John Manuel "Gunner" Arrien
January 1, 1947 — March 21, 2008
61, joined his Band of Brothers on Friday, March 21, 2008.
He was born January 1, 1947, in Brooklyn, N.Y., the son of the late John and Manuela (Guerra) Arrien. On May 1, 1982, in Santa Clara, Calif., he married Patricia Ann (Saint) Arrien, who survives.
John proudly served his country in the 101st Airborne Division in Vietnam in 1966 and 1967, where he was injured in combat. Upon his return home, he volunteered many hours at the Menlo Park, N.J., Veterans Administration hospital, encouraging returning vets to use their GI Bill benefits and guiding them through the process. Even though he loved his country, he loved his fellow veterans more, so he was active in the Vietnam Veterans Against the War organization and worked hard to bring our troops home. He was a lifetime member of the Disabled American Veterans and Veterans of Foreign Wars groups.
In addition to his wife, survivors include a sister, Lisa Arrien of Long Island, N.Y.; nieces Laura Schmansky and Christina Morrone LoCascios, both of Long Island; and nephews Michael Saint or Portland, Ind., and Keith Schmansky of Long Island.
A sister, Delores Morrone, also preceded him in death.
Graveside funeral services will be conducted at 1 p.m. Monday, March 31, at Calverton National Cemetery on Long Island, N.Y.
No visitation is planned.
Memorial contributions may be made to the DAV National Service Foundation, 3725 Alexandria Pike, Cold Spring, KY 41076.