A Century of Service: local Navy veteran nears 104, still proudly saluting life
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By JEFF SNYDER
MOUNT AYR, Iowa — Most people are aware of Veterans Day. They know that they do not receive mail that day and government offices and banks are closed. They know that in some way this day is a celebration of veterans across the nation.
Here is a snapshot of what the day truly is about. In 1918 an armistice was signed between the allied nations and Germany signifying the end of WWI, the “war to end all wars.” The document was signed on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month thereby paving the way for Veterans Day, each year on November 11.
It wasn’t until nearly 30 years later, in 1954, that the federal government officially declared November 11, as Veterans Day, thus changing it’s name from Armistice day to Veterans Day.
Ironically, that is the very year that Donald “Jake” Dailey was discharged from the Navy.
Donald “Jake” Dailey was born on November 27, 1921. Let that date sink in as 1921 is nearly 104 years in the history books, yet Dailey is still making his own history.
Jake, as his friends call him, resides in Clearview Homes in Mount Ayr. He is vibrant, sharp and loves to talk.
During this interview Jake discussed his time in the Navy. He was a Pharmacy’s Mate and ultimately a served as a corpsman in the south Pacific throughout World War II. He keeps his legacy of service on display through the myriad of ribbons and medals in his room arrayed neatly in a case under a memorial flag. As if WWII was not service enough, Jake went on to serve in the Korean war, where he served with his fellow navy shipmates.
Jake was honorably discharged from the Navy in 1954, the very year Veterans Day was officially recognized.
Upon his discharge, Jake returned to his roots in Ringgold County. He ran for Ringgold County Recorder and was elected to that position. According to Jake he poured himself into his civilian life with the same gusto he displayed in the service to his country.
He owned a successful furniture store called, aptly enough, Mount Ayr Furniture as well as his ownership of the bowling alley.
Jake was married to his wife Geraldine for 62 years until her passing in 2009. They had three children, two girls and a boy whom they raised in Mount Ayr. Jakes two daughters, Martha Sue and Diane still live in the area. Jake’s son, passed away at the age of 65.
Jake is a fascinating glimpse into the past. He is a real live walking talking YouTube video who embraces every day as the most important.
Like most veterans there are times when a person who served their country misses the camaraderie of military life.
“Everybody in my thinking that served in the military any time, you miss it,” he said. “You have a bond.”
While he was sitting back in his chair Jake paused for a moment and wanted to pass on a little advice to his fellow veterans and anyone else really this upcoming Veterans Day.
“Be careful who you vote for,” he said. “These people can have an impact on your life. It’s important that you give thought to your vote and not to just vote the way you always have.”
He then moved back to reminiscing about his time in Mount Ayr when he helped to build the main pond on the Mount Ayr golf course. He talked fondly of the relationships that he had the good fortune of having declaring “98 percent of these people here are good.”
One of the staff members at Clearview interjected and reminded Jake of his role in reaching out to members who were in hospice care rendering aid and comfort to those in their last days.
Nearly everyone who meets Jake would 100 percent agree that Donald “Jake” Dailey represents the best of all of us and has served his country well.
