Angel protects Farmer of the Year

Wendy Alexander/The Madera Tribune File Photo

John Yakligian.

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It was Feb. 4, 1976, when the earthquake struck in Guatemala, killing thousands and leaving millions wounded and homeless.

Shortly after the quake struck, Maderan John Yakligian was operating his son’s Ham radio, and the details of the disaster came rolling in, creating enormous sympathy in John’s spirit. So great was his empathy for the victims of the tragedy that he felt called to go to Guatemala himself and help those in need.

John called a doctor friend of his, Dr. Gene Heinrich, and he agreed to go with Yakligian on his mission of mercy.