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World War II Air Force Veteran Remembers 'Kisses' Sweeter Than Wine

In a recent letter to the Hershey Company, world famous for their chocolate, John, age 91, wrote:

"I flew 35 missions over enemy territory. I got hit twice, shot down twice, and crash landed three times. Things were really tough for all of us and we didn't know how things would come out."

John noted that sugar was tightly rationed during the war, and that the candy available inEngland was "terrible."

"We needed a boost. We missed the good oldU.S.A. candy," recalled John.

At Christmas time in 1944, John's memories of home turned to the Hershey kisses he had always enjoyed as a kid. John said that he collected some English money from his fellow flyers and sent the English pounds to the Hershey company requesting them to send candy "until the money ran out."

John wrote in his recent thank you letter to Hershey: "Right away you sent two boxes of Hershey's bars. What a welcome sight. The guys were so happy. You continued to send two boxes of candy every week long after the money ran out. You were still sending candy when I leftEngland for home."

"In 2009, 64 years later, I have not forgotten. Thank you once more."

To acknowledge his thoughtfulness, John's letter of appreciation was reprinted in the March 2009 edition of "One Hershey News," the company newsletter. Along with Hershey's acknowledgement, they also sent a 25 pound box of Hershey kisses and 5 pound Hershey chocolate candy bar.

John is sharing his Hershey chocolate with friends and staff at Copeland Oaks Retirement Community inSebring, Ohio, where he has been a resident for seven years.

For additional information about John Fraser or Copeland Oaks Retirement Community, please contact Don Picciano, Jr. or visit www.copelandoaks.com.

About Copeland Oaks Retirement Community:

Copeland Oaks is a scenic 250+ acre senior living retirement community catering to adults seeking independent living, assisted living, rehabilitation care, urgent care, short and long term care, and physician care 'on-site'. Established in 1963, Copeland Oaks has a covenant relationship with the East Ohio Conference of the United Methodist Church. Uniquely positioned close to theAkron/Canton andYoungstown/Warren, Ohio metro areas, betweenCleveland andPittsburgh, residents come from all overOhio andthe United States to settle in Copeland Oaks' tranquil country-setting.

SOURCE Copeland Oaks Retirement Community