I Am A Retired VeteranBy Norman E. Hooben USAF, MSgt, Retired
I am a retired veteran
of the United States Armed Forces
Now I am a member of We The People…
During my active duty
years I’ve seen war and rumors of war. I protected We The People…
I fought for God and country Blessed by We The People…
The path I chose was The road not taken by We The People….
They were the best years
of my life
Unbeknown to We
The People…
The hardships I endured Will never be shared
by We The People…
For over two score years in uniform
Now I dress as We
The People….
Time moves on and I’m here to say
Freedom is not free
for We The People….
When it was said that old soldiers never die
They just fade away
by We The People….
When the time has come and my years are spent
I’ll be buried by We The People….
In memory of Harry C. White
October 22, 1942 – April 16, 2025
UPDATE
Dateline Robertsdale, Alabama
17 May 2025
THE USAF VETERINARY SERVICE ASSOCIATION
Diane Peacher Donaldson
Today Tim and I attended the Memorial Service for Harry accompanied by Norman Hooben. It was very special to meet his family and other close friends. Norman recited his poem “ I Am A Retired Veteran “ which was very special and appreciated. The graveside service was conducted by the Naval Chaplain that had known and worked with Harry for 15 years. The service was very sincere and personal. There was an Air Force Honor Guard that presented the Military Honors. There were several comments that “ Harry was bigger than life” by many who knew him. He will be missed but not forgotten. Pictured are the flowers from our group and Norman delivering his poem.