Being the huge World War II enthusiast I am, there are few things that make my smile bigger than when I run into World War II Veterans.

Today’s encounter with Mr. Orville Stephenson at my buddy Dennis Stitt’s State Farm Insurance office was nothing short of epic. This Navy Veteran had the distinct honor of serving on a battleship that was tasked with defending our US Aircraft carriers in the Pacific theatre.

When asked what was his most memorable moment of the conflict, he paused a few seconds then his eyes started to well-up with tears and his voice started to crack as he began to share the details of he and his fellow-crewmen watching helplessly as a Japanese Kamikaze plane flew into the deck of one of the US Aircraft Carriers during the time of their refueling process causing the death of over 600 servicemen. It was if he was reliving the moment all over again right in front of me. Wow!

I stood in awe as I witnessed his transparency and candid recounting of the unsettling details. After several minutes of listening to his awe-inspiring story I was elated at having the opportunity to personally express my gratitude for all that his generation did to preserve the freedoms that we enjoy in this country today.

He beamed a smile at me and I reciprocated with one even Bigger as we gave each other a “bro-hug” and hearty pat on the back. “You made my day young man.” He said. “NOOOO, you made my day Orville!” I said with a smile. “How much is one of those books you got there?” He asked as he reached for his wallet. “For you Orville, it’s absolutely FREE!” I said. I even signed it noting him as my special hero.

Yep, it’s fair to say that today was a Great day.

Don’t miss your opportunity to make someone else’s day Great, even if you have to give something away. Make it a GREAT