E-Newsletter Signup

September 24,2008

Wednesday September 24, 2008
This afternoon I had the great privilege of meeting a gentleman named Ted Ross. Mr. Ross lives near Myrtle Beach, and works at a local Dillard’s store. This meeting may seem quite ordinary, until you learn that Mr. Ross is 90 years old. He is South Carolina’s Outstanding Older Worker of the Year, as chosen by Experience Works.

At the age of 86, Mr. Ross was recruited by Dillard’s to work in a new store they were opening. He told me that the recruiter looked him in the eye and said "You are the man we want." What a testament to the American spirit. Mr. Ross could have retired long ago, but instead he says he enjoys working, it gives him something to do, and he likes helping people.

Only toward the end of our conversation did I learn that Mr. Ross is a World War II veteran. He enlisted in the Army in 1942 as a member of the Cavalry. After training, he was shipped to England and then landed on Utah Beach. He fought in the Battle of the Bulge and was awarded the Silver Star.

Not only is Mr. Ross extraordinary because he is still working, he is also a true American Hero. Ted Ross exemplifies all that is great about our country, and it was my honor to meet him.