John Drake Sr., an African American man who fought in World War II, has recently turned 106 years old. The native from Harvest, Alabama, clocked this milestone while recounting some of his past glories and struggles.
“I had a wonderful life, and I’ve been blessed in many ways to be able to be here today at my age,” Drake Sr. told Rocket City Now. I’m blessed in lots of ways and I appreciate it. That’s one reason I’m here today, cause I appreciate some of the things that I’ve been through in my lifetime. Always give thanks for the Master who is above and looks over you daily.”
Drake Sr. revealed that his experience as an Army Sergeant during World War had a great influence on the way he viewed the world.
“It’ll take a lot for me to explain the things that I went through during my lifetime being as a soldier. Most of the time I was in the war. I was a World War II Sergeant in the Army, and I learned a lot being in the army about other people and other places. You get to learn more about life.”
According to Drake’s son, Robert, his father’s work ethic has been a guiding principle for their family.
“Just like any other family, you know, had, life’s challenges. but, being immensely blessed, as I say, and just, you know, the importance of hard work, integrity, and just the importance of a family in the family unit,” he said.
