Last Memorial Day while traveling from one coffee spot to another I was listening to talk radio. A gentleman called in and wished to honor his uncles that served in WWII, he stated that his dad had been too old to serve. One uncle served as a bomber crewman, maybe a pilot in Europe, the other as an infantry man in Asia.

 He went on to say that he was most proud of his other uncle, One Eyed Joe. Joe lost his eye in childhood accident and was turned down for service for two years but he kept on trying and finally made it into service.

 One Eyed Joe went on to serve twenty years and retired as an Corporal. This gentleman that called in reiterated that he was most proud of Old One Eyed Joe, the caller retired from navy after many years as an Admiral.

This made me think of Jumping Joe that served when I was serving.

 I met Jumping Joe one evening after school when we were on jump manifest at about dark. I was pulled aside and told that Jumping Joe would be leading the stick and I would be next. My job was to encourage Joe and see that he got out the door.

 Jumping Joe was a First Lt. who had just been promoted (if I remember correctly) after 12 years as Second Lt. I am proud to have known Jumping Joe and to hear about One Eyed Joe. Most of the Service men and women were unknown, quietly doing their jobs to the best of their ability.

 I say thanks be to the Joes and Janes.