Meals-on-Wheels Celebrates the "Greatest Generation" throughout March
Midlothian man remembers military mission and helped keep 'em flying during World War II

All month long, in celebration of "March for Meals," Meals-on-Wheels is honoring the clients they serve, many who are part of the "greatest generation." Robert Spearman of Midlothian is just one of many clients Meals-on-Wheels serves who is part of this group that sacrificed so much. Though his pace may be slow, his wit remains quick.  And though Mr. Spearman may be less than two years away from becoming a centenarian, his recall of historic events includes his own participation through his military stint during World War II. "I enlisted because I was about to be drafted," Spearman said.

Spearman would be part of the crew working primarily on bombers – B-24s, B-25s and B-36s. On occasion, Spearman went up with the crew. When asked which plane he preferred, he quickly retorted. "Of course my favorite was the one I seen flying over once I got out and once I was on the ground – with my two feet on the ground," Spearman said.

Stationed at Muroc Army Air Field in the middle of the Mojave Desert, Spearman said as soon as his commanding officers discovered his wood-working skills, he was put to work building cabinets, poker tables and chairs. Spearman said the climate was somewhat contrary and wreaked havoc on his comfort zone. "I smothered all day and freeze to death all night," Spearman said.

To honor those they serve – the "greatest generation" and to help raise monies for the program, Meals-on-Wheels will be hosting an evening of swing dancing, dinner, a "live" radio show featuring 1940s celebrities, and chances to win prizes at their annual fundraiser, Remember When…a Fabulous Forties’ Fling. The event is scheduled for Saturday, March 27 at the National Guard Armory located at 618 N. Grand in Waxahachie, beginning at 6:30 pm. Tickets are $75 each, or tables for 8 for $1,000 which include happy hour, dinner, photos, and entertainment. Sponsorships are also available at varying levels.

"We are excited about our upcoming benefit and having clients like Mr. Spearman attend to celebrate with us," said Amy Jackson, director of development. "They will be some of our honored guests during the evening to share their stories, but most importantly the night will be dedicate to helping the elderly, homebound in our community," she added.  

Meals-on-Wheels is a community-based, non-profit organization serving the homebound elderly and disabled residents throughout Johnson and Ellis Counties. For more information about the "March For Meals" events or about Meals-on-Wheels services, please contact Meals-on-Wheels at 972-351-9943 or www.servingthechildrenofyesterday.org .

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"March For Meals" is a national campaign, initiated and sponsored by Meals On Wheels Association of America (MOWAA), to raise awareness of senior hunger and to encourage action on the part of the local community. Senior nutrition programs across the United States, like Meals-on-Wheels of Johnson and Ellis Counties, promote "March For Meals" in their local communities through public events, partnerships with local businesses, volunteer recruitment and fundraising initiatives. For more information on the 2010 "March For Meals" campaign please contact Meals on Wheels Association of America at www.mowaa.org.