Peter,

This isn’t something that happens everyday.

Next week on April 22nd, we’ll celebrate the 100th birthday of a true World War II hero — Major General John C. Raaen, Jr. (U.S. Army, Ret.).

Peter, will you take just a moment to join me in wishing John a very happy birthday?

John’s story of service is one in a million.

When WWII began, he was already a cadet at the United States Military Academy at West Point.

When John graduated in 1943, the world was already at war.

Shortly after graduating and receiving his commission as a 2nd. Lt. in the Army Corps of Engineers, John joined the newly activated 5th Ranger Battalion.

Just a few short months later, John would land on Omaha Beach as part of the Normandy landings in France on D-Day, 6 June 1944.

While John would ultimately serve a distinguished 36-year career in the U.S. Army, he still remembers vividly that day, being the last officer on Omaha Beach.

“The thing people never mention is the smell,” he says, describing the overwhelming odor of gasoline and fire — along with burning leather, plastic, and even human flesh.“The smell was terrible.”

“You don’t hear the shot, you hear the bullet as it goes over your head, and the shock wave of the bullet.”

For his bravery and gallantry in action on D-Day, John would earn a Silver Star. 

He would go on to serve in both the Korean War and the Vietnam War, finally retiring in 1979 after almost four decades of devoted service to our country.

Peter, in honor of his bravery and his lifelong dedication to serving America, will you join me in wishing John Raaen a happy 100th birthday?

John is the kind of man who makes me proud to be an American.

So I hope you’ll join me in giving him a warm AVC thanks for hisservice and sacrifice by wishing him a happy 100th birthday today!

Please take just a moment to add your name and a brief message of patriotism and gratitude to Major General John Raaen’s digital birthday card.

And thank you for helping make this a memorable birthday for John and his family!

Sincerely,