In observance of Memorial Day, Touchmark at Emerald Lake is hosting a patriotic program to honor resident veterans. Musician Norris Perry, who has performed nearly 9,000 shows for seniors, will acknowledge each branch of the military with their hymns and patriotic music.

Touchmark veteran Charlie Hooker is 90 years old and began his service in the Air Force in 1956, when the draft was in effect and military duty was an expectation. Starting with ROTC and pilot training, he went on to fly combat aircraft in Strategic Air Command and also served a number of years as an instructor in aircrew training and aircraft testing.

In 1964, Charlie became a member of the M-2 Club for flying faster than Mach 2 (twice the speed of sound) in a B-58. He is also a member of the Mach Busters club for breaking the sound barrier in a USAF F-86 Sabre.

Charlie encourages the future generations to honor the heroes who came before us and be grateful for our freedom. “It’s important for today’s generation to understand that the freedom we enjoy when we’re watching football and having BBQs with family was paid for by the sacrifices of others,” he says. “We can’t take that for granted.”