Celebrating a member of the ‘Greatest Generation’
To the editor:
On Friday May 12, 2023, Cpl. Wilbur Riepel will turn 103, reaching a milestone most of us only dream about. He is a longtime Pine Island resident and a proud member of the “Greatest Generation.”
Greater Pine Island VFW Post 4353 is inviting the whole community to be part of this special day. Numerous organizations and business have come together to help celebrate this momentous event with generous donations. There will be a small parade/convoy, from his house on Cubles Drive, which will proceed to the VFW at 8150 Stringfellow Road, with a short detour past Pine Island Elementary to be cheered on by the students.
Our community, that has been through so much, has come together for this special day and there will be plenty of food and drink for all, don’t miss out. May 12 at noon! All are invited to be part of the parade/convoy which will be led by Lee County Sheriff’s Department and VFW and Legion motorcycle riders, the guest of honor will be riding in a Humvee with escort from the M/PIFD.
Born in 1920, Cpl. Riepel joined the Army Air Corps on July 20, 1942, and was discharged Nov. 17, 1945. He served 17 months in the Italian Theater of operations with the 15th Air Force as a supply clerk supporting the bombing missions of B-24 Liberator squadrons. He is a part of the “Greatest Generation,” and has seen many changes in his long life. Although being from New Jersey, he has been a long-time islander and is a proud lifetime member of VFW Post 4353.
Less than 100,000 World War II veterans are alive with approximately 234 dying every day. Over 10 million Americans answered the call to arms during World War II and they deserve our utmost respect and for their sacrifices and the legacy they have left behind, The United States of America, the land of the free and the home of the brave.
Please join with us to honor those who served, died and are still with us, Cpl. Wilbur Riepel.
Respectfully,
Tom Ferguson
VFW Post 4353
Semper Fi, Always Faithful