The Rotary Club of Enfield is honoring Enfield’s veterans by sponsoring military tribute banners that will be displayed in Higgins Park, the Town Green, Freshwater Walkway, North Main Street and Hazardville between Memorial Day and Veterans Day in 2026 and 2027. The Enfield Public Library partnered with Enfield Rotary to preserve digital versions of these banners as well as biographical information about each veteran.
John I. Koperniak
United States air force 1950-1960
Staff sergeant
air force outstanding unit medal
Staff Sergeant John I. Koperniak served in the Air Force for 10 years. During this time, he and his wife lived in Alaska, Virginia, and California. They were young and adventurous, and they loved the military life. John thoroughly enjoyed food, and he spent many hours cooking in base kitchens. Additionally, John’s aptitude for languages resulted in his learning Turkish and being stationed in Turkey for a time. He received medals for National Defense, Good Conduct, Longevity and Outstanding Unit.
After leaving the Air Force, he and his family settled in Enfield, where he and his wife Lee raised three children. He was an active member of Enfield’s John Maciolek American Legion Post. He proudly marched with his Post in many parades. He was especially proud of the Post’s work in raising money and providing ambulances and drivers for Enfield in the 1970s and 80s. Thank you for your service, Dad.
