World War 2 Veteran Commemorates 100th Birthday in Colorado Springs

A member of America’s “Greatest Generation” commemorated his 100th birthday in Colorado Springs on Friday.

Ratings of member of the family, buddies, and admirers collected at the Phantom Canyon Developing Co. to want Robert Brakley, a The second world war veteran, a pleased centennial.

Brakley sat at a location of honor in the reception space as a consistent stream of individuals submitted through, excited to shake his hand, dream him well, or merely remain in his existence.

While he plainly delighted in the adulation, Brakley stated he does not feel particularly brave.

“We all did what we had to do for the country,” he stated.

Pat Quigley, Brakley’s grandson-in-law, highly disagrees.

“He doesn’t want to be called a hero, but he is,” Quigley stated. “They were all heroes.”

Brakley was working as an expert welder when he was prepared into the Army in 1943. He at first took and passed a pilot’s examination for the Army Air Corps, however was later on delivered to Omaha, Neb., for welding school.

“Welding school,” he stated, rolling his eyes. “I was already a certified welder, and they sent me to welding school.”

While he existed, the Army Air Corps got in touch with Brakley and informed him he ‘d passed his pilot tests and might either move or stay in the routine Army. He picked the Air Corps and was sent out to Michigan for pilot training.

“There was nothing but snow the whole time I was there,” Brakley remembered.

From Michigan, he was sent out to Santa Ana Army Air Base in California. However quickly after he got here, the tide of the war moved, therefore did the requirements of the armed force. The battling in Europe had actually ended. So Brakley was returned to the Army, with the 625th Ordnance Battalion, and delivered to Okinawa, Japan.

Brakley and his battalion got here in Okinawa on June 6, 1944 — otherwise referred to as D-Day.

About 4 months after the U.S. dropped the atomic bomb, Brakley was sent out house for discharge. However due to the fact that of his training with the Air Corps, he might have remained on as a military pilot. Brakley pleasantly decreased.

“I’d had enough,” he stated.

Brakley went on to work as a bus chauffeur and welder in his house state of Indiana. He offered with the cops and fire departments in Highland, Ind., prior to ending up being a full-time policeman, ultimately ending up being chief of cops. He retired from the force in 1976 however continued to work numerous tasks up until he was 88, according to his household.

Quigley stated the guys of the ladies of Brakley’s generation represent the very best of American worths.

“They did what they needed to do when their country asked, even though they didn’t really want to,” he stated. “They’re a rare breed of people, and we’re running out of them. There are very few of them left.”

At the celebration, the Pikes Peak Sergeants Major Association provided Brakley with a difficulty coin from the fourth Infantry Department, a citation honoring his service to the nation, and an honorary promo to sergeant significant– the U.S. Army’s greatest employed rank.

“Less than 1% of the people who enter the Army achieve this rank,” stated Vice President Chet Miller. “But it is truly an honor to give it to you today.”

Regardless of a breathing problem that needs him to utilize an oxygen tank, Brakley stated he feels “pretty good” most days. His energy levels are great, he remains in sufficient shape to play a periodic round of golf, and his psychological skill stays sharp, member of the family stated.

“His memory is better than mine,” Quigley stated.

The centenarian and war veteran revealed appreciation, and surprise, at his durability.

“I never thought I’d live this long,” Brakley stated, chuckling. “I figured I would have been hit by a car or something by now.”

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( c) 2022 The Gazette (Colorado Springs, Colo.)

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