WW 2 Veteran...

[WILMASBOYL78]

Karen and I just got back from grocery shopping at the local Price Chopper...while we were checking out an older man got in line behind me. Couldn't help but notice his hat..it read WWII Air Force Veteran.

So, I struck up a conversation...asked him what theatre he was in..he told he was part of a fighter squadron for 4 years based in England. He joined at 18 years of age...he just turned 90!!

We chatted about different folks we knew who served..I told him my dad was a SeaBee and served in the Pacific at the end of the war. He showed me a photo of his great grandson who is now a Marine. Amazing experience meeting this guy..I shook his hand and thanked him for his service...it really made my day.

By the way, he was picking up 2 Hungry Man TV dinners to take home for him and his son to have..just like any other dad!...

I regret I didn't ask him for his contact info...hopefully I will see him again at the store. It would be great to spend some time with a guy like that...

wilma <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/worship.gif <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/flag.gif

[bergy]

Sounds like my fishing buddy &quot;Wags&quot; down in Florida. Landed at Normandy - fought through France. Awarded a Bronze Star. The most humble guy I know - says he was just doing his job. THAT is the greatest generation. Wags also just turned 90 and is in the hospital with congestive heart failure. We're prayin'

[VintageMusclecar]

The greatest generation. <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/flag.gif

We desperately need more people like them today.

[WILMASBOYL78]

***UPDATE***

Went back to Price Chopper today to get a few &quot;sale items&quot; for my sweetie...and guess who I meet again <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif

This time we chatted and exchanged contact info...His name is Pete and he was part of the 8th Air Force Fighter Squadron. He was on a &quot;crash team&quot;...these guys were sent out when a plane went down to rescue/help the crew. He invited me over to his house...says he has lots of historical stuff and photos...this will be a lot of fun. I may see if he is interested in coming to one of our Wounded Warrior Project events...I think it would be a big hit.

He told me one quick story today in the &quot;meat dept.&quot;....he was scheduled to receive a medal for his service..but, the ceremony conflicted with his first furlough in a year..so he passed on the event. He said he had &quot;something lined-up&quot;..and he wsn't going to miss out <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/naughty.gif

I will get some photos when we meet and share the story...


wilma <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/flag.gif <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/flag.gif <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/flag.gif

[Salvatore]

very good Tommy. I have a good friend who is a SeaBee.

[olredalert]

----I marvel every time I think about what the 2nd WW Veterans had to go thru and accomplish during that war. Every one who served in any capacity is a hero a hundred times over. Jan and I met and became friends with a guy who was on, and (obviously) survived, the Bataan death march. I was so humbled just listening to him. He was intered the entire war in Japan, after the horror of the Philippines, digging coal and saw the mushroom cloud produced by the drop at Hiroshima. His name is Les Tenney and he wrote an unbelieveable book titled &quot;My Hitch In Hell&quot;. Track down a copy and sit back and be amazed at what the human heart can endure......Bill S

[kwhizz]

True Americans.........When there were still &quot;True Values&quot;..........and people were responsible for themselves.........We've come a long way haven't we....

[olredalert]

----I should correct myself as I said Hiroshima and should have said &quot;Nagasaki&quot;. Google Lester Tenney and take a look at a true American hero. It doesnt get any better than Les although many, many of our Vets equaled his heroism. It was part of the mindset back then, I think. Although Jack Kennedy said it in a completely different context, the statement &quot;ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country&quot; never had more meaning than during that conflict......Bill S

[VintageMusclecar]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: kwhizz</div><div class="ubbcode-body">True Americans.........When there were still &quot;True Values&quot;..........and people were responsible for themselves.........We've come a long way haven't we.... </div></div>

Yep...but the direction that's been taken leaves much to be desired.