A Veteran’s Story: From Korea to the Golf Course, Mikey Keeps Giving Back

At 96 years old, Mike Peralta has lived through nearly a century of history. He has served his country, built a 72-year marriage, raised a family and spent decades giving his time to his community.

But ask Mike about his service in Korea, and his answer is remarkably simple.

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"No medals, nothing," he says. "I was just happy to get home."

For Mike, that was enough.

Born and raised in La Joya, New Mexico, Mike entered the U.S. Army and served in Korea in 1951 and 1952. He served as both a rifleman and a radioman during the Korean War.

Decades later, his service was recognized close to home. At the 2023 Veterans Day Ceremony at Golden Era Golf Course, Mike was honored for his service in Korea and presented with a Certificate of Recognition from the Mayor of San Jacinto on behalf of the City Council.

The certificate expressed the city's gratitude for "the service and sacrifices you made by serving the Armed Forces" and stated that the duty he performed for his country would never be forgotten.

But Mike's story did not end when he came home from Korea. In many ways, it was only beginning.

After returning to the United States, Mike stayed with a friend in Eagle Rock. It was there that he met Rita, the woman who would become his wife.

The two were married in 1954 in a small church that is now located in Watts. Seventy-two years later, Mike and Rita are still happily married.

A few years into their marriage, the couple traveled to Hemet to attend the Ramona Pageant. That particular year, actress Raquel Welch was starring as Ramona.

Something about the little community captured their hearts.

Mike remembers Hemet as a "small little cowtown," and he and Rita soon decided it was where they wanted to make their home.

Mike spent 40 years working as a barber in his barbershop in Anaheim and he commuted. He also worked weekends at a friend's shop in Sun City.

Then came retirement—but for Mike, retirement didn't mean sitting around.

Instead, it began another chapter of service.

Mike became head marshal at Soboba Golf Course and later served as a marshal at Quail Ranch and Seven Hills golf courses.

In 2010, he began volunteering with Grandfathers For Golf at Golden Era Golf Course, where he helped teach children the game of golf. He eventually became a marshal at Golden Era as well.

For Mike, golf became much more than a game. It became another way to serve, make friends and spend time helping the next generation.

Those who know him best simply call him "Mikey."

His friends describe him as easygoing, friendly and, more often than not, wearing a smile.

And then there is the family he and Rita have built together: five children, seven grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

From a young man serving his country in Korea to a husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and longtime community volunteer, Mike has spent his life quietly making a difference.

Today, Mike is one of the few Korean War veterans still with us. His story is a reminder that a life of service doesn't always come with medals or headlines.

Sometimes it looks like teaching a child how to swing a golf club.

Sometimes it looks like volunteering at a golf course.

Sometimes it looks like 72 years of marriage and a family gathered around you.

And sometimes, at 96 years old, it simply looks like a man named Mikey who still shows up with a smile.

Mike and Rita have raised a family that now includes five children, seven grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. Through the decades, Mike has gone from a young soldier serving halfway around the world to a husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and beloved community volunteer.

Today, Mike is one of the few remaining Korean War veterans still with us. His story is not only one of military service, but of coming home, building a family, finding a community and spending the years that followed helping others.

And after all these years, Mikey is still going strong.