John Wantoch

Chamberlain, Stickney, SD

1934, 1794, Rockerville, F-10,
1935, 1794, Summit, F-18,
1935-36, 791, Lightning Creek, F-14,
1937-39, 791, Lightning Creek, F-14, Ass't Leader

From the July 1939 Lightning Creek camp newspaper.

John Wantoch became a member in the CCC during those first few years when the ultimate outcome of the Corps was not certain. It was exactly five years ago this month that John became one of the Rockerville "Rooks".

Since that time, however, he has held varied and equally difficult positions. From Camp Rockerville, John was transferred to Camp Summit. Only a few men are still in the service who experienced the transfer from Rockerville to Summit, which involved above everything else an exceptionally wet spring which tested the pioneer spirit of men like John, to say nothing of the 'stick-to-itiveness' which is still characteristic of our personality for this particular who's Who.

In 1937, John decided to be discharged from the CCC and pursue a civilian life. However, it was only for a few short months. The following year, during June John filed an application for enrollment of Project Assistant. No special deliberation was needed to decide as to whether or not the application should be considered, and soon John was again a full-fledged CCC'er.

Members of the company were more than glad to see John back, again. They knew it would mean a boost for the Forest Service, a boost for the Army and above all, a boost for themselves. About the first job that he had was breaking in rookies. The bath-house construction and improvement were accomplished under his supervision.

Last winter, John was stationed at Side Camp and worked with the men there. He was more than well-liked by the men out there, and when he returned to main camp but recently," it was with reluctance, that the Side Camp enrollees said good- bye.

The present float for Gold Discovery Days was built under his direct supervision, also. All in all, John is just another typical CCC enrollee... he's been with the C's since it started, he helped build it to the standard which it now possesses and hopes to continue to do so for some time to come.

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