On October, 6, 2023, I’ll be celebrating my 100th birthday. “And I’m still good-looking,” said Corporal Settimio (“Sam”) A. Renzi. Here are my thoughts when I reflect back on some of the most significant events of my life. I went to war without a gun. I was a Combat Medic and as a Seventh-day Adventist Christian, I didn’t believe in taking a life. I was a “conscientious cooperator,” so we trained as medics. (A medic’s life on the front lines averaged two minutes.) I have been in three campaigns (battles) and was in the invasion of Southern France. On November 2, 1944 in the town of St. Die, France, I almost died because I stepped on a landmine rescuing five soldiers who had stepped on mines. I was awarded a Purple Heart medal and a Bronze Star medal for bravery. I should never have been drafted in the army because I was enrolled in college in training as a theological student. One incident, etched in my memory, was when a roadblock was established at Saint Dizer highway where my outfit, Company A, shot and killed a 56-year old German Major General, Max Schmidt. General Schmidt had fought in Russia and had conducted an Artillery School the past Autumn. I was admitted to four army hospitals and was discharged before the war was over. My injury was to my ankle and foot from stepping on a landmine. A piece of shrapnel went up through my right heel and out the ankle. God took care of me. Following my military service, I resumed my theological training and pastored for over 40 years in the Seventh-day Adventist denomination. For several years, I volunteered at Support Our Troops committee at Loma Linda University. I’ve “already” had a good and meaningful life and for that, I am grateful to God! On October 6, 2023, I will be 100 years old. My aim is to outIive Methusaleh in the Bible, who lived to 969 years old. I don’t know when the Lord will call me, but if He does, I’m thinking I won’t answer the phone.
Related Articles
By Ruby Stephenson, Contributing Writer
March 3, 2026 at 12:17pm. Views: 94
Moreno Valley residents are being invited to take an active role in shaping the city’s future, by serving on one of its Boards or Commissions, Mayor Ulises announced.
By Stella Pierce, Community Writer
March 3, 2026 at 12:17pm. Views: 147
The student ensemble, directed by Michael Pichette, will be presenting a vespers program featuring reflective wind and percussion music that brings together students, families, and the local community.
By Charmaine Mislang, Community Writer
March 3, 2026 at 12:17pm. Views: 142
Young athletes with the Grand Terrace Titans Jr. All American Football & Cheer sit together and smile for a group photo during practice, wearing team uniforms and bows, representing teamwork, confidence, and community spirit.
Cheerleading events feature cheer competition performances, where our athletes showcased their routines, teamwork, and dedication.
The football events focus on time spent together both on and off the field, competing, training, building brotherhood, and strengthening team bonds through shared experiences.
By Stella Pierce, Community Writer
March 3, 2026 at 12:17pm. Views: 105
Members of the Grand Terrace Woman’s Club welcome community members during one of their Bingo Game Nights, which raise funds to support local outreach efforts while bringing residents together for an evening of fun and fellowship.
By Cynthia Baker, Contributing Writer
March 3, 2026 at 12:18pm. Views: 163
Taken on July 22, 2025: The MD class of 2029 MD took the Hippocratic Oath and received their white coats, symbolizing entrance into the medical profession.
"This class brings the largest number of Inland Empire-based students to a CUSM MD class," said Paul Lyons, MD, President and Dean of California University of Science and Medicine. "It is core to our mission to support the communities of the Inland Empire in terms of education and health accessibility. Admitting qualified IE-based students is a major part of bringing our mission to life."
By Stella Pierce, Contributing Writer
March 3, 2026 at 12:18pm. Views: 167
Airbud, a tan Shepherd-mix dog, happily jumps up to play with a handler during outdoor enrichment time at the shelter, showing his energetic and playful personality.
By Stella Price, Contributing Writer
March 3, 2026 at 12:18pm. Views: 130
Illustrative image of a happy family outdoors with one dog and one cat, both shown wearing pet insurance tags. Moreno Valley Animal Services and MetLife Pet Insurance form a unique partnership in an effort to remove adoption barriers.
By Charmaine Mislang, Community Writer
March 3, 2026 at 12:18pm. Views: 168
AI-generated image of a family of four sitting at a kitchen table, looking together at a laptop while holding CalFresh informational materials and an application form. The adults and children appear engaged and focused, suggesting they are reviewing or applying for food assistance benefits.
By Angela Giacobbe, Community Writer
March 3, 2026 at 12:18pm. Views: 83
An energetic group of friends stand outdoors, smiling and embracing in a moment of connection and support. Staying proactive about health—including routine colon cancer screening—helps ensure more moments like these for years to come.
By Charmaine Mislang, Community Writer
March 3, 2026 at 12:19pm. Views: 126
A U.S. service member stands with his wife and young son as they share a warm greeting with a VA physician in a clinical hallway. A care team member in the background uses a tablet to support the family’s visit.
VA Loma Linda continues its long‑standing commitment to serving military families with accessible, compassionate, and coordinated care.
By Charmaine Mislang , Community Writer
March 3, 2026 at 12:19pm. Views: 66
A smiling father and daughter ride their bikes together, while wearing a helmet.
The City of Colton is making a significant leap forward in active transportation with the launch of the West Colton Bicycle Lane Project—a comprehensive initiative designed to create safer and more accessible streets for cyclists throughout the community.
By Jenny Owen & Victoria Gauci, Contributing Writer
March 3, 2026 at 12:19pm. Views: 60
Held on Feb. 4, the event began with a White Coat Ceremony, offering students a meaningful glimpse into what a future in health care could look like.