Page 44 - Senior Link Magazine Fall 2022 - Online Magazine

“I took a train back to
Connecticut and lived with
my folks for a while. I tried
to apply to colleges, but they
were already filled up with
WWII G.I.s. Since I couldn’t
get in, I became part of
what was called ‘the 52–20
Club.’” The 52–20 club was
established and signed into
law in June 1944, along with
the GI Bill. Unemployed
veterans would receive $20
once a week, for 52 weeks,
for up to one year. However,
less than 20% of the money
set aside was actually
distributed. Most returning
servicemen quickly found
jobs or enrolled in colleges
and universities.

Don went to work for a local
A&P Grocery Store. “I met a few people at a nearby and Don also opened their home to hundreds of guests
beach and started hanging around with them. I met over the years, for holidays and special occasions. She
Violet Bossuet there, and we got to liking each other. passed away on May 14, 2005. Don’s daughter, Donna,
She was five-and-a-half years younger than me. I had moved to Wolfforth, Texas near Lubbock in 2020 and
a convertible at that time, and the girls liked to ride finally convinced Don to move there in July 2021. He
around in that. We married on May 2, 1953. We had now lives next door to her.
two girls, Donna, and Lori. Around that time, my uncle About his time in the service, Don
started his own construction said, “I was a good truck driver. I
company and invited me to know because I saw lots of guys
come work with him, so I did. that weren’t very good. I joined
I learned to hang sheetrock the local VFW here in Lubbock
and drywall. I was paid $1.00 (Post 2466), and they treat me like
an hour for 40 hours, which a king. I have my own chair that
sounded pretty good. My uncle says WWII veteran. I have friends
also taught me how to tape 1” of all ages. I tried to do everything
drywall. I got pretty good at it, right that I could (in my life). I hope
and it turns out that I found my I passed that down to my girls and
life’s work. I eventually owned grandchildren and that they carry on
my own business and did that being good people.”
kind of work for 60 years, until
I retired.” Don Mays is one of the “Greatest
Generation,” who, like his
Don and Violet moved to compatriots, achieved that distinction
Huntington, Connecticut in by living his life well. At 95, his
2001. They were very active in cumulative knowledge and wisdom
their community, especially at is one of the things that makes him
Calvary Church in Trumbull. “great.” Connecticut’s loss is our
Violet was known for her green A recent visit with Army gain. It is an honor to have him in
thumb and gardening skills. She buddy Gerald McCathern our midst.

44 Lubbock Senior Link