Facebook pixel

Roy has VIP visit to Washington DC

Roy, 90, of Springfield, Ohio, is an inspiring example of the Greatest Generation. Brookdale and Wish of a Lifetime commemorated Roy’s service by sending him and his son, Bill, to Washington D.C. to visit the War Memorials for the first time.

Drafted into the Army in 1943, Roy was stationed in Anzio, Italy. In Anzio, Roy lost most of his left leg in a shell accident while fighting the Germans. Shrapnel was embedded in the calf of his leg which turned gangrenous and had to be amputated. While recovering, he was transported to Morocco. On the way there he witnessed the most recent eruption of Mount Vesuvius from March 18th to 29th of 1944. Despite his serious injury he was thankful to observe this historic moment. After spending much of his service recovering from his wounds, Roy worked for the Springfield News-Sun as a line type operator. He married his wife Helen and had three children; Rita, Jan and Bill.

At the memorials, a group of students approached Roy and took turns shaking his hand and thanking him for his service; bringing him very near tears. In addition to experiencing the memorials, Roy also had the privilege of meeting with the Speaker of the House, John Boehner, and attending tours of the Capitol and National Archives generously arranged by the Speaker’s office. Bill, Roy’s son said “He has never had that kind of attention or recognition, thank you!” We are privileged to tell this hardworking veteran’s story and give Roy the attention he deserves for his service to our country!

Submit a Comment

Wish Type

Location

Posted on

June 20, 2014