Decorated Veteran Fought at Iwo Jima

Written by

Jesse is a talker, and at age 83 he has plenty of stories to share. He is a decorated veteran. He fought at Iwo Jima and earned five combat medals and two bronze stars during his military service. He recounted his military experiences in a book called China Marine and often is invited to Veterans Day events.

The topic he likes to discuss the most is his son Jay. He raised Jay as a single parent and the two made a great father-son team on the basketball court — Jesse as coach and Jay as the star player. Together, the two clinched a high school state basketball championship in Maine. Later, they took their talents to the University of Maine.

After relocating to Indiana, Jesse continued to pursue a career in teaching and coaching. Today, his son is a principal with Speedway Schools. The two talk every day and his son visits three times a week.

Jesse says “wear and tear” and arthritis left little cartilage in his knees. Walking is now difficult so he uses two canes or a motorized scooter to get around. A CICOA-provided home health aide helps him complete tasks like housekeeping and personal care on a weekly basis. The visits provide an opportunity for extra companionship — and an audience for his great stories.


More News & Stories

Dandelion blowing a sign of change

Investing for Good: A New Era in Philanthropy

In a world where change is the only constant, the words of Bob Dylan's iconic song, "The Times They Are A-Changin'," resonate more than ever. Within the sphere of philanthropy, these words couldn't ring truer. Recent research has revealed a...
Safe at Home Making Homes Safer for Indianapolis Seniors

Fall Clean-Up Has Become One of My Favorite Days of the Year

CICOA sponsors its 13th Safe at Home Sept. 16 Every 11 seconds an older adult is treated in the emergency room for a fall, according to the National Council on Aging. That’s a staggering statistic. Yet so many falls can...
Lillie Ford Indianapolis senior aging in place safely at home thanks to local nonprofits

From Stumble To Strength: Reclaiming Independence After Falls

Lillie was working as a DeCA teller at the Harrison Village Commissary at Fort Ben on Indy’s northeast side in 2016 when an odd thing happened: She began losing her equilibrium and falling. A lot. She fell downstairs. She fell...