BORN ON THE 4TH OF JULY A TRUE AMERICAN PATRIOT TURNS 94

Ret Lt Col USAF Jack Mercer

Ask Ret. Lt. Col. USAF Donald “Jack” Mercer how he  wants to spend his 94th birthday? Celebrating with family and friends in Naples – of course on the 4th of July-his birthday.

A true American Patriot born on the 4th of July was destined to serve our country: Jack was born on a farm outside of Limestone, Pennsylvania on July 4, 1925. After graduating high school at Clarion-Limestone  Consolidated High School, near Strattanville, Pennsylvania, Jack enlisted in the United States Air Force on April 17, 1943, as an aviation cadet.

Jack served as a command pilot in the United States Air Force, a Veteran of World War II, the Korean Conflict and Vietnam. His many awards include: the Air Medal with Three Oak Leaf Clusters, the Air Force Commendation medal, the Distinguished Unit Citation with one Oak Leaf Cluster, the Korean Service Medal with two arrow heads and six battle stars, the ROK Presidential Unit Citation.

Jack is a triple rated pilot, bombardier and navigator. One of his favorite assignments was his 6 years in the Presidential Squadron at Bolling Air Force Base (now Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling), flying for President Eisenhower, Vice President Nixon, American and foreign dignitaries throughout

North and South America. While in the Air Force, Jack also flew secret missions for the CIA, ask him today about them and he will tell you he took an oath of secrecy. After 27 years of serving our country, Jack retired in 1970 and moved to Freedom Plaza at Sun City Center, Florida.

Jack enjoyed Sun City Center playing golf, visiting his friends (where he was also known as the Mayor) and texting his family members. In 2018, Jack relocated to Naples where he is closer to his family and friends. Jack is making new friends at Brookdale Naples. Jack’s 94th birthday celebration is going to be spent with family and friends at Brookdale Naples with a good old-fashioned American picnic and fireworks-fitting for a true American patriot.

Happy Birthday Ret. Lt. Col. USAF Donald “Jack” Mercer!!!!