It’s no secret that Soleil Laurel Canyon is known for its strong sense of community. The residents of Soleil are actively involved in clubs, events and activities that enrich the community and truly make Soleil an ideal place to live.
One of the clubs which receives special recognition each year is the Soleil Veteran’s Club. Comprised of residents who fought for and served our country, these men and women are honored in the Soleil Clubhouse on plaques thanking them for their service. Soleil lifestyle directors also show their appreciation by placing American flags in the yards of all veterans and thank them personally at their doorstep every year on Veteran’s Day.
This year, in honor of Veteran’s Day, three World War II veterans and Soleil residents Al Yuzzi, Irwin Zuckerman and Don Hink, came together with other members of the Soleil Veteran’s Club to look back and reminisce on their time spent serving our country. Soleil’s fourth World War II veteran, Bill Dennard, was unable to attend.
Al Yuzzi was born in Brooklyn, New York, and joined the Army Air Corps in 1945. At the time of enlistment, he was 17-years-old. He was so young that his mother had to sign for his
18-month enlistment. Al was a paratrooper and member of the 82nd Airborne Division. He moved to Georgia in 1971 where he has loved living at Soleil.
Irwin Zuckerman is also a native of New York. He enlisted in 1943, just after his 17th birthday, and became active duty the next month. He learned to fly C-46 airplanes and spent most of his three years in the war in Europe. After his time in the war, in 1946, Irwin began work in housing development.
Don Hink enlisted in the war the day after Pearl Harbor on December 8, 1941, when he was 18-years-old. A native of Iowa, he served as an airplane mechanic and spent his three years of war time in England. When he came back to the states, Don took flying lessons by way of the GI Bill. After marrying his wife, he then began a career setting machinery for corn processing in Iowa until 1983. He then retired and moved to Florida, before moving to Georgia in 2007.
Bill Dennard, who was unable to attend Soleil’s veteran chat, joined the Marine Corps in 1945 at the age of 17. After boot camp in Parris Island, S.C., he was shipped to Camp Pendleton in California to train for the invasion of Japan. On his way to California, however, the U.S. dropped the atomic bomb, ultimately ending the war. During the rest of his service, Bill was on Military Police horse patrol guarding the outlying mountain areas of Camp Pendleton against game poachers.
Soleil Laurel Canyon is proud to call these men residents, along with the many other veterans who enjoy spending their days living the resort lifestyle at Soleil.
Be sure to check Soleil Laurel Canyon’s Facebook for more photos of the Veteran’s Day fireside chat.