Military Appreciation Month

In 1999, the US Congress passed a Joint Resolution encouraging citizens to express their gratitude and support for the military community, typically observed every May. In 2025, several significant dates include Loyalty Day on May 1st (not specifically military-related, but includes the military), VE Day on May 8th, Military Spouse Appreciation Day on May 9th, Armed Forces Day on May 16th, and Memorial Day on May 26th. As a military veteran, I feel honored to meet and hear the stories of fellow veterans. This week, I had the privilege of having lunch with Corporal Gunner Wilbur Jackson ‘Jack’ Myers from 1st Platoon Co. B 692nd Tank Destroyer. We had invited Jack to our Airbus Headquarters to celebrate his 102nd birthday and to honor him by naming our newly refurbished conference room, the Jack Myers Room. Jack was born on June 17, 1923, in Williamsport, Maryland, and as one of 13 children, with a warm smile on his face, he fondly informs me that he was number six. He had become a father himself at age 20, making his eldest son a sprightly 81-year-old. Jack's Army service took him to Cherbourg, France, in September 1944, and had him serving as an antitank gunner responsible for destroying tanks, machine gun nests, observation posts, and vehicles. Jack confessed that it took him many years after the war to discuss his experiences. Even now, there's a slight hesitation in his voice when he recounts some of his memories and the horrific scenes that he must have witnessed. Now comfortable telling his war stories, he wants to share them so that people remember the cost of freedom and the senselessness of war. During our conversation, it was clear to me that Jack had two key virtues that had shaped his life: his Christian faith, which had clearly guided his actions during the war and influenced his worldview, and gratitude. Jack deeply appreciated what others had done for him and felt humbled by the thanks that were offered for his military service. At 101, Jack is remarkably sharp, maintains a positive outlook on life, and values relationships, recognizing their importance for his overall well-being. He plans to travel to Normandy again this year, marking his 20th+ visit to commemorate the 81st anniversary of the Normandy landings. Jack is a true legend, and I am incredibly thankful to have shaken his hand, listened to his stories, and gotten his permission to take a selfie!

Jack the Tank Hunter is on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fI3feyZlWwM