In 1936, Frank Kurtz decided to leave his hometown of Johnstown, Pennsylvania, and join the United States Navy so he could see the world. See the world he did. For over 32 years, Frank served as a naval fireman maintaining ships and mastering other trades in the Naval Engineering Department. His work took him all over the world from the Caribbean to the Pacific.

As the darkness of war seized the world, Frank continued to serve his country by maintaining various Asiatic stations around Australia and in the Indian Ocean. When the war was over, Frank wrote his hometown sweetheart , Trella, and asked her to marry him. Two months later, Frank arrived in Pearl Harbor where he learned that she had accepted his proposal and they were soon married.

Frank remained in the service until 1968, when he retired. With both of their children grown, he and his wife settled in San Diego. Frank and his wife never lost their passion for travel. Even after his wife passed away, Frank continues to spend most of his time visiting his children, his hometown of Johnstown, or venturing off to more exotic destinations.

Having witnessed some of the world’s poorest regions during his many travels, Frank became a true philanthropist. He has been a long-time supporter of the worldwide ministries of the Missionary Oblates since the early 70s. “When you see poverty, it seems overwhelming, but you can’t just give up. Missionaries like the Oblates require the prayers and support of all of us.”

Recently, when he heard about the tragic tsunami that pummeled the coast of Southern Asia, Frank knew just how great the deva-station was and he wanted to help. He was already planning on making a contribution to the Missionary Oblates but he decided to double his donation.

In a letter to the Missionary Association, Frank wrote, “As I sit here and think of the recent events and more destruction in the Indian Ocean, it is not hard to visualize what the people of that area have gone through. Having traveled that area during my Naval career and having been in a few typhoons, I know the destruction the sea can cause. Your Oblate Missionaries in that part of the world will need all the help they can get.”

In his lifetime, Frank has come to learn a great deal about the world. The Missionary Oblates and the people of Southern Asia are especially grateful for his understanding of helping those in need.

Thanks to the generosity of friends like Frank, the Missionary Oblates were there to open their arms to the tsunami victims throughout Southern Asia and will continue to help them as they work to rebuild their lives, their faith, and their communities.