journey) has not always been easy. I’ve been blessed by God in every stage of my life beyond anybody’s hope or expectations could ever know. Thank you for this honor.”
In presenting Shaffer to the commissioners as the Kosciusko County Veteran of the Month, Veteran Service Officer Darryl McDowell said, “Today, I’m very proud and honored to recognize this individual who embodies resilience, dedicated service and a lifelong community commitment.”
Roger was born in March 1948 in Cuba, N.Y., to Nelson and Arlah Shaffer. Raised on a small farm in western New York, Roger faced immense hardship at a young age when his parents were tragically killed in a car accident. Raised by his grandparents, “showing the resilience that would define his life, he persevered, graduated from Cuba Central High School and answered the call to serve our country by joining the United States Army in March 1968,” McDowell said.
Roger's military journey began with basic training at Fort Dix, N.J., followed by rigorous infantry training at Fort Polk, La.
“Recognizing his natural potential, the Army sent him to Fort Benning, Ga., where he was assigned to the 7th Student Battalion as part of a Non-Commissioned Officer Academy Training School. To test his leadership capabilities, he was then sent to Fort McClellan, Ala., to be a member of the academy to train future soldiers as part of the Alpha Company, 2nd Battalion, 1st Brigade,” McDowell stated.
In January 1969, Roger faced his ultimate capstone event: deployment to the Republic of Vietnam. He was assigned to Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, the legendary "Red Warriors" of the 4th Infantry Division, McDowell said. At that time period, Alpha Company consisted largely of young draftees, just 18 to 20 years old, straight out of high school. Because of rapid troop rotations, squad and team leaders had to grow up fast. Roger was part of that accelerated NCO program, often called the "Shake and Bake" program, where young leaders learned to conduct combat maneuvers directly on the job in high-stakes environments.
“Following the intense waves of the 1969 Communist Tet Offensive, Roger and Alpha Company were heavily engaged in grueling counter-ambush operations and border surveillance. Their critical mission was to prevent the North Vietnam military artillery and ground forces from overrunning regional provincial leaders and capitals,” McDowell explained.
For his valor, sacrifice and exceptional leadership under fire, Roger was awarded the Purple Heart for wounds received in action, the Bronze Star Medal for meritorious service and the Combat Infantryman Badge.
In June 1970, Roger was honorably discharged, and he chose to build his life in Kosciusko County. He initially put his skills to work as an environmental engineer at Grace College. Later, he transitioned to Warsaw Custom Cabinets, where he crafted custom cabinet doors and drawers until his retirement in 2014.
In August 1971, Roger married his wife, Theresa. They raised five children: Michele, Marlise, Carus, Marah and Meghan, two of whom were at the commissioners meeting.
“Roger's dedication to service never stopped when he took his uniform off. Today, he stays deeply active in his community, serving his church, working as a substitute teacher in our local schools and saving lives in a quiet but profound way by donating blood as often as he can. In fact, his lifelong dedication to giving back has earned him the prestigious 27-gallon pin - now, I did not know this existed - from the American Red Cross. Thank you for that, in so many ways,” McDowell said.
