Celebrating STSM1 Sledge 99TH Birthday

Mr. Sledge enjoyed sharing stories over cake and ice cream, laughing along with staff and his fellow Veterans on the unit.  Petty Officer Sledge joined the United States Navy during WWII in 1943 and was assigned to the U.S.S. Theodore Roosevelt (CV-42). Onboard the Roosevelt he served as a Steward’s Mate, where he attained the rank of Steward’s Mate First Class. In 1945, Petty Officer Sledge Honorably discharged from the Navy and then made his way to New York City to raise a family with his wife. Here in the hustle and bustle of NYC they raised 3 daughters, Mr. Sledge jokingly says how he was outnumbered by the ladies. Once all his daughters were grown, he and his wife yearned for that slower pace of life from their childhood, so they packed up and moved back to Boyd, Alabama. After moving back, he only wanted to do one thing, “Fishing”. Just saying the word brings an irresistible smile to his face and invokes numerous stories of teaching his children and grandchildren the joy and peace fishing affords.

It is with great honor that we wish Steward’s Mate First Class Sledge a Happy 99TH Birthday, and thank you for your service.