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"This is my Country": Korean War Veteran Shares his Service Story

October 13, 2017

Mr. James Lucas, aka Jack, fought in the Korean War at just 17 years old. He joined the military in 1950, two years after it was desegregated. Jack graduated high school in the U.S. Navy, but not before his ship, the USS Pledge, sank on October 12, 1950. He spent all night in the water, continuing on to operate the USS Albert.

Without thinking twice, Mr. Lucas shares his view of service: “It’s good to be appreciated, but this is my country. Like I normally tell folk, nobody has to thank me for putting tires on my car. Nobody has to pay me for fighting for this country. This is my country, and whenever it is threatened, that’s my responsibility.”

Selfless veterans like Mr. Lucas are the reason thousands of The Home Depot associates will #CHOOSETOSERVE veterans in their community from September 7 to Veterans Day. Learn how you can get involved here.

Hear more of Jack’s story: