By: Advika Subhash
Meet Al, a recognized veteran of the U.S. Air Force and an honorary citizen of Mill Creek. Throughout his life, Al has lived in 13 different states, but ultimately chose to settle in Mill Creek to live near family. With strong values and personal morals, today, he enjoys his retirement at North Creek by Bonaventure, a senior living community where he continues to make a lasting impression on those around him. By the end of this article, I hope you’ll feel you know Al as both a veteran and an inspiring community member.
Al’s military career spanned 44 years, with 24 years spent in active service. He served in various roles, including instructor, commander, recruiter, and even as a hunting and fishing guide for the Air Force at Matagorda Island. One of Al’s more memorable experiences was serving as the driver for Miss Universe 1968, driving her around and giving her a tour of Nebraska, and accompanying her to meet the governor of Nebraska.
Al’s is compassionate, lively, and creative. In retirement, he channels his energy into art projects, jewelry making, and cartooning. I remember the first time I met Al, I was volunteering at Bonaventure and ran out of tasks to complete, so the receptionist, Olga, suggested I meet Al. He brought a chessboard and played chess with me, which re-sparked my love for chess. Al’s strategic approach was reflective of his character; he brought snacks and soda to keep us occupied and to connect with me. After our game, he introduced me to a fascinating toy from his youth, the whimmydiddle, which functions on physics concepts like linear vibration and elliptical oscillation. Then, he taught me how to draw basic cartoons and showed me his artwork. Al always says everything can be broken down into shapes, and every time I draw, I remember his words.
Al captures the patriotic American spirit and rich culture of his generation. He never runs out of things to say and engages in meaningful conversation with everyone. As Al says, “Whether you’re in the Air Force, the Army, the Marines, or here at Bonaventure, you’re surrounded by people—so in many ways, everything is connected.
