Fred Bonilla, a resident of Country Meadows of Mechanicsburg, will be the first to stress the importance of education. But, as he has learned in his long and adventurous life, education can come in many forms. It’s not just in school; it can also be a combination of street smarts, service to others and learning from everything that life throws your way.
Fred’s path in life was anything but straightforward. As an abandoned four-year-old in the early 1930’s to a high-ranking military officer, he saw every interaction, act of kindness someone did for him and everything that happened to him as an opportunity. From a young age growing up in a beach community, he picked up odd jobs like shining shoes to earn a few cents—which of course was used to buy candy! He slept in unused storage areas of city buildings and pal’ed around with other young boys trying to make their way in the world. School was far from the priority; however, he did learn how to read as a way to survive. Fast forward to age nineteen where Fred found stability which he had not been accustomed by joining the Air Force.
Entry into the military service required taking tests and hitting benchmarks which he passed with flying colors. Despite no formal early education, Fred described himself as a good test taker. He passed the needed exams equivalent to a high school diploma and went on to earn an associate’s degree, attend Military Police School and Radio Comms School and received many other certificates and certifications to support his personal and professional development.
As Fred puts it: “There’s no college that compares to the education you get serving.”
His distinguished military career took him all over the world, including a deployment in Japan during the Korean War. While his military service concluded with his retirement in 1968 with the rank of Master Sargent, his service continued again later in life as a civilian with the Defense Logistics Agency in technology-focused roles.
One title he never formally received was a master’s degree – until recently when he was presented something he sees as an equivalent honor. With his goals at the forefront and after learning about universities bestowing degrees for life and career achievements, he researched colleges and contacted the National Guard, to see how his life’s learnings and military contributions could translate into a higher education degree. Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania saw Fred’s accomplishments as admirable, but, like nearly everything else in his life, they didn’t fit the mold for a traditional, honorary masters. However, Commonwealth University knew they had to recognize his military contributions and commitment to personal and professional growth in a special way—leading to the Commonwealth University Presidential Commendation.
This summer, James McCormack, Associate Vice President at Commonwealth University, visited Mr. Bonilla at his home at Country Meadows of Mechanisburg to deliver the proclamation.
When reflecting on his full life, Fred can look back to the independent four-year-old and see the strength, leadership and determination that guided him to big things. His life is a testament to perseverance—a lesson he hopes to encourage in the younger generation.
“Work hard and don’t turn back,” emphasized Fred. “I always worked my way to the top by helping people and doing the job.”
Update: It is with a heavy heart to share Fred passed away soon after the Commendation. How fortunate we were to honor and celebrate this resident’s achievements.