Springfield WWII veteran recognized by Ohio’s Hospice for his service

Thomas Eubank, 102-year-old World War II veteran from Springfield, was recognized on Memorial Day by Ohio’s Community Mercy Hospice for his service.

Thomas Eubank, 102-year-old World War II veteran from Springfield, was recognized on Memorial Day by Ohio’s Community Mercy Hospice for his service.

A 102-year-old World War II veteran from Springfield was recognized by Ohio’s Community Mercy Hospice for his service, according to a news release.

Thomas Eubanks, who was a B-17 tail gunner, had a virtual veteran recognition ceremony over Zoom on Memorial Day due to the coronavirus that included his children, their spouses, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

“The veteran recognition ceremony was very special for dad, and I think more so for his family,” said David Eubanks, Thomas’ son. “He is very lonely and misses his family. His family usually spends a lot of time with him.”

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The care team worked hard to hold the veteran recognition ceremony and to coordinate with his family to make sure as many family members could attend, the release stated.

“I’m so grateful to our team and the leadership at Ohio’s Hospice for organizing and planning the veteran recognition ceremony for Thomas Eubanks on Memorial Day,” said Catherine Trimmer, care manager at Ohio’s Community Mercy Hospice. “Our Veterans hold a special place in our hearts. We were honored and privileged to recognize him.”

After WWII, Thomas returned home to Springfield where he later retired as the city’s building inspector, the release stated.

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“He never really said a lot about the war until later in life,” David Eubanks said. “My brother and I took dad to a couple of 388th Bomb Group reunions. That’s when we started hearing more. Dad never said much about fear. They were there to do a mission and go home.”

Thomas’ children said they are grateful for their father’s recognition during the ceremony, but are mostly proud of his service to the United States.

“We are a military family, and we have nothing but respect and admiration for our father and his generation for what they had to endure,” David Eubanks said. “He set a great example for all of us. We’re so proud of him.”

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