At OurSeniors.Net we think all our seniors are truly amazing. Let’s look back at a selection of those we have highlighted in the past months.
Lowell Ward- 95, Going Strong, and Still a Collector of Great Experiences and Memories
If you have read about our “Greatest Generation,” you know the story of men like Lowell Ward. Lowell lived through the Great Depression, joined the Navy at a young age, served our country on a submarine, went to college on the GI Bill, and then married “the prettiest girl in town” (recommended by his sister). Together, Lowell and Suzanne raised three sons and saw the birth of twelve grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
After working for the state of Minnesota for years, Lowell and Suzanne heard the call of Florida sunshine. After completing a master’s degree at FSU, they settled first in south Florida, then in the Villages. Today Lowell is a collector of newspapers that mark famous events. His life is an example of a great event- the lives of our “Greatest Generation.”
Colonel Juan Armando Montes- One of America’s Best
Seniors may remember the 1966 hit song, “The Ballad of the Green Beret.” That song’s lyrics and the John Wayne movie, “Green Berets” call to mind the amazing life of Colonel Juan Armando Montes. That life began in pre-revolutionary Cuba, where Juan appeared to be destined for a scholarly career. He graduated cum laude from college and then earned his Juris Doctor degree. The Cuban Revolution ended those plans, as he fled from Communist Cuba to the United States.
It was a traumatic event, but America welcomed freedom-loving Cubans. Juan Armando Montes became a distinguished soldier and officer in the United States Army. He spent 30 years in the military, 25 as part of the Green Beret Special Forces. Throughout his life, Colonel Montes demonstrated the courage and integrity that made America great. That is why he is one of today’s Amazing Seniors!
Ana Margarita Menéndez and Connie Ramirez- “Living the American Dream with a Cuban Accent.”
These two talented ladies personify some of America’s best stories. They are the stories of great people who made this country their new home, worked hard, and succeeded brilliantly. Anna and Connie were important cast members on the pioneering TV show, “Que Pasa, USA?”
In the late 1970s, Miami station WPBT came up with a great innovation- a bilingual sitcom. The show was titled “Que Pasa, USA?” and it quickly became a big hit in Miami and national syndication. Today, Ana and Connie have moved on to careers in public relations and specialty voice work. Over 40 years have passed, but Ana, Connie, and “Que Pasa” are still fondly remembered for the humorous, sympathetic portrayal of Cuban Americans. Thank you, Ana and Connie. Cuba’s loss was America’s gain!
Jerry and Esther Krueger- Good Things Come in Pairs
America has been blessed to have both men and women who contributed to its greatness, its “Greatest Generation.” Jerry and Esther Krueger are examples of these Amazing Seniors, two people who helped fight and win World War II, settled down, and built the nation we know today.
After 72 years of marriage, the Krueger family can look back on successful careers in law, politics, and education. At the same time, the couple raised three children and now have a total of thirteen grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Following very successful work and community lives in New Jersey, the couple moved to Daytona Beach and helped to found WISE, the Wisdom in Senior Education program at Daytona State College.
Jerry and Esther are now in their 90s and still doing good things. That Greatest Generation just keeps going!
