- Apr 5, 2025
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52 minutes ago
Jessica Blum,
LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – – Sitting in a rocking chair with yarn at his feet, a World War II veteran is in a various chair than he was utilized to in his earlier life.
" I'm one of a kind; very couple of individuals get to live to 100," he stated Monday at his senior living center in Lincoln.
His rocking chair filled in a fighter pilot cockpit seat.
Born in Omaha, retired Lt. Col. Neal Clemmer has been reflecting on his life however is not slowing down anytime quickly.
Clemmer flew 73 missions, amounting to more than 160 hours of fight time in enemy airspace.
" We carried 3 hours of fuel, internally, so an objective only lasted 2 1/2 hours," Clemmer stated. "You could fly a couple a day. I when flew 3 missions a day, and I did visual reconnaissance. The way you spell visual reconnaissance is s-p-y. I flew spy missions."
Not just that, but throughout his trip, he assisted train members of the Royal Air Force in California while working in missile technology.
That later led to his function in leading a group that put the first weather condition satellite into orbit.
" The guv selected me admiral in the Nebraska Navy, which is a high honor," he said. "Growing up, I remember many well-known Nebraskans were made admirals, and I'm very proud to be amongst them."
Clemmer enjoyed life with his wife, Mary Jane, till she passed in September, 3 months prior to their 75th wedding anniversary.
They had four ladies and went on to have 8 grandchildren.
Now, the family waits on the birth of their 21st great-grandchild quickly.
To this day, Clemmer continues to serve his people, today in the form of knitting.
With an electronic device, he makes hats for unique education students and others in requirement.
And his one major piece of guidance through it all: Stay in school.
" Looking back, get your education," he stated. "Don't quit. Set your goals and set them high."
Another one of his numerous hats: that of an author.
Clemmer released his first book in 2004, and now with a brand-new computer system, he is preparing to release another book this spring that completes more spaces of the many stories he continues to remember.
Elwood Hill is an award-winning journalist with more than 18 years' of experience in the industry. Throughout his career, John has worked on a variety of different stories and assignments including national politics, local sports, and international business news. Elwood graduated from Northwestern University with a degree in journalism and immediately began working for Breaking Now News as lead journalist.
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