Juan Pena Jr.

Juan Peña Jr. was born to Juan Peña and Ofelia Álvarez Peña on January 18, 1940 in El Paso. He attended St. Joseph Elementary and Cathedral High Schools in El Paso, St. Michael Seminary of Santa Fe and St. John Theological Seminary of Denver. He enlisted in the Air Force in 1963, earning his Commission and Navigator Wings in 1965. He later served as initial cadre for the AC-130 Gunship Program and subsequently flew 138 combat missions, being awarded 12 Distinguished Flying Crosses while serving in Vietnam. After 21 years with the military, he spent a brief career working at the Special Programs Office at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida before setting down for an enjoyable year as a Spanish teacher at Niceville High School. Unfortunately, his teaching days were cut short when he was diagnosed with Lou Gehrig's Disease, ALS, but Johnny and his loving wife of 48 years, Jean Offerman Peña, valiantly battled the disease together for 15 exceptional years. His unconquerable spirit shone through the daily challenges posed by ALS and he spent his final years surrounded by family, friends, and a dedicated team of caregivers who helped him live a dignified and meaningful life.