Aaron Mendoza, 92-year-old Parkway Place independent living resident, served in both the Navy and the Air Force Reserves during World War II and the Korean War. He served a total of four and a half years, working behind the scenes to assemble torpedoes for aircrafts and manage logistics as planes launched.

Mendoza considers it a great honor to share his experiences with others, especially the younger generation. Every Veterans Day, he visits West Briar Middle School, across the street from Parkway Place, to speak to students about his experience and life in the military.

“My message has always been stressing the importance of education, freedom and patriotism,” Mendoza said. “These are things that are very important to me, and I think they are for everyone else.”