South Dayton News

The City of Centerville has recognized three local veterans for their service and continued contributions to the community during its annual Veterans Day ceremony.

Tony Miltenberger served 14 years in the U.S. Army Reserve, reaching the rank of Staff Sergeant and working as a Chaplain’s Assistant. His assignments included Minnesota, El Salvador, Germany, and Kuwait. He focused on supporting soldiers’ spiritual and emotional well-being through worship services, crisis response, and family support programs such as Strong Bonds. Miltenberger received several awards, including the Meritorious Service Medal, two Army Commendation Medals, and two Army Achievement Medals.

Miltenberger described his most challenging responsibility: “His most humbling, difficult duty was praying over fallen comrades during ramp ceremonies in Kuwait — honoring every soldier by name as their flag-draped transfer case made its journey home.” He also expressed pride in his son’s recent enrollment at the U.S. Naval Academy.

Timothy Pennartz spent more than 21 years in the United States Army as an Airborne Ranger Infantryman. He began his career in 1995 with the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg and rose to become a First Sergeant and Senior Enlisted Advisor for the U.S. Army Security Assistance Training Management Organization. Pennartz deployed multiple times to Afghanistan and Iraq and earned numerous honors including three Bronze Star Medals and five Meritorious Service Medals.

Pennartz contributed to establishing the Army’s DeGlopper Air Assault School where he developed curriculum and oversaw training certification for new soldiers. Reflecting on his personal life, Pennartz shared: “He was stationed in Seoul, South Korea when he met his wife, Penina... Over 20 years later, they’re raising two daughters here in Centerville.” Currently, he works as a Branch Chief at the Defense Security Cooperation Agency at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.

Federico “Fred” Rojas Jr. served 26 years in the United States Air Force before retiring as a Master Sergeant. His global assignments included Germany, Arizona, Georgia, California, Nebraska; deployments took him to Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt for operations such as Operation Southern Watch and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Rojas specialized in Personnel Management—overseeing assignments and accountability for airmen—and managed sensitive notifications while deployed.

Rojas earned multiple distinctions such as the Meritorious Service Medal; Joint Service Commendation Medal; Air Force Commendation Medal with four Oak Leaf Clusters; and Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Valor Device. He recalled witnessing major events like being present when the Berlin Wall fell or standing before Egypt’s Pyramids after 9/11.

In retirement Rojas continues serving veterans locally by helping them navigate VA systems or file disability claims; he is also active at Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9550 in Centerville.

As stated by city officials: “As we reflect on the stories of these three veterans, we are reminded that service is more than a duty; it’s a lifelong commitment to others.”