Emmanuel Hospice surprised one of its patients Friday with a special pinning ceremony to honor his military service.
Ivan “Woody” Woodard worked at Willow Run near Ypsilanti with the “Rosie the Riveters” of World War II building B-24 bombers from 1942 to 1943 when he was drafted.
“They’re twin engine. They were training for bomber pilots. I was trained as an Air Force mechanic, and I did mechanic work,” Woodard recalled. “It was easy, yeah. I was well-trained. We had all the tools we needed, no problem.”
Woody then served in the Air Force as an airplane mechanic until his honorable discharge in 1946.
“Means a great deal to me. Memories, brings back memories. It was a great experience. I have no regrets,” Woodard added.
Friday, he received a special veteran pin, a certificate recognizing his service in the U.S. Army Air Forces and a star from a retired American flag.
FOX 17 The event included a poem reading, prayer and songs performed by an Emmanuel Hospice music therapist and fellow veteran.