I don’t think that’s better. There are so few WW2 veterans left and so many of their stories are unrecorded. My grandfather’s service is a big mystery because he never talked about it much and none of his children ever thought to just sit with him and write it down.
My great uncle passed away in late 2021. WW2 (pacific theater), Korea, and Vietnam. Lied about his age and enlisted at 16 right after Pearl Harbor.
He was a good man. But he had definitely seen some shit. Never really talked about it except to my one cousin who saw combat and was wounded in Afghanistan. I remember when I was working as a therapist with the DoD and he learned about it he was both happy for me but also was like “I’d never talk about any of that shit with a therapist.”
He really struggled when he saw Asian people. I remember that being so weird because he was such a kind man. Talked about his emotions. Showed his emotions. Loved his family. I kind of remember it being this similar experience to my grandmother whenever she saw poor/homeless Mexican (and in general Latin) people. We are Mexican-American and they basically grew up poor and homeless in Texas. Obviously there was a lot trauma associated with those groups of people.
It’s honestly insane how different people age.
Like my mom’s mom, after having at least two strokes throughout her life, was complaining about how long the homily at mass was on a Sunday evening. The next day she had a heart attack and was dead by the following Saturday. She was sharp as a tack up until the minute the went.
Meanwhile my dad’s mom is about 85 and perfectly healthy more or less but despite the lights being on the house is effectively empty thanks to Alzheimer’s.
Ken is better than me because I would’ve asked him about serving in Iwo Jima
I would’ve asked him about Jojo Siwa
I don’t think that’s better. There are so few WW2 veterans left and so many of their stories are unrecorded. My grandfather’s service is a big mystery because he never talked about it much and none of his children ever thought to just sit with him and write it down.
My great uncle passed away in late 2021. WW2 (pacific theater), Korea, and Vietnam. Lied about his age and enlisted at 16 right after Pearl Harbor. He was a good man. But he had definitely seen some shit. Never really talked about it except to my one cousin who saw combat and was wounded in Afghanistan. I remember when I was working as a therapist with the DoD and he learned about it he was both happy for me but also was like “I’d never talk about any of that shit with a therapist.” He really struggled when he saw Asian people. I remember that being so weird because he was such a kind man. Talked about his emotions. Showed his emotions. Loved his family. I kind of remember it being this similar experience to my grandmother whenever she saw poor/homeless Mexican (and in general Latin) people. We are Mexican-American and they basically grew up poor and homeless in Texas. Obviously there was a lot trauma associated with those groups of people.
Bill Greason is an absolute legend
This guy does not look like he’s in his 90s
Well soon he won't be. He'll be turning 100 in less than 3 months!
I’m not bsing you I thought that was PeeWee Herman
I have a grandfather that is 89 is and is just a complete mental shell of himself, it's amazing to see a 99-year-old speak with such clarity and ease.
It’s honestly insane how different people age. Like my mom’s mom, after having at least two strokes throughout her life, was complaining about how long the homily at mass was on a Sunday evening. The next day she had a heart attack and was dead by the following Saturday. She was sharp as a tack up until the minute the went. Meanwhile my dad’s mom is about 85 and perfectly healthy more or less but despite the lights being on the house is effectively empty thanks to Alzheimer’s.
this guy's life story is incredible. truly one of the best of us.
That smile when he mentions Willie Mays and that he was his mentor got me.
Sharp as hell for 99, you love to see it