John Nieves Honored with Military Banner

John R. Nieves was honored with his very own military banner by his family, friends, and the City of Colton this summer on Aug. 12. Nieves enlisted in the military in 1962. According to his wife, Pat Nieves, initially he was serving in the National Guard until he switched over to the Army. Nieves served a total of 6 years as was honorably discharged in 1968. During his time in the military, Nieves had a wide variety of duties and in a variety of places. He served as a Sergeant (E-5), Military Police (MP) in New York, a Jungle Expert Instructor in Panama, and he also served a year in Vietnam in the 1st Cavalry Division. “He didn’t fly the helicopter but he and his crew would jump out of them into the jungle,” Pat explained. Nieves was awarded with a Bronze Star and Air Medal. “If the war wasn’t so bad, he would’ve stayed much longer,” Pat said. “He absolutely loved it and wanted to make a career out of it.” At the time, Pat’s uncle was also serving until he was, unfortunately, killed in action. “It was a very scary time for me and the whole family,” she added. Although both Nieves and his wife were born and raised in Colton, they currently reside in Fontana. “We’re still and forever will be Coltonites,” Pat said while explaining that they still have family living in Colton. They are both proud former Yellowjackets, graduating from Colton High School, and met each other through a mutual family friend. They now currently have three daughters, nine grandchildren, and three great grandsons. In January of 2016 they will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. The idea to get Nieves a military banner was a family decision, Pat said. Most of their family and friends gathered at the corner stop sign on 9th Street with one goal in mind: to honor their loved one for the sacrifice he made for his country. “We made a whole day out of it and went out to eat together afterward,” Pat shared. “It was a great day and he’s very proud of his service.”