Honoring Gentry: A Journey of Service, Reflection, Humor, and Hope
At 98—and soon to be 99—Mr. Gentry stands as a living testament to a generation that marched into history with courage, heart, and enough wit to brighten even the toughest days.
Born and raised in a humble Southern Illinois village, Gentry’s long life unfolds like a richly layered narrative—from leaping out of airplanes as a paratrooper during World War II to savoring hearty breakfasts in a warm VA community today.
Duty and the Leap into the Unknown
Gentry’s story begins with a twist of fate. At the age of 19, when the draft arrived, he recalled, “I was ready to go—I was gonna enlist anyway.” Soon enough, he found himself serving as a paratrooper from 1944 to 1946—a role that would see him take 55 courageous jumps. Over those turbulent years, he experienced firsthand not only the adrenaline-fueled thrill of battle but also the solemn weight of loss and change.
One poignant memory stood out: during training at Fort Ben in Georgia, a bout of pneumonia sent him to a hospital bed while his comrades dashed off to the Battle of the Bulge. When he reunited with his unit, Gentry recalled with amazement, a fellow soldier whose hair turned nearly whit, after this battle—a silent reminder of war’s grim toll.
From the Battlefields to the Bridges of Reconciliation
After recovering, Gentry’s journey took him to Japan—landing just two weeks after the fighting had ended. There, instead of encountering only the shadows of conflict, he found unexpected friendship and cultural exchange. Alongside a handful of fellow servicemen, Gentry was chosen to represent American goodwill. Tasked with visiting port towns in northern Japan, he quickly discovered that kindness transcends former boundaries.
He fondly recounted one experience with a modest family, where he was gently reminded to remove his boots before entering their simple home—a small, respectful gesture that left an indelible mark on his heart. Yet not every detail was without its humorous twist. When asked later about changes he might make, Gentry chuckled and confessed, “I would change wintertime to summertime. The northern island of Japan was so cold—I don’t even like to look at that snow after living with it for nine months out of the year.”
And with a deep sigh, he added, “I’d change the war itself. Let there be no more wars—none of it is worth the gifts it takes from you.”
A Life Beyond Service: The Yellow Pages, Advertising, and Community Roots
Returning to civilian life, Gentry embraced a career that might seem worlds apart from his battleground adventures. For over three decades he managed the local Yellow Pages division—a role that grounded him in the rhythms of everyday American life. With a playful gleam in his voice, he confessed, “I miss the Yellow Pages. They were massive—after five years’ worth, you don’t know what to do with the rest of them!”
Embracing a New Chapter: Life with the VA
In recent years, Gentry’s journey led him to the compassionate care of the VA—a transition he made about three years ago after relying on private insurance for much of his post-service life. With characteristic candor and warmth, he compared his past experiences with his current care, remarking that:
“The VA is head and shoulders above anything I had before. Out in public, you’d have to do a lot on your own. Here, I’m surrounded by doctors and nurses who give good care.”
When asked to rate his experience, Gentry didn’t hesitate to award an enthusiastic “11 out of 10”—a number that reflected not only his satisfaction but also the profound difference genuine availability and kindness can make. Among the day’s small pleasures, one shone particularly bright: breakfast.
“I love the breakfast here,” he said. “I’m talking about a meal where you can’t mess up an egg or some gravy and biscuits. Every morning, I have sausage, eggs, oatmeal, and that gravy—it’s so good, even if I sometimes end up making the trip to the canteen just for that meal. It’s affordable, it’s hearty—it's a top highlight of my day.”
A Legacy of Laughter, Service, and Reflection
Today, Mr. Gentry is more than a veteran; he embodies a living history. From the daring leaps into unknown skies to the quiet, soulful moments shared over a perfect breakfast, his life tells us that true legacy is measured not just in the battles fought, but in the bridges built in their wake.
In the echo of his parting words, one finds both a caution and an inspiration:
“Serve with all your heart, cherish every simple joy, and always remember that sometimes, the greatest victory is the choice to seek peace.”
Thank you for your service, young man!